God's Promises Despite Challenging Lambing Season

This lambing season has been the most challenging lambing season Kendall and I have ever experienced in our eight years of doing this.  Our very first ewe to lamb had triplets.  Only one has survived.  I believe if we would not have tubed him for ten days, we would have lost him too.  The triplets were born premature and did not know how to suck.  It took Kaleb ten days before he began to suck on his own taking a bottle.  This was exhausting because he could only handle two ounces of milk at a time every two hours.  The next ewe had a healthy lamb that took right off sucking.  The third ewe had twins.  They were very tiny, but they were very aggressive.  They have done well except for one of the lambs was born with an eyelid condition called entropin.  The lambs eyelid turned inward which was penetrating the cornea of the eye irritating it.  I had to have the vet out to staple its eyelid back into correct position hoping that it will stay once the staples are removed.  The fourth ewe who we were most excited about, she was in labor and pushed for two hours before having her lambs.  They were huge lambs and this was her first year.  Because the lambs were so big, she ended up having a rectal and vaginal prolapse.  I missed this within the first 24 hours of her giving birth.  When I left the farm that evening, the babies were up sucking just fine.  When I went up to feed the next morning, one of the twins was already dead and the other one very weak.  Kendall and I tubed it, then we rushed it to the vet knowing we did not have much time.  That evening the other twin passed away.  Our most recent ewe delivered twins.  They were both very tiny and premature.  The one was so weak, that it died with in 30 minutes of delivery.  The next lamb, the mom would not accept, which also could not suck. It also died. 

The next day, Saturday morning I was at the farm at 5:30 am because I was a part of Every Soul Women's Conference in Broadway where 600 women were going to be in attendance. To my surprise, when I went to feed Channel, she was lying dead with a complete prolapse.  I was devastated and began to cry wondering why all of these bad things were happening.  I had hoped that she did not suffer.  It crossed my mind to not go to the Women's Conference, but then I thought, "No, I am not going to let the enemy have authority over me."  I decided to go to the Women's Conference and expose the enemy's lies, deceit and tactics.  Once at the Conference, my prayer partners prayed over me and anointed a cloth for me to tie on my arm.  As they were praying for me, I began to weep because God revealed to me that the loss of the ewe was not for nothing.  God said that the ewe was a sacrifice for deliverance for the women that would be in attendance at the Conference.  I was so humbled and could only say, "Yes, Lord let it be so as you have said and done.  Your ways are higher and greater than what I can understand or comprehend."   What was sobering was that earlier in the week I dreamed that Channel had died.  God was preparing me for this even though at that time I was in denial about the dream. 

With so much loss in a short period of time, I was reflecting and asking God the meaning and purpose of the premature lambs that didn't know how to suck.  God revealed that it is all a part of my preparation in learning how to teach the spiritually immature how to suck spiritual milk so that they may be strengthened and taught for the spiritual battles that are about to intensify as we enter into the days of Noah.

God has given me recurring dreams of devastation and chaos that is about to come where unrepentant sinners will be lost who have not heeded the warnings and urgency of devastation that is to come. As these things begin to unfold, God revealed that there will be masses coming for spiritual milk.   As they come, God is increasing my capacity to shepherd to the masses while teaching me how to depend on God to provide all that is needed.  Even though the work will be endless, God is showing me how remain in Him so that I am fully refreshed and empowered by the authority of the Holy Spirit regardless of what is happening and going on around me.

My prayer is that the Churches and individuals wake up to the warnings turn to God professing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior while there is time.

   

The Joy and Sorrow This Lambing Season - The Same with Our Faith

Mine and Kendall's lambing season has been joyful and sorrowful so far this season. To date we had a set of triplets with only one surviving that I had to tube feed for 10 days  before it learned to suck on its own. We then had a very health girl, another set of feisty twins and then last evening another set of twins where we knew one was weak. My entire family helped me and worked with both lambs until we had them both sucking and they were up and about. These were large lambs so when I left the farm at 11 pm I was not concerned for their health.

 

However, when I got to the farm first thing this morning to feed, to my surprise I found the first born twin dead. The other one looked very weak. While I carried the dead lamb to be buried, I was waiting for Kendall to bring me colostrum so that we could tube nutrients directly into her stomach.

 

As I carried the dead lamb to be buried, I felt a sense of such deep sorrow and grief. In the Bible God always uses us, His children as a metaphor as His Sheep and Him as the Shepherd. I found myself wondering if this is how God must feel when He loses one of his children who is not saved. Just as God said, "He does not want to lose even one of His sheep."  I too had been diligent, nurturing and persistent in trying to save all of our lambs because I too do not want to lose even one. I thought how God must grieve for the lost, broken souls. It was also a realization that even though God is constantly working in believers and non-believers lives, not all will be saved.

 

Kendall arrived so we tubed the other lamb. She still was very weak so we took her to the vet for a steroid and other shots to hopefully boost her energy. We took her home to get her warm,  and we tubed her again. I knew her survival was bleak, but we kept rubbing her, wrapped her in a towel, had a heater blowing on her trying to give her hope and a will to live. Kendall and I watched her slowly slip away. I reflected again how sorrowful God must be when non-believers and believers do not recognize when God is with us, protecting us, wooing us in and nurturing us. He is always pursuing us even when we are spiritually dead, rebellious or oblivious to His presence.

 

This reflection on the loss of these two lambs and feeling deep sorrow perhaps was just a glimpse of how God must feel for His lost sheep who have wondered away or are dry bones. My grief was not only for the loss of our lambs,  or the ewe mothers as I watched them too grieve as I took their dead lambs away, but also for how far humanity has strayed from God and are walking through life spiritually dead and in blatant sin.

 

I reached out to a sister in Christ and lamented to her my deep sorrow asking if humanity has gone to far away from God wondering if there is hope, and if in fact I am making an impact in others lives. Of course I know that there is hope because of what Jesus did on the cross, but there are times when I question what I am doing and if it is all in vain. My sister shared great wisdom stating, "It is Yeshua's mighty heart and hand to deal with mortal's and their disobedience...we are planters of the word ... Matt. 13.... the sower. Yes, we love unconditionally and the pain within our physical and spiritual selves hurts deeply. Yeshua does not want His righteous sheep to totally take all of the pain.... lay it down at His feet with the tears...Sister...He knows."  Then I reflected that it must be how Jesus felt in the Garden of Gethsemane when he was overcome with despair knowing what He was being called to do for all of broken humanity    She then shared, "Yes, it is a lot like the garden....Hope was crucified for all. The difference may not and most likely will not be seen here on earth by mortal eyes and hearts but only by the heavenly eyes. We take on that sorrow but we do have to hand it over. We are not immortal we are flesh.... and the flesh was weak in Eden."

 

As I was sitting on a round bale in the bank barn spending time with God when I wrote this reflection,  what I noticed was Faith sitting in my lap.  Faith is a stray cat that showed up a couple of months ago that I began to feed twice a day who has become our barn cat.  Faith was sitting in my lap with love, contentment and peace.  The very thing that I was questioning about my life, humanity and if the work that God has called me to do was making a difference, right there in my lap was the answer.....in the midst of all the joy and sorrow I must always have FAITH continuing to look at Jesus knowing that His promises are irrevocable; knowing that what He has begun, He will complete to fruition; knowing that it is all a part of God's plan and that He is the Alpha and Omega in control of each and everything.  After rubbing Faith as she laid in my lap, I did just release all of my sorrows, doubts and grief to God by taking the time to be still and to lament to God. 
 
Friends, we are not promised the next day.  Do you know if you were to pass in the next hour, day or year,  is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?  Do you know without a doubt that you will spend eternity with God?  Remember, you are God's beloved and He does not want to lose even one of His sheep.  An interesting fact is that with our small flock of eleven, our sheep know our voice and follow us when we call them.  Do you know the voice of God who is calling you to follow Him?  If you are uncertain how to know or discern this, please message me so that I can share more with you.  In God's grip and FAITH!      

A NEW YEAR PROMISE...RESTORATION

I received this New Year word from the Lord weeks before Christmas. I actually shared this message at our church service on January 14th, 2018, prior to my daughter, Kendall's closed heart surgery.  I believe that this word was not only for me and my family, but I believe that it is a word for everyone who feels like you have been wrestling, fighting and contending for what God has promised you, but is yet to come to pass.  I believe that this is the appointed year that you will see your breakthrough. 

The excitement of the season of Christmas has come and gone, but the birth of Jesus’ purpose and mission continues to be at work.  How would our life be different if we felt this excitement for Jesus not only during Christmas, but each day of our lives?  Our scripture reading today in Ephesians 4:12-13 tells us a specific purpose of why Jesus came which is, “To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  If we truly lived and embodied the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, how would our life be different? 

            Paul shares with us that Christ came with the intention and purpose for each of us to participate with God’s mission of all creation and humanity healed and restored.  For those of us who say YES to participate with God’s mission, it says that we will grow in knowledge and faith becoming MATURE where we will attain the “Whole Measure of the fullness of Christ.”  It does not say that once we know everything about God, the Bible, or we are comfortable that God will use us.  NO, it says that while we are doing the work of God, we are growing and attaining maturity.     

            How often do we use excuses that,  “God can’t use me because I don’t have a higher education, I don’t know or understand the bible completely, or one that I hear often, I don’t have enough faith.”  If we always wait until we think we are ready, we would never be ready to minister, to serve or witness to others. 

            Paul is revealing to us that right where we are at on our journey, we are to serve and minister to others.  As we are serving and ministering to others, God is at work in us shaping us into a spiritually mature individual.

            In a New Testament Commentary by author Tony Merida, he points out 4 Traits of becoming a spiritually mature person.

1.  Longing individually and as a Church to be “Christ-like.”  We can go back to Eph 4:2-3 to hear what Paul describes as Christ-like qualities:  “humble, gentle, patient, bearing one another in Love, making every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.  No longer shall we act like infants who are immature and don’t know any better.  When we are living spiritually immature lives it says we will be tossed back and forth, we will be blown whichever way the wind blows spiraling out of God’s will.

2.  We increase our knowledge in the word of TRUTH.  As we increase our knowledge in what the Bible teaches, we gain wisdom so that we can discern false teachings such as “there is more than one way to get to heaven, or as long as you believe in God you will go to heaven, or all religions are the same because there is more than one way to God.”  These are all false.  Our knowledge in the TRUTH of God’s word prevents us from being deceived.

3.  TRUTH must be joined with LOVE.  There is a song that I love that says, “The truth is harder than a lie.”  As Christians, we are to be truthful in all of our dealings with others, even when it hurts or is difficult to confront.  1 Timothy 3:15, shares how we are to conduct ourselves as a body of Christ which he describes as “the pillar and foundation of the truth.”  Individually and as a church body we are called to live, act and speak in TRUTH with LOVE.  In truth with LOVE.  1 Cor 13 begins with Paul stating, “And now I will show you the excellent way.”  The most excellent way or spiritually mature way is LOVE – TRUTH joined with LOVE.  1 Cor. 13:1-13 

4.  We are to give of ourselves to the service of others as a body of Christ.  Each of us has unique gifts and talents.  We each are a part of the body of Christ, God the foundation and Christ the Cornerstone.  We each are necessary in order for each of us to continue to grow where we build each other up in and through love.  So if one of us falls or is weak, we have each other to carry the burden or to intercede on behalf of the other.  Gal 6:1-2 states, “Brothers if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 

            It is a time to Arise and Shine for the things that Jesus Christ came to give us.  It is not for just the season of Christmas, but it is for all days.  It is a time to let our life reflect all that Christ came to do for us.  We just celebrated the Birth of Jesus Christ which is also a celebration of our own lives through Christ.  Isaiah, in Isaiah 60 shares God’s promises and fulfillment to us through Christ.  It says, “Arise and Shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”  It further states that, “He has endowed us with His splendor.”

            During advent, we focused on four promises that Jesus came to give us so that we could have New opportunities through open doors of heaven coming down to earth:  Do you remember them?

·         HOPE that made a way

·         My PEACE I leave with you

·         He fills our hearts with JOY of the Lord

·         We LOVE because He first LOVED us – LOVE breaks all barriers.

I love that Isaiah 60, that is instructing us to Arise and Shine, is followed by Isaiah 61 called, “The Year of the Lord’s Favor.”  What exactly does The Year of the Lord’s Favor mean?  It is RESTORATION.  Everything that the enemy stole, deceived or hindered us from experiencing the fullness Christ, God is promising to RESTORE it.  Restore not only means that which has been taken from us to be given back, but it also means that it will be multiplied where “we will receive a double portion from the Lord’s hand.”   As a body of believers, we do not need to fear whatever circumstances or trials we are faced with because of the Lord’s promises to us.  It is these moments that is training and equipping us with spiritual maturity where we are becoming in the likeness of Christ with increased wisdom, knowledge, truth, and love.  Our relationship with God  is an ongoing tension of experiencing birth pains along with hope.  It is in this tension that we know God is preparing us for a breakthrough.  Something new is about to happen.  Restoration is taking place.  

            As most of you know, Kendall is having surgery this week to correct a congenital heart defect.  We were at Johns Hopkins on Friday for her pre-op and consultation with the surgeon.  Kendall has suffered with pain, intense discomfort, and limited her social outings of things such as simply not being able to eat out at a restaurant.  I was reflecting on our appointment that we had a Johns Hopkins paralleling to how it is similar to our relationship with God.  Our appointment at Johns Hopkins was amazing and uplifting giving us hope for her healing, but it also came with truth from the surgeon about the risks with any surgery which was emotional also for us.  It is the same with our relationship with God.  It is amazing and uplifting because of the hope that Christ gave us, but it also comes with TRUTH that can be at times overwhelming and yes, our relationship with God risky. 

            The facts about Kendall’s upcoming surgery caused tension of raw emotion and data of truth from the surgeon.  God leads us to those places of tension.  We know that God has led us to Johns Hopkins, and has revealed signs to us that she is to have this done, but in our flesh we may fear, have uncertainties or perhaps even doubt.  It is these moments in the tension that God is deepening our relationship with Him by increasing our trust, obedience and submission aligning us with God’s will.  Our lives are always navigating between that tension of surrendering our control and plans that can be heart wrenching that is aligning our will with God’s will for God’s purposes in that His glory may be shown for all to see. 

            His glorious acts are so that we don’t forget, that we remember what God has done for us.  When we remember, then we willingly tell others about what God has done for us.  Our testimony then is showing God’s glory to others of what we have suffered and endured, but God heard and answered our prayers.  In our submission to God, we count it all joy with our praises to God knowing that He is working all things out for His glory for those that LOVE God. 

            We see this throughout the Bible with others submission, remembering, obedience, and praises to the Lord trough Abraham who nearly sacrificed his son, Isaac.  Noah who was ridiculed for building an ark in the middle of dry land, Hannah who daily prayed for a son for years at the temple, Daniel who lived in captivity under King Nebecheneezer, Joseph who was a thrown in a well to die by his brothers, David often looked foolish for the way he danced and sang before the Lord, the disciples were martyrs for Christ and then of course, Christ, who was crucified.  What each of these individuals exhibited (and there are many others not named from the Bible) was their submission, remembrance, obedience, and praises to the Lord.  These individuals found TRUTH, LOVE, GRACE and MERCY in the midst of their moments by living in that tension of risk, emotional unrest, as well as uplifting HOPE through their relationship and commitment to follow God despite their circumstance, trials or pain. 

            From that tension, they continued to press forward persevering for the Promises from the Lord.  Their perseverance for the Lord, found them FAVOR in the eyes of the Lord.  We too are being called to ARISE and SHINE; to step out and live in the that tension that is asking us to be fools for the Lord, to the Christ-like examples to profess and proclaim the word of the Lord by speaking TRUTH in love even when it hurts because we are in desperate times of a world with increased moral decay, tolerance to sinful actions and behaviors, and signs of humanity and creation groaning as a result of turning away from God. WE are being called to walk against the ways of this world and in doing so; we will find FAOR in the eyes of the Lord. 

            In the Lord’s Favor it tells us in Is 61 that “we will have the Spirit of the Lord upon us who has anointed us for an appointed time.  He will use us to share the good news – to be a testimony to the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, those living in darkness as prisoners to the enemy.

            God is saying that in 2018 no matter what any of us may be faced with in this moment that we are to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.  It is a time for healing and restoration where we will inherit a double portion with everlasting joy.  But there is one thing on our part that we must do in order to see the breakthrough, and that is we must CONTEND for God’s promises to us.  We must CONTEND, PERSEVERE and ENDURE because the enemy is lurking to try to delay, hinder or prevent us from receiving our promises.  You know that your prayers are about to be answered when all hell and chaos is breaking lose around you.  We have this example with the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after Moses leading them out of slavery from Egypt.  Our answered prayers often come by contending for them because we are fighting a spiritual battle that does not want us operating in our manifested destiny. 

            Karen Hardin, a pastor and author gives the account of Jacob in Genesis 32:22-31 who contended for his miracle and blessing.  It says that Jacob wrestled and he said, “I will not let You go, unless you bless me.”  After Jacob wrestled with God and man, He was blessed.  While we are contending, God is at work in us and aligning our will to His will by His divine steps and order.  We see this character of God in the account of Genesis in how he orderly created creation in six days. 

            What promises has God given you?  God’s promises and plans are irrevocable.  His plans do not change; He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He knew the plans he had for each of us before we were even conceived in our mother’s wombs.  He created us for destinies.  He gave us those desires to further His Kingdom work.  God wants us to know that we are to continue to CONTEND for the things he has promised and DO NOT GIVE UP.  2 Chronicles 15:7 says, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."     RESTORATION is coming, but we must CONTEND for it.  While we are CONTENDING, God is drawing us in a closer dependence and relationship to Him.  He is refining us to be more Christ-like.  We will seek more of His TRUTH, WORD, KNOWLEDGE and WISDOM.  With increased TRUTH, He is softening us with His LOVE so that we may LOVE others which then propels us into our destiny to serve others.  This is all a part of God’s purposes and mission of equipping us, “so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” This is God’s PROMISE that we may live in the fullness of Christ where all of our needs are met.  He does not promise it will be easy, but we must always CONTEND for it while all along counting it all joy praising our Savior all the day long.  Because He is victorious, we already have victory!  Don’t stop CONTENDING for the PROMISES.  Amen. 

  

Surgery is Recommended

Many of you know that Kendall was born with a congenital heart defect, a right aberrant arching aorta.  This was not diagnosed until she was eleven.  We had known from birth that something was not right because she always had eating and digestive issues.  It was always diagnosed as gurd or acid reflux disease.  However, in 2011, I had her and her team that I co-coached at the Little League State Championship Game where Kendall got really sick and was loosing a lot of weight which she was already very tiny frame and didn't need to lose any weight.  Once we got home from the championship game, I took her to her doctor who referred her to a pediatric gastroentolgist specialist at the University of Virginia Hospital.  Upon hearing her symptoms, the doctor immediately determined that this was not a gastro issue, that she had a congenital heart defect.  I was in disbelief as he is describing this and referring us to the pediatric cardiologist at UVA. 

At our appointment with the cardiologist and many tests performed, it was confirmed that she was in fact born with a congenital heart defect.  Further procedures and tests would be performed where the team of doctors would meet in conference to determine a prognosis for Kendall.  The determination was that nothing could be done because surgery would be too risky.  Her main heart aorta is going the wrong way which each time it pumps blood, it is crushing her esophagus down to the size of the end of a pencil point. 

Every day Kendall feels discomfort that has affected her way of life that what seems normal for most individuals is challenging for her such as simply eating.  Kendall is unable to eat a meal without concern if something is going to get stuck and choke her.  She worries if she will get sick while she is eating and have to throw up.  She always feels nauseous everyday whether she eats of does not eat.  Most people looking at her would have no idea what she goes through on a daily basis.  In order to cope with this, she will not eat all day if she is going to school, if she is involved in activities outside of school or will avoid going to restaurants, friends or families homes to eat for fear she may get sick.  As you can imagine, this has caused intense anxiety for her. 

Not only does Kendall struggle with the physical structure defect of her heart and esophogus, but is has mentally and emotionally affected her way of life.  After struggling and working with UVA for nearly seven years with lots of prayers, tears, frustration and anointings over Kendall, we were finally led to Johns Hopkins Hospital a few months ago.

Upon our first appointment with both pediatric cardiologist and pediatric gastroentologists, we knew God was answering our prayers and we were exactly where we were supposed to be.  We felt heard and were offered hope for answers to help get Kendall finally relief.  I will never forgot the one doctor kept repeating that, "I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but I have recently had several other kids younger than Kendall with the same symptoms."  She continued to share that those kids had surgery that were fairly successful.  I told her that we knew it was no coincidence because we have been praying about this for a very long time for God's complete healing upon Kendall.  We knew that it was an appointed time.

Kendall had another follow up at Johns Hopkins with a team of doctors ruling out other possibilities.  She have two more procedures that she had to have done.  Johns Hopkins worked in collaboration with UVA for these two procedure because Johns Hopkins does not accept Kendall's health insurance.  This was also a blessing that the hospitals worked together.

Then what I thought I was prepared to hear, I quickly realized that I was not prepared.  The cardiologist called me Friday morning to tell me that the team of doctors met about review all of Kendall's health history from the past to currently.  She stated, "We do RECOMMEND surgery."  I was flooded with mixed emotions recognizing that I was trying to hold back my tears as I was talking to the doctor.  I must not have done a very good job of holding back my tears, because the doctor then focused on me and asked what was going on for me, which made me even more emotional.  I told her I knew that this was an answered prayer that we have waited for so long for.  It was also a realization of the risks that are involved with this type of surgery.  I was navigating in the tension of feel overwhelmed that God had finally heard and answered our prayers, but also feel scared. 

While we have been waiting for the doctors to review all of Kendall's recent tests, I have specifically been praying that God would give me a dream or revelation somehow to let me know that this is what we are supposed to do.  Just two weeks before we heard that Kendall would need surgery, God gave her a dream that would reveal that she went through surgery, and it was successful.  She saw them x-ray her after the surgery and everything was now healed and restored.  I know God gave Kendall that dream for not only her to have peace and confidence that she is going to be just fine, but also for me as well to have peace, trust and belief that God has orchestrated her healing for this appointed time. 

Out of curiosity, I began to research her surgeon that would be performing the procedure.  He is from Italy that came to the US 20 years ago.  He studied under the first doctor to successfully perform a heart transplant.  He then practiced at George Mason University and has not been at Johns Hopkins for the past ten years where is over the pediatric department.  His specialty is congenital heart defects and has performed this procedure before. 

Last Friday, I had to cancel all of my appointments so that I could just sit with God and hear His heart and ask Him for understanding for my mixed emotions.  This is what the Lord said to me:

Beautiful One,
I have heard and answered your prayers.  This is where you are and Kendall are supposed to be.  I have orchestrated the timing of this so that Kendall is mature to help make her decisions, but also have this surgeon trained and equipped to do this type of surgery.  Kendall and you already know that you are supposed to move forward with this surgery.  I gave her the dream that it was all successful to give her peace and confidence.  You know that I speak to her as we as I did to her on November 26th, 2011 when I affirmed that I have heard all of your prayers that may not be answered that night (on November 26, 2011), but that I was answering them.  The appointed time is now.  This surgeon came to the US 20 years ago and has been at Johns Hopkins for the past ten years.  He is the best of the best and the time is now for Kendall to be healed with a quality way of life that will propel her speaking and in leadership roles to encourage and inspire other who may also be suffering with their own physical or mental health struggles.  It is a time for Kendall to arise and shine and move into her destiny that I created her to be and do at the foundations of the earth.  She is going to offer HOPE, her testimony and My goodness for all to hear, see and know My Son Jesus Christ.

All I can say is, "Thank you Lord for using Kendall, her congenital heart defect, her mental and emotional struggles of who you are going to use all of this to reveal and show your glory for all to see who you are, God."  God you are amazing in how you have been with us through everything down to the point of preparing and making a way when we continued to hear repeatedly that there was nothing that could be done. 

Friends, let this be a testimony to never give up HOPE!  Contend for all of God's promises for you because the enemy is always trying to defeat, hinder to delay our blessings.  With God all things are possible, for it is written and God's plans are irrevocable. 

We have some more hurdles to jump through because as of December 31, 2017, Kendall no longer has health insurance.  I am trying to figure out what health insurance is available to her and one that Johns Hopkins accepts.  We need prayers for this.  Once this is resolved, then we will have a consultation with the surgeon, then surgery will be scheduled.  After the surgery, Kendall will recover in ICU for about three days with another three to four days in a general room.  I will be staying with her the entire time.  I appreciate ongoing prayers for Kendall's surgeon, doctors, nurses, and those caring for her to make this possible.  We have and will continue to proclaim a successful surgery and complete healing in the Name of Jesus.  Please be in agreement with us.  Where two or more are gathered and in agreement, God hears and answers are our prayers.  God bless each of you.  Amen. 

Urgent Message to Pray for Asia

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               On November 26,2017, I had a dream where God gave me an urgent message to pray for Asia.  I thought ASIA!  Why ASIA?  Of course then this made me wonder what the name Asia actually meant.  What I found online is that the ancient Greek meaning of Asia is sunrise or East.  The modern meaning was dawn, perfect or virgin.  Online I also found that it was believed that Pharoah’s wife’s name was Aspasia which is a version of Asia.  Of course we know that Pharoah’s wife raised Moses as her own son.  I also discovered that the name Mary derived from Asia which means “perfect woman.”  Both of these women were significant in raising "deliverers."

                As I sat and listened for God to speak to me about this dream, he said to me:

Beautiful One,

                I gave you this dream because there have been so many curses spoken over the continent Asia.  These curses have multiplied and manifested into a deeply rooted generational divide, senseless wars and hate for each other.  In the media and public, you hear destructive words of damnation upon this continent and their people.  This is not My will or intent.  Not only the people of Asia, but the general public that is watching is spiritually blinded and immature not knowing how destructive words are increasing with evil intent and actions against My people, My creation, and The New Jerusalem. From the west coast line of the Mediterranean Sea to the east coast line of the Pacific Ocean, from the north coast line of the Arctic Ocean to the south coast line of the Indian Ocean, I am asking you to pray and intercede for Asia and the countries it encompasses.  There are so many false religious gods and idols over this territory that is allowing satan to tear down and tear apart this territory and the people.

                This revelation seemed to overwhelming to me so I asked God what is so important about Asia, and what do you want me to know from this revelation that I just received.  I then started to get the names of countries; China, Russia, India, Korea & Japan.  All of these individual countries are politically, economically and militaristically dominant.  Their leadership is corrupt where they are seeking world power and dominance with wrong motives and intentions.  There is movement for one world bank where these countries would be in control of currency.  Currently the US and UK owe significant amounts of money to Japan and China.  They have leverage over the US where our monetary and economic system could potentially fail.  In fact, if things continue the way they are going, this world is on a path of self-destruction at the hands of man.  If this happens, they will take the US and the rest of the world with it.  We have here the possible emergence of the anti-christ as described in Daniel 11.  We are nearing a time of nations being judged as prophesied in Joel 3:9-14.  We are on the brink of a war beyond anything we have ever seen where there will be massive casualties.  The Lord gave me this dream to warn others to begin praying and to intercede on behalf of Asia, but also for the world. 

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                So I petition you to pray with me in agreement that the generational curses of divide, hate, war, and the worship of false gods be broken in the name of Jesus.  I pray the blood of Jesus over the territory Asia and claim Jesus’ authority to overturn the corrupt rulers, leaders and structures that have been used to dominate and oppress God’s people. 

                I am still seeking and praying asking for God’s wisdom with this dream because this all seems beyond my understanding.  I have hesitated to publish this blog, but God continues to nudge me to do so.  After the news on Tuesday, November 28^th,  that N. Korea now has a rocket that can reach the US mainland, I realized that this is truly an urgent matter that we all come together and pray for Asia.  I welcome anyone’s insights that you may have that you would like to add about biblical prophecy in regard to these countries or any revelation that you may have of the current economic structures in these countries.   I am not an expert in any of these areas, but I am only being obedient to what God has given me to share.  God bless each of you and our world! God in your mercy, forgive us for our sins for we do not know what we are doing.  Pray for Asia!  God shared that it is an urgent matter.

God is Forewarning the People

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               On September 23, 2017, I dreamed that everywhere I looked water was rising.  People were in their homes or outside going about their business as usual.  People could even see the waters rising.  They had sufficient time to move to higher ground, but they remained complacent and continued in their normal routines and behaviors. 

               As the water ascended, I was warning people to go to higher ground with me.  It was like they didn’t believe me or heed the warning or they didn’t feel the water would overcome them.  I saw many people, but one family in particular I warned that the waters were about to rush over the roof of their home and consume them.  As the water began to flow over the roof like a waterfall, I ran for higher ground ascending up the mountain.  The people at the house stayed, and I saw the waters begin to overflow them.  I kept running to the top of the mountain.  I never saw them again.

                As I got to the top of the mountain, I looked as far as I could see.  Everywhere I saw water and to my dismay, I saw only a few people.  As I sat there, I felt subdued and reflected on what I could have done differently to get the others to come along where God wants everyone to go; to ascend higher in relationship with Him, to seek God’s eternal rewards instead of the worldly successes and desires, to have eternal life forevermore.  Then I recalled a revelation God gave me several weeks ago that I am not to be distracted by those who choose to live a life in sin once I have ministered and shared with them about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  God was very clear that there will be those that go with you and those that choose not to go with you because they are happier in their sinful lusts and are blinded by the enemies tactics, lies and deceit.  Their ignorance will not save them now because God’s grace is not to be taken in vain.  There are consequence for sin.  It is their free will choice to make that decision and that is not to be my burden.  God already knows those who will go and those who will fall.

                Then the Lord took me to Jeremiah 51 where Jeremiah was sharing a prophetic  message about the fall of Babylon.  Jeremiah was forewarning the people of eminent destruction from the Lord as a result of living foolish lives instead of living for God.  The Lord is about to break in to end this senseless behavior, idol worshippers, sexual immorality, and the mockery and disgrace of those who refuse God’s wisdom and knowledge.  God revealed to me that it is a time of separating the sheep from the goats.  The sheep will be on the right side of God.  The sheep are blessed by God and will have an eternal inheritance in the Kingdom of God.  God established this divine order at the foundation of the earth.  God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  His word and promises of eternal life and eternal damnation has not changed.  He will carry out His plans.  Those who have stored up earthly riches and sought earthly pleasures of happiness instead of holiness, God says, “Your end has come, the time for you to be cut off” (Jeremiah 51:13).  However, there is always an opportunity to repent and turn back to God who can then have the promises of God’s eternal life for those that believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

                There is no one more powerful, beautiful, sovereign or mighty than God Himself.  Jeremiah 51:15-16 states, “He made the earth by His power, he founded the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.  When He thunders, the waters in the heaven roar; He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.  He sends lightening with the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses.”  In Psalm 93: 4, we again see the power of God and his unchanging nature.  It states, “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on High is mighty.” Isaiah 51:15 shares that, “For I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar—the Lord Almighty is his name.”  Psalm 42:7, tells us that “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.”  Psalm 89:9 says that, “You (God) rules over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.” 

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                The Lord has declared it is an appointed time to come to pass that before the peoples waking eyes He is going to repay for all of the wrong done against God, the earth and God’s people.  God is forewarning people that it is a time to, “Lift up a banner in the land! There is a battle coming of mass destruction never seen before of uncomprehendible ruination.  We are going to see come to pass where, “The sea will rise over Babylon, its roaring waves will cover her.  Her towns will be desolate, a dry and desert land, a land where no one lives, through which not many travels.  I God will punish the Bel (gods) in Babylon and make him spew out what he has swallowed.” (Jer. 51:42).

                However, those who have remained obedient and faithful to the Lord, God has promised to, “defend your cause and avenge you.” (Jer. 51:36).  We have known that this time was coming, we just do not know the hour, but God is giving us signs all around us.  He has told us not to, “Lose heart or be afraid” (Jer.51:46).  We are to trust, believe and continue to cling to the  cross during this time that the Lord has said, “Will surely come when I will punish the idols of Babylon” (Jer. 51:47). 

                When the Lord destroys the wicked, He has revealed that He will, “Silence her noisy din. Waves of enemies will rage like great waters; the roar of their voices will resound.  A destroyer will capture the warriors and break their bows.  For the Lord our God is a God of retribution; he will repay in full” (Jer. 51:54-57).

                I now can understand why in the dream I was subdued and felt so sad.  The warning signs are all around us and people are not aware of what God’s word or promises say.  In Luke 21:25- 28, Jesus tells about these signs that marks the beginning of his return.  “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars.  On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.  Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.  At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. “  As a people, we have departed from God who is to be our first love.  It grieves God deeply.  It is not too late though.  Before a great fall, there is always a choice to return back to God which should be out first love always and forever. 

                God has been preparing me for months now to share the urgency of the times that we are in.  God also sent a brother in Christ, Dinky Conley, to share a message with me that he received from God.  Most in the Town of Dayton would know Dinky.  Dinky is with the Town of Dayton Police. He served years as police chief and upon retirement he has been serving at Pence Middle School as a resource office mentoring to those students.   Dinky has a huge heart for our youth and you always see him with a smile on his face.  I know he made a significant impact on my daughter, Kendall when she attended Pence.  Dinky continues to stay in touch with her and follow her activities supporting her. 

                Dinky randomly came to visit me one morning a couple of weeks ago.  He came with a heavy burden on his heart.  He also told me that he did not want me to think he was crazy, but he had a message for me that God had given him weeks ago.  He had been wrestling if he had truly heard right and if it was in fact me that he was supposed to give this message to.  I assured him that I would not think he was crazy when he told me that God sent him to give me a message.  The message that God had for me was that  I was to begin to preach about the impending end of times.  Dinky had no idea, but he came to give me affirmation for what I had already been hearing from God.  However, I had been praying and asking God how he wanted me to share this as I was uncertain of how God wanted me to do so.  God used Dinky to affirm what I had been hearing so that I would faithfully and obediently walk out what God was asking of me. 

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                I continued to pray and ask God how to do this.  For weeks I heard nothing.  Then this morning the Lord gave me this dream to share to hopefully be an awakening message for those who aren’t sure where they stand with God, or those who have deliberately cut off God or those who simply may have never heard God’s word.  Regardless of anyone’s circumstances or situation, it is an urgent time in which God is calling His children back to Him.  It is a time to come to the altar where God’s arms are wide open to receive you.  It does not matter where you have been, what you have done.  It only matters that you come to God NOW – TODAY to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  The blood of Jesus will wash away all of your sins making you pure in God’s sight.   

                It is not a time to hope that you are saved, but a time to know you are saved.  The Kingdom

of God is at hand, so repent.

Lord Jesus, What is on Your Heart?

I approached my prayer time differently this morning.  Instead of talking, praying and petitioning God for what I wanted, I asked God what was on His heart, and what would You, God, want me to know?  Our relationship with God should be a two way communication of sharing and listening to each others heart of concerns, joys and burdens.  On my intentional faith journey for nearly eight years now, I don't know that I gave God this space to share what is on His heart.  What I heard, God was still so lovingly tending to me, but also shared a message for all of us of what His mission has always been from day one at the foundations of the earth.  Oh how comforting our Lord is.  This is what He shared:

Beautiful One,
I am moving swiftly and suddenly to transition you into the Promised Land.  The depression you are experiencing is the spiritual battle that is trying to keep you from entering the land I have promised you.  There are many spiritual battles running rampant around the world where the enemy is trying to coerce nations against nations, people against people, and leaders against leaders. 

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Call upon the angel of armies to be released that is caught up in the third heavens.  Pray that My authority will pour out from opened heavenly gates.  Decree that the stolen blessings for America and the people will be restored sevenfold to one of prosperity, equality and love for all like never seen or experienced before.

There is a movement of unity within the body of Christ where stones are being strategically placed upon My foundation with Christ as the cornerstone.  This stone wall that is being added to is becoming a strong fortress that the enemy will have no power over.  Once the stone fortress is completed, God's temple will be completed where there will be unending worship, tears wiped away, fine linen worn, walls adorned with precious gemstones, pearly gates, golden streets and My Glory will be shining and reigning with splendor for ever and evermore. 

Spread this Good News to each person that they are an integral part (like a precious stone) that must be placed to complete My Kingdom work and temple in totality and unity which is the New Jerusalem. 

Hallelujah, The Lord has spoken and shared His heart.  Have you asked today what is on the Lord's heart?  Have you given your heart to Jesus Christ so that you can experience your place in eternal life with Our Lord?  Amen.