All Jesus Christ ever asked us to do was to allow His light to shine through our lives and in the ‘glow’ of that obedience, He would draw men unto him. Knowing the frailty and weakness of our frame, He provided the adequate grace needed for the place He had called us to be and what He had called us to do. As we walk in relationship and obedience to Him; our lives would be the light and salt that leads the lost back to Him and glorify His name on earth. God in His mercy, love and kindness promised to make a way when we humbly came to Him in repentance. To an honest and a diligently seeking heart, God is ever ready to honor, reward and refresh.

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:10-12

Before Samson (the Book of Judges) was born, the Angel of the LORD was sent to his mother (she was barren) and subsequently his father with the good news of his coming, and specific instructions for his upkeep. Due to the call of God on his life and the purpose Samson had to fulfill, he was to live with the ‘Nazarite Vow‘ and its specifics. Unfortunately, no sooner had Samson came of age, than he went about his own fleshly business.  Most treacherous of all, he married strange and idolatrous women of which God had strictly warned about. Needless to say that acted as a catalyst for his highway to destruction (but for the mercy of God). The dangers of unequal yoking are more detrimental than we care to consider. Unequal does not just mean saved and un-saved; it just means God is not in it and it was not a divine union. Should that not suffice an explanation for anyone who claims to love God?

“His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” Judges 14:2-4

“Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.” Genesis 27:46

“King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. ² They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love… As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God… The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command.” 1 King 11:1-25

There is no way around it, God’s standard of holiness cannot be attained by humans. We need the ‘corporate grace’ that He provides for us to live in constant obedience and holiness. And also the ‘specific grace’ embedded in our calls, gifts and destiny that should ultimately bring glory to His name. However, if we rebuff God’s provisions we end up bereft and a ‘siting duck’ for the encroachment of darkness and destruction.

God was the one who designed Samson and gave him to His parents. God gave him his strength and might and every other thing that made him Samson. When he strayed from God, he paid the price (make no mistake about that). He lost his peace and joy and was constantly at war with himself and his enemies. The man had no respite in the ‘land of sin‘. Eventually, his enemies got a hold of him. They put out his eyes (vision and hope) and cut of the source of his strength (special gift). Then they put him on display and mocked incessantly. I believe they especially looked forward to ridiculing Samson because they had found out he was not just an Israelite, but a ‘Nazarite’ consecrated to God Himself. That calls for turning up the heat of mockery. But one day (BLESS GOD for ‘one days’), he arose like the prodigal son and said…

“And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15: 15-20

Then in one split second of repentance, God brought an eternity of redemption and infused His child one more time with (though now for a short while) the original gift. But this time a creative and wise God would take a different route, to show the ‘powers and principalities’ of darkness that He was still the Almighty God and was still in control. So God answered Samson’s final plea, and the bible says; (not this writer said) that he killed many more when he died than when he lived. Let me translate that to modern language; he brought even more glory when he died than when he lived. The end justified the means. The end of a matter is better than the beginning. All is well that ends well… need I say more?

“Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Judges 16:27-29

“Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.” Judges 16:29-31

Let me bring this home and get personal. A few years ago; I was under a life long burden and culmination of hatred, jealousy, envy and ultimately abuse that had gone on for most of my life. These were presumptive and assumptive strangers, some of which were grafted into my family and some I met along the way. If they were not intimidated, then they were one thing or the other. In the long run, I was harassed and hit very hard. So I went to the Lord and told Him that it appeared that what He gave as a blessing had become a curse and a burden. Some people had refused to allow me to even breathe or serve my God, and I was constantly in sorrow and distress. God was not amused with the state I had worked myself into. I was made for His delight, if I was not functioning right, then He was not delighted. So He had to set things straight with me once and for all. Here is what the Mighty One of Israel told me and I have since then been incredibly not only delivered, but strengthened, refreshed, encouraged, equipped and further enhanced . God said: “I have given you the grace to endure and eventually OVERCOME. I am God and I know that if I had given your persecutors the magnitude of what I gave you, they would not be serving me… So let them claw and rail at you, it will come to nothing. I give gifts and create as I see fit, because I know every heart and I know how it will end.”

Two days ago, a friend, a sister, a fellow sojourner was laid to eternal rest. A few hours after she was found dead, the tabloids blew up with all her wrongs, ills and weakness. In a matter of hours, thirty years was eclipsed by pockets of struggles. And it went on and on as if she invented debauchery. But God spoke clearly to me, because He is faithful to His own. The world and some Christians promised that this would not go down well in history and I got some flack for being so blind. On Saturday February 18, 2012. One beautiful girl with a powerful angelic voice WHO LOVED JESUS took the whole world to Church in a non-glamorous and crime ridden city. Atheist, Catholics, Muslims, Occultists, Satanists and Church-playing professing Christians alike were confronted with worship, the word and truth in its simplicity. The glory she brought to her Heavenly Father in her death was greater than in her life. And someone is tied up in angst. Hmmm…

There are two types of people who the enemy will use to attempt to taint and distort the work that the Lord is doing in these last days. There are those that have played church so long that they have actually seen the approval of their sins in the Bible. They have made peace with living a lie and making up their own righteousness as they go along. They will see the move of God as an opportunity keep playing their games and pleasing the flesh. So instead of being an example to the world they continue with the world to play. Then there will be those who have been in the church for ’300′ yrs and have been plastered in the same section and seat for just as long. They have not impacted, influenced or moved anyone to seek God by their conduct of what they profess all these years. They will balk at anyone else coming home or seeking God who do not look like them, sound like them or have been more privileged than them. To both I would advice, be very careful. The consequences of being a ‘stumbling block’ or ‘rock-of-offence’ are eternal.

The victorious one is the one that had beauty, talent, charisma and was thrust out into the lion’s den that is the world and they still were able to love the Lord. Most people with a combination like that would invent sin by the minute. And then they would not only deny God, they will claim to be a god. This one did not exalt satan or start a self-glorifying movement. They did not invite demons into themselves as alter-egos and give them names. They did not attribute their performance to satanic worship, they just loved Jesus and He knew it. And in the end He honored them. Yes there was struggle and stumble just like ‘YOU’ are going through right now. 

As for the rest that still do not know or have not heard I will do within my area of influence what I am called and supposed to do. I would venture to ask that you do in your area of influence what you are called and supposed to do. With such devotion and dilligence, we would have reached the ends of the earth with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! Do not feel that any human is too little or too much for God the Creator. He made them all, gave them life and He is in absolute control. In the end every life whether saved or not, billionaire or beggar, known or obscure, beautiful or not so beautiful will/must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and He is God.

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:10-12

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” Philippians 2:9-11

God Bless You Specially!!!

“Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.” Luke 4:40-42

Ahh, envisage the very trendy life of living in the (arguably) greatest city in the world. A melting pot of thrills, frills and ills. Is it what the TV shows translate; the shopping spree, the exercise of gingerly hailing a ‘yellow cab’ with nine designer shopping bags hanging on your arm. And then having to fight for it as six other people show up for the same cab. Or trudging down Madison Avenue with shoes so high-heeled that your spinal cord creaks in agony. Could it be yapping loudly on your (yet to be released 6G) smart phone as you sip on your $7 coffee. Well here is what it could be in the real world; especially when you are on HIS MAJESTY’s ‘not so’ secret service.

What might consist of a burdensome day for you? The coffee machine broke down, the car won’t start or you broke a finger nail while pulling up the zipper in that (two sizes smaller!) skirt? What is it that ticks you of on any given day, and makes you say : ‘that is enough!!’ Better still have you ever heard God say that on your behalf? ‘… that is enough’. Have you ever had hell come after you, and without you having to lift a finger, hell received a ‘burn notice’ for bothering you? Well, here is to a week of victory and the exaltation of the name that is above every other name… The name of Jesus Christ the LORD of all.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,”
Philippians 2:8-10

“far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:20-22

There was an extra amount of activity from hell aimed at me last week. I no longer wonder why any more (major deliverance!), I just keep it moving, as long as I can still move. I don’t have time to waste, there is a lot vested in my hand to do and besides I enjoy frustrating hell! These three incidents happened in the past seven days, not necessarily in this order but I saved the best for last. Be blessed and encouraged, we serve a MIGHTY GOD!

Incident # 1: I walk into a public place to pick up an order the other day. There was no one on-line as I approached, so I quickly proceeded to the kiosk. Suddenly from my left comes this deranged huge black man spewing profanity and insults for me to get out of his way. Not a strand of hair was raised or moved in me. I completely ignored him as I finished what I came to do and spent an extra couple of minutes for pause effect. When I did not respond, he walked over to the corner of the hall fuming and muttering in utter frustration and defeat. As I got ready to go, I had to walk by where he was standing. Some things he had said while he was ranting, made me know that he had seen me before or had been watching me (whatever…). That was probably his way of being noticed, I on the other hand never noticed or saw him before, obviously for a good reason. I do not respond to negativity, because I fear no one and will not be intimidated or manipulated. So as I walked by him I said in plain good clean English: ‘you better not repeat that nonsense again, should you be so graced to ever set eyes on me in another place, at another time.’ Very simple words, no? No sooner had I finished my simple normal voiced statement, than a tormenting cry pierced the room as the guy ran down the hallway screaming  “Help!, help!, she wants to kill me. She is trying to kill me someone stop her. Later the security guard would come over and ask me .”..what did you do to him that had him so scared and torment filled as he ran out of here?” Hmmm…

Incident # 2: As I sat in the subway train car approaching my stop the other day, a skinny white grey-haired homeless man was walking about with a coffee cup asking for coins. He badly reeked of alcohol, filth and what have you. When he got to where I was sitting, he  dropped the cup and sat down opposite me and started speaking in such profanity laden language. He kept saying ‘I am the devil, I am the devil’, as he cussed at me. Eventually, I got up and left the train at my stop not before… Two days later, I was on the same train and much to my chagrin, horror and disgust the same guy walked in from the other car, as if he had been looking for me. When I heard him from the other end of the train car, I put the hood of my coat up and over my head so he would not see or recognize me. He walks through a crowded train car, sits opposite of me and pulls out a brand new bible and says as looking at me:, ” I now got myself a bible.” before he was tackled by a couple of guys for bothering and harassing me.

Incident #3: I was walking down a very busy street between  Fifth and Sixth Avenues, when a guy bumped into me. As I turned to see who and why, I saw a hispanic man looking me over with such disrespect and mischief. I asked him why he had touched me and demanded an apology… he said he would do no such thing. And if I persisted, he would curse me because according to his own words he was a ‘Santeria witch’ I was itching to tell him that the word was ‘wizard’ for a male, but there was more at stake that moment. He proceeded to tell me that he drank people’s blood and pulled out a bunch of yellow beads hanging around his neck to prove his claim to ‘Santeria’. That was when I said you know what devil… make my day! I turned to him and I could feel fire coursing through my bones, as I heard myself saying: ’ your curse has returned to you with increase, because you cannot curse whom the Most High God has blessed’. More over; “greater is He that is in me than he that is in you. Today I will introduce you to a power greater than what you have dealt with previously. Now in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth …” I began to pray in tongues as I lifted up my hands to heaven. He backed off and began to quickly walk away. I followed him as my pace quickened, all the while praying aggressively at this point. People were turning and looking but I did not care, the kingdom of darkness needed a notice from me that day, ‘enough’ was the operative word. The professing male witch began to run away from me, but my feet though I was walking briskly behind, kept up with his prancing. As I continued praying in tongues and pleading the blood, he ran right through traffic in terror, as the cars and cab came to a screeching halt. I did not stall but followed suit the whole time engrossed in my prayer at this time. He kept running into and through traffic until finally I felt led to stop and look across the street at him. He was now about twenty feet away from me. He had his hands at both sides of his head, covering his ears and leaning against a wall on Fifth Avenue as he appeared to be writhing in pain…

“Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:21-23

Which part of ‘touch not my anointed’ did the devil not understand?

“Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.”
Deuteronomy 33:28-29

Epilogue: Did not quite agree with the way things went down? Well wait till you come face to face with the devil yourself, then you can serve him tea with your best china. But as for me and my household, we will put him where he belongs by th grace of God. Also know that the devil only bothers you when you are a threat and a problem for his kingdom. He is not divided amongst his followers. They are relentless in ushering in darkness just as he (the devil) desires. The only kingdom divided now is that of God, simply because it is a ‘mixed multitude’.  So go ahead get mad, get furious, get enough and get the ‘hell agenda’ out of your life!

“If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand?…” Luke 11:17-19

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”
Colossians 2:1-3

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:15-17

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-14

“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.”
Song of Solomon 8:5-7

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
Ephesians 5:24-26

“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:”
1 John 2:4-6

“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
Colossians 3:18-20

“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 9:8-10

“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Ephesians 5:32-33

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:7-9

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”
Mark 12:29-31

“And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-32

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,”
1 John 5:2-4

“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.”
Song of Solomon 8:6-8

We all know without a doubt, that most of the worlds greatest talents, were either grafted from the Church or had a brief stint in the House of God. This formula worked so well for a time and season that certain parents regardless of what they planned to do with Christ themselves, planned to use the House of God to get their children some fame, or a  leg up in the entertainment world. The only people who do not know the privilege of being in God’s vicinity, is the church itself. Even demon possessed people come into the house of God to find spouses.  And the likes of them eventually fall for them and their deceptions. God always protects those that sincerely and honestly abide in Him.

The other side and the problem with the Church stint celebrity, is that these people have to some extent or not, whether they were serious or not, tasted the goodness of the Lord. You cannot abide in His house hypocritically or otherwise and not somewhat benefit from the protection that His presence brings. If it rains on the just and the unjust, and God provides sustainment for every living thing. How much more would He do when they hang in a place that calls itself by His name.  However, we all know and the world tells us ‘you cannot eat your cake and have it at the same time’. That particular exposure, calls for responsibility and careful handling. You see the devil knowing that these people have somewhat an idea of what the truth is or have to some extent had truth work in their lives; gives them extra harrassing attention and hassle. Like the verse in the beginning of this blog, the attack is more than the average sinner encounters.

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord. That means that regardless of the god that anyone is serving, the gift they have, was given to them by the Lord God Almighty the Creator of everything. Therefore if it was given by the Lord, it was given for His use and His glory; and only Him can keep it from becoming detrimental and a curse.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:16-18

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:28-30

We were originally made to worship God in and with everything we have and do. When you buy an electronic item, it has the name of the manufacturer emblazoned on it. It also tells you where it was made or assembled. Further more, most come with a manual (instruction for the use and care of the equipment). When the item needs servicing, replacement parts or fixing, you can only send it to the original manufacturer if you hope to have a rewarding outcome that is. If you send it to the wrong place and person, they might send it right back or destroy it while attempting to fix it. Only the original maker can venture to know the problem, fix it or replace it with a brand new one.

When human beings receive attention reserved only for God, by idolatory or immortal expectation. It creates a tear in the already existing vacuum that can only be filled by God.  Weight and pressure is put on an immortal to be and perform only what God can perform, sustain and maintain. Since there is an uncanny need and an innate nature in every living thing to appeal to a higher and more powerful being or structure, the rejection of the Manufacturer (God the Creator) widens the void. As the void widens, the gaping and hungry hole not only begs, but demands to be filled. Then man begins to create his own god, with objects, animals or other human beings. Unfortunately for the person set in such a pedestal, things would have to fall apart in a frail center.

God gave me a burden for Whitney Houston about six years ago. I had listened to her rendition of  ‘I go to the Rock’ and I heard something… I instantly knew that God had touched her life at some point. She indeed knew what she was singing about. Born to a gospel singer, she had without a doubt a considerable knowledge of God and His ways. Success and fame came knocking (and rightfully so), she had effortlessly and endued with charisma and style one of the greatest voices (if not the best) of our time. Whitney’s voice made room and opened doors for her. She did not have to strip on stage, gyrate vulgarly or mouth of sleaze. God gave her a voice and that was that. Then came fame and with little or no biblical and solid foundation, the rest is indeed history.

“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Proverbs 18:15-17

I was happy when I heard of her comeback album. She sang a couple of her songs with conviction and an inbred knowledge of WHO she was singing to. I was happy, and thought: ‘go ahead sister come back to the one WHO has ‘always loved you and gave you all that you have and still has more to give’. I thought the time of my call to prayer was over, this sheep was on her way home. In my little world of obscure existence, I walk into a place and all hell breaks loose as the demon possessed begin to manifest and the flesh driven are besides themselves in intimidation. This is all before I even state my mission. I am reminded of my desperate need of Jesus every second, minute and hour. I HAVE TO MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM TO MAKE IT THROUGH DAILY AND IN MY RIGHT MIND!!!

I believe that during her comeback, Whitney would have happily gone back to that little church in New Jersey to get some peace with her God. But it takes more than a head decision. It is a war that requires dedicated and diligent warriors on your side, a war that requires people who love you enough to tell you ‘the Truth that will set you free’. Unfortunately in Whitney’s world, even if you are not up to delivering on any day what is expected of you or you have exhausted your human limits. You are supposed to turn to ‘substance’ to bolster the emptiness of your desperate, lonely and tired heart. Even when you want out (especially at such a legendary status), you are reminded of the pyramid of people depending on your career and performance to sustain themselves and their habits too! A very sad world devoid of its true Manufacturer (who even ventured to lay down His life) JESUS.

In the end in a desperate need to connect to that knowing tug in her heart, the last time anyone would have heard her perform was an impromptu rendition of ‘Jesus loves me’. In her final album; her song ‘I look to you’ has these words in the first stanza :

“As I lay me down, heaven hear me now, I’m lost without a cause, after giving it my all. Winter storms have come, and darkened my sun, After all that I’ve been through, who on earth can I turn to? I look to YOU…”

I believe that was her last cry as she mistakenly and unwisely took one more ‘substance’ to stabilize, hide the pain and prepare for another night of fake and lascivious carousal with people who were just as desperate and addicted if not more than she was. Hers was just more obvious, because of her achievements. Just before yet another offer and scheduled great comeback ( not unlike Michael Jackson – yes he had a documented encounter with God!). God said: ‘that is enough!’ Come home, if I let them take you back in their ‘come backs’ one more time, it will be eternal doom.’

I go to the Rock of my salvation… when all around is sinking sand, on Christ the Solid Rock I stand…

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’  When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.  Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”  Luke 11:24-26

“As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked

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generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.  For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.  The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here.  The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.” Luke 11:29-32

QUOTES:

It is redundant to think that you can hurt or affect one who dwells and abides under the shadow of the Almighty with trivial showmanship and resources best used for the glory of God the provider. Only a reprobate mind-set for a huge fall, proceeds thus. “When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.” Psalm 27:1-3 

I think it is the ultimate form of pride to be a perpetual offender who does not fear God, but fervently demands forgiveness and condemns through that demand, the people they enjoy offending. Here is how I would go about it; first repent (HONESTLY!) before God. Then as much as lieth in me, try to make right what I did wrong. After which I humbly stay in an attitude of sincere prayer… leaving the outcome to an awesome God. Accusing the offended of not forgiving, reeks of foolish pride and cold-heartedness! – CHIDIWE

Actually, I can be very effective in the kingdom of God with a hand full of stones. Every time I hurl a stone at the ‘works of darkness’, God Himself gives me a smile and a nod.- CHIDIWE

It is quite irritating when people use scriptures for condoning wicked acts, thereby mis-interpreting the whole message. In John 8:10-11, after Christ exonerated the woman from being stoned. He tells her “… GO AND SIN NO MORE”. Basically our Lord was saying, I do not condemn you because I expect you will not sin again or live a life of sin.- CHIDIWE

“Who are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars?” Isaiah 57:3-5

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:7-9

The entertainment world or the world in general, is made up of two kinds of people; those who are talented and hope to be famous, and those who have little or no talent, but want to be famous. Unfortunately, the latter have been very successful, in the sense that: what and where they wanted so badly, they were also willing to do whatever it took to get it and get there. Therefore their heavy and ultimate sacrifice and its maintenance process, made up for their very little or unnoticeable talent or the complete lack thereof.

Most often than not, the sacrifice looks smaller or insignificant compared to the expected rewards. And ironically the rewards borders on three very things that God allowed the devil to tempt Him on as ‘the Son of man’, so that being touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and having been tempted as we are so often tempted, we would know that provision has been made for escape and victory.  

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:14-16  (KJV)

The devil challenged and tempted Jesus Christ on three levels; the lust of the eye, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. And on each temptation, Christ had an answer and a response that eventually shooed the devil away if only for a season. Today on every level and in every way the devil is still making the same offer and most of humanity, a sad but considerable amount is falling for it: ‘hook, line and sinker.’ 

I am writing these things from an insiders point of view. I cannot tell you how many times I was approached and made an offer, that would make me an overnight sensation, in whatever way I desired (not for lack of talent as the world would have it). And it often came in a grand way and when I was in between making a decision and obeying God. Notice the devil came after Christ just finished a forty days fast and his flesh was tired and weak. No matter which way you cut it, the offer is still saying the same thing these days:

“The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.  And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Luke 4:5-8

Remember, the Son of God Jesus the Christ (God in flesh) went into that wilderness, fast and time of temptation led of the Holy Spirit. The scripture tells us; He was full and empowered by the Spirit of God. How then can we mere mortals expect to resist the lure, temptation and the proposal made by the prince of darkness without such armour? Thus you have millions of people bowing in worship to Satan and his disguised paraphernalia to gain beauty, youth, wealth and power for the price of their souls.

Needless to say that is why Jesus Christ established a body of people called ‘Christians’. What that word actually means is ‘ the followers of Christ’. Christ is the only one who has professing followers either divided in their devotion to him or going the opposite way of what they profess. That is not found in the kingdom of darkness. In case you have not noticed, his followers are very diligent as they inundate the earth with their demonic agendas. Which brings me to the heart of this blog.

On Sunday marked the most watched television event in the history of the United States. That means that for 236 years, nothing like it had ever been seen. Rightly so because we are quickly approaching the end and the scripture tells us that the mystery of iniquity is steadfast in its dalliances:

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out-of-the-way.” 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

So now under the auspices of the Holy Spirit, let me venture to go where the lovely, non-provoking and sweet christians dare to thread for the sake of love, peace and what have you… Every activity, action and symbol that entertained 111 million (and counting) was of occultic rites. The outfits, the structures the choreography, the flashing pictures represented and honored every pagan God from Talmud of the Babylonians in symbols and vehicles of Kabbala (Jewish mysticism) to the secret society called Illuminati of which most music superstars belong and often honour with specific symbolic hand gestures. And of course, definitely not excluding the Free mason.

“There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.”  1 Corinthians 14:9-11

No action was devoid of meaning; for approximately thirteen minutes, that many people (figure above) partook in occult worship, replicated gestures and symbolic meanings and paid homage to the High Priestess that officiated the whole event. I would give you picture and proof of every step, ritual and symbol as my expert source deciphered, but I choose not to pollute this blog site any further. A word is always enough for the wise.

So meanwhile, we live in a nation that abhors everything Christlike. The name of Jesus could start a riot, prayer offends people whose very lives were probably spared by exactly that. People who openly exercise or practice their christian faith are mocked for same reason (thank God for Tebow). And yet millions of souls whether knowingly or unknowingly ushered in darkness into their homes and subsequently their lives. If you say it is no big deal, it was just a show and the symbols mean nothing, then why do you need to move the ‘Ten commandments’ and Bibles away from court rooms and public places? Why are people offended when someone erects the Cross and what it stands for? Exactly, symbols invoke and usher in what they represent. But I will  not go there today.

So what is the state of your heart today, are you among the last day remnant being prepared by God to face of darkness, yes by prayer and certainly by action also. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” James 2:14-22

 Or are you the one that holds back the church, because she (the church) has to deal with and carter to your flesh at every turn, which in the end produces nothing that honors Christ. I have a word for such a person from the Lord Himself: “Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” Mark 8:32-34  ”Will you not take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, whatever the LORD our God has given us, we will possess.” Judges 11:23-25

For the rest of us that desire to see the kingdom of our God come on this earth, let us get to work as the Spirit of God leads. First and foremost receiving deliverance first in ourselves: ”let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1 

Here is a quote by the High Priestess (Madonna) a week before the Super Bowl. You can tell by her stage name that all ‘these things’ did not start today. It has been in the making for years! She who took a nation through some religious rites, initiation and activity. This was her statement about the spiritual importance attributed to the show. She said this on CNN the Anderson Cooper Show (for those of you that swear by that station)

“The Super Bowl is kind of like the ‘Holy of Holies’ in America. I’ll come at halfway of the church experience and I’m gonna have to deliver a sermon. It’ll have to be very important.”

Only one entity; God the Most High and Creator of heaven and earth dwells in the ‘Holy of Holies’. And by the blood of Jesus Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit do we dare to approach in awe-filled worship to the only One who is worthy. “That troublemakers have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods you have not known),” Deuteronomy 13:12-14

Wake up Church of Jesus Christ; there is war at your doorstep!!!“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Romans 13:10-12

Abraham was enjoying a beautiful summer day, basking in the goodness and faithfulness of God in his life. Some things he expected/ or thought God had promised, still had not come to pass or maybe they never would. Either way, today was a good day and he intended to soak in some sun. Suddenly three men appeared before him ( could it have been THE TRINITY!?). Immediately Abraham ran to greet them and did obeisance. I say his honest relationship with the LORD produced a godly familiarity that quickened something in his spirit, which made him react briskly and with respect. How many of us in this day and age will see three men at our stoop and run towards them to bow and tend to their needs. No, most will be dialing 911 talking about there are trespassers on my lawn. Little wonder God will not even bother paying such a visit.

Fast forward a bit, Abraham had fetched water and cleaned the feet of the travellers (a necessary and customary practice in the middle-east). Then he chose the choicest and best calf (think Abel’s offering) that he had, and got Sarah busy preparing food for the guests. So here was this patriarch about to feed the El Shaddai (Self-sufficient God) and tend to Jehovah Jireh, He who supplies the need of every living thing. God let him do what he felt he needed to do (Oh the patience and mercy of God). Just like God lets us exercise our flesh now and then, in the hopes that eventually we realize the full impact of who He is and what He can do. By any ounce of truth and repentance in us, we are supposed to submit to the work that was wrought  at Calvary. No, but there are still some that have the might and resources to present to a holy God. Jesus is not enough for them, they want Jesus and their works (agenda) too!

“Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will become like Sodom, the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a wasteland forever. The remnant of my people will plunder them; the survivors of my nation will inherit their land.” Zephaniah 2:8-10

Back to dear faithful Abraham, so while God enjoyed lunch by the Abrahamic ranch (I wonder if He swallowed), He told Abraham it was time to fulfill the long-standing promise of the heir of covenant. So imagine God looking face forward at Abraham while He spoke, yet having Sarah (who was peeking from behind) and her tired heart in plain view. Once again, God reiterated the fact that Sarah would be the one to give Abraham the heir of promise. We know the whole story,  Sarah giggled from disbelief and lied to God who had her very soul in His hands and so on and so forth. In the end God stated His point and got up to go. But that was not the reason He came in the first place. Sarah would have her baby, with or without the giggles. God just wanted her spirit lifted shortly before He came through with the promise for her. But what really made the Judge of heaven and earth come to lunch at His friend Abraham’s was to involve and inform him of what was about to go down. Most importantly, God wanted to create a window for repentance and mercy. He confided in Abraham His friend, knowing and wanting  him (Abraham) to cry out on behalf of the condemned city.

“And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that not one of them turns from their wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” Jeremiah 23:13-15

As Abraham bargained with God, God was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for the presence of at least five righteous men. Translation: today God was willing to pardon even for a trace (just a trace) of honest repentance. But in the end not only were they not five righteous (of which Lot barely made the cut), but the people of S & G (sounds like a clothing label)decided to violate the angels that came to give the city one more mercy call. Translation; the very people sent to warn the wicked, become a target of their wrath and unrepentant heart. What they were saying in actuality was; we are never going to stop doing what brought judgement to us in the first place, in fact we intend to put God in the mix. That would be my way, my agenda and Jesus too. Basically what they were saying to God was; you mercy my mess but I will not stop my plan and agenda completely for you.

“Their vine comes from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are filled with poison, and their clusters with bitterness.” Deuteronomy 32:31-33

The people of the city simply refused to honor any attempt by God to draw and have them  come humbly and honestly to His throne of mercy and grace. It meant that much to Him that is why He came in human form, then to Abraham, and now as Jesus Christ. It had to be their way and the fleshly glory and power they desired. The greed and craving for fame and ill gotten wealth would stiffen their neck permanently. Eventually and unfortunately, Sulphur fell from heaven and wiped out the city in judgement. Our God is still a consuming fire!

“I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the LORD. Amos 4:10-12

“If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;” 2 Peter 2:5-7

NB: Point of correction. I like to leave no stone unturned (it is in my spiritual DNA). That part about  Sarah and Hannah does not apply to me in any way and was never my call. Neither is it my portion and never would be. This thing that I am doing right here and now, that is my call and some. In fact God goes a step beyond human imagination for those that truthfully put His plans and His will first. He not only turns back time, He stops it from moving at all. From the moment I said: ‘your will Lord, not mine;’ time stood still. And it will not commence until… (that would be between me and the Ancient of Ages). The (mock) concern is greatly appreciated.

Oh the true benefits of abiding under the shadow of the Almighty.

“Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will become like Sodom, the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a wasteland forever. The remnant of my people will plunder them; the survivors of my nation will inherit their land.” Zephaniah 2:8-10

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”
Mark 9:41-43

Blessings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I received three links (!!!) to one sermon last night that I don’t care to be bothered with. I don’t know why it was sent and I do not want to know. With all due respect to the dear people who sent it, I know you meant well, but I really have moved on to real and redemptive stuff. It is time I wised up and sowed where I belong. I did not feel like writing anytime soon because I have been busy with other things, (namely last night). And I really did not want to off-set the flow of the article before this, but I guess I eventually have to at this point.

I notice that the rest of the world especially Europe invests a lot in prevention than in cure as in the saying; ‘Prevention is better than cure’. In North America; it is more like ‘I shall do what I want to do, when I want to do it and then when I am good and satisfied, I shall kick at the subsequent consequences.’ Well some times when you do decide to kick at the result of your actions, you might really harm and/or lose your toes. The scripture “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, has a deeply meditative quality. That means to some extent I put my self in my victims shoe, even if for a second and that slows the process of infliction. So next time we feel a need to be the barometer, of what is obviously out of our reach and influence (of which we once wished it was), let us ask ourselves if it had been ‘ours’ and us, would we still be this indignant and to some extent and in a different way do we not seek the same platitude?

Why should there be a problem, when some of us have achieved what we had hoped for, being inundated with our insecurities, intimidations and comfort people and zones. We surrounded ourselves with the people we were comfortable with and we could easily manipulate. Regardless of what God wanted and planned. Forgetting that He (God) is no respecter of persons and calls who He wants. We molded the house as it pleased us and as it was conducive to our flesh and pushed back God’s desire. Now we are shocked and slighted ‘that water has sought its own level’. Next time we feel a need to throw people out of their God-given ministry, so that our flesh is not overshadowed, and we ostracize and systematically usher them out of the house of God, let us remember that God was not slumbering, neither was He cheering.

I am not in the business of being entertained by what comes naturally to me or sitting muffled and bound when so much lies in me to do. I could not have been in the house of God tied up so that people can feel good about themselves when they feel they have me out-of-the-way. That attitude right there is a recipe for major deliverance and reeks of trouble. I do not see in God’s word where that was a workable formula. That is not my portion (mediocrity) and never will be. Maybe our own ‘doings’ have depleted the house of God and our ‘undoing’ will replenish it right back. Let God decide what He will do since His own house fights His gifts. As for the powerlessness of my wisdom and my ways (which are really not mine); my dears you are so mistaken:

“He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ Luke 13:31-33

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
Luke 7:33-35

And should indeed I be guilty of wasting my Fathers resources; I dare say we are all grounded till further notice. I feel a prophecy coming on now…

“So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on till she was brought back.” Numbers 12:14-16   ‘There will be no lasting progress or advancement untill God’s requirements are met. Remember these are the days of Elijah and Moses’.

Once again, my sincere thanks to those who sent me the sermon link, but I would like to move on in peace and less problems than the past has produced. I have had enough of the negativity and merry-go-round. Now I can be busy doing all the stuff that was deposited in me from the beginning of time and surrounded by people who actually recognize and appreciate it and can be blessed by it… I cherish your concern and embrace your care. But the ball cannot be in my court, can it? Ask God as you pray…

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
Matthew 11:18-20

UPDATE: Due to popular demand and response to this article, I will refrain from an update till further notice. Thank you for reading.

“For if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.” Job 32:21-22

The Lord woke me up about three o’clock (3 am) this morning and told me to write this blog. Not to say that He did not inspire the others (actually the uninspired ones never get published, simply because they never get written ). But something about this blog had the ring of urgency to it. Shortly after He put this particular one in my mind, He gave or reminded me of about four other ones. So by 4:30am this morning, my mind was churning, on fire and spewing words. But then again what is new? I thought you should know that the next one the Lord has me to write is entitled ‘TEN THINGS (And Counting) YOU DO NOT (But Should Actually) KNOW ABOUT ME”. I am going to need a ‘huge dose of grace’ to carry that one through but obey the Lord I will. Pray for me for the wisdom to turn a complex and complicated equation into a palatable and simple experience.

Alright, back to the blog at hand. But first and foremost, as always let us see what the Word of the Most high God has to say about this topic or rather the instrument used to perpetuate this situation: 

“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people”. Romans 16:17-19  

I asked a friend of almost twenty years (we met as infants ) to describe me with three words. Meticulous was one of the words she used and it included an intense attention to details. I won’t tell you what the other two words were, at least until the next blog. But I must say meticulous is right on the money. You can add to that squeamish and allergic to dirt! That was my only concern in ‘Medical School’. The text and written part was a breeze, bless God for the DNA and genes he graciously gave. However, I would often be found hyper-ventilating when some practical situations became too gruesome and messy. I envisioned a scenario, where I would have to bark orders to a specifically hired hand to carry out what was in my very saturated head. Once in the second year, I had, had one too many chopped off sections of the ‘cranial lobe’ (brain tissues) in my freezer as I studied the nerves. I told my daddy clipping and squinting at the nerves were getting on my nerves! He said rather than avoid the medical field completely, I could switch to Psychology. For now I will vacate that story and how it ended. But I will tell you that Psychology is a dear familiar, good friend and acquaintance of mine.

Two days ago a psychologist friend of mine, who used to be in the School System, but now has her own practice told me she was going to see a movie that was out and playing. This movie had to do with a child that was a ‘Sociopath’ and all the damages he caused. It had been highly acclaimed and very closely done to what actually transpires in real life. She shared with me certain things she had seen happen when she dealt with some cases in the school system. The sociopath was able to destroy relationships, break marriages apart (even their parents), set parents and children at each others throats, had bosses stalking workers, workers harming bosses and every heart wrenching evil you could imagine. And when all was said and done, they walked away ‘scott-free’ and on to their next victim. I flinched in disgust as she regaled me with tale after tale of deeds that lacked enormously in the conscience department. The sociopath lacked one thing that could even restrain a person without the Spirit of God from committing heinous crimes, a conscience.

That means they knew right from wrong, they could decipher what was evil and what was not. They knew certain actions could bear great and irreversible consequences and might even harm them and other people, but they went ahead anyway with their desire. It was always all about them at all costs. Here is what is most bone chilling and appalling, they do it all with the help of supposedly sane and normal people. The sociopath almost hardly displays a violent nature, in fact they are described as sweet and understanding. Part of their ploy is when a male; ‘explain or do it for me one more time.’ When it is a female; it is most likely ‘damsel in distress’. So the sociopath needs constant compassion and affirmation and every other person is the big bad formidable and unkind enemy. I asked my older friend to glean from her thirty years of experience and study how the sociopath was able to pull this ruse with the support of people who should have known better or been prepared after most had probably been burned many times before. She had one word; manipulation the sociopath told people what they wanted to hear and unbeknownst to them ( or maybe known), employed them for detriment and pure evil.

“With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.” Daniel 11:31-33

I said to my friend as she scurried to the cinema to see the movie, ‘this type cometh out only by fasting and praying in the Mighty Name of JESUS CHRIST!” Therapy would only put the desire for destruction to sleep till the next temptation arose. Shall we pray…?

Here are the words of a famous (non-religious) Psychologist; who wrote a very popular highly acclaimed book on this topic : “1 in 25 ordinary American has no conscience and can do any thing at all without feeling guilty. ‘Who is the devil you know’”. “The ruthless versus the rest of us: the Doctor (author) claims that 4% of the population are sociopaths who have no capacity to love or to empathise… The doctor (author) details the havoc the sociopath wreaks on unsuspecting individuals, marrying for money, back-stabbing co-workers, or simply messing with people for the fun of it.”

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, …” Hosea 4:5-7

It is imperative that we also know that we are not so special or cooler than the rest when the sociopath latches onto us easily than onto the others. It just means that they (the sociopaths) have discovered that we are gullible and we are the most convenient for their present messy situation. Also if I find myself as the sole consoler and frequent denominator for the sociopath when others have wisely pulled their bearings, please stand with me in prayer. This is not normal and it is not right. You can ask GOD Himself. You know what they say; ‘you fool me once you are stupid. You fool me twice then I am really STUPID!’ Which category do you fall in. Are you easily susceptible to manipulation? Then you also need God to deliver you from that need to be affirmed by a lie. What is it going to take for us to wise up? Complete destruction of our existence and God honoring reputation? This is serious my people, may the peace and discernment of God go with us all.

Now chances are you have not heard what you like or had your flesh stroked. But you have heard something liberating and enriching. That is how you know I am not a sociopath, and I with the Spirit of God wish that every person would rise up to their full potential and live a fulfilling life that brings glory and honor to our deserving Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Mark 6:10-12

“He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.”  Psalm 50:3-5

“Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him. Then he said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.’”  The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died. Then Moses said, “You have been set apart to the LORD today, for you were against your own sons and brothers, and he has blessed you this day.” The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”  The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.  Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”   

 “When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.  He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.”  He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.  … He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau:  two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,  thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys …For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.”  So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp. “

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.“

“While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him .” Matthew 27:18-20

 ”Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”

On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads.  Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors.  They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.

“On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,  I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist …I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves.  So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision;…A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.  He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.”…Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. …Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”