Encouragement

The Sign, not signs.

In Matthew 24:25, Jesus, warning the disciples of the end times, says, “Be Sober, Be vigilant.”

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

DECE’IVE, v.t. [L: to ensnare.]
To mislead the mind; to cause to err; to cause to believe what is false, or disbelieve what is true; to impose on; to delude.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Sober- of sound mind, or think soberly, serious
Vigilant- watchful, to avoid danger.

‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Whenever the end times, or last days, is spoken of in scripture, it is often prefaced with a warning of deception. Some form of the word deceive appears 75 times. Be on your guard against being deceived.

In the Jewish encyclopedia, 40 false Messiahs have been recorded in Israel since Jesus.

“And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Four examples of Jesus’ warning:

• Matthew 24:4 Take heed
• Matthew 24:5 shall deceive
• Matthew 24:11 shall deceive
• Matthew 24:24 shall deceive

First, signs and wonders alone cannot guarantee the truth is spoken. Second, even The elect, chosen, would be deceived if it were possible. God chose them, our security. It’s the greatest danger to threaten the believer.

Pilate says to Jesus, “What is truth?”

Three coordinates of truth:

• Jesus is the truth
• God’s word, the Bible, is the truth
• The Holy Ghost is truth

All three must testify the truth and agree.

Jesus again:

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

• Liberation Theology, Marxism, Revolutionary — use the poor.
• Eastern Guru and the New Age movement.
• Father Christmas, Liberal Theology, the Bible is not the word of God.

Pride opens the door to deception. Contention cometh before pride and pride before the fall.

The Lie. The first lie: “For God, knows that, in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be open, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” … ‘So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took off its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”

Flattery

“A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”

‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:6

God’s wrath comes on the deceiver and the deceived.

“and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

‭‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The love of the truth (agape)

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except their come, a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Falling away by believers who are deceived.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that do his righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

1 John 3:7

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers, lust and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Titus 3:3

How to be free from deception.

• “Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His “Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭25
• Humility & Fear of God. This is the beginning of truth. So many promises of God
• All scripture first before personal revelation.
• Focus on Jesus, Worship God, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Holy Ghost glorifies Jesus
• Leave the initiative to God. He will speak, He will lead you into truth.
• Beware of fantasy. Stay in scriptures, fascinate means to bewitched.
• Keep it simple and plain. KISS, Corey Ten Boom, keep it simple stupid.
• Exercise your senses, and discernment. Learn to discern between spirit and soul. Especially in worship.
• Last, cultivate love of the truth. 2 Thes. 2:9 Receive, Be lovers of the Truth. What is the truth?
• Prayer for the mercy of God. We need your mercy, we humble ourselves before you. We renounce any deception and lead us in your everlasting way.

This is from a Facebook post written by Jimmy Tommy Kumarluk.

The Old Testament is written by Moses and other prophets starting with Genesis and ending 400 years before Jesus. It covers creation the fall of man the flood of Noah, the covenant God made with Abraham to make him a great nation and bless the world through his promises son Isaac born from Sarah in their old age. Isaac has Jacob and Esau, Jacob became Israel father to the twelve tribes of Israel including Joseph who became leader of Egypt and saved his people from starvation. From the Tribe of Judah came the line of the messiah through king David, this genealogy is traced in the New Testament to Jesus in fulfillment of prophecy. The Old Testament has well over 300 Prophesies about the messiah that Jesus perfectly fulfilled including the place of his birth his ministry and the manner of his death by crucifixion, prophesied long before crucifixion was invented. The New Testament’s 4 gospels tell off Jesus ministry on earth as told by eye witnesses to the writers. Written down during the life of the witnesses. The book of Act’s is a continuation after the Gospel telling of how the Apostles (disciples of Jesus) recorded the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended into heaven, the early church was persecuted and spread throughout the world, The New Testament has letters written by apostles including Paul who has converted having been confronted on the road to Damascus by the risen Jesus, he went from being a persecutor of Jesus to his most famous apostles and wrote most of the books in the New Testament. The books explain how Jesus is the messiah how he fulfilled the prophecy of the Old Testament and proved he was God by resurrection from the dead. That those who believe that Jesus is Lord that he was raised from the dead and Confess with their mouth will be saved, All of the apostles except John died martyrs deaths never recanting their belief Jesus was God and that he was raised from the dead and would return. John wrote the book of revelation which is a prophesy of the return of Christ and end times.

The Old Testament was the scripture that they had in Jesus day that he read from in the synagogue. Together they are 66 books of our modern Bible. Written over thousands of years by many authors but with consistency throughout telling of God his creation and his plan to rescue mankind from sin through Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

God the Father promised Jesus from the beginning to save the whole world.

Genesis 3:15

How was the Father gonna send the Son to earth to take on the sin of Adam?. He must start with a birth line.

And get more specific about this predicted Redeemer and His birth line. God Promised a Redeemer from the beginning who will defeat evil from the line of Eve (Gen 3:15)

God chose Abraham and his line to bless to whole earth using His Nation. (Gen 12:3)… (But He must first build that Nation).

Jacob was chosen as the continuing blessed line, Jacob represents the Nation of Israel promised to Abraham. (Gen 25:23)

Out of Jacobs twelves sons, Judah was chosen as the line in which royal kingship was given. so only Judah’ line is to rule as king. Until the final promised king comes. And to Him will be the obedience of the people (Gen 49:10)

King David is chosen as king and His line is chosen in which the final King will come to rule forever and serve Him. (Isaiah 11/42:1-7)

King David acknowledges the Messiah, as His eternal King that the Father has appointed to rule in Zion (Psalm 2).. and acknowledge the Messiah as His Lord who sits at the right hand of His Lord in heaven (Psalm 110)…. He is expecting Him to come from heaven and take human nature to rule as King….

as the Prophet Micah said…the King to rule in Israel, “”He’s origin is from eternity””. (Micah 5:2).

From David’s line where is the promised redeemer from Genesis 3:15???….

NEW TESTAMENT.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1:32-33)

Jesus is the promised Redeemer and Eternal King. As prophesied by the ancient prophets.

Isaiah 7:14

14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel….(meaning: God with us).

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

“Emmanuel” is a title to describe who the child is.

The child bares the title “Emmanuel”.

He is God with us in human form. Coming to rule as King.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,
“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;
A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.
6 In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will dwell safely;

Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Daniel 7:13-14

13 I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

The Son of Man that is given all dominion comes in His Glory.

Matthew 24:30-31:

30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Matthew 25:31-32:

31 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the [a]holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

All Judgment has been given for Jesus to do.

John 5:21-23

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Matthew 16:27:

27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

God says He will sit to judge the nations.

Joel 3:11-13

11 Assemble and come, all you nations, And gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord. 12 “Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

Revelation 19:11-16

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

“And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.”

Revelation 13:5-7 NKJV

Make no mistake, the indoctrination of the LGBT movement confirms the last days that are coming on this generation. The world’s chaos is spinning out of control and making way for the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.

The judgment of God is upon us and the arrogance and God-haters are espousing such blasphemies and profanities as transgenderism becomes a destructive lie put on the children of our day. Not since legalized murder of children in the womb has the destroyer, Satan, declared such war on this generation of children.

The demonic lie told to Adam and Eve by Satan: “You too can be gods,” becomes “You can defy the Creator God and determine your gender.” “Male and female made He them” no longer determines who you are. The Sovereignty of the Almighty God has become null and void to so many.

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.”

Luke 17:26-33 NKJV

In this warning, we see the goodness and the severity of God. First Abraham beseeched God and negotiated with God from fifty to ten righteous to be found after the visit of the two angels who told him he was going to have a son. They were going to Sodom and Gomorrah to warn Lot and to destroy the wickedness there. God honored Abraham’s request for just ten righteous, but as the scripture said, the city turned out both old and young. Just in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, this unholy spirit came to Lot’s door, as it has for us, and called for him to give over the two angels who were with him. No matter how much he pleaded with them to go away and leave them alone, they continued to persist.

“Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house.”

Genesis 19:4 NKJV

The whole city turned out to do this wicked thing. It is difficult to fathom how the world, especially my nation, the USA, has gone down this path to judgment. We have turned our back on God and have embraced the spirit of humanism—we are our own gods. God is long-suffering and would that none should perish, but as in these days He has had His fill, He will not take anymore. His Sovereignty, as the Righteous Judge of all the earth will and cannot be questioned nor be unjustified.

-KC

Islam 635 AD
Gospel of John 100 AD

Some 535 years later, over five centuries, the Quran is written by Muhammad.

John was an eyewitness to Jesus’ coming. For 3 1/2 years he walked with him, talked with him, ate and drank with him, and witnessed Him as the Son of God. Seeing miracles and words of truth, hearing His teaching, watching Him defy natural law by walking on the waters of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus raised the dead and was raised from the dead. Was crucified, buried, and seen by John and the disciples after the resurrection.

John writes at the end of his book, “But there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, I expect that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” ‭‭(John‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬ ‭NASB2020)‬‬ So many things He did that libraries of the world could not catalog them.

Muhammad, the author of the Quran, says, “Jesus had not died before going up to God, nor will he die before the day of resurrection.” The interpretation by most Muslims is that Jesus entered heaven alive.

He entered heaven alive but as the resurrected Christ, the only begotten Son of God.

John, with Mary the Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene were there at the cross as witnesses of His death. They saw His suffering and heard His words spoken by Him. It is written that He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, just as He said.

For Muhammad, who was not an eyewitness, some six centuries later, to deny this overwhelming evidence proves without a doubt the validity of the Bible as fact and not fiction. The inaccuracy of the Quran and Muhammad’s writings concerning Jesus cannot be substantiated. The overwhelming number of eyewitnesses and the documentation written in the gospels, of Jesus’ life, cannot be denied, only believed.

-KC

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

““Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The name “Emmanuel” points to the prevalent biblical theme of God’s presence with His people. The idea of “God with us” is the embodiment of all of God’s promises to Israel and to all who will trust in Him. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost’s great love to be shared with created man and woman.

The Almighty God who has endured the continual sin and rebellion of man since the beginning continues to call him and make a way to be eternally united with Him.

In Genesis we see God coming down in the cool of evening to be with Adam and Eve. The scripture says they heard the sound of God walking in the garden to be with them.  We can see by God’s response that this was their time of fellowship with one another and it never had been missed.

The next question gives us insight.

God calls out, “Adam where are you?” Of course, He knew where they were, but a deeper question was heard by them. They hid themselves, for they were exposed and ashamed.  From that time on God sets out to redeem man and take back creation to live forever—We in them and them in us.  

Jesus makes it very clear that He is not leaving them as orphans. He is leaving for a moment, but, “I will come to you.” There will be no separation, but He will ask the Father to give you another Helper and He will abide with you forever. He will abide, He will dwell not just with you but He will be in you, and will remain. Just in the beginning of this chapter, Jesus says the Father is in Me and I am in the Father.  The Helper is promised by Jesus. He will be with us and in us, He will abide with us forever. Thus confirming the promise: I will never leave you nor forsake you, no never, and lo I will be with you always, even to the ends of the earth.

He, the Holy Ghost, like Jesus, is Emmanuel, God with us, forever. So we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, the sound from heaven, once again coming to earth to be with the new creation. Sons and daughters of God.  Receive ye the Holy Ghost!

-KC

When He, God the Holy Spirit comes, you will be endued with power.

One of the most revelatory insights into the Trinity and its oneness is Jesus’ introduction of God the Holy Spirit to His disciples. He leaves no doubt concerning who He is, His relationship to them, and what He will do when He comes.

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.”

John‬ ‭15‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV

Jesus begins by verifying who the Holy Spirit is coming from and the full agreement of the Father and the Son’s endorsement of Him as the Spirit of truth. This is a wonderful picture of the Godheadand their love for one another. This love, this oneness, is unmistakable and unfathomable. Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and Truth.” There is no greater promise given to us than the promise of the Holy Spirit. Flowing to us from the Father and the Son.

He is not an it nor is He a denomination. This is man’s attempt to indoctrinate and try to explain God to our intellect, our unrenewed mind.

Not to receive the Holy Spirit as God is very serious. We see in the early believers a stark example of how important it is to see Him as God.

The following passage proves the Holy Spirit is God.

Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.”

Acts 5:3–4

Peter is clear and it cannot be denied. Satan, the father of lies, has filled the heart of Ananias to lie, not just a lie, but a direct lie to God Holy Spirit. He is not an it. He is God the Holy Spirit, sent from the Father and the Son, as promised by Them as one.

Receive ye God, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth.

-KC

Mayday – Emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal, call recognized all over the world.

This morning I woke up to May 1, a holiday celebration for so many people. Then this distress call came to mind. I heard “Mayday Mayday Mayday” in the Spirit. If ever in my lifetime the world needed so much help it is on this May 1, 2023. When used it is to be said three times so there is no confusion as for the call.

For believers all over the world, our Mayday call is Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble.”‬‬ Jesus’ promise to us is that He will send another Helper—He—the Holy Ghost.

The world’s distress is becoming greater and greater, yet we who believe, our Mayday call is to the One who can only help us. Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Calling on our Helper, the Holy Ghost today.

-KC

Christian is only used three times in scripture. Jesus related to His disciples as followers. A disciple is one under the lordship of Jesus’ authority for discipline and to produce maturity.

The closer you get to Jerusalem the more powerful the religious spirit is—a form of godliness that denies the power thereof. It is amazing that the three major religions lay claim to Jerusalem and are centered in Jerusalem; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The word Christian has become a catch-all term bringing the scripture by men’s traditions to no effect.

Repentance comes before forgiveness and is to be preached: turn away from sin to receive forgiveness of sin. Turn from following the world, change direction (180), receive forgiveness and follow Him. The call to repent is how the spiritual distance between us and God is reduced and how we draw near to Him and He draws near to us. Some 46 times in scripture is the call to repentance. This is how faith—real faith—comes. By hearing the word of God, which is proclaimed first, then forgiveness, faith in God is revealed.

The mind cannot be opened to renewal without repentance, which is the first response toward God’s love for us. Hallelujah!

-KC

The Bible is not just a book with words on pages—ideas, stories, myths, or legends. It is the Word of God, written for our benefit to live life to its fullest.

Jesus, quoted the Word of God many times. Many times He would say to the Pharisees and Sadducees: “Have you not read?” In His confrontation and temptation with Satan, His one response was, “It is written.” He was quoting from Deuteronomy, confronting the three temptations. When it came to the devil and the religious spirits of the day, He did not engage them in debate or arguments; He spoke the written Word of God. The only way for us to deal with the tempter and his many temptations and schemes is to speak to him what is written. It is astounding to me that when Jesus spoke—it is written—the devil had no comeback, but tried a different way, intensifying his scheme. He was prepared to find a way to take Jesus out at any cost, to find a place in Him. Jesus, who is our example, demonstrated to us how to deal with the temptations of the devil. He simply spoke, confessed, believing the written Word of God.

In Hebrews, it is written that every Word is inspired, God-breathed, given to Holy men of old. Not just some of the words, not something that you can pick and choose according to our lifestyles. Every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God is to be adhered to, believed, and confessed. Let it be known to each of us that the Scriptures cannot be broken and only the traditions of man and his religious deceptions make the Word of God of no effect.

This is what Jesus spoke to the religious spirits in the leaders of His day. It is vital in every generation to receive, believe, and confess the Word of God that is able to bring us by faith into spiritual maturity—growing up in Him. Hallelujah!

-KC

“the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” – ‭I John‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The importance of walking in the light and fellowship—this is where the blood cleanses us from all sin. It is continual, the blood and fellowship, starting with the Father and Son, and our abiding in them.

Hallelujah for the blood.

Oh precious Is the flow, that makes me white as snow ❄️ no other fount I know nothing but the blood of Jesus.

-KC

Photo: “The Blood of Jesus Christ” by Thomas Hawk is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Our founder and president, Keith Curlee, is celebrating his birthday on April 6. Would you consider giving to the work of TMM for his birthday? He is currently ministering with our team in Lebanon.

You gift goes sows towards the Kingdom. From Syrian earthquake relief to Bible distribution in Pakistan, you reach nations and bring people the Gospel.

On my way today to the Middle East, beautiful Lebanon, for 54 glorious days. We covet your prayers and any word from the Lord for us. We are confident on the Helper, the Holy Ghost, the power off God and our only help and strength. For the Kingdom of God is in Him, and Jesus promised He would be in us and with us. There is nothing like doing the will of God, and being filled with Him, the Spirit of truth. What a wonderful life to walk in the spirit and with the people of God. Hallelujah, onward and upward. -KC

We are to trust in the Lord with all our hearts as the scripture says. In this passage, David gives us the truth and why we should. He says, “The Lord is good.” We have heard many times in songs, messages, and from believers, “God is good.” Yet when we face things that we see as trouble, we doubt and question. He goes on to say He is our stronghold in the day of trouble. 

STRONG-HOLD, n. [strong and hold.] A fastness; a fort; a fortified place; a place of security.

Webster’s 1828

We are His children protected and surrounded by Him as in a fort. A stronghold is a place of refuge. In another place it says that the righteous run into the name of the Lord, a strong and mighty tower. In the time of the settlements of the wild west, settlers lived outside of a fort and when trouble came they loaded up the wagon and took refuge in the fort. When we encounter trouble, we run to Him and take refuge in Him.  We keep putting our trust in Him and Him alone, knowing we are secure.

We can say we trust in the Lord with our mouths, but at the sign of any trouble do we take refuge in Him? Do we trust Him that He is providing us safety? He knows who trusts in Him by how we respond. We think of Him as all-knowing, but when it comes to trouble, doubts creep in and we do not always take refuge in Him immediately.

He knows if we say, “I trust you Lord, You are in control,” if our heart is all in trusting Him.

Trust Him with all your heart, all your mind, all your might, and strength…with everything in us.

Keep trusting Him. He that keeps us neither slumbers or sleeps. He is willing and able. Hallelujah!

-KC

The saints of God, not made or sanctioned by a religious system, or by works, are the believers of Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue. 

Paul addresses all of them in His letters. He writes to the saints in a particular region.

Today is Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrating his love and commitment to the Lord. The saints of God are our brothers and sisters born of the Spirit. Paul writes to all who are beloved, called saints. Those who have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are His saints. They are not made by man nor man’s criteria.

To be canonized, “CANONIZE, v.t. [from canon.] To declare a man a saint and rank him in the catalogue, called a canon.

Once again religion and man’s tradition minimize the work of the Holy Ghost in the people of God. Men like Patrick are saints without canonization, which creates a hierarchy and a spiritual class. There have been multitudes of great faith demonstrated by the saints of God. 

These are the saints of God. Hallelujah!

-KC

We are excited to share this report from Nuna at TM Lebanon. When you give to Syrian Earthquake relief here, 100% of the funds will be given to this effort.

 On the 6th of feb 2023, the day of the earthquake, as I was looking at the news that was coming out of Turkey and Syria, I watched with horror the destruction, the injured, the dead, and I thought, we should go there. We should help. When we shared that we’re going to go, I was pleasantly surprised that so many people wanted to join us in going to Aleppo. We formed a small group and started our drive towards Damascus as a first stop. We only took some baby formulas, some milk packs and some water purifiers tablets and filters and headed up the snow caped mountains on icy roads.

 We started off by going to Jaramana to visit the church there, the community center and learn how the earthquake impacted everyone. We met people who were displaced because of the war trying to gather from their little belongings to send to the earthquake area, we met people who are looking for ways to volunteer and cook for newly displaced families who are taking refuge in Jaramana. 

The level of fear and of despair was quite high. We spent the night in Jaramana in a convent where it was freezing cold, with no electricity, and no heating. The second day we rose up early to start our travels towards Aleppo. The drive is 4 hours and a half. The first major city we crossed was Homs and even after 8 years of being freed from ISIS, Homs is still a mix of death and life. Streets and whole neighborhood are still destroyed and the rubble has not yet been removed. It seemed like time was frozen there. 

We continued our drive from there and for more than a hundred kilometers we saw village after village along the way toward Aleppo completely deserted. Not a single soul was anywhere to be seen. Just grey cement houses with no doors, no windows, full of holes and completely inhabitable. These villages were taken by ISIS, people had to flee and fierce combats was happening there. If it wasn’t for the Russian coming to the rescue with airplanes, I think ISIS would still be there.

During this trip I understood so much of the refugees situation. The people who fled to Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. When I used to talk to some of them I would encourage them to go back and the common response is: “What will I go back to? My house is completely destroyed!” And now I can say that I am a witness that even if people really wanted to go back to one of those villages in the countryside of Aleppo, and even if they decided to repair their home, there is literally no one there. No electricity, no shop, no neighbors, no school, no business, nothing. The whole country is in need of rebuilding. Going on with our trip we reached the city of Aleppo. The city is divided between areas under the Syrian government and areas controlled by rebel groups. We were shocked to see that life is going on as usual for many of the residents there (restaurants filled with people, hotels filled streets crowded) though hundreds of thousands are homeless. On the night of the earthquake at 4:17 am everyone rushed to the streets in their pyjamas in spite of the rain and freezing cold . people took refuge in schools, churches, mosques. Then little by little people started to return to their homes if their houses were not too badly damaged. The destruction in the government controlled areas is not as bad as the one in the rebel areas. We could not visit those areas as we are forbidden to do so.

We also learned that the humanitarian aid is also not allowed to cross to the rebel area. People had to try to rescue family members with their bare hands, with no help, and no heavy machineries to support them removing the rubble. There is a lack of everything in those areas. Children do not have access to milk, food is extremely expensive and the level of destruction is quite high.

Most of the buildings that were destroyed during the earthquake were so because of several factors. The first is that the buildings were already damaged because of wars, missiles and bombs, the second is that because of economics, some people are now building with not enough steel or a very bad quality of cement, the third is that basic civil engineering principles are not put in place where some people chose to remove a pillar to get extra space or build a 3 story building when the foundations are designed for one.

This does not lessen the fact that hundreds of thousands are now left without homes and are depending on aids . We’ve seen people living on the streets and trying to warm themselves with a fire on the sidewalk, some who are living in the back of a van, some in shelters and schools and all suffer to survive.

One of the huge problems is the lack of fuel. People are allowed 20 liters every 25 days , and at a certain point in December, schools universities and administrative offices had to close down for a week for lack of transport. Electricity is rationed and people have 2 hours of power a day. On the brighter side we’ve also visited a communal kitchen serving 10000 meals a day. The communal kitchen has set their operations in the front yard of a cemetery. And we even got the opportunity to help out with the preparation of a meal. We also visited many churches who are doing an amazing job trying to provide for people, trying to provide a shelter, food, or any kind of assistance. The outcome that we came up with after assessing the ground is that the main need that is not really covered is baby formula, diapers, food and of course shelter.

We have made contacts with many people /ministers on the ground who are already working and we could partner with them to make those distributions to chosen beneficiaries. 

For those of you who would like to support the work in Syria please DO NOT SEND funds to the TRUST BRIDGE FUND as we cannot receive any fund that is assigned to Syria there.

However, TMM and pastor Keith has offered to receive funds for us that are assigned to Syria. These donations will be tax deductible. Please contact me directly for more information. 

Much love, 
Nuna 

The Promise of the Holy Ghost, the precious gift as prophesied by Joel, given by the Father and Son. In every generation I believe there is a Pentecost, as we are seeing, to your children and your children’s children.

He is poured out and the praises of the Father and Son are shouted and break forth in His people. Those who are thirsty drink from God’s eternal fountain where every blessing flows from the river of God. The songs of praises to our God cannot be contained. Streams break forth in our hearts — it cannot be contained. The heart is freed from things of the earth and ascends into Heavenly places.

What is happening in this time is what Peter said in his generation: “This is that which Joel prophesied.” Repent, be baptized, and receive ye the Holy Ghost and save yourself from this corrupt generation. Let Your fountain fill us to overflowing and flaming tongues break forth.

Thank you Holy Ghost for taking our hearts and sealing for thy courts above. Thank you Jesus for your continual promise. Keeping your word that endures forever to every generation.

-KC

We received a wonderful testimony of the power of God in demonstration from the team at Triumphant Mercy Lebanon.

My mom just got healed after four spine surgeries and chronic back pain. Jesus is the true healer — keep believing. Many people have witnessed this.

Recently a medical team from the USA was refused entry into Turkey. They had come to minister there with medical equipment and medicine. By the Sovereign leading of the Holy Ghost they met up with Triumphant Mercy Lebanon, Nouna and Nisrene, and the believers in Beruit. They set up a makeshift medical clinic at the center and began to minister medically to many people who came.

Nisrene’s mother, who has had multiple surgeries, and has difficulty walking, came to the center. While Dr. Sherry was caring for her she prayed for her. The Holy Ghost came on her and heard her. She jumped up and shouted for all to hear: “I’m healed, I’m healed!” She began to move about freely.

Nisrene was treating a Muslim lady who looked at her and said, “I want what she got!” Nisrene prayed for her and shared Jesus with her. Many people were prayed for and were asking to receive Jesus.

Hallelujah!

I received this wonderful Valentine Card from my beloved  wife Betsy. Maybe the most impactful card I have ever received. Celebrating our golden anniversary this year; 50 years with this beautiful gift from God. When I opened this card, I was overwhelmed with the simple truth — God is love — and the greatness of love.

It was not surrounded with flowers, birds, bugs, butterflies, hearts, hugs, and kisses. All beautiful expressions, romantic, euphoric, and sweet. This card gives us the truth concerning, “the two shall become one.” This is truly a picture of what the Scripture speaks of when it speaks of love as labor.

The architectural design of our faith, Jesus Christ our bridegroom, is love. Paul, inspired by the Holy Ghost, writes, “Love builds up, love never fails, love believes all things, and without love, who and what is being built is nothing.” Jesus, when asked what is the greatest commandment, replied, “Love the Lord thy God with ALL your heart, ALL your strength, and ALL your might, and your neighbor (is there not anyone closer than our wives) as yourself.

Love is not just an emotion, as Tina Turner sang, but takes strength and might. It is necessary to labor, or work. Our covenant is a continual construction zone, the process of becoming one does not have a completion until death doth us part. In our vows, “I will and I do,” commit us to do the work. Jesus says, I will build my church (bride), it will be built to last, nothing will prevail against it.

Betsy’s Valentine message to me: love is built to last! Maybe a good wedding gift to give to a bride and groom would be two hard hats. Caution, you are entering a hard hat zone. God at work, labor of love.

All things work for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His great purpose — work.

Thank you my beloved gift from God for your never failing labor love. I am yours and you are mine, everlasting in love. Hallelujah.

-KC

We are sending a team of eight into earthquake-striken Syria on Thursday, February 16. Please pray for their safety and the overwhelming emotions as they face the devestation and tremendous loss. We need the help and power of the Holy Ghost, to pray and provide as He directs. Hallelujah. -KC

The following is from a leader with Triumphant Mercy in Lebanon, Nuna Matar. Hear her heart for the people of Syria and Turkey. If the Lord moves you to give, please click the button below and donate. Write “Earthquake” in the notes. 100% of all money given will go to relief.

I am still waking up from the shock that the earthquake created. I am watching with horror all the videos coming out and for a time felt so helpless.

We did have our share of scares when everything around us was shaking but it is nothing compared to what Turkey and Syria are experiencing.

I wish I could be there, I wish I could help.

But then I realized I could! Maybe I can’t physically be there, but I can support the workers there; the churches there. So I contacted several of our friends in Turkey and in the churches in Aleppo and Latakia  and asked them what can we do.

So many people lost their homes and are taking refuge in a church, a mosque, a shelter, etc. and they lack everything. The main thing is heating. It is the worst time for the earthquake as temperatures are below freezing and people need fuel, blankets, coats, etc. Of course, they also need medicine and milk for babies. Really, there is much need.

Syria is already devastated by war and was struggling to even provide basic needs like bread. And now this catastrophe made the situation even more tragic and people are not able to cope.

How can Triumphant Mercy help? We have been working with Syrian refugees and churches in Syria for the past six years. We have people and contacts on the ground are are able to provide support and relief.

Will you give today and help us answer the call of the Lord to give and meet needs in this unfathomable disaster and unthinkable suffering?

Much love and thank you for all the help you are giving. Of course, we also need prayers because nothing is easy in this part of the world.

For Triumphant Mercy,
Nuna

Readiness – The primary sense is to go, move, or advance forward.

In the early 70’s when the book, “The Late Great Planet Earth,” was released by Hal Lindsey, the awareness of the return of the Lord Jesus was front and center. There was also a very popular song, “I Wish We’d All  Been Ready,” that accompanied the message throughout the world. 

Life was filled with guns and war
And everyone got trampled on the floor
I wish we'd all been ready
Children died the days grew cold
A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold
I wish we'd all been ready
There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind
A man and wife asleep in bed
She hears a noise and turns her head
He's gone
I wish we'd all been ready
Two men walking up a hill
One disappears and one's left standing still
I wish we'd all been ready
There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind
Life was filled with guns and war
And everyone got trampled on the floor
I wish we'd all been ready
Children died the days grew cold
A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold
I wish we'd all been ready
There's no time to change your mind
How could you have been so blind
The father spoke the demons dined
The son has come and you've been left behind
You've been left behind
You've been left behind
SONGWRITER: LARRY NORMAN

The back and forth between the coming of the Lord Jesus—how, when, and where—is not what Jesus is addressing. He tells His disciples the importance of understanding the gravity and the certainty of the Master’s return. The work of sanctification of the Holy Ghost is to make the Bride of Christ ready. Our willingness and being in a state of preparedness with the awareness of the Holy Ghost working in us is essential in these days. We are warned not to listen to those who say, “Where is your master, did He not say He was returning?”

I read this recently sent to me from a brother: “We can provide for present needs, yet fail to prepare for the future, or we can provide AND prepare.” Be not deceived God cannot be mocked, whatsoever you sow THAT you shall also reap.

Readiness is the word I am hearing entering into 2023. 

Hallelujah!

-KC