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Saturday, February 5, 2022

You Will Rise - Part ONE

 

This article is not part four of the Year of the Giant and Year of the Righteous, but one that has been impressed upon me to publish now. God is so good. I do fully intend to continue with the Year 2022 mini-series.  However, just a heads up that there will be a few things about 2022 that I will mention further on in this piece.

Hindrances

For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. [Rom15:22]

Hindrances and distractions can tie you down and hold you back from moving onward. And they surely have been happening at an amazing rate to countless folks!  Yes, it’s a given that these things can simply be a normal part of life. Yet we are not in normal times.

We take into account the ‘normal’ hindrances and obstacles in life, but when they come in like a flood, fast and furious, beyond normal measures, what is one to think?

Are these just part of what to expect as things in life accelerate and escalate? Are these things allowed by God as exercises and challenges that strengthen us to endure?

Is it to teach us deeper levels of trust and patience as we wait upon God to move on our behalf? Or are the hindrances, distractions and interruptions part of the enemy’s strategy and arsenal to wear the saints down?

It is getting harder to discern what is par for the course of life, and what is a spiritual attack. The lines between normalcy and what is a spiritual attack are becoming as blurred as the lines of gender. It is due to the escalating intensity of the clash of the kingdoms.

This is all part of the enemy’s last days stratagems and strategies. In the former, Satan and his evil legions plot by deception. Four times (for a man that did not waste words, four times means, ‘pay attention’!) in his speech on the Mount of Olives, Jesus warned heavily about deception in the last days, “[…] let no man deceive you.”

The counterfeiter/imitator Satan has vessels of dishonour that he uses to carry out his plans. His strategies are intended to bring in the Antichrist, the lawless one Satan chose “instead of” (anti) Christ. His stratagems are cunning, crafty and subtle as he wages war against God’s people, and against the remnant of the King.

Even still, there is always a logical explanation behind why God allows what He allows, but we may not always get the answer or understanding as to the ‘why’. And yes, that can be very frustrating, but it is where trust comes in (and patience).

Many saints say, “I won’t give glory to the devil”, meaning they either will not mention him at all, or they speak rarely of Satan, and downplay his influence, interference and rage that all of us will face in our journey homeward bound, that is, if our trip is long enough.

Those saints are loved and their position understood, but I do think they err on the side of their caution. It is true that Christ Jesus gave all true born-again Spirit-filled disciples, power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. [Lk 10:19]

And absolutely, God is Sovereign! He warns us about the adversary (Satan) and his legions (armies) of evil demons. He also gave us spiritual armour and reminders of who we are warring against, and how to overcome him. However, discussion of the enemy is not giving him glory. Ignoring something does not make it go away. 

I know that is a factual statement. I have some extra pounds that I have been ignoring, and they simply are not going away. If I chose not to talk about them, they still are there (sneaky buggers). 

However, if I confront them, and take God-given authority over those pounds (along with prayer and God's wisdom), aligning my faith with God's instructions, those pounds will have to flee... 

Of course, I'm being facetious, but it is a lighthearted way to prove that ignoring something does not make it go away - confronting opposition with God's wisdom and direction will always bring results. I hope that lightened up your day a tad.

New converts need to be made aware, and each one of us need to prepare because once we commit our lives to be disciples of Jesus the Messiah, we become large targets on Satan’s radar.

Each piece of our spiritual armour [Ephesians 6] represents Christ: salvation (helmet), [His]righteousness (breastplate); truth (belt); gospel of peace (shoes), shield (faith in Jesus) and sword (Word of God, to which Jesus is the Word of God that came in the flesh). With and in Messiah Jesus, we wage war against the adversary and his evil hordes. [Eph 6]

These hindrances and distractions have been coming particularly fast and furious this past week; in ways and from people that simply cannot be ignored (landlord, family, medical sources, other business matters, etc). These must be addressed.

The fact that a few others have mentioned the same happening with them acts as confirmation to me that I am to move forward with testimony. It is helpful to hear from others. It keeps us in the loop, helps us balance everything.

Transparency

Transparency’ was a word that came up one time with a group of us a couple of years ago. We had been discussing the importance of ‘accountability’ and ‘responsibility’.  Are these three things intertwined in our words and deeds, and if not, why not?

Transparency must be genuine, not fabricated or counterfeit, in order for the other two to be properly applied. Jesus came against the Pharisees because they prayed publicly, but privately they secretly devised plots, and hid their agendas, ever seeking power, control and money.

Their transparency was counterfeit. It was fabricated, that is, concocted for public approval. Their hearts were cold and calculating in reality, yet they presented themselves as good and pious men. That was only one reason Jesus (Yeshua) called them hypocrites, along with a few other ‘choice’ names.

Testimony

And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me. [Acts 22:18]

Those were Jesus’ words to Paul the apostle. Be assured that there will be times our witnessing concerning Jesus (that which He has done for us) will not be accepted, or the giving [sharing] of it will be critiqued. Let it not sway you, my friend.

Whether a critic speaks from their flesh (their carnal nature), or whether the devil speaks through them, do not allow words to darken or cover up your light. Shine forth brightly so that Christ may be glorified through you.

Around the world, in many different countries, there are people who continue to be a bold witness for what is right. When it comes to the kingdom of God, multitudes of all ages testify to what Jesus has done for them. Some do so under threat of arrest, losses, torture or death because they know this world is not their home.

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I AM not of the world. [Jn 17:14- words of Messiah]

So, let us encourage one another to go forward with renewed strength and boldness (in Jesus) because people need to hear the voices of witnesses such as yourself as a testimony to God’s mercy, grace and goodness. People just like you, like me, like many others…

People have said it a thousand times and it’s true that everyone does have a story, a testimony. Down through the corridors of history the stories of others are recorded who testified of incredible interventions of God, documented miracles.

The Bible is the chief source of such records, but there are thousands of other books that testify of Jesus and of His works. Scripture explains why we do not know everything that Jesus/Yeshua did in the short time that He walked upon this earth.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. [Jn 21:25]

Testimony: Greek, martureo – [1] to be a witness, to affirm and share that one has seen, heard or experienced a thing, or it was taught by divine revelation/inspiration [2] testify, utter honorable testimony [3] give a good report

Source: BibleStudyTools : Greek Lexicon based on Thayers’ and Smith’s Bible Dictionary – public domain

Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength. [Is 40:28, 29]

And you are witnesses to these things[Lk 24:48]

Examples:

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. [1Pet 5:2, 3]

When we carry on faithfully, year after year, people will see consistency. Yet, they should also witness growth. We make mistakes as we learn, which we correct. Some are embarrassing mistakes, nevertheless, we all make those kind too. 

That being said, we only learn of such mistakes through the genuine transparent ones (unless one is there to personally witness such a mistake, or suffered the consequences of it). 

Most of us do not care to err in ways that hurt, offend or do any kind of harm. However, when we do, we [hopefully] learn from them, so as not to repeat them. Then, we keep moving onward, ever-growing, ever-changing.

Is it not true? In hindsight, we will see the difference in ourselves. Our desire is that people are drawn to Christ through such changes. Every day we learn from others, of all ages. We learn from nature and animals. We learn from everything in creation.

We learn until the day we die, unless there are serious circumstances that prevent us (brain injury, diseases, comatose, handicaps and disabilities and other such valid reasons). We need not fear that God does not take such things into account. He certainly does. He is full of grace and mercy, but also full of understanding and justice.

We are examples, whether we intend to be or not. As disciples of Christ, we long to be good examples. However, the Bible also gives us plenty of bad examples, what not to do, or how not to be.

That does not mean we are expected to be perfect, without flaw or error. Only Jesus was able to accomplish that. Our heart's desire is to reflect Christ, to honour him. I have shared before that when the Word of God instructs us to be perfect, in the Greek, it means: whole, mature, complete.

Shine Brightly

Some will shine brighter than others; that is just the way it is. The Bible speaks of the varying light between the sun, moon and stars. Yet, think upon the one who created all. He is the one who sees the heart; who understands us even better than we understand ourselves.

Yes, we are told how we will shine to the glory of God (Adonai) through Yeshua, our righteousness.

Then, the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who has ears to hear, let him hear. [Mat 13:43]

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. [Dan 12:3]

(Some might ask, "Yes, but is that for today, our time now, or was Daniel speaking of Jesus and His apostles, those times?" Daniel was speaking of the last generation, my friend…our generation.)

But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

And he (angel) said, Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed til the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. [Dan 12:4, 9-10]

Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, I AM the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. [Jn 8:12]

That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; [Phil 2:15]

So yes, we who are His shine His light, some more brightly than others. If we are too hard on ourselves, He proves to be gentle and kind, instructing us in the way we ought to go and to be. Nevertheless, if we pamper ourselves or are too easy on ourselves and walk in arrogance and pride, He knows how to humble us, to correct and discipline us.

We are His if He does that; otherwise, we are bastards and not sons. [Heb 12:7, 8] A thousand times His children are relieved to be handled as His children, even in the harsh times of discipline. Even then, we are aware of His deep love. It may be so uncomfortable we squirm. We may even whine a little and pout, but deep within, and so much further on up the road, we are grateful that He loved us enough to correct and discipline us.

His wisdom and understanding are far beyond ours. Yet it is written for us to ‘get wisdom’ and to ‘get understanding’. Where do we get it? Why, from Abba, our heavenly Father of course, through His Spirit and from the very Word that exhorts us to do so. We are accountable to Him.

But we also have to be humble enough to learn from teachers, preachers, and other brethren. I cannot emphasize enough how we are to learn from each other, God’s perfect plan, for us to grow and function as one unit, one Body in Christ, in one spirit, one accord.

Yet stay unique to the way God created you, and do not try to be someone you are not. We are to molded into Christ Jesus' image, not the image of someone else. 

We strive for the eternal, not the temporal [2Cor 4:18] Do our words align with our actions, our walk, our talk? They will if we are ‘for real’ (genuine, sincere). Are we consistent? It takes time to see these things, but even the critics will see, if they stay around long enough.

Sometimes we all take three steps forward and two back (sometimes three back, wait a moment to regain our composure, making others wonder if we are treadmilling [going nowhere fast]), but we rise again and press onward – part of learning and growing.

The Holy Spirit always gives us warnings if we fail to see that we are straying. He is faithful and will not allow temptations that we are not able to escape. He promises that He will make a way so we can handle it. [1Cor 10:13]

Running the Race

We are running a race and doing our best to keep pace. We learn to forget those things which are behind, reaching out to those things that are ahead. We are pressing on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [Phil 3:13, 14]

There are times where it may seem like a 50-yard dash, where we accomplish much in a short period. Those are joyous victories! Other times, it is like a relay race, a real team effort. We run with others, and pass things along to each other, inspiring each other to press on, to go forth, running toward Yeshua, our Jesus.

Then there are those seasons in life where it seems like we are running in a never-ending marathon. We start off eager and run well, with strength and determination. We do our best to hold steady, but further on, obstacles begin to get in the way, slowing us down.

We deal with them and move on past them, regaining composure and speed. Until…the uphill treks, which seem long and arduous. The race started out in fair weather, but we can run into a blinding, violent storm.

Like Peter, we may cry out, “Lord, save me.” Our Jesus (Yeshua) will firmly grab hold of us, without hesitation when we cry out, yet He will gently scolds (rebukes) us. “O ye of little faith, why did you doubt?”

We want to trust, so we step out in faith, then our logic kicks in as we look around, seeing and hearing, and doubts set in, which leads to fear. “Save me Lord – don’t leave me here like this!”  When darkness falls, we need His light to guide us. If we try to find a shortcut, we can go off course, which can really set us back.

The race can be a lengthy and hard one.  In the longest runs (trials/hardships), even the mightiest will begin to weary. In those weak moments, we watch others pass us by. We began so positive, even though we knew the race would be a long and difficult one, we were confident that we could meet the challenge. Even wearied and fatigued, we run determined.

As time progresses, as our strength begins to wane, we begin to wonder where the finish line is and how much further we have to go. In the spiritual race, remember, the Coach runs alongside us. He will restore our confidence, even when we must lean on Him for strength; He gives it.

There are times He may have to carry us, and we may not even know it. That happens to most of us when the race is herculean, toilsome and long-lasting. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion.

I think I can...I think I can...
I knew I could...I knew I could...

He is the Coach that encourages, instructs, disciplines (corrects); He cheers us on, assuring us He has not forsaken us, but that He has been and IS running right here, right along with us! Faithful Comforter and Teacher!

He reminds us that “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us, and nothing [but nothing…NOTHING] can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ our Lord.” [Rom 8:37-39]

Run the race; shut out the voices of the naysayers, the accusers, the discouragers, and all those, whether in the flesh or in the demonic realm, who long to see us quit. My friend, do not quit! The finish line is just ahead…run with hope and confidence. He speaks in the now.

Even through a stranger, right here, right now; do not give up, my beloved. Remember, You are of God; He is for you, not against! [Rom 8:31] He is an ever-present help in trouble. [Ps 46:1]

Who Dangles that Unreachable Carrot on a String?

It was very recently said that: “[…] people feel alone in their trials because they do not broadcast their suffering, and so they just suffer alone, where others don’t see.”  Broadcast their suffering” was stated as if the sharing of a testimony was a negative, self-seeking act.

What would cause someone to have a disdain for testimonies? Is not the very Word of God (Holy Bible) filled with the most astounding testimonies? Do we not read about the strengths and the frailties of forerunners, as well as the wickedness of mankind’s sinful nature?

Yet, are we not awestruck by the examples of God’s grace and mercy upon mankind, and His willingness to forgive sins? When a testimony is timely and addresses the very situation that we find ourselves in, are we not inspired?

When others accomplish things that we only dared to think of, does it not give us courage? It is said that courage is contagious. Well, it certainly is inspiring and strengthening! Do such things not offer hope to the hopeless, and comfort to the downtrodden? They do.

Do the godly examples that many set before our eyes not shift our attention toward the heavens, and toward the Saviour of mankind?  Have not certain examples moved us, even perhaps challenge us to seek God and to pray (cry out)? Do they not stir us, and often change our perspective, helping us to see from a different angle?

Does not the Spirit of God draw us to repentance quite often through testimonies and examples? Let us love one another by humbly continuing to share testimonies that expose our weaknesses, true, but more importantly, show the one and only way to eternal life? Do such testimonies and examples not glorify Christ Jesus?

We see that His arm is not shortened that He cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that He cannot hear. [Is 59:1] We learn that sin separates us from God. [vs 2]

At one time, our lips spoke lies; we muttered perverseness (or thought or saw it). We all have embraced vanity, lies, mischief and sin, even if in secret or minute portions; a part of our fallen nature. Did we plead for truth and justice in those times? [vs 4]

I can tell you that the testimonies of others, and/or their examples have stirred me to repentance on various occasions regarding different things throughout my walk. To stand as a witness for Jesus/Yeshua is an honour – transparency is honoured and appreciated.

Be encouraged to share your testimony when the opportunity arises. You could bless others in ways I never could, and vice versa. It is one reason we are called a “body”; we each have a separate and unique part to carry out.

One part of the Body may be able to accomplish things or reach people that another part may not be able to. It all works together, like a machine. All a part of God’s perfect plan.

You do not know who you may help, but the Lord knows. You may never know who you helped until the day that Jesus hands out the rewards to His faithful ones, and you may end up with an armful of crowns to throw at the King’s feet.

He who orders our steps will lead us to help others because loving God and loving our neighbour (others) are the Creator’s heart (two commandments Jesus spoke of, because in doing just the two, you will cover all 10. Selah).

When a (proverbial) carrot is dangled in front of you (something that will personally tempt you), the purpose is to keep you going in the direction that the person dangling the carrot wants you to go. It is to entice you to follow their lead. Stand your ground. Do not give into temptation.

Banner of Hope

Perhaps the person who thinks one is broadcasting their suffering was once hurt by someone when they shared their own testimony. Perhaps someone twisted their testimony and turned it into a lie. Perhaps they condemned them, using their testimony to dredge up shame or guilt.

Unfortunately, that does happen sometimes, but please know that if that happened, it was wrong and not of God, whether that person spoke from their carnal nature or whether a demon spoke through them, like Satan spoke through Peter one time (to Jesus).

What is repented of is covered by the blood of Jesus, who sacrificed His life for the redemption and forgiveness of sins. [Heb 9:22] The Lord will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. [Micah 7:19]

If such injury was done to you, I urge you to work through such wrongdoing to the point where you can honestly forgive them and release it into the competent hands of Jesus. In so doing, that same forgiveness will destroy any bitter root. All bitter roots die, when utterly saturated in the sweet waters of forgiveness.

OLD ADAGE: Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.

Although this is often credited to Mark Twain, investigative ‘quote sleuths’ are still searching for the original source. It has circulated many countries, with the kind of flower often being changed to rose or lily. (I treasure this. It is easy to understand and envision -BP)

Read All About It

I am going to share a story that I try to remember whenever negative opinions or comments come my way or are presented to others. It has likely been around for centuries, but I enjoy telling it. There are multiple versions, and it is repeated in many countries, in various languages.

However, despite the fact that there are often slight changes in characters, places or dialogue, the moral of the story remains consistent. Yet this story helps put naysayers and their words in the right perspective, and keeps it all in balance.

It was simply called, The Old Man, The Boy and the Donkey. I heard it as a child, when I was growing up. Many others have also heard the story, but not all have… Let’s either stir up memories or make them, shall we?

I will give the condensed version (meaning the “dialogue part” will be simplistic). Hopefully though, I give ample details to make it intriguing enough to get the reader through to the end of the story, to present the moral.

The Age-Old Story for Critics

An old man, a boy and a donkey set out on a journey that would take a good part of the day to finish (some stories say that they set out from home in the country to the marketplace in the city). The old man set his young grandson upon the healthy donkey and walked alongside as the two casually talked.

When they came to the first town, they began to hear the people grumbling. “Look at that selfish young boy making that poor aged man walk. He will wear out his shoes, poor soul. Shame on that boy!”

The young grandson did indeed feel ashamed for he loved his grandfather. He quickly dismounted and urged the reluctant old man to mount the able beast. When he got up on the donkey and the young lad walked alongside, then the people were content.

They journeyed onward. After a time, they entered the next town along the way. The murmurings of the people arose up again. “What a heartless old man! Look at him riding all comfortably. The poor lad looks exhausted.”

Feeling guilt and shame, the old man slid down off the donkey. Then the people were content. Once outside of town and after a short talk, they agreed that they both should ride the healthy, strong donkey.

Everything seemed to be going along splendidly. They had stopped and fed and watered their beast and refreshed themselves too. Then they continued on their way and soon arrived at the third town.

People were frowning and shaking their heads. One loud voice rose up. “Look at those two cruel masters, making the poor beast carry them both. Look how dusty and sweaty he is. Heartless sods.”

The grandfather and young boy looked at each other. They both silently dismounted. Once again, the people looked smug, satisfied as the two passed by with the donkey following closely behind them.

They finally decided that they both should walk. They were confident when they walked into the fourth town, but it did not last. “What a waste of a good, healthy animal. Is it not called a beast of burden? How wasteful, how foolish.”

By this time the grandson and old man were exasperated. Nothing seemed to please the people. Finally, they coaxed the beast to lay down upon its side, and gently they tied its feet to a pole and carried the animal.

Surely that should shut the mouths of the naysayers. The donkey would be under no strain or neglect at all. He would not be burdened with any weight. However, that logic was quickly dismissed because the fifth and final town was the worst.

When the people saw them approaching with the donkey tied on the pole, they began criticizing and accusing the old man and the young boy. “What kind of people are you? Do you plan to roast your donkey like a pig, you savages!?” a loud voice yelled out.

That stirring accusation enraged the people, and before either of the two could make an explanation, the people picked up stones and began throwing them at the old man and the young boy.

Dodging as many stones as possible, the two ran as fast as they could out of town until the last person gave up on chasing them. Winded and gasping for air, the two plopped themselves down upon the hard ground. They loosed their pet donkey from the pole, watered and fed her.

They had no reasonable options left. They had to return home, but the only way was back through the same towns. They finally decided to bang on every farm door, until finally, they found a farmer who bought their beast to use for plowing. How sad their donkey was as she watched them walking far up the road, leaving her behind. What had she done wrong?

On the return trip, the old man and young boy were not even noticed by the same people that had hurled stones at them, or those who had snarled at them when they walked through town with their donkey. Not even one person recognized them. The two returned home empty-handed, having lost their loyal worker, their much-loved pet.

They learned the hard way that it is not possible to please everyone. They managed to keep their sanity, but they lost greatly in the end.

Moral: Everyone has an opinion on how you should walk through life. There will always be naysayers (those who have nothing positive to say about you or what you are doing).

It is not possible to please everyone and if you try, you will come up empty. If we choose to please people rather than God, we lose.

If we lack wisdom, we are told to ask of God, who will give to us liberally, without finding fault. Wisdom shall be given. [Jam 1:5]

Seek God, surrender all.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. To what advantage is it to a man, if he gains the whole world and lose himself, or be cast away? [Lk 9:24, 25]

NO RUSHING

Errr - I 'am' hurrying. What's the rush?

Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication (humbly/earnest petition), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [Phil 4:6, 7]

Straight forward, practical advice, with a splendid promise. …but there are times that not getting upset and concerned can be a real challenge. In other words, when certain things present themselves, bringing it to God may not be the knee-jerk reaction it should be. Emotions, such as anxiety and/or fear can interrupt our thoughts to pray.

In today’s fast-paced society, if one has a blog or a news site, or if one posts videos, and they fall behind, chances are they will lose people that they had hoped to reach. Things move quickly these days. Posters can get anxious if things prevent them from keeping up with regular posting.

Something that just happened can be old news within hours, then folks want updates, updates, updates. We are the “need to know” generation. But what happens if you are a one-person team and illness strikes, or for a reason that has yet to be explained, chronic fatigue slows you down, or other unexpected, unpreventable challenges cause productivity to proceed at a snail’s pace?

Of course, we come to the point where we do pray, but what do we do when even answers seem delayed? What if the delay is about learning patience (“Yes Lord, I learned it now…can you answer already please?” [‘impatiently’ asked])

If obstacles or hindrances slow us down, and things are accomplished at a snail’s pace, or as quickly as the proverbial turtle (who, by the by, still managed to beat the arrogant rabbit in the race), will we panic and try to rush?

If we fall behind, we fall behind. Yet, we still press on, resigning from all fear and angst, and truly trusting God with the outcome of things. God’s will will be done no matter what. Holy Spirit, help us to remember to pray because we know Abba hears us.

He will balance everything out and bring us into perfect alignment with His will, if we can but have faith and trust in Him. He is excellent at orchestrating everything. Sometimes, I wonder – in the times we are learning patience and endurance, does the Lord hear millions of earthly voices simultaneously asking Him: “Are we there yet?”

Trusting God in the Hardest Tests

What if trust is being tested at the highest level?

Remember Job? Festering with pus, painful sores that caused him to scrape himself with potsherd (broken antique pottery fragments). [Job 2:8] He had to be making it worse with the scraping, but somehow there had to be some kind of relief too, or else he would not have done it.

Satan had Job in dire straits. The devil increased the pressure and stress to maximum levels. He was forbidden to kill Job, but he brought Job as close to death as possible, inflicting pain and misery at unbearable, torturous measures.

If that was not enough, he brought four of Job’s friends to him, three of whom would accuse him of some secret sin, or for being punished over some iniquity. Bit by bit, Job began to slowly crumble as the trial and time wore on, and with relentless pain and oozing sores.

He was so changed physically in the test that his friends did not even recognize him at first. In the seemingly never-ending trial, Job began to question God. The pain was too much, for too long. The disease horrific. The accusations from friends were a different sort of agony.

Job did weaken mentally, emotionally and physically, who wouldn’t? Yet even still, he held fast to faith, trust, integrity and patience in God…even if it was as a grain of mustard seed.

What about Abraham when he was told to sacrifice Isaac? He trusted that God would fulfil His promises to him (he would be the father of many nations). Even if the promise meant that God had to raise Isaac back up from the dead.

Abraham held fast to his faith, integrity, patience and trust in God.

Then our turn comes. We too will be tested; our faith, integrity, patience and trust will be tried. The great testing, the heavy trial for both of these men was difficult. Job lost everything, including all ten of his precious children (seven sons, three daughters), all his servants, all of his hundreds of livestock and all material possessions.

Some testify today that they too lost everything at one time – wife and children, marriage dissolved, possessions, work, everything gone. But Job also lost his health to such an extreme that he was unrecognizable to his friends, and as close to dying as possible.

Pain that is constant and persistent will slowly begin to break down even the strongest of souls. Losing a loved one can devastate a person; one can barely fathom how Job felt when all ten of his grown children were killed.

After Job lost his health, and everything was stripped from him, his wife asked him if he still held fast (retained) his integrity. She exclaimed, Curse God and die! It sounds harsh, cruel even, but people forget that she too had just lost all 10 of her children.

Job understood that that his wife was beside herself in grief. That is why he said that she spoke as a foolish woman. He knew nothing made sense to her either and grief had absolutely crushed her spirit and will to live. Imagine, all ten children – gone in an instant.

Yet he not only loved her, he loved God more. So, he challenged her by asking if they should only receive good from God, and not evil. Job’s words were not considered sinful, and nothing more was mentioned about Job’s wife. Later, Job had 10 more children, so when the trial was over, God blessed his wife as well.

It is difficult to stay strong after months, or an indefinite amount of time filled with constant pain and misery from disease, especially when there is no end in sight. 

Oh that I was as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; When His candle shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness; [Job 29:2, 3]

So, Job definitely was in agony for months, but exactly how long he suffered is not revealed. The Bible is silent about what the time frame of Job's trial was. 

Even months of daily, never-ending, excruciating pain would break most of us. Satan was applying the maximum worst he could to Job, without killing him. And we all know that Satan is without compassion, full of hate, and hungry to devour like a roaring lion.

How long would we last? Would we hold fast to our integrity? Could we wait patiently for it all to end? Some suffer with daily pain even in these times. The degree people suffer with pain varies, but there are those whose pain is so excruciating they are put in a drug-induced coma. Job did not have that option...he had to go through it alone. 

And God was silent...  [Hard to fully imagine Job's suffering, yet even still, thank God for the example He gave us through Job because millions upon millions (if not billions since the beginning) could certainly relate in varying measures to Job.

Do some of you find yourselves in that place today? You don’t want to murmur and complain, yet you must let God know where you are at. Death seems to be the only logical relief from pain, yet you hold fast to the hope of healing. “How long, Lord…how long will the enemy triumph over me?”  

Hold fast, saint of God! The end is closer than you think…the finish line is just over the horizon.

The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. I shall not die but live to declare the works of the Lord. The Lord has chastened me sore: but He has not given me over unto death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord: [Ps118:16-19]

The ways we are tried today within our individual cultures and societies is different in how God allowed testing back then, mostly due to changes and laws, but our hearts, and faith and trust will be tried. He is allowing heavy things to happen that will test us.

I warned friends in a group, beginning a couple of years ago, that the Lord was/is allowing the trying of hearts, but it was not taken to ‘heart”, if my meaning is understood. This will be explained further on in the Year of the Giant and Year of the Righteous series. It has already been mentioned in part one, but it is applicable to 2022! Keep that in mind, saint.

This is on a global scale because the remnant are scattered around the nations of the world. The trying of the hearts will not be how we expect it. And most certainly, it will not be in a way that we would choose. Yet guaranteed, the testing has been and is indeed happening.

Many have often said that it is when the pressure and stress are really applied to us that we find out what we are really made of. There have been times I have not been pleased with how I handled a matter. In fact, it disappointed me. I pray that with God’s help, I have learned, grown and changed.

The problem is that we all think we will be cool under pressure. But I think it depends upon the people (is trouble arising amongst friends or loved ones, or strangers), and upon circumstances (how close to home does it strike? Will it affect our loved ones?)

Yes, we all want to believe we will be as cool as cucumbers, but that is not always how it goes. May God help us through His Holy Spirit to remain faithful to Jesus, without violent retaliation or anything that would grieve the Lord in any way, but to stand bold and strong for that which is right and true.

Yahweh’s thoughts and ways are not like ours. It is yet just one more reason why we are dependent upon Him and need His guidance continually.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. [Is 55:8, 9]

For you see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. [1Cor1:27-29]

2022 – 5872

The Gregorian year 2022 is the Hebrew (Jewish) year 5872. The Hebraic year began September 6, 2021 and continues until May 19, 2022.

The year 5872 adds up perfectly to 22: [5 + 8 + 7 +2 = 22]

Year of the giant = the Goliath of 2022 is fear (a spirit of fear will torment multitudes globally), being the ‘Goliath’ sweeping over the minds globally.

In Part two of the Year of the Giant and Year of the Righteous series, I tell of the dream I had with a giant, an unseen giant who remained hidden – but the shoes he left in “plain sight” were size 22. I had no idea at the time why that size or its meaning.

This year (and onward), most who are fearful will not know it because this giant remains out of sight [hidden in the shadows of a soul]. Only confrontation draws this giant out – countless this year will fight more fear, (as it grows in stature), including a number of Christians not yet perfected in God’s love (more on this later in the mini-series)

When people are in fear, they are easier to control and to manipulate. Government leaders know this. This evil spirit (of fear) has the ability to provoke violence and much more.

Goliath had four brothers (some scholars claim three). The ‘spirit of fear’ is accompanied by other ‘giants’, but who are these companions? Who sends them? First clue. They are not of God. Persecution’ will be one [giant] of the companions. Violence is another.

It is written:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of sound mind. Therefore, be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; [2Tim1:7, 8]

A Giant Versus a Shepherd Boy

A search revealed that most sites claim Goliath had four brothers. Some scholars claim that is why David picked up five stones, one for Goliath, and one for each of his brothers, if they retaliated when David slew the giant. It seems to be a debated topic.

Ishbibenob [2Sam 21:16], Saph [vs 18], Sippai [1Chron 20:4] and Lahmi [vs 5]

These are said to be referring to brothers of the giant Goliath the Gittite (an inhabitant of Gath in ancient Palestine, one of Philistines’ major cities).

These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. [2Sam 21:22] 

[1Chron 20:8] says the same, without numbering the giants

The Lord impressed the following upon me in December, 2021. It is posted in Part 1 of the “Year of the Giant and Year of the Righteous”:

[Excerpt]

This is the message I was given, all glory to God alone:

• the year of the giant, both in the spiritual and in the physical; both for the good and for the evil. There will be things that take place which will be giant (gigantic) in proportion, meaning things too big to ignore – too massive to forget.

These things shall happen (and are happening) on a global scale in the global arena; however, as far as where, what and when, it is entirely in God’s (Adonai) hands, for He alone is the Sovereign God. He gave us His Word to read and follow.

[End excerpt]

Freedom 2022

Working on this article has been extremely long, but searching for truth and facts are not as easy as it once may have been. I am already at over 29 pages and still not quite done, so I have had to come back and update certain parts; however, I cannot redo all of what I have already written. It would take far too long, so if there is repetition, this explains why. I began right after posting the last article - but well, all is in God's hands.

Sabotage – a word that has been upon my heart for almost a week now. I am doing my best to get this article out…fighting chronic fatigue.

The Freedom Convoy 2022 left BC two days after the above was posted (about things that would happen in giant proportion; click the "Year of [...]" title for link)

It has become an event “too big to ignore – too massive to forget”. It has been a friendly, peaceful protest against the COVID-19 mandates, although it originally began as a protest against the truckers having to be vaccinated or quarantined for two weeks when driving between Canada and the States.

It is not an anti-vaccine protest, as apparently most of the truckers are vaccinated. They likely had to be vaccinated in order to keep their jobs, and most have families to support. Their protest is against the mandates that take away the freedom to choose, or else lose work – this according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance. Hence the name, FREEDOM 2022

This protest has gained international attention, with the truckers in the United States and truckers in Australia (Aussies call them ‘truckies’) organizing convoys. But apparently the Canadian convoy continues to inspire people on an international level, with the UK (to London from as far as Scotland) and Austria (to Vienna) now announcing plans for convoys.

These are things that will be discussed a bit more in following chapters. For now, I will say that the word “sabotage” is strongly impressed upon me (but I understand that this word applies to more than just the truck convoy. More in another article).

Even the mainstream media all along reported how peaceful the protesters were, but they also downplayed the size of the trucker convoy, likely because the PM Justin Trudeau called the truckers a “fringe minority” that did "not speak for most Canadians".

I sense an urgency, trouble brewing. What started as a peaceful protest, gaining the respect of many leaders and celebrities globally is now beginning to sour. 

I am unsure of how many days ago exactly because I have not been steadily watching news getting updates, but a couple of days ago (at the time of this writing, Feb 1, 2022), I noticed rippling reports that protesters were making racist remarks, and desecrating memorials and other rhetoric.

Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. [Micah 2:1]

If it is true, I am inclined to believe that [some of] those people are either infiltrators with totally different agendas or organizations, who are using the protest as a ploy to get their anger, rebellion and statements out, or they are plants sent in by the officials as a ruse to end the protest.

The governments of the world have enjoyed the power of control over the people for two years. It is not something they want to quickly give up. Canada’s Prime Minister, a huge advocate for the Great Reset (New World Order) is stirring up all kinds of negative images against the truckers, some of which I believe is slander.

Now something has the people living in downtown Ottawa pushing for lawsuits. Of course, a way to make money out of all this. If horn-honking is continuous, that is understandable. In all fairness, that would get to anyone after so many hours. That should stop now.

Someone had mentioned nearly two weeks ago, a few days after the truckers left BC and support across the province escalated and made headline news; they said to watch officials and hate groups try to turn this into a January 6, 2021 event, similar to what happened in Washington, DC. Fellow believers, let us pray that is not so, and that the Lord reverses any such plans of the enemy.

Initially when it was said, I did not think it would come to that, but that thought did provoke me to prayer. It is well-known that nearly everyone is tired of wearing masks, being forced to vaccinate, and losing freedoms if a vaccine passport is not produced.

After prayer, for a little over a week now, when truckers began to arrive in Ontario, the word SABOTAGE has been heavy on my spirit. I sense urgency, danger – but it surpasses the convoy, meaning it does not just pertain to the demonstration.

Fellow saints, we need to pray!

Inspiration Spreads

These protests are now a global happening, as we all can read about, with organizers in various countries planning similar convoys, having been inspired by the Canadian truckers. As the convoy left B.C. and headed towards Ottawa, Canada’s capital, the Prime Minister who had mocked the convoy as a “fringe minority”, suddenly disappeared and has been moved to a safe place as a security measure (at the time of this writing).

When social media posters were accusing him of cowardice, the mainstream news media reported that the PM and two of his children had been diagnosed with Covid and were isolating. Most found the timing convenient and claim it is a coverup for his hiding out.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe promises the end of government measures and states that he is not against the smaller convoys protesting, so long as it is a peaceful way and within the confines of the law.

However, Saskatchewan NDP leader, Ryan Meili tells the supporters of the truck convoy to "give your head a shake" and to "stay the hell home"! More division. I guess he supports the Liberal leader Justin Trudeau.


When I tried to search for other countries supporting the convoy with their own convoys, I tried UK which is supposed to start soon. There were a few links for the Canadian convoy, but only a link for "UK planning holiday weekend for Queen's 70 year reign".
This search was Feb. 1, 2022
click on any picture to enlarge


Youtuber Russell Brand also noticed the media blackout.
I found his video in a search. He had over a million
views on Feb 1, 2022.

Now that the Canadian convoy has gained international attention, there seems to be a media blackout (at the time of this portion of writing) regarding other countries who plan to follow in Canada’s footsteps, perhaps not with a “truck” convoy necessarily, but a “convoy” of all ‘other types of vehicles’ and/or ‘people’.

Putting on Hero Capes

All of a sudden, negative reports are surfacing. One such report was out a few days ago. It comes from an international Arabic news channel, Al Jazeera.  They report that the protesters are defiling monuments, threatening Canadian journalists with death threats, harassing press and vandalizing a CBC Radio Canada van.

The angry actions of three downtown elderly residents, supposedly anonymously recorded, are being hailed as “heroes” for standing up to truckers coming down their street. They call the truckers bullies and claim they were harassing them for giving a thumbs down every time they honked, as well as other such accusations.

It seems like ever since Pastor Artur Pawlowski stood up against police enforcing their Covid-19 mandates, multiple arrests and thousands of dollars in fines, simply for opening church, which began when he was holding a Passover service, and ever since he has been hailed as a hero by countless journalists and supporters, now other people want to be in the headlines as ‘heroes’ as well, standing up for “their rights”.

The CBC (paid by powers-that-be who promote and push for the Great Reset) quotes some social media posters:

[Excerpt]

“Three older ladies just blocked a small convoy led by a dump truck on Cooper. They were fantastic and are my heroes,” posted a Reddit user Monday, alongside the photo.

“Not all heroes wear capes! Some wear shawls,” another wrote in response.

[End excerpt]

It is interesting that one of the three women said that it was no longer a protest, but an occupation. Now, the police are saying the same thing, and the word is beginning to crop up randomly. 

If it has become an occupation, I am not yet aware as I am not quite up to date on the latest news (as at time of this writing, Feb 2). It is hoped that is not the case.

Apparently, the  truckers are now accused of being backed by anti-Semitic supporters, spouting Islamophobic comments. Are there some bad apples mixed in with the truckers, using this golden opportunity to get out their racism, hatred and personal issues with others? Well, it happens quite often whenever opportunists see history is in the making. They will jump aboard to become part of that "history"...it's a fact.

The Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly is also claiming that protesters are guilty of hate, racial slurs, death threats, stealing food from the homeless, harassment etc., and is planning to enforce an end to the lawlessness.

Keep an open ear. The word “lawlessness” has been popping up all over for months now, starting back in late 2020 and into early 2021. I would not be surprised if the Antichrist (when in power) will claim that Christians practice lawlessness, twisting scripture like the serpent he will be, causing hatred against Christians to escalate to the point where killing them will be seen as "doing God a service".

As if in preparation (mind programming) for the “lawless one” and the “mystery of lawlessness” that the Bible speaks of. Some translations such as the KJV state “mystery of iniquity”. Other translations use lawless and lawlessness.

With the tens of thousands of people that joined in to support the convoy, there is no doubt infiltrators and “plants” are sent in to bring further division amongst the people, to stir up anger and hatred, and to defeat the purpose of the convoy, which was to peacefully protest and have the government stop the mandates that take away the freedom of Canadians.

In checking again, it appears as if those behind the media “blackout” have now allowed a couple of stories to trickle onto the search engines, but they are becoming more and more negative against the “peaceful protestors”.

The people in Ontario that I know say that the protest remains peaceful except for a few times where truckers actually had to calm down spectators or people in the crowd (not connected with the truckers, but so-called supporters), who were trying to stir up trouble. They reminded these people that it was a peaceful event, but the seeds of anger and rebellion are being planted. Now the truckers are being called volatile and angry.

There is talk that a small group of truckers demanded food from Shepherds of Good Hope, an Ottawa soup kitchen for the homeless. An “unnamed” mentally-ill man was assaulted (said to be slammed up against a truck), but was reportedly doing well (unharmed).

The incident was diffused by security but apparently not without racial slurs. Why would truckers ‘suddenly’ start to become violent after a week of peaceful protest? Does this sound scripted, or like a setup to slander the truckers’ motives and characters? Do you smell a rat?

However, if it was intended to do harm, it was reported that the news of the trouble spread quickly, and so many (over 10,000) donations of food came in that the shelter ran out of room to put it all. That is good news, but it shows the heart and support of the Canadians!

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
lashes out at truckers
screenshot taken from a GLOBAL NEWS video 
posted on YouTube


Prime Minster Trudeau was quoted as saying: “We’re not intimidated by those who hurl abuse at small business workers and steal food from the homeless.” (paints an inaccurate picture) “We won’t give in to those who fly racist flags. And we won’t cave to those who engage in vandalism, or dishonor the memory of our veterans.”

In all fairness, there are hundreds of videos showing the truckers moving across Canada, with people lining bridge overpasses, sides of highways and fields. Not in one video is any racist flag seen flying, not on a single truck or vehicle, and not even in the plentiful videos that were posted on YouTube, Vimeo, Rumble etc., …not one.


above two photos -- credit Hindustan Times

photo--Global News

Why are there suddenly racist flags now flying? Why suddenly is violence happening, and “unnamed” people ‘dancing on memorials’, getting assaulted at soup kitchens, and more? Do you see any racist flags in the pictures above? I see Canadian flags and the Quebec blue and white 'Fleur-de-lis" flags.

And just as suddenly, the GoFundMe fundraiser for the truck convoy that hit the 10-million-dollar mark has been removed by GoFundMe. What is interesting is that they said they supported the Freedom convoy because it began as a peaceful demonstration, but now it has become an “occupation”. There is that word again.

truckers already being demonized--fear motivated
or sabotage?

Are people just parroting each other, or has a script been handed out by government in order to end this, and bring all the “fringe” citizens of Canada back under submission? Only one million has gone to the organizers? for fuel, shelter and food, but the remaining 9.1 million dollars will be given to established charities verified by GoFundMe, one report said.

However, it is also reported that the GoFundMe staff are giving all donors approximately two weeks, until February 19th to request a refund online. The talk now is that one woman was collecting the money, making it suspicious, and supposedly organizers not knowing how the funds would be allocated.

Remember, it IS the clash of the kingdoms. We see it in the natural, but it begins in the spiritual. Satan and his worldly rulers of darkness want the Antichrist on the scene. Fear is spreading and the majority of ‘puppet’ governments are demanding the power and control back that they have enjoyed over the people for two years.

The governments know that the people simply want to go back to some kind of normalcy, without masks, without restrictions about gathering in groups and without being forced to get jabbed, or to have vaccine passports in order to travel.

In all fairness, it would be difficult to be living in the downtown area of Ottawa and have all the commotion going on indefinitely. Horn-happy truckers can become like those who scrape fingernails slowly across a chalkboard.

At this point it is difficult to say who is doing the damage, truckers, spectators, supporters, infiltrators or who? One thing that all people should act upon though, which is to try putting yourself in the shoes of those who live in the downtown core. Shh the honking. A little consideration goes a long way. May God grant wisdom to all.

Part Two (2) of YOU WILL RISE – continues here