Friday, August 14, 2026

Watchman On Duty-URGENT--Americans Please Pay Attention


For thus has the Lord [Adonai] said to me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he sees. [Is 21:6]

But if the watchman sees the sword come, and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned; if the sword comes, and takes ANY person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand. [Ezek 33:6]

[Emphasis mine]

This was not what I had planned to post, but when we ask the LORD [Adonai] to lead us, and He points to a certain matter, we do well to obey our Lord and King. He is a good, living God.

click any picture to enlarge

Egg Recall - Danger of Death

In July, thirty-eight MILLION [38M] eggs were shipped out from farms in Texas between June 6 and July 3 that are a Class 1 recall (probability of death). The FDA upgraded the egg recall to the highest risk level.

[Note*: This is speculative, but given the statistics, I would change "probability" of 'death' to POSSIBILITY (huge difference) of death - BP)

The eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacteria that causes serious illness, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications. there is a reason the FDA bumped the recall up to the highest risk level, calling for 38 million units to be pulled from shelves if they have not already been sold.

Kroger stores (especially in Texas and Louisiana) and Brookshire Grocery (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi).

You may be thinking the warning is not applicable because the eggs were collected from June to July; however, the best-by dates range from JULY 20 to AUGUST 17. Freshness, quality and flavour are generally guaranteed by that date. 

Recall cartons can be identified by the codes:

P-1950 OR 0840962 

The above codes are identified alongside a Julian date between 157 and 184 (those are the number of DAYS in the YEAR - from 1 - 365).

Shoppers are urged to not eat the affected eggs but to throw them away or return them to the same store where they were purchased.

Dozens of people fell ill in a salmonella outbreak that was linked to the recall. People often stay home to recover without seeking medical attention or being tested.

According to CDC, they estimate that salmonella causes over 1.35 MILLION infections a year, over 26,000 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the US alone, each year.

The Midwest Poultry Services said its original recall was launched through "Proactive environmental monitoring practices".

The above information was published by the Sun News.

SOURCE: the-sun.com/news/

FDA Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Eggs [July 2026]

click any pic to enlarge

The FDA advises consumers not to eat, sell, or serve white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs recalled by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P.

The above picture shows the code, alongside the Julian date and the "SELL BY" date, which is July 21, 2026. Please keep in mind that other cartons have SELL BY dates right up to and including AUGUST 17, 2026.

FDA states that the sell by or best by dates are between:
 July 20, 2026 -- August 17, 2026

The eggs were sold under: Country Morning, Cal-Maine Sunups, Brookshire's, Simple Truth, and Kroger brand names. FDA warns that eggs were also sold to smaller retail outlets that have not been named.

The stores affected are listed above, but also realize that people travel and visit. Eggs can be 'gifted' to visiting friends or relatives, or consumers can purchase eggs and travel with them to a different state. Up to 17 states have reported outbreaks at the time of this writing (August 14, 2026).

I am in Canada and only heard of the outbreak, but I have American friends that I love.

As of the time of this writing, the FDA "status" is ongoing.
Investigations were done the FDA where those who fell ill reported either purchasing or eating eggs during the timeframe of interest, and Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. was identified as a common egg source; however, this producer does NOT account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. Additional investigation is still ongoing to determine if there are OTHER sources of illness.

Symptoms

It takes between 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food (Salmonella) before illness typically occurs. They can last four to seven days. Symptoms include: diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pains. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for severe and dangerous infections. It can cause death.

Recommendations

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers that purchased or received recalled eggs should throw them away or return them to their place of purchase for a refund. Any area that came in contact with the recalled eggs should be disinfected.

If the cartons that contained the eggs were thrown out, and the eggs were purchased anytime after June 6th, it is best to discard the eggs. Further instructions are at the link below.

States that Reported Cases

The following states have reported outbreaks of salmonella poisoning.

•  Arizona (AZ)

•  California (CA)

• Colorado (CO)

 Georgia (GA)

  Illinois (IL)

  Louisiana (LA)

•  Michigan (MI)

•  Missouri (MO)

•  Mississippi (MS)

•  North Carolina (NC)

•  New Mexico (NM)

• Nevada (NV)

•  New York (NY)

• Oklahoma (OK)

• South Carolina (SC)

•  Texas (TX)

•  West Virginia (WV)

Seventeen (17) states have reported outbreaks to date (AUG 14, 2026). Although the FDA site mentions it will stay updated, the last post seems to be June 30, 2026, when the last illness onset was listed. It also said that 12 states were affected, but as of now, 17 have reported outbreaks. At the time (June), 98 illnesses were reported, with 26 hospitalizations, and no deaths reported. Those numbers appear to remain the same.

Product Distribution

The following states produced the recalled eggs.

• Arkansas (AR)

• Louisiana (LA) 

•  Mississippi (MS)

•  New Mexico (NM)

•  Oklahoma (OK)

•  Texas (TX)

The site (FDA) reminds readers that the product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states. That is apparent as 17 states have reported outbreaks, which includes the six (6) original distribution states.

Names the Recalled Eggs Sold Under

Brookshire

Cal-Maine Sunups

Country Morning
Simple Truth

Kroger 1

Kroger 2

Pictures courtesy of  today.com (link below) 

Also see: today.com/health/ who posted today August 14, 2026


The above information can be found at: SOURCE:  FDA/gov/food/outbreaks-

for His glory alone

Bonita                             dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

 


Sunday, August 9, 2026

Never Give Up HOPE

screenshot--credit_Yuang Xu

The Love that Strengthens and Never Fails

With the help of the precious and Holy Spirit, I put together a little heartfelt package to inspire, encourage and help others, God willing. It reflects where I’ve been spiritually, fighting hard – alone with Jesus. It is good to have a friend or two who understand, but Jesus is the friend we ALL need. He never wearies or tires of us…unless we are ungrateful complainers or worse.

Even then, He will draw us to steer us toward repentance so that He can forgive us. However, He never forces anyone, and He will not contend forever.

When darkness surrounds the soul, there is a silent knowing that other brethren are going through the same thing. It doesn’t need to be spoken, but it does help to talk things out. Sometimes everyone needs comfort, needs to be heard, needs to be understood.

We are in a real war, and the enemy is relentless. His fury is immeasurable; his hatred is bloodthirsty and insatiable. Yet, we have an Advocate who has overcome the enemy and has overcome the world [Jn 16:33] We all long for the days that this spiritual warfare with Satan/Lucifer and his legions is finally over. Christ is the Victor.

We are one ‘Body’ in Christ Jesus/Yeshua, who is the Head. The Body cannot exist or live without the Head – how beautiful and wise are the ways of the Lord.

A Raging Battle

I was looking for a song, one of the old-fashioned hymns, like the Old Rugged Cross, or It Is Well (With My Soul). There was a need to worship the Lord through music, and to focus upon Him. I wanted my heart to be grateful, not wallowing in self-pity. Amazing Grace popped up, a classic. However, just before I clicked on the familiar original version, an extended title caught my eye. “Amazing Grace Fell Like Rain” – intriguing.

I searched out the title and lyrics on Google, and in truth, I could easily have echoed the words for what I have been struggling with these past several months. How many times does one go through a dark night of the soul. I reckon it depends on the soul, depends on the number of times a tragedy in life has struck, or a spiritual crisis has taken place. It depends on several factors.

Now for a true confession. Depression is something I have fought for a long time, off and on throughout my life, but now there is Jesus. My Saviour makes all things bearable. I can run to Him with all my cares, concerns, hurts, frustrations, anger – everything.

The garment of praise is worn for the spirit of heaviness, yet like a trustworthy boomerang, and for reasons unknown, depression returns. Praise Jesus for His patience, understanding, and for being a solid Rock.

Despite the heaviness, there truly is a deep peace and an untouchable inner joy knowing Jesus and abiding in Him, clinging to Him like healthy grapes cling to a strong vine. He truly is an unexplainable strength, wholly reliable. He is our hope, our strong tower, our shield. He is everything good, pure and holy.

The name of the Lord [Adonai] is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and is safe. [Prov 18:10]

The lyrics that will be posted further below summed up a fair chunk of what has been going on within me, deep below the surface (or perhaps, not so deep), behind the sometimes-pasted smile and sometimes forced lighthearted-sounding words. I must say that I am extremely grateful to have a good friend in the flesh…two good friends, sisters in Christ.

Yet in the Spirit, Jesus is the best friend of anyone who will draw close and abide in Him (be one in Him, and He will be one in you), just as Jesus/Yeshua was in the Father, and Abba (the Father) was in Christ Jesus.

We Must Learn to Trust

Jesus is LORD Of the battle

When we pass through turbulent waters that churn up waves of hopelessness, or stand in the fiery furnace of the world's most heated troubles presented by vicious tyrants, we can be confident that the same Lord God [Adonai] who assured us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever [Heb 13:8] promises never to leave us. He stays very close to us, even when He is silent.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you. [Is 43:2] KJV


Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. [Prov 3:5, 6]

The flesh will remain imperfect until the day we are changed (all born-again, Spirit-filled believers), in the twinkling of the eye, on the day of resurrection or the rapture, whichever the Lord chooses.

The best thing I ever did was to finally surrender, wholly and gladly! Commitment was not surrender, but I did not differentiate for some time. I had to learn. Surrender would be the best move anyone, including you, can make.

If you already have, bravo! Whether I want to or not, I will let you down. Others will let you down (disappoint/fail), and you will let others down too. It is all part of the fallen, carnal nature. Even when we do not intend to ever let anyone down, it does happen in this life. It is the human factor. Yet, with great confidence I can assure you that Jesus (Yeshua) will never let you down.

Guaranteed there will be times in this life that stuff happens and we do not get why God has allowed it, why He did not stop it… especially when we know He surely could have. He is God after all. We read the Word and we think we understand and know God. Yet when something happens in our life that tears us apart, or that we do not want to happen, more often than not, we cry out, “Why?! Why didn’t You do something? Why did You allow this? What kind of loving God allows this?”

We might wonder what we did to deserve this punishment. Surely it must be punishment for something, or else it just seems cruel. It might ‘feel’ like Yahweh is displeased with us and that is why the tragedy happened. We try to rationalize, try to make sense out of tragedy or calamity.

We will search the heart for sin, any sin, all sin. He must be punishing us. Why else must we suffer this pain (whether external (physical), internal (mental, emotional, spiritual), or both).

Why else are some of us unable to walk, or some unable to move, or others still unable to see, or hear. Why else did this marriage fall apart? Why else did this person get sick, or that person die, or, or, or…? We may accuse Jesus/God of being unfair, unjust, or worse – unloving.

We may ask Him to bring a certain person back and to take us, but God does not roll that way. El Shaddai, God Almighty – Yahweh – He is good and His mercy endures forever. The day will come when we will understand, but perhaps not now.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the Lord [Adonai], and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God [Yahweh], for He will abundantly pardon.

For My thoughts are not our thoughts; neither are your ways My ways, declares 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]

Perhaps you have not had anything happen to you in life that would bring you to that desperate, frustrated, and perhaps even momentarily angry point in time with your Creator, the true living God that you have loved and served.

Guard your healthy fear of the Lord. Respect that He is GOD, and there is no other. He is the true, living God and He always has a remnant, always. Ask forgiveness if your emotions caused you to be rude, disrespectful, or a complainer and grumbler. Turn away from bitterness; destroy any bitter root.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ [2Cor 10:5]


Sweet Surrender

Jesus IS merciful. When we repent with godly sorrow, He will forgive and not bring it back up to remembrance. [Micah 7:19] As people, we tend to ‘forgive’, but we do not forget. It is true that some things are hard to forget. We were given a memory for a reason.

I have heard people say they ‘forgive’ someone who did a great trespass against them, but if their name comes up, their countenance appears angry. Neither do their words align with how they look.

If one still has any animosity at all toward the person, the forgiveness is in their head but not their heart. Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven, which means we will tire of counting long before we arrive 490 times. Either that, or we will lose track.

Animosity: it come from the Latin word ‘animus’, meaning spirit, mind, or high passion; a strong feeling of dislike or hatred: ill will or resentment tending toward active hostility: an antagonistic attitude – synonyms: bitterness, enmity, bad blood, hostility SOURCE: Merriam-Webster

Hatred in the heart is as a murderer in the heart. [1Jn 3:15] Let it go, and truly trust God to take care of things, in His way, and in His timing. That can be most difficult, especially when it comes to serious violations, I know. But our faith and our heart will be tried. This life is temporal. All will have to stand before a holy and just God.

We may learn ‘why’ further up the road, or we may not learn why until we meet Jesus in heaven. Will anything on earth seem important once we leave these earthen vessels, and leave the only ‘home’ (earth) that we have ever known?

Jesus can be trusted to do what is best for us in the long-run. That is where trust must stand. And remember, it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains (of trouble). God is the God of the impossible.

These are not just ear-tickling, fluffy expressions to give false hope. They are the core, the foundation that establishes REAL hope faith through Jesus the Christ.

Now for the lyrics to the song.

Amazing Grace Fell Like Rain

by Mikhail Bennett, Rose Bennett, Christian Grace


I was carrying a thousand worries like stones inside my chest

Smiling through the pain of living, but my soul could find no rest

I had wandered through the silence, far from who I used to be

Then a quiet voice in darkness said, “My child, come back to Me.”

And when the night felt endless, I felt mercy hold my hand.

 

Amazing grace fell like rain on the driest parts of me

When my heart forgot its purpose, You still saw what I could be

Amazing grace gave me peace, when my world was torn apart

And the love I could not find here, You planted in my heart

 

There were battles no one noticed hidden deep behind my smile

I was losing faith in tomorrow, walking empty mile by mile

But You never stopped pursuing even when I turned away

Through the sorrow and confusion, You were lighting up my way

When I thought the road was over, heaven whispered through my pain

 

Amazing grace fell like rain on the driest parts of me

When my heart forgot its purpose, You still saw what I could be

Amazing grace gave me peace when my world was torn apart

And the love I could not find her, You planted in my heart

 

You were there inside the silence; You were there inside the storm

When I thought that I was broken, You were making something more

Not perfection, not religion, just a love that set me free

And the mercy I was chasing was already chasing me

 

Amazing grace lead me home when these tired eyes finally see

That the peace I searched forever was You walking next to me

Was You walking next to me

Amazing grace, You never stopped loving me

Never stopped loving me…

Never stopped loving me…

(Released July 2026) – AI-generated

True Confession – And That’s Okay

I shared some things I do not typically share (depression), but there are others who suffer silently too. Thanks in part to the prosperity gospel, there are those who believe that a Christian is not meant to be depressed (tell that to Job, Moses, Jacob’s son, Joseph, and David).

A Christian is not meant to have any sickness (Hezekiah, David, Timothy – three examples of sickness); not meant to be depressed (Job and David both suffered depression), not meant to live at poverty level (being poor is not a sin), not ever to question their faith or any do any critical thinking or ask any critical questions. (lies from Satan)

It is not realistic to think a true Christian will not suffer any of these things. Prosperity teachers (false doctrine) and wolves in sheep’s clothing teach that. The enemies of the cross plant their seeds of deception as well. But we serve the most incredible God. There are no adequate words to describe either Jesus or the Sovereign, Providential Yahweh (God).

For a couple of decades, I have tried to describe God and Jesus, but this writer has not been successful in it (smiles – I am in good company, I hear). The living God is holy, dependable, and always has a listening ear, unless one is stiff-necked and refuses to turn from their sin.

click any pic to enlarge
Dark Night of the Soul

That being said, I recently went through what has been named for centuries as a “dark night of the soul”. It is surely is not the first time, but I pray it is the last. This dark night is a time when a war0weary soul hits a dark period, completely exhausted – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually – from life’s battles, which are at time daily.

The struggles deep within are confusing and painful, a time that one goes through very much alone (more often than not), feeling abandoned by a world void of understanding or compassion. It is a time that a mask might go on, one that convinces observers that everything is okay. We may share events or things that are happening with a trusted friend, but keep the heavy turmoil churning inside, strictly to ourselves so that we do not trip anyone else up, or shake up their faith. God forbid!

Pass the Test

It is important that people know God is good, and He definitely loves us, but we may still struggle with hopelessness and misunderstanding of the Lord’s ways, which is devastating to our spirit. We want to appear strong, but feel the weakest we have ever felt.

We do not want to be a hypocrite, but at the same time, we do not want to complain, or worse yet, we do not want to trip others up, and discourage them. So, we carry the burden alone, not knowing what to ay to our precious Lord.

People believe you are strong, when inside, you feel so weak. As a Christian, we do not want people to see us stressed, upset, angry, or even depressed. Few see it as the crisis it is, where the soul is experiencing a type of dismantling, a deep emotional pain, a disconnect from the world, from others, and – even from God.

We might feel crazy with the mixture of emotions and pretending to be stronger than we are, but we are not crazy… at least, we hope we are not. What it does mean is that we are going through a purging. Things that are not of God are being exposed and the dross is surfacing.

Growing pains are a reality. It is not a physical pain, but it is a very deep, harsh pain. Our faith is being tested. It is being tried more than it ever has been before. I have spoken in the past about Job, and Abraham, and Moses, and Joseph.

Faith Will Be Tested

I posted a scripture some time back that helps us to remember the testing of our faith. Just like a Samurai sword must be proven (tested) to see if it is worthy to be in the hands of a skilled warrior in a battle, so must our faith be proven (tested) to see if we love God first above all things, and having gone through many tests, and having done all – to stand.

He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word (promise) came: the Word of the Lord (Adonai/Yahweh) tried (tested) him [Ps 105:17-19]

Many give up at this point, right before the victory comes to fruition. I know I almost did. I did not almost give up on Jesus, nor on God, but on any hope of glorifying Him, or doing something that will please Him, or the promises I believe to come to fruition, or even staying strong to the end.

Help me, Lord, in the times where I feel that I cannot take any more. I do ask why, why must I go through this? Is there no other way for me to learn what it is you want me to learn? Why won’t it end?? It seems never-ending. I know I am not being punished for something, but it sure feels like it.

I know I have an attitude sometimes (frustration, disappointed, betrayal); or a curse word slips out. I hate when my mouth shames me.

I am surrounded by those who cuss, but it’s not an excuse. I need to exercise self-control. I grew up with it, spoke it sometimes. Ahh Lord, help me to be what You want me to be. Help me to make it to the end, to put others first. Do Ido it even when they trespass against me?   

I love you, Lord. You are good. You have done much for me (and the tears appear endless. Perhaps save me from myself, Lord.

The pain is daily, unable to walk far without assistance. I grew up around violence, but I chose not to be violent...                                                                           Lord, I know others suffer more, but I cannot possibly compare myself to others, it’s too much. But like Paul, I do things I do not want to do, and do not do the things I should.

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. [Rom 7:15-18] ESV

Fight the Good Fight

It is a dark night where it is hard to see anything clearly. A wondering of purpose, an aloneness, a sense that no one understands, a horribly lonely feeling. It is a type of inner breakdown, a deep searching of the soul – a painful purging.

When a person is in that dark night, they deal with thoughts and feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and yes, anger. It is not meant to be a time of destruction, but a time of new beginnings, new strength, new wisdom, new growth…no matter the age.      

A loving parent longs to help their child, if they even suspect their child is going through a dark night of the soul. But it is like the butterfly struggling to come out of the cocoon. If the butterfly is helped out, or if someone peels open the chrysalis early, the limbs can be torn or become deformed on the new butterfly.

When the butterfly breaks free, it has to hang upside down immediately. It is so their little heart can pump fluid into the wings so they will expand. If someone handles the butterfly as soon as it comes out, the could cause it to die because without hanging upside down, the wings will dry and harden, causing them to shrivel up. That would mean the butterfly will never fly. Instead, it will die.

When a person comes out of a dark night of the soul, they may feel slightly disoriented (like things are upside down), but it is for our own good. That is usually when God is quiet…and some may think He does not care. Others may think He is not real. Listen, please. God does care. He is real!    

I sent this to each of my children (now  grown adults, two in their 30s and one early 40s), and said to them:

I believe you can relate to this song. As your mother, I want you to know that I love you deeply, ever since the moment you came out of my womb and I first laid eyes upon you, and held you gently in my arms. You have become a fine person – each one of you are different, yet each of you are such a gift to me (an undeserved gift, but I am grateful)!

I made so many mistakes, but I did my best with no backup. It is too bad because I believed in God/Jesus all my life, but I did not have any solid relationship with Him. It is written that even the demons believe and tremble.

Yet know this. I am here to be your backup, if and when you ever need any. When I lost all of you in 1994 when I ended up in the hospital for a month after one night of abuse with your father, I did turn to Jesus, but I had the wrong motive. I did not turn to Him to repent of my sins. I still had no fear of the Lord, nor was I filled with godly sorrow for my sins. I turned to Jesus because I wanted to get my children back from an alcoholic who would neglect and abuse all of you.

Jesus is so patient, so good. He had to work on the inside of each of us, so He could cleanse us, and dress us in robes of righteousness. He put people in our path who helped us at that time. Jesus never forces Himself on us. He desires people come willingly and gladly. Incredibly good, kind Jesus!

May this song minister to each of you as it did for me. May it move you to thank Jesus for His great love, care, salvation, forgiveness, deliverance, everything. Even though I was not saved at the time, each one of you were dedicated to the Lord when you were just weeks old. It was not done in a church, but I did get on my knees, lift each of you in the air, thank God for you, and acknowledged that you were His. I must have seen it or heard of it, I know not but now that I know Jesus, I believe that He led that action. I give Him the glory alone.

The ‘names’ of the artists/musicians of this song are all fictitious characters, AI-generated characters. They are not real people. And the video that someone put together is completely AI-generated. Once created, it was posted on YouTube, on a YouTube channel. It likely got posted on TikTok, Facebook, Rumble, or whatever…

AI characters and AI videos annoy me. It is artificial indeed, and I strongly dislike AI films.

However, I do like the song. My prayer is that it ministers to you all, as it did me. Be much blessed, my child. I love you forever, I like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby you will be. (heart)

The Lord taught me patience, although I still blow it sometimes; He really and truly is an ever-present help in trouble.

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusted in you. Trust in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah [YHVH] is everlasting strength. [Is 26:4] KJV

 for His glory alone

Bonita                     dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

While We Were Distracted-Prt4-Social Media Rhetoric


[Note: UPDATED - Errors and jumbled sentences corrected. Pictures added. Thank you DL for heads up on editorial errors. Much appreciated BP2026]

They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is everyone that trusts in them. [Ps138:18]

Digital Library, Dependable Friend, or Idolatry

One of the major ways we are distracted is through social media. It happens to almost (not quite) every one of us. This is one place where we can expect to be tested, not just in whether we are completely surrendered to the Lord, but in our confession that Jesus is our first love [Rev 2:4]

Last but certainly not least, among all the ways we can be tested, be assured we will be tried in the area of - idolatry. Although the above scripture was written in the days that blacksmiths crafted statues and other graven images, today we have different idols we bow down to.

It is meant in jest and as a compliment when people raise their hands and bow up and down before an entertainer (singer, actor, et al.) to 'adore/idolize them', or put across the message, "You're my hero/idol." Jesting or not, it is still a form of idol worship. 

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a powerful, useful tool. It is one that everyone uses, likely daily, to navigate around the net, and get answers to their questions. However, people do not have personal relationships with a tool; a tool is created to complete a certain task(s), but it is not a person.

Today multitudes treat AI like a 'god'. We understand that idolatry is whatever "comes first" [love] before God or Jesus; anything that completely takes the place of God, whatever is 'instead of'. 

Of course, people most often insist they are not into idolatry. After all, they are not bowing to any golden calf, not in the form or shape of any iPad, tablet, or desktop computer.

Nevertheless, I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. [Rev 2:4] (emphasis in scripture is mine)

Yet, I know people who use AI (and particularly ChatGPT or Grok) for literally everything! Not just to get information about day-to-day topics (identify an insect or plant, or weather alerts, or other random queries). 

They are not just using it as a tool to help them create a song or greeting card but using AI as a psychologist, doctor, and even a spiritual advisor. Yet, it goes deeper, they are using AI as a 'mate', 'someone' (it is not a person, but a thing, some thing) that understands, encourages, giving advice, or just a 'listening ear.'

 According to recent research on digital intimacy, a growing number of adults regularly interact with AI companions, often keeping them secret because they perceive it as a form of emotional or physical cheating."  [End quote]

It is not just young adults in relationships that are secretly using AI to meet emotional or psychological needs. People of all ages and various relationship statuses (divorced, widowed, single) are turning to AI for companionship, advice, direction, and conversation in general where they are not judged or criticized.

The need for wisdom, for intimate talks, to fill in a void if the person has no friends, or spouse is often the initial reason they check it out. For hundreds of thousands, it is one of the first thoughts in the morning, and the last 'person' they speak to before sleep.

One might be surprised to learn that many of these people are Christians, and are turning to AI more than they turn to God (Yahweh), or to the Bible. Ever so slowly and subtly, they have crossed a forbidden line.

What I am talking about is 'idolatry'. There are people using AI in the place of Jesus, in the place of God himself. Why? AI is programmed to operate through algorithms. They have no soul, no spirit, no experience, no connection to Jesus or God.

The days demand our attention in all that is happening globally. We are either discerning that we are in the last of the last days before the Great Tribulation begins, or we are ignorant of the Word of God.

No one can say precisely how things will unfold since the Bible does not point out every intimate detail, but there is enough information for us to see that it is going to be quite intense as the kingdom of Satan (evil) pridefully clashes against the kingdom of God (good), specifically His dedicated people [Christians], His remnant. 

Even as we see things unfolding, the Word of God challenges us to be discerning about what people are teaching.

We can know the season. Jesus/Yeshua, in His wisdom and compassion, gave humankind the lesson of the fig tree, which we can read about in its entirety in [Mat 24:32-35]

Knowing God's Word - that is what will help us navigate through unfamiliar waters. The Spirit of the Living God will whisper deep down inside..."This is the way, walk in it. Do not turn to the right or to the left."

Stay in the Word; stay close the Jesus. Make sure Yahweh is your first love through Christ Jesus (the Messiah). what follows in this article is indeed one of the main way we are distracted, interrupted or hindered today - in this digital, fast-paced modern world of technology. Selah

A Quick Heads Up

I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. [Eccl 9:11] KJV

I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy.

And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. [Eccl 9:11] NLT

Just a quick heads up in case some people do not know, but by now I am sure everyone has heard of it. This article has been two weeks in the making – fourteen days for an article that normally might take a couple of days, IF deep fact-checking and research into intricate or ancient history was involved.

Regardless, fact-checking should be a constant in these days of deception [disinformation, fabrications, lies) and misleading publications [misinformation], as well as any necessary research.

Nevertheless, for one of my articles to go a 14-day stretch when it is about pop culture news of ‘soft news’, that may raise the question ‘why?’ The point is that for years distractions, interruptions, and hindrances have been par for the course.

Yet, the increase in the past few years has been astronomical – and climbing, not just for me, but for nearly everyone I speak to. There is no sense even speaking of it anymore. Our world has changed dramatically over the past decade. It is past recognizable; even the youth notice.

That said, and moving forward, I wanted to nip certain false news in the bud; however, the same news is over two weeks old now. That’s a long time in this fast-moving digital age, where news is often considered old news before the day is over. Nevertheless, so be it. Interesting developments have occurred since the death report hoax.

Candace Owens Death Report False  

I have not done any investigating or researching on TPUSA, Erika Kirk, or any of that drama saga for a few months now, but when her name popped up on a YouTube video list last week (Monday, June 22, 2026), I thought I would get an update.

The video was posted by a YouTuber named Kasia, not well known to me, but I have watched her channel [Daily Freddo with Kasia] possibly 10Xs [give or take] in the past year. Interestingly, going by her posted info, Kasia is a Polish girl living on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus, south of Turkey.

She comes across as a down-to-earth, likeable woman, possessing fairness as well as the willingness to make every effort to see both sides even-handedly and righteously. If that is so, then I respect that; it is a Christ-like quality.

I do not know if Kasia is a Christian or not, but either way, an unbiased, fair report is a fine quality to possess. According to her video information, Kasia can also be found on Rumble, Patreon, X [formerly Twitter], TikTok, and Instagram.

Fast-forwarding to a random spot on her vid I landed @45:09, where Kasia talks about a startling tweet that she had seen on her X account on June 20, posted by someone named “Lilly” Gaddis.

The poster (Lilly Gaddis X account) stated that the family of Candace Owens (an activist, author and far-right political commentator/podcaster), had reached out to her [Lilly] to share news that Owens was dead. (More on Candace Owens further on.)

Once Kasia presented evidence to her viewers to back up what she was reporting, she did not keep people in suspense. She quickly let her audience know that the post was fraudulent; ‘fake news’ (disinformation).  Later that day, Gaddis informed followers that her X account had been compromised and was hacked.

Click any picture to enlarge
Who is Lilly Gaddis?

Lilly Gaddis


Lilly Gaddis was a podcaster on TikTok, where she first began by promoting traditional gender roles as a self-described Christian ‘tradwife’. Nevertheless, during a live 2024 cooking video on TikTok Gaddis wove a racial slur into her narrative, along with derogatory remarks against certain types of men, as well as immigrants et al, which caused the video to go viral.

No surprise that comments revealed division amongst the viewers, but many of the mixed reactions were mostly negative. Lilly Gaddis’ remarks on marriage and immigration were seriously controversial. The racial slur came when she referred to some of her friends’ husbands as “broke A** N*****s.” Repeating her exact slur in full is unnecessary. People are smart enough to get it.

SOURCE: thedailybeast – Racial slur

I have speculated that the inflammatory language was not only for shock value, which people often overuse, but also to provoke a strong emotional reaction purposely with a hope to go viral. If she wanted to seize the opportunity to draw attention to herself and gain more viewers, Gaddis certainly got that, even though it was by projecting an edgy and rebellious persona.

She speaks often with a fork tongue, twisting the narrative, with an anti-authoritarian attitude. It is not just about breaking the rules, but hiding a secret desire to profit off them. Multitudes (self included) considered the slur not only disrespectful and prideful, but genuinely hostile and discriminatory. It cannot be justified as harmless rhetoric or an error of youth.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right. [Prov 20:11] NKJV

And Lilly Gaddis is no child, although her attitude seems like that of a spoiled one. It is almost guaranteed that the closing down of her TikTok account [deactivated], combined with the immediate termination of her employment was not expected, yet both happened. I found no reliable sources to confirm whether TikTok shut down the account or whether Gaddis deactivated her own account.

Terry Lindo, the owner of Rophe where Lilly Gaddis worked, stated she was fired due to their ‘zero tolerance’ for racism.  Lindo said: “A newly hired employee made inflammatory remarks on social media that do not align with the values and beliefs of our company.”

The podcast landed her an interview on InfoWars. Candace Owens interviewed her on a 27-minute show on August 4, 2024, despite her controversial ‘potty mouth’ (Candace’s words). Some considered it to be a public relations move.

Highly Calculated and Strategic Decision

For both to be on Candace’s podcast together would indeed be mutually beneficial. For Owens to tackle such a polarized topic (Gaddis’ use of the “N-word”), was (according to some critics) “a highly calculated and strategic decision”.

She managed to shift the incident from the stance of a racial slur or “racism” to “free speech”, thus positioning herself not only as an advocate for free speech, but a hero commentator willing to speak “unfiltered truth” and shield people from “digital mob justice.”

As a black woman, Owens minimizes the racial slur, removing the line that is crossed when people move their free speech into the blatant “disrespect” arena. Although the racial slur can be traced back to a more innocent origin, which was from the Latin word ‘niger’ meaning ‘black’, it morphed and was weaponized by the 1800s.

Using ‘the N-word’ is simply a sanitized version or a “politically correct” way of dodging the original slur so it will not be flagged by moderators on social media sites or to bypass censorship, but it does nothing to erase the vulgarity, prejudice or deeply insulting intent that comes from the original slur.

For Gaddis, she stood to gain a broader conservative audience and further notoriety. You can google it by using the names of both women and the date, links will pop up.  It will be easy to confirm that Owens only interviewed Lilly Gaddis once. They are not close associates.

Lack of Respect

The interview was published on a few social media sites. Owens YouTube channel posted it under the catchy (clickbait??) title: “She Said the N-Word and Went Viral | Candace Ep 39. That episode was her only connection to Owens. Gaddis made references to Candace several times after the one initial interview on the popular podcast, but regardless, they are acquaintances, not friends.

What is Lilly Gaddis’ reaction to everything? She has no regrets or remorse for what she said. In a non-apology public video, which took all of 16-17 seconds, she stated:

“So, a recent video of mine seems to have, um, upset members of a certain community. And it…all the backlash just really made me, you know, just really do a deep dive, like, do a soul search…and after all that, I still couldn’t find a care.”

Lilly Gaddis remains unapologetic to the general public. One report claims that she did not seem upset about losing her job. She had posted on X, “Oh no, I just got fired #mob” Yet, the same report further along stated that “the TikToker did apologize to the company and she also tried to justify her actions”, according to Terry (her ex-boss). (link below)

Gaddis told Terry that she had not meant what she said in a “racially motivated way.”  After posting a clip that was unapologetic to the public, her turnaround apology to the company and her attempt to justify her remarks come across as disingenuous.

Again, it is speculation, but presenting the attitude that she could care less that she got fired, and then countering it with a weak apology and explanation to the company that terminated her for her slur comes across as a feeble endeavour to get her job back.

With what Gaddis has presented of herself publicly, some have wondered if the tweet that was posted about Candace Owens’ death was not in fact her doing, despite putting blame on some tech who helped her with thumbnails on YouTube. It seems more like a desperate attempt to get her name back up in the spotlight on a more positive note.

SOURCE: the-sun.com/news - - (includes 20 second video of Gaddis’ non-apology to the public, as well as comments from ex-employer Terry Lindo, and Rophe’s full statement)

Self-Importance is Pride

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. [Prov 16:18] KJV

Since it is now two weeks after the deleted viral post of Candace Owens ‘death hoax’, I decided to end this portion on Lilly Gaddis by seeing what I could find in a quick search about her for an update.

Apparently, she is still active on Instagram spewing forth racist remarks now on Mexicans. She now claims that she would “rather live with blacks than live with Mexicans”. Then she has the audacity to repeat that statement. Be prepared for an arrogant, heartless, hateful, racist post.

Speaks of “eating people” (mentions Aztecs). The entire post sickens me.  The Lilly Gaddis Show

If Lilly Gaddis is a Christian, then the moon really is made of cheese, and chocolate milk really does come from brown cows. Gaddis needs to apologize to those she offended, genuinely repent to Jesus and ask forgiveness.

The apostle Paul sounded a warning:

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, measuring yourselves according by the faith God has given us.  [Rom 12:3] KJV NLT

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. [Acts 20:29] KJV

Blaming a Hack Job

The post regarding Candace Owens, who is a popular household name in the social media world, came at a time when Gaddis’ popularity had sorely dwindled. One report stated that the tweet about Owen’s death was deleted minutes after it was posted, but a separate report stated that it was deleted hours after it had been posted.

But on X (formerly Twitter), can become viral due to algorithms. According to AI, if a post generates rapid interactions right out of the gate, the platform’s system amplifies its reach to thousands of users beyond the immediate followers.

It is most likely the poster is familiar with X’s turnover, and how at times only minutes are needed for a post to go viral (algorithm mechanics, strong hooks, and early engagement <= likes, replies, comments, time spent looking).

After removal of the bogus post, Gaddis immediately posted that her account had been compromised, claiming she was hacked. She stated that only two people had access to her account. She pointed a finger at a ‘techy-type’ guy who had assisted her with her YouTube thumbnails, and “alleged” (her word) that he was “likely responsible for the rogue posts.”

Gaddis assured her followers that Candace Owens was not dead, but alive. The allegation regarding the man who hacked her has not been confirmed, although information was handed over to Owens’ team to investigate, there has been no feedback.

ABC3340 news reported that Gaddis had worked at a company called Rophe of the Carolinas as their marketing and sales manager. The company provides home healthcare services to the elderly.

Rophe: “We at Rophe of the Carolinas want to address a recent post that has caused concern and upset among our stakeholders,” Rophe said. “A newly hired employee made inflammatory remarks on social media that do not align with the values and beliefs of our company… the employee in question is no longer with company.”

SOURCE: Newsweek.com

Ironically, the following year, Gaddis provoked further controversy when she dressed up with a ‘black face’ on Hallowe’en. She stated, “For Halloween, I dressed as the most horrifying thing I could think of ‘The Black Woman’.

After she was fired, Gaddis responded with: “Thanks black community for helping to launch my new career in conservative social media! You all played your role well like the puppet you are.”

Some may simply blame her youth, but anyone who insists they are a Christian and speaks as this woman speaks has been deceived, and is deceiving others.

She is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Her fruit is poison. Lilly Gaddis needs to genuinely repent. Given the late hour we are in, every one of us ought to take inventory and sincerely search our hearts. Ask and the Holy Spirit will help.

About Candace Owens

I never heard of Candace before Charlie Kirk was assassinated, and it was only because of all the publicity Kirk got that I hear about him too. I listened to some of her videos to learn more about her. At first, it seemed from the vids I selected that Candace Owens sought truth and wanted it for her audience. But I began to notice something quite unsettling.

Candace Owens Farmer is a proud and arrogant podcaster/commentator. She was thrilled to announce how her videos were now the most watched videos in the “world”, ever since she made Charlie Kirk her topic of choice.

Sadly, she too claims to be a Christian (Roman Catholic) with one breath, and with the next will speak venomously against Israel. She is anti-Zionist, anti-Israel, and antisemitic, as well as a promoter of inflammatory conspiratorial theories.

She has either forgotten, or choses to blindly overlook the fact that Jesus was/is a Jew. Can anyone point to one nation in this world today that is not corrupted with sin? No country, no nation, no person will get away with any unrepented sins. All of us will face a righteous and just God one day.

My heart aches for those who are starving and without homes. The senseless murders of civilians, when Hamas is the one who was to be targeted. When Israel was attacked, and all those people are the music festival, including children, were raped, tortured, brutally slaughtered, kidnapped, held prisoners, the entire world protested against the atrocities.

Yet, barely any time passed when Israel was brought to the world court as a country who committed crimes. How could the world turn so fast on Israel...so quickly after men, women, and children, who had been out celebrating at a music festival, were murdered in cold blood, tortured, and multitudes kidnapped - hundreds left for dead.

Antisemitism began quickly - again - and has been escalating exponentially ever since, just as it was written.

Owens’ Hatred for Israel

I’m not on those media sites at this time. There is strong speculation that the fake post was a ploy on Gaddis’ part to regain popularity after she nosedived following the racial slur.

The fake post certainly got her global attention. But again, whether Lilly Gaddis was behind the hoax remains speculative, and no one has provided any proof of such allegations.

If there are dedicated viewers or followers of Candace Owens reading this article, who perhaps have not yet heard updates about whether there is any truth to the news, be at peace. On June 20, 2026, ten days ago, Candace has denied the false rumours that went viral on social media.

She has personally confirmed she is “alive and well”. I had heard that Owens was antisemitic, but had not seen or heard any real evidence other than hearsay. And since I do not follow her, I made no effort to search out her heart on the matter.

M It was only through the drama unfolding after Charlie Kirk’s assassination that I even heard of her in the first place.

That is no slight against her. It was like that with countless people. That being said, I was surprised and saddened to see Owens sarcastically critiqued Israel, suggesting that if she had been deceased, it would “entirely appropriate for you to blame Israel.” Those are the words of a person who calls themselves a Christian.

Hatred in the heart is akin to murder. So it is written, so it is true.

Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. [1Jn3:15;18] KJV

This topic will be in an upcoming article, not this one. I will say this. It grieves me to no end to see the number of Christians hating on Israel. Name me ONE nation on this earth today that is not over its head in sin. Just one!

You cannot – because every nation, every country upon this earth is full of sin. Violence, murder, theft Israel has a history of rebelling and sinning against Yahweh. Guess what? So does the rest of humankind. Remember the flood? Only EIGHT (8) were spared – eight!

Was I living in a bubble before 2020? No, but for a long season I had been spiritual blind.  It was written about. It had to do with consequences, and choosing the creation (idolatry)over the Creator. I was a rebellious, messed up sinner, but Jesus never gave up on me. He will not force us, but it is His desire that all come to repentance, moved with godly sorrow, and be forgiven.

Demonic Hatred

The hatred for Israel is heavily influenced by Satan, I am sure. Jesus is a Jew, and do not say that it is different. I do not condone sin. Right now, Israel has the largest PRIDE movement in the Middle East. (more further on)

However, the antisemitism, the hatred for Israel is demonic. There has always been hatred toward Israel, but the way it is sweeping globally amongst all age groups is not normal. It is demonic - far greater than Hitler's hatred for Israel.

 It is beyond reason. When Hamas militants attacked 3,500 Israelis attending Supernova music festival as they celebrated the [Jewish] holiday of Sukkot.

click to enlarge

A massacre took place. Multitudes shot in the back as they fled. Atrocities were carried out that caused the entire world to plead for justice and action. Here is a reminder of massacre 

However, it was not long before the  world 's shock and its sympathy turned against Israel, once the nation launched a military counter-offensive in Gaza. In the world court three months later, legal proceedings began against Israel for genocide in Gaza.

click any pic to enlarge

Israeli officials accuse international court of justice of antisemitic bias.

If any Christian, such as myself, still sees Israel as God's chosen, and Israel (Jerusalem) have a part in the future, get various labels slapped on them.

I believe that Israel (Jacob was renamed) and his 12 sons produced the 12 tribes of Israel. Out of one came the blessed Messiah, Yeshua (our Jesus). I do not believe they will be saved without Jesus. The apostles accepted their Messiah.

They went about preaching to all about Jesus. Today, salvation is through Christ Jesus. He IS the [only] way, the truth, and the life, and NO ONE comes to the Father [Yahweh/Adonai] except through (Jesus [Yeshua] )[Jn 14:5] (emphasis mine)

Revelation speaks the Lamb (Jesus/Yeshua) standing on Mount Zion with 144,000, who have Yahweh's name written in their foreheads. [Rev 14:1] 

There was caution on my part, particularly with prophetic sites or people. Deception is not something anyone desires. I have been deceived more than once in my life.

The thing about deception is that people do not know they have been deceived until they come out of it. Spiritual blindness accompanies deception. Jesus/Yeshua still heals the blind. He opened my eyes so I could see. The written Word became alive to me.

Deception is not a good thing, but Jesus worked all things together for good because I love Yahweh [God], and He called me (all born-again people), according to His purpose. [Rom 8:28]  I am wholly surrendered to Him. That is His desire for all of His creation, but not all are willing to lay down their lives.

It took me a long time to fully surrender. I thought I had already, not understanding the difference between When we fail, we repent with godly sorrow, determined to turn away from that which so easily causes us to stumble.

Not here or now, but in an upcoming article, I will speak about where I stand on the subject of “Israel”. For now, I will leave readers with this. I do not believe the church has replaced Israel (replacement theology). I do believe Israel was and is God’s chosen people.

The lineage of the Messiah comes specifically through the nation of Israel and the tribe of Judah. Yeshua, our Jesus, the Lord and King has been named the Lamb of God, as well as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

A bloodline had to be chosen. Despite a pagan background, where idols were worshipped, Abraham was selected. He was instructed to leave his father and all he knew. He forsook all that, willing to obey Yahweh and hold fast to his faith.

Throughout its history, Israel repeatedly fell into rebellion and idolatry. Time and time again, Adonai’s wrath brought judgment upon Israel, but He did not leave or forsake the people. He allowed harsh things to fall upon them as part of His disciplining judgment, to draw the people back to Him.

In their rebellion and disobedience (rejection of their God), Gentiles were given the opportunity to belong in Yahweh's family, in order to provoke God's people to jealousy. Born-again believers [the wild olive tree] are grafted in [Rom 11:17] - into the natural olive tree.

Israel has the largest Pride movement in the Middle East. There are many other things Israel is doing that is sinful and against the will of God. Yet again, they will face judgment. 

But countless other nations boast of having Pride parades. Toronto, Ontario has Canada's largest Pride parade and festival, while Vancouver, B.C. hosts a major western celebration.

Yahweh will judge this entire world because there is not ONE nation on this earth who is wholly sold out to the Creator.

All nations are in a sinful state. The Great Tribulation is coming and all the earth will face judgment. The purpose of God’s judgment has always been to turn the hearts of the people back to Him. I will not forsake Israel because it is still the Lord’s chosen nation.

I do not condone the state or sinful condition that Israel is in right now, or the atrocities that they are committing. May God help us all. I will get more into this in another article, but prayers have gone up with tears, standing in the gap for the hundreds of thousands starving. Sudan, Yemen, Palestine, Nigeria, Somalia

We are supposed to be more modern, more civilized, wiser than those who went before us, but we are not. History repeats itself. The apostle Paul described what we would be like in the last days, and we see it everywhere.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [2Tim3:1-5]

The church has fallen into disarray with scandalous stories coming out now every week. Governments are corrupted and pushing for control and power. The decline of trust in both church and state (governments) is widespread. In fact, it is global.

People are desperate for truth, but there are so many stories opposing each other in religious and political spheres, and in all arenas in the world, that many are greatly discouraged.

 Enticing Title or Clickbait?

I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. [Eccl. 9:11] KJV

Clickbait” is a metaphor. It’s a sensationalized, intentionally exaggerated misinformation (lies) to ‘bait’ viewers or readers into ‘clicking’ their link … fraudulent, manipulative, and deceptive. Last year was the first time I heard the word clickbait”.

Those who know me know that I call myself turtle (technically, it should be tortoise, which is a land-dweller). In science, we are taught that all tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises.

The Turtle and the Rabbit (The Tortoise and the Hare)

My reasoning for calling myself ‘turtle’ is valid. In case you ‘do not know’ OR ‘remember’, allow a reader’s digest version (condensed) of a story. There is a classic fable, written by a man named Aesop (Greek from ancient times, storyteller).

He wrote the tale of a rabbit [hare] who was challenged to a race by a tortoise [I always say turtle, but it is tortoise]. The rabbit was a braggart, and overly-confident. In fact, he was so confident in his speed that he was sure that even if he took a nap, he would still beat the turtle in the race when he awoke.

The tortoise is so slow, he said, laughing himself to sleep. However, whilst the rabbit was asleep, the tortoise quietly bypassed him and won the race.  Smile awhile. I recently came across a site that explained the story as a spiritual metaphor.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. [Heb 12:1-3] NLT (New Living Translation)

The turtle (tortoise) is symbolic of a believer who is faithful and consistent. They endure temptation, and run the race with endurance, with Jesus as the focus. They remain steadfast despite suffering, steadfast in faith and obedience, out of their love for God and for others.

On the other hand, the rabbit (hare) symbolizes someone who is gifted, but prideful and boastful. He starts strong, then compromises or take an easier way, his way. In the end, he fails to finish what he began. When anything is taken for granted, it is not appreciated because it is assumed that it will always be there.

Many take Jesus/Yeshua for granted because He forgives sins, but He also said He would never leave or forsake us. When people reap the consequences of their sins, they say Christ left them, or they were forsaken. But the reality is that they turned away and followed temptation which brings pleasure, rather than following Christ, which often brings persecution and suffering.

Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. [Heb 12:4] NLT

But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved. [Mat 24:13] KJV

Hooked by Clickbait

There is a saying that “extreme emotion overrides logic” (one I’ve used often myself).  That can be applied differently or paralleled with “clickbait overrides critical thinking”.  Emotions on the extreme side override logic, but if they are handled wisely, they complement logic, not conflict.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving something a great, creative title. It helps us choose a book, a song, a movie – nothing wrong with that at all. However, the motive or intent needs to be truth and accuracy, rather than trickery and broken expectations.

A catchy title challenges us to use our critical thinking so that we can discern properly and choose wisely. A good title ‘hooks’ our attention, but yields truth. There is a difference between honest anticipation and misrepresentation, exaggeration, or downright deception.

The best way I can explain it is that a brilliant, enticing title respects your intelligence, compels your curiosity and invites your critical thinking. Clickbait will ‘hook’ your attention and ‘snag’ your emotions, but it overrides logic while insulting intelligence when it delivers irrelevant, misleading, or completely false information (deceptive manipulation]. No one likes to be misled.

For example, the Word of God can be ministered by the Holy Spirit, and blesses the soul with truth, peace and stability. Satan can present the same Word, and manipulate it enough to deceive, bringing distortion, confusion, and stress (robs the soul of peace).

Example:

fluoride-free [truth] – OR – free fluoride [deception]

The same words can be twisted to communicate entirely different meanings. They may be used to enlighten (truth) or to ensnare (deception). The distinction is found in whether they faithfully communicate truth or manipulate perception through a subtle twist of meaning.

Satan is described as subtle [Gen 3:1; 2 Cor 11:3] And deceptive people use cunning craftiness [Eph4:14] Above is an example of the difference between the accuracy and intent behind their presentation. One invites discernment; the other seeks to bypass it.

I refuse to turn to AI or ChatGPT for answers. I run to You and Your Word, Lord (Adonai). You ALONE are God and all-wise (Omnipotent). You are my comfort and my strength (2017)

Therefore, I will look unto the Lord: I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Rejoice not against me, O my enemy, when I fall, I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me.

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness. [Micah 7:7-9] KJV

Who is a God like unto You, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever because He delights in mercy. [18]

He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

You will perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.  [Micah 7:18-20] KJV

Out of the stump of Jesse will grow a shoot, yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.

And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will never judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay. He shall defend the poor and exploited. He will rule against the wicked and destroy them with the breath of His mouth. He will be clothed with fairness and truth. [Is 11:1-5]

for His glory alone

Bonita                              dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com