For the word of
God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even
to the division of soul and spirit, of the joints and marrow, and discerning the
thoughts and intentions of the heart. [Heb 4:12] ESV
Be much blessed, dear souls. I have something prepared, but it takes time to do pictures, font colours, sizing, etc. and I cannot do it all at this time. Be strong and hopeful for this coming year, knowing God has everything planned long before we even existed. We will never understand everything this side of heaven.
I'm okay with that - and I pray you are too.
Year of the Fire Horse
China's Year of the Fire Horse
2026
But there is something I would like to draw your attention too, and see if it resonates deep within your spirit as well. This is something I will pray on. The Western culture does not live by the Chinese zodiac, but in China they do.
In cities where there are "Chinatowns", those areas will not just celebrate their traditions but live by the zodiac - unless they are Christian, Muslim, or some other religion outside of the deeply rooted, original cultural belief.
It is said to have originated 2000 years ago or more, linking it up with the Qin or Han dynasty. It blends ancient animal totem worship with astronomical observations of Jupiter's 12-year orbit.
Twelve animals, twelve signs - a 12-year cycle involves 12 animals, where each animal represents personality traits (beginning with year born, as opposed to the Western version that depends upon the month born. Each month is called a sign for a total of 12.)
I have no intention of delving deep into horoscopes or the zodiac, but it needs to be mentioned to explain how the Chinese determine what year it is. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig are the 12 animals that were chosen.
Who chose them? According to Taoism and Chinese mythology, a "Great Race" was ordered by the Jade Emperor [Yuhuang Shangdi], the supreme ruler known as 'Lord of heaven'. He chose the animals that would be involved.
No turtle is involved. I reckon they did not want the rabbit to fall asleep again and lose the race to the turtle. (That is somewhat a private joke between close friends and myself. I dubbed myself "turtle" due to my disability (bone-on-bone osteoarthritis), and how slow I walk and get about due to my knees.)
My friends graciously play along with me. Good, clean fun. I tend to think that a 'little' humour goes a 'long' way, and keeps one from holding too many 'pity parties'...the kind most people do not like to attend.
The Lord is an amazing anchor and source of strength in hardships. He deserves to be glorified constantly!
Satan is a Counterfeiter
One example: False holy spirit
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. [Rev 16:13-14]
I did some digging to learn a bit about war horses. The horse has played a vital role in warfare for millennia. War horses, particularly stallions, are powerful, strong creatures of endurance, but certain breeds like the Arabian, Andalusian and Friesian are just three breeds that are known for immense resilience, uncanny endurance and loyalty in battle.
These respond well to specialized training where they learn to respond to voice commands, hand signals, charge infantry, perform tactical maneuvers and much more.
The year of the horse comes around once every 12 years, but the year of the "fire horse" is rare, as it only comes around once every 60 years. In Chinese culture the fire horse is considered a sprinting animal, which, according to tradition means that the year 2026 will see events unfold rapidly.
That would certainly fit the time we are in now because everything has been unfolding rapidly, every since 2020. Any time there is a "fire horse year" (also known as Bing-Wu years), it is said the 'fire horse' "disrupts the existing order of our societies."
That is according to Xiaohuan Zhao, University of Sydney's sinology professor. He explained further: "(There) is a longstanding association between Bing-wu years and periods of social or political instability in historical tradition."
The article in the online magazine solidifies the professor's statement with information about the last year of the Fire Horse, which was 1966. It was a year marked by the start of China's Cultural Revolution, the Aberfan disaster in Wales, and the escalation of the Vietnam War. SOURCE: National Geographic
From a Christian Perspective
Following the Zodiac and horoscopes are not what Christians are to do. Deuteronomy, Daniel, and Isaiah are only three books in the Holy Bible that warn God's people against idolatry.
Going to other sources for information on your future is just that - idolatry. It is inviting divination and other occult practices. Many see a daily horoscope reading as harmless, but it is a seducing spirit that leads you away from God.
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from these things that shall come upon you. [Is 47:13]
The counterfeiter Satan is doing his best to push the agenda because he does not believe that his time is short. His pride has blinded him to the reality that he will not rule as god, but end up in the lake of fire.
This year threatens war. The fire horse in Chinese culture has shown great trouble according to the report up above. I did not do extensive digging at this time but when I saw the year of the horse, and learned about the "fire horse" year only being once in 60 years, I sensed a paradigm shift and the sounds of many hooves (like that which was heard in ancient times with approach of a vast army).
Yahweh has been calling people to come closer, to stay longer, to wait upon Him. It gets stronger...will we hear Him. Will this be the year of the apocalyptic red horse? Global unrest and protests are already happening and have been for some time.
Is there any country where the people are content with their leadership? People are fleeing their own countries - exodus has been going on for a time too, and more is coming as war ravages one place after another.
Is this why the Lord is calling us more often? He has been doing it randomly over the decades. Will we be prepared? It would be a good idea to pray; to search our hearts. If there is compromise, stop it. If there is unfaithfulness in any area, unbelief will soon consume.
Let us press in to see what the Lord will say to His people, through His Word, through His Spirit, through others. Nothing will conflict with that which is written. If it does, it is not of God.
Prayer Requests Welcomed
No formula, no script...
just pray from your heart to the Creator
Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. [Lk21:36]
Take heed, watch and pray: for you do not know when the time is. [Mk 13:33]
If you have any prayer requests, please do not hesitate to email me at the 'addy' found at the end of each post. I answer every email as soon as possible; however, how speedy the reply is depends on various factors bur rest assured I will try to answer in a timely fashion.
Please feel free to place URGENT in the email title to grab my attention and prioritize my reply, otherwise, to be fair, I answer letters in the order of arrival.
for His glory alone
Bonita dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com
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