Paradigm Shift-Part Two-- Every Believer Goes Thru Dark Seasons

If you missed the first part, it is here:

Paradigm Shift: A Message When Least Expected

Now to what the Lord led me to write…

Garden of Gethsemane

then Jesus said to His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.

For whosever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. [Mat 16:24, 25]

As in the processes of dying and birthing, a paradigm shift is occurring, from that which was, to that which must be. It begins in your own garden of Gethsemane. Here is where great darkness falls upon the soul and spirit and the travailing begins. The flesh cries out, not desiring to suffer and die.  

This is the point where many give up; they will only go so far, for as the rich man who could not part with his riches, so there are things that many of My people refuse to surrender. Therefore, in love and mercy, I send forth chastisement, to see if they will endure correction. Yet again, I shall purge My people and prune away many branches, to see if fruit will come forth in a new season.

This is where everything and everyone will seem to be against you; and things only seem to get worse – and darker; like a horrible pit full of miry (swampy) clay. This is where you will either cry out to Me, or turn away. Press in, endure, keep in the race, cling to Me, for I AM with you.

Immovable Faith

You will feel shaken, horribly shaken, but fear not. Have I not said that all that can be shaken will be shaken? Yes, you have heard this and you have read it in My word. 

And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  [Heb 12:27] 

This is a good work, if you understand the purpose. The dross must be shaken loose, so it will surface, for dross is skimmed as it surfaces. Your faith must be immovable. Labor and travail, for it shall not be in vain.  Let your labor be done in fear and trembling. Trust Me. 

 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.  [Pro 25:4]

To those whose house is built upon the rock, though the winds blow and the house is shaken, it shall not fall. Remain steadfast and unmovable in faith.  Lo, I AM doing a good work.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. [1Cor 15:58]

 

Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  [Phil 2:28]

Who has not gone through these dark times? All My people have gone through great darkness; yet in great travailing, weeping and praying, they persevere and go through. In the shaking, your eyes shall be opened and you shall see all that is not of Me. Will you trust Me through it all?

All that is not of Me shall surface and nothing shall remain secret. Let it go in repentance and believe in Me. Submit yourself to Me, resist the enemy who seeks to keep you in bondage and he must flee.[Jam 4:7] I have chosen this furnace of affliction for you, yet it is for good, as you cling to Me and follow the leading of My holy Spirit in you. Submit My child to the work I AM doing and fear not.

2012-sex and drug scandal
Ted Haggard

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  [Eccl 12:14]

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. [Mk 4:22]

Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.  [Is 48:10]

Cry out to Me and I hear you. My hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor is My ear heavy that it cannot hear. [Is 59:1]

Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. [Is 50:10]

Forgiveness is Crucial

Let no bitterness, no strife, no hatred, no anger, no jealousy, no envying, let nothing that is not of Me be found in you. Let forgiveness pour out from your heart, for it shall be a healing balm to you. 

Think upon Saul and David. Even when David knew he was anointed to be king and Saul sought to kill David, did My servant David rise up in pride? Did he kill Saul when he had the chance?

No, he cut a piece of Saul’s robe one time, to let Saul know that he had the opportunity to kill him, but did not. He submitted himself to Saul, who was still king and trusted Me to work things out.

Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you today into my hand in the cave: and some bade (told) me kill you: but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.  [1Sam 24:10]

 

     And he (Saul) said to David, You are more righteous than I: for you have rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded you evil.

And you have shown this day how that you have dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into your hand, you killed me not.  [1Sam 24: 17,18]

Though he spoke fair words and understood the mercy David showed him, Saul did not genuinely repent. Therefore, I say unto you, do not be as Saul. Genuinely repent and believe, forgive and die to self; then shall you be raised up and become the new man. I shall have a holy people, without spot or blemish. Yea and if you fall, I say rise up, rise up again, and cry out to Me.

For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. [Pro24: 16]

Do Not Fear the Darkness

When the darkness comes upon you, as you go through the dark season, I shall shine My light upon your heart and reveal the secret things that you have not known are there. 

Fear not; neither be dismayed or confounded. Be strong and of good courage. I work in the darkness; I work in ways you cannot see.

Your emotional condition is not necessarily your heart condition. Allow this piercing of the heart, for out of the wound shall pour forth all that festers and infects you. 

Surrender it into My hands with genuine repentance, believe and I shall heal you; you shall have a new heart. I shall shine My light into the darkness, and shall shine light upon your heart.  Then shall you see clearly; then shall you know my glory in the face of My Son.

                                     

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [1Cor 4:6]

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. [Is 60:2]

My people must go through these dark times. Many have despaired, been troubled, perplexed, cast down and cried out to Me. Those whom I have raised up mightily went through the darkness that came upon them. 

They cried out to Me, yet felt so helpless, alone and abandoned, not understanding the times of My silence. If you fall, rise back up again. Repent and believe and let your faith hold fast to Me.

Think upon My friend Abraham, after I told him about the son that he would have, and that he would be the father of many nations. What happened?

                                  

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.  [Gen 15:12]

 Did Moses fear the darkness or did he know that even in the darkness, he would find Me?

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. [Ex 20:21]

 And you came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness

Think upon the apple of My eye, David. Did he not travail in times of the darkness that came upon his soul? Did he not feel so alone?

O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?  Why do you hide your face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless [Psalm 88:14,15]

You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Lover and friend have you put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness  [Ps 88:6, 18]

 Two godly men who feared and obeyed God wrote about their dark time - their dark night of the soul. Oswald Chambers wrote a poem called, ‘Dark Night of the Soul’, in his book, ‘Abandoned to God’.

[NOTE*: Title corrected. I had mistakenly put "by" instead of "to". It read "Abandoned BY God", instead of 'Abandoned TO God'.  [Words highlighted to show correction] - Hearty 'shout-out' and a sincere 'thank you' to Donna L. for noticing my mistake. Great catch, Donna! Heads up appreciated. Salute - BP2025]

Cut it off. My heart is bleeding,

And my spirit’s wrung in pain,

Yet I hear my Jesus pleading,

Cut it off or all is vain.

So I’ve stopped my ears in terror

Lest self-pity make me quail,

Lest at last I take the error

And God’s purpose thwart and fail.

I am bowed to death in sadness,

For the pain is all too great,

But the dear Lord must find pleasure

In the way He maketh straight.

In the late 1600s, François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon (please do not ask me to pronounce that), often called Francois Fenelon [that's better, easier] was a French Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet and writer.  

He wrote: His [God’s] transformation is done on the cross in darkness, poverty and death.

godly men

Think upon Elijah, Job, Moses and Paul. Have you felt as they did? Have you wanted Me to take you away from the earth? Have you despaired desperately? Yes, you have. Lo, I AM with you.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. [1Kings 19: 4]

 

What happened? A paradigm shift… An angel came, touched him and Elijah went on his journey with new strength (new hope) after eating ‘meat’ that I sent.

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. [1Kings19: 7, 8] 

Depression is a reality
-
Job, Moses, Elijah, Saul, David, 
all suffered bouts of depression.
It is not always due to sin.

Moses, who was faithful and meek, despaired over the constant complaining and bitterness of the people. Now the Israelites were not satisfied with manna anymore; they wanted meat. It seemed more than Moses could bear because the people never seemed satisfied and were angry with him. He wanted to die.

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if you deal thus with me, kill me, I pray You, out of hand, if I have found favour in Your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. [Num11: 14,15]

What happened? A paradigm shift… I commanded Moses to gather seventy men of the elders of Israel, and I put the spirit that had been upon Moses upon them, so that Moses should not bear the burden of the people alone, and the seventy prophesied throughout the camp. Then I answered his prayer and sent meat to the people, but the lust of their flesh did anger me. [Num 11:25, 31-33]

Even the apostles despaired at times and desired to leave this life.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: [2Cor 1:8]

   We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [2Cor4:8,9]

Yet again, a paradigm shift took place, as once again My people were strengthened…

But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  [2Cor 15: 57]

So shall it be with My people who persevere, who go through the dark seasons, who cry out in repentance, if there be need in any area for repentance. Yea, cry out to Me and I shall strengthen you as you go through purging and purification. 

End of Part 2 - Paradigm Shift

Tomorrow will conclude with Part 3

for His glory

Bonita                        dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Too Close to Quit

 

Pressing Through Hard Times - the Temptation to Quit

Be strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work will be rewarded. [2Chron 15:7]

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. [Gal 6:8-9]

In January 2021, I had posted an article called: Rejoice Not, O My Enemy – I Will Rise Again. The first words in the title come from the mouth of the ancient prophet Micah [7:8]

Living in times where corruption and sin abound, the prophet saw that there were very few good people, even among those who claimed to be God’s people, but that was their reproach, according to Matthew Henry, a beloved nonconformist preacher and well-respected commentator of the scriptures.

In Psalm 69, King David also groaned deep within, depressed and discouraged, wrote: Reproach has broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. [vs 20]

When the hindrances and interruptions, which I had mentioned in previously posted articles, continued nonstop, even up to yesterday, I became more and more discouraged. I began to question my purpose. With the plagiarists still dipping their hands into the archives, I had to wonder if the good Lord was indeed shutting the door on my writing.

Satan Desires Apostasy

If I do not step out of the boat once again, I never will. Great discouragement weighed me down, to the point where I was ready to quit writing publicly, after 22 years. But that is exactly what some would want me to do. Satan's agenda is to steal, to kill, and to destroy. His desire is to see all Christians fall into apostasy.

At the beginning of the year, but particularly around the end of February, early March, hindrances and interruptions were happening quickly. I began to fall behind more than I ever had before in all these years of writing, and believe me, I have fallen behind before, especially these last few years – just not this severely.

I am not a pastor, prophet, or any such thing; simply a blogger who loves Jesus and has a healthy fear of the Lord, endeavouring to be obedient in sharing the good news, and pointing the way to Jesus/Yeshua. Seems there are those who tear down the average Christian, but exalt the false teachers and false prophets, especially those who plagiarize, or at least, started with plagiarism and gained a following by hiding deception under an exterior covering of shimmering truth.

It began slowly back in October, when it was impressed upon me to remind brethren of increased witchcraft activity, which has been becoming more brazen in the public eye over the past few years. 

As the time fast approaches for the son of perdition, the lawless one, the Antichrist of all antichrists, to make his prideful revealing, witchcraft has been made more public and acceptable (such as the Super Bowl 2024, Grammy Awards 2023, Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, Gotthard Base Tunnel 2016, and much more).

The blatant compromise, the lies, the blasphemy and mockery, the deception (yes, IN the churches and EXECUTED by multitudes who call themselves followers of Jesus), false brethren, false teachers/preachers, false prophets, false doctrines, witchcraft in the church, the acceptance of sodomy, acceptance of transgender preachers, abortions 'after' natural childbirth – shall I continue?

It is heartbreaking –

Pressing In and Waiting on the Lord

Did I press in to ask the Lord about quitting writing? More than ever. A critical spirit is in the personality of many who call themselves by Christ’s name, but they would call it discernment, and hide their gossip under the guise of ‘concern’. 

How are we to respond? Pray good for them, that God would help them as surely as He helped me (and every other born-again, Holy Spirit-filled person who repented), and then leave it in God’s hands – for my wisdom is foolishness to Him.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God [Rom 3:23]

The nonstop chronic pain has not helped. Combined with the hindrances, interruptions, the plagiarism, and other matters of concern, I just about quit writing. I am not complaining about the chronic pain, nor am I looking for sympathy. Perish the thought. Yes, there are times I want to ‘go home’, just to get relief because morphine is not really doing much, except to make pain bearable.

To be upfront, I was not so grateful for this pain at first. It was frustrating (still is because it limits my activity), and it angered me, but mostly, I just wanted relief, or to see an end to the pain somewhere up ahead.

But now I see changes in my heart – gratitude, clinging more to God, letting independence go, trust increasing, seeing God’s wisdom in using it to mold me step by step into Christ’s image, thanksgiving, opportunity to praise Jesus, realizing the privilege of being able to run to the Lord anytime, anywhere…and so much more. All to the glory to God; Yeshua is exalted on high.

God’s Order of Things

I believe the Word of God regarding God’s order of things [1Cor 14:40], and the roles of men and women (I appreciate the godly male pastors who take the lead), men who stand for Israel (God’s chosen nation/people), who honour all of God’s Word, standing against abortion, sodomy, and homosexuality.

They are not afraid to mention repentance, the cross (as well as the spiritual cross we are to carry daily, endeavouring to overcome and to nail sinful and fleshly appetites and desires), the precious blood that purchased us, paid for our sins that nailed Jesus to the cross.

What about holiness, forgiveness, God’s sovereignty, or the Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? What about the armour of God [Ephesians 6], the adversary (Satan and his hierarchy), and spiritual warfare?

There are still preachers who do not compromise in order to gather a huge following, or to stroke their egos. They teach pure and true doctrine, have a healthy fear of the Lord, but walk humbly as Christ did. I wonder if rebellion is part of the fallen nature we inherited from Adam because many still rebel against God’s Word.

Although I have given a prophetic message in times past, I do not claim to be a prophet. I believe in prophesying, for it is written:

Despise not prophesying. Prove [test] all things; hold fast that which is good. [1Thess 5:20-21]

The false prophets today are more like fortune tellers, or gossips, “revealing” the sins of people in the public eye, or constantly have some new revelation, or predict what will be in the news. Would we want the Lord to broadcast our sins, especially if any that might be done in secret, or would we want Him to give us a chance to repent first? 

But with some of today’s ‘prophets’, the Lord spills the beans on multitudes. Would we want our past sins brought up if we repented privately in brokenness and with godly sorrow? 

I have seen so-called apostles, self-proclaimed prophets and those who claim to be preachers do such, and so have multitudes of others seen it. How could people trust the Lord if that is how He operated (which it is not His way at all)?

The God of the Bible does not trash anyone, or make a public show of them.

Yet it would seem that the false have thousands of loyal followers, people who defend them because they look at the outward appearance, their ‘charismatic’ personality and charm. It could also be that:

[1] their followers are deceived

[2] deception has blinded them

[3] some are not saved, and some need deliverance from python [spirit of divination]

[4] the person almost has two personalities (the dark side of their sin is so well hidden that only their victims and God Himself know about it: friends and family are fooled by their ‘good works’) – for now. But their judgment day is coming!

For over a decade the Lord has been urging people to stay in His Word and to stand on it, to come closer to Him, and wait in His presence – not rushing off. He is consistent, steadfast, repeating the message so that we would keep a repentant heart, forgive those who come against us and pray for them (never easy at first, but gets easier as one steps out in faith). Obedience comes naturally from love.

This will be a short entry.  

It is Not Complicated

I am now glad that the hindrances and interruptions kept me from posting about the eclipse because it seems everyone and their uncle posted about it. Jesus said that no sign would be given but the sign of Jonah. He did not wrap the answer up in deep revelations or mysteries to guess and solve.

The message is simple, so simple a youth would get it. I mentioned it in the last article, posted April 7, 2024, the day before the eclipse. I ended the article saying it was a “call to repentance”, and that all nations needed to repent, and that we were to “repent, be holy, a warning”. 

The asterisks are book-ending the titles of two of the three messages I posted online in 2005/2006. The third one was: “The Watchman Repented”. That is how the Lord started me in my writing: repentance, trust, forgiveness. He built from there

As Unto the Lord

Almost giving up on writing (NOT to be confused with giving up on the Lord or my faith), shutting down the blog, I did press into the Lord – for weeks now. The plagiarists got to me, but one ‘prophesied’ that many would have their platforms shut down.

But God is Sovereign.

A few days back, I was repenting about unbelief and fear (these were attempting to enslave me again). The Lord reminded me of His love, and how perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment, and if we have unhealthy fear, it is because we are not perfect in love. [1Jn 4:18]

Then, when I opened the Bible, it opened to Jesus leaving the 99 righteous, to go after the one who had gone astray. I silently wept and broke, repenting for fear and unbelief, for wandering astray from the Word – how subtle the enemy is indeed. He strikes when we are weak.

Then, when I asked again about writing, or was it time to quit – after weeks of waiting and wondering, I came across the answer that jumped off the page.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ. But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done: and there is no respect of persons. [Col 3:22-25]

I understood that I was to please God, not man, to have a sole devotion to write for the Lord, and to fear God. I am to write wholeheartedly as unto the Lord – to keep trust that He will take care of plagiarists, or all of us, if we do wrong.

So, step by step, I will continue, to the glory of Messiah Jesus.

In the presence of His glory

Bonita                         dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Waves Noticeably Coming In - Take Heed - Grabbing the Bull by the Horns

Life’s Challenges versus Spiritual Battles

[Updated: May 2024]

Bear with me whilst I bring you through a little story, a small chapter in my life. My heart’s cry is that it will make the times we are in a reality – the very real spiritual war that humankind is in, whether we are active or inactive in the battles. 

There is a significant number of Christians who openly admit that 'other Christians' hype up the subject of spiritual warfare, and "demons". There are indeed two extremes regarding this topic. 

There is either ignorance, where a Christian does not believe in having to fight spiritually -- believing that a 'spiritual' war is against a person's spirit within themselves, 'unbelievers' and 'carnal Christians' alike, thereby making it 'battles' in the physical realm. That is not true. 

The other extreme is that everything involves a demon. The comedian named Flip Wilson, popular in the late 60s to mid-70s, made a one-liner a famous, household saying, which was, "The devil made me do it!" 

Sadly, there are some Christians who say [and believe] the same lie. It can be expected from the unsaved (and beasts), but to hear a Christian say it, makes one ponder their salvation. And that is a very serious matter.

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. And for that cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie: [2Thes2:10-11]

Every "sin" has a demon attached to it, according to those involved in certain denominations with false teachers and false prophets. The Bible speaks of unclean spirits [Mk 5:8], familiar spirits [1Sam 28:7], foul spirits [Mk 9:25], and others.

But there are some false prophets and false teachers who give demonic spirits  fictitious names, and the new converts and undiscerning are deceived. There are those who still parrot an old wisecrack, a one-liner that cleverly mocks those who blame others for their sin (blame the demon >> "the devil made me do it").

That quip was made famous by Flip Wilson, a  One self-proclaimed prophet teaches about a "sneaky squid spirit". How is she going to explain that one to Jesus, who called "fishermen" to be part of His ministry? 

Laziness, gossip, backbiting, stealing, are random examples of things that some in the deliverance ministry attach to some demon [spirit of laziness, spirit of gossip, spirit of thievery, etc.). Sins of the flesh are often blamed on some demon. 

One must be delivered from the demon to stop that sin, according to those who work in this deception. One self-proclaimed prophet (Jennifer LeClaire) speaks of a 'sneaky squid spirit'. 

Where in the New Testament do you see Jesus/Yeshua or the apostles naming any such spirits? You will not find any such foolishness. You may think that anyone could see through that façade of so-called spiritual warfare. Test that with the Word of God. 

Check the stories where Jesus delivered tortured souls from the grip of demons. There are references in the Old Testament as well, such as a "lying spirit" [1Kings 22:21-23; Job 4:15]

There are many examples, but you will not find any "sneaky squid spirit", and no, it is not a new demon that is for these last days. Do not be deceived, dear friends. Notwithstanding, this is an entire topic on its own, but not for here. 

Take heed, dear friends. Do not be deceived. Grab the 'bull' by the horns. When we are submitted to God, we resist the devil and he will flee. It may be immediate or he may rebel (rebellion is part of their nature) and it may take persistence. However, he must and will flee - as it is written. 

KEY to locked doors: Submit to God. [Jam 4:7] Satan has no keys, so do not believe any such lies. The last two he had (death and Hades)  [Rev 1:18] Jesus/Yeshua took from him. But the Holy Spirit guides us in every situation, as Jesus promised.

Simply put, some do not believe in spiritual warfare, and others dramatize it. Although Satan will tempt us in our weak areas, we overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. [Rev 12:11]

We will know what to do, especially if we need to seek God humbly, confess our sins, and repent. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. 

We live in a physical realm where life itself is full of disappointments, injustices, challenges, and the weight and consequences of sin. Yet we also can tap into the spiritual realm, where our Creator as well as our archenemy live. A spiritual battle rages that God already has claimed victory over. It is written plainly in the Bible.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in CHRIST Jesus (Yeshua) our LORD.  [Rom 8:37-39]

If this story and my best effort to present evidence helps someone to pay attention, understand what is happening, hear the Lord’s wisdom, and proceed to follow the instructions of: Eph 6; 1Pet 5:6-8; 2Cor 10:4, then it has been worth every frustration, every hindrance, every delay, every tear, and every struggle.

If I was to convince someone of anything, it is not the ferocious brutality of the enemies of the cross. I do not think that would take much convincing. People can be cruel when walking in sin [and flesh aka carnal nature], but the importance is to confirm that which is already established, which is the mercy and goodness, faithfulness and steadfastness of Jesus the Messiah.

He will stay by our side through all our hard trials and tribulations, whether we know it or not. Do not struggle to understand the ‘why’ things happen that happen (as countless others, self included, have many times). Logic can be overridden by extreme emotions, and logic is not always accurate.

That does not mean we forsake critical thinking or logic, but there are times that our understanding will fail us, and we must simply TRUST the LORD.

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

Abiding in Christ We Have His Power and Authority

Jesus gave us power and authority over serpents and scorpions (demonic). Yet during battle fatigue we soon discover that we have lost power and strength. It is when these things first begin to happen that we begin to learn. 

We cry out to the Lord when there is nowhere else to turn. We soon discern His faithfulness in staying with us in the heat of the battle; when the enemy armies become overwhelming.

We learn to trust at deeper levels. For example, trusting the Lord that you will make it home [on gas fumes, if necessary] when the car is out of gas is a different level than trusting Him to keep you from bankruptcy or foreclosure, or from a death sentence from a terminal illness that the doctor announces.

Yes, we learn – step by step, here a little, there a little, from glory to glory.

We learn to be grateful (praises with thanksgiving) in all things, even if we are awkward at times, not always successfully (thanks to interference from our flesh/carnal nature).

But we do NOT give up! (Do not even consider it an option!) And yes, it can be bloody hard. That is why we need the prayers of others. We (most importantly) need to keep close to Jesus. We need Him every moment of every day. He truly is our everything.

Listen to His children. We all have that respectful, adoring love for Him. Jesus/Yeshua is so good, and His mercy does endure forever – but our Saviour is no fool. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Consider carefully…

As we grow and learn and discipline ourselves, as we put into practice that which we are taught or instructed to do, we finally come into the peace He gives with His loving presence. 

Do not try and make sense of it; it is the peace that passes all understanding or explanation. It is ‘knowing’ Christ is abiding. It is ‘knowing’ Him and Him knowing us – being one in Christ – the Vine and the branches being one.

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]

Do your best not to allow Satan, any demon or any person tell you that you are too weak to rise back up, or that Christians do not faint or fall (exhausted, weak, spiritually fatigued/drained, weary). For it is written:

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that W-A-I-T upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. [Is 40:30-31]

We all get weary but we do not allow it to totally deplete us; to cause us to quit – although at times we may feel right on the verge. I know I have at times in past. But Jesus…! Glory to the Lamb of God! Some times we need to speak to ourselves, encourage ourselves in the Lord (as king David and Joshua did, when no one else was around to comfort them).

Satan is a liar, the father of lies, a murderer; one who comes to steal, kill and to destroy, but Jesus offers life abundantly. [Jn 10:10] He also invites us to come to Him whenever we are ‘weary’ [laboured] and ‘burdened’ [heavy laden], and He ‘will’ give us rest for our soul. [see Mat 11:28-30]

When the Lord repeats Himself, it is for our benefit, that we take notice of what He is repeating and why. We are creatures that need reminding. People learn through repetition, practice, training. It is for our good, but for the glory of God.

The counterfeiter Satan can be repetitious in his strategies and tactics, stratagems, techniques, and whom and/or what he specifically targets, but as the idiom states, there is a method to his madness. 

He has his organized hierarchy [counterfeiting, copycatting God], his merciless armies [hardened hearts], and his murderous top commanders (principalities and powers). His watchers work diligently, reporting in so that he can scheme and cause things to fall into place quickly.

It grieves me to give Satan (meaning ‘adversary’) the spotlight for even two seconds, but it is important that I leave no rock unturned. For the past five years (since October 2018), the Lord has put it upon my heart to be consistent in warning (and/or reminding) people of the increase in occult interest (secret activities, dark/black magic), the uprising of the practitioners ([witches, warlocks/sorcerers, wiccans] - rituals, spells, and undeniable demonic activity.

Correcting an Error in Wording – An Incorrect Statement                          

I had begun to write this article somewhere in the last few days of July (2023). Yet not long after I began came the first assault (first stratagem) from the enemy. I did not connect the two at first, but as time has progressed (but mostly because of the Lord’s patience with me and giving me eyes to see and a spirit of understanding), the dots did indeed connect.

A couple of weeks into August, I posted a short article called ‘Free at Last’, which was directed at my release from the hospital, even though my stay was not long, having been released on the sixth day. Not much was given in detail because I was not sure I was hearing from the Lord. Even still, it took a further six days before the post was made.

Another article followed a couple of days later (18^th). The reality of being in a spiritual battle was mentioned, but I do not think that was one of my better articles. One of my subtitles was: Cowards Get Overwhelmed Rather than Overcome. 

It is not a spirit of error, but it is an honest mistake – a gross mistake.

A spirit of error versus a spirit of truth - Jesus the Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one goes to the Father except by Him. 

Did I really post that title? Was that my flesh or the work of the enemy? There was a time that I would just change the title, and then explain what it meant. I did not see blogging as a ‘published’ work per se, when I first began as a blogger, rather, just a form of private ‘journaling’ or a diary that I was sharing publicly.

Wrong! I stand corrected and now know better.  My sincerest apologies if that statement threw anyone off course. I knew what I meant, but the title is completely misleading; it is wrong. We all get overwhelmed sometimes (read about Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, David, Jehoshaphat, Jesus [Father, let this bitter cup pass…] [Mat 26:39]              

Life can overwhelm us sometimes. Accidents, financial ruin, job loss, severed relationships (death, divorce, misunderstandings, betrayals, etc.), sickness, pain, work overload and pressures, chemical imbalances, demonic possession or oppression – the list goes on.

Yes, all of us can get overwhelmed at times and most of us do, in life. However, that does not mean we cannot overcome the situation. Being overwhelmed does not make one a coward. Ridiculous…it was a poor grouping of words on my part. My sincere apologies.                                                                                     

It has been quite some time since I have jumped in and corrected writing because I learned more along my journey, along my faith walk, as we all do. Now if I correct something, I make sure it is stated. As far as saying cowards get overwhelmed but do not overcome, that is only partially true.

Being overwhelmed does not make one a coward. Even the mightiest warrior, Jesus/Yeshua, became overwhelmed (heavy burdened with sorrow) [Mat 26:37-39] in the Garden of Gethsemane because the torture and cruelties He would have to endure were revealed to Him ( horrific things – as part of becoming the sacrificial Lamb for mankind).

Yet so great is the Father’s love that after His time of suffering and coming to grips with what must be, El Shaddai (God) sent a holy angel to minister to (comfort) His Son. [Lk 22:43-44] Even our righteous, strong Saviour needed comfort and strengthening whilst in this vessel of flesh and blood.

In that hour, He felt the added pain of aloneness. Jesus knew isolation: He often withdrew alone from the crowds. He knew the emptiness of silence from the Father, even to the point once of asking God where He was. 

When we are in the midst of great sorrows and trials, we too feel alone, that there is no one who understands or even cares, but that is not so. It is just a ‘feeling’, and feelings can deceive us. Jesus the Christ is ever with us.

Upon the rugged tree (cross), Jesus/Yeshua was in anguish at the savagery, the barbarism, the accusations and outright lies; the shredded flesh that came from the senseless whipping of the soldiers, as well as the merciless pounding of sharp spikes being hammered into His tender flesh.

“Father, let this [bitter] cup pass from Me – Howbeit, not My will but Yours be done.” Then, in a weakened stated, the spirit of heaviness fell upon the Lord, and He cried out, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? (My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”) [Mk 15:34 – see the prophetic statement in Psalm 22:1]

Yeshua was very aware of the separation sin causes, but He was also grieved by His Father’s silence.  He did not sin but he bore the unbearable weight of all our sins upon Himself. Demonic chaos and sinful flesh (gambling soldiers, mocking, jeering crowd, Satan ridiculing and laughing) surrounded Him.

When we are going through great pain, either physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, we notice the silence of our Lord. We will notice the negativity around us, whether from our flesh, the world or the demonic realm.

Yes, Jesus was overwhelmed, as were multitudes found mentioned throughout scripture. Being overwhelmed does not make one a coward. We all get overwhelmed sometimes for various reasons. No, it is refusing to face the difficulties and battles, refusing to face any giant and overcome it. It is giving up, or worse, blaming God for failure and unfairness.

Jesus/Yeshua willingly sacrificed His life as atonement for our sins. He overcame His overwhelming anguish and chose to face His accusers and executors. It is not easy. Not for Jesus, our forerunners, or for us.

Elijah faced Ahab and Jezebel again. David faced Saul again. Jehoshaphat faced the opposing armies that outnumbered Israel. All of these people were overwhelmed with certain situations in their life, and the Word of God records it as an example for us.

Bless the Lord!

I was mortified when I saw the title that I had posted but it had to be adjusted. The wording was sure to be misconstrued. Ah well, it has been addressed now, and the understanding made clear.  Hopefully I have not missed other such statements. More importantly, I hope I have not done any harm in any way to anyone who may not know better, either due to youth, or any other innocent reason.

May the Lord take care of any souls that those words may have troubled, and take the incorrect words out of the atmosphere, burning them up by the fire of the precious and Holy Spirit, where not even an ash remains. Be glorified in all things, Yeshua – beloved Jesus. Please forgive my oversight, or haste.

There is typically great care taken before posting, but I am not infallible. Admittedly, there are times that I have noticed certain articles needed editing, and I have tried to correct that. Yet, there is something else I have noticed and I am sure it is either Google’s bots, or it is Google staff trying to ruin certain work through tampering and sabotage.

I have seen the colour of text changed, where it is absurd colours and hard on the eyes to read. I have seen font too large or too small, dates messed up (I try and keep hard copies in empty books that I have purchased from dollar stores, or other stores.)

There has been manipulation of text and words where none of the sentences make sense. I have been flabbergasted when I discover it (It has been discovered as I copy and paste articles to be printed and put in a binder.) At any rate, there are errors that I know are not mine, but how does one prove that. Sigh… one does not, not unless you are a computer whiz.

At any rate, for the recent error, which IS my error, I apologize to readers, but with sincere gratitude, I thank the Holy Spirit for drawing my eyes to the title. Bless the Lord!

What is a Coward?

Let us first define coward according to the dictionary.

coward: [noun] a person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition, pain.; a timid or easily intimidated person

[adjective] lacking courage; very fearful or timid; proceeding from or expressive of fear or timidity   SOURCE: dictionary.com

Sometimes I wondered if I was a coward because I have had to deal with pain since 2018, since my leg was burned by a DEW (direct energy weapon – another story, howbeit, a true story, yet for another time). Five years of daily pain has slowly increased.

It began a downhill spiral when I left Kelowna BC (where I lived) on March 27, 2021, to drive to Calgary, Alberta to visit my two daughters, my son-in-law, and my three grandchildren (two boys and a girl). I visited for two months, departing about June 26, 2022.

I thought I would arrive in Ontario before Canada Day, Canada’s biggest holiday of the year, July 1^st – Canada’s Confederation birthday, akin to America’s July 4 holiday. It turned into a six-day journey (which is extremely long for crossing Canada when one is not touring).

However, the traffic was surreal due to the upcoming holiday, and hotel/motel or bed-n-breakfasts were all booked solid. If one did manage to find a room, it was a cockroach motel with the highway robbery price tag of $180 and up (for filthy, used rooms). I slept sitting up for nearly six days at gas stations, or truck stops, wherever I could grab a few winks and be safe.

Now the osteoarthritis in the knees (both) is bone on bone. Bionic braces (custom-made) are supposedly the answer (transhumanism), but the braces are very expensive. The degenerative discs in the back have caused lower back pain, including the sciatic nerve.

 I would rather be a testimony to the glory of Jesus than a testimony to man, stating the bionic braces work to the point where I do not have to take the painkillers. That is what AI promises – with transhumanism, it is said we would be a person with super-abilities and no pain. We would be ‘as gods’… (deception).

Thanks be to God, I am no coward. Yes, I weep when the pain is extreme, but I still face it. The Lord is my anchor, so I choose to wait upon Him. I continue to learn. Yes, I can only do it with His strength, but that means, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. [Phil 4:13] KJV

It is no option to quit; the Lord has brought me so far, and done so much work. He deserves the fruit of His labour. But yes, there are times that I just do not think that I can take any more. 

I do my best to refocus away from the pain – the Lord helps, but I am awkward at times. Thank You Lord for all You do for all of us, even things we are not even aware of. You are exalted on high, holy, and majestic King of kings.

The sharing of these things is certainly not for sympathy, but to show you how merciful and gracious Jesus (Yeshua) is in helping us. He will help anyone through any situation. Just call out to Him. 

Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. [Is 59:1]

Jesus bore our sins; He paid the price. Speak to Him from your own heart, not with someone else's words. The Lord sees the heart anyway, and He is very patient when we feel awkward.

Speak to Him as you would a trusted friend that you respect and honour. Remember, He is God. Let godly sorrow fill your heart, understanding the nature and evil of sin. 

That true sorrow washes over your heart, and guilt and condemnation will disintegrate, as Jesus' grace and mercy replaces it with forgiveness and restoration. 

For godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. [2Cor 7:10]

When Trials and Tribulations Try Us

I began pain medication with Tylenol 2’s with codeine ([OTC] over-the-counter medication because the codeine was not at a prescription strength). After a year of taking the T2s daily, the pharmaceutical company discontinued making them, and they were no longer available across Canada.

(Excerpt below from Government Federal Registry) - (Pharmaceutical Drugs)

Accordingly, the Agency will continue to list TYLENOL WITH CODEINE (acetaminophen with codeine phosphate) oral tablets, 325 mg/7.5 mg, 325 mg/15 mg, 325 mg/30 mg, and 325 mg/60 mg, in the “Discontinued Drug Product List” section of the Orange Book. The “Discontinued Drug Product List” delineates, among other items, drug products that have been discontinued from marketing for reasons other than safety or effectiveness. 2015/2016 [emphasis mine - BP]

(End excerpt)  SOURCE: Federalregister.gov

I had to go up to T3s. The T3s [available by prescription only] used to address the pain just fine, but not now, not four years later [the first year was the T2s, no prescription necessary]. I am not in the USA, but apparently, Tylenol 3 with Codeine [McNeil Ortho Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – July 9, 1976] has been discontinued as of January 2023, which may mean Canada may follow suit.

Only one link was found for antibiotic shortages and that pertains to Australia. I cannot find the news article I saw yesterday that spoke of shortages in Canada and the United States. Neither can I now find the link that spoke of Tylenol 3s being phased out and discontinued in the United States, as we head into 2024 [it is now October 2023).

This article is not about that – it is about Jesus, the ‘witching’ season we are in, and other things the Lord has led me to speak of. However, despite what the Word of Faith (WOF - WolF) teach, taking medicine does not mean we lack faith in Jesus. 

Other denominations are against blood transfusions, necessary operations, or other medical procedures. In the Bible, Luke was a Greek physician from Antioch, Syria. The apostle Paul told Timothy to take a little wine for his upset stomach, even though he could have laid hands on him to be healed. [1Tim 5:23]

Scholars have speculated that water was the issue which is why Paul recommended wine. They also suggest that since Paul had to instruct Timothy to 'take a little wine' for his stomach and other infirmities that Timothy was not one who normally drank wine.

It should be said that the devil (Satan) can put illness upon people as well, and there are witches who 'pray' for such. In fact, the last church I went to in BC, the Lord had me confront the male and female pastors (church founders) after a 31 day fast.

As I walked up the sidewalk toward the church (about 40 minutes before it would start), I had no clue what I would say, but the Lord told me that He would give me the words at the time I needed to speak them.

They were both standing by the coffee maker when I came in. "Jesus loves both of you," I stated as I approached them. Huge smiles lit up their faces. After a pause, "He wants you to repent."

Smiles disappeared as fast as a dog with a meaty bone. "Repent for what?" the woman asked. I mentioned so-called 'prayers' that they had prayed against people, and literally praying something negative happen, either for revenge or to manipulate a situation. This was many times involving various people over several occasions. 

The conversation went on for a brief five or so minutes. One man who was there when I arrived wanted to know by what authority I spoke to the two pastors. I said, "By the authority given to me by Christ. By what authority do you speak?" and I could hardly believe it when he pointed to the husband and wife pastors.

Of course, I was rejected from the church, never to return. Sadly, the church doors closed one last time approximately six months later (give or take), and was sold. They were apparently starting another church. 

I thought perhaps they repented and the Lord was giving them another chance. Only He knows and sees all things. His desire is that none should perish but that all should repent at some point.  [2Pet 3:9]

A man was investing money into building them another church, but something went wrong, and he reneged on his offer. At that time it seems as though the Lord was keeping the door closed. I have no idea what became of the couple after that...only hearsay. 

That being said, the love of Jesus has always been spoken of whenever I speak on this gruesome, yet necessary discussion of spiritual warfare and witchcraft. I have touched on several topics to show you how every person on this planet can receive salvation, no matter what they have done.

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the one, unforgiveable sin. Howbeit, there will be those who will fall away - a great apostasy will take place, as it is written.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [2Thess 2:3] NKJV

However, His love does not turn a blind eye to wrongdoing – sinning. Some would have you think His love excuses us in many areas, but that too is a lie. 

If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. [Heb 10:26] ESV

Even Satan and the world are counterfeiting. How many times do you see people do the heart symbol with their hands, or place their hand over their heart. The world's love is superficial. Satan is incapable of love. God's love is agape.

The folks who know they are head-over-heels steeped in sin, doing things privately that only they know about (yet if a sin involves someone else, then they may or may not stand by you). They believe God’s love for them covers their sins. [1Pet 4:8] 

It is true that it is written that love covers a multitude of sins, but read all of chapter four to keep things in context. There are only 19 verses. Be sure to compare what false teachers and false prophets say about Jesus and sins with the written Word of God. 

That is how you 'test the spirit', but context is crucial.  (paraphrased so you will desire to read it for yourself – and so you should. We are to try EVERY spirit to see if it is of God, and that includes me.) [1Jn 4:1]

Just a heads-up. The majority of false prophets and false teachers believe that you 'wholly' trust and love them, so you do not NEED to check them out with the Word. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, not emotions or feelings. Trust Jesus. The false prophets and false teachers have a massive following.

That is not something I envy whatsoever. It breaks my heart the number of people that follow a popular influencer on social media who are leading them astray. They know a lot of 'big names' in social circles, and determine that they are so popular because they are so 'righteous'.

Read how the one who walks close to the Good Shepherd can expect to be treated as He was. He was persecuted, despised, rejected, mocked, abused, slandered, lied about, criticized, falsely accused, finally crucified.

Yet if anyone rises up to question their doctrines, they say they are being persecuted just like Jesus when in reality it is nowhere near what Christ suffered. Barabbas was notorious for starting insurrections against Roman power and for murder, yet he was released rather than Jesus, the only begotten Son of God.

We will not be perfectly sinless in this carnal nature. Sinless perfection is a false doctrine. As we grow and mature in our walk with the Lord, and come to know Him deeper and more intimately, we will find that we do not want to sin or displease our Father, nor do we want to be separated from Him. 

He truly does become our ALL in all. Yet, these bodies of flesh and blood are at enmity with God. It is our fleshly desires, appetites, and urges that we must crucify daily. There are times we all need the help of the Holy Spirit.

Only Jesus walked through this life perfectly without sin; no other person has. Yet, we cannot say we love Jesus and choose to keep on sinning. It is not my intention to go into this deeply here, but we need to get grounded in the Word as much as possible, so that we will not be deceived.

We need to keep fresh oil in our lamps (filled with the Holy Spirit). The Word must be written on the doorposts and beams of our heart, washed in the pure blood of the Lamb. I do not believe it means we can sin all we want and “God understands”, and will turn a blind eye to it. 

His l-o-v-e will cover all sin.  That is serpent sweet-talk – lies. Satan has always taken the pure Word of God, twisted it just enough to change its meaning, and deceive the people so they will continue sinning.

It is important that we allow Jesus to continue His work in us as we see all that is happening around us. If you are serious about your walk and your love in and for Jesus (Yeshua), no matter what, we must press in and endure. He has been calling for decades, but the calls are frequent and more urgent (intense).

The hour we are in is often referred to as ‘witching season’. The wicked season, evil times are sprinkled throughout the generations, but evil is at an all time high. As in the days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, we have genetic manipulation, gender lines not just blurred now, but barely seen as the lines go from blurring to obliteration. This is the one of the schemes of Satan and his cohorts.

The shortage of antibiotics and now the threat of removing Tylenol 3s from circulation also reveal a dark agenda. Food, water, medicine, finances, every area being hit and struck down. Global fires, cataclysmic earthquakes, cyclones, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanoes – global evacuations.

Are the fires being deliberately set? Is the war to wipe out certain kingdoms and shift the people to one of the 10 kingdoms Daniel spoke of in the latter times? Are reports about opiates true? Some reports suggested that it has all begun as a way to crack down on opiate abuse, such as Fentanyl.

If that is the case, one would have to interfere with Communist China since Fentanyl originates from there, and then is shipped overseas, with much coming over the Mexican border illegally (with some hinting at CIAs help). With all the deception swirling the globe, it is hard to know what is truth – except the Lord lead.

I would suggest that the real reason lies within the pages of the Bible. The Lawless one will come in the midst of chaos and deception, bringing in peace and truth (whose truth?) 

It also has to do with private meetings between the WHO [World Health Organization], NIH [National Institutes of Health], WEF, [World Economic Forum], and a handful of global elites, who have a ‘plan’ in place to control the world and its ‘depopulated’ people, but I would likely hear feedback that I was a conspiracy theorist (rather than a realist).

I know there is a push to break me down in every arena, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. These last two days have been surreal. I battle saying I have had enough, and then to where I praise God for seeing me through. I cannot quit, but it is so hard to keep on.

The distractions in the last two days have been astronomical, as has been the pain levels. Everything from an uncanny number of phone calls to credit card fraud (thank God my limits on the card is low) but $100 to me is a lot of money. Praise God I caught it when I did. Now I have to wait investigation…

I will post this for now, but this is barely the tip of the iceberg – there are over 67 pages I have here. Pictures and more will be posted in upcoming time (tomorrow) – Lord willing. Yes, I had to be sure the Lord wanted me writing. Was He stopping my writing … because I will not interfere in the Lord’s will.

However, He is so close – it is genuinely like ping-pong. The battle rages, but that peace is here – indescribable. I will keep posting as led, but right now I have to lay down.

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. [1Pet4:19]

To be continued…

In His presence

Bonita                              dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com