America is Spiritual

Recently, I watched a speech by former Congressman, Bob McEwen, entitled “A Time Such As This" and he said a very profound statement.

“Being an American is not physical. Being an American is spiritual. It’s what you believe. It’s what you stand for... America is spiritual.”

Because being an American is spiritual, people can come from all over the world and become Americans. They choose to embrace the American spirit. However, that spirit is based on God’s Word. Our founding fathers laid the very foundation of our nation on the Bible. All you have to do is look at our national monuments covered in scripture and the Washington Monument’s capstone that has the Latin words, “Praise be to God”.   

Because America is spiritual, the battle for the soul of America is a spiritual battle. God clearly warned us:

Ephesians 6:12-13 (AMP)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].

So many times through out the Old Testament, the Israelites made the mistake of looking to man, nations, kings, and foreign armies to help them. They would get defeated, turn back to God, and ask for His help. God, in His unfailing love and mercy, would come to their rescue. I can't find fault with them because I find myself doing the same thing. I want a leader, a president, a modern day David to come and rescue us. But God asked me this morning, after a disappointing political evening, “Do you trust ME?” And without hesitating, I said, “God, you know I’m afraid but I trust You.”

Throughout the Bible, God would place His Followers in seemingly impossible situations:

Facing a dead end at the Red Sea

Facing the lions in the lion's den

Facing the fiery furnace

Facing a giant

Facing enemy armies when they were outnumbered

Facing an angry mob

Facing shipwreck

Facing capture and prison bars

Facing death in the belly of a whale

And they would trust Him. And He’d step into what seemed an impossible situation and do a miracle. Then, the people would know that He alone was God and worship Him.

So this morning, I’m putting on my spiritual armor because in order to fight a spiritual battle you need spiritual weapons. 

Ephesians 6:14-17(AMP)

So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 


And, I will open the pages of God’s Word that guide and comfort me. I will fast and pray for my beloved America, and I will do my civic duty and vote in November. And I will lay my head down on my pillow on November 8^th, trusting my LORD for the outcome.

“Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel [Yolanda], for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. Your salvation is on the way. I will rule the nations. They will wait for me and long for my power…Listen to me, you who know right and wrong and cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid!” (Isaiah 51:4-5,7)

Love,

Yolanda

 Join me in praying, voting, and praying some more.

Click link to watch video of speech by Bob McEwen, "A Time Such As This"

The following video is a call to action.

A Great Disturbance In the Force

Quoting from the great Obi-Wan Kenobi, “I felt a great disturbance in the force as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.”

Many Christians are feeling like Obi-Wan Kenobi. They feel a great disturbance in the force. And, just like Obi-Wan did not know that a planet had been destroyed, many Christians cannot pinpoint what the disturbance is exactly. They just sense it.

Some think it is just a crazy election year.
Some see the natural disasters in the world and think its global warming. Did you know that in the last 12 months there have been 8, 1 in 500-year, natural disasters in the US. Worldwide the number of record breaking natural disasters, like earthquakes, is staggering.
Some see the horrific civil unrest in our streets and they think it’s another civil rights movement.
Some see a rebellious and violent generation, without conscious or empathy, and they blame bad parenting or celebrity influence.

But none of these are responsible for disturbance in the force. These are just some of the ripple effects of destruction from a planet experiencing the birth pains of God’s warning and coming judgment.

So what is the disturbance in the Christian force?

It’s the Holy Spirit shaking us from our slumber and shouting, “Wake up, Bridesmaids! The Bridegroom is coming!!”

This is what Jesus is saying to His Bridesmaids (the Church):
My people perish for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)
They can interpret the weather but they can’t interpret the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:3)
To the non-believer, I will come as a thief in the night. They will be caught unaware.
But you, believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness. So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 (AMP)

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes [that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return], so that he will not be naked—spiritually unprepared—and men will not see his shame.” Revelation 16:15 (AMP)

So, how do we prepare? We study the signs and the seasons that God detailed for us in His Word.

Jesus told his disciples, "If a home owner had known when the thief would come, he would have been prepared and his home would not have been broken into. (Matthew 24:43-44) Jesus has told us, "I have told you the events that will take place in the future so that you can keep watch for the signs of my return."

God tells us to trust Him because He's the only God, there is no other, that controls the future. He tells us to study His Word so we will know what the future holds:
Come closer and listen, I have always told you plainly what would happen so you would have no trouble understanding. (Isaiah 48:16)
Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. (Isaiah 46:9-10)
Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophecy again. I will tell you the future before it happens." (Isaiah 42:9)
From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions." (Isaiah 43:13)

Satan has done his best to rob the church of Bible prophecy. Sadly, many churches today do not even preach on prophecy, yet 28% of the Bible is dedicated to prophecy. When we ignore approximately 1/3 of the Bible, the enemy gets what he wants, people living in apathy and ignorance, unprepared for the return of Jesus Christ. Satan has misled us, telling us prophecy is hard to understand, irrelevant, and unnecessary. He wants to keep us in darkness and confusion, but that is contrary to what God wants for His children.

God tells us to:
Search the book of the LORD, and see what He will do.
He will not miss a single detail...
His Spirit will make it all come true. (Isaiah 34:16) 
And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is the one who heeds and takes to heart and remembers the words of the prophecy [that is, the predictions, consolations, and warnings] contained in this book (scroll). Revelation 22:7 (AMP)
And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time [of their fulfillment] is near." Revelation 22:10 (AMP)

So, how do we prepare?

We watch, we study, and we share.

Jesus said, "Remember I told you that I was going to the Father, BUT I would come back to you...I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do you will believe and have faith in Me. (John 14:28-29)

As the days get darker and evil abounds, we have the blessed assurance and hope that Jesus is coming back for us! (John 14:2-3) But God does not want us to keep this hope to ourselves. He wants us to spread the Good News!!!

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those who are afraid, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your GOD is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you!" (Isaiah 35:3-4)

So, my fellow Bridesmaids, wake up!!! Have oil in your lamps (The Holy Spirit) because the Bridegroom's coming!”  And I can't wait! What a privilege it is to live in this season, when all the signs are unfolding before us. We were placed in this time in history for a God given purpose and calling! Jesus said, "When I return, I want to find you working for the Kingdom." (Matthew 24:45) So lets keep up the good fight, let's run the race with endurance, to reach for that prize that Jesus promised he'd bring back with him.  Amen!

Love,
Yolanda
For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

I hope I've sparked an interest and desire to study prophecy. Here are some great resources:
Anne Graham Lotz, What Time is it? https://youtu.be/N2aerX_OZPo
Ray Bentley, Signs and Seasons, https://youtu.be/HH4k74AN_uc
Dr. David Jeremiah, Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World, https://youtu.be/-jz4DEljlVw
Also, you will find great studies on current events and how they relate to Bible prophecy by Pastor Jack Hibbs at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills website.
And, I recommend the Behold Israel app to be kept up-to-date on Bible prophecy as it is unfolding.

The Internet, Left Behind, and Me

One of my favorite novels is Left Behind, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. It put me on the path towards following Jesus wholeheartedly. If you've not heard of the book, it follows a group of characters left behind after the Rapture. They must endure seven years of Tribulation. After I read the book, I committed my life to the LORD.  Also, I felt compelled to share the Gospel with those whom I feared would be left behind.

Yesterday, I was talking to a friend about the very real possibility that the Internet will be transferred from US control to a foreign entity at midnight on September 30th. This entity could consist of nations who do not value freedom of speech or expression. Nations who control and censor the information permitted to their citizens, who persecute people of other faiths, and who limit the freedoms of women. Read this article: September 30th - Beginning of the End for Free Speech on the Net?

America may have its issues, but we are still ruled by a constitution that allows for freedom of speech, religion, and equality for all. If we lose the Internet to a controlling body who does not share these values, not only will we suffer in America, but also those around the world who rely on the Internet for uncensored information.

As I was discussing this with my friend, I told her, “I loved the Left Behind series, but I never expected to be a character in the series.”

She started laughing.

I did my fake chuckle because I was serious!

You see, in the Left Behind series, this group of characters called The Tribulation Force must hide underground. Christians are being persecuted and killed by the Antichrist. The Antichrist has taken control of the media and all forms of communication. 

I know some of you are reading this and thinking, “Wow, she’s a conspiracy theorist and has an active imagination.” True enough.

But really, those who study Bible prophecy realize this is the next step in creating a One World Order. How do you control people without controlling the information they have access to? You don’t.

So, what do I do? Because I’ll be honest, the book series freaked me out. I remember having to read the books in small chunks because I’d have nightmares. When the book was released in 1995, I figured I’d be long gone before any of the End Times stuff started to happen.

Well, hello! I’m still here. So, now I need a plan B.

Here’s plan B.

• Contact my congressmen and ask them to stop the transfer of the Internet by supporting the Protecting the Internet Freedom Act put forth by some Republican senators. There is a hearing taking place next week.
• Then pray like crazy that God intervenes and stops this transfer. The Internet is one of the greatest tools for sharing the Gospel, especially to those who are not allowed Bibles. I pray that God keeps this door open. If He doesn’t then I’ll go to plan C.

Plan C:

• Read and hide God’s Word in my heart. Reading God's Word keeps my focus on Jesus, the source of all my hope.
• Share the Gospel as much as I can, as long as I can, by any means I can.

If we lose control of the Internet, the effects may not show up immediately. The change will be gradual. That's how the deception of the enemy operates. Eventually,we may lose the ability to write Christian posts, post scripture on social media, or worse. Some of you may read this and think, “She’s over-exaggerating.” Well, earlier this year, a nation passed a law prohibiting Christians from sharing their faith. And, I just read that the first arrests in that nation have begun. Will that come to my shores? I pray not, but in my heart of hearts I know that it will come eventually. God’s Word says that it will come to the whole world when the Antichrist takes over. 

So, I need Plan G - God’s Plan!

This is what God says,

“Yolanda, MY plans are better and higher than your plans. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

So, stop brainstorming options and plans, because My plan will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21 MSG)

You don’t have to worry because the plans I have for you are not to harm you. They are to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
So, don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. I give you My Peace. (John 14:27)

My Peace, which surpasses your understanding, will guard your heart and mind. (Philippians 4:7)

So you can count on ME. Put your hope in My Word. (Psalm 130:5)

Remember who The WORD is – JESUS! He is called the WORD OF GOD! (Revelation 19:13)

In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was God. (John 1:1)

The WORD of God is perfect. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30)

Do you really think I, the GREAT I AM, need the Internet to spread My Word?

MY WORD is alive and full of power. (Hebrews 4:12)

No one, and I mean NO ONE, can stop it.

My WORD will stand FOREVER!!! (Isaiah 40:8)

Heaven and earth (as it is known now) will pass away, but My words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35 AMP)

The words I send out will not return to Me void (useless, without result) without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 AMP)

Remember the things I have done in the past.

For I alone am God!

I am God and there is none like me.

Only I can tell the future before it happens.

Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.

I have said I what I would do, and I will do it. (Isaiah 46:9-11 NLT)

You know, Yolanda, that in the Last Days there will be very difficult times. (2 Timothy 3:1)

But, strong and powerful is the one who carries out My Word. (Joel 2:11)

So, let all those who do nothing but dream – go ahead and tell their silly dreams.

But you who have a message from ME – tell it truly and faithfully. (Jeremiah 23:28-29 MSG)

So, keep it up. Don’t let anyone silence or intimidate you. No matter what happens, I’m with you. (Acts 18:9)

Look, I'm coming soon, and I'm bringing my reward with me to repay everyone according to their deeds. I AM the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." (Revelation 22:12-13)

I don't know about you, but I'm going with Plan G!

God reminded me yesterday that I am not, and will never be, a character from Left Behind. I have put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior which means that God has marked and sealed me as His very own. Jesus promised to rescue me from the wrath that is coming. He will blow that Trumpet and call me up to meet Him in the air. So where He is I may be also. God gave us this promise in Isaiah 8:11-14: 

The LORD said to me in the strongest terms: "Do not think like everyone else does. Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you. Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear Him, you need fear nothing else.  He will keep you safe."

So what about you? What plan will you chose - God's plan or your own?
Love,

Yolanda

#PrayVotePray

May you be blessed by this next song: Way Maker by Sinach. Jesus is our Way Maker!