The All Intrusive Eye of AI

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Even though I was born in the 1900s, I have learned to use AI tools such as ChatGPT to a small degree. It’s such an easy way to find helpful information when you don’t even know where to begin the search.

I had heard that smelling rosemary during your sleep enhanced memory by a large percent. This spurred my most recent quest for AI info. I asked ChatGPT this question, “Will using rosemary oil in a diffuser harm dogs?” In response to my query, I received this reply, “Since you have mentioned having a dog named Willow…”

I honestly can’t remember the details of the response because my mind stopped at the first sentence. I have never mentioned my dog’s name when doing AI searches. So where did it acquire that information? And why would it need that information? And what other information is it accumulating? And what is being done with that information? And who or what controls that information?

This may seem like a trivial thing on the surface. I assure you, however, if the Artificial Intelligence that you have allowed access to your life knows your dog’s name, it knows A LOT MORE.

Now, I’m just being transparent here. You might think I’m a conspiracy theorist. The truth is I tend to think most conspiracies are true. I just don’t have the time or inclination, however, to chase the answers to each one. I choose to put my faith in God and His Word.

On the flip side, I do think each of us should have a level of AWARENESS. The fact is we are all being watched, recorded, studied, chronicled, influenced and judged by the artificial intelligence imbedded in every nook and cranny of our lives.

We have entered an arena of society where there are no secrets, and very little that is private. You may have forgotten what you posted to social media ten years ago concerning your political views, but I assure you the all intrusive eye of AI has not. If you have not read 1984 by George Orwell, I would encourage you to do so. Granted, it’s not a Christian read, but it definitely shines a secular prophetic light on the time we are living.

In most cities of the world, you are being recorded by numerous surveillance cameras at any given time. You might wonder what that has to do with us here in America. If you haven’t figured it out yet, your smart devices are always listening. How else do you think you can be talking about a topic, or a product, and suddenly have ads begin showing up for just that thing on your social media? You may not think that’s a big deal. It’s only advertising, after all.

Allegedly, the new super efficient 5G internet has mapping abilities using technology similar to echolocation in bats. Theoretically, your exact whereabouts within your home can be observed. I did say I tend to think most conspiracy theories are true, but I digress.

Think about all the monitors in your home from your laptop, to your tablet, to your kindle to your smart tv. Do you enjoy FaceTime or Zoom meetings? Trust me, this and technology can be turned on at any given time to view you as you go about your day.

QUESTION: How dependent on smart electronics are you? Can you leave your phone at home in peace when you go to work? To the grocery store? To the back yard? If you’re like most of us, you feel a bit of anxiety creeping into the edges of your mind when you realize you’ve left it behind. It’s because we’ve been programmed to keep it close at all costs.

QUESTION: What happens when all of that information that has been collected, along with the surveillance technology falls into the wrong hands? The Bible does foretell of time that is soon coming when a person called the antichrist will set up a system commonly known as the Mark of the Beast.

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.“ (Revelation 13:16-17)

Do I think my life is so interesting that someone or someones are sitting around watching, dissecting and studying it through the lense of AI? No. But I do believe there’s coming a time that when a Christian posts, publishes, purchases or practices something that doesn’t line up to the group think standard, it will throw up a red flag, and their data will be resurrected and used against them.

So I began this post by saying we need to be aware. Unless you’re going to go live off the grid until Jesus comes, technology and smart devices are always going to be an intricate part of our lives. The noose has been tied, and AI is the hangman.

I’m not suggesting that we live in fear. I am suggesting that we live fully for the Lord. If you are not Born Again according to Acts 2:38, please seek to be immediately. Once you are baptized in Jesus’ name, and filled with God’s Spirit, you can walk into the future hand in hand with an all powerful, and all knowing God.

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

Blessings in Jesus Name!

-Pat

 

 

4 Snapshots of Faithfulness

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by The Ian on Unsplash

When thinking about faithfulness, most people’s minds go to the topic of marriage. True Christians wouldn’t dream of being unfaithful to the vows they made to their spouse. Sadly, many of those same people have lost their passion for their relationship with God.

Snapshots of Faithfulness 

I could talk about the call to faithfulness, the command to faithfulness, the necessity of faithfulness, the benefits of faithfulness and the tragedy of unfaithfulness. You would no doubt nod your head in agreement on every point. Instead, allow me to share four snapshots that reveal what true faithfulness to God looks like. I have four friends, all in the ministry, who are currently embodying the very meaning of this virtue.

SNAPSHOT #1

This friend is currently hospitalized and on a ventilator while recovering from a surgery to reconnect his colon, after colon cancer surgery several months ago. I remember after his initial surgery, his great desire was to be back in the house of God so that He could continue to preach the gospel to the congregation he pastors. This great man of God, along with his precious wife, have never stopped declaring the goodness of God, and heralding His praises. Even years ago, when their child was killed in a tragic accident, they continued to worship through their grief, and never forsook the Lord, their ministry, or their congregation. They continue faithfully. Click.

SNAPSHOT #2

This friend is a fellow motorcycle (trike) riding buddy. She had suffered with increasing pain for months when she rode. A medical checkup revealed a tumor, and initiated a string of surgeries. What should have been one surgery and recovery, turned into multiple surgeries with extended recovery times from complications. Still, she worships. Her devoted husband, who also pastors, has never spoken doubt or frustration toward God. Instead, they continue faithfully. Click.

SNAPSHOT #3

This friend is also a pastors wife. Recently, she began having fevers that came seemingly out of nowhere. I was blessed to worship alongside her in service not too long ago. Both her and her husband’s joyful adoration of the Lord was a strength and inspiration to me. She is currently hospitalized awaiting test results, longing to be back in the house of the Lord. She continues faithfully. Click. 

SNAPSHOT #4

This friend, yet another pastor’s wife, recently lost her nephew in a tragic accident. She grieves deeply, while salting her conversations with praises to God, and her complete trust in His plan. She and her husband focus their attention on the work of God. His sanctuary and people become their comfort, not an inconvenience. She continues faithfully. Click

Your Level of Faithfulness 

These are only a few quick snapshots of people’s lives who I know personally. There are countless others. There are people you witness going through seemingly insurmountable struggles, yet continue to be faithful to God, to prayer, to church attendance and to ministry. Perhaps you wonder how they do it. Perhaps you want that level of committed faithfulness in your own life, but haven’t achieved it as of yet.

I would have to ask: How passionate are you for God? How sold out are you to His Will? Is He your everything, or your part-time thing? Is He your life, or something you’re trying to fit into it? I pray a fresh infusion of Holy Ghost passion into your walk with God, so that along with the four snapshots of faithfulness I’ve mentioned, you can testify:

“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 our Lord.“ (Romans 837-39)

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

7 Ways To Be 33 and Jewish

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Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/@levimeirclancy

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)

Thirty-three and Jewish isn’t an original phrase of my own. I recently heard it while listening to a podcast where the host was speaking to a guest about being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

I’m not one of those people who long to go back in time. In reality, the thought of being thirty-three years old again gives me the shivers. On the other hand, I did take a DNA test several years ago. Being adopted, I wondered about my origins. I was hoping, really hoping, the test would reveal some Jewish blood in me somewhere. I would have been proud to carry a small bit of Jesus’ biological lineage. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. I was disappointed that I can’t boast of even a smidgen of Jewish descent.

The phrase 33 and Jewish got me to thinking not only about my DNA test results, but about the many other ways I desire to be conformed to his image.

Colossians 1:16 assures us that the man, Jesus Christ, “…is the image of the invisible God…” He is our example in all things.

7 Ways We Should Aspire To Be Like Jesus

1. We should love like Jesus.

We like to think of ourselves as loving people. The truth is that’s it’s easy to love those who love us in return. It’s much more challenging to love those who don’t love us, and may never. This is the kind of love Jesus has for each of us. He chose the ultimate act of selfless love toward us when we were unlovable. We are called to love in the same fashion.

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8)

2. We should serve like Jesus.

Most of us are busy working for the Lord, but it’s easy to forget that all of our busyness should be done with an attitude of servitude. Jesus served. We are ministers. Ministers serve. Perhaps our hectic schedules, multitasking and checking all the boxes need to be slowed down in order to take inventory of why we are doing all the things. Is it for a sense of achievement? Position? Recognition? Or is it to be a servant in God’s Kingdom?

“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.“ (John 13:4-5)

3. We should pray & fast like Jesus.

Although He was God manifest in the flesh, Jesus was indeed a man who had to keep His flesh submitted to the Spirit. He could have lived His life in any way He chose, but too much was at stake. The souls of all mankind hung in the balance, and everyone He crossed paths with had a need. The only way He could fulfill the mission He came for was to stay in prayer and fasting often. It was His habit to wake up early before sunrise to pray. Prayer was the way Jesus was victorious.

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.“ (Mark 1:35)

4. We should be compassionate like Jesus.

I love this character trait of Jesus. When He saw hurting, sick, sinful, wayward people, he felt compassion for them. He looked over the city of Jerusalem, and wept with compassion for the lost. He wept at Lazarus’ grave even though He knew He would raise him up. He stopped a funeral procession, and raised a grieving woman’s only son back to life. He fed the multitudes who were faint with hunger. If we want to be disciples of Jesus, we must find a level of compassion for the lost, hungry, sick and wayward.

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.“ (Matthew 9:36)

5. We should forgive like Jesus.

No one in history has endured the physical and emotional trauma that Jesus endured. Crucifixion was the most excruciatingly painful death a person could endure. Roman soldiers used it to inflict the maximum level of pain while drawing the process of death out slowly. Not only did Jesus endure the mocking, beating and heinous crucifixion, He did so as an innocent and  sinless man, taking on the wages of humanity’s sins. Yet hanging on the cross, weary, wounded, bloody and exposed, He prayed mercy for the soldiers who were inflicting his anguish.

 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.“ (Luke 23:34)

6. We should be obedient like Jesus.

We want to be obedient to God’s will in all things. When God’s will crosses paths with our personal desires, however, do we always choose His will over ours? Jesus lived a life of obedience to the will of the Spirit even unto death. He was in the prime of his humanity at thirty-three years old. He could have taught more, healed more, traveled more, even married a wife and raised a family. As a man, he no doubt desired those things. Yet, in the garden he prayed, “…nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.“ (Philippians 2:8)

7. We should manifest the fruit of the Spirit Jesus.

Throughout His thirty-three years, Jesus manifested all nine of the fruit of the Spirit to their fullest. In order to have the fruit of the Spirit active in our lives, we must be filled with the Spirit, which Jesus was. These nine manifestations of the Spirit of God should be one of our main goals in life. Not only on special occasions, but as a daily mirror of Jesus’ nature shining through us to a lost world.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

In Summary

It’s my great desire, and I hope it is yours as well, to be more like Jesus. Being 33 and Jewish sounds like an appropriate life goal for a Christian. (Wink)

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat-

The Glory Cloud: A Modern Miracle

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Shekinah Cloud, Jesus Tent Revival, Mesquite, Texas, May 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Paul Brookshire

It was the last night of a Jesus Tent Revival, hosted by Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Mesquite, Texas. Paul Brookshire, who took the above photo, attends the assembly, and was working security that night.

Much has been speculated as the photo has circulated on the internet that Bro. Brookshire might have edited the photo, or used AI to generate it. I know the pastor and pastor’s wife who hosted the event, and have spoken to  her personally. She assured me that as soon as he snapped the photo, he looked to see what he had captured. When he looked back up in awe, the cloud was gone.

He came immediately into the tent, where service was still going on, to show his wife what he had seen. Understandably, he was very emotional to have witnessed the Shekinah Glory cloud of God’s Presence manifested over the tent of meeting.

Many have suggested that the image simply shows the sunset going down behind the cloud. This is incorrect as the tent was set up on the north side of the Emmanuel campus, and Paul was facing north, looking toward the tent, not west, as would be the case if it was the sunset.

The word Shekinah is not found in scripture. It comes from the Hebrew word meaning to dwell or settle down. In later Jewish writings, it became associated with the visible manifestation of God’s Presence.

While we don’t see the word Shekinah, we definitely see references in scripture to God manifesting His Presence in a cloud. Here are a few examples:

  • God led the children of Israel through the wilderness for forty years. During that time, His Presence was manifested by a pillar of fire by night, and a pillar of cloud by day. When the fire or cloud moved, they followed.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22)

  • God manifested His Presence over the Tent of the Congregation & Tabernacle by a Glory cloud. The Presence of the Lord was so thick that Moses was not able to enter.

“Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34-35)

  • At the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, the Shekinah Glory of God was manifest in a cloud. The priests couldn’t minister because the glory of the Lord filled the house.

“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.” (1 Kings 8:10-11)

A Temple Made Without Hands

We know that a physical cloud, nor temple is needed any longer. Since Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, and the birth of the New Testament Church on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two, born again believers are now the Temple of God. He now fills His Temple by pouring His Spirit out to whosoever will receive Him, evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues.

Still…isn’t it a beautiful thing that He chose to visibly manifest His Glory?

It’s also delightful, and fitting, that God chose to manifest His Glory over a tent meeting bearing the name of Jesus, hosted by a Oneness Pentecostal congregation, preached by a One God, Jesus’ name evangelist and a Church whose name literally means God With Us. 

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat 

The Tether

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Photo Credit: Pat Vick

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.“ (Romans 18:14)

I try to walk with my little Italian Greyhound daily. She’s a bundle of energy, and needs regular exercise. We live way out in the country, so this is easily accomplished. She’s also a sighthound, which means she’s liable to bolt after anything that moves in the blink of an eye. Many iggys get lost because of this tendency. In order to keep her safe, while also allowing her to run, play, explore, get her steps in and live her best life, I keep her tethered on a twenty foot line for our daily walks. 

Recently, I took my little grandson for a walk down our driveway. We were only walking part of the way because he’s too little to walk very far. Not wanting to take the time to get the long line, I took a chance, and allowed my dog to walk untethered.

I noticed almost immediately that she wasn’t her usual fun loving self. She walked close to my feet, looking around with unsure eyes. It dawned on me that the cause of her odd behavior was fear. Without the light tug of her lead, she felt unsafe.

Many people look from the outside, and view living within the parameters of Christian values to be restricting. They want to be free to live however they want to, however, they simply don’t understand what true freedom is. Freedom in Jesus is freedom from sin, not to sin. This is true freedom.

Not only are we free from sin, we are also free to live our most productive, exciting and rewarding lives, safe within the parameters of the tether of Holy Ghost. Part of spiritual maturity is realizing that godly boundaries are not to keep us from living our best life. They are designed by God to keep us safe while we do.

Perhaps you feel restricted, and are pushing at the limits of your Holy Ghost tether. What will you do when God releases His hold, and allows you to have your way? What is waiting for you that is better than the family of God? What will you do? How far will you go? Will you be able to find your way back home?

Maybe you’re already living with the repercussions of your mad dash. Sure, you’ve seen some sights, and had some fun, but night is coming, and you’re beginning to feel anxious. Maybe you’re longing for the security of His tethering Spirit.

Let me encourage you to stop, and go back to the place you made your great escape. The Lord is right there with open arms, waiting for your return. Not with anger or judgement, but with joy, and loving compassion.

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

 

Are There Aliens Among Us?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Photo by Haziq Mehboob on Unsplash

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

The hot topic all over the news in the last week has been ALIENS and UFOS. President Trump has vowed to release previously classified UFO files to the public. The few that have been released so far show sketchy images of so-called sightings that could easily be anything from weather balloons, to satellites, to space garbage to secret military technology.

The BIG QUESTION circulating around the internet is this: If images are produced showing clear and indisputable aliens, will Christians’ faith in God’s Word be damaged? My answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Do Aliens Exist?

The answer to this question depends on what your definition of alien is. The word alien is actually mentioned several times in the Bible, but never referring to extraterrestrial beings from outer space. Instead, the biblical word alien refers to foreigners, strangers and those otherwise estranged from their homeland of Israel. God’s people are actually referred to as STRANGERS and PILGRIMS in Hebrews 11 because we are passing through this wicked land, on our way to a Heavenly city. The root word for both of these words is ALIEN.

As for little green or gray beings from outer space…NOPE. The Bible is very clear on how many types of beings there are.

1. God. He is the eternal Spirit who fills the universe, and created all other beings.

2. Angels. These are spirit beings who were created by God before He created anything else. They were created to worship God.

3. Animals. Creatures were created by God to exist on the earth alongside mankind who He created shortly afterward.

4. Humans. Adam & Eve, being the first two humans, were the epitome of God’s creative work. Everything God created was focused toward making an environment on planet earth conducive to a glorious life. Earth and humanity. This is where God’s focus is. No other beings are mentioned in scripture.

So What Are The UFO & Alien Sightings?

I have no doubt that many documented alien and UFO sightings are real, but exactly what people are seeing, I question. UFO simply stands for Unidentified Flying Object. Just because something is unidentified and flying, doesn’t make it a spacecraft. It could be any number of things including airplane, helicopter, weather balloon, drone, stealth military aircraft or weapons. The government has much more technology than the public is aware of.

Sightings of so-called alien beings are no such thing. Animals, pranks, lab experiments gone wrong, holograms or AI are all possibilities. If you haven’t figured it out yet, nothing you see on a screen can be trusted.

If I see a for real, in the gray flesh being, that is obviously not human or animal, my first suspicion will be that it is a fallen angel, now known as DEMONS, manifesting itself as a visible being. As a matter of fact, I won’t be surprised if this happens because scripture warns us that the level of DECEPTION in the last days will be so great that even God’s people will be in danger of being deceived if they are not discerning.

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24)

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

What About UFO Abductions?

There are many documented accounts of people being abducted by aliens. I have no doubt that something happened in many cases. When a person is predisposed to focus on PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, they become like a magnet for demonic spirits. If they continue to pursue interest in dark spirituality, they will progress to become a channel, conduit, or MEDIUM for demons to interact with, and work through. Again, NOT ALIENS, BUT DEMONS.

What’s The Point?

What could be the reason for alien and UFO deceptions? Whether the deception comes from people in authority, or demons, the answer is the same: CONTROL. If it’s from those in authority, people who believe the deception will turn to them for safety. They will go along with anything, gladly handing over their sovereign will to those who promise to keep them safe from the INVADERS.

If the deception is demonic, those who put their trust in God and His Word could be deceived into worshipping these new higher beings from outer space. I can hear the story now, “We’ve been here for decades, just waiting until humanity evolved to the point of being able to receive the knowledge of our presence.” HOGWASH.

Will Your Faith Be Shaken?

Much of the alien and UFO talk in the news is SMOKE & MIRRORS, distracting our attention away from important things going on in the world. I do, however, expect at some point, for seemingly credible evidence to surface of so-called aliens among us. Evidence so realistic that most people will not be able to deny its authenticity.

When this happens, will your faith in God stand the test? In order to stand strong, you will need to be BORN AGAIN of the water and Spirit according to ACTS 2:38. You will also need to be DEEPLY ROOTED IN HIS WORD. Every answer we need to walk confidently with Him in these last days is found in scripture.

May God lead you, and guide you by His Holy Spirit, and by His Word during these last days.

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

The Power of Being Faithful

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Photo by Nathan Jennings on Unsplash

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Biblical stewardship is recognizing that every good thing in our lives belongs to God. This includes our time, relationships, finances, possessions, health and talents. He has entrusted them into our hands to manage for as long as it’s in our power to do so. Not only is good stewardship expected of us by God, it is also a measure of our spiritual maturity level.

TIME

Each of us has the same twenty-four hours in a day. We don’t know when our last day will be, but we do have the choice of how we will spend today. There are all manner of things vying for our time. Some things are a complete waste of time. Others are fun, relaxing, or even beneficial, but not eternal.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.“ (Ephesians 5:16)

RELATIONSHIPS

The people God has granted to be in our lives are really the only things we have the opportunity to take into eternity. It’s easy to be drawn away from family and friends by other seemingly important things. We imagine they’ll always be there when we get back. Sadly, couples drift apart quietly, and children grow up quickly. We are called to love, cherish, build up, encourage, share, teach and mentor the precious souls we have influence over. We’re called to show up, and be present in their lives.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)

FINANCES

Scriptures declares the love of money to be the root of all evil. Not money, but the love of it. We are called to steward, or manage, our finances as unto the Lord. First, to use the money God has granted us in a responsible way. Second, to not withhold our giving to the Kingdom in tithes, offerings and meeting other’s needs. Greed is one of the devil’s devices that we must be aware of as Christians. When we hold too tightly to money as if it’s our own, we find it can fall like sand through our fingertips. It’s much better to use it toward the eternal work of God.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

POSSESSIONS

How many storage facilities are in your town? That’s because people have too much stuff, and nowhere to put it. Do we really need all that stuff?! Why should we have five winter coats when our neighbor doesn’t have even one?

Did you know that every single item in your home has an emotional weight attached? Every time you walk past it, hold it, dust it or even think about it, you feel the weight of an emotion. Some of these items might be worth the emotional weight. Most are not. They simply weigh you down. Go through your home, and systematically pick up every item. Hold it in your hands, and feel the emotion it triggers. Does it bring you joy, or does it drag you down? Now you know whether it’s important enough to keep.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.“ (1 Timothy 6:6-8)


HEALTH

As Christians, we focus on our spiritual health, but often fail to practice good stewardship over our physical and mental health. Health is a spiritual experience, and should be viewed as a complete package -physical, emotional and spiritual. Not only are we called to be good stewards over our souls, but over our bodies and minds, as well.

We all have a set of variables that must be managed in order to maintain health. Some of those variables, we have more control over than others. We had no say over who our parents are, or what genetics they passed on to us, but we do have control over our eating and sleeping habits. We had no control over whether our parents were addicts, but we do have control to decide whether we will smoke, drink, take drugs or watch pornography.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.“ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

TALENTS

Each of us is gifted certain talents by God. These talents are for the benefit of the Kingdom. They are present, but not perfected. Our stewardship of the talents that God has placed within us includes developing them, and using them consistently for His purpose.

Many people separate their talents from their walk with God, using them only for personal gain or gratification. The world benefits from their giftings, but God’s Kingdom does not.

Are you a teacher? Teach a Bible study. Are you a painter? Paint a Sunday School classroom. Are you creative? Design a church bulletin board. Are you a baker? Supply children’s church with fresh-baked cookies. Do you have the gift of hospitality? Have church family over for a meal and fellowship. Are you a writer? Get busy writing that Christian book.  Are you financially blessed? Fund a teenager to go on a mission trip.

“And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.“ (Matthew 25:20-21)

IN SUMMARY

Good stewardship over each area of our lives sets us apart from the crowd. Faithfulness is a wonderment in today’s uncommitted world. Take inventory over all God has entrusted into your care, and then show up consistently. People will notice, and be drawn closer to God. That is the power of faithfulness.

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

Did Jesus Speak In Tongues?

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Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.” (Isaiah 28:11-12)

The prophet Isaiah foretold of a time when there would be communication with God by the avenue of speaking with other tongues, or unknown languages. Since the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 when the Holy Ghost was first poured out publicly, every believer can and should be filled with the Spirit of God, evidenced by speaking in tongues. While this topic was scoffed at for decades, most Christian denominations have come to accept the validity of speaking in tongues, although sadly, most don’t believe it’s essential to salvation, as scripture declares.

We know that Isaiah prophesied it, the New Testament Believers experienced it, and speaking in tongues is prevalent today, two thousand years later. But what about the time period before the Day of Pentecost? Scripture says Jesus instructed His disciples to receive the Spirit. His instructions were for the future because the Holy Ghost had not been poured out yet, but would be in Acts 2, on the Day of Pentecost, after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into Heaven.

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:38-39)

But did Jesus Himself ever speak in tongues? My personal opinion is yes, He did. Let’s look at scriptural examples.

Raising Jairus’ Daughter From The Dead

“And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” (Mark 5:41)

Healing A Blind And Speech Impaired Man

“And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.“ (Mark 7:33-35)

At His Crucifixion

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.“ (Matthew 27:46-47)

“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.“ (Mark 15:34-35)

The Settings

Each time Jesus was recorded speaking in a language that required translation, He was in intense prayer for someone to be raised from the dead, healing or while He, Himself, was in great suffering on the cross. The language he was speaking in each of these scenarios was His most natural and intimate prayer language. He was flowing in the Spirit the same as we do today when we allow the Holy Ghost to pray for us. In other words, He was praying in tongues.

What Language Was He Speaking?

It is most commonly agreed upon by Bible scholars that Jesus was speaking Aramaic on these occasions. This is likely confusing to you because of an erroneous teaching that speaking in tongues must be a heavenly language that no one on earth knows. This simply is not so. It may be a language completely unknown to mankind, or it may be a language simply unknown to the person speaking.

But was Aramaic spoken in Jesus’ time, and wouldn’t He have known it? He likely did know Aramaic…along with approximately a thousand languages that were spoken at this time. He was God manifested in flesh, and knew all things by the Spirit. However, obviously everyone around Him at these times didn’t know the language He was speaking, or we wouldn’t have record of His words “being interpreted,” or confusion over what He had said.

Why Would Jesus Speak In Tongues?

-The Holy Ghost had not been poured out publicly yet, so no one was speaking in tongues at this time.

-Jesus was filled with the Holy Ghost from conception, so didn’t actually require tongues as evidence.

I think we can find the answer to why He left of us a record of speaking in tongues can be found at His baptism. When He approached John to be baptism, John tried to refuse, saying he was unworthy for the task, and that Jesus should actually be baptizing him. Jesus’ answer to John as to why He was submitting to baptism is the same reason He spoke in tongues when it wasn’t necessary for Him to do so. He was leaving us a beautiful example.

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.“ (Matthew 3:15)

In Summary

-Jesus spoke in tongues before the Holy Ghost was poured out in Acts  2.

-Jesus likely spoke Aramaic when He spoke in tongues.

-Jesus likely knew Aramaic, as He did all languages.

-The people around Him didn’t all know what He was speaking, or there would have been no interpretation needed, nor any confusion.

-When Jesus was praying, He would often flow in the Spirit, and speak in tongues. When a born again believer prays today, it should be just as natural as it was for Jesus.

-Jesus didn’t have to have to speak in tongues as evidence of having the Holy Ghost since He was filled with the Spirit from conception, and never sinned.

-Besides praying in tongues as intimate prayer in the Spirit, Jesus spoke in tongues to leave an example for us.

-Speaking in tongues may be a heavenly language, not of the earth, or it may be a language unlearned by the one who is speaking.

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

If God Loves Me, Why Am I Going Through This?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Photo by Nagara Oyodo on Unsplash

“And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.” (Mark 1:11-12)

Are you in the middle of a difficult situation? Of course you are. Life is full of them. It would be a challenge to find someone who isn’t going through something that feels overwhelming, and unfair.

The enemy would have us think that we’re the only one struggling. The only one suffering. The only one with heartache. The only one with questions. The only one who doesn’t have it all together. Of course, this is the furthest from the truth. If you put all of humanity in a bag, shook it up, and poured it out, we’re all going through similar situations.

So, back to the question. If God loves me, why am I going through this? When Jesus was baptized by John, it was a glorious experience. When He came up out of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove and a voice from Heaven declared, Thou art my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.

Wow! That sounds like amazing favor. Surely Jesus’ life would be marked only by good and pleasant circumstances from then on. If we read the very next verse, however, we see this was not the case. Scripture says the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness immediately after His baptism where He was tempted of satan for forty days.

How can this be right? How can this be fair? The truth is Jesus had a great call on His life. A great ministry to fulfill. Before He could begin His public ministry, and fulfill His calling, some things had to be settled. He was God robed in flesh. That flesh, the man, had to go through a time of testing just as we all do.

If Jesus had given in to satan’s tempting at any point, and He could have, He would not have been ready to begin the ministry He came to the earth to accomplish. The offering of Himself as humanity’s sinless sacrifice. His flesh had to be strong enough to resist every temptation the enemy put before Him.

But He was God, so was it really a temptation? Absolutely. He was fully God, AND fully man. He did feel tempted, but He didn’t give in to the feelings of temptation. Instead, He turned to the Word of God, and stood on what He knew, not what He felt.

Forty days in the wilderness was no picnic. Hunger. Thirst. Blazing hot days. Frigid nights. Wild beasts. The enemy mocking Him every moment. Still, when Jesus came out of the wilderness, out of the time of testing, He came out in the power of the Holy Ghost, ready to begin His public ministry, and fulfill His calling.

So why are you going through your season of temptation? Life is full of variables. You could be in your situation because of previous bad choices. You could be going through hard times due to others’ choices, as well. You might be going through the same challenges because you continue to give in to the temptations of the enemy.

Many people get locked into a pattern of suffering the same types of situations over and over because they never respond correctly with the Word of God, prayer and faith. Instead, they continue to react to difficulty with their emotions, and feelings will lead you wrong much of the time.

Is it possible that you have a great calling on your life? Is it possible that God has a ministry planned for you that will help many people? Is it possible that God has been allowing the enemy limited access to your life in order to test your level of faith? Is it possible that God is working to mature you, so that you can com out of your wilderness experience in the power of the Holy Ghost?

I pray you begin to view your situation through the lens of Truth, and learn to respond to the enemy’s temptations with the Word of God, and faith. Your ministry may be just on the other side of this wilderness.

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat

 

 

 

4 Morning Habits Of Effective Christians

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

Photo by CARMELA LUSTRE on Unsplash

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalm 5:3)

How we start our day most often dictates the pattern for the remainder of it. Perhaps not the actual circumstances of the day, but certainly our mindset as we navigate through them. Beginning our day peacefully focused on God allows us to respond, rather than react, to events through the day. It also empowers us to walk through our days with purpose as ambassadors of Christ, and with compassion as laborers in His harvest field.

Here are four morning habits that I have cultivated in my own life through the years. I try to accomplish them before interacting with other humans for mine, as well as their sakes:)

1. BIBLE STUDY

I begin my mornings with coffee and the Word. I am continually reading the Bible through, having completed it 30+ times since beginning my Christian walk. Reading from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 is not the ideal way to study the bible, but it has become my morning routine to pick up where I left off the day before. If I have to get moving unexpectedly, and can’t get my reading in, I feel the loss throughout the day.

I also listen to the scriptures as I read along. I find the more ways you can get the Word into your spirit, the more likely it is to take root. Decades ago, I purchased an mp3 player, preloaded with the KJV Bible for an astronomical amount of money. The guy who sold it to me was probably laughing at his good fortune, and at how gullible I was, but what great investment it has proven to be! That little electronic device has traveled around the world several times, faithfully piping God’s Word into my ears in many different countries.

I’m sure someone might notice that I’ve listed Bible study before prayer, and is shaking their head ever so slightly in disapproval. I find for myself that beginning with the Word, opens my heart to the avenue of prayer I need to pursue.

2. PRAYER

It can only benefit us to invite the Lord into our day. Together, we can walk and talk as we go along, and nothing is too hard with Him as our companion. I find that as I’m reading the Word,  I realize the things I need to cover in prayer for the day. There are always a multitude of needs. Family members, friends, health, finances, direction, ministries, local, national and world events. The list is endless.

Before all the needs, however, which God already knows we have, why not simply spend time with Him in sweet communion? Not only to get the benefits of His hand, but to also feel the beat of His heart.

Prayer isn’t only about talking to God. It’s also about listening. In the silent waiting, He speaks comfort, direction, wisdom and even secrets if we learn to listen for His still, small voice.

If you are born again, evidenced by speaking in tongues, pray in the Spirit. When you don’t know what else to say, what else to pray for, or when you are overwhelmed by the needs, pray in the Holy Ghost.

3. READING

I always have a book within reach that I’m working through. Not a fiction book for pleasure reading. I reserve those books for the evening when I need to unwind. Early in the day, I reach for books on bible topics, spiritual disciplines or Christian principles that will instruct, strengthen and mature me in my walk with God.

I’m a firm believer that everything we put into our minds, stays there. Our miraculously created brains are the original super computers. We may not be able to pull everything we’ve ever read to the forefront when we choose, but it’s filed away for God to bring to remembrance when it’s needed. We can’t recall what we haven’t put in. This is also why we should be very careful to not put negative material into our brains. It never goes away.

4. JOURNALING

The last habit I’ll mention is journaling, or writing in some fashion. When we read God’s Word, pray, and consume beneficial material, a natural god-given creativity will manifest. Thoughts, ideas, questions, dreams, visions, and plans will begin to churn in our minds, and need an outlet.

I keep a spiral-bound notebook for this purpose. I’ve gone through seasons of journaling 500 words a day, but most often the pages have a thought and a date. I’ve gone back and constructed blogposts, articles, Bible studies and lessons from these bits of data. This is a great time to work on writing projects such as that pesky book idea that won’t leave you alone.

At the least, it’s a blessing to be able to go back through the years, and see where we were, and how much progress we’ve made. When we realize how far God has lead us, and all He has brought us through, our faith is magnified exponentially.

IN SUMMARY

How did your morning go? Was it frantic and rushed? Did you leave the house already frustrated and overwhelmed? Why not start tomorrow differently with Bible study, prayer, instructional reading and creative journaling? Set your alarm an hour earlier. It’ll be worth it.

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat