It is a time for escalated peace! Listen to what the Lord says for October 2024 and share it with your loved ones! We also encourage you to read the word of the Lord for 5785 / 2025 as the new biblical year starts on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024. Click here to read!
The information in this article is based on Perry Gaspard's teachings. Enjoy!
On October 2nd, 2024, a ‘ring of fire' solar eclipse will grace the remote Pacific Ocean, aligning perfectly with the sunset in Jerusalem as trumpets herald the Jewish New Year, 5785. This celestial event unfolds above the geologically active ‘Pacific Ring of Fire', where 75% of Earth's active volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes occur, hinting at an impending transformation in both physical and spiritual realms.
This is no ordinary fire; it's the supernatural “Esh” (Aleph-Shin-Aleph), the Hebrew word for ‘fire'. The first letter, Aleph, signifies ‘the beginning', while Shin represents ‘fire' and ‘change'. It is the primordial fire, emanating from God, and a harbinger of profound awe and transformation. It embodies the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a complete immersion in the divine fire that purges all impurities, leaving only the resurrected ‘you', yearning for God's presence.
Biblical narratives abound with instances of fire accompanying divine revelations. Abraham's covenant with God was marked by a miraculous torch of fire, etching the symbol of eternity – Olam. Moses encountered the burning bush, a conduit for God's voice, and witnessed the awe-inspiring descent of the Lord upon Mount Sinai amidst fire and thunder. The glory of the Lord was described as “like devouring fire” (Exodus 24), the Hebrew “kof-Aleph-Shin” representing the ‘unlimited first fire' of God's blessing. These encounters with divine fire left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it.
Today's message resonates: it's a season to ascend, to release earthly attachments, and embrace this Holy Fire for protection in the challenging times ahead. Just as Elisha witnessed angelic hosts in chariots of fire surrounding him, we too must awaken to this heavenly reality and cast away fear.
The forthcoming eclipse, an astronomical spectacle, carries a profound message. It passes over Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, home to the enigmatic ‘moai', or ‘walking statues', believed to contain the spirits of ancestral leaders, possibly even remnants of the Nephilim, a giant race born of fallen angels. Some of these moai tower over 30 feet tall and weigh over 100 tons, potentially representing these giants. This suggests divine judgment upon rebellious angels and their offspring, the evil spirits that plague our world.
While this judgment may seem distant, it underscores the fact that God's actions often transcend human comprehension. The eclipse, blocking out 87% of the sun's light, will be visible over a sparsely populated region. This suggests that some of the events in these last days are not solely directed at human beings but also at the principalities and powers in heavenly places. The repercussions of divine intervention in the heavenly realm will manifest as world-altering events.
Isaiah prophesied this judgment upon rebellious nations and their ruling celestial entities. Both will face God's wrath in these last days. As Christ reigns supreme, ushering in a new heavenly reality, our lives must reflect this transformation.
The Feast of Rosh Hashanah embodies this shift. It's a time to cease ‘business as usual', offering sacrifices and surrendering to God's refining fire – the ‘Esh'. It's a chance for a fresh start, marked by the acceptance of offerings yielded to the divine presence. The numerical value of the Hebrew letter ‘Hey' is 5, signifying the year we are stepping into. It represents revelation, awe, and the unveiling of aspects of our lives ready for surrender to God. Leviticus 23 instructs us to offer an “offering made by fire unto the Lord”, or “Isha”, during this time. The Aleph-Shin in “Isha” represents fire, and the Hey represents the revelation and awe of the new year.
The early Church experienced this transformative fire, symbolized by the rushing wind and tongues of fire, empowering them with the Holy Spirit. This is our new reality, attainable through complete surrender to God's presence, where the ring of first fire burns away all but the resurrected, Spirit-filled ‘you'.
This is not a time for complacency. It's a season of seismic change, demanding complete surrender and yielding to the transformative power of God's first fire. Only then can we navigate these extraordinary times, standing firm in the face of the coming events.
It is going to be a good fire for God's people and a bad one for those who are not aligned with the Lord!
Daniel 3:13-15 (NKJV)
“Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, ‘Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?’”
Reflection:
The devil constantly throws a challenge at sons of God because he knows he cannot directly take hold of them. ( 1 Peter 5:8). He recognizes that the Lord’s protection covers His children. The devil's strategy is to lure believers out of their divine protection and into his zone of attack. This is akin to how Nebuchadnezzar challenged Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to bow to his gods in order to force them out their protection into his stronghold of attack.
Believers are shielded in God's house of protection, with the devil only able to challenge from outside. (Ephesians 6:11) He attempts to entice us to step out of our preserve. Unable to breach our stronghold, the devil resorts to throwing stones at us. It is only the weak who attacks you by standing afar and throw stones at you. These stones come in the form of sickness, financial troubles, hopelessness, pain.etc Ephesians 6:11
To counter these attacks, Christians must build taller walls of protection through prayer. Prayer is the key to strengthening our defenses. Just as the devil threw a challenge at Job through his wife and friends to curse God and be free and endured stones of sickness and loss of properties and children, he remained steadfast in his faith. Job 2:9-10
Joseph also faced the devil's challenge and was thrown into prison. (Genesis 39:20-21) Even Jesus faced the devil’s tests. Despite these trials, they all emerged victorious.
Challenges and stones are part of the Christian battle. By building stronger walls of prayer, we can overcome these trials. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not succumb to Nebuchadnezzar's challenge and were saved from the fiery furnace by God.
Whatever stones the devil throws at you—whether they be trials, sickness, or despair—remember that God is with you. Just as He was with Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, and Jesus, He will protect you and ensure that the devil does not prevail
Stay strong in your faith and continue to build your walls of protection through prayer.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your divine protection and unending grace. As we face the challenges and trials of life, we ask for Your strength to uphold us and keep us within the safety of Your walls. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, to build our spiritual defenses through prayer, and to trust in Your protection against every attack of the enemy. Empower us to overcome every trial, knowing that with You by our side, we are shielded and secure.
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.
Rexford Moses
I asked my dad how he came up with my name, Rexford. He told me that while working on a ship, he met a white man who treated him with such kindness that he didn’t know how to repay him. So, when I was born, he named me Rexford, which means Reigning King, in honor of that man.
Growing up, I’ve always felt that my name has shaped my life. Wherever I go, I seem to be recognized and regarded as relevant, a reflection of the name I carry.
The Power of a Name
When choosing names for our children, we often expect the name to have a profound influence on their lives. Many times, we draw inspiration from family members or mentors we hold in high esteem. In my family, one of my uncles is so revered for his humility and devotion to God that many parents, even outside our family, have named their children after him.
Some people take their search for names even further, looking to presidents, pastors, kings, or influential entrepreneurs for inspiration. In the African context, it's common for parents to name their children after their own parents. However, this tradition can lead to tension when expectations are not met, sometimes causing strained relationships, and in extreme cases, even disownment. I know of a family where this very issue led to serious conflict.
Names and Their Meanings
In the Bible, names carried significant meaning, often reflecting a person’s destiny:
Names in biblical times were powerful indicators of a person’s role and purpose. A name not only provides personal identity, but it also holds emotional significance and impacts social interaction.
The Burden of Sinful Names
Before Jesus Christ came, humanity lived under the burden of sin. Sin was deeply ingrained in our identities, passed down through generations. This meant that bearing a name like Rexford implied a connection to this sinful lineage—sinful Rexford.
In those days, priests offered sacrifices—lambs, for instance—to appease God and seek forgiveness. At times, sinners faced severe consequences, such as the earth swallowing them or divine punishment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The Redemption of Names
However, with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, everything changed. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus took away the sins of the world. Now, those of us with names like Rexford can bear them without the weight of sin. Forgiveness is available to anyone who confesses their sins and seeks redemption.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse speaks of the transformative power of being in Christ. We undergo a spiritual rebirth, shedding our old sinful selves and embracing a new identity in Christ. We are no longer bound by the chains of sin but are renewed and redeemed by God’s grace. This transformation is so profound that we are given a new name—Christian. We can now be called Christlike Rexford or Christlike Kofi.
The name Jesus wasn’t randomly chosen; it was divinely given, signifying His mission to save humanity and reconcile us with God.
Living Up to Your Name
This resonates with the Pentecostal song: “Hw3 Wabrabo so yie, ne din dawoso”, which translates to “Be mindful of your lifestyle because His name is on you.” As Christians, we are called to live a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ. When we live contrary to these principles, we undermine the credibility of our identity as Christians.
Your name matters. It carries weight, meaning, and responsibility. So, I ask: Are you living by your name?
Rexford Moses
“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” – Luke 2:21
I am not an expert on abortion, nor a Christian counselor in this matter, but I do have my own opinions and beliefs, which align with the Word of God. God is pro-life and commands us not to kill. However, when we decide on something—such as taking a life—we often engage in philosophical arguments, attempting to justify our actions. We create self-deceptive justifications that trap us in situations we mistakenly label as freedom and compassion.
Abortion is the act of ending the life of a human being who cannot defend themselves. In today’s world, we hear countless arguments trying to justify the termination of a conceived child. Many oppose late-term abortions because the baby is fully developed, while some accept early-term abortions, believing that the child is not yet clearly formed. However, whether it’s an early or late-term abortion, it remains an act of killing—a crime.
In Luke 2:21, the Lord named His Son Jesus BEFORE He was even conceived!!! To God, the unconceived child is already an existing being. He sees beyond the early days of conception or late-term development; He views a child as an existing entity even before conception. Now, isn't that something?
Consider the story of the prophet Jeremiah too:
“The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'” – Jeremiah 1:4-5
Shall I say it again? “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you!” Who forms the baby in the womb? God. “Before I formed you.” When you abort a baby, you are interrupting this miracle in progress. You are interfering with God as He forms a life inside the womb! Can you imagine entering the workshop of an artist, destroying the painting he just started creating, and convincing him to be comforted because his artwork is just in the beginning of it? You would be in jail. No one accepts that under any justification, it is still a destruction. Now what about lives, human beings, who are more than a piece of art in a workshop?
God regarded both Jesus and Jeremiah as existing beings even before they were conceived. Not only that, He had a destiny and calling planned for each of them! Isn’t that incredible?
So, if you are still attempting to reason or rationalize that abortion is not an act of killing at any phase of conception, remember that, in God's eyes, it goes beyond conception itself!
Stop deceiving yourself: “You shall not kill.”
I understand the “compassionate” justifications, like suggesting a woman should abort the baby if it is the result of rape. We all feel compassion and sorrow for raped women, but aborting a baby is still an act of killing—a crime.
Instead of taking a shortcut and acting out of anger on an innocent being who is now in the process of being formed and is not at fault, we need to seek deeper solutions. I am not here to provide those solutions, but perhaps you can share some ideas in the comments below.
For instance, what if the government funded the upbringing of this child and covered all the expenses? What if the child could be given up for adoption at birth? What if the baby could be transferred to the womb of a woman who longs for a child? IF WE ARE COMMITTED TO NOT KILLING, WE CAN DEFINITELY THINK OF SOMETHING THAT CAN EASE THE SITUATION AND SAVE THESE PRECIOUS BABIES THAT ARE FULLY FORMED BEFORE GOD EVEN BEFORE CONCEPTION.
Feel free to share this article with your church, a friend who may be misled, or even a politician still debating when to legalize the killing of a baby.
Leave your comment below or maybe your prayer!
God bless you,
Tony Francis
Is God Your Favorite Episode? Drawing Near to Him (James 4:8)
Do you have an appointment with God, or do you only call on Him when it’s convenient? Is your prayer life unscheduled, your scripture reading sporadic? You reach out to God when you’re in need, but have you noticed He’s been calling you all along, while you remain too busy for Him? And yet, we spend endless hours flipping through social media, all the while rejecting any opportunity to meet with God. How can you expect Him to meet your needs when you constantly reject His call?
God desires our hearts. He wants us to have regular, consistent meetings with Him. He values those set times, placing them on His divine calendar, prepared to meet us when we show up. In those moments, He’s ready to respond to the prayers from our previous meetings. Think about how you prioritize your favorite TV show, sports match, or series—how you adjust your schedule just to make sure you don’t miss it, finding excuses to skip Sunday services while you never fall sick when those episodes are on air. I remember when I watched Joana la Virgen—it was a show I never wanted to miss. My heart was so glued to it that I would rush home from wherever I was just to catch every episode, or even find a place with electricity if there was a power outage. Today, I do the same with Chelsea’s EPL matches—I don’t want to miss a single one. What are you so addicted to that you can’t bear missing it, even going back to watch the replay? Let’s be honest—replays aren’t as thrilling because we already know the outcome.
This is the level of devotion God desires from us—the same energy and dedication we give to our favorite shows or activities. He wants us to schedule regular meetings with Him, setting aside specific times for prayer and devotion. In those moments, the Holy Spirit reviews the “minutes” of your last meeting, and Jesus executes the action plans on God’s behalf. They come prepared with revelations, blessings, and answers just for you. But if your meetings with God are inconsistent and haphazard—showing up one day and missing the next—then God may also respond to your needs sporadically, as if He, too, is working without an appointment.
God expects us to love Him with all our hearts, as Deuteronomy 6:4-5 says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” When we give Him our full devotion, He draws nearer to us.
If your prayers are “as and when,” God will meet you “as and when.”
If your scripture reading is “as and when,” He’ll respond “as and when.”
Why can’t Christians have consistent, scheduled devotion like our Muslim brothers and sisters? Why do we only pray when we’re desperate, instead of making it a daily priority, like our favorite TV shows? Shouldn’t our time with God be like that telenovela we never want to miss? Even if we miss an episode, we rush to watch the replay before the next one. We avoid distractions when we’re glued to a football match; how frustrated we get when we miss a crucial moment and the replay isn’t shown! Just like how you call your boyfriend/girlfriend first thing in the morning or want to hear his/her voice before bed, God desires that kind of intentionality and devotion.
As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” When we approach God with faithfulness and consistency, He responds with the same faithfulness, revealing His heart and fulfilling our needs.
Prayer:
Lord, help me prioritize time with You as eagerly as I do my favorite activities. Draw me closer and make our meetings a daily joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.