Deep Waters

Send us Fan MailSo, what does viscosity mean? And all of my cars guys shoot up their hands but for the rest of us and even for the car guys we are not just talking about the chemical make-up of car oil but relating how the different blends apply to different seasons and types of cars, or more specifically to types of engines. If you have a high revving engine built for performance then the oil thickness and make-up will be different than for a car, like a Pinto or Honda, and even different based on climate or season. Oil for cars in Alaska in the wintertime will basically be a viscosity quite different than if you live in Death Valley. Using the same oil for both places will get you and your car in trouble.And to add to the mix we also have synthetic oils which is basically man-made oil in which all cars do not do well with this type of oil which I learned the hard way.Ok so let’s break down five of the oil viscosities so that I can then move from this analogy to what this message is about.Oil viscosity measures a lubricant's resistance to flow. In multigrade motor oils, the first number (ending in "W" for Winter) indicates the cold-temperature flow, and the second number represents the high-temperature thickness. Five common motor oil viscosities and their typical uses include:0W-20: An ultra-thin, low-viscosity oil primarily used in modern, fuel-efficient, and hybrid engines to reduce friction and improve gas mileage. 0W-30: A low-viscosity formula optimized for colder climates, allowing for quick engine flow during winter starts while providing excellent protection at higher temperatures. 5W-20: A common, slightly thicker oil widely used in many smaller, modern passenger cars to balance fuel efficiency with engine component protection.5W-30: One of the most versatile and commonly used oils, frequently recommended for a wide range of standard passenger vehicles across various climate conditions. 10W-40: A thicker, higher-viscosity oil historically favored for warmer climates, older vehicles, and higher-load conditions, providing a stronger lubricating film at high operating temperatures.So we can see that your engine or car has a specific type of oil recommended based on the year, make and model along with if the engine has been modified or not. And well if you have modified your engine then you would automatically know what type of oil to run to give it the maximum protection.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so as I have stated in the past, Christians should be able to talk about anything with other Christians who have open ears, heart, and eyes, without getting offended at all. Yes, it is a perfection of Christian behavior not seen so much but it is the mark that the bible sets for us spiritually related kinfolk.Let’s get on with the bite:Pro 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.Ok I hear you, you want to know what despise really means:To despise is to feel a strong sense of contempt, disgust, or disdain toward someone or something, viewing them as beneath respect or completely worthless. It is an intense emotion that often goes beyond simple hatred, typically involving strong moral disapproval.For example: "She despised the way he treated others."Key CharacteristicsMoral Condemnation: It usually involves judging someone as morally deficient or vile.Intense Dislike: It combines disgust with a very low opinion of a person or object's worth.Rejection: It frequently leads to feelings of loathing or the urge to completely dismiss and avoid the subject. Common SynonymsLoathe: To feel intense disgust or abhorrence.Scorn: To look down upon as unworthy or beneath notice.Detest: To dislike intensely.Disdain: To refuse or reject due to a feeling of superiority.So when you despise wisdom and instruction, that is a doctrine or teaching from one called to teach, then you meet the definition of that scripture which states, “fools despise wisdom and instruction.”So if tongues can be supported as being necessary and a gift from God and you reject it you are foolish. End of the story.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailIn this message we were going to cover the final two of the five topics we should pretty much be in agreement with based on the ever-straight bible narrative. The first three were:1.     The Holy Spirit Necessary Presence In Your Life2.     The Rapture – 3.     The End Times –  This message was to cover the church purpose and tongues. Now since the original church purpose message was over 115 pages, I thought it would be a significant enough of a challenge for me to cut it down to just 20 pages which equates to about one podcast message. If I also included the tongues message then I would have had to cut it down to just 10 pages and that would be near impossible considering how I like to yack on about these subjects. So, this message will cover The Purpose Of The Church, and the Speaking In A Heavenly Language, the tongues message, will be a separate stand-alone message.  The Purpose Of The Church – A message originally posted in 28 separate podcast messages beginning on July 20, 2022 and ending July 27, 2022. It will also be one of the first books this ministry releases later in 2026/27. Why you ask? Because we can do better as a church and but I feel this is only possible if we follow the bible model when it comes to doing the church thing the bible way so that we can get bible results.  In this message we will establish that the Church is not for the make-believers, fake-believers, non-believers, those stuck in the valley of indecision, false christs, false apostles, false prophets, wolves in sheeps clothing, or false teachers. It is only for those being saved and those who by a curious nature stopped by and got or are getting saved in the process. The primary purpose of the church is to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to make disciples, that is life learners, and to send them out in Ministry. Rinse and repeat turning the whole world upside down with the most effective kingdom results we ever could can. Yes we should worship God, collect tithes and offerings, and even do communion as a body of believers, but in addition to these type of things it should be our absolute primary objective to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to make life learners of all who commit to joining us for the ride.  Now if you’re tired of I can’t get my appetite satisfied through my church experience, including watching others do ministry, but yet, you do not even know what you’re going to be when you grow up, then enter through the narrow gate...and keep this in mind, I think Jesus stated the gate was narrow and even made narrow originally because of the condition of our minds and the difficulty we find as humans to change or to be challenged on a point we were sure would never be challenged:Luke 13:23-25 - 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?”And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’Matthew 7:13-14 - 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo, I thought just maybe we could clean up on some things or topics that should in these days be non-issues within the body of christ. Are they salvation issues? I am not sure as I think the lack of some of these things could lead a person to fall away at a minimum which could then make it a salvation issue. And but is that really the position we want to take when it comes to learning and understanding the bible and the Lord of the bible. For me personally no. I want to know everything I can about God and learn how to receive everything He intended me to receive so that I can be the most effective Christian He intended me to be.  It’s simple math really. If you are a Christian who adamantly seeks to do the works of Jesus and greater works in faith then this message will encourage you and help you in any area that you might need more understanding in. But if you are a Christian who clutches your salvation ticket in your hands hoping that Jesus simply returns before you die having no intention of doing anything for Him then you are a risk. For what? For these end time deceptions which are being prepared right before our eyes. But even worse what crown will you be casting at the feet of Jesus (Rev 4:10-11)? What works will you have that will endure His judgement?  1 Cor 3:12-15 - 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. You see where this is going? You were doing things before your salvation and but after your salvation as you grow and mature you do the kingdom things that make an eternal difference. You no longer waste your time in fetching any and all of the worlds goods anymore: 1 John 2:15-17 - 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. James 4:4 - 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Additionally, Matthew 6:24: Teaches that "No one can serve two masters". You cannot fully devote yourself to God while simultaneously loving material wealth (money/possessions). And 2 Timothy 3:4: Warns of the "last days" when people will become "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God". https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so we are going to get strange and funky but stick with me and it will all come around.I asked Google AI the following question:“How many people have been convicted of murder with only one witness?”There is no exact national database tracking the total number of murder convictions that rely on a single witness, but the number is estimated to be in the thousands. In the United States, a jury can legally convict someone of murder beyond a reasonable doubt using only the testimony of a single witness, even if there is no physical or forensic evidence. The reality of these convictions highlights significant flaws in the justice system:The Scale of Misidentification: According to the Innocence Project, approximately 69% of DNA exoneration cases and hundreds of non-DNA exonerations involved eyewitness misidentification. Leading Cause of Wrongful Convictions: Faulty witness testimony is the leading contributing factor to wrongful convictions in the U.S.The "One Witness" Standard: Statistically, tens of thousands of felony suspects are targeted yearly in cases where the only critical evidence is a single eyewitnessThen because a one witness world can be unreliable, I went to see what the bible stated about witnesses.The Bible requires two or three witnesses to establish any charge, accusation, or unrepentant sin. This principle serves to protect individuals from false accusations, ensure fairness, and provide a clear, step-by-step process to restore relationships and address wrongdoing. The Scriptures outline this standard across both the Old and New Testaments:The Old Testament Standard: The Law of Moses strictly forbade convicting someone of a crime or sin on the testimony of a single witness. Matters had to be confirmed by the mouth of two or three witnesses (e.g., Deuteronomy 19:15). Deut 19:15 - 15 “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.The New Testament Application: Jesus and the apostles repeatedly reinforced this rule (e.g., 2 Corinthians 13:1). 2 Cor 13:1 - 13 This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”The Process of Addressing SinWhen a fellow believer falls into sin, the Bible lays out a specific progression of how witnesses and church members should be involved (Matthew 18:15-17):https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWell so what happened to the Podcast Preacher, I mean we haven’t had such a gap in messages for quite a long while. I was in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Enloe Hospital in Chico for eight days. Hey Mr. Podcast Preacher don’t you preach on divine healing and didn’t you get healed of a pile of illnesses a couple of years back? So, what are you doing back at the hospital?  I intend on answering those questions using this season of my life to further discuss divine healing and but also mixing it with wisdom, not fear or a lack of faith but wisdom (Heb 11:6). And but also I feel that in some of my previous healing or miracles, signs, and wonder messages, I may have come off too one sided, which is to say or imply that if you didn’t get healed then it is all on you. That way of preaching is too God-in-a-box and can come off as judgmental and even be wrapped up in this idea that I am more spiritual than you because I got or get healed and you may not have. No, I still believe in a God who has already healed us and does indeed still perform miracles, signs, and wonders, but for the journey that each of us takes to receive and to give out I believe it is here that God works distinctly and uniquely with each of us (Acts 2:22, Heb2:4, Mark 11:22-24, James 5:14-15, Mark 16:17, 1 Cor chapter 12). I would not want anyone to ever go away from one of my messages feeling like they don’t measure up to any sort of religious qualification for God to move in their life. Please forgive me if I have been the source of any spiritual frustration or discouragement to you. Be very encouraged That God meets you where you are at, and as long as you stay away from comparisons with others, you will be on the straight and narrow path (Matt 7:13-14). Maybe in this season God is just showing me that He is not a formula to understand in order for us to get what He Himself has promised whenever we want it. He is ever so deeply committed to us that we would simply become as children who could enter His kingdom as I am sure that otherwise in any other condition we cannot enter (Matt 18:3, Mark 10:15). Testimonies are not challenges directed at us. It is not a measuring bar insofar as to gauge our spiritual maturity. Every Christian is uniquely called and equipped to do what God has called them to do (1 Cor chapter 12). So, stay away from spiritual works competitiveness and trying to one-up someone on testimonies, they are destructive and very relational harmful thus turning God into nothing more than a spiritual miracle, signs, and wonders slot machine. And well besides it has been my experience that we have way too many of us sharing testimonies that elevate or glorify us and not God. God testimonies should reveal the workings of the supernatural, not efforts that you made to bring about something. Again, this happens when we have fallen into a spiritual competitiveness instead of really being grounded in our relational personal walk with the all-ever-living God of everything (Acts 8:18-20, 1 Tim 3:1-10, Titus 1:5-9).https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWell, so well, well, this is not going to be a feel-good message, but one that is necessary for continued growth. I was reading the final book in a four-book series titled the Ethiopian Bible and I was noticing how authentically born Christians really rub against the religious mindsetted peeps. Meaning those who think that God approves of their lifestyle regardless of what they do, because after all they have been in church their whole life. Oftentimes these types are simply minded in that they believe if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord you will be saved, no additional action items necessary.Rom 10:9 - that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.You see it says it so it must be true. Well let’s look at some other samples and see if we can see a pattern or way of thinking that is expressed in the bible:God said:Gen 2:16-17 - 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”Gen 3:1-5 - 3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”Watch the twixy-conundrum. God said, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat. But satan repeated it back in a weird sort of way right: “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” Look if you had to listen to that again, that is the catch or hook that satan intended to use.  Verse 2 - let’s see if we can see the author of confusion’s plan at work (1 Cor 14:33):2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” Ok so like satan she did not quote God accurately and that is what created the crack so to speak. “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die. In Gen 2:16-17 God didn’t say, “nor shall you touch it.” And but now before you say awe that is just being semantical, listen again to the words and how each time God is quoted they move away from what He originally stated. Hey look, she ate it and we are, all of humanity, born into sin, so I cannot be too far off of this point right?  https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so wow, I didn’t see that coming you might say when all of a sudden you are challenged by a brother or sister in your church, ministry, family or friends so abruptly that the communication sits the Holy Spirit right down and you seem to be the only one that is aware that it has happened. Allow me to try and unpack this end-time ever increasing behavior as it is complex involving a wide range of emotions, spirits sometimes, and even revealing cracks in our spiritual foundation.James tells us in an entire chapter the primary communication problem that we have. Let’s see if we can pick it up along with some other communication issues.James 3 - My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.Ok so right away we see that we are cautioned not to let, or you could say, “allow” many of us to be teachers? Why? Because a teacher needs to be accurate, publicly observable, able to teach, emotionally mature, confident in their calling and craft, humble, able to teach from the anointing and the Holy Spirits leading, able to teach on the whole bible especially on difficult subject matter. And but then we have two issues in todays Christian world or maybe three. We have people trying to teach from a lack of knowledge of the bible, we have others who are unable or unwilling to teach because they do not read their bible, and we have an open willingness for the spiritually proud to try and teach over one called and assigned to teach. In a strange way it is like some sort of knowledge competition and it usually comes from insecurity. Now to help out a minute there are two levels of teaching, the first is that we are all supposed to be able to teach others even if it is at a milk level with baby Christians. The other is the office of a teacher which is usually someone who is at a higher level spiritually speaking. When I say level I mean that they simply exhibit an insatiable appetite to read, study, do research, and to read their bibles usually with lots of cover-to-cover reading journeys. Now within these two groups there are also differing levels or expertise’s so to speak. I could not teach a college course that is pre-scripted as that is not my preferred teaching style. I really rely on the holy Spirit to bring scripture into remembrance so that I can go and flow. Others are the opposite and that is just fine. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWell so after that title reading we should define fear and awe as it relates to God to kick things off:Fear - In the Bible, fearing God generally means having profound reverence, awe, and respect for His holiness and power, rather than being terrified of Him. It is described as a 360-degree awareness of His presence that motivates believers to obey His commands, hate evil, and live in a way that pleases Him.Key Aspects of Fearing God:Reverence and Awe: It is a recognition of God's supreme authority, glory, and majesty, acknowledging Him as God while recognizing our place as His creatures.Ah, but now I must include a definition within a definition – let’s look at the word awe:The Bible calls for an awe of God primarily through the concept of "fearing the Lord," which implies deep reverence, admiration, and wonder, rather than mere terror. Key verses include Psalm 33:8, which instructs all inhabitants to stand in awe of Him, and Hebrews 12:28-29, which commands worship with reverence and awe.Ps 33:8 – 8 Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.Heb 12:28-29 - 28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.Key Scriptures Stating or Encouraging Awe of God:[Psalm 22:23 (ESV): "You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him..."[Psalm 119:161 (ESV): "Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your words."[Psalm 4:4 (ESV): "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah" (this is often interpreted as "Stand in awe/tremble and sin not") Context of Awe in Scripture:Reverence vs. Terror: The biblical "awe" (or fear) of God is an attitude of total admiration and respect for His power and holiness, not a paralyzing terror.Awe of His Works/Word: Examples include being awestruck by His creation such as described in Psalm 8 or His profound truth as described in Psalm 119:161.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWhat a song? Yes, and but my sister Debra Avey, who is also a board member of Applied Strengths Ministry wrote a song called “Podcast Preacher.” The link is included in this intro, click on it and thump it up for Jesus!https://hyperfollow.com/DebraAvey So why a song for a ministry, I mean churches don’t have songs about themselves. Ha, could you imagine listening to a song about this or that denomination. No, but so I did because it popped into my head one day that this whole ministry is about getting people to read and apply their bibles. I am not looking to build large groups of followers, well unless they were all doing what the bible says, then well maybe, but no. Reading your bible is the most important thing you can do even above going to church, although one should be done without the exclusion of the other. The message is a shorty sporty but hits a major milestone in this ministry. What's the milestone podcast Preacher? It was coming up with a song that represented the ministry not in totality but yes definitely in part. In totality the assignment of my life is to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to make disciples eventually releasing them through others into operating and miracle signs and wonders while serving in love in meeting all of the elements discussed or that represent the fruit of the spirit.Listen, there are times when truth doesn’t just come through teaching; it comes through sound.  And it carries the same call we talk about here—which is that we go deeper, beyond the surface and into the place where truth is found. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so this message might initially come across as weird, and I say so what if it does as I have biblical examples of highly weirdnesses. When Lazareth climbed out of the grave, that, just a few days earlier, he was placed in, with the expectation that he would, well stay there, it was weird (John 11:1-44). And well when a big fish swam nearily close to the shore and burped up Jonah after he had died in his belly, well that too was weird; and well you might even say a bit stinky weird (Jonah chap 1-2). Ok one more and then we must go on. What about the walls of Jericho coming down with a shout and the blowing of some shofars (Joshua 6:1-21). Weird? Ah, but no wait, it gets weirder; what of a girl named Rahab:The story of Rahab surviving the fall of Jericho is primarily found in Joshua chap 2 and chap 6 of the Old Testament. She survives because she hid two Israelite spies, and in return, she and her family are spared when the city walls fall, marked by a scarlet cord in her window, as promised by the spies. Key Details of Rahab’s StoryLocation: Rahab, a Canaanite woman in Jericho, lived in a house built into the city wall. (could this have been a city built by giants? Ah, maybe later on that one)The Agreement: She hid the spies on her roof under flax and later allowed them to escape via a window, asking for safety in return. (in this she underestimated the plan of God for her life)The Sign: She hung a scarlet cord from her window, which the Israelites used to identify her home for protection during the destruction.Survival: While the city fell, her home remained standing. She was later integrated into Israel and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus.Rahab is also highlighted as an example of faith in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25). We will get to those scriptures in a minute.How did she survive the great crumble? It’s a miracle big city time. She must have been hidden under the hand of the Almighty. And why? Why would God protect a harlet, after all, she was not living a clean life. Because well we will see it in the next bit in the message and well it just ads to the already weirdnesses:https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailHa, but ok, so no it’s not the backwards meaning but it is the intended meaning. Let me say it another way, “suffering is necessary for positive spiritual growth which is intended to increase our maturity, both in the natural and spiritually speaking, and life effectiveness.” Is that more clearerness? Ha…I will try and show our intense need to go through suffering, trials, testing, and God correction in order to meet that objective. I tell you that without these elements happening, that is suffering, trials, testing, and God correction in our lives, we would run to worshipping false gods in a heartbeat. Do you have support for that position Mister, Mister? Yes. Every time the Israelites got comfortable in the things of God, they soon drifted into sin and began to take on the same characteristics of those whom didn’t give a hoot about God. Yes, every time without exception. I recommend reading the book of Ezra and see how and what the Israelites departure from God looks like. Their departure from worshipping the one true living God is expressed 100’s of times in the Old Testament. And but if you pinch yourself and reply ouch, and but if you didn’t get that reply give it a stronger go and when you get to the ouch part, let it be a simple and funny reminder that we are no different from them. We, for perhaps due to our American culture don’t really like suffering and at times we can attribute it to a non-believers destiny because they are attached to the world and to the will of the god of this earth (2 Cor 4:4). But suffering, trials, testing, and God correction is to strengthen us and to keep us on the right God path in order that we don’t stray into false-god harlotville and make the same mistake they did. It seems that God placed the Old Testament first so that we could look into the mirror of history and avoid doing what His own people did. It is like the Jews went first for our benefit so that we could learn from them, and but are we learning from them? I say that we can but according to Rev chapter 3 some of us won’t learn.Perhaps this message can change that.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailA farmer always knows what type of seed they are planting. Would they randomly cast seeds into their field? Nope, every farmer knows what seed to plant so that they are not surprised that if they wanted Pumpkins that they actual got Watermelons. Seeds are symbolic of a couple of things in the bible. They are genuine seeds that, if planted using the farming rules for seeds, they can produce the intended crop. Seeds also are represented as the words that we speak. If we speak good words we reap good seed feedback, but if we sow or speak bad words, we will reap bad seed feedback. The word of God is also considered seed which is why we are to read and apply it consistently within our lives so that we can reap a good harvest of intended things. I will explain intended things as we move through this message.Offerings are our financial seed. They are handled a couple of ways in the Bible. Apostles or disciples in training would be sent to those in other churches in order to provide input, correction, exhortation, teaching or even church admin advise. It was expected that they would receive resources or offerings from the saints that they visited. Paul shares with us what this looked like back in his days:Phil 4:15-16 - 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.And we saw offerings giving in response to the Apostles ministry:Acts 4:34-37 - 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. And we saw how God views our offerings and already knows the size of our wallets so in no way is impressed with the amount given but the sacrifice and faith that accompanies our offering:Mark 12:41-44 - 41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo, if you are a consistent listener of this Podcast then you know that I said in my last message that I would be doing this one. I didn’t mention it by title because I didn’t have one. And but also, the reason that I am doing this very message is that there is a message within the message. The back story is that I was to by providing some revelation on Proverbs chapter 8, at our prayer meeting. It is the scripture that God gave our church this last new years eve, and but in the middle of the prayer meeting God shifted gears and dropped a seasonal seed message right in place of what He was bringing us into regarding a revival season. It is titled, “What Time Is It Right Now Seasonally Speaking” and was posted April 19, 2026.So, what does wisdom have to do with anybody right? Nothing, if you don’t think it is the most valuable thing to operate in. Every human has completely ignored Gods wisdom in many parts of their lives without doubt. The non-believing community gets wisdom confused with fear and intelligence. But I would say that they have misdiagnosed their insight. Before we move too far down the road we need to distinguish the three types or sources of wisdom that exist today.The three sources of wisdom are as follows:1)    God: Proverbs chapter 2 and 8We will take a look at these scriptures in a bit:2)    Lucifer/Satan: Ezekiel 28:12-17 and James 3:13-15Lucifer is satan’s pre-fallen name or position and satan is one of his fallen names. Oh you say well Podcast Preacher how many names and/or positions does the devil have:The Bible uses dozens of names, titles, and descriptors for the devil, reflecting his multifaceted role as an adversary and tempter. While Satan (meaning "adversary") and Devil ("slanderer") are the most common, he is described by more than 20 distinct names or positions, including the tempter, the evil one, the dragon, the serpent, Lucifer, https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo, I was going to be speaking on the wisdom of God at our Friday night prayer and revival meeting at the church in which God has been meeting us, each any every time, to bless us beyond what we even expected. And but we expect a lot as He is our Father and we His kids.And but as I was setting down to review the scripture Pro chap 8, something started to happen which I believe it had to do with what topic each person was praying. Now when we have corporate prayer we often see and hear God move in between us in unity and confirming the one accord pattern. What I mean is that it is like He gives each of us a piece of what He is saying, and intends to do in and through us, like a puzzle piece, and but what is exciting is that each of the pieces fit a sort of single image. It isn’t like each of us has our own thing from God and that none of the parts has no correlation to one another. It is awesome and of course I always look forward to Friday nights at Arise Paradise because we may not know what to expect, but expect we do.And so but as I was reviewing Pro chap 8 a scripture God gave to our church on the eave of January 1st, 2026. He shifted me to another message. And but no worries because my next message, after this one will cover the Proverbs chap 8 message that He also gave me, because it too is a must hear bit of revelation for the end time church.  I was sitting in the chair when God changed the frequency and blam, I was meditating on the events that took place throughout the day that are a catalyst to this message and I didn’t even know it until the cart was tumbling down the hill.So earlier in the day I drove to Sacramento to deliver my Kaabo scooter to a potential buyer. I had been advertising this thing for about six months with many false starts and broken promises. Now a small bit of back story is that I had a conversation with God about 9-months or more ago telling Him that I wanted to get some seed in the ground - seed meaning offering money. Tithe is not seed money but offering money is seed money. Anyway, I sold one thing of which I was able to sow but then the games and gimmicks of trying to sell the rest of my items came to a halt. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo, it’s time we fix the idea that God comes in power-measures that differ, from one person to another. Ah, it’s been taught that this is the case in the following scripture which we will get to momentarily. Now some history is that I was reading this scripture and the topic illuminated which to me and this ministry is a sign that God wants me to prepare a message on what the Holy Spirit is pointing at. But as is the case every now and again, I shifted my thoughts for a brief moment and zink I lost the revelation. Fast forward a few weeks into the future present, in my morning reading time, I tripped upon the scripture again, and bing, I had recaptured what God had initially pointed out several weeks back. So this time I was lead to investigate what the real meaning is regarding the request Elisha had made to Elijah, which was “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” Let’s look at that scripture:2 Kings 2:6-15 - 6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.”But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. 8 Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?”Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so as I was moving through this message, I could see that there wasn’t enough paper in a small forest to document all of the things that I wanted to share about us Christians manifesting the traits of soldiers, athletes, and farmers. Oh, I know I could do one message per discipline batch, but I think it would lose something in the splitting up of these disciplines. So, what that means is that I will be referencing a lot of scriptures by their verse but not placing the actual scripture within this message. No problem though because you can and actually should be jotting them down as you move through the message so that you really get into the deep water. Yes, it is a shameless plug for the podcast, but also a truth. You can see how this works in Ezekiel (Ezek 47:3-5). All right here we go:Matt 9:35-37 - 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.Look at what Jesus, that is our King and Priest was doing while His disciples were with Him. They were probably helping but I imagine the spiritual and ministerial workload was phenomenal considering the newness of Jesus ministry and the absence of anything in the way of schools or churches that could assist in equipping the new harvest and making disciples. And I say that, assuming that, if those institutions miraculously appeared that they would actually be assisting in making disciples which is not so much the common case in today’s world. I also say that considering how little we focus on equipping and making disciples today. Disciples, so that you have a more current or accurate understanding of the word, is to develop life-learners. A thing that is most rare in these days even though we have the educational institutions that we have. It would seem that they reproduce parrots more than they do life-learners, but this is not that so I get back to the other.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo, I had originally named this message, “The Strait of Hormuz Prophetic Fulfillment”, but then after some consideration I thought that it would be more like God to focus on the human element of a demonically carried out agenda. Satan uses anyone who gives him permission to do so. Who might they be you ask, well it would first and foremost be the make-believers, fake-believers, non-believers, and those stuck in the valley of indecision. And in every attempt to be non-offensive I will say that this very large people group gives satan permission to lead them around by their spiritual nose. Yes, in my message titled, “Serve and Worship God Or You Will By Default Serve And Worship Demon Empowered False gods”, you have learned that in life you only have two choices as to whom to will be a slave to. Oh, I know another controversial term, but let’s look at how God uses these to describe two people groups: Rom 6:16-18 – 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? {notice the only two choices people have}17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, {we are all born into sin} yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, {this happens through the born again experience discusses in John 3:3-7} you became slaves of righteousness.See again in Romans:Rom 6:22 - 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.So quickly and in a nut shell, you are either serving satan through your sinning, or you are serving, that is voluntarily submitting yourself a slave to God so that you no longer serve satan through sin, and thus reproduce righteousness, which by the way is impossible to achieve outside of being a slave to God and His kingdom rule.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOriginally this thought word turn out to be a prophetic word for our church and because I believe it also applies to the global state of the church, I decided to share it in the hopes that it will help some of us soldiers, farmers, and athletes of God. Yes, I just cheap-plugged my own future message about soldiers, farmers, and athletes of which will be titled something like the three vocational attributes and behaviors of authentically born-again Christians. Boopsie-bow-wow, God just gave me that as the title so it will be the title. Look for it soon as it is imperative we understand those three attributes within our very selves. So shortly before I was to share this message God confirmed that I was on the right track. You know it is reassuring to know that you are on the right track with God when He asks you to do something. Right soon as I closed my eyes to begin entering into our weekly prayer meeting, I saw the following statement, “We can often grow more weary waiting for the will of God than we can in going in the wrong direction. I didn’t try to give an interpretation as I thought as I read it that it could mean several different things depending on who hears it, and so I left it alone confident that I was on the right track with this message.I was going to change the prophetic message for this podcast and just now decided against it. So, you will be getting the same message that God gave our church. To shift into the teaching mode for just a second, this is the prophetic gift as outlined in 1 Cor 12:8-10 and not the office of a prophet as described in Eph chapter 4. Listen for these three attributes of the prophetic gift, edification (building up), exhortation (encouragement), and comfort.  Let’s pray that we keep at the forefront of our minds and spirits our determination, our press, our sticktuativeness, our endurance to keep pressing forward and to fight for the things, that is the ministry, relationships, jobs, creative ideas, finances, and/or health that God is trying to manifest through you, even though for a time or season you do not see the horizon of victory.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo, as I was waking up, the topic or thought of “serving other gods” kept popping into my head. Now, I knew that even though my body was yet still sleeping, as I wasn’t wide-eyed yet, and but my spirit was awake and that it was receiving this “serving other gods” drift. I had already done some messages on this topic, but could see fairly easily, that God wanted me to do another message regarding this subject.Listen, what happened in the garden, and for the reason that it happened, which was to separate mankind from God Himself and to immediately turn us to serving and worshipping other gods, as this is our innate default when we reject the One true God, and satan knew this, and so but this will be happening in these last days, and in fact is already happening right now. The more people that turn away from God, by a preprogrammed “we must worship something” default, they will invite the power of darkness over this land and begin in larger scale that we have ever encountered, to worship all things false gods empowered in many cases by demonic power.So I thought I would stretch the current AI capabilities and ask it a question that I didn’t actually think it could come up with. But it did. The question was, “How many professing Christians know about demonic warfare?” The following is the response to that question:While a majority of Christians believe in the devil (roughly 58% to 92% depending on the study), the active understanding or knowledge of demonic spiritual warfare varies greatly. Many believers are considered unaware of this battle, often leading to “it”, (this is my comments: that is spiritual warfare, or to put it in an even more stricter sense, the work of satan and his demons, being overlooked, feared, or misunderstood as mere psychological issues, despite scriptural references to it. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailI cannot express just how much I love learning about God. If you stick to it you will never run out of fresh material, that is you will never run out of fresh revelation to be more specific. So, my lovely audience of listeners, how many rapture and tribulation messages have I done? Not enough fo-sure, but like the others this one takes a different angle and provides a timeline of the events left to happen before poof. Not setting dates or anything like that, it’s just more of a chronological series of events that will eventually lead up to the rapture and then to the seven years of tribulation.My sources for this message Steve Cioccolanti's book titled, “The four horsemen of the Apocalypse - the greatest warning of the next 10 years” as well as Google AI. I recommend Stevens’ books as they are timely, accuracy, prophetic, and teach us well of the things that “were”, “are”, and “will be”. Let’s go big or rather high first:Well in an ignorantly-adopting-lies sort of way, this message might please some of those who really feel like they want to go through the tribulation of God, that is His judgement against all unrighteousness, to preach the those who have no intention of listening to any preachers including angels (Rev 14:6-7), 144,000 radical Jewish evangelists (Rev 7:1-8), or the two end time profits who are supernaturally empowered to perform miracle signs and wonders (Rev 11:3-12), and therefore, because of their self-imposed pious potion they do not believe in a God who tells the truth always. Ok so restated for simplicity, they do not believe that God would remove all of the authentically born-again Christians from the planet leaving the rest of the fake-believers, make-believers, non-believers, and those who are stuck in the valley of indecision to the devil and his Wiley-ways. Ah sounds pious right? And but of course they would be partially correct in that God wouldn’t do that as His word states He desires that all men be saved (1 Tim 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Is 45:22, & 49:6), and that His soul takes no pleasure in the death of one who dies (Ezek 18:23, & 33:11). So what assurance do we have that God will not have left the fake-believers, make-believers, non-believers, and those who are stuck in the valley of indecision to the devil? I just left that easter egg on the front porch. The 144,000 Jewish gospel fire-brands and the two end time prophets. And let us not forget that some of the fake-believers, make-believers, non-believers, and those who are stuck in the valley of indecision will have woken up once they found out that they missed the big signs and left their containers of oil home (Matt 25:1-13). https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailDo flies and lies rhyme for a reason, ha, but no I won’t be weird throughout the whole message. So, in working on this message, meaning as I got nearer to the end I came back to the beginning and thought I would share some incites so that you can be looking for the purpose and intention of this manage for these end times. I saw that it was taking an interesting turn. My focus was going to be strictly on the topic of lies and I think I covered or uncovered them for what there intended purposes are and will be, but I noticed a parallel message in this process, which is that there seems to be also an emphasis on waking out of your self-imposed stupor. And well if you are not stooped that doesn’t mean God will neglect what you need from this message. I believe God is pleading for your very soul, and for the very souls of those in whom you know who are heading for a dreadfully awful place of which there are no second chances for escape. We cannot save anybody after they go to hell. Preaching the gospel in power, and sometimes prefaced with advanced prayer is the only thing that will wake up the sleeping Christians and the fake-believers, make-believers, non-believers, and those stuck in the valley of indecision. 1 Cor 2:4-5 - 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.If you don’t know the God of power then you are preaching with no power if you are indeed preaching at all.We as authentically born-again believers will be held in account for the ministry God has given to each of His disciples. So, I thought I would wrap around topside and include this paragraph at the beginning of the message so that you understand it has a parallel message and does not let no one off the hook. That little symbolism will come to light as we move on. One last thing before we get started is that I expect, in love, that you will look up any referenced scriptures; not necessarily the ones I include in their entirety, but those just referenced so that you understand the message more comprehensively. And to support this position I leave you with some scriptures to look up that will help (Matt 13:19, Luke 8:12, Pro 2:1-6, Ps 119:130, 2 Tim 2:15, Deut 4:1-10, and Matt 4:4). Keep in mind that some of the scriptures provided are preventative and others are supportive of the theme of what was just stated.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWe open with a question: Generally speaking what is needed Before any action takes place?1.     Knowledge2.     Understanding3.     Wisdom4.     Instruction5.     PerceptionIf we move ahead without these ideal elements in place we are headed for a sure disaster. Yes, for those who are trained up well on the Word these elements tend to be transparent and happening in the background every time a task comes up that requires action. So, it would only be a little tedious for those who haven't yet taken these steps when they make decisions, but the reward is immense. Applying them can assure you that you can avoid making unnecessary mistakes in life which can cost you plenty in resources such as time, money, materials, lost businesses, and the absence of these can even damage relationships:Rom 12:2 - 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.So now We want to dissect one of the hinge words in that scripture I define it as a swing word, in which the rest of the scripture hinges on. Let's take a look at the meaning of that word conformed using Google AI:https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSomething has been standing out as I read the Bible cover to cover which is the phase and/or thought of serving other gods. Now I say cover to cover but what it is, is that I am reading the Ethiopian bible as it contains the whole bible canon as well as other books of which I would call solid historical records of various events. My study is on the events that will circle around meaning the connection between the book of Revelation back to Genesis. The scripture that is leading my study and research direction for 2026 is:Luke 17:26-30 - 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.I will give you “rapture” types an easter egg which is that both of these events, besides speaking of things of which I will momentarily discuss, also speak of a type of rapture. This is important for us to pay attention to because God is many things, but one thing for sure is that He is consistent. Notice how Noah, his family, and Lot and some of his family were removed from the scene of Gods wrath and judgement before Gods wrath and judgement fell upon those people who were unrepentant and willingly living in sin? Rapture all day long, the difference is that they didn’t get caught up, but they did get removed before Gods wrath fell upon those people so we call this a rapture type event similar to Paul’s, John’s, and Philip’s. You can give ear to my latest rapture type message titled, “Veloci-rapture” posted February 04, 2026 for my latest list of 10-biblically proven rapture and rapture-type events. Adding these two stories now makes it 12 rapture and rapture-type events, and but no worries because there is way more than that but how much evidence do we need to prove the consistency of God anyway?Ok so what about the days of Noah and Lot? What is hidden in plain site and dodged by more pastors as the strange belief that certain messages in the bible are too controversial, so we don’t talk about them. In my vey last message titled, “Fractured from Birth End Time Clarification Beginning In Genesis and ending In Revelation”, I addressed how too many pastors and teachers pick and chose what they will speak on or teach on so as to maintain a spirit of inclusiveness. Let’s see if we can find a biblical definition of what this looks like:2 Tim 4:1-5 - 4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo as I have been going through the eschatology, that is the study of the end times of which we are in right now, I came across a book titled, “Psalms 82 - The divine council of the gods, the judgment of the watchers and the inheritance of the nations” written by Brian Godawa, I saw something that triggered this message. He had something to say on it but I wanted to give it a go from my own angle. He has written some very interesting end-times books. So we have, if you have been a consistent listener, I say this so that you don’t think I used the word “we” in a position of assumption. We all have different rates of growth especially in these days of mountains of distractions, excuses, and deceptive lines of teaching, i.e. false Teachers, false prophets, false apostles, wolves in sheep's clothing, which can include The regular attendees at church known as the Saints of God, or the pastors. You might be saying well why bring up all of these falsies as it relates to the rate of growth a Christian can make. And I bring them up because what happens is that we get overly hyper sensitive or cautious to moving off of what we already know to be true or what we think to be true. And So what happens is that we slow the rate of growth at which we can grow. We are slow to adopt new teaching, new revelation, or old revelation in modern language. I think this is most expressed when I hear the statements I can hear from God and know that I do. Now in humility there's nothing wrong with this statement, but far too often what it really reveals is a difficulty one has in hearing or seeing what God is doing in these current days.In my studying in the last couple of years there seems to be a lot of contradictory information out there regarding what people think the Bible says and as a teacher this is frustrating because I see the purpose of it which is that people would make the excuse that the Bible is too difficult to understand and nobody can seem to agree on what it says. Now if you were the Antichrist isn't this the perfect strategy that you would want to play so that when you come back you can affirm that what they think is right? Of course, but we seem to be a little short sighted in the strategies of the devil in these days https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailNow boy oh boy have I seen some interesting reactions to this topic as it unfolded. But I simply leave it to you to decide for yourself. I am in no way attempting to get people to see the bible my way. I am not interested in that. And as discussed in my message titled, “Do You Know Your Doctrine”, posted March 04, 2026 I stated that our doctrine and the gospel are non-negotiables. But all of the other stuff we can have varying understandings without conflict. No two Christians are in the exact same place regarding God. Now we have some basic guidelines to ensure the people we listen to do not lead us astray. Follow those and you can now be free to learn and to also learn and get new revelations about the things of God. And I only say new because it is as we grow that we finally see what has always been in the bible. And any and all revelation should line up with the word of God adding nothing to or taking anything away from the existing revelations, the law or the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now don’t you feel better? No doubt I bet you are wondering what we will be learning today. Oh and before I forget, this small picture in time actually goes back to Gen chapter 6 when the sons of God had sex with women and brought with them heavenly knowledge to earth that was intended to stay in heaven. The book of Enoch shares some of that history. No it is not cannon, which is that it is not deemed scripture but it is deemed a reliable historical document. I will include a snippet so that we have the larger picture as we process what Ham may have done and why it is so significant and where the root of that sin may have come from. The article is from readingacts.com and its author is Philip Long. You can also get the story from the Ethiopian bible that considers this a part of their bible:The Book of the Watchers describes the fallen angels (1 Enoch 6-8).  In the biblical story of the Nephilim, the sons of God saw the daughters of men were beautiful so they married them and had children (Gen 6:1-4). These children were called the Nephilim, the “mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.” In Genesis, the story shows how far the wickedness of humans had become: humans interacted sexually with spiritual beings. No details are given on how this might be possible, but the next verse in Genesis says “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This brief story is tantalizing: who are these “sons of God” and what were the Nephilim? 1 Enoch offers an expansion of this biblical story in chapters 6-11. Are the Nephilim fallen angels?In 1 Enoch, the sons of God are the “sons of heaven,” angelic beings led by Shemihazah. The name Shemihazah (שׁמיחזה, šemîḥăzāh) means “My name has seen” and is sometimes vocalized as Semyaz of Semyaza (Nickelsburg, 179). “Name” refers to God, so the name refers to constantly watching God. This is ironic since God will see this rebellion and render judgment on the Shemihazah. Some readers want to find some reference to Satan as the leader of fallen angels in the Book of Enoch. As the story progresses, however, Azazel emerges as the ringleader (but later Enoch will intercede on behalf of Azazel). This is an example of how foolish (and impossible) it is to project modern Christian angelology on 1 Enoch. Azazel is not the modern version of Satan at all!https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailNow that’s an interesting title and long as well for such a short revelation. I will be simply contrasting a couple of bible characters and then ask some questions. Now when I ask those questions if you maintain a stiff upper lip and decide to never tune in again, then for sure this podcast is not for you. I am only interested in those who are teachable and who maintain a humble spirit. Am I greater than Jesus that I would be able to convince a stiff-necked, hard-hearted student that effective learning is proven effective by how much you are willing to change. And but if you are not willing to change then again who am I? If Jesus didn’t violate someone’s free will, even if it meant hell down the road, then how can I? I would be in great error to try. The receipt of truth is determined by a Holy Spirit working in the open minds and hearts of those who can receive His truth. A teacher’s job must remain grounded in truth and in love but separate from the emotional whims of this or that person. The truth need not be adjusted, or as is happening in these very days, being compromised so that it comes off inclusive and acceptance of everyone. This is not how it works says God in and all over His bible:2 Tim 2:15 -  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.Have you ever wondered why the office of teacher does not exist in many churches? I wonder what Paul, Jesus or the Holy Spirit would have to say about that (John 14:26).My thought is that it is a rare bird who gets taught so well and applies their greatest efforts in learning that by practicing what it being taught that they might be like their teacher:Luke 6:40 - 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.I like to think that perfectly trained could also be stated “completely and thoroughly trained.” So, why so few ever make this mark? Because the devil has found a way to puff up the people of God causing them to balk at new revelation (1 Cor 8:1). I think it also involves a spirit of fear, and reflects a gap in our faith that God can keep us from falling into error (2 Tim 1:7). https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailIn between the giants and end time studies we interrupt our regularly broadcasted messages for a message on wisdom which is needed in these very end time days. Person-identification; personification. I did make that up but with the intent that you understand that there are spirits that are personified, or that are likened to human traits. Oh now we have to be careful that we do not attribute them to the human race as they are first of all spirits. Ok let me show you before we get to her and her story of our need for her, that is wisdom.Gen 4:7 - 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”So we see how sin is alive and how it has a desire, a human or person trait. No it is not human but a spirit that reflects human traits. And but it is one hundred percent evil. A good test could be to imagine this scripture applying to a tree. Can a tree desire to rule over you? Nope.Let’s look at another few examples in Romans to see sins personification:Rom 6:11-14 - 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.For sin to have dominion over you it should but also have the power to do so. Can a tree have dominion over you? Nope. Sin; It’s alive, its alive…ha, next:Rom 7:9 - 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWhat, click, click, click…I would, if I didn’t believe God was in this message, might hear the clicking off of this message, just because of that one word, “doctrine.”I sounds so formally religious and high-level professionally academic.Let’s define from dictionary.com:a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government.Catholic/Protestant doctrines;the Monroe Doctrine.Synonyms:belief, precept, theory, dogma, tenetsomething that is taught; teachings collectively.religious doctrine.a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject.the doctrine of the Catholic or Protestant Church.I still hear yuckiness, but to give it a fair shake, I think we should move into some sample creeds, which are supposed to be a conglomeration of bible based doctrines,  and see if this process makes it more sensible, as to the reason we should know the non-negotiables within our Christian belief. Why? Because it makes it less possible for someone to come along in an antichrist spirit, or a fake-believer, make-believer, non-believer, or anybody stuck in the valley of indecision to get you to compromise, and that is an end time strategy that you must know will be; no it is at play right now, and many churches have already took the bait. To make it simple, any church that performs marriage ceremonies between woman, to woman or man to man, and eventually person to animal is outside of bible supported doctrine. So, if it happened to them, it could happen to us. Therefore, we must know our non-negotiables, so we don’t negotiate or compromise.This is a bit of a shorty but a must see and understand in these end times. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so it’s a modification of a slogan for vegetables beginning in 1928 eventually this giant became a mascot and rep for the company. And nearly all, of the kids in my generation, we knew exactly what it meant; vegetables.But this message is about the real original giants that inhabited and maybe still do inhabit this planet. One of my source documents is from a book written by Rick Renner titled, “Fallen Angels, Giants, Monsters And The World Before The Flood - How The Events of Noah's Ark & The Flood Are Relevant To The End Of The Age. I recommend Ricks books on the end times as they are nothing short of eye opening and sensationally written and supported by scripture.So we can rarely take the credit for creating anything new right? Solomon stated there is nothing new under the sun:Eccl 1:9 - That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.Notice that it states, “…That which has been is what will be…)?And well if we look hard at the Genesis account we also find something that is also telling:          Gen 6:4 - 4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward,And why not follow this as if it, the giant thing were to ever happen again, again, that is if they are not already here. God forbid we find a giant in the melting Arctic circle ice whereby we experimenting war types can extract some of its DNA and move to cloning such beasts. And no it doesn’t matter that we know that they were bent on the complete and thorough destruction of mankind, those who are of possessed and ambitious minds satan can and will use. More on this later.Matt 24:37-39 - 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so I was reading a book this morning titled, How To Keep Your Head On Straight In A World Gone Crazy written by Rick Renner and yes I recommend that you look into his books for a right-now revelation of what is secretly unfolding right before our eyes. Now it’s not a secret because the bible states that what is happening right now would happen, but because it has already crept into mainstream Christianity and the world culture, many will not be looking for these signs. And but there is a great concern that if you do not take your Christianity seriously, and mine out the revelation that God is so willing to reveal to us end-timer saints, then you will compromise your faith and slip out of heaven right into the place that was originally created for the demons, and it will have happened right under your noise:Matt 25:41 - 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: God is really doing everything He can to get our attention, everything. It is our part of the responsibility within our relationship with Him to listen to His Holy Spirit and pay heed and special attention to what’s happening right now. If you ever prayed or thought that you wanted to be a part of the end time church you will no doubt find that your pray has been answered. Let’s get into this message. I was reading about some end time conditions and behaviors that, unfortunately long ago and even in these end-of-days, crept into the church. This message a part of another message that has been revised for this presentation. It actually has very valuable homework which will be discussed at the end of the message. I and those who attend our church, Arise Paradise in Paradise Ca, began the weeklong assignment which is tailored to locate where we are at as Christians. So often we exaggerate the things we do for God, by claiming we spend inordinate amounts of time in our religion. This assignment will prove you right or help you to make some adjustments. We are the end time Delta Force of the church. Many have gone before us and gave their lives for the church, we should have but the same commitment in our relationship with the One true living God and savior Jesus Christ as they did.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWow I usually get titles before the message, but I really struggled with what to title this one as I believe the title should reveal the content of what is being said. My initial thought was to call it, “Why The Flood Again.” But I would have to explain the word again and this would have taken the message in another direction. This is really a message about what is happening right under our Laodicean Church noises and I am sure this wont work out well for the church or for those who depend on the church to fulfill its calling. Of course you know by now that I am into the end times stuff because many who are paying attention are also talking about it. Not the sensationalist who work for the like strike button, but for those who authentically care about these last of last days. No one could have imagined what these days would look like for the end time church, and now that it is upon us, no one seems to care but those ever so few. And Didn’t Jesus, Peter and Paul warn us that this would happen? Alright let’s get it.Ok so it’s been a great season of researching and focusing on the book of Revelation this year so far. Giants, Dragons, Watchers, two floods not one, what did satan look like in the garden and why it wasn’t a snake that was speaking to Eve, where did the giants come from after they were destroyed in the flood, and so much more. But in this deluge of information something stood out that I thought I would hit the pause button on my reading and share in a message. Humm so I think the best way to begin is to open with a question. Did God destroy the earth simply because of sin? Oh, I know you might add hey Podcast Preacher it was the giants as well, to which I wouldn’t disagree, but would add another question which is what were they doing that was causing God earth-destroying grief? Eve and Adam sinned and their sin didn’t move God to destroy the earth with a giant bubble bath. I mean if sin was enough to tip the scales of Gods grace and mercy, we today wouldn’t be here right this very moment. Surely, we are over our necks in committing abominable sins and have over-flowed the sin cup many millions of times since the last flood. So, there had to be something else going on that triggered God if indeed He could be triggered, and I am not talking about an emotional trigger but one of righteousness. I will be doing future messages on some of those topics mentioned above including the giants and the mysterious crossover from the flood event to the rest of the Old Testament times. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailWell, my thought is if I cannot get up my driveway due to snow and ice which precludes me from attending my Churches prayer meeting then I will prepare a message about another testimony that has happened just February 19, 2027. Yes, I included the date so as to codify it. Ha, no but since living here in Paradise I have had 8 of these types of things happen and I want to share so that you can be encouraged that you too can walk in such things as long as you do not doubt. Allow me to build this message a bit so as to encourage you to take some faith risks in these very near to end of days times. So, lets ground this message with a scripture:Mark 11:22-24 - 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have (the) faith of God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.Isn’t this scripture interesting in that it is talking about nature or about the things in the natural and not specifically talking about casting out demons or healing people? Yes, of course it is interesting. Why? Because we have been given authority over everything but God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and anything that God doesn’t desire to happen, or a better way of saying that is anything against His will. Outside of this we are free to move about the planet. Should we ignore demons, and those who need healing just so we can uproot mountains and shift the landscape of the planet? Of course not, but in the same token we should not holster our weapon during things like weather events, natural disasters, finances, resources, uprooting and replanting, etc. Look again:https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailI love discovering new and yet but already existing things about God. Yes, we teachers teach on the revelation or light that we have at the time that we are teaching something specific, but if we continue to seek God and His treasures, we will increase in more light and revelation which means that at times what we taught was wrong, or as in most cases with me just incomplete. Does this happen with every message I teach? No of course not. Many things in the bible are unchangeable such as who is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and what it is that they have tasked us to do and how each of them, which represents one God, helps us to accomplish His will in our lives. Pretty much unchangeable although His will is tailored to each of us and is somehow magically joined to the will and purposes of others within the church.I remember recently I discovered that the Joel 2:21-29 which was quoted by Peter in the book of Acts 2:16-18 specifically when Peter replied to the accusers who stated that they were drunk, no, no, no this is what was spoken by the Prophet Joel. The key word is this. For many people they talk of a future date that, that prophesy will come to pass but beginning on the day of Pentecost, it happened. And but now I did state in my previous message I am not sure how it is that God has poured out His Spirit since that time. You see I had no more light to go past that thought. But in my continual pursuit, I learned that the words, “in the last days” verse 17 includes the church age. The church age represents the near end of the last 2000 years. So now in understanding that, events like the Azusa Street Revival and the Jesus Movement to name just a couple of events make sense. He, that is God is pouring out His Spirit in and through those types of events. No, it is not limited to Revivals, Awakenings, and Renewals, but it is just most commonly witnessed in those larger outpourings. Now and just so I don’t leave you with the thought that is still being taught which is that God is pouring out His Spirit on “all” flesh, that you think everybody who is alive will receive the Holy Spirit. There is no president in the bible for God giving non-believers, fake-believers, make-believers, or those in the valley of indecision, and to be more blunt, those practicing unrighteousness, his Holy Spirit. He wouldn’t do that. The Holy Spirit is for believers or for those being saved. And if you get stuck in literalism then we can expect by that specific interpretation that God would be giving Apes, Gorilla’s, Giraffes, Fishes of the sea, and flying birdies His Spirit as it does say all flesh and not humans. Ha, wow we gotta have fun these trying days…https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo this is a little story in which I compare my VW driving days in which I did much of the tune up and engine work on the car myself. If I wanted to go professionally fast I paid the professionals to build those motors. Now even back when we mostly worked on our own cars in the 80’s and 90’s, we usually didn’t  check the oil in our car to see, first, if it has any metal flakes, is too dirty, or if it smells like gasoline, which is indicative of a problem with the engine or fuel system. I did say that we don’t do these things first. What we do is to limit our scope and only check on whether we need any additional oil. It is a habit of many to avoid going beyond that step. Funny how we are risk takers by our very natures. We see that the oil is at the dipstick line and we insert the oil stick back in its place and roar on down the road fully believing that all is well. Do we also carry over this habit in our spiritual walk with God? Oh, we all want more oil; well those who understand what that even means want more oil. But so lets look at the similarities of how we treat our car oil and our walk with God.Setting short-term and long-term goals to improve and increase in your walk with God is insuring you have oil in your car. It is the first step, but without further inquiry and possible discovery, we leave the cars continued performance to chance. Setting goals and checking the oil level is the first step.If nothing is done beyond this point, it is pointless.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so you know sometimes I like to leave a topic intact as an author may have written it. In this little message there are a couple of pages on what the responsibilities are of someone who claims the pulpit responsibility. And what I like about it is its distinguishing comments designed to help us who maybe don’t give that pulpit the respect and honor it requires. Oh, I know you may have issues in the past with those who may have abused their position, but we were already told in advance that there would be those who would try and take the church apart. There are too many scriptures to support that statement so I will leave it to you to search out.So, this section is just a couple of pages from the book titled, “Signs You’ll See Just Before Jesus Comes written by Rick Renner. I recommend you buy and read any of his books as they are factual and relevant in speaking on today’s eventsIt’s a sporty shorty so let’s ear up:Let's look at what preaching and teaching does for the heart and soul of the hearer when it is done in the power of the Holy Spirit.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo now why is the rapture, such a focused-on event, but in these very days, such an ignored event? Because it triggers a duality of events happening at the same time. Ha, but we are all wrong at some point along our growth because we can only believe what we currently understand. When more revelations or increased revelations come then we are able to understand more as long as we are open to it. That right there is the combination that unlocks the mystery of learning the bible. As soon as you make a decision, consciously or subconsciously, that you have it all figured out based on natural factors like time reading the bible, or number of religious degrees earned, or how long you pray, or how much you give, etc., then you have locked your mind and heart up for additional revelation. And but you should know that we will get revelation all the way out of our old bodies and into heaven. We never outgrow learning unless it is, even unintentionally. Ok so one event is in heaven and the other is on earth and they are happening at the very same time. Now on Earth the 7-year tribulation is in full swing. Israel has signed a 7-year peace treaty with the anti-christ which at that time has been revealed, so it gives us an idea as to when they will sign the 7-year treaty (Dan 9:27/Is 28:15-18/1 Thes 5:3).Once the church gets taken out of the way, that is caught up, through the rapture event, the veil was lifted and the antichrist appeared. Its as if he was behind a church curtain just waiting for his opportunity.2 Thes 2:6-7 - 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he (anti-christ) may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.Google AI adds to this:A catching away or rapture more fully means, "a catching away just in the nick of time", and it strongly suggests that the rapture of the church will occur in a very dark moment:A "catching away" or "rapture" is defined in the Greek as harpazō, which means to seize, snatch, take away by force, or carry off. Found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, it implies a sudden, decisive, and powerful removal, often used to describe taking someone out of danger or snatching them to safety. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so if we look at two of Jesus disciples and exam their journey with Jesus we will discover that walking with Jesus wasn’t really no different for them than it is for us today. No they simply couldn’t leave the church upon a disagreement and start another denomination, but they had the same human issues back then that we have today which are at times so heated that we do in fact leave the flock and start our own herd somewhere else. And no doubt we hope that some of the healthier sheep will follow our lead, 1) to vindicate our position and but 2) to also prove to the other disagreeing leadership that even some of their own sheep agreed with our position which should demonstrate to you that we are right in doing so. Oh, I know I must have just made that up, but anyway we should join Jesus in walking out His journey while dealing with us humans.As we no doubt have read about Peter and John in the gospels and other such letters throughout the New Testament, we have also been spiritually inebriated with the depths of trying to understand all that they contributed to the New Testament themselves. Peter wrote two books, 1st and 2nd Peter, and John wrote the Gospel of John, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John along with the book of Revelation. John was known as the Apostle of love and Peter more like an abrasive tough guy.Now if we just review what they wrote we would think that the inspiration came purely from the Holy Spirit and maybe didn’t include any experiential aspects of their lives and relationship with each other.Now unlike what we tend to do in todays church which is to ostracize someone that goes stray, or even just someone in whom we disagree with either by spreading rumors or quietly disassociating ourselves from them, and in the worst cases going to social media or playing the character-assassinator via text or email messaging, and of course on purpose leaving them out of the messaging group.  https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so I like to keep you updated on my learning as I believe it is fun to learn things that have been sitting right in front of our faces in the bible, but that it took a certain somebody to catch it or to point it out. It actually is a perfect representation of the body of christ working together. This is why the “Loner-Christian” mentality, unless you are a modern-day Enoch, is not a very good idea (Gen 5:24). Even Paul had his bro’s. Now but a little scripture snack on Enoch. How old is he? If you say 365 years old then you would be mistaken, because in Hebrews it states:Heb 11:5 - 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.Now and but so now that he went in his old body and hasn’t yet received his new body he is near 6000 years old. I wonder how many Archaeologists know that bitty-ditty.So but if you haven’t picked up on it yet, there is a lot of hoopla on the end times, and well hoopla is a loser word than I ought to use, least you think I am just making light of this fact. If you have been following me on my learning journey last years goals were to slow down on podcast posts, a direct order from God papa, and to hang tight as some things were to take place that would be astounding. And but also while I was at it I got my healing from decade-long illnesses, and dropped all of the pharmakeia or potion of sorcerers, out of my life, so no more taking 15-pills a day. And finally, to nutshelling that year, I decided to read an impossible number of books to prepare for, well I am still not sure what I was preparing for but when God gives to the grace to do something you do it. And sense I had the time I took the challenge on and completed my 12-month period reading 605 books and booklets of which the bible was one of those books. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailAnd so but ha, no but check it out, I have been doing some reading, thinking, and seeking and searching for the flow of what God is saying in these days. And so but my thought is that if we are in the last days, meaning near the 4th of a total of 7-raptures which are as stated in other messages such as this 4-part series titled, “Rapture – Get Right Or Get Left by Hilton Sutton,” which was posted on October 28, 2025. You can also just buy the book by the same name as the messages. The books are authored by Hilton Sutton. The messages are simply a reading of his book. Anyway, he is not the only one that has brought this up, and no worries as there are many others who don’t think that one rapture is eminent let alone a total of 7-scripturally proven raptures. But then Eve was and is not the only one deceived by her limited understanding of God even in her time living before sin was made alive (Gen 3:6, 4:7). Ouch I know right, and but what is important is that we understand that when we pull the e-brake of our spiritual growth, the e-brake representing the story as outlined in the book of Luke 5:37-39, we lock into old-wine thinking, and wasn’t this the problem in the days of Noah, Lott, and the churches of Jesus day (Luke 17:26-30)? Ok so quickly the 7-raptures that have and will be taking place in this thing we call time:1.     Enoch2.     Elijah3.     Jesus4.     The Church (Philadelphia specifically)5.     Great multitude6.     144,0007.     The two witnessesSpecifically spelled out in scriptures such as 2 Thes 2:1-12 specifically verse 6, supported by what it states in Matt 16:18, 24:37-42, Mark chap 13, Luke chap 21, John 14:3 and then we have the strategic scriptures such as 1 Cor 15:51-53, 1 Thes 4:13-17, Rev 3:7-13, and others, but since I have done many messages on the tribulations, and have even changed my thinking on them as I have been taught new information, that I did not initially see, such as going from 1-rapture to 7.  https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo its a very short message havin' to do with dogs. Give an ear and see if you are blessed by this last minute Parable. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailSo another way of saying this is Encountering God's Power In The Midst Of Resist. Yup, it’s the same thing as saying that you are a willful sinner and that you believe the power you have to resist God is greater than the power of God has to resist you, and so therefore you remain a willful sinner:Jer 27:7-9 -  O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; Everyone mocks me. 8 For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, “Violence and plunder!” Because the word of the Lord was made to me A reproach and a derision daily. 9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.So of course, I had to put that human strength argument to bed so that we understand our position as it relates to Dad. Now this message is not to insight you to foolishness, nor is it to lead you to be one of those religious people who think God needs their brains and wit to keep things in order as it relates to everyone else who is doing the work of God:Jer 10:14 – Everyone is dull-hearted, without knowledge; Every metalsmith is put to shame by an image; For his molded image is falsehood, And there is no breath in them.Jer 4:22 – For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge.”Oh I know that we are in a different dispensation, but like in the days of Jesus, some tried to bring in the old dispensation into the new one. Luke 5:36-39 - 36 Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39 And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ”https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailThis message is packed-smacked full of treasure so getting your writing and recording shovels out and prepare to dig.This message is packed-smacked full of treasure so getting your writing and recording shovels out and prepare to dig.Now we know that there are three streams of wisdom: 1) wisdom of the world which I believe was corrupted through sin, otherwise it could be a reliable source of wisdom when bonded to the wisdom of God. Let’s look at two right out the gate:1 Cor 3:19-20 - 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”There you go. The world has wisdom but compared to the counsel of God it is foolishness. And how many people think that they are wise in their own small minds when trying to impress the humanly ignorant using fancy words and unfounded facts and truths to come off looking intelligent. Stand them next to Jesus and all of that pride will either make them murderously mad or humbly humble. Also notice that those who access the wisdom of the world, which is very limited in its scope, are crafty. Some of the most obvious people thinking that they were or are wise beyond people’s understanding of comprehension is in the medical field, pharmaceutical industry, commercial industry, addiction perpetuation industries, academic industries, oh no wait. Think about how many academics preach against God, or try and teach that there is no God, or that zero plus zero equals humanity. The angels must look down and maybe at least think of asking God if this whole salvation plan is the best option. Ha, considering that the God who created those who oppose Him, not considering that they wouldn’t even be alive to oppose Him if in fact it wasn’t for Him, are declaring and shouting in full out rebellion, as if there is a reward for shaking your fist in the face of God, there is no God! I did this and I am an academic nut who could support my stance with ill-founded logic, or simply by making the believer sound like a complete fool. Ha, and yet did I know it was I who was the fool in every way. I may as well have taken up the cause to tell everyone that the world is flat, or that gravity only exists in the minds of the weak, or that air or oxygen is not necessary to sustain life. Oh, don’t feel bad for me, I just needed to work around those in whom I thought were smart or just in a better station in life than myself to see that they were lost nutjobs, not at all unlike myself. Now I ask why me God? You had every right to vaporize me to make a point. It’s like the picture of a 10-year-old kid staring at his dad right in the face and calling him stupid because his father doesn’t believe what the kids teacher just taught him, and the father’s response is to simply love him until his kid comes around. Love, and especially Gods love, is truly baffling. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so this is a follow up to my message Crutch Theology and if you haven’t yet heard it you should give it an ear so as to get the context at a deeper level regarding this fun little message. Keep in mind as we navigate through this message that no matter what you believe God is be it One God, One God with a Son who represents God, or the most popular belief which is that He is trinity, meaning three in One; that is He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; all being equal but functioning in a Oneness team roll which simply means that each has Their roll in the Godhead, this of course excluding any other idea about who God is, because outside of this window of thought you would have to leave the scriptures to come up with any other scenario. This is how we ended up with so many in spiritual error serving false gods instead of the One and only God.Anyway no matter, you will be fine regarding your Salvation as long as you live to serve God through the forgiving blood of Jesus, as it is important to understand the roles, which is that salvation could only come through a perfect human. God the Father nor the Holy Spirit could save you. And but you do need the Holy Spirit to do the things of Jesus and so without Him you are a canoe on a raging river without a paddle. You cannot cast out demons, in other words, without the power of the Holy Spirit, nor the authority of Jesus.You see, squeaky clean, and so but now lets have fun in seeking for His truth, like the treasure that He is, look:Pro 2:1-11 - My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path.10 When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11 Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, 12 To deliver youhttps://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so instantly this message became a lesson on our belief foundation. The academic world as well as the bible would call this Theology and/or doctrine. And but what distinguishes Christianity from the other religions that might also use these terms is the untainted, unpolluted, never-changing, always relevant, sin-breaking, life-saving, character-changing Gospel. So, let’s define these foundational elements so that the rest of the message makes sense: Google AI states of Theology:Theology is the systematic study of the divine, religious beliefs, and practices, exploring questions about God, humanity's relationship with the sacred, ethics, and the meaning of life from a religious or spiritual perspective. Its core concepts involve understanding divinity, interpreting sacred texts, and analyzing faith's impact on worldview, often through branches like Systematic Theology (organizing doctrines) or Moral Theology (ethics). The purpose of theology is to deepen understanding of faith, shape life, and provide frameworks for belief and action, whether within Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or other traditions.   Core Beliefs & Concepts Nature of the Divine: Investigating the existence, attributes, and character of God or gods. Revelation: Studying how the divine reveals itself to humanity through scripture, tradition, or experience. Humanity & Creation: Exploring human nature, purpose, sin, suffering, and the relationship between humans and the divine. Ethics & Morality: Examining moral principles derived from religious beliefs and their application to life. Salvation & Afterlife: Contemplating concepts of redemption, eternal life, and eschatology (end times).  Major Branches & TypesSystematic Theology: Formulates an orderly, comprehensive account of religious doctrines, often integrating scripture, philosophy, and tradition. Biblical Theology: Focuses on interpreting and understanding biblical texts and their overarching themes. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so no its not about sex or anything like that, although I will be doing one in the future about the abuses in that arena sometime this year. Nope, this is about our relationship with God insofar as if we do really love Him or are just playing with Him. I think this idea came in part from a church service we were having this last Sunday at Arise Paradise here in California, and maybe even more so because I have been reading about the Jesus Movement, watching movies about the Jesus Movement, and about the worship band named Love Song. Now this is a high level description of this move of the Holy Spirit, and it was due to the move of the Holy Spirit that this earth-shattering Jesus move happened. Google AI states of this move:The Jesus Movement was a countercultural Christian revival, primarily in the U.S. during the late 1960s and early 1970s, where young hippies and "flower children" converted to a conservative, evangelical Christianity, adopting Christian themes into their lifestyle (long hair, music, casual dress) while emphasizing the simple gospel, communal living, and passionate worship, significantly influencing modern worship music, evangelism, and denominations like Calvary Chapel. Awesome, beautiful, and way short of the significance of what-all that the Holy Spirit did in this time on earth. You know as we should always inquire if the bride is making herself ready or if the girlfriend on the side is attempting to keep her presence a secret (Rev 19:7). Now but to be clearer, and this may very well be the yearer that I try and be clearer, but then if one is in this to learn and burn with the presence of God then He will provide the understanding necessary for you to get it, and spread it. If you are the girlfriend on the side then you will do what she has always done which is to either stop the move of the Holy Spirit, or strike up controversies about those being used to grow and to help the bride come to a place of perfection and spotlessness:Eph 5:26-27 - 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailAll of the data that I am using is coming from Buzzsprout as this is the main platform and I believe it collects some of the other platforms data in its own data. If I use other data from the other platform I will indicate what platform it is from. No this isn’t going to be some long statistical wavey road, but I do want you to know the impact you are having on your distribution of the messages that you listen to. I am not a bugaboo and know that some people who get these sent directly to them all listen to the messages. The reasons are varied and not my business. I just provide opportunities for people to share in and partake of the gift God has placed on my life. Are Christians gifted and called to be in ministry? Yes, so I am just but one of those. When it comes to numbers and stats I am aware of how short they can come up in telling the whole story. For example is it important that we are heard on all of the continents on the planet? Yes, but only if people listen to the teaching, are changed by it, and do what the bible states for them to do. I get that we are in a state of spiritual warfare that most Christians are not aware of, but and I say this nicely, it is not my job to convince anyone why they should pursue an intimate relationship with God. This should be a given if you have been authentically born again. My job, and it is no job at all, is to provide a way that you can possibly grow into greater appetites for the things of God. I judge no one as I myself am in need of Gods daily grace and mercy. But you can believe me that I will do all that I can to minimize the loss of Christians being raptured and having to go through the tribulation, that is the wrath of God against all ungodliness. There are 7 raptures so don’t hang up now. And well yes why not just list them here so that you can look them up in the bible and see for yourself. https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so why not end 2025 on a message about the only aspect of God obtainable on earth. Nope, yup, Jesus is not obtainable without the Holt Spirit as He only does what Jesus and the Father are telling Him to tell you to do. And so but in that case where you have allowed Him to occupy your will, emotions, and spirit and heart, then you have access to the commands of Jesus and the Father. And so that being said, the Father is also not accessible without a true non-blasphemous connection to His own Holy Spirit. Wow Podcast Preacher when you say it like this it sounds like we go nowhere as Christians without the Holy Spirit. Well, hum let’s try something. Lets, as always would be my recommendation, see what the bible has to say about it. And I know let’s look at the disadvantage you have if you are set against it:2 Tim 3:16-17 - 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. So yes, we are going to tap into the voice of God to prove you need the Spirit of God to get’r done. Look again before we really bullywink this message in:Gen 1:3 - 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.So we see that He was like the muscle of God if you want to get a little gangster about it. Oh, but if you are a gangster and think I am off, lets see you create Light in a world that is all but nearly swallowed up by the power of darkness. Go ahead we’ll wait. Nope, ain’t got time, this year is almost over and we have got to get this out, so nuff bout gangster jokes and all – its time to get it.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailOk so no Milk carton images went out. No amber alert sent. They just turned around in and amongst all that was distracting them along the journey and noticed that they had lost Jesus.No but and so think about this in todays terms. Imagine for a minute you lost your 12-year old boy. Ha, and I am not picking on you, but no doubt panic would be in a panic. Our kids today are in no shape to be lost and somehow all of a sudden to become self sufficient. Nope, in fact if cell-phones, laptops, and computers were to shut down for a week, well you know when Jesus stated that he would have to intervene least we lose all of humanity, He may very well have been talking about the day when all electronics stop working. Ha, and we thought it might be a nuclear war or something. Nope, probably just a manifestation of humanity not having electronics to tell them how to eat or stuff.:Matt 24:22 - 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.Ok so all kidding aside, you might well imagine the implications of losing your kid in today’s world. Now but, not that it wasn’t traumatic in those days, apparently one or two days without your kid was not such a big deal. Ok so we get on with a great message, and I know this because I already wrote it and so I know the end from the beginning and this is a great message.And but so this message isn’t about “them” losing God. We know that after He was found she was a bit embarrassed, so much so that she forgot who He was. Ha, no but look at verse 48, “48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”If Mary was correct God was also looking for Jesus as He somehow would have had to have gotten away from Him as well. But we know that Mary was incorrect when she said your father and I have been looking. Joseph wasn’t the father of Jesus, so she must have been like the lady in the following short story momentarily.Now if you have ever lost one of your kids, when you discovered them back of the store eating candy that they had borrowed, no doubt you did not forget who they were. Oh you may have shouted out the Lords name in vain, which may have sounded like, “oh Jesus Christ we have been looking for you all over the place.” But this does not mean that you forgot, nor does it mean you were actually looking for Jesus; and so but also inadvertently you also lied, because it wasn’t Him you were looking for with that attitude. Ha, so but this message is going to be about how it is that “you” may have lost Jesus, but not as a young man, but after you became born-again. Let’s lay it down first before we get into it:Luke 2:43-48 - 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/

Send us Fan MailContradiction is defined as:the act of contradicting; gainsaying or opposition.assertion of the contrary or opposite; denial.a statement or proposition that contradicts or denies another or itself and is logically incongruous.direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency.a contradictory act, fact, etc.So many ignorant peeps believe the bible is full of contradictions, even though it states that those in whom it has been given to understand will indeed understand but to those outside, yes if you are a non-believer, fake-believer, make-believer, or stuck in the valley of indecision, this scripture is talking about you. The God detached individual cannot understand His language, no more than if you were non-communicative towards your neighbor could you then say that you could understand them. Matt 13:11 - 11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.Ok so also note the order of the conversation that this message will take insofar as the book of Mathew. First Jesus addressed the question, can you teach us how to pray. Then He told them what appears to many even in the house of a God a contradiction which is related to food, and more specifically to bread. My proposal will be to untie the theological knot and to suggest what I believe is a more accurate way to go about praying for your daily bread. I did include the whole prayer instruction but did so because I wanted to. Ha, here we go:Matt 6:9-13 - 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.https://appliedstrengthsministry.org/