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The Night I Got Shot!

My Story

Greetings. I want to share my testimony. I have to admit this was unexpected. Looking back 34 years ago, I can talk about this and get excited.

I was driving a taxi, trying to make a living. That evening, I felt the Holy Spirit moving me to pray in tongues. I spent hours praying in tongues, not knowing what awaited me.

Friend, I have been focusing on the need to be a better listener, especially concerning matters of the Holy Spirit. It can mean life or death in some cases. Having worked long hours at my job, I felt a voice telling me to go home. I ignored that voice, and it got me in trouble.

I stopped at a convenience store, and two girls came to my cab. I took them to their destination, and they got out. I asked who was going to pay my fare. Looking back, I felt foolish being concerned about a miserable $2.75 fare. They told me that someone else was going to pay for it.

A guy came to the cab wearing baggy pants. He pretended to look for the money and then pointed his gun at my face. Out came two shots. The first shot hit my arm by the grace of God. Then, he goes to the driver’s side to finish the job with the second shot. I felt a hand put my head out of the way, and he shot clear thru the window. I could feel the bullet narrowly missing my head.

During that time, I saw a blue light. I later found out it was my angel. The guy fled the scene, thinking he had finished me off. I had never seen so much blood sprinkling from my winter coat like a fountain when I came to. I called the dispatcher, and she directed me to a convenience store. She instructed me to wait in the cab for a police officer.

When the police officer came to meet me, I filed a report about the incident. Soon, paramedics surrounded the area along with some detectives. When I finished answering questions, I rode with the paramedics to the Emergency unit. I saw the bullet, which came from a .38 revolver. Later, I discovered that bullet missed the main artery in my arm. 

During my time in Emergency, I called my wife. My main concern was her pregnancy. She was five months pregnant, and I was concerned about her reaction to this incident. God gave her grace, and she managed to deal with it. My stay at Emergency was just a few hours, but the repercussions of it stayed for months on an emotional level.

Final thoughts

This incident happened as a wake-up call to me. Friend, the word of God tells us that our life is a vapor. If you are a believer and don’t know your calling, seek the Lord with your whole heart. I knew I had a calling when that incident happened, but I had allowed life’s circumstances to sidetrack me. Death could have had me, but God intervened. If you don’t know Jesus as your savior, now is the time to accept God’s gift. Please don’t put it off. If you need prayers, please let us know in the comment section. God bless.

Thank you for dropping by. Please be sure to check our podcast using the above link. If you like what you hear, why not consider helping us? Please click on the enclosed link…. https://anchor.fm/angel-santos72/support

Featured

The Prayer Zone

Summary

[We do not own the rights nor copyright of the worship song in the podcast.]

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Ps 100:4)

The gates of heaven open when we pray with thanksgiving. It is time to enter the Prayer Zone!

How would you like to have a piece of heaven on Earth? As you look at this picture, I want you to picture yourself under an open heaven. Did you know that when you pray, you are entering heaven? Heaven’s gates will open to you as you give the Lord thanks for what he has done to you. As you do this, you will enter the Prayer Zone!

When I was a kid growing up in New York, my family would watch the Twilight zone. A series of stories that were filled with mysteries. At the end of the program, I would get scared when I saw how these episodes ended. Now, I am in a far better dimension- A dimension of prayer. A dimension of signs and wonders. A dimension where wisdom is found. My next stop is the Prayer zone.

As I grew older and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I discovered that I could change my destiny. I was destined for a burning hell, but my decision to accept Christ changed everything. Now, I am a citizen of God’s kingdom. No longer do I have to worry about life’s most challenging problems, because I have the mind of Christ.

These are perilous times. The body of Christ cannot allow the luxury of distractions to sidetrack its purpose. With today’s technology and entertainment, it is easy to be distracted. These obstacles can make us comfortable and lose sight of God’s purpose in our lives. Let’s look at the following verse–

Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! (Amos 6:1)

Amid the coming judgment, Israel was at ease. The mountains of Samaria were fortified and well built for battle. The people had drawn away from God, being swayed by their prosperity and safety. We are no different. God is calling his church to prepare. To prepare to examine their hearts and get right with God.

Many in the body need to find their calling. Others need to shake off the ease and comfort to start getting busy for the Lord. God is starting to bring America under judgment, and we must prepare. Judgment starts in the house of the Lord.

Many Christians want to know their future. I find it amusing that Christians seek Facebook to know their future. When I was backslidden, I used to begin my day reading the Horoscope. I was interested in the psychic phenomenon. I used to read people’s palms and tell them about their future. Looking back at my life, there was a spirit of divination that was guiding me.

Now, God guides me with the spirit of Truth. The word says that he will show us things to come. Do you want to know your future? Stop going to places like Facebook and other nonsense and allow the Spirit to reveal what’s in store for you. Praying in tongues is an excellent way to enter into the dimension of God’s mysteries. I like the testimony of Pastor Kenneth Hagin. Pastor Kenneth Hagin, while praying in tongues, saw his future wife’s face.

The apostle Paul was given a preview of his future ministry. He was struck blind by the light of God’s power but entered into another dimension. He went into a forced fast, having nothing to eat or drink. Fasting is barely mentioned in TV ministries, but it is a necessary tool for us to see our future.

In his forced fast, he saw Ananias coming in to lay his hands and pray for his sight. God, purposely, took him from the natural into the spiritual realm. Our eyes need to be enlightened, and amid the middle of bad news, we cannot allow ourselves to lose our joy. We may be going thru hard times, but God will give us victory in the end.

For more on this, please listen to our podcast listed above. It is time to prepare. God is calling his body to pray. Times are not getting any better, and it is up to us to seek the Lord like never before. Jesus is coming soon, and we need to be about the Lord’s business, so the word for today is—Prepare!  

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The Night I got shot (Urdu)

پاسٹر کیلب سانتوس اور اُن کی اہلیہ ٹیری

میری گواہی

سلام۔ میں اپنی گواہی آپ کے ساتھ بانٹنا چاہتا ہوں۔ آج 34 سال بعد جب میں پیچھے مڑ کر دیکھتا ہوں تو اس واقعے کو یاد کرکے اب بھی جوش محسوس کرتا ہوں کہ خدا نے میرے لیے کیا کیا۔

اُس وقت میں ٹیکسی چلاتا تھا اور روزی کمانے کی کوشش کر رہا تھا۔ ایک شام مجھے محسوس ہوا کہ روحُ القدس مجھے زبانوں میں دعا کرنے کی ترغیب دے رہا ہے۔ میں نے کئی گھنٹے زبانوں میں دعا کرتے ہوئے گزارے، بغیر یہ جانے کہ میرے سامنے کیا آنے والا ہے۔

دوستو، ایک بات جو میں نے سیکھی ہے وہ یہ ہے کہ روحُ القدس کی آواز کو غور سے سننا بہت ضروری ہے۔ بعض اوقات یہ زندگی اور موت کا معاملہ بن جاتا ہے۔ اُس دن لمبے وقت تک کام کرنے کے بعد مجھے اندر سے آواز آئی کہ گھر چلا جاؤں، لیکن میں نے اُس آواز کو نظر انداز کر دیا، اور یہی میری مشکل کا سبب بنا۔

میں ایک سہولت اسٹور کے پاس رکا تو دو لڑکیاں میری ٹیکسی میں آ بیٹھیں۔ میں انہیں اُن کی منزل تک لے گیا۔ جب وہ اُتریں تو میں نے پوچھا کہ کرایہ کون ادا کرے گا۔ آج سوچتا ہوں تو خود کو بےوقوف محسوس کرتا ہوں کہ میں صرف 2.75 ڈالر کے معمولی کرائے کی فکر کر رہا تھا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ کوئی اور آکر ادائیگی کرے گا۔

ایک آدمی ڈھیلے کپڑے پہنے ہوئے ٹیکسی کے پاس آیا۔ اُس نے ایسے ظاہر کیا جیسے پیسے تلاش کر رہا ہو، پھر اچانک اُس نے میرے چہرے پر بندوق تان دی۔ دو گولیاں چلیں۔

خدا کے فضل سے پہلی گولی میرے بازو میں لگی اور کسی اہم جگہ کو نقصان نہ پہنچا۔ پھر وہ آدمی ڈرائیور کی طرف آیا تاکہ دوسری گولی سے میرا کام تمام کر دے۔ اُسی لمحے مجھے محسوس ہوا جیسے کسی ہاتھ نے میرا سر ایک طرف ہٹا دیا ہو، اور گولی کھڑکی سے پار نکل گئی، میرے سر کو بالکل معمولی فرق سے چھوڑتے ہوئے۔

اُس خوفناک لمحے میں میں نے ایک نیلی روشنی دیکھی۔ بعد میں مجھے یقین ہوا کہ وہ میرا فرشتہ تھا جو میری حفاظت کر رہا تھا۔

وہ آدمی یہ سمجھ کر بھاگ گیا کہ اُس نے مجھے مار دیا ہے۔ جب مجھے ہوش آیا تو میں نے دیکھا کہ میرے سردیوں کے کوٹ سے خون فوارے کی طرح نکل رہا تھا۔ میں نے ڈسپیچر کو فون کیا، اور اُس نے مجھے قریبی سہولت اسٹور جانے اور پولیس کے آنے تک گاڑی میں انتظار کرنے کی ہدایت دی۔

جب پولیس افسر آیا تو میں نے واقعے کی رپورٹ درج کروائی۔ تھوڑی ہی دیر میں پیرامیڈکس اور جاسوس بھی وہاں پہنچ گئے۔ سوالات کے جواب دینے کے بعد میں ایمبولینس کے ذریعے ایمرجنسی روم گیا۔ بعد میں میں نے وہ گولی دیکھی جو .38 ریوالور سے چلائی گئی تھی۔ خدا کے فضل سے وہ گولی میرے بازو کی بڑی شریان سے بچ گئی تھی۔

ایمرجنسی روم میں میرے قیام کے دوران میں نے اپنی بیوی کو فون کیا۔ میری سب سے بڑی فکر اُس کی حمل کی حالت تھی۔ وہ پانچ ماہ کی حاملہ تھی، اور مجھے اُس کے ردِعمل کی فکر تھی۔ لیکن خدا نے اُسے فضل اور ہمت دی کہ وہ اس صورتحال کا سامنا کر سکے۔

اگرچہ میں صرف چند گھنٹے ایمرجنسی روم میں رہا، لیکن اس واقعے کے جذباتی اثرات کئی مہینوں تک میرے ساتھ رہے۔

آخری باتیں

یہ واقعہ میرے لیے ایک بیداری کا سبب بنا۔ خدا کا کلام ہمیں بتاتا ہے کہ ہماری زندگی بھاپ کی مانند ہے۔ اگر آپ ایک ایماندار ہیں لیکن ابھی تک اپنی بلاہٹ کو نہیں جانتے، تو پورے دل سے خداوند کو تلاش کریں۔

مجھے پہلے ہی معلوم تھا کہ خدا نے مجھے ایک مقصد اور بلاہٹ دی ہے، لیکن میں زندگی کی مشکلات اور مصروفیات میں اُلجھ گیا تھا۔ اُس رات موت مجھے لے سکتی تھی، لیکن خدا نے مداخلت کی۔

اگر آپ یسوع مسیح کو اپنا نجات دہندہ نہیں جانتے، تو آج ہی خدا کی نجات کے تحفے کو قبول کریں۔ اِسے کل پر مت چھوڑیں۔

اگر آپ کو دعا کی ضرورت ہو تو براہِ کرم ہمیں کمنٹس میں ضرور بتائیں۔

پڑوسی، زندگی تو بس ایک بھاپ کی مانند ہے۔ جب آپ مر جائیں گے اور خدا کے سامنے کھڑے ہوں گے، تو آپ کیا کریں گے؟ کیا آپ کہیں گے کہ میں نے نیک کام کیے اور دوسروں کی مدد کی؟ خدا کا کلام کہتا ہے کہ ہماری راستبازی میلے کپڑوں کی مانند ہے۔ (یسعیاہ 64:6)

یہ نہیں کہ نیک کام کرنا غلط ہے۔ ہمیں ضرور نیک کام کرنے چاہئیں اور اپنے بھائی بندوں کی مدد کرنی چاہیے، لیکن صرف یہی چیز آپ کو جنت میں داخل نہیں کرے گی۔ یسوع مسیح زمین پر اس لیے آئے کہ آپ کی جگہ موت اٹھائیں تاکہ آپ کو ہمیشہ کی زندگی مل سکے۔ یسوع کو قبول کرنا آسان ہے۔ بس اُسے اپنے دل میں آنے کی دعوت دیں، اور دیکھیں کہ وہ کس طرح آپ کے غم کو خوشی میں بدل دیتا ہے۔ (افسیوں 2:8-9، یوحنا 14:6)

ایک جنت ہے جسے حاصل کرنا ہے اور ایک جہنم ہے جس سے بچنا ہے۔ دوست، آپ جہنم میں نہیں جانا چاہیں گے۔ وہاں کوئی خوشی یا پارٹی نہیں ہوگی، بلکہ تاریکی اور دانتوں کا پیسنا ہوگا۔ (متی 8:12)

میں آپ کو زندگی کو چُننے کی ترغیب دیتا ہوں۔ چکھو اور دیکھو کہ خداوند کتنا اچھا ہے۔ (زبور 34:8)

میں آپ سے یہ وعدہ نہیں کرتا کہ زندگی میں کبھی مشکلات نہیں آئیں گی یا ہر چیز آسان ہوگی، لیکن میں یہ ضرور کہتا ہوں کہ اگر آپ سیکھنے والے دل کے ساتھ خدا کے کلام کو قبول کریں اور ہمیں آپ کو سکھانے دیں، تو آپ کو اپنے تمام مسائل کے جواب ملیں گے اور آپ فتح کی زندگی گزاریں گے۔

لہٰذا آج ہی زندگی کو چُنیں اور ایک نئی شروعات کریں۔

یسوع کو قبول کرنے کی دعا

اے خداوند، میں ایک گنہگار ہوں۔ میرے گناہوں کو معاف فرما۔ میرے دل میں آ اور مجھے ایک نئی مخلوق بنا دے۔ تیری موت، تدفین، اور قیامت اب میری بن گئی ہے۔ میں تجھے اپنا خداوند قبول کرتا ہوں۔ میں ایمان رکھتا ہوں کہ خدا نے تجھے مردوں میں سے زندہ کیا، اور اب میں نجات یافتہ ہوں۔

شکریہ یسوع، مجھے بچانے کے لیے۔ میں دوبارہ جنم لے چکا ہوں، اور اپنی باقی ساری زندگی تیری خدمت کروں گا۔

Jesus Is Our Jubilee.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)

When Jesus opened the scroll in the synagogue, He read aloud from Isaiah 61:1–2 before the congregation and then declared that the passage was fulfilled in their hearing (Luke 4:21). Notice that He stopped after the phrase “the acceptable year of the Lord” and did not read the next line, “the day of vengeance of our God,” which appears in Isaiah 61:2. Why did He pause there?

Consider a few points:

1. His first coming announced a season of grace.
Jesus’ arrival marked a spiritual Jubilee—a time when God extended grace and invited His people to recognize the moment of their visitation. He came first to His own, offering restoration rather than judgment.

2. Judgment was still future.
In Luke 19:44, Jesus foretold the consequences of not recognizing that visitation: the destruction of the Temple. The “day of vengeance” also points ahead to a future time when Christ will establish His kingdom.

Jesus’ reference to the “acceptable year of the Lord” draws a meaningful comparison to the Old Testament Year of Jubilee. Every fiftieth year, debts were canceled, land was restored, slaves were freed, and the nation experienced a fresh start. In a similar way, His coming brings profound restoration to those who receive Him.

What does this Jubilee mean for us?

A) Good news to the poor — Poverty is both spiritual and material. Scripture often links poverty with the effects of the curse, but God’s desire is for wholeness and blessing in every area of life: spiritually, physically, and materially.

B) Healing for the brokenhearted — Jesus restores those wounded by loss, betrayal, and deep emotional pain.

C) Freedom for the captives — He brings deliverance from destructive habits, bondage, and spiritual oppression.

D) Sight for the blind — Both physical healing and spiritual illumination are part of His restoring work.

E) Liberty for the oppressed — He releases people from the burdens, consequences, and patterns tied to sin and suffering.

Humanity carried a debt of sin that could never be repaid. The sacrifices under the old covenant only covered sin temporarily. Left unchecked, that debt would eventually demand payment. But when Jesus came, He paid that debt in full through His sacrifice. By His blood, the record was cleared, and true freedom was offered.

In this way, Jesus Himself is our Jubilee—the One who cancels our debt, restores what was lost, and sets us free.

Prophetic Meaning.

Jubilee also carries a prophetic meaning for many believers. Some see parallels between the biblical idea of a “reset” and the broader economic and social shifts happening in modern nations.

For example, discussions around rising national debt and possible future changes in financial systems—including digital currency—have led some to wonder what major transitions may lie ahead. If significant changes were to occur in how economies operate, it could bring new challenges for everyone, including the body of Christ. With that in mind, it becomes even more important to stay spiritually grounded, prayerful, and prepared for whatever the future holds.

Have you personally embraced Jesus as your Jubilee? He is our true source of release and restoration.

You might say, “I’ve already accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.” That is a wonderful foundation, but there is also an invitation to go deeper—to grow into the fullness of what salvation offers. God desires for His people not only to be saved, but to live in the richness, freedom, and transformation He provides.

When we walk in that fullness, we are better positioned to experience God’s best for our lives. Amen.

Dear Reader, if you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, today is a meaningful time to do so. Don’t delay, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. Take a moment to pray and invite Him into your life. Many have found that this step brings a new beginning, hope, and lasting change.

Guard Your Thoughts: Lessons from a Clogged Sink

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not youhearts, as in the provocation. ( Heb 3:15 )

Recently, I had a problem with my kitchen sink. It got clogged, so we had to call a plumber. When he arrived, I noticed a few things.

  1. He knew how to fix the problem. The sink didn’t get fixed instantly; he had to use what he had learned.
  2. He began to troubleshoot. He took out the pipes and removed the gunk, but it still wasn’t fixed.
  3. He took out all the pipes and got to the pipe in the wall. He used an electric snake and spent some time moving the machine to create a hole. That hole would help unclog the sink.

My wife shared some insights that I want to pass on. She compared this situation to our minds. Just like our sinks can get clogged, our minds can become polluted. Negative thoughts prevent the Spirit from flowing freely.

Unclogging Our Minds.

When we think of negativity, we often focus on sexual sins or things of that nature. While those are certainly part of it, there are also issues like doubt and bitterness. As I watched the plumber, I noticed how the grease, oil, and soap had hardened. It took him time to break through and unclog the sink.

We must protect our minds and spirits. Consider this verse:

Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. (Prov 4:23) (CEV)

Our thoughts are where everything starts. Our minds are battlefields where many struggles are won or lost. If we relax and allow negative thoughts to seep into our spirits, we become clogged, and the Spirit can’t flow. An unrenewed mind can lead us away from God’s will and cause poor decisions. (Rom 12:2) So today, choose to unclog your mind. Spend time embracing the mindset of Christ. Doing this regularly will help you gain control and live out your identity in Christ.

Biblical Analogies In The Wizard Of OZ.

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (I Cor 15:46)

Just above this post is an image of a late sixties model television set. Back then, that was our main source of entertainment. If you grew up in that era, you understand how special and appreciated it truly was. One movie that stands out from my childhood is The Wizard of Oz. Let me be clear: as a Christian, I’m not promoting this film as something to watch with your family. Yet, as I reflected on it, I began to notice some meaningful parallels. These parallels can help illuminate truths from the Bible in a fresh way. Even Jesus often used everyday, natural examples to explain deeper spiritual realities.

In that same spirit, I want to share a few simple comparisons. I will use familiar imagery to point toward spiritual truth. My hope is to reach those who have never opened a Bible before. My prayer is that these analogies spark curiosity and draw hearts closer to Christ.

Let’s start with three well-known characters: the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Each one had a need that only the Wizard will fulfill. Together with Dorothy, they set out on a journey, trailing the yellow brick road in search of answers.

Now consider this: the Bible describes heaven as having streets of gold (Revelation 21:21). Gold shares the same color family as yellow. Scripture also teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God. Many people spend their lives chasing after gold. They seek money and what it can give. Yet, when God is placed first, He brings order, provision, and true fulfillment. That is far greater than any path we follow on our own.

Looking closer at these characters, each one signifies a different need. Take the Scarecrow, for example. He stood in a field, fixed in place, incapable of moving on his own because he lacked a brain. It was Dorothy who helped set him free.

In a similar way, many people feel stuck—incapable of moving ahead, unsure how to break free. But there is hope. Jesus was crucified on a tree so that we are released from what holds us captive. He offers freedom and a new way to live. And just as the Scarecrow longed for a brain, Scripture tells us that we are given the mind of Christ.

With that renewed mind comes true freedom. You gain the ability to overcome destructive patterns. You find peace even in difficult times. You live with confidence knowing that God is ultimately in control. If you feel stuck like the Scarecrow on his pole, there is good news. Through Christ, you can be set free. You can walk in a new liberty second to none.

If you’d like to hear more? Click on the link below. There are more parallels to explore.

God’s Answer For A Broken Heart.


The
 Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18)

When was the last time your heart was broken? If we are honest, every one of us has experienced it at one time or another. Sometimes we go through so many painful experiences that we start to grow hardened inside. Many people say that time heals a broken heart. Personally, I do not believe time truly heals it. Often it simply covers the wound. Then when the memory returns, the pain can come rushing back. It feels as if our hearts are broken all over again.

The Consequences of a Broken Heart

As you read and study the Gospel of Luke 4:18, Jesus spoke about the brokenhearted. He was referring to the promise in Psalm 147:3. It says that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Jesus understood how important it is to guard the heart. He knew that a broken heart can have serious consequences.

A broken heart is not a good place to live emotionally or spiritually. In some cases, the stress and grief can even affect a person physically. It can lead to depression, deep emotional pain, and in extreme situations even a nervous breakdown. When people hear the name Hitler, what usually comes to mind? Words like evil, cruel, or tyrannical. I am certainly not trying to excuse or defend his actions. He was a dictator whose decisions brought great destruction and suffering.

History also shows that earlier in his life he experienced deep personal loss. This includes the death of a close family relative. Those around him observed that these experiences affected him deeply and that his personality changed afterward. His actions are not justified by this. Yet, it reminds us how powerful emotional wounds can be. (1)

A Seed Offering

Losing someone you love can break the heart in a way that feels almost impossible to overcome. When dealing with a broken heart, there are two things that can help us move ahead.

1. Prayer

When my father passed away, my mother was devastated. They had been married for sixty-nine years. The grief was so intense that we honestly wondered if she would survive it. But through prayer and God’s help, she slowly began to recover. Over time she found strength again and was capable of moving ahead.

2. A Seed

I remember hearing about the well-known evangelist Oral Roberts. His family experienced the tragedy of losing their son to suicide. It deeply affected both the family and the ministry. In an interview, his wife Evelyn shared a personal story. She said she chose to offer that loss as a seed to God. It was an act of faith. Through that act of surrender, they began to find healing.

Healing for the Broken Heart

We must allow Jesus to heal a broken heart. This is important so we can continue to be renewed. It lets us walk in victory. A wounded heart can cause us to lose our joy. It can lead to depression, discouragement, and even cause some people to drift away spiritually. If left unresolved, it can grow into bitterness. It can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of what God has for us.

If your heart has been broken, consider bringing that pain to Jesus. He can heal the brokenhearted, restore joy, and help you start a new chapter in life. For more helpful information, click on the link below for our video….


(1) Helpful link…..https://allthatsinteresting.com/geli-raubal

Embracing the Tree of Life: A Path to Renewal

And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Gen 2:9)

Two Trees

I want to start with a story we all know — two trees standing in a garden. Most of us have heard it since childhood, yet it’s easy to miss the full weight of what happened there. One decision. One bite. And in an instant, generations of humanity felt the consequences. Every blessing in that garden — gone.

But even in that moment of failure, hope was already at work.

In His infinite wisdom, God had a plan. He wrapped Himself in flesh and stepped into our world (John 1:1, 14). He became the second and last Adam. He is the One who would open the gates of eternal life wide. This is for all who accept Him as Lord and Savior (1 Corinthians 15:45). Now that is truly Good News.

Your Life Is a Garden

When we take a closer look at the garden, we see something that mirrors our everyday lives — choices. Some decisions carry minor consequences, while others can alter the entire course of our lives. That’s why Solomon wrote:

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7

We need a Savior to escape eternal separation from God. We also need Him to walk in His guidance and blessing right here on earth. Yes, we live in a fallen world — but through Christ, we can win. Knowing your identity in Him and what rightfully belongs to you is a game-changer. Let that sink in: you have a Genius living on the inside of you. That alone is reason to call this the Good News.

A Renewed Mind

So how do we access that Genius within? It starts with renewing your mind (Romans 12:2). Take hold of His promises. Let His Word become a part of who you are. When you speak His Word, you are tasting the fruit of the tree of life (Proverbs 15:4).

Here’s a practical tip for your journey: throughout your day, declare to yourself — “I have the mind of Christ.” Say it often. As you do, you’ll begin to see yourself differently — as someone who makes wise, Spirit-led decisions.

One of the best habits you can build is reading a chapter of Proverbs every day. As you feast on the tree of life through God’s Word, wisdom grows. And when wisdom takes root, it brings financial blessing, long life, and honor (Proverbs 4:13-17). Another reason to rejoice — God’s Word truly is Good News.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse

God’s package deal puts every other offer to shame. Here’s what’s on the table:

  1. Eternal Life
  2. A Genius living on the inside of you
  3. A renewed mind
  4. Wisdom that blesses every area of your life

Today is the perfect time to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Accept what God has prepared for you. And if you’ve wandered or drifted away — know this: His best is still waiting for you. (1)

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Stop reaching for the forbidden fruit and start feasting from the tree of life.

Additional bonus—Why was the forbidden tree called the knowledge of good and evil? Check out the video enclosed below–

(1) To receive Christ as your Lord and Savior, click on this link below…

The Last Thing I learned?

Daily writing prompt
What is the last thing you learned?

Happy Saturday, everyone! To answer the question, what was the last thing I learned? Ai and Technology! I have recently been exploring the world of Artificial Intelligence. My goal is to enhance the videos and posts for my blog and ministry. To my fellow writers and creators: I truly encourage you to take advantage of these technological advances. They are incredible tools for increasing your reach and getting more eyes on your message.

I’ve discovered something amazing. You can create a custom image through AI. Then, you can literally give it life. You can transform a simple picture into a video—and even make that character talk!

How to Get Creative with Your Content

If you want to add a unique, creative spark to your blog, try turning a photo into a cartoon. The process is surprisingly simple:

  1. Transform into a Cartoon: Upload your chosen photo to ChatGPT. Then, prompt it to transform the image into a cartoon style.
  2. Animate Your Creation: To go even further, you can use Gemini AI to turn that cartoon into a talking video. Just head to the video section. Specify to the prompt exactly what you want the character to do or say. Then, watch your cartoon come to life.

A Personal Example

Above is a cartoon I created a few minutes ago using Ai. I gave it a description and here are the end results. (See picture enclosed). Now, I can decide whether to go further. I can turn it into a video. Alternatively, I can just leave it in my post. I have enclosed another example and that is a video that I made of myself listed below. Well, that’s it for now. My prayer is that sharing these tips will help someone else grow their blog. Have a blessed and wonderful day, fellow bloggers!


Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Spiritual Preparedness

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. ( 1 Timothy 6:12 )

Are you prepared to fight the good fight of faith? Whether we realize it or not, every believer faces spiritual battles. Living in a fallen world means that challenges, temptations, and opposition are part of life. Because of this, faith is not passive—it must be active. Using your faith is essential if you want to experience victory in your life.

But victory in the fight of faith does not happen by accident. Just like any battle, it requires preparation, training, and discipline.

Example Of Boxing

I have always enjoyed boxing. One thing I learned from studying the sport is that a good boxer never enters the ring unprepared. A serious fighter studies his opponent carefully. He watches recordings of earlier matches, looking for both strengths and weaknesses.

Preparation does not stop there. The boxer sacrifices comfort. He wakes up early, puts on his training gear, and runs miles to strengthen his body and endurance. Every part of his routine is designed to prepare him for the fight.

In many ways, our spiritual lives work the same way.

God reveals the strategies of the enemy so we can stand firm. At times, He will prompt you to wake up early to spend time in prayer. King David spoke about seeking God early in the morning (Psalm 5:3). Prayer, worship, and speaking in tongues strengthen our spirit just as physical training strengthens the body.

Comfort can sometimes make us spiritually unprepared. Instead, we are called to stay alert—like watchmen standing on a wall—ready for whatever battle may come.

Do Not Forget Your Armour.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

Notice the phrase whole armor. Every piece matters.

Sometimes people enter spiritual battles unprepared. The enemy strikes first, and they are caught off guard. Without the sword of God’s Word, they struggle to respond. Without the shield of faith, they become vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.

That is why prayer is so important. When believers pray in the Spirit, they communicate mysteries with God and strengthen themselves spiritually. Through prayer, God works in ways that we may not fully see or understand.

Remember Who You Are in Christ

Understanding your identity in Christ is essential for victory. God has given believers spiritual tools for both defense and strength. We are better prepared to stand firm when we walk in faith. We need to stay grounded in God’s Word. We should also stay spiritually alert.

So remember the importance of putting on the full armor of God. Stay spiritually disciplined, stay rooted in prayer, and continue growing in faith.

Stand strong, stay prepared, and keep fighting the good fight of faith.

Staying Persistant.

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

My story starts when I finished my 4 year term in the Navy and starting looking for a job in the civilian world. I was told by friends and family members to stay but I was ready for a new challenge. It was during that time that I worked different jobs including driving a cab.

Life was tough, but my faith in God was steadfast. One day, there was a chance to apply at Verizon and I got hired. 21 years later, I retired from the company. When life gives you a lemon, you make lemonade and make the best of it. Soon, life will change for the better, so don’t give up. Stay motivated, pray and believe for a miracle.

The Power of Unwavering Faith: A Zacharias Moment

In the journey of faith, there are moments that define our spiritual walk. They test the very core of our beliefs. These Zacharias moments profoundly remind us of God’s timing. They highlight the importance of remaining steadfast even when the answers we seek seem delayed. We know that divine promises are never forgotten. They are only ripened for the perfect season.

Reflecting on the biblical narrative, we see a man who served the Lord with devotion despite a long-standing personal longing. His story shows that our service to God is not based on immediate rewards. Instead, it relies on a deep-seated commitment to His sovereignty. When the angel Gabriel appeared, it was a collision of earthly faithfulness and heavenly intervention. This event demonstrated that God hears every prayer.

Living through such a moment requires a shift in perspective. It demands that we look beyond our current circumstances and align our hearts with the eternal. In these times of waiting or unexpected revelation, our character is refined. We learn that silence from heaven is not absence. Instead, it is often the quiet preparation for a miraculous breakthrough. This breakthrough will change our lives and impact the community around us.

The challenge we face is maintaining hope when the world suggests otherwise. It is easy to become discouraged by the passage of time. Yet, the Zacharias Moment teaches us that God’s clock operates on a different scale. By embracing the wait, we cultivate a spirit of expectancy. This expectancy becomes a beacon for others. It shows them that faith is not just about the destination. It’s about the grace and strength found in the middle of the journey.

As we move ahead, let us carry the lessons of Zacharias in our hearts. Let us be a people who serve with joy, pray with persistence, and wait with courage. Whether you are now in a season of silence, remember that the God who remembered Zacharias remembers you too. Stay the course, keep the faith, and prepare your heart for the wonderful things yet to come. For more on this topic, click on the link below.