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March 20, 2026

    Harvest in the Middle East

    I am quite certain that God is intent on reaping a great spiritual harvest in many nations over the next few years. This has already begun, but will increase exponentially.

    I am also quite certain that satan is determined to stop this harvest, in part, through ungodly governments. Leaders in China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and other nations throughout the earth are influenced by principalities and powers. As well as wanting to stop the coming harvest, satan‘s kingdom has profound hatred for Israel and America. This hatred is likely because these two nations have played such significant roles in redeeming the world from satan’s control: Israel gave the world Yeshua, the Savior; and America was raised up to preach the good news of Christ’s salvation and Kingdom.

    Satan’s Goals

    In an attempt to oppose God’s great outpouring and harvest, satan is, among other things, attempting to do the following:

    1. Distract the church from seeing and working toward this harvest season, and

    2. Create such chaos on earth that it becomes difficult to reach people and nations with the gospel. (We, the church, must make certain that we do NOT fall prey to the distraction; if we stay focused, God will deal with number two, making sure the chaos is unsuccessful.)

    3. The third goal of the enemy, and one which often goes undetected, is to foster hatred and animosity between nationalities/people groups, including in the hearts of Christians. This, too, is designed to fight the great ingathering of souls. We must not fall into this trap.

    It is appropriate, of course, to hate evil (Romans 12:9). Terrorist groups around the world should be destroyed, and evil rulers should be brought to justice whenever possible. It is necessary to destroy the evil regime in Iran, just as it was necessary for the Allies to destroy the Nazis in World War II. The perpetrators of evil throughout the world must always be dealt with ruthlessly, depriving them of their ability to harm others. The only deterrent to their evil is to demonstrate that we are more powerful than them; peace comes through strength.

    However, in this season, we must be very careful to direct our anger and rage at the perpetrators, not the people of Russia, China, North Korea, and predominantly Muslim nations throughout the world. Specifically, we must not make Iranians, Syrians, the Lebanese, and Palestinians the objects of our anger and disdain. This is very important. Many people in these nations only want peace and freedom; some are actually our brothers and sisters in the faith. Millions of them who do not yet know the Lord will become part of our spiritual family one day. I’m confident that the Middle East will be a large part of the coming great harvest; perhaps the largest. Iran is currently experiencing the greatest harvest of any nation on earth. We must be careful not to allow satan, through terrorists and evil leaders, to turn our hearts against the people there. 

    I don’t need to remind you that Jesus loves the people of these nations as much as He does you and me. Christ said, “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only son…” (John 3:16). Yahweh loves the entire world - all of it - and Jesus died to save them all.

    Ishmael

    Most people in the Middle East are descendants of Ishmael, Abraham’s son through Hagar. I become concerned when I hear Christians speak evil and condescendingly of Ishmael, including and especially in sermons. I feel that many Christians have a subconscious, if not conscious, disdain for Ishmael and his descendants. However, God did not hate Ishmael; He loved him! Ishmael’s name actually means “God hears.”(1) Yahweh cared for him and his mother, Hagar, rescuing them when they became outcasts (Genesis 21:19). He also gave them promises regarding their future (Genesis 21:17-21). Remember, it was not Hagar’s idea to have a child through Abraham; it was Sarah’s, and Abraham agreed to it (Genesis 16:1-4). Yes, Isaac was the son through whom Yahweh had determined to bring the Messiah, and He refused to renege on that decision. However, God did not - and does not - hate Ishmael or his descendants. He loves them.

    Though I support destroying the evil regime in Iran, I know it is inevitable in a war such as this that innocents will suffer and die. My heart breaks over this. Some of the absolute best humans I have ever known are from the Middle East. And I know them well, having even pastored some of them for a season. These believers are lovers of Yahweh, followers of Yeshua, and minister for Him selflessly throughout the Middle East. They feed the poor, clothe the naked, provide for the homeless, educate children, care for the sick and diseased, and frankly, live a more pure expression of Christ than most American-born Christians I know.

    I have preached in the churches of Jordanian believers who pay a great price for their love of Christ, far more than any American Christian I know. At the risk of imprisonment, they are reaching other Jordanian Muslims for Christ, as well as Muslims from other nations. 

    Thousands of Syrian, Afghan, Iranian, and other Middle Eastern believers, as well as African Christians in Muslim nations, are martyred for their faith every year. And remember, many of them were once Muslims - Muslims that Jesus loved enough to die for, just as He did you and me.

    I abhor terrorism, antisemitism, and all racism. I want justice administered to those who rape, kill, torture, and oppress, regardless of where they are. But I do not hate the nations they come from, and certainly not their nationality. I love the people in all the Middle Eastern nations, and want to reach them with the gospel. I refuse to allow satan and his cohorts to succeed in causing hatred and delaying God’s great harvest.

    In Conclusion

    Pray not only for Israel, but for the salvation of Muslims in the Middle East! Pray that the prince of Persia does not succeed in turning the region into a river of blood. Pray that China and Russia do not succeed in creating further unrest around the world. Pray that innocent lives are protected during the current violence and war. Pray that God uses the evil in Iran to open the eyes of millions of people. Pray that many visions and dreams revealing Christ would occur. Pray for the believers there - for strength, protection, and that great signs and wonders will take place through them, confirming the gospel. Pray that many laborers are sent into those harvest fields, and pray for their protection. Pray that the Prince of Peace, the Giver of life and blessing, pours out His Spirit in full measure.

    In fact, let’s pray these very things now.

    Pray with me:

    Father, we ask for the salvation of a billion souls in the Middle East. We ask for the salvation of Jews…and of Muslims. We pray that China, Russia, Iran, and evil principalities such as the prince of Persia do not succeed in turning the region into a river of blood. We ask that innocent lives be protected during the current violence and war. We ask that You open the eyes of millions of people to the gospel. Give many visions and dreams, release great signs and wonders to confirm the gospel. We ask that many anointed laborers be sent into the harvest fields of the Middle East, and we pray for their protection. We pray that the Prince of Peace, the Giver of life and blessing, pours out His Spirit in unprecedented measure.

    And we pray for the body of Christ here in America. We ask that the church be alert and protected from the demonic strategy to harden our hearts toward people in other nations. Cause this to fail. We ask You to awaken in us Your love and compassion for all people, from every nation. And do what You do so well, Yahweh - turn evil back on the head of the serpent. Make him pay! In Yeshua’s name we pray, amen. 

    Our decree:

    The Scriptures state that God will make known His wisdom to principalities and powers through the Ekklesia (Ephesians 3:10). We agree with this declaration and call forth the fulfillment in the world today.

    Click on the link below to watch the full video.

    1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 3458.

     
     

    March 19, 2026

      Don’t Fear the Storms

      I enjoy studying biblical words because of the added insight I receive from the different nuances of meaning. The Hebrew language, with its pictorial style, paints many rich pictures. With a technical approach, the Greeks used to brag that they could say more in one word than other languages could in an entire sentence. Humorous, but sometimes true. Without a doubt, God determined that these two languages would give us the Scriptures.

      There is another reason I like to look up the original words used in a passage of Scripture, however. Some Bible versions often use the same English word to translate different Hebrew or Greek words, which can sometimes be misleading. For example, the King James Version uses the word “time” to translate both chronos(1) and kairos,(2) words now known to many of you. However, the differences in their meanings are vitally important. Chronos refers to general or chronological time; kairos means strategic or opportune time. The importance of knowing which word is used in a given subject is immeasurable. From the time of planting seed until harvesting the fruit is chronos; harvest time is kairos. If you’re a farmer, you’d better know the difference!

      Fear is another subject with which this translation problem occurs. There are actually three Greek words in the New Testament that are all sometimes translated “fear,” two of which I mentioned yesterday: phobos, meaning terror, dread, alarm, etc.,(3) and deilia, meaning timidity, intimidation, or insecurity.(4) I’ll say more about these two momentarily. 

      The third word for fear is eulabeia(5) which means “reverential fear or awe.” This word is used when speaking of “the fear of the Lord” (Hebrews 5:7; 12:28). It’s easy to see the importance of knowing which of these three Greek words is used in a passage: we should revere and honor God, but we should not have a phobia of Him; nor should we be insecure regarding our relationship with Him. 

      Yesterday I emphasized the word deilia, used in 2 Timothy 1:7, where Paul told his spiritual son, Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of deilia, but of power and love and discipline.” Timothy faced criticism and attacks from individuals while serving in the very difficult assignment of leading the church in Ephesus. Though some translations use the word “fear” in this verse, Paul wasn’t challenging him to not be “afraid.” That wasn’t the type of fear Timothy was struggling with. Paul was telling this spiritual son not to be timid or insecure. In other words, “Timothy, be bold, and believe in the gifts God has given you. Don’t accept the intimidation.”

      A fascinating passage in the New Testament pictures the two different fears of harm (phobos) and timidity (deilia) working together to paralyze and torment the disciples. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a violent storm arose. From a natural perspective, it seemed they would not make it safely through this storm. Jesus, surprisingly, was sleeping through the horrific wind and waves. In great fear, the disciples awakened Jesus, and said, “Don’t you care that we’re about to perish?!” (v. 38). Jesus got up and addressed the storm with the command, “Peace, be still” (v. 39). Amazingly, the storm ended. Then Jesus asked the disciples what seemed like a preposterous question, “Why are you afraid?” (v. 40).

      I think I know why the disciples were afraid, don’t you? Some of these men were experienced fishermen who had made a living on this lake. When they determined that this storm was so strong, naturally speaking, that they weren’t going to survive it, you can believe it was true.

      Christ’s question makes more sense, however, when you realize Jesus did not actually ask them why they were afraid (phobos). He asked them why they were timid or insecure (deilia). Christ was telling the disciples that they could have - and should have - done just what He had done: rebuke the storm!

      They should have resisted their natural fear, which produced intimidation, and acted in faith. Boldness was needed at that moment, not timidity. This storm was a demonic strategy to harm them. Jesus had already told the disciples, “We are going to the other side,” (Mark 4:35). He knew the Gadarene demoniac's deliverance awaited on the other side of the lake (Mark 5), whose deliverance and testimony would impact the entire region of Decapolis (v. 20). Though the disciples didn’t know this, they could have acted on Christ’s declaration and done as He eventually did: rebuke the storm.

      I am certainly not saying that this would have been easy. Nor am I arrogantly contending that I would have acted differently from the disciples. I am simply pointing out the lesson and truth Jesus was teaching them: My promises supersede natural laws. When you have a promise or directions from Me, believe them. Resist all fear and intimidation, and act boldly on what I say.

      God has told us, “America shall be saved.” He has said that a billion-soul harvest is coming to the earth in our generation. Satan has created storms - terrorist regimes, political unrest, ideological divisions, and more - in his attempt to keep us from getting to the other side of our promise. Don’t fear the storms and don’t be intimidated. Although we can’t simply rebuke these types of storms and immediately stop them, through our prayers and decrees, we can keep them from accomplishing satan’s purposes. Believe what God has said and bind the attempts of the powers of darkness to stop God’s plans.

      Pray with me:

      Father, this season is fearful and intimidating for many people. Some are tempted to retreat or, worse yet, abandon their faith in Your promises. Some of us, like the disciples, are terrified of the storms. Others, like the fearful spies Moses sent to Canaan, have decided that the giants of our day are just too large.

      We pray that You would show the church today, as You did our brother, Timothy, that deep within us is the strength to overcome; that satan is an intimidator who wants us to think we are grasshoppers when facing giants and storms. But You desire to give us hearts like Caleb. You said we are more than conquerors - we have more than enough strength in us to overcome (Romans 8:37).

      So today we speak to our personal storms and say, “Be still! Stop! We will not listen to you, we will not run from you, and you will not destroy us.” And we say regarding our nation: “We are well able to possess the land, and we will do so. We are on God’s timetable, and all of satan’s attacks will simply be used for our benefit” (Romans 8:28). Our times are in Your hand, Lord. (Psalm 31:15). Everything You have promised, You will do–our future is secure in You. 

      Our decree:

      We determine that we will rebuke the storms, boldly declaring God’s Word, and will not be intimidated.

      Click on the link below to watch the full video.

      1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 5550.

      2. Ibid., ref. no. 2540. 

      3. Ibid., ref. no. 5401.

      4. Ibid., ref. no. 1167.

      5. Ibid., ref. no. 2124.

       
       

      March 18, 2026

        Fan the Flames!

        “I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:6-7; NASB).

        Paul had assigned his spiritual son, Timothy, to lead the Ekklesia (the church) in Ephesus. Timothy was a young man at the time, 30-ish. This assignment would have been difficult for anyone, but to a young 30-year-old, it was very challenging. 

        With a population of several hundred thousand people, Ephesus was the capital of a Roman province in Asia and was considered the fourth greatest city in the world, after Rome, Alexandria in Egypt, and Antioch of Syria. Called ‘the mother city of Asia,’ it was a significant center of trade, with major roads connecting Ephesus to all the other significant cities in Asia Minor. 

        Ephesus was known for its amphitheater, the largest in the world, designed to hold up to 50,000 spectators. It was also the location of the great temple of Artemis, also called Diana, built in 550 BC. This temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World…Much of the Ephesian industry was related to this temple, generating millions of dollars by today’s standards. Craftsmen sold shrines and household images of the goddess that worshipers could take with them on long journeys. The Ephesians were very proud of their religious heritage (Acts 19:35).”(1)

        Ephesus became Paul’s headquarters for two years after he planted a church there (Acts 19:10). A short time later, he assigned Timothy the responsibility of overseeing this Ekklesia. It was not one building or congregation, as we would picture it today, but included the entire body of Christ in the city, which likely met in homes. 

        In the book of Revelation, written in AD 96, thirty years after his letter to Timothy, Jesus commended the Ephesians church for several things: their hard work, perseverance, rejection of false teaching, endurance, and hatred of sin (Revelation  2:2-3). He also rebuked them, however, saying, “You have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). The believers at Ephesus, struggling beneath the weight of a godless and immoral culture, had maintained commendable outward religious activities, but internally they had lost their passion for Christ.  

        It is easy to see how intimidating it could be for a young man in his early 30s to be charged with overseeing this major work in such an influential, but very ungodly, city. It was obviously very difficult and was taking a toll on this young man. Persecution, false teachers, the city being an international hub of sorcery and witchcraft, great immorality, strife in the church - exacerbated by disrespect from older men because of his young age - these pressures and more were wearing Timothy down. He was discouraged, intimidated, and even struggling to release his God-given gifts.  

        Paul knew he was about to leave earth for heaven. He also knew, however, that as Timothy’s spiritual father, the young leader needed a word from him before he departed. Thus, a second epistle/letter was written to Timothy - the last letter Paul would write before his martyrdom. 

        Paul begins by affirming his love for Timothy as a spiritual son and speaks a blessing of grace, mercy, and peace to him (v. 2). Paul then assures Timothy that he is praying diligently for him - night and day (v. 3). Then he states his confidence in Timothy: “I know the faith that is in you, imparted from your grandmother and mother, and also the gift I imparted to you through the laying on of my hands” (v. 5-6). Paul was encouraging Timothy and telling him, “You can do this!”

        Then this wise, apostolic spiritual father became much stronger in his exhortation. “Now, I’m instructing you, Timothy, to stir up (KJV), kindle afresh (NAS) the gift I put in you!” (v. 6). Notice: God would not do this for him, nor would Paul. Timothy would have to stir up his gifts!

        The Greek word used for “stir up,” anazopureo,(2) is challenging to translate. Only used this one time in the New Testament, it is compounded of 3 different Greek words. Ana(3) means “again;” zo(4) is a shortened version of zoe, the life of God, and pureo(5) is from pur, meaning “fire or lightning.” Paul was essentially telling Timothy, “I know the gifts that are in you, because I put them there by the power of Holy Spirit. Now I need for you to rise up in faith and fan the flame, blow on the embers. Get the life flowing and the fire burning again!” This is a very strong exhortation. 

        Also, and this is important, the verb tense of this compound word indicates continuous or repeated action: “You will need to do this repeatedly, continuously, Timothy. One time won’t be adequate. I need you to really press into this! With the faith in you, speak life and fire into your gifts. Make them come alive and burn with passion. YOU must do this! God’s unequaled power (dunamis),(6) His unconditional love (agape),(7) and discipline (sophronismos)(8) were also given to you. Now YOU get those forces working in you again (v.7). 

        Paul does one more thing in these opening remarks; he reminds Timothy of what he had NOT been given: “God has not given us a spirit of timidity” (v. 7). Though some translations say “fear” instead of “timidity,” the Greek word is deilia,(9) not phobos.(10) Phobos would mean a phobia type of fear, such as a fear of harm. Paul knew Timothy wasn’t dealing with that kind of fear, but with deilia - intimidation, timidity, insecurity, the fear of man. 

        “Satan is intimidating you, son,” Paul was saying, “He is telling you you’re too young, you don’t have faith, your gifts aren’t adequate for this job, the warfare is too great…These accusations have brought intimidation and timidity, eroding your confidence and causing your fire and passion to wane. You’re not walking in the power of God’s life in you. But these accusations are all lies. You are NOT weak, timid, or insecure. You’re strong! Gifted! Full of faith! And well able to do this.”

        This Is A Word For Us

        As God’s prayer army, His Ekklesia throughout the world, we are facing great challenges: war, great evil, incompetent and lying political leaders, abhorrent immorality, and much more. We in America are facing incredible challenges regarding these and other issues. We could easily become discouraged and intimidated, just as Timothy did, doubting our ability to accomplish God’s purposes. 

        My goal today is to make sure this doesn’t happen. We ARE called, equipped, empowered, and anointed for such a time as this. Engage your passion and fan the flames of Holy Spirit fire in you! Command them to burn! Speak to the life of God in you and command it to rise up! Stir yourself up in your Holy faith! Reject every demonic lie trying to convince you that the giants are too big!

        We are well able to take back America and see revival around the world!

        Pray with me:

        Father, we pray for the refreshing wind of heaven to blow on Your Ekklesia, the church. Re-fill us with Holy Spirit. Give us tenacious hearts and minds in this challenging season, motivating us to fan the flames of passion within.

        Remind us of who we are, that we are filled with Your glorious life. Remind us that we have been called for such a time as this. Remind us that we are more than conquerors through You and Your love, and that Holy Spirit, the Greater One, lives within to help and lead us. Remind us that we can do all things through the exalted Christ indwelling us. Remind us of Your heart to redeem and restore. Remind us that satan was defeated, and that redemption is finished.

        We agree together and break off of the church all fear, intimidation, lethargy, complacency, and lukewarmness. We fan the flames of passion and faith, and declare together that we are well able to accomplish Your purposes! The name of Jesus seals this!

        Our decree:

        We decree that all intimidation is broken off of the Ekklesia, the fire of Holy Spirit is burning, and that the spirit of faith is prevailing.

        Click on the link below to watch the full video.

        1. https://www.gotquestions.org/Ephesus-in-the-Bible.html

        2. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. No. 329.

        3. Ibid. Ref. no. 303.

        4. Ibid. Ref. no. 2222.

        5. Ibid. Ref. no. 4442.

        6. Ibid. Ref. no. 1411.

        7. Ibid. Ref. no. 26.

        8. Ibid. Ref. no. 4995.

        9. Ibid. Ref. no. 1167.

        10. Ibid. Ref. no. 5401.

         
         
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