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.

https://youtu.be/scbGl4iZF2g

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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.

https://youtu.be/7ajBGG3T_JU

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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.

March 17, 2026

Receiving Yahweh’s “Revelation-Secrets”

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV)

Perhaps no one has demonstrated the truth of these verses more than George Washington Carver (1864-1943). Born into slavery and poverty, Carver later became an agricultural chemist of international fame, and amazed the world with his accomplishments. He discovered hundreds of uses for the peanut, soybean, pecan and sweet potato. This revolutionized the economy of the South since these crops replenished the soil, which had become depleted through years of cotton growth.

Carver’s discoveries from the peanut (over 300), the sweet potato (over 118), as well as from the soybean, etc., included cosmetics, face powder, lotion, shaving cream, vinegar, cold cream, printer’s ink, salad oil, rubbing oil, instant coffee, leather stains from mahogany to blue, synthetic tapioca and egg yolk, flour, paints, non-toxic colors (from which crayons were eventually created).

George Washington Carver’s notoriety eventually became so great that he was visited at Tuskegee Institute by national and international leaders, such as Vice-President Calvin Coolidge, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He became a confidant and advisor to leaders and scientists from all over the world, ranging from Thomas Edison to Mahatma Gandhi. (Edison had also offered him a position with a six-figure income, but Carver turned it down).

The Secret of His Success

When asked how he accomplished his achievements, Carver stated words from our opening verses: “The secret of my success? It is simple. It is found in the Bible, ‘In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.’”(Proverbs 3:6)

Carver again gave God the credit for his accomplishments when, in the summer of 1920, the Young Men’s Christian Association of Blue Ridge, North Carolina, invited him to speak at their summer school for the southern states. While there, Carver stated:

“Years ago I went into my laboratory and said, ‘Dear Mr. Creator, please tell me what the universe was made for?’

“The Great Creator answered, ‘You want to know too much for that little mind of yours. Ask for something more your size, little man.’

“Then I asked. ‘Please, Mr. Creator, tell me what man was made for?’

“Again the Great Creator replied, ‘You are still asking too much. Cut down on the extent and improve the intent.’

“So then I asked, ‘Please, Mr. Creator, will you tell me why the peanut was made?’

“…And then the Great Creator taught me to take the peanut apart and put it together again. And out of the process have come forth all these products!”

Before Congress

In 1921, George Washington Carver accepted the invitation to address the United States Senate Ways and Means Committee in Washington, D.C., concerning the potential uses of the peanut and other new crops to improve the economy of the South. Initially given only ten minutes to speak, he instantly enthralled the committee so much that the Chairman said, “Go ahead Brother. Your time is unlimited!”

Carver spoke for one hour and forty-five minutes. At the end of his address, the Chairman of the Committee asked: “Dr. Carver, how did you learn all of these things?’

Carver answered: “From an old book.”

“What book?” asked the Senator.

Carver replied, “The Bible.”

The Senator inquired, "Does the Bible tell about peanuts?

“No, Sir” Dr. Carver replied, “But it tells about the God who made the peanut. I asked Him to show me what to do with the peanut, and He did.”

God’s Little Workshop

George Washington Carver named his laboratory God's Little Workshop and never took any scientific textbooks into it; he merely asked God how to perform his experiments.

Carver would lock the door behind him when he went into his laboratory, stating that: “Only alone can I draw close enough to God to discover His secrets."

God’s Co-Worker

When speaking at the Tuskegee Institute in 1928, Carver was asked to share some of his insights about God. Here are some excerpts: 

“When I read in the Scriptures, ‘In Him we live and move and have our being,’ (Acts 17:28) I knew what the writer meant. Never since have I been without this consciousness of the Creator speaking to me...The out of doors has been to me more and more a great cathedral in which God could be continuously spoken to and heard from....

“Man, who needed a purpose, a mission, to keep him alive, had one. He could be...God's co-worker....

“My purpose alone must be God’s purpose - to increase the welfare and happiness of His people…Human need is really a great spiritual vacuum which God seeks to fill...With one hand in the hand of a fellow man in need and the other in the hand of Christ, He could get across the vacuum and I became an agent. Then the passage, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,’ (Philippians 4:13) came to have real meaning.

“As I worked on projects which fulfilled a real human need forces were working through me which amazed me. I would often go to sleep with an apparently insoluble problem. When I woke the answer was there.

“Why, then, should we who believe in Christ be so surprised at what God can do with a willing man in a laboratory?”

We should all take a lesson from this humble man who learned to commune with his Creator and serve his fellow man. How different the world would be!

Pray with me:

Father, thank You for the life of George Washington Carver. He demonstrated to us the wisdom of a life fully dependent on You. Please help us walk in humility, acknowledging our insufficiency to live life without Your guidance. Yet, we can do all things through Christ’s strength and ability, as Dr Carver stated. You tell us in Psalm 25:14: “There’s a private place reserved for the devoted lovers of Yahweh, where they sit near Him and receive the revelation-secrets of his promises.” (TPT‬‬)

We want to do this. 

When America’s Founders struggled to write our Constitution, they eventually acknowledged that their wisdom was inadequate; they needed Your help. They appealed to You, the God who gave them liberty, and You gave them wisdom and understanding. We pray that legislators in Washington today would come to this realization. Strip them of their pride. Remind them of the words of Ben Franklin at that Continental Congress, “‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ (Psalm 127:1)… that without his concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building, no better than the builders of Babel.” We ask for leaders who know and believe this. Give our President and his cabinet, our legislators, and our judges this understanding. Remove those who refuse to acknowledge You. Restore our nation to You, we pray.

All of this we ask in the holy name of Jesus. 

Our decree:

We will acknowledge God in all of our ways and He will direct our paths!

(Portions of today’s post was adapted from America’s God and Country, Encyclopedia of Quotations, by William Federer.)

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/xxeMWs-jFAk