Choose Life!

My heart is been melting within me over the young people of our nation who are so obsessed with violence, weapons, and murder. They are even killing their own families!  I am not in any way in favor of all these gun control proposals, because I don't believe the guns are causing the sickness in our young people.  The enemy is more crafty than that!  In fact, he is recruiting them, discipling them, and training them at a very young age now. 

When my little grandson was about to turn 6 I asked what he wanted for his birthday.  "Skylanders!" he exclaimed.  I haven't had little ones at home for many years, so I don't keep up much on the latest trends in toys.  I had to go to the local Walmart and look until I found this latest craze of action figures.  "They look demonic," I told my husband.  He agreed; and when we got to our grandson's home and got to see what this is all about, we were stunned and shocked.  I hope this little blog will help wake up others to this latest ploy of Satan to entrap even our young children into his lair of violence and destruction.

Our sweet little grandson would place one of these ugly figures on a "portal, "which is lighted and plugged into the big screen of their TV.  Then the destruction began - and in horror we discovered that the whole game was being ruled by a grotesque creature known as "MASTER KAOS (Chaos)."  Please read below what Wikipedia has to say about Master Kaos and this Skylanders game:

Kaos is an evil Portal Master and the main antagonist of the Skylanders series. He is the arch-enemy of the Skylanders.

Kaos is overconfident, with a big ego as well as an inferiority complex. He was ridiculed when he was young and desperately tries to be taken seriously as a villain. Because of his annoying and whiny attitude, most of the inhabitants, including the Skylanders, usually find Kaos more as an annoyance than a threat. However, underneath his overconfident exterior, Kaos possesses a cunning and dangerous mind, which causes his adversaries to underestimate him. Like most villains, Kaos is digusted at the sight of romantic atmospheres. Kaos also has a strong hatred for the tree folk, including his evil Life minion, Evil Ent.

Being a Portal Master, Kaos has the ability to summon darker versions of the Skylanders, as well as other races as his minions, such as Cyclopes, Trolls, and the Drow. He also has the power to summon powerful spells and magic, sometimes with the assistance of the Eternal Sources.
Kaos is also notable for formerly being able to cast a large, hooded projection of his head to talk to the outside world from his castle on a Portal of Power. Using this special effect, the projection of his head is more terrifying and Kaos speaks with a deeper alteration of his voice to make himself sound more sinister.

My dear friends, I hope this alarms you as much as it does me!  I've never read a more accurate description of Lucifer anywhere! He was "ridiculed" (thrown out and cast away from God) and now desperately tries to be taken seriously.  He indeed does have a cunning and dangerous mind, which causes his adversaries to underestimate him!  In fact, I believe he even uses this child's game to seduce little ones into constant thoughts of destruction and murder. With all the bullying in schools, kids undoubtedly relate to this hideous creature called Kaos, who was "ridiculed" when he was younger.

We all know that this just leads to many violent video games the older teens are playing.  I believe THIS is what is motivating a generation of young people to take life.  Lucifer is binding them in his spirit of death!

It is time for us all to wake up, turn off the TVs, computers, and video games, and open the pages of God's Word that teach our children to CHOOSE LIFE!
Deuteronomy 30:19: This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live!

Shabbat Shalom

Prayers on Fire!

"Another angel, who had a golden censer came and stood at the altar.  He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne.  The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before Elohim from the angel's hand.  Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth..." (Rev. 7:3-5)

This passage is, and should be, a picture of us in this very day.  We are called to enlist in the End-Time Army of Yeshua, and our weapons of warfare are our prayers.  Every prophetic word being issued right now in our day, by those considered to be trustworthy prophets, is a call to battle! We are being given countless forewarnings of the dire days ahead, and the great need to be prepared emotionally and physically - but most especially spiritually.

If you are still clinging to a pre-tribulation rapture scenario, may the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth so that you come out of that place of denial!  That false teaching (false report) is being used by the enemy to keep many asleep, thinking they will escape any time of tribulation and testing, and fly right on up to Heaven while the Jewish people endure the battle on earth alone.  Not true!  The apostle Paul warns in 2 Thess. 2:3-4, "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that Day [the coming of Yeshua Messiah] will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness [Torahlessness] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.  He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

I believe we are entering a season we have not experienced before; and although I believe it will be a time of great persecution and terrible disasters, I also overwhelmingly believe it will birth a time of great revival such as has never been seen before, and a tremendous outpouring of God's glory!  It will be a time of testing such as we have never known, and we MUST be prepared.  But how are we to prepare for such a time as this?  With the inauguration of a President and emergence of a new cabinet in the United States (note that SEVEN cabinet members have resigned, indicating the completion of an old regime and the emergence of a new, probably far more evil one), and elections in the nation of Israel, all in the same week, we should be on our knees and on our faces as the saints of God, filling the angel's bowl with our prayers, to be hurled upon the earth as fire!

In the worship of the ancient Levitical priesthood, the incense did not give forth its perfume until it was burning; and the only fire allowed to be used in kindling it was holy fire from the altar of burnt-offering. This intimates that we are to be as burnt offerings before our God - surrendering our will, our souls and bodies as a sacrifice (Romans 12:1). There can be no incense-prayer without fire - and the fire must be kindled in the heart by coals from the altar of Calvary, by the love of God shed abroad by the Holy Spirit!

Five of us gathered this past Wednesday at David's Tent to do this.  It was the first of weekly worship and intercession meetings here in our town, and it was filled with the Presence and the Power of the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit).  We cried out for protection, justice and mercy for the righteous in this nation, despite the coming judgments.  We interceded for the Jewish people, the apple of God's eye, asking for the veil over their eyes to be lifted, and for God's chosen person to be elected there to lead them through this critical season in time. We blew the shofar to seal our prayers, and we fell on our knees in repentance before the throne.  Only FIVE of us came - representing both the five books of Torah (Truth) and also Grace (Spirit)!  The Lord says there is power in prayer when two or more are gathered and agree, and we were more than two!

This is how we become prepared.  This is how we build up our spirit-man in faith and courage!  We cannot stay indifferent and asleep, like the five foolish virgins who had no extra oil.  We must be filled completely, super-charged with the Power of the Holy Spirit, and ready to do battle in the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony - and we must not love our lives even to the death.

As Francis Frangipane wrote, "God's personal plan for me was not to improve me, but to remove me, so that Messiah could live through me" (Galatians 2:20).  Yes, that is the key!  We may not have to die physically for our King, but we MUST allow our selfish, controlling flesh to die, so that it is YESHUA who dwells in us.  Then we shall be prepared!  Then we will not be afraid.  Then we will be sealed with the mark of God (Rev. 9:4) which is, by the way, the only mark that should concern us!

If you are in northern Colorado, please come join us on Wednesday evenings.  Details are on our website at http://www.doorkeeperministries.com/davids-tent.html.  If you are not near us, start your own prayer gatherings. Let us, the people of YHVH, lift up the smoke of the incense of our prayers before Him in the angel's hand... the time is NOW.

Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?" I answered, "Sir, you know."  And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. (Rev. 7:13-15)

If you make El Elyon your refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent." (Psalm 91:9-10)

Reconnecting - Reconciling - Restoring

We arrived back home from our 30-day journey on the road on January 1.  It was such a whirlwind of a trip, there was little time left for writing - so now as I begin to compose this summary of all that we experienced, I realize it will probably be pretty long!  I want to get it out in time for Shabbat, so that you can use some of your quiet time tomorrow to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and read about what John and I called the BAG Trip (Big Adventure for God!)

It was a reconnecting with our families and children and with many friends we had not seen in a long time.  As we were making the last leg of the journey home on Tuesday I had an overwhelming sense that this trip was a beginning of a season in which Father is asking us to reach out to our families and do all that we can to love them into the Kingdom - forgiving offenses and healing old wounds.  The time is short and we are in a valley of decision right now!

The trip began with a visit to my sister, her husband, and their son and his little girl in southern Illinois.  Although my sister is on fire for the Lord, the rest of her family remains unsaved.  She and her husband were preparing to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary and that represents 40 years of her fervent prayers over her husband, that he would come to belief in Yeshua.  Such patience and perseverance she models for us!


Next we traveled to see John's nephew, Joe, who is a Lieutenant in the Salvation Army in Paducah, Kentucky.  Together with his wife and children, they have devoted their lives to God's service through this charitable organization; yet, it was Joe's wife Lorraina who inspired me as she told me about the missing pieces.  Her parents were Salvation Army officers and so she was raised in this organization all her life, and she told me, "Lately God has been showing me that we are doing works, works, and more works - but where is the relationship? Where is the prayer?"  So, as we headed down to the Salvation Army building with them to help with an outreach project for the needy, I was aware that we were going to have a special opportunity to show the workers how to really bring the Holy Spirit into the work!  We helped them carry dozens and dozens of boxes into the big gym where there were tables labeled with numbers.  "Each of these numbers represents a family," Lorraina told us. "And each family got into this dire situation because of something bad that happened.  They need our prayers."  So John and I began to walk along the tables, stopping at each number, and asking the Lord to reach into the lives of those families and bring jobs, or deliver them from addictions, or heal sicknesses.  The room was filled with a sweet Presence of the Ruach, and the workers got quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.  Lorraina told us they probably weren't sure what to make of this!  Afterward, Joe ushered me into the worship sanctuary and asked if I'd be willing to lead the workers in some worship before they all went home. The Ruach brought songs back into my memory and I began to praise God.  These folks seemed a bit uncomfortable with this also, but by the time I finished the worship, I sensed they had experienced something new and powerful.

Continuing on to the east side of Kentucky, we visited Frank and Mary Houtz and their family in Winchester.  What a refreshing blessing they are!  I led worship on Erev Shabbat for their wonderful congregation and we marveled at the great facility and beautiful location they have. One of their sons had built an amazing sukka on the grounds from pine trees and boughs, and we were so inspired by his creativity! On Shabbat we had a bible study together in the book of Hebrews, and then celebrated the first night of Chanukkah with joyful singing and a healthy dinner of fried funnel cakes, popcorn, and ice cream!  (Hoping I can make this a tradition and be a "Houtz guest" every year for Chanukkah!)

Next we headed south for a visit with John's son and his wife and family in north Georgia.  This was one of the places where we knew for certain that Father is about the business of reconciling and restoring in this hour. They had just separated and were struggling in their marriage as they tried to blend their children (from past marriages) together.  We spent two full days of counseling and prayer with them, and at this writing I am giving God great praise that they are back together, committed to healing their marriage and pressing through to make HIM the head of their household.

Visits with both John's daughters, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter followed, and those times were filled with much laughter and lots of restoration.  We know that every family and marriage has its baggage of old wounds and unresolved offenses; but it is time for healing, and on this trip the Lord quickened Malachi 4:5-6 to John: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD, and he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers." 

We crossed over into Alabama to have time with John's sister and brother-in-law and to minister at His Gathering Place - a Messianic congregation in Phenix City.  The attendance for our scheduled evening of teaching and worship on Erev Shabbat was disappointingly scanty.  We had taught there last year when there were twice as many people.  For a moment, during the worship, I wondered, "What did you bring us here for, Father?"  The answer came at the end of the evening.  We offered prayer to any who wanted it and a few came forward.  Then we began packing up the keyboard and equipment and suddenly the pastor came to us and said, "I need prayer." As we prayed over him I heard the Spirit say, "discouragement...high blood pressure."  I asked him if this was accurate and he nodded in affirmation.  The Spirit began to flow as I repeated to this weary pastor the words I heard through the Lord, "Don't give up!  The days are coming soon when many will desire the wealth of the Word that you have.  There is a famine of the Word, and if you do not give up, this room will soon be filled with those who want to know Me. Press on!  I know you are weary, but I will be with you to strengthen you."  Tears flowed down his face and we knew we had come just for him, his wife, and the other man who helps with the leadership.  This man also asked for prayer and I heard the word "addiction."  I asked him, "Are you caught in addictions?"  He said, "No, not anymore.  But I've been ministering to an alcoholic and helped him break free and to find Yeshua."  So I began to pray for him in the Spirit and the Lord said, "You will have a ministry to men in addiction.  I AM in the midst of it and I will equip you and lead you.  Be ready, for many will find their way to your door!"  We left there rejoicing, knowing that these words of encouragement from Father would keep two of his soldiers from giving up the fight!

Traveling back across Georgia, we spent a few days with my son and his wife and family in Sugar Hill.  I wasn't even close to prepared for the surprise I would get there!  Although the family is unbelieving, my six-year-old grandson, C.J., was filled with enthusiasm and questions about God.  "Mama Kelly, tell me about Jesus!  Is He God's son?  Did God make me?  When did He make the first man?"  John and I answered his rapid-fire questions the best we could, and then he grabbed my hand and practically drug me upstairs to his room where he excitedly pulled four children's bibles off his shelf and asked if we could read the stories!  So we sat cross-legged on his bedroom floor for hours and read about David killing Goliath, and Jesus in the boat rebuking the storm, and then we read about how Jesus died on the cross and C.J. said, "Yeah, he's dead now."  Surprised I said, "C.J., haven't you turned the page and read about how He's ALIVE now?!"  I cannot tell you how thrilled he was to read the story of the Resurrection!  Then he asked, "Mama Kelly, would you teach me how to pray?"  So, I did.  We prayed simple prayers of healing over his cut knee, and that his sister would do well the next day on her finals, and that God would take care of the families whose kids had just died in their classroom in Sandy Hook. 

The next day I came down with a virus so vicious it could only have been the norovirus I've been hearing about.  I've never experienced such violent retching, that lasted for hours and hours.  When C.J. got home from school, he asked Papa John where I was. "She's really sick and in bed," John told him.  "Oh!" he exclaimed, "we have to pray for her!"  John said he dropped his school stuff on the floor and RAN into the bedroom where I was.  So Papa lifted him up where he could put his hand on my hand and he prayed, in his precious little-boy-voice, "Father, my Mama Kelly is really sick.  Please make her well.  I know you can.  I love You.  Amen."  Within a couple of hours strength returned to me and I knew my grandson had prayed with that incredible childlike faith that most of us used to have and then lost in the complexities of adulthood.  And miraculously, this opened up a door for John and me to gather my son and his wife and both kids around the table before we left, to do a little bible study all together.  Reconnecting - restoring - reconciling a family back to the FATHER!

Following that very special time we drove to Columbia, South Carolina for a very memorable weekend of ministry at Gates to Zion, with pastors Craig and Jan O'Dell.  We had met many of these folks at the last M.I.A. Conference in Orlando last August, and it was such a joy to reconnect with them and spend a Shabbat in teaching and worship.  One man, whose name was Barry, (not pictured here) was particularly helpful in running sound for me, running the power point for my teachings, and making sure everything was set up.  He was a gem, so eager to help, and making us feel welcome and valued.  Right before we left Barry came up to our car and said, "I'll come out to Colorado this next year to see you guys!"  About 3 days later we got word that Barry had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away and gone to be with the Lord.  I am still not over the shock - and the Lord reminds me that something I may have taught or said may have had an impact on him just before he left this world.  We are called to be always prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in us!

Now we would begin the long ride back home; eventually the trip would total 5,381 miles!  We made stops along our way,  reconnecting with several dear old friends.  First we stopped in the small Louisiana town of Gloster, where I had spent almost five months living in a huge antebellum plantation mansion, caring for a woman dying of heart failure.  Those five months had been a source of great healing for me, following my divorce, and to reconnect and return to this place where my own restoration had taken place was a tremendous blessing.  The family that still lives there has been family of my heart all these years - and John was deeply blessed also by their love and generosity to us. 

We made two stops in Texas - one in Grand Prairie to see John's dear friends, the Frosts, and meet their newest little baby girl; and one in Sherman where we spent the night with the Strayhorns, my friends from a long-ago year I spent in Florida.  Patty and I recalled how I had stayed with her during her knee surgery to care for her, their 8 dogs, 14 alpacas, 5 horses, 1 cat and 1 bird!  Some of you may have been on this blog long enough to remember that adventure!

The last two nights of our trip were spent with our beloved friends Vernon and Rosemary Norton, who often travel with DoorKeeper Ministries.  We were able to get a DVD made of our new teaching, "Linen and the Bride," and enjoyed a wonderful day of fellowship with them, their friends the Nevilles from Oklahoma, and their precious elderly Jewish friends, whom the Lord has placed in their lives.  Though this couple does not believe in Messiah Yeshua, the Nortons are keeping the feast days with them and we are all witnessing Yeshua's LOVE to them in many ways.  They are living out the old saying, "Preach the Gospel - use words only if necessary!"

We spent TIME with so many people - and I believe that investing our time in PEOPLE is what the Father desires.  How we spend our time in this season and who we spend it with will make a difference in the Kingdom. And we must not forget that this includes first and foremost the time we spend with the Master.  After we fill up on His wisdom and guidance, we are able to impart worthwhile time to others.  We reconnected with people on this trip with whom Yeshua desired to reconnect!  If we drove 5,381 miles just for C.J. to know there is a God who loves him and calls him, it was worth it!  If it was just for John's son and his wife, so that their marriage would survive, it was worth it.  If it was just for the pastor in Phenix City, to encourage him when he'd lost all hope, it was worth it!  Reconnect - reconcile - restore: I believe these mandates are the Father's heart for all of us this year.  Many thanks to all of you who helped us financially to make this trip. 

Now the sun is just setting and the Shabbat descends upon us in our little Colorado home.
Shabbat Shalom to you all!