The Divine Decrees

Book 1 - The Unification Act

(1) I Decree as a Spirit of God, born as a child of man, full alignment, communication and unity of this soul’s Holy Prayers and Holy Intentions with God, The Word of God, The Holy Spirit, The Holy Ones, Guides assigned, All Holy Angels assigned (and my husband/wife and those under my care). By free will I agree to receive and connect with Love to strengthen Love, choose the way of Love, encourage Love and expand Love wherever it may be found, whenever it may be found, in whatever amount it may be found throughout all creation that has been formed, is being formed and will be formed.

(2) I Decree full authority and free will interaction to All Holy Angels assigned to utilize the indent of this soul through all interactions past, present and future to continue the experience and expansion of the Love of God.

(3) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the One King of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by the order of the Unification Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: Falling snow, blanketing everything.

Color: White

Duration: 5 days. Repeat the Unification Act again at the end of 5 days).


Book 2 - The Arrival Act

(4) I Decree as a Spirit of God, born as a child of man, full trust and opportunity to allow my soul or spirit to manifest and aid as needed in any past, present and future event of God’s Love. By free will I accept full escort and call in All Holy Angels assigned to render harmless any unHoly indent while interacting in the body or in the spirit, granting safe passage to this soul and any guides assigned as well. By free will I accept and ask for transformation of any gift or material made by man or substance of creation darkened by unHoly intentions or manipulations and

(5) I Decree a cleansing of these through All Holy Angels assigned including a purification and bringing back the perfect creation within agreed parameters of interaction of the creations of the children of man to the fullness of potential made.

(6) I Decree full authority and free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to protect any and all methods of communication, interaction and information devices from manipulations and unHoly intentions, including any present methods and future methods and inventions.

(7) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present and future events until the King of All Dimensions in the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Arrival Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: The sun coming up over the horizon, going overhead and then the sun going down on the other side.

Color: Yellow

Duration: 5 days. Repeat the entire Arrival Act again at the end of 5 days).


Book 3 - The Transformation Act

(8) I Decree as a Spirit of God, born as a child of man, full healing of this soul, spirit, body and mind by full alignment of the will of God and man by the receiving of wholeness and wellness in perfection, within the present parameters set by the original choices of man and agreed upon purpose and commission for this life. By free will I offer my faith and trust, in the power and Love of God as an indent for healing, for All Holy Angels assigned to offer aid of healing of the soul, spirit, body and mind to any and all of the children of man whenever they may call out to God for healing, knowing this will occur within the present parameters set by the original choices of man and agreed upon purpose and commission for these lives, and within the present parameters of the interaction of indents.

(9) I Decree full authority and free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to manifest additional opportunities and to aid these souls to recognize all choices of Love and healing and to choose without manipulations or unHoly intentions.

(10) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the King of Re-Creation of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Transformation Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: Old becoming young, deformed and bent standing straight and full, flowers going from bud to full bloom.

Color: Orange
Duration: 5 Days. Repeat the entire Transformation Act again at the end of 5 days).



Book 4 - The Protection Act

(11) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man full protection of this soul, spirit, body and mind (and that of my husband/wife and those under my care) and all attending delegates by giving full authority and free will interaction to All Holy Angels assigned to render harmless any and all manipulations or unHoly intentions sent toward us.

(12) I Decree as welcome and valid all methods and signs approved by God and conducive to the further allowance of the veil, including full awareness of my spirit and any and all interactions of the human senses or God-given gifts to aid alignment with messages and power and action needed and made available through All Holy Angels assigned, guides assigned, and empowerment given to the faithful and aware children of man through all Divine Decrees and the Twelve Books of Acts of the Love of God.

(13) I Decree this soul’s free will ability to call in All Holy Angels assigned and grant full authority and free will interaction to defend, battle, attack and render harmless as needed and to aid guides assigned and all Holy Ones with containment of all manipulations and unHoly intentions sent.

(14) I Decree this soul’s free will choice of asking for greater faith, trust and discernment of what my interaction is in every event and opportunity and utilizing this soul’s abilities and God-given gifts when asked and in the parameters suggested and at the times recommended through all Divine Decrees and the Twelve Books of Acts of the Love of God

(15) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the Warrior Son of the Kingdom of God and His Holy Army assumes full authority by order of the Protection Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: Warrior Angels encircling and the sound of marching and shouting in unison.
Color: Red
Duration: 5 days. Repeat the entire Protection Act again at the end of 5 days).


Book 5 - The Forgiveness Act

(16) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man full forgiveness to all children of man who have harmed or intentioned to harm this soul (my husband/wife and those under my care). By free will I ask God for forgiveness and to erase and cleanse any indent of harm or intention to harm from this soul toward myself and all other children of man, attending delegates, the earth and all living creation in relationship to man, and any and all transgressions toward God, God’s Word, The Holy Spirit, All Angels, Guides, the Holy Ones and all Spirit Beings, and I send Holy Prayers and Holy Intentions to all.

(17) I Decree full authority and free will interaction to All Holy Angels assigned to aid awareness of any and all opportunities where Love can be expanded by forgiveness in past or present events. By free will I agree with the continuing redemption of unHoly Angels as offered by the Love of God and stand as a representative of redeemed mankind accepted into unification and light once more and in this capacity and by the example of the Love of God, I grant forgiveness to all unHoly ones who have requested and gained forgiveness from God for their manipulations toward this soul (my husband/wife and those in my care).

(18) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the Mighty Counselor of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Forgiveness Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: One who is on their knees is tapped on the shoulder and asked to stand.
Color: Brown
Duration:10 days. The entire Forgiveness Act is to be repeated again at the end of 10 days).


Book 6 - The Abundance Act

(19) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man full ability to attain and maintain abundance in all things beneficial to this soul (my husband/wife and those under my care) and

(20) I Decree full authority and free will interaction to All Holy Angels assigned to render harmless any and all manipulations or unHoly intentions toward health, finances or relationships and for expanded awareness of any and all points of damage or potential damage where conscious or unconscious choices need to be transformed and healed. I acknowledge this soul’s birthright as a Spirit of God and my redemption as a child of man to live each day in full abundance and expansion of Love with God, one another and myself to the full potential of understanding and experiencing of Love this soul has been, is presently and will be accomplishing, including giving and receiving, and acceptance, gratitude and application of gifts and abilities.

(21) I Decree this soul’s free will to share abundance with all children of man in whatever way it is most needed and is most efficient and beneficial and

(22) I Decree All Holy Angels assigned to aid in this recognition and completion through free will interaction and full authority and to render harmless any and all manipulations or unHoly intentions sent to impede this.

(23) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the King of the Over-Flowing Cup of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Abundance Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: Sounds of coins, the smell of fresh bread and a vision of golden fields of wheat that never end.
Color: Green
Duration: 7 days. The entire Abundance Act is to be repeated again at the end of 7 days).



Book 7 - The Purification Act

(24) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man full cleansing of the air, water and land and all living creation in relationship to man and the earth through free will acceptance and interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to render harmless any and all manipulations or unHoly intentions including rendering harmless any and all harmful choices made by the conscious or unconscious mind of the children of man.

(25) I Decree full authority and free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to purify and sanctify any and all movements of elements beyond normal measures and to return all unHoly manipulations to the original parameters as first ordained by The Word of God, including peaceful and respectful interaction of man within the environment and man’s transformation and balance of good and natural for all living creation in relationship to man and the earth in God’s perfect plan of perpetual abundance as first ordained and commissioned.

(26) I Decree the full authority of All Holy Angels assigned to aid remembrance and giving of additional opportunities to all children of man to elicit gentleness, awareness and peaceable actions toward the air, water and land and all living creation in relationship to man and the earth.

(27) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the fullness of the shift of transformation arrives and The Master Caretaker of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by the order of the Purification Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: A cloud forming a raindrop, falling onto Earth which then turns from brown to green and full.
Color: Blue
Duration: 10 days. Repeat the entire Purification Act again at the end of 10 days).



Book 8 - The Awareness Act

(28) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man full ability of discernment between Holy and unHoly.

By free will,

(29) I Decree Guides assigned and All Holy Angels assigned full access, ability and free will interaction to consistently communicate with this soul in a manner conducive to the allowance of the veil and the full potential of connection allowed at the present time of understanding. By free will this soul asks for additional opportunities of awareness of conscious or unconscious choices of cause and effect even before any decision or action is made, and clear discernment and ability to choose without manipulations or unHoly intentions sent toward this soul.

(30) I Decree this souls free will ability to immediately recognize and call in all Holy Angels assigned in all potential events of protection or harm to this soul (or to my husband/wife and those under my care) and for continuing expansion of awareness and acting in accordance with Holy signs and wonders and God-given methods of interaction and aiding personal connection, amplification, frequency and brightening of prayer.

(31) I Decree this soul’s free will to remember and act upon God’s will and agreed-upon purpose and commission for this life and to easily recognize all God-given opportunities and realizations, and to resist opportunities for unHoly actions and turn away from unHoly manifestations and to act without doubt, hesitation or fear upon every God-given opportunity and transform dark to light, and fear to Love and I ask Guides assigned and All Holy Angels assigned in assisting this soul with this, and assisting all children of man to full faith and trust in God and His Word.

(32) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the veil is fully lifted and the Holy One of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Awareness Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: A supernova expansion, starburst in the sky, a light turned on in the darkness
Color: Purple
Duration: 7 days. Repeat the entire Awareness act again at the end of 7 days).


Book 9 - The Representation Act

(33) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man this soul’s free will Holy Prayers and Holy Intentions that all those in designations of authority and divisions of government act for the betterment of the children of man.

(34) I Decree full authority and free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to render harmless any and all manipulations or unHoly intentions sent toward these representatives, and I further ask for additional opportunities of awareness of conscious or unconscious choices of cause and effect for each decision and action where it impacts the children of man and all living creation in relationship to man, by free will this soul asks for the consistent free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to expand the justice, support and protection for those under the greatest attack and to give additional opportunities to each representative to elicit peace and harmony between all people and nations, to assist with abundance for any and all in need, and to enact any and all laws and policies that will only benefit and serve the people in the highest good as a reflection of the recognition of the sovereignty of the God of Love and His justice, mercy, support and protection.

(35) I Decree full authority and free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to aid the protection of all children and any and all vulnerable children of man who are in need in body, mind, soul and spirit and rendering harmless any and all manipulations or unHoly intentions sent toward these vulnerable ones, and giving them additional opportunities to communicate with God, The Holy Ones, their Guides assigned and one another without restraint or fear.

(36) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the King of Kings and True Ruler of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Representation Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: A pebble being cast into a pond, the ripples going out to distant shores.
Color: Black
Duration:10 days. Repeat the entire Representation Act again at the end of 10 days).


Book 10 - The Salvation Act

(37) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man full surrender of my spirit and all attending delegates to the sanctity of baptism of Blood and Water, and I acknowledge that which was created pure became unclean unto itself, and was made clean and Holy once more by the Redemption of Grace, and through this Grace this soul stands in the light once more, and darkness has no authority.

(38) I Decree by free will my bending of knee in humility and spirit aligned with the Spirit and Will of God, now and through timelessness.

(39) I Decree by free will my full awareness of the original issues and I offer this soul’s testimony to the rightness and truth of God’s right to rule over His creation and that it has not been possible for the sons of man to successfully choose for themselves what is right or wrong and that the children of man call for the interaction of God and continue to seek for God and desire to learn and accomplish God’s will even when manipulations occur to their body’s destruction or when their soul is not satisfied by gifts.

(40) I Decree by free will the complete fullness of Love even in suffering by the Son of God’s Love, as testified to and witnessed in the life of His Life, Death and Life Again while maintaining fullness of purity and rebuking darkness, thereby breaking the bondage upon pure creation forevermore and freeing this soul and all children of man to continue the experience and expansion of Love. I receive by free will my birthright as a Child of God created by Love, in Love and for Love.

(41) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present and future events until the Savior of the World and King of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Salvation Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: Golden light falling like raindrops from Heaven, covering all, body levitating on gold light, lifting to God.
Color: Gold
Duration: 7 days. Repeat the entire Salvation Act again at the end of 7 days).


Book 11 - The Hierarchy Act

(42) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man this soul’s free will Holy Prayers and Holy Intentions that all those in designations of sacred office and Holy Orders by vows given before God remain faithful and true in submission and humility for the consistent disbursement of acts of ministry to children of man as though ministering to God.

(43) I Decree full authority and free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to render harmless any and all manipulations or unHoly intentions sent toward these servants, and I further ask for additional opportunities of awareness of conscious or unconscious choices of cause and effect for each decision and action where it impacts the spirit and soul of the children of man and their delegates and all living creation in relationship to man. By free will this soul asks for the consistent free will interaction of All Holy Angels assigned to expand the houses of prayer and fellowship to all children of man throughout all the nations, granting Divine guidance, protection and discernment in teaching and reaching the hearts of man through Love and unification of those Holy in reflection of the Love of God and the magnification and sanctification of the fullness of the Name of God.

(44) I Decree this soul’s free will Holy Prayers and Holy Intentions for all religions and faiths to serve as ambassadors of peace and unity under One God of Love, and that all these may shelter, feed, nurture, encourage, counsel, protect, defend, guide and give service by God’s Words and Authority and not their own.

(45) I Decree this as binding on earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events until the Anointed High Priest of the Kingdom of God assumes full authority by order of the Hierarchy Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: Succession of shepherd’s staff being given from one to the other from God, through mankind and mankind giving it back to God, row of hundreds of people.
Color: Silver
Duration: 10 days. Repeat the entire Hierarchy Act at the end of 10 days).


Book 12 - The Rainbow Act

(46) I Decree as a Spirit of God born as a child of man full agreement and free will alignment to the completion and fulfillment of the Will of God as originally ordained, including the perfection of the children of man and all living creation in relationship to man and the earth, including the air, water and land.

(47) I Decree this soul’s full agreement and free will alignment of full unity and communication through sacred interactions and sharing of experiences of Love’s expansion and validation of answered questions in the Original Issues of the Sovereignty of God’s Love over this soul and all creation as was commissioned and comes to be in perfect fruition.

(48) I Decree this soul’s full agreement and free will alignment of the end and fulfillment of time and the never-ending expansion of timelessness and the full availability of mobility, unity, communication and interaction between all Spirit Beings and creations of the Love of God.

(49) I Decree this soul’s full agreement and free will alignment to utilize all Divine Decrees and the Twelve Books of Acts of the Love of God to ease the manipulations and unHoly intentions toward the children of man during the end of time and the shift into timelessness, and to call in All Holy Angels assigned and give full authority and free will interaction to render harmless these manipulations and unHoly intentions toward this soul (and that of my husband/wife and those under my care) and to transform any unnatural manifestations and to purify and sanctify any and all movements of elements beyond normal measures and decommission, bind and encapsulate all unHoly until the fulfillment of the Word of God is satisfied through the Warrior Son and His Holy Army.

(50) I Decree this as Binding on Earth as it is in Heaven by the alignment of the Will of God and man, bridging all past, present or future events, and the Prince of Peace of the Kingdom of God and His Holy Army will assume full authority and triumph victorious and return timelessness and rightful sovereignty of the Kingdom of God by the order of the Rainbow Act as ordained by the Blood of the Covenant as witnessed and given through the Holy Spirit by the Love of God, Amen.

(Visualization: Arrows like comets racing across the sky, all heading to a purified and sparkling Earth. The sound of myriads of Angels singing.

Colors: All the colors of the previous 11 Acts: white, yellow, orange, red, brown, green, blue, purple, black, gold, silver in a beautiful rainbow!
Duration:12 days. Repeat the entire Rainbow Act at the end of 12 days).

What does God say? What are dreams?

Sleep accomplishes much more than resting the physical body. The spirit within us never sleeps – we are sparks off the Divine Flame, does God ever sleep? No, and neither do the Angels. Our spirit inhabits our bodies like electrical wiring in a house. And while we sleep, no lights may be turned on, but that does not mean the current isn’t active. Dreams are often remembrances of the rich and wonderful spiritual life that we accomplish while our physical body sleeps. There are seven main categories that dreams fall into, and most of them achieve fantastic work.

(1). Night School: Called a school because there are many participants with you in a classroom setting, this is a time of being taught a lesson and then trying it out for yourself. These are often choices not between right and wrong, but about good and greater good. After the teacher shows the variables of the lesson, the student is then placed into a scenario in which they can apply what they have learned and see for themselves what works. Similar to a test pilot using new skills in a simulator. Although very few people remember the classroom part of their dreams, many people do remember the scenarios.

(2). Guidance for others: This is where we get to actively use what we have learned at night school in real life situations. This is where most of our remembered dreams come from. When our body sleeps, our spirit is not in it, but is tethered by what is often termed an umbilical or silver cord. It is there until we die, and is the same one seen by near-death experiencers. During this time, we get to act as guides for others who are awake. Not all guides are still attached to physical bodies, some have died and are assigned specific people to help, similar to a guardian Angel. Compassion is a very big incentive in bringing out our best effort; so often God will choose for us to see our loved ones in these situations instead of the people that are really there.

For example: I had a dream where my teenage daughter had become pregnant and had run away from home. She was seen living under a bridge with other homeless people, so I got in our station wagon with our family dog and her grandpa and a friend, and went to bring her home. When I opened the car door, the dog ran up and found my daughter. She was afraid, but I carefully pulled her hair out of her eyes and she looked up and smiled, and said yes to coming home. I then awoke with a start, not knowing if this was a prophetic dream of things to come or not, so I asked in prayer, and was given the answer. I was actually helping find a black girl who was a pregnant runaway, a family abuse situation. The station wagon was a police car; the dog was a police dog. Yes the girl was afraid, and I was helping a social worker to calm her down, wiping the hair from her eyes, saying comforting words, and giving the worker inside information as to what was going on in the girl’s life and additional compassion to help her choose the best way to help. The girl gained confidence that she would not be sent back to her abusive family and went with the social worker. Often in these dreams we feel like we are really there because we are.

Remember that while in spirit you will experience everything as a spirit does. You can fly, go through things, objects and light looks different, you can’t see distance the same, you can’t stare at your feet, time is not important, you can see other spirits, ghosts, Angels, unHoly Angels, etc. These dreams may find us in different countries, or even in different times, as God decides where to utilize us and time does not move just in a linear fashion; by ripple effect this changes the future or present time. In these dreams we may also help with storms or wildfires, or any number of things with the planet or its animals. And even though we feel is it happening to us, we are there helping others. If you remember to look in a mirror while in these dreams, you will see it is not you. Also, not all outcomes will be good, people will still die, or end up in poor situations. This is because you are not there in place of the free will of the person you are helping, but only to assist them with a subconscious awareness of opportunities and choices. The combined experiences of real life and night school qualify us to be there to help, and you were sent by Divine direction to do this. This also means that you have your guardian Angel with you, and are directly wired to greater help which will be there instantly if the thought crosses your mind that you need it. This means Holy Angels are called to help you and the situation.

(3). Items from the stream of consciousness: Living on earth encases us in a vibratory soup of subatomic particles – we are intrinsically linked together, every part of us resonating with everything else. But the connection goes even further than that; we emotionally feel subtle and tremendous inflections in our very soul. It is that same place that mystics have been saying throughout time, that “we are all One.” It is that same connection that we have with one another at all times, it makes no difference whether we are asleep or awake. When we are just about to sleep, or just coming out of it, there are opportunities to be very conscious of this stream, and to literally see it in front of our eyes; sometimes like sheets of rain in a storm, or big and little dots layered together. It is like a newsreel that runs day and night, with all information from all over the world on thousands of TV sets. All with their volume up and playing out the most dramatic and emotional scenes – which means the biggest bad things, and the best good things.

Why do we have this in us? The same reason we are called to help in guiding dreams – to make a difference in the world. The stream of consciousness is a place of awareness for us, and connection to God and one another. It is not technically a dream, but we may think it is when we are half-way in between awake and asleep; we see many situations and very quickly move between them. Remember that when we see things that are not the way they should be our desire to make it better helps it to do just that. There are children born who work in this picture-within-a-picture all the time, and depending on how big the picture of the stream is, decides how much they can function in the “real” world versus the one they are actively participating each moment. What we consider day-dreams can come from here too.

(4). Visits from the other side: You would probably feel scared if your dead great-great grandmother appeared in front of you right now; and because of the fear, the bigger picture for the visit may not get through. This is the reason why Angels and spirits (different than ghosts who have not yet gone to God) do not appear very often, since they do not want to make us afraid. When we are asleep is the best time to say “Hi!” and tell us what we need to know, or even to have full conversations. This is also why most visitations occur shortly after a loved one’s death, because they want to let you know they are OK, so you can be comforted that they are not really gone. Visits can also occur from the other side in negative ways, with visits of beings that want to scare us, make us feel helpless or hopeless or make us think that if we don’t do certain things that bad will befall us. These will sometimes even appear like a loved one or a Holy Angel or even God. But these are fallen Angels, also called unHoly Angels or demons. When God made Angels he made them with free will, and some unplugged from his Love. How can you tell the difference? There are things that you can do.

Before you go to sleep at night, include in your prayers that no unHoly Angels may come near you, talk to you or cause any harm. Also, if you forget, simply remind yourself in your dream to ask one question of them, and no matter what they appear to be, the truth will be known. No matter what religion you are, ask “Do you love Jesus Christ now?” It is important to add “now” because at one time they all did, as part of one big Angelic brotherhood. The one who came to be known on earth as Jesus Christ had a pre-human existence, and was the firstborn son of God. All the Angels know who he is, what responsibilities he was given, how they were fulfilled, and the expanded power and authority he has now. If they are truly who they appear to be, they will answer “yes,” if not, they will give all kinds of excuses, or curse, or try to scare you, and all you have to do is call in the Holy Angels who will protect you.

(5). Prophetic Dreams or Messages from God: These can be prophetic dreams telling of something coming up that we need to be aware of or make certain choices in (there is no such thing as fate). Or they can be outright messages to us from an Angel, from Jesus or an appearance of God himself. These are usually very BIG feeling dreams, and are rarely seen as anything else than what they are by the dreamer. A person may have none or several in a lifetime, but they are always considered life-changing and very real. They are easy to remember even years after they occur. They also happen to people who may not consider themselves very spiritual or religious, or to people who think they never dream. But when they happen they know it, and recognize that it is different than anything else they have ever experienced.

(6). Memories from previous lives: These can happen in two different ways. We are born with a veil in place that does many different things; one thing is a cover over our previous lives so that we can concentrate on the one at hand and not fret about what we should have done in a past one. When God lifts the veil, it is to reveal times of encouragement for us of our successes even in the midst of great difficulty. But if we have gone to someone for “past life regression,” we have opened a big can of worms and can have all sorts of things come up that are distressing and distracting. Openings in the veil are most clear during sleep, and the memories are seen as dreams. These can occur as day-dreams as well.

(7). Scattered downloads and sorting from the day and memories from this life: This category is where you will find written all the self-help books about deciphering dreams. And though this is where most of people’s energies seem to go, it is actually the least important category of all. The purpose of these dreams is simply to help sort, shuffle and organize the mind’s input and connection. It may be a mixture of all kinds of things – TV, worries, stories, etc. Although these dreams are a linking between mind and spirit, there is little here worth remembering or applying to our conscious lives, and are really just remnants we may or may not remember viewing ; mostly jumbled scenes which make very little sense.

So there are basically seven kinds of dreams that we have, and most are remembrances of the rich and wonderful spiritual life that we accomplish while our physical body sleeps. And we can also experience whatever is Divinely in place for us for the night, or we may also ask for a specific kind of dream. For example, we may request to have a “fluffy” dream that is light, joyful to help us shift more easily from the often stressful “guidance” dreams, so that would be the last thing on our minds before awakening. Never feel that you are not doing enough in your life, the bigger plan is already in place; God can utilize us even while we rest. Dreaming is hard work but wonderful, so never feel guilty that you need your sleep!

Identifying a Haunting-a checklist and solutions

Are you, a loved one, or your home being haunted? What kind of invisible presences cause a haunting? What are the identifying signs of a haunting? And most importantly, how can you end it? While there are many TV shows and local ghost hunting groups around the country today, most of these only identify activity in an area and few know how to make unwanted activity cease. Since there are many things to consider when cleansing an area once a haunting is discovered, this information gives an identifying checklist and also acts as a core article linking to several related articles detailing solutions.

When looking into whether you are being haunted there are several factors to consider. Most notably, what is exactly causing the problem? There are three main manipulations that can occur to try to intimidate or cause fear. These can be angry ghosts, manipulated ghosts (ghosts given power by the unHoly Angels), or in more severe cases, the unHoly Angels themselves (demons).

There are many people who have skill in identifying a haunting problem but far fewer who can solve the problem. Even those who have the gift of seeing, hearing or feeling the other side can be fooled into thinking it is only a small problem when in essence there is much greater danger. And while this is not about religion, very often it is necessary to have a faithful Holy person experienced in spiritual warfare in the forefront doing the necessary prayers. Basically when a man or woman steps up for the deeper work and becomes ordained, it gives a different arrangement with the Holy Angels and they get more heavy-hitters helping them. This is because it is only through the power of Jesus Christ that a true cleansing and healing of the area can take place. All the unHoly Angels were once on the side of God and Christ, but through time many have fallen away by willful disobedience. Now they are now looking to cause as much fear and destruction as possible, harming people, the environment and even attempting to hurt God by harming that which He created and loves. So no matter what religion a person may or may not be, the demons know the power of Christ and who he is, and it must be by this name that the deeper work be successfully accomplished.

While there are many prayers that any of us can do since we are all children of God, here are some examples of work that should only be addressed by an ordained person: most deliverances, all exorcisms, manipulated ghosts and demons, closing portals and removing curses; and many different kinds of blessings, such as land blessings and making sacred ground. Please keep this in mind when going through the checklist below, and do not hesitate to ask for help when all signs point to something more than a simple ghost, energy dusting or house blessing.

Those who have the gifts of intuitive or psychic ability may be able to sense an entity, but it is much more important to have clear discernment of what the presence actually is! There are many presences that do not haunt that we may sense as well. Without a doubt, a Holy Angel is a definite presence that you will positively recognize when one is near – the power, comfort and love is undeniable. A spirit is a person who has gone to God’s love after death and now has free ability to visit as they please. And although our physical body may experience a healthy spirit presence in ways similar to other beings (cold spots, hair standing on end, heightened awareness) there is not an extreme level of fear, since your soul is inwardly aware of the helpful and loving nature. An energy dusting is not a presence at all, but a layering of high energies that has enveloped the area over a period of time. Similar to entering a room just after a heated disagreement, a sensitive person might sense many layers of what had occurred there, but it has nothing to do with a current presence.

But for hauntings, it again comes down to just three basic groups of three beings - a ghost, a manipulated ghost (ghost given power by the unHoly Angels) or the unHoly Angels themselves. It is easy for an unHoly Angel to deceive a person by pretending to be something they are not – including being an innocent child that died, or a harmless ghost that “got stuck.” This is where discernment becomes imperative! The unHoly Angels can cause much more damage and create many more problems if they can masquerade and pretend to be something other than the evil influence they truly are. It is not enough to sense that there is a problem, it is essential to have correctly identified what it is that is causing all the trouble and to cleanse the area of it. It is not automatically fixed just by saying “go to the light,” as so many have found out, even with simple ghost hauntings. (All referenced articles are in full on TiffanySnow.com and at TheFourthHealing.com, please read the article “Ghosts, Spirits and Manipulated Ghosts - The Differences: How to Know What Kind and What to Do”).

For those who see, hear or feel the presence one way that always works is to ask the entity: “Do you love Jesus now?” There is only one correct answer for this - yes. If there is any other answer or even a non-answer or a vague, indirect answer, you are being fooled and you stand against something sinister that is not of God. This has a scriptural basis. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) The best way to test the spirits is asking if they love Jesus now. This identifies exactly what you are dealing with. The unHoly Angels may have loved Jesus Christ before but not after he came down from heaven, lived a sinless life, ransomed all humanity by his death and was resurrected by God, destroying the bondage of death, sin and inequity. The unHoly Angels cannot state that they love Jesus now for they are in a battle against God and Christ. They cannot claim to love Christ now and still be against Him. This is one lie they cannot make (read more in the article “Why Jesus Life is Important Beyond Religion”).

So as you can see, it is imperative to find out who it is that is causing the problem. A ghost may have trouble with this question, a manipulated ghost will definitely have trouble with this question and a demon or unHoly Angel cannot answer this question as a “yes, I love Jesus Christ now.”

If you are given an answer of anything but a yes, you have a situation on your hands. In fact, you may even feel more oppression after clarifying what it is that you are up against. The unHoly Angels seek to do much of their work behind the scenes, and desire not to be identified. They seek to misinform, confuse, manipulate and continue to cause problems. This is why faith and Divine guidance, not fear, wins the day (read the article “Angels and Demons – The Real Story: The Truth Behind the Brotherhood of Angels”). Now you see more completely why it is so important to not just sense a problem, but to identify what it is and to have the tools to know what to do. Compare it to seeing a car pulled over on the side of the road with a flat tire. Yes, even children can recognize that the tire is flat. It is apparent for all to see. Is coming up to the person and telling them they have a flat tire as helpful as removing the flat and putting on a spare? It is about fixing the problem, not just demonstrating there is one.

So how do we identify what is going on? First, let’s consider a scale of fear from 1-10 with a “1” being no fear, and a “10” being so afraid that a person cannot go in or out of the area. In addition to the scale to identify the level of fear, let’s consider some other factors that come into play. The following questions should be answered to the best of your ability:

(1). Does this place create an overall atmosphere of fear? Do you feel uneasy or like you are being watched? What time of the day or night? (3A.M. is a favorite time for evil activity – since it is directly opposite the 3 P.M. death of Jesus) Does this happen cyclically or in an established pattern, including in seasons or times of the month or year?

(2). Do children and/or pets get easily scared here? Are there pets that bark or hiss at seemingly nothing or act in a strange way? For instance, staring off into space at something, or appearing frightened for no apparent reason?

(3). Is it adversely affecting your physical health? Is it a place of physical harm such as bruising, scratches, pressure headaches? Does this interfere with daily life or ability to mentally/emotionally function well? Do you have strange dreams, thoughts that aren't your own or are out of the norm for you, thoughts of anger, fear, harming yourself or others? Does this interfere with your ability to work?

(4). Does this interfere with your ability to pray or hear God clearly? Does this cause strife in your relationship? Do you find you and family members are easily agitated, and perhaps argue more than usual? Is anyone living in the house on strong medications? Does anyone have/or had addictions? Is anyone having anger issues or dealing with unforgiveness issues for past hurts or abuses?

(5). Have things been moved? Are objects suddenly found to have gone missing and then reappear (for example: leaving your car keys on the table, then unable to locate them but later you return and they are right where you had left them)? Is it a place of hearing voices, seeing figures or dark shadows? Do you see movements from the corner of your eye? Are you being touched? Are there strange lights, circular shapes or discolorations in photographs taken around you or in the area of haunting?

(6). Have you or anyone in your family ever dabbled in occult practices? These include playing with a Ouija board, holding séances, visiting a psychic for a reading, Tarot cards, tea leaf reading, etc? Open portals and unHoly invitations can be caused by people dabbling in the occult, whether it is accidental or just kids reading something out of a book or a small group intent on making a supernatural link.

(7). Are there any tools of divination or objects such as idols or carvings that were given/brought from foreign countries that might be dedicated to demonic practices or cults? Have you received/purchased anything, jewelry/furniture/etc. from garage sales, antique shops or other sources where the item history is unknown? Portals can be made through an object, which may be given to another person, thus passing the connections on with it. Whether the person receiving it knows about it or not they have just made a binding contract to the demons by agreeing to accept the gift. Or if a person bought it, to the demon that contract is still as binding to the person who now owns it, as it was from the beginning by the person who first dedicated it through ritual. Not all dedicated items become portals, but the incidence is high (read the article “Portals of Evil – Opening and Closing Them - Do You Own Things That are Harming You?” on the website).

(8). How long has this been happening? Did the previous owner or tenants have similar issues? Do you know of any documented history or previous problems in the home, of a haunted nature or otherwise? Has anyone died on the property? Has there been damage to the property? Have there been any modifications to the existing building or any current construction projects now underway?

(9). Is the house near a gravesite, graveyard, cemetery or burial ground? Has the property ever been blessed by a Priest or other Holy person? Are there any remarkable odors or occurrences of a foul, putrid or rotting smell? Do the lights or electricity act up frequently? Are there unusual cold spots in the house? Are there sounds that can't be logically explained, including pounding, growling or knocking sounds?

Answering yes to one or a few of these questions doesn't necessarily mean you are haunted. But answering yes to many of them definitely means there is something going on that shouldn't be ignored. It is important to understand that even if you only have a ghost, it can attract the unHoly Angels to your home, as the fear that has been generated is something that the demons seem to feed off of, creating even greater fear while seeking to cause more destruction of lives, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Hauntings can also be caused by curses on the land. These can date back hundreds or even thousands of years and can cause a myriad of disturbances. These curses often stem from land disputes, clashes and takeovers and can be as varied as those who make them. Similar to an item dedicated through a ritual, a binding contract is on the land that many people unknowingly inherit. Sometimes there is a central cursed artifact buried on the grounds. Sometimes one or many ghosts (often manipulated) will continue to defend their rights or cause havoc for any trespassers. A priest is needed for these tricky situations.

If a person is haunted, a Deliverance is needed. If you are one being stalked, no matter where you go you will not be able to move away from it, for its attachment is to you, not the house. Prayer is the answer. You can do the prayer of deliverance by yourself, but when an exorcism is needed or there is more against you than you know, or you are confused or wavering in faith, you will need a Priest strong in conviction to assist you in this process of receiving back your freedom. Here is the Deliverance Prayer:

“Father, if there are any unHoly Angels in, on, near or around me, I nail, hold them fast and silence them. I decommission, bind and encapsulate them through the Power of the Shed Blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I bring them up to your presence immediately Lord to deal with as you see fit. May you fill any empty spaces and lonely places within me with your love and your light. Thank you Father, In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Repeat the prayer as often as you feel the need. It calls in the Holy Angels to fight for you, and they always win (read the article “Are You Being Attacked? Deliverance and Exorcism – Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones”).

A house blessing is always essential, it is a dedication of all things to the love of God. Sprinkle Holy water in each room, and anointing oil over each window while reading prayers and scriptures out loud. It is similar to doing a Deliverance on a house instead of a person, so adjust the Deliverance prayer using your authority of home ownership/resident and as a child of God recognizing the power of Christ. Put a crucifix over each door that leads to the outside, and one over each bed. Gather a group of friends and sing uplifting religious songs and call in the Holy Spirit for physical, emotional and spiritual healing on all participants. Receive an offering of communion in the house, and continue to arrange occasions for celebration and joy such as birthdays and anniversaries. Cultivate a prayerful attitude and make a sacred space or altar in the home where you go daily to pray, also making it a place where you arrange things that remind you of wonderful times in your life; for love, joy and happiness are Godly things. Make the darkest places the lightest, both spiritually and with physical lights and lamps. Love Always Wins! We humans need not ever fear being haunted, for the scripture is trustworthy and true: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

What Does God Say? The Truth About Tithing. Is It Always About Money?

Most of us are aware of the passage from Acts 20:35 where Paul is quoting Jesus as saying ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ We know from experience that we feel satisfaction and joy when we give, and most of us would like to give more than we have been able to. But are we under scriptural obligation to give a certain amount, and is it always about money? Really, what is the truth about tithing, and what does God say about giving in general?

Some church authorities teach that tithing is required by God and to be given only to the church. Some say that additional monies can be given to other worthy causes but is not part of your tithe. Other churches say whatever you can give is good enough for God. Some say you should only give to churches or Christian organizations. Some say they do not have to give of their money, but of their time and that’s enough. Others say you do not honor God unless what you give is a sacrifice. But what does God really say? How do we give to God and are Christians obliged to tithe today?

By tradition, a tithe is considered 10% of a person’s income. Most people point to the origin of the tithe as beginning with the Israelites in the Old Testament with the priestly sons of Aaron and the Levities who helped them. They were divinely gifted a tithe of all the Israelite’s agricultural offerings to God. This was so they would be able to keep living and yet fulfill their responsibilities for taking care of God-appointed tasks (Numbers 18:1-32). The Israelites were a pastoral people and the twelve tribes were to inherit land from God, but the Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.” (vs.20) God also stated the Levites would have no inheritance in the land, but would receive the tithe in return for the work they did. (vs. 21,31) Of that tithe the Levites received they were also required to give 10% - a tithe of a tithe. (vs.26)

These were Divine obligations of law that the entire nation, the “descendants of Jacob,” were to obey. There were direct cause-and-effect upon the Israelite people for meeting the requirements of tithing. If they did not provide for the Levities in charge of the Tent of Meeting and the high priests, “the word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi” said that not giving tithes and offerings were the same as robbing God. However, if they did meet the requirements, all the land would see good benefits. “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 1-4) All these things were directed specifically to the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob under the Law of Moses.

However, we are not under the Mosaic Law any longer. We are under a new covenant of grace, through the priesthood of Christ. Hebrews 7:11-8:2 says in part “Now the law (italics mine) requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people – that is, their brothers – even though their brothers are descended from Abraham.” (vs.5) “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come – one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?” (vs. 11) “For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.” (vs.14) “For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. The point of what we are saying is this: “We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.” (vs.8:1,2) Christ fulfilled the laws of the old covenant, “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15)

But are there any examples of tithing that predate the old law? Yes, earlier in the Old Testament, before the Mosaic Law came into being, we also see a tithe being offered, this time by Abraham to Melchizedek. “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis 14:18-20) So are we required to follow that? Melchizedek was not only a priest, but also a king, and a tenth was considered a king’s share. It was not uncommon in early non-Israelite cities for kingly and priestly duties to be performed by the same person. Later, Samuel solemnly warned Israel when they asked him to “appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have,” that among other things, the king “…will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants.” (1 Samuel 8:11-22)

Abraham had many kings come out to visit him, but we do not see him offering ten percent to any other one, so we see that he did not consider it a mandatory response for a royal visit. Nor did he see the gift as a requirement of living on Melchizedek’s land or under his authority in some way. However, he gave nonetheless. Abraham’s response to Melchizedek showed he identified with him as being a priest that served the Lord he himself knew, and his gifting was a joyful act directed to God, not made out of compulsion or a written law. Melchizedek is later spoken of as prefiguring the heavenly king Jesus Christ whose priesthood was not in the order of Aaron but “in the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalms 110:4)

While Jesus was on earth we see him accusing the teachers of the Mosaic Law and Pharisees of hypocrisy in their tithing because they were not practicing what they preached. Outwardly they were only minutely obeying what was required: “You give a tenth of your spices…but you have neglected the more important matter of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness.” (Matthew 23:23). In fact, knowing that he would soon be fulfilling the old law, Jesus summed up the deeper meaning of what God had been teaching through the Law by pointing towards the bigger picture of love. “One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31) Paul repeated this in Romans as well: “The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Roman 13:9-10)

Christ also showed that giving to God is not always about giving money. Remember that even in the beginning, the original form of tithing was the sharing of one’s goods, such as agriculture and farm animals. Jesus underscored that with the Pharisees when they asked: “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Jesus then asked to be shown the coin used for paying the tax, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.”(Matthew 22:15-22) One of the lessons Jesus was teaching was that mere coin was not what pleased God, but that there were other ways Father could be gifted. Something even as small as giving a cup of water to one in need, gives to God. (Matthew 10:42) And when a costly jar of perfume was poured on Jesus’ head instead of it being sold to the poor, he said it was “a beautiful thing to me.” (Matthew 26: 6-13)

Giving was not always about money, but in gifting what the person had that could benefit others, including sharing Divine supernatural gifts given by the Holy Spirit. ^“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) Eagerly sharing was exemplified by Christ’s apostles who were a role model for all who received Divine gifts, such as healing a begging man who was crippled from birth. “Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:1-10)

What are we to give to those in the ministry work? In the New Testament we see the first Christians making freewill offerings without a specific amount required, and giving freely without written law and without compulsion, to aid distressed Christians in Jerusalem. Paul talked about this in 1 Corinthians 16:1: “Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” Besides material gifting, we also see the awareness of giving time to those who wanted to teach more about Christ so the word of God may spread. “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group…So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:1-7, NIV) “Give double honor to spiritual leaders who handle their duties well. This is especially true if they work hard at teaching the word of God. After all, Scripture says, "Never muzzle an ox when it is threshing grain,” and “The worker deserves his pay.” (1Timothy 5:17, 18 GWT)

Indeed, Father Billy and I would not be able to write these articles or survive in the healing and deliverance ministries if it were not for the tenderness and compassion that continues to motivate hearts to gift us with food, money and places to live. And we personally see this blessing as an obligation to lead simple lives with simple needs, so not to put undue pressure upon anyone. “For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29) Even so, this is personally what both of us were called to do, and it is not required by all people of faith, we each have different purposes in the Divine love of God.

For those called to lead a simple life, God has often relied upon the response of people to his Spirit moving upon them to provide for the needs of his ministers. “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.” (Luke 9:1-6) “Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered.” (Luke 22:35) “Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:22-31)

Is giving only honorable to God if it is a sacrifice to do it, if it is almost more than affordable? Some point to this scripture as proof of that. “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44) Jesus was teaching many lessons with this – including that God does not look not at the amount given, but the faith shown. This falls in accord with the lessons given in many other scriptures. For example, Paul was encouraged by the rich generosity of the Macedonian churches who helped the Christians in Jerusalem, and shared with the Corinthian church what they had done: “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-4) Yet Paul did not ask for the same amount of donation that the Macedonian churches gave, but encouraged the same spirit of earnestness and love in what the Corinthians offered. For they had previously started to gather a donation for those in Jerusalem, but had not brought it to completion. “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have (italics mine). Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:7-13)

We are not asked to be in debt so that others may be out of debt, or to starve so that others may eat. God does not require this for our gifts to be honorable to him, but to be aware of treating others how we wish to be treated. “…in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31) We are always to choose love over fear, and not worry about storing up amounts of items for ourselves (Mark 12:13-21), and conversely, not to sow in a way that puts us in a place of lack and need. It is about awareness of equality, and giving to others as they have the need, and receiving from others as we ourselves have the need, and to do neither without guilt, but with a cheerful heart. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) Even with the daily gathering of the manna in the desert during the Israelites forty years of wandering, “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.” (Exodus 16:17,18; 2 Corinthians 8:15) There was an equal distribution made so that the young and strong who might have collected more could share with the aged and weak. The extra of some was a ministry of blessing for the deficiency of others, yet both were expected to work to the full ability they were able, which is each one’s “full measure.” This is the true meaning of: “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) We are to do our utmost in what we put our hand to do, and this only has to do with only our own personal ability, not in regard to competition with what others may do or give.

Many churches today strongly imply a “prosperity-theology” that if sacrificial gifting is made, or tithing given whether a person is able to or not, that this ensures that God will make sure to not only give back the amount that was given, but to greatly increase it. These churches may even promote letters or testimonies of members who received a raise at work, an unexpected check in the mail, or other financial wind-fall. Some of these churches go so far as to teach that God blesses those who tithe and curses those who don’t. But what about those who don’t receive the boon they were expecting? This can lead to many problems that can damage faith, including thinking they are not good enough to be heard by God, or promoting suspicion between mates about undisclosed sinful practices. Outsiders are often quick to blame a lack of faith or a variety of moral failures. But is this correct? While we all know it feels good to give, whether through money, materials or time, we also know deep in our hearts that it is not about how good we are, but about how good God is. If we believe a prosperity-theology, we set ourselves up for attack by the unHoly fallen Angels. We become a prime target for expecting only good to happen to us in an evil world. We are not Christians because it makes our life easier – we are Christians because we love God and desire him. This was one of the original issues that Satan brought up about Job and all of mankind, that we only come to God out of what we can get from him. (Job 1:1-12) However, when we love God we do not treat him like a celestial Santa Claus that we expect gifts from for being good throughout the year. The serenity and peace that comes from doing God’s will and helping one another is a spiritual reward in itself, and one that God blesses how he sees fit, which may not be the same way we think it ought to be. It is not always about material things. We must not think that we can bribe God by giving. Our personal relationship with our heavenly Father is based on so much more than this.

Are we to give only to Christian organizations? No. Reflecting the love of Christ is about caring and sharing with all others, and this includes gifting the environment as well. Be led by prayer and compassion and you will gift as Spirit leads. “God has given us life and breath, to all who recognize him, and equally to those who don’t. As Jesus said, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45) “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” (Matthew 5:44-47) “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27) “Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” (Acts 10:4 – note that it does not say “Christian poor”) “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (excerpts from Matthew 25:34-40)

What about use of a person’s time instead of a given monetary value? Simply put, it is always about offering our best to God. Father blesses all acts of charity, whether it is time or money or other gifts, he knows what the heart of the person is and what their ability is measured out to be. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 italics mine) Note that even the rich were encouraged to do more than be generous, but to “do good,” and “be rich in good deeds.” For most of us, giving our full measure means that we are capable of doing more than writing a check, we can also physically give of our time. In any community there are a variety of wonderful ways to volunteer, and each time we do so we put Christ’s love into action in our own corner of the world, and the light and love of God expands.

Even with giving of our time, there is need for prayer and discernment, and letting God’s Spirit lead us to where and what is the most needed at the time. This means that if we are healthy and have some currency, we may be led to give of both in a week, or one or the other – let it be up to God to decide. Gone are the days when people could take care of their needs by what they traded or made. There are electric bills, water bills, transportation costs, and many other needs that can only be taken care of by monetary contributions. So while we may be tempted to think that donating a few hours at a soup kitchen is all we need to do, remember again that God knows the heart of the person and what each of us is capable of. And never are we to compare ourselves to what someone else is doing, or be tempted to give only for an end result of attention or honor by men. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:2) It is always about being honest with God and offering the best reflection of Christ’s love that we can, whether it is in word, or deed, or currency.

We are given a good example of the need for honesty in our giving by an example of the early Christians in Acts. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:44,45) “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 4:32-35) Yet a man named Ananias together with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property and donated only a part of the selling price to the church although they claimed to have given the whole amount. It was not about the amount of money - they could have held back whatever they chose. But they were dishonest with God with what they gave. Led by the Spirit of God, Peter confronted them about their dishonesty, and immediately they “fell down and died.” (Acts 5:1-11) God is not one to be mocked, he sees our hearts and knows the good we are capable of, and expects Christ-like behavior from us and for us to respect and love one another.

True generosity is one of the marks of being a follower of Christ, and when led by prayer, is a very real way our hands become God’s hands to bless the world through Divine love. All we have received and have is because of God’s generosity and love in the first place – he is only asking us to share with one another what we were already given. Know that whatever way you are led to give, God smiles upon your generosity and you will receive his blessing, whether you are readily aware of it or not. And this expression of love is by giving of our time, goods or currency by a cheerful heart, and not out of compulsion or even monitored by a specific percentage of your income – it must be motivated by love. “If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing….And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) So why are we asked to give this offering of love? “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)