The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7
As the summer comes to an end, there has been an uptick in rip tide accidents, especially with the horrific incident regarding Malcolm Jamal Warner and Hurricane Erin which hit the east coast recently.
There has been a flood of memories that has overwhelmed me due to my close encounter with rip tides. My sister, niece and I went to Point Pleasant Beach in August. In the timeline, it was right after I had left my whole life behind due to the 2008 recession and one year after starting this blog.
As we entered the beach, the attendant told us to be aware of the harsh rip currents. She pointed to a yellow flag ahead as a sign of caution, which was posted on the beach shore to alert beach goers, as we paid the fee to enter the beach. I didn’t think anything of it since I don’t know how to swim and don’t go into the ocean besides wading by the shore.
It was a beautiful day. It was a picture-perfect, blue sky and light breeze with the salty ocean air blowing the aroma of grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and fries by the nearby beachfront restaurants. It was peaceful and relaxing. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my face. After we ate lunch, we decided to go wading in the water to get cooled off. We dipped our feet in the icy water where the waves hit our ankles with delight. As we stood there, another wave came in. When we looked down, the water covered our knees. We started to laugh and joke. My sister was concerned because she forgot to take off her watch, so she held it in her hand.
Another wave came in and the water was up to my shoulders. I couldn’t believe it. I yelled at my niece, “Get out!” She is autistic and even though she knew how to swim she didn’t realize the danger and was giggling. She was within arm’s reach. It was by the power of God that I grabbed her arm and swung her in the midst of the ocean while the waves were going against her and receding at the same time as I pushed her against the current and told her to run! I started to run as fast as I could. My legs felt like lead as a treaded in slow motion in the water. The ocean took a breath and receded as I looked back for a second and saw my sister on her hand and knees crawling and clawing her nails in the sand. I kept running and did not look back until I knew I had made it to the beach. Another wave came in and when I looked back, I saw two lifeguards pulling my sister out of the ocean. She was gasping, coughing and wiping the water out of her eyes.
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
Psalm 9:1
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41;10
We had nearly drowned that day. We stood in silence staring at the ocean like zombies for the rest of the day. We eventually took a walk along the beach and saw little children building sandcastles and two- and three-year-olds running near the ocean. I wanted to run up to everybody to tell them to get their babies, but I just was silent and numb. We took a walk on the boardwalk and watched the people enjoying the amusement rides, but we had no desire to get on any of the rides. When we arrived home, it was a somber feeling as we shared our experience with my sister’s ex-husband. He was very upset to hear what happened but very thankful that we were ok. I’m reminded of how close we came to losing our lives and thank God that he spared us that day.
What memory are you reminded of that you can give God thanks for today? From a minor event to the most tragic, every day is a day to live with gratitude. The sacrifice of Jesus for the penalty of sin is worthy of His praise and thankfulness for all He has done for us. Whether you are walking through a storm or a season of joy, there is a reason to be thankful and give Him praise!
The Healing Waters and Trees – 1st week of September 2025
The Lord led me to read Ezkiel 47 about two weeks after I posted this story. In the scripture, it describes the exact height of the water each time a wave hit me at the beach. I was able to get out of the water before it was too deep. I absolutely could not believe what I was reading. I never read this before in the Bible. This scripture also reminded me of Psalm 1:3 and Jer 17:8.
Ezk 47:3-12
3 “As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?”
Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
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A few weeks ago, I was crossing the street and my hairbrush fell out of my bag and landed in the middle of the street. I crossed the street just in case a car was coming and then I went to pick up my brush after the last car passed. When I stooped down to pick it up, I lost my balance and fell backwards and landed straight on my back – staring straight up at the sky. It happened so fast that I didn’t even realize what happened.
It took me a minute to gather my thoughts and then I realized I was lying in the middle of the street and had to get up! I looked to the left and a car was further down directly coming towards me. I had a difficult time getting up and realized I had to get both of my bags that was lying in the street. Fortunately, nothing dropped out of my bags which was overflowing with my personal belongings. Although, I hurt my lower back, it could have ended much worse.
Another mishap I had a few months ago, still has me wondering how it happened. I was waiting for the bus in the rain holding my umbrella. Due to damaging winds, my umbrella had a few broken spokes. As I prepared to close the umbrella to get on the bus, my hair got caught in the metal spoke and I couldn’t loose my hair from the umbrella! I started to laugh nervously even though it wasn’t so funny. I got on the bus with the umbrella open as I was bent down trying to loose my hair. I screamed out, “HELP ME, I’M STUCK!” The passengers on the bus just looked at me while I began to laugh as the umbrella spread wide rolling droplets of water in the aisle. I said, “This could only happen to me!” The driver was smiling as a passenger helped me untangle my hair from the umbrella. My hair was tightly coiled within the spoke of the umbrella and it took a few minutes for the passenger to untangle my hair. It was a moment in time that I will never forget.
The last unexpected incident happened when I was walking down the street. I decided to take a shortcut through the grass. Suddenly, I dropped down so fast I thought I was falling into a sinkhole. I screamed so loud as I fell forward, and my bags flung out from the sides of me. I had fallen into a ditch which was the depth the height of my kneecaps. The ditch was covered with grass. I climbed up out of the ditch and shook the dirt off my pants. I was left feeling astonished and a bit irritated. Although these are little, minor mishaps that could have ended badly, when you encounter unexpected occurrences in life, it can throw you a curve ball.
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, twist and turns and unexpected incidents. These incidents range from minor inconveniences to life-changing events which can catch us off guard. How you respond to life-altering events affects your well-being.
How to Deal with Unexpected Occurrences and Turn Them into Opportunities for Personal Growth and Resilience
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
It’s important to remain calm because panic and stress will cloud your judgement. Try to evaluate the situation and determine the resolution of the situation. Clear thinking will help you understand the next steps going forward.
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Embrace Your Emotions
Allow yourself to feel your emotional response when encountering an unexpected incident. You need time to process your emotions. Don’t judge yourself for your initial reactions.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7
Seek Support
Talk with someone you trust who can share a different perspective and offer emotional support and comfort.
A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will ]attain wise counsel.
Prov 1:5
Be Adaptable to Change
Being flexible is so vital to dealing with life-changing events or occurrences. No matter how hard we plan, life can shift in unexpected ways. You should be pliable and open to shift accordingly to change. Sometimes, you will need to change or adjust your schedule, goals, and expectations. Sometimes, new opportunities are hidden in uncomfortable situations and unexpected setbacks. Although you must be adaptable to change, the Lord does not change. He is our hope in times of difficulties.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my [a]strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the [b]horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
Psalm 18:2
Develop a Plan
Identify a solution and multiple options by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of your plan. Remember, do not be hard on yourself if you must try several options before finding the right solution. There is a lesson in every decision and it’s a valid part of the personal growth and self-development process.
“Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
Hab 2:2-3
Take Note of the Lessons Learned
Reflect on the experiences and what you’ve learned. These lessons can help you become more resilient and better prepared for uncertainty and unexpected incidents.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:7-8
Maintain a Healthy Routine
When dealing with overwhelming life occurrences, your health is priority to combatting stress levels. Engage in activities that keep you motivated and relaxed. Take care of your body by eating healthy meals, getting enough rest and scheduling regular exercise into your daily routine. You can never be fully prepared to the unexpected occurrences that life can bring but you can build resilience to face life’s uncertainties.
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Prov 4:20-22
Do you react or respond to life’s circumstances or unpredictable situations? How you handle your emotions in any given situation can be crucial to the next steps or next season in your life. Let the Lord lead you in wisdom as you take two steps back. Pause for a moment. Exhale and move forward. You got this!
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“That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord so that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
As the world continues to move towards end time prophecies being fulfilled in the Bible, we will need the Blood of Jesus to cover, protect and sustain us.
The most powerful gift of living a redeemed life is having the precious Blood of Jesus. He bore our sins and transgressions, sickness and disease and by His stripes we are healed, in Jesus name.
In the last days, we will be challenged to hold onto our hope and full assurance of God’s love for us in troubled times.
In Matthew 24, Jesus states,“For many will come in my name, saying, “I am Christ,” and will deceive many. And, you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.Matt 24:4-7
New Beginnings ✨New Seasons ✨New Era
Whether you are a new believer, backslider, or spirit-filled warrior for Christ, the power of the Blood of Jesus is active and always renewing, replenishing, and covering your life.
The gift of salvation provides a totally transformed life through cycles, phases, and processes of experiences to build your faith, trust and confidence in the Lord. The testing of your faith builds your character so never despise the trials or tribulations that you go through. It is building your strength, endurance and tenacity.
Who said life would be easy? In fact, living a redeemed life is even harder because we live in a fallen world. Not only are we faced with temptation but we are opposing and resisting evil every attack or agenda sent from the enemy. We are going against the grain of the world system.
You can overcome with the power of God, the Blood of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit.
He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me. Psalm 55:18
They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Rev 12:11
Are you not the One who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the sea a road for the redeemed to cross over? Isaiah 51:10
The act of redemption means:
1. An act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake or the state of being redeemed.
2. Deliverance from sin; salvation
3. Deliverance or rescue
4. Atonement for guilt
5. Repurchase, as something sold
6. Paying off, as of a mortgage, bond or note
7. Recovery by payment, as of something pledged
8. Conversion of paper money into specie
Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O’Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bands of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! For thus says the Lord; “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money.” Isaiah 52:2-3
The wind of change is blowing upon us. A new era has begun. It will take the breath of God to transition and position the Body of Christ for the end time harvest of souls. Breathe on us, Lord. Let it be done as it was in the beginning and now of how it shall be.
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.
Eight Powerful Ways That Activates the Blood of Jesus in Your Life
1. Salvation
Jesus washes away all sin and cleanses and purifies your heart and mind while renewing your spirit. He releases all doubt, guilt, and condemnation once you accept His love, repent and confess Him as your Lord and Savior. When you believe by faith, a beautiful transformation takes place in your life. You must come to God in faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and he is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. Heb 11:6
Once you truly activate the power of faith and tap into His abundance of love, you will not want to live, think, act or do the the same things you use to do. You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom 12:2
You will have a heart for God. He will be your priority and your desire will be to live for Him. Whoever wants to be my disciples yet deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life, must lose it but whoever loses their life for my sake shall find it. Matt 16:24-26
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. Gal 2:20-21
You cannot continue to walk in your own power and self-righteousness. Many new converts stumble or backslide because they have a heart or mind filled with conflict from their past or don’t believe God loves them. They feel they cannot be changed because of all their past mistakes. They may still want to embrace the culture of what’s convenient and comfortable for their needs and desires.
It’s all or nothing with God. The Lord would rather you be hot or cold rather than to be lukewarm. Rev 3:16
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:5-8
2. Sanctification
Once you begin transforming spiritually, He will set you apart for His purpose and plan. You will begin to move and speak differently. This new way of being will begin to affect how family, friends and others perceive you.
There will be a cutting away, “pruning” physically and spiritually. The Lord will begin to slice and dice all aspects of your life from the inside out. He will begin to mold and shape your character like Jesus. He will begin to remove people out of your life. The evidence of this transition will impact and disrupt your relationships and your environment. You should never be afraid of the process because God loves you and He wants the best for you so do not resist His plan for your life. Continue to walk in full assurance and faith with understanding and wisdom.
3. Redemption
Jesus rescued us from the plans of the enemy. Jesus paid our sins so we can be set free from sin and death. There was a high cost for Christ to sacrifice His life for our sins. He was persecuted, suffered death and was buried but on the third day He arose from the grave.
Can you think of anyone who would stand in the gap and die for you? Would someone catch a bullet or throw themselves under a bus for your wrongdoings or mistakes?
Jesus fully paid the price of sacrifice and not to acknowledge the cost of His redemption for our sins would be a disgrace.
4. Restoration
When you are discouraged or defeated, frustrated or exhausted, the Blood of Jesus restores hope and provides endurance for life’s journey. He restores rest to the weary and health to the sick. He restores joy in a season of grief. He will refresh and replenish your spirit. He will restore all that was lost and give you victory, if you do not give up.
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of Joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness. That they may be called the trees of righteousness. The planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:2-3
If God is for us, who can be against us?Rom 8:31
5. Justification
Justification is an act of God, who is the righteous judge, to declare a man righteous. Although a man is a sinner and does wrong repeatedly, through a right relationship with God he is viewed as righteous in the sight of the Lord. Another words, he is exempt and all charges are dropped. Justification is not a license to actively sin and do wrong but you do not have to work for righteousness because it’s a free gift for the believer who receives Christ by faith.
The transformation through holiness in a sinner is the process of sanctification.
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Rom 8:33
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. Songwriter: James Hammerly and Robert Lowry
6. Purification
The Blood of Jesus purifies through the gift of Holy Communion. When you repent, your sins are completely forgiven. There is no need to continuously dwell on the past or feel guilty about what you’ve done. Once you accept accountability for your behavior or actions, it’s never to late to change. It’s important to make amends or apologize to others, as well. Regardless, whether others are accepting of your apology or change, the Lord cleanse and releases your bad habits and attitudes, negative thinking or behavior and poor choices, decisions and mistakes. The cross carries the burden so you can be set free to live the life God destines for you to live.
7. Deliverance
Who the Son sets free is free indeed. John 8:36
The act of deliverance is the evidence of being set free physically, spiritually, mentally emotionally, and even psychologically.
In today’s world, there is a host of demonic activity that leads to people being in bondage. Some people are ignorant to the spiritual doors they open while others willfully seek to open these doors. You give Satan opportunity to attack your soul (mind, body, will, and emotions).
If you are a born again believer, Satan does not have the ability to attack your spirit because you are washed in the Blood of the Lamb, however occult involvement such as using Tarot cards, astrology, new age religion, theologies, and practices, witchcraft, voodoo, black magic, clairvoyants, speaking to the dead, and crystals are just some ways you can open the door to darkness.
The results of participating in these types of activities can lead to drugs and alcohol abuse, sinful lustful acts, pornography, adultery, fornication, idle words and cursing, disobedience, idolatry and false religion and worship, violence and suicide. These are some heavy examples that are the nature and results of demonic activity that leads to generational curses of depression, poverty, addiction, sickness and disease.
Lately, there has been a high level of suicides in the nation. Most people immediately think the suicide rate is linked to depression due to the current climate of violence, financial instability, isolation (due to Covid) and other factors such as devastation of loss through natural disasters.
This definitely is a factor and should not be discounted due to the mental and emotional state impacting the person, however people are quick to label depression and mental illness as the problem. They do not consider open doors of demonic activity operating in their lives. They are also quick to medicate their problems without considering their diet or working on the root of their problems. Not all cases of mental illness are psychological.
The continuous struggle in the family breakdown and in our communities, chronic sickness and financial lack and untimely death can also be results from demonic curses.
To break a curse, you must repent and renounce all activity in the Name of Jesus. It’s only by the Power of the Blood of Jesus that can break the yoke of bondage and disintegrate sin and cast out evil spirits.
8. Healing
The Blood of Jesus heals our sicknesses and diseases. He heals our emotions and state of mind. Jesus heals our wounds and binds up transgressions. Oftentimes, we listen to the voice of the world and allow them to dictate our realities of what’s possible. But God is a God of possibilities. Just like open doors of sin can lead to sickness and disease; an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, negative emotions, bitter speech or anger can lead to poor health.
Whatever’s the cause of illness, Jesus heals by faith. The woman with the issue of blood pushed her way through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment and was immediately healed of her ailment of 12 years. The miraculous healing of a blind man whose eyes was restored and the crippled man who was defeated and lied by a pool until Jesus told Him to get up and walk are all evidence of the healing power of Jesus. These stories are not myths, fables, or fairytales. They are evidence of the Bible. I’m a living witness of experiencing my father be healed of diabetes, his eyesight being restored after becoming blind in one eye after a retina detachment. I’ve also experienced my mother’s recovery from a blood bleed on the brain and recovery from a slight heart attack and stroke without any existing conditions.
There is no explanation why some people are healed and others are not but everything that happens is within God’s divine plan. To get through this life, especially as things continue to shift and change in this world, you will need the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ to sustain you in every area of your life. Speak life over your situation and circumstances and shift the atmosphere and your environment, in the mighty Name of Jesus.
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Related Scriptures
The Blood of the Lamb
Exodus 12:13
Now the Blood shall be the sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the Blood, I will Passover you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Rev 12:10
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of the brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
Rev 12:11
And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
Healing by the Blood of Christ
Isaiah 53:5
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
I Peter 2:24
Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
The Lord’s Supper | Holy Communion
Matt 26:26-28
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which was shed for many for the remissions of sins.
Writing with Purpose 