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Diana Pulliam

Although I’ve been a Christian since the age of 22, it wasn’t until 2008, while going through an especially trying time, that I asked God what He intended for my life. I told Him I wanted my life to give Him Glory, but didn’t see how it was making any difference at all for His kingdom. I asked Him to not hold anything back, I wanted it all – EVERYTHING – He intended for me, that I would do whatever He told me to do.

Two weeks later, during my quiet time with the Lord, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Clean your house and write.” In 2011, I started the blog http://themightyhandofgod.com/ as a place to write whatever the Lord inspires. I began having dreams and visions in the mid 90’s, mostly about things the Lord wanted to relay to me regarding personal issues. But the last few years, they have become almost exclusively about the times in which we live.

What Do the Blood Moons Mean to You?

                If you’ve listened to the news recently, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about the “Blood Moons.” I know when I first heard the term, I paid no attention whatsoever. But as I heard it talked about more and more, I quickly learned the term didn’t come from religious extremists spouting some fanatical theory, but is actually a term originally coined “Blood-Red Moon” by NASA.  A Blood Moon is the total eclipse of the moon and happens when the earth comes in a straight line between the moon and the sun.  All the solar rays are blocked, and as the sun shines through the Earth’s atmosphere, a red shadow is cast on the surface of the moon.

          Most of us have likely seen a partial lunar eclipse, because they happen every once in a while. But TOTAL lunar eclipses are rare, with only 4 to 5 TOTAL eclipses appearing any place on Earth in a decade.  But a lunar tetrad is even more rare.

Lunar Tetrad

                A lunar tetrad is a series of four TOTAL lunar eclipses in a row with intervals of 6 months in between.  They’re so rare that the 21st century (from 2001 to 2100) will only have 8 tetrads. And there were absolutely no tetrads in the 1600’s, the 1700’s, or the 1800’s!  But what’s making the tetrad we’re in the midst of right now of such importance is the fact that each of the eclipses are occurring on a “Moed” (appointed time) of God’s Sacred Calendar. This has only happened eight times since the time of Jesus.  In addition to the series occurring now, there have only been three others within the last 500 years! There are several reasons the lunar tetrads landing on God’s sacred calendar dates should demand our attention. Continue reading “What Do the Blood Moons Mean to You?”

Don’t Just Sit There – Do Something!

          Watching what’s happening in our world today can be very discouraging and downright scary.  But feeling helpless, thinking there’s nothing we can do about it, makes it even worse. As Christians, we’re not supposed to just sit there. Jesus has given us our marching orders – and there’s plenty to do!

 As a Christian, YOU Can Make a Difference!

           Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” He said we are not to be hidden, but put on a stand – to give light to everyone.  “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16).   As the world around us grows darker, the Light within and flowing from us will appear brighter and brighter to the world – just as light emanating from a flashlight isn’t visible until it’s placed in a dark room.  I believe a time is coming when those terrified by the darkness will come running towards the Light! Continue reading “Don’t Just Sit There – Do Something!”

What’s So Scary About the Message of Jesus?

          Have you wondered about the increased persecution of Christians taking place around the globe? What’s with this urgent need to silence their voice? Even the mention of Jesus’ name can get you locked up or executed in many countries. In the United States, chaplains in our military are now being told not to pray in the name of Jesus. In our schools and other public forums, the name of Jesus is no longer welcome. What’s happening? What is it about Jesus that scares this world so?

          If you listen to Jesus’ message, it becomes abundantly clear who should be frightened by it, and why they’re trembling in their boots right now. Continue reading “What’s So Scary About the Message of Jesus?”

How Dangerous Are You?

          Have you ever thought about what makes a Christian dangerous to the devil? It’s the Word of God in their heart! Satan knows that Word can stop him dead in his tracks and thwart all his plans. So what is the tactic Satan always uses against the Christian?

           The favorite tool of the devil is Distraction.  If he can create a diversion of some sort, enough to get your eyes off that Word and focused elsewhere, he can go in and steal the Word, uproot it right out of your heart before it has time to take root. Continue reading “How Dangerous Are You?”

I’m An Alien!

                While getting ready for work one morning, I was listening to a minister on TV as he talked about Jesus’ admonition to Martha. Jesus was speaking words of life to those gathered around, while Martha was consumed with the preparation of the meal. She was upset that her sister Mary wasn’t helping. Instead, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His every word. But when Martha asked Jesus to have Mary come help her, Jesus said, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” The minister’s question was, “What if Martha had also chosen to sit and listen to Jesus? Who would have provided dinner for the group?” The minister maintained they could have eaten from the banquet table of heaven – just like the feeding of the five thousand. Now that is totally out there, and completely foreign to our humanly way of thinking.

              But if you think about it, most of what Jesus said is foreign to our way of thinking.  Were we to really believe what Jesus said, and live as Jesus lived, we’d appear as aliens to the world around us!

              If you’ve ever seen an episode of the ‘Mork and Mindy’ show, it’s similar to the dilemma in which a true Christian finds himself. Mork was from another planet, and in order to function on the Earth, his old way of thinking and doing had to change. The entire series was about him adapting to the earth’s way of doing things, just so people wouldn’t know he was an alien. Although there are similarities between Mork’s situation and that of a Christian, there are vast differences.

             Mork was told to conform and fit in with this world, Christians are told not to do so.  Continue reading “I’m An Alien!”

Use Your Weapon

God has given us all we need. Everything to do with our salvation has already been provided; it’s a finished work. As Jesus’ followers, we’re to stand in the victory he’s already won. Yes, Satan is still roaming about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour – until he’s deposed at Christ’s return. But when he comes across a Holy Spirit filled believer, one that skillfully uses his God-given weapons, he’ll flee like the cowardly, toothless, pretend-lion that he is. Continue reading “Use Your Weapon”

Our Identity in Christ

          Those of us who are born-again followers of Jesus Christ are no longer just mere men. We are now citizens of Heaven, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). Sin and death no longer have dominion over us, because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins – our debt is paid in full, we have been redeemed!

Where Is Jesus?

          Jesus has been highly exalted and given a name above all names, and at His name every knee should bow (Phil 2:9-11). When God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, He set him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITY, and POWER, and MIGHT, and DOMINION, and EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED. And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the HEAD OVER ALL THINGS to the church.

Where Are You?

          Jesus’ position of setting as head over all that exists greatly affects us, because we are in Christ! Eph 2:4, “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…” 

          Not only is Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father and given authority over all, but we are seated with Him! And notice Jesus has been appointed to be the head over everything for the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him…. Eph 1:23.  He is the head and we are his body on the earth. We are acting on behalf of Jesus in the affairs of this life.

The Victorious Ones

          When we realize and understand our position and identity in Christ, we can walk this earth in His victory! He has made us more than conquerors! (Rom 8:37). Jesus said he has given us authority to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). It’s a done deal. Jesus has already won the victory for us! We just need to walk in it – be enforcers of His victory!

          Once believers awaken to their identity in Christ, they realize how complete the plan of redemption really is. They understand there is no war to be waged against Satan and his hosts, because they have already been dethroned, conquered, and deprived of their power. The Church is the triumphant one in Jesus! No more defeat for the body of Christ, “Because as He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). Our job is to stand in the victory Christ has already won over our adversary, to be enforcers of that defeat with the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! We are to go forth in the name and by the authority of Jesus, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Hallelujah! Let’s praise the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who through Him, has given us the victory!

 

2HimBeTheGlory!

God’s Boot Camp

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be…” 1 Peter 5:10 Amp.

I’ve come across this verse before, always glossing over it. After all, it’s saying we’re in for some suffering before God makes us into what we’re ultimately going to be. That’s not something I want to think about. But recently I asked God, “Why do we have to suffer a while?” I immediately heard in my spirit, “Basic training is not pleasant.” Then a succession of thoughts began to flow.

When one enters the military, they are not immediately deployed for duty. Before a soldier can be a useful part in the lean, mean, fighting machine of an army, a total transformation needs to take place.

Getting in Shape

Just as a soldier in an army of this world goes through rigorous physical and mental training, so does a Christian soldier in the army of God. The following components are crucial in the transformation process:

Diet – The governments of this world make sure their soldiers are fed a diet to build them up, giving their bodies the nourishment needed to make them strong. So it is with a soldier in God’s army. As Christians, we’re to feed on the Word of God. Proverbs 4:20 says, My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.Rom. 12:2, says the Christian soldier is to be transformed by the renewal of their minds. Because the battlefield for the Christian is in the spiritual realm, once the Word of God has transformed their minds, that same Word will be their offense and defense. “The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12).

Exercise – Both the mind and body need exercise to maintain physical fitness and overall health. Exercise is defined as any movement that works your body at a greater intensity than your normal level of activity. To build muscle, force must be exerted against an opposing force. A soldier in the military will be put through every training exercise you can imagine: hand-to-hand combat, running, swimming, weapons training, along with making sure you have the proper battle gear on at all times.

A soldier in training for the army of God is trained in much the same way. Paul talked about the training process and likened it to training for a race. “Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain….Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training…. I keep under my body and bring it into subjection…” (1 Cor. 9:24-27).   Proper battle gear is also emphasized for the Christian soldier. “…Put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…” (Ephesians 6:11-17).

Follow Your Commander – Just as a soldier in this world’s army must be conditioned to listen for, and follow, the orders of his commanding officer, so must a soldier of God. “Endure hardship like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer” (2 Tim. 2:3-4).  Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Jesus told his followers that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things (John 14:26), and that the Holy Spirit would tell them what is yet to come (John 16:13).  As soldier’s in God’s army, we must listen for, and follow, the instructions of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Will Complete & Make You What You Ought To Be

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be…”

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Philippians 1:6). Every begotten child of God will go through God’s boot camp. His basic training program is individually designed to prepare soldiers for service in the Army of God. Each will live on a special diet of His Word; they will be exercised through various drills and trials; taught to stay in proper battle gear; and most importantly, to always listen for and obey the voice of their Commander.

Yes, basic training may not be pleasant. But without it, the soldier wouldn’t be fit for service. The exciting part is, once the soldier has completed boot camp, he’s ready for deployment!

To be continued….

 

His Place of Provision

This world is full of trouble. There’s danger on every side, whether it be wars or rumors of war between nations, or terrorism in our cities.  It’s as if the world’s gone mad. And the violence is not far from home. Parents are killing their children, and children killing their parents. Let’s face it; most of us wouldn’t dare go for a walk alone after dark. If that’s not enough, even the earth itself, and the atmosphere around it, seem to be reeling in turmoil and agony. Every day there’s something in the news about another earthquake, hurricane, flood, or tornado that’s wrecked havoc in the lives of many. Tragedies in themselves are bad enough, but the fear and anxiety felt in the aftermath of such events is just as devastating.

Listening to television interviews, or just standing in line at the grocery store, reveals the panic and sense of dread many people feel over what’s happening in the world. Everyone is anxiously trying to figure out what to do to protect themselves, whether it’s finding a job, having sufficient retirement, health care, or just providing for their family’s basic needs.  If they could just find a shelter, a safety net of some kind, to see them through the storm they’re going through, or the one up ahead they fear may come their way.  But there is good news. Shelter and safety is available. There’s a place where all your needs will be met, a place to ride out any storm that may come your way.

Where Do You Live?

 

God promises His people protection and provision all through the scriptures. That protection is based on where you live – on where you dwell.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest under the shadow of the Almighty.” This person will say, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust” (Psalm 91:1-2).  Notice, there is no panic. The individual who dwells in the presence of God knows and trusts that his safety and provision come from God. He knows he’s not dependant on any person, weapon, or earthly government. It doesn’t matter what war breaks out, or if a terrorist decides to attack his city. It doesn’t matter if a sickness or plague sweeps over the earth, or if the biggest storm ever known to man begins heading his direction.

The Christian who dwells in the secret place of the Most High knows God will deliver him from any trap, disease, war, or destruction of any kind (verse 3-6). Even if a thousand fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; it will not come near you (verse 7).  Why is this? What’s the difference between those who are protected and those who are not?

Because you have made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation; there shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling” (verse 9). It’s the individual that looks to God as his refuge and defense, and dwells with God night and day.  He lives and walks in the presence of his creator.  He doesn’t just visit God on Sunday, but lives and communes with Him daily.

Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high…he shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him” (verse14-15).

Yes, there is a place of safety and shelter. There’s a place where all your needs will be met, a place to ride out any storm that may come your way. It’s available to all who live in the safety shelter of God.  No need to fear anything – ever again!  And the best news of all – EVERYONE is welcome to come to this shelter! No one will be turned away.

ToHimBetheGlory

 

Why the Church?

I used to think the Church was just a club of folks that got together to talk about Jesus; a place to go and hear some good advice about how to live a better life, and find out how to be a better person. Although all that is correct, the true identity and purpose of the Church is a jaw-dropper, and will shock the average person, not to mention many Christians.

If one wanted to know about the purpose of the Church, it would seem logical to go to the leader, the one who instituted the group in the first place; the one who gave the marching orders so-to-speak. Since that would be Jesus Christ, we need to know what he had to say about his followers. What did he say they were to do? And what was his vision for their future?

Jesus said in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these…” So Jesus’ followers are to be doing what He did – and even greater things than Jesus did! Then clearly, if we know what Jesus did, we’ll know exactly what we’re supposed to be doing.

Jesus’ disciples were with him day in and day out and witnessed first-hand His mighty works. Peter said in Acts 10:38, “…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil…” Rom 11:22 says we are to continue in His goodness. Jesus went about preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God everywhere he went. As he came upon the oppressed, he touched their situation. 1 John 3:8, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” When He came upon the hungry – He fed them; when He came upon the blind – He restored their sight; when He came upon the sick – He healed them; when He came upon the dead – He raised them back to life.  Jesus’ followers are to do the same thing – and even greater things!

Right after the resurrection of Jesus, just before He was taken into heaven, He told his disciples what they were to do and how they were going to do it:

1) His followers were to preach the gospel as He did, Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”

2) Jesus said signs and wonders would accompany the preaching of this gospel, verse 17-18, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and the sick will be made well.”

So the Church is to carry on the ministry of Jesus! As He did, so are we to do. But how can this be? How can mere men carry out the work of the Living God?

The Church is Clothed with Power

As Jesus was giving instructions to His followers, He told them, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” So, just as Jesus repeatedly told the crowds, it wasn’t Him doing the works, but His Father in Heaven, so it is with the Church.  After Jesus was taken into heaven, the saints went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. In Acts 4:29-30, the disciples prayed that they would be able to preach the word with boldness, and asked that as they did God would, “Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” We know from reading the remainder of the New Testament that God honored those prayers. Acts 14:3, “…for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.” God performs mighty miracles to back up the gospel message. But Jesus said his followers would perform greater works than Him.

Greater Works Than These Shall They Do

Jesus was taken into Heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God. He is to remain seated at the right hand of God until something very significant happens. Matt. 22:44, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Heb. 10:12-13, “…after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.” We know Jesus has already defeated Satan the devil, and has stripped him of all authority, taking the keys of hell and death from him. The next step is for Satan and his hordes to be disposed, to be trampled underfoot and made a footstool for our King. The Church, Jesus’ body on the Earth, will attend to that task!

Jesus gave His Church the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). The saints are the over-comers. They are the ones who trample Satan underfoot in these last days.  The saints of the Most High God will overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony.

Rain is Coming

In several places throughout scripture, the former and latter rains are mentioned. The prophets of the Old Testament referenced those rains to be sent by the Lord. The latter rains are to be greater than the former.  The Holy Spirit poured out and made available on the day of Pentecost is the first (former) rain. There is another rain, a much greater rain, to be poured out on the Church in these last days. This great outpouring of the Holy Spirit will enable the Body of Christ to dispose of the devil – to completely trample him underfoot. Jesus’ enemies will be made His footstool. Then our Lord will stand! And that great white horse will be brought to Him.

Hallelujah! Praise to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The Church is to be doing exactly what Jesus did while on the Earth, covering the globe with His message, destroying the works of darkness along the way. The Church is to occupy until Jesus comes back. We are to beat down the works of darkness and trample them underfoot – making the enemies of Jesus His footstool.

Let’s be about our Father’s business. While we’re at it, let’s keep our eyes on those approaching clouds. Looks like heavy rain is heading our way.  Wait…, look!  It’s starting to sprinkle!

 

ToHimBetheGlory