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RaptureTok 2025 - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) September 30, 2025

Sep 30, 2025

5 min read

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the Lord gave me a prayer point for our gathering that day. It was unexpected, and I wasn't sure how to pray at first. The prayer point was about the spirit of deception. It was later that day that I understood why. I found out that people were caught up in the swell of 'Rapture Tok' and believed the day of the Lord was upon us.

It is a week later, and many are discussing the issue. All I will say is the following. RaptureTok is a reminder to be a disciplined student of the Bible. We have to study God's word so we know, firsthand, what it says. Yes, God speaks through dreams and other means, but He will never tell us something that contradicts His word. After all, He magnified His word above His name (Psalm 138:2, KJV). And if He says something and we don't know where it is in His word, He is so gracious that He will lead us to scripture. He does this because He does not want His children deceived by satan and its acolytes. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 says they pretend to belong to the light of God, and it is only through God's truth that they can be identified.

RaptureTok has also highlighted the need to seek and submit to the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Ghost's job is to remind us of what Jesus taught. As I saw videos of people speaking about the Rapture on September 23rd, one scripture came to mind by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 24:36 - “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. If Jesus is unaware of the exact day He will return to commence the beginning of the end, then why do we think that we, mere humans, will know the date? That verse is in the Bible to help God's children dismiss anyone who claims to know when the Rapture will come, and it is the Holy Spirit's job to remind us of such godly wisdom.

Many of us do not realize that not every spirit is from God. However, we are taught in 1 John 4:1 - 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. Also, we are told to seek the gifts of the Spirit, one being the ability to distinguish between spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10). This reveals that some people are speaking by the influence of unclean spirits, not the Spirit of God. The more we spend with the Lord in prayer, fasting, praise, and Bible study, the more we receive grace to operate in this discernment. And the more experience we have at applying this gift, the more God can use us as vessels to keep others from becoming victims of the spirit of deception. This can't happen when disobedience, idolatry, spiritual adultery, and other sins have control over us.

On this matter of the spirit of deception, I encourage us all to read about Prophet Micaiah and his experience with King Ahab in 1 Kings 22. There, the Bible shows that a spirit of deception was sent by God to effectuate a hard reset in the Kingdom of Israel's leadership. The spirit spoke through the king's 'prophets' save for one true prophet of God - Micaiah. But King Ahab didn't listen to Micaiah, whom he hated. And since no word of God will ever fail, Ahab died, despite what his 'prophets' had said would happen. One might wonder why God would use this approach, but never forget, God's ways are beyond our comprehension. Plus, Isaiah 54:16 says that God created the destroyer to wreak havoc for His purpose. Thus, it is God's right to do whatever He likes. He is God all by Himself, and He is just.

Is it possible that with RaptureTok, God allowed a spirit of deception to wreak havoc for a reason? Even if only to reveal to people (including the pastors and prophets who believed) that they have been under the influence of such a spirit? Or maybe to reveal that the pastors and others who heralded this recent Rapture 'prophecy' might not be His servants after all? Could it have been to show how satan seeks to ridicule God and His Son through bringing mockery upon the faith? Maybe God allowed this to reveal those who claim to be Christians but are now mocking those who were deceived, forgetting that Christians are to speak graciously. Only God knows, but each of us must go to the Lord for insight as to what He wants us to learn from this recent episode.

It is my sincere prayer that by the grace of God, any blindspots that are hidden in our spiritual life will be exposed and the Lord will patch things up for us. I pray that all of us will dig deeper into the soil that is God and His Word, so we are well-rooted and cannot be washed away by the lies and deception satan uses to steal, kill, and destroy. Remember, satan schemes to take advantage of a person's innocent desire to serve and honor God. And where it can - if that person fails to obey God - it will. The Lord God will help us all and keep us in His service (Philippians 2:13). By His grace, He will make us blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, so we are not missing from the number that walk triumphantly into heaven, IJMN, Amen.

PS: If you have questions regarding RaptureTok, feel free to ask. The Bible teaches that iron sharpens iron. Situations like RaptureTok provide believers an opportunity to take a frank look at ourselves and our community. They also allow us to discuss without being hypercritical of others, as we remember that we are saved by grace, and not our works. Anything else would be hypocritical and prideful. To God alone be all the praise; it is only by grace that the web of deception has not destroyed us.

PPS: Rapture is indeed coming, and no man will know the hour of its arrival. Give your life to Christ, receive the Holy Spirit, and start living as one who truly anticipates Christ returning at any time. That is the key way to not be deceived by fake prophecies, demonic teaching, and wolves in sheep's clothing that may or may not be tied to the rapture. God bless you.

As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, learn more from these previous P&P messages:

The 'Rest Round About' Blessing - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 26, 2025

P L U N D E R E R

Sep 26, 2025

3 min read

Have you ever heard of the term "rest round about"? It is found in the King James Bible and is a fancy, old English way of saying a person has peace. But as is always the case with God, "rest round about" is deeper than just peace as we imagine it. It's not just the absence of war, but also a victory over a person's opponents that is so conclusive and decisive that their enemy doesn't think to challenge. This is a gift that only God can give. Given the nature of the world today and the way satan has organized its horde to contend with God's children, "rest round about" is a blessing we all need to pray for.

King David was a simple man who tended to his father's sheep when he was young. His existence was flipped upside down the day High Priest Samuel anointed him to be his nation's next king. A young man who'd been treated as the runt of the litter in his household suddenly had a target on his back. The king, Saul, hated him, and even though he became his son-in-law, that didn't stop Saul from trying to kill him for years. In the process, David lost his first wife, was chased into the barren desert, and lived in caves while on the run. He spent over a decade in God's hands, being molded into the king God would later say was pleasing to Him. And one day, the Bible says in 2 Samuel 7:1 - And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies (KJV).

After the turmoil and the tears, God rewarded David with complete victory over everyone who'd challenged him. He no longer had to look over his shoulder. Not only did he have peace, but his people also enjoyed "rest round about' during his reign. The promises of the Lord had come to stay, and he could finally worship the Lord in peace. The privilege of this blessing stretched beyond David's reign into that of his successor, King Solomon. God not only gave his son a peaceful reign overall, but also granted wisdom, wealth, and more. In fact, the only incursions to that peace arose due to sin. David's sin led to war and division in his family. Solomon bowed to the gods of his foreign wives, and that resulted in his son inheriting a fractured and diminished nation, ruling over 2 tribes instead of twelve.

And that is a lesson we must all keep in mind. God is more than able to grant us "rest round about" and it is a generational blessing that will extend to our descendants. As long as we serve the Lord and do not turn away from Him, the blessing will remain. Alas, we often bow under pressure and thereby squander the "rest round about" privilege. We cannot forget that God is transactional and has conditions for His blessings. If we stand firm in our faith and do not turn to idols for comfort and provision, then no enemy - not even satan - will be able to stand in our way. Our 'realm' will be quiet, as it was for Joshua and King Jehoshaphat when the "rest round about" blessing arrived for them (Joshua 21:44; 2 Chronicles 20:30). That's also when we'll experience what Jesus promised in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

May God's "rest round about" be your portion and that of your descendants, IJMN, Amen. Come join us today when we will pray for God's "rest round about".

As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, learn more from these previous P&P messages:

Pray, Don't Rant - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) September 23, 2025

P L U N D E R E R

Sep 23, 2025

4 min read

Certain events can trigger our emotions. When those emotions are negative, such as ungodly anger, fear, pettiness, or pride, there is a high likelihood that we will end up ranting. We might call a friend to vent and soon get carried away. Before we know it, we're saying mean things and possibly even exaggerating what happened as we share the story. And the person we're telling is likely on our side, so they join us to 'gang up' on the target of our ire.

To be clear, God doesn't want us ranting about people. The reason is simple. He has told us to guard our hearts in Philippians 4:7. This means we need to let Him help us to keep our emotions stable so that people and things trigger us less. Also, when we rant, we run the risk of speaking recklessly about people God created. People, He likely is working on, just as He is working on us. If God deemed it fit to show that person grace and mercy, should we not do the same? Are we not also recipients of His forgiveness, grace, mercy, and patience?

And when we fail to be careful how we talk about others while ranting, we could gossip or slander, and lie through exaggeration or omission. In addition, when we rant, we tend to complain or grumble, two things God doesn't want us to do. We all must learn to heed the instruction of James 4:17 - If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. God will help us to do what we know we should so that we grow in righteousness.

The most dangerous thing about being comfortable with ranting is that we may come to the Lord ranting instead of praying about people and situations. How many of us have gone before the Lord with the intention to pray only to end up ranting about someone or something? Yes, God has told His children to bring their burdens to Him (Psalm 55:22). He is kind and patient. He understands that humans hurt and that we will sometimes speak out of that pain. Jonah and Elijah did. God was gracious with them and remains so. That loving kindness means that even when we rant, He can and does show compassion (Romans 9:15). He instead pulls us into Him to receive comfort.

We, nevertheless, should not replace praying with ranting. Psalm 100:4 contains the heavenly protocol for entering His presence. We are to approach with thanks and praises. This not only pleases Him, but helps us focus less on the problems and more on the Problem Solver. Philippians 4:6-7 also tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. /And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If we are to set our anxiety aside, it is best to put our anger and rantings aside when coming before the King of kings. In some cases, we would be more effective if we set emotions aside & pray instead. Let's be honest, that is often not easy. Imagine seeing or hearing about the unfair treatment a defenseless child receives, for instance. Most people will get angry. And yes, that righteous indignation might be a justified and valid point to pray from. But if a negative emotion will spur an uncontrolled venting session or some other sin rather than focused petition, then it may be best to calm down and be effective when we approach God.

Another reason why we should be careful how we vent our frustrations is that we may be overlooking the truth that the situation we faced was allowed by the Lord for His greater purpose. Believers often confess that all things are working together for their good per Romans 8:28. However, when something goes wrong and we start ranting, we effectively negate that scripture's promise. In so doing, we are telling God we don't trust His word to ensure that even the bad things will benefit us in the end. Remember, part of Job's suffering was a way for God to prove he was His servant. God confirmed his calling per 2 Peter 1:10. Some of the things we want to rant about are just God's way of proving we are the right fit for His purpose.

So what do we do? How do we overcome this challenge to turn away from the practice of ranting? Prayer is key. We should pray for grace and strength to emulate Jesus, who pointed out issues without ranting even under the worst circumstances. We also have to invite the Holy Spirit to caution us when we are tempted to veer into ungodly ranting. We should ask the Lord for perspective on the issue or the person involved. That way, we'll receive understanding and can better handle the situation if it repeats itself.

And when we find ourselves ranting, take a deep breath, quickly repent, and turn the complaint into a prayer point. Present what upsets us to the Lord and ask Him to handle it while also helping us to manage our emotions as He's fixing the situation. Keeping a journal to track when we rant in our spoken words, written words, or our thoughts can also reveal patterns about contributing triggers. God wants to help us, and it is time to take this issue seriously. Ranting may be a common practice in the world, but we are citizens of God's heavenly kingdom. By His grace, He will either instantly remove this seed He did not plant or wean it out of us over time, IJMN, Amen.

As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, consider reading the following previous P&P messages: