"The Shot Heard Around The World!"

"The Shot Heard Around The World!" "The Shot Heard Around The World!" October 2025 NM Prayer Connect/PATH, NM/COG, NM - El Paso, TX & SWIM, South West Indian Ministries Newsletter! While most will reflect on the start of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, the actual phrase originated in the 1837 poem "Concord Hymn," by Ralph Waldo Emerson, commemorating the events of that day, but on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 250 years afterwards, another shot rang out that will certainly change the landscape of these United States and the battle has been raging around the world ever since! Please bear, tolerate and endure with me, as I seek to enlighten you on the spiritual implications of what I believe is presently playing out in the natural realm, on earth, as it is in the heavenlies. Without stepping off into the weeds and certainly not going into numerology, I hope to give you insights into some biblical meanings in the above-mentioned numbers and those to come. From 1775 to 1837 is 62 years, so if we add 6+2=8 & from 1837 to 2025 is 188 years, so if we add 1+8+8=17, then 1+7=8, so the number 8 in the bible symbolizes 'new beginnings, resurrection, and spiritual regeneration.' It follows the number 7, which represents perfection and completion, signifying what comes after it and seven is exactly what you get when you take the 250 years (2+5=7) from 1775-2025 and that's 5 jubilees! The Hebrew word for "eight" sh'moneh, comes from a root that means "to fatten," connecting it to the idea of abundance. The number 8 often denotes something beyond the normal, such as supernatural events or acts of God's power and in a spiritual sense, the number 8 can also represent finding a balance between the spiritual and material worlds. A sideways 8, known as the infinity symbol, signifies limitlessness, eternity, and infinite possibilities in mathematics and other fields. It symbolizes an endless loop with no beginning or end, representing concepts such as endless love, hope, loyalty, continuity, prosperity, and spiritual wholeness across various cultures and disciplines. The symbol may have been inspired by the Roman numeral 1,000 or the Greek letter omega. Matthew 27:51 And behold, the [a] veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split (NASB). Footnotes a) Matthew 27:51 Or curtain. Geologists have identified a seismic event between 26-36 CE, aligning with the likely historical date of the crucifixion on April 3, 33 CE (a Friday). This quake is estimated to have been significant enough to cause the effects, though exact magnitude; described as severe (rocks split, tombs opened) is unknown due to ancient records, but are supported by geological evidence of a regional event near Jerusalem, Judea (modern Israel). Keep in mind that this is not about idolizing Charlie Kirk, in any way, shape or form, because I truly believe that he would have done nothing to glorify himself, but only point people to Jesus! On the other hand, four fingers and a thumb, as my brother-in-law used to say, his life and death have shown us some similarities with our savior, as should be the case for all followers of Christ. There was an earthquake in Utah, shortly after his death. A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck eastern Utah and the epicenter was at a shallow depth of about 6.2 miles, with reports of light shaking, but no significant damage or injuries. The proximity in timing for Kirk (same day) mirrors the immediacy in the Gospel account, but the scales have yet to have been weighed out in full. Elisha the prophet asked for a double portion of his mentor's anointing, so when he witnessed Elijah, being caught up to heaven in a chariot of fire, he picked up his mantle and according to the biblical accounts, Elisha performed twice as many miracles than his predecessor. Fast forward 849-900 years and Jesus comes on the scene. He told His disciples that they would do greater things than He! As a matter of fact, Hebrews 11, talking about the great women and men of faith, tells us that they are incomplete without you and me and that God has greater things in store for us. Prior to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Turning point had some 900 chapters in high schools, colleges and universities across the US, but almost immediately after his death, there were some 120,000 requests to start new chapters in America and around the world. His memorial service had some 200,000 people show up in AZ (according to police estimates) and some two hundred million views. Not only across America, but around the world, many nations had memorial services, including Australia, South Korea and the UK. Before his passing, I believed America was already in an awakening period and headed for a true spiritual revival, but since, there's no doubt that God sent for The Comforter for all those who were mourning. One doesn't have to go over the edge to realize that the celebration of God's two prophets' deaths, recorded in the book of Revelation, known as 'Satan's Christmas,' is more than possible in this present world of darkness that we're living in, although the bible tells us that Light shines best in the darkness and where sin abounds, (Holy Spirit) Grace abounds, that much more therefore, so put on the full armor of God! A recent Barna poll shows that more Gen-Zs are attending church today than ever in our nations history, so you have to know that God is up to something, but my major concern is, if the western world church just continues to do the same old same old, instead of becoming new wineskins, for God to fill us up with his 'New Wine,' we're probably going to just get the same old results. Every great awakening and revival has run down the clock, as mankind wanted their names on it, rather than giving all glory, honor and praise to God! This generation could very well be the one to make straight the way for the 2nd coming of Jesus, but only if we tread lightly, because we are presently at the feet of Jesus, on Holy ground, so pay very close attention to what His Spirit is saying to the church today and be obedient to the gift and call that He has placed upon you, like Queen Esther, 'For such a time, as this.' I'm writing this on the eve of the highest Holy day on the biblical calendar, Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, but never forget, that everything that came before Jesus, is only a type and shadow of the things to come and the law was like a schoolmaster, to take you by the hand and lead you to 'The ONE' that Moses, the prophets, the proverbs and all old testament scriptures are pointing to, Messiah/Christ/The Anointed ONE! Atonement would only cover your sins for a year. It was never about the blood of bulls, rams and lambs, but about the precious blood/LIFE of Yeshua/Jesus/Salvation, that takes away our sins, never to be brought up again and that's 'expiation,' as if it never happened at all. That's 'Victory in Jesus,' the ONE Who came to dwell, abide, tabernacle among us, so let's continue to pray, worship and serve Him, make straight The Way of The LORD/Yahweh and usher in the second coming of The King of Kings! If you or someone you know would like to have a prayer gathering, in or around NM, don't hesitate to contact me! We're presently in the process of networking 120 prayer warriors in each county (based on the 120 in the upper room) & 7,000 intercessors (based on God telling Elijah that he was not alone and that He had 7,000 followers) in our state (visit https://prayersttheheart.org for more information nationally) so invite others to join us on this journey and spread the word, because we're praying for one million souls to receive Salvation from Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday in 2026! Thanks & Blessings with Shalom, Mark Tross Prayer Coordinator for NM Prayer Connect Http://nmprayerconnect.weebly.com Mark Tross Listen to Mark Tross on Spotify. Audiobooks & MORE read by Mark Tross, Author, Conference Speaker, Radio & Television personally, blogger, newspaper and internet writer, Bishop with The Church Of God, Cleveland, TN and Coordinator for New Mexico Prayer Connect . Cover art photo provided by Janine Joles on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@joyful_janine open.spotify.com http://victorychurchofgod.weebly.com http://crossculturenm.weebly.com http://askthepastornm.weebly.com http://simplechurchfellowship.weebly.com http://ekklesiaoutreach.weebly.com http://marktross.weebly.com Http://nmprayerconnect.org

Jeremiah - A Time to Weep!

Jeremiah - A Time to Weep!   Subject: September 2025, NM Prayer Connect/PATH, NM/COG, NM, El Paso, TX & South West Indian Ministries (SWIM) Newsletter -Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance (NASB 1995).   Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance (NASB 1995).   Jeremiah 13:23 “Can the Ethiopian change his skin Or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good Who are accustomed to doing evil. 24 “Therefore, I will scatter them like drifting straw To the desert wind. 25 “This is your lot, the portion measured to you From Me,” declares the Lord, “Because you have forgotten Me And trusted in falsehood (NASB 1995).   Jeremiah is known as 'the weeping prophet' and he's my hero! I can only think that Simon Marak had him in mind, when he penned the third line of the famous hymn, 'I Have Decided to Follow Jesus' in 1880:   3. Though none go with me, still I will follow; Though none go with me, still I will follow; Though none go with me, still I will follow; No turning back, no turning back. The words reflect Luke 9:23, emphasizing self-denial, the taking up of the cross, and daily discipleship.  Imagine doing everything, just as God asked you to and then watching your whole nation go into bondage.   Isaiah 1:5 Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint (NASB 1995).   I was raised in the church, although I was not saved until I was twenty-five years old.  It never dawned on me that I was at war with God, as the bible says or that I was considered His enemy.  In our fallen nature, we have a rebellious spirit, we're sick in the head and faint in heart, which is why Jesus says, "You must be born-again!"  Jeremiah 4:22 “For My people are foolish, They know Me not; They are stupid children And have no understanding. They are shrewd to do evil, But to do good they do not know (NASB 1995).” Paul the Apostle said, "I'll be a fool for Christ," but when God calls us foolish, stupid, without understanding and shrewd to do evil, not able to do good, we're in trouble.  He also let us know that any works that we do in the flesh and not by God's Holy Spirit are as filthy rags and unprofitable.  We have not only believed the lie of the deceiver, but like our father, the devil, we deceive others, speak lies and commit iniquities, having immoral or grossly unfair behavior to our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors, instead of loving our neighbor as ourselves.   Jeremiah 9:5 “Everyone deceives his neighbor And does not speak the truth, They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves committing iniquity (NASB 1995). God continually warns us and others to do the right thing or suffer the consequences, He's no respecter of persons and will turn away from us, so we have to humble ourselves, repent, turn from our wicked ways and then He will smile upon us, forgive our sins and heal our land.   Jeremiah 18:17 ‘Like an east wind I will scatter them Before the enemy; I will show them My back and not My face In the day of their calamity (NASB 1995).’”  I'm generally not a hell, fire and brimstone preacher, but people need to know that Jesus talked more about hell than Heaven! If we don't receive His forgiveness, we will die in our trespasses against Him and others, this is our portion and He has given us free will, but He clearly admonishes us to, "Choose Life!"  Psalm 11:6 Upon the wicked He will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup (NASB 1995).   The following portion of Holy Script comes from the mouth of Jesus Himself and He only said and did what The Father told Him.  Theologians tell us that Isaiah the prophet was sawn in two and if you've ever seen the movie, Braveheart, historians tell us that he was disemboweled.  The bible says that our sin separates us from the presence of God and the only mediator between God and man is the man Christ Jesus, His is the only name under Heaven, by which we 'must be saved.'  Matthew 24:51 and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (NASB 1995).   All the nations of the earth are just a one drop of water in the ocean to God, but He wishes that none would perish, and all would come to repentance.  Jesus still says to us today, "Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest!"  Psalm 9:17 The wicked will return to Sheol, Even all the nations who forget God (NASB 1995).   I believe that America is in an awakening period, but the time to act is now, because we don't know how long this door of opportunity will remain open.  We're encouraged in scripture to take advantage of every opportunity, so let us not forget the God of the bible, the very foundation that our nation was built upon.  From the Mayflower Pact to the cross being planted on the beach in Virginia, America's destiny is calling us back to our basic Judeo/Christian beliefs and actions, to return to our first Love/God! In two separate portions of biblical text we'll read, "Forget the former things," and then, "Remember the former things." The bible never contradicts itself, but we always need to look at the biblical context, who God is speaking to, when, why, what is He really saying, where did these things take place and how do we apply these words of Life in a practical way, in this present world of darkness that we're living in?  Jeremiah 2:32 “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me Days without number (NASB 1995). Almost everyone mentions the famous bible verse, "Forsake not the assembling of the brethren," but rarely do we hear it in its entirety, "Even more so, as you see The Day approaching." Some translations call it, 'The great and terrible day of the LORD/Yahweh!' My friends, judgement day is closer now than when we first believed.  It always interested me how Jesus says, "I didn't come to condemn the word, but to save it," but He also said, "You're condemned already," but He has provided the way out, so there's no condemnation in Christ Jesus! Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.   Jeremiah 3:21 A voice is heard on the bare heights, The weeping and the supplications of the sons of Israel; Because they have perverted their way, They have forgotten the Lord their God (NASB 1995).   God heard the cries of His people in Egypt and brought a great deliverance to them. The voice of One is still crying out in the wilderness, this dry and weary land, but those who have ears to hear what His Holy Spirit is saying to us in love will respond accordingly.  Weeping may last for the night, but Holy Spirit joy will come, if you receive it.  It's up to you and me to make straight the way of the LORD, to make the perverted/crooked ways straight and to remember the One Who made us, redeemed us and wants to call us His own.  May I say a closing word to each and every one, in this time and season, from Pete Seeger and The Byrds: To everything, turn, turn, turn There is a season, turn, turn, turn  And a time to every purpose under heaven 10Days.Net is coming to Santa Fe, NM, September 22-October 2, 2025, so help us spread the word! If you or someone you know would like to have a prayer meeting in or around NM, don't hesitate to contact me! Shalom, Mark Tross NM Prayer Connect Http://nmprayerconnect.weebly.com  Featured Products Your browser does not support iframes. ; View the content of this inline frame with your browser nmprayerconnect.weebly.com Mark Tross Listen to Mark Tross on Spotify. Audiobooks & MORE read by Mark Tross, Author, Conference Speaker, Radio & Television personally, blogger, newspaper and internet writer, Bishop with The Church Of God, Cleveland, TN and Coordinator for New Mexico Prayer Connect . Cover art photo provided by Janine Joles on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@joyful_janine open.spotify.com  http://victorychurchofgod.weebly.com http://crossculturenm.weebly.com  http://askthepastornm.weebly.com http://simplechurchfellowship.weebly.com http://ekklesiaoutreach.weebly.com http://marktross.weebly.com http://nmprayerconnect.org  Christianbody.net Christianbody.net is a community of ministries and individuals who are providing tools and resources to equip and connect the body of Christ for the end times work. Read, hear, watch, share real stories of God's salvation, healing and restoration by clicking on media below. Contact us at [email protected]. www.christianbody.net https://fggam.org  For God's Glory Alone Ministries We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament are the inerrant, inspired, and infallible Word of God. God’s Word is the final authority for faith and life. fggam.org

"LET US..."

Check out the latest article in my newsletter: "LET US..." https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/let-us-mark-tross-zjfec via @LinkedIn

"Doctrines of DEMONS!"

Subject: "Doctrines of DEMONS!" - July 2025 NM Prayer Connect/PATH, NM/COG, NM - El Paso, TX & SWIM Newsletter! NAS - 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Apostasy 1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully * shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. What would you think if you heard a so called 'minister of God,' from the pulpit to his congregation say, "Everyone knows that Yeshua (Jesus' Hebrew Name) came to bring us back to the law!" If we believe, like Paul the Apostle, when moved upon by the Holy Spirit to write, "All scripture is God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17)," then we have to correct bad teaching. What would you do if you knew a 'man of God' was coming into your state and was practicing necromancy (communicating with the dead and/or 'grave sucking'), which is considered an abomination to God and is totally forbidden by Him, according to Leviticus 19:31; 20:6 & Deuteronomy 18:10-12, leading to severe consequences, such as being cut off from the people, because it is idolatry and a turning away from God's authority. Isaiah 8:19 asks if a people should not seek their God rather than the dead and 1 Samuel 28 warns about the consequences of forbidden occult practices. How would you respond to 'ministry leaders' telling you that the bible, the 'infallible (incapable of error or deception, trustworthy, and reliable)' word of God has contradictions throughout? Such things are happening, right here in NM, across America and around the world! Acts 1:3 refers to the resurrection of Jesus and is used to highlight the certainty of Christ's claims. My dear sisters and brothers in Christ/Messiah/The Anointed ONE & others reading this writing, all of the above mentioned are proof that we are not only living in the last days or latter times, according to Paul or the last hour, as stated by the Apostle John, but we are living in the closing days, the very last biblical minutes of Jesus' imminent return! Ephesians 6:12 NASB 1995. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Unfortunately, what we're seeing in our state, nation and in every country is the spirit of lawlessness, being played out in churches, homes, businesses, government, the media, our education system, within some of our own families, the military, our economy, children and in the streets. Yes, the battle is in the heavenlies, but it is now, more than ever, being manifested in the flesh, right here on Earth, because of doctrines of demons and doctrines of men, through people who are confessing to be Christians, disciples, believers, followers of Christ, people of The Way, people of The Book, who are not rightfully dividing the word of truth, with Jesus being the centerpiece, but have itching ears and are being tossed to and fro, by every wind of doctrine, in a world that is steeped in sin and darkness, but God is crying out for us to come into His marvelous Light and the earth is groaning for the fullness of redemption to come, for the sons of God to be revealed, so let your Light SHINE! 2 John 1:1-11 - NASB 1995. Walk According to His Commandments 1 The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. 5 Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. John the beloved, believed to have died in Ephesus, after being released from the Isle of Patmos, where he received The Revelation of Jesus Christ, even in his 90's had such a soft and pliable heart and although he had to be carried to gatherings, because he was so old and weak, whenever he was asked to speak, church historians tell us that he would only say, "Love One Another," the only 'New Commandment' Jesus ever gave! He loved the chosen lady, as referred to in verse one above, nobody knows who this was, but certainly this prophetic, living word still speaks to us today, according to Hebrews 1, to the church, the bride of Christ, whom He loves in the truth, because He is The Truth. John confirms that Jesus will never leave or forsake us and we are encouraged by Jesus Himself to abide in Him (John 15), to bear good fruit and lasting fruit for His Kingdom. Who are the little children, we are, children of The Most High God! John's not writing a New Commandment, but 'The One,' which we heard from The Beginning and Jesus Is The Beginning, commanding us to, "Love One Another, Just As I Have Loved You." He's given us His Holy Spirit Of Grace and His Mercies are New Every morning, the son shines and the rain rains, on the just and unjust. The Shalom/Peace Of God passes all of our human understanding! Notice in verse 6 above, He states, "Just As You Have Heard From The Beginning!" Do you have ears to hear what The Holy Spirit Of God is saying to the church today, which He stated to His disciples during the Passover feast, His Last Supper, in the upper room, nearly 2,000 years ago? Be cautious of the deceivers and watch out for the antichrist spirit, because there are wolves in sheep's clothing out and about, looking for who they may devour! If people try to bring in such evil teachings, as mentioned above, according to God's Holy & Precious Word, do not receive them; for the one who gives them a greeting participates in their evil deeds. Our enemy is a hypocrite and was a liar from the beginning, he only seeks to steal, kill and destroy, so don't play with his fire or you'll be seriously burned, for he still roams around seeking to devour! Remember, when the enemy comes in - 'like a flood' The Holy Spirit Of The LORD sets up a standard (His Banner Over Us Is LOVE/GOD)! God wishes that none would perish and that all would come to repentance, so Let Us Pray for our enemies, those who are held captive by the evil one, the fallen angels and demons of darkness, because Jesus came to set the captives free, so as you celebrate this 249th Declaration of Independence Day this July, remember those who put their life on the line, all the great men and women of faith that have gone on before us, so that you and I could live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. May God Bless America, from sea to shining sea! If you or someone you know would like to have a prayer gathering in or around our state, don't hesitate to contact me. Shalom, Mark Tross Prayer Coordinator for NM Prayer Connect, Prayer At The Heart Of New Mexico/PATH, COG, NM, El Paso, TX & South-West Indian Ministries (SWIM) http://nmprayerconnect.weebly.com Mark Tross Listen to Mark Tross on Spotify. Audiobooks & MORE read by Mark Tross, Author, Conference Speaker, Radio & Television personally, blogger, newspaper and internet writer, Bishop with The Church Of God, Cleveland, TN and Coordinator for New Mexico Prayer Connect . Cover art photo provided by Janine Joles on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@joyful_janine open.spotify.com  http://victorychurchofgod.weebly.com    http://crossculturenm.weebly.com    http://askthepastornm.weebly.com    http://simplechurchfellowship.weebly.com    http://ekklesiaoutreach.weebly.com    http://mark-tross.webnode.com    http://marktross.weebly.com https://www.fggam.org For God's Glory Alone Ministries | News and Inspiration from a Biblical Perspective http://nmprayerconnect.org Christianbody.net Christianbody.net is a community of ministries and individuals who are providing tools and resources to equip and connect the body of Christ for the end times work. Read, hear, watch, share real stories of God's salvation, healing and restoration by clicking on media below. Contact us at [email protected]. www.christianbody.net Home | Sacred Nation Rises Learn more about Sacred Nation Rises and the Journey Across America Home | Sacred Nation Rises Learn more about Sacred Nation Rises and the Journey Across America www.sacrednationrises.org

Inherit the Wind or Earth?

https://mewe.com/post/show/683b625dc3606234ea461ae0

Baptism by Fire!

'Baptism By Fire!' - May 2025 NM Prayer Connect/PATH, NM/COG, NM, El Paso, TX & SWIM - South West Indian Ministries Newsletter! Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8 Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” – Isaiah 44 Ezekiel 36:26-27 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26-27 From Old Covenant to the 'New & Better' Covenant, as the author of Hebrews put it, and we know that all scripture is God breathed, the Holy Spirit is not only present, but active, from Genesis to Revelation! Most believers would say that they received the Holy Spirit at their acceptance of Jesus or at their water baptism, but what does the Word Of God really say about this type of doctrinal stance, that so many churches vary in? There are upwards of 100 scripture versus in the bible, regarding the third person of the Trinity, but there are also confessing followers of Christ, who don't believe in the Triunity of God, being 3 distinct persons, in ONE Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After all, everyone knows God says, "Hear Oh Israel, the LORD our God Is ONE God!" Not knowing that the Hebrew word 'echad,' meaning a combining of parts being of ONE nature, just like when Paul the Apostle talks about the 'Ecclesia or Ekklesia,' the called out ones, which we refer to in English, as 'The Church,' The Bride/Body Of Christ, being many members, but just ONE Head, The Man Christ Jesus, not the Pope, Pastor, Preacher, Elder, Bishop, Deacon, Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher or whoever else people think is 'the head of The Church!' Acts 19:2 “And asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.'” – Acts 19:2 Obviously the Holy Spirit was around in the creation story, hovering over the waters, but He was also existing in all of eternity past and will forever, because He Is Eternal. There were those in the Jewish Bible, Genesis-Malichi, who not only were moved upon and led by The Spirit, but several were 'filled' with Him. Samuel writes that the Holy Spirit came mightily upon David. In the Old Testament, there are scriptures that mention the Spirit of the Lord coming to people. For example, in Exodus 31:3, God fills Moses with the Spirit of God. In Judges 14:6, the Spirit of the Lord empowers Samson to tear a lion apart. Isaiah 11:2 and Ezekiel 36:27 also reference the Spirit of the Lord. Additionally, Isaiah's prophecy of the Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 42:1–9) highlights the intimate interworking of the triune God. Notice this quote from Stephen, the first martyr of the early church in Acts 7: 51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Moses in the Old Covenant declared, "I wish hat you all prophesied," and Paul states in the New Covenant, "I wish that you all spoke in tongues." On the first night of the resurrection, Jesus comes into the upper room (through a locked door) and breathes on His Disciples saying, "Peace/Shalom Be With You, Receive The Holy Spirit!" Since the New Covenant only goes into effect after His death, according to Hebrews, like God The Father, gathering up the dust of the ground, He 'Breathed on the first Adam/Man" and he became a 'living soul." Jesus is the Last Adam and even after breathing on His Disciples in the upper room, before leaving this Earth, 40 days after His Resurrection, He commands the disciples to wait for the promise of The Father, The Holy Spirit, by praying for 10 days up to Pentecost Sunday, to be 'baptized with The Holy Spirit & Fire!' Since the death of Stephen, whose name means crown or martyr, many have died for their faith in Jesus, some like Jesus were crucified on a cross or what some translations of the bible call 'an execution stake,' others were burned at the stake, burned to death by the world's fire, because they were filled with 'The Fire Of God.' Ephesians tells us that by putting up our shield of Faith, we take down every fiery dart of the enemy, but The Word Of God also tells us that our God Is A Consuming Fire, a refining fire. We're even told that we're going to go through that fire, to be purified as gold in the furnace, but like the three friends of Daniel, there will be another Man in the fire with us and we won't get burned or even smell like fire. The last Christian martyr burned at the stake was Walter Mylne in 1558 in Scotland. Other notable examples include Jan Hus in 14282 and John Cranmer in 15563. We've come a long way, since the first day of Pentecost, when 120 in the upper room were 'baptized with the Holy Spirit & Fire,' but that was not the end, it was only the beginning of what God had started in this 'New & Better' Covenant relationship of Faith! John's baptism, was a cleansing in water, a baptism of repentance, but even he declared, "He (meaning Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit & Fire!" Jesus' disciples were 'witnesses' for Him for three and a half years, but we must remember, He was still living under the Old Covenant until His Death. God wants you and me to be filled and constantly overflowing with His Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5 “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'” – Acts 1:4-5 Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 Acts 2:4 “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” – Acts 2:4 Acts 2:38 “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” – Acts 2:38 But even before Jesus went to the cross of Golgotha, He was encouraging people to ask for The Father to pour out His Holy Spirit on them: Luke 11:13 “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” – Luke 11:13 We're not talking about a trickle here and there, but a mighty rushing river. John 7:38-39 “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.” – John 7:38-39 From 22-24 years after the death of Jesus, Paul wrote the book of Romans and stated: Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 Jesus is 'the anchor within the veil,' He's The Hope of Israel, The Hope of the nations, The Hope of the world and The Hope that will not disappoint us. Paul, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, wants the God/The Father of Hope/Jesus to 'FILL' you and me with 'ALL' Holy Spirit 'JOY' and 'PEACE/SHALOM,' as you believe in, cling to, trust in and rely on Him, He's The Author & Finisher of our "FAITH." We're to 'work out our Salvation/Yeshua/Jesus, with (reverential) fear and trembling.' God's desire is that none would perish and all would come to repentance, so that we could 'OVERFLOW' with Jesus, our Living Hope. How? By The Power (Paul says that Jesus Is The Wisdom & Power Of God) Of His Holy Spirit, not just once, but to be continuously being 'FILLED' up and pouring out our lives, as a living sacrifice of Glory, Praise & Honor, to His Holy & Precious Name. Are you 'a child of the Most High God?'Romans 8:14 “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” – Romans 8:14 James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5 Let me encourage you today, if you hear His Voice, do no harden your heart, but allow Him to Bless you, with the purchase that Jesus made for you, me, all in His Church, Let us put aside anything and everything that hinders us from moving onward and upward In Him. Jesus prayed in John 17, that we would be ONE. Paul says, "The Dividing walls are down," so let's live like it, red, yellow, black and white, male, female, slave and free, Catholic & Protestant, as the 'ONE New Man' of Ephesians, Jew & Gentile, "ONE In Messiah/Christ/The Anointed ONE!" We all believe in the Holy 'catholic/Universal' Church, so don't allow doctrines of men or of demons separate us from The Love Of GOD. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 “Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 Right now we're strategizing about 10 Days gatherings in Santa Fe (Visit https://www.10days.net ), come September 22, 2025 and 'Joining Jesus25,' in New Mexico, October 1-31, 2025 (Visit https://therooftop.org ), so please be in prayer for us and share this information with others. We're looking to network 7 thousand intercessors in NM and 120 praying people in each county, to pray for awakening and revival to come to our state, the nation and the world + for 10%, a tithe of our population to come to Salvation from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost next year, joining every state in America, for 1 Million souls to be Saved (See Project2026 Project 2026 Overview.pdf - Google Drive @ https://www.ProjectPray.Org ), so if you or someone you know would like to have a prayer gathering in or around NM, don't hesitate to contact me. Have a safe and happy World Laughter Day & Star Wars Day, May 4, Cinco de Mayo, May 5, World Red Cross Day, May 8 (It's also My 68th Natural Birthday), Mothers Day, May 11, International Nurses Day, May 12, My 43rd Spiritual Birthday, May 16, International Museum Day, May 18, International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22, Memorial Day, May 26, World No Tobacco Day, May31 and Mental Health Awareness Month (entire month of May). THANKS & BLESSINGS with SHALOM/PEACE & GOD's LOVE to ALL,Mark TrossPrayer Coordinator for NM Prayer Connecthttp://nmprayerconnect.weebly.comMark TrossListen to Mark Tross on Spotify. Audiobooks & MORE read by Mark Tross, Author, Conference Speaker, Radio & Television personally, blogger, newspaper and internet writer, Bishop with The Church Of God, Cleveland, TN and Coordinator for New Mexico Prayer Connect . Cover art photo provided by Janine Joles on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@joyful_janineopen.spotify.com http://victorychurchofgod.weebly.comhttp://crossculturenm.weebly.com http://askthepastornm.weebly.comhttp://simplechurchfellowship.weebly.comhttp://ekklesiaoutreach.weebly.comhttp://mark-tross.webnode.comhttp://marktross.weebly.comhttps://www.fggam.org For God's Glory Alone Ministries | News and Inspiration from a Biblical Perspective Http://nmprayerconnect.org