January 10, 2012
My apologies to all for this blog being so overdue. I thought I would be moving into my new home about this time, but it looks like about another month is needed. Though most of my hard work is over, things that yet need to be done to pass inspection for me to move in are as such: Sewage system (which should be finished tomorrow), some gutters, cemented driveway, more dirt fill on both sides of the home, kitchen cabinets, appliances, carpets, installing air-conditioning units, and probably a few more things I can't think of mentioning.
I am doing well, although after over 4 months I am only now starting to feel somewhat better physically and not so exhausted. Numerous days after working I would plop into my recliner and fall asleep for several hours. Then I would feed my dog Sammo and take him out for a walk. I would then take a quick shower and go right to bed ~~ just too tired to cook or fix something to eat. At times I went to bed around 7pm or a bit earlier and stay there until 6 or 7 the next morning.
Funny ... a few weeks ago I was Skyping with some friends, and then I heard some laughter ... I fell asleep during the video chat ! haha! I will be glad when this house is all finished soon. E-mails keep piling up to almost 200 sometimes, and I haven't been in good contact with friends as I'd like. Even now, it's after 1:00am and I feel like I just need to go ahead and DO this blog.
At times, I still have waves of feelings for missing Trish, but God helps me through. I feel like I'm nearing the new season in my life for new openings for my ministry once again. I wonder how God may want to use me, and how extensively I will travel again (it's been about 13 years since my great activity of the 90's). I so desire to be relevant in ministry to what people, churches, etc. really need from the Lord. I still want to see the power of the Holy Spirit move as never before, convincing the world that Jesus is alive. I was communing with the Holy Spirit yesterday, contemplating how I wanted a consistent Presence of the Lord in my ministry that kept blessing the secrets of people's hearts.
I have continued to be worship leader in a Spanish church here in town. Also, I occasionally preach when asked, and have been doing it all in Spanish over the last year without interpreters (although I am not completely fluent yet). I still often think of Canada where I had so much effective ministry in the 90's, and also wonder if I will ever have my own music team as I desired in the past. Time and years have gone so quickly, and I am now a different Elias (I'm not sure of all that God has accomplished within me over the years, but I hope to be a much more effective minister now). Things are now so different without Trish.
Good story ~~ about a month ago, one Sunday morning about 6am I was awakened by sounds my dog was making. I got out of bed only to see him sadly not being able to walk. He was dragging himself with his two front legs, and looking at me with sad eyes as if he was communicating "Papa, I won't be around much longer". He also made a mess which I cleaned up. I cried so hard. Before leaving him alone in the house to go to church, I got on the floor next to him and just cried. He sweetly pressed his head into my chest as if he understood my pain (he did something similar to me the last couple days before Trish died).
When I returned several hours later from church, I still felt sadness as I looked for him where I left him, but strangely he was way across into the living room. I was now wondering how he got there, because it would have been such a long distance to drag himself. By the way, I was also contemplating taking him to the vet the following day, and even chose a place to bury him on my new property. Anyway ... without much hope, I got his leash ready like usual, and got his attention for me to take him outside for a walk. Although I prepared myself to cry again, he got up with unexpected strength, and has been walking fine ever since!
Words cannot convey what Sammo means to me. As I've been building the new home, I have often felt how Trish was no longer around to enjoy it with me, and then the thought of Sammo suddenly being needed to be 'put down' because of loss of walking abilities ... well, that meant it would be only me moving in, having lost my two great close friends in life. Sammo's healing was one of the most dramatic I've seen in a while. God has given me more time with him, and I love it.
July 12, 2011
It's now been over three months since Trish went to be with the Lord, and the Holy Spirit is still continuing to work on my unique spiritual foundation before being launching me into itinerant ministry again. It is a sweet thing to remain cooperative with the Holy Spirit in our lives, particularly when He is not in a rush to accomplish something in us.
I continue to remain impressed by His Presence within me, and I hope this remains more exciting to me than any spectacular things which may happen around me. From my understanding of the Gospels, Jesus remained steadfastly focused on His relationship with the Holy Spirit and the Father. He never had cause for 'hype', regardless of miracles or mighty acts of power which took place in His ministry.
Miracles done by the Holy Spirit on our behalf are obviously encouraging, but in general the test of maturity rests in our response.
I have seen countless genuine miracles manifested through my public ministry, and for each I will always be very grateful.
I will briefly share 3 recent miracles granted by the Holy Spirit in my home. One afternoon I was resting in bed, meditating on the things of the Lord. Suddenly, to the side of my right leg, I felt a strong push down into my bed, as if done by a physical fist. The bed, as well as my body, were suddenly shaken. I looked by me from where this force came, and I had a sudden sense of the Holy Spirit simply smiling at me, as if to communicate ... "It's just Me, and I'm here". I instinctively smiled back and continued my meditating. It was a precious encounter.
Several Sundays ago, in the afternoon I was simply relaxing in my recliner in the living room with my eyes shut. Suddenly there were three loud knocks on the back door or wall beside me. I opened my eyes, and instantly sensed the Holy Spirit communicating to me that 'it was just Him again'. I noticed the clock showed 3:00pm, and instinctively I smiled again. Another precious encounter.
The third miracle I'm sharing in this blog was different. As I was preparing to leave the bathroom, for some reason I had the urge / impression to motion my hands with a short quick motion toward the towel hanging securely on the rack. Nothing seemed to happen. The towel remained motionless, as there was no physical wind produced by my hands. I did two more hand motions toward the towel, as I had done countless times in meetings while ministering to people to receive a touch from the Holy Spirit. Still nothing seemed to happen, and I left the bathroom a bit curious about the incident. A while later, I returned to the bathroom, and quickly noticed the towel on the floor. A sudden pleasant sense of surprise went through me, accompanied by a communication from the Holy Spirit ... "Elias, I know you are aware of this principle -- but this miracle is a simple reminder to you to never judge anything by appearance while you are ministering in public".
May 17, 2011
Since Trish's death April 2nd, I know many of you have been praying for me, and rejoicing for Trish's glorious liberty in God's direct Presence in Heaven (wow!!) THANK YOU for all your prayers.
I'm doing well, although had a few very short bouts of missing Trish, quick sweeps of loneliness, etc,etc. But in general, such feelings are far less frequent, and only last for a minute or two, if that.
Actually, something else is going on. I have been spending much time at home seeking the Lord, having fellowship with the Holy Spirit, etc,etc....yearning and crying... I shouldn't say much more ... but it is such a good thing.
I sense very deeply indeed that the Holy Spirit is getting me ready for the next new phase of my public ministry. I am also seeking God for wisdom on how to let the ministry develop from here on out.
It has been a long 12 years caring for my wife. Others who have continued in public ministry (while I have been sidelined) have developed their messages and have been sharing. As for me, most of my messages have been written by the Lord in my heart and Spirit -- as if downloaded into a Document file which I have not been permitted to open yet. I am confident that whatever He has put in me, will soon come forth and bless and encourage the saints.
My dog Sammo has been keeping me good company as well. He likes music and the Presence (:->) of the Holy Spirit. I am still asking God how to handle the care of Sammo and my house as I go out to minister.
March 03, 2011
Reflecting on my prior blog, I tried to find any significant news concerning Egypt, and could not. The news about Libya has obviously been dominating the world of reporters, television, internet, etc.
There is actually something else I want to present in this blog ... and it pertains to the ever-increasing incompetence that seems to prevail, no matter where we turn.
I will be 57 this July, and I must say, that in all my life, I have never seen such a widespread problem of incompetence, particularly in businesses that are supposed to be serving the public. I will submit only a few examples of my barrage of experiences.
Just recently, I had to straighten out a doctor's error in Trish's prescription (NOT a first-time experience). She ran out of an important prescription, and suffered unnecessarily for a week due to this error. On the day I finally was able to communicate with the doctor's office, it took me about 4 hours of faxing and phone calls. A nurse associate finally call me back, and asked me what the problem was --- this INSTANTLY frustrated me more since I could tell she didn't properly READ my fax to start with. Then ... I had to EXPLAIN the fax and get her to LOOK AT IT PROPERLY. The 'light bulb' finally clicked, and she said she would call the pharmacy to correct the problem. THEN she asked for me to give her the telephone number and address of the pharmacy, to which I responded ... "IT IS THERE ON THE FAX". She said ... "Ohhh, I see". (I myself probably needed a prescription after the experience LOL)
Last month, our bank mistakenly charged us almost $300 interest for no reason. We called the "HELP line (right)" to straighten it out. After stress and effort, the matter was seemingly resolved. Last week, the SAME charges re-appeared, and I became angry. It was a weekend, and so I assured my wife I was walking into the bank the coming Monday morning to tell them their internet services were more than frustrating us---and that I was NOT leaving until THEY FIXED IT. Monday morning came, and the lady helping me at the bank was nice as she tried to resolve this. By phone, she explained the whole situation of the error to her bank's Dept. relating to the problem, but was then told to hold as she would be switched to another person --- and when this OTHER person said "hello", the lady at the bank helping me was then asked to REPEAT THE WHOLE PROBLEM ALL OVER AGAIN....to which SHE now expressed frustration (she was just getting a taste of what we customers go through so often). I smiled and shook my head while listening to all this. After the problem was finally resolved by communicating with higher management of the bank, I went home feeling as if I gained victory in a major spiritual battle. BUT ... then thought to myself ... "Wait a minute ... I didn't GAIN anything with this so-called victory ... all I did was restrain error and incompetency".
There are, of course, other recent stories of dealing with incompetency I could share, but I just want to write a blog, not a magazine article LOL. I'll just say that, while all this was stirring, I went late one night this past weekend to McDonald's to buy something for me and Trish --- (I was tired because of the recent stress, and we hadn't eaten supper yet, and it was past 11pm). I ordered 2 hamburgers and 2 french fries. When I received my order at the window, I had this feeling NOT TO TRUST the employees and double-check my order. I have been in the food-business at least 10yrs and know all about messed-up orders, and how such errors can be EASILY minimized. Well ... as I pondered re-checking the order, I simply felt tired, and decided I should be able to trust people at least some of the time. Sure enough, I get home, AND THERE IS ONLY ONE order of fries. I could hardly believe it. So Trish could at least try to enjoy her food, I did not tell her about the error lest she get frustrated all over again with something else ... particularly something as small as an order of fries. It's hard for me to explain what was going on inside of me.
Is there such thing as "a spirit of incompetence"? Is incompetence an overflow of "the spirit of spiritual blindness" that is worldwide in these last days? Or has our education system really gotten that bad!?
It is a true blessing dealing with businesses that send you EXACTLY what you order, or working with professionals in any Health Care System that actually LISTEN to you and PAY ATTENTION to details.
January 24, 2011
Good news ... we have come to a definite conclusion concerning acquiring a new home.
We have a very good friend and man of God, who for many years has also been into real estate, plumbing, construction, etc,etc, ... almost anything to do with land and properties. Well ... he recently made a clear offer to build a new home for us for about the amount of our proceeds from the sale of our condo in Palm City which we sold Dec. 17th last year. We accepted his proposition after prayer and consideration, and concluded this is was God had planned all along.
We had been searching most diligently for well over a month to buy a home in our price range. Trish was spending countless hours on the computer, and we were using two different real estate agents to show me homes as I went out to see what was available. Our friend also helped us in the search, and his advice and counsel has been priceless.
Our friend had actually been thinking of this idea for a while, but only since our offer on a home fell through last week did he sense a strong leading of the Lord to affirm the proposition of building a home for us. It seems like we were all beginning to see that our situation is so unique concerning meeting Trish's needs, that building a home instead of buying one gives us the ability to truly meet our needs for now as well as the future.
Under normal circumstances, such a direction would be impossible for us, because we simply don't have enough money. However, here's the amazing provision --- our friend and others on the board of a local ministry here in Bonita Springs have voted to donate a plot of land to us! Others have already offered to donate all the plumbing and the electrical work, Others have offered to supply of all the lumber and labor involved with the framing while yet another has offered the installation a complete HVAC system. (I'm not sure what else may be in the works of others who may want to help, but Trish and I are already overwhelmed with such outpourings of kindness).
Basically, love and kindness will build a house for us where the amount of money we have cannot. Our money will be transferred to this local ministry and will be used for certain construction expenses, (and perhaps a few thousand more which God will provide if need be). When it's all said and done, we will end up moving into a new home worth much more than what we started with.--- AND... we expect to remain debt-free as we are now at this moment. Amazing.
December 10, 2010
Sometimes I wonder if I keep fighting distraction or whether I need a kick to be better motivated keeping up better with my blogs (sigh).
Anyway...hi everybody, and here's what's new__ WE FINALLY HAVE A BUYER FOR OUR CONDO !! Without boring you with details, it looks like we will be closing the sale on Dec.17th. Just like many others, we are not excited about the sale price, but the idea is that we will yet be able to find a good deal on a nice home because the market is still so depressed. We've already begun the search, and have a very good real estate agent helping.
It's simple ... God already has the house, and we simply have to 'bump into it'. His Spirit will assure us without doubt what's right.
After the sale of our condo, we will instantly be free from payments such as mortgage and condo dues --- this is the part that already has us feeling 'lighter' and more free. The thought of no longer owing anyone anything except for normal bills such as utilities, etc. is a good feeling.
Now concerning WHERE will move to and buy a new home ... we have no leading from God but to remain within our area here in SW Florida. Not much of the future has yet been revealed concerning greater expansions of ministry (although I am constantly communicating with the Lord on such matters). Because of the kind of world we all now live in, who knows where we may end up someday.
Since leaving the Bahamas in 1972 to live in the U.S., I honestly admit that nothing ever has felt like 'home' again. Even thoughts of possibly returning there someday don't stir my heart much at all---over the decades, something has happened with ministry for the Kingdom and making numerous geographical moves of where to live, that like never before, I truly feel like a 'stranger and alien' in this world (Heb 11:13 & 1 Peter 2:11). Maybe because I'm simply getting older--- when it comes to feeling 'homesick' my thoughts are frequently filled with being with the Lord in Heaven, the Millenium here on earth with His constant tangible Presence, and of course, the New Jerusalem and new planet (Rev.21:1-2) which He will create after burning this one up (2nd Peter 3 :10).
Meanwhile, Dennis Staysniak (who counsels me in media matters, and other things--he does my website) and I are constantly discussing how the Lord may want to use my ministry including tecnology such as Video-Conferencing, Tele-Presence, satellite meetings, streaming, etc,etc,etc. I hope to soon post my first 'monthly video update' on my website starting next year (which is real soon !! LOL)
Finally, the artwork on my book "The False Doctrine Of Covering" looks great!! (Charity & her husband Andre in Clearwater, FL) having done such an excellent job). This week I am now in the process of finalizing the steps for producing printed copies for sale on my site. I believe this book will set many people FREE. It's also very likely I will do a Spanish version of this book, because many Hispanic Christian circles are heavily involved with this age-old doctrine from the early 70's.
November 16, 2010
We must continue to believe and exercise our faith in that God is 'not through' with us yet, and the BEST is yet ahead for us, His children.
I wish I could say that I am experiencing victory manifested in every area of my life, but things remain challenging and difficult in numerous ways--- but beyond all this, within me I keep sensing the extreme deep work of God preparing me for something powerful in the future. I suppose that many saints feel as I do. Let us continue to encourage each other. The best is ahead for you too!
God is good, and He will surely be glorified in our lives in this world. So many things such as technology, music, movies, cell-phones, etc,etc ... seem to be advancing as prophesied in Dan 12:4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
I have music recording software on my computer called "Pro Tools LE". Some months ago I upgraded to 8.0 ... then in more recent months to version 8.3 and then to 8.4. Well ... less than 2 weeks ago Pro Tools 9 just came out LOL ... yup ... bigger 'n better (sigh)
Meanwhile, I am also hearing of ministries being exposed for bad character, doing dumb things, displaying shallowness, or endorsing other untrustworthy ministries. Just yesterday, yet another mega-church in Atlanta had it's pastor exposed in the news for homosexuality, among other things. Is there no discernment??
The world keeps racing 'to improve'. Musicians as never before are achieving higher levels of technical skills, as with chessplayers, etc,etc. Even very young children have unprecedented access to learning tools concerning musical learning, computers, etc.
I chuckle to myself as I watch break-dancing or rap-style music dancing, and other forms of contemporary styles ... my thoughts being ... "Can it get any crazier or more energetic than this?! Come on now ... folks are spinning on their heads on the floor and jerking parts of their bodies at unreal rates ... how will they EVER improve on this?"
The point I'd like to make here is simple ... the Church at large CANNOT improve on the simple commands Jesus gave. Churches fill themselves with program after program, yet the command to love God's way can NEVER be improved upon! Better technology, bigger buildings, larger attendance, louder music, etc,etc. won't necessarily demonstrate God's love to this dying world.
Frequently, one can discover that the most famous and prosperous ministries are not necessarily the best to invite to your church. There are many so-called unpopular ministers, who seem to carry much greater depth, anointing and realms of the true love of God.
Finally, I'd like to say that a couple friends purchased a LifeCam / (webcam) Camera for me, and thus far it has been very helpful communicating via video-chatting through Skype or g-mail. I am hoping to minister to churches in different parts of the world at times via this method. The church can project my image on their big screen, and ... if they have a movable camera, I could actually pick out persons and minister through the gifts of the Spirit. I haven't done' this yet, but I hope to try this in the near future. Even if no ministry per se is involved, I could at least video conference some of my unique teachings to bless others.
God bless you all, and thanks for your prayers as you feel led to do so.
July 23, 2010
In recent blogs I made mention of my 21-day fast last May. It has taken me a while to share something I felt during the fast ... particularly toward the end of it. I honestly sensed that the Holy Spirit was communicating to me that some hard times yet again were soon coming for me and my wife. Well ... I heard correctly --- this past week has been one of the most difficult times for us in a while. That is, intense pressure and challenges beyond the 'normal' trials we've been facing for that past 11+ yrs. Trish has been on Florida State Medicaid, yet we have been noticing the system rapidly eroding in efficiency, competence, etc,etc. Sharing all our trials this past week would only burden the readers of this blog. Here's a few examples: Trish's primary doctor simply decided to quit a few weeks ago, leaving her in a dilemma for numerous needs --- re-filling prescriptions, particularly pain meds, the company providing her hospital electric bed came and took it back last Monday (a very serious matter), and I could go on and on. My birthday was last Friday, and our anniversary yesterday --- not to be celebrated, as we have been very stressed all week. Why did God warn me of these tough times coming, and yet didn't communicate what my fast truly accomplished for good? ... (I don't have a clue). However, I close with this ... in my exhaustion and stress, from the truth of my heart I still trust God completely, and continue to love Him no matter what. God bless you all.
June 04, 2010
I have made significant progress on my book, and actually have only a few chapters left. The hindrances continue to oppose its completion, but I remain resolved. Numerous persons have mentioned they can't wait for it to be published and on the market. I am convinced this book will have a good effect addressing not only the man-made doctrine of "covering", but expose in general all sorts of ungodly church leadership. On other issues, so much seems to be happening in our world today. Just considering the USA and Canada, the spirit of Antichrist is so obviously coming to the forefront increasingly. I have no doubt in my mind that the Church at large is about face new waves of severe attack ... spiritually, as well as in governmental laws, our schools, religious hate, etc,etc. I have already mentioned in a recent blog how I felt these were some of the strangest times I have ever seen. I think many of us remain waiting with some sort of curiosity as to why God seems to be 'restraining' our ministries. So much needs to be done right now, and yet, God's wisdom and timing must prevail.
May 24, 2010
I'm still waiting on the Lord for further communications resulting from my recent extended fast.
One thing clear to me, is that I have resolved to finish writing a book I started over a couple years ago. It is on the topic of exposing the false doctrine of "covering". This book has been very difficult indeed to complete due to constant hindrances, loss of motivation, etc,etc. I have even wondered if people even cared about the subject anymore. However, I need to finish this work and publish it.
I remain convinced that Satan does NOT want this book released. So today, I renewed my motivation on this matter, worked on the book a lot, and actually hope to FINALLY finish it this week by God's grace. I'm seriously contemplating translating it also into Spanish, because I know that numerous Hispanics are also entrenched in the "covering" doctrine.
May 10, 2010
It's Monday, May 10th, 2010 -- and I know it seems like this blog is way overdue --- few reasons for this --- especially the recent passing of Dennis Staysniak's mom, for which all his friends are so saddened by...yet...as Dennis says ... "But she's in my future!" (btw...Dennis is the guy who has been doing such a good job on my behalf for my website, media advice, etc,etc...besides just being a great friend..he's so smart!)
Another big reason for the delay in this blog is that I took the month of April for an extended 21-day fast. To me, these are very strange times in the world and in the spirit, and we need God's wisdom as never before for application in these end times. Some of you may be wondering what my new direction, or, next step of ministry may be. As of yet, I have no clear direction from the Lord, although numerous things are stirring within me. Since extended fasting is such a personal thing for me, I cannot share much --- yet, I will say that I have an increasing sense that the church must pay closer attention to the use of technology before Jesus returns soon. Something that can irritate me from time to time, is how certain preachers prophesy so 'confidently' on what they think the Lord is saying these days, and yet ... I don't get that deep witness that such words are quite 'on target'. If any are truly accurate, it is the few that have truly paid the price of seeking the Lord.
December 24, 2009
Dear Friends,
Trish and I wish you all a blessed Christmas. Read More... November 08, 2009
Dear Friends,
Yesterday Trish was released from the rehab center and returned home. The surgical wound is healed.
It's been a long 14 months...1 month in the hospital, and 13 months at the Rehab center recovering.
Read More...