July 29, 2025
| Valerie Hayes
| Health & Wellness, Thoughts & Ideas, Valerie Hayes, View All Articles & Photos
All people are spiritual beings. We consist of body, soul, and spirit. The breath of life from God, is what gives us a spirit, and is what returns to God when we die.
For those who believe in, and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are helped, comforted, and assured of salvation, as we traverse the often difficult journey of life.
The greatest, and central hope for all Christians is not that of a secret rapture, but rather, it is the promise of resurrection to eternal life when Christ returns. It is the greatest gift of all, and is not something we can earn. It comes from a sincere belief in Jesus, and repentance of sins.
When the resurrection happens, we will be given new bodies. It is hard for us to imagine having a body without pain, without feeling dragged down physically, and emotionally, without sickness, and without the concept of impending death.
In addition to the resurrected healthy body, we will be given a safe, and beautiful place to live. We will eat fruit from the tree of life, and drink living water. We cannot begin to grasp what God has in store for those of us who love, and place their trust in Him.
Although we still live in the flesh, and cannot be totally free of sin, there is a difference, a renewal, a change of heart, a thirst for God’s word, a sanctification, and a cleansing. Our Spirit begins to show the fruits of the Spirit.
We learn patience and self-control. We love, even if those we love do not love us in return. We begin to understand the power of forgiveness. We have faith that Christ will get us through our darkest moments, right up to when we die, and take our last breath.
God is Spirit. We must have His Spirit in order to know him.
In addition to God’s Spirit, we also know there are evil spirits. Christ immediately recognized evil spirits in people, and frequently cast out demons. Mary Magdalene was afflicted with seven demonic spirits. Once she was healed, she became a devout follower of Christ. She was the first person to see Christ after he arose from the tomb.
Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Mark 16: 9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Another very graphic example is that of the frightening, crazy men who hung around the tombs. They were violent and tormented, to the extent no one could go near them, or pass by.
Matthew 8:28-32
28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
It seems clear that we all have a spirit, and without the Holy Spirit, there is a risk of having several tormenting spirits.
In this modern era, we tend to think of all anguish, and torment, as stemming from mental health issues. We cannot assume that all mental health issues are based on evil spirits. Nor should we assume that evil spirits do not exist.
Personally I don’t think anyone should attempt to cast out evil spirits, or engage in exorcisms, or even make the judgment to claim someone is possessed.
I think we should leave it to prayer, and encourage the person to read the bible, accept Jesus, and place their trust in Him. With the acceptance of Christ, there is a renewal of the mind. There is a promise of forgiveness, and sanctification.
People are far too prone to error, and the very people who are setting up an exorcism might be more off-base than the person they are targeting. This kind of thing opens too many doors for cult-like practices.
Some people call themselves prophets and Apostles, and believe they are ordained to cast out evil spirits. I personally believe the Apostles and prophets were those specifically chosen by God to preach the gospel, and write the bible. I do not believe we have Apostles in this era. People can have the gift of prophecy, but must be very careful, and be sure it is from God, or they risk being a false prophet.
I do believe Christians should pray for healing, and for others to be healed. I believe the Holy Spirit guides us in a gentle, loving manner. The key verses telling us about God’s Spirit, and the Holy Spirit:
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
As Christians we struggle with sin, and are called upon to repent. Prior to believing, and being sanctified, we did, and thought many awful things. We have no piety, or deity outside of the grace of God.
The bible tells us to love one another, to love our brother, to forgive, and to love our neighbour. To love our neighbour is the second greatest commandment.
Matthew 22: 36-40:
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Recently in the news, there is a tragic story about a neighbourhood dispute in Maple Ridge, which is a city of about 100,000 people, an hour and a half outside of Vancouver.
There had been a longstanding dispute between neighbours over parking, and a dog. Police were called in the late pm, but did not make any arrests. Later that evening, the disgruntled neighbour went and smashed in the door of his neighbours, and shot the couple and their dog.
Two cars were started on fire, and then the man went back to his own house and killed himself.
The traumatized neighbours could hardly believe it. The murdered couple were well liked, pleasant, and active in the community. The murderer was also well liked, although he was not as outgoing.
This is an example of what can happen to ordinary people, if they harbour animosity toward a neighbour. Most of us know that 99% of people who are murdered, are killed by someone they know.
For those who watch or follow true crime, next to intimate partner violence, with the exception of gangs, and drugs – people are most likely to be killed by a neighbour.
When we live in close proximity to people, we are forced to see them, listen to them, and put up with annoying behaviours.
Sometimes the annoyances are serious violations. If someone gets heavy duty equipment to cut into a hillside, without getting the proper geotechnical studies, it can destabilize all the surrounding homes, to the point where those properties have zero value, due to landslide risks.
If a neighbour speeds through a quiet street where young children are playing, it can endanger their lives.
If someone is screaming, cursing, and making threats, it can escalate to violence. It is difficult to avoid a problem neighbour.
Some people are very particular. If you walk on their grass, they might get very angry. Apparently part of the problem with the neighbours in Maple Ridge, was that they would walk their dog on a long leash. When they walked past the neighbour, the dog would veer onto his property.
For the majority of people, they would probably ignore it. Or they might talk to the neighbour, and ask them to keep the dog off their property.
If it kept happening, in spite of the fact the neighbour got angered because of it, each time they walked their dog, there would be a cumulative rage. If the man was a quiet, withdrawn person, he might have bottled up the rage, making a minor annoyance into a simmering volcano, waiting to erupt.
Often it is not a single incident that leads to explosive violence, but rather a series of events. If taken one at a time, it would not seem significant.
This is why the police do not see the whole saga, and how it is unfolding. With each call, they only see a snippet of the events leading up to the grand finale. In fact, like the rest of the people in the neighbourhood, the police had no way of knowing there would be a final murderous showdown.
If the perpetrator had told the police what he was planning to do, and if they knew he had a gun, they would have taken him into custody. Who knows what he said to the police, but whatever it was, he did not tip them off to his state of mind, or his plans. From the time they were called out earlier that day, until he committed the murders, was only a few hours.
Similar to domestic disputes, neighbourhood conflicts are very difficult for the police to sort out. After all, they don’t know the people, and it all seems quite petty, until it becomes violent.
God has told us to love one another, because He knows we will be put in some very trying circumstances.
Surely a person who would do such a thing, had many other unseen problems. His spiritual life was one of torment. We never truly know what another person is going through.
Why couldn’t he simply move?
No matter how angry we become, or how unjust something seems to be, we have to forgive, for our own sake, as well as for those around us.
The Spirit of God gives us the capacity to forgive, and to love, even if we ourselves do not have the capacity to handle it well. God will loosen those binds of indignation, and anger, and set us free.
Nothing can buy peace of mind. One man’s rage destroyed the lives of his neighbours, as well as himself, leaving grieving families, and a stunned community.
If anything, it should be a cautionary tale, when it comes to disputes that are ongoing, and escalating. A long leash, and a wandering dog, or disputes over parking spots, are not worth losing lives over. It is not a war zone. It is a lovely looking neighbourhood with beautiful homes.
People will always say the person should have got help. Clearly he was unhinged, and suffering a breakdown. The problem is, when people hold onto grievances, one after another, they don’t tend to see it as their problem. They believe the annoyances must stop, before they can get peace. They internalize long before they externalize the seething fury.
We will never know what went on in this man’s mind. But it was enough for what appeared to be a sane person to do the unthinkable. He also shot the dog, which tells us he saw the dog as being part of the problem.
The fact he broke into a neighbour’s home late at night, and shot two people, and their dog – means he was not acting in self defence in any way, shape or form.
The fact he went home after that and shot himself means he was prepared to sacrifice his own life, in order to exact vengeance on his neighbours.
In addition to being told the second commandment is to love our neighbours, the sixth commandment is “thou shalt not murder”.
The spirit of rage, and hatred burned within this man, for many known, and even more unknown reasons. There will be no trial, because he is now dead.
But he will face Christ on judgement day. Hebrews 9:27:
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
The tragedy is multi-dimensional. The murderer has no more chances for repentance and healing. When the time comes, he must face judgement for what he did.
It is of the utmost importance to know what Spirit dwells within us, and governs our lives. The Spirit of God is a loving, healing Spirit without any darkness at all. Only the Holy Spirit can set us free from all that plagues us.
God’s word advises us, and warns us about spiritual wickedness, and how to protect ourselves.
Ephesians 6:12-17:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Every single day, we would be wise to put on the whole armour of God. We do not know what kind of rage might be smouldering in our midst.
Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West (2025). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
May 15, 2025
| Valerie Hayes
| Health & Wellness, My Story, Thoughts & Ideas, Valerie Hayes, View All Articles & Photos
The Miriam Webster dictionary describes a-millennialism as “the denial that an earthly millennium of universal righteousness and peace will either precede or follow the second advent of Jesus Christ.”
Postmillennialism is defined as ” the theological doctrine that the second coming of Christ will occur after the millennium.”
Premillennialism is defined as ” The view that Christ’s return will usher in a future millennium of Messianic rule mentioned in Revelation.”
Recently I was listening to an intelligent bible teacher talk about these different views. He claimed the early church embraced the a-millennial point of view. This raised a red flag for me because my understanding is that the early church had a predominant belief in the premillennial view.
The a-millennial view could loosely be described as an early church belief, however it was not popularized until 300 years after the Apostles. It came about as a result of the teachings of St. Augustine and Calvinism.
We should be wary of all isms, because they tend to be man-made, and are more accurately defined as political ideologies. Nevertheless it seems all of Christendom is divided into these different belief systems.
The way they get around what it says in Revelation 20:1-7, is to claim it is spiritual in meaning, and is not to be taken literally:
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
They claim these verses are spiritual, not literal, and therefore they cancel them out?
When you consider the entire Bible is spiritual because God is Spirit – what does that tell us about how they interpret the entire Bible?
Part of the problem with the a-millennial view is that they are focusing only on Revelation chapter 20, and claim it is the only place in the Bible where the thousand year reign is mentioned. However a peaceful reign is mentioned in other locations as well.
Even though Revelation is not in chronological order, it does not cancel out the millennial reign. And even though the thousand year reign is mentioned six times in chapter 20, and the thousand years is not located in other places in the bible, there is reference to the millennial reign in other locations, as being a time of peace.
In addition to the fact Satan is not currently bound, historically, and to date – there is war somewhere in the world. There has never been a time of global peace, even though there have been times of partial peace. War will not be abolished until Christ returns.
When has there been a time when wild animals were peaceful? When has there been a time when Satan was bound? As much as the a-millennialists and post millennialists claim we are in the midst of the millennium, our own observations should clue us in to the fact we are not experiencing peace, or an absence of evil influences.
We are in the midst of sophisticated deceptions, upheaval, uncertainty, spiritual warfare, and conflict. More importantly, we are in the midst of the great apostasy. We must be prudent.
Isaiah 11:4-9
4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 2:3-4
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Genesis 1:2 tells us God is Spirit:
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
The Book of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16:
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Galatians 1:8-12:
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
From a common sense perspective those familiar with the bible know that Satan has been roaming the earth since he was cast out of heaven. When has Satan ever been bound in all of history? How can they claim we are living in the millennial kingdom now when clearly Satan is not bound?
Many of the arguments to support doctrinal deviations will claim the bible is to be taken spiritually, not literally. The dispensationalists who also lean toward a different Gospel based on the teaching of John Darby in the 1800’s will insist the entire bible is to be taken literally.
Our basic reading comprehension has taught us the value of many different figures of speech, and metaphors, along with the ability to differentiate literalism from the figures of speech. The bible is spiritual, and contains figures of speech to illustrate, and help enhance our understanding. It also contains many literal truths that are to be taken at face value.
Therefore all of the arguments leaning toward one or the other are moot points.
One of the biggest problems with those who tamper with God’s word, is they mix truth with falsehood. If we recognize a doctrine that has many falsehoods, we might reject all of it, including some of the truth.
If we study and accept false doctrine, allowing ourselves to be deceived, we might accept all of it as truth, when in fact the doctrine has been altered to deliver some truth, with multiple falsehoods. Dispensational doctrine does teach and embrace the millennial reign of Christ.
They also teach a literal interpretation only, as if that is even possible. They teach there is a separation between Israel and the church. They teach that the bible has been divided into seven dispensations. And they teach the church will be secretly raptured prior to the second coming of Christ.
The dispensational beliefs deviate from what it actually says in the bible, in multiple ways. But they also reiterate certain truths, which makes it palatable to Christians who are not familiar with what it actually says in the bible.
Hebrews 4: 12:
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The dispensationalists frequently use the following verse to support their false doctrine, however they would be wise to compare it to the verse in Hebrews 4:12.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Dividing the word of truth does not equate to dividing the entire bible into seven dispensations. Nor should it divide the body of Christ into two separate bodies – Israel and Gentiles. Nor should it divide the second coming of Christ into two different events.
Ephesians 2:14:
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
John 17:15-17
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 8:43-47
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
A sobering reality is that Jesus is the word of God. If we believe a different Gospel, how can we claim to believe in Christ?
John 3:33-36
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 1:1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Deuteronomy 4:2
2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
By no means do I consider myself to be an educator or bible teacher. I am sharing what it says in the bible, and to some degree am also incorporating aspects of deceptions and snares I fell into as a result of not reading the bible for myself. It is testimony to how any immersion into false doctrine is to walk and stumble in darkness, not the light of God.
Postmillennialism is the belief that the millennial reign will occur before the second coming of Christ. This appears to be based on the idea that the Gospel will be preached so effectively throughout the world, it will lead to global peace. Once again, this is placing the revelation of Jesus Christ onto man, not Christ.
We are supposed to share God’s word. But we can never claim to be the ones to bring about peace, or the millennial reign of Christ.
Man has never achieved peace in this world. Nor has man taken away the sin of the world, which is why there has been so much war and conflict. We must rely on Christ to overcome the world, not man.
When we examine isms and their origins, we will find they come from man not God. We can sit and listen to those manmade isms without learning a thing. They will rationalize, deny, excuse, and lie. It may sound harsh, but that is the nature of man.
It is made to appear that we must choose between the three definitions. Yet of the three, it is dispensationalism that believes there will be a thousand year reign of Christ taken literally from Revelation verse 20. However, dispensationalism is rife with false doctrine in other areas.
Very few preachers are teaching about historic premillennialism, which is what the early church believed before St. Augustine. Historic premillennialism did not contain the seven dispensations, the pre-tribulation rapture, the separation of the church, and various other Darby/Scofield teachings.
The bible warns us not to be deceived. If we reject a-millennialism and post millennialism, it does not mean we should embrace dispensationalism. Read the bible for yourself without the preconceived notion of choosing which false doctrine to believe.
The bible tells us Christ will return. What can we expect when he does return?
What makes sense? Does it make sense to believe Satan was bound ages ago? Does it make sense to believe man will overcome the world, and the sin of the world?
God has a plan, and he is telling us what He has planned for us, and the rest of the world. We do not conform His plan to our way of thinking, or we fall into a trap.
Jesus was here the first time, to offer salvation to the sinners (all of us). He was here to teach, heal and preach the Gospel (the good news). He did so humbly, and without extravagances. He was hated, persecuted, betrayed, and ultimately put to death. After His death, He was resurrected, and went to heaven to be with God, until it is time for His return.
He is coming back as King, and Lord. When He does return, He will rule the earth, and put all of his enemies under his feet. This will be a battle and a victory like none other ever witnessed in the history of the world.
Jesus will fulfill God’s plan in stages, as outlined in the bible. The whole world will enter into a time of peace, rest, and restoration. When he returns, first the dead in Christ will be resurrected, and the believers who are still alive, will be caught up to meet him in the air. We will return to the earth, and rule with Christ for a thousand years. This is the millennial reign.
After the millennial reign, the rest of the dead will be resurrected and face the great white throne of judgement. Those who are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, will be thrown into the lake of fire (the second death). During this time frame, Satan will be let loose for awhile, and another great battle will follow.
After the final battle and complete defeat of Satan, the new heavens and new earth will be ushered in. We will live with, worship, and commune with God for all eternity.
The differences between the millennial reign and the new heavens and earth, are significant. During the millennial reign, the earth will be more like the Garden of Eden, but the nations, and the layout of the earth will be as it was when God created it. Although it is a time of rest, peace, and restoration, the sanctification is not complete until Satan is defeated for he final time. Death and sin must be overcome.
The new heavens and new earth will not have any darkness – no night. God will be the light. There will be no sea. The new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven will be a magnificent and glorious place of worship. We will partake in, and experience the tree of life, and the living water. There will be no more sorrow, no more tears, no more death.
I believe the thousand year reign as mentioned six times in Revelation verse 20, is meant to be taken literally. It should not be diminished, removed, denied, or described as metaphor. It is not worded as a metaphor, or figure of speech. In fact it is repeated six times just to reinforce it, in case we missed it the first time.
Is it spiritual? Yes of course it is. All scripture is spiritual – it is the word of God, and the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:6-8:
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West (2025). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
