LTRP Note: In 2018, Philip Zodhiates, a businessman and Christian believer, began serving a 3-year sentence in a U.S. Federal prison. His crime? Helping a distraught young mother and her daughter (who had become the victim of sexual abuse). While in prison, Philip kept a journal and wrote in it nearly every day. That journal became the book, Innocent: The Price One Man Paid for Doing What is Right. Below is the entry for “Day 425.”

By Philip Zodhiates

This morning I read a passage in Isaiah 61 that got me thinking. The first seven verses are clearly a prophecy about the Messiah’s coming redemption. This was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings good news to the afflicted, liberty to captives, freedom to prisoners, and comfort to those who mourn. “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes” (v.3). This is reminiscent of Hannah’s song of praise and thanksgiving after the Lord finally opened her womb and she conceived and birthed the prophet Samuel: “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them” (1 Samuel 2:8).

Raising us up out of the ash heap is a fitting description, for most think of ashes as something completely useless and nasty. Cleaning out the ashes was always one of my least favorite tasks! But ashes also have a wonderful, almost miraculous quality which I discovered a few years ago.

We had just had a wood stove insert placed in our fireplace as our chimney had been condemned as a fire hazard. This was extremely distressing to Kathie and me as we love our fireplaces in the winter. The insert and its installation would cost about half of what the repairs to the chimney would since the stove has its own chimney liner. Keep in mind, this chimney, like this part of our home, is approximately 230 years old! So I set about shopping for an adequate insert that would not only provide the appropriate heat but keep the ambiance of the fire in the fireplace we’d come to love during the winter months. The solution was a wood stove that had a glass door on the front, which would enable us to also see the fire.

Being new to using a wood stove, I soon learned that it was very easy for that glass door to become so covered with creosote, that the fire was impossible to see through the glass, and no glass cleaner I had in the house would even barely touch the mess on the inside of the door.

And so I set about researching how to clean the glass front of a wood stove. I soon learned there are two very effective ways to do this, which cost nothing. One way was to burn a very hot fire, with the flu open fully. Eventually, all the crud on the door will disappear. The other way to clean the smoke-darkened glass was to actually use the ash itself. I’d take a wad of wet newspaper, dip it into some ash (without any embers), and gently rub it onto the glass window. This does an amazing job turning the dark glass into a sparkling window again—with little effort!

There may be a very different cultural meaning meant by the prophet Isaiah, for ashes were used in their mourning rituals at the time, I believe. But what a picture for us! Indeed, fire does a very good job in refining us and restoring us to a right relationship to the Lord. Peter tells us, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). This is God’s refining fire. Isaiah said, “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10). Just like fire is good for a forest, and if it’s hot enough, it will cleanse and refine the glass of the front of a wood stove, so it does with us. Look at the test Daniel’s friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah had to go through! Yet Christ was with them through the fire when they remained faithful. Perhaps this influenced Daniel to write, “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed” (Daniel 11:35).

Even if God allows us to be brought to the ash heap, as with Job, we are to remain faithful to Him through the fire. There must be nothing which could sway us from following Christ! And when we are confronted with difficult choices, we must always do the right thing without a thought! We are not to find excuses or justify ourselves in not doing the right thing or helping someone who needs our help! We are not to tell ourselves, or them, “Well, let me pray about it,” when in fact it is the only right option. These choices are put in front of us to test us, and we must not fail in following in Christ’s footsteps of personal sacrifice—no matter the consequences! As Daniel stated, the times will continue to get much worse for us Christians, and I hope when God picks me up out of the ashes, giving me a garland instead of ashes, that I can be of use in convincing believers not to flinch when it comes to giving our lives for Him and for others. For that is all that matters in the end!

Please be praying for Philip Zodhiates that he will receive a pardon from President Trump. For more information on his case, click here.

Photo: View of the Sea of Galilee, from Mount Arbel – Northern Israel.

LTRJ Note: The following is written by a long-time Lighthouse Trails reader and the woman who inspired our booklet on “mindfulness meditation.”

By Shirley Major

In a day when many people tolerate, ignore, and even persecute the Jews, it remains the wise person, family, and church that blesses the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! How does one bless this ancient people created and sustained by God through whom He has blessed the families of the Earth as promised in Genesis 12:1-3? See the following ten ways:

1. Pray for the preaching of the Gospel of Christ among Jews. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe, Jew and Gentile (Romans 1:16). Ask God to send forth workers into the harvest among Jews (Matthew 9:38).
2. Equip yourself to minister the Gospel to Jews. You might consider enrolling in “The Jews for Jesus Classroom,” at https://jewsforjesus.org/classroom (a free, self-paced, online course). Read the book titled You Know Somebody Jewish, Now What?: Answering 50 Important Questions by Olivier Melnick.
3. Purchase products made in Israel. Support Jewish family businesses by shopping at https://www.israelcart.com/ and find subscription boxes at https://www.levhaolam.com/. (Select “Producers” on the top bar of the website to read individual producer profiles.)
4. Read excellent titles that inform and inspire! The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom and Things We Couldn’t Say by Diet Eman are unforgettable books which show how believers supported Jews in times past. (These and similar titles are offered by Lighthouse Trails.)
5. Use sites such as https://www.shalominmessiah.com/ for up-to-date news and information from a biblical perspective concerning Jews and prophetic and world events. Opportunities to serve and bless Jews in various ways are available at that site as well.
6. Study the book of Zechariah. This Old Testament book shows God’s dealings with Israel in times past as well as prophecies and promises concerning their future. I believe this book (and Isaiah) has more references to the first and second comings of Christ than any other. Understand the times using the pages of this book!
7. Attend in-person (or via livestream) the Abraham to Armageddon Prophecy Conference August 1, 2026, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Andy Woods, Olivier Melnick, and others will provide an overview of God’s plan for history as detailed in Scripture, which will inspire and equip believers. For tickets and information, see https://www.comingsoonministries.org/conference.
8. Offer encouragement and affirmation to Jews concerning God’s promises to them in online communications and conversation. On social media, cite God’s word for all to see! Suggested verses include Jeremiah 31:10; 31:35-37; Psalm 94:14, 121:4, 122:6; Ezekiel 34:12-15, 36:24-28; Joel 3:16; 2 Samuel 7:20-24.
9. Visit the land of Israel. Shalom in Messiah Ministries has a tour set for October 23—November 2, 2026 (see Shalom’s link above).
10. Donate to reputable evangelistic and humanitarian organizations that minister the Gospel and provide aid among Jews. One of those is https://jewsforjesus.org.
    

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3)

Related Information:

Israel—A Burdensome Stone to the Nations and the Apple of God’s Eye by Mike Oppenheimer

The Mystery of Antisemitism by Dr. Andy Woods

The Jews: Beloved by God, Hated by Many by Tony Pearce

(Photo is from istockphoto.com; used with permission.)

Recently, Lighthouse Trails received this letter from one of our readers:

Dear Lighthouse Trails: We recently saw an article in World magazine with an article pertaining to some children’s books that they were either okaying or promoting because they were paid to do so, which we thought might be worthy of your commenting on. It is the book titled Deep Breath, Little Whisper. Don’t know if you are aware, but thought you might be interested. David M.

Regarding the book Deep Breath, Little Whisper that is being promoted on World Magazine’s website, a March 2026 World Mag article titled “Books About Identify and Relationship” is written by World Mag children’s page editor and editorial assistant Kristin Chapman. From our perspective, there is every right and need to be concerned about this book and World’s recommendation of it. The description of the book on World’s site states:

This book encourages children to employ the ancient practice of breath prayers as part of daily heeding the exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray continually. . . . [The book] depicts different scenarios in which children can breathe out their prayers in times of need.

Given the current condition of the Christian church where contemplative spirituality (and its mystically bent practices such as breath prayers) has, for the most part, worked its way into every facet of the church, it’s no great surprise that World Mag has no problem promoting a child’s book on breath prayers. Disappointing, yes; surprising, no.

We are living in a time when public schools and pre-schools are teaching children Yoga and meditation. Given the New Age and occultic and spiritually dangerous nature of these practices, that is nothing less than child abuse. Contemplative practices (which are a disguised, Christianized set of such practices) are just as harmful to children.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the term “breath prayers,” Larry DeBruyn wrote an article explaining this practice: “Breath Prayers – Are They a Method by Which We Can Become Best Friends With God?.” And, as our offer always stands, if you are unsure what contemplative spirituality is, Lighthouse Trails will send you a free copy of the book, A Time of Departing, if you write to us at editors@lighthousetrails.com.

For the sake of the children, please research this issue and warn about it.

Note: At one time,World Magazine made the claim to be “the most widely read Christian news magazine.”1

Related Articles:

YWAM—Wants Every YWAMer to Practice Contemplative Prayer!

When a Young Girl in a Christian College Meets a Mystic and Is Introduced to Lectio Divina

Beware: Mindfulness Meditation, Especially for Children, is Dangerous

Mystical New Age Thrills Enticing Children and 4 Ways to Help Them

Endnote:

1. “World Magazine Expands Its Coverage” (https://rpwitness.org/article/world-magazine-expands-its-coverage). A Warren Cole Smith is mentioned in this article. It is not Lighthouse Trails author Warren B. Smith.

By Kevin Reeves

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. (Galatians 1:8)

Perhaps the single biggest factor hindering acknowledgment and genuine repentance of false doctrine is the unwillingness for believers to relinquish the superstar status of their spiritual heroes.

This fear of exposing God’s “anointed,” even if they are guilty of repeated heresies, borders on (may I use the term?) paranoia. In my own situation in my former charismatic church, regardless of the evidence presented, there was simply no way anyone in our leadership would even admit the word heresy was applicable. Even when the blood atonement of Christ on the Cross is denied; even when those doing the denying are becoming rich through the tithes and offerings of believers who are often materially far worse off; even when these same ministers threaten divine judgment on those in opposition (the old Ananias and Sapphira tactic—Acts 5: 1-11).

Both the Old and New Testaments are replete with examples of the Lord’s apostles and prophets condemning false brethren. Check out Ezekiel 34 sometime, plus the entire books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. Then look at Jesus’ exposure of the hypocrisy and false teaching of His day, or the apostles’ stern warnings in the epistles, such as found in the entire epistle of Jude. Anyone who claims the Bible commands silence on the subject simply doesn’t know the Word as well as he thinks. Although false prophets are not stoned today (fortunate for them!), their sin will always be one of grave consequences.

We must name them. How else will the church be warned? Would that we had the courage of a Nathan, to thunder with the righteous anger of the Almighty, “Thou art the man” (2 Samuel 12:7)!

(photo from istockphoto.com; used with permission)

By Chris Katulka
Israel, My Glory Magazine

In the book of Numbers, Balak, king of Moab, was terrified of Israel. He saw the Israelites not as a people under God’s care, but as a threat to be neutralized. Because he couldn’t destroy Israel militarily, he sought out Balaam—a hired pagan seer whom Balak believed could bend God’s will for a price. Balak wanted Israel cursed, and Balaam entertained the idea for personal gain.

Something eerily similar is unfolding today. More and more voices who identify as Christian are sounding far less like followers of Jesus, the King of Israel, and far more like Balak on the hills of Moab. They speak the language of faith, wrapping themselves in moral concern using biblical vocabulary. But in the end, their messages serve an ancient purpose: to curse Israel and the Jewish people. They are doing Balak’s bidding.

Candace Owens, the social media political pundit who recently converted from Reformed Evangelicalism to Catholicism, uses her newfound identity to support anti-Israel arguments, seeking to poison the world against the Jewish state. Click here to continue reading.

(Image is created with low resolution, 2-second clips of YouTube videos; used in accordance with the U.S. Fair Use Act for editorial and educational purposes.)

Dear Lighthouse Trails Editors and Readers:

Greetings in the name of our blessed Lord and Savior. My name is Michael ___________, and I am an inmate in northeast Colorado. I arrived here twenty-five years ago, not saved, but thinking I was, after making a “sinner’s prayer” type of “profession” twenty-five years before that. In that supposedly “saved” time frame, I left a trail of destruction that totally ruined the lives of those I claimed to “love.”

In 2003, I was sitting in a solitary confinement cell after being physically assaulted, holding a bottle of pills in my hand that I was going to take, with the intent of ending my life. But, praise God, I heard His “still small voice” telling me that He would take care of me if I would just trust Him completely. Not truly being saved, I took His taking care of me to mean getting me out of a potentially life-threatening situation I was in, and He graciously did that. But, praise the Lord, He had much more than that in store for me. After having me moved to a safer location, He led me to a man who showed me from Scripture the need to repent of (acknowledge and turn away from) my sins and that salvation was not just “fire insurance” or a way to have all my “felt needs” met, but rather a personal, intimate, moment-by-moment relationship with the Savior of the world. Oddly, this man was not only a follower of William Branham but also believed he was Branham’s reincarnation! That just shows you how a sovereign God can use even a cult member to bring someone to the knowledge of the truth.

So, I let go of my idea of Jesus as a blank checkbook, truly repented, and put my trust in His finished work as the source for the eternal salvation of my soul. No, all my troubles didn’t go away (surprise!). As a matter of fact, several things got a lot worse. But, as they did, that just gave me more opportunities to trust Him and to enjoy the strength He gives me on a daily basis to endure whatever trials He allows to bless me with. And, contrary to what my Branhamite friend believed, I didn’t immediately become sinless. To this day, I still struggle with things like lust, anger, pride, selfishness, impatience, and complaining. Also, having a severe phobia of confrontation of any sort, I find it very difficult to share my faith with others. But God is longsuffering and gracious (my favorite phrase in the Bible), so He picks me up and dusts me off whenever I fall and reassures me that I am truly His.

Maybe I should be way more compassionate about this than I am, but it makes me so angry when I see all the New Age, ecumenical, purpose-driven, contemplative nonsense that has crept into the church. This place is no exception, so fellowship (based on God’s truth) here is nearly non-existent, unless you want to be “tolerant” of all this Satanic mumbo-jumbo.

Praise the Lord for Lighthouse Trails and other discernment ministries that continue to “earnestly contend for the faith,” despite their exhortations so often falling on deaf ears. May I be as faithful to the Truth as they are!

Grace, peace, and love in Christ,

Michael

P.S. If you publish this letter and anyone reading it would like to contact me, you have my permission to give that person my mailing address.

LTRP Note: If you would like to write to Michael, please contact us at editors@lighthousetrails.com.