March 1, 2025

By Annette Jennings...Editor 

Part 4  

A Postscript

     That afternoon, July 14, 2024, my youngest son, Christopher, drove me to the Gilbert Hospital Emergency Room. After checking in at the reception window, we waited for what seemed like hours for Lisa to come and take us back to Geoff’s room. Instead, the hospital Chaplain and a nurse came to take us back. 

     By now, we strongly suspected he had passed but didn’t believe this was happening. Like many unbearably painful moments in life, it all seemed surreal.

     We were led to the room where Lisa was waiting with Geoff’s body. My beautiful son was lying there, so cold and still. I saw his lovely foot and stump that had marched all over the United States. When he was determined to share his love of music with eager fans. I thought about how both of his feet would be restored when Jesus comes a second time to rapture His church. Geoff’s new body would be free of pain and perfect.

     As I sat with Lisa and Chris, my youngest son, I also thought of the Jewish people and how they have this wonderful religious ritual when a close family member dies.

     The process of mourning begins with the first stage, otherwise known as Aninut. During this time, individuals experience the initial shock of their loss. Aninut begins the moment the individual dies and lasts until the end of the funeral service (usually within a 24-hour period).

     I was honored to sit Aninut with Geof, if only for an hour or so, and could not resist touching his lifeless fingers, foot, and face as I paid my final respects of goodbyes to him. I thought about all the years that had passed since I’d given birth to him and of our journey through life together. As most mother's and sons, we had experienced a few ups and downs, but none that we did not overcome as they strengthen our relationship. No one would ever know how deeply I would miss him.  

      We may lose many family members in our life but losing a child is the worst.

     Geoffrey’s Journey is one that we’ll all experience one day with our children. It starts at a child’s first breath of life at birth ends only if death comes for us before them.

Shalom

Shalom is a Hebrew word that means peace, wholeness, and perfection. It refers to a state of well-being, harmony, and prosperity in various spheres, physical, social, and spiritual, and is a value and a divine attribute.

Next: Geoffrey's Legacy....Life's Spiritual Insights

By Annette Jennings...Editor 

Part 3   

An Unkind Life

     As many have experienced, life can often be unkind, even cruel. At times life was unkind to Geoff. Through his journey in life, it seemed as if he experienced one failed relationship after another, resulting in three painful divorces. Although he was a talented salesman, even his years of success in telephone sales for a major computer company ended. 

     In his early forties, he started having many medical problems. He also developed a severe form of diabetes, which sent his weight skyrocketing. Many people don’t realize that the uncontrollable physical hunger from some forms of diabetes is just that, “uncontrollable." More devastating to a person with diabetes is neuropathy, which is "the loss of sensation or feeling in a person’s extremities."

     Geoff knew he had neuropathy, but by the time he discovered the wound on his lower leg, it had become inflamed and infected. The wound was a result of the constant rubbing of metal against his skin from a stability boot he was required to wear due to his weak ankles. Although the wound was treated aggressively, it was resistant to every treatment, and eventually, his physician was forced to do a partial amputation of his left leg.

     In short, by his mid-50s Geoff’s life had become a mess. The only bright spots he experienced from so many of his life's failures were three children he loved dearly and his beloved life partner, Lisa, who had graced his life for over 8 years.

     Geoff was passionate about growing his new business, Nobel Notary, and would often tell me about the unique and interesting people to whom he provided notary services. He also developed a love for karaoke while living in St. Louis, Missouri, and shared that love with others in Arizona. Although I had never seen him perform, I heard he had developed a following with patrons at many venues around the greater Phoenix area.

     Lisa had “issues” with her family because of her relationship with Geoff. Her family members grumbled, complained, and wondered why she continued to care for and support him, but Lisa stuck by him. Her job status at a local college enabled her to work from home and provided a sufficient income for them to get by somewhat comfortably. It was true, however, that their relationship suffered at times and, at times, looked as though it might fail, but they continued to support each other despite everything.

Geoff’s Tender Heart

     A mother is often the last one to know the heart of her children. I never knew until a few years before that fated day in July, 2024, that Geoff had given his life and heart to Jesus Christ. His focus had always seemed to be on Prophecy and end-time religious events. Since that was not my interest, we rarely spoke about religion. In retrospect, I believe Joe Noveson, Geoff’s youth pastor friend from his high school days, was responsible for sharing Christ with Geoff and leading him to a loving relationship with the Lord.

     Through all of Geoff’s physical trauma and deteriorating health issues, he never gave up nor did he ever develop a “poor me” type of personality. Nor did I ever hear him mention or hint about taking his own life as many in his same position have been known to contemplate. I believe it was a result of his strong relationship with Jesus Christ.

     During the past few years Geoff and I had many conversations about world events and how scripture related to those happenings. I guess you could say I became a prophetic disciple because of Geoff’s enthusiasm. Our common interest in prophecy drew us closer as mother and son and brother and sister in Christ.

     One day, while we were talking about a website that I had been contemplating, Geoff offered to help me design and purchase a laptop computer and set up the website. He also suggested using the URL that he had used when he designed his business website. Geoff also researched and chose the name My Gospel Messenger for me.

     As my site grew and evolved, I became more convinced than ever that the site was an answer to prayer and trusted that God would use it in some small way as a witness to His love and saving grace. 

     Knowing Geoff was involved in pursuing world prophetic events and happenings, I asked him to write an article for my website about end times and prophecy. When he sent the completed article back to me, I discovered his wonderful, deeply felt emotions regarding the Bible and his love for Jesus Christ, God’s Son. I also discovered that his writing was exceptional and like an excellently written novel, drew me in as I read it.

     The posts I’ll be sharing with you in the future are some that he wrote for My Gospel Messenger. I feel privileged to share his insight with you as he shared it with me during those last few years of his life. It was Geoff’s intention to continue using the website upon my passing. So, it only seems natural for me to share more about Geoffrey’s Journey with all of you.

Continued in

A Post Script 

By Annette Jennings...Editor 

  Part 2

     It's taken me almost six months to write this introduction for Geoffrey’s Journey on my website. You see, I believe it’s important that you have a bit of information about him before I publish his writings. 

     All five of my sons are gifted with talent and a love of music that they inherited from me. I am not patting myself on the back, just stating something everyone tells us.

     I never realized the extent of their talent until the day Geoff arrived home from seventh grade with a tuba. It was the only instrument left for anyone who wanted to be in the band at N. Augusta Junior High. That was because his Junior High classmates didn’t think it was “cool” to play a tuba.

     Despite his brother’s objections to the noise, Geoff practiced for long hours each day. He didn’t want to simply play the instrument; he wanted to be pitch-perfect at playing the instrument. And perfect he was, not only on the tuba but the trombone and French horn also. Over the next five years Geoff made the South Carolina All-State High School Band each year.

     Fast forward to his final year in high school. His father got a job offer in our hometown of Rockford, Illinois and we decided to move. However, Geoffrey refused to go. Fortunately, the youth pastor at the church he was attending invited him to stay at his home for Geoff’s final year of school. Geoff and I will always be thankful to Joe Novenson and his wife for this wonderfully kind gesture.

     When Geoff arrived in Illinois after his high school graduation in South Carolina, he told us about a marching band he’d heard of and said he’d like to join. The band’s name was “The Phantom Regimen,” a world championship group of young musicians that competed across the nation each summer, displaying their expertise in music, and interpretive marching skills. It cost several hundred dollars to join, and to this day, I do not know how we managed to find the money for his uniforms, instrument, and fee to join the group, but we did.

     Despite fractures of both ankles, which he incurred while playing pick-up basketball with high school friends, Geoff marched across the Midwest and Western states in all kinds of inclement weather. Our Orthopedic surgeon said he should not and could not continue to march, but Geoff endured the pain and, despite all our objections, proceeded to perform as though he was marching on two perfect feet.

     Perhaps that was the start of a host of physical issues he experienced in the later years of his life.

Continued in

An Unkind Life

By Annette Jennings...Editor 

  Part 1

     Sunday, July 14, 2024 seems so far removed from the start of our new year of 2025. Yet it also seems like only yesterday.

     As most Sunday mornings went it was fairly routine. An eye-opening shower, a bite to eat and in the car for a hurried trip some thirty-mile church. All of this before 8:15 a.m. It's true, I'm typically an early bird, but time and retirement have made me a little cranky when I’m required to be dressed and out of the house at the crack of dawn.

     Sunday morning bible study and church were excellent with Pastor Kennedy’s message on the unforeseen events that cause a Christian’s day to falter. I didn’t think too much about the “meat” of the message as it might pertain to me and was in a peaceful, relaxed Sunday kind of mood.

One of my close friends invited me to have lunch with her and her husband but I declined since my objective was to go home and take a nice long nap. As I said, old age and retirement have turned me into a world-class afternoon napper.

     It takes me close to forty-five minutes to make the 30+ mile drive from church to my home in Maricopa County Az. Since this was a typical mid-summer 103+ day in Arizona, I hurried home, had lunch, and was just settling down for my afternoon nap when the phone rang. A ringing phone at nap time on a Sunday afternoon was not a welcome sound.

     My soon-to-be daughter-in-law Lisa (hopefully) asked, following my rather annoyed hello, “Are you sitting down?” to which I replied, " No, just walking around, but I’m O.K. Her question didn’t cause me any alarm as I’d been having knee problems for a few months. At that point, Lisa insisted that I sit down before she told me her reason for calling. Now I really was alarmed and not a little…. a lot! My son had been in and out of the hospital with chronic stomach issues. So, I knew the call was about him and another trip to the ER.

     I sat down. “O.K., I’m sitting, I said.” To which Lisa replied, “I’m in a squad car behind the ambulance that's rushing Geoff to an emergency room. He coded about a half hour ago; I immediately started CPR and got him back as did the paramedics when he coded two more times before they got him in the ambulance. I think he’s breathing now but can you meet us at the Gilbert  Emergency room?

Part 2 Continued in

A Mothers Lament

By Geoffrey Goddard Contributing Writer 

WRITTEN IN 2024

Hello All!

     Today, I feel compelled to diverge from our ongoing dialogue and share a revelation that has been weighing heavily on my heart – a message I believe God has impressed upon me. It's no secret that we are navigating through challenging times. Sin appears to be spreading unchecked, crime rates are soaring, families are struggling to put food on the table, and hope seems to slip through our fingers with each passing day. In such moments, our faith is truly put to the test. For many, especially those who do not follow Jesus Christ, the future appears bleak, and hope becomes a scarce commodity.

     Even as Christians, we are not immune to moments of doubt and uncertainty. There are occasions when our hope wavers, when our faith feels fragile. We may find ourselves teetering on the edge of despair before we finally surrender our trials to God.

     In those moments, it can seem as though God is distant, as if He has momentarily turned His back on us, leaving us to fend for ourselves. I have experienced those feelings firsthand, yet deep within, I know that God has not forsaken me. I understand the importance of turning to God's Word for guidance, even though at times, it feels like I am simply going through the motions. I wrestle with frustration when nothing in Scripture seems to resonate with me.

     But there comes a point when I reach my breaking point, when I grow weary of the negative self-talk echoing in my mind, a voice that seems to echo the whispers of the adversary. It is then that I choose to immerse myself in God's Word, despite my initial reluctance. I am humbled by my own shortcomings, recognizing that God is using these moments to teach me valuable lessons.

     We should never attempt to navigate life's challenges on our own. It's imperative that we seek God's assistance in overcoming our adversaries. Through prayer, we establish direct communication with God—there's no intermediary, no additional work required to earn His favor. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are part of a family and heirs to His promises.

1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Our inheritance is distinguished by four important qualities:

1. Our inheritance in Christ transcends the limits of decay. While earthly possessions succumb to the ravages of time, what we receive through Christ remains untouched by its effects. Matthew 6:19–20 assures us that our treasures in heaven are impervious to decay.

2. Furthermore, our inheritance in Christ is unblemished. While earthly beauty often carries flaws, Christ epitomizes perfection, as Hebrews 7:26 emphasizes. Through Him, we inherit a state of holiness and purity devoid of earthly imperfections, as Revelation 21:27 promises an eternal sanctuary free from all impurity.

3. Moreover, our inheritance in Christ is unwavering. Unlike worldly possessions prone to depreciation, what we receive in Christ endures eternally. Revelation 21:5 assures us of a perpetual renewal, ensuring that the vibrancy of our inheritance never diminishes.

4. Additionally, our inheritance in Christ is securely reserved. As Ephesians 1:13–14 states, the Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of our heavenly inheritance. Just as Abraham awaited the heavenly city, we eagerly anticipate our promised inheritance in heaven, reassured by God's protection, as John 10:28–29 affirms.

5. As heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, our inheritance is both a promise and a purpose, as described in Romans 8:17 and Ephesians 1:11. Through faith in Christ, we lay claim to this inheritance, knowing that one day we will fully inherit all that is promised to us.

     Even amidst trials and tribulations, we find solace in the certainty of our heavenly inheritance. Like John Calvin beautifully expresses, though we may encounter adversity in this world, the Holy Spirit empowers us with hope and strength to persevere. Therefore, we rejoice, give thanks, and patiently await the fulfillment of our inheritance.

     When we comprehend the magnitude of the glory awaiting us, we can endure the trials of this life with unwavering determination. Our temporary struggles fade in comparison to the eternal glory promised to us, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 4:17.

By Geoffrey Goddard Contributing Writer

     The notion of maintaining a clear conscience is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christianity, particularly emphasized in 1 John 3:21, which states, "Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God."

     From the earliest stages of life, we are confronted with the reality of sin. Consider the simple yet profound example of a child's first word - "NO." This innate understanding of disobedience highlights the universal presence of sin in human nature. Even in childhood, our conscience pricks us when we veer from what is right, often leading us to falsehoods or evasion.

     Defined as an inner moral compass guiding behavior, the conscience reflects a core aspect of human spirituality. For those grounded in a biblical worldview, it represents a facet of the soul reflecting the likeness of God Himself (Genesis 3:22). The existence of such a conscience poses a challenge to explanations solely rooted in evolutionary theory.

     The awakening of human conscience finds its origin in the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6). Their act of tasting the forbidden fruit introduced them to the knowledge of good and evil, disrupting their prior innocence. This rupture in their relationship with God inaugurated a perpetual struggle within humanity, marked by a sense of discordance when we deviate from our created purpose.

     Yet, amid this moral turmoil, God offered a solution. Even as Adam and Eve sought to cover their shame, it was God who provided a covering through the sacrifice of innocent animals (Genesis 3:21). This act foreshadowed God's ultimate plan of redemption for mankind, culminating in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

     Despite humanity's myriad attempts to assuage guilt and cleanse conscience through various means, true absolution remains elusive. Only through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ can our consciences be truly cleansed (1 Peter 1:18–19). Jesus, as the perfect and blameless sacrifice, bore upon Himself the weight of humanity's sin, offering a pathway to reconciliation with God.

Through genuine repentance and acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice, we find release from the grip of sin and guilt. Confessing our sins before God allows His forgiveness to cleanse us completely (1 John 1:9), empowering us to pursue righteousness and live according to His will (Romans 6:18). As we strive to align our lives with God's purposes, our conscience becomes attuned to both moral pitfalls and the transformative work of God within us.

     However, this journey toward a clear conscience often entails more than just reconciliation with God; it may necessitate a reconciliation with those we have wronged. While God readily extends forgiveness, human forgiveness may be more complex and may require patience and understanding.

     Continual confession and reliance on the redemptive power of Jesus' blood enable us to maintain a clear conscience before God. We embrace the freedom found in Christ, refusing to dwell on past failures, and instead, trusting in God's unwavering love and transformative grace (John 8:36; Romans 8:31).

     In conclusion, the path to a clear conscience is paved with humility, repentance, and reliance on the saving work of Jesus Christ. As we walk in the assurance of His forgiveness, we are empowered to live boldly and confidently, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39).

By Geoffrey Goddard Contributing Writer

  1 John 3:5-6: 5:18 NIV

 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 

     Reflecting on the theme of sin as depicted in 1 John 3:5-6, we delve into the profound concept of redemption and the quest to overcome our shortcomings. The scripture emphasizes the purpose of Christ's manifestation—to absolve us of sin—and highlights the purity within Him.

     In recent discussions, we've explored the intricacies of sin and the journey toward self-improvement. It's a challenge to maintain focus amidst these trials, which I liken to temporary obstacles. Reflecting on my life, spanning over six decades, I acknowledge both remarkable and regrettable moments. While some actions may not appear inherently harmful, upon reflection, they yield a cascade of remorse.

     Regrettably, despite earnest attempts, I find myself unable to directly seek forgiveness from those affected. Whether reconciliation will materialize remains uncertain, and is subject to Gods intervention.

     The transformation I've experienced is a testament to the liberation found in wholeheartedly embracing my faith in God. Through sincere dedication, I've discovered that surrendering to God is the key to overcoming the grip of sin in my life. This realization isn't intended as a point of pride but rather to illustrate a profound shift—a newfound vigilance against sin.

     It's as if a deep-seated aversion to sin has taken root within me. Subconsciously, through the Holy Spirit, my mind has sharpened its ability to recognize sin, acting as a protective barrier. While I understand that as a human, I'm inherently prone to sin, this heightened awareness has made navigating life's temptations considerably smoother. I attribute this ease not to my own strength, but solely to the grace of God.

     As a follower of Christ, I understand the weight of sin and the responsibility to resist it. While Jesus Christ bore the ultimate cost for my sins through His sacrifice, I acknowledge my duty to strive for righteousness in His name. This recognition underscores the profound grace extended to me and motivates me to walk in the footsteps of Christ.

1 John 5:18 NIV

    18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.   

     The scripture in 1 John 5:18 resonates powerfully, affirming that those who are reborn in God do not persist in sin. Upon accepting Jesus and repenting sincerely, all sins are forgiven instantaneously. This pivotal moment marks a commitment to follow Christ, a transformative journey of faith.

     It's crucial to clarify that this forgiveness isn't a license for willful sinning; rather, it signifies a genuine dedication to God. Every subsequent transgression is swiftly cleansed upon confession. However, this doesn't absolve us of responsibility. As the scripture emphasizes, those born of God must actively guard themselves against the influence of evil.

     While not claiming expertise in biblical interpretation, it's evident that vigilance against the Devil's schemes is integral. This calls for a continuous commitment to righteousness, a conscious effort to align with God's will. In essence, our role in this spiritual journey involves both relying on God's grace and actively safeguarding our hearts and minds against the enemy's tactics.

     When grappling with persistent sin or facing daunting challenges in your walk with Jesus Christ, turning to God is the ultimate solution, heralding the commencement of a profound journey of renewal.

Here's a practical guide to navigating this journey:

1. Confess to Jesus: Begin by openly confessing the sin or challenge to Jesus Christ. Acknowledge it with sincerity and humility.

2. Specificity: Be precise in your confession. Identify the sin or challenge clearly, leaving no room for ambiguity.

3. Seek God's Intervention: Humbly request God's intervention in overcoming this obstacle. Trust in His power to bring about transformation.

4. Commitment: Make a conscious decision to avoid the sin or surmount the challenge. Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to this endeavor.

5. Fight and Remind: Take active steps to resist the sin. Implement reminders and reinforcements to fortify your commitment. Surround yourself with supportive influences.

6. Daily Scripture Reading: Cultivate a habit of daily Bible reading. Delve into God's Word to deepen your understanding of Him and His ways. Allow His truth to permeate your heart and mind.

     Prayer is an essential precursor to engaging with God's Word. Here's why praying for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding before reading Scripture is crucial:

1. Knowledge: By seeking knowledge through prayer, we ask God to grant us insight into His truth. This knowledge goes beyond mere facts; it encompasses a deep understanding of His character, His teachings, and His will for our lives.

2. Wisdom: Wisdom enables us to apply the knowledge we gain from Scripture in practical ways. Through prayer, we invite God to impart His wisdom, guiding us in making wise decisions and discerning His plans for us.

3. Understanding: Understanding allows us to grasp the deeper meanings and implications of Scripture. Through prayer, we ask God to illuminate His Word, opening our hearts and minds to comprehend its profound truths.

     By approaching the study of God's Word with prayerful humility and dependence on Him, we invite His transformative power to work within us. Prayer prepares our hearts and minds to receive His Word with receptivity and obedience, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.

     Reflecting on this journey, you'll witness remarkable changes orchestrated by God. As you conquer one sin or challenge, you may find that others are also vanquished unexpectedly. The commitment you make in one aspect of your life ripples outwards, influencing every sphere.

     Embrace this journey with anticipation and trust, knowing that God's transformative power is at work within you so you, too, can see the decreasing pattern of sin.