ALL Darkness Has Been Pierced!
Exodus Chapter 10
The Darkness Over Egypt:
21Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness will spread over Egypt—darkness that can be felt.” 22So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. 23 No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.
Egypt’s leader was not listening to what God was telling him to do. God told Pharaoh through Moses to “Let My People Go” because it was time for their captivity to end. But Pharaoh continued to resist God and he did not let the Israelites go free and the result was his heart was hardened. The consequences of that hard heartedness came and God allowed 7 plagues to fall on the whole land of Egypt. In the sixth plague, complete darkness fell over the whole land for three days. It says no one could see anyone else or leave their place because it was so dark you could feel it, but the Israelites who were God’s chosen people had light in their places.
It is AWESOME that this thick enveloping darkness could not overtake the light where the Israelites lived! It was pierced because they had a light from another source, and as we think about this it will bring Hope and Encouragement to us today after Christmas and everyday ahead! Even more, as we believe on this faithful provision of light from God to Israel and claim it for ourselves, it reveals an even greater and more awesome promise/assurance to everyone who belongs to God. It reveals the real truth that we can claim: That those who are God’s children endure all arrays of crippling circumstances, whether it is blackest darkness or even a death blow, because they have the LIGHT THAT LEADS TO LIFE………in them!
John Chapter 8
What is this Life Giving Light?
Even though the darkness thickens around us IT CANNOT ENTER INTO US! Though we be challenged in our faith, because it indeed is really dark, we will overcome it. Why, because we are not our own. We belong to Jesus Christ! The truth is that the darkest most crippling hours that ever existed have already come and gone and they have been PIERCED. They have been defeated! That’s why it says in 1 Corinthians 15, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Those were the hours when thick darkness enveloped Christ from Gethsemane on toward Calvary and into the Grave. THOSE WERE THE THICKEST AND DARKEST HOURS that ever existed. YET Jesus overcame because he literally is the Light of the World. In John 8:12 it says, “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." He also said in John 2:19, "All right, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Jesus is saying that if we believe in him for who he claims to be and what his message is we will overcome the darkness because he has already overcome for us. He carried your and my sin because he loves us and he rose from the dead because he is literally LIFE, and darkness cannot overtake him! Therefore, if he is in us he will light us up and there cannot be any darkness in us. If we die, he will raise us to eternal life. Today, there is no reason to be ashamed of Jesus Christ or to run or hide from Jesus, but only surrender our lives to him, celebrate, talk about, give thanks to and praise him!
Today is the day after Christmas. Just like yesterday, it is one day of an every day celebration of this truth for those who have surrendered their all to Jesus Christ. The daily celebration is that the real darkness (sin) in the world and in human hearts has been PIERCED, and now there is the wonderful opportunity for the replacement of human sin and depravity for Jesus’ light and righteousness! Just imagine, little baby Jesus came into the world on that dark night, but a bright light was above him announcing his location! King Herod was full of darkness and wanted to kill baby Jesus so he ordered all 2yr old boys and younger to be killed, but baby Jesus escaped because God had a bigger plan! And the day after his birth and all through Jesus’ life he was surrounded by darkness yet his light pierced the sickness of humanity and unhealthy spirituality at all levels.
As we are becoming more and more sanctified each day until that resurrection hour he will faithfully continues to shine in us, and it will get brighter and brighter in the places where he lives. He lives in us Not because of who we are but because of who he is. Jesus said, in John 17:26, “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
The Death Blow of Christ on the cross was indeed awesome and the Devil thought HE had won. The disciples were scattered and the sorrow was GREAT. And even their hope was waning, but TRUTH is thicker than blood because God the Father was watching. The darkness in Jesus tomb that day was pierced and his light became available to all of us. Today God is still watching, and waiting for anyone, no matter their nationality, their religion, their gender identity, their economic status, no matter, to respond to his call: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Merry Christmas to you on the day after Christmas! And may the Light of Life, who is Jesus Christ, pierce the darkness in you and me and the world in 2010.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART XII
“GLOBAL WARMING”- JUSTIFICATION for GLOBALIZATION vs. A SIGN OF LAST DAYS BIRTH PANGS
Mark 13:8, "For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”
There is no doubt the earth is changing right before our very eyes. Everyone is noticing the temperature changes, the hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, prevalence of disease, shortage of food, droughts, and now news sources are reporting that the Euphrates River is beginning to dry up which is spoken about in (Revelation 16:12)! But even these signs are being dismissed as evidences of the times that Jesus warned about in Matthew 24. In any case, both believers and non-believers are expressing there minds to explain why it is all happening. In these explanations, there are differences to be discerned. The difference of the minds is perspective and whether or not the person believes in truth determines if the analysis is trustworthy. For example, Al Gore has an unbiblical understanding of the signs of the times and his analysis is being received and believed in the world over. His unbiblical proposals to remedy the problem are bringing about globalization as seen in bills such as the CAP and TRADE government mandated environmental policy. But what does scripture say?
Romans 8:19, “All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who his children are.”
Before we go on, let’s dig deeper into this verse. Do you remember when Moses and Aaron were before Pharaoh in Exodus 7? Pharaoh was going to ask them for a miracle and God prepared Moses beforehand and said, “Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” And so it did. To us, that is definitely a miracle for the Glory of God, but was it to God’s glory in Pharaoh’s heart? His wise men and sorcerers did the same thing with their staffs which in Pharaoh’s eyes, (the world’s eyes), was good enough reason to dismiss the real message Moses was relaying for God. Everyone knows that Pharaoh’s snakes were swallowed up by Aaron’s…even Pharaoh. So why didn’t Pharaoh humble himself? I bring this up because it is possible for two people to be looking at the same sign or miracle and see it totally different because their hearts are different. One sees through the eyes and heart of faith and humility before Christ while the other sees through the eyes and heart of unbelief and pride before themselves! When the last day’s birth pangs of scripture begin to get stronger and more powerful - even causing ‘men’s hearts to fail them for fear of what is coming upon the earth’ (Luke 21:26) - what is the child of God to do? We are to keep looking in faith with a contrite heart unto Christ alone! Keep in mind that God turned the staff into a snake for one ultimate reason: That is to free his children from slavery. Think of that verse in Romans 8:19 again: All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who his children are! This verse is the bottom line of EVERYTHING! Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; Lazarus’ resurrection, ALL the miracles of Jesus; ALL the miracles of the old testament, ALL the eclipses, ALL CREATION, EVERYTHING has been set in motion for the ultimate purpose of revealing who God’s true children are. They are those who have been freed by the blood of Christ from the slavery of sin and death. Read Psalm 91 and believe! God will protect you when the birth pangs rail upon the world for the Glory of God. All the miracles ahead both genuine and counterfeit, and all the birth pangs will be discerned by the child of God through the eyes and hearts of faith and humility.
With this in mind, there are others who are revealing the signs of the times through the understanding of scripture. One man in particular is Bill Koenig. Mr. Koenig, is an author and a white house correspondent who reports the news through the lens of scripture. His inside connections/access to the political realm as well as world leaders coupled with his understanding of the scriptures is helping the church and world to see that not honoring the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Israel is a serious matter. His website is www.watch.org and his book titled: Eye to Eye- Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel is a compiling of actual natural, economical and political events that have occurred on the same day or within 24 hours after Israel received direct pressure to divide her land. In fact, according to his research the following have a great deal in common:
•9 of the 10 costliest insurance events in U.S. history,
•6 of the 7 costliest hurricanes in U.S. history,
•3 of the 4 largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history,
•9 of the 10 top natural disasters in U.S. history ranked by FEMA relief costs, and the
•2 largest terrorism events in U.S. history
All these events occurred the same day or 24 hours after the U.S. government applied:
1.Pressure on Israel to trade her land for promises of “peace and security,”
2.Sponsoring major “land for peace” meetings,
3.Making major public statements pertaining to Israel’s covenant land and/or
4.Calling for a “Palestinian State”.
Reading Mr. Koenig’s book will challenge you by asking the question: Is this all a coincidence or should we begin to believe that God is actively involved in the affairs of Israel and the land He gave them. Are there serious consequences for those who divide the land of Israel? Consider Zechariah 12:9- And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” If the nations continue to pressure Israel in these ways I believe we will continue to see serious consequences befall the nations. God has spoken regarding the issue.
“GLOBAL WARMING”- JUSTIFICATION for GLOBALIZATION vs. A SIGN OF LAST DAYS BIRTH PANGS
Mark 13:8, "For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”
There is no doubt the earth is changing right before our very eyes. Everyone is noticing the temperature changes, the hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, prevalence of disease, shortage of food, droughts, and now news sources are reporting that the Euphrates River is beginning to dry up which is spoken about in (Revelation 16:12)! But even these signs are being dismissed as evidences of the times that Jesus warned about in Matthew 24. In any case, both believers and non-believers are expressing there minds to explain why it is all happening. In these explanations, there are differences to be discerned. The difference of the minds is perspective and whether or not the person believes in truth determines if the analysis is trustworthy. For example, Al Gore has an unbiblical understanding of the signs of the times and his analysis is being received and believed in the world over. His unbiblical proposals to remedy the problem are bringing about globalization as seen in bills such as the CAP and TRADE government mandated environmental policy. But what does scripture say?
Romans 8:19, “All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who his children are.”
Before we go on, let’s dig deeper into this verse. Do you remember when Moses and Aaron were before Pharaoh in Exodus 7? Pharaoh was going to ask them for a miracle and God prepared Moses beforehand and said, “Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” And so it did. To us, that is definitely a miracle for the Glory of God, but was it to God’s glory in Pharaoh’s heart? His wise men and sorcerers did the same thing with their staffs which in Pharaoh’s eyes, (the world’s eyes), was good enough reason to dismiss the real message Moses was relaying for God. Everyone knows that Pharaoh’s snakes were swallowed up by Aaron’s…even Pharaoh. So why didn’t Pharaoh humble himself? I bring this up because it is possible for two people to be looking at the same sign or miracle and see it totally different because their hearts are different. One sees through the eyes and heart of faith and humility before Christ while the other sees through the eyes and heart of unbelief and pride before themselves! When the last day’s birth pangs of scripture begin to get stronger and more powerful - even causing ‘men’s hearts to fail them for fear of what is coming upon the earth’ (Luke 21:26) - what is the child of God to do? We are to keep looking in faith with a contrite heart unto Christ alone! Keep in mind that God turned the staff into a snake for one ultimate reason: That is to free his children from slavery. Think of that verse in Romans 8:19 again: All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who his children are! This verse is the bottom line of EVERYTHING! Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; Lazarus’ resurrection, ALL the miracles of Jesus; ALL the miracles of the old testament, ALL the eclipses, ALL CREATION, EVERYTHING has been set in motion for the ultimate purpose of revealing who God’s true children are. They are those who have been freed by the blood of Christ from the slavery of sin and death. Read Psalm 91 and believe! God will protect you when the birth pangs rail upon the world for the Glory of God. All the miracles ahead both genuine and counterfeit, and all the birth pangs will be discerned by the child of God through the eyes and hearts of faith and humility.
With this in mind, there are others who are revealing the signs of the times through the understanding of scripture. One man in particular is Bill Koenig. Mr. Koenig, is an author and a white house correspondent who reports the news through the lens of scripture. His inside connections/access to the political realm as well as world leaders coupled with his understanding of the scriptures is helping the church and world to see that not honoring the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Israel is a serious matter. His website is www.watch.org and his book titled: Eye to Eye- Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel is a compiling of actual natural, economical and political events that have occurred on the same day or within 24 hours after Israel received direct pressure to divide her land. In fact, according to his research the following have a great deal in common:
•9 of the 10 costliest insurance events in U.S. history,
•6 of the 7 costliest hurricanes in U.S. history,
•3 of the 4 largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history,
•9 of the 10 top natural disasters in U.S. history ranked by FEMA relief costs, and the
•2 largest terrorism events in U.S. history
All these events occurred the same day or 24 hours after the U.S. government applied:
1.Pressure on Israel to trade her land for promises of “peace and security,”
2.Sponsoring major “land for peace” meetings,
3.Making major public statements pertaining to Israel’s covenant land and/or
4.Calling for a “Palestinian State”.
Reading Mr. Koenig’s book will challenge you by asking the question: Is this all a coincidence or should we begin to believe that God is actively involved in the affairs of Israel and the land He gave them. Are there serious consequences for those who divide the land of Israel? Consider Zechariah 12:9- And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” If the nations continue to pressure Israel in these ways I believe we will continue to see serious consequences befall the nations. God has spoken regarding the issue.
Friday, October 16, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART XI
In light of the previous post, consider the following historical events and signs in the heavens that have fallen consistently on God’s appointed feasts.
•The Lunar and Solar Eclipses connected to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ:
1.Feast of Passover 4/3/33 Partial Lunar Eclipse Saros Series 71
The Bible specifically says the sun was darkened between noon and 3:00pm the day Jesus hung and died on the cross. Yet it is interesting to note that even though NASA does not record any solar eclipse occurring on 4/3/33 (only 3/19/33) there are many ancient non-biblical sources that do cite a mysterious solar event occurring right around this time. One source, for example, is Phlegon Trallianus’ record in his history, Olympiades, "In the fourth year of the 202nd Olympiad [AD 32-33], a failure of the sun took place greater than any previously known, and night came on at the sixth hour of the day [noon], so that stars actually appeared in the sky; and a great earthquake took place in Bithynia and overthrew the greater part of Niceaea."
•The Tetrad of 1493 through 1494 was tied to the repulsion of the Jews from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition.
1.Feast of Passover 4/2/1493 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
2.Feast of Tabernacles 9/25/1493 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
3.Feast of Passover 3/22/1494 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
4.Feast of Tabernacles 9/15/1494 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
(The saros cycle for the Tetrad of 1493 through 1494 is not available on the NASA website at this time.)
•The Tetrad of 1949 through 1950 is tied to the rebirth of the nation of Israel declared May 14, 1948.
It should be noted here that even though Israel declared themselves a nation in 1948, the first permanent government took office on Jan 25, 1949. Israel had a transitional government in 1948. In this way, the tetrad can tie to the year 1949 for the first elected office of that year and the birth year still be 1948.
1.Feast of Passover 4/13/1949 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 121
2.Feast of Tabernacles 10/7/1949 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 126
3.Feast of Passover 4/2/1950 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 131
4.Feast of Tabernacles 9/26/1950 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 136
•The Tetrad of 1967 - 1968 is tied to the 6-Day War when Israel gained control of Jerusalem
1.Feast of Passover 4/24/1967 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 121
2.Feast of Tabernacles 10/18/1967 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 126
3.Feast of Passover 4/13/1968 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 131
4.Feast of Tabernacles 10/6/1968 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 136
•The Solar Eclipse pattern of 2008, 2009 and 2010
We have a solar eclipse that occurs on the 1st of Av three years in a row.
1.The 1st of Av 8/1/2008 Total Solar Eclipse Saros Cycle 126
2.The 1st of Av 7/22/2009 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 136
3.The 1st of Av 7/11/2010 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 146
It is interesting to note that in August 2008, the banking system started to collapse in the United States which in turn has led to the almost total collapse of the world banking system. This is one event among many that is setting the stage for one global currency system which will be controlled by the mark of the beast. In addition, it was on Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets on September 29, 2008 that the stock market again fell 777 points. Interesting to note is that in Jewish history and rabbinical writings, solar eclipses are seen as an event that has never bode well for the gentile nations whereas lunar eclipses have been seen as a bad omen for the Israelites.
•The Tetrad of 2014 & 2015 as well as the Solar Eclipses matching Israel’s religious & civil new year
Keep in mind that the 2014-2015 tetrad is the only one in the near future that aligns itself with the Jewish holidays. There are other recent tetrads that have occurred and future tetrads will occur as well. One tetrad occurred in 2003 – 2004 and future tetrads are found in 2032-2033, 2043-2044, 2050-2051, 2061-2062, 2072-2073, and 2090-2091. The difference between these tetrads and the 2014 - 2015 tetrad is that in 2014-2015 all the eclipses align with the Jewish holidays. The others do not. This is significant and we should take note.
1.Feast of Passover 4/15/2014 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 122
2.Feast of Tabernacles 10/8/2014 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 127
3.The 1st of Nissan 3/20/2015 Total Solar Eclipse Saros Cycle 120
4.Feast of Passover 4/4/2015 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 132
5.The 1st of Tishri 9/13/2015 Partial Solar Eclipse Saros Cycle 125
6.Feast of Tabernacles 9/28/2015 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 137
In addition, this tetrad does not mean that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ at Tabernacles has to occur on Tabernacles in the year 2015. What it does suggest is that some major event will be happening that is tied to Israel just as the past tetrads on the feasts tied to Israel. The First Tetrad that landed on the feasts dealt with the scattering of the Jews. The second tetrad on the feasts dealt with the rebirth of Israel and the re-gathering, the third tetrad on the feasts dealt with the 6-Day War and the recapturing of Israel, and the fourth tetrad on the feasts will also be a major event dealing with Israel. Any one of the following events could occur: Restart of the building of the temple and the daily sacrifices for Israel, start of the Tribulation, the abomination of desolation, or beginning of the Great Tribulation (last 3.5 years). We can not say for sure, but one thing we can say is that the signs are revealing that the season to prepare and watch is here! We know that soon there will be a rapture of the church, the coming of the Anti-Christ and False Prophet, the beginning of the Day of the Lord (tribulation), the rebuilding of the third Jewish Temple, and the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! Let’s watch and live as children of the day and as wise virgins!
Summing things up, it is obvious that significant events occur when the sun and moon eclipse on the Feasts of the Lord. We should not dismiss these occurrences as mere coincidence or meaningless, but rather fulfillments of the testimonies of the Prophets of God (Joel 2:10, Joel 2:31, Amos 5:20, Amos 8:9, Zephaniah 1:15, Amos 5:8 etc.) as well as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s testimony who warned that the sun would be darkened and the moon would turn blood red before the Day of the Lord and his second advent (Matthew 24:29, Revelation 6:12, Revelation 8:12, etc.). We should also keep in mind that this is not date setting, but rather watching and knowing God’s time table and season of the Lord’s return. Jesus said to the religious leaders of his time in Luke 12:56, "You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?” And in Matthew 6:13, "And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?” I can understand how disheartening it would be to have laid out the plan so that your people could be ready only to have them dismiss or neglect it for whatever reason. We are to be wise virgins and not foolish virgins, preparing ourselves to be in the presence of the Lord.
In light of the previous post, consider the following historical events and signs in the heavens that have fallen consistently on God’s appointed feasts.
•The Lunar and Solar Eclipses connected to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ:
1.Feast of Passover 4/3/33 Partial Lunar Eclipse Saros Series 71
The Bible specifically says the sun was darkened between noon and 3:00pm the day Jesus hung and died on the cross. Yet it is interesting to note that even though NASA does not record any solar eclipse occurring on 4/3/33 (only 3/19/33) there are many ancient non-biblical sources that do cite a mysterious solar event occurring right around this time. One source, for example, is Phlegon Trallianus’ record in his history, Olympiades, "In the fourth year of the 202nd Olympiad [AD 32-33], a failure of the sun took place greater than any previously known, and night came on at the sixth hour of the day [noon], so that stars actually appeared in the sky; and a great earthquake took place in Bithynia and overthrew the greater part of Niceaea."
•The Tetrad of 1493 through 1494 was tied to the repulsion of the Jews from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition.
1.Feast of Passover 4/2/1493 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
2.Feast of Tabernacles 9/25/1493 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
3.Feast of Passover 3/22/1494 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
4.Feast of Tabernacles 9/15/1494 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle
(The saros cycle for the Tetrad of 1493 through 1494 is not available on the NASA website at this time.)
•The Tetrad of 1949 through 1950 is tied to the rebirth of the nation of Israel declared May 14, 1948.
It should be noted here that even though Israel declared themselves a nation in 1948, the first permanent government took office on Jan 25, 1949. Israel had a transitional government in 1948. In this way, the tetrad can tie to the year 1949 for the first elected office of that year and the birth year still be 1948.
1.Feast of Passover 4/13/1949 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 121
2.Feast of Tabernacles 10/7/1949 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 126
3.Feast of Passover 4/2/1950 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 131
4.Feast of Tabernacles 9/26/1950 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 136
•The Tetrad of 1967 - 1968 is tied to the 6-Day War when Israel gained control of Jerusalem
1.Feast of Passover 4/24/1967 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 121
2.Feast of Tabernacles 10/18/1967 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 126
3.Feast of Passover 4/13/1968 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 131
4.Feast of Tabernacles 10/6/1968 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 136
•The Solar Eclipse pattern of 2008, 2009 and 2010
We have a solar eclipse that occurs on the 1st of Av three years in a row.
1.The 1st of Av 8/1/2008 Total Solar Eclipse Saros Cycle 126
2.The 1st of Av 7/22/2009 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 136
3.The 1st of Av 7/11/2010 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 146
It is interesting to note that in August 2008, the banking system started to collapse in the United States which in turn has led to the almost total collapse of the world banking system. This is one event among many that is setting the stage for one global currency system which will be controlled by the mark of the beast. In addition, it was on Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets on September 29, 2008 that the stock market again fell 777 points. Interesting to note is that in Jewish history and rabbinical writings, solar eclipses are seen as an event that has never bode well for the gentile nations whereas lunar eclipses have been seen as a bad omen for the Israelites.
•The Tetrad of 2014 & 2015 as well as the Solar Eclipses matching Israel’s religious & civil new year
Keep in mind that the 2014-2015 tetrad is the only one in the near future that aligns itself with the Jewish holidays. There are other recent tetrads that have occurred and future tetrads will occur as well. One tetrad occurred in 2003 – 2004 and future tetrads are found in 2032-2033, 2043-2044, 2050-2051, 2061-2062, 2072-2073, and 2090-2091. The difference between these tetrads and the 2014 - 2015 tetrad is that in 2014-2015 all the eclipses align with the Jewish holidays. The others do not. This is significant and we should take note.
1.Feast of Passover 4/15/2014 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 122
2.Feast of Tabernacles 10/8/2014 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 127
3.The 1st of Nissan 3/20/2015 Total Solar Eclipse Saros Cycle 120
4.Feast of Passover 4/4/2015 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 132
5.The 1st of Tishri 9/13/2015 Partial Solar Eclipse Saros Cycle 125
6.Feast of Tabernacles 9/28/2015 Total Lunar Eclipse Saros Cycle 137
In addition, this tetrad does not mean that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ at Tabernacles has to occur on Tabernacles in the year 2015. What it does suggest is that some major event will be happening that is tied to Israel just as the past tetrads on the feasts tied to Israel. The First Tetrad that landed on the feasts dealt with the scattering of the Jews. The second tetrad on the feasts dealt with the rebirth of Israel and the re-gathering, the third tetrad on the feasts dealt with the 6-Day War and the recapturing of Israel, and the fourth tetrad on the feasts will also be a major event dealing with Israel. Any one of the following events could occur: Restart of the building of the temple and the daily sacrifices for Israel, start of the Tribulation, the abomination of desolation, or beginning of the Great Tribulation (last 3.5 years). We can not say for sure, but one thing we can say is that the signs are revealing that the season to prepare and watch is here! We know that soon there will be a rapture of the church, the coming of the Anti-Christ and False Prophet, the beginning of the Day of the Lord (tribulation), the rebuilding of the third Jewish Temple, and the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! Let’s watch and live as children of the day and as wise virgins!
Summing things up, it is obvious that significant events occur when the sun and moon eclipse on the Feasts of the Lord. We should not dismiss these occurrences as mere coincidence or meaningless, but rather fulfillments of the testimonies of the Prophets of God (Joel 2:10, Joel 2:31, Amos 5:20, Amos 8:9, Zephaniah 1:15, Amos 5:8 etc.) as well as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s testimony who warned that the sun would be darkened and the moon would turn blood red before the Day of the Lord and his second advent (Matthew 24:29, Revelation 6:12, Revelation 8:12, etc.). We should also keep in mind that this is not date setting, but rather watching and knowing God’s time table and season of the Lord’s return. Jesus said to the religious leaders of his time in Luke 12:56, "You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?” And in Matthew 6:13, "And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?” I can understand how disheartening it would be to have laid out the plan so that your people could be ready only to have them dismiss or neglect it for whatever reason. We are to be wise virgins and not foolish virgins, preparing ourselves to be in the presence of the Lord.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART X
DEFINING:
•Passover = The Hebrew feast day commemorating the sacrificial lamb in Exodus where the Angel of Death passed over Israel while the firstborn in Egypt were slain. It also is the same day the Lord Jesus Christ, our Lamb sacrifice for our sins, was crucified.
•Tishri = Tishri is the seventh month of the religious year for Israel and the first month of the civil year for Israel. This month holds the feasts of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Tabernacles (also known as Sukkoth).
•Rosh Hashanah = This is a two day feast occurring on Tishri 1 and Tishri 2 of the Hebrew calendar. This is also called the Feast of Trumpets or Yom Teruah. It is very possible that this feast day is tied to the rapture of the Christian church prior to the start of the tribulation because the Feast of Trumpets also signifies the Day of the Lord.
•Yom Kippur = This is known as the Day of Atonement. It is considered to be one of the most important of Jewish holidays of the year. It is a day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. It occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. It is found in Leviticus 23:26-32.
•Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles) = The feast of Sukkoth begins on Tishri 15, the fifth day of Yom Kippur. It is a joyous feast day while Yom Kippur is one of the most solemn of feast days. Sukkoth is a feast day with a festival atmosphere. It marks a season of rejoicing. Sukkoth means booths and refers to temporary dwelling places the Jews gather into during this holiday. Most Christian scholars believe the feast of Sukkoth is the feast for the 2nd Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ when he returns with his saints on white horses at Armageddon.
•Tetrad = When four consecutive lunar eclipses are all total eclipses, the group is known as a tetrad.
•Saros Cycle = The saros cycle is an eclipse cycle with a period of about 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours (approximately 65851/3 days) that can be used to predict eclipses of the sun and moon. One cycle after an eclipse, the sun and moon return to approximately the same relative geometry, and a nearly identical eclipse will occur west of the original location. (As you study, you will see that the saros cycle appears to be very connected to the biblical calendar and God’s MOEDS. Approximately every 50 years, God may be marching month by month on the biblical calendar to reveal his sovereignty in his plan of redemption and his faithfulness in keeping covenants by proclaiming through his lights (sun and moon).
•Nissan = The first month of the Jewish religious year that occurs in the spring time. Passover occurs on the 15th day of this month.
•Av = Av is the fifth month of the Hebrew Calendar and means ‘Father’. It is a time of mourning for the Jews. There are two festivals that are in Av and they occur on the 9th and 15th of Av. On the 9th of Av is Tisha B'av which is a sad day when Jews fast. Take a look at all the events that have occurred on the 9th of Av throughout Jewish History:
o1312 BCE - The generation of Jews who came out of Egypt under Moses' leadership 16 months earlier were condemned to die in the desert and the entry into the Land of Israel was delayed for 40 years. As related in Numbers 14, when the 10 of 12 spies that Moses sent to the Land of Canaan returned with their disheartening report, the people wept all night -- the night of Av 9th -- proclaiming that they'd rather return to Egypt than attempt to conquer and settle it. Basically, these 10 spies were slanderous of God’s word and his promise to go before them, fight for them, and deliver the land into their hands. Therefore, God decreed that the entire generation would wander in the desert for 40 years until that last of them died out, and that their children under the leadership of Joshua will enter the land he promised as Israel's heritage. Consequently, the 9th of Av has been a cursed day throughout Jewish history.
o586 BCE - The 1st temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (100,000 Jews died/Millions exiled)
o70 CE - The 2nd temple was destroyed by General Titus (2 million Jews died/1 Million exiled)
o135 CE - The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by the Emperor Hadrian (100,000 Jews were slaughtered)
o136 CE - General Turnus Rufus leveled Jerusalem, rebuilt it as a pagan city to be called Aelia Capitolina, and forbade Jews to enter.
o1095 CE - Pope Urban declared the 1st Crusade (thousands of Jews died/many communities obliterated)
o1290 CE – Expulsion from England, the Jews of England were expelled by King Edward I
o1492 CE - Spanish Inquisition & the expulsion of Jews from Spain
o1914 CE - WWI started, stemming the resentment for the Holocaust
o1935 CE - Hitler enacted a law that propelled the nation toward the infamous Nuremberg Laws of the Holocaust
o1943 CE - The beginnings of the deportation of the Warsaw Ghetto to Treblinka
oFuture - It is very possible that abomination of desolation could fall on this day as well
Even though God has allowed so many difficult things to occur on this fast day of the fifth month, he has also promised to restore joy and gladness to it proving his faithfulness yet again.
Zechariah 8:19, “Thus says the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.”
DEFINING:
•Passover = The Hebrew feast day commemorating the sacrificial lamb in Exodus where the Angel of Death passed over Israel while the firstborn in Egypt were slain. It also is the same day the Lord Jesus Christ, our Lamb sacrifice for our sins, was crucified.
•Tishri = Tishri is the seventh month of the religious year for Israel and the first month of the civil year for Israel. This month holds the feasts of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Tabernacles (also known as Sukkoth).
•Rosh Hashanah = This is a two day feast occurring on Tishri 1 and Tishri 2 of the Hebrew calendar. This is also called the Feast of Trumpets or Yom Teruah. It is very possible that this feast day is tied to the rapture of the Christian church prior to the start of the tribulation because the Feast of Trumpets also signifies the Day of the Lord.
•Yom Kippur = This is known as the Day of Atonement. It is considered to be one of the most important of Jewish holidays of the year. It is a day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. It occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. It is found in Leviticus 23:26-32.
•Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles) = The feast of Sukkoth begins on Tishri 15, the fifth day of Yom Kippur. It is a joyous feast day while Yom Kippur is one of the most solemn of feast days. Sukkoth is a feast day with a festival atmosphere. It marks a season of rejoicing. Sukkoth means booths and refers to temporary dwelling places the Jews gather into during this holiday. Most Christian scholars believe the feast of Sukkoth is the feast for the 2nd Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ when he returns with his saints on white horses at Armageddon.
•Tetrad = When four consecutive lunar eclipses are all total eclipses, the group is known as a tetrad.
•Saros Cycle = The saros cycle is an eclipse cycle with a period of about 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours (approximately 65851/3 days) that can be used to predict eclipses of the sun and moon. One cycle after an eclipse, the sun and moon return to approximately the same relative geometry, and a nearly identical eclipse will occur west of the original location. (As you study, you will see that the saros cycle appears to be very connected to the biblical calendar and God’s MOEDS. Approximately every 50 years, God may be marching month by month on the biblical calendar to reveal his sovereignty in his plan of redemption and his faithfulness in keeping covenants by proclaiming through his lights (sun and moon).
•Nissan = The first month of the Jewish religious year that occurs in the spring time. Passover occurs on the 15th day of this month.
•Av = Av is the fifth month of the Hebrew Calendar and means ‘Father’. It is a time of mourning for the Jews. There are two festivals that are in Av and they occur on the 9th and 15th of Av. On the 9th of Av is Tisha B'av which is a sad day when Jews fast. Take a look at all the events that have occurred on the 9th of Av throughout Jewish History:
o1312 BCE - The generation of Jews who came out of Egypt under Moses' leadership 16 months earlier were condemned to die in the desert and the entry into the Land of Israel was delayed for 40 years. As related in Numbers 14, when the 10 of 12 spies that Moses sent to the Land of Canaan returned with their disheartening report, the people wept all night -- the night of Av 9th -- proclaiming that they'd rather return to Egypt than attempt to conquer and settle it. Basically, these 10 spies were slanderous of God’s word and his promise to go before them, fight for them, and deliver the land into their hands. Therefore, God decreed that the entire generation would wander in the desert for 40 years until that last of them died out, and that their children under the leadership of Joshua will enter the land he promised as Israel's heritage. Consequently, the 9th of Av has been a cursed day throughout Jewish history.
o586 BCE - The 1st temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (100,000 Jews died/Millions exiled)
o70 CE - The 2nd temple was destroyed by General Titus (2 million Jews died/1 Million exiled)
o135 CE - The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by the Emperor Hadrian (100,000 Jews were slaughtered)
o136 CE - General Turnus Rufus leveled Jerusalem, rebuilt it as a pagan city to be called Aelia Capitolina, and forbade Jews to enter.
o1095 CE - Pope Urban declared the 1st Crusade (thousands of Jews died/many communities obliterated)
o1290 CE – Expulsion from England, the Jews of England were expelled by King Edward I
o1492 CE - Spanish Inquisition & the expulsion of Jews from Spain
o1914 CE - WWI started, stemming the resentment for the Holocaust
o1935 CE - Hitler enacted a law that propelled the nation toward the infamous Nuremberg Laws of the Holocaust
o1943 CE - The beginnings of the deportation of the Warsaw Ghetto to Treblinka
oFuture - It is very possible that abomination of desolation could fall on this day as well
Even though God has allowed so many difficult things to occur on this fast day of the fifth month, he has also promised to restore joy and gladness to it proving his faithfulness yet again.
Zechariah 8:19, “Thus says the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.”
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART IX
God’s Calendar, the Feasts of the Lord, and Signs in the Heavens
There are four major types of calendars used today: 1. Linear (260-day count cycles used by Mayan, Aztecan, Guatemalan Highlands); 2. Solar calendars which are synchronized only for the tropical year or equinoxes of the sun (used by Gregorian and based on the Julian calendar derived from the Old Style Roman calendar); 3. Lunar calendars, based only on the lunar phases and does not synchronize on the tropical year (used by Islam); and 4. Lunisolar calendars which coordinate all three astronomical phenomena (used by Hebrew, Chinese, India). Lunisolar calendars take into account the rotation of the earth on its axis which = 1 day; the revolution of the moon around the earth which = 1 month; and the revolution of the earth around the sun which = 1 year. Within these 4 types of calendars there are upwards of 40 different calendars still in use today by various people groups. The most widely used is the Gregorian calendar which was put into effect on Oct 15, 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII after neglect of the Julian calendar that added to already known inaccuracies. Yet, even though people are tracking time and seasons on their calendar systems, God is also tracking time and seasons on his which we can see was established in the very beginning! Consider Genesis 1:14, “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for SIGNS, and for seasons, and for days, and years,” and Psalm 97:6, “The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory.”
Realizing this, the word “SIGN” in Hebrew is the word “Owth”, which in context means the sense of appearing (as a signal yet to come that is both figurative and literal) as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence; mark, or miracle sign, and token. God commanded Israel to follow The Feasts of the Lord for a reason. As we become more familiar with the Hebrew Calendar, we see that there are months and days that the Feasts of the Lord fall that connect to these signs in the heavens. In addition, as we become familiar with the Old Testament and the significant events of Jewish history, we realize how God may be working consistently to fulfill his plans according to his MOEDS / APPOINTMENTS or FEASTS. Remember the Feasts are the Lord’s, not some stuff that Israel came up with to do just for the sake of doing! And we, the Bride of Christ (both Jew and Gentile in Christ) are to be aware of and follow God and his customs, statutes, laws, precepts, feasts, fasts for the sheer purpose of delighting and loving Him and preparing our hearts for his second coming. This is a big deal! So much so that we should take note of what the Anti-Christ seeks to do in the future in Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws.” Remember, “Moed” means a fixed time or season and the Anti-Christ realizes that if the saints begin to function on God’s calendar and are aware of His appointed times revealed by the Feasts, it puts the Most High’s saints in “the know” and prepared for his second coming. In addition, God has proclaimed that the lights (sun and moon) of Genesis 1:14 will be the beacons that his second coming is very near. Acts 2:20, “THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.
God’s Calendar, the Feasts of the Lord, and Signs in the Heavens
There are four major types of calendars used today: 1. Linear (260-day count cycles used by Mayan, Aztecan, Guatemalan Highlands); 2. Solar calendars which are synchronized only for the tropical year or equinoxes of the sun (used by Gregorian and based on the Julian calendar derived from the Old Style Roman calendar); 3. Lunar calendars, based only on the lunar phases and does not synchronize on the tropical year (used by Islam); and 4. Lunisolar calendars which coordinate all three astronomical phenomena (used by Hebrew, Chinese, India). Lunisolar calendars take into account the rotation of the earth on its axis which = 1 day; the revolution of the moon around the earth which = 1 month; and the revolution of the earth around the sun which = 1 year. Within these 4 types of calendars there are upwards of 40 different calendars still in use today by various people groups. The most widely used is the Gregorian calendar which was put into effect on Oct 15, 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII after neglect of the Julian calendar that added to already known inaccuracies. Yet, even though people are tracking time and seasons on their calendar systems, God is also tracking time and seasons on his which we can see was established in the very beginning! Consider Genesis 1:14, “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for SIGNS, and for seasons, and for days, and years,” and Psalm 97:6, “The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory.”
Realizing this, the word “SIGN” in Hebrew is the word “Owth”, which in context means the sense of appearing (as a signal yet to come that is both figurative and literal) as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence; mark, or miracle sign, and token. God commanded Israel to follow The Feasts of the Lord for a reason. As we become more familiar with the Hebrew Calendar, we see that there are months and days that the Feasts of the Lord fall that connect to these signs in the heavens. In addition, as we become familiar with the Old Testament and the significant events of Jewish history, we realize how God may be working consistently to fulfill his plans according to his MOEDS / APPOINTMENTS or FEASTS. Remember the Feasts are the Lord’s, not some stuff that Israel came up with to do just for the sake of doing! And we, the Bride of Christ (both Jew and Gentile in Christ) are to be aware of and follow God and his customs, statutes, laws, precepts, feasts, fasts for the sheer purpose of delighting and loving Him and preparing our hearts for his second coming. This is a big deal! So much so that we should take note of what the Anti-Christ seeks to do in the future in Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws.” Remember, “Moed” means a fixed time or season and the Anti-Christ realizes that if the saints begin to function on God’s calendar and are aware of His appointed times revealed by the Feasts, it puts the Most High’s saints in “the know” and prepared for his second coming. In addition, God has proclaimed that the lights (sun and moon) of Genesis 1:14 will be the beacons that his second coming is very near. Acts 2:20, “THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION- PART VIII
The Feasts of the Lord
The word “Feast” in Hebrew has nothing to do with food as it does in English! How far off we are if we think that the Feasts of the Lord are only about getting together to eat! On the contrary, they were established as symbols of the greater realities of heaven that are yet to come just as were all the other customs and practices of the Jewish people that God commanded them to do. According to Psalm 89:15, I have been blessed in my inner spirit with an intimacy with the Lord as I keep seeking to understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the Feasts of the Lord. Consider Psalm 89:15 which is referencing the Feasts of the Lord. It says, “Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the people who know the joyful sound [who understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts]; they walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance!” In this one verse there is a blessing waiting all those who seek understanding, and the blessing is learning more about loving God. Another verse to know is Leviticus 23:2. It says, “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them. The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim, holy convocations, even these are my appointed feasts.” There is a wealth of knowledge in this verse too when looked at through the Hebrew context. The underlined words are to be taken notice of in the Hebrew to develop a right understanding of this verse. The word “Feast” in Hebrew = “Moed” and means an appointment or a fixed time or season; also a signal (as appointed beforehand) or an appointment as in a (sign or a time). “Convocation” in Hebrew = “Migra” and means that something is called out as in a public meeting or a rehearsal. “Proclaim” in Hebrew = “Qara” which means the idea of accosting a person who is met; it is to call out or to address by name, them that are bidden, invited, mentioned, published or read. Therefore, taking these words in context helps us see how and why the Spring Feasts were the dress rehearsals of Jesus’ First Coming to the very day, hour and even minute! In his faithfulness, God wanted his people to be prepared for the Messiah’s coming so he had them rehearse the Feasts every year for centuries to help prepare them to recognize Jesus’ literal fulfillment and symbolism behind them. It is interesting however to think how so many could miss seeing Jesus as Messiah after all his faithful and compassionate ministering? It makes one think: How did those who were waiting for Jesus at the gates of Jerusalem proclaiming Him as the Messiah and shouting “Hosanna in the Highest!” as He rode in on the donkey know it was him while so many others didn’t? Were these people blessed according to Psalm 89:15! Maybe they knew the joyful sound and were PROCLAIMING in the truest sense of the word! So, let’s look, it was on Passover that Yeshua died, the Feast of Unleavened Bread that Yeshua was in the grave, the Feasts of First Fruits that Yeshua rose from the grave, and the Feast of Pentecost that the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) was poured out just as Jesus said. What is fascinating is that in the Feasts of the Lord we begin to see that our God isn’t hiding himself from us in any way. Rather he has revealed and laid out his plan of salvation and redemption for all mankind in a very APPOINTED and SCHEDULED way. He has a calendar and an agenda that he follows faithfully and he is beckoning his children to get back on his calendar system and not the world’s calendar system. Let’s look at the Fall Feasts. In the same way, the Fall Feasts are the dress rehearsals for Jesus second coming to the very day. On a Feast of Yom Teruah (Trumpets) some time in the future, Jacob’s Trouble will begin. On a Feast of Yom Kippur some time in the future, Israel will call upon Messiah and their blindness will be removed. And on a Feast of Tabernacles some time in the future, Yeshua’s millennial reign on earth will begin. There is much more, but I pray you will cultivate the desire to learn about the feasts of the Lord and get the blessing in your personal relationship with Jesus as well as an unbreakable assurance that is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6.
The Feasts of the Lord
The word “Feast” in Hebrew has nothing to do with food as it does in English! How far off we are if we think that the Feasts of the Lord are only about getting together to eat! On the contrary, they were established as symbols of the greater realities of heaven that are yet to come just as were all the other customs and practices of the Jewish people that God commanded them to do. According to Psalm 89:15, I have been blessed in my inner spirit with an intimacy with the Lord as I keep seeking to understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the Feasts of the Lord. Consider Psalm 89:15 which is referencing the Feasts of the Lord. It says, “Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the people who know the joyful sound [who understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts]; they walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance!” In this one verse there is a blessing waiting all those who seek understanding, and the blessing is learning more about loving God. Another verse to know is Leviticus 23:2. It says, “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them. The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim, holy convocations, even these are my appointed feasts.” There is a wealth of knowledge in this verse too when looked at through the Hebrew context. The underlined words are to be taken notice of in the Hebrew to develop a right understanding of this verse. The word “Feast” in Hebrew = “Moed” and means an appointment or a fixed time or season; also a signal (as appointed beforehand) or an appointment as in a (sign or a time). “Convocation” in Hebrew = “Migra” and means that something is called out as in a public meeting or a rehearsal. “Proclaim” in Hebrew = “Qara” which means the idea of accosting a person who is met; it is to call out or to address by name, them that are bidden, invited, mentioned, published or read. Therefore, taking these words in context helps us see how and why the Spring Feasts were the dress rehearsals of Jesus’ First Coming to the very day, hour and even minute! In his faithfulness, God wanted his people to be prepared for the Messiah’s coming so he had them rehearse the Feasts every year for centuries to help prepare them to recognize Jesus’ literal fulfillment and symbolism behind them. It is interesting however to think how so many could miss seeing Jesus as Messiah after all his faithful and compassionate ministering? It makes one think: How did those who were waiting for Jesus at the gates of Jerusalem proclaiming Him as the Messiah and shouting “Hosanna in the Highest!” as He rode in on the donkey know it was him while so many others didn’t? Were these people blessed according to Psalm 89:15! Maybe they knew the joyful sound and were PROCLAIMING in the truest sense of the word! So, let’s look, it was on Passover that Yeshua died, the Feast of Unleavened Bread that Yeshua was in the grave, the Feasts of First Fruits that Yeshua rose from the grave, and the Feast of Pentecost that the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) was poured out just as Jesus said. What is fascinating is that in the Feasts of the Lord we begin to see that our God isn’t hiding himself from us in any way. Rather he has revealed and laid out his plan of salvation and redemption for all mankind in a very APPOINTED and SCHEDULED way. He has a calendar and an agenda that he follows faithfully and he is beckoning his children to get back on his calendar system and not the world’s calendar system. Let’s look at the Fall Feasts. In the same way, the Fall Feasts are the dress rehearsals for Jesus second coming to the very day. On a Feast of Yom Teruah (Trumpets) some time in the future, Jacob’s Trouble will begin. On a Feast of Yom Kippur some time in the future, Israel will call upon Messiah and their blindness will be removed. And on a Feast of Tabernacles some time in the future, Yeshua’s millennial reign on earth will begin. There is much more, but I pray you will cultivate the desire to learn about the feasts of the Lord and get the blessing in your personal relationship with Jesus as well as an unbreakable assurance that is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6.
Monday, October 12, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION- PART VII
THE BLESSINGS OF A HEBRAIC MINDSET ARE UNDERSTANDING
Knowing the True Meaning of Words
One way to experience the rich heritage of our faith is by learning the real and powerful meaning of words. Words have meaning and it is in the Hebrew language that God has chosen to reveal so much about Himself. For example, why might you call Jesus, Yeshua? Often you hear Jesus called "Yeshua" or "Yeshua Ha’Mashiach" because ‘Messiah’ in Hebrew = Ha’Mashiach. This is the actual name His mother gave Him and this is because Mary heard and obeyed the message given to her in a dream of what to name Him. Angels also came to both Mary (Luke 1:31) and her future husband Joseph (Matt 1:21) and told them what to call this coming child. The only reason we know Jesus’ name to mean ‘salvation’ is because ‘Yeshua’ in Hebrew actually means salvation. So, the people in Israel who knew him when he walked the earth called him "Yeshua." Should we hear and obey the same instruction? You can visit Living Word Pictures at http://www.livingwordpictures.com/ to learn more about the real meaning of the words in our faith.
THE BLESSINGS OF A HEBRAIC MINDSET ARE UNDERSTANDING
Knowing the True Meaning of Words
One way to experience the rich heritage of our faith is by learning the real and powerful meaning of words. Words have meaning and it is in the Hebrew language that God has chosen to reveal so much about Himself. For example, why might you call Jesus, Yeshua? Often you hear Jesus called "Yeshua" or "Yeshua Ha’Mashiach" because ‘Messiah’ in Hebrew = Ha’Mashiach. This is the actual name His mother gave Him and this is because Mary heard and obeyed the message given to her in a dream of what to name Him. Angels also came to both Mary (Luke 1:31) and her future husband Joseph (Matt 1:21) and told them what to call this coming child. The only reason we know Jesus’ name to mean ‘salvation’ is because ‘Yeshua’ in Hebrew actually means salvation. So, the people in Israel who knew him when he walked the earth called him "Yeshua." Should we hear and obey the same instruction? You can visit Living Word Pictures at http://www.livingwordpictures.com/ to learn more about the real meaning of the words in our faith.
Friday, October 09, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION- PART VI
UNDERTSANDING THE HEBRAIC ROOTS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
Hebraic Roots of Christianity
It is important to remember that Christianity was born out of a mindset that was Hebraic in nature and not in a Greek mindset like most of the Church functions in today. Our Lord Jesus Christ chose to walk among us as a Jew for a reason, and it would be good for us to think more about this. I continue to learn a great deal about God and his ways and am blessed as I search out the scriptures in the Hebraic mindset. The person we call Messiah, Lord, Savior, and who we desire to intimately know was Jewish! He honored the traditions, customs and culture of the Jewish people because his Father chose them to reveal to the world his ways and his Holy Word. It is also important to remember that the early church in the book of Acts was functioning in the Hebraic mindset naturally and innocently. It is not as if they were interpreting scripture and then by their own understanding creating their own theologies of living out the scriptures. The reason is they had just witnessed Yeshua (the Word of God in the flesh) demonstrate what the pure “Christian” faith looks like through the power of the Holy Spirit, miracles, and all! Maybe instead of “Christian” we should say as Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul did that we are really BORN AGAIN and followers of THE WAY OF CHRIST: John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Acts 24:14, “But I'll admit to you that I am a follower of The Way [of Christ], which they call a sect. This means that I serve our ancestors' God and believe everything written in Moses' Teachings and the Prophets.” Unlike the church today, the early church had no Constantine, Calvin, Luther, Pentecostal, Methodist, Catholic, Greek or Reformation type influences to deal with. They had Jesus and Jesus only, and they believed in him like little children believe in their father. They were pure in faith and it just happened to be in a Hebrew frame of mind. Moving along, is it then a paradox that there is neither Jew nor Gentile in the Bride of Messiah even though God chose to be Jewish? Or is it majesty at its finest? In the same light, is not marriage between a man and a woman majestic and a mystery at the same time? Even though we may not know and completely understand the mystery and majesty of “Jew and Gentile” as “One New Man in Messiah” (spoken of in Ephesians 3) or the “Beauty and Mystery of Marriage as Man and Woman in Messiah” we will still experience the blessing as we remain faithful to God who is sovereign and leads us by the person of the Holy Spirit. For God is in the business of uniting all that he has claimed as his even when it seems impossible!
With all of that in our minds, growing in these things is a result of seeking and studying truth, and the Hebraic Roots movement has a key element to restore the lost Hebraic nature of our faith into scripture. For the Christian, this means becoming aware of and getting back into the Jewish roots of their faith by living holy lives and becoming set apart. The Most High gave an eternal style to our ancient faith that would be unmistakable in the world as belonging to him. His people are to be his own and be a chosen people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. One of the worst things that could happen to the people of Adonai is to assimilate into the world's fashion; to think like the world thinks and to follow the world's lead. One of the main purposes of the Bride of Christ is to lead the world to worship and obey the Almighty. This demands that we stop taking in and digesting what the world is feeding and what our flesh craves. We must reflect the ancient ways he gave us or else how can we show that we have something different and better to offer the world? Read what King David said in Psalm 119 which is speaking of Moses Teachings, the Torah, the law that Jesus Christ fulfilled and delighted in! May we hunger and thirst for God’s instruction, precepts, statutes, commands and principles in the same way and become set a part.
We should not be shocked as we see Christianity die in America and so many people being deceived and led astray from God. Leaders in the churches who are moving further and further away from Christianity’s original Hebrew roots and Spirit are not putting a proper emphasis on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the prevalence of living in sin and how to deal with it, the nation of Israel and the Church, prophecy, and living by the power of the Holy Spirit. These subjects in and of themselves are sensitive, divisive, offensive, truly convicting, or deemed unknowable because they demand a surrender of the will through childlike faith. These subjects are definitely not ecumenical or politically correct in nature. Rather they are very narrow and not flexible as they should be. Living in the purity of the faith is challenging and requires a conforming or circumcision of the heart to God’s ways. Thank the Lord that his love is unconditional, and equally, thank the Lord that living in Holy Spirit Power is a result of living conditionally in obedience to Christ. Unfortunately, many so called “Christian” movements and authors are popping up all the time who are far from the purity of the faith. For example, at Olive Tree Ministries with Jan Markell, research the Emergent Church, the Church Growth Movement, the Ecumenical Church, the Contemplative Prayer Church, the Replacement Theology Church as well as how eastern religious practices have found there way into the churches of America. When all is said and done, how are these evolving “churches” as well as their practices reflecting the heart and mind of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach who is The Way we are to follow, The Truth we are to believe, and The Life we are to humbly receive (Psalm 119:30, John 14:6, John 1:4, John 1:14, John 10:9, John 11:25, Romans 5:2, Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 10:20, 1 John 5:20)? Are the people coming to church looking for the answer to their LIFE getting the answer they really need? Jesus modeled what we are to do in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. One question we must ask ourselves as members of the Bride of Christ in this day and age of change is: Do we want to conform to what the world’s idea of “Christ likeness” should be and our own idea for that matter only to be swallowed up by the one world religion? Or should we embrace our real Hebraic roots where there is the rich heritage and reflection of the heart of God, where Jesus himself chose to demonstrate his ministry and where the true context of scripture is revealed? Summing this up, there is only one seeker who requires our sensitivity. (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:19, 1 John 5:11, 1 John 4:10, Luke 19:10, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:10, Romans 3:10-12).
UNDERTSANDING THE HEBRAIC ROOTS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
Hebraic Roots of Christianity
It is important to remember that Christianity was born out of a mindset that was Hebraic in nature and not in a Greek mindset like most of the Church functions in today. Our Lord Jesus Christ chose to walk among us as a Jew for a reason, and it would be good for us to think more about this. I continue to learn a great deal about God and his ways and am blessed as I search out the scriptures in the Hebraic mindset. The person we call Messiah, Lord, Savior, and who we desire to intimately know was Jewish! He honored the traditions, customs and culture of the Jewish people because his Father chose them to reveal to the world his ways and his Holy Word. It is also important to remember that the early church in the book of Acts was functioning in the Hebraic mindset naturally and innocently. It is not as if they were interpreting scripture and then by their own understanding creating their own theologies of living out the scriptures. The reason is they had just witnessed Yeshua (the Word of God in the flesh) demonstrate what the pure “Christian” faith looks like through the power of the Holy Spirit, miracles, and all! Maybe instead of “Christian” we should say as Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul did that we are really BORN AGAIN and followers of THE WAY OF CHRIST: John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Acts 24:14, “But I'll admit to you that I am a follower of The Way [of Christ], which they call a sect. This means that I serve our ancestors' God and believe everything written in Moses' Teachings and the Prophets.” Unlike the church today, the early church had no Constantine, Calvin, Luther, Pentecostal, Methodist, Catholic, Greek or Reformation type influences to deal with. They had Jesus and Jesus only, and they believed in him like little children believe in their father. They were pure in faith and it just happened to be in a Hebrew frame of mind. Moving along, is it then a paradox that there is neither Jew nor Gentile in the Bride of Messiah even though God chose to be Jewish? Or is it majesty at its finest? In the same light, is not marriage between a man and a woman majestic and a mystery at the same time? Even though we may not know and completely understand the mystery and majesty of “Jew and Gentile” as “One New Man in Messiah” (spoken of in Ephesians 3) or the “Beauty and Mystery of Marriage as Man and Woman in Messiah” we will still experience the blessing as we remain faithful to God who is sovereign and leads us by the person of the Holy Spirit. For God is in the business of uniting all that he has claimed as his even when it seems impossible!
With all of that in our minds, growing in these things is a result of seeking and studying truth, and the Hebraic Roots movement has a key element to restore the lost Hebraic nature of our faith into scripture. For the Christian, this means becoming aware of and getting back into the Jewish roots of their faith by living holy lives and becoming set apart. The Most High gave an eternal style to our ancient faith that would be unmistakable in the world as belonging to him. His people are to be his own and be a chosen people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. One of the worst things that could happen to the people of Adonai is to assimilate into the world's fashion; to think like the world thinks and to follow the world's lead. One of the main purposes of the Bride of Christ is to lead the world to worship and obey the Almighty. This demands that we stop taking in and digesting what the world is feeding and what our flesh craves. We must reflect the ancient ways he gave us or else how can we show that we have something different and better to offer the world? Read what King David said in Psalm 119 which is speaking of Moses Teachings, the Torah, the law that Jesus Christ fulfilled and delighted in! May we hunger and thirst for God’s instruction, precepts, statutes, commands and principles in the same way and become set a part.
We should not be shocked as we see Christianity die in America and so many people being deceived and led astray from God. Leaders in the churches who are moving further and further away from Christianity’s original Hebrew roots and Spirit are not putting a proper emphasis on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the prevalence of living in sin and how to deal with it, the nation of Israel and the Church, prophecy, and living by the power of the Holy Spirit. These subjects in and of themselves are sensitive, divisive, offensive, truly convicting, or deemed unknowable because they demand a surrender of the will through childlike faith. These subjects are definitely not ecumenical or politically correct in nature. Rather they are very narrow and not flexible as they should be. Living in the purity of the faith is challenging and requires a conforming or circumcision of the heart to God’s ways. Thank the Lord that his love is unconditional, and equally, thank the Lord that living in Holy Spirit Power is a result of living conditionally in obedience to Christ. Unfortunately, many so called “Christian” movements and authors are popping up all the time who are far from the purity of the faith. For example, at Olive Tree Ministries with Jan Markell, research the Emergent Church, the Church Growth Movement, the Ecumenical Church, the Contemplative Prayer Church, the Replacement Theology Church as well as how eastern religious practices have found there way into the churches of America. When all is said and done, how are these evolving “churches” as well as their practices reflecting the heart and mind of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach who is The Way we are to follow, The Truth we are to believe, and The Life we are to humbly receive (Psalm 119:30, John 14:6, John 1:4, John 1:14, John 10:9, John 11:25, Romans 5:2, Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 10:20, 1 John 5:20)? Are the people coming to church looking for the answer to their LIFE getting the answer they really need? Jesus modeled what we are to do in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. One question we must ask ourselves as members of the Bride of Christ in this day and age of change is: Do we want to conform to what the world’s idea of “Christ likeness” should be and our own idea for that matter only to be swallowed up by the one world religion? Or should we embrace our real Hebraic roots where there is the rich heritage and reflection of the heart of God, where Jesus himself chose to demonstrate his ministry and where the true context of scripture is revealed? Summing this up, there is only one seeker who requires our sensitivity. (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:19, 1 John 5:11, 1 John 4:10, Luke 19:10, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:10, Romans 3:10-12).
Thursday, October 08, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION- PART V
When God Gets the Glory We Are Blessed
Most everyone knows that ice cream should be eaten when it is frozen and not melted! I don’t think anyone would prefer to eat ice cream that is melted in the bowl and luke warm. Frozen and ice cold is the best. Otherwise there is no point. I know this is a funny analogy to make a point, but as a result of experiencing ice cream correctly, on a regular basis, it is a hot item in the aisle of every grocery store. Another way to put that is, ice cream gets the glory in at least one aisle of every grocery store in the world, and it is restocked every night! You are blessed when ice cream is delivered properly and eaten when its frozen and ice cold. As a result, you keep going back to it not only because it tastes good but because it is eaten correctly! With that said, think about these verses: Psalm 34:8, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: BLESSED is the man that trusts in him.” Psalm 119:103, “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Jeremiah 15:16, “Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” Job 23:12, “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” These are verses of life! I believe that if the Bride of Christ begins to taste the Lord correctly and begins to eat the word of the Lord properly and depends on the words of the Lord more then her necessary food, the real BLESSING will come. That BLESSING is, God will be truly glorified and the masses will want more of him! People will desire that the shelves of their hearts be restocked every day with the Good Word and a healthy relationship with Jesus Christ! A true blessing from the Lord is one that ultimately settles in your heart and brings God glory in your life. The blessing to you is that God is praised and proclaimed above all else and you are satisfied with that, and all the while you are becoming truly healthy and full of the Holy Spirit’s power. When scripture is understood and taught correctly it can be digested and benefited from. Just like when food is prepared and cooked correctly, it can be digested and its nutrition brought out. Following the rationale of these points, what do you think will happen to the world when man and woman become one in marriage as God intends…according to scripture? Or what will happen to this world when Jew and Gentile become one in Christ as God intends…according to scripture? There will be an incredible glory of God that is revealed and a blessing that overflows from our lives. So much so that an attractiveness and sweetness of God will be revealed that will unite those things that are divided in us and among us.
God is inviting those who would come to enjoy the fruit of fellowship, worship and giving through ministries that manifest the truth of scripture. Two ministries in particular that will produce in you a blessing that gives God glory are Paul Wilbur’s Music Ministry and Joel Rosenberg’s The Joshua Fund. Both of these ministries have the heart of God beating loudly through them and are blessing Israel and the Church in many ways. They are ministries that are uniting the Bride of Christ powerfully. If you experience these ministries and those like them, you will taste and see that the Lord is truly good!
When God Gets the Glory We Are Blessed
Most everyone knows that ice cream should be eaten when it is frozen and not melted! I don’t think anyone would prefer to eat ice cream that is melted in the bowl and luke warm. Frozen and ice cold is the best. Otherwise there is no point. I know this is a funny analogy to make a point, but as a result of experiencing ice cream correctly, on a regular basis, it is a hot item in the aisle of every grocery store. Another way to put that is, ice cream gets the glory in at least one aisle of every grocery store in the world, and it is restocked every night! You are blessed when ice cream is delivered properly and eaten when its frozen and ice cold. As a result, you keep going back to it not only because it tastes good but because it is eaten correctly! With that said, think about these verses: Psalm 34:8, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: BLESSED is the man that trusts in him.” Psalm 119:103, “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Jeremiah 15:16, “Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” Job 23:12, “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” These are verses of life! I believe that if the Bride of Christ begins to taste the Lord correctly and begins to eat the word of the Lord properly and depends on the words of the Lord more then her necessary food, the real BLESSING will come. That BLESSING is, God will be truly glorified and the masses will want more of him! People will desire that the shelves of their hearts be restocked every day with the Good Word and a healthy relationship with Jesus Christ! A true blessing from the Lord is one that ultimately settles in your heart and brings God glory in your life. The blessing to you is that God is praised and proclaimed above all else and you are satisfied with that, and all the while you are becoming truly healthy and full of the Holy Spirit’s power. When scripture is understood and taught correctly it can be digested and benefited from. Just like when food is prepared and cooked correctly, it can be digested and its nutrition brought out. Following the rationale of these points, what do you think will happen to the world when man and woman become one in marriage as God intends…according to scripture? Or what will happen to this world when Jew and Gentile become one in Christ as God intends…according to scripture? There will be an incredible glory of God that is revealed and a blessing that overflows from our lives. So much so that an attractiveness and sweetness of God will be revealed that will unite those things that are divided in us and among us.
God is inviting those who would come to enjoy the fruit of fellowship, worship and giving through ministries that manifest the truth of scripture. Two ministries in particular that will produce in you a blessing that gives God glory are Paul Wilbur’s Music Ministry and Joel Rosenberg’s The Joshua Fund. Both of these ministries have the heart of God beating loudly through them and are blessing Israel and the Church in many ways. They are ministries that are uniting the Bride of Christ powerfully. If you experience these ministries and those like them, you will taste and see that the Lord is truly good!
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART IV
Israel & Oil: How Might God Provide in the Last Days
Gen 49:1, “And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” Gen 49:2, “Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.” Gen 49:20, “Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.” Gen 49:22, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.” Gen 49:25, “Even by the G-d of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lie under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.” Gen 49:26, “The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.” Gen 49:28, “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spoke unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.”
God has promised that in the last days he would pour out blessings on the nation of Israel from the heavens above and the blessing of the deep. There are currently many oil drilling companies in Israel and significant and recent finding of petroleum have been found off the coast of Israel in the Mediterranean. In addition, one oil company in particular called Zion Oil and Gas appears to be poised and ready to find more blessings of the deep that could sustain Israel and those who bless her in the meager times ahead. It is not surprising that God is going to provide for Israel, his Church, and even show kindness to those who don’t believe. He did it through Joseph during the seven-year famine (Genesis 41:54), and He will also do it through Israel (Gen 22:18, Gen 12:3, Gen 18:18, Acts 3:25, Gal 3:8, Zech 8:13) in the years to come. Please visit http://www.zionoil.com/blessings and consider investing in Israel’s and your future!
Israel & Oil: How Might God Provide in the Last Days
Gen 49:1, “And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” Gen 49:2, “Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.” Gen 49:20, “Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.” Gen 49:22, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.” Gen 49:25, “Even by the G-d of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lie under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.” Gen 49:26, “The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.” Gen 49:28, “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spoke unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.”
God has promised that in the last days he would pour out blessings on the nation of Israel from the heavens above and the blessing of the deep. There are currently many oil drilling companies in Israel and significant and recent finding of petroleum have been found off the coast of Israel in the Mediterranean. In addition, one oil company in particular called Zion Oil and Gas appears to be poised and ready to find more blessings of the deep that could sustain Israel and those who bless her in the meager times ahead. It is not surprising that God is going to provide for Israel, his Church, and even show kindness to those who don’t believe. He did it through Joseph during the seven-year famine (Genesis 41:54), and He will also do it through Israel (Gen 22:18, Gen 12:3, Gen 18:18, Acts 3:25, Gal 3:8, Zech 8:13) in the years to come. Please visit http://www.zionoil.com/blessings and consider investing in Israel’s and your future!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART III
Israel, Iran, the Islamic Threat and Religion
The current and coming issues falling on the world are rooted in spiritual warfare, and it is bigger than all of us and all the world leaders trying to explain and rationalize the problems. World leaders will continue to go in circles without adopting a biblical understanding of the issues. By the time you read this in 2010, things could be very different then they are today. Today, the news headlines are heavily focused on Iran and the issue of their acquiring nuclear capabilities, and it is a very serious issue because words have meaning. It is more than evident that the leadership of Iran is truly bent on destroying Israel due to hatred toward them and beliefs regarding the ushering in the 12th Imam. According to Shi'ite Muslim teaching, Abul-Qassem Mohammad, the 12th leader whom Shi'ites consider descended from the Prophet Mohammed, disappeared in 941 but will return at the end of time to lead an era of Islamic justice. This return of the 12 Imam in Ahmadinejad’s mind is to be initiated by creating chaos on earth by destroying Israel and the USA. Given Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s consistent and hateful quotes toward Israel in recent years in addition to their pursuit of nuclear weapons, is there any doubt that this threat will be ignored by Israel? We can see the real possibility of Israel being forced to strike Iran preemptively in order to destroy their nuclear facilities without international support. If Israel moves alone, this will increase international condemnation against Israel as well as the Bride of Christ. How or when Israel will deal with Iran is uncertain, but something will have to happen very soon. The motive before Israel will be to protect its own national security no matter how unpopular that might be.
On a world religion note, Islam, Judaism and Christianity are the only monotheistic (claiming ONE God for all) religions and thus are the three most influential religions in the world. However, all of these specifically worldly or apostate Christianity along with all other religion are one day going to mesh into the one world religion to be lead by the False Prophet for the purpose of worshipping the Anti-Christ to come (Revelation 13:11-18). The world is fast on its way to giving birth to these major characters of the end times.
Israel, Iran, the Islamic Threat and Religion
The current and coming issues falling on the world are rooted in spiritual warfare, and it is bigger than all of us and all the world leaders trying to explain and rationalize the problems. World leaders will continue to go in circles without adopting a biblical understanding of the issues. By the time you read this in 2010, things could be very different then they are today. Today, the news headlines are heavily focused on Iran and the issue of their acquiring nuclear capabilities, and it is a very serious issue because words have meaning. It is more than evident that the leadership of Iran is truly bent on destroying Israel due to hatred toward them and beliefs regarding the ushering in the 12th Imam. According to Shi'ite Muslim teaching, Abul-Qassem Mohammad, the 12th leader whom Shi'ites consider descended from the Prophet Mohammed, disappeared in 941 but will return at the end of time to lead an era of Islamic justice. This return of the 12 Imam in Ahmadinejad’s mind is to be initiated by creating chaos on earth by destroying Israel and the USA. Given Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s consistent and hateful quotes toward Israel in recent years in addition to their pursuit of nuclear weapons, is there any doubt that this threat will be ignored by Israel? We can see the real possibility of Israel being forced to strike Iran preemptively in order to destroy their nuclear facilities without international support. If Israel moves alone, this will increase international condemnation against Israel as well as the Bride of Christ. How or when Israel will deal with Iran is uncertain, but something will have to happen very soon. The motive before Israel will be to protect its own national security no matter how unpopular that might be.
On a world religion note, Islam, Judaism and Christianity are the only monotheistic (claiming ONE God for all) religions and thus are the three most influential religions in the world. However, all of these specifically worldly or apostate Christianity along with all other religion are one day going to mesh into the one world religion to be lead by the False Prophet for the purpose of worshipping the Anti-Christ to come (Revelation 13:11-18). The world is fast on its way to giving birth to these major characters of the end times.
Monday, October 05, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART II
CURRENT EVENTS
The Church and Israel
Mark 14:38, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 24:24, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.” Luke 11:34, "The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness.” Isaiah 5:20, “How horrible it will be for those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn what is bitter into something sweet and what is sweet into something bitter.” Romans 11:25-26, “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles [Hebr. "melo ha goyim"] has come in. And so all Israel will be saved.”
The times we live in are becoming increasingly deceiving due to the amount of information we take into our minds that is not the pure word of God. No matter how strong a Christian might be in the true faith, the possibility of being deceived is still a reality. Cases in point that distinguish the true Bride of Christ and Israel from movements leading to the Apostate Church and Babylon are Replacement Theology (belief that the “Church” has replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plan), Ecumenism (movement of promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations and promoting worldwide unity among religions through greater cooperation and improved understanding for the sake of “peace”), and Dual Covenant Theology (maintains that God’s covenant with the Jews is different than the one he gave the Gentiles and makes it unnecessary for them to receive Jesus as their Messiah to be saved. It makes this claim even though Jesus came to Israel, fulfilled Jewish Messianic prophecies, and presented Himself as Israel’s King and Redeemer.) These are examples of false theologies and movements that bare the “Christian” name and are gaining support and deceiving many leaders and members in the church today into believing that Israel has been wrongfully “occupying” the land since 1967 and preventing the “Palestinian” (who are really refugees of the 6-Day War not being allowed back into their original homelands of Jordan, Syria, Egypt, etc.) people from having a state of their own. Furthermore, actual councils like the National Council of Churches USA and World Council of Churches have been established whose position stands in protest of Israel’s rightful place in their God-given land as well as God’s sovereign purpose for them during this time in history. Go to http://www.ncccusa.org/members/index.html and http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches.html to see the denomination members of these councils. You will be surprised. These organizations as well as church leaders with like-minds are working to achieve world peace and unity through human effort and reasoning rather than humbly receiving the only true and everlasting peace that is Jesus’ peace. We must discern our Lord’s words when he said: Matthew 10:34 "Don't think that I came to bring peace to earth. I didn't come to bring peace but conflict & John 14:27 "I'm leaving you peace. I'm giving you my peace. I don't give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don't be troubled or cowardly.” Instead of trusting the sovereign plan and promises of God to Israel and the Bride of Christ, many more false doctrines are arising and chipping away at people’s ability to discern truth, be truly reverent before God, and know the will of God for our lives and the nations in these last days. It is a sobering reality that every nation will come against Israel and a great falling away from the faith will occur because people have not believed in Jesus Christ alone for salvation nor learned what the scripture speaks of regarding God’s plan for the people and nation of Israel, the Bride of Christ, and the Nations.
CURRENT EVENTS
The Church and Israel
Mark 14:38, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 24:24, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.” Luke 11:34, "The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness.” Isaiah 5:20, “How horrible it will be for those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn what is bitter into something sweet and what is sweet into something bitter.” Romans 11:25-26, “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles [Hebr. "melo ha goyim"] has come in. And so all Israel will be saved.”
The times we live in are becoming increasingly deceiving due to the amount of information we take into our minds that is not the pure word of God. No matter how strong a Christian might be in the true faith, the possibility of being deceived is still a reality. Cases in point that distinguish the true Bride of Christ and Israel from movements leading to the Apostate Church and Babylon are Replacement Theology (belief that the “Church” has replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plan), Ecumenism (movement of promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations and promoting worldwide unity among religions through greater cooperation and improved understanding for the sake of “peace”), and Dual Covenant Theology (maintains that God’s covenant with the Jews is different than the one he gave the Gentiles and makes it unnecessary for them to receive Jesus as their Messiah to be saved. It makes this claim even though Jesus came to Israel, fulfilled Jewish Messianic prophecies, and presented Himself as Israel’s King and Redeemer.) These are examples of false theologies and movements that bare the “Christian” name and are gaining support and deceiving many leaders and members in the church today into believing that Israel has been wrongfully “occupying” the land since 1967 and preventing the “Palestinian” (who are really refugees of the 6-Day War not being allowed back into their original homelands of Jordan, Syria, Egypt, etc.) people from having a state of their own. Furthermore, actual councils like the National Council of Churches USA and World Council of Churches have been established whose position stands in protest of Israel’s rightful place in their God-given land as well as God’s sovereign purpose for them during this time in history. Go to http://www.ncccusa.org/members/index.html and http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches.html to see the denomination members of these councils. You will be surprised. These organizations as well as church leaders with like-minds are working to achieve world peace and unity through human effort and reasoning rather than humbly receiving the only true and everlasting peace that is Jesus’ peace. We must discern our Lord’s words when he said: Matthew 10:34 "Don't think that I came to bring peace to earth. I didn't come to bring peace but conflict & John 14:27 "I'm leaving you peace. I'm giving you my peace. I don't give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don't be troubled or cowardly.” Instead of trusting the sovereign plan and promises of God to Israel and the Bride of Christ, many more false doctrines are arising and chipping away at people’s ability to discern truth, be truly reverent before God, and know the will of God for our lives and the nations in these last days. It is a sobering reality that every nation will come against Israel and a great falling away from the faith will occur because people have not believed in Jesus Christ alone for salvation nor learned what the scripture speaks of regarding God’s plan for the people and nation of Israel, the Bride of Christ, and the Nations.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
THE HOLY LAND CONNECTION - PART I
GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB IS HONORED TODAY
The Birth of a Nation
How exciting it would be to live in the land that God owns outright and has personally given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants as an everlasting possession (Gen 12:7, Gen 13:14-15, Gen 15:18, Gen 17:8, Deut 34:4, 2 Chronicles 20:7, Psalm 105:9). It is the land that Jesus Christ himself is going to return to and rule the earth from for 1,000 years to establish his kingdom forever (Revelation 20:1-6, Psalm 2:4-9, Luke 1:32-33, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:13-14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Zechariah 8:3, Zechariah 2:10-12 ).
We live in very exciting times and have already witnessed many events and signs that are pointing to the soon return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The most important sign in our time occurred on May 14, 1948. On this date, the declaration of the establishment of the state of Israel occurred after 2000 years of God’s chosen people being spread about the nations. This is the “Super Sign” that Jesus’ return is very near. Read what Jesus said in Mark 13:18-31 and Luke 21:28. Our generation has seen the fig tree (Israel) begin to blossom which is the fulfillment of God’s word in Ezekiel 36:24, Ezekiel 37:21 Ezekiel 34:11-13 and in Isaiah 66:8 which states, "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.”
Everything since May 14, 1948 is and will be connected to the Holy Land, Jerusalem, and even further center to the soon to be built Jewish temple described in Ezekiel 40-48. These are the places of great spiritual warfare of the past and of the future. As a result of wh
GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB IS HONORED TODAY
The Birth of a Nation
How exciting it would be to live in the land that God owns outright and has personally given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants as an everlasting possession (Gen 12:7, Gen 13:14-15, Gen 15:18, Gen 17:8, Deut 34:4, 2 Chronicles 20:7, Psalm 105:9). It is the land that Jesus Christ himself is going to return to and rule the earth from for 1,000 years to establish his kingdom forever (Revelation 20:1-6, Psalm 2:4-9, Luke 1:32-33, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:13-14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Zechariah 8:3, Zechariah 2:10-12 ).
We live in very exciting times and have already witnessed many events and signs that are pointing to the soon return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The most important sign in our time occurred on May 14, 1948. On this date, the declaration of the establishment of the state of Israel occurred after 2000 years of God’s chosen people being spread about the nations. This is the “Super Sign” that Jesus’ return is very near. Read what Jesus said in Mark 13:18-31 and Luke 21:28. Our generation has seen the fig tree (Israel) begin to blossom which is the fulfillment of God’s word in Ezekiel 36:24, Ezekiel 37:21 Ezekiel 34:11-13 and in Isaiah 66:8 which states, "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.”
Everything since May 14, 1948 is and will be connected to the Holy Land, Jerusalem, and even further center to the soon to be built Jewish temple described in Ezekiel 40-48. These are the places of great spiritual warfare of the past and of the future. As a result of wh
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
To Trust = To Depend on one’s integrity. It is the same as To Have Faith in, To Believe in, and To Rely upon. It is the opposite of Doubt or to Reject.
Integrity = To be consistent in actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome. It is the opposite of Hypocrisy.
The Lord is Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus is Trustworthy and Consistent in Goodness and always follows through on His promises.
Jesus said,
•"Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
•"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
•"For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." John 6:40
•"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
•"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,” John 11:25
•"Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I'll come in and we'll eat together. Revelation 3:20
•"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:23
•"Let the person who has ears listen!" Mark 4:23
•"Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. Matthew 13:16
•"You believe because you've seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me but believe." John 20:29
•"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32
•"Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near!"Matthew 4:17
•"Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval." Mark 2:27
•"If God were your Father, you would love me. After all, I'm here, and I came from God. I didn't come on my own. Instead, God sent me. John 8:42
•"Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 17:5
•"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24
•"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
The Bible says some things about why you need Jesus and why it is such a big deal that Jesus is inviting you to follow him and to believe in him as God, Savior, & Friend,
•"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
•"The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory. It was the glory that the Father shares with his only Son, a glory full of kindness and truth. John 1:14
•"This is true because Christ suffered for our sins once. He was an innocent person, but he suffered for guilty people so that he could bring you to God. His body was put to death, but he was brought to life through his spirit. 1 Peter 3:18
•"But now Christ has brought you back to God by dying in his physical body. He did this so that you could come into God's presence without sin, fault, or blame. Colossians 1:22
•"So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned. Romans 8:1
•"But if God's Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature. Whoever doesn't have the Spirit of Christ doesn't belong to him. Romans 8:9
•"Don't you know that wicked people won't inherit the kingdom of God? Stop deceiving yourselves! People who continue to commit sexual sins, who worship false gods, those who commit adultery, homosexuals, or thieves, those who are greedy or drunk, who use abusive language, or who rob people will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10
•"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
•"Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory. Romans 3:23•"The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
•"However, everyone who believes in Jesus receives God's approval. Acts 13:39The Bible also says what you need to do to start a relationship with Jesus Christ :
•"God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong. 1 John 1:9
•I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:5
•If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and have faith in your heart that God has made him come back from the dead, you will have salvation: Romans 10:9
•Do those things that prove you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act. Matthew 3:8
•You see that a person receives God's approval because of what he does, not only because of what he believes. James 2:24
If you Trust in the Lord you can be secure in all things even when surrounded by death, persecution, disease! There is security for the One who puts their trust in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." 3 He is the one who will rescue you from hunters' traps and from deadly plagues. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. 5 You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day, 6 plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon. 7 They will not come near you, even though a thousand may fall dead beside you or ten thousand at your right side. 8 You only have to look with your eyes to see the punishment of wicked people. 9 You, O LORD, are my refuge! You have made the Most High your home. 10 No harm will come to you. No sickness will come near your house. 11 He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. 12 They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock. 13 You will step on lions and cobras. You will trample young lions and snakes. 14 Because you love me, I will rescue you. I will protect you because you know my name. 15 When you call to me, I will answer you. I will be with you when you are in trouble. I will save you and honor you. 16 I will satisfy you with a long life. I will show you how I will save you.
Integrity = To be consistent in actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome. It is the opposite of Hypocrisy.
The Lord is Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus is Trustworthy and Consistent in Goodness and always follows through on His promises.
Jesus said,
•"Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
•"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
•"For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." John 6:40
•"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
•"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,” John 11:25
•"Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I'll come in and we'll eat together. Revelation 3:20
•"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:23
•"Let the person who has ears listen!" Mark 4:23
•"Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. Matthew 13:16
•"You believe because you've seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me but believe." John 20:29
•"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32
•"Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near!"Matthew 4:17
•"Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval." Mark 2:27
•"If God were your Father, you would love me. After all, I'm here, and I came from God. I didn't come on my own. Instead, God sent me. John 8:42
•"Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 17:5
•"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24
•"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
The Bible says some things about why you need Jesus and why it is such a big deal that Jesus is inviting you to follow him and to believe in him as God, Savior, & Friend,
•"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
•"The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory. It was the glory that the Father shares with his only Son, a glory full of kindness and truth. John 1:14
•"This is true because Christ suffered for our sins once. He was an innocent person, but he suffered for guilty people so that he could bring you to God. His body was put to death, but he was brought to life through his spirit. 1 Peter 3:18
•"But now Christ has brought you back to God by dying in his physical body. He did this so that you could come into God's presence without sin, fault, or blame. Colossians 1:22
•"So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned. Romans 8:1
•"But if God's Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature. Whoever doesn't have the Spirit of Christ doesn't belong to him. Romans 8:9
•"Don't you know that wicked people won't inherit the kingdom of God? Stop deceiving yourselves! People who continue to commit sexual sins, who worship false gods, those who commit adultery, homosexuals, or thieves, those who are greedy or drunk, who use abusive language, or who rob people will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10
•"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
•"Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory. Romans 3:23•"The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
•"However, everyone who believes in Jesus receives God's approval. Acts 13:39The Bible also says what you need to do to start a relationship with Jesus Christ :
•"God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong. 1 John 1:9
•I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:5
•If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and have faith in your heart that God has made him come back from the dead, you will have salvation: Romans 10:9
•Do those things that prove you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act. Matthew 3:8
•You see that a person receives God's approval because of what he does, not only because of what he believes. James 2:24
If you Trust in the Lord you can be secure in all things even when surrounded by death, persecution, disease! There is security for the One who puts their trust in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." 3 He is the one who will rescue you from hunters' traps and from deadly plagues. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. 5 You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day, 6 plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon. 7 They will not come near you, even though a thousand may fall dead beside you or ten thousand at your right side. 8 You only have to look with your eyes to see the punishment of wicked people. 9 You, O LORD, are my refuge! You have made the Most High your home. 10 No harm will come to you. No sickness will come near your house. 11 He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. 12 They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock. 13 You will step on lions and cobras. You will trample young lions and snakes. 14 Because you love me, I will rescue you. I will protect you because you know my name. 15 When you call to me, I will answer you. I will be with you when you are in trouble. I will save you and honor you. 16 I will satisfy you with a long life. I will show you how I will save you.
Monday, March 16, 2009
PSALM 37:6
HE WILL MAKE YOUR INNOCENCE RADIATE LIKE THE DAWN, AND THE JUSTICE OF YOUR CAUSE WILL SHINE LIKE THE NOON DAY SUN.
I've been reading the Bible and it brings me close to my Savior. It shows me His awesome love. My Abba Father, how amazing His name is, sees beyond my sinful nature, because He has found me in Jesus Christ who is His one and only son. Nothing compares to the Goodness of God after you experience Him. When Elohim reveals Himself it is beyond words to describe, but when He does reveal His heart one realizes that there is no secure foundation before Him other then the Person of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus has what it takes to satisfy God's standard of Goodness and to make everything in our lives good, right and everlasting.
How is it that Jesus Christ is the only one who can make someone really good and eternal? So good and eternal that not even fire will be able to consume them at the judgement, nor the Accuser be able to persuade God's Justice to rightfully condemn their sin? Well, there is a blessing that comes with the answer to this question, but you will only be able to experience it when you finally put your faith into the One who defines Goodness. Believe me your effort no matter how much is required to finally receive this blessing will be worth it!
Who defines Goodness?
There is only ONE who is Good: He is
THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB!
HE IS THE LIVING GOD THREE SEPERATE PERSONS IN ONE!
HE WAS, IS, & IS TO COME!
HE BEGINS & ENDS ALL THINGS!
HE IS THE CREATOR OF THE WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT!
HE HEARS THE CRY OF THOSE WHO HAVE GODLY SORROW AND SEEK REPENTANCE!
HE BELIEVES THAT HIS MERCY IS BETTER THEN HIS JUSTICE!
HE JUDGES ALL THINGS BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!
Friends, if we want to know what is really good we desperatly need to fix our eyes and hearts on Jesus Christ who is the exact representation of God the Father in a bodily form. We must talk about Jesus and get to know Jesus better through the disciplined study of scripture, and we must become more aware of and yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit whose major purpose is to point out Jesus Christ in all things and magnify Him in this world so that God the Father will be glorified.
So when I stand before God ALONE I know I am the furthest away from innocence and being considered radiant. Basically, I'm not good in my nature. Rather, I stand there guilty because I do and think what I should never do and think, and as a result I am the Chief of Sinners. Ultimately, what this means is that I have sinned against God alone and I am guilty before Him alone.
If you are thinking, "Wow Hank! What did you do that was so bad to make you the Chief of Sinners?," you are headed down the wrong thought process. It doesn't matter what I have done to sin against God because to Him my sins and your sins are all the same in his eyes. You may be thinking, "There is no way that stealing candy carrys the same verdict as murdering your fellow man!" If you are thinking this way you are still misunderstanding the heart of God. You are not realizing that it is God who sets the standard of what is good or not good. Not people.
You see, God can not lie because that is His nature and the Bible is His heart expressed to us on paper. The Bible says that all have fallen short of God's GOODNESS, and that among men there is not one who is good. Not even one! So if you have ever told a lie, big or small, it's because you are a liar by nature which means you are not good in God's eyes. This does not mean God doesn't love you. Another example is within sexuality, if you have even lusted after another person or thing in your thoughts (doesn't have to be just in your behaviors) this means that you are an adulterer by nature, and God does not see you as good. To clear the confusion, the problem is not heterosexuality, homosexuality, bestiality, polygamy, incest etc. All people who are defined by these labels have the same problem: LUST. Whether a human being lusts in their nature after the opposite sex, the same sex, or other things the bottomline is that they are breaking God's standard of being good and instead they are commiting adultery which ultimately is idolatry. And what about anger? If you hate someone you are murdering them in your heart, and God does not see you as good. Envy? pride? selfishness? greed? gossip?....think about all the thoughts and behaviors that are born out of these things that are naturally in us. I say this with brokenness and gentleness: You are not good deep down inside and that's a hard truth to swallow, but it is indeed true.
God knows that you have nothing in yourself that is good enough to satisfy His standard of PERFECTION. He knows that it is only by His nature that your guilt and shame can ever be erased so that your nature can become innocent in order to enter eternal life. The hard truth is that the world is teeming with billions of people who are not good by nature. Even though so many sincere influential and powerful people are saying the opposite they are sincerely wrong according to the bible. Honestly, people who say that human beings are naturally good have not realized the weight of their sin before the living God nor do they realize what God's perspective of sin is and how he has chosen to deal with it. God sees all things and nothing is hidden from His eyes even the things done in secret. So how is God dealing with this sin nature problem that we have?
God has the highest expectations, and He has a hard standard that can not be avoided, ignored or changed. His standard must be met by us. His standard is:
GOODNESS/HOLINESS/RIGHTEOUSNESS or PERFECTION
You see in God's eyes it is not that we have sinned that is the real problem. The real problem is that WE ARE SINNERS BY NATURE. In a sense, sinning is what we do for a living. Who we are at the heart of hearts is the problem, and it is only His nature that can save us. The fact that we are sinful by nature is obvious by the typical response we have to the one issue that matters most: We turn our backs against God's ways because we don't want God deep down inside. We would rather be god of our own personal life, and yield to nothing other then our own desires, opinions or the "good" ideas of others rather then surrender our life to Him, the very Creator all things, so He can take Lordship of our lives. The perfect example of this is that we do everything in our own rationale to reject that Jesus Christ is the only way into heaven even when God said about Jesus, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him" in John 3. People will kick and flail and throw temper tantrums and get very angry when faced with this absolute truth. Jesus is God in the flesh and consequently the only one whose NATURE is prestinely GOOD, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS, and PERFECT in God the Father's eyes. This is the final frontier of human pride. It will either die here by choice or thrive by choice. Either a person accepts this truth humbly or rejects this truth in pride. And the good news is that humbly receiving Jesus as your Lord through faith and grace means that God the Father will NEVER see your sinful nature. He will only see Jesus' nature on you because you believed the truth about Jesus.
Imagine wearing a red robe stained with all the sins of your lifetime and you come to realize that Jesus lived the perfect life with no sin, even in his thoughts, and then finally shed his innocent blood on the cross for you. As you realize this you begin to see what God really thinks about you even while you are yet sinning. You begin to see that God's standard of GOODNESS, HOLINESS, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PERFECTION, is being lived out and met by Jesus and that God's nature of LOVE, FORGIVENESS, MERCY, & GRACE is at the same time being revealed in the death of Jesus....ALL FOR YOU! Finally, you begin to grasp God's power and authority as you learn that He RESURRECTED Jesus from the dead. All this so that today you would have the opportunity to believe and replace your guilty red robe for the innocent white robe Christ is for you. Believing means confessing that you are a SINNER BY NATURE and need to be BORN AGAIN by the Spirit through repentance which is turning away from your life & nature of sin and entrusting your life to JESUS for what He has done for you.
Have you realized the magnitude of your sin before God yet? Your sin nature is so serious that God had to die for you. And He willingly did because he loves you and does not want you to be condemned to hell which was originally for Satan and his demons and all the garbage they have been spewing on humanity and their rebellion against God. If you spend time with God and seek Him with ALL your heart you will find Him! The Word of God is the Bible and He can be found there in a personal and intimate way. When you read the Bible you will begin to understand the truth about what God really thinks about your sinful nature, as well as His love for you despite that nature. God is for you not against you! He is not willing that anyone should perish but that all would come into eternal life through Jesus Christ. But when you finally see the truth of who you are before God you will correctly turn your head away from Him and cry out like the prophet Isaiah:
"I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called out to another and said,“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts,The whole earth is full of His glory.”4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. 5 Then I said,“Woe is me, for I am ruined!Because I am a man of unclean lips,And I live among a people of unclean lips;For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:1-5
Isaiah saw and heard the Holiness of God and his first inclination was WOE IS ME and this is the right response. What happened next basically reveals who God is. How loving and kind he is to Isaiah!
I sincerely hope you will experience brokenness and a healthy fear before the living God. It is the right road to begin walking on. I hope you will tremble before God because that is what you need. It is what I need. We all need to begin to fear God in reverance. We need to see God in his rightful Character and we desperatly need to realize again or for the first time, who we really are compared to Him. This is the only way to grow properly in faith and into His Image and to experience Psalm 37:6
He will do the unbelievable and unexpected in your life when you finally see who you are before God! Yes, He will lift your head with his powerful and mighty hands and gently whisper to you, "Have you considered my son Jesus?" The one true God will love you instead of judge you in His MERCY! Abba Father, the Creator of your soul, body, personality, has a Daddy's heart! Run to Him with your childlike heart and be healed.
God Bless YOU!
HE WILL MAKE YOUR INNOCENCE RADIATE LIKE THE DAWN, AND THE JUSTICE OF YOUR CAUSE WILL SHINE LIKE THE NOON DAY SUN.
I've been reading the Bible and it brings me close to my Savior. It shows me His awesome love. My Abba Father, how amazing His name is, sees beyond my sinful nature, because He has found me in Jesus Christ who is His one and only son. Nothing compares to the Goodness of God after you experience Him. When Elohim reveals Himself it is beyond words to describe, but when He does reveal His heart one realizes that there is no secure foundation before Him other then the Person of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus has what it takes to satisfy God's standard of Goodness and to make everything in our lives good, right and everlasting.
How is it that Jesus Christ is the only one who can make someone really good and eternal? So good and eternal that not even fire will be able to consume them at the judgement, nor the Accuser be able to persuade God's Justice to rightfully condemn their sin? Well, there is a blessing that comes with the answer to this question, but you will only be able to experience it when you finally put your faith into the One who defines Goodness. Believe me your effort no matter how much is required to finally receive this blessing will be worth it!
Who defines Goodness?
There is only ONE who is Good: He is
THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB!
HE IS THE LIVING GOD THREE SEPERATE PERSONS IN ONE!
HE WAS, IS, & IS TO COME!
HE BEGINS & ENDS ALL THINGS!
HE IS THE CREATOR OF THE WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT!
HE HEARS THE CRY OF THOSE WHO HAVE GODLY SORROW AND SEEK REPENTANCE!
HE BELIEVES THAT HIS MERCY IS BETTER THEN HIS JUSTICE!
HE JUDGES ALL THINGS BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!
Friends, if we want to know what is really good we desperatly need to fix our eyes and hearts on Jesus Christ who is the exact representation of God the Father in a bodily form. We must talk about Jesus and get to know Jesus better through the disciplined study of scripture, and we must become more aware of and yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit whose major purpose is to point out Jesus Christ in all things and magnify Him in this world so that God the Father will be glorified.
So when I stand before God ALONE I know I am the furthest away from innocence and being considered radiant. Basically, I'm not good in my nature. Rather, I stand there guilty because I do and think what I should never do and think, and as a result I am the Chief of Sinners. Ultimately, what this means is that I have sinned against God alone and I am guilty before Him alone.
If you are thinking, "Wow Hank! What did you do that was so bad to make you the Chief of Sinners?," you are headed down the wrong thought process. It doesn't matter what I have done to sin against God because to Him my sins and your sins are all the same in his eyes. You may be thinking, "There is no way that stealing candy carrys the same verdict as murdering your fellow man!" If you are thinking this way you are still misunderstanding the heart of God. You are not realizing that it is God who sets the standard of what is good or not good. Not people.
You see, God can not lie because that is His nature and the Bible is His heart expressed to us on paper. The Bible says that all have fallen short of God's GOODNESS, and that among men there is not one who is good. Not even one! So if you have ever told a lie, big or small, it's because you are a liar by nature which means you are not good in God's eyes. This does not mean God doesn't love you. Another example is within sexuality, if you have even lusted after another person or thing in your thoughts (doesn't have to be just in your behaviors) this means that you are an adulterer by nature, and God does not see you as good. To clear the confusion, the problem is not heterosexuality, homosexuality, bestiality, polygamy, incest etc. All people who are defined by these labels have the same problem: LUST. Whether a human being lusts in their nature after the opposite sex, the same sex, or other things the bottomline is that they are breaking God's standard of being good and instead they are commiting adultery which ultimately is idolatry. And what about anger? If you hate someone you are murdering them in your heart, and God does not see you as good. Envy? pride? selfishness? greed? gossip?....think about all the thoughts and behaviors that are born out of these things that are naturally in us. I say this with brokenness and gentleness: You are not good deep down inside and that's a hard truth to swallow, but it is indeed true.
God knows that you have nothing in yourself that is good enough to satisfy His standard of PERFECTION. He knows that it is only by His nature that your guilt and shame can ever be erased so that your nature can become innocent in order to enter eternal life. The hard truth is that the world is teeming with billions of people who are not good by nature. Even though so many sincere influential and powerful people are saying the opposite they are sincerely wrong according to the bible. Honestly, people who say that human beings are naturally good have not realized the weight of their sin before the living God nor do they realize what God's perspective of sin is and how he has chosen to deal with it. God sees all things and nothing is hidden from His eyes even the things done in secret. So how is God dealing with this sin nature problem that we have?
God has the highest expectations, and He has a hard standard that can not be avoided, ignored or changed. His standard must be met by us. His standard is:
GOODNESS/HOLINESS/RIGHTEOUSNESS or PERFECTION
You see in God's eyes it is not that we have sinned that is the real problem. The real problem is that WE ARE SINNERS BY NATURE. In a sense, sinning is what we do for a living. Who we are at the heart of hearts is the problem, and it is only His nature that can save us. The fact that we are sinful by nature is obvious by the typical response we have to the one issue that matters most: We turn our backs against God's ways because we don't want God deep down inside. We would rather be god of our own personal life, and yield to nothing other then our own desires, opinions or the "good" ideas of others rather then surrender our life to Him, the very Creator all things, so He can take Lordship of our lives. The perfect example of this is that we do everything in our own rationale to reject that Jesus Christ is the only way into heaven even when God said about Jesus, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him" in John 3. People will kick and flail and throw temper tantrums and get very angry when faced with this absolute truth. Jesus is God in the flesh and consequently the only one whose NATURE is prestinely GOOD, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS, and PERFECT in God the Father's eyes. This is the final frontier of human pride. It will either die here by choice or thrive by choice. Either a person accepts this truth humbly or rejects this truth in pride. And the good news is that humbly receiving Jesus as your Lord through faith and grace means that God the Father will NEVER see your sinful nature. He will only see Jesus' nature on you because you believed the truth about Jesus.
Imagine wearing a red robe stained with all the sins of your lifetime and you come to realize that Jesus lived the perfect life with no sin, even in his thoughts, and then finally shed his innocent blood on the cross for you. As you realize this you begin to see what God really thinks about you even while you are yet sinning. You begin to see that God's standard of GOODNESS, HOLINESS, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PERFECTION, is being lived out and met by Jesus and that God's nature of LOVE, FORGIVENESS, MERCY, & GRACE is at the same time being revealed in the death of Jesus....ALL FOR YOU! Finally, you begin to grasp God's power and authority as you learn that He RESURRECTED Jesus from the dead. All this so that today you would have the opportunity to believe and replace your guilty red robe for the innocent white robe Christ is for you. Believing means confessing that you are a SINNER BY NATURE and need to be BORN AGAIN by the Spirit through repentance which is turning away from your life & nature of sin and entrusting your life to JESUS for what He has done for you.
Have you realized the magnitude of your sin before God yet? Your sin nature is so serious that God had to die for you. And He willingly did because he loves you and does not want you to be condemned to hell which was originally for Satan and his demons and all the garbage they have been spewing on humanity and their rebellion against God. If you spend time with God and seek Him with ALL your heart you will find Him! The Word of God is the Bible and He can be found there in a personal and intimate way. When you read the Bible you will begin to understand the truth about what God really thinks about your sinful nature, as well as His love for you despite that nature. God is for you not against you! He is not willing that anyone should perish but that all would come into eternal life through Jesus Christ. But when you finally see the truth of who you are before God you will correctly turn your head away from Him and cry out like the prophet Isaiah:
"I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called out to another and said,“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts,The whole earth is full of His glory.”4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. 5 Then I said,“Woe is me, for I am ruined!Because I am a man of unclean lips,And I live among a people of unclean lips;For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:1-5
Isaiah saw and heard the Holiness of God and his first inclination was WOE IS ME and this is the right response. What happened next basically reveals who God is. How loving and kind he is to Isaiah!
I sincerely hope you will experience brokenness and a healthy fear before the living God. It is the right road to begin walking on. I hope you will tremble before God because that is what you need. It is what I need. We all need to begin to fear God in reverance. We need to see God in his rightful Character and we desperatly need to realize again or for the first time, who we really are compared to Him. This is the only way to grow properly in faith and into His Image and to experience Psalm 37:6
He will do the unbelievable and unexpected in your life when you finally see who you are before God! Yes, He will lift your head with his powerful and mighty hands and gently whisper to you, "Have you considered my son Jesus?" The one true God will love you instead of judge you in His MERCY! Abba Father, the Creator of your soul, body, personality, has a Daddy's heart! Run to Him with your childlike heart and be healed.
God Bless YOU!
Saturday, March 07, 2009
They laughed at Noah, yet they did not believe in the pending Judgement and scoffed at repentance and they continued in their violence, immorality, witchcraft, rebellion and wickedness....full of pride.
Dear family and friends,
The following is a letter written by Pastor David Wilkerson, founder of Teen Challenge, World Challenge, Times Square Church in New York City and many other ministries on Thursday 3/5/09. He sent this letter out to everyone on his email list.
I’ve been personally listening and following Pastor Wilkerson for a number of years and I trust him whole heartedly as a man of God full of the Holy Spirit.
Please be prayerful about what God would have you to do during the coming days and months and forward this on to your loved ones as you feel lead.
There is no doubt in my mind that things of this nature, things we have never seen before, are going to be coming upon the earth. Jesus has warned us faithfully throughout the Word of God. In the Gospels and in Revelation it is clear, and the Holy Spirit through many like Peter has warned in 2 Peter and the book of Daniel and Ezekial, Psalms, Micah, Joel, Zacheriah, Isaiah and all over the Word of God.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOUR ARE READING THE BIBLE YOURSELF AND SEEKING GODS FACE
God Bless you as you spend time in the word of God as it contains the promises of God to you if you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and received him as Lord of your life.
If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please read the book of John in the Gospels and cry out to God to open your eyes to and to make you born again.
God loves you tremendously and will protect you.
Tuck this away in your hearts: PSALM 91,
With Love,
Hank
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.
IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE—EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.
For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires—such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago.
There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting—including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3).
God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.
The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, “God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart” (Jeremiah 18:11-12).
In Psalm 11:6, David warns, “Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire)…fire…burning wind…will be the portion of their cup.” Why? David answered, “Because the Lord is righteous” (v. 7). This is a righteous judgment—just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah’s generation.
WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. Lay in store a thirty-day supply of food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.
As for our spiritual reaction, we have but two options. This is outlined in Psalm 11. We “flee like a bird to a mountain.” Or, as David says, “He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven—his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men” (v. 4). “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1).
I will say to my soul: No need to run…no need to hide. This is God’s righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take—trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.
Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you. Do with the message as you choose.
God bless and keep you.
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON
DW:bbm 3-05-09
Dear family and friends,
The following is a letter written by Pastor David Wilkerson, founder of Teen Challenge, World Challenge, Times Square Church in New York City and many other ministries on Thursday 3/5/09. He sent this letter out to everyone on his email list.
I’ve been personally listening and following Pastor Wilkerson for a number of years and I trust him whole heartedly as a man of God full of the Holy Spirit.
Please be prayerful about what God would have you to do during the coming days and months and forward this on to your loved ones as you feel lead.
There is no doubt in my mind that things of this nature, things we have never seen before, are going to be coming upon the earth. Jesus has warned us faithfully throughout the Word of God. In the Gospels and in Revelation it is clear, and the Holy Spirit through many like Peter has warned in 2 Peter and the book of Daniel and Ezekial, Psalms, Micah, Joel, Zacheriah, Isaiah and all over the Word of God.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOUR ARE READING THE BIBLE YOURSELF AND SEEKING GODS FACE
God Bless you as you spend time in the word of God as it contains the promises of God to you if you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and received him as Lord of your life.
If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please read the book of John in the Gospels and cry out to God to open your eyes to and to make you born again.
God loves you tremendously and will protect you.
Tuck this away in your hearts: PSALM 91,
With Love,
Hank
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.
IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE—EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.
For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires—such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago.
There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting—including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3).
God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.
The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, “God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart” (Jeremiah 18:11-12).
In Psalm 11:6, David warns, “Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire)…fire…burning wind…will be the portion of their cup.” Why? David answered, “Because the Lord is righteous” (v. 7). This is a righteous judgment—just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah’s generation.
WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. Lay in store a thirty-day supply of food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.
As for our spiritual reaction, we have but two options. This is outlined in Psalm 11. We “flee like a bird to a mountain.” Or, as David says, “He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven—his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men” (v. 4). “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1).
I will say to my soul: No need to run…no need to hide. This is God’s righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take—trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.
Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you. Do with the message as you choose.
God bless and keep you.
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON
DW:bbm 3-05-09
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A Prayer for Those Who Want God but Don't Know What to Say
Dear Lord Jesus,
You are Wonderful and have proven yourself Faithfull over and over again. Your life, and death and resurrection prove that your love is undeniable and available to all who seek it and ask for you to forgive them. You have done so many awesome and generous things for us and your Word is so true and revealing of your pure heart to save the lost and heal the sick and lame. But this world is blinding us to your pure light because our eyes and hearts are not fixed on you and we will to do our own thing moment by moment and do not acknowledge you or wait for you. Our eyes have not rested on You alone long enough to start to see who you really are. We can not see. Please forgive us for our insistent hearts to continue in our idolatry. We love our phones, tv shows, shoes, sleep, blogging, cars, money, looks, food, internet, beer, sex, power, position, achievements, our selves, and our casual hearts tread carelessly over You: The Savior! as we neglect your Holy Word: the Bible. You are Holy and you said that it is not the healthy who need a doctor but those who are sick, and I need your help to show me where I am sick. I know I have been running in this life in the opposite direction of where you stand. My life shows evidence that I am not alive in your Holy Spirit and Truth, but on the contrary that I am living for myself, my family, my job, my dreams. I am completely incomplete without you. I confess that I am not yours and that I have not laid down my life before you in humility and faith. I confess you are not my Lord and that I have made myself the god of my life. I have not yielded my will to your way and I am going down the wrong path. Jesus, please convict me of my sins and clean me from the core of my being outward until I am completely yours. Forgive me of my sin nature, my wrong thoughts, and actions, my pride, anger, gossip, selfishness, rebellious heart, sexual sins, pride. I have been blinded and have not realized how my actions all these years have wounded you. You went to that cross to save me from your Father's anger towards my sin and His Justice towards my unrighteousness. I believe you are the One man in all history who lived a perfect life before your Father. I believe you lived the life I could never live, but had to live in order to be saved. So I rest my trust on you alone. I believe you died the death I could never have avoided, so that I would never have to be apart from you. I believe you were raised back to life after you died, so that my soul could also be resurrected into your life. Please walk with me from this moment on and guide me by your Spirit as I read the Bible. Please come into my life and be my Lord and Savior forever. Thank you for your Mercy that has changed me and will meet me every morning. Thank you for being kind to me by dieing on that cross even though I don't deserve it. I love you Jesus. Glory be to your name all the days of my life!
Dear Lord Jesus,
You are Wonderful and have proven yourself Faithfull over and over again. Your life, and death and resurrection prove that your love is undeniable and available to all who seek it and ask for you to forgive them. You have done so many awesome and generous things for us and your Word is so true and revealing of your pure heart to save the lost and heal the sick and lame. But this world is blinding us to your pure light because our eyes and hearts are not fixed on you and we will to do our own thing moment by moment and do not acknowledge you or wait for you. Our eyes have not rested on You alone long enough to start to see who you really are. We can not see. Please forgive us for our insistent hearts to continue in our idolatry. We love our phones, tv shows, shoes, sleep, blogging, cars, money, looks, food, internet, beer, sex, power, position, achievements, our selves, and our casual hearts tread carelessly over You: The Savior! as we neglect your Holy Word: the Bible. You are Holy and you said that it is not the healthy who need a doctor but those who are sick, and I need your help to show me where I am sick. I know I have been running in this life in the opposite direction of where you stand. My life shows evidence that I am not alive in your Holy Spirit and Truth, but on the contrary that I am living for myself, my family, my job, my dreams. I am completely incomplete without you. I confess that I am not yours and that I have not laid down my life before you in humility and faith. I confess you are not my Lord and that I have made myself the god of my life. I have not yielded my will to your way and I am going down the wrong path. Jesus, please convict me of my sins and clean me from the core of my being outward until I am completely yours. Forgive me of my sin nature, my wrong thoughts, and actions, my pride, anger, gossip, selfishness, rebellious heart, sexual sins, pride. I have been blinded and have not realized how my actions all these years have wounded you. You went to that cross to save me from your Father's anger towards my sin and His Justice towards my unrighteousness. I believe you are the One man in all history who lived a perfect life before your Father. I believe you lived the life I could never live, but had to live in order to be saved. So I rest my trust on you alone. I believe you died the death I could never have avoided, so that I would never have to be apart from you. I believe you were raised back to life after you died, so that my soul could also be resurrected into your life. Please walk with me from this moment on and guide me by your Spirit as I read the Bible. Please come into my life and be my Lord and Savior forever. Thank you for your Mercy that has changed me and will meet me every morning. Thank you for being kind to me by dieing on that cross even though I don't deserve it. I love you Jesus. Glory be to your name all the days of my life!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Why is Jesus Christ the only way to heaven?
This question may be the most important of a lifetime. The answer is more simple then we think.
Let me first say that getting to heaven is not the ultimate purpose of our lives. The purpose of our lives, OUR - meaning all people everywhere, is to first come to know and put our complete trust in the saving work of Jesus Christ alone, who is God's one and only Son. Then it is to live life according to His will in a personal relationship with Him that is motivated by Love for Him.
The Bible states that it is impossible to please God without faith, and real faith requires that we depend on Jesus Christ 100% and believe all that the Bible speaks about Him....
... Jesus lived a life that was sinless. He did not sin even once. In thought he was perfect and in deed he was perfect. Therefore in His Father's Just eyes Jesus was the only one whose life could qualify as an atoning sacrifice for not only the sins you have committed but the sin that you are. God doesn't aim for perfection He demands it and the truth is that not one of us is perfect. We are all sinful by nature and therefore guilty of breaking God's law. God has said that the wages of sin is death. The only way to be - not guilty - before God on judgement day and to escape the verdict of eternal death is to do something right now: Accept God's choice provision for you that will make you live! God chose to save you even while your back has been turned against him because He is Loving and Merciful. He does not want you to spend eternity apart from Him. To put your trust in God the Father's ONE AND ONLY Son means that you are depending on Christ to save you from God's Justice. You are, by faith, depending on Christ's perfect life that you could never live to mke you perfect. God would not be Good or Just if he looked over your sin. But He is Good and Just so He never will. He will either look at you as righteous or wicked. If you have genuine faith in Christ your life will demonstrate that through repentance and God will see you as righteous. If you deny Christ your life will demonstrate that through unrepentance and he will see you as wicked.
Jesus is the only way to heaven because in God the Father's just eyes no man that has ever lived or will live is perfect except Him and no one can make you perfect except Christ.
This question may be the most important of a lifetime. The answer is more simple then we think.
Let me first say that getting to heaven is not the ultimate purpose of our lives. The purpose of our lives, OUR - meaning all people everywhere, is to first come to know and put our complete trust in the saving work of Jesus Christ alone, who is God's one and only Son. Then it is to live life according to His will in a personal relationship with Him that is motivated by Love for Him.
The Bible states that it is impossible to please God without faith, and real faith requires that we depend on Jesus Christ 100% and believe all that the Bible speaks about Him....
... Jesus lived a life that was sinless. He did not sin even once. In thought he was perfect and in deed he was perfect. Therefore in His Father's Just eyes Jesus was the only one whose life could qualify as an atoning sacrifice for not only the sins you have committed but the sin that you are. God doesn't aim for perfection He demands it and the truth is that not one of us is perfect. We are all sinful by nature and therefore guilty of breaking God's law. God has said that the wages of sin is death. The only way to be - not guilty - before God on judgement day and to escape the verdict of eternal death is to do something right now: Accept God's choice provision for you that will make you live! God chose to save you even while your back has been turned against him because He is Loving and Merciful. He does not want you to spend eternity apart from Him. To put your trust in God the Father's ONE AND ONLY Son means that you are depending on Christ to save you from God's Justice. You are, by faith, depending on Christ's perfect life that you could never live to mke you perfect. God would not be Good or Just if he looked over your sin. But He is Good and Just so He never will. He will either look at you as righteous or wicked. If you have genuine faith in Christ your life will demonstrate that through repentance and God will see you as righteous. If you deny Christ your life will demonstrate that through unrepentance and he will see you as wicked.
Jesus is the only way to heaven because in God the Father's just eyes no man that has ever lived or will live is perfect except Him and no one can make you perfect except Christ.
And don't forget......Jesus rose from the dead. He is alive. Death could not contain Him because He is the spiritual LIFE we are desperately looking for and need. HE IS LIFE! Now we are souls living in temporary bodies and in a material world, but soon our souls will be in eternal bodies in the spiritual world. But not all of us will spend eternity in the same place. Please listen to the 6 audio clips on the sidebar to develop a correct understanding of what it means to have Faith in Jesus Christ.
God Bless You!
A side note,
We live in very dangerous and deceptive times! People are popping up who are misinterpreting the Word of God and teaching lies about Jesus Christ, and about what is and isn't sinful. The bible must be read and interpreted in context to itself. It must be accepted in whole not in part. It does not contradict itself and is very clear about who Jesus is, what sin is and what the consequence of sin will be. I'm asking you to be careful when listening to someone talk about what the bible is saying. Including myself. Why would you trust men over the actual book itself? If you do not read the bible yourself then I encourage you to start in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Spend time in the bible yourself and you will be surprised at how it encourages you. It is a living book that will open your eyes to what the truth is and reveal how incredibly awesome Jesus' Love is toward you. You do not need the book of Mormom, or the Catechism, or the Watch Tower Society newsletters to help you interpret the Word of God. You do not need anything other then a hunger for what is true, a desire to know God for who He really is and a little faith that the Bible really is God's message to you. You will not regret it.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
"TERRIBLE UNFORGIVING..... THAT'S HOW I SAW GOD...PUNISHING US IN THIS LIFE, COMMITTING US TO PERGATORY AFTER DEATH. SENTENCING SINNERS TO BURN IN HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY. BUT I WAS WRONG! THOSE WHO SEE GOD AS ANGRY DO NOT SEE HIM RIGHTLY, BUT LOOK UPON A CURTAIN AS IF A DARK STORM CLOUD IS BEING DRAWN ACROSS HIS FACE. IF WE TRULY BELIEVE THAT CHRIST IS OUR SAVIOR THEN WE HAVE A GOD OF LOVE AND TO SEE GOD IN FAITH IS TO LOOK UPON HIS FRIENDLY HEART. SO WHEN THE DEVIL THROWS YOUR SINS IN YOUR FACE AND DECLARES THAT YOU DESERVE DEATH AND HELL TELL HIM THIS, " I ADMIT I DESERVE DEATH AND HELL. WHAT OF IT! FOR I KNOW ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED AND MADE SATISFACTION IN MY BEHALF. HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD AND WHERE HE IS THERE SHALL I BE ALSO!"
A QUOTE FROM THE MOVIE LUTHER:
"AND DON'T FORGET...DON'T EVER FORGET. YOU'VE PROMISED TO BECOME A NEW MAN. 'I PROMISE. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?' JEAN VALJEAN, MY BROTHER, YOU NO LONGER BELONG TO EVIL. WITH THIS SILVER I BOUGHT YOUR SOUL. I'VE RANSOMED YOU FROM FEAR AND HATRED AND NOW I GIVE YOU BACK TO GOD!"
A QUOTE FROM THE MOVIE LES MISERABLES
A QUOTE FROM THE MOVIE LUTHER:
"AND DON'T FORGET...DON'T EVER FORGET. YOU'VE PROMISED TO BECOME A NEW MAN. 'I PROMISE. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?' JEAN VALJEAN, MY BROTHER, YOU NO LONGER BELONG TO EVIL. WITH THIS SILVER I BOUGHT YOUR SOUL. I'VE RANSOMED YOU FROM FEAR AND HATRED AND NOW I GIVE YOU BACK TO GOD!"
A QUOTE FROM THE MOVIE LES MISERABLES
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