Monday, February 13, 2012

Scandalous!

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
John 16:1-3

In proper context, Jesus reminded his disciples that eventually a time would come when they would be driven away from the synagogues where the mostly Jewish early church worshiped.  This was to be just the start of the church's persecution.  As Tertullian would wisely state in Apologeticum, ""the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church".  Satan tried his best to stamp out the flame of the Holy Spirit filled body of Christ, but each stomp just started a new flame elsewhere until the entire world was filled with fire of the gospel.  He has not yet learned that persecution tends to build mature believers evermore zealous to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is very evident that this persecution, however, is ever growing.  Furthermore, it is one of the many signs that we are ever closer to the hoof beats heralding the return of Christ the King of Kings.

Look carefully for Jesus Christ's Second Coming!


Matthew sheds more light on the persecution that the church will see in the last days.  Quoting Jesus he wrote, "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another (Matthew 24:10)."  The implication is that persecution will become so prevalent that some will turn fellow believers in.  As the world draws near to the rapture of the church, the coming of the Antichrist, and the beginning of the Tribulation worldwide persecution will increase.  The word translated as offended in the above passages is even more telling.  It is the Greek equivalent of the English word "scandalize".  As Satan's forces in futility make their last ditch effort to  stop the church, a church that the gates of hell cannot prevail against, he will try to slow it down with universal persecution.  The enemy will seek to scandalize the Body of Christ.  We know that the plight of many Christians worldwide is terrible, but it is the persecution beginning to erupt in once Christian nations that should make us understand the seriousness of the hour!

Take into consideration a few trends seen in the news over the last few days. It shows that Christian persecution is on the rise.   

Add these subtle changes to the rise in support for Islam in many western nations with other changes in moors and values, and you can see that universal persecution is just on the horizon.  Even more, add this to the many attacks on the US Constitution and you will see that there is great trouble brewing in America.  It is another sure sign that Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!  

*I want to thank Tiffany Haskell for the beautiful artwork that will now be the official signature for this blog and ministry.  Please visit Tiffany's website and see the great Christian artwork she produces.  Home - "PAINTINGS OF FAITH"   

Friday, February 10, 2012

Loving Service Not Satanic Domination

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:1-2

Love!  Paul notes that it is to be the underlying basis for all service to God.  Had the LORD wished to just have servants who followed His every command without question He could have created Adam and Eve to not be able to sin, but would they ever be able to have the capacity to love God to the fullest? Rather than being sentient beings capable of rendering loving service, they would have been automatons--mere robots. The Holy Spirit revealed through Paul that our service was to be motivated by love.  From here the apostle does list a series of sins that should "not be once named among you, as becometh saints."  Take the time to read this chapter as the warnings here are very serious.

However, the point returns to one central thought taught us by the LORD Jesus and repeated by Paul.  When questioned about the greatest commandment, Jesus reiterated Deuteronomy 6:5 and 11:1 to love God with all that was within you.  He also commented on Leviticus 19:34 to love others as yourself.  Childlike love, obedience, and devotion are what God seeks in His children.  Walking in love is the fulfillment of all He wishes.  Paul said, "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10)".   God requires loving devoted service offered from a willing heart.  Furthermore, it is a reasonable demand in the face of such an act of love towards you--the crucifixion of Jesus (See Romans 12:1).  That is why this list of sins follows the thought of love and childlike devotion in Ephesians 5.  As an example, consider the sin of adultery since it is the first listed. If I truly love GOD (and my spouse) I would not be committing acts that would hurt the heart of GOD (nor my spouse) like adultery.  Love strives to please others not indulge self!


Satan, however, has a different philosophy about service.  He demands loyalty from all without exception.  There is no choice nor is any love involved.  Hate is his motivation as it is about domination not devotion.   Think of it.  All false religion, even compromised Christianity, is about service by force.  "Follow the lord or die!", is the mantra of many.  When the Antichrist leads, it will be universal practice.  The point is we are beginning to see the underlying concept of total control around us now.  It is a sign that the powers of darkness are working overtime in preparation for the coming of the lawless one.  

Consider a few recent news articles, bills, and laws as evidence.  First, why does the government feel the need to place 30,000 drones in the skies of America to watch Americans? The excuse will be protection from   terrorists, an advantage in the drug war, or some other seemingly logical selling point. The reality is that these will eventually assist in controlling the masses.  Drones over U.S. get OK by Congress - Washington Times

Every aspect of life will need to be controlled.  Things like what we eat will need to be dominated.   Societal control of sugar essential to ease public health burden, experts urge
What we believe would need controlled.
How we raise children.
Even how we play!
Eventually, we won't even be able to defend ourselves. 
Finally, even what you view or read will be controlled.  In short, the Constitution will be no more!

We are losing freedoms at an alarming rate and the above articles are an extremely small fraction of those that could be offered to show this.  It is another certain sign that Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!  Are you prepared?

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The MAN of War

The world is bent on a cataclysmic confrontation with the holiness and justice of the LORD of hosts. Little do they realize who they are fighting. Exodus 15:3 teaches that the LORD is a man of war. Furthermore, as Joshua began to worship the "man" with the sword drawn in His hand (Joshua 5), Messiah Yeshua, in pre-incarnate form, reveals Himself as the Captain of the LORD's hosts. 

Before Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 are fulfilled,Joel 3:9-11 will be fulfilled for they have caused the Mighty One to come down! "Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD." Elijah is about to appear and proclaim this very time is near!  The war about to erupt will lead to Israel gaining land to Sarafand, Lebanon (See Obadiah 19-21).  This is the city of Zarephath where Elijah spent much time.  Is this a sign that Elijah is about to come before the great and terrible day of the LORD?

This often bothered me, why Christ was portrayed as a  lowly captain? Captains are the highest rank to lead soldiers into battle. They are not like generals who lead from bunkers, but they lead the charge. Yeshua is not aloof in this fight, for soon, mounted on a fine white charger, He will lead His holy ones in a glorious fight to save His much hated family! He is not coming to be spit upon, nor beaten, nor mocked, nor bruised, nor whipped. 





No! He is coming to reign! He has been the suffering Prophet of Psalm 22 already! He has faithfully served as the Cohen HaGadol of Psalm 23--the Great Priest who shepherds His saints! Now he is about to fulfill the prophecies of the Psalm of the Great King--Psalm 24--the end of the trilogy! "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. 

Then, as Solomon cast the usurper from his throne, Messiah will toss the beast from his. He will then gather up the beleaguered remnant of His family, and like Joseph, He will reveal those precious wounds, not in hate, but in absolute love and tender mercy even as Zechariah has shown us! There will then be the greatest revival that the world has ever seen. The Great King will take His rightful blood bought throne and He will be called Mashiyach Sar Shalom! Bless His name--we will have ringside seats in the cheering section on that day! Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! 

As a Jewish day starts in the evening, the darkness leading to Daniel's 70th week is slowly enveloping the earth. Hold on my child! JOY comes in the morning!!! The story, HIS story ends well!!!!!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Latter Rain?

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
Zechariah 10:1-2

An interesting development has taken place recently in Israel.  During the month of January the land had 29 days of rain and set a new record.  It seems very significant to many as this statement form Israel Star News implies. "The last record was in 1947, just before the creation of the State Israel and we can hope this rainy month will also be a sign of blessings for the People of Israel."  Yes!  The last record rainfall in Israel was in 1947 before Israel became a state and just before revival, including the healing revivals of the late 40s and early 50s took place. It was as if God signaled in the natural what He was preparing to do in the spiritual.  Could we be seeing this again?  One thing for sure, we are due for the latter rains much like the former rains that brought about the birth of the church in Acts 2.  


It is apparent that Zechariah's work reveals the Second Coming of Jesus.  In chapter twelve we read of the LORD making Jerusalem into a burdensome stone and a cup of trembling.  Is that not what we see today?  Chapter 11 begins with a prophetic war with Lebanon and Zechariah 9 has a war that is very reminiscent of the Psalm 83 war.  Sandwiched between all of this is chapter 10 which speaks of latter rains in the midst of war and deception.  Everyone of the events above are on the horizon.  Israel is currently having problems with the very neighbors that Zechariah saw in chapter 9.  Two of those specifically mentioned are Syria and the Gaza.  Chapter 11 speaks of Lebanon, the home of Hezbollah.   Also, many pulpits are filled with "goats' much as Zechariah 10:3 prophesied.  In this God promises the latter rains!

The church began with the former rain of Joel's prophecy, so will it not end with the latter rains?  Is this not what Zechariah and others saw as well?  Reread Joel's prophecy.  It begins with a time of war, darkness, and gloom.  War is on the horizon, and it is war that will lead to the reestablishment of the 3rd Temple and the Tribulation.  God in His mercy will surely call to a lost world as He did with Noah and with Lot before judgment came.  Are the rains in Israel a sign that this outpouring is about to begin!  Let's hope so.  Jesus is certainly Soon2Come!

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
Joel 2:28-30

Latter Rains?

Today's News

Friday, February 3, 2012

The Coming Elamite Revival: Hope for the Iranians

And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD. But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 49:38-39

It is so easy for us to hope that those who are troubling us would be judged and destroyed forever.  God does judge and He has and will destroy.  However, God's ways are not like our ways.  Isaiah may have caught this sentiment best when he penned, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)"  Whenever God deals with a people He always has redemption in mind.  Is that not why we call Him Father?  Fathers correct their erring children in love in the hopes that meaningful change will follow.  This is Jeremiah's message to the Elamites, a fierce warrior like people using terror to impose their way.  His overall aim is to rid Elam of its violent actions and establish peace in the land.  How merciful considering who Elam is.


Elam was a region south of Persia.  On today's maps it is a large portion of Southeastern Iran, the very land threatening world peace through radical ideology and false religion.  However, God seems to see them as the kid raised in the tough neighborhood who has hidden potential.  Maybe this is why He promised revival!  The history of Elam is interwoven with constant warfare.  Look at the map.  From Hammurabi's domination, Assyrian overthrow, Neo-Babylonian invasion, Grecian domination, it is easy to see that this was and is a rough community to live in.  

The Elamite skirmishers were know for their expertise with the bow and this is borne out three times, at least, in scripture.  The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all mention this fact.  Archers tend to fight from a distance rather than engage in close, hand to hand combat.  This is exactly the situation that the world finds itself in currently.  Iran is threatening the entire world with its production of indirect fire weapons systems like missiles with a growing threat that those weapons will soon carry weapons of mass destruction.  Also, Iran controls a large part of the terrorist activity in the world.  What a threat! Ezekiel accurately described this very situation as well saying that Elam, "caused their terror in the land of the living (from Ezekiel 32:24)."  It is a land of terrorism and terror tactics.  

Elam's day of retribution is nearly here.  Coupled with the belief that robbing the world of peace will allow a messiah-like figure to arise and radical hatred for Israel and the West, Elam has the world on the brink of a new world war today.  It appears from Jeremiah's prophecy that this will cause a series of battles with Elam that will eventually lead to complete destruction.  Notice the words of Jeremiah 49:37, "For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them..." To seek and to follow after takes time.  It appears that God will turn the world against Elam continually with a series of battles until the land is completely subdued.  Persia near Elam, is among those who are devastated in the Ezekiel 38-39 war as well.  In Jeremiah's day Persia and Elam were separate nations but are both a part of Iran today.

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
Jeremiah 49:35

However, that is not the end of the story for Elam as many would wish.  Now comes redemption.  God allowed Elamites to be the first witnesses of the power of the gospel and the descent of His Spirit's presence.  Notice who is in the crowd in Acts 2:9, "Elamites."  Elam had a complex government that revolved around lords and overlords and it is still a land with a  complex government.  Jeremiah sees this system tossed as the reign of Messiah Yeshua begins.  The rule of Christ the Prince of Peace will extend over Elam to bring peace and promise.  They were among the first to see a move of the Holy Spirit and they will see another move of His presence in Christ's Kingdom.  Hear Jeremiah 49:38, "And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD."  While a future series of wars will scatter them, God promises to bring them home, bless them, and restore them.  "But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD (Jeremiah 49:39)."  This is grace!  Grace gives even to the most undeserving a place in the Kingdom of Christ.  Grace is the very heart of the Gospel. It is not only extended to Elam, but is is also directed to you through the atoning death of Jesus!  

The four corners of the world are about to be involved with a series of Middle Eastern wars--some may even call this WWIII.  The fact that the signs of this warfare are screaming at us means that God, ever patient, is extending you the same grace that will fall on Elam. Please accept His plan of redemption for you.  Hurry!  Do it quickly!  World events are pointing to the return of the LORD!  Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!

Elam in the News

Other Prophetic News
January Rainfall Breaks Records  LATTER RAINS COMING?????  Let's hope so!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Almost Burnt Through!

God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
Psalm 118:27

Dedicated to my friend, Michali

That is odd!  Why would the writer of this Psalm mention tying a sacrifice to the altar?  Let's review the  sacrifices commonly offered briefly.  First comes the burnt offering that was cut up and burnt as the name implies.  Next comes the peace offering--also cut up and burnt.  Then the sin offering was cut up and burnt.  The trespass offering was partially burnt and partially eaten.  The daily sacrifice was killed and burnt daily.  Other offerings dealt with grain, oil, wine,and frankincense.  Nothing here is alive when it is offered so why does it have to be bound?  Why would you tie a dead, cut up sacrifice to an altar?  It is not like it is going to jump off of the altar or something!

All of the offerings were symbolic of one event, and the future offerings of the Millennial Temple are memorials looking back to that same event.  It was the voluntary sacrifice of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary.  His atoning death meets our every need.  In Christ, the LORD has given us light.  He has shone on us the light of grace and mercy.  However, He has also held back the wrath of God on our sins in patience.  There will be a time when God's patience will wear thin!  There is a time when the light is dimmed and darkness invades!  This is the message of the tied sacrifice.


The brazen altar represents the atonement of Christ and is tied to the message of the cross.  All that believers possess is brought about by the grace that was shown at that cross.  Not only that, grace was shown to the entire world.  Remember the taunts at the foot of the cross where Jesus was bound by nails? "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross."  (Matthew 27:41)"  That would have been a bad day had Jesus done that!  In Matthew 26:53 we read, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?"  Had he came down there would have been immediate judgment!  His being bound reminds us of the commitment of His love for us,  fallen mankind!

The power of the message of the cross, the very message of God's grace in Christ's atoning death, has gone out into all of the world.  It is the power of God to save!  GOD truly has given light.  Today, you can choose to accept that gift freely even now.  Those horns on the brazen altar also remind us of that the message and power of God's salvation is extended to the whole world--whosoever will can be saved by God's power.  There were 4 horns on that altar facing four directions.  Horns are symbolic of power and four represents creation or the world.  The power of God can reach the the uttermost part of creation and save the vilest of sinners!  Even the dimensions of the brazen altar speak that message.  It was 5 x 5 x 4 cubits.  Five is symbolic of grace while four signifies the world.  The message of the altar is grace upon grace for the world.  Furthermore, brass is the metal that represents judgment.  Christ took the judgement for sin--your judgment for your sin--at the cross.


The rope was not to hold the sacrifice to the altar.  The rope was symbolic of the sacrifice holding back the wrath of God for sin.  Jesus was nailed to the cross to hold back God's wrath.  Literally, the weight of the world's sin, your sin, was upon Him. He was/is all that was/is holding back the wrath of God.  What will eventually happen to a rope on fire, however?  It will burn thin then break.  There is a day coming, and coming soon, when the rope will break and the wrath of God will erupt against those who have rejected the sacrifice of Christ.  Christ will come down with that heavenly host He mentioned.  It is inevitable.  When that day comes, God's justice will be the attribute of God for the day.  What day?  The Day of the Lord--and it is ever nearer.  Where will that leave you?  Have you accepted Christ's sacrifice as your own?  Have you placed your hands on the Lamb of God and transferred your sin to Him at the cross, or will the rope break and the wrath of God issue forth against you?  If you are lost and undone, don't delay.  Call on Jesus to save--quickly--as He is Soon2Come!  

Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Jude 1:14c-15

Today's News

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Fools for Jesus: Science Says Conservatives are "Dumb"

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Reich Minister of Propaganda,  was a master at spin.  He understood well that in order to destroy an unwanted people group justifiably, you needed first to victimize and vilify them.  Using the media, Jews were made out to be ignorant, warmongering, sub-human, stupid, bloodthirsty, greedy, and a clear liability to humanity.  Posters and magazines like Der Sturmer (The Storm) plastered this anti-Semitic propaganda everywhere.  As an example, the front page of Der Sturmer always highlighted the sentence, "Die Jude sind unser ungluck"--The Jew is our calamity.  No matter where a German went they were reminded that the Jews were the cause for all of their problems.  After all Goebbels clearly stated, "Think of the press as a great keyboard on which the government can play."

Furthermore, Goebbels often stated that the repetition of a theme would eventually bring about a common belief that the theme, no matter how originally offensive, could be made acceptable to the masses.  Let's put it in his words:  “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”


The First Amendment of the American Constitution granted the press freedom to print whatever it wished.  The hope was that a free press would assist in keeping  America's citizens educated, informed, and that it would assist in preventing injustice from the government to the street. Yet, with this freedom comes the great responsibility to maintain its free and unhindered use to assist and build up the people and not to become a tool of wealthy, opinionated, individuals with hidden agendas and motives.  In short, a free press was to be a deterrent to  tyranny.  Interestingly enough, it is becoming obvious to all that America's press is less than free and in control of those purposefully using media-bias to persuade the masses much as Goebbels envisioned.  Many are becoming so fearful of a knowledgeable public that current steps are being taken to squelch this freedom. Consider the following article as proof that we are becoming a less free nation.  U.S. ranks 47th in media freedom, org says - CBS News



It is also obvious to anyone looking that the media is becoming quite anti-Christian in its reporting.  Also, being run by a clear liberal majority, it is also being used to victimize anyone with a Judeo-Christian belief system or conservative values and beliefs.  As with Nazi control of the media, the best place to start is to make the targeted group look "dumb", dangerous, and a serious threat.  "Now that is silly!  That is not happening in America!", some may say.  Is it?  Consider this news article found running on many news sites today.  Remember, Goebbels said, "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. "


Notice the last article?  It is from Discover Magazine.  The Nazis also used faulty science to make their foolishness more palatable and acceptable.  The lie of a branch of science called eugenics was used to make the Nazi sub-human accusations sound legitimate.  It is not surprising, then, to see a magazine like Discover linking conservatism to bad genes--this is just another old Nazi trick.  Next, they will be running adds to find modern day versions of Josef Mengele.   Also notice that the article vilifies anyone who seeks to call homosexuality a sin--that is the true "prejudice" they are discussing.  The message is that smart people know "gay is OK".  



With the flood of recent events such as the passing of the NDAA bill, the senate bill to illegalize live streaming, the rise of the TSA and other paramilitary groups, and a whole host of other warning signs, expect persecution soon.  It even seems that there is a push to victimize believers amongst those in our military though the average soldier volunteered to defend our rights and not rob us of them.  Church-Burning Video Used to Promote Atheist Event at Ft. Bragg | FOX News & Commentary: Todd Starnes

My friends, I am urging you to look around.  This nation has changed and many seem to be working overtime to subvert it.  However, there needs to be no fear.  It is time to fall on our knees before God and repent!  It is time to humbly seek His direction and guidance once again.  We need Christ to bring renewal and revival!  These are just more signs along the road that is leading to the last great confrontation of good and evil.  We were warned centuries ago that the last days would be perilous times.  It is time to buckle down, witness to family and friends, and prepare our hearts!  Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!

If Judeo-Christian values makes you dumb, Thank GOD I am an idiot! 
"We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ;" 
1 Corinthians 4:10a

Today's Prophetic Headlines