Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A Message to Embrace

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
Habakkuk 1:2-4

Isn't it easy to get emotionally distraught over all of the negative news around us.  It appears that demonic forces are working overtime universally.  At times, there is the temptation to get angry when one sees the seemingly overwhelming victories of those who are trying to push godless lifestyles on humanity.  In short, it just seems like evil is winning in the fight against good and evil and the LORD seems to be doing nothing about it.  This pretty much sums up the opening of this prophet's oracle.

It seems that Habakkuk did this on purpose as a part of the delivery of his message of hope.  Yes--message of hope!  He wants his reader who understands and sees the ensuing chaos to relate to what seems like circumstances of despair.  It doesn't let up none too quick either.  He immediately tells us about the enemy--the Babylonians.  If God is omnipotent then why is He allowing the enemy to run roughshod over His people?  God informs the questioning prophet that it is all a part of his ultimate plan which sends the prophet complaining again. 


Notice the emphasis the seer places on the Chaldeans.  They are overtaking the whole earth.  Their horses have the speed of a leopard and the ferocity of  wolves.  Their army flies in anticipation like vultures on a fresh kill.  Kings and nations are overturned and yield in the wake of their onslaught.  Like a mighty wind they advance and they take captives as numerous as the sand.  What a picture.  No wonder Habakkuk is questioning.  There is nothing but bedlam, confusion, catastrophe, and God is doing nothing!  Or is He?

This book actually is very prophetic about the Tribulation and the return of Christ.  Think just for a moment.  Who is in charge of the world just before Jesus returns?  The Antichrist--and he is in control of Babylon--mystery Babylon.  His power seems unmatched.  He successfully makes war on the Tribulation saints.  His glory, like that of the armies of the ancient Chaldean Kings, spreads around the world in minutes.  He takes over the earth and its people like sand on the sea.  Like a ravenous wolf or a bird of prey, he overcomes everyone.  Even the two witnesses fall to his intrigue.  Now that is scary!

So where is the message of hope?  

It comes with the desperation of the prophet's prayer!  "O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy."  Habakkuk 3:2  The devil, the Antichrist, the false prophet, and the 10 kings have had their day.  Now it is time for the return of Christ whose coming is incomparable!

With a speed greater than that of the armies of Mystery Babylon--Jesus comes in Habakkuk chapter 3.  He comes from Teman and Mt. Paran where the beleaguered remnants of the children of Israel are in hiding.  He swiftly destroys their persecutors.  Unlike the Antichrist whose power originates with the earth--Christ comes down with the Armies of Heaven in tow.  His light invades the demonic darkness that has been so prevalent for the last few years.  Flashes of power emanate from His hands. Pestilence is before Him and plagues upon the godless follow Him.  His great white horse charges into battle as no other steed in human history.   His garments are stained with blood and upon the thigh is a garment with the title, "KING OF KING AND LORD OF LORDS".  Mountains shudder and split at His rebuke and the hills hide from His glory.  His saints follow singing praises to the LORD of Salvation!  The sun hides its light and the moon flees from His presence.  Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger. Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.  Habakkuk 3:12-13  Hallelujah!!!  The KING has come!!!  Let all God's saints shout, "Glory!"

Habakkuk now beholds the "Amen" since it is Jesus who gets the last word!  "When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops."  Habakkuk 3:16  His fear of God is now greater than his fear of what the devil is doing!  He sees the King in all of His shekinah!

Seeing the fierceness of Christ who is Soon2Come, the prophet shares hope for those who are focused more on what the devil is doing than what Christ will do!  Embrace the words of the prophet whose name means embrace!  What began with confusion ends with serenity as the Prince of Peace reigns!
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:17-19



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Monday, March 4, 2013

Locusts!

And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.  And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
Exodus 10:13-14

The plagues on Egypt are one of the most well known events in the Bible.  It is for this reason, then, that so many are captivated with the plague of locusts that is occurring now.  What is even more amazing is its timing.  Like the plagues of old, these insects are on the march just weeks ahead of the Passover--the Celebration of the then upcoming deliverance of the nation of Israel from the clutches of their cruel taskmasters.  It was the enslavement of God's people that brought the plagues then, so is it the persecution of God's people now that is also an ominous sign portending the beginning of unfulfilled prophetic passages?  It is unwise to persecute the Lord's church!  Egypt's recent turmoil has of late been a topic of discussion here and elsewhere!  As proof, here is an article from January on the current situation in Syria and Egypt.  The Burdens of Egypt and Syria



So does the LORD still avenge His people today?  Consider events in recent history shortly after a serious rise in Christian persecution in Pakistan in 2010.  During a massive wave of the torture and killing of believers record flooding nearly brought the nation to its knees.   
BBC News - Pakistan floods 'hit 14m people'
Is the Flooding in Pakistan a Climate Change Disaster?: Scientific American
The persecution continued and the floods came again in 2012!
BBC News - Pakistan floods 'kill more than 400' over past fortnight
Hundreds killed in Pakistan flooding - CNN.com
Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
1 Chronicles 16:22
Psalm 105:15


What has been a regular item lately in Egypt?  Christian persecution! Egyptian court sentences Christian family to 15 years for converting from Islam | Fox News

 The locusts came once before when the Lord's people were hurt and His children were oppressed.  Most Christians will not defend themselves--but great is their Defender!  Is this a modern day warning reminiscent of the Passover?  The timing sure is right!


Please be careful Egypt.  Things will get worse before it gets better!  Yet, there will be a day in the Messiah's Kingdom when you will be brought home safely!  Such grace!  Messiah surely is Soon2Come!
“I will make the land of Egypt a desolate waste in the midst of desolated lands; and its own cities will become a desolate waste in the very midst of devastated cities for forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations” –Ezekiel 29:12
Just to keep you up to date on Syria and Isaiah 17 too--Israel warns UN of Syria war spilling over its borders | JPost | Israel News
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Saturday, March 2, 2013

I Say Unto All--Watch!

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Mark 13:35-37

An old hymn written in 1894 by James Kirk joyfully rings:

"I am watching for the coming of the glad millennial day,
When our blessèd Lord shall come and catch His waiting bride away.

Oh! my heart is filled with rapture as I labor, watch, and pray,

For our Lord is coming back to earth again."



What a joyous thought!  Jesus, the King returning in grand and glorious splendor arriving to reign for a magnificent 1000 years....If a loud screeching of tires sound could be applied to this post it would come in right about here.  Before that precious day arrives there is the matter of the increasing birth pains Jesus spoke about.  Mark warned of this time by recording, "And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."  Mark 13:7-8

 One thing is certain! The rate at which strange and unusual occurrences are happening is increasing.  Just consider this video by Fidockwave213:  SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS PROPHETIC EVENTS FEBRUARY 2013 - YouTube

March has the potential for great catastrophe!  First, consider the arrival of President Obama in Jerusalem on the 20th of March (If Netanyahu can form a government by then).  Any who has been watching the rise in natural disasters understands that there is a strong correlation between these disasters on a nation and that nation's record against Israel or in support of a two-state plan.  However, this date is even more significant.  Check any Gregorian Calendar to Hebrew Calendar on the web and you will see that this date, March 20th, is the date of the 9th of Nisan on the Hebrew Calendar.  The 9th of Nisan is always 5 days before the Passover and it is the day the JESUS ENTERED JERUSALEM in triumph but was later rejected.  He did leave a prophecy about this, "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive."  John 5:43




Are we seeing a man who is a forerunner of another "Messiah" enter Jerusalem on the same day?  What's more is that the President is supposed to visit the temple mount without Israeli security from the Arab side of the area so that he may visit the Al Aqsa Mosque.  Watch for trouble from this--it is already brewing!!  
Hamas warns Obama against Temple Mount visit | The Times of Israel

Add to this the potential to poke God in the eye with a national declaration in favor of what He calls an abomination, and we have the makings of a rather turbulent March.  The US Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments on the 26th of this month on the issue of Proposition 8 and gay marriage.  Again, national rulings in favor of wickedness are another trigger for Divine wrath.  Marriage is a shadow of God's everlasting relationship to Israel and Christ's everlasting relationship with the church.  God has not changed His mind about what is or is not sin no matter how many reprobate "ministers" say He has.  Even the President has weighed in on this.  Watch!  



By the way, to the North of the US, the Canadian Supreme Court has just illegalized free speech.  If you tell someone that homosexuality is a sin just like adultery, pedophilia, or any other sin for that matter, you can be charged with a hate crime.  This came about when a former homosexual was delivered and began to pass out tracts to those practicing this sin.  He was arrested and charged with a hate crime.  Supreme Court muzzles free speech in Canada, rules against Catholic pro-family activist | LifeSiteNews.com

The window is quickly closing on the church to witness.  The night is coming when no man can work.  SO WORK!In the meantime, prayerfully watch as March may go out like a lion. Remember, Jesus is Soon2Come and what a triumphal entry that will be!!!

For I am the LORD, I change not...
Malachi 3:16a
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Friday, March 1, 2013

Hell's Provision

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel 1:8

So you want to be a man or woman of God used mightily in these last days?  Maybe you want to be a servant used much like Daniel who was in the midst of a godless, pagan regime yet remained true to the LORD when many others failed.  It will take prayerful devotion and the Spirit sent ability to refuse the provisions of Hell.  It would be so easy to just coalesce, to become compliant, to just fit in.  However, God's servants cannot ever become what the god of this world wishes them to be.  They must, after having done all, stand.  "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13)."  

It is readily apparent that we are nearing the last great cataclysmic confrontation of God against those who are arrayed against Him.  One such sign deals with those who turn, "the grace of our God into lasciviousness (Jude 1:4)."   They have a form of godliness but deny the power of the Cross.  These are those who alter the Word of God to suit themselves and who twist the unalterable precepts of God as they have tasted of the Spirit of Antichrist's dainties.  The world system wants you to feed on what it thinks about God while ignoring God's commands and teachings.  Those who go after that teaching usually condone evil while accusing the just.



Whole groups today are stuffing themselves with Hell's provisions without ever considering the source.  There is the tasty cake that says abortion is a choice and many stand behind the right to murder as if it were a god-given right.  It is actually, it is a right given by the god of this world and not of the God of the Bible.  This dessert goes well with the topping of suicide on demand.  Yet God assures, "The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name (Isaiah 49:1)."

There is the tasty morsel that changes the notion the homosexuality as an abomination and God's definition of marriage which the god of this age seems to lavish upon humanity.  "Surely the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is nothing more than ancient folklore", he says as he passes the dish. He adds, "Did God really say that marriage was only to be between a man and a woman?" So many today are doubting God's direction as the enemy provides them something forbidden to eat!  (For those feeling smug that they have not committed an abomination--gossip sows discord in a church and Proverbs 6 calls that an abomination as well.  Remember, we all desperately need Jesus at all, ALL times!!)
World Wide Directory of Gay and lesbian Affirming / Welcoming Churches

From evolution to abortion, divorce to pornography, homosexuality to pedophilia, many are changing their minds and eagerly following after the list of immorality offered by the spirit of Antichrist.  The list of fallen pastors who engage in this sort of wickedness grows, and iniquity often seems to be invading nearly every pew.  It seems so many are tasting all that the enemy has to offer.  Maybe this is why Jesus warned that because iniquity would abound the love of many would wax cold?

So what about you?  Do you want to be a man or woman of God who is used greatly?  If you want to be a servant of the Most High God, remember that He always has been, is, and always will be Holy!  It is this trait that the Cherubim in His presence laud continually.  They don't yell, "Love, love, love, is the LORD."  Their cry is not, "the LORD is tolerant, tolerant, tolerant!"  No!  Their cry, "Holy, Holy Holy!", shakes the doorposts of Heaven.  You see the first meat that the god of this world passes the compromised one is the idea of grace that does not change a man or woman and bring a desire for holiness.  He, the spirit behind the Antichrist, wants men and women who choose his delicacies while rejecting the power of the Cross to sanctify.

If you want to be a man or woman of God who is greatly used, then wholeheartedly submit to the One who can lead you from victory to victory.  Refuse the king of this world's provision and accept the unaltered Lordship of Christ!  As always, if you are caught in the web of sin (including any mentioned above)--there is always forgiveness.  The Apostle John reminds us with full assurance, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins..."  However, don't do as so many do and stop reading halfway through the verse.  It goes on to say, "and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."   He is still able to cleanse to the uttermost.  He is also Soon2Come!

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Proverbs 28:9
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Thursday, February 21, 2013

JOY!

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

What would you do if you were offered your dream?  A dream vacation, a dream of millions in cash, a dream to have prime seats at a sports championship, all of us have dreams.  Again, what would you do if you were offered your dream?

Everyone wants some sort of reward in life.  Napoleon noticed this when he said, "A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon."  Each of us has a different idea as to what is really important to us, but whatever it is, we will often work diligently to get it whether it is good or bad.  However, what happens when the needs of another interfere with our plans?  Will we selfishly meet our own need first or consider the need of the other individual?  This was the very situation that we find the Apostle Paul in here in the Book of Philippians.

It is greatly evident that Paul lived a cross life.  His first concern was a vertical one.  He wanted ongoing and lasting fellowship with God.  However, Paul also had a horizontal concern.  He was constantly ministering to the needs of others.  This left Paul and his wants in last place.  He always put Christ and others first!  It is greatly evident that Paul lived a cross life!

Paul also wanted a reward.  Yet Jesus said, "...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)"  Paul's idea of importance was to be with Jesus, and all of his effort was placed into reaching that goal in Christ.  However, the needs of the Philippians interfered with his plans.  Would he selfishly meet his own need or first consider their needs?  Paul's situation with the Philippians led to a great and sacrificial choice.

The apostle was offered his dream.  It was not a dream vacation, the dream of temporary pleasures from money, nor a dream of ringside seats at the Colosseum.  So what did he do when he was offered his dream?


Paul put Jesus first, Others second, and himself last.  It seems that the apostle could have saved himself more pain and problems with the choice of going on to his reward in Heaven.  Let his words sink in, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better...(Philippians 1:23)."  In essence he is saying he had a choice of leaving the struggles of this life to be with Jesus (what close fellowship he must have had to be given this choice) or to stay and suffer more while ministering to the needs of the church at Philippi.  It was a painful choice.  For several more years he would be persecuted for his choice and ultimately face martyrdom in Rome.  He put himself on the cross and suffered after the example of his Savior.  "Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:24)"

As most do, I distinctly remember many of the songs I learned as a child.  One was about the true source of joy for a believer.  It went like this:
Put Jesus first,
and Others second,
and put Yourself at the end of the line.
Then you will find true joy and happiness through
J O Y!
Are you living the cross life so that when Jesus, who is Soon2Come, arrives, you will wear a crown?

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Narrow Views

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Psalm 2:2-5

There are many means and methods of Bible study that enhance our understanding of the Word of God and the person of God.  Yet, these same methods can also give us a rather narrow viewpoint of study if we are not careful.  For instance, many use topical studies--a very good method--to learn more about a given topic.  In this method one finds all of the references dealing with a topic of desired interest.  Let's say, for instance, that you are struggling with God's love for you personally.  This might be a good way to ensure that you are loved with an immeasurable love.  Take not of this post if you need to understand His love for you.  This is the most read post on this site. Jesus Loves You--Just A Reminder

What happens, however, when this method is our only means of study?  The sought topics can become limited in scope.  A friend once taught that we end up with a "canon in a canon" since our tendency will be to only study passages that encompass a felt need.  This can leave large portions of the God's revelation uninvestigated.   It reduces the Word of God in amplitude and grandeur.We can deny ourselves the amazement, awe, and healthy fear of the LORD when He speaks through His word in new ways.

Take the topic above for example.  Many today have a very narrow view of the love of God as a result.  Thank God for the grace of the cross that washed away sin through the atoning blood of Jesus!  Again, I say thank God for such love, grace, mercy, and truth.  Yet, in love, God must deal the final and permanent judgment on sin through the return of Jesus Christ.  Love for all requires Him to destroy the very thing that took Christ to Calvary--sin.  Daniel 9:24 even lists this, the final destruction of iniquity, as His first purpose.  "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins..."   A narrow view of God's love has produced a false view of God that sort of resembles a celestial Santa Claus who overlooks transgression and tolerates sin.  May I remind you that Jesus is not coming back for a group hug!  He is coming back to fulfill Daniel 9:24, Psalm 2, and other portions of scripture that reveal His love that forever crushes sinfulness.  



Psalm 2 points out that humanity, incited by its leaders, is in rebellion while attempting to cast the Lord's cords of righteousness from them at the time when Jesus returns.  In love, Jesus crushes this wicked rebellion and reigns for 1000 years.  There will be harshness that will forever quell the godlessness that caused mankind so much chaos and confusion.  He is said to "break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel (Psalm 2:9)."  That tough stance on wickedness is love!  As a result, the Holy Spirit speaks last and gives those who would forget His holiness to, "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."  Listen carefully as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart today as Christ is Soon2Come!
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Saturday, February 2, 2013

How Is Your Vision?

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18

Earlier today I went to a local grocery store and noticed a sign that is so much a sign of the times.  Posted near the entrance, it was informing shoppers that baby strollers needed to be left outside the store or they must be checked in at the office.  As I thought of a poor young mother struggling to put her infant into a store shopping cart, I also thought of the main reason that we have arrived at a time such as this.  People have lost their vision.  They simply cannot see clearly.  How many of you can remember a time when you were younger when a woman with a baby stroller could, for the most part, be trusted to shop without fear she would shoplift?  It seems the grocer cannot even risk trusting even a young mother.  Yes!  It is a sign of the times.


I wonder if this is a sign of the time too?  
What was he thinking?

The verse above from Proverbs is most often preached on out of context.  For instance, many of you have heard it used to pitch a pastor's latest "vision" for the church--usually an expensive one.  Don't get me wrong, we do need direction for ministry as we seek to fulfill the will of God.  However, sometimes the vision might just be anything but the will of God (Sorry!  Rambling--purposefully.)  This verse does not mean that the local church is about to be shut down should we not have some prophetic vision.  No! Read the verse in its entire context again.  Did you notice the attached thought after the conjunction "but"?  It has to do with keeping the Law.  How can these two thoughts--a vision and obedience--be linked?  

The root word for vision here does not just mean having a dream or a vision.  It can also mean that one has perception, wisdom, or understanding.  In other words law-keepers have a clear vision of the importance of the law or teachings of GOD and how they benefit society as a whole.  This is the reason that the idea of vision is linked to keeping the law (Torah--or teachings/instructions).  The idea behind the word "keepeth" also enhances the idea.  It can mean, "to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life."   

The opposite of clear vision is blindness caused by immorality.  People without a clear understanding of law and order will let loose of restraint causing the society to become degraded.  This in turn will bring destruction.  The people will perish. Such a simple sign disallowing a mother to adequately shop with her child could be a tell.  It might be an indicator that the world around us is loosing restraint.  Lawless seems to be the order of the day and even those (like young mothers) who once could be trusted are viewed with suspect eyes.  If we do not return to God and seek a proper view of His morality, direction, and teaching then this society will surely perish.  

Wickedness growing around us at such a frightening rate universally is but one of the many beacons pointing to the seriousness of the hour.  Make sure you guard your heart and relationship with Christ through prayer as things seemingly spin out of control.  Hear Jesus' warning from Matthew 24:12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."  Don't let the rise of immoral behavior taint you as you keep looking for Jesus.  Remember, He is Soon2Come!



Godlessness in the Last Days

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