Israel in Prophecy
By: Jennifer Sides
Declaring their dependence on May 14, 1948; Israel is the world’s only Jewish state with Jerusalem being the capital and largest city. They are the 100th smallest country in the world. Speaking of Israel; Ezekiel 36:11 says, “I will multiply upon you man and beast, and they shall increase and bear young; I will make you inhabited as in former times, and do better for you than at your beginnings. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” I believe many of the links my blog provides in the “Israel” section confirm the Lord is bestowing blessings upon His chosen people beyond measure. I will be using a few of those links as examples but I encourage you to be zealous and search out these truths in scripture first hand.
Proof that man would be multiplied upon the land just as Ezekiel 36:11 described began taking place soon after Israel declared their dependence in 1948 with the population increasing from 800,000 to 2,000,000 by 1958. Currently as of 2009 the population of Israel is 7,411,000. In 1952 an estimated 200,000 Jews who infiltrated back into Israel brought with them no possessions and lived in tents. Recently there has been even more confirmation the prophecy of Ezekiel 36:11 is being fulfilled with the “American Dream” slowly slipping away from the fingertips of North Americans as many of them have begun seeking refuge in Israel. For the first time in history the Israeli economy is doing better than the American economy with the Israeli economy growing an average of 5% a year for the past five years. Israel now has the second-largest number of startup companies in the world after the United States and the largest number of NASDAQ-listed companies outside North America. In 2007, Israel had the 44th-highest gross domestic product and the 22nd-highest gross domestic product per capita (at purchasing power parity) at US$232.7 billion and US$33, 299, respectively.
Among other list of impressive accomplishments Israel is considered one of the most advanced countries in Southwest Asia and the Middle East in economic and industrial development. Their chief exports are fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, military technology, and diamonds. Israel is a world leader in water conservation, geothermal energy, cutting edge technology and much more! Israel ranks highest among Middle Eastern countries on the UN human development index and also freedom of the press. Tourism, especially religious tourism, plays another important part in Israel with 2008 being a record breaking year with over 3,000,000 tourists. That is a 30% increase from the year 2007.
Now we all know how bad the global economy is doing as a whole yet Israel seems to be picking up steam at a steady pace. They even have a company called “Agritech” which has taken on a major role to solve the global food crisis. I would say that is quite a huge feet for the 100th smallest state in the world! Israel is like David taking on Goliath in the midst of this global economic turmoil! The list of Israel’s accomplishments goes on and on. I encourage you to read the links provided about Israel and really try to understand what is taking place right before the world’s very eyes. I have no doubt you will see first hand the Lord at work during these very troublesome and uncertain times. If you think about it Israel has only been a state for 61 years yet they are doing exceedingly well for such a small country. “Why is that?” some might say. It is because the Lord promised He would do it! Remember that 200,000 Israelis started out with no earthly possessions and lived in tents?!?! That is simply a miracle! Amen!
Now I have heard it said and it makes sense to me that when Matthew 24:32 says, (“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near”) that the fig tree represents Israel becoming a state. Chapter 24 as a whole refers to the tribulation, coming of the Son of man and no one knowing the day or the hour. In verse 34 it says that, “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things take place.” I personally believe this means the generation which saw Israel become a state will not pass away until the 7 years of Tribulation takes place that is mentioned in the book of Revelation.
There is more scriptural confirmation that Israel will be the productive country foretold about in Ezekiel 36:11. It can be found just two chapters over in Ezekiel 38:12, 13 with chapters 38 and 39 being the main focus as a whole. I encourage you to read those chapters since I am not going to cover it all…just the main points I am trying to make. There will be countries who will invade Israel in verses 12 and 13 of Chapter 38. There mission will be to attack the Israeli people and acquire their earthly goods. It says in verse 4 of Chapter 38 that those countries will have a hook in their mouths and be lead out with all their armies. I am not sure how those armies will be lead out but I do have three scenarios.
First of all, it may have to do with the global economy getting much worse for those countries and Israel being much more productive. Remember; Israel is already one of the most productive countries in the Middle East. This is no different than the Palestinians coveting and trying to take land from the Israelites that does not belong to them; which brings me to my second point. Many countries have taken it upon themselves to tell Israel how to run their country by giving them ultimatums on how they need to stop building settlements in their own God given territory. Even more disheartening is an article dated June 22, 2009 on the www.america.gov website proclaiming the results of a poll taken recently by Americans. It claims the percentage of Americans growing impatient with the Israeli people building settlements on their own territory is on the rise. This is just another example of how America has been shaken off the foundation of its’ Godly heritage. A world-wide percentage of people along with so many of the countries leaders who are already rallying against Israel to divide their land may spark a war far greater than one that may occur with Iran.
Third, there is no doubt tensions are flaring up in Israel like never before. Recent developments confirm Israel is working on offensive and defensive strategies to face whatever might happen in the not so distant future. On May 31, 2009 Israel held its biggest civil defense drill in their history. In recent weeks Benjamin Netanyahu has been asking world leaders for permission to fly over their countries to invade Iran over their nuclear facilities. Israel wants to take out those areas of Iran before Iran tries to take them out. God only knows; Israel could fly over air space that a country did or did not grant them permission to fly over and that country along with several others may use it as an excuse to attack Israel and attempt to take everything they own. A good example to illustrate this point would be how it was said recently that Saudi Arabia granted Israel permission to fly in their air space to attack Iran. On July 7, 2009 Saudi Arabia denied the claims. So what would’ve happened if Israel had flown over Saudi Arabia before the claims had been denied? Also, on July 18, 2009 Israeli warships rehearsed for Iran attacks in the Red Sea.
I have every reason to believe there is the grave possibility that Israel will follow through with their plans to disarm Iran. Those beliefs stem from previous attempts in Israel’s past to launch similar attempts. Here are a few examples. On June 7, 1981, Israel heavily bombed Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor in Operation Opera, disabling it. Israeli intelligence had suspected Iraq was intending to use it for weapons development. In 1982, Israel intervened in the Lebanese Civil War to destroy the bases from which the Palestine Liberation Organization launched attacks and missiles at northern Israel. On September 6, 2007, the Israeli Air Force launched Operation Orchard in Syria, bombing what it suspected to be a nuclear site.
There are many signs to focus on when it comes to end times events. Most importantly remember that the main focus will revolve around Jerusalem, Israel which is the center point of much of Bible prophecy. With those things said, I believe there will be at least two major wars between Israel and those countries mentioned in Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39 during our lifetime or generation. Yes, the Bible says, “There will be wars and rumors of war” in Mark 13:7 but there are specific wars to watch for. No doubt there will be the war of Daniel 9:25-27 which takes place in the middle of the 7 ½ years that will mark the beginning of the “Great Tribulation” spoken of in Matthew chapter 24. Reference is also made to it in Luke 21:20-24. It states, “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know the desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which were written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
As I mentioned in the previous paragraph; Luke 21:20 says that once Jerusalem is surrounded by armies the desolation will be near. The desolation it is referring to can be found in Daniel 9:27 (see also Matthew 24:15) after the middle of the 7 years of tribulation which will also be in the middle of the 7 year peace covenant Israel makes with many. After Jerusalem is made desolate the Antichrist will be revealed as stated in 2nd Thessalonians 2:3-4. He will do so by sitting as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2nd Thessalonians states in verse 2:2,3 that Christ will not come until the falling away comes first, and the son of man is revealed. “Falling away” in the Greek means military rebellion. Therefore, Christ will not return until the armies have surrounded and made Jerusalem desolate. Without knowing what “falling away” means I believe it is
still clear those events have to take place before Jesus returns. I believe Matthew, Mark and Luke all give the exact order of the events which will take place.
I promise I am not trying to be confusing on this next example. I just see a couple of different scenarios on the following two verses. The second or first war, it is really hard to say, is the one I referred to in Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39 which may also be tied into the final war in Revelation 20:6-10 where God and Magog surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city Jerusalem. I have heard it said those two wars are one in the same. Whatever the case may be that war could happen after the 7 ½ years of tribulation. One thing is for sure – we need to be watching for the signs of Jesus coming. They were given to us when the disciples ask Jesus specifically in Matthew 24:3, “What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?” Jesus answered them at that moment because He did not want them to be blind about what the future would hold. Now I know the things I have written about in this article did not take place during their lifetime but each of them did have to face great personal tribulations of their own as 11 out of 12 of them were martyred. We may not know the day or the hour in which Jesus will return just as He does not; but in Matthew chapter 24 we are cautioned to watch and be ready.
In closing, just remember Luke 21:35-36 says, “It will come as a snare on all those who dwell, on the face of the earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Whatever you do don’t be like the scoffers who in 2nd Peter 3:3 walked according to their own lusts saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” We are living in a day and age where we can’t afford to rule out what may be the very signs we were instructed to watch for! We are also instructed in Psalm 122:6 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The first 3 ½ years of the tribulation may seem like Jerusalem has peace once and for all but it will really be like a smokescreen. Satan is running out of time and is devising a plan in which he will use the antichrist along with many others to try and fulfill his evil schemes. You can’t be a Christian and not be for the Jews. We as Christians have been grafted into the vine as described in Romans Chapter 11 having become one in Christ ultimately known as the “Bride of Christ.” So I encourage you to pray for the peace of Jerusalem which will not be until all things are made new in Revelation Chapter 21 when the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven. He will then wipe away every tear, there will be no more death, no more pain, or sorrow, nor crying! Amen!
In the meantime -
Watch and pray,
Jennifer
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
What I Believe and Why I Believe It
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. - 1st Peter 3:15
What I Believe and Why I Believe It
As I pondered upon what I believe the Lord would have me write on the topic of What I Believe and Why I Believe It; I felt I should begin by naming just a few things each and every one of us have in common from the very moment we are first conceived.
1. Every since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:1-24 each of us were born of the flesh (sinful nature) as mentioned to Nicodemus in John Chapter 3. Romans 5:19 speaking of Adam puts it this way, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners.”
2. Adam and Eve had everything they needed including a right relationship with God while in the Garden of Eden until the forbidden fruit was tasted. As a result we now face the consequences due to their selfish pride. As soon as we are born we begin seeking a right relationship with someone who will meet our every need. We long to be clothed, fed and nourished in ways that are beyond our control. As we become more aware of our existence we begin to sense even more areas of our lives that want (whether we need it or not) attention and many other accommodations to fill our selfish desires.
3. Did you know it is a proven fact that 10 out of every 10 people will face death? Unless you happen to be someone who is raptured out of here at the last trumpet mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 during the 7 years of Tribulation.
4. Everyone faces an eternal destiny.
In Exodus 20:1-17 God used Moses to introduce The 10 Commandments (The Law, God’s Moral Standard) to the people. Can you name any of the 10 Commandments? I will name three for you.
1. The first commandment states that, “you shall have no other Gods before me.” In other words Matthew 22:37 says, “you should love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your mind.”
2. The sixth commandment tells us that “you shall not murder”. 1 John 3:15 says, “But he who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
3. The seventh commandment is “you shall not commit adultery.” Matthew 5:27, 28 tells us “You have heard it said that it was said “to those of old”, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Remember there are seven more commandments left. God’s standards are much higher than ours. His ways are above our ways. Now that you have been confronted with his standards do you think you are guilty or innocent of obeying his commands? Would you go to heaven or hell?
In civil law we only have to break one law to go to jail or even worse. James 2:10 tells us “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” Think about it…..every sin mentioned in the Bible points to at least one of the Ten Commandments. The root of all sin points back to the pride in the hearts of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This is how we become guilty before a just and holy God. He will be our judge on Judgment Day (Revelation 20:11-15). The following chapter of Revelation tells us, “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.”
Let’s go back to civil law. You stand before the judge and you tell him you are sorry for what you have done. You tell him you know he is a good judge and that because he is a good judge you think he should let you go. If the judge is a good judge he is not going to let murderers, rapists and various other lawbreakers go. He is going to let the law do its work.
If you have read this far and have found yourself to be guilty in the eyes of the Lord by breaking His moral law then there is some great news I would like to share with you. John 3:16, 17 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.” Romans 5:8 puts it this way, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. “ In other words; Jesus paid for a debt that neither you nor I could afford.
Now may be the time to repent and tell the Lord you are sorry for the sins you have committed against him. The definition of Godly sorrow and repentance is in 2nd Corinthians 7:10 when we are told, “For Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted: but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Ask him for forgiveness. He sent his one and only Son for you to come before Him today with a humble heart. Romans 5:19 states that, “by one Mans obedience many will be made righteous.” Ask Him to lead and guide you as you seek His will for your life so that you will be made righteous on the Day of Judgment.
I believe and am fully convinced after studying The Way of the Master Evangelism materials that we are to preach the full counsel of the Lord. We are to preach the law to the proud and grace to the humble. It is not until a sinner sees the full consequences of his guilt that He will come clinging to the cross for salvation. He will not fully appreciate the price Jesus paid for his redemption otherwise. Paul said in Romans 7:7, “he had not known sin, except by the law.” He also said in Galatians 3:24, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
I also believe preaching the full counsel of God is the only way we will ever see true revival. Some people think this form of Evangelism is legalism. Legalism would be to tell someone, “do not touch, do not taste, do not handle” as described in Colossians 2:21. It was not meant to be used as a way of looking down on people who may seem to be less spiritual. 1st Corinthians 6:9,11 instructs us, “not to be deceived because we were all at one time in the world living as fornicators, idolaters, homosexuals, sodomites, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners with no inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven. As Christians we need to simply use the law to show the sinner that we are all on the same path of destruction without the blood of Jesus to wash away our sins.
You may not know what your purpose is in life. Let me assure you we have all been graced with a God-given purpose. I believe as a Christian the number one calling of everyone who claims the name of Jesus is mentioned in Matthew 28:16-20 where he tells the disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” They began to do just that all through the book of Acts. Jesus also told the disciples in Matthew 4:19, “to follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The book of Jude goes as far as to tell us, but save others with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Paul said in 1st Corinthians 9:16, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”
Matthew 7:16 gives an example of the behavior a true disciple of Christ must possess by telling us, “you shall know them by their fruits.” What are fruits? Galatians 5:22,23 reveals these characteristics to us by saying, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” The same chapter in just a few verses before mentions the same characteristics which showed us we were lawbreakers and headed to hell.
Don’t be like the false converts in Titus 1:16 who profess to know God, but in works deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. I can’t stress enough how important it is to strive for righteousness while using the law as the means by which to bring lost souls to the Savior. Jesus described the difference of following either of these two paths in Matthew 5:19, 20 when he said, “Whoever therefore breaks one of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today is the day of salvation. (2nd Corinthians 6:2) Won’t you please make your calling and election sure? (2nd Peter 1:10) I hope what I believe in and why I believe it has spoken to your heart in such a way that you embrace a faith in Jesus like never before!
Blessings,
Jennifer
What I Believe and Why I Believe It
As I pondered upon what I believe the Lord would have me write on the topic of What I Believe and Why I Believe It; I felt I should begin by naming just a few things each and every one of us have in common from the very moment we are first conceived.
1. Every since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:1-24 each of us were born of the flesh (sinful nature) as mentioned to Nicodemus in John Chapter 3. Romans 5:19 speaking of Adam puts it this way, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners.”
2. Adam and Eve had everything they needed including a right relationship with God while in the Garden of Eden until the forbidden fruit was tasted. As a result we now face the consequences due to their selfish pride. As soon as we are born we begin seeking a right relationship with someone who will meet our every need. We long to be clothed, fed and nourished in ways that are beyond our control. As we become more aware of our existence we begin to sense even more areas of our lives that want (whether we need it or not) attention and many other accommodations to fill our selfish desires.
3. Did you know it is a proven fact that 10 out of every 10 people will face death? Unless you happen to be someone who is raptured out of here at the last trumpet mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 during the 7 years of Tribulation.
4. Everyone faces an eternal destiny.
In Exodus 20:1-17 God used Moses to introduce The 10 Commandments (The Law, God’s Moral Standard) to the people. Can you name any of the 10 Commandments? I will name three for you.
1. The first commandment states that, “you shall have no other Gods before me.” In other words Matthew 22:37 says, “you should love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your mind.”
2. The sixth commandment tells us that “you shall not murder”. 1 John 3:15 says, “But he who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
3. The seventh commandment is “you shall not commit adultery.” Matthew 5:27, 28 tells us “You have heard it said that it was said “to those of old”, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Remember there are seven more commandments left. God’s standards are much higher than ours. His ways are above our ways. Now that you have been confronted with his standards do you think you are guilty or innocent of obeying his commands? Would you go to heaven or hell?
In civil law we only have to break one law to go to jail or even worse. James 2:10 tells us “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” Think about it…..every sin mentioned in the Bible points to at least one of the Ten Commandments. The root of all sin points back to the pride in the hearts of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This is how we become guilty before a just and holy God. He will be our judge on Judgment Day (Revelation 20:11-15). The following chapter of Revelation tells us, “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.”
Let’s go back to civil law. You stand before the judge and you tell him you are sorry for what you have done. You tell him you know he is a good judge and that because he is a good judge you think he should let you go. If the judge is a good judge he is not going to let murderers, rapists and various other lawbreakers go. He is going to let the law do its work.
If you have read this far and have found yourself to be guilty in the eyes of the Lord by breaking His moral law then there is some great news I would like to share with you. John 3:16, 17 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.” Romans 5:8 puts it this way, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. “ In other words; Jesus paid for a debt that neither you nor I could afford.
Now may be the time to repent and tell the Lord you are sorry for the sins you have committed against him. The definition of Godly sorrow and repentance is in 2nd Corinthians 7:10 when we are told, “For Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted: but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Ask him for forgiveness. He sent his one and only Son for you to come before Him today with a humble heart. Romans 5:19 states that, “by one Mans obedience many will be made righteous.” Ask Him to lead and guide you as you seek His will for your life so that you will be made righteous on the Day of Judgment.
I believe and am fully convinced after studying The Way of the Master Evangelism materials that we are to preach the full counsel of the Lord. We are to preach the law to the proud and grace to the humble. It is not until a sinner sees the full consequences of his guilt that He will come clinging to the cross for salvation. He will not fully appreciate the price Jesus paid for his redemption otherwise. Paul said in Romans 7:7, “he had not known sin, except by the law.” He also said in Galatians 3:24, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
I also believe preaching the full counsel of God is the only way we will ever see true revival. Some people think this form of Evangelism is legalism. Legalism would be to tell someone, “do not touch, do not taste, do not handle” as described in Colossians 2:21. It was not meant to be used as a way of looking down on people who may seem to be less spiritual. 1st Corinthians 6:9,11 instructs us, “not to be deceived because we were all at one time in the world living as fornicators, idolaters, homosexuals, sodomites, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners with no inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven. As Christians we need to simply use the law to show the sinner that we are all on the same path of destruction without the blood of Jesus to wash away our sins.
You may not know what your purpose is in life. Let me assure you we have all been graced with a God-given purpose. I believe as a Christian the number one calling of everyone who claims the name of Jesus is mentioned in Matthew 28:16-20 where he tells the disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” They began to do just that all through the book of Acts. Jesus also told the disciples in Matthew 4:19, “to follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The book of Jude goes as far as to tell us, but save others with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Paul said in 1st Corinthians 9:16, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”
Matthew 7:16 gives an example of the behavior a true disciple of Christ must possess by telling us, “you shall know them by their fruits.” What are fruits? Galatians 5:22,23 reveals these characteristics to us by saying, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” The same chapter in just a few verses before mentions the same characteristics which showed us we were lawbreakers and headed to hell.
Don’t be like the false converts in Titus 1:16 who profess to know God, but in works deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. I can’t stress enough how important it is to strive for righteousness while using the law as the means by which to bring lost souls to the Savior. Jesus described the difference of following either of these two paths in Matthew 5:19, 20 when he said, “Whoever therefore breaks one of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today is the day of salvation. (2nd Corinthians 6:2) Won’t you please make your calling and election sure? (2nd Peter 1:10) I hope what I believe in and why I believe it has spoken to your heart in such a way that you embrace a faith in Jesus like never before!
Blessings,
Jennifer
To Judas; Whom I Loved
To Judas; Whom I Loved
Jennifer Sides 11/9/06
Do you remember when I called you? Oh, how I fondly remember the day that you and I along with the others went to the mountain. I prayed throughout the night and after daylight settled in I gathered you together to Myself and chose twelve of you to be My disciples. That was just at the beginning of our lifelong relationship. Although; ironically; the end of our lives has left us in two totally different realms.
I know what you are contemplating and the eternal destiny you have chosen as your own. As I hang here about to be crucified and you hang there in the balance of your fate; I wish it were not to late to ask My Father in heaven to forgive you as I am now asking him to forgive the others who put Me here. You see, I loved you. I would have died for you had you only followed Me home to the place I will be preparing.
Do you remember how soon after I chose you we all walked down the mountain together and met the multitudes who were sick and tormented with unclean spirits? My Father performed many miracles through Me that day. You saw them with your very own eyes. He even allowed Me to give you His power from on high to perform many miracles as well and all the more greater. You walked with Me for many days afterwards participating in the midst of My Fathers’ plan. You were given special privileges beyond your own recognition. You were entrusted to play a part in the most incredible journey of all time. Oh, how I longed for your heart to be made pure and holy. You played the part well but you never totally surrendered to the call.
I gave a message that day as I began speaking of the beatitudes. Do you remember how I looked at you and the other disciples just before I began? My eyes were filled with such compassion as I began to prepare your hearts for a new life. It saddens Me to know that the woes I pronounced were what you chose to become. Woe to you Judas for you were the one who became rich and received no consolation! There was a way of escape! You could have become poor so that you would have inherited the kingdom of heaven! Don’t you remember me saying that? I said those very words to each and every one of you who were on that mountain! Oh, how I hope they realize what you did not. I hope they understand it deep inside their souls that many are called, but few are chosen. You see, he who endures till the end shall be saved. If only you had repented and turned from your evil ways!
The very heart of my message came next. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. You used Me, Judas. You used Me to become something that you now realize you could not be. You were wise in your own eyes only to become a fool. You partook of My affections for you and the love that I freely give. You stayed around until you thought you did not need Me anymore. I wish you would have realized that I am all you ever really needed. I am more than enough! You became a partaker of the Holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God among the thorns and in doing so you fell away and it became impossible for you to be renewed again by repentance being that My Father gave you over to a depraved mind.
You walked along side of the disciples and Myself daily in what could have been sweet fellowship. We had so many things to rejoice over like the time the multitude of five thousand were fed with only five loaves of bread and two fish. They were even full from such a wonderful feast with plenty of food left over! You even saw a little girl who was brought back to life. Boy, were her parents ever so grateful! You saw a man blind from birth receive his sight but you refused to see and understand with the spiritual insight that I so desperately wanted you to receive. Yet, this man believed and received Me immediately.
I even remember (although I was asleep at first) how you were afraid for your life when we were in the boat and the storm came. Though now; for some reason you have chosen to take that life you were so afraid for. Yes, had you not chosen this way out you would still be on the road that leads to destruction. You were committing spiritual suicide from the darkness that was in your heart. I feared for you and longed for you to seek My Fathers’ will. In the midst of so many miracles you allowed your cares for this world to be the god of your desires.
One thing I really find heart wrenching is that you deceived yourself because you were hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. You felt you had no need for fellowship with me or the brethren and therefore you departed from the one true living God with an evil heart of unbelief. I wish you had received our encouragement and prayers. You were so caught up with the cares of this world and what it has to offer. Judas, you can’t take those things with you when you go. I know you know that now. There will be many riches in the kingdom of heaven. There is even a mansion I invited you to share with Me and I would have gladly welcomed you with the open arms I had for you down here on earth.
You said you believed in Me and you even traveled many a journey along side of Myself and the disciples. Did you not know that even the demons believe and tremble? Think of all the precious moments you spent with the other disciples getting to know them yet they never really knew you. It pains Me to say that My Father never knew you as well. We even allowed you to handle the money box in your own privacy and you stole from it whenever you felt the need. That money was for the poor. What is even more troublesome is that your soul was poorer than those who had no material possessions.
You were a counterfeit parading around as a false witness on My behalf. You were a blind guide imitating the Pharisees while being full of extortion and self-indulgence. Many unbelievers choose people who behave as you have to be one of their many excuses for why they deny the faith and want no part of Me. You could have become a stumbling block to My little ones but fortunately I can say that your false testimony has not harmed them. They were so busy examining their own hearts and wondering about their own loyalty to Me. You know how Peter is. He can be so weak at times; like the day when he got out of the boat and was walking over to Me on the water. He could have drowned when he took his eyes off of Me. Yet, he still had enough faith to call out to Me to save Him. Many people who are walking in the dark such as you were will claim to know Me in the days that lie ahead. They will cause My little ones to stumble and fall away like a leaf blowing off a tree in the wind never to return.
The very last time that you saw Me before that kiss of betrayal supper had just ended and it was right before The Feast of Passover. By that time you had already allowed Satan to overtake your soul. You walked out as John was leaning on my bosom. I did not wash your feet because you had no part of Me. You were only concerned about being clean on the outside. How could you have not seen the love that I have for such a lost and dying world? After all; they are who I am here for now. They are who I will rise again for in three days. They are who I will come back for with the angels when My Father sends Me.
Instead of greeting Me with a holy kiss you used what My Father made for good and broke My greatest commandment. You not only betrayed Me but you betrayed the disciples with whom you spent so much valuable time breaking bread with. They loved you as well. They prayed for you and would have laid down their lives for you just as I am now laying My life down for all of those who choose to follow Me. Matthias will pick up where you left off in the ministry. When I call someone to do the Fathers' will I always make a way for it to come to pass. I will always raise up another willing vessel to be used for My glory.
Judas, I have to be going. There are others here who wish to betray Me. They are mocking Me now. They are saying and doing horrible things. Though it is not with a kiss it hurts just the same. I sure hope that My Father forgives them before it is to late. At one time the world did not have your bad example to use as a guide on how not to live. I know there will be some who will heed that warning. Unfortunately; there will be many more just like you. There are a few of My followers here. It is so good to know that they love Me enough to come and witness what is taking place. I can already picture some of their faces when they see Me standing before them in a few days. Especially when Thomas sees My scars! He will have no doubt that I am alive!
With all of My life’s blood,
Jesus
To the reader: Do you remember when you were called? Do you remember that moment of truth where you made the most important decision with your heart for your soul? Since then do you find that you have been betraying Jesus? If you are betraying him or someone else (even if it is an enemy) the bottom line is that you are betraying the very one you say you are living for. Not only are we supposed to live for him we are supposed to die for him if it ever really comes down to it. Jesus said, if you love me you will keep my commandments. The first being to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength. The second being to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said, no greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends. That is what he did for you.
Are you walking in His truth? This is how you can know and shall assure your heart before Him. If your heart does not condemn you, you can have confidence towards God. And whatever you ask you receive from Him, because you keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. He who does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk as he walked.
Are you worshiping Him? I do not mean with music. I mean with your lifestyle. You can worship Him all day with music but if you are not worshiping Him in the way that you live you are not worshiping. It is all just lip service. Romans 1:24-25 says, “Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth for a lie, and worshiped the creature rather than the Creator.” Now it says here that the creature (who is Satan) can be worshiped. I do not literally and personally ever see me singing to Satan. What it is describing here is how they worship by the way they are living their lives. How do you live yours?
Are you glorifying God? Isaiah 43:7 says, “that those who have been called have been called for the glory of God.” 1st Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Now if you choose to follow Jesus - Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Those good works would be by faith in Jesus Christ. They will be because you believe that He died on the cross for your sins and that His shed blood was payment in full for those sins. Once you have confessed them and repented He forgets them as far as the east is from the west. If you remember them it is because Satan is trying to make you feel condemned and wants you to remember your past. Just remind him of his future in the bottomless pit.
Do not be so caught up with the cares of this world that you let them choke the life out of you. Friendship with the world is enmity with God! Do you want to be a true friend of God and fulfill the calling He has for your life? This is what a friend is and it was modeled for us by Abraham in Genesis 22:1-19. This example was also verified as well in James 2:14-24. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself; do what it says! Do not get caught up in the Judas mode and be turned away at the throne of judgment because the Lord told you he never knew you. You started the race well. Now is the time to endure till the end and finish it! Let God write your story by being the author and finisher of your faith.
Are you lukewarm? Do you think that you are in need of nothing? Do you not realize that without God Almighty as Lord of your life you are nothing and do nothing on your own? He is where your very breath comes from. The one Who is the great landscaper of the entire universe! Without Him to make you whole you are the very thing that he hopes you will be in the beatitudes which is blessed for seeing the spiritual condition you are in. 1st Corinthians 10:12 warns us about being careful not to think we stand firm because we could easily fall!
If you are in any of these categories He has not had you read this far for no reason. He is calling you to make a choice. The time is now to come as you are. It is because you see the condition of your heart and soul in desperate need of a major lifesaving, soul saving operation. There may not be a tomorrow. If you feel Him drawing you near. He wants you to ask Him into your heart and forgive you of your sins. He wants to forgive you of all the things you have done that do not glorify Him.
Now that you have asked Him to be Lord of your life He wants you to live every moment of your life to glorify and worship Him. That means to live your life giving Him praise in all circumstances and telling others about what he has done in your life. Revelation 12:11 says,”And they overcame Him by the blood of the Lamb (being Jesus) and the word of their testimony.” (which is telling and living by example the new life that He has created in you) You are now a disciple and what a disciple does is go out and tell every one they can about Jesus. By doing so you are snatching sinners out of the fire that you have just been snatched out of.
After Jesus had risen He appeared before the 11 disciples and took them to Galilee up into the mountain which He had appointed for them. He spoke to them saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” AMEN
Then in Acts 2:4 as the disciples began to witness about Jesus the church began to grow in number with 3,000 more disciples added the first day. This has been recorded as one of the many examples for how we are to live as we follow Christ. In that day and age so far on average every 1 out of 12 disciples fell away. That would mean that possibly 251 disciples fell away never to repent and turn from their ways. If you are a disciple; which category do you fit in?
Now a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. Just remember that the Lord works in you and through you to will and to do of His good pleasure. You have to trust the Lord and ask Him for guidance as He leads you on this new journey.
As you walk this walk of faith remember to daily examine yourself as we are instructed to do in 1st Corinthians 13:5-6. Remember to study the scriptures to make you wise so that you can receive salvation through faith as we are instructed to do in 2nd Timothy 3:15.
May you have peace through a clear conscience as you seek first the Lord and His will with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength!
Jennifer Sides 11/9/06
Do you remember when I called you? Oh, how I fondly remember the day that you and I along with the others went to the mountain. I prayed throughout the night and after daylight settled in I gathered you together to Myself and chose twelve of you to be My disciples. That was just at the beginning of our lifelong relationship. Although; ironically; the end of our lives has left us in two totally different realms.
I know what you are contemplating and the eternal destiny you have chosen as your own. As I hang here about to be crucified and you hang there in the balance of your fate; I wish it were not to late to ask My Father in heaven to forgive you as I am now asking him to forgive the others who put Me here. You see, I loved you. I would have died for you had you only followed Me home to the place I will be preparing.
Do you remember how soon after I chose you we all walked down the mountain together and met the multitudes who were sick and tormented with unclean spirits? My Father performed many miracles through Me that day. You saw them with your very own eyes. He even allowed Me to give you His power from on high to perform many miracles as well and all the more greater. You walked with Me for many days afterwards participating in the midst of My Fathers’ plan. You were given special privileges beyond your own recognition. You were entrusted to play a part in the most incredible journey of all time. Oh, how I longed for your heart to be made pure and holy. You played the part well but you never totally surrendered to the call.
I gave a message that day as I began speaking of the beatitudes. Do you remember how I looked at you and the other disciples just before I began? My eyes were filled with such compassion as I began to prepare your hearts for a new life. It saddens Me to know that the woes I pronounced were what you chose to become. Woe to you Judas for you were the one who became rich and received no consolation! There was a way of escape! You could have become poor so that you would have inherited the kingdom of heaven! Don’t you remember me saying that? I said those very words to each and every one of you who were on that mountain! Oh, how I hope they realize what you did not. I hope they understand it deep inside their souls that many are called, but few are chosen. You see, he who endures till the end shall be saved. If only you had repented and turned from your evil ways!
The very heart of my message came next. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. You used Me, Judas. You used Me to become something that you now realize you could not be. You were wise in your own eyes only to become a fool. You partook of My affections for you and the love that I freely give. You stayed around until you thought you did not need Me anymore. I wish you would have realized that I am all you ever really needed. I am more than enough! You became a partaker of the Holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God among the thorns and in doing so you fell away and it became impossible for you to be renewed again by repentance being that My Father gave you over to a depraved mind.
You walked along side of the disciples and Myself daily in what could have been sweet fellowship. We had so many things to rejoice over like the time the multitude of five thousand were fed with only five loaves of bread and two fish. They were even full from such a wonderful feast with plenty of food left over! You even saw a little girl who was brought back to life. Boy, were her parents ever so grateful! You saw a man blind from birth receive his sight but you refused to see and understand with the spiritual insight that I so desperately wanted you to receive. Yet, this man believed and received Me immediately.
I even remember (although I was asleep at first) how you were afraid for your life when we were in the boat and the storm came. Though now; for some reason you have chosen to take that life you were so afraid for. Yes, had you not chosen this way out you would still be on the road that leads to destruction. You were committing spiritual suicide from the darkness that was in your heart. I feared for you and longed for you to seek My Fathers’ will. In the midst of so many miracles you allowed your cares for this world to be the god of your desires.
One thing I really find heart wrenching is that you deceived yourself because you were hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. You felt you had no need for fellowship with me or the brethren and therefore you departed from the one true living God with an evil heart of unbelief. I wish you had received our encouragement and prayers. You were so caught up with the cares of this world and what it has to offer. Judas, you can’t take those things with you when you go. I know you know that now. There will be many riches in the kingdom of heaven. There is even a mansion I invited you to share with Me and I would have gladly welcomed you with the open arms I had for you down here on earth.
You said you believed in Me and you even traveled many a journey along side of Myself and the disciples. Did you not know that even the demons believe and tremble? Think of all the precious moments you spent with the other disciples getting to know them yet they never really knew you. It pains Me to say that My Father never knew you as well. We even allowed you to handle the money box in your own privacy and you stole from it whenever you felt the need. That money was for the poor. What is even more troublesome is that your soul was poorer than those who had no material possessions.
You were a counterfeit parading around as a false witness on My behalf. You were a blind guide imitating the Pharisees while being full of extortion and self-indulgence. Many unbelievers choose people who behave as you have to be one of their many excuses for why they deny the faith and want no part of Me. You could have become a stumbling block to My little ones but fortunately I can say that your false testimony has not harmed them. They were so busy examining their own hearts and wondering about their own loyalty to Me. You know how Peter is. He can be so weak at times; like the day when he got out of the boat and was walking over to Me on the water. He could have drowned when he took his eyes off of Me. Yet, he still had enough faith to call out to Me to save Him. Many people who are walking in the dark such as you were will claim to know Me in the days that lie ahead. They will cause My little ones to stumble and fall away like a leaf blowing off a tree in the wind never to return.
The very last time that you saw Me before that kiss of betrayal supper had just ended and it was right before The Feast of Passover. By that time you had already allowed Satan to overtake your soul. You walked out as John was leaning on my bosom. I did not wash your feet because you had no part of Me. You were only concerned about being clean on the outside. How could you have not seen the love that I have for such a lost and dying world? After all; they are who I am here for now. They are who I will rise again for in three days. They are who I will come back for with the angels when My Father sends Me.
Instead of greeting Me with a holy kiss you used what My Father made for good and broke My greatest commandment. You not only betrayed Me but you betrayed the disciples with whom you spent so much valuable time breaking bread with. They loved you as well. They prayed for you and would have laid down their lives for you just as I am now laying My life down for all of those who choose to follow Me. Matthias will pick up where you left off in the ministry. When I call someone to do the Fathers' will I always make a way for it to come to pass. I will always raise up another willing vessel to be used for My glory.
Judas, I have to be going. There are others here who wish to betray Me. They are mocking Me now. They are saying and doing horrible things. Though it is not with a kiss it hurts just the same. I sure hope that My Father forgives them before it is to late. At one time the world did not have your bad example to use as a guide on how not to live. I know there will be some who will heed that warning. Unfortunately; there will be many more just like you. There are a few of My followers here. It is so good to know that they love Me enough to come and witness what is taking place. I can already picture some of their faces when they see Me standing before them in a few days. Especially when Thomas sees My scars! He will have no doubt that I am alive!
With all of My life’s blood,
Jesus
To the reader: Do you remember when you were called? Do you remember that moment of truth where you made the most important decision with your heart for your soul? Since then do you find that you have been betraying Jesus? If you are betraying him or someone else (even if it is an enemy) the bottom line is that you are betraying the very one you say you are living for. Not only are we supposed to live for him we are supposed to die for him if it ever really comes down to it. Jesus said, if you love me you will keep my commandments. The first being to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength. The second being to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said, no greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends. That is what he did for you.
Are you walking in His truth? This is how you can know and shall assure your heart before Him. If your heart does not condemn you, you can have confidence towards God. And whatever you ask you receive from Him, because you keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. He who does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk as he walked.
Are you worshiping Him? I do not mean with music. I mean with your lifestyle. You can worship Him all day with music but if you are not worshiping Him in the way that you live you are not worshiping. It is all just lip service. Romans 1:24-25 says, “Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth for a lie, and worshiped the creature rather than the Creator.” Now it says here that the creature (who is Satan) can be worshiped. I do not literally and personally ever see me singing to Satan. What it is describing here is how they worship by the way they are living their lives. How do you live yours?
Are you glorifying God? Isaiah 43:7 says, “that those who have been called have been called for the glory of God.” 1st Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Now if you choose to follow Jesus - Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Those good works would be by faith in Jesus Christ. They will be because you believe that He died on the cross for your sins and that His shed blood was payment in full for those sins. Once you have confessed them and repented He forgets them as far as the east is from the west. If you remember them it is because Satan is trying to make you feel condemned and wants you to remember your past. Just remind him of his future in the bottomless pit.
Do not be so caught up with the cares of this world that you let them choke the life out of you. Friendship with the world is enmity with God! Do you want to be a true friend of God and fulfill the calling He has for your life? This is what a friend is and it was modeled for us by Abraham in Genesis 22:1-19. This example was also verified as well in James 2:14-24. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself; do what it says! Do not get caught up in the Judas mode and be turned away at the throne of judgment because the Lord told you he never knew you. You started the race well. Now is the time to endure till the end and finish it! Let God write your story by being the author and finisher of your faith.
Are you lukewarm? Do you think that you are in need of nothing? Do you not realize that without God Almighty as Lord of your life you are nothing and do nothing on your own? He is where your very breath comes from. The one Who is the great landscaper of the entire universe! Without Him to make you whole you are the very thing that he hopes you will be in the beatitudes which is blessed for seeing the spiritual condition you are in. 1st Corinthians 10:12 warns us about being careful not to think we stand firm because we could easily fall!
If you are in any of these categories He has not had you read this far for no reason. He is calling you to make a choice. The time is now to come as you are. It is because you see the condition of your heart and soul in desperate need of a major lifesaving, soul saving operation. There may not be a tomorrow. If you feel Him drawing you near. He wants you to ask Him into your heart and forgive you of your sins. He wants to forgive you of all the things you have done that do not glorify Him.
Now that you have asked Him to be Lord of your life He wants you to live every moment of your life to glorify and worship Him. That means to live your life giving Him praise in all circumstances and telling others about what he has done in your life. Revelation 12:11 says,”And they overcame Him by the blood of the Lamb (being Jesus) and the word of their testimony.” (which is telling and living by example the new life that He has created in you) You are now a disciple and what a disciple does is go out and tell every one they can about Jesus. By doing so you are snatching sinners out of the fire that you have just been snatched out of.
After Jesus had risen He appeared before the 11 disciples and took them to Galilee up into the mountain which He had appointed for them. He spoke to them saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” AMEN
Then in Acts 2:4 as the disciples began to witness about Jesus the church began to grow in number with 3,000 more disciples added the first day. This has been recorded as one of the many examples for how we are to live as we follow Christ. In that day and age so far on average every 1 out of 12 disciples fell away. That would mean that possibly 251 disciples fell away never to repent and turn from their ways. If you are a disciple; which category do you fit in?
Now a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. Just remember that the Lord works in you and through you to will and to do of His good pleasure. You have to trust the Lord and ask Him for guidance as He leads you on this new journey.
As you walk this walk of faith remember to daily examine yourself as we are instructed to do in 1st Corinthians 13:5-6. Remember to study the scriptures to make you wise so that you can receive salvation through faith as we are instructed to do in 2nd Timothy 3:15.
May you have peace through a clear conscience as you seek first the Lord and His will with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength!
Judgment On America
Judgment on America
First of all I need to make something clear right from the get go. Any nation who goes up against Israel will be judged, period. With that said, in the past few months this great nation’s Godly heritage has been smeared through the blood of Christ more so during the Obamanation than any other presidency. Now to make things worse our nation’s leaders are pressing Israel to divide their land. Thing is, it is the land of God’s chosen people. It is the center point of the whole world. It holds the holy city Jerusalem and most important it is the very place where heaven will come down and we will have peace once and for all. Amen!
I am going to present you with three biblical facts as to why America and any other nation for that matter needs to befriend Israel and not seek to destroy or divide their freedoms. Bible facts; not Koran. In 2nd Kings 19:10; King Hezekiah prayed to God that Jerusalem would not be given over to the King of Assyria. 2nd Kings 19:35-37 tells us that in the middle of the night the people of Assyria were about to attack Hezekiah and his people. Before they were able to do so an angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians. When Hezekiah and his people awoke the next morning they knew Hezekiah’s prayer had been answered when they saw the dead corpses. If America does not assist in an attempted takeover directly, I still wonder, how much more the Lord would judge the nations who are accessories in warranting heinous crimes towards Israel’s humanity.
In Ezekiel 38 & 39; speaking of this day and age; Russia, Persia, Ethiopia, Libya and several others will devise a plan to attack the people of Israel for their worldly goods. Those armies will be destroyed by flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, brimstone and various other disasters.
Finally, in Revelation 20:7-10, Russia attempts to surround the holy city Jerusalem and the Lord strikes again. This time they will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire once and for all.
There are several more examples all throughout the Bible of how the Lord protects His people. But know this; those of us who have partaken of the gift of life which Jesus gave us by dying on the cross can be protected by this same holy and loving God. Romans 11:11 proclaims salvation for the Gentiles; having been grafted into the vine of Israel. We also received power from on high in Acts 10:45-48 and were allowed water baptism. We can rest in these promises and know the Lord will deliver us from the evil one.
In 1962 there was a ruling to take down public displays of The 10 Commandments. The 10 Commandments are God’s moral standard; given to us in Exodus Chapter 20 as a blueprint on how to conduct ourselves. Since the ruling was passed to disgrace this great nation we have seen an outrageous rise in statistics such as violent crime, abortion rates, divorce, suicide and various other disturbing acts of disobedience. These days just when we think we have seen or heard it all, some sin we have never heard of takes root and a new fad begins. The blind drag the blind even deeper into the pit of darkness as the domino effect of sin rages on. In removing His commandments we have become exceedingly and increasingly divided against ourselves with many religions pointing to many gods or no god at all. Matthew 12:25 says, “A house divided against itself will not stand.” I tend to believe the saying goes just as much for a nation.
I’m sorry; I have to use this old but true phrase. The Lord made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. Yes, I am now on the bandwagon of speaking out against homosexuality. The first fact about this topic can be found in the very first book of the Bible in Genesis Chapter 2. Just to set the record straight; I am not making fun of or judging the homosexual nor am I condemning you. John 3:18 says, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
I am also not saying I am any better than the homosexual either. To sum it up; 1st Corinthians 6:9-11 says, “We were all unrighteous at one time and to not forget where we came from.” Every since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden we were all born of the sinful nature; but once we accept the Lord as our way of salvation we must put off the former self and become new.
With that said; I have to list the most obvious scripture verse that speaks out against homosexuality. 1st Corinthians 6:9 says, “The homosexual will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Know this homosexual; this does not mean Jesus loves you less or does not love you at all. But just as Adam and Eve you have a choice. They were thrown out of the Garden. They had the good life as we have never known and they blew it. You will never even get a taste of the best He has in store for you in heaven much less here on earth if you do not repent of your sin.
We have recently had a few states pass homosexual marriage laws and I feel it is only just the beginning. You can read about the following in the “Obama” section. Obama stated, “America is now the largest Muslim nation.” Well guess what! It will not be to long from now that we will also be able to applaud ourselves as being the largest homosexual nation when voicing our groundbreaking list of accomplishments!” Now would be a good time to pause and give our selfish egos a big group hug while the going is still good! I say, “while the going is still good” because those groundbreaking events will eventually lead to the earth shattering when the Lord God Almighty comes down and splits the Mount of Olives. He will strike the nations who dishonored Him with His sword and rule them with a rod of iron as we are told in Revelation 19:11-16.
Recently a school district in California has approved a mandatory homosexual curriculum for children as young as 5 on up to the 5th grade level – and parents will not be allowed to remove their children from the lessons. Read about it in the “Current Events” section. This degradation is just one more dishonorable act of ignorance in our nations biblically uneducated and immoral human rights advocates.
The following info can be viewed in the “Judgment on America” links. Last but not least I present to you how indebted we are to China. The United States owes the People’s Republic of China $739 billion dollars, which breaks down to each and every man, woman and child in America owing the Chinese government about $2,500. That is not even counting how much we are out in all the bailouts in previous months. Why could it not have been some little country like Nepal who does not have enough manpower to obliterate us to smithereens? No, we have to go and pick a giant who can cripple us enough that we could become a nation that is almost nonexistent. The Bible says in Romans 13:8 not to owe anything to anyone. I would think that applies just as much to a country as it does an individual. It is such an important issue that Jesus made it a point to speak parables of wisdom as a warning not to get caught up in such affairs. I know you have to understand how crazy people can get over money that is owed to them. Banks foreclose homes over it. Recently people have lost their jobs in record numbers. How much more crazy can a country become over such a debt? China is already coming to America and buying us out of properties which have been foreclosed on. Anyway, I am about to get into subjects that probably have to do with my upcoming Global Economic Crisis article. I must come to a close now.
I am sure all of this information I have presented to you is just the tip of the iceberg. If I sat down and thought about it long enough and hard enough I have no doubt I could come up with a lengthy list of many more of America’s shortcomings. The topic of impending judgment upon America is not something that I necessarily like to hear, think or talk about but I am not the one who makes the rules. The Lord Almighty is in charge of that. I am simply acting as the mouthpiece of a watchman; hoping that these words have spoken to your conscience in a way you will be forever changed for His glory. Amen! Amen and Amen!
Peace to you,
Jennifer
First of all I need to make something clear right from the get go. Any nation who goes up against Israel will be judged, period. With that said, in the past few months this great nation’s Godly heritage has been smeared through the blood of Christ more so during the Obamanation than any other presidency. Now to make things worse our nation’s leaders are pressing Israel to divide their land. Thing is, it is the land of God’s chosen people. It is the center point of the whole world. It holds the holy city Jerusalem and most important it is the very place where heaven will come down and we will have peace once and for all. Amen!
I am going to present you with three biblical facts as to why America and any other nation for that matter needs to befriend Israel and not seek to destroy or divide their freedoms. Bible facts; not Koran. In 2nd Kings 19:10; King Hezekiah prayed to God that Jerusalem would not be given over to the King of Assyria. 2nd Kings 19:35-37 tells us that in the middle of the night the people of Assyria were about to attack Hezekiah and his people. Before they were able to do so an angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians. When Hezekiah and his people awoke the next morning they knew Hezekiah’s prayer had been answered when they saw the dead corpses. If America does not assist in an attempted takeover directly, I still wonder, how much more the Lord would judge the nations who are accessories in warranting heinous crimes towards Israel’s humanity.
In Ezekiel 38 & 39; speaking of this day and age; Russia, Persia, Ethiopia, Libya and several others will devise a plan to attack the people of Israel for their worldly goods. Those armies will be destroyed by flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, brimstone and various other disasters.
Finally, in Revelation 20:7-10, Russia attempts to surround the holy city Jerusalem and the Lord strikes again. This time they will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire once and for all.
There are several more examples all throughout the Bible of how the Lord protects His people. But know this; those of us who have partaken of the gift of life which Jesus gave us by dying on the cross can be protected by this same holy and loving God. Romans 11:11 proclaims salvation for the Gentiles; having been grafted into the vine of Israel. We also received power from on high in Acts 10:45-48 and were allowed water baptism. We can rest in these promises and know the Lord will deliver us from the evil one.
In 1962 there was a ruling to take down public displays of The 10 Commandments. The 10 Commandments are God’s moral standard; given to us in Exodus Chapter 20 as a blueprint on how to conduct ourselves. Since the ruling was passed to disgrace this great nation we have seen an outrageous rise in statistics such as violent crime, abortion rates, divorce, suicide and various other disturbing acts of disobedience. These days just when we think we have seen or heard it all, some sin we have never heard of takes root and a new fad begins. The blind drag the blind even deeper into the pit of darkness as the domino effect of sin rages on. In removing His commandments we have become exceedingly and increasingly divided against ourselves with many religions pointing to many gods or no god at all. Matthew 12:25 says, “A house divided against itself will not stand.” I tend to believe the saying goes just as much for a nation.
I’m sorry; I have to use this old but true phrase. The Lord made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. Yes, I am now on the bandwagon of speaking out against homosexuality. The first fact about this topic can be found in the very first book of the Bible in Genesis Chapter 2. Just to set the record straight; I am not making fun of or judging the homosexual nor am I condemning you. John 3:18 says, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
I am also not saying I am any better than the homosexual either. To sum it up; 1st Corinthians 6:9-11 says, “We were all unrighteous at one time and to not forget where we came from.” Every since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden we were all born of the sinful nature; but once we accept the Lord as our way of salvation we must put off the former self and become new.
With that said; I have to list the most obvious scripture verse that speaks out against homosexuality. 1st Corinthians 6:9 says, “The homosexual will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Know this homosexual; this does not mean Jesus loves you less or does not love you at all. But just as Adam and Eve you have a choice. They were thrown out of the Garden. They had the good life as we have never known and they blew it. You will never even get a taste of the best He has in store for you in heaven much less here on earth if you do not repent of your sin.
We have recently had a few states pass homosexual marriage laws and I feel it is only just the beginning. You can read about the following in the “Obama” section. Obama stated, “America is now the largest Muslim nation.” Well guess what! It will not be to long from now that we will also be able to applaud ourselves as being the largest homosexual nation when voicing our groundbreaking list of accomplishments!” Now would be a good time to pause and give our selfish egos a big group hug while the going is still good! I say, “while the going is still good” because those groundbreaking events will eventually lead to the earth shattering when the Lord God Almighty comes down and splits the Mount of Olives. He will strike the nations who dishonored Him with His sword and rule them with a rod of iron as we are told in Revelation 19:11-16.
Recently a school district in California has approved a mandatory homosexual curriculum for children as young as 5 on up to the 5th grade level – and parents will not be allowed to remove their children from the lessons. Read about it in the “Current Events” section. This degradation is just one more dishonorable act of ignorance in our nations biblically uneducated and immoral human rights advocates.
The following info can be viewed in the “Judgment on America” links. Last but not least I present to you how indebted we are to China. The United States owes the People’s Republic of China $739 billion dollars, which breaks down to each and every man, woman and child in America owing the Chinese government about $2,500. That is not even counting how much we are out in all the bailouts in previous months. Why could it not have been some little country like Nepal who does not have enough manpower to obliterate us to smithereens? No, we have to go and pick a giant who can cripple us enough that we could become a nation that is almost nonexistent. The Bible says in Romans 13:8 not to owe anything to anyone. I would think that applies just as much to a country as it does an individual. It is such an important issue that Jesus made it a point to speak parables of wisdom as a warning not to get caught up in such affairs. I know you have to understand how crazy people can get over money that is owed to them. Banks foreclose homes over it. Recently people have lost their jobs in record numbers. How much more crazy can a country become over such a debt? China is already coming to America and buying us out of properties which have been foreclosed on. Anyway, I am about to get into subjects that probably have to do with my upcoming Global Economic Crisis article. I must come to a close now.
I am sure all of this information I have presented to you is just the tip of the iceberg. If I sat down and thought about it long enough and hard enough I have no doubt I could come up with a lengthy list of many more of America’s shortcomings. The topic of impending judgment upon America is not something that I necessarily like to hear, think or talk about but I am not the one who makes the rules. The Lord Almighty is in charge of that. I am simply acting as the mouthpiece of a watchman; hoping that these words have spoken to your conscience in a way you will be forever changed for His glory. Amen! Amen and Amen!
Peace to you,
Jennifer
Daniel 12:4
"But you Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Daniel 12:4
By Jennifer Sides © 2009
I know that a couple of the statements I am going to make in this article are going to seem absolutely absurd to some of you. They are going to seem so off the wall you may not even finish reading. If you do continue; it may because you wonder what I am going to say that is just as off the wall as the last statement. That’s OK – I can take it. If these are not your beliefs – I do challenge you to at least read and question this article enough to study the word of God and draw a conclusion from a biblical standpoint.
In Genesis Chapter 3 Satan convinced Eve that if she took a bite of the apple she would be like God, knowing good and evil. After she took a bite of the apple she also offered a bite to Adam. Then the eyes of both of them were opened. They realized they were naked and covered themselves with fig leaves. In the cool of the day they heard the Lord God walking in the midst of the garden and hid themselves. The Lord called out to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Adam answered the Lord by saying, “he had heard him in the garden and hid himself because he was naked.”
Today we live in a generation where many men do not see how naked and miserable they are. Blind and wretched they have been deceived even more so than Eve was in the garden because they have tasted much knowledge from the works of their hands. Therefore, they think of themselves as a god without need of the true living God. At least Adam and Eve felt enough shame to cover themselves while on the other hand the society we live in today bares all. This world has become so desensitized to the sound of the Lord dwelling in our midst that it has become demoralized.
The Lord addresses this problem to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:17-18. Jesus says, “Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with salve, that you may see.
All through the Tribulation period during the book of Revelation the mindset of those who do not allow the Lord to open their eyes will perish. Eventually they will hide themselves as Adam and Eve but to a far greater extent. During the sixth seal of Revelation 6:16 they will ask the rocks from the mountains to fall on them and hide them from the great day of wrath because they will no longer be able to stand before Him.
This is where I bring in Daniel 12:4 which says, "But you Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." I believe the “time of the end” in Daniel 12:4 is speaking of this day and age. “Knowledge increasing” is describing advances in technology in recent years. With that said, I would like to point out that much of technology has increased since Israel became a nation in 1948. I believe that Israel’s existence today plays a significant role in this topic being they had to become a nation for much of today’s prophecies to be fulfilled.
The first time a man walked on the moon was in 1969. Although I do not remember such; being that I was only watching it at the age of 6 months. What I do remember about thirty too thirty-five years ago was sitting in front of my T.V. wishing I could just press some kind of a magic button and whatever toy I wanted would be mine in an instant. With the downside of having to pay money that does not grow on trees like I thought when I was a child; the internet has made my wish come true.
The first national network of satellite television, called Orbita, was created in the Soviet Union in 1967. I believe the satellite plays a big role in prophecy. There are a couple of places mentioned in scripture where I believe satellite television along with wireless internet will play a vital role. Ezekiel Chapter 38 is referring to Israel being attacked by Russia, Libya, Ethiopia, Persia and other countries. In verse 17 the Lord says, “All the nations will see those events take place right before their eyes.” It’s nothing nowadays to watch battles taking place such as in Desert Storm while reporters travel along in jeeps with the troops. Reporters watch from inside rooms in Jerusalem while scud missiles light up the dark skies. The reason the world sees what happens in Israel in Ezekiel Chapter 38 is so the nations who see may know Him.
My next example is in Revelation 11:1-10 which speaks of two witnesses. There will be two witnesses (possibly Moses and Elijah) who are given power to prophesy for 1,260 days. The beast who ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them killing them. In the process (Rev. 11:9) the people who dwell on the earth will see and rejoice while sending gifts to one another. People all over the world will see this and have some sort of celebration like it is Christmas or something.
Other than the fact that Saddam Hussein was not a man of God, it will be like the day Iraqi soldiers fired their guns up in the air and handed candy to the children on the streets when he was captured. Triumphal music blared from radios, bus passengers flashed victory signs and pickup trucks raced through the streets, honking their horns. Revelers sprayed drinks on each other, and crowds paid Saddam the ultimate insult by beating his picture with their shoes. Reporters were shouting, “Death to Saddam!” All of that was on the news for the world to see! Less than 50 years ago it would not have been possible to watch live footage of such events!
Big brothers can be great to pal around with and watch over us when the need arises but technology has taken the term “Big Brother” to a whole new level. It has become so advanced that back in July 22nd, 2007 Israel launched one to spy on the Iranians. At the time it also made Israel one of the leading countries in the world in satellite development. We have indeed reached a new era of satellite capabilities for many uses. Attaining knowledge from a spy is not much needed anymore when there is an eye in the sky recording all activity. I have no doubt that Satan’s ultimate plan is to use it as a tracking device against those who do not take the mark of the beast mentioned in Revelation 13:18.
This brings me to the subject of R.F.I.D. technology. I am so against the idea I will not even get a chip put into my dog if it was a free lifetime guarantee program. Maybe now would be a good time to bring this to your attention. On May 12, 2009 VeriChip Corporation completed the development of a new 8 millimeter RFID implantable microchip. You can read about it in the “One World Order” section of my blog. Better yet; you can go check it out on VeriChips personal website. They are so proud of their accomplishments that they have it posted for the whole world to see. Get it – For the whole world to see. With spy satellites and R.F.I.D. technology, you may be able to run out of breath trying to escape but you will never be able to hide.
Last but not least I bring up cloning. This will probably seem like the most controversial topic in this article to you. I believe that humans can be cloned at this moment even if there may not be scientific evidence or proof that we have been informed of. If cloning has taken place with as many animals as we have been told then I have no reason to believe science has not advanced far enough to clone a human. I think the only reason it has not been done to our knowledge is because our morals and standards seem to have placed it in the “taboo” category. But as we have seen in recent months our standards as a whole have sunk to an all time low as homosexuals have come out from hiding in the closet. Now we have a President who supports it and has even made it a month of celebration.
There are two reasons why I mention cloning in this article. The first can be found in Genesis Chapter 2:7 when God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. At that point in time man was immortal. Here is where we come back full circle with man wanting to be like God. I would personally think that man creating man is the closest possible way to being like God. Well, I guess creating the universe would be next; but do you see what I mean? Man has been trying to reverse mortality with immortality. Being born again by asking Jesus into your heart is the only way for that desire to be fulfilled. Do you want to be born again? Tell Him you are sorry for all the sins you have committed against Him and to come into your heart and dwell and give you everlasting life. Put Him first and obey the Commandments which were presented to us in Exodus Chapter 20. The sins you committed are the 10 Commandments. Jesus died on the cross to take your sins away so you can be made new.
I believe cloning could possibly be what the book of Revelation is talking about in Chapters 13:2 & 13:15. There will be an image made of the beast who will be wounded by the sword. The image will live as breath is given to it. I believe this image will be a clone of the antichrist. Even if I am wrong this will be where so many people believe that he is Jesus because he lived. He has a head wound so severe there is no way he could have possibly lived. I personally do not know of any other way it could be possible unless it was a clone. Do you have any ideas? They believe so deeply he is Jesus that they even take the mark of the beast 666. Whether you are a believer or not, I encourage you to read these things for yourself and see whether these things are true.
Although Adam and Eve along with multitudes of people today seek divine knowledge in one way or another; it is not the knowledge the Lord desires them to possess. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7 says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Don’t be a fool. 2nd Corinthians 6:2 says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
May the Lord bless you with His wisdom and knowledge,
Jennifer
Daniel 12:4
By Jennifer Sides © 2009
I know that a couple of the statements I am going to make in this article are going to seem absolutely absurd to some of you. They are going to seem so off the wall you may not even finish reading. If you do continue; it may because you wonder what I am going to say that is just as off the wall as the last statement. That’s OK – I can take it. If these are not your beliefs – I do challenge you to at least read and question this article enough to study the word of God and draw a conclusion from a biblical standpoint.
In Genesis Chapter 3 Satan convinced Eve that if she took a bite of the apple she would be like God, knowing good and evil. After she took a bite of the apple she also offered a bite to Adam. Then the eyes of both of them were opened. They realized they were naked and covered themselves with fig leaves. In the cool of the day they heard the Lord God walking in the midst of the garden and hid themselves. The Lord called out to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Adam answered the Lord by saying, “he had heard him in the garden and hid himself because he was naked.”
Today we live in a generation where many men do not see how naked and miserable they are. Blind and wretched they have been deceived even more so than Eve was in the garden because they have tasted much knowledge from the works of their hands. Therefore, they think of themselves as a god without need of the true living God. At least Adam and Eve felt enough shame to cover themselves while on the other hand the society we live in today bares all. This world has become so desensitized to the sound of the Lord dwelling in our midst that it has become demoralized.
The Lord addresses this problem to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:17-18. Jesus says, “Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with salve, that you may see.
All through the Tribulation period during the book of Revelation the mindset of those who do not allow the Lord to open their eyes will perish. Eventually they will hide themselves as Adam and Eve but to a far greater extent. During the sixth seal of Revelation 6:16 they will ask the rocks from the mountains to fall on them and hide them from the great day of wrath because they will no longer be able to stand before Him.
This is where I bring in Daniel 12:4 which says, "But you Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." I believe the “time of the end” in Daniel 12:4 is speaking of this day and age. “Knowledge increasing” is describing advances in technology in recent years. With that said, I would like to point out that much of technology has increased since Israel became a nation in 1948. I believe that Israel’s existence today plays a significant role in this topic being they had to become a nation for much of today’s prophecies to be fulfilled.
The first time a man walked on the moon was in 1969. Although I do not remember such; being that I was only watching it at the age of 6 months. What I do remember about thirty too thirty-five years ago was sitting in front of my T.V. wishing I could just press some kind of a magic button and whatever toy I wanted would be mine in an instant. With the downside of having to pay money that does not grow on trees like I thought when I was a child; the internet has made my wish come true.
The first national network of satellite television, called Orbita, was created in the Soviet Union in 1967. I believe the satellite plays a big role in prophecy. There are a couple of places mentioned in scripture where I believe satellite television along with wireless internet will play a vital role. Ezekiel Chapter 38 is referring to Israel being attacked by Russia, Libya, Ethiopia, Persia and other countries. In verse 17 the Lord says, “All the nations will see those events take place right before their eyes.” It’s nothing nowadays to watch battles taking place such as in Desert Storm while reporters travel along in jeeps with the troops. Reporters watch from inside rooms in Jerusalem while scud missiles light up the dark skies. The reason the world sees what happens in Israel in Ezekiel Chapter 38 is so the nations who see may know Him.
My next example is in Revelation 11:1-10 which speaks of two witnesses. There will be two witnesses (possibly Moses and Elijah) who are given power to prophesy for 1,260 days. The beast who ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them killing them. In the process (Rev. 11:9) the people who dwell on the earth will see and rejoice while sending gifts to one another. People all over the world will see this and have some sort of celebration like it is Christmas or something.
Other than the fact that Saddam Hussein was not a man of God, it will be like the day Iraqi soldiers fired their guns up in the air and handed candy to the children on the streets when he was captured. Triumphal music blared from radios, bus passengers flashed victory signs and pickup trucks raced through the streets, honking their horns. Revelers sprayed drinks on each other, and crowds paid Saddam the ultimate insult by beating his picture with their shoes. Reporters were shouting, “Death to Saddam!” All of that was on the news for the world to see! Less than 50 years ago it would not have been possible to watch live footage of such events!
Big brothers can be great to pal around with and watch over us when the need arises but technology has taken the term “Big Brother” to a whole new level. It has become so advanced that back in July 22nd, 2007 Israel launched one to spy on the Iranians. At the time it also made Israel one of the leading countries in the world in satellite development. We have indeed reached a new era of satellite capabilities for many uses. Attaining knowledge from a spy is not much needed anymore when there is an eye in the sky recording all activity. I have no doubt that Satan’s ultimate plan is to use it as a tracking device against those who do not take the mark of the beast mentioned in Revelation 13:18.
This brings me to the subject of R.F.I.D. technology. I am so against the idea I will not even get a chip put into my dog if it was a free lifetime guarantee program. Maybe now would be a good time to bring this to your attention. On May 12, 2009 VeriChip Corporation completed the development of a new 8 millimeter RFID implantable microchip. You can read about it in the “One World Order” section of my blog. Better yet; you can go check it out on VeriChips personal website. They are so proud of their accomplishments that they have it posted for the whole world to see. Get it – For the whole world to see. With spy satellites and R.F.I.D. technology, you may be able to run out of breath trying to escape but you will never be able to hide.
Last but not least I bring up cloning. This will probably seem like the most controversial topic in this article to you. I believe that humans can be cloned at this moment even if there may not be scientific evidence or proof that we have been informed of. If cloning has taken place with as many animals as we have been told then I have no reason to believe science has not advanced far enough to clone a human. I think the only reason it has not been done to our knowledge is because our morals and standards seem to have placed it in the “taboo” category. But as we have seen in recent months our standards as a whole have sunk to an all time low as homosexuals have come out from hiding in the closet. Now we have a President who supports it and has even made it a month of celebration.
There are two reasons why I mention cloning in this article. The first can be found in Genesis Chapter 2:7 when God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. At that point in time man was immortal. Here is where we come back full circle with man wanting to be like God. I would personally think that man creating man is the closest possible way to being like God. Well, I guess creating the universe would be next; but do you see what I mean? Man has been trying to reverse mortality with immortality. Being born again by asking Jesus into your heart is the only way for that desire to be fulfilled. Do you want to be born again? Tell Him you are sorry for all the sins you have committed against Him and to come into your heart and dwell and give you everlasting life. Put Him first and obey the Commandments which were presented to us in Exodus Chapter 20. The sins you committed are the 10 Commandments. Jesus died on the cross to take your sins away so you can be made new.
I believe cloning could possibly be what the book of Revelation is talking about in Chapters 13:2 & 13:15. There will be an image made of the beast who will be wounded by the sword. The image will live as breath is given to it. I believe this image will be a clone of the antichrist. Even if I am wrong this will be where so many people believe that he is Jesus because he lived. He has a head wound so severe there is no way he could have possibly lived. I personally do not know of any other way it could be possible unless it was a clone. Do you have any ideas? They believe so deeply he is Jesus that they even take the mark of the beast 666. Whether you are a believer or not, I encourage you to read these things for yourself and see whether these things are true.
Although Adam and Eve along with multitudes of people today seek divine knowledge in one way or another; it is not the knowledge the Lord desires them to possess. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7 says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Don’t be a fool. 2nd Corinthians 6:2 says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
May the Lord bless you with His wisdom and knowledge,
Jennifer
Does God Have a Wondeful Plan For Your Life?
I have come that they may have life and that they
may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
Does God Have a Wonderful Plan For Your Life?
You bet He does! Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.” The thing we need to realize about the previous two promises is that they do not necessarily mean while we are still here on earth. In the natural realm our thought process has a tendency to take these two verses out of context. Yet; the wisdom of an Almighty & All- knowing God permeates much deeper than our intellect. Only He is good and only He knows what is best for us even when we think we know better with our own self-righteous desires. Perhaps that it is why it says in 1st Corinthians 3:19, “for the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God”. This is a perfect example as to why we need to obey the first of the 10 Commandments by putting no other Gods before Him. In doing so we would seek His will for our lives and not our own. Otherwise we find ourselves twisting and bending the scripture into shapes that fit our unbiblical lifestyles.
What kind of message are you preaching to the lost while witnessing? Do you promise your potential converts a better life when you have no idea if they will even live to see the next day? Picture yourself going into a hospice place to share the gospel. For those of you who do not know what a hospice place is; it is a place intended for people to go who have a deathly illness and do not come out alive. So you go from room to room in the hospice place and you tell the patients that God has a wonderful plan for their life. But does it really make any sense? If you can’t tell someone who is dying that God has a wonderful plan for their life then is it really the “Good News”?
Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” But what is the good news if we can’t tell people that God has a wonderful plan for their lives? The good news is simply that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and now we can escape the wrath to come by asking Him into our hearts. Through his death we can become righteous in His sight and face Him on judgment day with a clear conscience. It is at that time we can be seated at the right hand of the Father and know without a doubt to the fullest extent the wonderful plan and abundant life in the place which He is preparing for His children at this very moment! Hallelujah!
All throughout history life threatening viruses have been known to spread worldwide at an alarming rate. What we need to realize is that what is even more alarming and tragic is the countless souls bound for eternal damnation. The “Good News” is a vital substance for the existence in every human soul. It is what every soul is craving and longing for since birth. As the “full” gospel message begins to be presented; seeds begin to be planted, reaped, watered and sown as the true meaning of life begins to be pondered upon. Otherwise they are walking in darkness and their whole life is pointless.
As I look back at my own life and reflect upon the inevitable that my mom was passing away with cancer. I can’t help but think about those 7 months of watching her suffer in advance of that dreadful day. It was definitely not something I was looking forward to. Though; had it not been for my relationship with the Lord and putting my trust in Him I would have been devastated. Instead; I rested in the hope of knowing the destiny of her future was secure and she would dwell in an abundant life for eternity. (Notice I used the first two promises which are the bases of this message to make a point.) Furthermore; I also have the hope, peace, joy and comfort in knowing that I too will join her in the Lord’s time.
There are many people who lose loved ones and because they do not have any hope they do not know how to move on with their lives. While others who do have hope in an abundant life and wonderful plan (only in the here and now) shake their fists at God and blame him for their terrible circumstances. Eventually they become bitter backsliders because the presentation of the “Good News” was distorted leading them to heartache and disillusionment.
Think about it……when the pastor at your church asks for prayer requests. Do the majority of those requests seem anything near wonderful? Do your potential converts a favor and tell them, “to come to Jesus and be ready to put their hope and trust in Him; because trials, temptations and tribulations are sure to come.” James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life.” Encourage them to pass the tests which will become a powerful testimony for overcoming the devil by the blood of the Lamb according to Revelation 12:11.
Take the time to read the book of Job. Now that’s a real sob story! Even though he lost everything he had he never cursed God; although God allowed those things to happen! God was with him and he acknowledged that fact. It was a test and Job passed with flying colors!
Paul’s life is another perfect example of what the abundant life is all about. It may be a good time to point out that abundant means “full”. His life was extremely full. He had been shipwrecked, imprisoned, left for dead and eventually martyred. If you will look back at the 12 disciples you will see that 11 of them were martyred. Those illustrations do not seem like wonderful plans to me. Yet I can’t help but think that at this very moment they are all basking in the glory of an eternal abundant life and surrounding us as the great cloud of witnesses described in Hebrews 12:1.
I can’t help but believe that we are living in a day and age where Christians will have to face trials and tribulations unlike any other in the history of mankind. It will be a season where I believe the “Wonderful Plan” message will be silenced due to the widespread chaos and devastation mentioned all throughout the book of Revelation. Be ready. Watch and pray. Obey His commandments as you seek and save those who are lost.
Blessings,
Jennifer Sides
may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
Does God Have a Wonderful Plan For Your Life?
You bet He does! Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.” The thing we need to realize about the previous two promises is that they do not necessarily mean while we are still here on earth. In the natural realm our thought process has a tendency to take these two verses out of context. Yet; the wisdom of an Almighty & All- knowing God permeates much deeper than our intellect. Only He is good and only He knows what is best for us even when we think we know better with our own self-righteous desires. Perhaps that it is why it says in 1st Corinthians 3:19, “for the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God”. This is a perfect example as to why we need to obey the first of the 10 Commandments by putting no other Gods before Him. In doing so we would seek His will for our lives and not our own. Otherwise we find ourselves twisting and bending the scripture into shapes that fit our unbiblical lifestyles.
What kind of message are you preaching to the lost while witnessing? Do you promise your potential converts a better life when you have no idea if they will even live to see the next day? Picture yourself going into a hospice place to share the gospel. For those of you who do not know what a hospice place is; it is a place intended for people to go who have a deathly illness and do not come out alive. So you go from room to room in the hospice place and you tell the patients that God has a wonderful plan for their life. But does it really make any sense? If you can’t tell someone who is dying that God has a wonderful plan for their life then is it really the “Good News”?
Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” But what is the good news if we can’t tell people that God has a wonderful plan for their lives? The good news is simply that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and now we can escape the wrath to come by asking Him into our hearts. Through his death we can become righteous in His sight and face Him on judgment day with a clear conscience. It is at that time we can be seated at the right hand of the Father and know without a doubt to the fullest extent the wonderful plan and abundant life in the place which He is preparing for His children at this very moment! Hallelujah!
All throughout history life threatening viruses have been known to spread worldwide at an alarming rate. What we need to realize is that what is even more alarming and tragic is the countless souls bound for eternal damnation. The “Good News” is a vital substance for the existence in every human soul. It is what every soul is craving and longing for since birth. As the “full” gospel message begins to be presented; seeds begin to be planted, reaped, watered and sown as the true meaning of life begins to be pondered upon. Otherwise they are walking in darkness and their whole life is pointless.
As I look back at my own life and reflect upon the inevitable that my mom was passing away with cancer. I can’t help but think about those 7 months of watching her suffer in advance of that dreadful day. It was definitely not something I was looking forward to. Though; had it not been for my relationship with the Lord and putting my trust in Him I would have been devastated. Instead; I rested in the hope of knowing the destiny of her future was secure and she would dwell in an abundant life for eternity. (Notice I used the first two promises which are the bases of this message to make a point.) Furthermore; I also have the hope, peace, joy and comfort in knowing that I too will join her in the Lord’s time.
There are many people who lose loved ones and because they do not have any hope they do not know how to move on with their lives. While others who do have hope in an abundant life and wonderful plan (only in the here and now) shake their fists at God and blame him for their terrible circumstances. Eventually they become bitter backsliders because the presentation of the “Good News” was distorted leading them to heartache and disillusionment.
Think about it……when the pastor at your church asks for prayer requests. Do the majority of those requests seem anything near wonderful? Do your potential converts a favor and tell them, “to come to Jesus and be ready to put their hope and trust in Him; because trials, temptations and tribulations are sure to come.” James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life.” Encourage them to pass the tests which will become a powerful testimony for overcoming the devil by the blood of the Lamb according to Revelation 12:11.
Take the time to read the book of Job. Now that’s a real sob story! Even though he lost everything he had he never cursed God; although God allowed those things to happen! God was with him and he acknowledged that fact. It was a test and Job passed with flying colors!
Paul’s life is another perfect example of what the abundant life is all about. It may be a good time to point out that abundant means “full”. His life was extremely full. He had been shipwrecked, imprisoned, left for dead and eventually martyred. If you will look back at the 12 disciples you will see that 11 of them were martyred. Those illustrations do not seem like wonderful plans to me. Yet I can’t help but think that at this very moment they are all basking in the glory of an eternal abundant life and surrounding us as the great cloud of witnesses described in Hebrews 12:1.
I can’t help but believe that we are living in a day and age where Christians will have to face trials and tribulations unlike any other in the history of mankind. It will be a season where I believe the “Wonderful Plan” message will be silenced due to the widespread chaos and devastation mentioned all throughout the book of Revelation. Be ready. Watch and pray. Obey His commandments as you seek and save those who are lost.
Blessings,
Jennifer Sides
Crossing Over From Death To Life
Crossing Over from Death to Life
Jennifer Sides 3/14/06
It was a season of doom which I had anticipated on as far back as I can remember. Not that I had ever really sat back and dwelled on it but even so it crossed my mind on occasion and I felt the odds would not be what I would have hoped for. Then, years before I would have estimated the moment of truth came when Satan like a thief in the night plunged from out of the darkness in pursuit of stealing my joy and every other source of all that I consider good. The bottom line is the timing never would have been right as far as I was concerned. Now I was wondering where had the time gone and knowing it was way to late to make up for any of it. The memories and the material objects would be all that was left of my mom but even they would fade away with time in one way or another.
Sure, the signs were there that something was not quite right. She had been living with a disease for a few years and everything seemed to point to her medication needing some adjustments. Then, in a moment that came as quick as the blink of an eye I realized that the signs were escalating down a path far worse than I had expected. I knew she had not been to a doctor yet and that there had been no tests done or results to prove to me otherwise but I just knew that God was showing me the inevitable. I did not necessarily know at the time why He was making this so clear but nonetheless I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Through that, “Why has thou forsaken me period of my life?” as hard as it was I believed deep down that God wanted to use me during this trial as an example to my family and friends. I began by telling each of them one by one what was going on and what to expect after we went to the doctor and got the results. Some loved ones listened reluctantly while others just seemed to take things as they came. When we received the final word that my mom had 3 months left all those I had spoken with wanted to know what they could do to help? I have to admit that I had no peace whatsoever. My alone and quiet times left me falling apart and wondering how I would survive.
I started making arrangements from day one knowing that I had to act quickly before the clock ran out. There was chaos going on inside my soul like none I had ever known but on the outside the example that I was hoping to set before those who were watching made an impact. Even though I felt like I was losing the biggest battle of my life I had to prove that with God all things are possible. I look back now and even though I did not feel it then I know that because I fought the fight with all the faith I could muster and ran the race the Lord’s hand was upon me every step of the way. Though my flesh was weak I trusted in Him to get me through and I was determined to be used for His glory. It was by taking those steps in faith that an overwhelming peace out of nowhere flooded my soul and has not wavered. It is the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) during the most difficult time of my life that still holds me together to this very day. Yes, I have to admit that I have daily struggles with the loss of my mom but I have the hope that she will one day be with the King of kings and the Lord of lords when the dead in Christ shall rise to meet Him in the air.
Now, I feel another heavy burden even more clearly than the one which I just described. First, I have to admit I am like the little boy who cried wolf. Before I became a Christian I just knew it was the end of the world when the Gulf War was going on. I never let anyone know my fears because I felt like such a fool. After all, I had nothing to base any of it on. All I had ever heard was the world was going to end in war some day. I was a Christian when the New Year arrived in 2000 and I was afraid that the end of the world might be close at hand then as well. I had nothing to base any of those fears on either. The only people who I told I was afraid were the one’s who I thought would understand and would share my same beliefs.
It is different this time around though, far different. This time around I know what signs to look for. This time around I am not afraid to share what I believe the Lord has laid upon my heart with anyone I think will give me the time of day. This time around I have scripture to back up what I believe and why I believe it. Recently, the Lord has been showing me His truths at every turn on the events taking place in this world as they unfold even when I am not looking for them. This is another season of doom that I believe is rapidly approaching. Why else would He be sharing these things with me in such a short time? I always looked at Revelation like it was some kind of foreign language that no one on the face of the earth would ever be able to translate. It can only be God that has been leading me on this journey into what was completely unknown to me just a few months ago. I have no doubt that Satan would like nothing more than to see me fry with him after God does away with him once and for all.
Wouldn’t it be great for this generation to miss the 7 years of tribulation even if it is by the skin of our teeth? But what if that is not the case and why is it so important to understand that we need to get in the word and search these things out? (Matthew 24:34 says, “I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.) Which generation is it and what are the signs? Even though there was not a single thing I could do about it; I know that if my mom would have passed away without notice; without me seeing any of the signs; I would not have been near as prepared for what was to come. Now, just as with my mom I believe that the signs of the end are escalating out of control and we need to be aware. Don’t wait until the deadline draws near to wonder what can be done to help yourself or your loved ones.
I have found that as time goes by more and more people are just thinking of themselves and not anyone else. It is going to get far worse. We need to realize what it says in Mark 13:12,13 - That brother will rise up against brother and a father against his child and children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for my names sake but he who endures to the end will be saved. Sure, these things happen today and they have been since Cain and Abel but what we see today is nothing compared to what awaits that generation during the 7 years of tribulation.
What about warnings of antichrists and how we need to know when we see one? The antichrist has been around since Satan was in the garden but how will we be able to recognize the one coming in the flesh during the 7 year tribulation and even now? (The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:1-3 not to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how we recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.) Living our lives the best that we can day by day does not guarantee us that we will not be fooled. We have to be in the word to know how to determine who is and who is not of the Lord.
I can’t help but imagine Noah. Think about it for a minute. If you would have been here during that generation would you have hopped on the biggest boat ever built to take the most historic cruise ever? (Only 8 people were saved from that flood. Genesis 7:13) (For many are called but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14) Something tells me that had I been spared it would have only been because I set sail just to get away for a few days. (But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the earth. Watch, therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36)
It will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the earth but how much worse for those who choose to not watch for the signs? The signs of the end are in the Bible and they are there for a reason. (Revelation 1:3 – Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.) I know it is scary and hard to understand what the future holds during the tribulation but the Lord does not want us to be blind. (He wants us to endure to the end so that we will be saved. Mark 13:13) It is much easier to endure to the end with our spiritual eyes opened to see the traps Satan has set before us. (Matthew 24:43 – But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched his house and not allowed it to be broken into.) If you knew a thief was going to break into your house wouldn’t you prepare yourself?
This life is literally a rollercoaster ride. We have 2 choices on how to take this ride of our lives. We can sit in the front row and watch as we ascend to the highest of mountains and descend into the lowest of valleys or we can sit in the back with our hands over our eyes all the while missing out on the fullness of an abundant life.
Are you ready to die tomorrow? Are you ready for the rapture? Are you ready for the tribulation? I hope and pray that I am. Ready or not one or more of these incidences is standing at the door of each one of our souls prepared to knock at any given moment. I know that I do not want to be fooling myself. I do not want to be like Peter who said he would never deny Christ only to do it not once but three times. Only God knows our true heart more than we know it ourselves. I do not want to be like the ones in Matthew 7:22-23 - who came to Jesus saying, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? I do not want to hear the Lord say that He never knew me.
Has any of this caused me to be depressed? Yes, in the beginning and even now but not in the same ways that it did. What depresses me is that I should be a lot further ahead in this race; pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which I have been called heavenward in Christ Jesus. The Good News is that if I really have the Godly sorrow he describes in 2nd Corinthians 6:9-11 He will forgive me those trespasses as far as the East is from the West. The other depressing fact is the multitudes of people who choose to deny the truth and perish with no more chances to be redeemed. I hope and pray that more and more I choose facing things head on; standing firm on the solid rock in every circumstance that Satan uses to try and destroy me. I need encouragement though. In this world of good and evil there are no lone rangers who survive it alone. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13) and to confess our sins one to another (James 5:16). How can all of that be done alone?
There is nothing depressing about the will of God being fulfilled. Remember, the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2nd Peter 3:9) I know we all tend to dwell on things that are not the whole picture. We need to learn to trust in Jesus and seek Him only and realize that His plan will bring everlasting peace and do away with a world that is already passing away. His Kingdom will come and those who seek Him with all of their heart will reign with Him forever. How much better does it get? It doesn’t!
I had no idea that doing a little research on a few Bible verses would turn out to be a full blown cover to cover mission. The past few months has taken me along this journey that I never expected to find myself on. It is so unlike me to be so consumed by the word of the Lord. I am still amazed at all the things that the Lord has revealed to me in such a short time. It really seemed as if I was in my own little corner of the world minding my own business when out of nowhere a gentle hand started steering me and easing me over to a reality check.
So where is all this taking me? This is what I know at the moment. I feel closer to the Lord than I ever have. I feel a new sense of purpose about what He has in store for me. I am bolder at sharing His word with anyone who will listen. I am reading my Bible more. I pray more not only for myself but for my loved ones as well. This has placed in me a fear to live a life more pleasing to God. (Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for, through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil. Proverbs 16:6) The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10. Even if the tribulation does not come during this generation I hope and pray that I do not lose sight of the vision that has helped my spiritual eyes to become more focused on what really matters when this life is all said and done. True, I may be what some people would call obsessed but if I am going to be obsessed then I choose to call it the most Magnificent Obsession that has ever consumed my life.
Often times I have been stagnant in this faith that I have claimed to possess over the past 17 years. On rare occasions I sometimes wake up and look around trying to pick up where I left off. I have wasted precious time committing and staring in the face of spiritual suicide as I wonder in the back of my mind would this be considered luke-warm? Revelation 3:15, 16. Now I hope that I have found the will to cross over from death to life in the spiritual realm at more than just a crawl. For it is time to put off the former self along with the deeds of darkness and step out into His marvelous light.
I know that I have friends who tell me how God has used me in their lives but this life is not over yet. God can use anyone and any circumstance He chooses to draw a lost sheep or new follower of Christ to His side. I know full well that He uses me in spite of myself. I often wonder how much more I would have been used as a light to the world and all those I see on a daily basis if I myself had been walking more earnestly in that same light I profess to carry. Even though I sometimes wander aimlessly as if in a fog I still ask Him to please use this lowly vessel in the lives of my friends quite often despite the fact that I know I am so far away from where I should be. Knowing that He has answered those prayers more times than I can remember or have even realized should draw me closer to Him than what I have been. I know we all fall short. The fact that we are but flesh and blood pretty much gives that away because without Him and His Spirit living inside these fragile houses made from the dust of the earth we can do nothing. (But let us live up to what I have already attained. Philippians 3:16)
As long as we are alive and in each others midst we ought to seek out opportunities to grow and learn from one another. What would the Lord have me say and do toward each of my loved ones? No two friends are exactly alike or have the exact same needs and concerns but hopefully the end result would be that I would lay my life down for each and every one of them. So this is my hope for which to me there is no greater or rewarding task; that once my life on this earth is done I would be remembered as someone who reflected the character of Christ.
Jennifer Sides 3/14/06
It was a season of doom which I had anticipated on as far back as I can remember. Not that I had ever really sat back and dwelled on it but even so it crossed my mind on occasion and I felt the odds would not be what I would have hoped for. Then, years before I would have estimated the moment of truth came when Satan like a thief in the night plunged from out of the darkness in pursuit of stealing my joy and every other source of all that I consider good. The bottom line is the timing never would have been right as far as I was concerned. Now I was wondering where had the time gone and knowing it was way to late to make up for any of it. The memories and the material objects would be all that was left of my mom but even they would fade away with time in one way or another.
Sure, the signs were there that something was not quite right. She had been living with a disease for a few years and everything seemed to point to her medication needing some adjustments. Then, in a moment that came as quick as the blink of an eye I realized that the signs were escalating down a path far worse than I had expected. I knew she had not been to a doctor yet and that there had been no tests done or results to prove to me otherwise but I just knew that God was showing me the inevitable. I did not necessarily know at the time why He was making this so clear but nonetheless I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Through that, “Why has thou forsaken me period of my life?” as hard as it was I believed deep down that God wanted to use me during this trial as an example to my family and friends. I began by telling each of them one by one what was going on and what to expect after we went to the doctor and got the results. Some loved ones listened reluctantly while others just seemed to take things as they came. When we received the final word that my mom had 3 months left all those I had spoken with wanted to know what they could do to help? I have to admit that I had no peace whatsoever. My alone and quiet times left me falling apart and wondering how I would survive.
I started making arrangements from day one knowing that I had to act quickly before the clock ran out. There was chaos going on inside my soul like none I had ever known but on the outside the example that I was hoping to set before those who were watching made an impact. Even though I felt like I was losing the biggest battle of my life I had to prove that with God all things are possible. I look back now and even though I did not feel it then I know that because I fought the fight with all the faith I could muster and ran the race the Lord’s hand was upon me every step of the way. Though my flesh was weak I trusted in Him to get me through and I was determined to be used for His glory. It was by taking those steps in faith that an overwhelming peace out of nowhere flooded my soul and has not wavered. It is the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) during the most difficult time of my life that still holds me together to this very day. Yes, I have to admit that I have daily struggles with the loss of my mom but I have the hope that she will one day be with the King of kings and the Lord of lords when the dead in Christ shall rise to meet Him in the air.
Now, I feel another heavy burden even more clearly than the one which I just described. First, I have to admit I am like the little boy who cried wolf. Before I became a Christian I just knew it was the end of the world when the Gulf War was going on. I never let anyone know my fears because I felt like such a fool. After all, I had nothing to base any of it on. All I had ever heard was the world was going to end in war some day. I was a Christian when the New Year arrived in 2000 and I was afraid that the end of the world might be close at hand then as well. I had nothing to base any of those fears on either. The only people who I told I was afraid were the one’s who I thought would understand and would share my same beliefs.
It is different this time around though, far different. This time around I know what signs to look for. This time around I am not afraid to share what I believe the Lord has laid upon my heart with anyone I think will give me the time of day. This time around I have scripture to back up what I believe and why I believe it. Recently, the Lord has been showing me His truths at every turn on the events taking place in this world as they unfold even when I am not looking for them. This is another season of doom that I believe is rapidly approaching. Why else would He be sharing these things with me in such a short time? I always looked at Revelation like it was some kind of foreign language that no one on the face of the earth would ever be able to translate. It can only be God that has been leading me on this journey into what was completely unknown to me just a few months ago. I have no doubt that Satan would like nothing more than to see me fry with him after God does away with him once and for all.
Wouldn’t it be great for this generation to miss the 7 years of tribulation even if it is by the skin of our teeth? But what if that is not the case and why is it so important to understand that we need to get in the word and search these things out? (Matthew 24:34 says, “I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.) Which generation is it and what are the signs? Even though there was not a single thing I could do about it; I know that if my mom would have passed away without notice; without me seeing any of the signs; I would not have been near as prepared for what was to come. Now, just as with my mom I believe that the signs of the end are escalating out of control and we need to be aware. Don’t wait until the deadline draws near to wonder what can be done to help yourself or your loved ones.
I have found that as time goes by more and more people are just thinking of themselves and not anyone else. It is going to get far worse. We need to realize what it says in Mark 13:12,13 - That brother will rise up against brother and a father against his child and children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for my names sake but he who endures to the end will be saved. Sure, these things happen today and they have been since Cain and Abel but what we see today is nothing compared to what awaits that generation during the 7 years of tribulation.
What about warnings of antichrists and how we need to know when we see one? The antichrist has been around since Satan was in the garden but how will we be able to recognize the one coming in the flesh during the 7 year tribulation and even now? (The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:1-3 not to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how we recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.) Living our lives the best that we can day by day does not guarantee us that we will not be fooled. We have to be in the word to know how to determine who is and who is not of the Lord.
I can’t help but imagine Noah. Think about it for a minute. If you would have been here during that generation would you have hopped on the biggest boat ever built to take the most historic cruise ever? (Only 8 people were saved from that flood. Genesis 7:13) (For many are called but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14) Something tells me that had I been spared it would have only been because I set sail just to get away for a few days. (But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the earth. Watch, therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36)
It will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the earth but how much worse for those who choose to not watch for the signs? The signs of the end are in the Bible and they are there for a reason. (Revelation 1:3 – Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.) I know it is scary and hard to understand what the future holds during the tribulation but the Lord does not want us to be blind. (He wants us to endure to the end so that we will be saved. Mark 13:13) It is much easier to endure to the end with our spiritual eyes opened to see the traps Satan has set before us. (Matthew 24:43 – But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched his house and not allowed it to be broken into.) If you knew a thief was going to break into your house wouldn’t you prepare yourself?
This life is literally a rollercoaster ride. We have 2 choices on how to take this ride of our lives. We can sit in the front row and watch as we ascend to the highest of mountains and descend into the lowest of valleys or we can sit in the back with our hands over our eyes all the while missing out on the fullness of an abundant life.
Are you ready to die tomorrow? Are you ready for the rapture? Are you ready for the tribulation? I hope and pray that I am. Ready or not one or more of these incidences is standing at the door of each one of our souls prepared to knock at any given moment. I know that I do not want to be fooling myself. I do not want to be like Peter who said he would never deny Christ only to do it not once but three times. Only God knows our true heart more than we know it ourselves. I do not want to be like the ones in Matthew 7:22-23 - who came to Jesus saying, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? I do not want to hear the Lord say that He never knew me.
Has any of this caused me to be depressed? Yes, in the beginning and even now but not in the same ways that it did. What depresses me is that I should be a lot further ahead in this race; pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which I have been called heavenward in Christ Jesus. The Good News is that if I really have the Godly sorrow he describes in 2nd Corinthians 6:9-11 He will forgive me those trespasses as far as the East is from the West. The other depressing fact is the multitudes of people who choose to deny the truth and perish with no more chances to be redeemed. I hope and pray that more and more I choose facing things head on; standing firm on the solid rock in every circumstance that Satan uses to try and destroy me. I need encouragement though. In this world of good and evil there are no lone rangers who survive it alone. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13) and to confess our sins one to another (James 5:16). How can all of that be done alone?
There is nothing depressing about the will of God being fulfilled. Remember, the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2nd Peter 3:9) I know we all tend to dwell on things that are not the whole picture. We need to learn to trust in Jesus and seek Him only and realize that His plan will bring everlasting peace and do away with a world that is already passing away. His Kingdom will come and those who seek Him with all of their heart will reign with Him forever. How much better does it get? It doesn’t!
I had no idea that doing a little research on a few Bible verses would turn out to be a full blown cover to cover mission. The past few months has taken me along this journey that I never expected to find myself on. It is so unlike me to be so consumed by the word of the Lord. I am still amazed at all the things that the Lord has revealed to me in such a short time. It really seemed as if I was in my own little corner of the world minding my own business when out of nowhere a gentle hand started steering me and easing me over to a reality check.
So where is all this taking me? This is what I know at the moment. I feel closer to the Lord than I ever have. I feel a new sense of purpose about what He has in store for me. I am bolder at sharing His word with anyone who will listen. I am reading my Bible more. I pray more not only for myself but for my loved ones as well. This has placed in me a fear to live a life more pleasing to God. (Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for, through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil. Proverbs 16:6) The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10. Even if the tribulation does not come during this generation I hope and pray that I do not lose sight of the vision that has helped my spiritual eyes to become more focused on what really matters when this life is all said and done. True, I may be what some people would call obsessed but if I am going to be obsessed then I choose to call it the most Magnificent Obsession that has ever consumed my life.
Often times I have been stagnant in this faith that I have claimed to possess over the past 17 years. On rare occasions I sometimes wake up and look around trying to pick up where I left off. I have wasted precious time committing and staring in the face of spiritual suicide as I wonder in the back of my mind would this be considered luke-warm? Revelation 3:15, 16. Now I hope that I have found the will to cross over from death to life in the spiritual realm at more than just a crawl. For it is time to put off the former self along with the deeds of darkness and step out into His marvelous light.
I know that I have friends who tell me how God has used me in their lives but this life is not over yet. God can use anyone and any circumstance He chooses to draw a lost sheep or new follower of Christ to His side. I know full well that He uses me in spite of myself. I often wonder how much more I would have been used as a light to the world and all those I see on a daily basis if I myself had been walking more earnestly in that same light I profess to carry. Even though I sometimes wander aimlessly as if in a fog I still ask Him to please use this lowly vessel in the lives of my friends quite often despite the fact that I know I am so far away from where I should be. Knowing that He has answered those prayers more times than I can remember or have even realized should draw me closer to Him than what I have been. I know we all fall short. The fact that we are but flesh and blood pretty much gives that away because without Him and His Spirit living inside these fragile houses made from the dust of the earth we can do nothing. (But let us live up to what I have already attained. Philippians 3:16)
As long as we are alive and in each others midst we ought to seek out opportunities to grow and learn from one another. What would the Lord have me say and do toward each of my loved ones? No two friends are exactly alike or have the exact same needs and concerns but hopefully the end result would be that I would lay my life down for each and every one of them. So this is my hope for which to me there is no greater or rewarding task; that once my life on this earth is done I would be remembered as someone who reflected the character of Christ.
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