Thursday, March 31, 2011
O God, I have tasted Thy goodness...
"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long." ~ A W Tozer
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
147 comments:
God is good. All the time.
Vicki
In light of all the expectation of returning "messiah's" happening in the world today, It has been on my mind lately too. The only way to tell the true Messiah and the verses that come to my mind are:
Act 1:10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
Act 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
These verses absolutely show how we can know the true Messiah has returned. He will come in the same way as he left.
No other "messiah" will return in this manner (no false messiah can).
That is the main difference between the false and the true. The false comes from the earth, the true comes from heaven!
Maranatha!
Update on Bonny,
She is doing much better, just knowing that people are praying for her has lifted her spirit. I am agreeing with you all in prayer for her complete recovery! Also am joining all in prayer for requests here!
Maranatha!
And here is my personal favorite!
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
1Th 4:17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1Th 4:18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
1Th 5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mat 24:26 "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.
Mat 24:27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
I think its obvious that we should go "out to the desert" or "to the inner rooms".
Maranatha!
That should be "NOT" go out to the desert or inner rooms.
Maranatha!
VICKI AND GT,
Good words and sound. One other point that these verses bring to mind is, like both of you have stated, He comes to us out of God's Heaven. We don't have to go anywhere but up and everything that Jesus Christ does Glorifies God. Even the demons recognize God but they cannot say that Jesus Christ came in the flesh from God.
"“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-4)
MR. HYDE,
I love your quote from Tozer.
"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness...
"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long." ~ A.W.Tozer"
GT, does that mean we still have to pick up the inner rooms? I have a hard enough time with the kitchen.
<><
Jim C;
I think you can skip cleaning the inner rooms for now- He won't be found there LOL.
Maranatha!
Revelation also clearly warns us that the AC will demand worship and the bearing of a mark at the cost of beheading for refusal. If we're still here we'll recognize him.
****
Grany, Tozer's quote speaks to my heart.
Army: court-martial Chaplains for "religious, conscience" objection to homosexuality.
The U.S. Army has officially threatened military chaplains they must either embrace the new openly homosexual military, resign from service, or face court-martial for their "religious, conscience" objections. The Pray In Jesus Name Project has obtained leaked copies (unintended for media disclosure) of a private briefing given to chaplains, threatening them with court-martial unless they compromise their Christian message.
<><
Great verses and points, GT and Great Grany! Thank you!
Mac, to me it appears the Bible is telling us that it might not be quite that obvious. Even we as Christians who know what we are looking for could be very close to being deceived.
This is just a quick study I just did, and by no means comprehensive, but here is what I find in the Bible as some ways to tell the false from the true Christ.
False Christ(s)
--He/they will deceive many, if possible even you and me
--People will tell you to go check him out
--He will appear on earth in various places, inc. the desert and inner rooms/secret chambers
--He will perform great signs and miracles
True Christ
--Everyone in the whole world will see Him coming in the sky
--There will be a great earthquake
--He will come in the clouds with great glory and brightness, as lightning across the sky
--His angels will be sent with a shout/the trumpet of God/the voice of the archangel
--The dead in Christ—all over the whole world!--will be resurrected and brought up to meet Christ in the sky, followed by those who are alive
--Those “who pierced Him” will be resurrected to witness this event
--The wicked will want to hide from the Lamb
Or as GT said, “That is the main difference between the false and the true. The false comes from the earth, the true comes from heaven!”
God bless,
Vicki
Thanks for the summaries, Vicki! It's definitely good to be aware of this!!
Without getting too deeply into eschatology here, I think Revelation (and other Scripture) does make identification of the Beast/AC obvious - at least to me. The problem is the growing trend away from a literal hermeneutic.
Mac, maybe you already posted this, but are you back from your trip? How was it?
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying in your last post. Could you please explain? I think we're talking about two different things.
Don't you think that the appearing of false christ(s) is different than the beast/antichrist/little horn power? Of course, Satan is behind it all...
Vicki
Gee, Mac, why not get deeply into eschatology here? We are all into it and love discussing it.
Yes, my understanding also is that there is an antichrist and a false prophet.
I love the discussion of Eschatology and I know there are as many different theories as there are water fountains. However, if we stick to what the scriptures tell us, without traditions added in, we can come to a complete and sound understanding. Kinda like Daniel's outline, discussion and examples to augment the Revelation of Jesus given to the Apostle John, His beloved servant.
Not a discussion to sell someone's book/books but to come to an understanding by the leading of the Holy Spirit and we all have HIM in residence if we truly belong to the Body of Christ.
Yep, I agree with Vicki, GT,and Donna but only as long as it remains civil and in accordance with God's word.
Mr. HYDE,
me too re: Tozer's comment heading for this post.
Oh, yes my heart does passionately yearn for the fullness of God's presence every hour, day, year of my continued sojourn on this planet earth.
I would love to have that Burning Bush in my front room on a permanent basis.
But in the meantime, I will devour everything His still, small voice has to say to me.
I agree....what a wonderful and powerful Tozer post! Thanks, Mac!
My 7 Years Working for the Elijah List 1 – In the Beginning (Parts 1-9)
* Be sure to check out the John Crowder Video in Part 3- Dismantling the Wall-Unbelieveable!
I dunno, Grany, ... I get the feeling that bush might keep me awake most nights...
<><
Vicki, I’m still in Oz until Friday and can’t wait to get home. I was commenting on your thoughts:
“…to me it appears the Bible is telling us that it might not be quite that obvious. Even we as Christians who know what we are looking for could be very close to being deceived.”
If we heed the Bible we won’t be deceived because there are ample warnings within it. But the trend is for many to allegorize Scripture even when they bother to refer to it.
OK, thanks for the clarification, Mac. You're right--if we are faithful, and keep close to God and His Word, He'll keep us from being deceived.
Praying you'll have a safe trip home.
Vicki
Ken Ham posted a link today that a female theology professor notes that Paul and Matthew would have flunked hermeneutics. she then goes on to explain. her arrogance was overwhelming. she obviously doesn't know much about her faith's Jewish roots!
oh if you would pray-we lost yet another nurse and one of our very best. she was found by her husband by the window in a chair with her Bible on her lap. what a way to go but she will most definitely be missed! I hear via facebook that the staff is reeling since this is the second loss in about 6 months
Jib, I will keep her and her family in my prayers. One thought that struck me is that she was called home before she would be forced to make a choice. There was an article in one of the Catholic journals I read online. It was a letter from a nurse who is leaving nursing because she cannot work with the doctors involved in hospice care. She has seen too many cases where doctors have euthanized patients (including a priest) by prescribing overdoses of particular drugs and changing orders to remove drugs they needed.
If this is indeed becoming prevalent in health care, coming on the heels of nurses being forced to assist with abortions regardless of religious convictions and pro-life applicants to nursing schools being told not to bother applying, then her dying now would truly be a mercy.
<><
Praying, Jib.
Another earthquake off the coast of Indonesia! Another tsunami warning!
Sorry to hear about the nurse, Jib.
As far as hospice goes, i was with my father every day during his 2 week hospice stay. In some ways it did seem like euthanasia. They increased his morphine regularly. He lived for 14 days without food or water....as food and awter would have caused problems to a body tht was shutting down...he was having a hard time swallowing. I have to say, though, that he went peacefully...looking up in awe and amazement.
I am thankful that he did not suffer (much) and I hope this option is still available when my time comes.....if the rapture, etc, doesn't happen first!
Gregory Dickow, has a great email series out called Fast From Wrong Thinking.
Sign up here Fast From Wrong Thinking
Maranatha!
Mike
Lisa, thought you might be interested in this:
Jerusalem UFO Video: Case Closed
<><
I never quite got how the case was closed. One of the vids was believed to be faked. A Christian went to Jerusalem to interview one of the vid takers. Haven't heard an update on it.
Thanks, Mike! I signed up and am really feeding on the good perspective he's sharing about making sure our thoughts are lined up with Scripture. It's so easy to slip into a negative outlook and forget His benefits and promises :-)
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Jen
Have any of you read the book "Knowing God" by JI Packer?
It was given to me years ago and I am just now getting to read it....I love it!
Lisa, you have to check the links in the story, particularly the link to producer Ian O'Neill and the link to the MUFON statement. Those links give you the details on why it's a hoax.
<><
I'll be in Israel May 7th - 19th & just in time for this: Radical Muslims call for Intifada May 15th (1st day of Epicenter Conference BTW) From Wikipedia: Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948 and neighboring Arab states invaded the next day.
Disturbing Anti Israel Video
Sign Facebook Petition
Just heard the news that Japan has suffered another major earthquake near the location of the 9.0 quake of last month. The latest one was 7.1 and people, a tsunami warning has been issued. Please pray for the safety of those who are sure to be in total distress.
Is this the beginning of the Distress of all nations? Also, Joel Rosenberg has written quite an article about the current rebellion taking place in the ME.
Otherwise, the sun is shining brightly and God is still on his throne. Hallelujahs!
LISA,
Have your trip added to my prayers for you. Just remember something and I had this given to me when I went to Israel in 1994. God never stops watching over His Children and never takes away your protection of His heavenly Angels from you. When I left to go to Israel during 1994 (Jan/Feb)there was a lot of terrible deeds being carried out against the Apples of God Eye. One bus load of our group, and there were 12 buses in total, were attacked by stone throwers on the trip from the Jordan River to Jerusalem. Only one bus in that whole entourage. Not our bus as our driver (and all drivers are Palestinians)had heard from his parents in Bethany that an attack was going to take place on the whole group along the highway that day. The only group traveling on that highway was the ones from Educational Opportunities. We were the only bus load that missed the threat because our driver took us over the Old Jericho Road instead. It was pure hair raising terror for some of the people on that bus because most of the Old Jericho Road traverses the high spots of the terrain. Most of it is also only one lane and skinny to boot. But we were afforded vistas that the others never got to see. We also learned how those natives that are goat herders communicate.
Had to cut my comments in half again.
They communicate by sounds and it is how they keep posted out beyond our normal way of communication. Forget cell phones, these shepherds send tongue signals over the hills and into the ravines that make up the wilderness of Israel. You will be well taken care of but you will never be the same when it comes to God's Word, EVER! You will live and breath the Word as never before and the meanings of those villages and travels you have read about all of these years, will come alive.
Oh, how I wish I was still able physically to return and restore those experiences. Take really comfortable walking, climbing and relaxing clothes. You will be there in the beginning of the heat but you can endure all of it because you are still very young and able bodied.
Have a great time and come back bursting at the seams to share what you have learned and experienced. I need to hear it again from someone who has just had the fire turned up in the whole being.
Grany
UNLEASH THE POWER OF GOD BY MAGNIFYING HIM INSTEAD OF DWELLING ON PROBLEMS AND ILLNESS
Too often, we let evil get the best of us. We allow negativity to prevail. We give it force. We feed it. That's because -- as a preacher recently pointed out -- we magnify darkness -- illness, bad luck, accidents, family difficulties -- instead of magnifying God.
Thus, a question: what do we place more faith in, the disease or the Person Who created the body -- and, hence, can cure any illness?
<><
Grany, I understand you were talking about goat herders, but I think the same principle applies to herding sheep:
I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,... (John 10:14)
<><
I heard from Atty today after having asked him his opinion about the coming financial crisis. He suggested I listen to a message by Pastor Ray Bentley, his pastor (and Lisa's). I haven't listened yet but he invited me to post it here. So, I did.
hmmm was atty suggesting we listen to his pastor's message about africa, which is what the link took me to? Or is there another message atty is suggesting?
Donna, I still haven't listened to it, but here is Atty's message:
I'm off to work, but think the economic crash will happen soon, but don't know exactly because TPTB keep manipulating the system to delay the inevitable.
Check this video out and feel free to post at the Cave. It's a very interesting video from my Pastor and LateNightLisa's Pastor about this year possibly the "the year"
well, the video I am watching is fabulous! What a pastor!!
Wow!
Which day was it ATTY? Do you guys know? I feel very blessed to be have Pastor Ray & our shepherd. He's humble,very loving, & has a passion for Bible prophecy. Oh yeah- & he's got a silly sense of humor which I enjoy too.
Cute- sent out by Andrew Strom:Aussie floods, Christchurch, Japan – the catastrophic honeymoon tour
Thanks for passing on ATTY's link. Great message.
One of my daughter's classmates - "Noah" had a meeting w/Christ not so long ago. He's the son of our Pastor's daughter.
"His Right Hand" April 3 - You'll get a better perspective of the entire picture if you begin w/the prior explainations of "France" @ the 28:00 mark. Then Annie comes on telling about her son's experience w/Jesus.
(The testimony after w/Wes Bentley is awesome too in regards to Sudan.)
His Right Hand
Just got back from Oz. Great to be home!!
I listened to part of ATTY's link (will listen to the rest later). I agree that we've crossed a definite line in this age. If I remember correctly, the pastor has called 2011 a watershed year. I agree. I think the clock has moved closer to "midnight" and there won't be any backwards correction.
Yes, his points about Southern Sudan are REALLY interesting.
I love hearing about the Hebrew calendar's feasts and the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus of these spring feasts...and thoughts on future prophetic fulfillment of the fall feasts...for some reason not many people seem to talk/write/discuss this, so its great to hear Ray Bentley's teach on this.
Interesting about the zodiac...not sure what to think of it!
The main difference I've read in teachings of fulfillment of the fall feasts is that some teach that the rapture will take place on Rosh Hoshana, while others teach the second coming will take place on Rosh Hoshana
Hi All,
Just a quick note to let all my old friends I'm still here, Jenny and I still lurk occasionally. Life has been good lately. God is allowing us to be an influence around us.
But through all the daily stuff, I can't shake the strong feeling I need to be ready any second. I STRONGLY believe we will all hear the trumpet for home soon. It's almost time for all the watchers on the wall to stand up let everyone hear.
Interesting point, I've been lifting weights for 30 yrs now, and as expected, have gotten weaker and more injuries after age 35 or so, but over the last 2 years my strength has come back to 90% of my youth. I can only explain this as God letting me get ready for something...what?
In His Grip,
Scott
This looks like a good time for a Scott & Mr. Hyde iron pumping contest! I'm ready for the pictures (;
New Christian movie coming out in August called: Suing the Devil
Ooooh, Lisa! Malcom McDowell makes a truly creepy Satan!
<><
Account Of A Christian Who Was Demonized
By Being Slain In The Spirit
Scriptures That Confirm That
Christians Can Be Demonized
Good to see you, Scott. You're never too old to add a few pounds to your bench press :-)
I posted the link to Pastor Ray Bently over at Catholic Answers Forum, and got some VERY interesting replies! Most of them were confirming different things that had been said in the video. My comment on the video had to do with precession, namely, the dates of the different zodiac signs were set over 3,000 years ago. Since that time, due to the earth's "wobble" (precession) the dates and signs no longer line up. If there is a solar eclipse at dawn in August (so that you can see the constellations), the sun would not be in Leo, it would be in Cancer.
My point was that it would have been impossible for someone 3,000 years ago to predict that the event he talks about (the sun lighting up Virgo) would be occurring on Sukkot this year, due to precession. It would be no problem at all for G_D!
The other comment of note has to do with the first day of Sukkot being on Oct. 13 this year. Scripture says, "And the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us." However, the literal meaning of the phrase is "the Word was made Flesh and tabernacled among us"! And Mary, the Virgin, the Ark of the New Covenant, was the Tabernacle for G_D as He prepared to be born to live among His People.
What's more exciting, to a Catholic, is that October 13 this year is the 94th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, when the sun danced in the sky.
I'm just sayin' ... :-)
<><
Kamal Saleem: A Muslim Cries Out to Jesus He heard a voice call his name and saw a vision of Christ. This was miraculous, because up until then, Kamal was a Muslim.
Wow, thanks for posting that link, Lisa.
Just released your comment, Mr Carroll.
If any of you suspect the spam filter has eaten your comments you can alert me at:
amcengia@gmail.com
I'm going to have to listen and watch to Ray Bentley's, especially his talk about the zodiac, etc as I did not catch it all...and that stuff is all totally new to me.
Definitely interesting!
I was over at Sean Osborne's site and someone left a link to a set of David Hocking teachings. Well worth a look:
Click Here
Jim G, I'm still determined to finish reading "Life In The Son".
I got sidetracked while I was in Melb. I came across an excellent book called Jesus Christ Our Lord by John Walvoord.
Does anyone here have it? It's a great resource for anyone who wants to show that Jesus is the Son of God and that His purpose is found throughout the pages of the Bible.
I kind of know why you guys started meeting in a "cave", but don't you think a forum format would be a little easier to follow? It would keep like topics together, and one would be able to go back and find something one is looking for SO much easier! Is there a way to have a forum in a cave?
Vicki, I'm afraid not. The comment sections here were designed just to allow for comment on the blog entry. I agree re: forums being better suited for keeping track of topics, but we'd have to move everything over to a new (not necessarily free) platform to do that.
Also, based on my experience with other forums, a forum is much harder to set up as a "chat", which is what is happening now. There are "chat" threads on other forums which have their own problems in terms of keeping up with conversations. (Catholic Answers Forum has both "The Longest Conversation Thread", which is now up to Vol. 51 -- for technical reasons the thread has to be closed after 1,000 messages and a new one opened up -- and "End Times Speculation" which just launched #12, or "End Times Speculation XII".) Just because someone opens up a new thread based on something someone has written doesn't mean people will go there. Most people just want to keep up with the conversation, and it can be hard to find the new thread if other people are also starting their own threads.
<><
Mr. Hyde, on Joel's website this morning there was an ad for a web site that people here might be interested in: The Messianic Prophecy Bible Project. The link in the ad is broken, but here's the corrected link:
http://www.messianicbible.com/
<><
Looks like a good link, Jim.
Vicki, I agree with Jim. It would be very hard to maintain and track and it would cost money.
Facebook might be an option but a lot of us already subscribe to various facebook forums. Plus it couldn't be kept private.
Okay...I was just wonderin'...
Just saw " The Thorn", a musical/acting/dancing type of show a large church near us has put on for 14 yrs now. Apparently, it travels the country, Denver, Atlanta, don't know where else. It had a very powerful portrayal of the spiritual warface surrounding Christ's birth and the passion of the Christ. If you get a chance to see it, take it, but probably not for kid less than 12 depending on the kid.
In His Grip,
Scott
Bonny got released from rehab on thurs. and is back @ home. Her depression is much improved and she is improving physically. Again, thank you all for the prayers!
Here is an interesting dream/vision that I had not seen before (video made in 2005) as I have been searching about end time visions ect. Please let me know what you think of it,if you are interested. I am still somewhat undecided about some visions/dreams, especially if they are outside the bounds of sound escatological thinking/study. CLICK HERE
Maranatha!
Here's a good one!
Christians Celebrate Palm Sunday in Jerusalem
Mac,
I was wondering how it was going with "Life in the Son." Love the the emphasis on abiding in Christ and true Life flowing from the Son. Even if folks disagree about whether one can be cut off or what the implications are for one who ceases to abide in Christ, I think all can agree that abiding in Christ is what we as Christians are called to do. Hope you enjoy the read and all the Scriptural support throughout;-) Seriously, you've got to admire the Scriptural index at the back of that book. I think the fact that Shank has integrated his thesis with so much of Scripture (not just a few "proof" passages) speaks volumes.
Jim G, it'll take me some time to get through it and probably more than two readings to grasp some of the arguments. The Scripture index is very helpful.
It took me two readings over a period of time to get my ahead around Dave Hunt's book "What Love Is This?" and about three weeks to grasp the two articles on Atonement by Paul Henebury.
Wish I was a lot smarter!
Hydie Ho,
You get it in your understanding after it gets into your heart. The big thing about it is, I am still learning but most of all, finally understanding it to even the ench degree. That ench means from nothing to just a smathering. When I was a kid, the old timey preachers didn't understand the passages where God said he would restore Israel back to its' former glory. They almost ruined the whole passage because it was beyond their understanding. Then walla, May 15, 1948, God pulled the smoothest passage yet for Israel. And our little haberdasher from Independence, MO. cast the most important vote he would ever be the inspired of God to do. That vote brought Israel legitimate recognition to be the Land of Israel. We didn't understand it before but SUDDENLY! God's Moed! Here's Strongs definition: appointed sign, time, place of, solemn assembly, congregation, set, solemn feast
Or moled {mo-ade'}; or (feminine) moweadah (2 Chronicles 8:13) {mo-aw-daw'}; from ya'ad; properly, an appointment, i.e. A fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand) -- appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed).
see HEBREW ya'ad
False doctrine = not understanding the meaning or purpose of God's Word versus man's understanding.OR misconstruing God's word to suit your own intent and purposes.
I have to leave you for awhile today as I have business in Arkansas but I want to share this passage with all of you.
"Enoch, also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying: 'Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all'" (Jude 14-15).KJV
Notice the word "THOUSANDS"---That's us folks!
Grany, note also the plural "thousands", meaning multiple groups of 10,000 saints. That'sa lotta people.
<><
Wanted to pass this on to all of you, for you meditation and edification:
Sudden Death
Last night, as I sat immersed in writing, out of nowhere a tremendously brilliant flash filled the room accompanied instantly by an ear-shattering clap of thunder. There was no lapse between the lightning and the thunder. They came together with utter instanteneity. It appeared that a bomb had exploded against my house. I was startled, unable to comprehend what had occurred, except that it was breathtakingly instant, totally unexpected, completely unanticipated.
...
Last night, 153 people from the Greater Boston area died.
For many of them, death came like that clap of thunder. Immersed in many things, and thoughtless of any storm, before they knew what had happened, they had died. They did not get to shut down their computers, turn off their televisions, or put their book neatly on the table beside them. It struck instantly, like a storm ... or a thief ... in the night.
<><
SUDDENLY is what we are not expecting and without any human warning. However, those suddenly events are most generally not a surprise to everyone. The scriptures tell us that God always warns his prophets before hand but then, we come to this question: What prophet in this day and age, can we trust to be really hearing from the Holy Spirit? How many of you believe his prophets of old are far more reliable than anyone else?
Grany, how could the prophets of old be more reliable than the ones we have today? We've got cell phones and laptops to stay on top of information ...
(blast. Hang on, my laptop battery is getting low... gotta find a place to charge it ...)
I'll be back in a jiffy...
;-)
<><
Personally, I am very leery of anything that is not written is scripture.
(I'm even leery about Ray Bentley teaching on the zodiac.)
I may be leery to a fault....but I'd rather be cautious...
Have a good trip to Arkansas, Grany!
Hopefully there won't be anymore tornados down that way!
"Prophecy in the News" Magazine has been doing an ongoing series of the Biblical Zodiac for sometime now. It's interesting. Since God placed the stars in the heavens for "signs & seasons" it makes sense to me.
Jim C. , Come on ~ Mary the "Ark of the Covenant" is a man made doctrine & nothing to do w/the Bible. The "Tabernacle" among us can only refer to Christ as coming into human form to dwell among us. The only Appointed day God mentions in the Bible that people will be required to adhere to in the Millennial Reign of Christ is "Tabernacles" because Jesus Christ is the complete fulfillment.
The Mary stuff Catholics hold onto w/a passion is just not Biblical & is idolatry.
I never thought about taking into consideration the "earth's wobble" - that's really something!
Graham Cooke, International Speaker and Author Testimony of how God ups-the-ante in spiritual warfare & victory in Christ against the worst case scenarios.
Another- Story of a stagnant Businessman & how God stepped in to change their lives Graham Cooke / "Hearing Strange Voices"
Ok, this is the last one but it's really a cute one - good too! Graham Cooke -Throne Room & the Three Stooges
Interesting re: Prophecy in the News and the biblical zodiac study.
I will have to check it out as soon as I have a chance.
Thanks, Lisa!
Donna,
Do you get the Mag? In the March issue it's under: Eschatology 101. I don't remember how many issues it's been in but there have been segments in there for quite a few months now.
"The Gospel in the Stars".
By J.R. Church
Chapter Fifteen (Act Three)
The Great Division Coming
The sixteen grandsons of Noah
The Work of the Holy Spirit Among the Unsaved
That "Great Division" article was interesting, mostly because I thought Lambert Dolphin was many years dead.
<><
Lisa, on April 18 you wrote:
Mary the "Ark of the Covenant" is a man made doctrine & has nothing to do w/the Bible.
Au contraire! If this doctrine of "Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant" is a "man-made" doctrine, then it is one that has been around since the beginning of Christianity. In fact Luke's Gospel was written to point out this belief:
Golden Box: Ark of the Old Covenant
The ark traveled to the house of Obed-edom in the hill country of Judea (2 Sam.6:1-11).
Mary: Ark of the New Covenant
Mary traveled to the house of Elizabeth and Zechariah in the hill country of Judea (Luke 1:39).
Dressed as a priest, David danced and leapt in front of the ark (2 Sam. 6:14).
John the Baptist (of priestly lineage) leapt in his mother's womb at the approach of Mary (Luke 1:41).
David asks, "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" (2 Sam. 6:9).
Elizabeth asks, "Why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43).
David shouts in the presence of the ark (2 Sam. 6:15).
Elizabeth "exclaimed with a loud cry" in the presence of the Mary (Luke 1:42).
The ark remained in the house of Obed-edom for three months (2 Sam. 6:11).
Mary remained in the house of Elizabeth for three months (Luke 1:56).
The house of Obed-edom was blessed by the presence of the ark (2 Sam. 6:11).
The word blessed is used three times; surely the house was blessed by God (Luke 1:39-45).
The ark returns to its home and ends up in Jerusalem, where God's presence and glory is revealed in the temple (2 Sam. 6:12; 1 Kgs. 8:9-11).
Mary returns home and eventually ends up in Jerusalem, where she presents God incarnate in the temple (Luke 1:56; 2:21-22).
(Thanks to Steve Ray for the list.)
Yes, Jesus came in human form to live among us. He "became Flesh" beginning with His life as an embryo inside Mary, living inside her (dwelling, "tabernacling") for nine months before His birth. To teach otherwise is to subscribe to the Monophysite heresies, which taught that Jesus wasn't born G_D, He was born a human and was "made" into the Son of G_D. These heresies were settled at the Council of Chalcedeon in 451, which clarified the doctrine of the "hypostatic union" (Jesus Christ is both True God and True Man) and gave Mary the title "Theotokos", or "God-Bearer", since this hypostatic union would have been in place from the instant of Jesus' conception. Therefore, the Word became Flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us, beginning with His incarnation at His conception.
One more thought to consider, specifically, Luke 1:48-49: From now all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me. Note it says ALL generations. So I have to ask: how often do you call Mary "blessed"? And are you teaching your children, the next generation, to follow this biblical admonition?
Just got a call about my Uncle Ray. He went in for stomach reduction for obesity and he's having complications, so they're rushing him back to the hospital. Please pray for him, BTW, he's a believer.
Praying for your uncle, Lori.
Jim, I'd never thought of Mary as the "Ark of the Covenant" before. While someone can draw interesting parallels, I remain unconvinced. She bore our Savior who instituted the New Covenant like the Ark bore the stone Ten Commandments but that's about as far as I'd take the allusion.
She certainly should be called blessed but that’s it. On my recent visit to Oz I caught up with family. My cousin and her husband are really devout Catholics. I would venture to say that I saw more pictures and tributes to Mary than I did of Christ at their house.
Campsmore, I've been praying for Uncle Ray. Please keep us informed how he's doing, okay?
Mr. Hyde, don't forget: the Ark of the (Old) Covenant carried three things:
It carried the Tablets of the Law, received by Moses from G_D and destined to make Israel a lamp unto all nations. Mary carried Jesus, the fulfillment of that Law, whose followers are the light of the world.
The Ark also carried Arron's Budded Rod. Arron's Rod had been cut from an almond tree and had been long dead. G_D restored it to life, and caused it to bud and produce almonds (good fruit) as a sign that Aaron and his line were to be G_D's priests. Likewise, the Son that Mary carried, Jesus, is THE High Priest, bringing everlasting life and much good fruit (see the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11).
And most profoundly, and the Ark carried a pot of Manna, the bread of life that gave the Israelites life during their wanderings in the desert; while Mary carried Jesus, who declared "I am the Bread of Life." (John 6:35)
As for your cousin's family, I'll wager there were just two representations of Jesus there: a crucifix (probably one in each bedroom over the bed) and a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Jesus showing us His Heart which is crowned by thorns and pierced.) Maybe a picture of Jesus as the Good Shepherd or surrounded by children; maybe an image of The Divine Mercy. It's a cultural thing: people with lots of images of Jesus/crucifixes/etc. are seen either as superstitious or as trying to prove to everyone else just how holy they are. Images of Mary and the saints, however, are more like family photos.
As for Mary "should be called blessed but that’s it," you're looking at it wrong, as if honor given Mary detracts from honor given to G_D. It's not an "either/or", it's an "and also." Do you love your children less because you love your wife more, or do you love your children more BECAUSE you love your wife more?
<><
Lori, praying for your Uncle Ray.
<><
Here's a YouTube video of a song that is especially relevant during this Easter Tridium:
I Am the Bread Of Life (I Will Raise Him Up)
<><
Jim, unfortunately my cousins have a tendency towards Mary rather than Jesus. You can see it in the paraphernalia dedicated to her that they have around the house.
In all my conversations with them regarding prayer, Mary has always been the focal point. As a test, I once remarked that it would be better to pray directly to God - they didn't respond. My mother used to be the same way but she's changed.
I know we've been through this before and I certainly don't mean to disparage Mary at all when I say "but that's all". Rather, I'm saying that she should not be held up as divine in any way.
...or as an intercessor...
I've been really busy this last week.
prayers please for my dad who was admitted to the hospital late tonight. he either has pneumonia or heart failure or his end stage lung disease is worse.
Sorry to hear that, Jib. Praying for your dad, and will let Alesia know as well.
Jib, I too have prayed for you dad. God is our Great Physician and He hears our prayers! May He guide all the choices in your father's care.
JIB,
Praying for you father also. Agreeing with Vicki's prayer.
LORI,also praying for your uncle Ray.
We have had a week of pretty threatening weather in this part of the nation. There are areas that have really been hit hard and last night, St. Louis suffered some of the worst nightmarish torment anyone can imagine. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Add to those prayers, if you will, the men and women that are in public service occupations that respond to all of this wreckage that is taking place. The linemen that have to restore very high voltage electric lines, firemen and policemen too. But some of the most unsung heroes are the emergency responders that go to the scene in order to treat and ambulate those who have been hurt or killed.
God bless all of them.
Grany
Wow...lots going on. Joining you all in prayer!
Prayers for you all!!
My brother lives on the campus of a seminary in St. Louis with his family. The tornado that hit the air port was from a system which actually split like a "V" around the seminary. He said he saw it on the radar, it split in two with the seminary in the middle. I have a feeling people were praying for the safety of those on that campus!
Praise the Lord! Happy Resurection Day everyone!
Diana
just an update-
my dad is doing much better. thank you so much for your prayers. they are thinking of releasing him tomorrow.
business has been good but I am wiped out. I don't even get to rest much tomorrow or even sleep in. Trevor is singing in choir twice and I have patients to see also. we haven't seen my aunt and uncle in sometime and we are thinking of going up tomorrow. they are not abiding much in Christ as nearly as i can tell and their oldest grand daughter is coming over tomorrow for dinner. she is quite unchurched for the most part unless one counts mormonism as churched-which I don't.
how is Uncle Ray?
Happy Easter everyone. He is risen!!
Asking for prayer for Alesia. She has had relatively severe stomach problems for the past 3 weeks.
Just prayed for Alesia. May God grant that she feels better soon.
"You ask me how I know He lives...He lives within my heart!"
More explainations here:
The 'Virgin' Mary: To My Catholic/Orthodox Friends
we are really having rough weather right now and this evening our whole neighborhood looked like a fast moving lake. The water has now diminished but the ground is soaked to capacity and considering our soil is primarily clay, we are in deep dodo if we keep getting all of the rain the forecasts are stating. Need your prayers that this whole system break apart and do no further damage.
As all of know, Jesus reburied the storm and He never reburied anything HIS FATHER did. So,the storm did not originate from HIS FATHER.
Also,praying for Mac's sweety.
Grant
Jesus rebuked the storm and as far as I know , never reburied anything.
Using iPad because lightening did something to my desktop computer.
Thanks for the prayers. The situation has worsened and we're scheduling a doctor's appointment first thing this morning.
Lori, thought you'd appreciate this:
Florida: America's Weirdest State
<><
This story is really interesting! Someone posted it on Marzulli's new Forum. It's about a young Russian female motorcyclist who bravely toured the Chernobyl area & documented her tour. GHOST TOWN Introduction
Lisa, I see that Marzulli has a post on Sai Baba's recent death. I vaguely knew a couple of his devotees. Showing my age here.
Not only was he a fraud but he was also a pedophile!
He claimed to be God but now he's dead. And he won't be getting up any time soon.
Yeawow!
We just had another bad storm and very nearly had the whole kahuna this time. Tornado sighted about eight miles to the east of us. If this is just one of our tests, we are still praising YAHWAh for his wonderful mercy,grace and powerful love towards all of us..
GGRANY
Now the excitement has subsided for a while, or least, so they say. Praying for Alesia and wondering how she is doing? Seems we are all going through something serious during this time of the year and yeah, I think it has to do with the Resurrection Season that we are in the middle of.
Today, as the storms were really getting fully charged and huffing and puffing with all of their might, I thought of the 3 little pigs and I had to chuckle. Not that it wasn't serious out side but that nursery story always affected me that way. Here we were in our brick home, the wind (Wolf) was blowing with everything he had and yet, it didn't blow our house down, cause us to tremble or start cussing. Just kept on standing on God's promises that even though the storms would come, it would not come near us. My friend Linda, works in Ft. Smith, was driving home in that storm when the hail started pounding the interstate. The winds blew, the hail fell and yet, God protected her also because she was standing on God's word to us. It might come near us but it will not destroy us.
Same with sickness and disease. Even in the worst cases, Jesus has taken away the sting of death, the fear of the grave and promised us that he would never leave us or forsake us. Now that is a Promise I can believe in and cling to.
Shalom all,
Grany
"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace." AMEN
Ohhhh, praying for dear Alesia!! How is she???
Grany, been thinking about and praying for you with all of these storms!
The Lord is good!
Diana
how is Alesia?
Hi everyone. Alesia is doing better. At least we now know that it's nothing too serious. Thanks for the prayers.
Hyde, I HOPE Sai Baba won't be getting up anytime soon. I understand a number of his followers are praying and saying that he will come back from the dead five days after dying. Five years ago I would have said "Good luck" to that; now I can't help but wonder what the Evil One will try.
<><
I doubt that he will, Jim. All his supposed miracles have been shown by video to be sleight of hand. I suppose his devotees could try a substitute con but it won't catch on.
PS Alesia is OK but still needs prayer for full healing.
Charisma Mag reporting David Wilkerson died in Car crash in Texas today! Being passed around on facebook. So saddened by this. He was one of the few whom I respected. His blog entry for today...
WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).
Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.
Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.
That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”
Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”
Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.
To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”
Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.
I am heartbroken to learn that David Wilkerson passed away. Here's the notice on the church's website:
Pastor David Wilkerson
It is with deepest of sadness that we have to inform you of the sudden passing of Reverend David Wilkerson, our founding pastor.
As the details of the family’s wishes are made known we will relay them to you on this website.
There will be a memorial service at Times Square Church at a date yet to be determined. It will be streamed live to give an opportunity for all to participate.
Pastor David Wilkerson’s was a life fully given for the glory of God and souls of men. He was greatly loved and he will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with the family and we as a church body are committed to standing with them at this time of sorrow.
Pastor Carter Conlon
P.S. Please do not call the church as we will be inundated with calls. For more information, please refer back to this website.
http://www.tscnyc.org/pastor_david_wilkerson.php
I feel the same way Annie". David Wilkerson was one of the most consistent and humble pastors that I have ever known. What a sad loss fodr everyone but especially all of theBody Christ.
Have you heard any word on the condition of hs wife? She is very Special to all of the ministries of World Challenge.
Grany,
Been thinking about you during all of these tornadoes. Do you live anywhere near the damage? Looks so horribly devastating.
Diana
I just read about David Wilkerson, too, and had to pop over here to touch base with you all about it.
Such a loss for us still here on earth...but fortunately we still have his books, sermons and everything else.
I just got back from visiting my brother; he is still in rehab and seems to be doing well there.
All I can do is thank God over and over and over for taking care of him!
Thank you all for your prayers!
Totally bummed. J.R. Church & now Wilkerson. All my favorites are leaving this earth.
Now we'll be left only w/each other in the midst of the birth pangs. Oye Veh! The Lord must really have something special in store for us.
Rev David Wilkerson
Lisa,
All of us and The Holy Spirit! What a winning combination! One of the things about David that I will never forget was his determination to instill in each believer the strength to go it alone when things fell apart. Even his last devotional was along that line and if anything out of David's life impacted me more, it was His total dependence on God alone.
Even now, knowing full well where he is and the joy he must be experiencing, the tears won't stop! Through all of the dark days of my life, David would shine God's light so brightly on the Hope, Love, Joy and Grace of God's word that even though weeping did endure for a season, joy always came in the morning. Not the kind of joy that man brings but the God kind of Joy that only a Loving Abba so freely pours into each and everyone of us.
We learn, we live and we endure! It is what life is all about. Growing stronger with each and every trial, disappointment and then being able to look at the huge storm clouds and telling them to disperse. Rebuke the grief and live the Zoe kind of life that God intends for all of us who are called by His name.
Grany
Beautiful tribute, Grany!
How fortunate you are to have known him personally!
I am so sorry for this loss!
This was a comment made on Marzulli's - thought it was a good one:
Louie said
April 28, 2011 at 3:40 am
With the passing of J R Church in the last month, and now Dave Wilkerson, it reminds me of the Lord taking home Lamech 5 years prior to the flood, and then Methuselah the year of the flood. Why Methuselah didn’t just go on the ark with Noah I have always wondered. But this reminds me of God taking home a dear servant just before a big change on the earth.
Another one made today on Marzulli's- I guess "we'll see".)
richard said
April 28, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Interesting Vision I read on another site
I went to visit with some good “informed” friends of mine back home. They were telling me about someone in their prayer group who is known to receive prophetic visions. They said her last one was quite alarming.
If there is truth to it, then people should be aware of it. If not, then it is in the root cellar for a reason.
She had a dream in which the whole country was covered in darkness. Not some figurative/mental darkness, but physically darkened. As if the sun had been blotted out. It was so dark, thick and windy that people were unable to light matches to see.
She asked the Lord, when this would take place… September was the reply.
She then asked How this could happen…. The reply was Yellowstone and another volcano in Alaska would erupt. Blackening the sky with ash, and leading to the second and third order effects, IE crop failures, famine.
Coincidentally, September is also a planned month for the US/UN/PTB to force Israel to accept a Palestinian State and other hilarity to follows.
America has had the hand of God blessing her, through our gluttony and apathy we have become lazy and reckless, leading to the hand to be withdrawn. Once we turn our back on Israel and curse them, as a nation, the hand of God will return, but return to crush us.
God said he would bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel, this could be in correlation to this.
Just some quick comments, then I've got errands to run:
Just read on the web that the bouquet Kate carried contained myrtle; the article then explained the meaning of all the flowers (from The Language of Flowers):
Myrtle – the emblem of marriage; love.
That reminded me of something. In Zechariah 1:8, he has a vision of "the driver of a red horse, standing among myrtle trees in a shady place". According to Wikipedia, the variety that probably grew in Persia was "an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing to 5 m tall."
I'll let you meditate upon the visionary being led to a grove of trees representing marriage.
<><
Lisa, you're going to love this...
One of the prophecies made by a Catholic saint several centuries ago (not Scripture so it's not doctrine -- use discernment) was that there would come 3 days of darkness during which anyone who stepped outside would die. During that time the only things that would burn and provide light would be candles (and presumably matches) that had been blessed. This fits in with an interpretation of the Apocalypse that sees events taking place during then as "replaying" events of both the plagues of Egypt and of the Passion of Jesus. IOW, one of the plagues of Egypt was 3 days of darkness, where the only lamps that would burn were in the houses of the Israelites; Christ spent 3 days in the darkness of the tomb.
<><
This came to me by the friend of a friend. It's an explanation of the word "mercy".
++++++++++++++++++
I have advised about God's mercy on many occasions; however, it has occurred to me that few understand what I write. English gives a very restricted meaning to the word mercy, meaning it is an act of pardon. This isn't that meaning of mercy, which I write.
The Roman Liturgy uses a Greek prayer Kyrie Eleison, which translates to Lord, have mercy. Ever wondered why the Greek is used and not Latin? You know I'm about to tell you; however, I will regress a bit with the Latin word, Misericordia. It literally means miserable heart "having pain in your heart for another and taking that pain to do something about it." Pope John Paul II teaches us, love is "greater" than justice: greater in the sense that it is primary and fundamental.
The Greek word Eleos means ever loving kindness. You think you are asking for pardon when you pray Kyrie Eleison; however, you are really asking for God's Ever Loving Kindness.
We can study the Hebrew word "Hesed." Hesed means steadfast love, Covenant love and ever loving kindness. Hesed is always in connection with the covenant that God established with Israel and later with His Church. Luke teaches us, "the Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many." This covenant was, on God's part, a gift and a grace for His people. God had made a commitment to respect it and showed itself as what it was at the beginning, that is, as a love that gives, love more powerful than betrayal, grace stronger than sin.
Mercy is Love's second name.
(Using Hebrew again:)
Hesed-emet is steadfast, dependable love;
Hesed-sedekah is righteous, holy love;
Hesed-yesua is rescuing, saving love!
Deva Maria (Theotokos) reflects Rachamim or tender, compassionate love. The root word is rechem or mother's womb.
For this that has touched your lips has removed your sins and has resolved your iniquities.
<><
Osama be laden has been killed the Prez just announced.
Jim C. That was interesting. I'm not so sure that only "blessed" candles would work but rather all the Saints who are the temples of the Holy Spirit & sealed for the day of redemption would be included.
Someone @ RR brought up this verse re: joy over Osama's death.
Proverbs 24:17,18. "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the LORD see it, and it displeases Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.
I understand why people are gleeful & jumping up and down in front of the White House but when I saw that on TV it reminded me of the Muslims doing the same thing when they kill us. Then I thought of how when the 2 Witnesses are killed they will party & pass out candy to one another.
LISA,
Funny you felt that way because immediately I had the very same thoughts. If it was orchestrated by the "Powers that Be", then I truly dread their future. Good scripture also.
The fact of the matter is really very simple. What benefit has all the killing and destruction brought to the nations involved? Killing will continue and probably escalate but to what glorious end? The man has lived in that compound since 2005 and the Pakistani government didn't feel it was important to take remedial steps to end Osama Bin Laden's stay. Could it have been the rich treasure cove they were harvesting all of these years? The very same treasure that has added to the bankruptcy of this nation.
I am not against bringing killers of all types to justice but I am against War for Profit.
Grany
I'm listening to Carter Conlon's sermon from yesterday, remembering David Wilkerson.
A Private Moment for Times Square Church
Lisa, thanks for the scripture on that. I felt the same way while watching Geraldo on the news last night. Also, it is not as if the world can now sleep safe and sound since the man is dead.
Diana
Good points, Lisa.
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (Mat 10:16)
Jim. Don't forget that it was God's hesed that caused Judah to be exiled to Babylon. God's covenant faithfulness extends to the whole covenant. Sons are disciplined. This mercy/love/faithfulness is far greater, deeper, broader, and more wonderful than we can ever imagine.
Wayne
Who Will Cry For Us Now?" Dave Wilkerson
New post is up.
Post a Comment