Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-- those who are mistreated-- since you yourselves are in the body also.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
My Blog List
Links
- A Christian Thinktank
- Bible Prophecy Today
- Dr. Constable's Bible Study Notes
- Israel, Epicenter Of The World
- Joel C Rosenberg
- Joels' new blog
- Koinonia House Online
- Lambert Dolphin's Library
- Middletown Bible Church
- Olive Tree Ministries
- Persecution.Com
- Study Light Resources
- The Official Ray C Stedman Library
- The Omega Letter
- The True.Origin Archive
Discernment Ministries
152 comments:
First!
(Real mature, I know...)
JIM C.,
Even us old ducks like to be first! The only problem is it takes longer to hit enter the first time.
Lisa,
I will get back with you on your question on previous post later this morning. Killing fleas right now and had to take a break.
Precious kitty Kat really blessed us and DJH and I are both getting very tired of the battle.
Grany
ha Jim C I never get to be first-pout pout pout.
Grany
not certain that is such a blessing.
need some agreement in prayer for a friend with severe chronic pain who is reaching the end of her rope. she has had issues with attempted suicide in the past. She is a believer. Her name is Heidi.
I want total healing for her-emotional and physical and spiritual if she needs it.
I am becoming concerned about my foot as well. sigh.
thanks for prayers for my dad and mom they have been most helpful
Lori
how is Ken's wife holding up these days?
Praying for all those needs, Jib.
Mr Carroll, how is everything going in your world?
JIB,
You have my prayers for your friend Heidi, continued prayers for you parents and big time agreement with you on your footsies.
No, fleas are not any kind of a blessing and I keep reminding my precious Abba Father that they were intended for the Egyptians (unbelieving world).
I second the question by Mr. Hyde to Jim C.
Grany
Mr. Hyde, Grany, everything is just ducky in my world. (Meaning things are becoming very fowl...)
My ex is being evicted from her house sometime in July. She doesn't know where she'll go so she's just packing up things to move and/or put into storage. My oldest daughter is waiting to hear back from a couple of places on jobs she's interviewed for. In the meantime, she's sleeping on my sofa because her mom (my ex) kicked her out of the house (with good reason, I might add.) Middle daughter is trying to work enough hours to afford the apartment she's renting; as it is, it's just a place to hang her clothes and sleep at night because she still spends most of her time at my place. (I have internet, you see.) My youngest is preparing to go off to college, starting either in summer session in July or in late August. Summer session would be great because she'd get her stuff moved out of the house before foreclosure.
My job is still going well. At least I still have a job, which means I'm doing head and shoulders better than I was at this time last year. My one year anniversary is coming up. Nothing special will happen, but it's just nice being employed. Between 75 and 90% of my stuff is still in boxes, since I'm storing stuff for different daughters until things get straightened out for them, meaning I've got no place to put things if I DID get them unpacked. I can't decide if I would rather they all get their own places and move out (in which case I wouldn't see them very often), or if I'm willing to put up with the cramped spaces just for the company.
In the meantime, since I don't have the space to do sewing, I'm being creative and baking things. I made this oatmeal bread a couple of weeks ago and my daughters haven't let me make any other kind of bread since then. I've also been making pies. I'm still trying to perfect my crust. I was going to make peach pie this last weekend as the store had peaches on sale, but then I remembered I had promised to make cookies for the Father's Day lunch at the homeless shelter, so I wound up making Molasses Crinkles instead.
That pretty much sums it up for me.
<><
I just got back from the movie "For Greater Glory" about the Cristero Rebellion in Mexico in the late 1920's. If you can't get to see it in the theater you've got to rent the DVD when it comes out. Excellent! An extremely powerful film that makes you realize the cost of religious belief, particularly Christian religious belief.
What I find so very interesting is comparing and contrasting this war with the Spanish Civil War, which started just 6 years after the end of the Rebellion. It's also worth drawing comparisons between these two wars and the other two wars that were linked: the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
In the Cristero Rebellion, you have one side that is fighting for the right to worship G_D freely, fighting against a governmental power that is strongly opposed to the idea of G_D. President Calles truly believed that if you could prevent people from practicing their faith, then their faith would simply die out. In the end he resorted to executing priests inside the churches and hanging suspected Cristeros from the telephone poles in the countryside. Because the Cristeros relied so heavily on their faith to sustain them in fighting, they were spared from committing most of the atrocities that you usually see in wars of this kind.
Compare that with the Spanish Civil War. In this case it was the Leftist parties who had won the leadership of Spain. They had close ties with the Soviet Union and were making plans to suppress religion in much the same way as had happened in Mexico. Franco and a number of other generals did not want to see Spain turn into another Socialist Republic, which is why they launched their rebellion.
The difference here is that while the Republicans, like Calle's government, were actively persecuting and executing religious leaders (the most generally accepted figure is that a little over 5,000 bishops, priests, and nuns were executed by the Republicans, along with an unknown number of religious workers), the Fascists, lead by Franco, were fighting a strictly political war. While they may have supported religious freedom, they didn't draw their strength from G_D. As a result, both sides committed atrocities.
In the same way, while there was a strong spiritual component to the American Revolution that drew its strength from G_D, the French Revolution was anti-religious and drew its power from the failings of Man, thus leading to the huge number of atrocities committed by the revolutionaries.
You've GOTTA see this movie.
Jim,
My wife and I saw the movie a few nights ago. One of the most emotionally heavy movies I've seen. I would highly recommend the movie but only if you're feeling strong emotionally and spiritually. It's heavy but good.
Congratulations JIM C.
Good news regarding your job and yep, I know how you feel. Better life when you have worthwhile employment and the benefit of income.
You know you will chose the daughters company, at least for a little longer. I have some large storage bins you could have if you lived closer. I will be praying for your "Peaceful Solution" and continued Shalom,
GG5
Jim G., I hope you stayed through the credits. They showed pictures of the actors next to pictures of the actual participants. I think they did a fairly good job of matching physical types. They also had descriptions of what happened to the people.
At the very end, before the long technical credits rolled, they had part of a silent film showing a priest being executed. That is the actual footage of the execution of Blessed Fr. Miguel Pro. The officer in charge of the execution had the film (as well as lots of photos) of the execution made, so they could show the people what happened if they joined the Cristeros. (Guess what -- they turned out to be very effective recruiting tools for the Cristeros.)
Fr. Pro is a favorite of mine -- the man had mad acting skills. Once, when the house he was in was surrounded by police, he put on a trench-coat with a hat pulled down low, flashed something from his wallet at the police, declared he was a detective, and he walked through the line of police, being saluted as he went.
And when people say that what happened in Mexico can't happen here, I tell them, "Of course not! Who needs Federales when you have the IRS?"
<><
Just for you Jim C.
I am going to share thisrecipe with all of you here but it is in answer o Jim c's need for a really good pie pasty recipe. This one came from my Mother's best friend who was in charge of Kansas City, Missouri's Golden Buffet and it is very good. I have had to cut the ingredients down by 75 percent.
Here goes: 3cs flour; 1tsp salt; 1 1/8 c. Shortening; blend the together until it looks like little peas.
Now mix 1egg beaten, 6 Tblsp. Ice cold water. 1 tsp. vinegar until the whole thing is blended.
Mix wet Ingres. Into dry until all is moistened but not wet. Chill for a our thirty minutes and then place on lightly floured surface . It will easily make three individual crust or one double and one single.
What you have left over round it up into a flat round, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. Hope it works good for you too.
Grany
Grany, I sent your recipe to my daughter who loves to make pies. She is getting married at the end of July and this will be good for her collection of recipes. I'm sure her new husband will appreciate it.
Anne
(Wonder what I did with my log in info)
Anne,
If he doesn't, he will be one in a million dicing the pie. My hubby suggested a high flying restaurant in Oklahoma get the recipe. I had to agree but didn't say anything. It really is a good one. Sometimes when I am feeling a little like Paula Deen, I use half butter and half shortening. One time I did the whole thing with butter but it was a little toooo much.
Good baking from my kitchen to yurs.
Grany
Grany, I can see we're getting into religious wars again. Herer is the pie crust recipe I'm working on. I've gleaned the ingredients from different cooking sites. Mostly, though, it's a technique:
2 1/4C flour; 12T unsalted butter; 8T veg. shortening OR lard; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 baking powder; 1T apple cider vinegar; and (here's the secret) 2-4T vodka.
Cut both the butter and the lard into cubes about half an inch across, then stick them in the freezer until frozen. The vodka can be any cheap brand in a bottle that you can also stick in the freezer. Using vodka instead of water means you're keeping the dough cold and you're adding moisture without adding water. The alcohol bakes out of the crust in the oven.
Here's the other secret: mix all the dry ingredients together and put them into a gallon zip-lock. Take the butter and lard out of the freezer and add the pieces to the zip-lock. Squeeze the air out of the bag and start hitting it with a rolling pin. What you're doing is making a laminated dough -- layers of fat and flour.
When you've incorporated the fat and flour but before the fat has melted, put the mixture into a bowl and sprinkle with the vinegar and then the vodka, adding only as much vodka as is needed to make a ball of dough. Split the ball in two, flatten into rounded disks, cover with plastic, and put in the fridge for at least an hour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.
Right now I'm trying to find the right combination of fats to use -- butter for sure, but what proportion of lard and veg. shortening? I like using bacon drippings, but I prefer to save those for making bread. And I found out the hard way not to use margarine. You just can't tell how much water is in a stick of margarine, and that will always throw things off. I'm also trying to figure out how much vodka to add. I've been adding too little, meaning my crusts fall apart while I'm rolling them out.
I'll be making peach pie this weekend. Yum!
Jim,
We did stay through the credits. Didn't realize that was actual footage though.
JIM C>
For your problem on the amount of vodka, I only suggest that before you start adding the vodka, pour yourself out a shot glass and drink it. That should help you get past the confounded *&%$@%&*&*#@ ratio. hehehehe
Grany
or stick with the apple cider vinigar and drink all of the vodka. Now you have to understand, that isn't according to Baptist, Full Gospel, Pentecostal, Presybeterian, or Saddleback theology, or for that matter, RCC but if the pie crust turns out great you will have to repeat the process, the same way, over and over. Your local liquor store will appreciate your business.
Have a good one no matter which affiliation you chose.
I know I goofed on the spelling of the Presybers but I was in a hurry to get away from the computer before DJH grants me permission to enter his office.
me try to be good but every so often, I FAIL!
HERE'S HELP!!!
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one" Eph 6:16
Your local liquor store will appreciate your business.
Not at 2-4T per pie. I spent about $6 on that bottle two months ago, it's not even 1/2 gone. I've been averaging one pie each week. Trust me, they're not going to be making a living off my vodka habit.
BTW, be careful with the egg in the pastry. The egg protein will increase the amount of gluten in the pastry. Gluten will make the pastry stiffer but less flakey.
And here's a recipe for when you want that pie RIGHT NOW and you don't want to muck about with cutting the butter in or chilling the dough for an hour or so. It's called the Iowa State Fair Pie Crust:
2C flour; 1tsp salt; 1/4C COLD milk; 1/2C veg. oil. Mix the salt and flour. Pour the milk into the oil, DO NOT STIR. Add the oil and milk to the flour and stir. Shape the result into two balls and roll out as usual. (Although my ex likes to just pat the bottom crust into the pie shell rather than roll it out and transfer it.)
<><
Yeah, but JIM C., you have just begun the pie industry or as we call it down here, Cottage Industry. Hard telling how many pies you will be making or better still, teach the little ones how to make them, send them out to all of the working gals and sell them like Paula Deen did with her Bag Lady Sandwiches. Ya just gotta watch more (Holsom) TV my friend.
In case none of you others are aware, in Iowa as a kid growing up, Holsom Bread Company was a big item in our house. We used a lot of it during the summer to take the sting out of bee attacks.
Grany
Stirring the dough would create an over amount of gluten but you don't stir the pastry dough. You just mix it slighly. Don't put it in the food processor though. Or anyway, I don't. It can get tough by over processing.
Chemistry was one of my strong pursuits and the first time I read the vinegar and egg combo I about flipped. But it works great and keeps well.
I hit enter before I should have JIM C>
I pursued Chemistry but I never really was able to conquer it. But we had the best looking teacher/coach a girl could hope to have helping her learn.
I tried.....to learn chemistry that is.
LISA,
the minister from Festus, MO is going to be speaking in Ft. Smith, AR tomorrow at the Southwest Ministries Prophecy Conference. Also speaking there will be none other than Terry James.
I won't be going due to the excessive heat problem and DJH not up to accompanying me. I would love to hear Terry though but maybe sometime later on.
Love the recipe talk.
Praying for you and the family, Jim.
Has anyone watched the "strange sounds" video on Gary Stearman's site? The baseball game sounds reminded me of eerie trumpets.
I have really enjoyed Prophecy in the News lately. Couldn't access the site for a while but it sure is fantastic now. I haven't watched that particular episode Mrs. Hydethecookiejar but I think I will wander over there and see what gives.
The idea of a baseball game with eerie trumpets got my attention.
Grany
my dad has the world's best pie crust but pie crust aside I saw this little ditty this morning and thought others might be interested also.
Burden of Damascus
ha haven't done a blue link in so long didn't think I remembered how! it worked!
ha haven't done a blue link in so long didn't think I remembered how! it worked!
@jib, where you afraid that people would say you "blue" it? :-D
Thanks for the link. I was wondering how the demise of Syria would fit into a possible "War of Psalm 83" scenario, now I know. Hezb'allah is supported and controlled by Iran. They form the government in Lebanon (esp. southern Lebanon, where there are more missiles stockpiled there than there were the last time war broke out). The same is true for Hamas, which is (a) in control of Gaza; (b) potentially in control of Samaria and Judea (the West Bank) (especially if they co-opt the existing Fatah leadership); and (c) is behind the current attempts to destabilize the government of Jordan.
When (not if) Assad falls, they will be in position to assume the reins of power. Iran has been training and educating Syria's military and students, it's reasonable to assume that after the government falls what power is left will take instructions from Teheran. That means that all the agencies surrounding Israel will be "getting aid from Assyria". What better time for Teheran to launch an attack against Israel, as when it has control of Syria's stockpiles of WMD? Especially if Israel DOES make a play to capture those stockpiles, thus giving an excuse to launch an attack against Israel?
What say? Anyone else want to bet on the outbreak of hostilities on or around July 7? July 7 this year is 17 Tamuz, the beginning of The Three Weeks (of prayer and fasting) before Tisha B'Av, the 9th of Av, commemorating the destruction of the Temple. I'm seeing war breaking out on July 7, and lasting for 3 weeks, ending with an overwhelming Israeli victory on 8 Av (27 July) so that 9 Av will become a feast.
Such a victory would set the stage for the rebuilding of the Temple. It would also set the stage for the return of Fethullah Gulen, arguably the world's most powerful iman.
Jim C
that was a reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallly bad pun, but funny none the less.
Ha I was thinking more about Is 17 personally.
I agree with Is. 17 because something pretty disturbing has to happen to Syria as the Howler against God's Chosen People. It is the depot for all of the horrible population killing, peace destroying weapons of mass destruction. AND PLEEZ, do not claim that they don't exist. Saddam did have them, was the truth but he also engaged Syria to either buy or store them for later use. I don't believe Saddam really believed Geo. W. would hunt him down and rid the earth of him. Geo. H.W. didn't finish the job but that was a wrong assessment by Saddam.
No, Gaza, Libya and even Edom will be dealt with permanently before Ez. 38-39 happen. But especially Gaza and Libya. Israel will take out the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant located between the fishing villages of Halileh and Bandargeh along the Persian Gulf.
This friend believes so also. Read this one http://eschatologytoday.blogspot.com/2010/09/jeremiah-49-will-coalition-of-nations.html
I have forgotten how to do the link thingy.
GG5
ESCHATOLOGY
I DID IT!!!!PRAISE THE LORD AND thanks for a good memory lesson.
ha Grany have we gottent that lazy about blue links!
as to Edom. i can't help but think of how Israel gets peace with some of her neighbors. As I recall Edom she decimates utterly and the land becomes filled with demonic spirits. I don't see that happening pre trib although I could be wrong. Also, Edom will be the place of shelter for the Jews in the second half of the Trib since that is where Petra is. Frucht has an interesting series on looking at how Israel makes peace with the Arab states around her-all is through conquest by and large but Israel decimates quite a bit of her neighbors as well. Her peace with Iran and Iraq can not come until the end of the Trib time because of the way she gets peace with them and the fact that they are major players.
Grany, a small correction: Edom (southern Jordan) is totally destroyed, but doesn't become a haven for demons and jackals. That is reserved for Keder and Hazor, which are present-day Saudi Arabia. Moab (the middle part of Jordan) suffers only partial destruction -- that's the location of the valley where the dead from the War of Gog and Magog will be buried. The northern part of Jordan, Amman, will become a possession of Israel.
<><
Sorry, meant to correct Jib, not Grany.
Need prayer and/or advice on responding to a comment left on my blog (see below).
I probably won't get a chance to respond as I'm working this week's article for Omega Letter. But this is an opportunity to witness. I have some preliminary thoughts on what to say but could use your wise counsel.
Marcia Y has left a new comment on your post "Does Historic Premillennialism trump Dispensationa...":
If you're interested in Jewish issues, which I presume you are, you should read the Talmud. You can do this online. The Talmud is the orthodox Jews' true Bible. They consider it superior to the Torah (first five OT books). You will be amazed at what you read in the Talmud! I believe it is the reason for the anti-semitism that developed in Europe and the hatred of the Muslims. Here's one little quote from it: "If a Jew is tempted to do evil, he should go to another city where he is not known and do his evil there."
Modern ultra-orthodox Jews in
Israel have been following the custom of men's spending all day studying the Talmud (and Torah) while their wives do the work. They've also been drawing welfare checks and avoiding military duty, while their wives have large numbers of children. Oh, the Talmud also says that Mary was a prostitute, (which is why she was pregnant). You should read it.
I should have said "I probably won't get a chance to respond today...."
Still
Petra is in Edom yes? So if it is totally destroyed how can it be a place of refuge.
Hyde
I guess i would point out that the Talmud is Rabbinic interpretation of the entire Tankah and as such is essentially man's opinion of what God meant.
Hyde,
sounds like the beginning of a san-beautiful discussion. She reminds me somewhat of a Big T of days gone by at Joel's.
However, here is AN INTERESTING SITE
Stick with the Torah it is the Inspired Word of God.
Hey gals,
See you agree with this one from the TALMUD.
Also see Kerithoth 6b under the sub-head, "Oil of Anointing" and Berakoth 58a in which Gentile women are designated animals ("she-asses").
I don't think I would put much value in what this person is presenting Hyde. Sounds more like Satan trying to undo God's work and Word.
My next question, where are these people coming from and what kind of spray can we use to change the atmosphere we are presently living in?
Grany
Yep, she does remind me somewhat of the "T". Her full name is Marcia Bracy Yiapan (author/film maker).
She appears to be anti-Semitic but is she also anti-Christian? And what is she doing reading my blog?
Usually my head tells me to come out guns blazing. I'll let it sit until I'm done with my OL article then pray about it before I shoot her with my spray gun ;-)
Thanks, Grany.
Wisdom from God Hyde!
If I can be so honest; as I read her comment, the very word "Koran author" came to mind. It sure sounds more like that type of spirit author than anything else.
Also, another thing! Seems rather strange that she/he/whatever would take the name of a film maker/author. The only reason I can see would be to give the individual some needed authority, or so they think.
Just my gut feeling is all and I agree with your statement to pray. Ask Him for discernment and Zoe Wisdom. That is a whole lot of God Love combined and stirred with great wisdom.
In fact, I am going to be praying for you in this regard also.
GG5
I am just sick about the ruling on Obamacare. Not entirely certain what country I woke up in this morning but hear is the message of God-
Your real citizenship is not on this earth-you are a Child of the King first and an American second. "
Still I mourn the passing of what has been the greatest nation on the planet up until today. Perhaps if we had been better Christians first, been better salt and light, changed worldviews of people who would then change the culture and politics we would not be in this situation. I have a sense the end is very close. Much closer than we think. My heart would melt in fear if not for the fact that I am a child of the king and I have read the end-He wins but there will be tough times coming in the near future. It's like someone just stepped on the gas pedal to hurtle the world off of a precipice.
JIB,
I can almost hear the footsteps now!
But to me, the reality of the Health Insurance mess isn't a surprise. We have allowed the ridulous mindset to run amuck in this nation and perhaps the whole world for a lot longer than the past decade. That would only take it back to 2002. The real glitch in the road came back when Madeline Murray O'Hare began her freedom from God march through the streets and minds of the Rebellious Ones.
Why didn't anyone identify the very thought of Rebellious Ones as a inspiration and deception from the Destroyer himself? I don't remember there being a big hue and cry over that landmark Supreme Court ruling. We shook our heads, some even cried but nary a soul came up against it with any passion. We pointed our fingers at little churches that we thought were not keeping up with the times.
Hell celebrated then and again now because basically, Big Government has been given the go ahead to control everyone's life.
For all of you who think this isn't a big thing, wait and see. Some people thought it was no big thing when O'Hare won her court battle with God in the schools.
Maranatha
Grany
Over on Rapture Ready, Grant Phillips made the following statement:
"Have you ever noticed that the darker a room is, the brighter the light when turned on? There really is no such thing as darkness when you think about it. Actually darkness is the absence of light. That is why the church of Smyrna grew so rapidly. As dark as that age of history was upon the Church, the Light shone even brighter from the throne of God upon her. As a contrast, the church of Laodicea has placed obstacles between her and the Light of Heaven, and the Light has dimmed in her presence.
“…Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.” (Isaiah 38:1)"
When I was young growing up in Iowa, we heard this remark repeated over the radio and then TV: "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness". It came from a group called the Christophers and it was always such a great statement. Ya gotta remember, WW2 looked like the end of the world but no one would dare to speak the things that are said today on radio and TV. No one would dare go into the schools, homes and public gatherings and even think of saying "No more mentioning of Jesus Christ, God or your pride in the USA". What fools they would have been. At that time, most people would not wait for the law to come or even think of a courtroom setting to determine what could be done with such a thought or person saying such a thing.
You better remember, there are more of us than there are of them and not all of us are flesh and blood.
GG5
Wise words, Grany.
My heart goes out to you, Jib.
But we know how the end of things will be.
Keep looking up and MARANATHA!
PS I responded to Marcia Y. Hope she gives it some thought.
I know we have commented before about this common feeling of dread among us and today, I read this at Joel's blog. Immediately, I felt a huge "YES" coming on me like a freight train. I don't want it to happen!! First and foremost; however, I truly believe this is the very purpose we are being troubled and perplexed about, Spiritually.
Here is what Joel had to say:
"There are actually two key Biblical prophecies that explain that at an
unspecified time in the future, the city of Damascus will be completely destroyed — judged by God — and will not be inhabited again.
* Isaiah 17:1-3 — “The oracle concerning Damascus. ‘Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and will become a fallen ruin. The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be for flocks to lie down in, and there will be no one to frighten them. The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and sovereignty from
Damascus….’”
* Jeremiah 49:23-27 — “Concerning Damascus. ‘Hamath and Arpad are put
to shame, for they have heard bad news; they are disheartened. There
is anxiety by the sea, it cannot be calmed. Damascus has become helpless; she has turned away to flee, and panic has gripped her;
distress and pangs have taken hold of her like a woman in childbirth.
How the city of praise has not been deserted, the town of My joy!
Therefore, her young men will fall in her streets, and all the men of
war will be silenced in that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts. ’I
will set fire to the wall of Damascus, and it will devour the
fortified towers of Ben-hadad.’”
These prophecies have not yet been fulfilled. Damascus is one of the
oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. It has been attacked,
besieged, and conquered. But Damascus has never been completely
destroyed and left uninhabited. Yet that is exactly what the Bible
says will happen. The context of Isaiah 17 and Jeremiah 49 are a
series of End Times prophecies dealing with God’s judgments on
Israel’s neighbors and enemies leading up to — and through — the
Tribulation.
How exactly will Damascus be destroyed? When will exactly it be
destroyed? What will that look like, and what will be the implications for the rest of Syria, for Israel and for the region?
The honest answer is that the Bible does not say."
There are lost souls in that nation and region. We cannot fail to pray for all of them to be led by the Holy Spirit into Salvation through Jesus Christ.
It is just like the enemy of our souls to embroil us in worldly matters that will distract us from the real battles of life and death.
Grany
Please notice this verse:
Therefore, her young men will fall in her streets, and all the men of
war will be silenced in that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts. ’I
will set fire to the wall of Damascus, and it will devour the
fortified towers of Ben-hadad.’”
That statement tells us that the LORD OF HOSTS declares it and then He goes on to say "I WILL SET FIRE, etc." Now we all know that God is Love, Mercy, Long Suffering and Kind but he is also capable of Judgment and Wrath. When He says enough is enough, we better take Him at His Word.
What if the reason no one comes to the aid of Isreal happens to be the economic mess the whole world is in? What if the reason Russian gets a hook in the jaw and Persia gets led into a fatal battle is due to the demise of Syria's most important city?
Just wondering is all!
Grany
Jib, keeping you in prayer. I have no idea of the kinds of pressures this Obama Care decision is going to foist on you.
BTW, it turns out that Marcia Y is a Christian but by her comments it seems she has an aversion to Israel.
Does Historic Premillennialism trump Dispensationalism?
JIB,
I second Hyde's comment. The headaches of Medicare/Medicaid has cost us, as retirees, the professional care of our beloved doctors and staff in Ft. Smith, AR. The clinic now declines to offer medical care for people on Medicare. The next big move will be the hospitals and ER's in the same direction.
But let me say this in defense of these professionals: put all of the blame on the pig headedness of Federal Bureaucrats. Most of my time while working at another big clinic in that same city was spent dealing with insurance companies and they were all taking their orders from Federal Medicare dictates. To the point that an individual department had to be created to handle just that segment of problems. Doctors spend an ungodly amount of time answering questions of unlearned agencies that refuse to share information intra-department. Oh, this comment could continue for a long time about the abuses foisted on all of you by bureaucrats but there are some things discussion won't change. Voting will and then determination to move those elected officials into progressive actions.
Progress seems to be getting slower all of the time and it shouldn't be so.
JIM G.
I agree with your statement on Facebook about comments on the current USSC decision. It will demand that each one of us become very well based on our Precious Constitution of the USA.
grany
Did you all enjoy the 4th of July? It was blazingly hot here but our neighborhood was a constant pop, bang, whizzzz all day and it brought back wonderful memories of days long past. Memories of precious friends who have now made their final destination and I get really teary eyed when I think of those that I don't think I will be seeing in Heaven.
So many young people in that group that never had any desire to know their Maker and I just wish there was some kind of anointed recipe to win those souls for God's kingdom.
Just enjoying the sound of quiet today but looking forward to next year's big celebration.
Grany
Hey, Grany, et. al. I mostly enjoyed the 4th. I spent very little time outside because it was so humid here, but I spent almost the entire day on my feet in the kitchen so it wasn't much better. I was making pie and bread. I'm going to wait a while before trying that again on the same day!
There have been some interesting articles coming across my screen. Here are some links with some comments:
The Four Sins that Cry to Heaven (America Has Failed Four for Four)
I knew about defrauding a worker of his wages (#4) but I didn't know about oppressing the poor (#3)
Episcopal Church Leaders Vote to Sell NY Headquarters
Amid budget cuts, staff layoffs and losses in membership, a legislative house of The Episcopal Church voted Friday to sell the denomination's headquarters in New York.
The denomination rooted in the Church of England now has the lowest membership in decades, as 200,000 members and 300 parishes parted ways between 2006 and 2010, partly due to the denomination's shift to the left on social and political issues. Membership has declined to below two million with average Sunday attendance as low as 657,831.
At the ongoing convention, Episcopal leaders are also scheduled to vote on a resolution calling for pastors to bless same-sex unions.
You don't suppose there's a relationship between the two, do you?
Daniel's Literal 70 Weeks: From St Zacharias till the Presentation
Here's an interesting essay by the author of "The Crucified Rabbi" on Daniel's 70 weeks.
Archbishop Chaput Closes Fortnight for Freedom With Amazing Homily
This is the full text of the homily given at the service to mark the end of the Fortnight of Freedom on July 4. The Gospel reading that day was Luke 20:20-26, about rendering unto Caesar. Here's an excerpt:
Thinking about the relationship of Caesar and God, religious faith and secular authority, is important. It helps us sort through our different duties as Christians and citizens. But on a deeper level, Caesar is a creature of this world, and Christ’s message is uncompromising: We should give Caesar nothing of ourselves. Obviously we’re in the world. That means we have obligations of charity and justice to the people with whom we share it. Patriotism is a virtue. Love of country is an honorable thing. As Chesterton once said, if we build a wall between ourselves and the world, it makes little difference whether we describe ourselves as locked in or locked out.
But God made us for more than the world. Our real home isn’t here. The point of today’s Gospel passage is not how we might calculate a fair division of goods between Caesar and God. In reality, it all belongs to God and nothing – at least nothing permanent and important – belongs to Caesar. Why? Because just as the coin bears the stamp of Caesar’s image, we bear the stamp of God’s image in baptism. We belong to God, and only to God.
<><
JIM C.
I like that quote of Archbishop Chaput, especially the last paragraph. Just as I tell Michelle to take a hike on a daily basis, I thank God that HE has given us our Constitutional Freedoms and that this nation was founded on Christian Principles that would honor and glorify God, our Creator.
Hallelujah and praise the Lord. (Yeah, both of these words mean the same thing, but I just love to praise HIM).
Another thing about God's Judgement.
As I was studying the other day, I learned something kinda surprising. When God judged the Hebrew Children, they suffered hardship like nothing they had ever experienced before. But while they were suffering, Egypt prospered. When He judged the Jews (remember, they are the Apples of His eye), it was because they were practicing the same things that the heathens (Gentiles) were doing and not obeying His commands.
They were sacrificing their children to a false god, worshipping Baal, joining with those at the temple of Asherah and never once observed the Sabbatical Year or the Year of Jubilee.
We all know that! But they were the ones that were punished. Not the Gentiles.
When the next world wide Judgement comes it will be The World (Gentiles and Jews) because of their rejection of Jesus Christ. We be gone and sure enough JIM C, it will all Pan out. Pan is a false god of the Heathens and God is getting all of His events in order so he can boot the Pan out.
In other words, bye bye Satan, Hello Jesus, the Lion of Judah, King of all kings, and Lord of lords.
I just had to preach a little today. Now I realize my theology might not line up with others here but that is why I call it my Theology. It is also, God's.
Grany
Some good words of advice:
Saint Peter's Words For Christians During Persecutions
<><
Thought y'all might get a kick out of this:
From Christianity Today (towards the bottom of the link):
A First Timer at the Last Supper
by Michelle Ablard
When my niece Carly turned two, I decided to take her to our church's Passion Play?a dramatic presentation performed before thousands of people. We arrived early and headed to the front row. I knew part of the fun would be watching Carly, who immediately got into the story, captivated by what was happening.
It was time for the scene from the Last Supper. Jesus told Peter why he must wash his disciple's feet. "Lord, don't just wash my feet, wash my head, and my hands, too," Peter replied.
Carly was definitely paying attention to this conversation, as she stood up and shouted at the top of her lungs, "And wash his tummy, too!"
JIM C.,
Good story and I needed that chuckle today.
What would we do without the simple and direct honesty of children? I love the way they cut to the chase but sometimes, it really rings my bell.
In vacation bible school many years ago, a little girl reminded me of the Child Like Faith it takes to approach God. One of the children had been running in the parking lot, fell and really skinned his leg. It was hurting and he was really fighting hard to keep the tears out. They brought him into my room where we kept a first aid case and I had put in a very gentle gel to clean such abrasions. The little girl was his sister and she came in with him to help him. She asked if we could pray and the little brother said "what good is that going to do?"
Without a blink his sister responded "God said to ask and he would do it and if God says he will do it, HE WILL DO IT!!". With that she placed her hands on his sore knee, prayed and walke back outside. It was a done deal as far as she was concerned.
He didn't cry and within a matter of few minutes he was bouncing around again.
I would say that kind of faith in GOD and His Promises is the cornerstone of our relationship with Him. He said it, that ends it!
Grany
Great story, Grany! That little girl sounded just like my mother. God bless her!
I know she was a good mother Mac and I also know the spot she still has in your heart. We all have a Mommie spot that will last forever. Some spots are just a little sore right now but only time letting good thoughts take root will turn them into blessings.
Remember back a few months, year or so ago when we were asking about children going to heaven when the rapture happens. I just found that bible passage I was looking so hard to find. The reason it took so long to find it, I kept chasing other rabbits around and got side tracked.
Thanks to Terry James on Dr. Reagan's blog, it was used and here it is:
"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy" (1 Cor. 7:14).
I always relied on "of such is the kingdom of heaven" when it comes to children's destiny after life ends but this verse pretty well puts it into context.
An added item about that little girl; she never lost her love and dependence on her Abba Father over the years and her brother joined in that fellowship before many years passed. She still is very forth telling about God and all of HIS provisions. Even when things are not going so good. She is a delight.
I think a lot about heaven since mum went home. Praying every day that my brother opens that Bible I left him.
How great thou art
I know what you mean McHydieho,
Our Mums have that ability and I often wonder if it goes along with the care and upbringing they spend their life doing. For the past month or so, I have had wonderful dreams about my mom and they are so real I wake up refreshed.
I don't dream very often but when I do it really sticks with me. Now I would love to have a dream with Jesus right there too.
Oh, by the way, the torch was passed to you from her to keep the fragrance of prayer going up to the Throne of God for your brother. What a wonderful thought and besides that, a Crown to present to your Lord and Savior very soon.
Gotta get ready for bed but the temps really got lowered this evening when the storms passed through. We didn't get anything bad, of course not! But the degrees came tumbling down very nicely.
Thank you Lord for your wonderful blessings.
Grany
Interesting article:
How did Jews at the time of Joseph of Mary know that the Messiah was near?
OF course, you can't know what you're not open to recognize.
<><
Jim C.,
An interesting article!
Thanks.
You all might be interested in reading this article from WND:DREAMS FROM MY REAL FATHER
My question to the whole Political Camp in Washington, D.C. is pretty simple: where were you when the Vetting Process for the present occupant of the WH began running for political office. And Bill and Hillary, why did you allow this man to address the nation at the 1994 Democratic National Convention?
What other cracks have more dirt in them that is important for the USA? A Communist in the White House, my God where is Sanity hiding right now?
Not too happy in OKieland
It is the Lord's morning everyone and I will rejoice in it and be glad!
I am sorry about the above posting if it has caused any of you discomfort. However, I do think it is important to understand how very clever the politics of the current admin. is. You see, by sealing the Hawaii info from the world, it immediately became the focal point of everyone's curiousity. No one could turn loose of the mystery cloated birth record and the harder and more they tried to dig the more effort, time and money was spent on another deception.
Now, I ask each one of you and me! Who is the master of Deception and just what did Jesus Christ have to say about the last days? What did he tell us to guard against? We all got the thing about those who would come saying that they were the Anointed One (Christ)and we have been on close guard because we have taken it very seriously.
However, how much guarding of our hearts have we done? How much avoiding disunity? How much closer to our Lord's commandment to love God with all of our heart, mind and soul and our neighbors as ourself?
It is really getting very easy to join the World in the Hate Arena of Life but people, HE IS coming very soon and I don't want to waste my time left disobeying my Savior's order.
So, have a wonderful day in the Lord, keep looking up and expectation of that shout should get us through the rest of this drama coming to a close for the Church.
Shalom
My daughter has a very special and loved friend in San Antonio, Tx who has been fighting cancer for several months and has decided to quit the treatments. Her name is Sandy Cunningham and my daughter nicknamed her "Mommiesy" because that is the empty spot in Becky's life at that time. They worked together and have been very close ever since 1984. Would you all be praying for her as this is a very major step. The cancer is in her abdomen, lymphnodes, pancreas and probably has metastasized elsewhere by this time.
Sandy told my daughter yesterday that she was terminating the treattments and it has been very difficult on Becky. Sandy has other health issues besides and I can understand why this decision has been made. She is not a believer in prayer from others and has stubbornly refused to allow anyone to come to her and pray. That thought is what is making Becky so upset. Becky is a born again believer but not quite where she used to be. I believe that she will get there very shortly but right now, she is vulnerable.
Thank you all,
Grany
Praying for Sandy.
"It is really getting very easy to join the World in the Hate Arena of Life but people, HE IS coming very soon and I don't want to waste my time left disobeying my Savior's order."
Just read this today:
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Mat 5:43-45
Heavens Grany I don't think that post would have bothered very many here. It is more quickly becoming apparent that no one has any idea who the person in the WH really is-totally unvetted. I will say this, if he wins re-election we as a nation are under judgement from God from which this nation has no deliverance. If the repbulican candidate is elected then I believe we have a chance as Christians to influence individuals to turn this nation around. Finished joel's book Implosion-much I knew already except for some of the stuff about the two Great Awakenings. I would agree we need a third. I am torn because in deep within I think this country is past redemption and I don't think we are going to get that Third Awakening. I need to do better about praying for it though even though I don't think it is going to happen. I am not in despair at all oddly enough about the country and where it is going. It has to happen sometime. We are quite clearly in the end of days and have been for some time. America has to diminish and it is the fault of the church really for failing to be salt and light. i will say however joel's book did inspire me to take a closer look at my life and where i am failing so that is a good thing.
Praying for Sandy.
Hey all you old friends. Lurk rarely now, but nice to see the same names. I was in UCLA at a health exec traing, and was afraid I got a little too "salt and light" for some of my LGBT classmates.
Agree with jib on the home stretch. Race is almost won. Miss u all , but see you soon.
In His Grip
Scott
Drrobsc@me.com
SCOTT,
The goose bumps are still dancing around all over me after reading your "Agree with jib on the home stretch. Race is almost won. Miss u all , but see you soon.
In His Grip".
As I read home stretch, race almost won and then see you soon, in His Grip I about freaked out. You have no idea how soon it will be and I won't have to decide for my DJH anymore hard choices. Jim's memory is coming and going much more frequently it seems and today, I just wanted to give up! Tired of getting lost in Ft. Smith because he forgets where we are going or where we are....
Anyway, it would be nice to spread the Agape Love of God so thick that the world would actually desire one more minute in that world when the Body of Christ goes sailing away.
As I was telling my DJH what the rapture is really about and reading to him the Epistles of that event, he stopped me and said, "You mean YOU are going to fly up and away with out an airplane? Don't you know that concrete Eagles can't fly?" By concrete Eagles, he is meaning me.
Such a sweetheart but hey, it is alright. I sometimes refer to him as Beaky Buzzard, but not so he can hear me.
I have to get outside and start flapping my arms so I can build up some muscles. I have a few neighbors who don't believe a Rapture is going to take place.
See you all soon, with a NEW BODY!
Grany
It was really good to hear from you, Scott. And I like that "home stretch". I really do think we're arriving at the end of the things of this world.
New body, Grany? Oh yeah!!!
Funny thing - I was doing some reminiscing today about some of the folks who used to post at Joel's. I wonder how ATTY and Harold are going. I even though of T. One very confused girl!
Maranatha, I say! May He come soon!
I miss them all too mac. But not the "T" fits. I take my tea without lemon, and I love the just recently available to us here, White tea. In the hot, hot weather, making a pot of the white tea and then letting it cool down a little, is really great. The tea seems to adjust the body temp and it is just good. A friend of mine in Ft. Smith tells me that it is even better for us than the green tea. I am so glad because I truthfully cannot stand the green tea. oh, yuck!
Anyway, I have had time to cool off a little and I have decided to turn our strange voyages in Ft. Smith into a game. See if that won't take the fire out of the atmosphere in the car for at least as long as it takes to find ourselves again. Yep!
Take care everyone and if you hear a zoom, feel a bit of a quaking, it is just "I" taking off without an airplane.
Grany
lol concrete eagle huh? Grany that is quite funny.
Would like prayers for a friend whose quasi daughter in law (not married to son but living together) turned her "in laws" into CPS on bogus charges in retaliation for them accusing her of stealing pain meds (she has done so many times in past). Only three people knew about one of the things brought up. Son refuses to see that she did it. Their 13 year old boy has been unable to sleep since this happened because he is having recurring nightmares about CPS taking he and his younger sister away from their folks. very sad situation.
Have started interacting with someone on facebook about "religious" things we are stuck on genesis at the moment which is fine because if you don't understand the first 11 chapters the rest of the book won't make much sense. Thus far we have covered what nationality and skin color adam and eve were as well as who cain married. He is an interesting person-more of a friend of my brother from gaming than mine but friending him was an answer to prayer for me-long story.be in prayer for Chris and me that I can answer his questions reasonably and effectively
JIB,
Praying for your friends with the hostile wanna-be daughter-in-law and also, your friend on FB.
Hi Granny, Glad my hello came at a good time. I'll try not to be such a stranger. Can't think of anything interesting to add today. Rode around Mackinac Is with the family today while on vacation, guess my brain is fried. Chat with you all soon.
Scott
Wow! This has been a very fruitful week, with lots of articles I want to share with you all! The only order for their presentation is in the order I first read them. Let's get started:
Hidden In Scripture, Messages From Mary: Surprising Punishments That Come From Violating Sabbath
This article revolves around a Marian apparition that occurred back in 1846. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea (or jigger of gin, as the case may be); yet there's still a lot of insight into possible causes of the drought we're experiencing.
NATIONS BEING WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE
A word from Timothy Snodgrass.
Modern-day knight promotes chivalry in southwest Sask. on cross-country trip
As a history geek and former member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, I salute this noble knight's mission.
The Uniqueness of Christianity
Just what is it that makes Christianity so unique among the world's religions and philosophies? Is G_D really so narrow-minded?
The Seven Daily Habits of Holy Apostolic People
Again, this is a Catholic-oriented article, but there are still some good ideas that you might be able to work into your daily lives.
Don McLean - Waters of Babylon
Last but not least, something I remember from high school -- the final track of his "American Pie" album.
You have to remember that when they were singing their lament, it was knowing what would happen. After 40 years of servitude, the captive's language and culture would be lost, replaced by the master's language and culture. The people could then be sent back to their homeland, since they wouldn't be a threat anymore. The Jewish strength is that they survived two such periods of slavery with their language and culture intact and even strengthened. Baruch HaShem! Baruch HaShem Adonai!!
Jim, I agree that individual and corporate worship is found wanting in the church. But I see problems with the Marian vision. Firstly, the Sabbath (not Sunday) was given to Israel as part of the Mosaic Covenant. Israel isn’t the church and the covenant wasn’t made with Gentiles. See also Colossians 2:16 & Acts 15:19-29). And what do you do with Gen 17:10-11? Should we uncircumcised males all go out and....
According to the vision:
"I gave you six days to work, I kept the seventh for myself, and no one wishes to grant it to me," said Mary in September of 1846 to two visionaries. "This is what weighs down the arm of my Son.
So is Mary saying that she gave them six days etc? Once again, that covenant was between Jehovah and Israel.
Hi...just thought I'd stop by and say hello.
With all the news about Damascus, Iran, Russia, China, etc, things seem to continue moving forward. Yay!
One reason that Sunday has been referred to as "The Lord's Day" for as long as I can remember and when I was a kid, the streets were rolled up, sidewalk were used for walking to church (in just about every neighborhood then) and you better have all of your needs purchased before the stores closed on Saturday night. At that time, stores only stayed open late on Saturday for just that purpose.
For all of you who didn't get to grow up in that era, I will share something else that keeps coming to mind during this horrible heat where I live. We didn't have refrigerators as common household appliances until about the end of WW2. We had a wooden appliance called an IceBox. During the week the ice man would drive a pretty big truck around, about the size of a hay hauling truck. The bed was made of wood, wooden sides and the only cargo was huge frozen blocks of ice. They came in 100 lbs, 50 lbs., 25, 10 and 5 but it was all in huge slabs. They would chop off what you needed, place it in a heavy canvas tarp that was treated on the exposed surfaces with parafin. (WAX) and it was made so they could clap these big metal claws onto each chunk of ice, place it in the middle of the carrier, bring it into the kitchen, and place it in the special compartment for the ice. That compartment was lined with tin. Below that was a drain tube that carried the melted water down into a pail that filled up rather quickly. It was one of my jobs to carry that pail and throw the water on either the garden or the flower beds. Sometimes, we kids would have us a wading game or two before it was dispatched to the vegetation.
Now, go fill your glass with the ice from your dispenser and think about what a wonderful invention your present refrigerator is. Then praise the Lord for such wonderful ideas.
Jim I will treat myself to your links later this evening cause this ole bird is getting sleepy.
Grany
@hydiehoneighbor, This isn't Mary saying this on her own authority. This is Mom speaking, where your brother (or your dad, take your pick) has been trying to get your attention about your chores that you're ignoring. If that's the case, then your Mom passes the message along, because if after all that you're not even going to listen to your mother then you are truly far and gone. "I've been trying to get him to go easy on you, but if you keep this up there's not much more I can do."
As for Saturday/Sunday Sabbath debate, I know from Acts it's evident that the early Jewish Christians would go to Temple or Synagogue on Saturday (which was the Sabbath), then they would go to someone's house for worship on Sunday, the day the Lord rose from the dead. (As a side note, the Russian word for "Sunday" literally means "Resurrection Day".) This worked fine and good for the early Christians who were all Jewish.
But then the Council of Jerusalem decreed that when a Gentile/pagan was baptized, they were not required to follow the Jewish Laws. While the dietary laws were the most obvious, the laws regarding animal sacrifice were also included: with Jesus as the Perfect Sacrifice, there was no need for any further shedding of blood. Since the Christian converts were not required to follow Jewish law, they didn't need to go to synagogue, which meant they only gathered together for worship on Sunday, which due to the Resurrection of Jesus became the New Sabbath.
So for Christians, "Sabbath" became Sunday, while for Jews it remained Saturday.
<><
@Donna, I'm looking at Syria, waiting for that to provide the trigger for the War of Psalm 83. Since this weekend is Tisha B'Av (the 9th of Av), I'm thinking war will break out by Sunday.
Then again, I could be wrong...
<><
I don’t think anyone disputes that it became a tradition to gather for worship on the first (Resurrection) day of the week. The issue is that nowhere in the NT is anyone obliged to observe a particular day (Col 2:16). Certainly, it is important to gather together (Heb 10:25). The OT covenant was specific to the Sabbath and to Israel – had the Mosaic covenant still been in effect (and that vision legitimate) the “seventh day” observance would have been strongly stated in Colossians and Acts 15. It appears to me that the vision is at odds with NT teaching.
Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. 20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)-- in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. Col 2:16-23
you are correct hydieho. Absolutely no where inn the NT in the Law of Christ are we ever commanded to observe the sabbath. The sabbath was never moved from Saturday either.
There are big differences between traditions of churches and teachings of the NT.
It's important to know the differences between the two, for sure.
One reason why there is a difference Donna is because God was directing the Hebrew nation (Jews) and it was the Law of God. Then the religious group started adding their own laws which were know to kill/destroy because no one could keep them all. Plus, they added their own Traditions. If you go to Israel today, their Traditions are cherished but for the most part, their relationship with Adoni isn't there. They religiously keep the Sabbath Day but ignore the the Sabatical Year (every 7 years).
Jesus teachings came for all of the world but God knew before He sent His Son, that the Religious Authorities would not accept him. John 3:16 pretty well states it but Jesus knew that it was the Sins of Isreal and the Gentiles that he was going to shed his blood for. That is why we became the Temple of God not made by Human Hands.
Isreal (Jewish believers) are the Wife of God;
Born Again Believers are the Body of Christ and will be the Bride when this Age is completed. That includes Mother of Jesus, His brothers, all inclusive no matter what station or position they might have held in their earthly sojourn.
I just did something that has really affected me. I know that some of you will remember a fellow believer that I thought pretty highly of a few years ago. Ray Gano; he has a website called Prophezine and published quite an email newsletter alert system.
I first became aquainted with him in 2007 right after joining some of you on Joel Rosenberg's Epicenter Blog. At that time he really had a true love and dedication to the Lord and his communications really blessed me.
Well, he has become enthralled with Joel Richardson and Walid Shoebat supporting them in their declaration that the Antichrist will be a Radical Muslim. Now JIM C., don't get upset because I want to express my own opinion regarding all of this.
First off, the forces that destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple were Roman Soldiers. Military!!!! I don't believe anyone knows EXACTLY who the AC will be but there is just as much a chance that it will be a New Ager as there being a Pope. So relax! I also know the real relationship in Jerusalem with the Roman Catholic Church so please, let's don't go there. For all of our sake.
Ok, now! Ray has been going through some really difficult times for the past 2 or 3 years and it is about the same time that he became attached to the Richardson/Shoebat theory. Remember the author of a book about a gigantic earthquake that would preceed the Rapture? His first name was David and I think his last is something like Lowe. Well, alot of theories started flying around like debris from a tornado.
Books started getting pushed out the door and instant fame and money were the end result. Never mind the sancuary of God's Word but hip hop to the tune of fame and fortune. So, the theory of the left leg of the Daniel Idol became big stuff in the minds of some people. Anyone that disagrees with them are stupid, uninformed, misguided, blind, etc. etc.
How about this description: Determined to hold onto God's Word until the Holy Spirit reveals otherwise. When He reveals otherwise, it will be positive proof but until then, we are not supposed to sling insult, fight about or argue about something that will destroy the Body of Christ!!!
One reason that the Upper Room got so filled with the Actual Presence of the Holy Spirit (Presence of God) was because they were all in total AGREEMENT with each other about obeying Jesus' command to Stay in Jerusalem until they had received the infilling of the Holy Spirit, as promised to them all. You can better understand that infilling if you will re-read about Solomon dedicating the first Temple to God and what happened that sent them into the outer courts.
Anyway, Ray has started attacking other ministers who are dedicated to correctly dividing God's word but he has become so transfixed with Survivalist materials that I don't want anymore part of. I know that MY God can and will provide all of my needs according to His Riches in Heaven and HE knows my first, middle,last name; where I live; what I need and I depend on Him totally for all of my physical, emotional and spiritual needs 1000%.
So, according to 2 Timothy 3:5 "They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these." and thus God's word tells us the result of their rebellion: 3:8 And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people – who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith also oppose the truth. 3:9 But they will not go much further,for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.
I have prayed continually about what I am supposed to do and today, the 5th verse just really convicted me to disengage. What took so long? I valued my friendship with Ray and I didn't want to give up that easily. I will continue to pray for him, just like I have others but until I am lead otherwise, it will be the only contact I have with him and others.
Grany
Grany, I truly empathize, and I can get very fired up here. I prayed for Ray. This is one reason why I never subscribed to his newsletter though he kept emailing me with subscription offers. There is an arrogance coming from the AC camp that assumes they are right and that if you disagree with them then you’re hiding under tradition and eisegesis.
Yes, it is David Lowe. I read his Earthquake Resurrection and was less than impressed. David also took some pot shots at the “traditional” view and got miffed when he was kicked off some rapture forums. He’s got a new book out that discusses Lucifer’s origin. I liked Peter Goodgame’s Red Moon Rapture better. But, once again, he took some shots at traditional pretribulationists yet his own theory had problems.
I think there will be a revival of the Roman Empire but I don’t tie it into the Catholic Church, unlike a new book out (Petrus Romanus). Hope I don’t offend anyone here but I think Tom Horn and a bunch of other popular authors write for a particular genre and are less than objective. In Horn’s case, he relies too heavily on Malachi Martin who has a questionable reputation, and enormous leaps of deduction. Please don’t throw stones at me!
Jim C, we may disagree over many doctrinal issues (i.e. Mary etc) but Catholics (and the Pope) believe that Christ died for our sins. That’s good enough for me. That’s not what the AC or false prophet believe.
Hydieho, I agree totally about Tom Horn and the others. And like you, I know that Pope John Paul loved the Lord tremendously and I also know that our Jim C. will sip Latte with all of us at the Cafe Halleujah!
But it does really distress me when I see people trash what God's Word tells us for some wild eyed interpretation. I don't believe it was God's purpose to make a mystery out of His Word in any way but I know that during the times of the Apostles care was taken to hide or not reveal completely things that we now know about. Like Daniel's instructions from the Angel to Seal up the Vision until it was time to be revealed. Now is that time and we are understanding more and more every day.
My prayers are with Ray because I remember his beginning but just like you and me, there is something that rings a bell of warning and it is a good thing to back off and wait for the Holy Spirit to guide us. I am praying for a great Holy Spirit season of conviction to come upon him until He knows the truth.
In the old days, that prayer would be considered this way: Praying for the Hounds of Heaven to pursue, convict and deliver out of error and heresy.
Those old Saints were pretty powerful warriors when it came to bringing down the covering of God on someone.
Have a great Sunday and I hope we get the Shout pretty soon.
Grany
Can anyone here imagine hell being hotter than what we are experiencing today? My DJH keeps prowling the hall shouting, it is going to be 105 today~! I keep shout back at him NO it is not! Yesterday our highest temp missed the forecast by 4 degrees. We win when we petition our Heavenly Father and quit gripes along the way.
Hope you all stay cool, joyful and in perfect Peace that comes only from the Lord.
Grany
I think out of all the explanations that i have read, and over the years i've read a lot of them, about the revived Roman empire the one that seems to me to torture the scripture least is Frucht's. Having said that i don't agree with his take on the fall feasts nor necessarily the AC. However I most assuredly do not agree with Shoebat etc that Islam is the one world religion for reasons that I have explained many times before.
Didn't know about Ray Gano. I would say another one who has gone off the deep end is Joseph Farrah of WND. He is behind this movie Is 9:10 which very reputable men have said tortures the Scripture to make it mean what it does not and he is calling them false prophets. Seems like everyone with a pet theory is forgetting that the main point of prophecy is that it should encourage us to get out and win souls.
I have no issues with any survivalist stuff. I do read up on it. While God can and does provide I think it might be prudent to have some knowledge of what to do and not to do, basic supplies etc.
I think we are close. it shall be interesting to see what happens over the next year.
great article today from break point
What if it were True
I have been asked to participate in an intervention. Not especially comfortable doing so since I have been aware of few of the issues but I have been pegged by Godly people as the one that they will most likely listen to and not sure why. i need some guidance on this matter.
Just as I have said from 2007 onward, my home always has at least a month's supply of nourishment on hand. It is just my nature and more than once I have been very thankful for the plentious supply. I live in a dangerous part of the nation so being ready for anything is important. But I don't spend all of my time trying to figure it all out. As for knowing how to prepare, process and feed all of the supplies, well after 50 some years of 'roughing it' in the outdoors, I don't have a problem. Well maybe one; I don't bend as well as I used to but if I have to, I will devise a method of getting it done.
I think what we are all witnessing is a very futile attempt for mankind to become self reliant and God said He would supply all of our needs. Just going to the big grocery stores changed my way of doing things a long time ago because I don't have to spend nearly as much time there when I purchase sufficient quanities to last a while. But I do still depend on God's mercy, grace and kindness in getting me through any and all events that would require emergency procedures.
I like Frucht's take on most everything and I have been watching and listening to his material on Isaiah. That lil guy can really make the hair on my head do the Watoosy. Next session is going to be on Ezekiel but in the mean time, if you get a chance to partake in the Isaiah material, it is well worth the time. Just wish he would get a little more emotion into his teachings. A few 'golly', would do fine.
Ray started going this route when he was introduced to Walid and then Joel Richardson came along right after. What really has bothered me is Ray is now taking part with Gary Stearman of Prophecy in the News. He was just recently a speaker at the conference in Branson, MO where Gary was sponsoring it.
Maybe in the anticipated Great Awakening, these guys will get their vision corrected, major!
Grany
Grany
how do you access material that he is currently teaching on? He is a little monotonous
Praying for you, Jib.
If you can all spare a prayer for Alesia, I sure would appreciate it. She’s got someone from the “out-sourcing” team shadowing what she does. The problem is that her role is multi-faceted and she’s doing end of month figures which has nothing to do with the takeover role. But this person appears to have a chip on her shoulder and is aggravating the heck out of Alesia. I know what it can be like but this is the last thing she needs.
Grany, I’m of the opinion that there’s only so much we can do to prepare. For the most part, I think we need to learn to trust the Lord. I can’t imagine storing up a year’s supply of food for myself and then watch my neighbors starve.
I’ve paid some attention to the AC debates. Where they lost me is when they cleverly reinterpreted Dan 9:26 and not-so-cleverly Rev 13:18 – courtesy of Walid. I see a lot of arrogance within that camp. They keep wanting to debate and then brag when they’re turned down. But in many areas they’ve already it on paper. Perhaps it’s pride and book sales motivating them.
Jib, I agree that Arnold is monotonous on record but he’s actually quite funny giving live lectures.
But in many areas they’ve already LOST it on paper.
Having a grey- hair day!
JIB,
I have all of these DVD's from 3 and 4 years ago that my kids gifted me with. But most generally I just Google his name and the number of hits that causes is mind boggling. But the one that I have enjoyed the most is his take on Isaiah. I started out with his PDF file download and that hooked me. I really think I caused my previous computer to choke because I overloaded it with just about all of his PDF/MP3 material while he was in the process of cleaning out old material about 3 years ago.
I will find the link for you on the Isaiah if you would like. One of the things I enjoy about his Camp Shoshanah DVD's is he does have more spirit or emotion. I would love to attend one of those camp meetings someday and maybe I will still get the chance to.
I really believe all of the arm flapping by the Jihad AC group is just simply to gain recognition, kinda like terrorist threats.
We used to have a big bully in our grade school and his biggest joy was making the little kids wet their pants when he threatened them. My biggest joy was knocking the living daylights right out of him two or three times and watching him wet his.
That is what I would like to do to these jokers but not in that same way. Instead, I want to see their faces when the real Rapture happens and all of their weird theology goes up in smoke.
I do wonder though, do ya suppose it just might make them, uh, you know; wet just a little? If that is a sin, I repent right now.
Grany
Oh, Hydie ho, I didn't see your last post but I will be praying for Alesia. The Shadow has to be lost and no delays.
How is Mrs. today Mac? I keep picturing her giving the "Attitude" a staredown or maybe a Stair down would be more appropiate. I do know what she is going through and my prayers are with her.
My grandson and family will not be leaving Arizona now due to the bountiful blessing that God has bestowed on them. I have just witnessed by way of the internet God doing some major work in my family and I am so very thankful. Dancing, dancing, dancing.
Oh, Lord, your mercies are fresh every morning and the abundance of your love shines so bright that I can hardly contain it all. I praise your Holy Name and cherish the very promises that soon, very soon, we will spend eternity with you. Oh what a glorious day that will be, when our Jesus we will see; when I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His Grace, what a wonderful day that will be.
Grany
I'm interested in hearing all these references to "preparing". I'm not so much into prepping as I was two years ago, mostly due to time, space, and finances. Still, it's at the front of my mind due to a series of books I'm reading known collectively as "Dies the Fire" or "The Emberverse", by S. M. Stirling. It's about an Event, "The Change", that strikes the entire world in an instant. Basically, the laws of physics change: no more generated electricity; and while gunpowder may burn it won't ignite, so no more guns and bullets. The Scottish longbow is once again the high-tech weapon of choice, and I'm enjoying reading about how people react and adapt to the sudden loss of familiar technology.
The ones who survive the best are either the ones who have a vision and consolidate their power quickly, or the ones who know how to live and work without technology, i.e., people in the Society for Creative Anachronism, or the purists who eschew fiberglass compound bows and know how to make their own bows with yew and other woods laminated together using natural glues. I've been familiar with both types, having been briefly in the SCA about 20 years ago. That's where you meet people who raise their own sheep to get the wool that they card themselves and spin into yarn that they dye themselves and knit into clothes they wear to SCA gatherings.
The books are not everybody's cup of tea. For one thing, there's a heavy dose of paganism in the books. A good part of this is because at the time the book series began (first published in 1998, so he started planning it around 1996) a lot of people in the SCA had at least a passing familiarity with pagan ideas, and if they're the ones doing the majority of surviving, the surviving culture will have a strongly pagan bent. Nowadays with the growth of the Prepper movement and more people learning how to do the old-time arts, that wouldn't necessarily be the case.
But based on what was going on in the movement at that time, you have a case where a group of pagans (Wiccans) have all wound up at this woman's out-of-the-way farm; they have reformed the Clan Mackenzie and are doing MUCH better than the town a few miles down the road with a heavy Christian element. The reasons for this become clear: At Dom Mackenzie almost all of the people are refugees, and so have no problem with pitching in with problems wherever the problems are. It's not socialism, it's clan life. In the Christian community people are living in their own houses and are acting like they did before the Change, meaning that each family was focusing on their family's needs rather than the community's needs. The thing is, without machines to help you, two families with 10 people total have a lot easier time harvesting wheat together than if each family of 5 were to focus on their own family fields. In a disaster, working together is not an option.
The other thing that comes clear is how many people die because they're waiting for someone (i.e., the government) to come rescue them and tell them what to do. The ones who acted on their own and acted quickly survived. The cities became death traps because most of the ones where a government survived focused on "appropriating" food from surrounding farms to be distributed to everyone, which simply ensured that EVERYONE starved. This set-up also ensured that WHEN the illnesses came (in particular, Plague), the illnesses spread like wildfire because by then everyone had stayed where the government was instead of isolating themselves. The Great Die-Off didn't come from starvation; it came from sickness.
The governments that did survive were the ones that focused on putting people to work. When you have people planting food together it becomes easier to share what food you have.
Well, enough preaching. Here's praying that we don't have to be subject to these hardships.
<><
Some of your commentary reminded me of the youthful days I spent on my aunt and uncles dairy farm in Prairie City, Iowa. They owned 3500 acres, huge milking herd and during the years between 1939 thru 1954, tilling, planting, harvest time was a big gathering of the towns people. The farmers did the field work, the women and kids did the feeding and cleaning that was required. When harvest time came, everyone benefited the reaping.
I learned to cook at those women's hands and how to serve others. The last part was probably the most fun because all of those hungry hands were so appreciative of the grub. The cooking part was just a natural thing. Now how does that relate to your comments?
I know how to start fires without matches, how to create an outside oven that is heated by stones and dry wood. I know how to draw water out of the ground, how to make a shelter without a tent, plant and tend to vegetation and most important, how to preserve what I have grown. Eating without meat isn't a problem and probably will result in wearing my old clothes that are hanging in my storage closet. And I will be able to bend more rapidly in the long run.
We didn't have any wiccans or pagan practices but we sure did know how to break ground in some of the most primitive ways. Do I want to go back to those days? If I have to I will and not complain because I know that God is moving us all forward and keeping His eye on us all the time.
Better still, cultivate some friendships with the Amish, Menonites, and the Pennsylvania Dutch if you live close to any. Oklahoma has suddenly become very attractive to the first two groups and talk about being free of modern day conveniences, wow!
Preparedness? We often have deer in our backyard...just sayin' (Alesia would kill me)
Grany, I see Sean O's blog has exploded with comments re Ray's AC article. I'd quite forgotten that Joel Richardson claims to have been picked by God to proclaim the AC theory. Hmmmm....
Yeah, Mrhydieho,
He really is beginning to believe his own press but he is as much a Prophet of God as I am the wife of George Washington. Or maybe I am Alien just waiting to capture all of you in my hidden space ship.
Tell you what I think Joel Richardson really is, an Islamist hidding in a false ID so he can gather information about the Rapture that everyone is getting excited about. Ooops, someone forgot to tell him that not everyone is all that excited about a bunch of Crazied Zionist telling everyone that Jesus is coming back really soon. By the time he gets all of the different theories condensed, in chronological order, we will be gone. Proving:
CONCRETE EAGLES CAN TOO FLY WITHOUT WINGS
Grany
I don't believe everything I read either, so there is a lot that I just kinda say "hummmm, that's interesting", ya know what I mean.
Grany
hope Alesia has manages to stay more or less gracious to her shadow.
Intereting book Jim C. I might have to get those if I can get the on ebook.
Richardson alway points to Shoebat to back him up. I seem to recall that Richardson and Shoebat also came out against the young man who wrote about being a double agent for the mossad-saying he was not a ture lover of Israel or Christian or something like that. most of the time the thing that starts them off is looking at the newpapers and seeing how they can fit what they see into the scripture. They will end up damaging greatly the study of prophecy because of that. They base everything on the fact that Islam wants to take over the world and the AC uses guillotines to behead those who oppose him. The object of worship under the AC is the AC so that is not Islamic in the least. The guillotine does not appear to be in use until the AC the second half of the trib which is also after the mystery religion is abolished in favor of worship of the AC. They also ignore such prophecies as IS 17, EZ 38 and PS 83 which reduces most of the Islamic countries to dust.
for those interested in books and such on living off the grid speaking of Amish and Mennonite try Lehman's online-they have a huge selection.
After this dry summer, and last years also, I hope before we have to cook outside roughing it, that we get some very much needed rain. We have a pond about 50 yards from our house that was used back about 50 years ago for a strip mine runoff. The local fishermen keep it pretty busy but it would be water to do laundry and such. Now if I still lived in Missouri the land that I own up there has several artesian wells that are still fresh without the usual contamination. It sits on one of the highest elevations in that area. Never can tell, the Good Lord might move me back there one day before all of these things are needed. But I have a fettish about dirty feet and such. Feet is just the starting point but I am sure that we are all seasoned enough to endure until the end.
It is late and I am heading to bed so, you all be good, stay sweet and listen for the shout.
Grany
Jib, I LOVE going through Lehman's web site catalog! If only things weren't so expensive! They were selling a hand-washing agitator (to wash clothes in a bucket or tub) for over $20. I made my own by taking a NEW plumber's helper (plunger) and drilling 6 holes into it so it wouldn't seal against the bottom of the bucket. Not my most favorite thing to do but it worked.
The "Emberverse" series is set in Oregon, mostly in the Willamette Valley. Apparently the weather there is usually very mild year round (very little snow, unless you're in the mountains) making it easier to set up new farms, etc. It's also not known for its large populations of Amish, Mennonite, and other Anabaptist traditions. (ergo the strong pagan culture) It's interesting to me to note that in later books in the series, the author has Iowa as THE major power center in the middle of the country. Although part of that is how people made Des Moines a center of industry (such as it is in medieval technology), but some of the other cities he mentions as "powerful" are either the locations or close to the locations of major Amish, etc. settlements. I don't know if he was aware of that consciously when writing the books.
As I noted, I think things would be different now, given the members of the Prepper movements. Also, part of the books shows how all these different ideologies line up together to defend everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) against the CUT -- Church Universal and Triumphant. This is a real organization -- check out their web site -- which in the books has been taken over by a demonic force. I mean that literally. This force is now conquering and converting wherever they can. Very exciting!
<><
I forgot to mention that my plunger thing cost only $2 -- one-tenth what the Lehmans thing cost. I also need to point out that in my description I wrote last night, it wasn't just that the Pagans were co-operating more than the Christians; it's also that the Christians were a) trying to be more individualistic -- good up to a point, and b) wanted to do things differently than the Pagans -- again, good up to a point, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
<><
Jim C.,
My DJH was a builder of homes in this section of the State and if I had known you needed a Plumbers Helper, I would have sent you all that you could ever need, for nothing.
But have you ever considered a Wash Board? You see, in the days when I was starting my family, washboards were in almost every home. The boards were made of galvanized metal, had various sizes of horizonal ribs that were used for different clothes to be washed. Jeans and such tough clothing would require a larger rib while doing a regular subject such as shirts or diapers would be much smaller ribs.
Or you could take different sizes of rocks, some smooth, some rough and some just normal and use them also. If you get the rocks hot or at least a little warm, they are great for working out tough soils like grease, tar, grass stains, etc. Also, sand works great if it is more like pea gravel. I learned all of that from some very precious native Indians and it works really well.
Anything else, my round frient?
Grany
It feels so good to have my own key board up and running again. Using DJH's about drove me bats. No smart remarks now.
OOPS,
frient shoulda been, coulda been
'FRIEND'.
Sorry about that and I am going to slap my keyboard when I get finished here.
GG5
Glad to see some posts about some of the prophecy teachers out there.
I have not been following things too closely lately and wondered which Bible prophecy teachers/websites you suggest.
There are so many out there now!
Donna, there are so many voices out there and it seems the theories are multitude regarding the Prophetic Scriptures. It is best not to fixate on a person but instead study God's Word diligently and ask Him for His wisdom and the Holy Spirit's discernment.
The ones that I like might not be the ones you will but I do know that Joel Rosenberg has a great site and he has email notifications of what is going on. HERE IS HIS HOME PAGE . It will get you to the site for his current book but there is a link on that page that takes you to his blog.
Now I don't say that he will discuss all prophecy but it will keep you up to date about what is going on. Another one you might enjoy is wwww.raptureready.com. I don't do much on Prohecy in the News anymore since J.R. Church went on to be with the Lord but it is www.prophecyinthenews.com if you would like to glean from them.
There are others out there but some of them I don't recommend. I believe that Sean Osborn is pretty good too but his site is more into the logistics of it all. More of a military type approach than others. I like his take on things but I don't think you would enjoy it much. If you want to try it, Google this: ESCHATOLOGY TODAY BLOG.
Hope that helps.
Grany
Grany, you're probably already aware of this:
Oklahoma is so hot that street lamps are melting
KFOR TV in Stillwater, Oklahoma is reporting that temperatures are so high that the street lamps have begun melting.
The photo with the story is kinda cool, too.
<><
Thanks, Grany. I get the email notifications from Joel, etc. Haven't checked rapture ready in a while, but shall do. Thank you for the other suggestions, too!
Donna
one that I get via email actually has multiple different authors-www.bibleprophecyblog.com Joel Rosenberg, Tom ice and many others have articles. There are some I don't necessarily agree with that post from time to time but all in all I think they are correctly trying to rightly divide God's word. They also can be on a variety of topics and not just prophecy but subjects of hot importance. Dr Ice did a profile for example about a week or two maybe ago on the movie being peddled by WND called Isaiah 9:10. I found it quite informative. Jimmy DeYoung doesn't post as much anymore but from time to time still does. You might enjoy it.
While not directly prophecy all the time our own Mac writes a column for the Omega letter and although I have not been to his site in many moons I have3 enjoyed Jack Kelley's site Grace Thru faith-not strictly speaking just about prophecy
OK, now I have to ask a question that has been bugging me and I really am torn about the whole thing.
The Rabbi, Jonathan Cahn, that wrote "Harbinger" has caused a lot of very vitrol book reviews. What are some of your thoughts regarding his book?
There is a very definite reason I am asking this and I will explain. Back in 2001 after the World Trade Center was destroyed and the government seemed to be of one accord, I was watching very closely all of the events that were taking place around the TC complex especially. We could get the ceremony on C-Span and even DJH was acutely interested.
But I remember the reading of those bible verses and they made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and salute. It was not a pleasant experience and at the time I remember thinking "why did they chose those scriptures at this particular time?". I didn't really think of them as a prophetic passage of things to come but all of the history of those sites was being shared on TV.
In other words, both of us seemed to be glued to the TV during the whole thing and then one of the networks gave the history of the church that was involved in the very beginning of our history in the USA. But at the time, all we could feel was the heartbreak, disgust, anger and a great desire to go after the criminals responsible.
To both of us, it seemed that there was so much more to what had happened than just malcontents raining down destruction on people that they loathed.
Any ideas about the Rabbi's belief that our leaders pronounced a curse over our nation?
Grany
The Harbinger topic can be an emotional one, Grany. Jan Markell got upset because various dispies criticized the book. She claimed some of the attacks were personal but the critiques I read were pretty objective. This is one area where I disagree with Jan. Isaiah 9 was written to Israel. There may well be modern parallels with the US and even other nations, but the chapter was meant for Israel.
Here's what Dave James says:
Everyone agrees that America is in deep spiritual trouble and that the country is now or soon could be under God’s judgment. Everyone also agrees with Jonathan Cahn’s overall message, which is a broad call for national repentance. However, the serious disagreements center on whether the author has genuinely received this message from God and whether he has indeed discovered an ancient mystery in Isaiah 9:10 that correlates precisely with events over the last decade in the United States, beginning with the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Those of us with deep concerns about the book are persuaded that he has not either case.
Then would you say that the utterances of that particular passage wasn't meant as a curse spoken by the nations leaders but that it was a fitting foretelling of what would and did happen? I don't view it as a pronouncement of doom because like you said, it was a foreboding to Israel. Not everything in scripture can be applied to Christians. We are the branch adopted into Abraham's promises but just how far does that go? Are we also part of the pronouncements of judgments?
I know that the whole spectrum of the 9/11/01 events were horrible and those passages were not comforting to me. Maybe because I knew what they pertained to in the Isaiah passage but why did they have such a profound affect on my DJH? That is the question that I wrestle with. He is not a true believer in Jesus Christ, quite the contrary. He might have prayed the sinners prayer but believing that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God, no way! He has repeatedly told me so for the last 2 years.
So, again, I ask why did those passages have such a negative affect on him? As far as the Rabbi is concerned, the book is a wake up call to all of us-Christian and nonbeliever alike. But what about the ones who have truly repented already and have lived as close to the Lord as possible. What are we supposed to do to prepare the ground for the next move of God? More importantly, how are we to pray?
Yes, I do believe with all of my heart that the next move of God will be very major, swift as a well tendered arrow and hitting the mark as if from the very aim of Yahwah, because it will be. Yes, I do believe that the years since 2001 are being weighed in the balance and we are found....wanting.
But do the writings of all mankind regarding things of God fall into categories of pronouncments of blessings/cursings or are they just from imaginations? I guess my big question to the Rabbi is "were you writing by the Power of the Holy Spirit or just writing what came to your mind?".
You have to admit that this comment has more questions than answers and I really feel torn regarding what is happening. Are we approaching God's great Awakening or his fulfilling the passage of judgment beginning in the church: "1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"
"That judgment must begin - The word 'judgment' here (κρίμα krima) seems to mean "the severe trial which would determine character." It refers to such calamities as would settle the question whether there was any religion, or would test the value of that which was professed. It was to "begin" at the house of God, or be applied to the church first, in order that the nature and worth of religion might be seen. The reference is, doubtless, to some fearful calamity which would primarily fall on the "house of God;" that is, to some form of persecution which was to be let loose upon the church." from Barnes Notes and Commentary.
Past or present?
I am still digging for God's answers but my shovel is getting worn out. I really do appreciate your response Hydethecookies and the cheesecake. It isn't a question that I would venture to ask anywhere else. You wouldn't believe the amount of notes I have accumulated over this question and I am no further along than when I first began.
Grany
Oops, I didn't see the last paragraph of your comment Hydethecheesecake. Seems my DJH was reading on my computer and forgot to move the screen up when he finished reading. I assumed that it was where I had left off. Dave James comment is very point blank and I agree with him. You said that the passage was and is directed to Israel and I agree with this also but is there more to it?
I am not a gloomy person in the least and it is the way I am inside and have always been except for a very short episode of my life after a horrible divorce. Thankfully my heavenly Abba delievered me from that phase of my life. But I keep expecting the other shoe to drop and all of the praying hasn't changed it one i o ta.
Thanks, Jib. I get emails from both Joel and bibleprophecy ...and check Jimmy deyoungs fairly often, too so I guess I'm more on top of things than I thought.
Some of the stuff out there seems a little way out there...but who knows...I guess time will tell!
Grany, thanks for the offer, but the plumber's helper thing was almost 3 years ago. It started when after 6 months of having the washers and driers at the apartment building working only intermittently, the company who owned the equipment FINALLY fixed the machines, but then immediately raised the cost 50 cents on each machine, so now it cost a dollar extra to do laundry. I was unemployed and couldn't handle the extra cost.
So the rebel in me started researching different ways to do the laundry. I finally worked out the bucket/plunger method; strung string across the spare bedroom, and only used the machines once a month to do sheets and towels. I can't do that here-- for one thing, the apartment complex's laundry is reasonably priced and all the machines work; for another, I've got no place to string up a clothes line. So until I move into a bigger place (or my daughters move out), I don't need a washboard.
I do recall reading some other methods people used. One guy who worked construction got the 5-gal. buckets with tight-fitting lids. Every morning, he'd fill up the buckets with water, soap, and clothes, throw in some river rocks, seal the lid, and toss the buckets into the back of his truck. As he drove to work, the buckets rolled around in the pickup bed, with the rocks smashing into the clothes and washing them. At lunch, he'd dump out the old water and use the hose from the work site to fill up the buckets again with clean water, then seal them up again. After driving back home, he'd dump out the water, squeeze the clothes damp, and hang them up to dry.
As for your shovel getting worn out, that just means you need to pick up a pickaxe. It could also mean that you're reaching bedrock.
As for the Isaiah 9 book and movie; I'd like to read/see both. For years many of the ministers and religious (if not the politicians) have been making bold statements, saying that the US is the New Israel, chosen by G_D. I haven't read the book so I can't comment directly on it. However, it's possible that G_D is saying "You wanted to be like Israel; are you prepared for the chastisements to be poured on you as they were poured on My Nation Israel years ago?"
<><
"However, it's possible that G_D is saying "You wanted to be like Israel; are you prepared for the chastisements to be poured on you as they were poured on My Nation Israel years ago?""
Good point, Mr Carroll. All Replacement Theologians take note! ;-)
Grany, this is Dave James' take on the Harbinger:
http://www.biblicalintegrity.org/blog/2012/04/26/harbinger-fact-fiction/
athickhyde,
I finally brought a fan in beside my computer, turned it on full blast, parked myself in front of it and the cooling down period has helped to clear the foggy bottom brain cells! Yippee!
I did a Google search for Dave James, found the one that related to the Bible, clicked on it and wallah, I landed on the right one. I have been reading ever since and even have listened to Jimmy DeYoung's radio 90 minute session. I do appreciate your giving me the link because if the heat keeps up, my brain gets fried anymore, I will need to copy and paste your link.
I do feel a giant sigh of relief after reading Dave's remarks and I agree with him. The days are becoming very murky with all the "expert qualified Bible bugaboos" giving everything of God some far out new revelation. I think I have encountered a passage that said there are no new revelations and so, I will save my money and not add to my already too giant library.
DJH will be very relieved about my decisive turn around of habits. Buy book, regret it later sort of thing.
JIM C.
I am still laughing because of the man doing his washing in the bed of his truck. Oh, I wish I had known how to do that when I lived in Missouri. Especially in the winter time. Hung all of my clothes (babies you know)outside no matter how cold it got. Learned a lot of humble gratefulness during those years.
Anyway, I know that the days ahead will have pot holes, storms, emotional trauma but hey, we are all the children of God, He loves us all far more than we love Him and he will take care of us.
The heated discussion at Sean's has made me realize how very easy it is to become too involved in things that we know very real information regarding. Especially when it means that our natural man side comes out and suddenly we are worse than wearwolves. Or should that be warwolves?
Grany
Timely commentary on interpretation
A critical look at Harbinger
It's easy to get into arguments, Grany. Over at the OL someone asked for input re the Harbinger and so I simply said that I didn't think that Isaiah 9 spoke about America. That little was still enough to offend someone.
I think Dave makes good sense. Because I've come from the New Age I tend to be very skeptical when someone says they got some info via a personal vision. I've chased too many hares down rabbit holes in the past.
I don't want to make any judgments about Cahn but IMO Isaiah 9 has nothing to do with America.
I agree Mac and appreciate your answering me. A very good friend of mine is really going overboard regarding the book that the Rabbi wrote and not having read it, I didn't really know how to respond to her.
I can see how it would stir up some real heat but why is it that discussing such important matters always seems to bring on the vitrol? I have been guilty of that very thing in the past but I know that I don't have to shed blood over someone else's thinking. Now, when it comes to my thinking, that is the only person I can get down to the nitty gritty with.
Sorry that I brought up the subject but I really wasn't aware of the conflict. Just didn't feel right for some reason and didn't know why. Cannot discuss it with DJH and now I don't have to worry about it.
Thanks again,
Grany
JIB,
thanks for the links and Ron Rhodes. He has been mentioned quite a bit regarding his disgust with the Islamic Antichrist. Interesting reading.
Now I am going to cool off and try, really try to quit sweating. This weather is a mess but we are almost through with it come the end of August. Poor lil kitty kat has spent the last two weeks in our garage but she seems to be a lot happier and healthy again. The garage is well insulated and at least 30 degrees cooler than outside. Besides, no fleas to torment her.
Added note on Kitty Kat: She hates the air conditioning and that is why she is staying in the garage. She can come and go as she wants but hasn't ventured out much except in the mornings.
Sorry I brought up the other subject but didn't have a clue there was a flame war going on about a book.
Grany
Something of interest:
Rabbi Wolfson: Disaster, Redemption May be Near
Esteemed U.S.-based rabbi calls on Jews to wake up to danger, says a world war is to be expected.
Rav Moshe Wolfson of Brooklyn has held an emergency gathering in his community and called upon the members to be strong in Torah and prayer so that the Jewish people will survive the time of tension with Iran.
The rabbi noted that the Torah sages predicted that Persia, now called Iran, would one day destroy the world, in the times immediately preceding the Redemption.
<><
Did Rav Moshe Wolfson bother to quote where these scribes found that revelation in the scriptures? No where in the Old Testament and certainly not in the New Testament is that prediction substantiated, to my knowledge. The book of Revelation tells a completely different point of view.
In fact, the Book of Daniel plainly points out the world powers that will rule and we are right now into the feet. I cannot see the left foot crushing the right foot in the least, or vis versa. But I don't think we will have much more time to find out Persia's plight.
What if Yahweh, Hisself, took Persia out of the picture completely, would those same scribes, if they were alive today, have a different interpretation of scripture?
In "The Messianic Hope" Dr Michael Rydelnik has a chapter on Rashi's negative impact on hermeneutics. Rashi is considered to be one of the greatest OT scolars and is often appealed to by non-pretibbers to argue for Michael being the Restrainer. Yet his non-literal treatment of OT passages that we take to be Messianic actually promoted liberal scholarship.
Here's Dan Phillips' review of his book:
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/12/book-review-messianic-hope-by-michael.html
Just got back from visiting family in the Denver area & this time paid attention to the Murals @ the DIA.
Boy ~ they sure have lots of them! Finally saw the NWO mural in the baggage claim area ~ wasn't as large as I imagined & they had a gargoyle statue coming out of a suitcase looking down on all the luggage.
That Anti-Christ horse of the Apocalypse (Denver Bronco yeah sure) was huge w/red glowing eyes greeting everyone driving to DIA.
I took some pictures of another fairy New Age mural waiting for the tram that was interesting. Our daughter kept picking out all sorts of symbolism along the way looking @ the murals there.
The best part was going through security on the way home. We happened to pick the line where the stanch looking lady was making EVERYONE go through the X-ray machine. I was not happy thinking about it or my kids getting xtra radiation though this nonsense. I could feel my pulse going up even!
Then she must have got the word or something because right when we came up next for our turn she started letting our section pass though just the metal detector. Whew ~ Praise God! I was beyond thrilled! Not to forget God looks after & cares for even the little concerns of our lives.
Anonymous, the revelations that the scribes are referring to are found in the Mishnah and Gemara of the Talmud, a compendium of oral tradition, midrashim (stories), and learned analysis assembled in written form in the 2nd century AD.
The Holy Books of Judaism
Rabbi Scheinerman's Web Page
<><
No wonder the Jews have had to roam on the range all of these years. The only HOLY Book that there is is the Bible and anything else is pure speculation.
JIM
Thought this was interesting:
Whither the Watchers?
Personally, I think it's really sad that so many people become so immersed in other peoples visions or dreams.
It's hard for me to understand people who embrace these things, just as it is hard for others to understand why I embrace the Old and New Testaments.
Looks like a great article, Mac. I quickly scanned it, but will print it out and read it asap. Thanks! I'll look for your articles, too.
Thank you Hydehoho,
I am still reading at the link and it is great, besides which, there are other rabbits to follow while there. WATCHERS is exactly what we are all called to be and I think we pretty well fill the assignment. Each one of us have our own fields of interest but I am enjoying the fruits of everyone else's diggings.
Plus, on one of the Israel news sources, there is speculation about a totally different approach to dealing with Persia. I would post it here but I don't want to bring too much attention to the report. It will be without H or A bombs but will be very effective just the same. No immediate deaths and it could sure explain a lot of the reasons for the fulfillment of Ez's passages. I know that you all will know what I am referring to.
The thought that this could all be over with in a matter of a couple of months leaves me with mixed emotions. I have promised myself not to get too involved with the really weird interpretations of the Book of Daniel/Revelation/Ps. 83/Is. 17/Jeremiah 49 anymore. In fact, like Marge used to say, "God has a few curve balls up his sleave" before this is all over. After all HE is Yahweh and we are not! Thank God for that!
Shalom,
Grany
OOPS, 'sleave' not! But do put your arm in the Sleeve and be sure to button your shirt in front.
Would be kinda hard to button your shirt in the back! hehehe
Grany
Did ya all know that Jim C. is going to have a big birthday bash on the 19th? Well, he is and I didn't get an invitation. Now what are you going to do about that one Mr. JIM CARROLL?
Send me a piece of the cake please and I promise I will not tell anyone else about the big day.
My name is Barruk HeSung Obooma and I promise Change that you can believe in.
Grany
Mr Carroll, I hear a birthday is pending. I would like to declare that I should be humbled to cordially accept any invitation that might be extended.
Serious Note:
There is talk taking place on the magic of the Internet and you all might be slightly interested.
<a href="http://newmediajournal.us/indx.php/item/4359:> EMP</a> talk taking place.
Might have to put off that BD party Jim but just for a day or so. Go ahead and get the funny hats, whistles, balloons, cake and plenty punch. No one wants to miss this one because we all might not be around next year.
Grany
wha happened that my link didn't work? I am beginning to really feel the pressure around here and it is hot again. Barametric pressure that is but also, a bunch of other world pressure also.
Grany, your link didn't work because you have a colon at the end of your URL instead of a quote mark. Here's the link with the URL fixed:
EMP
As for the birthday, it's going to be very quiet. I'm taking vacation time starting on Friday and all the next week; I'm planning on spending that time making a quilt for my youngest to take to college at the end of the month. FWIW, I'll be 53.
(The only reason I'm bringing up my age is because some guy online is hitting on my middle daughter. He's asking if she has a webcam, and he's two years older than me.)
<><
JIM C,
Aw, 53 was a good age back 24 years ago. Yeek, that long? Well anyway, it is good that you are taking protective care of your daughter and I know that she will thank you for it someday, if not right now.
Tell that old geezer who is TRYING to hit on her to get lost or fix her account so he can't contact her. You are the guru concerning such overt things and I know you will find a way.
Have a great vacation and just think where you are now and where you were over a year ago. Then you know the next step: Yep, Thank God for all that he has brought you through, just like he promised.
Grany
Hi everyone,
need your prayers. I had to have a molar pulled today, unplanned but a big "Had to" and it is really beginning to hurt. The bleeding has just about quit but there is quite a bit of infection involved and I am not feeling real great.
Getting old is really a lot of fun but it is just one little ripple in the usually calm sea.
Thanks in advance,
Grany
Will pray, Dear Friend.
Anne
Been praying as well, Grany.
Another good sermon from Carter Conlon last Sunday, "It is Time for the Lord to Work"
http://www.tscnyc.org/media_center.php?pg=sermons
(Sorry, you have to copy & paste)
He announces that Times Square Church will be fasting and praying for 3 days in Sept (16-18, I think).
Anne
New day, thank God!
Pain is almost gone and the bleeding has stopped. So hungry I could eat anything if DJH would fix it.
Thank you for your prayers and I really could feel them. Last night was a real challenge but God never fails our pleas for help. Slept like a baby but didn't have to have a diaper change this morning. hehehe
Grany
Glad to hear, Grany.
New post is up!
Post a Comment