He Is So Good!

     I will tell you, with Ebola and ISIS foremost on people's minds these days, it is not often that you get to have an unexpected conversation about the miserable state of the world and wind up feeling positive and energized.  But that is exactly what happened to my husband and I yesterday.
     It seems that Peace-Loving Warrior just doesn't recover from physical injuries like he used to when he was younger.  Granted, it's not easy to be doing repair work on a steep tin roof when the overcast sky suddenly decides to turn sunny; especially when you're barefoot (which affords better traction on the slippery surface).  That roof can go from zero to 100 degrees in a matter of seconds... hence, his jump from one elevation to another, and his unfortunate landing on one of the seams of the tin roof.  The result has been ongoing pain in the ball of his foot.  And that led us to a visit to a local Podiatrist, and a most interesting morning.

     After some idle chitchat, the conversation turned to the realization that we all shared certain concerns for the country, our communities, and our families.  But how many conversations have you had with a virtual stranger that began with "The fact that this country exists is due to a series of miracles; God had a purpose for this nation"?  The good doctor then went on to expound upon his theory ... he truly believes that this nation came into being to propel the spread of the Bible around the globe.
     With a series of questions, he began to explain his premise.  "Who is primarily responsible for the explosion of technology in this age?"  Although computer scientists from Belgium and England are credited with inventing the World Wide Web, it was Americans (like Robert E. Kahn) who invented the Transmission Control Protocol and the Internet Protocol, the fundamental communication protocols at the heart of the Internet, and who were the real internet pioneers.  Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook soon followed, and the United States has virtually exported the internet to the world.
     His next question was, "So, isn't it now possible for someone like Billy Graham to preach a sermon that can be translated, via the internet, into any language in the world, and be heard by millions at the same time?"  We had to agree.  It could certainly be hypothesized that America had served a purpose in spreading the Gospel.  But the intelligent Foot Doctor was quick to point out that this did not mean that America was exempt from God's judgment.  He then pointed out that sinful nations such as Egypt and the Babylonian Empire had been used by God to serve His purposes, and we should not look upon our "favored status" over the last 200 years as a sign that God will be pleased with us in these Last Days.
     Our conversation then progressed to a more personal, introspective nature.  So, what is to be our response to what we see coming upon this nation and the world?  We all agreed it is to be prepared as best as we can, not counting on being "raptured" out of the unpleasantness that we are sure to experience.  If God did not spare His Chosen People, the Jews, during their seasons of disobedience, then what makes us arrogant American Christians think that we will escape His judgment?  It could be quick and immediate ... events like Ebola, or ISIS attacks in the Homeland, could certainly become agents of His "terrible, swift sword", couldn't they?
    So, all the beans and rice, and prepper supplies we've accumulated; all the new skills and new knowledge we've acquired... what has it been for?  Has it really been to save us, or will they become tools with which we can reach one more person for His Kingdom?  Personally, I have an opinion about every written note in my Bible; every notebook filled with lesson plans for the Books of Revelation, Daniel and Romans that I've shared in the past 3-4 years; copies of my book, and my notes on the Lord's Feasts --- I think that no matter what happens to me, they will be left behind, hopefully to be found by someone who needs to hear the message about what Jesus has done for them.  In fact, PLW has been painstakingly copying his newfound and extensive knowledge into a journaling Bible that will be sure to bless anyone who finds it.
    At the end of our visit -- which would have gone on for much longer, if the nurse hadn't stuck her head in to remind the doctor that he had other patients to see -- we felt as if this meeting was ordained.  We left the outpatient clinic feeling renewed and confident that we are serving a purpose; both for our God and our fellow man.  In these days, months and years of anticipated pessimism, we must not lose sight of a Plan that is greater than any single one of us.  Let chaos reign all around us; we know why we are here and whose path we are to follow.  Thank you, God, for your blessings and encouragement today!

Psalm 118:23    This is the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
   
 
   
 

Is It The Military's Duty To Fight Ebola?

     I can tell you that I am struggling to understand the decision to send our military personnel to West Africa to become involved in fighting Ebola.  In an exclusive report on WND.com, some of our most decorated and retired Military Generals are grappling with this decision, too.  Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin and retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely both question the decision by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to put 4,000 boots on the ground.
     Although U.S. officials want us to believe that our troops' exposure to the deadly virus will be "limited", this seems to be a very rushed and anything but comprehensively planned mission.  We are told that "the soldiers would be responsible for command, control, logistics, civil affairs and medical assistance."  Should that really be their role?  Doesn't that sound like duties that should be carried out by the Center for Disease Control?
     In fact, the CDC Foundation website describes the role of the CDC in case of a contagious outbreak as follows:  If a pandemic should occur, CDC would conduct an investigation and provide technical assistance to cities, states or international partners dealing with the outbreak. This assistance would include consultation, lab testing and analysis, patient management and care, tracking of contacts and infection control (including isolation and quarantine). CDC’s primary goals would be to determine the cause of the illness, the source of the infection/virus/toxin, learn how it is transmitted and how readily it is spread, how to break the cycle of transmission and prevent further cases and how patients can best be treated. Not only would scientists be working to identify the cause and cure of the outbreak, but CDC acting with other federal and international agencies would send medical teams and first responders to help those in affected areas. Scientists in the labs of CDC would work to develop a vaccine to combat the virus and then distribute and administer it to public.
     So why aren't they doing their job and going to West Africa, instead of sending our troops to do jobs they aren't qualified for?  As General Boykin points out, "At a time when our military has been at war for 13 years, suicide is at an all-time high, [post-traumatic stress disorder] is out of control and families are being destroyed as a result of 13 years of war, the last thing the president should be doing is sending people into West Africa to fight Ebola ... That's not what the military does."

   
     In the WND article, Boykin goes on to point out that there will be no inoculation for Ebola prior to troop deployment. Defense Department spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said that the only preparation service members will receive before heading to West Africa will be briefings on the disease.  How would you feel if your son, daughter, husband or wife was assigned this deployment?  Will that information help you sleep at night?
     And as I look at these young people boarding a transport plane in the accompanying photo, I can't help but think, "What are we sending them into?  How will we protect them, and how will we contain this disease should, God forbid, one of them contract it?  Are they just a face without a name to the DC politicians?"
     Then there is this to consider ... the CDC wanted us to believe that our nation's hospitals were briefed and prepared to deal with any potential Ebola patient that showed up on their doorstep.  Yet, it is clear to us all that the so-called medical experts botched it in Dallas.  Are we really expected to believe that  we can send 4,000 soldiers into the heart of the beast and no one will become infected?  And can they guarantee that all these heroes will be better monitored than one man was in Dallas -- so that they do not endanger their loved ones at home, or deploy to other units and spread the disease?
     And like General Boykin, I want to know, "Where is the U.N. or other African nations?"  Why are our troops once again on the front lines?  You don't have to be a conspiracy nut to figure out that this doesn't make sense, and defies logic or common sense.  The administration spokesmen can insist all they want that our troops won't be exposed to the virus; but the fact that they are in West Africa places them in harm's way.
     Then there is information provided in another WND article, written by Joseph Farah.  He reports that "The Defense Department is planning to spend at least $1 billion on the effort. That represents a commitment of $333,333 for every soldier deployed. Just imagine how many more local citizens could be hired for this assignment?"
     Farah's article also mentions the ambiguity of Defense Department spokesman John Kirby, when he said, “But there’s no – there’s no intent right now for them to have direct contact with patients.”  Do you trust the safety of our troops after that ill-defined statement?  And here's what I don't get ... Kirby very clearly states that this "is not a military operation ... The mission is to do some training, to build these units and do some logistics, some transports, the movement of materiel."  So, if it's not a military operation, why are we sending soldiers?
     You know, it seems to me that we actually have some real missions that better suit our soldiers right now ... like stopping the growing threat of Islamic radicals in Syria and Iraq... or how about protecting our own country from a myriad of threats at our southern border?  That's what our troops are trained to do!  They are warriors, trained to fight and win wars ... this is one mission they should not be called to answer.

Psalm 91:9-10   "Because you’ve made the Lord my refuge, the Most High, your place of residence—no evil will happen to you; no disease will come close to your tent."


   

Where Have Our Manners Gone?

     I don't know if you saw the recent reporting of the 80-year-old man who was enjoying a drink at his local Florida Applebees, and approached a fellow 26-year-old patron, asking him to discontinue his loud use of obscenities.  According to the police report, Harry Sander, the octogenarian, politely asked Mikie Sawyer to quit using the "F" word and repeatedly talking about T & A.

      First of all, I can remember a time when people would have been embarrassed to be heard talking that way in front of strangers.  But did Sawyer respect his elder's request and tone it down?  No!  Like the spoiled, narcissistic society we've become, he announced that he didn't have to stop cursing if he didn't want to.  So according to witnesses, Mr. Sander leaned in once again, and informed Mikie that in his native Germany, one didn't speak in polite company like that.
     Well, Sawyer was not only unconcerned about being polite in the company of others, but he made sure to disparage the elderly man's thick accent and his heritage, saying, “I don’t care where you are from, whether it be Russia or Dutch, take your ass to the other side of the bar.”  [Apparently, Mikie not only showed a distinct lack of character, but doesn't know his world geography, either.  Someone needs to tell him "Dutch" is not a country].
     But it is not simply his lack of respect and crudeness that is deplorable, it is what he does next that I find so reprehensible.  The police report records that Sawyer then punched Mr. Sander in the face and pushed him to the ground.  The elderly gentleman doesn't remember much after that moment.  Witnesses corroborated the incident and the mistreatment of Harry Sander, and Mikie was arrested for battery on a person over the age of 65 and disorderly conduct.
     According to Florida law, "A person who is convicted of an aggravated assault or aggravated battery upon a person 65 years of age or older shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years and fined not more than $10,000 and shall also be ordered by the sentencing judge to make restitution to the victim of such offense and to perform up to 500 hours of community service work. Restitution and community service work shall be in addition to any fine or sentence which may be imposed and shall not be in lieu thereof."  We can only hope that justice is served in this case.
    If it was up to me, I would like to invite Mr. Mikie Sawyer to Texas to meet my friend, Maurice Chambers.  I believe that Maurice just turned 78 years old; although as the holder of several state long distance running records, and a still-active Texas rancher and hunter, he would be mistaken for a much younger man.  In fact, I have seen him out-run and out-work men half his age.  He is one tough and rugged Texan!

     But he is also a devout and pious Christian man.  I have seen him tell many a foul-mouthed cowboy and hunter who was visiting his ranch that he would not tolerate profanity; especially in front of ladies.  He even told a legendary rock star (with his own hunting show) that he was not welcome to bow hunt on his property if he continued using the "F" word.  In Maurice's world, there's no compromise when it comes to old-fashioned manners.
     And where has that standard gone in this country?  Where is the respect for others, and the esteem for our elderly?  Have we become such a self-centered, narcissistic nation, that we have no concern for our fellow citizens?  Are our egos so big, that none dare oppose us?  I suspect that we have raised a generation or two of spoiled kids; children who are now adults, and who think the world rotates around them.  They owe consideration to no one but themselves.  And, now we see a decline not only in manners, but in our ability to see others as unique and worthy of courtesy and honor.  As in the case of Mikie, they become ugly and despicable human beings.
     So, the next time Mikie Sawyer decides to disrespect an elderly gentleman, whose only crime is a request for good manners, I hope he meets someone like my friend, Maurice.  If Mikie continues to exhibit his rude nature, I guarantee he will be the one picking himself up off the floor.  It will be in his best interest to have a change of attitude, and to give another thought to becoming well-mannered and better-behaved.  Yep, I'd like to see Maurice teach Mikie a thing or two ... and the first lesson would start with respect.

1 Peter 5:5      Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
   
     

The Supreme Court Is In Session: How Will God Judge Us?

     You may not realize it, but today is the day that the Supreme Court begins its next term.  As Americans, we hardly take note when the highest court of the land is in session.  I would daresay that most of us know very little of the history of the Court or its purpose within our governmental system.
     Among other cases, this session of the Court may decide, once and for all, the legality of same-sex marriage, and therefore will deliver important consequences for our nation.  And, as always, I am completely taken by surprise when seemingly random thoughts occur to me, such as, I wonder if there is a Biblical parallel between how God used the Israelite Judges in the Bible, and our own Supreme Court?  Rather than dismiss these thoughts, especially if they are recurring, I usually conclude that they are not by chance, at all, and decide to follow where I am being led; so here we go ....
     Let's start with the role of the Supreme Court.  It was interesting to research different opinions of the Court.  One website,  Scholastic.com, (which advocates Common Core), describes the Supreme Court in these terms:  "The Supreme Court is like a referee on a football field. The Congress, the President, the state police, and other government officials are the players. Some can pass laws, and others can enforce laws. But all exercise power within certain boundaries set by the Constitution. As the "referee" in the our system of government, it's the Supreme Court's job to say when government officials have [exceeded their authority and] stepped out-of-bounds."
     Another site, Answers.com, says, "The Supreme Court, the only court created by the Constitution, has the final say on all legal matters that come to it ... The primary role of the US Supreme Court is interpreting the Constitution."  Both definitions make it clear that, in matters of law, the Supreme Court bases its judgments on "the highest law of all -- the Constitution."
     That's where I think we, as a nation, have gotten off-track.  Shouldn't God's laws be the highest in the land?  Did you know that we have a history, since the founding of this nation, of conflict over a "Godless Constitution"?  Beginning in 1787, with the drafting of the Constitution, there was much debate over the role of God within the Constitution's framework, and the lack of mention of Him in the final draft.  Then in 1863, a group called the National Reform Association attempted to propose an amendment "to rectify the religious defect" in the document.  According to an article by the European Journal of American Studies, "Ministers attacked the Constitution from the pulpit, usually because it lacked reference to God."   Even in our lifetimes, we have seen this controversy around God's role in the administration of our nation, with the rise of the Moral Majority in the 1980s.

     Inevitably, this argument comes back to the "separation of church and state" controversy.  We could debate endlessly on whether that was the original intent of our Founding Fathers or not; and other than their own writings on the subject, I am disinclined to accept any modern interpretation of their intentions.  That being said, we can accept this simple fact, as it has been presented by TheocracyWatch.org:  The word "God" does not appear within the text of the Constitution of the United States. After spending three-and-a-half months debating and negotiating about what should go into the document that would govern the land, the framers drafted a constitution that is [virtually] secular.  The U.S. Constitution is often confused with the Declaration of Independence, and it's important to understand the difference.  The Constitution is a legal document; the Declaration is not.
     So, if we accept that our nation was founded with the idea that a legal document was to be "the highest law of all", does this explain how we've steadily wandered from acknowledgment of God as our Supreme Law-giver and Judge ... and that we ignore the highest law of all as established by God,  and He will judge whether we have obeyed His decrees?
     As a Christian, it is my belief that all nations, leaders and judges have been given their authority by God; and these people[s] can be used by Him to bless us or to discipline us.  Just as in the Old Testament, after the capable leadership of Joshua, the nation of Israel no longer trusted in or obeyed God, and proceeded to "do what was right in its own eyes".   The Book of Judges chronicles the apostasy of Israel and the merciful deliverance of the nation through the Judges He provided.
     Don't get confused by that word "deliverance".  It does not mean that God spared Israel from the consequences of its actions, as their repeated oppression by foreign nations testifies.  But God did show His compassion and His faithfulness through His covenant with Israel, by providing them Judges, who were political leaders that rescued them from their own unfaithfulness, and eventually delivered them from foreign threats or repression.
     So, how does this relate to us, today?  In Judges, Chapter 2, the Bible says the people were "greatly distressed," and even though God "raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them, they would not listen, but played the harlot with other gods, and bowed down to them."  This clearly shows that God remained faithful and took pity upon a wayward people who "grieved Him continually."  I contend that we qualify for grieving God, and are mirroring the apostasy of ancient Israel, resulting in a downward spiral of disobedience and idolatry that has taken us further away from God, our true Judge.  The question remains: Will He take pity on us in this age?

Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge of Israel

    The Biblical history of the Israelite judges reveals that some accomplished more for God and the people than others.  For all intents and purposes, every generation got the leadership and judges it deserved.  What does that say about us, and what does it portend?  How will the Judges of our Supreme Court rule this session?  Will they be God's instrument of blessing, or will they represent His discipline upon our nation?
     Since our Supreme Court has increasingly compromised Constitutional rulings for political ones; and we know that Biblical principles will not play a role in their decisions; we now have a deeply divided Court.  This will render the same-sex marriage issue not only the most important matter before the Court in determining our way of life, but it will be the defining legacy of this Court.  Since God is not present in the Constitution, and seems to be an absent influence in most of our political leaders, I think it is safe to say we can expect the Justices to do what they think is right "in their own eyes."   Or they could decide to delay a decision on this case, causing further dissension, and a continued disregard for God's opinion on the matter.
     No matter what the Court decides in this controversial case -- or the others before it -- we, as a nation, must come to realize that disobedience invites discipline, and always brings judgment.  Whether we are judged to be a righteous nation, or an apostate one, will be revealed by those God has set to rule over us.  At the moment, our breakdown in responsiveness to our LORD, and our lack of conviction to His principles, has led us to a breakdown in our societal and moral fabric.
     But we must never forget that God is always there for those who cry out to Him.  The Book of Judges reveals the cycles of decline and revival among the ancient nation of Israel.  We need to pray and cry out to God to prepare a Deliverer for this nation.  If that turns out to be the return of Christ, then that's wonderful!  If our Lord is delayed, then let's pray for a righteous leader[s] that will bring renewal to this oppressed land.  It's time to break this cycle and change the direction of this country.  With God's help, we can!

Judges 2:18    "And when the Lord raised them up judges, in their days He was moved to mercy, and heard the groanings of the afflicted, and delivered them from the slaughter of the oppressors."
   
   
     
   
   
   

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven 

with a loud cry of summons, 

with the shout of an archangel, 

and with the blast of the trumpet of God. 

And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first.

     

     Last week I gave you a comparison of the Old Testament and New Testament significance of this Holy Day, the Day of Atonement.  While this is new to me, the Holy Spirit is showing a small, but growing group of us Christians why these Feast Days are important to the Lord. 

     Today, in an effort to show God's plan of unity between his natural olive tree and the wild olive shoot,  I would like to share with you the testimony of a group of Jewish Believers, who are celebrating this day in Jerusalem.  It is my hope that you will see a picture not only of our Lord's mercy in forgiving us our trespasses, but a future picture of His return.  

     Asher Intrater is the Director of Revive Israel, a ministry for the Messianic remnant in Israel.  As a Jew, he is able to provide a link between his faith and ours, showing us the unity of the Body of Christ.  Here is his explanation of the Day of Atonement from his unique perspective:

     Yom Kippur is the most holy day of the Jewish calendar.  It was the one time during the year when the high priest could enter the holy of holies, passing through the woven veil to come before the seat of God's presence on earth. He came to offer the blood of atonement, symbolizing the sacrifice of Messiah Yeshua. Yom Kippur has rich layers of prophetic meaning integrating holiness, repentance, atonement, spiritual warfare, the judgment day, resurrection and the second coming of Messiah.

     Every year our vision for celebrating Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) as a united community grows stronger.  This year five local Israeli congregations are participating, and we will join together for a day and a half of prayer and fasting.  Our time will open with a reading from the book of Jonah and its themes of calling for prayer, repentance and mission to the nations.  

     In the morning we will include traditional prayers, and then the team will lead worship during the main assembly. The theme for this day is the blood of Yeshua, atonement and the cross.  The pastors will lead in intercessory prayer.  In the afternoon, we have a public reading of the entire book of Hebrews (in Hebrew). In the past two years, a precious anointing and spontaneous burst of joy accompanied the reading.

     Our closing assembly is dedicated to the end-times prophecies and the "great and terrible day of YHVH" (Joel 1:15, 2:1, 2:11, 2:31, 3:14). The blowing of the shofar at the end of the Day of Atonement is a prophetic proclamation of the Second Coming of Yeshua, the rapture and the resurrection of the dead (Leviticus 25:9, Isaiah 27:13, Matthew 24:31, I Corinthians 15:52, I Thessalonians 4:16).  As the ministry leader, I will give the end-times message leading up to the blowing of the shofar - reflecting our exciting and fearful sense of the approaching end-times, the culmination of the spiritual warfare, the battle of Armageddon, the worldwide outpouring of the Spirit and the establishment of the Messianic kingdom on earth.

     We conclude with the unity of the congregations and participate in the Lord's Supper. There is a large shared meal before the beginning of the fast and light refreshments at the end to break the fast. Seeing the fellowship of different leaders and congregations is itself a miracle, and a sign from the Lord.  Ultimately, the vision of our celebration is one of combining traditional Jewish worship elements with the modern spontaneous Messianic elements. This brings a tremendous sense of awe, covenant, history, prophecy and the presence of the Lord.

     As we Christians come to understand that the roots of our faith are shared with our Jewish Brethren, it is my hope that we will come to grasp the significance of Feast Days like the Day of Atonement, and that we will see our Lord and Savior in the history and the prophecies.  And most of all, it is my prayer that we will also share the sense of awe and the presence of the Lord.  What a glorious God we serve!

Now, For The GOOD News ...

   

     When I began writing this blog nearly three years ago, it was my original intent to give practical advice on what I thought we might be facing; mainly American apathy concerning the loss of our foundational (and personal) liberties, as well as the increasing possibilities of any number of physical, grid-down scenarios.  I wanted to combine hands-on recommendations with spiritual guidance to get us back to our roots.
     I knew I was no expert, but could sense that many people, like me, were beginning to become anxious that we were losing our footing; that if we remained unaware and uninformed, various political, social, and spiritual forces could take us places we were unprepared and unwilling to go.
     There were definite red flags and warning signs, but for most people, it was "business as usual" -- they didn't feel any adverse effects from the threats I saw on the horizon, nor did they even recognize them.  These possible perils were always in the future, or experienced overseas, and no one was touched by imminent danger.  Most of America could still ignore any negative nightly news and simply focus on the latest football scores or celebrity wedding.
     Not so anymore!  The threats are now very real, very personal, and have come home to touch "real people".  There should not be a single person in America who is not shaken by the jihadist murder of Brendan Tevlin in New Jersey, or the beheading of Colleen Hufford in Oklahoma in recent weeks; or by the first cases of Ebola in Dallas and possibly Washington D.C.  The lack of consistent and accurate information should raise the threat consciousness of us all.
     America can no longer ignore that our very way of life is under attack, whether by deliberate design or subtle subterfuge.  We have never faced such brutality as ISIS and their adherents, or such a frightening specter of death as Ebola -- and they have never been so close.  To ignore their existence is to invite calamity.
     But we must also be mindful not to give in to our fears, and must continue to rely on our newfound skills, and to put on our spiritual armor as never before.  It would be easy to fall into despair and panic because of the confusing reports we are getting from so-called "officials".  But if you have spiritual discernment, you know that it is time to rely on your own judgment, with a view towards obtaining Divine direction and understanding.  You have been preparing for this day for some time now, and you know where our true protection lies.  So, it's time to stop looking for our national leaders to shield us and defend us from harm.  As scary as the physical threats are that we face, we have an Enemy far more cunning and dangerous.
     Yesterday, I remarked to my husband that I never would have thought, in my idyllic childhood during the 60s, that I would be facing such Evil during my life.  But God has given me a purpose; and by His choice, we are all living at this particular time.  We have been given a sacred opportunity that no one else in all of history has been afforded.  Whether our Lord appears in our lifetimes or not, we will play an essential part in sharing the Good News of His return, and preparing people for the battle ahead.
     It's not that I am ignoring all the bad news that is being heaped upon us; we must stay alert, and I will continue to help others gain awareness and get prepared.  You can, too!  We can choose to look forward, to fulfilling our roles in these final days.  We won't make headlines, and no one will report on our lives, but we can make the news in Heaven, and that's the kind of good news we can all take delight in!

Romans 10:15       And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
 

".... And Then Shall The End Come."

     Every now and then, I am able to step back and observe my life and the events taking place as through a telescope.  In other words, I am able to gather the information from distant occurrences and bring them into focus; seeing them as a larger and clearer image.
     For instance, I look back over my life and see how all the twists and turns have brought me to this point, and I can see God's hand and direction... how He took me from a small understanding of Him into a full-blown commitment to glorify Him in this sinful world.  It's a big picture of my small time on this earth.

     And for the last few weeks, I have not been able to keep my thoughts from turning to Jesus's prophecy in Matthew 24.  Even if you are not a Believer, we are all living in this world and seeing and experiencing the same events and phenomenons -- wars, disease, food shortages, earthquakes, volcanos, and religious persecution.  You can believe what Jesus says about these happenings -- that they have some significance for our eternal future -- or you may simply view them as a part of living in this human world.
     It is easy, both to dismiss current events as having no lasting effect upon the world (this is nothing new in the history of man); or to ascribe too much to our own knowledge and opinion, claiming to know God's timeline.  I am doing neither.
     Yet, I know that the Lord says He will come like a thief in the night, and we should be alert and informed about the signs of His approach.  For centuries Christians have debated exactly what He was telling us.  Should we just blindly trust that we are Saved and don't need to worry about when He is coming?  That we can't or won't be caught unawares?  If so, why does He give such specific answers in Matthew 24 as to what the signs will be of His coming, and the end of the world?  Why does he caution us numerous times to "keep watch" and "to be clothed and ready, lest we be found naked?"
     These are the questions that have been plaguing me for some time -- as I observe what seem like endless wars in the Middle East, and new ones threatening in Russia/Ukraine; as I detect a growing threat of an Ebola worldwide pandemic; as I see hatred fomenting against our Christian faith across the globe; and as I watch the earth groaning and splitting apart from unprecedented earthquake and volcano swarms.
     Has the history of man seen other such dark periods?  Of course.  Have other generations felt they were facing "The Tribulation"?  Absolutely.  So, why am I and other Christians, today, actually studying this topic in Scripture as never before in recent times?  Individuals, denominations, and churches that have shunned the study of the Book of Revelation in the past are suddenly hungry to understand its hidden meanings.  They are tying this New Testament prophecy to the Old Testament prophecies of Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and seeing a newfound relevance to our day and age.
     New students of The Tribulation are scurrying to figure out where we might be in the seven-year period of adversity; and to identify the Anti-Christ; or determine when the four horsemen of the Apocalypse will (or have) started their rides.
     Even our entertainment industry is picking up on this reawakening to Biblical prophecies.  "Noah" has come and gone, "Left Behind" is scheduled for a remake, as well as the much-beloved "Ten Commandments"; only this time it has been renamed "Exodus: Gods and Kings", and stars Christian Bale as Moses.  What is behind this renewal and interest in Jesus's prophecies and God's judgment upon man?
     Are we seeing the "Big Picture" and the fact that the "wars and rumors of wars" that Jesus predicted have really been ongoing since the beginning of the 20th Century?  Can we see that approximately 203 million have been killed from wars, genocides, intentional famines, and religious martyrdom; from WW I up to our present day wars and atrocities?
     Are we discerning that the famines, pestilences and earthquakes Jesus predicted are very much present?  Or that we "shall be delivered up, and killed, and hated" for His name's sake?  The increasing number of Christian's who are being arrested and imprisoned in foreign lands, along with the slaughter by ISIS is reminiscent of Nero's purge against the Early Church.  We are even seeing the  beginning of atrocities in our own country.
     I cannot help but see the Scriptural reference to those who will "be offended", and who will "betray and hate each other", as I witness the growing schism in the Church.  Differences in how same-sex marriage, the veracity of the Bible, and even how the existence of heaven and hell are viewed is leading to animosity and bitterness within the Body of Christ.  Now, Christians are not only battling those who discredit our faith, but we are fighting each other!
     In Matthew 24, Jesus goes on to tell us that there will be many false prophets who will represent Him, and we see that in the growing influence of the Emerging Church, Chrislam, and Mega-Church Pastors who sell their own brand of the Gospel Message.  Right before He gives us the crucial sign of His return ("the Abomination of Desolation" in the Temple), Christ tells us that the earth will "abound" in lawlessness; sin will permeate our worlds and "the love of many will grow cold."
     Sadly, I see that in members of my own family.  I have a brother who is a brilliant cancer geneticist who refuses to see God in his research.  Unfortunately, his arrogance and his belief that his intellectual pursuits are superior to my faith will yield no life beyond this one.  His heart is cold and turned from God; his time is running out.  At this point, all I have to offer him is intercessory prayer, and so I continue.
     I write these sentiments today, not because I want to predict where we are on Christ's Tribulation calendar, but because my heart and soul are telling me that the essence of this world is fleeting -- I think I am more aware of all that is going on because I sense there is soon going to be a dividing line; between those who belong to God, and those who do not.   The events of this world will force us to decide on which side of that line we take our stand.  That's why, not even war, or a killer disease, or the threat of martyrdom should dissuade us from living our lives for Christ.  In the end, it is not our jobs, our homes, our reputations, our relationships, or our "things" that matter.  Why are we worried about preserving them?  We are to endure whatever comes against us for one purpose ... to glorify and exalt God.  None of us will escape making these choices.  Now is the time to be watching, to be sharing Christ's saving Grace, and to be clothed in readiness to receive Him.

Luke 21:36  "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
   

Ebola in Texas! And So Many Questions ...

   

     You can imagine the potential of fear and panic, now that a diagnosed case of Ebola has surfaced in the United States.  And we, here in Texas, are especially concerned.  We have very little information coming from health authorities, other than the patient is isolated in a hospital in Dallas, and is extremely ill.  But what facts we do know are not convincing us that the CDC has it all under control.
     We are repeatedly told via talking head doctors on major news outlets that this pernicious disease is only transmissible via bodily fluids, and that a person is not contagious unless presenting symptoms.  Even if I believed this line of reasoning --- and that's a big IF --- we have much to be anxious about.
     First of all, this patient came to Texas from Liberia, one of the hardest hit countries in West Africa.  According to a very detailed article on the UK's Daily Mail website, "People boarding planes in the outbreak zone are checked for fever, but that does not guarantee that an infected person won't get through."  So, it seems to me that an obvious question would be, "Why aren't we considering quarantining people when they arrive in this country from Liberia?"
     (SIDE NOTE:  Our history on quarantining is neither admirable nor well-executed.  Wikipedia reports that our immigration policy at the turn of the 20th Century included quarantine hospitals near Ellis Island after a pandemic of cholera broke out in 1910.  I also discovered a sad commentary on that period, in which "over 420 individuals — 85% of whom were children under the age of 13 years old — died in Quarantine at the two hospitals."  Family members of those contained were often allowed to proceed through customs, never knowing what happened to their loved ones, or where they were buried.)
     In this day and age, we are able to identify the symptoms of Ebola to include fever, muscle and joint pain, vomiting and bleeding; and we know that it may take as long as 21 days from exposure to an infected person before one starts showing these symptoms.  Again, The Daily Mail reports that "Health officials use two primary guidelines when deciding whether to test a person for the virus - whether that person has traveled to West Africa and whether he or she has been near friends or relatives or other people who have been exposed to the virus."  

     We know that this latest Ebola victim arrived in Dallas on September 20th, and began showing symptoms on the 24th, and subsequently went to a hospital on the 26th for treatment, only to be sent home with antibiotics.  Then on the 28th, two days later, he is diagnosed with Ebola and placed in isolation.  So what happened to these all-important "guidelines"?  I am assuming that 1) the hospital was aware he had arrived in the U.S. from Liberia, and 2) it certainly sounds like his symptoms on the 26th should have aroused some suspicion that Ebola might be suspected.  After all, he had been sick for 2 days already, and it only took 2 more days to demand his placement in an isolation ward!  As the article so clearly states, "It raises the frightening prospect that he was mixing freely with others for a full four days while showing symptoms of the virus -  the time when Ebola is most contagious." [my emphasis].
     Again, if you believe that symptoms must be present to be contagious, this is clearly reason for great concern on the part of anyone who might have come in contact with the patient -- from family members, to hospital personnel, to the public.  But, if you have suspicions that this disease could be airborne, and contagious far earlier than the 21 days to present symptoms, then that opens a much broader window for contagious scenarios -- fellow passengers on the plane from Liberia, and all those who came into contact with the patient post-arrival in the U.S.
     While U.S. health authorities have not been forthcoming in identifying the patient, the Daily Mail article quotes the president of the Liberian Community Association of Dallas-Fort Worth, lending some consideration that the patient is either Liberian himself, or his family has ties to Liberia -- all the more reason to question the initial hospital screening practices.

     From my understanding, the CDC continues to maintain that U.S. hospitals are quite capable of handling Ebola cases.  But is this proclamation due to the facts that this country only has four special isolation facilities, (such as those who treated Dr. Kent Brantley and his missionary colleague, Nancy Writebol in Atlanta), and there is no longer any of the experimental serum ZMapp that saved their lives?  Does it mean that any future cases of Ebola will not receive this specialized care and will have to rely on individual hospital protocol?   It will be important to see if the seriously ill patient in Dallas survives without the specified care that these two patients received.
     And speaking of Dr. Brantley, when testifying before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, he was quick to label Ebola as "a fire straight from the pits of hell."  So without panicking, what should we, as individuals and families, do to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak?  I do not think it is inappropriate to prepare for the worst, and pray for God's mercy on this nation.  Inexpensive Tyvek suits, gloves, masks, and supplies such as Bleach and Hand Sanitizer are certainly items that should be considered.
     But what we need more than anything else is the truth!  I would like to know what is planned for the returning military personnel who are being sent to help contain the outbreak in Africa?  Can we rely on local, state and federal health authorities to provide accurate reports on new cases, as well as informing those who might have come into contact with infected patients?  We are being asked not to panic or react out of alarm ... but being less secretive and more forthcoming would go a long way towards calming irrational fears.
     Finally, I know that my trust truly belongs with the Lord.  I must rely on Him to protect me from this pestilence and the missteps and misjudgments of man.  He has the power and the authority to heal us.  May He protect this land!

Matthew 9:35    "And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction."

Lead The Way!

     You can feel it in the air, can't you?  The signs are accumulating .... the financial sector is nervous and Wall Street is unstable; the price of Silver is bottoming out; our debt is higher and our return on investments is lower;  middle management layoffs result in over-qualified personnel competing with over-educated college graduates; food prices are skyrocketing, along with insurance premiums and the feeling of fear.  Sounds an awful lot like 2008, when we in America began living a new reality, doesn't it?  And yes, it sure feels like we are hitting another milestone in our downward spiral.
     But I would like to suggest that this time is different, and that we can actually have a positive outlook in the midst of yet another looming downturn.  You see, there are a great number of us who have learned a lot in the last six years.  Our eyes are wide open and we've shaken off the paralysis of fear and uncertainty.  We're ready and prepared to face a radically different future in America, and I actually see these new rumblings at our foundations as a renewed opportunity to make America stronger.  Let me explain why ...
     First of all, I can always tell when America is coming out of its normalcy bias stupor when the phone starts ringing, and the questions start flying ... What would you suggest we do to preserve our savings?  How can we counter the high price of food at the grocery store?  What are your thoughts about our economy?  Is it stable?  What everyone is really asking is, "I'm a little worried about the future. Can you talk me off the cliff?"
     So here is the first positive effect of this threat of a downturn in our fortunes -- a new segment of the population is waking up!  It may have taken them a little longer, and you might want to shout, "It's about time!", but resist the chance to gloat, and instead, welcome them aboard!  We have just been given an opportunity to help them get in a readied state.  The more people that are prepared to deal physically, mentally and spiritually with whatever is in our future, the more chance this country has to survive.
     Granted, I believe that this time around, the threats we face are more serious... terrorism in the homeland and threats of a pandemic disease seem as though they trump any economic woes we might face.  But those of us who confronted the monster in 2008 have been "purified in the fire", so to speak, and can now provide a solid footing for those who must undergo their own deliverance from fear.  And they won't have to stumble through the process of discovery as we did; we can get them up to speed quicker, while guiding them and introducing them to all the ways that they can experience peace and strength in adverse circumstances.
      It might be in the area of physical training, such as gardening, or self-defense, or how to care for the medical needs of their family.  We can help them learn how to mentally prepare for those things that could radically change our way of life, such as an electric grid-down situation, and what that looks like -- no heating or air conditioning; no internet; no transportation.  Many of us have spent the last six years thinking all this through, and developing and perfecting the best ways to sustain ourselves and our families.  Now this new generation of awakened Americans will be the beneficiaries of our hard-earned knowledge.
     For those "old-timers" that might feel a little off-balance, this is not a time to cocoon ourselves in a new layer of panic; but a great opportunity to share our wisdom and broaden and expand the readiness, independence and personal power of America.

     But I want to stress that the best way we can assist and advise our fellow countrymen is spiritually.    Because what we, the first wave of American Preppers, have learned above all else, is that none of the rest of our planning matters if we don't include God.  In fact, as we are given the opportunity to coach someone new in all they need to know to protect themselves and their family, our instruction should seamlessly blend with our testimony of God's true salvation.  There is no time to waste!  The greatest way to "prepare" for their immediate future, is to assure their eternal life by accepting Jesus as their Savior -- that's real security.  The rest is all temporary!
     So, let's not view the unsettling signs on the horizon with fear and trepidation.  Let's take advantage of the opportunity to reach new people -- reach them for our communities, our country, and ultimately, to glorify our God.

1 Peter 3:15   "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;"
   

A Different Look At The Palestinian/Israeli Conflict

   

     Last week our President joined world leaders to speak before the United Nations General Assembly about the various crises in the Middle East.  At the top of everyone's list was stopping the barbarism and evil that is the Islamic State.  But always at the center of any discussion of the Middle East is the ongoing tension between the Palestinians and the Israelis; a battle that has been in view since Joshua captured the Land of Canaan as far as Gaza.  Unfortunately, this conflict is also blamed for much of the tension and hostilities in the region.
     If you do not have an accurate Biblical worldview, it is easy to get caught up in the emotions of the Palestinian situation and to see only through a narrow focus.  Many people, including Christians and secularists alike, view Gaza and the West Bank as belonging to the Palestinian people, who have been removed from their homeland to make way for what they believe is an illegally transplanted race of people, the Jews.  But, if one were to do an in-depth study of who the Palestinian people are, it is not as simple as the afore-mentioned argument would have you believe.
     Here are some interesting thoughts to digest:  although the idea of a distinct and defined "Palestinian" national identity is relatively new (dating from the early 20th century),  modern Palestinians are actually the descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine over the centuries -- through all the various wars and exoduses spanning all the great Empires of the world.
     Also, despite the heated rhetoric over "national"  and "religious" identification ... Arabs vs. Israelis; Muslims vs. Jews ... did you know that "Genetic analysis suggests that a majority of the Muslims of Palestine, inclusive of Arab citizens of Israel, are descendants of Christians, Jews and other earlier inhabitants of the eastern Mediterranean whose core may reach back to prehistoric times? A study of high-resolution haplotypes demonstrated that a substantial portion of Y chromosomes of Israeli Jews (70%) and of Palestinian Muslim Arabs (82%) belonged to the same chromosome pool." [Statistics from research done by Ann Gibbons of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, and from proceedings involving M.F. Hammer of the U.S. National Academy of Science.]
    All this background information barely scratches the surface of why one must look beyond current emotions and political biases to see a Biblical view of this crisis.  To begin with, "the same chromosome pool" points to a common Biblical ancestor, Abraham, who was the father of Ishmael, the progenitor of Arabs and Muslims, as well as the father of Isaac, the forefather of the nation of Israel, including the tribe of Judah, and consequently, the Jews.  The Bible, and recorded history, show us that there has been animosity between these two groups of peoples since their inception.  And there will be trouble between them until the end of this world as we know it.
     Which brings me back to the series of speeches before the U.N. General Assembly.  Leaders of the major players in this conflict -- from the U.S. to Iran to Israel, and more -- are attempting to offer their solutions as to how the major conflicts in the regions of the Middle East can best be handled.  But when the subject of Palestine and Israel comes up, both Christians and Secularists tend to miss the big picture.
     With a clear understanding of the Bible, I believe you will find that Israel is to be a blessing to the nations of the world while living in the Land that God bequeathed to them (the whole land of ancient Canaan) -- but only as long as Israel is faithful to her God.  A failure to be faithful will result in correction, loss of land, and potential wars; and God will use the surrounding nations to dispense His judgment.  You can see this pictured by the continual concessions Israel has made in giving up "land for peace", and by the numbers of Israelis who identify themselves as "secular" or "not very religious" (67%), versus those who say they are "ultra-Orthodox", "religious", or "traditionally, Jewish" (33%).
     As Christians, it is naive of us to think that just because the "Jews are back in the Land", that they are guaranteed to occupy it or deserve it.  I believe that the Bible very clearly says that God will not let them be in the Holy land without being holy people... so I believe that Israel will continue to struggle in the coming years until she is finally backed into a corner, and the only way out will be to turn to her Savior.
     So while leaders stand before the podium at the UN General Assembly, and offer their solutions for peace, there is not a political solution to this crisis; only a Biblical answer.  To be a Biblical Zionist is not to be a political Zionist.  But I also want to caution those who might think that God's way of dealing with His chosen people involves His endorsement of Hamas, the PLO, or Islamic jihad.  God's discipline concerning Israel will never include such evil ideologies.  No, God has a much wider purpose in the Middle East conflicts .. it is to glorify Himself and to give the surrounding nations an opportunity to come into relationship with Him.
     Whether secularist or Christian, it is important to look beyond the narrow scope of political and nationalistic passions.  We must all pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for those nations who are currently hostile to her; the true salvation of the Jewish people and Arabs, alike, depends upon their recognition of Israel's Messiah.  I urge you to read what this Holy Book says about the final stages of God's redemptive plan --- for all the people of the World.  It is most definitely focused in this hotly contested geographic region, and the peoples of Palestine, the Middle East and Israel will all play a part.  But we must never forget ... the ultimate victory will be His!

Isaiah 46:9-10     Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’