Heaven Bound

Last week, I was treated to one of the most spectacular sights on the planet. Hawaiian volcano Kilauea spewing lava into the ocean at night. The photo above is not one I took but, similar to what I saw – rivers of lava and great plumes of steam/smoke rising as molten liquid cascaded from the descending cliffs of the island above to the cool waters of the Pacific below. It was amazing! Breathtakingly beautiful …. and, sobering.  The cruise ship I was on, but, a tiny pea bobbing in the night in the middle of a vast primordial fish bowl.  Talk about feeling small!

Yes, all last week, I had the pleasure of touring the islands via The Pride of America cruise ship courtesy of my mother, whose dream it has been to take her children on a very special trip before the Lord takes her home someday.

And, it was a wonderful and special trip. One I will never forget. And, an absolute escape from reality. President Obama was inaugurated for his second term. I missed it. The pesky fly that buzzed his head (once again) as he was speaking, missed that too. And, now here I am (back home again) just in time to see everyone getting pumped up for the Superbowl. And, it looks to be a doozy.  Set in decadent New Orleans with brother pitted against brother, creepy Superbowl ads and sexy entertainers; this super bowl has it all! A media lovers dream come true!

Ah, yes. American football, the Superbowl; the pride of America. It all seems so important. So, necessary. We live it, we breathe it, we crave it. It’s in our blood, we’re American’s and this is our game!

In the days leading up to the Superbowl, Mercedes-Benz has been running an ad, in which, the year 2013 is shown going up in flames. And, while no one knows exactly why (yet) – it makes me think that perhaps, this time, the ship has sailed a little too close to the volcano. So, close in fact, that the fire and light (to those who do not know any better) seem like part of the show –  until, it’s too late and the pride of America caught afire is reduced to cinder and ash.

*Thank you to all of you, who missed me while I was away. I apologize that I did not notify you first.

May the Lord bless and keep watch over you in these very turbulent times.

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus. And, as always ….

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper, who love thee” Psalm 122:6

As the last few seconds of the year ticked away, the world let go a sigh of relief as 2012, the year of the dragon passed in to the annals of time. With mass shootings, cannibalistic attacks, deadly hurricanes and unprovoked subway deaths, it is a year  many would like to forget. And, while the dire predictions of December 21, 2012 seemed to be a bust, the year itself (in terms of almost unparalleled destruction, horror and evil) was not.

Now that the confetti has been swept away and the noisemakers set aside for another year, many are asking, what might we expect from the coming year – will it be better than the last?

 And, I think for those of us, who know and understand the signs of the times, (according to the Bible) the answer to that question would be no. And, why would it be, as there have been no signs of serious repentance by this nation before God. In fact, the opposite, is true.

We deplore the violence that took away the lives of small children and other innocent victims yet, demand the right to continue the slaughter of the unborn. We want God’s blessing but, not his presence. Therefore, the peace and prosperity, we previously enjoyed and yearn for now, will not be given. One day, (when Jesus returns), swords will be turned to  plowshares – but, in the next year, plowshares will be turned to swords; for the patience of the Lord regarding the rebelliousness of this nation is coming to an end.

I didn’t hear much crowing about December 21 and the failed Mayan prophecy. With Hurricane Sandy and the Sandyhook shootings just days earlier, most, I believe were just happy to see the date come and go with out much “to do”  – hoping against hope that next year would be better than the last. But, nothing could be further from the truth. For as it says in Amos 5:19 –

“In that day it will be as a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear as though he entered his house and rested his hand on a wall only to have a snake bite him.”

In fact, what we saw in 2012, (the year of the Dragon) in terms of barbarism and extreme violence will most likely be multiplied with the added factor of deception, in 2013, the year of the snake. If there was ever a time, we needed the Lord’s strength, protection and wisdom, it is now. I pray that we will be ready.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6 Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!

   And, I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and, there was no more sea.”  Revelation 21:1

No more sea! Can you imagine that! For those of us who live on or near the ocean, it’s a hard concept to imagine. No more sea. But, that’s what the Bible says.

With three-quarters of the earth made up of water, it’s hard to imagine life without these beautiful and petulant bodies of water; a particularly disappointing thought to those of us who enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing on or just sitting beach side along one of their beautiful shores.

So, why, no more sea?

I was talking to my daughter Seven Stars the other day, when she brought the subject to my attention. For some reason, she had been giving it some serious thought and had a number of insights with which to share with me.  After our discussion, I suddenly understood, why, there will be no more sea. Something I had never really understood or thought much about before.

The Bible has a lot to say about water – both rivers and seas. And, there seems to be a clearly defined differentiation between the two.  For you will notice, while there is no more sea in the new heaven and earth, there is a river. A crystal clear river that flows from the throne of God.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the lamb.” Revelation 22:1

Now, why might this be, rivers, but, no seas?

Let’s look at a few examples.

Moses was drawn out of the water in a basket which was floated on top of the waters of the Red Sea.

Jesus walked on the water at the sea of Galilee.

Noah’s ark was lifted up and floated on the waters, which covered the earth.

Where does Leviathan reside?  In the sea.

Where does the beast of Revelation rise up from?  The sea.

Do you see a pattern developing? There appears to be a clearly defined difference in the Bible between that which is in the sea  from that which is on the sea?  A difference, which, I believe is key to understanding, why, in heaven, there will be no sea.

The Abyss

There was a movie by this name a few years ago, The Abyss.  The abyss referring to the deepest, darkest part of the sea. But, in the Bible it is a word which refers to the bottomless pit, the underworld, the deepest part of the ocean or hell. This is the place where in Jude 1:6,7 the angels who left their first estate are held in chains. And, it is the sea that is the burial place of the wicked, who died in Noah’s flood, as well as the Egyptians who pursued Moses and the Israelites as they fled Egypt.

It is against this backdrop that we see and understand the importance of Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14:22-33. For in walking on the water, Jesus demonstrated his power not only over nature but, more importantly over the sea itself.  For to place feet on is to claim dominion. And, in this instance, Jesus clearly demonstrates his power over the sea and over everything in and under it, including the abyss.

But, rivers are something else. Rivers begin high in the mountains (mountain heights are always synonymous with the dwelling place of God).  And, streams like God’s grace flow downward until they reach the hills and valleys below providing life to all living things as they rush along their course.  Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river and it was this same river that Joshua and the Israelites passed over in order to come into the promised land.

Yes, the sea teems with life and, we glorify God for his stunning creation. But, for all their beauty, they will not be found in heaven – for nothing sin stained will  – and while, the sea in and of itself is not evil, from what we are told in scripture, those found within the confines of her deepest regions are …..

“In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword — his fierce, great and powerful sword, Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.”   Isaiah 27:1

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy

       Heavenly Buying

As we await the soon return of the Lord, one of the passages of scripture that is on everyone’s mind, is the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25.  We are all familiar with it – the five, who were ready with their lamps and oil and the five, who were not. I don’t know about you but, I always found it interesting that those who were not ready were instructed by those who were, to “go and buy” oil for themselves.

“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’  ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell and buy some for yourselves.”  Matthew 25: 7-9

Knowing that oil, as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (and by extension kingdom of God) is not for sale and cannot be bought or transferred one to another, I was always a bit stymied by this verse – not understanding exactly what it meant.

But, on second thought, I realized it was really not so odd, that the five wise virgins had instructed the five foolish virgins to “go and buy”,  for God, had counseled the rich and complacent church at Laodicea to do the same. 

“You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But, you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover you shameful nakedness ; and salve to put on your eyes so you can see.”  Revelation 3:17-18

Here God plainly counsels the Laodiceans to “buy” from him?  But, how is that possible? How could the Laodiceans purchase anything from God, if they were as poor as he said, they were? Which, is exactly the point!

In terms of human economy, it makes no sense at all but, in God’s economy, it makes perfect sense.  Which is why God says in Isaiah 55:1-3 –

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.”

I like the way Pastor J.C. Philpot explains in it in his marvelous sermon titled “Heavenly Buying” preached at Zoar Chapel in London, August 3, 1846.

And excerpt from his message:

“But some may say, ‘Does not the Lord counsel the church of Laodicea to BUY this gold? How can she buy it? Is she not poor, miserable, and wretched? What has she to buy this faith with? Shall she present her gifts? Shall she offer her graces? Shall she bring her knowledge? Shall she come with her consistency? Shall she offer her merits? What has she to lay at the Lord’s feet in exchange for this “gold tried in the fire?”‘ Nothing—absolutely nothing; for she is poor, wretched, and miserable. What then has she to offer in exchange for this “gold tried in the fire?” for if she buys, she must have something to give in exchange.

But still there is great beauty in the expression—it was not used in vain. The Lord does not say to her, ‘I counsel you to ASK of me gold tried in the fire;’ but he used the word “buy.” And yet she has nothing to buy it with. How is this enigma to be solved? Thus—does not the word “buy” imply some exchange? Where there is a buyer, there must be a seller, and there must be an exchange between the parties. How does this take place in spiritual traffic? Thus—when the soul is deeply convinced of its helplessness, ignorance, blindness, wretchedness, and folly, and lays all these at the Lord’s feet, he takes them, so to speak, upon his own shoulders; and then, in return, he deals out of his loving bounteous heart, out of the fullness that dwells in himself, his precious treasures.

There is one passage that seems to show what this spiritual buying is, “He has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (1 Cor. 5:21.) That is, our sins, our iniquities, our defilements, our shortcomings, our imperfections, were all laid upon Jesus; as we read “He has laid (or made to meet) upon him the iniquities of us all.” (Isa. 53:6.) As one says in the Old Testament, “Let all your needs lie upon me, only lodge not in the street.” (Judges 19:20.) So, when the Lord draws a poor guilty sinner to his bosom, he says, “Let all your needs lie upon me. Lay at my footstool your infirmities and your backslidings; your darkness, deadness, and coldness; your doubts and fears, your misgivings, your troubles, your exercises, your temptations, and your perplexities. Bear them not in your own strength; carry them not in your own arms; lay them not on your own shoulders; you can not bear them; they would sink you to hell. Let them all lie upon me.”

And as the Lord speaks, he draws the poor, needy, guilty sinner to his bosom, and enables him to lay at his feet all the exercises, temptations, and distresses of his soul. Thus the Holy Spirit dictates, “Cast your burden upon the Lord; he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm. 55:22.) And thus when the poor sinner is enabled to come, with all his helplessness, guilt, shame, sinfulness, and misery, and spread them before the Redeemer’s feet, and by an act of faith casts his burden upon the Lord, there takes place in the court of conscience a spiritual exchange, set forth in the text under the word “buy.” And this is the only buying—a buying “without money and without price.” (Isa. 55:1.)  http://dawnmarie4.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/heavenly-buying-and-the-church-at-laodicea/

What a marvelous sermon, how awesome our God!  I understand, now, the instructions to “go and buy” from God.  For our poorness, wretchedness, nakedness and shame exchanged for the righteousness of Christ is the only transaction God will ever accept. – something, the five foolish virgins and the Laodiceans failed to understand.

The five wise Virgins actually gave good counsel to the five foolish, the problem is, that it was too late. In light of what God is showing us in these scriptures, may we make certain that we have made that “transaction” today, for, if we have not, by the time the bridegroom arrives, it will be too late.

“Father God, we come to you in our utter helplessness, nakedness and shame. We have nothing to offer you except our poorness of spirit. Please Father, give us eyes to see ourselves as you do, completely destitute and without hope; for if, we see ourselves as anything but, we are completely deluded, and, will find ourselves with lamps without oil, when the time comes. Please, help us now, dear God, to make that wise “purchase” asking you, Father, for what, only you can give. And, we thank you and praise you in Jesus name!  Amen.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper, who love thee”  Psalm 122:6

Watching  and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!   Cindy

      C H O C O L A T E   O N   A   M I S S I O N

I was privileged on Thanksgiving Day to help serve meals to the homeless and needy in Hawaii with River of Life Mission in Honolulu.  My cousin Felicia, who was visiting here from Houston accompanied me and together, we had the joy of seeing several hundred people fed a delicious turkey dinner with all of the trimmings.

This was my first time volunteering with River of Life, which is a Christian non-profit organization and I was pleased that they took the time to orient the new volunteers to the history of the mission, its function and its goals. Besides feeding the growing number of homeless and needy on the island, River of Life provides education and rehabilitation for those, who are seeking to make changes in their lives in a Christ-centered environment.  Their website describes it this way:

“The purpose of River of Life Mission is to restore broken lives through rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration services: all in Jesus ‘ name. Our motto is “Freely you have received. Freely give.” This is why we provide our guests a variety of goods and social services (including food items, clothing, furniture, household products and appliances) and are provided free of charge.”

        pool of tears

“We will not have this man as king over us,” the people shouted.  As the king they selected wept tears at his own coronation, and, the king, who was rejected, wept tears for the choices they had made.

Yes, Jesus wept tears over the destruction of Jerusalem and he weeps tears for America today. 

For amidst all the political rhetoric, not one voice could be found, who would call the country (and, God’s people) to repentance in their greatest time of need.

Instead, we were admonished to throw our silver to the potter’s field, in the hope, that we could buy, what we really needed most; hearts of flesh instead of hearts of stone, heart’s that would melt in repentance towards a righteous and holy God.

Worthless shepherds, all!  Wake-up!  The flock is suffering for your lack of leadership, your lack of discernment. Rise up and be the men and women of God, so, badly needed today.

Instruct us in spiritual warfare, teach us how to pray, minister the word to us …. show us by your example, how we need look no further than King Jesus for solutions to a crushed and hurting world today.

How the world yearns to see something different from us, something real, some thing true.  Not another political song and dance …. no matter, how well-intentioned. They’ve seen it before and no matter, how it’s repackaged, it’s still the same thing and their not buying it.

Oh, Father, how we need your forgiveness and your help! Please forgive us for forgetting you. For bringing your name to open shame by acting as though our help is found in anything but, you. No wonder, the world looks at us and laughs. And, for this, we ask your forgiveness. Help us, dear Lord to stand boldly for you in these last days and may we, never, ever compromise your precious name and word again.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper, who love thee”  Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

   The 1868 collision of steamships America and the United States on the Ohio River. (Harpers Bizarre illustration)

I’d like to take you back to this excellent article by my friend Carlos at Chozeh and Nabiy titled – US Presidential Election 2012: This Ship Is Going Down.  http://nabiy4america.wordpress.com/2012/10/21//

Yes, this ship is going down.  And, like the steamships America and United States (traveling opposite directions on the Ohio River on December 4, 1868 ) the two-party system, Republican and Democrat are fated to collide with each other – with the same disastrous results.

Interesting, when you consider Ohio is considered the “lynchpin to electoral success” in this years election. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/11/the-note-special-election-weekend-edition-2012s-new-normal/.

I’ve been trying to imagine the day after the election. No doubt, no matter which side wins, the other will call foul as the potential for voter fraud in this election is perhaps greater than ever before.

For most Americans there is a lot riding on this election. Each perceiving that their way of life and values will be snatched away by the other.  And, in the midst of growing disaster and disillusion by the American people, the stakes couldn’t be higher.  Fomenting the very real possibility, of not just dancing in streets by the winners but, violence in the aftermath on the part of the losers.

America, the united has over the last four years become increasingly America the divided. And, as Jesus said, in Mark 3:25 –

” A house divided against itself cannot stand”.

When, I was a child each school day began with these words:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Simple but, beautiful words. Words that seem almost archaic now, like looking through the rear window of an automobile as something loved fades away into the distance.

But, the reality is this. The kingdoms of this world were never meant to stand. And, on Wednesday November 7, no matter, who wins the election; little will have changed. America will remain a nation divided – a nation on a collision course with itself, (and, the God, she abandoned).

I pray that as we go into election day, each one of us, as believers, will have a renewed sense of hope. Knowing, that it is by God’s design that the kings and kingdoms of this world will all eventually pass away. And, as they do, we do not despair, (as those who have no hope), but, rejoice, for our hope (which lies in heaven) is that much closer, than it ever was before.

“….. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”   Hebrews 11:13-16.

Watching and waiting  with YOU for the soon return of the one whose kingdom will be established forever and ever in righteousness and peace –  our Lord, and King Jesus Christ!  Cindy

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Winters can be brutal in the part of the country I come from.  Howling winds and drifting snow plunge night time temperatures in to the single digits and below, while day time temperatures hover barely above freezing, if that.

Hard to believe, when just 50 miles south the landscape turns from aspen and pine to the red-sandstone desert and mild temperatures for which southeast Utah is famed.

Yes, this is where I am from. The four corners area where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico meet. And, it was here just a few miles west of the Colorado state line that I was born. My grandparents coming to the area to homestead during the depression.   

Southeast Utah. It can be a tough place to live. The winters are long and bitter and for those living within a pre-dominantly Mormon community, it can be a tough place to find acceptance.  And, it was especially so, in those early years, when my grandparents first arrived.

In those days, the differences between Mormonism and Christianity was well understood.  There was never a time, when the line was blurred.  Both sides, (unlike today) were well aware of the differences between the two and never once, did anyone (on either side) consider them to be the same.

We knew God was never once a man. We knew man could never progress to godhood. We knew salvation was not through Joseph Smith. We knew the God of the Bible, did not come from the planet Kolob. We knew Jesus Christ was the son of God, the second person of the Trinity and not the brother of Lucifer, as Mormonism teaches.  We knew that the Bible does not teach baptism for the dead. These things we knew and more.  And, the Mormon church never pretended to teach otherwise.

Not so today. Today, you will find Mormons using terminology once only used and understood by evangelical Christians. Today you find Mormons trying to fit under the umbrella as just another Christian denomination. Today you have Mormons, who would have us call them brother or sister, as if the differences did not exist. And, today, you have Christian organizations putting out the welcome mat.

It was not long after my grandparents arrived in Utah that my grandmother and a few other faithful believers set out to establish a church in which the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Bible would be taught.  It was a difficult task and there were many years in which, except by the grace of God, the doors of the church did not close.  In fact, during the war years, when men were scarce, it was my grandmother, who got up early on Sunday mornings to clear the church of snow and to light the furnace so the building would be warm for morning services.  It was she and few of others, whose dedication and sacrifice over a period of about 40 years, made it possible for the doors of the church to remain open in spite of all the obstacles against it. As long as God gave them breath and strength the light of the gospel would burn brightly in this Mormon community.

I was saddened to hear the other day that the Billy Graham Association had removed Mormons from its list of cults. And, I wondered what my grandmother – who, has since passed on to be with the Lord, (and, was a life long supporter of Mr. Graham and his association), might think.  She and others like her have dedicated their lives to the difficult task of ministering with in the confines of a Mormon community. Today, because of the actions of the BGA that task has become that much harder. Across the nation and the world, doors once closed to those nice young men in white shirts and black slacks will be opened. And, people who may never have previously opened their doors to them will be greeted with these words,  “Let me tell you about another testament of Jesus Christ” …..

I think she would be sad.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6  

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

      Leaving Egypt

As most of us know, Egypt (in the Bible) is often a picture of the world – especially, in the carnal sense of the word.  When the Israelites left Egypt, God told them to do it in haste. In fact, once the call to “move out” came, it was so sudden, there was no time to  prepare even the most basic of staples – bread, which had been baked.  For this reason, the Israelites, when they fled carried with them not bread, which had been baked in to nice, fluffy loaves, but, dough without yeast that would be baked in to the  flat, dry loaves, we know today as Matzah.

My daughter and I were discussing this the other day in the context of the rapture (leaving Egypt) and were wondering, if our catching away would be preceded by a sign which would alert us that our bridegroom was near. And, I think the answer to that is yes.  

When, we read the parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25, we see that there is a brief period of time, in which, the virgins, (all ten) realize the bridegroom is near. The time for going out to meet him had come.  Those who had oil were ready, but, those who had none, were not.  And, the five in the realization that they were not ready began to petition those who were, to share their oil with them.  But, alas, as oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, each must have his own, therefore, they were counseled to go and procure oil of their own.

^” But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut”.  Matthew 25:9-10

With this in mind, I think we can safely surmise that there will be some kind of sign that will alert us to the imminent return of our bridegroom. But, what kind of sign will it be and how much time will lapse between the sudden realization that the time has come and our actual catching away?

Not much ….. perhaps, no more time that it takes for bread to rise.

*How long does it take for bread to rise?  On the average, about an hour …  (45 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of bread).

Sometime after midnight, after the death of the first-born, Pharoah told Moses and Aaron to take their people and their flocks and leave. How long did they have?  Not much. Perhaps, as little as an hour. There was not only not enough time to add yeast to dough and let it rise, there was no time to add yeast at all. Therefore, the dough carried out of Egypt was unleavened, (which, was as God intended because yeast in the Bible always represents sin and there is no possibility of anyone leaving “Egypt” for the Promised Land in a leavened state).

Yes, I believe there will be some kind of sign that the return of Jesus for his bride is near …. and, in the space of less than an hour, we will be caught up to meet him in the air.  This sign will be so powerful and so catastrophic in nature that the religious unsaved will scurry enmass to churches everywhere in search of the oil they do not have. But, it will be too late; the bridegroom will have come and left and the door to the wedding chamber will have closed. 

“I opened for my lover, but, my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him and did not find him. I called him but, he did not answer.”   Song of Songs 5:6

Brothers and Sisters that day is near. Our bridegroom is coming and coming soon. Are you ready with your oil? Are your loved ones?  I pray that it is so.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

     “For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed”  Mark 4:22

It’s often been said, that “many a truth is spoken in jest”.  Which leads me to believe that the words by President Obama on April 30, 2012 at the White House Correspondents dinner regarding, a second term, may have been just that – truth spoken in jest.

With an easy smile and an arrogance that he wears like a suit, the President quipped,

“Now, if I do win a second term as President, let me just say something to all my
conspiracy-oriented friends on the right who think I’m planning to unleash
some secret agenda: You’re absolutely right. So allow me
to close with a quick preview of the secret agenda you can expect in a
second Obama administration. In my first term, we ended the war in Iraq; in my
second term, I will win the war on Christmas. In my first
term, we repealed the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell”- in my second
term, we will replace it with a policy known as, it’s raining
men.  In my first term, we passed health care reform; in my second
term, I guess I’ll pass it again.”

* http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/sep2012/reneem921-1.htm

As expected, these remarks were met with a great deal of laughter. A war on Christmas, “hilarious” ….  Christmas 2012 headlines –  “Obama and Santa duke it out over red suit” …   A seriously over-weight Santa retired from service …..  “too fat for the job” says, the health conscious Obama administration ….  ROFL

Hardly.

More likely is that the President knowingly or unknowingly set the agenda for his second term.  Not a war on Christmas, or Santa, but, a war on Christ himself!  This is the spirit of Anti-Christ.

On Thursday morning as I was getting out of bed, the words Amos 36:8 were impressed on my mind.  As I stumbled to the bathroom, eyes still blurry with sleep, I remember thinking, Amos is a short book, it must be Amos 3:6-8. And, so it was.

When a trumpet sounds in a city,
do not the people tremble?
When disaster comes to a city,
has not the Lord caused it?

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants the prophets.

The lion has roared—
who will not fear?
The Sovereign Lord has spoken—
who can but prophesy?

Yes, the Lord will bring to light that which is hidden. And, those paying attention will see and understand.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee?  Psalm 122:6  Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy