Heaven Bound

New Yorkers barely recovered from feeling the earth move beneath their feet on Tuesday, August 23, when they received  news to prepare for a direct hit from Hurricane Irene on the evening of Sunday, August 28.  As of this writing, Irene, a massive Category 3 storm is working its way through the Bahama’s and may well develop in to a category 4 or more, before it hits Long Island on Sunday night. Needless to say, a hurricane of this size and strength would cause an enormous amount of damage, which would cost the state billions of dollars in damages, not to mention the potential for loss of life.

What is going on here?  Two earthquakes in two days?  “Purely, coincidence” say seismologists. One has nothing to do with the other.  And, while in some respects they may be right, as geographically, the two are not related; but, coincidence, I assure you, they are not. 

If you have not yet read the blog by my friend Carlos at Chozeh and Nabiy, regarding these two earthquakes, I urge you to do so now, as Carlos has done an outstanding job putting these two earthquakes into perspective from a prophetic point of view.  Also, William Males at Gates of the City, in yesterday’s  post  titled “There’s some shaking … going on”, he has done a great job as well. (*If you cannot view these posts via the links, you can find them on my blogroll).

Folks, it couldn’t be any plainer; God is speaking in these last days and he is not happy with the direction the nation has taken. Tuesday’s earthquake caused substantial damage to two of America’s most treasured symbols; the Washington Monument and the National Cathedral; both important symbols of American pride in government and faith and trust in God.  Damage that indicates I believe, that God will no longer tolerate the lip service we give him, while, throwing him out of the public and the personal arena of our lives. 

I didn’t know much about the National Cathedral, so, I was surprised on googling it, to find out that sometime before World War II, the National Cathedral was designated by congress to be America’s National House of Prayer and was used  monthly for that express purpose during the years of the war.  I didn’t know that, did you? I thought it was just an elaborate building for holding funerals for Presidents and other heads of State.  I had no idea it was referred to as the National House of Prayer.

I wonder, when a prayer meeting was last held in it?   Or, is “America’s National House of Prayer” simply an empty title?  Is the Cathedral today nothing more than another Washington show-piece; a photo op for tourists and their cameras as they make their rounds about the city.  Kind of reminds me of this scripture from Luke 19:46,  when, Jesus cast the money changers out of the temple –

“It is written”, he said, to them, “my house is a house of prayer, but, you have made it a den of robbers.”

God is gracious and God is merciful, but, God will not be mocked. The three crosses that fell from the spires of the National Cathedral and the cracks sustained to the Washington Monument are symbols of something far greater; something that speaks to the condition of the American people as they stand before God. The faith of our fathers has carried us for a while, but, we can no longer ride their coattails. As a people, we must repent and turn our hearts toward God, while, there is still time.

The alarm has sounded, it’s been sounding ….. blessed are those who hear.

“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 coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.”  2 Thessalonians 2:9

The art of illusion has been popular since man first discovered that the “hand is quicker than the eye.”  From Harry Houdini to David Copperfield, the continued popularity of the Magician and his magic show, prove once again, that people love to be fooled!  From the simple “rabbit out of a hat” trick to making whole buildings disappear; people love to be entertained with magic!

The Bible talks about a deception coming that has nothing to do with a stage magician and his props. A deception so big and so powerful, that even God’s people, if it were possible would be deceived. A deception that according to the word will be based on lying signs, wonders and miracles.  Interesting, when you consider this quote from Glenn Beck at the first installment of the Restoring Courage Rally in Israel today. 

“We are leaving the age of man-made miracles of spacecraft, and, we are entering the age of the miracles of God.”

Perhaps, I’m nitpicking here, but, we have always lived in an age of the miracles of God. The greatest, of which, was the incarnation of Jesus, second person of the Trinity, who came to die for sinners without which, we would have no hope of salvation and no hope for reconciliation with God – something, Mormons do not believe.  Therefore, to state, we are entering an age of miracles, when one denies the greatest miracle of all, is not only complete and utter foolishness, but, is the spirit of anti-christ.

Folks, a wolf in sheep’s clothing always looks innocent, You never see their teeth until they have you in their jaws!

And, never let “miracles” be the test for authenticating, what is or is not from God.  Miracles, like anything else, must be tested against the word of God.  Yes, Jesus did miracles, but, they were never presented to us in the gospels as the sole proof for who, he said, he was.

Interestingly, today’s article from the Examiner mentions several “miracles” in Monday’s bombing attack which occurred on the same day as the Glenn Beck rally.  Insinuating, as the title of the article suggests that  –“Becks Proclaimed Age of Miracles May Have Already Started”.

Friends, I urge you, be very careful in these last days. Test everything through the lens of the word of God and if doesn’t meet the test, run as far away from it, as you possibly can!

“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

     A wolf among sheep

One wolf in sheep’s clothing is more dangerous than ten known wolves.   

On August 24, popular radio and television talk show host Glenn Beck will host a rally in Jerusalem for gathering together those who support Israel and are willing to take a stand for her.  At a point in time, when Israel is hard pressed to find  friends in the world, you would think this would be a good thing, but, is it? 

The Restoring Courage rally is an event organized by Mr. Beck for “showing the world what living a life of faith and honor means.”  Jerusalem he says,“is the center of our faith” and that center is being attacked.

But, of Beck (a Mormon convert), I would have to ask, “of whose faith are you speaking?”  For the faith of Mormonism is not the faith of the Bible.  Therefore, if Beck is including Bible believing Christians in that statement, he would be wrong.  Mormonism and Biblical Christianity have nothing in common for Mormonism is a polytheistic religion centered around the premise that man can become God.

I’m not altogether sure who speakers for the event will be, but, I have a good idea that many of them will be well-known and respected Evangelical leaders and conservative politicians. It’s not my intention to question their motives, but, what I do question, is their discernment.

By Beck’s own words, he expects this event to be a“life altering”event that the very “gates of hell” would try to prevent.

I find the misuse of this scripture quite interesting, for according to Matthew 1:18, it is the church (not an event) that the gates of hell cannot prevail against. The church made-up of born-again believers, of course, to which, Beck as a member of a Christ denying cult does not belong.  For the religion that he has adopted as his own (Mormonism) is a works based religion, by which, through a series of secret ceremonies at one of the many Mormon temples around the world, one may achieve god-hood. A religion who views Christ not as God manifest in flesh, the second person of the Trinity, but, rather the spirit brother of Lucifer. This is not Christianity!

Beck (a former Catholic) is a fairly recent convert to Mormonism.  Does he understand the full extent of Mormon doctrine, perhaps, he does not, as the LDS church has gone to great lengths in recent years to whitewash it’s history of the church and some of it’s less palatable doctrine.  But, whether he does or not, the fact remains, he is a Mormon and that alone (in my opinion) should be enough to give us pause.  For as the scripture says, “what fellowship does light have with darkness?’ 

“But,” some would argue, “it’s for a good cause,” and “he shares our conservative political values.”  To which, I would say, “that may be so, but, the one (political) does not take precedence over the other (scriptural), I don’t see a clause added to the aforementioned scripture, which says that light and darkness have no fellowship except for a good cause or for politics with which we agree”. Of course, we suport Israel, of course, we pray for Israel, we have the scriptural mandate to do so, but, I really have to ask, “is this the way we should do it?” 

In Matthew 4:8-10, Satan took Jesus up to a high mountain showing him all of the kingdoms of the world, offering them to him in return for his worship.  To this Jesus replied, “Away from me Satan!  For it is written, Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

What Satan was offering was a way around the cross. “Just do it my way, it will be a whole lot simpler and a lot less painful”.  By tempting Jesus to by-pass his redemptive work, he would alter the very purpose for which Jesus came.

In other words, the enemy will always try to convince us that there is a better way than which God has prescribed, a more simple, more logical way. By changing the game plan, he hopes to change the game. It seems right in some respects to hold this rally, but, is it?  “I know God said, light and darkness have no fellowship, but, this is for a good cause. Do you know how big those Muslim nations are?  We need some politicians on our side for a change!”  But, I submit to you, in these last days, each action, when it comes to the nation of Israel carries enormous weight and will not be without consequence. 

Beck may be a nice guy and well-intentioned but, I suspect he is little more than a puppet for something else for Mormonism is wrought with the spirit of anti-christ.  

On July 11,2011 Glenn Beck addressed the Knesset. I haven’t heard the speech, but, I’m sure that he vowed his support for the Jewish state both personally and professionally. Commendable on the one hand, but, questionable on the other, as Mormonism, is the original replacement theology.  Mormons believe that they are the descendants of  the tribe of Ephraim and that all others (non-Mormon) are Gentiles, which, reminds me of the words of Revelation 3:9, which warns against those who claim to be Jews but, are not.  The date of Beck’s address to the Knesset, oddly enough, was July 11, 2011, the 9th of Tammuz – the day the walls of Jerusalem were breached on 423 BCE by the Babylonian armies, which led to the destruction of the temple 3 weeks later.

By all appearances, the rally is a good thing. And, in some regard, it is hard to argue against.  I know that some of the people Glenn is involved with are devoted, born-again Christians. I can’t speak for them, I can only write what I believe God has put on my heart. As for Glenn, I pray for his salvation; I pray that his eyes will be opened and that God will deliver him from the bondage of the false religion he is in.

Lord, may you bring Glenn to a true saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, deliver him, Lord from the bondage of a works religion that can never bring true salvation. Lord, he says he desires to stand with and support your people, but, Lord, he can never really do that while rejecting your Son.  Open his eyes dear Lord, speak to him through the power of the Holy Spirit, then and only then, can this rally truly be blessed. In Jesus holy name, Amen! 

And, should God see fit to answer this prayer, August 24th will indeed be a life altering day – a life altering day for Glenn!

*Your comments are welcome, please, be respectful, when sharing your viewpoint.

“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

     Trumpet Vine Flower

Thank you, Beverly Stegall for bringing this very interesting story to my attention.

Around the end of June, people in Kinston, North Carolina began noticing the very unusual shape of a vine growing up a utility pole about a mile south of town. First reported to be Kudzu (a fast growing type of Asian vine), it turned out not to be Kudzu but, Trumpet Vine that had grown up the utility pole and along the cross arms until it began to form the undeniable shape of a man on a cross.  Trumpet Vine like Kudzu grows very rapidly and is named for the trumpet shaped flower it bears, when the plant is in bloom.

Since many of are waiting any day now for “the trumpet” to sound and call us home to heaven, I thought it might be interesting to see just why God might have caused this unusual vine to grow in the shape that it did at the time that it did.

Kinston, North Carolina.   Kinston is located in North Carolina’s inner banks region. It was established in 1762 in honor of King George III, who had just been make King of England and was originally called not Kinston but, Kingston in honor of the newly crowned King.  After the Revolution of 1776, when the colonies had been freed, the “g” was dropped changing the name to Kinston, so that the town would no longer be associated with the King.

King George III was an interesting character. He was the King of England and the King of Ireland from October 25, 1760 until January 1, 1801 when the two countries were united and he became the King of Great Britain and the King of Ireland. He also suffered from recurrent mental illness that became permanent before his death. Perhaps, more importantly, King George was the King of the Revolutionary War period and has gone down in history as  “the King who lost America.”

When I think about the historical background of this city, two things come to mind:

A King is coming and this time it will be the opposite. King George united England and Ireland but, lost America.The colonies which were freed during his reign formed the first United States, whose Declaration of Independence gave the first Americans, the freedom of religion. The freedom to worship God without the interference of the state. But, times have changed. Americans today want not freedom of religion, but, freedom from religion. And, are fighting for their independence not from the King of England but, from the King of Kings.

And, the day is coming, when they shall have what they ask.    

It’s interesting to note that the trumpet vine on the utility pole was not yet in bloom for the trumpet vine blooms mid–summer to early September.  

The question is:  When the vine blooms, will the trumpet sound? And, if it does, will it be a sound of warning, a call to assemble, a call to war or a part of one of the appointed feasts.

I’m not sure when this particular vine started growing, but from what I have read, Trumpet Vines grow very rapidly.  The story first appeared in the news, as far as I can tell on or around June 29.  Pentecost Sunday was June 12 and Shavuot June 7-9.  So, the vine may have started growing very close to the time of the feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the church. Causing one to wonder, if it started growing at Pentecost, will it bloom close to or near the feast which bears its name, the feast of Trumpets,  –  the feast, which many believe will end the church age and take us into heaven.

I don’t know about you, but, I think it’s a very interesting thought!  An extra morsel to tuck away in these days of watching.

“Listen, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but, we all will be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound , the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.”  1 Cor. 15:51-53

The “man on the cross” of Kinston (Kingstown) is speaking, in fact, he’s speaking volumes, the question is  – is anyone listening?

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“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

Maybe you caught this on the news this morning. Just before noon today, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Israel.   Ten miles deep, it caused little or no damage but, was felt by many as it jolted the northern coastal plain at 11:55 a.m. Israeli time.  Centered 44 miles north of Tel Aviv, 49 miles south of Haifa and 40 miles west of Binyamina, scientists say, it was an unusual and unexpected location for an earthquake. *Another report, lists it as striking the area of Netanya.

When I read the story, I couldn’t help but notice several of the names and numbers to be Biblically signficant, not to mention, the date of the earthquake Av 7.

One of the first things I noticed was the number 40. Forty as most of us know is a number in the Bible almost always associated with a time of trial or testing. In this case, 40 is mentioned three times – 40, 44 and 49.  And 40, the most direct match is mentioned in connection with the city or town by the name of Binyamina.

I had a hunch Binyamina was connected to the name Binyamin and I was right; it is the feminine derivative of the name Binyamin or Benjamin. It is also, the name of the current Prime Minister and the name of Patriarch Jacob’s 12th and favorite son (with the exception of Joseph, of course).

Benjamin in Hebrew means “son of my right hand”  – a title which carries with it a great deal of responsibility. It is not coincidence that the Prime Minister should have this name, for it is he, whom God has chosen to lead his people into the  final seven years of history; a time the Bible refers to as – the time of Jacob’s trouble.  A time foreseen by the Patriarch  in the blessing of his sons.  The Bible says, that shortly before he died, Jacob leaned on his staff and blessed each of his 12 sons; and, of son Benjamin, he had this to say:

“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning, he devours the prey.  And in the evening, he divides the spoil.”  Gen. 49:27. 

Speaking widely of each tribe, he also, blessed them quite specifically. It cannot be coincidence that the name of the Prime Minister should be one and the same as the tribe which was allotted the city of Jerusalem to their territory, when the land was divided amongst them. (Joshua 18:28).   

Looking at today’s date, you will notice that it plays a very significant part in Jewish history as well, for it is the events of Av 7 that lead to the saddest day in Jewish history, the events of Av 9.

 It was on Av 7,  that Nebuchadnezzar’s armies broke through the walls of Jerusalem in 586 BC, setting fire to the Holy Temple and destroying it 3 days later on Av 9.  It is also the date fighting broke out among Jewish factions inside the besieged city of Jerusalem in 67 CE leading to its destruction 3 years later by Roman armies on Av 9.

As I read news of the earthquake, I wondered, if it could be a three-day warning leading up to Av 9 of this year.  A warning specifially directed towards the Prime Minister in regard to any decisions he mighrt be making at this time in regard to God’s city. God has chosen him, but, God also wants him to listen when he speaks. Then again, it could be a 40 day warning, for 40 days from Av 7  is  Elul 17,  the day on which Noah dispatched the dove.

The dove is of course, a universally recognized symbol of peace. I wonder then, if Elul 17 might be a significant date in the stalled peace negotiations precluding the UN vote slated for this September.  Only God knows and only time will tell.

In the mean time, Elul (the last month of the Jewish civil calendar) means “harvest” and is a period of time used for repentance and forgiveness in the days leading up to the high holy days of September and October. In these last days, may we too, be seeking God in repentance and forgiveness  – for a warning to Israel is also, a warning to us.  

May we be ready to meet the coming King!

“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

I’ve been having trouble with WordPress all evening long; for some reason it will not let me write in my usual format. In my frustration I wonder, “Lord, do I persevere in spite of the difficulty or throw up my hands and quit for the night?”

I’ve been looking forward all day to the time when I could sit down at my computer and write. Like many of you, I was watching AV 1 closely to see what God might have for us this first day of the fifth Jewish month. With three solar eclipses occurring on Av 1 the past three years in a row, it seemed likely that Av 1 of this year might well be signficant in some very important way.

It was almost the end of the day yesterday, (Av 1), when I received an e-mail from Steve Coerper regarding a newstory out of Israel. According to the newstory, Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering a return to the 1967 borders in return for the stalled peace talks to resume before a UN vote this September regarding the creation of a Palestinian state.

I find this to be an incredible turn of events. If this is true, this is BIG and not necessarily good news. Could a decision such as this be the reason for the three warnings given on Av 1 the past three years?
I was thinking and praying about this last night as I went to bed. About half way through the night, I woke up from a very unusual dream. I can’t say for sure that it was from the Lord, but, I do think it illustrates the point in a most remarkable way.

The dream –