Heaven Bound

       Black and White Holstein Cow

Did you know that the Holstein cow is the world’s highest production dairy animal?  Some of you dairy farmers out there probably do, but, chances are the rest of us probably did not.  If you’re like me, all you’re concerned about is having a gallon jug of the stuff in the refrigerator, nice and cold, just waiting for morning cereal or late night milk and cookies.  But, there is so much more!  The land of Canaan (a picture of heaven) is a land flowing with milk and honey. And, that’s where we’re going, some time very soon!  What a delight!

By now you’re more than likely wondering what a cow has to do with our usual topic of discussion. No, I haven’t developed a sudden interested in farming, although it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea!  It’s actually a tie in to my previous post titled, July, a month for Sheep and Goats.  If you haven’t read it yet, you can find it here:   https://cindybythesea.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/july-a-month-for-sheep-and-goats/ 

I received an e-mail from my friend Carlos at Chozeh and Nabiy today.  Carlos had written to ask me the dates of the two dreams mentioned in the Sheep and Goats post. I knew the first dream was February 2008 but, I could not remember the exact date, so, I got my journal out to see when it was.  As it turns out, it was the night of February 19th or the early morning hours of February 20.  As I was looking for the date, I noticed that there were actually two parts to my dream; I had forgotten about the second part.  As I re-read the account of the dream, I was astounded to find that the second part of the first dream was amazingly similar to the second dream over three years later, the subject of both dreams – a room!

I’ve mentioned before that dreams can be subjective and it can be very hard to categorize them.  But, sometimes, they are so compelling that we must pay attention to them. 

If  you recall, the second dream, like the first was a phone call from a friend. The first phone call was a warning about a  a nuclear blast, the second was a request to get a room ready for the 15th.  Here is the account of the second part of the first dream:

From my journal entry:

“After I saw the mushroom cloud, the scene switched and my husband and I were getting our two young daughters into a small storage type room for safety from the nuclear blast.  (They appeared to be about 7 and 9 years old in the dream).  The youngest had on a coat which seemed to small for her and I noticed that the hood and sleeves were lined with fur (not real fur, synthetic like you would find on kids coats). She (my youngest daughter) told me she was hungry and all I could find to give her was a shriveled up carrot. Then I saw a black and white porcelain cow, which, after seeing it, broke apart and gushed milk.  Then suddenly my shirt was being pulled up over my head like some one was trying to take it off me, but, instead of pulling it off, it was being twisted tightly around my neck in an attempt to suffocate me.  Strangely, it was my nine-year old daughter who was doing the twisting, I could see her face and she had an evil grin and was laughing as she twisted the shirt, I knew of course, that it was not really her;  it only looked like her. Then, I struggled myself awake.”

I have been wondering since the end of June, what the dream “get a room ready” meant.  I’m not altogether sure, but, I think I have a clearer understanding now.  

Disaster is coming, we need to be ready.  Our hiding place is in Jesus.  I remembered that my daughters were saved and baptized at just about those ages, so, I think the dream indicated that my husband and I and our two daughters, when the time comes, will be found in a place of safety (and I’m not talking about a literal physical room, although, it could be so).  Though provisions may seem sparse (withered carrot), Jesus provides abundantly, (the cow breaking and gushing milk) – with all that we need. 

I’m not sure why a demon disguised as my daughter was trying to kill me, except to say that my daughter is a very devoted Christian and has suffered a number of demonic attacks for it, and I know first hand, like she does, that  spiritual warfare is real. Perhaps a demon entered the dream in an attempt to disrupt the dream process and the message I was receiving from God.

Friends, dreams or no dreams, the Bible tells us the time is near. July 15 is one month following the lunar eclipse over Israel and the day the Palestinians will petition the UN for a vote on a Palestinian state this September.  It couldn’t be clearer; time is very, very short.  May your hiding place (and mine) be found in Jesus!

“On that day I swore that I would bring them out of Egypt in to a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of lands.” Exodus 20:6

Amen!

“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

“… And there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow resembling an emerald encircled the throne… From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder.”   Revelation 4:2-5

Lightning and thunder. There is nothing quite like it. Nature at its most powerful, a fitting description for the awesome power and majesty of God.  Interesting, that lightning has made the news twice times this week in connection with two highly publicized news stories both occurring four days in advance of what I have dubbed, 7-11-11;  the perfect storm.

What is a perfect storm? A perfect storm is a rare set of conditions that come together to create a worst-case scenario of weather conditions.  This happened in 1991, when weather conditions in the northeast came together to create a powerful storm known as a Nor’easter.  Some of you may remember this storm which occurred on Halloween of that same year and the 1997 book and subsequent movie, which recounted the storm and its effect on one particular fishing vessel and its crew, the Andrea Gail.  I remember reading the book shortly after moving to Hawaii in 1999 and being riveted to it’s every page. The storm and its effect, both terrifying and unforgettable in magnitude and strength. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/satellite/satelliteseye/cyclones/pfctstorm91/pfctstorm.html 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Gail  

* And, wow, I didn’t realize this until now, when I did a quick google search of the date October 30, 1991 and found out that it is also the date of the first ever mid-East peace conference hosted by George Bush Sr.  Can you believe it!  I tell you, you just can’t make this stuff up!  http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/30/newsid_2465000/2465725.stm

This past week, on July 7, two sets of lightning struck within 1/3 of a mile of the launch pad of the space shuttle Atlantis, the day before its scheduled final launch. And, on the same day, a tall tree at the memorial site where little Caylee Anthony’s remains were found was also struck by lightning just hours after the not-guilty verdict was rendered absolving her mother Casey of any guilt in her disappearance and death.  A coincidence? Maybe …. may be not.

The internet is abuzz with these stories, particularly the Anthony case. And, while sadly many children are killed or go missing each year, (not to mention the millions of abortions), this case for some reason captured the attention of the nation.  I really don’t know why, except to say it is perhaps, not just Casey who was on trial here, but, America herself. And, like the jury, we find ourselves, “not-guilty” – innocent of all charges that might be held against us and the lifestyles we lead.

The public is outraged about the verdict, and rightfully so, but, the outrage, while commendable is also – hypocritical. For the lifestyle Casey led resulting in the death of her sweet baby is also the lifestyle millions of Americans lead resulting in broken families, child abuse, neglect, abortions and much, much more.  And, we have all been touched by these things, my life and my family no exception, so you see, the finger-pointing at Casey, also, points squarely back at us. I believe, when lighting struck the tree next to the memorial for little Caylee, God weighed in, not just on Casey, but, on all of us as well. Shame on nation, who will not protect its young! Even animals know better than this!

On Monday, 7/11/11, the mid-East quartet will meet in Washington to determine the fate of Israel (as if it is in their hands).  Eleven is the number of disorganization, imperfection and disintegration. Interesting, when you add the three number together separately, you also, get 11 – (7 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 11).  That makes three eleven’s associated with this date.

I’m not sure what next week will bring. But, I do know this, conditions are just right for the perfect storm. May we be found in his mercy and his grace.

“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

     Separating the Sheep from the Goats

In just a few days, we may see the beginning of the fulfillment of Matthew 25:32 – the separating of the sheep from the goats. The all important question by which all nations will be judged –“how did you treat my brethren (Israel)?”

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will seperate the people one from another as a shepherd seperates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left … Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of thee brothers of mine, you did for me.”  Matthew 25:31-40

On Monday July 11, the mid-East Quartet composed of the United States, Russia, the EU and the UN will meet in Washington for the express purpose of preparing a mid-East peace plan to off-set the bid by the Palestinians to the UN for a vote regarding statehood this coming September. A plan that will likely be rejected by Prime Minister Netanyahu, if contingent upon a return to the 1967 borders as proposed by President Barack Obama last May.  In order for the issue to be brought to a vote at the September session of the UN, the Palestinians will need to submit a formal request by July 15. 

For this reason, I believe July 11 and July 15 are key watch dates that may have tremendous future implication.

In February 2008, I had a very vivid dream in which, I received a phone call from a friend, when I answered the phone, his first words to me were – “doomsday.”  I said, “what?”  He repeated it, “doomsday, – look out your window.”   So, I pulled back the curtains to look out my window and when I did, I could see a mushroom cloud forming in the distance over what would be the city of Honolulu.  The dream was absolutely terrifying, so much so that I wrote it down in my journal, so that I wouldn’t forget it. 

The other night, I had second dream involving this same friend. This dream was also a telephone call and to my knowledge this is the only two times I have had dreams which involved this particular friend, in fact, I haven’t spoken to him in quite a while. In the second dream, he called and we had a long conversation, none of which I can remember except that he asked me to get a room ready for him for the 15th.  This dream was the last night of June, so I have to assume that the date in question is July 15.  

Dreams are nebulous at best and I am certainly not claiming divine inspiration in this dream or any other, though, I did find it unusual enough to run by my daughter (Seven Stars)  to see what she might think.  She is very intuitive and suggested that because both dreams involved phone calls, a message is implied.  She also suggested, that the two dreams may be connected and that getting a room ready might have something to do with nuclear preparedness. I did a little research and found an article with some great information on surviving a nuclear blast which includes preparing a room in your home.   http://www.ki4u.com/survive/index.htm

Do I expect a nuclear disaster to occur on or around the 15th on this island or anywhere else?  Not necessarily, but, I do believe a disaster of this kind is more than likely sometime in our collective future.

Consider the following:

It’s interesting to note that July 11 (the date the mid-East Quartet meets) is Tammuz 9 on the Jewish calendar, the same date Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar breached the walls of Jerusalem in  583 BC leading to the eventual destruction of the temple three years later on Av 9 586 BC.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammuz_(Hebrew_month)

July 11 is also the date the ship Exodus 1947 left Sete, France bound for Palestine with 4,515 passengers on board, the majority of whom were holocaust survivors trying to make immigration to their ancient home land following their liberation from the death camps. The ship arrived on the shores of Palestine on July 18, where it was turned away by orders of the British government and and forced to return to France.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Exodus

The story of the Exodus 1947 and the brutal treatment of its passengers by the British Navy is recounted in the 1958 book Exodus by Leon Uris, later made famous in the 1960 film starring Paul Newman.  The story of the Exodus 1947 would not be complete without this side note, the holocaust survivors denied entrance to Palestine were returned to Hamburg, Germany, where they were kept in camps after the war in conditions not much better than the concentration camps from which they had been rescued. Hamburg, you may recall is the birthplace of  German Prime Minister Angela Merkel, the recent recipient of medal of freedom honor by President Obama and the identified source of the deadly e-coli breakout in May, the same month she received the medal.

I don’t know about you, but, when I see dates, names and events linked in history, it reminds me that although we have short memories, God does not. He remembers the brutal treatment of not only these passengers and the parties involved, but, the brutal treatment his people have endured throughout the centuries at the hands of her enemies. The world may have forgotten, but, God has not; the last page on these stories is yet to be written. God will have the final say.

We are getting down to the wire folks. God is serious about the treatment of his people by the nations. If it comes to a vote in the UN, will America stand with Israel? Will we veto a proposal for a Palestinian state or will we abandon Israel  to her enemies?  Sheep to the right, goats to the left.  Which one will we be?  The consequences couldn’t be more serious.

“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

   Los Alamos Fire

In 1941, the government opened a uranium mill in the small southeastern town of Utah in which I grew up. It was the uranium from this mill that would feed the Manhatten project leading to the development of the atomic bomb at the Los Alamos lab in New Mexico.

The project, was of course, top secret and none of the residents of this small rural town were ever informed of the potential risks incurred by placing a uranium processing plant in the center of the community. It would be years later before its slow, insidious and deadly malignant effect would be realized – and, by then, it was too late. At the time, we were just happy to have the boom to our economy and the jobs that came with it.

The mill was in operation from 1941 to 1960. I was five years old when it closed. It would be many, many years later though before the mill site was cleaned up and the tailings hauled off.  The tailing ponds, or what remained of them were just a stones throw down the hill from my grandparents house; the sight of many adventures in my elementary years. Old tires and debris littered the area and it always seemed fun to go down there and poke around.  No one worried about kids in those days. After breakfast, during the summer time, we took off on our bikes, the only instructions from our parents – “be back in time for lunch!”

As the fire burns near the Los Alamos lab, I wonder about the safety of the population there. One report I read, mentioned that the burning of surrounding trees and soil could pose a safety risk even if the fire never reaches the laboratory grounds.  Causing me to wonder, as many of us do, if we are being given the entire story. It’s taken 60 years and an alarming number of cancer deaths for the government to finally own up to their responsibility to the citizens of southern Utah.

Floods, tornados, fires. The older I get and the more studied in God’s word I become, I have to wonder if God’s view of history is the same as our own.  Does the end justifiy the means?  Yes, Japan surrendered after the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but, thousands of innocent civilians were killed – dead from flash burns and radioactivity. And, innocent civilians were lied to in the development of these weapons. Does God sanction that? I wonder.

Rambling thoughts as I watch the flames of the Los Alamos fire scorch the night sky – the deaths of innocents heavy on my mind.

* Please, thoughtful comments only, not a forum for debating the use of the atomic bomb to end the war

“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

http://abcnews.go.com/US/los-alamos-fire-epa-testing-radiation/story?id=13953953

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top%20stories/story/Uranium-mill-blamed-for-cancer-cluster-in/oLM-pWvt-EipO6svFRq7yw.cspx

 Welcoming the first day of summer with Yoga in Times Square 

On Tuesday June 21, hundreds of Yoga enthusiasts gathered elbow to elbow on yoga mats in Times Square to welcome the first day of summer with an all day Yoga fest. Beneath looming bill boards as colorful and crowded as the participants themselves, people stretched and contorted in an event billed as Mind Over Madness Yoga.

On Tuesday, June 21st, yoga enthusiasts celebrated the longest day of the year with an all day yoga fest. Attendees were challenged to find tranquility and transcendence in the midst of the world’s most commercial and frenetic place, Times Square.

For many I’m sure, it was a day to celebrate the end of a long and dreary winter;  the first rays of summer a welcome sight; warming the body and the spirit against bones that have been cold for far too long.  But, whether participants know it or not, the summer solstice is steeped in paganism, as in the practice of Yoga itself.

It’s no secret that ancient pagan rituals and practices have exploded in popularity in recent years with the advent of television, movies and the endorsement of popular celebrities.  Dormant for centuries, hidden in the dusty cobwebs of antiquity, once forbidden practices have now become mainstream, re-invented and re-packaged for acceptance by the modern mind.

In looking at the photo above, I see arms raised to heaven in a sea of color primarily red, white and blue in tone; the red and the blue colors when blended creating the color purple.  Click on the link below and you will see a number of photos of this same event, which when viewed as a whole, present with these same dominating colors; red and blue.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/christinyca/5866172191/in/photostream/

Not particularly sinister as red and blue are undoubtedly popular colors for workout gear, but, none the less interesting after reading this extrodinary post by my friend Carlos over at Chozeh & Nabiy. http://nabiy4america.wordpress.com/2011/06/24/the-colors-worn-and-adorned-by-the-harlot-of-revelation/

After reading his post, I noticed the predominacne of the colors and the theme of many of the billboards that surrounded the event. If you look closely, you will see the Statue of Liberty to the right, the mask of the Phantom of the Opera and an ad for what I assume to be a Broadway play simply called Wicked – just to name a few.

I’ve never been to Times Square but, from the photos, it appears to be an experience bigger than life – the modern American experience on steroids!  According to Wikipedia, Times Square is also known as the Crossroads of the World and is considered to be a symbol of New York City and the United States.

This past week, three days after the Yoga event, the state of New York made history on June 24 by becoming the sixth state in the Union to approve marriage between members of the same-sex. Known from the 1920’s, as the Big Apple, it’s been said, as Frank Sinatra so famously immortalized in song, that “if you can make it there, you can make it any where,” In other words, New York City, for all that it is – and, all that it is not – for better or worse, represents and embodies, the nation as a whole. And, like a mirror, when looked deeply into, the reflection we see looking back -is none other than ourselves.

Governor Andrew Cuomo on signing the same-sex marriage bill in to law is quoted as saying, “I had to do it.” And, perhaps he did. As representative of the people, our leaders are no more than a reflection of ourselves. He (Governor Cuomo) only parked the car at the destination to which it had been driven.

Join with me in prayer tonight humbly asking God for forgiveness for our part in allowing our nation to become as it says in Revelation 18:2 – “a home for demons, a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.”

“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

as “the cross roads of the world” was the location for the gathering of thousands this past week on June 21 to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

    “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

We know from the book of Revelation there will come a time, when many of the tribulation believers will lose their lives for the sake of the gospel; for their faith in Jesus Christ.  The 116th Psalm seems to give us a window in to this awesome time; a window into the heart of God and a window in to the hearts of those who put their trust in him.

The 116th Psalm opens with these words:

“I love the Lord for he heard my voice, he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”  Psalm 116:1-2

The question is often asked, “will people be saved during the tribulation?” and the answer is “yes” –  for it is for this very purpose that God has called out and anointed the 144,000, as well as the two witnesses.  While many will harden their hearts and refuse to repent during this time, there will be many others, who will cry out to God for mercy and whose voices will be heard and whose cry will be answered. It may seem during this period of upheaval that God has forsaken his creation, but, the opposite is true, for the ear of God is always tuned toward the voice of the repentant sinner.

“The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, save me!'”  Psalm 116:3-4

By the year 2016, the beast and the implementation of his mark will be in full swing. Those who receive the mark will have hardened their hearts (as Pharoah did) to the point of no return. But others, who have heard the message of the gospel and responded will see their faith rewarded with salvation – not to be confused with deliverance from their earthly woes, but, for salvation; and of that number, a great many will be called upon to give up their lives to receive a martyrs crown.

“The Lord is gracious and righteous, our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted, when I was in great need he saved me.”  Psalm 116:5-6

It’s a child like faith that brings us to salvation. The haughty, the arrogant, the proud would rather cry out for the mountains to fall on them than for God to save them. But, to those who come to him in child like faith, who call on him in their time of need, God promises to reward with one of the sweetest promises in scripture; the promise of entering his rest.

“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116: 7 

Compare to Revelation 14:13, Psalm 116:8 and Revelation 17:7 – 

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”  Revelation 14:13

“For you, O Lord have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.”  Psalm 116:8

“And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes” Revelation 17:7

The tribulation saints, though missing out on the rapture will have the special distinction of joining those in heaven who have given their lives for the sake of the gospel. I have a feeling those folks will have a song or two that the rest of us just won’t know; all we’ll be able to do is just stand by and listen; and, what a beautiful song it will be!

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of  his saints!”

Jesus gave his life for us. He paid for us with his own blood! He took the third cup of Passover, the cup of Redemption and drank from it! 

When Jesus sat at the Passover table that night, he lifted the cup and said, 

“This is the blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28.

And, as they sat at the table they sang  from the Egyptian Hallel, 

“I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:13. 

Literally, I will lift up the cup of Yeshua and call on the name of the Lord”

The year 2016, when we look back might well be called the year of the martyrs. How precious the days ahead and how great the grace of God.  Thank you God for a view to the future that gives us hope and grace for the coming days.

“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

    “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.  Psalm 117

The shortest of the 150 Psalms, the center chapter of the King James Bible and the fifth Psalm of the Egyptian Hallel, what the 117th Psalm lacks in size, it more than makes up for in Spirit! 

It has been the premise of this study that the Psalms of the Egyptian Hallel, Psalms 113-118 (and the Psalms immediately preceding them) correspond with the years we are living in, each one providing detailed information regarding the soon return of Jesus.  If Psalm 118 corresponds with the year 2018, what then, might we discover about the year 2017 from this, the shortest verse in the Bible, Psalm 117.

The events of Psalm 118 seem to correspond with the return of Christ and the establishment of his millenial kingdom  during the fall feasts of 2018. If this should take place then, it would only stand to reason that the events of 2017 (on or around this time period) might very well be the destruction of Babylon as described in Revelation 18.

As I’m writing this, I’m wondering why so much detailed information is given in Psalm 118 but, so little in Psalm 117, Why would God provide so much detailed information in one chapter and so little in another?  

In doing a little research, I came across these words by Charles Spurgeon in his introduction to his commentary on the 117th Psalm that shed a little light on this for me.   http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps117.htm

 “This Psalm, which is very little in its letter, is exceedingly large in its spirit; for, bursting beyond all bounds of race or nationality, it calls upon all mankind to praise the name of the Lord. In all probability it was frequently used as a brief hymn suitable for almost every occasion, and especially when the time for worship was short. Perhaps it was also sung at the commencement or at the close of other Psalms, just as we now use the doxology. It would have served either to open a service or to conclude it. It is both short and sweet. The same divine Spirit which expatiates in the 119th, here condenses his utterances into two short verses, but yet the same infinite fullness is present and perceptible. It may be worth noting that this is at once the shortest chapter of the Scriptures and the central portion of the whole Bible.”

Quite simply, the message of Psalm 117 (God’s great love for all mankind)  is central to the theme of scripture and is in fact, quite literally; at its very center.

In Romans 15:11 the apostle Paul quotes from the 117th Psalm; drawing from it, he makes his appeal to the Jews regarding the message of the gospel going to the Gentiles.

“Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.”

Here, Paul confirms that it was always God’s intention for salvation to be offered to the Gentiles – that Israel would be a “light to the nations” – and that God’s offer of  mercy and grace would extend to all the people’s of the world, and not to Israel alone.

Now this is important, because the nations as a whole have rejected God. They have chosen instead to follow a world system that is the spirit of Babylon; a world system that stands in direct opposition to God and everything he stands for.

We may speculate that Babylon of Revelation 18 is the United States, NYC or modern-day Iraq, but, these are only representative of the spirit of Babylon, the spirit of anti-christ, which has been at work from the time of the beginning and will very soon meet its final end. 

In Revelation 18, the world mourns the destruction of Babylon but, in heaven there is great rejoicing!

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants. And, again they shouted, Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”   Revelation 19: 1-3.

It is following this tremendous event that the time is finally right for the marriage supper of the lamb (Rev. 19:6), which leads me to believe that the final destruction of Babylon is necessary before the final stages of God’s plan can proceed.

On seeing the destruction of Babylon, great words of lament can be heard, but, none more powerful than these:

“Rejoice over her, O heavens!  Rejoice saints, apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.”

God has judged her for the way she treated you!  Imagine that, when the world hurts one of God’s people, it hurts God. He takes it personally!  Therefore, you can see that God’s love, central to Psalm 117 is also central to the final destruction of the Babylonian system, a system which hates God and hates God’s people.

The words may be few, but, the message is clear. God’s love for his people is unwavering and true and his mercy endureth forever. Blessed be his name!

“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 Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us, with boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.  Psalm 118: 27

We ended our last study with the 115th Psalm.  I’ve been thinking about it the past few days and decided to approach the remaining Psalms a little differently.  In reading this particular group of Psalms, known as the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), I find it interesting that when cross referenced with the book of Revelation, a time-line appears to emerge that is consistent with both of these amazing portions of scripture.  It is my intent, therefore, in my next few posts to work backward from the 118th Psalm, using it as the anchor from which everything else will flow.

The Egyptian Hallel, as I discussed earlier, appears to progressive in nature. Read at every Passover for at least four thousand years and recited on the ascent to the temple on the major pilgrimages of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles during the days of the temple, its importance cannot be emphasized enough.

To start, let’s review:

The Passover Seder follows an order of service which is set by the drinking of four cups of wine. Each one has a name and each one corresponds to a promise made by God to the Israelites in Exodus 6:6,7.

The first cup, the cup of Sanctification corresponds to this promise: “I will bring you out from the yoke of the Egyptians.”

The second cup, the cup of Judgment corresponds to this promise: “I will free you from their bondage.”

The third cup, the cup of Redemption to this promise: “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.”

And, The fourth cup, the cup of Praise to this promise: “I will take you as my own people.”

The Seder is built around these four cups, therefore, these promises, read year after year for thousands of years are of extreme importance. And, as you can see, are progressive in nature.  I believe this same progression applies to the book of Revelation. Which, I hope to show as we go through this study.

Before I proceed any further, I want to emphasize that this is a suggested time line. It may or may not agree with that of other scholars (of which, I am not one of) far more sophisticated in intellect and understanding than I. So, I offer it up to you for your prayerful consideration and perhaps as an adjunct to your own study.

If the premise of my study is correct, the tribulation period will begin in the latter part of 2011 and will end in the latter part of 2018.

Let’s get started.

The year 2018 and the 118th Psalm:

I believe the 118th Psalm show us that two of the greatest events in history are little more than seven years away. The return of Jesus to the Mount of Olives on Yom Kipper at the Battle of Armaggedon on September 19, 2018 and the the start of the Millenial Kingdom on September 24, the Feast of Tabernacles.

As we read through this Psalm, we see that victory and deliverance are its major themes.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for her is good; his love endures forever.”

“Let Israel say, His love endures forever. Let the house of Aaron say, His love endures forever. Let those who fear him say, His love endures forever.”

“In my anguish, I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.  I will look in triumph on my enemies.”

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in Princes.”

“All the nations surrounded me, but, in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord, I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but, they died out as quickly as burning thorns … I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song, (the song of Moses),  he has become my salvation.” (literally, my Yeshua).

“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! (Victory). 

“I will not die, but, live and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord  has chastened me severely, but, he has not given me over to death.” 

“Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter, I will give you thanks for you answered me; you have become my salvation.” – (literally, Yeshua – Jesus said, ” I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me” John 14:6 and ” I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved.” John 10:9).

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Compare with Zechariah ch. 9:10). Jesus also quoted this verse in reference to himself in Matt. 21:42,43  -“Jesus said to them,  ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone; the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.'”  

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! O, Lord save us; O Lord, grant us success.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”  Baruch ha ba b’shem Adonai! ( Remember when Jesus wept over Jerusalem telling them -“You will not see me again, until YOU say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'”  Matt. 23:39 – these are the words that will prompt the return of Jesus!)

“From the house of the Lord, we bless you.”

The Lord  is God, he has made his light shine upon us, with boughs (palm branches) in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. (Both references to the Feast of Tabernacles, the Kingly feast and representative of the millennial kingdom).

“You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lod, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

So, as you can see, the 118th Psalm speaks volumes in regard to end time events and dovetails perfectly with Zechariah chapters 12, 13 & 14.  As well, as Revelation 19. 

I mentioned earlier the four cups of wine of the Passover table. On the night of his betrayal, at the last Passover Seder before his crucifixion, Jesus took the cup, gave thanks and told his disciples, “this is the blood of the new covenant poured out for many for the remission of sins”.  This was the third cup, the cup of Redemption.  Jesus did not drink the fourth cup that night, the cup of Praise.  That is because he is waiting to drink it with us at the marriage supper of the lamb. Remember the promise from Exodus 6:7 – “I will take you as my own people.”

Revelation 19:7 says:  
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

What a great and glorious day is ahead!

I had intended to back track from Psalm 118 to Psalm 111 in this post, but, I can see it would be far too long. I hope you are enjoying these Psalms as much as I am and with Psalm 118 providing the anchor date of 2018, it will be interesting to see how things progress from there, in our view to the future; these amazing prophetic Psalms!

“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 Lord is gracious and righteous, our God is full of compassion. The Lord  protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.  Psalm 116:5,6

Psalms 113-118, also known as the Egyptian Hallel, is split in to two parts, when read at the Passover Seder; a tradition that goes back not just centuries, but, millenia. When one begins to look at these verses in light of tribulation events, one begins to see the possibility, that these particular passages are not only prophetic in nature, but, are in many ways reflective of the original Exodus itself.

Who can forget the icy stare President Obama had for Prime Minister Netanyahu on his recent visit to Washington? Change the suit and ties for 1400 BC Hebrew and Egyptian attire and you have Moses and Pharoah.

Now, why is this important? Because, this is a match up, that is not yet over.

With that in mind, we’re going to look at Psalm 115 and continue to build towards the theme of events that will eventually culminate in the magnificent 118th Psalm.

There is a lot contained in these next two chapters and it is not my intent to do a verse by verse exposition. What I hope to do is discover, by looking at a couple of key verses, how this fantastic group of Psalms, known as the Egyptian Hallel, has been providing timeless clues for the completion of God’s plan of redemption, not only for the past, but, for the future.

Judgment & Salvation

When God brought his people out of Egypt, he accomplished this by doing two things. By bringing judgment and by bringing salvation.  I think this is an important concept to remember because it has future implication.  It was not until God brought judgment on Egypt that Pharoah relented and let the Israelites go.  In other words, the same night judgment fell on the first born, those under the blood of the lamb were saved.  So, you see, judgment and salvation occured simultaenously. In the same way, when Jesus was on the cross, sin was judged at the moment salvation was purchased.

In my last post, we discovered how Psalms 113 & 114 are read before the second up of Passover, the cup of Judgment. This would lead us to believe that Psalm 113 & 114 most closely correspond with the first cup, the cup of Sanctification, which by implication would indicate the calling out or sanctifying of the 144,000 in end time events.

It’s my conjecture therefore, that once the 144,000 are sealed, the simultaneous process of judgment and salvation will commence. (Something, we will discuss in more detail in Psalm 116).

According to the order of the Passover Seder, the last four Psalms 115-118 are recited before the 4th cup, the cup of Praise.  Now, this is important, because that means that the last four Psalms correspond with the 3rd cup of Passover, the Cup of Redemption, the cup from which the Lord’s table, communion comes.

Remember in the garden before his crucifixion when Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet, not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)  What cup was he talking about?  He was talking about the third cup of Passover, the cup of Redemption. 

But, before we get to judgment and redemption, we see in the opening to the 115th Psalm the nations openly taunting an increasingly isolated and friendless Israel.

“Why do the nations say, Where is their God? Psalm 115:2

Where is their God????  The answer to that question already stated in the second part of the verse:

“Our God is in heaven, he does what ever pleases him.”  Psalm 115:3

In contrast to:

“But, their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths but, cannot speak, eyes but, cannot see; they have ears but, cannot hear, noses, but, they cannot smell;  they have hands, but, cannot feel, feet but, they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”  Psalm 115:2-8

The nations of the world are woefully unaware of the God of Israel.  It isn’t hard to imagine them shaking their heads in derision over the tiny and isolated Jewish state. Once known as the people of the book, they watch with relish as the little thorn shaped nation is about to be destroyed.  They taunt her with words reminiscent of those by which Christ was taunted on the cross:  “He saved others, but, he cannot save himself.” Matt. 27:42

When, we get to the center of the Psalm, the mood shifts and we see three blessings striking in similarity to the Aaronic blessing.  Contained within these blessings come the establishment and the anointing of the 144,000 and their ministry.

The Aaronic blessing is based on Numbers 6:27, which says –

 “And they will put my name on the children of Israel and I, myself will bless them”

The Aaronic blessing: 

” The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Notice the tri–fold blessing – the Lord bless, the Lord make his face shine, the Lord turn his face toward you.  Compare now with Psalm 115:9-16.  Notice again, the tri–fold blessing.

“O house of Israel, trust in the Lord – he is their help and shield; O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord – he is their help and shield, You who fear him, trust in the Lord – he is their help and shield.”

“The Lord remembers us and will bless us, He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear him, both great and small.

And, then what appears to be a reference back to Numbers 6:27 again.

“May the Lord make you increase both you and your children, May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

The Psalm finishes with this thought:

“It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to silence; it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forever more.”

The blessing of the Lord is for those who trust in him, both living and dead, who extol his name.  The dead who go down in silence, are those who go to a place absent of God, a place where there is no blessing; where there is no praising. An obvious tie back to verses 2-8 – “those who make them, will be like them.” 

A somber thought as we close out the 115th Psalm. 

“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

“Who shut up the sea behind doors, when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment, and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it, and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther, here is where your proud waves halt?'”  Job 38:8-11

God separates light from dark, sea from land and the righteous from the unrighteous.

————————————

Yesterday afternoon, I went out shopping and when I returned to my car, I found the following hand written words scrawled in blue pen on a white sheet of paper and attached to my windshield –

“Please do every one a favor and learn how to park!’  Signed, “the public.”

Indignant, I looked at the note and then at my tires and sure enough, I was parked a little over the line; well, maybe just a little more than a little, but, not that much!  I then glanced around at the cars parked near me and wondered who had the gall to write such a note and who would make such a big deal out of such a small thing.  After all, I had only gone a little over the line.

It didn’t occur to me until this morning, that my little parking episode had provided the perfect opening for today’s post.

————————-

When I started researching these Psalms, I came across a foot note in my Bible that really excited me, a foot-note, which at least for me provided the key to understanding the prophetic implication of this particular group of Psalms.

According to my foot-note, Psalms 113- 118, (the Egyptian Hallel)  is broken in to two parts, when read at Passover. The first two Psalms (113 & 114) are recited before the pouring of the second cup and the last three Psalms (115-118) are recited before the filling of the fourth cup.  Now this is very important. As someone who loves Passover and has taught on it many times, I was blown away, when I understood the implications of this.

Let’s start here:

There are four cups of wine at a Passover Seder.  In order, they are:

The cup of Sanctification, the cup of Judgment, the cup of Redemption and the cup of Praise.

If Psalms 113 and 114 correspond with years 2013 and 2014, then, we would expect to see someone or something sanctified (set apart) before judgment (wrath) falls.  *not to be confused with the chaos of 2012, which is a type of judgment, but, is not the wrath that falls during the last 3.5 years of the seven-year period.

Now, Sanctification is a big word which simply means to “set apart”. 

Passover, of course, did exactly that. By bringing his people out of Egypt, God separated them unto himself.  In the last days, there will be another group of people sanctified or “called out”.  We find these people listed in Revelation chapter 7, and they are the 144,000, 12,000 Jewish men from each tribe. 

Starting with Psalm 114 and working backwards –

The 114th Psalm opens with a recounting of the Exodus events –

“When Israel came out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion.  The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, O sea that you fled, O Jordan that you turned back, you mountains that you skipped like rams, you hills, like lambs?” Psalm 114:1-6

Now, why would it be important for the 114th Psalm to start out this way?  If God is going to call out this great group of people, who will be instrumental in bringing a remnant to faith in Christ during this period, what better way than recalling the great events of the Exodus.  Don’t you just love the wording used, this was a time of incredible joy for the Father, “the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs!”  This was marvelous, this was incredible, God had chosen a people for himself and called them out of Egypt.

Life in Egypt was darkness, life in Egypt was slavery, life in Egypt was hopeless – but, God delivered them!  Out of the chaos of 2012, a light shines, God raises up 144,000 spirit filled dynamos that will powerfully preach the message of the cross.  And, people will be saved!  A remnant to be sure, but, nevertheless, people will be saved!

Psalm 114, therefore, serves as a reminder that God is not yet finished – even in the midst of chaos God has set apart, chosen and sealed a people for his purposes. 

The Psalm ends with these words:

“Tremble, O earth at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock in to a pool, the hard rock in to springs of water.”  Psalm 114:8

The indication here I believe, that the same God who brought water out of the rock, will turn even these terrible events of the tribulation period in to springs of living water for those who will hear and believe.

How many will be saved during this period, I don’t know. But, I do know that we are told in the book of Zechariah that 2/3 of the population of Israel will die, while 1/3  will survive – therefore, of the estimated six million people living in Israel today, at least two million will come to faith in Jesus Christ at some time during this period. (Zechariah 13:8)

Backing up to Psalm 113 – the year that follows on the heels of the opening of the six seals during the year 2012.  The Psalmist opens with these words:

“Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forever more. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

God has begun a mighty work; world-wide in scope which will culminate in triumph over his enemies. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, THE NAME OF THE LORD IS TO BE PRAISED!

The Psalmist reminds us in verses 4-6 that God is exalted ABOVE the nations, enthroned on high, he stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth.

“The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth.” Psalm 113: 4-6

Can you imagine? God stoops down to see who is making such a fuss. The nations raging against Israel are really raging against God. In their vain imaginations and their pride, they think by defeating Israel, they can defeat God. They don’t want their ten commandments and they sure don’t want their Messiah. They want their self-made, man-made religion without any restrictions, without any boundaries and without any responsibilities. And, as long as Jews and Christians are around, it’s a sore reminder of a God who says otherwise.

During this chaotic time period, those who are poor and needy ( in other words, those who see their spiritual need and respond to the call of Jesus) will be lifted from the ash heap and the dust to be seated with princes.

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.” Psalm 113:7-8

Every Passover Seder begins with an invitation to Passover. A call for any one who is hungry or thirsty to come to the table. The implication, that what ever your needs, they will be met at the Passover table.  And, of course, in a very large sense it is true, as the Passover Seder is a wonderful picture of the redemptive work of Christ. Jesus, who also said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” To be seated with the princes, is to be seated with Christ.

And, the Psalm concludes –

“He settles the barren woman in her home, as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord!”  Psalm 113:9

The barren woman (Rachel) matriarch of the Jewish people, was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin; Joseph, a type of Christ. Israel, will never be moved from their land. And, Jew and Gentile believers, their happy-off spring of whom there are many, will share in this blessed inheritance.

I started todays post with my little parking incident and though minor and of no real consequence, I have to admit, how quickly, I took offense at being shown the error of my ways. There are laws and boundaries that govern even nature itself. Only man has the choice and the capability of defying the creator. Humbleness is not easy to come by and without the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit, not one of us would see our sin and how desperately in need of a Savior, we really are. 

“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