Heaven Bound

        Ariel  (Jerusalem)

I was reading Five Doves forum the other day and came across a posting which really caught my attention.  On July 1, Bruce Baber posted a link to a video regarding  a prominent Rabbi from Israel who before his death in January of 2006  (Tevet 29) predicted both the coming of the Messiah and his name.   According to Rabbi Kaduri of Jerusalem, the Messiah had appeared to him, revealing not only who he was, but, that he would be coming soon.  He also revealed that his soon return would be marked by the death of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.  Rabbi Kaduri, not wishing to divulge the specific information until a later time, wrote the name of the Messiah on a slip of paper, requesting that it be kept sealed until the year following his death.   One year later, the note which had been sealed was opened and its contents revealed.  To the amazement and chagrin of his many devoted followers, the name revealed by the 108 year old Rabbi, the name penned on the sheet of paper which had been sealed from the previous year, was none other than that of Yeshua, himself, Jesus of Nazareth!    (Links below to both the video and the article from Israel Today, April 30, 2007). 

http://www.youtube.com/v/eATJ4PRXEJk&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=128&view=item&idx=1347

I think this is absolutely amazing!  Did Rabbi Kaduri have a road to Damascus experience with the Messiah of Israel?  I think it is entirely possible that he did, for he had to have known what an impact this revelation would have on his followers once the name of the Messiah was revealed to be Jesus,  for the name of Jesus has been anathema to most Jews since the days of the first century.  I don’t believe he would have posthumously tarnished his highly esteemed reputation for anything less than the truth.

That being said.  If Rabbi Kaduri is to be believed, the Messiah will come soon following the death of Ariel Sharon.  Ariel Sharon, as most of us know, was Prime Minister of Israel from November 2001 until he suffered a debilitating stroke in January 2006, which has left him in a permanent comatose condition.  What I am wondering  is this –

 …. if Rabbi Kaduri is to be believed, why would the death of Ariel Sharon be given as a sign.

LION OF GOD

First of all, I find it interesting that the first name of Prime Minister Sharon, Ariel, is the poetic name for Jerusalem and in Hebrew means “lion of God.”  Jesus of course, is known as, “the lion from the tribe of Judah“.  So, we find in the first name of the Prime Minister, two interesting connections to the Messiah, – one, in the title of his name, and two, to the place of his return .

We also find in his surname (Sharon) a connection to the Messiah, for Sharon in Hebrew means “fertile plain” or “plain” and is used in reference to the Messiah in Song of Songs 2:1, where the bridegroom is likened unto the rose of Sharon.

From Isaiah 29:1 -11

“Woe to you Ariel, Ariel, the city where David settled!  Add year to year and let the cycles of your festivals go on. Yet, I will besiege Ariel, she will mourn and lament, she will be to me like an altar hearth.  I will encamp against you all around, I will encircle you with towers and set up my seige works against you.  Brought low you will speak from the ground; your speech will mumble out of the dust.  Your voice will come ghost like from the earth; out of the dust your speech will whisper. 

 But, your many enemies will become like fine dust, the ruthless hordes like fine chaff.  Suddenly, in an instant the Lord Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire. Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Ariel and attack her and her fortress and besiege her, will be as it is with a dream, with a vision in the night — as when a hungry man dreams that he is eating, but awakens and his hunger remains; as when a thirsty man dreams that he is drinking, but he awakens faint with his thirst unquenched, so will it be with the hordes of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion.” 

Be stunned and amazed, blind yourselves and be sightless, be drunk, but not from wine, stagger, but not from beer.  The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep, He has sealed your eyes (the prophets), he has covered your heads (the seers).  For you this whole vision is but, words sealed in a scroll.”

I find it interesting that in this passage (the only place in the Bible where Jerusalem is referred to as Ariel, as far as I know), mentions both a sealed scroll and a deep sleep.  I can’t help but, wonder, if these could be indirect references in some way to the sealed note of Rabbi Kadur and the comatose condition of the Prime Minister.  We know, of course from scripture, that Israel has experienced a “hardening in part until the full number of gentiles comes in” (Romans 11:25)  -something which may be alluded to in these verses regarding the opening of the scroll and the ending of a deep sleep.

 +++++++++++++

Ariel Sharon was born February 26, 1928, on the fifth day of Adar 1. He is a retired general and served as Israel’s 11th prime minister from 2001 until suffering a massive stroke on January 4, 2006 (Tevet 4) which has left him in a permanent vegetative condition.  In the years prior to his stroke, Prime Minister Sharon was an instrumental part of the Road Map for Peace negotiations which continue today.

 Palestinian Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas, President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, (Red Sea Summit, Aqaba, Jordan, June 4, 2003).

+++++++

Perhaps, what began while he (Prime Minister Sharon) was in office – (the initiation of the two-state solution) will be finalized by or near, the time of his death.  A true marker, that the return of the Messiah is near. 

“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

             Oil covered Pelicans huddle together en masse

This photo of Pelicans huddling together caught my attention as I was looking through a series of photos of Hurricane Alex and the damage being done to the Gulf Coastal areas today as a result of it.  And, since I don’t know much about Pelicans, I thought I would google them and educate my self a little, as Pelicans are not something we have here in the Hawaiian Islands. And, here is what I found.

One of the first things I learned is that the Brown Pelican is the state bird of Louisiana.  I didn’t know that.  I also learned that the word Pelican, is derived from a greek word  “pelekys which means “ax” a word which is applied to all birds that cut wood with their beaks or bills.  I also found that in medieval Europe, the Pelican became the symbol of the Passion of Jesus and for the eucharist, because the female Pelican was thought to be particularly attentive to her young, to the point of providing her own blood, if there were no other food available. 

 * In another version of the same story, the pelican was believed to kill its own young and then resurrect it with its blood.  For this reason, the pelican was chosen as the symbol for the Irish Blood Transfusion System located out of the Pelican House in Dublin, Ireland and also for Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and Corpus Christi College Oxford – Corpus Christi which of course means, body of Christ.

We’ve seen a lot of photos in the past three months of various kinds of marine life covered in oil and they have all been tragic.  The photo above is just one example of many.  But, after I read the history of the symbolism of the Pelican, this photo took on even greater significance to me.   One of the first thoughts that came to mind was how these birds are huddled together as one body,  i.e. Corpus Christi.   It also made me think (because of the legendary care of the pelican for its young) of a recent post by Ultra Guy at New Wineskins regarding hurricane Alex.  Did you guys see that?  How the formation of Hurricane Alex as seen via satellite imagery appeared in every detail to be like that of an unborn baby.  Incredible!  Do you think God might be trying to tell us something here?   How can it be that birds of nature know more about caring for their young than human beings do?   And, if for some reason you missed this great post by Art at New Wineskins titled “Go ask Alex” – you can check it out here:   http://newine.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/go-ask-alex/

I find it sad that symbols which were once so rich in meaning from the influence of Holy Scripture have fallen by the wayside.  Instead, we choose symbols based on the icons of the hedonistic culture in which we live today.  And, while a statewide call for prayer was initiated in Louisiana for June 20 of last week, I can’t help, but, wonder how effective those prayers might be without a call to repentance behind them.

I was reading from the book of Lamentations today and these verses regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity in 586 BC. seemed to apply:

“The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity.  The oracles they gave you were false and misleading. All who pass your way clap their hands a you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?”  Lamentations 2:14-15

Eerrily similar to the words of Revelation 18:18,19 by those who witness the fall of Babylon.

“When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city’ … in one hour she has been brought to ruin.”

As John McTernan mentioned on one of his recent posts, the Pastors from the pulpits of America have failed the flocks they are shepherding.  The call to repentance has not been sounded, and in spite of all that is happening today, the church remains asleep and the pulpits remain silent.  Here is how he worded it:

“Until life and power come back in to the church, America is racing towards judgment with God.”

My friends, the word is out – this oil spill is not going to get better. There are increasing reports of oil leaking from cracks on the ocean floor that will not be fixed by capping the well.  The possibility of a methane explosion resulting in fire and/or tsunami are becoming of increasing concern.  Even if the methane should not explode, the oil gushing from beneath the gulf could continue unabated for years.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see where this is going.   We are in deep trouble!  And, the pulpits of America remain quiet!  Shameful, the shepherds who have abandoned the sheep!  Take a stand on the word of God, you who are called to Shepherd the flock.  Tell us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear!

Friends, as I mention in my last post, keep your eyes on the period between Av 1 and Av 9 and the period shortly thereafter.  Av 1, I believe will be significant for the gentile nations due to the third and final solar eclipse which takes place on that day and Av 9 for its indication to Israel. 

And, something else you might want to consider  –

A few days ago, I received a comment from reader JERRY in the comments section of my post “The Sign of Jonah”.  In his comment, Jerry points out that from the May 8 sighting of the whale off the coast of Israel until Av 9 is about 72 days.  We all know that the number 70 in scripture is significant so, I think this is something  to pay attention to –  and, also by his calculation, it would have taken Jonah about 72 days to travel the 560 miles from Jaffa to Nineveh.  Might this 72 day period which runs from May 8 to July 19 be one which God has set aside for repentance?   I think it’s a good possibility, – and I think we’ll know the answer to that question very soon.  Great insight, Jerry and thank you again for sharing it with us.

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

                     Artist’s rendition of a Tsunami

I’ve been reading the past few days about the build up of methane gas in the gulf and the potential for an explosion that would send forth a tsunami to the gulf states of a size that would make the Indonesian tsunami of 2004 pale in comparison.  If so, the image above is a terrifying one.  As someone who lives in an area where tsunami warnings are a part of every day life (monthly testing of the tsunami warning system), I know the threat is all too real.

As I was thinking about this, I became very glad that my daughter and her family had re-located in recent months from Savannah to the Pacific Northwest, as some of the reports I have read, state that a methane gas explosion could be imminent.  How much of this is sensationalism, I don’t know.  But, what I do know, is that I would not trust this current administration for the full truth on any given matter.

So, what to do?  If my daughter were still living in Savannah, how would I advise her?  It is certainly not an easy decision to pick up your family and move for an indeterminate amount of time.  I can only imagine how people in the gulf states must be feeling right now. (For some very sensible guide lines on whether you and your family should evacuate the area, check this out from Steve Quayles website- it’s about half way down in the middle of the page) –http://www.stevequayle.com/index1.html

One of the things that sticks in my mind is the recent “suicide” (if that is what it was) of boat captain William Allen Kruse, age 55 of Gulf Shores, Alabama.  What a tragedy!  My heart really goes out to his family.  I can understand how despondent one might become in this situation.  Here in Hawaii, water and fishing are a way of life.  It would be incomprehensible to have that taken away.  Just a few days ago, I was swimming in the warm waters of one of my favorite lagoons and I was thinking about how terrible it would be if the water here were ruined by oil in the same way that it has been in the gulf.  How would we cope, what would we do?

First and foremost as believers, we of course, trust Jesus with our lives.  But, I also believe, that in this time of judgment (and, I believe that’s what this is; judgment), that God would give sufficient warning for those who are paying attention and listening for his voice.

For some reason, it appears that God has chosen the gulf area to be an instrument of his judgment on America. Take a look at this article and video posted on John McTernan’s webpage: www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=170373 

 I believe the evidence is very good to suggest that both Katrina and the current BP disaster are related to decisions the government has made in regard to Israel.  Why the Gulf Coast?  I don’t know, but, I doubt the extent of the judgment will be limited to the Southern region alone – more than likely, it is, but the spearhead for bringing  judgment on a much wider and far-reaching scale.  Some how, I think those of us who have been watching knew the Gulf area was going to figure in God’s plans for this coming year. Remember all the blogging about the spiritual indications of Superbowl 44 and the match up between the Patriots and the Saints back in January and early February?

As the G-20 summit gets underway, discussions on the middle-east process will undoubtedly take place.  Turkish Prime Minister Edrogan is hoping to have a meeting with President Obama to discuss the failing Israeli/Turkish relationship.  Interesting that the week of the G-20 summit should include the 17th of Tammuz, the day in which the temple walls were first breached before the destruction of the temple on the 9th of Av, three weeks later.  *Keep these dates in mind, especially Av 1, (July 11)  as the third of three consecutive solar eclipses which fall on this date – (2008, 2009, and 2010).  The three weeks between Tammuz 17 and Av 9 encompass this date (Av 1)  and are known as “Israel’s dark days.”

As I think of the kind of warning God might give in advance of such a disaster, it occurred to me, that he has already give one by establishing a pattern.  As increased pressure is placed on Israel for dividing the land, as abortions and the abuse of young children continue unabated, as the Homosexual agenda gains greater acceptance, I believe we can expect to see, what we have seen already, as God establishes a pattern for warning, as one disaster after another befalls our great country.  Might this include the horrific scenario as depicted above?  I wouldn’t count it out.

We live in difficult times and many are faced with momentous decisions, but, we have the Word to teach us and the Spirit to guide us.  In Matthew 6:25 – 34, Jesus tells us not to worry what we will  “eat, drink or wear, for the Father knows what we need.”  In the days to come, many of us may be relying on these promises more than we ever thought possible, as we face the prospect of leaving and/or losing homes and jobs.

Pray for the people of the Gulf.  Pray that the God of peace will comfort them in their time of need.  Pray that God will guide and direct those who seek him as they determine what is best for their families. 

 And, as always –

“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

  Return of the fly

The White House is evidently in serious need of pest control!  Almost one year to the day, President Obama is hounded by a pesky fly during an interview.  Last year, it was during his interview on June 16 with John Harwood, while he was speaking on financial reform, this year, it was while he was giving remarks on the Affordable Care Act on June 22.  It’s amazing to me, how in the course of one year, this President could have so many public run in’s with insects?  Flies, bees, rodents and now, flies again, -all caught on tape!  What are the odds?  When was the last time you can remember having a fly land on your face? … on camera???? 

The comparison was made last year, when fly #1 made it’s appearance, to Obama, the world’s newest Pharoah and the fourth plague, the plague of flies.  During last years encounter, President Obama tried waving away the irritating insect telling it to “get out of here” until he finally succeeded in squashing it on the back of his left hand.  This year, flailing at fly #2, he again mutters, “get out of here“, but, this time the fly prevails and scores a landing on the Presidents upper lip.  And, although you often hear the phrase “like flies to honey”;  I would not bet place any bets on a pot of honey as the last place this fly had been!

I think the twin appearance of flies in regard to Mr. Obama is far from coincidental. These flies were on a mission!  In Exodus chapter 8, God sent swarms of flies to convince Pharoah to let the Israelites go.  And, after dealing with what would be fourth in a series of ten afflictions, Pharoah relents and tells Moses, “you may go, but, don’t go very far.”  Pharoah concedes but, maintains the upper hand.

 “I really nailed that sucker!” 

 – This time though, instead of being flattened on the back of the Presidents left hand, the fly gets away. But not until it had first made a very bold and dramatic statement by landing on one of the most important parts of the body, (as far as God is concerned); the mouth. 

Jesus said in Luke 6:45, “For out of the overflow of the heart, does the mouth speak.”  

For a fly to land next to someone’s mouth while they are speaking, is in my opinion, a very strong word picture of the disingenuousness of the words being spoken by the speaker, in other words, – a heap of dung! 

As President Obama and his administration go forward in dealing with Israel in the coming months, it might be well to remember this incident. You will notice in Exodus chapter 8 verse 28, that Pharoah asks Moses to pray for him. But, no sooner does Moses leave his presence, than Pharaohs heart is hardened.  With these thoughts in mind, be prepared for more double talk on the part of the Obama administration; while they publicly pledge their loyalty and support support for the Jewish state, they quietly slip a noose about their necks. 

These are the days of deception, my friends.  It is imperative therefore, to pay attention to what is being done and not what is being said.  As pressure mounts from the oil spill and other world crisis, the enemy will be looking for a scape goat – and that scape goat will be Christians and Jews.  For this reason, I encourage all of you, (myself included), to quiet your heart before God, to train your mind in listening to the Spirit and to pare down all the things in your life that may be distracting you from hearing his voice. 

And, please don’t forget to –

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

              Harry Potter and his magical wand

 As many of you know, the Harry Potter theme park opened Friday at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  It’s opening was received with great enthusiasm as anxiously awaiting crowds (some in costume) lined up outside the gates in the early morning hours eager to enter the world of Harry Potter.  The Harry Potter books and films have been phenomenally successful since the release of the first book in 1997 by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

As I read about the opening of the park, I was struck by how the culture of our day seems to prefer a world of fantasy and the fantastical over the reality of the every day life.  And, I wondered why.

– Harry Potter’s wand

Harry Potters wand is a popular item being sold both on-line and at the theme park for about 15 dollars, and for little more than the price of two happy meals, a child can with wand in hand, enter the world of Harry Potter anytime he chooses via his imagination.  But, before we parents and grandparents shell out the bucks for this magical adventure, we might want to stop and ask ourselves -just what is Harry Potter’s world? 

– Harry Potter’s world

Harry Potter’s world, as most everyone knows, is one of likable characters and whimsical adventure; where Harry and his friends through the use of magic and spells cause good to triumph over evil.  And, while this may sound like innocent fun, if one looks below the surface, it is easy to see, that although it may be fun, it certainly is not innocent and in all reality, is the subtle indoctrination of children (and adults) to a world which is nothing less than sorcery. 

Sorcery (aka witchcraft) is condemned by God in the Bible.  And, for good reason.  For sorcery is nothing less than an attempt to manipulate the world from the world that is, to the world as we want it to be without seeking God.  The natural out working of the original lie by the serpent in Genesis 3:4  – “you shall be like God.”

I find it disturbing that books and films like Harry Potter have become so immensely popular. It’s like the symptom of a disease. The more secularized our culture, the less in touch with reality we want to be. I think in many ways, the pain of living apart from God (and the natural consequences thereof), have become so painful that most people seek an escape where ever they can find it, whether it be through alcohol, drugs, sex addiction or just a constant bombardment of entertainment. And, not only are they looking to escape it, they are looking for the power to change it.

 – twilight

Another book and film series which has risen to immense popularity in the last few years, is the book and film series Twilight.  Twilight offers impressionable young teenagers, of the ‘tween and teen set, an escape from the world that is to the world that could be through an enticing blend of lust, power and romance in the world of Vampires.  And, for teenagers who feel displaced and powerless in a society of fractured family relationships, this provides an irresistable place in which they can find identity.  And, you have only to walk through your nearest mall to see how pervasive this has become with the latest in goth clothing and accessories gracing the window of most every boutique. In my community, there is even a custom painted black car tooling around complete with Twilight logo, characters and quotes from the series painted on its exterior – driven by middle-aged woman no less!

This is both heartbreaking and a sad commentary on our nation.  That the nation perhaps blessed by God more than any other, (Israel withstanding), should leave our children in such a spiritually bankrupt condition is something which should give each one of us pause for thought.  In the wake of fractured families, abortion, drugs, abuse, addiction and materialism, we have left our children feeling powerless to escape the pain of the world we have created for them and instead of offering them a relationship with the one true God who loves them, because of our own sin and rebellion, we leave them as sheep to the wolves, for any and every seducing spirit.

This summer, many of our churches will be hosting VBS.  May we make every effort to invite the children in our neighborhoods to come and hear the message of Jesus. For some of them, this may the one and only opportunity in their young lives to hear about the Jesus that loves them so.  And, as parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, may we covenant before God to stop this shameful cycle.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do no hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

“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 returned home from the mainland yesterday and have spent the day unpacking and doing laundry; preparing to go back to work.  I’ve missed writing on my blog, but, had a wonderful time with my family and my new granddaughter.  On the flight home last night, I had the opportunity to start reading a book called “The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization” by Anthony Esolen.  It was given to me as a birthday present by a friend recently and my trip to the mainland was the perfect opportunity to dig in to it.  I loved the bold title of the book and couldn’t wait to find out what it was all about.  By the time the flight was over, I had made my way about half-way through the book, and though I haven’t finished it yet, I had read enough to know that I was impressed.

I’ve been thinking about it all day, how civilization has been shaped.  Where we’ve been and where we’re headed.  As I looked about the airplane last night as I was reading, I couldn’t help but notice how many people were glued to one electronic gadget or another, whether it was the inflight movie, an i-pod, or lap top and wondered how many of them had really thought about this question; where we’ve been, where we’re headed – and how many of them would even care, if ask.

In Mr. Esolens book he traces the influence prior civilizations have had on western civilization.  He begins the book with the Greek civilization, then moves on to Rome.  In chapters 3 and 4, he deals with the impact Israel and the Church has had on Western civilization and civilization as a whole. I was particularly impressed by two of the comments he made in chapter 3.

“But God’s promises, in the Old and New Testaments. stretch not only to the future but to the consummation of the world.  That world is going somewhere.  All nations shall worship the Lord, says Isaiah, prophesying the peaceable kingdom of he Messiah to come …”  

 “But in Israel, the development is mainly in the future, and is a threat to the powers that be.”

I thought these were extremely interesting observations.  For the unbeliever, the world is chaotic and undefinable – not necessarily going anywhere – it just is.  For the believer, the world is one of purpose and of assurance; a world which is going somewhere.  And this makes all the difference.  For it is this thought, a world going somewhere, that drive the powers-that-be mad.  For a world with purpose and direction is at cross-purposes with those of a secular society whose governing body believes their is no higher authority beyond themselves and that of the State.

In the days to come, as last days events unfold, pressure on society and individuals will reach unprecedented levels.  For this reason, it will be extremely important that we as believers keep these two fundamental things in mind:  1) God has a plan and will see it through to completion   2( Israel is the key to that plan.  

Because both Israel and those who hold a Biblical world view are coming under attack, the day is approaching when we may be called to account on both these issues. These could be the defining moments of our Christian walk.  Pray with me now, that we will be ready and that we, as believers would sense the presence of Jesus in our lives and the power in his name in ways we never have before.  For this world is going somewhere and each day that passes brings us one day closer to his glorious return.

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

Hi friends,  I wanted to let you know that I will be away for the next couple of weeks visiting my daughters and grandchildren in the mainland; my newest grandaughter was born May 22, so I am very excited to make the trip.  I do not anticipate being able to write on my blog while I am away, but, plan to check the comments section and my e-mail periodically.  Please feel free to continue to share information through the comment section for the blog is really a joint-effort in my opinion and I always look forward to the things you have to share with me. I’ll see you back here at Cindy by the Sea sometime Mid-June, God willing.  Grace and blessings to each on of you and keep looking up –  Jesus is coming soon!  Cindy

Hurricane season in the gulf

The news out of the gulf is grim, 40 days out from the oil spill and we are no closer to a solution than we were a month ago.  In fact, it looks like it will be August at the earliest before any real headway can be made in containing the massive amount of crude gushing forth from the ruptured pipe at the bottom of the sea floor. That’s three long months – June, July, August – and we have now officially entered hurricane season.  People are beginning to get worried and they are also getting angry.  Angry at the loss of their livelihoods, angry at the destruction to the environment and angry that while the worst environmental disaster in American history unfolds, our President has had time for only two short cursory visits to the area.  Quoting from BP PLC Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles, “This scares everybody, the fact that we cannot make this well stop flowing, the fact that we haven’t succeeded so far.”  And, while I’ve read reports that prayers have been going up around the nation asking for divine intervention,  I have to wonder – until God sees some evidence of real repentance on the part of his people, how willing is he going to be in answering those prayers.

Last week our Pastor looked out at the sparse turnout for out for our Wednesday evening service and lamented, (not just in regard to our own congregation, but, as an observation in general) how the country we love could be in such serious jeopardy on so many fronts and yet our churches remain empty.  It’s not enough, I suppose that Americans continue to die at the hands of terrorists and in the war on terror, it’s not enough that war in the middle-East and war with N. Korea may be imminent with global implications to both, it’s not enough that our government no longer represents us and is systematically working to strip away our constitutional rights, its not enough that the gulf is bleeding away the life blood and livelihood of the country with damage to the environment that is most likely irreparable,  it’s not enough that people continue to lose homes and jobs while the list of those hungry and living on the streets grow with each passing day.  If all of this is not enough to drive us in to our churches and onto  our knees, then I don’t know what is? 

Maybe, just maybe each drop of oil pouring forth from the earth is retribution for the sins of an America who has shed the blood of innocents on the altar of lust, laziness and selfishness; for does the scripture not say in Genesis 4:10 following the death of Abel – ‘Listen!  Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” 

And maybe, just maybe, the church in America has not faced persecution for the name of Christ because we have not done anything to provoke it?  If this is true, the blood of our brother Abel is doubly on our heads.  From the headlines a few days ago – EXPERTS PUZZLED AT RED GULF OIL SLICK:

-One of the most defining traits of any oil spill is the fact that it’s black. The tar and crude cover the surface of land or water in a thin, black layer, which causes a lot of damage, and also gives the slick its characteristic look. But this does not appear to be the case with the most recent disaster of this nature. The oil spill taking place in the Gulf of Mexico for the last month has covered the waters of the Atlantic Ocean with a reddish slick, which has left scientists puzzled. They infer that the mixing process currently taking place between water and oil must have something to do with this peculiar event, but a connection is not immediately visible, LiveScience reports. http://news.softpedia.com/news/Experts-Puzzled-at-Red-Gulf-Oil-Slick-142907.shtml

Experts may not know why the gulf is turning red, but, we who know the word of God should or do.

Interestingly, I read an article out of Israel yesterday which speaks much to the same thing.  Israel faces today the most serious threat ever to her existence by enemies who have vowed not to rest until the state of Israel is completely and utterly annihilated – wiped off the map!   And, Israel knows that these are not idle threats for the enemy has developed the ways, means and intent to make good on their words.  Just last week, Israel carried out a series of emergency preparedness drills in antcipation of this very thing.  All fine and dandy with one exception – without a call to Jehovah, the one who has the strength and might to save them, all efforts are in vain; something which some in Israel are beginning to recognize as evidenced from the following article by Michael Freund of the Jerusalem Post.  In his article titled, Where is God, Mr. Freund comments on the recent Emergency Preparedness Drills and the fact that Israel while being surrounded by foes, is being increasingly abandoned by friends and allies like the United States, leaving them alone to face their enemies.

“Like it or not, we are very much a nation that is dwelling alone ….. in the face of all this, there is a knife-like question piercing through the fear of fog: Where is God? …. What I mean to say is this, Where is God in our public discourse? Why aren’t we turning to Him in our hour of need?”   http://www.thejerusalemconnection.us/blog/2010/05/27/where-is-god.html

Good question, and if you caught today’s headlines, you will understand how important this question will be in the coming days.  With the disaster that unfolded this weekend with regard to the Gaza blockade, Israel is becoming increasingly an object of scorn among the nations. I personally think the flotilla was intended to provoke a response from Israel that would bring condemnation to the Jewish state and evoke sympathy to the Palestinian cause.  Was the amount of force justified?  I don’t know, but, I do know the fall-out to this incident will be grave. Israel as predicted by scripture will indeed be friendless as she faces her foes in these last days and with nowhere to turn, she will be forced to call out to the God of her fathers and the Son who had been sent to save her.  Jesus as he wept over Jerusalem in Matthew 23: 37-39 foretold the coming of this day, when he said ” O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have  longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.  Look your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again (Jerusalem) until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'”

This day is rapidly approaching my friends, we are seeing scripture fulfilled before our very eyes!

“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 fifth angel sounded his trumpet and I saw a star that had fallen from sky to the earth.  The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss.  When he opened the Abyss smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace.  The sun and sky were darkened from the smoke from the Abyss.  And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.  Rev. 9:2-3

– ICELAND’S PRESIDENT WARNS THAT ERUPTION AT KATLA VOLCANO IS CLOSE

It appears that the question of whether or not big sister Katla would erupt following the eruption of little sister Eyjafallajokull is just about over.  How imminent the eruption might be is a matter of speculation although it’s a historical fact that when ever the smaller volcano erupts, the larger one is likely to follow.  According to news reports out of Iceland today, seismic activity around the mountain has increased exponentially since May 21, leading experts to believe an eruption may be imminent.  If Katla should blow, the projected global effect would be devastating.  When Icelands Laki volcano erupted in the mid 1780’s, the gases produced a smog that traveled on the jet stream across the globe killing thousands in Europe from gas poisoning, lowering temperatures causing crop failure, and ultimately killing millions more by hunger through famine.  Interestingly, while researching volcanic effect, I ran across a story called New England’s Dark Day.  It’s the true account of an unexplainable darkness which fell over New England in 1780.  Close in proximity to the 1783 eruption of Laki, I found it to be a fascinating story.

Apparently on May 19 of 1780, a darkness fell across New England at mid-day which was so pervasive and so intensely dark that chickens went to roost, candles had to be lit and by one New Englander’s account,  “one could not even see one’s hand in front of their face.”  And, the darkness lasted not minutes, but, hours.   In the years following the event, people have tried without success to figure out what may have caused this phenomenon. And, the truth is, no one knows for sure. The article explores a number of possibilities such as an eclipse, a volcanic eruption or a forest fire, all of which are dismissed for various reasons, although the article leans toward a forest fire as a possible cause. I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine a forest fire wide enough in scope to cause a lingering darkness of that intensity, but what ever the cause  may have been, what I find at least as interesting as the darkness itself, is the reaction of the New Englanders to the darkness.  To their credit, these early American’s who were well read in the scriptures, when they saw the unexplainable and pervasive darkness which fell over the land, believed the day of the Lord to be near and many of them rushed to their churches to repent.  (Click here, for the full account of this fascinating story:   http://www.johnhorrigan.com/darkday.html)

As Katla readies to blow, like the New Englanders of 230 years ago, we too, believe the day of the Lord is near.  And, not to diminish their faithful observation, but, we in this 62nd year following the birth of Israel have more than one isolated event to tell us the prophetic word of God is being fulfilled and the day of the Lord truly is near.  

      frogs

 Take for instance the horde of frogs that appeared 12 miles outside Thessalonike Greece yesterday.  In my opinion, it is no accident that millions of frogs left their natural habitat just as Katla is about to blow.  Frogs as most of us know, were the second plague brought on Egypt when Pharoah refused to let the Israelites go and frogs in the Bible are symbolic of unclean spirits. When God released the plague of frogs on Egypt, the Bible says that frogs were every where (even in the kneading trough where dough was being prepared for bread)  In this same way, when these unclean spirits are released, they, like the frogs which invaded Egypt, will be every where searching for habitation, and sadly will find suitable hosts in the yeast-filled bodies of those who without Christ were left behind.  I believe the massive appearance of frogs yesterday outside Thessalonike is a serious indication that the words preached by Paul to the Thessalonians regarding the day of the Lord, is near.

“Now brothers about times and dates, we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying peace and safety, destruction will come on them suddenly as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.  But, you brothers, are not in darkness that this day should over take you as a thief.”

*For an excellent analysis of the appearance of the frogs in Greece, check out Brother Art’s post at New Wineskins: http://newine.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/frogs-on-the-thessalonian-highway/

“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

On November 5, 2008, the campaign for the Presidency of the United States by Barack Hussein Obama came to a successful conclusion.  In the months leading up to the election, the word “change” was everywhere, so much so, that the word change itself became synonymous with the Obama campaign.  The fact that change “from what and to what” was never fully identified, seemed to matter little to many of the voters, in fact, the word change became a mantra of sorts, gathering speed under its own momentum for those caught up in the excitement and delerium of the moment.  But, the use of the word change was no accident, no lucky guess by a publicity or media guru for a successful campaign slogan – no “change we can believe in” was planned, executed and a long time in coming.

At the 2008 DNC, Michelle Obama, as some of you may know, quoted from a book called “Rules for Radicals”.  Rules for Radicals is a far left book, published in 1971 by a man whom many consider to be brilliant; Chicago community organizer Saul Alinsky.  Mr. Alinsky has since passed away, but, his work and his principles remain very much alive in the hearts and minds of those influenced by his work – two of whom are, President and Mrs. Obama.  Quoting directly from chapter 2 of Mr. Alinsky’s book, Mrs. Obama had this to say:

“Barack stood up that day,” talking about a visit to Chicago neighborhoods, “and spoke words that have stayed with me ever since. He talked about “The world as it is” and “The world as it should be…”  And, “All of us driven by a simple belief that the world as it is just won’t do – that we have an obligation to fight for the world as it should be.”

The world as it is, and the world as it should be; direct quotes from chapter 2 of Mr. Alinsky’s book.  Why is this important? –  Stay with me, I think you’ll see.

– this is dedicated …

The other day a friend of mine at work ask me if I was familiar with a book called Rules for Radicals and the influence it had on President Obama and his policies.  I said I was not, so he agreed to bring a copy from home for me to take a look at.  Now my friend is not a radical, in fact, far from it, but, he had heard about the book and its influence on many of those running for office and had purchased it out of curiosity.  When he handed me the book, he said, “Take a look at this.”  In the forward to the book, there was a dedication – a dedication which shocked me.  And, although it shocked me, I have to say, it also explained a lot.  In the forward to the book Mr. Alinsky does three things, first he quotes Rabbi Hillel (Saul Alinsky is Jewish) and Thomas Paine, (French and American revolutionist) and then makes a dedication to one he refers to as “the first rebel.” –

“Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgement to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins — or which is which) the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom– Lucifer.”

Do I believe Mr. Alinsky is a Satanist, no – not in the sense that Alistair Crowley or someone like that is a Satanist.  What I do believe is that Mr. Alinsky, who in spite of being born into an orthodox Jewish family, (later becoming an agnostic or perhaps even athiest) believes Lucifer to be a convenient allegory from myth or history for his radical ideas, I can assure you, the one to whom the dedication was made, does not.

It is a well-known fact, the influence that Chicago community organizer Saul Alinksy had in later years on fellow organizer Barack Obama.  Following the DNC of 2008, the son of Saul Alinsky had this to say of Obama “he learned his lesson well.”  http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=534171

What is exceedingly sad and ultimately prophetic in all of this can be found in the first few pages of his book.  In trying to define the generation gap that became the dynamic and driving force which shaped the 1960’s and the years which would follow Mr. Alinsky had this to say:

“If the young were now writing our Declaration of Independence they would begin, ‘When in the course of inhuman events …’ and their bill of particulars would range  from Vietnam to our black, Chicano, and Puerto Rican ghettos, to the migrant workers to Appalachia, to the hate, ignorance, disease and starvation in the world. Such a bill of particulars would emphasize the absurdity of human affairs and the forlornness and emptiness. the fearful loneliness that comes from not knowing if there is any meaning to our lives.  When they talk of values they’re asking for a reason.  They are searching for an answer, at least for a time, to man’s greatest question, ‘why am I here?”

And though I have not yet completely read the book, it is easy to see by taking a brief look through it, that the book makes no attempt to answer the many profound questions it poses, yet moves forward anyhow to outline a systematic course of action for creating effective change in relation to these very same questions.  In other words, “we can’t answer these questions, –  life as we know it is not satisfying, –  so perhaps change, ( although we have no idea where change may take us), –  may provide the satisfying answers to life we’re looking for.”  Unbelievable! Absolutely illogical!   And, if you think this mixed-up, drug induced generation of love beads, “hair, hair, long beautiful hair” and “turn on, tune in or drop out” has disappeared, then you have been sleeping somewhere like Rip Van Winkle;  for the radicals of yesterday are the politicians and corporate leaders of today, holding some of the most powerful positions in the world.

The far left love to cloak themselves in issues like social justice and books like Saul Alinsky’s decry the materialism of those living in 1960’s suburbia with all their luxuries and modern amenities.  Strange that many adherent’s to philosophies such as his (Hollywood/politicians) cannot see the hypocrisy of their own actions, for the materialism and excesses of the present generation exceed ten fold that of the previous.

In one of the final chapters of the book Mr. Alinsky writes:

“The rest of the middle class, with few exceptions, reside in suburbia, living in illusions of partial escape.  Being more literate, they are even more lost. Nothing seems to make sense.  They thought that a split-level house in the suburbs, two cars, two color TV’s, country club membership, a bank account, children in good prep schools and then in college, and they had it made.  They got it — only to discover that they didn’t have it.  Many lost their children  — they dropped out of sight into something called the generation gap.  They have seen values they held sacred sneered at and found themselves ridiculed as squares or relics of a dead world. The frenetic scene around them is so bewildering as to induce them to either drop out into a private world, the nonexistent past, sick with its own form of schizophrenia — or to face it and move into action.  If one wants to act, the dilemma is how and where; there is no ‘when’ with time running out, the time is obviously now.  There are enormous basic changes ahead.”

It’s clear to me that President Obama and others who have been placed into powers of position at this time have a blueprint for change, a blueprint which they have effectively followed.  They see a “world as it is” and mouth empty words about “a world as it should be” – but, for all their honey coated words, the blueprint for the world they see, is a blueprint with out God and without God, they become architects of their own destiny, thus fulfilling the words of the world’s  first rebel – “and you shall be as gods.”   And, what is enormously frightening in all of this, are the masses of people who have no idea of either the source or the outcome of the journey under the leadership of these people on which they have embarked; but, they soon will.  As Saul Alinsky’s son commented regarding Obama  –“you learned your lesson well.”

“For God does know that in the day ye eat thereof then your eyes shall be opened and you will be like gods …”  Genesis 3:5

“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