Heaven Bound

Lavish State House dinner features hundreds of Monarch butterflies hanging from the ceiling

May 19, 2010, the day before a rat upstaged President Obama at his Rose Garden press conference, a lavish state dinner was held in honor of visiting President Felipe Calderon of Mexico.  The theme “Monarch butterflies in flight” was chosen for the Monarch butterflies that migrate from north to south every spring from  Canada to Michoacan, Mexico (the birthplace of President Calderon) symbolizing as one journalist worded it, one congruous North America.  “Guests walking into the room will experience Monarch Butterflies in flight” the first lady’s office said.

What I find interesting about these beautiful and exquisite butterflies is that they are also toxic. For many predators, to eat one of these beauties is to die.  It’s thought by some scientists that the vibrant colors and intricate design on the wings actually serve as a signal to would be predators as to the toxicity of the insect.   A warning to those who tempted by its beauty would take it for a meal.  When I read this, I thought how appropriate for the  grandiose party hosted by the Obama’s; great eye and sensory appeal, but, internally (and eternally) fatal. 

The beautiful and almost perfect evening extravaganza began with a little mishap when the Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavik Marshall slipped on the white house stairs and fell as she was walking out to welcome President Calderon as he emerged from his limousine.  It is the job of the Chief of Protocol to advise the President, Vice-President and Secretary of State on matters of diplomatic protocol.  Interesting that she would slip in the course of her duties, something which may be reflected in the definition of her name and perhaps the type of advisement she provides to the Obama administration as the root word for the name Capricia is Caprice which means” an impulsive change of mind, or sudden, unpredictable action.”  According to wikipedia, “a sudden hailstorm in July is a caprice of nature.”   With the constant shifting of the Obama administration on its policies, seems somehow appropriate.

The opulence and grandeur of the evening was perfectly planned and executed to the last detail, it’s only smudge visible to those who have eyes to see, – the smudge of hypocrisy. For an extravagant party to be held in the honor of a man who would criticize the immigration policy of one our own states calling it “discriminatory”, while his own country has some of the toughest immigration policies around, is the height of hypocrisy –  http://thedaleygator.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/hypocrisy-thy-name-is-felipe-calderon/   And while the name Calderon does not literally mean hypocrisy, it does mean ” a boiling pot” (from the word cauldron) – something I foresee happening in the near future, as the furor over this issue builds to the boiling point by those who seek to fan the flames. 

 The hypocrisy of an administration who promised to rebuild this country instead of dividing it and the hypocrisy of an administration who after promising to spend less has increased the national debt by providing  trillions of dollars in corporate bailouts, emptying out the already turned out pockets of the american public, while throwing self aggrandizing parties for themselves and their friends.  This is the height of hypocrisy; while the average american is struggling to hold on to a home and a job, if their still fortunate enough to have one, our reigning Monarchs party on, sparing no expense in their self-indulgence.  The Bible tells us that the Lord hates hypocrites and I believe he will judge these actions.  A harbinger of which was given when a rat crossed in front of the podium the next day while President Obama was speaking at a press conference in the Rose Garden.

Three subtle but, highly visible and public warnings have been given to President Obama (flies, bees and rats) and all are plague like in nature.  The June 16, 2009 incident with the fly which was caught on video, the May 16, 2010, swarm of bees (swarming bees are considered harbingers of death or disaster) and the rat (an un-clean animal, a carrier of plagues).

As it is written in Isaiah 32: 6-7

“No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel highly respected. For the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil. He practices ungodliness and spreads error concerning the Lord; the hungry he leaves empty and from the thirsty he withholds water. The scoundrel’s methods are wicked, he makes up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.”

As we share the word of the Lord in these last days, let us also make every effort to share with those in need, a cup of water to the thirsty and a crust of bread to the hungry – for judgment begins first at the house of God. 

“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

 Marriage by robot, Tokyo

Just when you thought marriage vows couldn’t be trivialized in our society any more than they already have, this story out of Japan (thanks to reader Kim for bringing this to my attention).  Headline to story,  “Robot gives away the bride”.   The caption beneath the accompanying video “Robot takes on role of priest”. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/robot-gives-away-the-bride-20100517-v6q5.html?autostart=1

When I first read the story, I pretty much categorized it as just one more odd ball wedding.  You know the kind that have become so popular today, weddings where couples want to get married in their own unique style – such as getting married underwater while wearing scuba gear, or getting married while jumping from an airplane with a parachute on your back or getting married to the theme song from your favorite movie or television program while dressed as the main characters.  But, this seemed somehow a little bit different.  And, after giving it a little thought, I realized this strange wedding is not only symptomatic of the times we’re living in, but, prophetic as well  in a telling sort of way.  Do I think robots who can “marry us and bury us“ will be the new trend?  You might be surprised.

– the secularization of society

What I see in this photo is a shift in society.  From the earliest annals of history in every major world religion or tradition, pagan or otherwise, there has always been a a need for someone to officiate over the people in a priestly type of role.  Not in the same sense that Jesus functions as a high priest for us as Christians, of course, but someone whose role it was for officiating over and marking important life events such as births, marriages and deaths.  Has our society become so secularized that we have finally reached the point where our most important life rituals have become so meaningless and so impersonal, that the officiate presiding over them need not be a he nor a she, but, an “it” ?

-the un-welcome sign

 After giving this a little more thought, I prayed and then opened my Bible to read. The passage God brought me to was Matthew 8:25-34.  It’s the passage where Jesus casts demons from two men into a herd of swine. At first I didn’t see how it pertained.  But, after reading it a second time, I realized it pertained a lot. In this passage, Jesus and his disciples are traveling through an area known as the Gadarenes.  Apparently, there were two demon possessed men in the area who were so violent that travelers were fearful to pass that way through the region.  When Jesus encountered the men, the demons immediately recognized who Jesus was and knew that he would drive them out so, they spoke to him, begging him to send them into a nearby herd of pigs instead of sending them in to the abyss.  As soon as Jesus told the demons to go, they entered the pigs and the pigs rushed down a steep embankment into a lake and were drowned. Now, you would think the people of the town would be grateful, but, this was not the case. 

“Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus.  And, when they saw him they pleaded with him to leave the region.”  Matthew 8:28-34

The reason the people were not grateful was because they cared little for what they had gained, but, a whole lot for what they had lost, and what they had lost was a profit.  So, they pleaded with Jesus to leave.  You see, righteousness is not and never will be profitable.  Not in the monetary sense.  Hollywood and Las Vegas (among others) have not become the mega industries that they are for the virtues they espouse.  And, Mega ministries without the razzle dazzle they possess would probably not be either. And for this reason, the true body of Christ will never be welcomed in this world.  Because the truth of the matter is that salt besides being a preservative is also an agent of corrosion.  And, corrosion as any of us who live in a coastal area can attest to eats away at things by being a source of irritation.  The true church by its very existence is an irritant to a world who wants to either live apart from God or wants to profit from God. 

 And, for this reason, I have the distinct feeling that the church when it departs this earth will be missed very little, in fact, the world will be delighted when we are gone.  They will be more than happy to give away the bride. We see an indication of this in Revelation 11:10 when the two witnesses in Jerusalem are killed and lay dead in the street for three and one half days and the people of the earth celebrate by sending each other gifts  “the inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.”

Yes, the day is coming soon when the bride will have departed for heaven with her bridegroom-priest and the world who has hung out the un-welcome sign for God and his people for so long, will inherit the only thing left; a soulless, heartless piece of  junk to function for them as a priest, a cheap parody of the real priest and King, Messiah Jesus.

“And they exchanged the truth of God for a lie”  Romans 1:25

“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

     Sea of Galilee at sunset

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.  Night is coming, when no man can work.”  John 9:4

– FISHING BAN

For the first time perhaps ever, fishing has been banned on the Sea of Galilee.  Unbelievable when you think about the history of this lake, and with fish figuring so predominantly in the news right now, I can’t help but think, it must be significant.  Apparently, the once abundant waters for which the lake has been famous is now being depleted from chronic over fishing.  For this reason, a two-year ban on fishing has been put in to place. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/13/ap/middleeast/main6480774.shtml

The sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake, the largest in Israel.  It is approximately 13 miles long, eight miles wide and has a maximum depth of 141 feet.  At 209 feet below sea level it is the lowest fresh water lake on the planet and the second lowest lake in the world (after the dead sea) which is a salt water lake.  Situated in the Great Rift Valley, it is fed by underwater streams and the Jordan River.  The sea of Galilee, from the earliest centuries has been renowned as a place not only abundant in fish but, also in beauty, first century historian Flavius Josephus had this to say about it;  “one may call this place the ambition of Nature.”

When we look at the Biblical narrative and understand that the sea of Galilee is where Jesus first called his disciples to be fishers of men,  I am led to believe that the current ban on fishing, may signify that the age for fishing (the church age) which began on its very shores, may be coming to a close. 

-my home is over Jordan

In the 1929 film version of Showboat, the African-American Spiritual “Deep River” is featured.  “Deep River, my home is over Jordan, deep river, Lord”  For many, the river Jordan has long been a beautiful symbol of crossing over from this life in to heaven.  But, today, this same river where Jesus was baptized and which feeds the Sea of Galilee is drying up.  It is also according to one article, so polluted, that it is not much more than a canal of sewage, ankle-deep and narrow enough to jump across in some places.  You can read this heartbreaking article here: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/jordan-river-drying-up/story-e6frfku0-1225862352524

 The symbolism is stark.  The life-giving water of the Jordan (the Holy Spirit) which precipitates, feeds and leads to the catching of multitudes of fish, (humanity) is now gone stagnant, its power choked and depleted by the worldly desires of the Laodicean church; the church who loved the things of this world more than the things of God.

Yes, Jesus said, “Night is coming when no man can work.”  All signs point to the end of the age.  Fishing will have been banned and the Jordan will have dried up and  … night will fall.  Jesus said, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”  Will he, indeed?

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

   Gray Whale spotted off Herliya Marina, Israel

Living in Hawaii for the past ten years, I’ve developed a great appreciation for the mammoth creatures who inhabit the deep known as whales.  Every year during the winter months the Humpback Whales make their way from Alaska to the warmer waters of the southern Pacific for giving birth to their young.  It’s not uncommon during these winter months to witness from the shore an occasional  fluke, fin, blast of spray or breach – all of which are an unforgettable sight, no matter how many times you’ve seen it!  So, when I read a post on Five Doves yesterday posted by Susan, “Largest whale ever seen spotted in Israel,” – it immediately caught my attention.

“Now the Lord prepared a great fish”  Jonah 1:17

For those of you who may have missed the story out of Israel Saturday May 8, a 40 foot long Gray Whale was spotted off the coast of Tel Aviv.  Called by one news article, “the most amazing whale sighting in history”.  It is truly astonishing, when you realize that these whales have been extinct in the Atlantic since the 1700’s; that’s more than 300 years!  And, with only 20,000 or so of these amazing animals still in existence, it is equally incredible that one of them should make the incredibly long journey from the Pacific to the Mediterranean in a journey that is truly baffling to scientists.  For the whale would have either had to swim through the Panama canal, through the Bering Strait near the ice cap or around the Cape of Africa, all of which are nothing short of miraculous considering the extremely long distances involved.  And, with Israel figuring so predominantly in the news these days and in light of Biblical prophecy being fulfilled, I can’t help, but, think that the sighting of this whale off the coast of Tel Aviv is signficant.

 – the sign of Jonah

One of the news articles I read was titled:  Mediterranean Gray whale appears ‘back from the dead’.  I liked that title. For the author, I believe unbeknownst to him, was making a prophetic statement. In Matthew 12:38, some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus asking him for a miraculous sign.  And, according to Luke 11:16, what they were requesting was a heavenly sign, perhaps a sign in the skies.  It was not enough for them, as it says in Luke 7:22, that “the blind see, the lame walk and the leper is purified.”  They wanted something more  – and this is how Jesus answered them.

“A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign. But, none will be given it except for the sign of the prophet Jonah.  For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.  The men of Ninevah will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.”  Matthew 12:39-41

Most of us are familiar with this passage and understand it rightly so to pertain to the resurrection.  But, I believe in looking at the book of Jonah, there may be a secondary application as well.  For Jonah is listed as one of the minor prophets, and a prophet he is indeed.

 – whale song

Based on the size of the whale, scientists believe the whale spotted off the coast of Israel is that of a mature adult.  Mature gray whales from what I have read, are 40 -45 feet in length and have a life expectancy of 50 – 70 years.  Splitting those numbers down the middle, it would be a safe bet, to say that this particular whale is approximately 60 years old.  Which, if this should be the case, its birth would have coincided with the birth of Israel in 1948!    Interesting, as both the whale and the nation of Israel once considered dead, are not only not dead, but, are alive and thriving today and close to rounding out a generation of 70 years.

 We know from an analysis of numbers in scripture, that the number 40 speaks of a time of trial, chastisement and probation. And, the number 70 (seven the number of completion) denotes a generation.  Because the final seven years of history primarily concern Israel, I believe the size and age of this whale are direct indications that the time of Jacob’s trouble is at hand.  A confirmation that the “sign of Jonah” given to the Pharisee’s who approached Jesus in disbelief was a sign not only for them, but, for Israel today, who, like the Pharisee’s of old, remain largely in unbelief. For what is the book of Jonah about, if it is not repentance.

Listen to the prayer of Jonah as he prayed inside the belly of the great fish and apply it to unbelieving Israel today.

“In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me.  From the depths of the watery grave,  I called for help and you listened to my cry.  You hurled me in to the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.  I said, I have been banished from your sight, yet I will look again toward your holy temple.  The engulfing waters threatened me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.  To the roots of the mountains I sank down, the earth beneath barred me in forever. But, you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.  When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.  Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that would be theirs. But I, with a song of Thanksgiving will sacrifice to you.  What I have vowed I will make good.  Salvation comes from the Lord.”  Jonah 2:2-9

Yes, salvation is of the Lord.  Something Israel will realize when they have sunk to the bottom of the depths as Jonah did, with nowhere to turn and no one to call on, but, God.  As I pondered the significance of the sighting, I wondered if it was a sign for Israel or a sign for the church and I decided it was both.  I believe it is first and foremost a sign for Israel, for the whale was sighted very close to land, not more than a mile off the shore of Tel Aviv.  To me this indicates that this pertains to Israel.  It pertains to us the church only in the sense that God has given us the eyes to see and to recognize that the time is at hand.  Scientists may be baffled as to how the whale arrived in the Mediterranean, but, I am not.  God brought the whale in the same way he brought the animals to the ark – he called them.  And after he called them, he closed the door of the ark on Noah and his family.

An interesting side note – After the repentant Jonah arrived in Nineveh, he preached to the city that they would have forty days to repent.  Forty days from the first sighting of the whale on May 8 is June 17, – the 5th of Tammuz on the Jewish calendar AND the anniversary of Ezekiel’s vision of the chariot.  A vision which has to do with many heavenly mysteries including –  the heavens and firmament, angels and the twelve tribes of Israel; something which may be alluded to in Revelation 7:1.

“After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.  Then I saw another angel coming up from the east having the seal of the living God.  He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea:  Do not harm the land, the sea or the trees, until we put a seal of God on the foreheads of the servants of our God. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from the tribes of Israel.”  Rev. 7:1-4

Will the twelve tribes of Israel be sealed forty days from the sighting of the whale?  I don’t know, but, I can tell you this – we who are waiting and watching for the return of Jesus are going home soon!  We have witnessed the sign of Jonah and the time of Jacob’s trouble is ready to begin.

“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

 Sun sets in sky dusted with volcanic ash over Mardalsj, Iceland

“This is the verdict: Light has come in to the world, but, men loved darkness instead of the light because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:19

As efforts are frantically being made to cap the massive oil spill in the Gulf, the Iceland Volcano continues to create havoc with airports across Europe. With so many points converging at one time, I thought the photo above made an interesting contrast in darkness and light.

– ONE BILLION CONDOMS ORDERED FOR JUNE WORLD CUP

 Sunday May 9, is Mother’s Day; the one day of the year set aside for honoring the woman who gave us life.  It is also, the 50 year anniversary of “the pill”. Yes, Sunday May 9 will be the 50 year anniversary of the FDA approval of the oral contraceptive Enovid. The approval of which, undoubtedly, fueled the sexual revolution of the 1960’s.  The impact of which, 50 years later, is not the legacy of freedom which was promised, but, a legacy of moral decay – broken homes and marriages, STD’s, HIV, failed relationships, and abortions. (Abortions, because the pill promised sex without responsibility and abortions became the back up plan whenever the pill failed).

 For the first time in history, with the advancement of the oral contraceptive, sex became more recreational in nature than it was procreational;  offering all the pleasures with none of the responsibilities.  Whether married couples should use the pill or not is not the point of this discussion, so, please don’t misread the intent of this article.  The appropriateness of the pill within the confines of a marriage relationship is between a married couple and God .  The purpose of this article rather is to take an over-all look at the impact “the pill” has had on our society over the past 50 years in light of it’s anniversary falling on Mother’s Day, May 9 of this year.

Fast forward from May 9, 1960 to June 2010.  One billion condoms ordered for World Cup in South Africa.  This in a country in which one in five tests positive for HIV.  This is ten times the number of condoms ordered for the Vancouver Winter Olympics and will require it is said, some 40,000 sex workers to handle the expected pre-cup festivities.  

– JUPITER AND MOON TO GIVE MOTHER’S DAY TREAT

According to an article on the MSNBC Science and Technology page, at 5:30 a.m. EST on Mother’s Day May 9.  Jupiter, the King planet will be aligned directly below the crescent moon in what they are calling a “stunning dawn cosmic line up.”  For those of us, who are looking at May 9 and the days closely following as possible rapture dates, I found this to be quite interesting.  On the sky map below, you will see the moon as it will appear tomorrow morning in Pisces with Jupiter directly below.

Looking at the diagram above, it appears that the moon is caught in the net of Pisces.  The moon is thought by many to be a Messianic symbol of the bride. (If you disagree, with this, that’s fine, but, I already covered this once in my March 31 post, “Halo’s, heaven, rings and things.” – so, please, hold back any comments in this regard, as I do not wish to go over this ground again).  Jupiter, the King planet, according to the work by Fredrick Larson, “The Star of Bethlehem” is the planet associated with diety and the birth of Kings and was one of the planets that converged at the time of the birth of Jesus forming the Star of Bethlehem.  

Also, from the same MSNBC article, on the evening of May 9, Venus and the “dog star” Sirius converge.  This is interesting because from what I have read, Venus, is believed to be a symbol of Lucifer and Sirius, the dog star, the representation of the Egyptian god Osiris.  Could the morning convergence of Jupiter and the moon represent the rapture and the evening convergence of Sirius and Venus represent the aftermath which will follow the catching away of the bride.  By the time most of you read this, we will already know.

I bring this to your attention because so many things seem to be converging around the date of May 9 – the 40th day of the counting of the Omer and the anniversary of the ascension of Jesus into heaven ten days before Pentecost. (Based on the Jewish calendar date for Shavuot of May 19.)  And, should we not be caught away tomorrow morning – we shall be soon!  For more of the article regarding the planetary line-up on Mother’s Day –  click here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37030427/ns/technology_and_science-space/

It’s easy to see, for anyone looking, that the 1960’s were a water shed decade for America and in many ways for the world – as we have exported our valueless lifestyle to almost every country around the globe. That a billion condoms will be needed for the month long world cup (June 11 to July 11) is incomprehensible.  We have truly walked away from the light, and into the night.  May God help 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

            A dead shark is washed ashore in Ship Island, Mississippi

“the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died.” Rev. 16:3

+++++++++++++++++

In the last few days, while dollars tick away faster than seconds on a clock, Engineers have been working furiously to solve the latest American crisis; the massive oil spill taking place off the southern tip of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico.  As of today, the plan is to cover or put a lid over the leaks with a chamber called a “Containment Box” which would capture the leaking oil until it could be siphoned off to a waiting tanker above.  Sounds like a simple enough plan until you realize that the site in question is a mile deep and under tremendous pressure and nothing like this has ever been tried before at this depth.  In the meantime, the cost not in dollars, but, in life – marine life, is beginning to wash up on bordering shores.  In the photo above, one of the great predators of the sea is washed ashore, its once steely eyed grin, now frozen-over in the stare of an untimely and un-natural death.   

It strikes me as interesting that the effort to cap the leaking oil well should take place on May 6, our National Day of Prayer.  And, because I find word studies so interesting, this little piece from the MSNBC news page this morning also caught my eye. From the article: Oil set afire as huge cap ships out.

“Perdido Key, a barrier island between Pensacola, Florida and the Alabama state line with sugar-white sand studded with condominiums likely would be the first place in the state affected by the oil spill. Perdido – Spanish for “lost” got a whiff Tuesday morning of what may be in store.  ‘You could smell the smell of it, a real heavy petroleum base.’ said Steve Owensby, a local maintenance man.”   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36959866/ns/us_news-environment/

First, Venice, LA (the end of the world) and now Perdido (Lost) Key, Florida.  Is there a message in these names?  I’m not sure.  But, tomorrow as we enter our National Day of Prayer, I truly believe, unless we repent of our personal and national sins and petition God for his help in this situation, all the engineering hours and all the dollars spent on containing this oil spill, will be to no avail.

“To the angel of the Church of Philadelphia write:  These are the words of him holy and true, who holds the key of David.  What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open … Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon.  Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.  Him who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.”  Revelation 3: 7-12

The Key of David

When I thought about the name Perdido (lost or hidden) Key, the passage from Revelation chapter 3 came to mind, where Jesus is said to hold the key of David.  The key of David sounds mysterious, but, it actually has to do with opening the way into the presence of God.  We see an early reference to this in Isaiah 22:22, where God’s servant Eliakim is a gatekeeper, who has been given the power to control entry into the royal kingdom.  And, as the king’s steward, it is he who decides who can or cannot have access to the king. In this same way, Jesus holds the key of David.  *http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/rev/keydavid.htm

“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David, what he opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open.”  Revelation 3:7

By the words of him who is holy and true, Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, holds the power to open and shut the doors to the Kingdom, God’s kingdom, as he wills.  Right now, that door is open, but, for the world who is perishing, it is as though it is perdido (lost or hidden), from their eyes, for their eyes are blinded to the things of God, by the god of this age. 

The signs are everywhere, that we are fast approaching the hour of trial that will come on all the earth. One of these days soon, the door that is now open will forever close and no power on earth or under the earth will be able to open it again.  I know that most of us have friends, neighbors and family members who do not yet know Christ. Praying with you that the grace of God will open their eyes while their is still time

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

 .

 A Coyote stands and looks out at the Gulf of Mexico

Venice, Louisiana – The end of the world

Yes, Venice, LA is the end of the world, well, at least, that’s its nickname, according to Wikipedia.  Situated 75 miles south of New Orleans on the west bank of the Mississippi River, it is the last community down the Mississippi accessible by automobile and is the southern terminus of the Great River Road, thus, its nickname, the end of the world.  Unknown by most of us until the last few days, Venice is now the scene of worldwide attention due to the vast oil disaster which began 50 miles off her southern shore at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, which exploded on April 20, killing 11 workers.

    “Then the Lord said to Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding … strike the water … and it will be turned to blood.”  Exodus 7:14-17

 ASH, OIL, DARKNESS, BLOOD

 With the first few months of the year barely behind us, we have already witnessed a series of events that would seem to harken back to the plagues on Egypt and the future bowl judgments of Revelation 16.  It would be hard not to believe, with all that has happened, that an obvious picture is not being drawn here, for any one paying attention.  First, we had a series of sizable earthquakes, one after another, closely followed by the Iceland volcano, whose ash threatened the skies and shut down major airports for days on end and now a hemorrhage of the life blood of America leaking unabated from a gash in the ocean floor with potential enough to shut down the gulf fishing industry, not just for days or weeks, but, potentially for decades.  

There are of course, news articles all over the place with many different “experts” weighing in on the situation and it is fast becoming evident that almost no one really knows what to do and that anything that may be tried would be purely experimental with little hard evidence, that it might actually work.  In fact, some of the things being proposed, should they fail, could actually worsen the situation.

 One article I read claims that the well may be uncappable and with vast quantities of oil beneath the ocean floor leaking through it, it has the potential of causing havoc to all the world’s oceans, not just the waters of the Gulf.  There is the very real potential for destroying all of the world’s oceans.  If you’re like me, when you hear things like that, it’s hard not to think of Revelation 16. 

“The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned in to blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died.”  Revelation 16:3

Is the current oil spill the fulfillment of Revelation 16:3?  Right now, I think its probably too soon to say.  But, if the oil spill should continue unabated at the rate it is going,  I can see how it very well could be. From an article on MSNBC News this morning, University of Berkeley engineering professor Robert Bea, who serves on a National Academy of Engineering panel on oil pipeline safety had this to say – “As bad as the oil spill looks on the surface, it may be only half the problem, there’s an equal amount that could be subsurface too and that oil below the surface is damn near impossible to track.”

From the illustration below, you can see just how much oil there is below, that could be leaked above

A Harbinger

I came across the photo of the coyote at the top of the page when I was looking through a series of about 400 or so photos taken in the Venice area in the days after the oil spill.  From what I read, coyotes are common to central Louisiana, but, how many are typically found as far south as Venice, I don’t know.  In the native American tradition, the coyote is known as a cunning trickster, a shape shifter, a symbol of white and dark magick, stealth and opportunity. I’m not sure what the sighting of the coyote might mean, (if anything)-  but, if God has chosen to use this oil spill as an instrument of his judgment – then, the sighting of the coyote may well indicate, that the adversary sees and knows too  – and, he also knows his time is short.

Friends, God is tuning up the orchestra for the final curtain call.  May our hearts be ready!  He’s coming soon!

“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

    Ruth at the feet of Boaz

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:  KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”  Rev. 19:16

Last night, we had an amazing worship and praise service at the Church I attend.  About 200 or so men, women and children came out on a Friday evening to worship the Lord.  It was so uplifting and as I looked about the room of old, young, black, white, Asian and everything in between, I was able to get a glimpse of just what heaven will someday be like, when we join that mighty throng of every kindred, tongue, nation and generation around the throne in praise to our God.  As we poured out our hearts in adoration of our King, it struck me as to how mysterious this must appear to unbelievers, for it is a love story. The depths of which, unless one has been born of the Spirit, one cannot possibly begin to understand.

 In my last post I addressed Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz.  Today, I want to look at Ruth at the feet of Boaz.  It’s such an amazing story, no wonder this beautiful story of love has endured from the earliest days of Biblical history.

An Enduring Love Story

In Ruth chapter 3, Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law instructs her to wash, perfume herself, put on her best clothes and go down to the threshing floor.  When she arrives at the threshing floor she is instructed to wait until Boaz lies down, and when he does, she is to uncover his feet and lie next to him.  Apparently, it is not until after Boaz falls asleep that he discovers in the middle of the night, a woman lying at his feet.

“In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. ‘Who are you?’ he asked. ‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she said.  “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman redeemer.'”  Ruth 3:8,9

Now this is interesting, because a woman coming to the threshing floor was undoubtedly unheard of, for we read in verse 14 that Boaz says to her – “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”  So, why would Naomi have instructed Ruth to act so boldly?

The Hem of his garment

Within this beautiful story, we find three individuals.  Naomi, (the mother-in-law), who instructs Ruth (the bride to be) in approaching Boaz (the kinsman redeemer). On the instruction of Naomi, who I believe pictures the Holy Spirit, Ruth approaches Boaz for redemption.  Just as we, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, approach Jesus our redeemer for our salvation. This is pictured by Ruth, who came to Boaz and by laying prostrate at his feet asks him to cover or spread the corner of his garment over her.  His garment of protection; his garment of salvation. The footnote in my Bible describes it this way: 

“A request for marriage (Eze 16:8), a similar custom is still practiced in some parts of the Middle East today.  With a striking play on words Ruth confronts Boaz with his moral obligations.  In the harvest field he had wished her well at the hands of the Lord, ‘under whose wings you have come to take refuge’ (Ruth 2:12).  Now on the threshing floor Ruth asks him to spread the “wings” (i.e. corners) of his garment over her .  Boaz is vividly reminded that he must serve as the Lord’s protective wings over Ruth.”

 Tzit, tzit (the hem or fringes of the garment)

* Image courtesy of the blog of Bonnie Calhoun http://bibleseek.blogspot.com/2009/07/hem-of-his-garment.html

It’s almost certain in light of the Numbers 15:38 commandment that the corners of Boaz garment would have included the Tzit tzit (fringes or tassels) – “Throughout the generations to come, you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments with a blue cord on each tassel.  You will have these tassels to look at and you will remember all the commands of the Lord.”

By spreading the Tzit,tzit or fringes of his garment over her, Ruth is reminding Boaz of his obligation under the Torah to function as her kinsman redeemer. In this same way, when we go to Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit to ask for salvation; redemption, we, in essence, remind Jesus, who is the living Torah, that by His own law and by his own character, he is obligated to redeem us – which is why in Revelation 19:11 he is called faithful, just and true. This is how we have our assurance!  God by his own character, would never violate his word or his promises. 

 In Revelation 19:16, – we see Jesus returning as King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s.  His name it says, is written on his robe and on his thigh.  What could this mean except the Tzit, tzit, the fringes on the corners of his garment, draping on to his thigh.  Visual reminders, both for him and for us, that Jesus, the completion, (goal, target) of the Torah is perfect, just and true in his power, ability and willingness to redeem us.  And, rightfully returns, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

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As chapter 3 comes to a close, Ruth stays with Boaz until morning at which time he sends her back to her mother-in-law with six measures of barley telling her, “Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.”  Barley in hebrew is apparently spelled the same as gate, – as Boaz provided the way or gate for her redemption. Our worship and service to God, what we bring back to him.

Wow!  What a love story!  Is it any wonder we pour out or hearts in thanksgiving and gratitude to our God? As we approach Pentecost in the next few days, a time when it is traditional to read the book of Ruth, –  and the possibility of our soon going home on the near horizon – may our worship we deepened, our devotion sweetened – in thanksgiving to Jesus, our kinsman redeemer.

*For more great insight into the book of Ruth, click here: http://home.comcast.net/~jovial/learn/mc/ruth.htm  and the meaning of the Tzit tzit here: http://www.shofars.org/tallit.htm

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee.  Psalm 122:6   Grace and blessings in Messiah Jesus!  Cindy 

    Ruth bows to Boaz

Shavuot – Sivan 6 5770

We are quickly approaching the Biblical feast of Pentecost which by the Jewish calendar falls on Sivan 6 or May 19th of this year.  This is an interesting date and one that many of us, including myself are looking at as a possible rapture date.  And, not without good reason, for Shavuot or Pentecost as it is otherwise known, is replete with symbolism regarding the gentile bride and her kinsmen redeemer.

I love how God put’s emphasis on things, so we won’t miss it.  Did you know that the Torah or law was given at Sinai on the same date that the church was born?  It’s true!  And, both of these events have to do with a marriage.  The law has to do with Israel being married to the Lord (the Torah functions as a ketubah, a marriage contract between Jehovah and Israel, just as the New Covenant does for the Church, the bride of Christ).  For this reason,  it is traditional for the book of Ruth to be read in the synagogue every year during this festival. Wouldn’t it be just like the Lord to call his bride home on this very special day.

Gleaning the Harvest

“So Boaz, said to Ruth, “My daughter listen to me.  Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here …So, Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and the wheat harvest were finished.” Ruth 2:8,23

In Leviticus 23: 15-21, God commands the Israelites to count 50 days from Passover to Shavuot.  This 50 day count is known as “the counting of the Omer.”  An omer is a biblical measure of grain.  On the second day of Passover, an omer of barley was offered in the temple signaling the start of the harvest and the beginning of the 50 day count to Shavuot.  On the 50th day, the barley harvest ends and the wheat harvest begins, the change in harvest symbolized by the waving of two wheat loaves by the High Priest in the temple before the Lord. The waving of the two leavened loaves, also, representing those who would be harvested;  both Jew and Gentile – which is why the Torah and the Church share the same birthday.

It is well accepted that Ruth, the foreigner represents the largely gentile church redeemed by Jesus, the Lord of the harvest, as represented by Boaz, who functioned as her kinsman redeemer. I find it interesting that Boaz instructs her to stay through out the barley and the wheat harvest.  In Jewish tradition, the counting of the Omer is said to be a time of preparation for receiving the Torah.  The Exodus was looked on as a gift, while the giving of the Torah required some spiritual preparation or readiness. This presents an interesting picture.  Do the fifty days between the First fruits resurrection of Jesus and the receiving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost constitute a period of readiness for the church as well?  I see this indicated in the instructions Jesus gave his disciples before he ascended in to heaven – “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father has promised …” Acts 1:4   I also see this indicated in Revelation 19:7,  “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.”

A ten day watch 

As noted above, May 19th or Sivan 6 is the biblical feast of Shavuot.  If the church is raptured before the 50th day, she would qualify as a first fruits bride (barley); a bride who has made her self ready.  While the church who is not ready and will still be here after the 50th day becomes part of the wheat harvest – foreshadowed, I believe by Ruth who gleaned throughout the barley and the wheat harvests. 

   “After he had said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them ‘Men of Galilee’ they said, why do you stand here looking into the sky?  This same Jesus who has been taken from you in to heaven, will come back  in the same way you have seen him go in to heaven.'” Acts 1:9-11

Ten days before Shavuot is May 9 or Iyar 25.  This will be the 40th day of the counting of the Omer.  Forty which corresponds with the 40th day before Pentecost, the date on which Jesus ascended in to heaven.  Did the angels who spoke to the men of Galilee leave a clue as to the date of his coming?  “In the same way  he left, he will come back” – Might that apply not only to the way he will come, but, the time he will come back as well?  If so, then the month of Iyar will truly be a month of Shining. 

 (For more on the month of Iyar, if you haven’t already read my April 17 post,  click here: https://cindybythesea.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/iyar-a-month-of-blossoming-a-month-of-shining/

“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

A farmer brings food to wintering sheep 

I wanted to follow-up my previous post “Gone Fishing” with something the Lord impressed on me this morning. I was reading from John chapter 21 where Jesus tells Peter, to feed my sheep.  This is a very beautiful and poignant piece of scripture which takes place in the days following the crucifixion.  In this passage, we find Peter and some of the disciples after the Lord’s death, returning to the only thing they know – fishing.  Confused, forlorn, and unsure of how to proceed in his absence, they return to the thing they know best.  Of all the disciples, Peter is undoubtedly the saddest – full of self-doubt, shame and remorse, the words – “I tell you, I don’t know him”  echo over and over in his mind as he waits the night out hoping for a catch of fish.

 In reading this passage, I realized how relevant it is to me.  I could see in myself some of the same things that Peter had experienced.  For those of you who have read my brief bio, you know that I came to Hawaii under difficult circumstances.  Difficult circumstances which were actually a divorce -one not of my choosing.  In brief, my husband of 25 years, just prior to our 25th wedding anniversary decided he wanted to be single and free to pursue other interests. This was as you can imagine, devastating for me as we were both Christians, active in lay ministry and teaching for many years and I had always considered our relationship to be very good.  Divorce was something unthinkable – taboo; not in my vocabulary.  I was confused, upset, perplexed, and angry to put it mildly and I couldn’t understand how this could be happening to me.  We had always had a great relationship and God had used our family and ministry in so many wonderful ways, it was just inconceivable to me that God could allow this to happen.  I remember at the time, wanting God to fix everything, to make it all go away, and when my prayers were not answered the way I wanted, I became embittered and disillusioned. The pain and shame of the divorce was more than I could bear and I spent the next few years confused, angry and in self-imposed exile in Hawaii. 

 ++++++++++

“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus.  He called out to them ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’  ‘No they answered.  He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’  John 21:4-6

I love how this passage begins, Jesus standing on the shore calling out to them.  Not with words of condemnation, but, addressing them as friends.  At first they don’t recognize him, but, when Peter finally realizes it is Jesus who has called out to them, he excitedly jumps from the boat and starts swimming to shore.  Overcome with joy at seeing the Lord,  all previous thoughts of fear and failure fade and the only thing he can think of is getting to shore as fast as he can.  When he finally reaches the shore, he finds that Jesus has built a welcoming fire and already has a breakfast of fish and bread waiting for them. What a wonderful meal it must have been. Enjoying the food and fellowship, chatting about fishing and family and this n’ that, but, after breakfast Jesus speaks to directly to Peter, asking him,  “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”  “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  Again Jesus said, “Simon, son of John do you truly love me?”  He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

 Jesus knowing Peters heart asks him three times whether he loves him.  Of course, Jesus already knew the answer, knew that Peter does love him, so, why would he query him so?  Is Jesus trying to shame him, to make an example of him in front of the others?  I don’t think so.  In looking closely at this passage, I believe it is because Jesus knows that Peter feels he is a failure, feels like he has blown it so badly, that he could never be used by God again.  But, Jesus thinks otherwise and with the gentle persistence of these questions, helps Peter to see it as well.  Peter, feed my lambs; Peter, take care of my sheep; Peter, feed my sheep.  All of these terms of feeding and taking care of sheep have to do with ministry, ministering to the flock.  I believe, what Jesus is doing here is re-establishing the call he has on Peter’s life.  Re-establishing his ministry.  For what is taking care of the flock, but, ministry.

 In the last couple of years, I have seen myself as the prodigal who returned. And I have been so grateful that God welcomes back his children with open arms. But, this morning, I saw in this scripture so much more.  I’m not sure how many days had passed between this incident on the Sea of Galilee and the crucifixion, but, I’m sure it was more than enough time for Peter to reflect on what had happened.  The important thing was that when the time was right (by God’s choosing) Jesus called out to Peter (like the voice of the Holy Spirit does for us) and Peter responded by swimming to Jesus and not away from him.  And, Jesus in his great mercy, kindness and forgiveness receives him and re-establishes the call he had placed on his life.

Its painful for me to make a personal part of my life public, and I’m hesitating even now about hitting the publish button, but, I feel so strongly in these last days before the return of Jesus, that it is imperative to strip away any pretense of that other than which we really are –  sinners saved by grace.  That God has seen fit to re-establish my own little personal ministry, i.e. writing this blog, teaching on Passover and just sharing with others day to day is a testimony to me of his grace.  Something I can honestly say, I appreciate now, so much more than I ever did before. 

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!  Grace and blessings to all!  Cindy