Heaven Bound

THE BLIND SIDE –  The 82nd annual Academy Awards

Every spring the annual Academy Awards is held to honor the best films and the best acting performances of the year.  It is the SUPERBOWL of the entertainment business.  This year’s award ceremony takes place Sunday evening March 7.  Even now, in preparation for this event, GIANT sized Oscar statuettes are being unwrapped from the plastic they were shipped in and being set up along the red-carpet entry way into the event.  The date for this year’s award ceremony caught my eye after reading Charmaine Egger’s post yesterday at Running From Babylon concerning March 7.  

As George Mitchell arrives in Israel on Sunday in an effort to put continued pressure on Israel for dividing the land, a significant part of the American population will have their eyes turned not east to Jerusalem, but, west, towards the golden state and the american mecca of Hollywood.  Gathered in front of our t.v. sets, we will pay homage to the silver screen, woefully, unaware, that all the glitters is not gold, nor even silver and that this years 82nd annual academy awards could be the end of a very long run, as  8 + 2 = 10.   Ten, the Biblical number of the completion of a cycle –  i.e. ten plagues, ten commandments, ten virgins and so forth.  An interesting correlation to the year 2010 as well, a cycle of its own that may be ending.

March 7, is the one year anniversary of the warning given by David Wilkerson concerning judgment that may soon befall America.  March 7  also shares another interesting date in history, its the  same date on which Hitler broke the Versailles treaty by invading the Rhineland. Not good news for the Jewish people then, not good news for them now.  George Mitchell whose first name means “farmer” and last name  means, “one who resembles God,”(Mitchell, a derivative of the name Michael)  –  one can only wonder, what “seeds” this farmer who resembles “God” may be planting – a harvest of grapes i.e. Revelation/winepress ???? 

+++++++++

This year Academy award hosts will be Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin and will be the first time in Academy history that the awards  have been hosted by a pair of two, instead of one of more.  Two, a number which indicates division, enmity and opposition.  This will also be the first time hosting for Alec Baldwin, but, will be the third time for Steve Martin.  Steve Martin first hosted in 2001 for the 73rd annual academy awards. Another interesting 10, as 7 + 3 = 10.  Which is doubly interesting, when you realize, this would have been the academy awards preceding the 9/11 attack.  The same year, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon received 10 oscar nominations and also won best foreign film of the year.  Interesting, in light of the 911 attacks that “crouching tiger, hidden dragon” means, “to conceal one’s strength from another, in order, to preserve the element of surprise.”

PURPLE & BRONZE

This year’s academy award winners, nominees and guests will dine at the Governor’s ball at Hollywood and Highland’s grand ball room next to the Kodak theatre, where well-known Chef Wolfgang Puck has been busy preparing a lavish feast for the big day.  The ballroom will be elegantly attired art deco style in purple and bronze.  A color scheme, I might add, not without biblical significance.  Purple symbolic of wealth and bronze symbolic of judgment.  The first academy awards were held May 16, 1929 and the first statuettes were bronze overlaid with 24 carat gold.  Today, the statuettes are no longer cast in bronze, but, continue to be overlaid with gold.

FROM A PLANET NAMED PANDORA

Sunday’s big win at the Oscar’s is predictably James Cameron’s block buster film “AVATAR”, a movie about a blue skinned race of people on a planet called Pandora.  A place by its name alone, that I’m sure I would not want to visit!  I have not seen the movie, but, I was surprised to learn that the mountains in the movie were given the name, “the Hallelujah Mountains”.  I’m not sure why they were give this name as the film has a Hindu title, but, I can’t help but, think that some how it is significant.   Hallelujah, of course, is a Hebrew word, which means “praise God”.    Today in the news, due to the immense popularity of the movie in China, where the mountains are located, there is a movement to rename the mountain from its Chinese name “South Pillar of Heaven” to “Hallelujah Mountain”  Which, I think is incredibly beautiful, as the scripture says, even the mountains will praise Him!!!   For a look at this breathtakingly beautiful mountain, click here: http://www.prlog.org/10504114-hallelujah-mountain.jpg 

Hollywood and America, have a blind side when it comes to the things of God.  They seek an Avatar from a planet named for the greek goddess Pandora, by whose curiosity in opening a jar, it is said, unleashed all the evils that have befallen the world.  Hollywood, may not have opened the jar, but, they have done all they can to make sure the jar has been turned upside down and emptied out. Every vile thing in the jar has been shaken loose.  And, in these days of earthquakes increasing like birth pangs in frequency and intensity, the decadence and  corrupting influence of Hollywood may have finally reached its full measure.  God may be ready to say, “enough is enough.” “Hooray for Hollywood”  desperately needs changing to  “pray for Hollywood.”  The full-length feature film you have just seen, is about over  –  and Hollywood and America are desperately lost.

 “The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy”  Isaiah 55:12  –  HALLELUJAH!

  HEALING THE SERPENTS BITE

 The photo above is one you have seen before, the elm tree uprooted by a strong storm at the White House on the afternoon of June 9, 2009.  For many, this was viewed as a harbinger, a sign from God, that perhaps God’s hand of blessing had once and for all been removed from this great nation. It was a striking image, one that cut right to the heart, for those with the spiritual eyes to see.   And, although this is old news in some respects,  I found an unlikely tie to it through a dream  I had on Saturday night, one that connects directly to my last post.

 tsunami saturday

 I spent Saturday morning working on my last post amidst tsunami warning sirens blaring every hour on the hour, checking on emergency supplies and answering phone calls.  When it turned out that Hawaii had been spared, we were all very much relieved and thankful.  It was a rather tense day in many regards, so that night I was glad to go to bed and put the day behind me. Fortunately, I was able to get to sleep right away, but, awoke from a very vivid dream  early in the morning at *2:12 a.m.

  – In the dream, I was in the house of my childhood; a house which was flanked on one side by a large Poplar tree.  In the distance,  I could hear the rumble of thunder, soft at first, it became louder and louder until it finally erupted into an explosive crescendo of sound.  At the moment the thunder crashed the loudest, the Poplar tree  next to the house uprooted and fell onto the house caving the ceiling in and crushing one corner of the house completely.  For some reason, I had two  young children with me; I hurriedly  got them out of the house and into a car where we were safe, before the ceiling had a chance to cave in completely.  The car although blocked from moving by the numerous branches that had fallen, was not in any danger of being crushed.

 –On awakening from the dream, I tried very hard to remember all the details,  because I felt somehow they were significant.  I closed my eyes for a few minutes and began praying, Lord, what are you showing me here?  When I looked at the clock again, it was *2:22 a.m. 

  **  two, the number of division, twenty-two, the number of cursing

the Poplar tree and american currency 

Doing a little quick research on the Poplar tree, I found out, that it is a type of Elm;  a type, whose bark according to ancient lore supposedly will, “heal a serpents bite”.    From Frasers Magazine, Vol II :    

    “A Phoenician legend which concerns Hercules relates that, when suffering from a serpent’s bite, he sailed west, in obedience to an oracle to find a certain plant that would cure him.  The plant was found at Gades (Cadiz), the cure affected and the Pillars of Hercules raised to commemorate the event.  The tree, the serpent and the two pillars constituted a device on the coins of Tyre and are partly preserved on the American Dollar mark.  Could the Poplar tree have been the healing tree meant in this fable?  The strong belief of the Bohemian peasantry that the white poplar is an antidote to the poison of serpents is a significant fact.”  http://books.google.com/books?id=TB289A7GFDgC&pg=PA601&lpg=PA601&dq=poplar+tree+as+antidote+to+serpents+bite&source=bl&ots=KCFDzJLIRF&sig=DQkKzGMTi_sOdXMqd0Er8Q_IPYM&hl=en&ei=j7GKS5OOC4jctgOq06WGAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CB0Q6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=poplar%20tree%20as%20antidote%20to%20serpents%20bite&f=false 

 “and they cried ….

 Strange, when you think about the twenty dollar bill, which, when folded a certain way, depicts the burning twin towers of 9/11. Symbolism which I believes, becomes even more significant, when you realize, it is the burning of those “healing leaves (from the elm trees on the back of the twenty)  which form the smoke that rises from the towers.  To view this image click here:  http://www.foldmoney.com/

 … when they saw the smoke of her burning.”  Rev 18:18

 I’ve really struggled with this post, in fact, I can count the number of hours I’ve been working on this in the double digit’s now. Many of you  by now, have no doubt, read varying versions of this same post.  I apologize. It’s been a tough one for some reason. So, what I’ve tried to do now, as of this last version, is to simplify things.  Sometimes, simplest is best. 

I believe the dream was very symbolic, or I would not have spent all these hours trying to blog on it. The symbolsim itself, is not very hard to figure out and in some ways, is not really new information.   The collapse of the house is obviously symbolic of the nation. The corner of the house which was crushed – (9/11 and the collapse of the economy)  represents the initial damage sustained, while the house itself remained standing.  But, the weight of the tree bearing down on the roof, will in time, cause the collapse of the entire structure.  Perhaps that collapse is near, imminent even. The Poplar Tree with its symbolic healing leaves, is perhaps like the tree of life in Revelation 22:2 , whose leaves are for the “healing of the nations” – (an interesting reversal of the meaning of the numbers 2 and 22 after things are restored, the numbers normally meaning division and cursing – now implying unity and blessing)  -but, instead, was uprooted, causing not only the destruction of the house, but, its complete and utter demise, as indicated by the burning of the leaves.   Fire and thunder, also, obvious symbols of judgment.   * Thunder, as defined by the Dictionary of Bible Symbolism, a symbol of divine control.   The escape from the house the rapture and/or protection of believers.

Thanks for bearing with me, until next time!  Grace and blessings in Messiah Jesus, Cindy

 A SPIRIT OF REBELLION

Many of you will recognize the flag above as “the first Navy Jack.”  This flag with its rattlesnake emblem has  long been considered a symbol of the irrepressible spirit of our country since the days of our founding fathers.  From information I found at usaflag.org, the rattlesnake is an american emblem  which dates back to 1751 to Benjamen Franklin and the newspaper he published, The Pennsylvania Gazette.  In one of his newspaper articles, in a warning to the colonies of the danger of disunity, a fragmented snake is depicted, along with these words “join or die”.   During the Revolutionary period, this theme was picked up by patriot Colonel Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina  “who had seen and liked a bright yellow banner with a hissing, coiled rattlesnake rising up in the center.”  He made a copy of the design and submitted it to congress and by 1776 it was in use by the Continental fleet; at which it made its first appearance on the flag ship Alfred. The First Navy Jack is still in use today and was in fact, made mandatory on May 22, 2002 to be flown on all navy vessels during the war on terror. *Note, the double two’s -per E.W. Bullinger, 22 is the number 11 doubled, 11 the number of disorganization and disintegration.

The history of the Alfred is also very interesting.  The Alfred was actually a merchant ship named “The Black Prince.”  In October of 1775, it returned to Philadelphia from England carrying private letters to congress informing them that two ships would be arriving from England  carrying arms and gunpowder with which to supply the British troops.  At that time, it was decided by congress that four ships would be purchased for the creation of the continental Navy and one of the ships purchased was the The Black Prince, (possibly named for Edward, the prince of Wales in 1330 who was dubbed “the black prince” for the black armour he wore ) and, was subsequently re-named the Alfred, which means “wise counsel”.   For more on this, read here: http://www.foundingfathers.info/stories/gadsden.html 

Early images of the flag, depict a coiled rattlesnake on a yellow back ground, but, by 1776 with the adaptation of the red and white stripes that comprise our current flag, the look of the First Navy Jack changed from that of a coiled rattle snake on a yellow back ground to an extended rattle snake crossing a field of red and white stripes.  From usflag.org –  The First Navy Jack:  “One of the first flags flown by our Navy may have been an adaptation, of the ‘rebellious stripes’ created at the time of the Stamp Act congress. It featured 13 red and white stripes. Stretched across them was the rippling form of a rattlesnake and the words ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ – a striking indication of the colonists’ courage and fierce desire for independence.”

The purpose in bringing to your attention the early american flag is neither to bore you nor entertain you with tidbits from maritime history.   The idea actually came to me recently as I was considering the words of Jesus from Luke 10:19, where we are told –    “Behold, I give you the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  It seemed strange to me, that if our founding fathers were Christian, which I had always believed, why would they adopt a motto which is obviously in direct contradition to the words of Jesus.  And then, when you consider the verse which precedes it: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Luke 10:18. (Which translated from the aramic –  barak o bama –  means “lightning from the heights” i.e. heaven) it becomes even stranger.  The answer, at least partially, I found lies with its originator Mr. Benjamen Franklin.

the Hell-Fire club

As mentioned above, the first use of the rattlesnake in american history dates back to Benjamen Franklin and his Pennsylvania Gazette. Most of us grew up with a very fond view of Mr. Franklin, a beloved patriot and inventor, whose face graces the back of our twenty dollar bill. But, it has recently been discovered, that there was a side to Mr. Franklin that many were not previously aware of.  Apparently, Mr. Franklin, was a member of a little known group in London known as  “the hell-fire club”.  An group known for its orgies  and occult/satanic activities.  From what I’ve been learning from people like Tom Horn in his recent book Apollyon Rising and others about the Masonic and occult influence of our founding fathers, I hardly think this was an accident.   For more on Benjamen Franklin and the hell-fire club, click here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/288090/ben_franklin_and_his_membership_in.html?cat=37

obamaland

In the last few days, we have seen the Obama administration make changes to two things which I believe are significant.  One, is the change in the name of the war in Iraq from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn.  The other is the change in design of the Missile Defense Agency logo.  The change in design has drawn a lot of criticism for its Islamic appeal with its crescent moon and star design.   My daughter, Kara of Seven Stars made an interesting observation about it. One, which I found far more chilling than any Islamic implications it may have.  What she saw in the logo, is a circle within a circle, –  or a picture within a picture – with one of the circles eclipsing the other, giving the appearance of the morning star venus rising between the sun and the earth.   I believe this is extremely signficant, especially when you consider the trip by President Obama to Indonesia in the next couple of weeks.  If, the scenario Charmaine Eggers at Running from Babylon proposes in her last post “Footsteps Upon Borobudur actually takes place, we may see Obama’s star rising as he receives the mantle for which he has been prepared.  If you have not yet read her excellent post, I encourage you to do so.  For more on the Missile Defense Logo and Lucifer the morning star, check out the link for Seven Stars.

* “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning, (son  or star of the dawn) you have been cast down to earth, you who once laid low the nations.” Isaiah 14:12 

THERE’S POWER IN THE BLOOD

I believe the time is urgent!  Regardless of how much time we have left, it’s time for the body of Christ to re-discover and be encouraged by the power  and authority, we have in the name and blood of Jesus!   In his name, we have the power to tread on the enemy, in his name, the sting of the scorpion is made null!    I have found out first hand, from personal experience with demonic attacks, that the enemy must and will flee at the name of Jesus. It has too!  We must be confident in this!  At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow!  It is important that we never show fear, never back down.  One of the ways the enemy operates is by trying to destroy us through the use of intimidation.  But, Jesus did not give us a spirit of fear!  So, stand your ground Christian!  NEVER give up and never give way!  It is imperative that we know who we are in Christ in these last days. The battle intensifies, but, the victory has already been won!

Grace and blessings to all of you in Yeshua and thank you to all of you who I know have been praying for me in Hawaii today.  Until next time or until we meet face to face around the throne – Cindy

OINK–OINK

I’ve borrowed the title of today’s post from a book I’ve been reading called “WHEN PIGS MOVE IN“ by author Don Dickerman.  A book for Christians, the synopsis on the cover of the book reads “How to sweep clean the demonic influences impacting your life and the lives of others.”  It’s an excellent book and a real eye opener describing how believers can  wittingly or unwittingly open the door to demonic oppression resulting in some of the very real struggles in our lives that we just can’t seem to get victory over.  Don Dickerman helps us to understand “the spiritual warfare” involved and how to get final and complete victory over the demons that plague us. For more on this excellent book, click here:  http://www.dondickerman.net/

OUT OF THE BARNYARD

Pigs have a long history biblically speaking as an “unclean animal”.  From the time of the giving of the Torah to Moses in the book of Leviticus, pork has been restricted from the Jewish diet.  In the New Testament, it seems, that at least for us gentiles, that restriction has been lifted, which is a good thing given my affinity for bacon. But, beyond the dietary regulations, we see something else interesting regarding our mud loving, cloven footed friends. In at least three of the gospels, we read an account of Jesus driving demons out of a man and into a herd of swine. He was going to send them into the abyss, but, they beg him rather to be sent into a herd of swine.   In Matthew 8:30, 31 it says: “And there was a good way off from them, a herd of  many swine feeding.  And the devils besought him saying; ‘ If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.'”   See Matthew 8:28 – 34, for the full account.  This at first glance, seems like a very odd request.  Why would demons prefer being cast in to swine?   Might they just as well have requested being cast into a herd of cows?  Well, probably not for a variety of reasons, but, one of the reasons, is quite simple.

Demons, like us, are spiritual creatures with the exception that they do not have bodies and they exist with but one goal in mind – “to kill, steal and destroy“.  Because, they lack a physical place of habitation from which to operate, they are always seeking a physical body to possess and oppress through which they can act.   Not sons of Adam, they have  no natural authority in the earthly realm for authority and dominion were given to Adam and his descendants.  Also, Apparently, pig flesh is similar in make up to human flesh, (which is why pig valves are often used to replace human heart valves) and could be why swine are the preferred vessel of demons next to humans.

A PIG IN THE PARLOR

As I look at the culture today, I see a culture infested with the habitation of demons. It’s important to note here, that demons must be invited in, –  just like we have to invite Jesus in –  demons have to be invited in as well; for both are spiritual transactions.  While Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.   Demons are deception, lies and death.  Which means, the hapless and the unwitting can be victimized as well as those who knowingly offer a habitation for unclean spirits.   Remember the Sunday school song “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear, be careful little feet where you go”.  There is a lot of wisdom to be found in this simple song.  That is why we are always told to guard our hearts and minds –Proverbs 4:23.  For an abundance of doorways exist through which unclean spirits can find access and they lay in wait for just such an opportunity.

The baby boomers, to our shame have deliberately or through laziness allowed God to be removed from our culture.  For this reason, we have a generation of young people, who for the most part, know nothing of the God of the Bible.  In doing so, We have created a spiritual vacuum, one  of which the enemy is more than happy to fill.  At this point in time, the infestation has become so great and so prevalent, that the enemy, who once operated by hidden means, through the occult – now, boldly operates in the open.

hissssss ….

I think everyone took notice of  the unusual costume worn by Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek in the recent Men’s figure skating competition.  His unusual costume, featured two serpents in 3-D, one which was draped about the neck and the other which came rising across the chest towards the heart.   To me, it was not just the use of the serpents on the costume, but, rather, the placement of the serpents on the costume, – how they were arranged.  You see,  snakes when they kill, strangle their victims about the neck and chest by squeezing and exerting a tremendous amount of pressure on these areas.   So, symbolically, the serpent by strangling the neck and head,  affects our souls; our ability to know God,  – and by strangling the chest, the home of the heart, our spirit, by which we are able to love God.  If you haven’t already seen the costume, check it out here and  while doing, read an awesome post on the same subject by Ultraguy over at New Wine Skins .http://newine.wordpress.com/ 

the BRAZEN brass serpent

brazen: 1- insolent audacity, shameless  2- brass

A similar photo appeared a few months ago with actress Meghan Fox as she appeared at a Hollywood premier for her recent movie “Transformers.”  In this photo, Meghan is seen wearing a sultry red dress, her waist encircled by a golden serpent.  In the link below, you can see a full length photo of Meghan in the dress and in a second photo below, a close up of the belt. 

 After you see the photo of Meghan, continue to scroll down, where there is a third photo.  This photo is not of her, but, is of American Idol contestant Adam Lamberth.  In this photo, you will see a green snake positioned very suggestively at Mr. Lamberth’s groin.  http://elluminati.blogspot.com/2009/06/megan-foxs-golden-serpent-dress.html  When you see these photos, realize, it is not by  accident that the snake and the belt are positioned in the way they are, about the waist and loins, in fact, it is key to understanding the true nature of the serpent.

 Serpents have long been symbols of fertility in the occult and probably hearken back to the garden of Eden when the original sin may have involved more than eating forbidden fruit from a tree.  For more on this, check out a study at Open Scroll titled, “the father of Cain“.  In this post, the author explores the Genesis account from a different view-point, one, which is, frankly different from anything I have ever read before.  You may or may not agree with it –  but, I do believe, if, you choose to  read it – (and please be advised, it is for mature readers), it will give you something to think about and will perhaps, help you to connect some dots that previously were either missing or unclear.  For me, I’m not entirely sold on this interpretation, but, I will say this, even if the author has not entirely nailed it, I think he makes some valid points and may definately be on to something.   http://theopenscroll.com/

– the BRAZEN insolent, shameless serpent

A few weeks ago, actress Lindsay Lohan made news by posing on the cover of PURPLE FASHION magazine in a startling photo in which she is  posed as the crucified Christ in a low cut gown with arms out stretched and a crown of thorns on her head.  Miss Lohan, a practising lesbian is dressed in white, the color of righteousness and purity, an audacious mockery by the evil one of the sinless nature of Jesus and his redemptive death on the cross.  Sadly, Miss Lohan, knowingly or not,  is being used by the evil one to keep her in bondage and slavery from the outstretched arms and the love of the one she mocks.

The cultural trend today is toward the demonic. From Hollywood to the kids at the Mall, it’s more than evident from what we see everywhere,  “that the pigs have moved in.”   It saddens my heart to see the bondage of so many, especially so many who are not much more than children,  it saddens my heart,but, it grieves the heart of God.  Pray with me will you, for their deliverance.

 Grace and blessings in Messiah Jesus, Cindy

“SEE, I WILL STIR UP THE SPIRIT OF A DESTROYER AGAINST BABYLON … I WILL SEND FOREIGNERS TO WINNOW HER AND TO DEVASTATE HER LAND”  JEREMIAH 51:1-2

On February 2, 2010,  the heads from several intelligence agencies met before the Senate Intelligence Committee to discuss matters of national security.  When queried as to the likelihood of an imminent attack on the U.S. in the next 3-6 months, National Intelligence Director, Dennis Blair stated he was “certain“.  His solemn and immediate response to the question was quickly confirmed, not once, but, twice by CIA Director Leon Panetta and FBI Director, Robert Mueller. http://islamrevealed.typepad.com/islam-revealed/2010/02/us-islamic-terrorist-attack-is-certain-in-36-months.html

the eighth plague

“So, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me.  If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts in your country tomorrow.  They will cover the face of the ground, so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail …”  Exodus 10:3-5

Locusts are interesting creatures, after a very moist season, they breed in huge numbers and will often swarm in the early to late summer months.  I find it interesting, that three to six months from the date the Senate Intelligence Committee met (Feb 2) would be in the May to August time frame of this year.  I also find it interesting, in the Exodus passage, that Pharoah’s officials warn –  “Do you not yet realize, that Egypt is ruined?”

“The Midianites, the Amalekites and all of the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts.  Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.”  Judges 7:10

Thick as locusts, the Amalekites were descendents of Esau, and Esau and Ishmael, the progenitors of the arab nations; who today number in the millions.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The word locust in Hebrew is “arbeh”; which is very similar in sound to arab.  There is a tradition among the Arabians, that there fell locusts into the hands of Mohammed, on whose backs and wings were written these words – “we are the army of the most high God, we are the ninety and nine eggs, and if the hundred should be made perfect, we should consume the whole world and whatever is in it.”

“So, Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, so that locusts will swarm over the land and devour everything growing in the fields, everything left by the hail … they covered all the land until it was black.  They devoured everything left by the hail–everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees.  Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.

A HARBINGER OF THINGS TO COME?

On January 19, 2010, on returning  from a walk around the city, Senior Hamas official al-Mobhouh was found dead in his room at the five star luxury hotel in Dubai, Saudi Arabia. Although, still under investigation, Israel’s Mossad is being  linked to the hit.  What I find of extreme interest, is that the word Dubai is the diminution of the arabic word “daba” which means, “baby locusts”  An Arabic proverb says, “Daba Dubai,” meaning, “they came with swarms of locusts from this area.”

The fall-out from this Hamas “hit” is yet to come.  But, for some reason, I have the distinct feeling, that it may  well be the spark that sets “an east wind blowing” which will have implications not only for Israel, but, for the West as well.

Another recent development from Dubai, is the towering Burj Dubai, which now dominates the world landscape as the tallest building in the world.  In its towering appearance, do we see the rise of Islam, dominating the world for a time?  – See it in comparison to the world’s other tallest buildings here:  http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/the-tower/worlds-tallest-towers.  It’s  also been noted by some, that its architecture is reminiscent of the tiered structure of the tower of Babel.

OUT OF THE ABYSS

From an article at White Horse Media, I quote: ” It is remarkable that Abul A’la Mawdudi, one of Islam’s most prominent scholars of the 20th century, used the very word abyss when writing about  the beginnings of Islam.  In a book written to introduce English speaking people to the basics of Islam.  Mawdudi tells his readers that Mohammed and his message came out of the abyss, the abyss of darkness, these are his exact words and appear in bold print as a sub-heading in his book.  For more on this article from White Horse Media, click here: http://www.whitehorsemedia.com/articles/details.cfm?art=68

Are these the locusts from Revelation chapter 9?  I really don’t know – the locusts of Revelation chapter 9, might very well be of the supernatural kind which Sue Bradley  explores quite well in her Anak, Krakatau series.  Which is not to say, that there is not more than one plague of locusts on the horizon. 

A WARNING FOR BABYLON

“Lift up a banner against the walls of Babylon! Reinforce the guard, station the watchman, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out his purpose, his decree against the people of Babylon.  You who live by many waters and are rich in treasures, your end has come, the time for you to be cut off.  The Lord Almighty has sworn by himself: I will surely fill you with men, as with a swarm of locusts, and they will shout in triumph over you.”  Jeremiah 51:12-14

For more on the chilling judgment set to befall “Babylon” see Jeremiah chapters 50-52.  When I finished my post the other night “the King of Bacchus” I had a very unsettled feeling in my chest, that persisted for several hours, it was a kind of heaviness in my spirit, almost anxiety.  I couldn’t quite figure it out why I felt this way.  The next morning, even though, I was at work, I kept asking the Lord –  “Lord, what is this feeling???”   What I got back in the way of answer seems best described by the opening jingle on Steve Coerper’s Blog talk radio program – “a feeling in my bones” —  “the time is short, get your house in order, the church of Laodicea is running out of time”. 

Am I a prophet?   No. Not even the “son of a  prophet” or daughter in this case.  No, I’m someone just like you who is looking, watching and waiting for the soon return of Jesus.  As we move in to the  next few days and weeks, stand with me in prayer, if you would,  that every obstacle that remains in our lives which prohibits from having the rich, full relationship that God desires with us, would soon be removed.  That every “pig”  – every “unclean thing” –  in our lives, would no longer find a place of habitation, a place of welcome.

*Next post, God willing, “Removing  the pigs from our lives” –

Grace and blessings in Messiah Jesus, Cindy

THE LONG ROAD TO MIAMI, THE SHORT ROAD TO NEW ORLEANS

Sunday, February 14, saw the triumphant Saints back in New Orleans in time for the 42nd annual  Mardi Gras Bacchus Parade. Drew Brees, Saints quarterback, was chosen as this year’s Bacchus King and presided over the parade throwing footballs to his many adoring fans.  I have to admit, I haven’t paid much attention to Mardi Gras in the past; in fact, a week or so ago, I couldn’t have told you what a Bacchus parade was.  It seems to me though, after learning just a little bit about it, that the prophetic thread we observed throughout Superbowl 44, did not end in Miami.

I think for those of us who have eyes to see and ears to hear; especially for the church here in America, the Lord is giving us ample visual warning in regard to our spiritual condition. The Saints, fresh from their victory in Miami, return as kings, to a festival fraught with debauchery, idolatry and revelry named for the god of wine, pleasure and festivity, the god Bacchus. 

I think the image here is clear and can be summed up in one word – the winning word from the 2009 national spelling bee  – 

 L – A – O – D – I – C – E – A – N

There is an abundance of information on the web about the god Bacchus or Dionysius is he is known in greek.  The abbreviated version is that, he is the god of wine and pleasure; the inspirer of madness and ecstasy. Also known, as the liberator; for freeing one, from ones normal self, by madness, ecstasy or wine. The divine mission of Dionysius it is said, is to mingle the music of the aulos (an ancient greek instrument) to bring an end to worry and care.  For more  information on the debased character of this god, and from whose name the word debauchery undoubtedly, is derived, click here – http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/DionysosGod.html#Homosexuality 

BULLS, PIGS AND UNCLEAN THINGS

A week or so ago, my daughter related to me a dream her husband had.  It was a very ugly dream, so repulsive  I hesitate to share it here, except, that I think it applies.  For this reason, I will try to describe it as delicately as I can.  In the dream, my son-in-law saw a bull standing over a pig from which it had just had un-natural relations.  The pig, was bloodied from the incident and the bull stood over the pig, “bullishly,”  as if not to be moved.   I immediately re-coiled from the visual image this presented, but, my daughter who is sometimes much wiser than her mother and somewhat gifted with the spiritual gift of dream interpretation told me this:  “Mom,” she said, “I believe God was showing us something here – the pig is an unclean animal, but, a bull is a clean animal (often used in the bible for sacrifices).  The picture here is clear.  The church, represented by the bull,  – has been intermingling or fornicating with the world, –  who is represented by the pig.  –  And, what really is sad, is that the bull, is “using the pig” and by his refusal to move away from the pig,  represents our  refusal to give up or repent of our actions that are not pleasing to God.”   Wow, I was blown away by her interpretation.  I was also sickened by it, as I saw, perhaps for the first time, how God must view his children, when we leave what should be our first love, in favor of a cheap imitation.

PIGS, PIGS AND MORE PIGS

Apparently, beaded pig necklaces are popular among revelers and can be purchased while at the festival or at this website for the grand price of $2.65.   Called “no evil pigs” each necklace comes with 3 pigs, each of which correspond to the saying, “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.”  Would that be the Mardi Gras equivalent to “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas????”

This is first time one of the New Orleans Saints has presided over the Mardi Gras celebration as the King of Bacchus.  For a list of previous kings, click here: http://www.mardigrasparadeschedule.com/krewes/bacchus/  For those of us, who have been following the whole superbowl 44 thing, I can’t help but, believe there is a message in here somewhere for us.  A sobering message, for a church who is neither  “hot nor cold.”

To the church of Laodicea write:   “These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’  But, you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness and salve to put on your eyes so that you can see.  Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline.  So, be earnest and repent!  Rev 3:14-19

Lord, thank you for your great love and mercy!  Help us Lord to return to you, our first love!  Open our eyes God, that we might see and repent!  Lord, cleanse us and we shall be whiter than snow!   And, keep looking up fellow watchers, Jesus is coming soon!

ADAR 1

Here in Hawaii, it’s a sunny 87 degrees, not much to remind one, that today, Adar 1, is the anniversary of the plague of darkness. But, appearances can be deceiving.  For, while physical darkness at this moment, does not cover the land,  it is obvious, that spiritual darkness does.  Interesting, how in speaking about coverings, we see the entire nation blanketed in snow, with the exception of Hawaii. Which probably has less to do with the purported birthplace of Obama than it does, with the fact, that we are situated far in to the South Pacific.  Although, we do have snow at times on the Big Island at the top of Mauna Kea, usually earlier in the winter, as far as I know, there isn’t any there now.

You know, they say that timing is everything! And, I believe God is right on schedule with giving us clues for what lies ahead.  In studying Passover and the plagues, I find it interesting that the plagues besides being historical, will once again be repeated in the latter half of the tribulation period. These plagues will be the  bowl judgments of Rev. 16.  And although, we are not quite there yet, we are rapidly moving in to the time frame in which the majority of the living population, will witness these things first hand. 

FEBRUARY 7 AND THE PLAGUE OF HAIL

In doing a little research, I found that the Plague of Hail,  took place 8 weeks before Passover. Isn’t it amazing, that  biggest and most wide spread storm ever to hit our nation, started on or about Feb 7.   Exactly, 8 weeks before Passover. (Passover week runs from March 30 – April 4).  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35237043/ns/weather/ 

I, also found interesting in studying the plague of hail, two things.    First –  it is the only plague in which some of the Egyptian officials heeded the warning. In Exodus chapter 9:10, it says: “Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But, those who ignored the word of the Lord, left their slaves and livestock in the field”.   Second – in reporting the damage done by the hail, it says in Exodus chapter 9:31, – “(the flax and the barley were destroyed since the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom, but, the wheat and spelt were not destroyed because they would ripen later).” 

TWO IN THE FIELD

 I find this extremely  interesting for two reasons:  First, we see a separation between those who listened and those who did not.  The wise ones brought their slaves and livestock out of the field to safety, the others did not.  We also, see this same concept demonstrated in the crops  – one is smitten, the other is not.   When we think of the word smitten, we think destroyed, but, that’s not quite the idea here, its more akin to being  “cut off” in the same way the Messiah of Isaiah 53 was cut off, when it says, he was “smitten” for our transgressions. Of the barley and flax it says, “the barley had headed and the flax was in bloom,” it was ready, but, the wheat and the spelt, were not.

 Barley is a spring crop, the first to be offered to the Lord.  This offering takes place at Passover, also known as the  festival of firstfruits.  And flax – flax, is something that provides the fiber for making the wicks of candles  and is also the fiber from which the linen garments of the priests were spun.  Wheat, on the other hand, is harvested later in the year in early summer, for, it takes longer to ripen and is more difficult to harvest than barley. The observance of the harvest of the wheat is at the feast of Pentecost and Pentecost takes place exactly 50 days after Passover.  

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

I was reminded of something about President Obama by Sue Bradley in an e-mail she wrote me recently.  It has to do with President Obama’s affinity for lamb for dinner.  Now, that in itself is innocent enough, as I love lamb chops myself, but, in this case, there certainly seems to be more to it, than meets the eye, or, should I say, palate.

Last year, while on his international tour, President Obama stopped in France for a visit with President Sarkozy.  While he was there, on Sunday June 7, he had dinner at an upscale french restaurant by the name of “La Fontaine de Mars”.  In french it means, “the fountain of the ides of March.” Ides, means to “divide” and is commemorated on March 15, in remembrance of the warning that was given to Julius Caesar that his enemies were about to kill him and destroy his kingdom. Since that time, the word ides has been associated with pride and arrogance. To read more about the “ides of March” – click here: http://www.chiff.com/a/ides-of-march.htm

Interestingly, in the account from restaurant La Fontaine de Mars, President Obama had lamb for dinner, while the rest of the party had beef.  http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2009/06/obama-dinner-in-paris-lamb-and-steak-at.html The evening of the dinner party was June 7, 2009, which is one day after the June 6 anniversary of Jerusalem being re-established as the capital of Israel in 1967 and is also, Sivan 15, on the Jewish calendar.  Sivan 15, is the day which commemorates  the birthdate of Judah, the son of Jacob, from which the word “Jew” comes from – Judah.   Interesting coincidence, isn’t it?  The man, who has the power to divide and thus destroy the Jewish people is having a lamb dinner in a restaurant whose name means division on the day which commemorates the giving of the name of the Jewish people.

A PALE HORSE

Some time, in the next few weeks, mid-March, President Obama will be traveling to Indonesia to visit the place of his childhood. With him will be the small pocket size “lucky charm” that he admittedly carries with him every where he goes.  This small pocket charm is of the hindu god Hanuman, the monkey god and is a god who is known for his devotion to the larger god, (larger in the sense of power or rank) known as Lord Rama.  Lord Rama is the seventh incarnation of Lord Visnu, and is always shown holding a bow and arrow;  a bow and arrow for destroying the evil of his age.  Hanuman, the monkey god, is often depicted sitting devotedly at the feet of Lord Rama.  You can read about Lord Rama here – http://www.nriol.com/indianparents/lord-rama.asp and for Obama and his “lucky charms” click here: http://www.time.com/time/politics/whitehouse/photos/0,27424,1811278,00.html

March 15, also known as the  “ides of March” speaks of pride, arrogance, division.  March 15 is also Adar 29, the date God gave Moses the lunar calendar from which all of the “appointed festivals” of the Lord are derived. You can read about that here: http://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day_cdo/aid/150275/jewish/Adar-29.htm 

God’s calendar speaks of the completion of God’s plan for his people from beginning to end; from alpha to omega.  A stark contrast, to the ides of March which speaks of the division of a kingdom through pride and arrogance.

“Woe, to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock!  May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be totally withered and his right eye totally blind!  Zechariah 11:17.

The sheep, in the photo above, are standing in the field up to their knees in snow.  They, like the crop of wheat and spelt, were not ready to be removed and so, were left to endure the ravages of the hail.  The worthless shepherd has not only deserted the flock, but, stands ready to devour the flock.  Watchman, keep sounding the alarm!

  FLIES, FROGS AND DARKNESS –

– the fourth plague

On June 16, 2009, President Obama made national headlines when he triumphed over a fly during a CNBC interview with John Harwood to talk about health care.  I’m sure most of you have seen the video, and, as you will probably recall; its quite amusing.  During the interview, President Obama is being buzzed about the head by a very persistent and pesky  little fly.  While the President is trying to make some kind of comment about the “transparency and openess of his administration” he can’t quite get the words out or finish his thought because of the distraction of this very annoying little insect.  As we all know, transparency and openess are hardly the words most of us would use to describe the Obama administration – something I think the fly may have been aware of as well!   But, Obama, momentarily distracted from the conversation, takes one last swipe at the fly and nails it on the back of his  left hand.  Knocking it to the floor, he gazes at its lifeless body and says, “I got the sucker.”  Any coincidence that the word “lies” makes up the larger part of the word “flies” ????

For some reason or other, this little incident with the fly has stuck in the back of my mind, but, it wasn’t until  writing my last post, the ninth plague, that I really began to give it much serious thought. Most of us are familiar with the historical account of the plagues from Exodus Chapters 7-11.  There are ten of them.  And, as most of us are also aware, these same plagues will be repeated some time in the  future in the bowl judgments of Revelation 16. 

 As I thought about this;  and realize, how close we may be to actually seeing these things take place, I began to wonder if God might be giving us a clue as to what lies ahead.  In the last couple of years, since  President Obama first came to prominence, I can recall  three separate events,  that although minor in nature, seem “plague” like in nature to me.  The one I just mentioned, which involves the demise of a fly, one which involves a crispy set of frog legs and one more, which has to do with a lightning storm and a power outage.  For the Bible says, “At, (or by) the mouth of two or three witnesses, is a matter established.”  Deut. 19:15.  

– the second plague

  August 31 ,2008, while stumping the campaign trail, Obama and his entourage stop off at a restaurant in Hamilton, IN by the name of Pier 32.  Here, Obama is treated to a local favorite; a plate of frog legs. For a photo of him enjoying this delicacy click here: http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-frog-legs-and-environmentalism.html

 The plague of frogs is the second plague God brought against Pharoah and the Egyptians.  This particular plague I found to be quite interesting. I’ve taught on Passover for many years and in polling people about the ten plagues they almost always list frogs either first or second when trying to recount the plagues.  I’ve come to the conclusion, that frogs must be one of the most dreaded scourges on earth!!! And small wonder, as I’ve never met a frog myself that I’ve liked!  But, all kidding aside, frogs in the eighth chapter  of Exodus, were a serious problem. For, it says that frogs  were everywhere!  In the palace, in the bedrooms, in the houses, in the ovens and in the kneading troughs.  It sounds like you couldn’t move without stepping on or over a frog!   And, while there have been no recorded incidents of frogs in the bedroom of the first couple, I think lunch at the Hamilton, IN restaurant, more than makes the point – for we read in Revelation 16:13 – “Then, I saw three evil spirits, that looked like – frogs;  – they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” 

– the ninth plague

On Friday December 26,2008, at 6:30 p.m., the island of Oahu suffered an incredible thunder and lightning storm the likes of which I have not seen in the ten years that I have lived in Hawaii.  Thunder and lighting are rare here in this tropical climate.  And, on the very rare occasion that we do have it, it is usually mild and shortlived.  I vividly recall the evening of December 26, I had just gotten home from work and  it had started to rain, it wasn’t long before thunder and lighting  started crashing like it was the end of the world.  I tell you, it was wicked!!!  Forked lighting bolts lit up the sky, one after another, followed by great explosions of thunder that rocked our previously serene island.  This was the kind of thunder and lightning I remembered having occasionally in the mountains of Colorado.  I knew from experience, that if I wanted anything hot for my dinner that night, I had better get to it fast.  I had no more than removed what ever it was I was heating from the microwave, when everything went dark leaving me to have an unexpected dinner by candle light.  The next morning the power was restored after having been out for more than 11 hours.  It was not until later, that I learned that President-elect Obama and his family had arrived that evening on Oahu to begin their vacation before the inauguration. If you’re interested, you can read the story here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g_8DO8al8hn7sXvXnCyx1-4uqSuw

– God vs Pharaoh

At the top of today’s post is an image of Ramses II.  Ramses II is believed to be the pharaoh of the Exodus.  Pharoah if you recall was more than a king, he officiated not only as leader, but,as a god over his people.  When Pharoah told Moses, at the time of the ninth plague, the plague of darkness, “never to appear before him again, or he would die.”  The words he (Ramses) spoke became his own judgment.  And, as representative of his people, the judgment that was passed, became the judgment of his people in the death of the firstborn of every Egyptian. 

In the same way, Jesus, as a physical son of Adam and God’s firstborn son, (by representation) is able to give life to his people by his death on the cross.  Jesus, representing “the son’s of Adam,” took our collective sins upon himself, making it possible for all of who receive him to be redeemed and restored to fellowship with God. 

Barack Hussein Obama, by virtue of the power and authority invested in him, by the American people, acts as representative not only for us, but, for the world.  The world, because the world system in the Bible is symbolized as  Babylon and by virtue of deposing the former King of Babylon, Sadaam Hussein; Obama now holds this position of authority.  But, we have to ask – by what real authority does he hold this position??   This is where the issue of the birth certificate becomes critical.  As you will see, it is actually a much greater spiritual issue than it is a constitutional one.  A big thank you to my daughter Kara for pointing this out to me.

A QUESTION OF AUTHORITY

If you’ve done much Bible study, you know that demons are  powerful spiritual entities that dwell within the spiritual realm. Without bodies, they are able to exert a certain amount of influence over people and events.  But, what they really desire is to inhabit a body, to possess it, because without a body, they have no actual authority, they have no  legal right to be here, for they are not the sons of Adam and the earth was given in Genesis for dominion by the sons of Adam. 

 A person with a birth certificate is able to show legal proof of their right to be here. Without a birth certificate, you legally do not exist and and are here under fraudulent means.   Because our current President cannot or will not produce a birth certificate, we can only conclude that although he physically exists, he has no legal proof that he is here as a son of Adam.  We know of course, that he does have a birth certificate, somewhere. And, by virtue of his obvious physical existance, he is, of course, a son of Adam, –  the point though is this – in spiritual imagery, he is not.   For what ever reason, by his own choice, he leaves this issue in question,  therefore, he is in a sense an empty shell;  someone who is here without authority.  And although, he does not have the authority yet, I believe it will not be long until he does, the authority is yet, forthcoming.  “And the dragon gave him his power and his seat and great authority”  Revelation 13:2 

President Obama, in a widely publicized photograph is clearly seen ingesting frog legs, which to me, is a clear spiritual representation of the receiving of an unclean spirit. Did this happen at a restaurant in Indiana, no, I don’t think so  … but, it will. …. when the time is right …..  

 President Obama, the “new King Tut” as he was hailed in Egypt, is the Pharaoh of these last days.   You see, from the beginning, it was always God vs Pharoah,(Egypt) and it still is.  That is why we see a new Pharoah and a new set of plagues directly ahead.   But, the good news is, the exodus is coming!  And more than likely, very soon!!!    *An interesting clue, in the plague of hail  – stay tuned, next post!

Grace and blessings in Messiah Jesus, Cindy

For those of you, who are Five Doves readers, you might have already come across this photo from today’s February 11 letters. This photo was posted under the title  – Is there something prophetic about this photo?   I thought it was a great photo and I was immediately drawn to it.  And with American Pie lyrics still  fresh on my mind, I immediately thought of , “jack be nimble, jack be quick, jack flash sat on a candle stick,”  Wow, doesn’t this photo of the Washington monument in snow with the moon directly above it, look like either a lighted candle or a lighted missile?  I thought so.  Could it be prophetic????  I don’t know, but, it was interesting enough to get me to do a little digging, for it seems these days, that just about everything (prophetically speaking) means something! 

  The first thing I saw, when I pulled up this photo was a caption beneath the photo which reads “most snow on record in DC.”  The caption also serves as a link and when you click on it, an article from the Washington Post comes up, titled “Capital Weather Gang“.  It’s a post from today’s date and when you scroll down just a bit, look to the right, you will see an ad for Mattress Warehouse, which reads “Presidents Day Blow Out Sale“.  Wow! – this is pretty wild I thought.  A photo of the Washington monument looking like a lighted candle connecting to an ad which reads  “presidents day blow out sale.”  I tell you, you just can’t make this stuff up!  If you haven’t already seen it on Five Doves, you can see it here: –  http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/feb2010/day211-1.htm

But, wait, there’s more!!!   (as Ultra guy over at New Wine Skins would say) –

By using a simple on-line date converter, I found out that February 15  (Presidents Day this year) is also Adar 1 on the Jewish calendar. Now this is important because it doesn’t happen this way every year.  For those of you who are well studied, you know that Jewish months, dates, festivals etc. are extremely important to understanding the Biblical context.  So, when I tell you, that Adar 1 (February 15 of this year)  is also the anniversary of the 9th plague, the plague of darkness, you know it means something!!!   Do you see a picture  being formed here?  – the Washington Monument “candle” – Presidents day Feb 15 –  Adar 1, the plague of darkeness –   Is this the image of a candle about to be snuffed, or blown out?   If it is, its a frightening thought!

The plague of darkness is the last plague that would bring Moses face to face with Pharoah.  In the 28th verse of chapter 10, Pharoah tells Moses, never to come before him again.  “Get out of my sight!  Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face, you will die!” 

Stay with me here now –

 This is all recorded in book of Exodus chapter ten.  From the start of the 9th plague until the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, which followed the 10th plague, would be six weeks.  So, if you count from Adar 1 of this year (February 15) and you add six weeks , you come out to Nisan 20, which is Passover, April 4.   It doesn’t happen this way every year, I checked last years calendar and it was different.  I  have a pretty strong feeling,  that it is unique to this year.  Will six weeks from Adar 1 mark our exodus as well ????   A first fruits rapture, perhaps??????

It might also be worth noting, that Adar 7 is the anniversary of the death of Moses.  And, Adar 7, strangely, enough coincides with the  Feb 22 birthdate of George Washington.  Hmmmmm ….

Is our nation, already covered in spiritual darkness,about to be plunged in to physical darkness as well?  The number 9, like the last plague Moses brought before Pharoah, symbolizes, “judgment,  finality, the conclusion of a matter.  One can only wonder, if, at the conclusion of 2009, the fate of this nation, had already been decided.  If 9 is the number of conclusion, then, 10 is the number of completion or the working out of that conclusion.  

With number 9 a matter is determined, with number 10, the determination of the matter is executed or carried out.

 With the 9th plague, God brought to conclusion his decision on the matter, Pharaoh obviously, was not going to repent. Therefore, by the words of his own lips, (Pharoah’s) judgment was pronounced “the next time you see my face, (he told Moses) you will die!”  But, it would not be Moses who would die, but, rather, the first born of every Egyptian instead.  By Pharoah’s own words, these things were determined and by the 10th plague, they would be executed.

Some time back, I wrote a post based on the premise of a work by J.R. Church  titled, “The Hidden Prophecies in the Psalms”  What Church discovered was that many of the Psalms are prophetic in nature and seem  even to dove tail with events of our own time period.   From his study, it appears that the years 2010 – 2018  coincide with Psalm 110-118.  If so, based on the unrepentant nature of our nation,  by the words of our own Pharoah, “the new King Tut” as he was hailed in Egypt this past year – “we are not a Christian nation”  –  therefore, 2009, may well have been, the “conclusion of the matter” as far as judgment is concerned and 2010,  may well see, the execution of such.

* – for more on the prophetic implications of Psalms 110 – 118  see my Sept post-   https://cindybythesea.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/psalm-118-and-the-year-2018/ 

The plague of darkness lasted for three days and it was a darkness that could be felt. While it was dark where the Egyptians lived,  it was light in the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived, God made a distinction between the people who were his and those who were not. 

 In spite of the many clues we’ve been shown, we don’t know exactly what the next few days or weeks may hold, but, what we do know is this – like the old song, we used to sing when I was in youth group, a million years ago – “I know who holds the future and I know He holds my hand, with God things don’t just happen, everything by Him is planned.”  If God knew how to make a distinction between His people then, he surely knows how to make a distinction now!  

Psalm 27:1 -“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear, the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid.”  Indeed!

I wasn’t going to write any more about this, but, with the triumphant win of the New Orleans Saints still fresh on every ones minds and Mardi Gras just around the corner, I just couldn’t help, but, take it a little further.

Mardi Gras – french, for Fat Tuesday.  Just happens to remind me of a line from a song!

“Now, for ten years, we’ve been on our own, moss grows FAT on a rolling stone” ….. hmmm sounds like American Pie to me!

FAT TUESDAY, JESTERS, MASKS AND MORE

From an article on e-how: “In ancient times court jesters played important roles in politics and society. Court jesters were considered fools or lunatics with their weird dress and maniacal laughing.  They could get away with criticizing the government without any retribution.  Politicians hired court jesters to express opinions they couldn’t say for themselves.  Mardi Gras celebrations have embraced the court jester as a symbol of rebellion.”  *And, remember, jesters always wore masks, to conceal their identity, thus, the custom of wearing masks at Mardi Gras.

“When the jester sang for the King and Queen, in a coat he borrowed from James Dean and a voice that came from you and me”

In 1955, in a role that would catapult him to cinema immortality as “the first american teenager;” James Dean, in Rebel Without A Cause, embodied a new spirit that would come to define America; the spirit of rebellion.  From AMC Film History of the 1950’s:   “In the period following World War II, when most of the films were idealized with conventional portrayals of men and women, young people wanted new and exciting symbols of rebellion“.  Wow, did you get that?   New and exciting symbols of rebellion!  Where did that come from?  Post world war II – America was booming with babies and new prosperity, with more free time on their hands and money in their pockets than ever before, where did this spirit of rebellion come from?

JAMES DEAN, NOT THE ORIGINAL REBEL ——

“And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But, he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth and his angels with him”.   Revelation 12:7

but, – THE DEVIL BORROWED HIS COAT!    The Bible tells us that the devil was a “liar from the beginning, the father of lies and that when he lies, he speaks in his native language” John 8:44.  The devil will always attempt to conceal or mask his identity.  The image of James Dean has long been associated with that of the red windbreaker he wore in Rebel without a Cause.  When the devil borrowed his coat, so to speak, he embodied the spririt of rebellion and while Mr. Dean may not have been aware of it, the spirit who influenced him certainly was.

On September 30, 1955, James Dean was killed on a California highway while speeding in his new Porche 550 Spyder. James Dean was the only person nominated for an oscar post-humously, not once, but, twice, for his roles in Giant (1956) and East of Eden (1955).  In doing a little research about the career of Mr. Dean, I found that he had spent some time dabbling with the occult, dating at one time, an actress by the name of Maila Nurmi, best known for her role in the 1950’s as Vampira. Speaking of James Dean’s relationship with Maila Nurmi, Hedda Hopper had this to say, in her 1962 Memoir:  “He said, (James Dean), ‘I had studied The Golden Bough (a study of magic and religion) and the Marquis de Sade (the 17th century aristocrat known for sexual cruelty –  from which the word sadism comes from) and I was interested in finding out if this girl (Malia Nurmi) was obsessed with a satanic force. But, she knew nothing; I found her void of any interest outside her Vampira make-up.”   Apparently, James Dean expected more and was disappointed.

SPOOKY TALES AND LINGERING CURSES

In the years that have followed the death of James Dean, the legend of a curse centered around the wreckage of his car has followed him as well due to a series of unexplainable and tragic accidents while using the salvaged wreckage as a visible object lesson for those still inclined to drive in excess of the speed limit.  You can find various references to the story on line by googling it.  And, if the curse involving the car were not enough, many of his co-stars have also  tragically died at young ages as well.  Natalie Wood in a drowning accident at the age of 43 and Sal Mineo stabbed to death at the age of 37.  James Dean was 24 at the time of his death.

 In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden because of their disobedience and rebellion against God.  To prevent them from returning to the garden, it says in Genesis 3:24, “after he (God) drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden, cherubim and a flaming sword, flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”  This tree was placed, “East of Eden.”

Oh, and while the King was looking down, the jester stole his thorny crown, but, the court room was adjourned, no verdict was returned

On January 22, 2008 after filming, The Dark Knight, the body of young actor, 28 year old Heath Ledger was found cold and lifeless in his NYC apartment dead from an apparent over dose of prescription drugs. In a New York Times article in November 2007, Ledger had this to say about his role as the joker/jester in the soon to be released film. “Last week, I probably slept an average of two hours a night, I couldn’t stop thinking, my body was exhausted and my mind was still going.”  Jack Nicholson, who played the role of the Joker in 1989 was cryptic on learning of Ledger’s death, saying, “Well, I warned him.”   What was it that Nicholson knew to prompt such a response?

Later this year, Heath Ledger’s co-star from Brokeback Mountain, Jake Gyllenhaal will star in the soon to be released film, The Prince of Persia.  And although this movie, derived from a video game, appears to be an action story and not of a dark tale. The name alone, for those with eyes to see, would be wary.  For in this film, Gyllenhaal wittingly or not, invokes another powerful spirit, one who is perhaps stronger and more powerful than any of his predecessors; for this one is the true Prince of Persia, the same  timeless entity, who according to the book of Daniel, hindered the archangel Michael from coming to Daniel for 21 days.

The spirit of rebellion.  When this door is opened, you can expect a dark path.  The jester stands in the wings, his identity concealed, waiting for an opportunity to be invited in. 

 Its a short road from Miami to New Orleans. The masks of Mardi Gras already firmly in place. 

And though, the jester may boast, that “the court room was adjourned, no verdict was returned”.  He jests indeed!  The victory has been won, his defeat is at hand – and he knows it.

Saints, unmask yourselves!  Church of Laodicea, remember Miami!  (remember, the cross) the victory is ours!  “I drove my chevy to the levee,  but, the levee was dry” …… there is nothing there!  New Orleans and Fat Tuesday and the things they represent are empty, dry and  embody the spirit of this world, (figuratively) the spirit of rebellion. It’s time for us who claim the name of the Lord, to unmask our selves, so to speak; to begin to  live in such a way, that when the world sees us, they will know, that we like Moses, whose face was radiant when he descended from Mount Sinai, have been in the presence of the Lord!