Posted by: cindybythesea | November 27, 2009

Black Friday

I’m wondering how long the Friday following Thanksgiving has been called “Black Friday.”  The busiest shopping day of the year was obviously dubbed “Black Friday” in the hope that the Christmas shopping season might put businesses who had previously been in the red all year, into the  black.  Last year, “Black Friday” truly lived up to its name, when a Wal Mart employee was trampled to death by eager shoppers stampeding the store for early sales.

As I sit here this evening, thankful and full from the blessings of time spent with friends and a wonderful turkey dinner, I’m wondering how it is that we, who are so thankful on Thursday can be so greedy by Friday.  Apparently, the duration of our greatfulness ends just about the time the last of the leftovers have been put into the refrigerator.    Some time between bedtime the night of Thanksgiving and the morning of Black Friday, what we HAVE gives way to what we WANT.   Which leaves me wondering, at what point ,we have failed to realize that part of thankfulness is contentment.

Contentment is a spiritual attitude that is pleasing  to God.  Discontent is to say that what God has provided for us is not enough.  When God provided manna in the wilderness for the Israelites after they left Egypt, God was greatly angered when they were not satisfied.   Like the Israelites, we as Americans with bellies still bloated and full from the feast and blessings of God, crave for more. 

In these days before Jesus returns, I pray that we, the people called by his name, might be able to demonstrate this Christmas season, the simplicity and joy that comes solely from knowing Him.  With Jesus in our lives, we lack for no good thing.  No gift under the tree, no box tied with ribbon can  compare.  Joy to the World, the Lord has come ….. and that’s enough for me!

Posted by: cindybythesea | November 22, 2009

an ordinary Friday, an extraordinary God

THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY

Have there been times in your life when you have wondered if God really hears your prayers?  Times when it feels like the valley you’re walking through is so low and so deep that you’re lost even to God?  Times when you have cried out, “GOD, WHERE ARE YOU ????”   If you have ever experienced a time in your life like this, then you will be able to identify with the story I am about to tell you.  This is a story about someone very special to me, my baby, my youngest daughter, Kristin.

My daughter Kristin is 30 years old and a mother herself to three year old Graycie.   In the last couple of months, my daughters husband left her for a woman he met at work.  Since that time, my daughter has been  devastated, distraught and overwrought with emotional pain.   The fear and uncertainty of facing life as a single parent has left her emotionally fragile and worn out from weight loss and insomnia due to worry.   Constantly  praying for the Lord’s intervention in this situation,  it seems as though God has not heard her cries, for her husband remains completely immovable,  determined in his decision and unremorseful for his actions.  This past Thursday was particularly stressful and I felt my daughter barely hanging on by a thread.   The breaking point came, when my soon to  be ex-son in law came to pick up his belongings.  Working in the garage to pack up his things, my three year old grandaughter was happy and excited to be at his side.  “Daddy”, she said, in her little voice,  “I help you”.  She wanted to be a good girl and a good helper.  Little did she know, she was helping her father to pack up his things for leaving her and her mother.  But, my daughter knew and watching this became almost more than she could bear.    When I heard this story, my heart just broke.   That night I prayed again, but, this time I had no words, all I could say was “God, please help, please help, please help”.  My spirit groaned with in me, all other words seemed inadequate.

That evening my daughter purchased tickets for her and Graycie to fly to Washington the next day  to see my other daughter, her sister.  Kristin felt she needed to get away, she needed some time while the divorce is pending to clear her head and to begin to make some decisions towards her future.  The next day, late afternoon, my sister drove Kristin and Graycie to the airport to catch their plane.  When they arrived at the airport, they were told, “yes, they had a reservation” but, “no, they did not have tickets”  Apparently, according to the airline, the payment did not go through.   My daughter called her bank and was told that the  yes, the funds for the tickets had been taken out of her account, her account had been charged.   But, before they could get this resolved, the plane had left.  Disappointed and discouraged, they had no choice but, to leave and try to get tickets for another day.

ENTERTAINING ANGELS UNAWARE

As my sister drove them away from the airport, she tried to encourage my daughter with these words. “Things always happen for a reason, evidently, you were not meant to be on that plane, let’s go get something to eat”.  My daughter agreed and they set out to find a restaurant.  It was Friday evening at dinner hour and every restaurant was full.  They finally decided on Appleby’s and although it was crowded they went inside to put their name on the wait list for a table.  After waiting thirty minutes or more, they were finally shown to a booth.  While they were waiting, they had ample opportunity to watch the tables of the other diners, as well as to see other patrons who were entering or leaving the restaurant.  Not long after they were seated,  three teenagers (two girls and a boy)  approached their booth.   Walking up to the table, they formed a protective like half circle around my daughter, looking directly at her.  They seemed not to notice my grandaughter or my sister.

TREASURES IN JARS OF CLAY AND BREAD FROM HEAVEN

The first one to speak was  the boy.  He said, “we’re on a treasure hunt”.  My daughter  looked at them thinking “okaaaaay” expecting that after saying this,  he would elaborate a little further by asking for a paperclip, a rubber band or some other obscure item people are usually looking for when they are on treasure hunts.  But, he didn’t say anything else.   Then one of the girls said, “my friend, said she was having ‘hunger pains’ and she said she heard you say, you were’ hungry.’    Are you in pain?”  My daughter says she remembers  thinking what a strange  conversation this was,  for one thing, they had been observing the restaurant for over 30 minutes and had never seen this trio of teenagers until now.  My daughter also said, she could not recall saying,  “I’m hungry” and even if she had said it, how close would these people had to have been to her  in a noisy and crowded restaurant to  over hear her say, “I’m hungry”.    All of the sudden, my daughter said she was struck with the realization  that whoever these people were, they were there for her.   When the girl asked if she were in pain, her eyes filled with tears and she said, “Well, I am going through a divorce.”   The girl then said,” can I pray for you?”    They then all joined hands and the girl prayed a very long and beautiful prayer on my daughters behalf.   As she was praying tears were falling from both my daughter and my sister.    When she had finished praying, the boy then said, “I have a vision of Jesus kneeling by your side”.  The girl then addressed my daughter, she said, “I sense you have a barrier up (in regard to trusting Jesus) you need to let it down.  Jesus loves you and  will take care of you”.  Without saying anything more, the teenagers  left the table and walked out of the restaurant.   They never introduced themselves and they never said that they were from any church or organization.  They also were never seen approaching another table regarding a treasure hunt.  And,  no one in the immediate vicinity of their table seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary happening,  five people praying and two women crying!

DIVINE APPOINTMENTS

When my daughter called me to tell me what happened, I noticed right away the  tone of her voice had changed  and I could sense a new found peace and joy in her life. An amazing thing had happened.   God had not changed her circumstances, but, He had changed her!

AN ORDINARY FRIDAY, AN EXTRORDINARY GOD

In thinking about this, I am reminded of the promise in Psalm 23 – “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me“.  And doesn’t this make all the difference, knowing, really knowing that when we put our trust in Jesus as our Savior, we belong to him and He has promised, by His word, that He will never leave us nor forsake us!  How precious this promise!  How much peace we should have knowing how very much God cares.    In the scripture, we are told that we are his treasure, his workmanship in Christ Jesus.  Of course He cares for us, He gave His life for us!    And every now and then, our God works overtime to gives us an extra special glimpse of just how wonderful that is!

Posted by: cindybythesea | November 18, 2009

Nothing as it seems

I like quotes from movies, especially classic movies. In the 1950’s classic Alice in Wonderland, Alice is quoted as saying: “If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary wise, what it is wouldn’t be and what it wouldn’t be, it would, you see?”   Say that again???  Now my head is really spinning!  It’s a strange world, “through the looking glass” and  I have to confess, I feel a little like Alice myself these days.  Nothing is as it seems.

Earlier this evening, I was reading an article concerning the very real and very frightening out break of a  mysterious new virus in the  Ukraine.  Apparently over the past few weeks, more than 30 people have died from a virus that is apparently 10 times more deadly than the H1N1. What I find extremely curious about this, is the multiple reports of low flying aircraft spraying some kind of aerosol across the country just days before the outbreak of the virus.  You can read that report here: http://baltimorechronicle.com/2009/111109Lendman.shtml   It makes me wonder, if this is an added measure for convincing those who have not yet cooperated with the H1N1 vaccine to do so now, and for those few who are still not convinced, enough muscle behind it for making it so.  Why the Ukraine, why not?  Perhaps, they just drew the short straw.   Watch for this to become the new rallying cry for getting people vaccinated.  It appears, the powers that be, will not be deterred.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”   Ephesians 6:12

Posted by: cindybythesea | November 13, 2009

coming to a mall near you (?)

I came across this piece of news from an incident at a shopping mall that took place yesterday.  What incensed me more than the incident itself was the attitude of the Lt. who investigated it.  Apparently a man shopping at the mall was attacked without provocation by another man who ripped a crucifix off his neck while shouting”Allah is power” and “Allah is great” and other anti-christian sentiments.  The perpetrator of the attack was a 22 year old mall employee by the name of Abdul Hamid who was working at one of the mall kiosks.  911 was called by some of the other frightened shoppers and the man was subdued by authorities who charged him with assault, battery and robbery.  You can read the story here:   http://www.nationalterroralert.com/updates/2009/11/11/man-charged-with-terrorist-threats-in-mall-incident/  

  As terrifying and disturbing as this incident must have been, what incensed me the most is the reaction by the police Lieutenant who handled the case, Lt  Mike Elerick of the Pleasanton Police Dept.  In the article, Lt Elerick is quoted as saying “the man’s speech was similar to the loud speech of the Christian activists who frequent down town Pleasanton.”  Excuse me!!!!   His speech similar to that of Christians????  When do Christians physically assault, terrorize and rob others?  Unbelievable!  This country has lost its collective mind!  Is there no rational thought anymore?  Political correctness fueled by fear of retribution has spread its rabid poison to even those we once held in highest esteem; i.e. police officers and others who have taken an oath to protect and defend us.  Hmmmmm ….. next time I’m at the mall, I’ll be wearing my star of David necklace as usual, to show my support for Israel and my love for the Jewish Messiah, Jesus.  Will some crazed mall worker on his own personal jihad lunge my way seeking to rip the pendant off  of my neck or worse?  Kind of makes one think, doesn’t it?

          “If the world hates you, keep in mind, that it hated me first” John 15:18    

Posted by: cindybythesea | November 7, 2009

Adopt a …. terrorist ????

*UP-DATED

Adopt a terrorist.  Yep, that’s what it says at this website:http://www.atfp.org/  I’ve heard of adopting puppies, kitties and even guppies, but, terrorists?????  Strangely enough, I ran across this website a couple of days before the Ford Hood shootings and quickly decided it was not for me.  One look at the available “adoptees” and my “clicking” finger was off in search of more pleasant fare.  Believe me this is one group of individuals, I’m not sure even a mother could love!  And as much as I want to give these America haters a much deserved boot and “middle finger” escort out of this country, I am reminded of the words of Jesus to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”.  Matt. 5:44  It seems I have to remind myself that the war being waged is as much or more so a spiritual war than it is an earthly war and that the weapons God gives us in our arsenol are not of the earthly kind, but, are of the heavenly kind. They are, in the name of Jesus, the powerful sword of the spirit, the word of God and prayer.

Radical Islam is darkness void of light, hate void of love and violence void of kindness, compassion and mercy.  As christians, we are admonised to bless, not curse.  Knowing that the darkest of night is easily penetrated by the smallest pin point of light.

With this is mind, I will be prayerfully returning to the adopt a terrorist website  – and just in time for the Christmas season!   But, I have to tell you, this guy is going to have to do a lot more nice than naughty if he expects to get more than a lump of coal in his Christmas stocking this year.   I’ll keep you posted!

* I am now the sponsor ???? of Ibrahim, a Hezbollah operative.  I chose him by virtue of his first name for ease of remembrance (the  arabic equivalent to Abraham – Abraham who was of course, the father of  Isaac and Ishmael – Ishamel the father of the Arabic nations, Isaac the father of the Jewish nation) and I also noticed he seemed to have very  sad eyes.  May the God of heaven  hear my prayers on behalf of this man who more than likely has never had anyone pray for him before.

Posted by: cindybythesea | October 29, 2009

what kind of country

  It’s 8:35 a.m. in the school in which I grew up in.  After the late bell rings, all students  rise and face the american flag with their hands over their hearts.  “I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all“.  This scene took place every morning, not only in my class room, but, in class rooms all across America.  This was the norm.  A part of every child’s class room experience from the very founding days of this country, from the one room school house on the prairie to the brick and mortar kind of the 1960’s in which I grew up.   Who would have believed, some  200 plus years later, a man could be fired from his job for wearing a button on his clothing at work  inscribed with these same simple words known to every child across the land.  But, that’s exactly what happened.

October 23, 2009, a cashier at Home Depot in Okeechobee, FL was fired from his job for wearing a button on his clothing which read, “one nation under God, indivisible”.   According to the story, the man had been wearing the button since 2008 in support of a family member who was in Iraq.   For some reason, earlier this month, this became an issue when the employee  was approached by his supervisor and was told he would have to remove the button.  When the employee refused, he was sent home six days without pay until he was finally terminated on October 23.  According to Home Depot, the violation had to do with the religious nature of the button.  The religious nature of the button???    We’re talking about  THE PLEDGE  OF  ALLEGIANCE here for Pete’s sake!!!!  Unbelievable!   What kind of idiots are running these businesses and this country!!!!

You can read  the details of this story here  –  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_god_button_home_depot 

I don’t know if anyone has organized a boycott of Home Depot or not,  but, I can tell you this much, they will not be top on my list for the few measly dollars I’ll have to spend this Christmas season.

Get ready, folks, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Discrimination in the way of job loss is just the first step for anyone who will dare to disagree with the powers that be once the hate crime bill passes; jail time and worse to follow.  Free speech and the freedom of religion is fast going the way of the dodo bird in this country and will soon be just a memory.

America, America, God shed His grace on thee!  What a tragedy, we not only do not thank the God who blessed us, but, instead, make every effort to blot His name from our hearts and our national conscience.  What a disgrace.  What kind of country, indeed.

Posted by: cindybythesea | October 24, 2009

A whale of a tale!

I came across this story yesterday, “Blue Whale found dead near Ft. Bragg.”  Since living in Hawaii, I’ve become a fan of humpback whales and whales in general, so, I was immediately curious to see a photo of this largest mammal on earth.  I’ve seen photos or video of whales before, swimming in their natural habitat, the ocean, but, I don’t think it was until I saw this photo taken recently on a  Northern California shoreline, that I really got an  appreciation for their enormous size.  Wow, they really are big!   Take a look –http://sfist.com/2009/10/21/blue_whale_washes_ashore_near_fort.php
  
The first thing I noticed about the photo besides the size of the fish, was its beautiful blue color.  They truly are blue!  The next thing I noticed in relation to the size of the fish, was the size of the men standing near by.  Wow, they really are little, they’re shrimps!  Looking at this photo, I have to wonder, why so many people doubt the story of Jonah and the whale from the Bible.  Based on the size of this fish alone, it should not be hard to imagine how a fish this size, could swallow a man.   This is no guppie!   Whether the fish that swallowed Jonah was a blue whale or not, we really don’t know, the Bible only tells us, that God “prepared” a great fish. (Jonah 1:17)  So, whether it was a blue whale, a great fish or perhaps a “one of a kind fish”, we know that it was specifically prepared by God, for convincing Jonah to go to Ninevah!
 
So many people think the Bible is a book of fairy tales or unrealistic stories, yet, if people would take the time to study, to do a little investigation, they would see that an enormous amount of evidence; scientific, archaeological, historical and prophetic exist, that authenticate and verify the truth of the Bible. There is so much information available, that truly any one who is a skeptic remains a skeptic by choice.  The Bible is a book that can stand on its own merit.  It has passed the test of time. It’s as relevant today as ever – more so even, in the light of prophetic fulfillment.  
 
If you’ve never  taken the time to read the Bible, start with Genesis chapter 1.  It’s so simple and so beautiful, “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.”  The Bible isn’t true, because I say it is, or anyone else says it is.  The Bible is true, because of all the evidence that support it. 
 
In the book of Books, you will find the story of the creation of man, the fall of man through sin and the redemption of mankind by God, through His son Jesus Christ at the cross.  The story which begins in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, ends in the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible.  God’s plan has been unfolding over the past 6,000 years and is now near completion.  So near to completion, that I may not even get a chance to finish this post tonight or write another one tomorrow!  
 
If you have never received Christ as your Savior, I  implore you to do so now.  If you’re a skeptic, with a humble heart ask God to reveal to you the truth of his word.  I promise you, he will do it!    If you believe in God, but, have never entered a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, with all sincerity, ask Him to forgive you of your sin, come into your life and give you life eternal and according to the promise of His word, he will do it!     And, if you’re a Christian who has not yet gotten serious about your walk with God, ask him to help you, to draw you close, to reveal to you the shortness of the time we’re living in, so, that he might strengthen you for the days ahead.  And if you ask with a sincere heart, I promise you, he will do it! 
 
Jonah is a whale of a tale, but, its one of greatest stories of the Bible, take some time to read it this week, you’ll be blessed – I promise it!  Grace and blessings in Messiah Jesus,   Cindy
 
 
Posted by: cindybythesea | October 21, 2009

Noah, Nephilim and Swine flu

I’ve been reading Five Doves forum pretty regularly now (see the link I have posted on the side of my page) and I really enjoy the various postings by average folks, who like me, enjoy studying Bible prophecy as it relates to current events.  It’s interesting to see what other people think and also to see where some of their research has led them.  One of the regular contributors to the forum is a woman by the name of Jean Stepnoski.  I always find her posts interesting and  in today’s post, she made an interesting connection between the current swine flu and the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 as they relate to the days of Noah.

I had been tossing around the idea that the timing of the  rapture of the church might very well be tied to the answer Jesus gave his disciples when they asked him, “…what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”  In an answer that is quite revealing, Jesus says in verse 37, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man”.   Hmmm …. as it was in the days of Noah.  There it is, our big clue!  What was so important about the days of Noah?  Why would Jesus make this comparison?  For one thing, we know that the days of Noah, were evidently so grievous that  scripture says in Genesis 6:6 that God’s heart was filled with pain and he regretted creating mankind and placing him on the earth. Wow!  What had happened that would bring such grief to the heart of God?  What was so terrible that God would consider destroying the creation and the crown of creation (humankind).  It had to have been something so big, so grievous, that we cannot even comprehend it.  I’m sure it goes way beyond the standard wickedness and immorality that comes with human sin.   Thankfully though, because of God’s grace and a man named Noah, God did not destroy humanity, but, saved a remnant.  By drawing a parallel to this event, I believe Jesus gave a powerful clue to the condition of the people and the events that would precede his second coming.

First of all, the Bible says in Genesis 6:5,  “how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil”.  In that way, it certainly seems to parallel the times we’re living in now, doesn’t it?   But, as I said before, I believe, it goes far beyond your everyday wickedness and immorality.   If you will notice in verse 4, it says something interesting,  “The nephilim were on the earth in those days-and also afterward- when the sons of God  went to the daughters of men and had children with them.  They were the heroes of old, men of renown”.   Wow, who are are these nephilim and what does this mean?   Its a very curious verse, that is getting a lot of study these days,  many scholars are beginning to believe, that nephilim are the hybrid offspring of fallen angels, who intermarried or cohabited with  the daughters of men.  Actually, this is not a new idea, the ancient book of Enoch speaks much about this, as do scholars such as Tom Horn of Raiders News Network in his new book “Apollyon Rising” and Steve Quayle of Q-files, (an expert on giants of the ancient world).   Interestingly, genetic manipulation is a scientific advancement that is growing by leaps and bounds today.  Once fictional ideas such as transhumanism, (the blending of species) is now becoming reality.  The quest to create a race of  superhumans, whether for military might and advancement or for health and longevity is on the very near horizon. This not a new idea, Hitler had the idea of a super race when he rose to power and now in these last days, we see a resurgence  of aliens aka demons, who have been using it for at least the last 50 years or more in the form of of alien abdutions and cattle mutilations.  The purpose for which in Noah’s time, was to corrupt the genetic line of the human race, therefore, stopping the line from Adam to the Messiah (Jesus) dead in its tracks.  This corruption of the genetic line created “hybrids” which the Bible  describes  as “men of renown”.  These men were famous in their time and exhibited super human abilities because they were blended from humans and fallen angels or humans and animals. These hybrid men of renown are most likely  the “man-gods of grecian and roman “mythology,” that we mostly think of as fictional.  In the last days, days like the days of Noah, we will see the return of the Nephiliim, the man-gods.  It is believed by many, that this incredible scenario will culminate in the  spectacular return of the ultimate Man-God himself, Osiris, in 2012. 

The Bible tells that on the “tenth day of the second month” Noah and his family entered the  ark and seven days later, the rains came and the fountains of the deep were opened.  The second month on the Jewish calendar is Chesvan.  (Today October 20, 2009  is Chesvan 2 5770).  In just a few days, on Chesvan 10-Chesvan 17  (October 28 – Nov 4) the anniversary of Noah’s flood will take place.   In commemoration of this, Genesis 6 will be the torah reading in the synagogues this coming weekend for the sabbbath (shabbat). 

Getting back to the post by Jean Stepnoski at Five Doves forum, drawing from the story of Noah, she makes a parallel between the “seven of every clean animal” and the “two of every un-clean” animal that Noah was to take aboard the ark.  It’s interesting to note, this is most likely the first mention of separating animals in to clean and unclean categories in scripture.  It is not until later in the book of Leviticus, that we find God giving Moses specific  instructions regarding this.   In Genesis chapter 7,   God makes this first distinction.  In thinking about this, I wonder if we can find similar parallels to today ???  To answer that question, we have to go back in history, back to 168 BC.  to the time when  Syrian  King Antiochus Epiphanes invaded Jerusalem and sacrificed  a pig on the altar of God.    The Bible makes it quite clear, that a pig is an unclean animal.    Antiochus Epiphanes (a type and forerunner of antichrist) by slaughtering a pig on the altar, cooking  its meat and pouring its the broth on the holy place utterly desecrated and made the temple unfit for worship. (The story of Chanukah comes from this event, if you’re not familiar with it read it sometime, its a great miracle and wonderful story in the end)  When we look closely at scripture, we see that  swine are not only unclean, but, they are inextricably linked to demons;  remember when Jesus cast the demons in to a herd of swine? (Matt. 8:32). Its important to note, it had to be swine, it couldn’t have been a gaggle of geese or a herd of cows.   And now, today, days like those of Noah,  we have the “swine” flu and the “swine” flu vaccine.  You see, because clean animals, were used for sacrifice, foreshadowing Jesus,  (the lamb without blemish who would be our sacrifice) an unclean animal (swine)   (by virus or injection) will be used to create the ultimate unholy blood sacrifice by the deaths of millions of humans in anticipation of  the long awaited return of Osiris who on his return will seat himself in the temple of God in Jerusalem, declaring himself God, fulfilling the prototype of the one who came before him in 168 BC.     Sound far fetched?   Probably not as much as you might think. In these last days, we need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  The times we live in call for great discernment and wisdom!   Stay in prayer, stay in the word and keep looking up, for Jesus is coming soon!

Posted by: cindybythesea | October 18, 2009

the soon coming Gog-Magog war

From a few days ago, an article titled, “US giant bunker buster bomb rushed since Iran’s Qom site discovered”.  This is a 15 ton bomb that can reach a depth of 60.09 meters before exploding.  With a target date of December 2009, it appears, we have an ace in the hole should diplomacy fail. You can read the story here:http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2351445/posts

 I read and re-read Ezekiel 38 and 39 this morning and it appears that we are on the doorstep of the long foretold Gog-Magog war.  This war will bring together a coalition of forces made up of Iran, Russia, Libya, Ethiopia and possible Turkey against Israel in a pre-emptive strike before the US and Israeli bunker busters can be used, or as a result of.   Either way, the outcome will be spectacular and will affect the whole earth.  The Bible says that when this coalition of forces comes against Israel, that God himself will fight the battle.  Ezekiel 38:20 tells of a great earthquake and a torrent of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur that will fall on the heads of the enemies.  Lest we think, we shall nonchalantly observe from our e-z boy recliners and big screen t.v.s here across the water, the bible states that “the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground and all the people who live on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence“.  When we see these things, we will know the God of Israel has acted on behalf of his people. 

The time to prepare our hearts is now, Iran has or will have nuclear capability soon and they have vowed to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.  Israel hasn’t much time to ponder their options.  When all this unfolds, it will happen quickly. 

Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, your holy city, may Yeshua come soon to take his rightful place on the throne of his Father David.  Help us now, Lord, to humble ourselves before you, forgive our transgressions and ready our hearts for your soon coming.  In Jesus name, Amen!

Posted by: cindybythesea | October 16, 2009

A season of darkness

With Halloween just around the corner, we’re being treated to a whole new onslaught of films by those Hollywood tricksters in the name of entertainment.  For the last few days, I’ve been reading about a new film that has just been released by the name of Parnormal Activity.  Its a low budget film, first making its debut at the 2008 Sundance film festival where it was picked up for distribution by Paramount.  From most of the comments I’ve been reading, it is apparently a very frightening film similar in style to “The Blair Witch Project” a few years back.  For a synopsis of the film and some of the comments made by viewers click here:http://insidemovies.moviefone.com/2009/10/14/real-paranormal-activity-movie-haunting-fans-reactions/    I tried a half dozen or so times, to watch the trailer of the film, so I could get a little bit better idea of what the film was about, but, each time, about ten seconds into it, I had to hit the stop button, I just couldn’t do it.

What is our psychological fascination with fear? Why are books and movies of  this nature so popular?  I’m not sure from a biblical stand point where this strange fascination arises from, but, I do know the Bible strongly warns against it, even prohibits it.  And for good reason.  As a child, I loved a good ghost story, the spookier the better.  Why, I’m not sure.  But, as a Christian and as an adult, I’ve seen and learned much more which helps me to understand the reason behind the strong prohibition given in scripture against such things.  And its something I understand and respect  greatly.

The Bible reveals a great spiritual battle is underway and has been for thousands of years, its a battle which in these last days,  is coming to its final conclusion.  And though the battle rages, the war has been won and the victory secured at the cross of Christ for those who believe.  But,  Satan, a fallen angel and adversary to God (along with his demonic minions) seek in the course of this battle to steal, kill, and destroy God’s most precious creation, which is you and I.   Unfortunately, in the guise of entertainment, films like the one mentioned (and other paranormal activities) play into the hands of the enemy, by leading the unsuspecting in to territory best not traveled and by entering gates best left closed.  The enemy will seek and use every opportunity to his advantage –  he knows the stakes are high and the stakes are eternal;  he’s playing for keeps and he’s playing for the human soul.  

When I was a kid Halloween was a day of fun and treats, but, today it has become an even bigger holiday for adults, much of whom use it as an excuse to exercise the baser and darker sides of their personalities – ranging from the crude and the crass to the dark and demonic.   It is extremely sad and disturbing and a definate sign of the times, when churches, which should be shining lights for Jesus in a world of spiritual darkness, instead become participants in a night that celebrates the darkness by the  glorification of everything pagan and demonic.  For one incredible example, check this out: St. John’s Cathedral in NYC and their annual Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of the Ghouls:   http://www.stjohndivine.org/Halloween09.html and here: http://vigilantcitizen.com/?p=241 (Scroll to the bottom of the website for photos from the annual Parade of Ghouls).

In this time of spiritual darkness, it is more important than ever, that we who bear the light of Jesus name, hold that light high for all to see.  People of this generation have been stripped of the knowledge of God and are “ripe for the picking” by the enemy. With the constant bombardment of media and entertainment, the need for the light of Jesus is greater than ever!   Join with me please in this season of darkness to shine the light of Jesus brighter than ever before!  

                  Jesus said,  “I am the light of the world, he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but, will have the light of life” John 8:12

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories