Tribulation Theater

Greetings. First of all, I need to apolagize for sounding "out of sorts" on my previous entry. It's so easy to allow the "different law" that works in our members to assert itself if we get caught up in the day to day three ring circus that most of us have to survive in. This happened to me yesterday which is why last nights entry sounded harsh. Never has it been more critical to stay in close fellowship with the Lord and examine ourselves continually than now. The things that are coming to pass are just the beginning of sorrows and we absolutly must be in the right standing with the Lord. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (I Cor.10:12-13) He will stay with us regardless of what comes our way. Of course it's easy to say that now; sitting in a comfy chair in an air conditoned room. It's easy to say "Lord, I'm ready to die for you," when there isn't a flatbed truck with a gillotine on the back manned by soldiers of the beast government sitting in front of your house. I know that this sounds troubling to many as these things aren't discussed at the United Form of Godliness Church, but they are scriptural, they took place in the early church, they took place in the middle ages, and today is no different than any other age. If we love the Lord Jesus Christ and are filled with the Holy Ghost, this world will hate us. I don't mean to sound like a proverbial "broken record" but most christians are completly unprepared for the things that are coming. My personal experience is that I used to accept the pre-tribulation rapture teaching for two reasons. One, everyone else believed it and rather than studying for myself, I just went with the flow. (200 million lemmings can't be wrong.) Two, the idea of having to go through the tribulation was terrifying. A little over two years ago, in the very room that I'm sitting in now I came to understand the scriptures concerning this and I asked the Lord, "Lord if this is true, please prepare us for whatever we have to face." I can honestly say that I have much more peace in my heart than I used to. Gods supernatural peace is so real. In fact the last three weeks there has been such a atmosphere of peace at the church here where I fellowship that it's been absolutly sweet. I watch closely the events of the day and you can see the acceleration or "shortening of days" One example is this North American Union that our president is forging ahead with. Occasionally a reporter will discuss it and occasionally an elected official will bring it up for discussion. Yet everyone seems powerless to stop it. In 21 months, the real ID act is slated to be enacted. You really owe it to yourself to be aware of the times that we're in. (Believe me, as I write this, I'm very much talking to myself also.) Daniel 8:23-25 tells about the king of fierce countenance and understanding dark sentances that will come on the world scene, will cause craft to prosper and through peace, destroy many. Have you noticed lately just how saturated our culture is with occultism? Have you noticed how world leaders are beside themselves as they strive to bring about peace? Do you know how many of our kids would struggle to name the four gospels but would have no problem rattling off the names of all of the Harry Potter books and tell you the complete story line? This world is being conditoned to receive the king of fierce countenance right before our eyes. Yet even as these things come to pass we can abide under the shadow of the Almighty, knowing that we have an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Forever with Jesus Christ who loved us when we were lost and undone and shed his blood for us that we could be with him forever. Our redemption is indeed nigh. It's my sincere prayer that we would all walk in the Spirit and keep our thoughts and affections on the Lord Jesus.

Principalities, Powers, and angry Babylonians

The last two days have seen news reports that the United States is sending more troops into Baghdad to quell the sectarian violence that is is spiraling out of control. It was four years ago that I was one who supported going to war; believing that our troops would march to Baghdad, liberate the Iraqi citizens, and destroy all of the WMDs before Saddam Hussein, destablized the region. Well fast forward to July 2006 The United States is bogged down in an endless war while talking heads debate as to whether Iraq is heading for a cival war. The eagle nation of Daniel 7:4 is mired in a conflict along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The prophetic significance is undeniable as both of these rivers are mentioned in scripture at critical times. The Euphrates is the only river to be mentioned from the beginning to the ending of the bible. In Genesis, it's one of the four rivers stemming from the river that flows through Eden. I believe (but am not certain) that Ur was on the Euphrates. Later on, Jeremiah 51:63-64 reads "And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates: And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah." In Revelation 9:14-15 we read "Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men." (with earths current population, thats over 2 billion.) In Revelation 16:12 it says "And the sixth angel poured out his vial on the great river Euphrates, and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared." (Notice it's the sixth angel again) Following this event, three unclean spirits come out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, perform miracles before the kings of the earth to gather them together to the battle of Armageddon. (Please read these scripture references; I don't paraphrase well) The Tigris river; called the Hiddekel, is mentioned only two times, however both times are significant. In Genesis 2:14, it's seen that the Hiddekel is another of the four heads of the river that flows through Eden. The only other time that it is mentioned is in Daniels vision in Daniel chapter ten. To paraphrase again, Daniel had been mourning three full weeks when finally along the banks of the Hiddekel (Tigris) he sees a man clothed in linen and girded about with fine gold of Uphaz. This man tells Daniel that from day one of his supplication, he was sent. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood him 21 days until Michael came to help him. He gave to Daniel understanding of the latter days and returned to fight with the prince of Persia. (On a totally different subject, I have seen in various stores, a video game called "The Prince of Persia." People many times come up with things and are unaware that they are dealing with dangerous entities that they have no business interacting with. I don't know what the game is about but the title is warning enough to stay away; Just like "Narnia; the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", ought to be enough information to warn christians not to mess with it.) Well back to the main point. The conclusion of the situation in Iraq is simply that if you think this conflict is about the war on terror, securing oil, spreading democracy, or toppling a despot, you are living in a spiritual cave wearing spiritual earplugs, and snoring profusely. Scripture is being fulfilled and millions of eternal souls are hanging in the balance. As for the eagle nation, her citizens are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; many of them so "dumbed down" that they are unable to find their own country on a map. She is drowning in trillions of dollars of debt and yet proclaims "I sit a queen and am no widow". Her government is using the latest technology to spy on her citizens, and in 21 months everyone will have to have a national ID without which you'll be unable to be employed, have a bank account, operate a vehicle, or participate in commerce. (All in the name of the war on terror.) Meanwhile too many christians are waiting for a pre-tribulation rapture because, apparently, unlike every other generation of saints, we're not supposed to experience any kind of tribulation. (I think that the saints in China and the Dafur region of Sudan would have a different perspective.) As mentioned earlier, If you love the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly, you long for his appearing, and his peace reigns in your heart, he'll bring you through anything that comes your way. His grace is truly sufficient for any situation and he'll never leave you nor forsake you. His appearing is at hand and we ought to be rejoicing in this fact and praying fervently for the lost that they would come to calvary and escape the torments of hell before it's too late.

It's 3:00. Do you know where your heart is?

When telling the disciples about the end times, the first thing that Jesus warned about was deception. "Take heed that no man deceive you." (Mat.24:4) Paul wrote in II Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers having itching ears." Isaiah 30:9-11 tells how they don't want to hear the truth but prefer to hear "smooth things"; things that please the flesh; things that keep ones heart on the things of this life. Things that will get you so overcharged with the cares of this world that you'll be caught off guard and unprepared when the arm of flesh fails. (when, not if) Today there's a lot of teaching about prosperity, success, and building earthly kingdoms but very little about repentance, holiness, laying aside every weight and sin, and keeping your affections on things above. Paul stated in I Tim. 6:5-8 "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and rainment let us be therewith content." This is not to say that it's wrong to be prosperous but when it becomes your god, it becomes sin. Some people can have a net-worth of millions but have their heart right with the Lord knowing that it's very temporal. (Psalm 62:10) On the other hand it's possible to be living "paycheck to paycheck" and have a "love" for material things. The example of Job is so very perfect. He had everything that life could offer and lost it all in a matter of minutes. (I wonder if someone at that time said to him "well at least you still have your health") Well, as you know, then the devil was allowed to afflict him with sore boils from head to toe. And just when it seemingly couldn't get any worse, Mrs Job piled on and later his friends. The incredible thing is that he never lost his faith in the Lord. HIS AFFECTIONS WERE ON THE MOST HIGH GOD. He stated in Job 13:15 "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." Without a doubt out, of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh and Job maintained his integrity. (Before I continue, let me say that this entry has gone in a totally different direction than what I initially began to write which was to be sure that we're following the Lord Jesus and not men or vain philosophies.) It's of the utmost importance to not be overly attached to this life but to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The one who died for our sins rose again and is gone to prepare a place for us that we may live with him forever; with no less days to sing Gods praise, than when we first begun. When you think about the world to come, all of the bells and whistles and glitter of this world seem pretty insignificant. (Take the world but give me Jesus.)

Gods word endures forever

I just read a news report on MSNBC about a book of Psalms that was discovered in a bog in Ireland by a very alert construction worker. The text is dated to the time period of 800-1000AD and was found opened to Psalm 83. The text will be examined intensively for the immediate future. Although it could be considered antidotal, it's interesting that Psalm 83 talks about the desire certain nations to remove Israel from existance. It's even more interesting as to the timing of the find as Israel is embattled on two fronts at this moment and certain heads of state talk of this same desire even today. It's also interesting that, because of the archeological nature of the find, the story made it into the main stream news outlets. I don't believe that this was in anyway simply a chance happening. Truly Gods word endures forever and warnings are everywhere as to the times that we're in. Psalm 87:1-3 reads "His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God."

scattered thoughts after only 2.5 hours of sleep

Greetings to the guy at NSA who's compiling a list of names for the soon to be in place one world government and anyone who just happens to accidently type "Philippians 320" into the web address. I never know quite what to put down when I come here. So many things are taking place at such an accellerated pace (the days are being shortened) that to focus on one thing is challenging. I got home from work at 4:30 am and tuned into the latest news from the middle east. At this point on the prophetic timeline, no event is without significance and to what extent the conflict in Lebanon will spread is anyones guess. Some have said that it could be the beginning of world war three which is entirely possible. Without a doubt, the Syrians and Iranians are involved, and without a doubt, the two Israeli soldiers were abducted for the single purpose of stirring things up. With the rhetoric that President Ahmadinajad (That's most likely spelled incorrectly) has been profigating, an incident was all but inevitable. One can't help but wonder if Isaiah chap.17 is about to be fulfilled. Yesterday a United Nations (beast government) observation post was struck by an Israeli jet and the accusations are flying as to whether it was intentional or accidental. As for Iraq, cival war is raging regardless of what politicians and middle east "experts" say. There's been much debate concerning if the US should be there and what was the motivation for going in. There's one tragic fact that makes all the rhetoric from every side irrelevant. At this very moment, people are going into eternity without Jesus as their Savior. Shiites and Kurds are coing into eternity unsaved. Americans, Chaldeans, Sunnis, Persians, and British are dying in their sins. This is the real tradgedy; not Haliburtons "no bid" contracts; which is a very bad policy by the way. We look at the physical side of things that register with the five senses, but the spiritual side is of far greater and eternal significance. My fervent prayer concerning all of this is that folks would come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. He shed his blood on calvary for all; whosoever would call upon him. He died for the Iraqis, the Iranians, the Israelis, the Lebenese, the Palistinians, the Chinese, the Armenians, the Swedes, the Nigerians, and even the folks at NSA. He died for the sins of the whole world. Three days later he rose from the dead and Acts 1:11 declares that this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, so shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Every eye shall behold him. He's not in the secret chamber, he's not out in the desert, and he doesn't have descendants of flesh as that movie "The Divinci Code" would have you believe. (Thats what the bible calls a "strong delusion" because they receive not the love of the truth.) Matthew 24:29-31 states"Immediatly after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the Son of man in heaven: and then shall the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Of all the talk of this life; of all the things that seem sooooo immportant, the one true thing that is relevant is the return of Jesus Christ. Scripture will come to pass regardless of what people want to think. If your'e born again, look up. If you're not born again, look out! Please turn to Jesus before it's too late. If you go into eternity without Jesus there is no remedy. There is no power in the second ressurrection.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace.

Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Sehah." One thing thats so easy to do in this age when everyone is running to and fro and knowledge is increased is to lose sight of the Lords continuous presence. He's always present; he's not on a journey or pursuing or asleep. As we keep this in rememberance and fellowship with him on an ongoing basis, we'll have that supernaturel peace of God that passes understanding. Peace that isn't dependant on the economy, material trappings, where you live, income level, education, social status, or any of the things that are pursued in a quest for satisfaction. The temporal satisfaction of this world is fleeting and has an insatiable appetite. The peace of God passes all understanding and superceeds anything that the world can throw at you. Isaiah 26:3 is so very true "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Nahum 1:7 states "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." I know that this sounds very basic and simple, but right now hospitals are full of people with ailments, both physical and mental, that are brought on by worry; by being overcharged with the affairs of this life. You've heard the phrase "I was worried sick about that!" If you,re born again and Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord you can abide in that state of perfect peace. (Let go and let God.) The arm of flesh will fail but God, who inhabits eternity, never ever fails. (Check out Isaiah 30:1-3, Isaiah 31:1-3, and John 14:26-27.)

Wake up. We all need to wake up.

Greetings. Where to begin. I guess the best place to start is with the single, most important event that will soon come to pass. Jesus is returning. We are now living in the most perilous time in history; that being the time right before our Lords return. Times so turmultuous that except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved. (Matthew 24:22) If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and your affections are truly on things above (Colossians 3:2) You shouldn't have any fear about the things that are coming to pass. Our joy and peace is not tied to any physical situation that we're in. It is so very important to have the peace of God that passes understanding as the days ahead are going to be more traumatic than any can imagine. It's urgent to have the infalliable word of God hidden in your heart as strong delusions and doctrines of devils abound. It is so extremely urgent to spend as much time in fellowship with the Lord as possible (Jeremiah 33:3 Isaiah 26:3 I Peter 4:7 Psalm 91) In other words, diligently do the things that you know you should be doing. As I write this I'm writing to myself as well. We all have to be sober and vigilant. It's so easy to get sidetracked if we don't keep our heart with all diligence. (Proverbs 4:23) I don't know how this site will unfold or even if anyone will see it other than the guy at NSA who's busy compiling a list of names for the one world government that will soon be in place. I just know in my heart that were in the last days of the last days. When I first became a christan in the early 80s, you could see certain events here and there that would indicate the times that were in. Now those events are taking place daily. And yet few people; even few christians who spend time in the bible every day (I think) seem to be aware or even care. (II Peter 3:3-4) Everything from climate changes to increased seismic activity, famine in diverse places, open-ended wars, a shifting geo-political landscape, RFID technology that will usher in the mark of the beast, mens hearts waxing cold as iniquity abounds, WE'RE THERE! Now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." If you don't know Jesus, this would be a good time to ask him into your heart. Jesus said that he that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Tomorrow is not a promise, but eternity is forever and you will spend it somewhere. II Peter 3:9-10 states "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." It doesn't get any more serious than this. Where you spend eternity is more important than your career, your friends, your mortgage, your vacation, your favorite baseball team, anything that you catagorize as "important". Well it's now 0400 and I need to go but will update when possible (When I can get my daughter off the computer) I try to stay up to date with events and have kept a journal of comments and thoughts for some time. This site will probably become similar to it.