Saturday, August 4, 2012
Amazing Night of Ministry at Friendship Park!
So, I must admit. I was hoping for rain tonight. Rain meant Tom and I could stay home. I could work on my message for Worship Service tomorrow. Jesus House has made a commitment to show movies at Friendship Park on Saturday nights. 80% chance of rain turned into just a few drops. 7:00pm came and so did the clear skies. Tom and I load the van. Movie screen, projector, Sound system, blender and all the slushy fixing’s….etc. There are a few kids gathered in the park. As we unload three kids asked if they could help. I could feel the love and acceptance of God’s presence for these kids. After unloading, one boy helps set up for slushy’s with great joy asking if he could help serve the slushy’s and he did. Three other boys play with the microphones. Singing, rapping and having a fun time. We open the night with prayer asking God’s blessings upon our evening. We need water for the slushy’s. I’m walking back to Jesus House to get the 5 gallon cooler for water, and a young girl, maybe 8 and her little brother, might be 6 ask if they can walk with me. I said they would need to ask their mom. Well, mom was home sleeping, but big brother who’s like 11 says it’s ok. We walk and as we come to the intersection of Washington and Allen, Mac, my daughter’s dog is looking out of the upstairs window barking. I call his name and he stops. The young girl says to me, “you live here” and I said yes. I live upstairs. The younger brother says, “you live with Jesus!” My reply, yes I do. I live with Jesus. As we came inside Jesus House they are both amazed. They said, Jesus has a nice house…..lol The little boy asked me, “why do you get to live in Jesus House?”….Well I said, because He has asked me to help Him take care of His people.” Well, they thought that was just the coolest thing. We are now walking back to the park and the two kids are amazed that I live with Jesus. So, I said to them, ‘You can live with Jesus too” they asked how? My answer, “When you believe in Jesus He comes and lives within your heart.” The little boy says, Jesus died for us, right, I said yes, He did. I asked, is Jesus still dead, and they said no, He is alive…GLORY!!! And the young girl said, “Jesus, is the Son of God!”
(Luke 18:16&17) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
As the movie is playing and children are eating slushy’s and running around the park. I notice two men walking down the side walk with a look that said, “what is happening in the park?” I approach them. We have a small dialog about the movie. I ask them a few questions about themselves. They are new to town, both from Chicago staying at the shelter. I invite them to come to Jesus House tomorrow. And one gentlemen asked if I would pray for him. I am not one of those people who say ok I will pray for you, and then walk away. If you ask for prayer we are going to pray. I join hands with him and pray for him. Another GLORY!!!
We are well into the movie. What once appeared to be tough gangster are now sitting watching “Journey 2” and the peace of God fills Friendship Park as the children play! Slushy’s come to an end. Tom takes the slushy and etc….to the van. I felt the need to walk over to him. Knowing that both of us were tired and really wanted to stay home, but knew in our hearts we must be faithful to that which God has given to us. I see the smile in his eyes. He had such a wonderful time making slushy’s with the kids. A man walks across the street coming toward us. We exchange hellos. I ask him how he’s doing. He say’s better, but it’s been a bad day. I ask if we can pray for him. He say’s yes. I ask if there was anything specific? He say’s with a desperation in his voice, “ I need Salvation!” Again, GLORY!!! Tom and I lay our hands upon him and pray.
You would think it’s over. The van is loaded. We have three kids that we are taking home because it’s 10pm and they do not live close to the park. We pull in the drive to drop off two of the kids, and the mom comes out of the house, and then the 18 year old sister comes out of the house. Walking toward the van. Then the dad comes out as well. The window is down in the van as we are talking with them. The 18 year old lays her head on the door of the van and ask for prayer. She has a kidney infection from her drug addiction. She is physically sick, and knows she has screwed up and needs God to help her. Tom and I along with her mom, dad and siblings lay hands on her and pray in Jesus name! Wow! Can you say GLORY!!!
You and I…. Ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, He has given us the ministry of Reconciliation. He has commissioned us to GO. Preach the Gospel, lay hands on the sick, cast out demons. In John 4:6 Jesus was weary from His journey and He sat down by Jacobs well and you know the rest of the story, right? We must look past our weariness and throw ourselves out there in the midst of this fallen world to see the power of God’s love at work. (2 Chronicles 16:9) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the LORD.
My many experiences with the LORD over the last 26 years I have learned obedience even when I’m tired and have a list of things to do, and wish it would rain so I could have a break. My LORD always gives me strength to do HIS WILL, not mine. And my Jesus, never ceases to amaze me. GLORY!
Thank you Lord Jesus for being with us at Friendship Park tonight! You truly are Immanuel, God with us!!!
Immanuel
Friday, July 27, 2012
My Story Written Within the Pages of His Story
Shalom and blessings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Throughout my walk with Christ many friends and fellow believers have encouraged me to "Write my Story." I have PONDERED the idea. Over the years I have written bits and pieces of my story, either through a song I've written or within messages I've shared at Jesus House or other speaking engagements. Over a period of almost two years now, I have MET with a local author and together we have dared to venture into the memories that were sketched into my darkened soul to write a creative memoir. I must say, I am beyond excited to declare the greatness of God’s love, His redemptive work through the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ, and the power of His presence that has always been before me, and now dwells within me.
Coming soon…..My Story! Anyone want to guess what the title might be???????....and to those of you who know, shhh......be quET!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Work of Our Hands
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Light of Jesus Christ Shines Brightest in the Dark
O' how I wish I would of known Jesus at a young age. I did not. Yet, I am so thankful I did not grow up within the formalism of main stream Christianity of today. There has never been anything easy and nice about my life, nor has there ever been anything easy and nice about the calling and ministry the Lord has given me. I will say this, I am who I am by the grace of God, and I live in a fallen world filled with broken people. Life is messes, and I wouldn't want to live any other way. Jesus seeks the lost, He heals the broken, His name is a refuge, a strong tower. We, as not just "believers" of Christ, but "followers" of Christ need to shine the light of Jesus to a darkened world, and not be afraid of sin. The gospel of Mark paints a beautiful picture of this in Chapter One. Jesus was preaching in the synagogues, and casting out devils, now that I find interesting. Anyway, A leper came to Him, begging Him as he kneeled down saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” and immediately Jesus is moved with compassion, He stretches out His hand and touches him, this man with the flesh eating disease Jesus touches him and then Jesus says to him, “ I am willing’ be healed” …Jesus touched him first, and then He healed him….…saints of God, ought we not to be about our Father’s business? Seeking the lost, healing the sick, and casting out devils? Do not be afraid of the sin of others or their sickness. O’ how I long for the boldness of the Holy Spirit to rise within us, to let His love and compassion move us to a place were we are not afraid of others who might look different, speak in a language not so pleasing to the modern day Christian ears…..O’ How I desire to see Jesus high and lifted up for all the world to know His everlasting love, and receive His everlasting gospel.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Forgive Them Father They Know Not What They Do….or Do They?
Friday, April 20, 2012
All That Can Be Shaken Will Be Shaken
I am always amazed and forever I will stand in awe of God’s love, His purpose, and His power to perform what He desires for my life. I have set my heart to seek the Lord. I know in whom I believe and I am persuaded He is able to keep me, and all that I commit to Him.
March 2011. My daughter, Gabrielle and I are scheduled to visit Quinton and Karen Nantz, Missionaries at Christ College (www.christc.org.tw) in Taipei, Taiwan, also dear friends of Jesus House. I am one who does not enjoy flying. The thought of being strapped inside a big metal tube that is shooting across the sky at 500 plus miles per hour at 40,000 feet in the air seems very UNATRUAL to me…..but I knew the Lord had opened a door for me to go.
Two days before our departure date there’s a ‘Solar Storm” producing a “Solar Flare”…..due to arrive on earth Thursday, and our flight leaves early Friday morning….and I quote: “It’s hitting us right in the nose,’’ said Joe Kunches, a scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colo. Everything within my flesh is screaming, “Don’t Go” but I knew I had to trust the Lord, and follow through with His plans, and not my fears.
We arrive safely in Taiwan. Our steps were ordered of the Lord, and we meet some amazing people who have given their lives for the Everlasting Gospel, and we experienced wonderful things in the presence of our Lord.
Our week went by fast. We are scheduled to fly home on Saturday morning with our connecting flight in Tokyo, for our return to the States. Wednesday night reported in the news, Japan has an earthquake with a small tsunami, is it just me, but I think any size tsunami is bad…..right?
By MARI YAMAGUCHI, Associated Press
TOKYO -- A series of earthquakes rattled Tokyo and northeastern Japan on Wednesday evening but caused no apparent damage or injury in the same region hit by last year's devastating tsunami. A magnitude-6.8 earthquake first struck the southern coast of Hokkaido island in the evening, causing a small tsunami. Tsunami advisories were issued along the northern Pacific coast, prompting some communities to advise residents to evacuate coastal homes.
All that can be shaken WILL be shaken……within one week of my travel, just one week. Solar Storms, Earthquakes, and a Tsunami. A few weeks prier to my travel deadly storms sweep through the Midwest. Tornadoes rip through several states, taking lives of the young and old, destroying not just homes, but whole towns were completely wiped off the map.
We can read about it in the paper, on the internet or we can hear it within the news, Hollywood film makers bring in millions of dollars with titles like; Doomsday, After Shock, Armageddon, When Time Ran Out, The Abyss, The Perfect Storm, Day After Tomorrow, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Where have all the People Gone, Warning Signs, Without Warning, The Last man on Earth, The Black Whole, Alien Intruder, The Creature Wasn’t Nice, The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 & 2008)…The Day the Earth Stopped also 2008, The Sum of All Fears, and The End of Days…..let’s not forget 2012.…lol, and just to mention a few within the Christian community: Years of the Beast, and Left Behind One, Two, and Three…..Should I dare to mention the book, “88 Reason Why Jesus Will Return in 1988.” or May 21st. 2011 End of the World…then the date changed to October 21st. 2011. Jesus said NO man knows the day or the hour of His return……What about Louis Farrakhan and his claim he visited “the Islamic Mother Ship” hovering over earth that will be death to the white man, or the coming of The Twelfth Imam….And the list goes on and on….
My point is this. Everyone in this world, from Christianity, to all other religions, and even the secular community knows, and believes that something is about to happen. Common sense would tell us that the world cannot continue the path it’s on without destroying itself. Man left to himself will destroy himself.
The Lord Jesus Christ instructs believers in the Gospel of Luke Chapter Twenty One about events that would take place before His return. Let’s take a brief look at the list found in Luke Twenty One:
Luke 21:7-38
And they asked Him saying, master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
Jesus answered and said, Take heed, Be on guard, and be careful you are NOT lead astray; for many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and the time draws near: Do NOT go after them….
Jesus said, but when YOU HEAR of wars, and insurrection (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified; for all this MUST take place first, but the end will not come immediately. Then He told them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And mighty and violent earthquakes.
(A link to the Top Ten Deadliest Earthquakes in Histroy……..Earthquakeshttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42029974/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/t/top-deadliest-earthquakes-history/)
And in various places famines and pestilences (plagues, malignant, and contagious [2011 Movie with the same title] or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be signs of terror and great signs from heaven.
Other signs: Persecution; You will be delivered up and betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will put to death. And you will be hated (despised) by everyone because you bear the name of Jesus Christ, and for its sake…..the Lord promises not a hair of your head shall perish….by your steadfastness and patient endurances you shall win the TRUE LIFE of your souls…....Hallelujah!
Then Jesus tells us, When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then KNOW and UNDERSTAND that its desolation has come near. Link to resent threats to Jerusalem…..http://youtu.be/q3GC6omx8yo ….For these are the days of vengeance that all things that are written may be fulfilled.
For great misery and anguish and distress shall be upon the land and indignation and punishment and retribution upon this people. They will fall by the mouth and the edge of the sward and will be led away captives to and among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the gentiles UNTIL the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (complete.) Romans eleven reveals this truth as well. God has put a spirit of slumber on Israel, eyes they cannot see, and ears they cannot hear unto this day, for salvation to come to the Gentiles. And if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but LIFE from the dead!(The Latter Rain)
And there shall be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the sea.
Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.
Matthew 24:29 KJV
Immediately 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:
Mark 13:25 KJV
And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken
Isaiah 24:19-21: speaks of the earth being violently broken…the earth is split open…the earth is exceedingly shaken…..the earth shall reel back and forth like a drunkard….and Matthew and Mark speak of the sun being darkened, the moon not giving light, the stars of heaven fall, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken……THEN, THEN we will SEE the Son of Man coming in the clouds with GREAT POWER and GLORY!!!
Luke assures us in The Book of Acts that this SAME Jesus which was taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as you seem Him go into heaven….a cloud received Him out of their sight….THIS Jesus will return to earth in the same way that He left……Glory! He is coming in the clouds with GREAT POWER and GLORY!
The Book of Revelation John reveals to us this same truth…BEHOLD, He comes with clouds and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindred’s of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen!
Jesus, declared Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, which is, and which was, and which is to come, The ALMIGHTY!!!
In the gospel of Luke Jesus continues to speak to us saying, NOW….when? NOW when these things begin to occur, LOOK UP and LIFT UP your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near. Jesus tells us the parable of the fig tree; when it puts forth its buds and comes out as leaves, then perceive for yourself and know that summer is already near. Even so, when you see these things taking place, UNDERSTAND, and KNOW that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus says that the generation, those living at that definite period of time will not perish and pass away until all has taken place. The sky and the earth (the universe, the world) will pass away, but the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ will NOT pass away.
(Psalm 119:89 Forever O Lord Thy Word is settled in the heaven.)
Jesus then instructs us to take heed, and be on guard lest our hearts be overburdened and depressed with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to the business of life and that day come upon us suddenly like a trap or a noose; for it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth. We are to keep awake, and watch at all times, praying that we may have the full strength and ability and be counted worthy to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man….(Luke 21 Scriptures from Amplified Bible)
Signs of the Times
One does not need to be a great theologian of In Times Prophecy to discern the Sign of the Times…..just take a look at the day we live in.
War, rumors of wars, Jerusalem surrounded by armies, earthquakes, famines, signs in the heavens, and in the earth. All Creation groans for its redemption.
(Romans 8:19-22)
These are some of the BIG signs…lets look at every day life signs of the last days revealed in scripture.
II Timothy 3:1-7
Know this, know what? Know that in the LAST DAYS perilous times will come…..in the finial days perilous times, as reducing strength, difficult, dangerous times, to lower as into a void, vacancy, chaos…..mankind lowering itself to the days of Noah.
Eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until Noah entered the ark, then it was to late. (Matthew 24:36-38)
There’s no truth of God, no fear of God, no respect for God, only the mockery of God.
1. Men lovers of their own selves
2. Covetous
3. Boasters and Proud
4. Blasphemers
5. Disobedient to parents
6. Unthankful
7. Unholy
8. Without natural affections
9. Truce Breakers
10. False Accusers
11. Powerless and without self-control
12. Despisers of those that are good
13. Traitors
14. High-minded
15. Heady…rash in their thinking and behavior
16. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
17. Having a form (appearance) of godliness, but denying the power of it. The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 1:18 [ Christ the Power and Wisdom of God ] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. NKJ
18. Ever learning and never coming into the knowledge of the truth….
2 Peter 3:3-18
You must know and understand this, know and understand what? That scoffers will come in the last days walking according to their own lust, and saying, where is the promise of His coming? But Beloved, DO NOT forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, He is long suffering toward us, and not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night., in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. ( talk about global warming)
2 Peter 3:11.…since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in HOLY CONDUCT and GODLINESS…..LOOKING and HASTING the coming of the day of GOD, because the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless, we according to His PROMISE, LOOK for a NEW HEAVENS and a NEW EARTH in which RIGHTEOUSNESS dwells…..
The phrase, “Jesus is coming” is so loosely spoken with no understanding. Does one really know what they are saying, do they really know and understand how the day of the Lord is revealed?
The Day Of The Lord
Isaiah 13:6
They come from a far country, From the end of heaven—The Lord and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt.
Revelation 16:16-18
And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Seventh Bowl: The Earth Utterly Shaken
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.
Joel 1:14-16
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God?
Joel 2:1-3
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
Amos 5:17-19
And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD.
Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
Amos 8:10-12
And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
Nahum 1:6-8
Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, And the rocks are thrown down by Him. The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, And darkness will pursue His enemies.
Zephaniah 1:14-15
The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness.
Need I say anymore concerning the Day of the Lord? I think not…..
The Word of God speaks for itself. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20)
In the last days darkness will cover the earth, deep darkness the people and the love of many will wax cold (think of a candle after the wick has no flame), because of false prophets, doctrines of demons, seducing spirits, people with itchy ears and a falling away from the Everlasting Gospel…..
The question to ask...…What kind of believe are you? Do you believe as the devil, who trembles? One to many times I have heard this phrases….”I have my own way of believing”…...really, and how’s that working for you? Do you know, are you absolutely confident where “your way” of believing will take you into the next life? And let’s not forget….”God understands my heart” Yes, He does….Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked…God does understand, and out of His everlasting love for us, He gave His Son, Yeshua/Jesus to give us a new heart..…a heart to know Him, and love Him.
To many people hold to a “Entitlement Salvation” God does not owe you anything. It’s just the opposite. God has purchased you, with the blood of His Son, and through this sacrifice has made a covenant with us..…God owns us, not owes us…amen?
How can two walk together unless they agree? Be honest with yourself right now, and look into the mirror of your soul, and ask yourself this question…Will God come into agreement with my belief system, and the way I live my life? We MUST come into agreement with God.
Billy Sunday once said and I quote: "How can you live wrong and expect to die right?”
What kind if believer are you?
Are you saved by grace through faith? Are you a believe who’s faith has substances, and your working out your salvation?
Jesus said, when you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I Am He….and you attend church, you hear a good song, and say, “What a great sermon!”….and still do nothing.
Jesus said, if you come close to Me, I will come close to you, and you attend Bible study, and talk about it….and still do nothing.
Jesus said, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto myself; we hear of missionaries who risk their lives for the good of others sharing the gospel of Jesus, and we say, “O what a great work!”…and still we do nothing.
Many sit, eat, and drink never giving attention to the rest of the world. Self absorb, thinking their ok when Jesus said, Search the scriptures and you think you have eternal life, yet, they speak of me….and still you do not know me.
In the day of judgment when Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats He will not ask what church you attend, He will not ask if you’ve been baptized. He will say in that day, “What YOU have done unto the least of these YOU have done it unto me.” Quote from Doctor Reverend David Lee - Grace Home, Taipei, Taiwan.
Hebrews 12:25-28
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.
Luke 12;19-21
And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
One does not need to be a great theologian of “In Times Prophecy” to discern the Sign of the Times…The Lord is not slack concerning His coming, Actually, He shorten those day for the elect’s sake. (Matthew 24;21-22)
All that can be shaken will be shaken....
Are you making your bed in hell or preparing your heart for heaven?
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
March 2011. My daughter, Gabrielle and I are scheduled to visit Quinton and Karen Nantz, Missionaries at Christ College (www.christc.org.tw) in Taipei, Taiwan, also dear friends of Jesus House. I am one who does not enjoy flying. The thought of being strapped inside a big metal tube that is shooting across the sky at 500 plus miles per hour at 40,000 feet in the air seems very UNATRUAL to me…..but I knew the Lord had opened a door for me to go.
Two days before our departure date there’s a ‘Solar Storm” producing a “Solar Flare”…..due to arrive on earth Thursday, and our flight leaves early Friday morning….and I quote: “It’s hitting us right in the nose,’’ said Joe Kunches, a scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colo. Everything within my flesh is screaming, “Don’t Go” but I knew I had to trust the Lord, and follow through with His plans, and not my fears.
We arrive safely in Taiwan. Our steps were ordered of the Lord, and we meet some amazing people who have given their lives for the Everlasting Gospel, and we experienced wonderful things in the presence of our Lord.
Our week went by fast. We are scheduled to fly home on Saturday morning with our connecting flight in Tokyo, for our return to the States. Wednesday night reported in the news, Japan has an earthquake with a small tsunami, is it just me, but I think any size tsunami is bad…..right?
By MARI YAMAGUCHI, Associated Press
TOKYO -- A series of earthquakes rattled Tokyo and northeastern Japan on Wednesday evening but caused no apparent damage or injury in the same region hit by last year's devastating tsunami. A magnitude-6.8 earthquake first struck the southern coast of Hokkaido island in the evening, causing a small tsunami. Tsunami advisories were issued along the northern Pacific coast, prompting some communities to advise residents to evacuate coastal homes.
All that can be shaken WILL be shaken……within one week of my travel, just one week. Solar Storms, Earthquakes, and a Tsunami. A few weeks prier to my travel deadly storms sweep through the Midwest. Tornadoes rip through several states, taking lives of the young and old, destroying not just homes, but whole towns were completely wiped off the map.
We can read about it in the paper, on the internet or we can hear it within the news, Hollywood film makers bring in millions of dollars with titles like; Doomsday, After Shock, Armageddon, When Time Ran Out, The Abyss, The Perfect Storm, Day After Tomorrow, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Where have all the People Gone, Warning Signs, Without Warning, The Last man on Earth, The Black Whole, Alien Intruder, The Creature Wasn’t Nice, The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 & 2008)…The Day the Earth Stopped also 2008, The Sum of All Fears, and The End of Days…..let’s not forget 2012.…lol, and just to mention a few within the Christian community: Years of the Beast, and Left Behind One, Two, and Three…..Should I dare to mention the book, “88 Reason Why Jesus Will Return in 1988.” or May 21st. 2011 End of the World…then the date changed to October 21st. 2011. Jesus said NO man knows the day or the hour of His return……What about Louis Farrakhan and his claim he visited “the Islamic Mother Ship” hovering over earth that will be death to the white man, or the coming of The Twelfth Imam….And the list goes on and on….
My point is this. Everyone in this world, from Christianity, to all other religions, and even the secular community knows, and believes that something is about to happen. Common sense would tell us that the world cannot continue the path it’s on without destroying itself. Man left to himself will destroy himself.
The Lord Jesus Christ instructs believers in the Gospel of Luke Chapter Twenty One about events that would take place before His return. Let’s take a brief look at the list found in Luke Twenty One:
Luke 21:7-38
And they asked Him saying, master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
Jesus answered and said, Take heed, Be on guard, and be careful you are NOT lead astray; for many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and the time draws near: Do NOT go after them….
Jesus said, but when YOU HEAR of wars, and insurrection (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified; for all this MUST take place first, but the end will not come immediately. Then He told them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And mighty and violent earthquakes.
(A link to the Top Ten Deadliest Earthquakes in Histroy……..Earthquakeshttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42029974/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/t/top-deadliest-earthquakes-history/)
And in various places famines and pestilences (plagues, malignant, and contagious [2011 Movie with the same title] or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be signs of terror and great signs from heaven.
Other signs: Persecution; You will be delivered up and betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will put to death. And you will be hated (despised) by everyone because you bear the name of Jesus Christ, and for its sake…..the Lord promises not a hair of your head shall perish….by your steadfastness and patient endurances you shall win the TRUE LIFE of your souls…....Hallelujah!
Then Jesus tells us, When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then KNOW and UNDERSTAND that its desolation has come near. Link to resent threats to Jerusalem…..http://youtu.be/q3GC6omx8yo ….For these are the days of vengeance that all things that are written may be fulfilled.
For great misery and anguish and distress shall be upon the land and indignation and punishment and retribution upon this people. They will fall by the mouth and the edge of the sward and will be led away captives to and among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the gentiles UNTIL the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (complete.) Romans eleven reveals this truth as well. God has put a spirit of slumber on Israel, eyes they cannot see, and ears they cannot hear unto this day, for salvation to come to the Gentiles. And if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but LIFE from the dead!(The Latter Rain)
And there shall be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the sea.
Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.
Matthew 24:29 KJV
Immediately 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:
Mark 13:25 KJV
And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken
Isaiah 24:19-21: speaks of the earth being violently broken…the earth is split open…the earth is exceedingly shaken…..the earth shall reel back and forth like a drunkard….and Matthew and Mark speak of the sun being darkened, the moon not giving light, the stars of heaven fall, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken……THEN, THEN we will SEE the Son of Man coming in the clouds with GREAT POWER and GLORY!!!
Luke assures us in The Book of Acts that this SAME Jesus which was taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as you seem Him go into heaven….a cloud received Him out of their sight….THIS Jesus will return to earth in the same way that He left……Glory! He is coming in the clouds with GREAT POWER and GLORY!
The Book of Revelation John reveals to us this same truth…BEHOLD, He comes with clouds and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindred’s of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen!
Jesus, declared Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, which is, and which was, and which is to come, The ALMIGHTY!!!
In the gospel of Luke Jesus continues to speak to us saying, NOW….when? NOW when these things begin to occur, LOOK UP and LIFT UP your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near. Jesus tells us the parable of the fig tree; when it puts forth its buds and comes out as leaves, then perceive for yourself and know that summer is already near. Even so, when you see these things taking place, UNDERSTAND, and KNOW that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus says that the generation, those living at that definite period of time will not perish and pass away until all has taken place. The sky and the earth (the universe, the world) will pass away, but the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ will NOT pass away.
(Psalm 119:89 Forever O Lord Thy Word is settled in the heaven.)
Jesus then instructs us to take heed, and be on guard lest our hearts be overburdened and depressed with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to the business of life and that day come upon us suddenly like a trap or a noose; for it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth. We are to keep awake, and watch at all times, praying that we may have the full strength and ability and be counted worthy to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man….(Luke 21 Scriptures from Amplified Bible)
Signs of the Times
One does not need to be a great theologian of In Times Prophecy to discern the Sign of the Times…..just take a look at the day we live in.
War, rumors of wars, Jerusalem surrounded by armies, earthquakes, famines, signs in the heavens, and in the earth. All Creation groans for its redemption.
(Romans 8:19-22)
These are some of the BIG signs…lets look at every day life signs of the last days revealed in scripture.
II Timothy 3:1-7
Know this, know what? Know that in the LAST DAYS perilous times will come…..in the finial days perilous times, as reducing strength, difficult, dangerous times, to lower as into a void, vacancy, chaos…..mankind lowering itself to the days of Noah.
Eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until Noah entered the ark, then it was to late. (Matthew 24:36-38)
There’s no truth of God, no fear of God, no respect for God, only the mockery of God.
1. Men lovers of their own selves
2. Covetous
3. Boasters and Proud
4. Blasphemers
5. Disobedient to parents
6. Unthankful
7. Unholy
8. Without natural affections
9. Truce Breakers
10. False Accusers
11. Powerless and without self-control
12. Despisers of those that are good
13. Traitors
14. High-minded
15. Heady…rash in their thinking and behavior
16. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
17. Having a form (appearance) of godliness, but denying the power of it. The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 1:18 [ Christ the Power and Wisdom of God ] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. NKJ
18. Ever learning and never coming into the knowledge of the truth….
2 Peter 3:3-18
You must know and understand this, know and understand what? That scoffers will come in the last days walking according to their own lust, and saying, where is the promise of His coming? But Beloved, DO NOT forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, He is long suffering toward us, and not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night., in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. ( talk about global warming)
2 Peter 3:11.…since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in HOLY CONDUCT and GODLINESS…..LOOKING and HASTING the coming of the day of GOD, because the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless, we according to His PROMISE, LOOK for a NEW HEAVENS and a NEW EARTH in which RIGHTEOUSNESS dwells…..
The phrase, “Jesus is coming” is so loosely spoken with no understanding. Does one really know what they are saying, do they really know and understand how the day of the Lord is revealed?
The Day Of The Lord
Isaiah 13:6
They come from a far country, From the end of heaven—The Lord and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt.
Revelation 16:16-18
And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Seventh Bowl: The Earth Utterly Shaken
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.
Joel 1:14-16
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God?
Joel 2:1-3
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
Amos 5:17-19
And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD.
Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
Amos 8:10-12
And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
Nahum 1:6-8
Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, And the rocks are thrown down by Him. The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, And darkness will pursue His enemies.
Zephaniah 1:14-15
The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness.
Need I say anymore concerning the Day of the Lord? I think not…..
The Word of God speaks for itself. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20)
In the last days darkness will cover the earth, deep darkness the people and the love of many will wax cold (think of a candle after the wick has no flame), because of false prophets, doctrines of demons, seducing spirits, people with itchy ears and a falling away from the Everlasting Gospel…..
The question to ask...…What kind of believe are you? Do you believe as the devil, who trembles? One to many times I have heard this phrases….”I have my own way of believing”…...really, and how’s that working for you? Do you know, are you absolutely confident where “your way” of believing will take you into the next life? And let’s not forget….”God understands my heart” Yes, He does….Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked…God does understand, and out of His everlasting love for us, He gave His Son, Yeshua/Jesus to give us a new heart..…a heart to know Him, and love Him.
To many people hold to a “Entitlement Salvation” God does not owe you anything. It’s just the opposite. God has purchased you, with the blood of His Son, and through this sacrifice has made a covenant with us..…God owns us, not owes us…amen?
How can two walk together unless they agree? Be honest with yourself right now, and look into the mirror of your soul, and ask yourself this question…Will God come into agreement with my belief system, and the way I live my life? We MUST come into agreement with God.
Billy Sunday once said and I quote: "How can you live wrong and expect to die right?”
What kind if believer are you?
Are you saved by grace through faith? Are you a believe who’s faith has substances, and your working out your salvation?
Jesus said, when you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I Am He….and you attend church, you hear a good song, and say, “What a great sermon!”….and still do nothing.
Jesus said, if you come close to Me, I will come close to you, and you attend Bible study, and talk about it….and still do nothing.
Jesus said, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto myself; we hear of missionaries who risk their lives for the good of others sharing the gospel of Jesus, and we say, “O what a great work!”…and still we do nothing.
Many sit, eat, and drink never giving attention to the rest of the world. Self absorb, thinking their ok when Jesus said, Search the scriptures and you think you have eternal life, yet, they speak of me….and still you do not know me.
In the day of judgment when Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats He will not ask what church you attend, He will not ask if you’ve been baptized. He will say in that day, “What YOU have done unto the least of these YOU have done it unto me.” Quote from Doctor Reverend David Lee - Grace Home, Taipei, Taiwan.
Hebrews 12:25-28
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.
Luke 12;19-21
And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
One does not need to be a great theologian of “In Times Prophecy” to discern the Sign of the Times…The Lord is not slack concerning His coming, Actually, He shorten those day for the elect’s sake. (Matthew 24;21-22)
All that can be shaken will be shaken....
Are you making your bed in hell or preparing your heart for heaven?
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
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