Did anyone else catch the 30 second promo during yesterday's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC for the network's new show to air in 2009 called "Kings" and get an uncomfortable feeling?
Here's the only good description I could find online:
"From executive producer Michael Green (NBC’s Heroes) comes a new drama about a modern day monarchy, Kings, scheduled to debut on NBC in early 2009, though an exact date hasn’t been announced. Kings is an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances – a classic David and Goliath tale. King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, Deadwood) is the king of Gilboa. Silas must deal with tensions rising between Gilboa and neighboring nation Gath. When several prisoners of war are taken, a young soldier named David Shepard (Christopher Egan, Eragon) defies orders and crosses enemy lines to save them. Unknown to David, the soldier he saves is Jack Benjamin (Sebastian Stan, The Covenant), the son of the king. From this day forth, David’s life will never be the same. Susanna Thompson (Once & Again) plays Queen Rose Benjamin; Allison Miller (Lucy’s Piano) stars as King Silas’ outspoken daughter Michelle. From Universal Media Studios, Kings is executive-produced by Green, Erwin Stoff (I Am Legend) and Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), who also directed the pilot."
Simply put, they've decided to take the epic story of David and Goliath from the Bible and modernize it for the 21st century. Seriously. And they're being blatantly obvious about it given the names of the characters, places, and events they're using that are a dead on match with the Biblical version (surprising given Hollywood's typical avoidance of anything Christian when it comes to mainstream entertainment).
Just spend a few minutes on the show's promotional website and you're left with many, many questions. They've even created a faux news website to help promote the show as well.
In fact, there's so much going on here symbolically (and prophetically?) that I'm not quite sure where to start. Perhaps that's another post for another day.
The Book of Haggai is a remarkable text and one that is applicable to us today. Haggai was a prophet and his writings consists of two simple, comprehensive chapters.
His name means "festive" or "festival." Many believe the name was given because Haggai was born on or near a festival day. Some suggest that his name is related to the celebration of the prophetic hope concerning the temple and the glory of God.
While the first suggestion is more probable, it is interesting to note that Haggai's ministry began on a new moon festival day and the book records the festivities, which will be enjoyed when Yahweh rules in the Day of the Lord.
Haggai is also the most precisely dated book of the Bible, with the dates of each sermon given to the exact day. The accuracy with which he records these dates suggests that he might have kept a journal.
HAGGAI'S PANELED HOUSE
One particular verse stood out for me today when reading Haggai.
"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Haggai 1:4
There is a crisis of grand proportions in the spiritual house of God today. The moral fiber of our world has eroded. Greed, idolatry, and pleasure are the gods of our day, and it is no different in the Body of Christ.
The prophet Haggai wrote about a people who had lost concern for the need to build God's house because they were so focused on their own worldly needs. It is a dangerous place to get with God. When our world begins to focus around increasing our pleasure, building bigger and better homes, and failing to make what is important to God important in our own lives, this should be a warning to us.
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," He said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:12-13).
I'm sorry, but this is what I think of when I see the mega-churches (the "style over substance" form of "Churchianity" that exists today) that have sprung up across our country. These mini-cities often include coffee shops and bookstores amongst other things on the premises. Why? Do we really need those things to draw people to church each Sunday? And if they're only there to make things more convenient for regular church-goers I have to ask, when did going to hear God's Word each week become "inconvenient" to Christians?
I often wonder if the millions of dollars spent on constructing such a complex and the businesses within could have been better spent on the local and surrounding communities, which I'm sure has many needy families who could put that money to better use on things like food, clothing, and shelter.
Jesus came into Jerusalem and found the businesspeople buying and selling in the temple. As far as they knew, this was an acceptable practice in their day. Their fathers did it, and now they were doing it. It was business as usual.
Jesus got angry, turned over the tables, and said that His house was a house of prayer. He found the businesspeople of the day seeing His house as a place for profit, not prayer. They had stepped into a place of complacency that was not acceptable to the Lord. When we begin to blend in with the moral condition of an ungodly world, we begin losing God's perspective on life.
It is easy to begin blending in with our culture and to accept what is being modeled by the ungodly. God called us to be salt in a world that needs much salt. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men" (Matthew 5:13).
Each of us must ask ourselves if we have lost our salt. Are we having an impact on our world? Or is our world having an impact on us? Ask God to give you a vision for how you can be salt to your world, your sphere of influence, today.
A GREATER PURPOSE FOR THE BOOK OF HAGGAI
While the above analysis is an important one for us to consider, I believe there is so much more we can glean from a study of this very short, but very important book.
The overriding message seems to be this: We can do it the easy way or the hard way, but either way, God will get His way. That's why it is important for me to have my priorities right and put obedience to God first.
How do you know if you have your priorities straight? And if you don't, What do you do about it? I think Haggai can give us some help in determining the answers to these questions.
If I was going to create a Mission Statement for the Book of Haggai I would probably write something like this: "Misplaced priorities in our lives can be diagnosed and treated."
Haggai preached 4 sermons to the people which we could outline as follows...
In a sense, you could say that Haggai is our spiritual doctor and that he gives us an understanding of our spiritual temperature or our spiritual state as it exists today. He does this by identifying our "symptoms" and then goes about "prescribing" the antidote.
WILL WE TAKE OUR MEDICINE LIKE BIG BOYS AND GIRLS?
In Haggai 1:5 he says, "Consider your ways!" What is Haggai trying to convict them of? Misplaced priorities! That was the problem. They were not putting God first. They were only concerned with their own comforts much like the world is today.
What was the result of the misplaced priorities? What were the symptoms?
Well, the first symptom was dissatisfaction (verse 6). They were experiencing very unsatisfying lives. Consider what he wrote...
You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but don't become drunk - Maybe this refers to people who try to deal with life's problems by eating too much. It doesn't work. All you do is gain too much weight. I think this is an illustration of seeking life and happiness through pleasure.
You put on clothing, but no one is warm enough - Perhaps we could change this for our culture to say, “You buy new clothes, but the styles change.” Perhaps this is indicative of seeking life through praise.
You earn money and put it in a purse with holes - I think most of us can identify with this. Do you run out of money before you run out of month? To compensate for this do you work so much that you don't have time for God or family? Seeking life through possessions.
Haggai condemned them for living in their paneled houses. We can see that they had become consumed with earthly things. The question we need to ask is - have we?
Even though this book was written 2,500 years ago, it is very applicable for today. Haggai says, "Consider your ways." We need to consider our ways. We need to evaluate our lives and see if we are guilty of these things. We need to ask ourselves, Am I dissatisfied with my life? Do I buy lotto tickets thinking that winning the lotto would solve all my problems? Do I wish for a better paying job? Do I wish I lived in a bigger and nicer house? Do I wish I had a new car? Something like a new car or house appeals to all three categories we mentioned earlier - possessions, pleasure and praise (or more specifically - prestige). It is amazing how much effort we put into these areas thinking that they will satisfy us, but they never do.
The second symptom was discipline (1:9-11). Haggai 1:9 says, "You bring it home and God blows it away." This is God’s active role in blocking our attempts to find life without Him. How might God do this to us? Cause us to have car problems or medical bills that take away our money? Why is He doing this to them? Because His temple is lying desolate. The old rules about blessing and cursing are still in effect, and since they had their priorities all wrong, God was beginning to bring down curses on them. They were trying to find happiness in things and God was not going to let them. You might compare Hosea 2:5-7.
I can identify with this. The Lord has provided for me and my family in more ways than I ever could have imagined, and He still does to this day! However, there was a time not so long ago when I had my most successful year in the Recruiting Industry. I made sure that we were very responsible with that money He gave us (tithed regularly, paid off a lot of debt, etc.), but soon I became a little complacent, lost focus, and drifted into a mode of thinking as if I was the one creating all my success and fortune - I took my eyes and reliance off of God.
He's kept me in Recruiting (which is a form of Sales) related jobs where the income is very uncertain because He wants me to learn to depend on Him. I'm sure of that. He has met all our needs and I have learned to trust Him more and more. I'm sure I'm not totally cured, but I can say that I have much more peace about finances than I did even one or two years ago.
Haggai 1:11 tells us who is the source of the national disaster. God is. Some people have a difficult time believing that God causes earthquakes, hurricanes, droughts, and such. This doesn't say He merely lets it happen. It says He called for it!
I think this raises an important question for us. Sometimes people are in disaster and someone may say, "This is terrible, lets bail them out." Mortgage Companies and Auto Industry anyone? Another might be a "Job's friend" type of Christian and say, "Let them suffer, they must deserve it." First we need to be aware that all disaster is not discipline from God, but sometimes it might be.
I think we need to be aware that this might be true, but we must be careful not to let that become an excuse for not helping people. We also need to ask the question of whether or not a nation's poverty and starvation is the result of being caught up in some pagan idolatry. Take Somalia for example. What is our role supposed to be? Is our role to just feed them so they can continue in their perversion? The answer is to minister to their physical needs and try to lead them back to God. This is one reason we shouldn't just contribute to organizations that just send food to starving people. Send your money to organizations which use food as a means to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who desperately need it. No, it's not a situation where you tell them they must convert or they won't eat. It's just to say that as food is being given they will also receive the Gospel message.
Again, we need to examine our lives and see if we might be experiencing God's discipline. It is sometimes difficult to tell, because not all sickness or calamity is the result of sin in our lives. It may just be the result of living in a fallen world and making poor choices, but it sometimes it is directed at us.
So far we have seen two symptoms or results of misplaced priorities: Dissatisfaction and Discipline. The things of this world do not satisfy. If we try to find happiness in them and not in God , we won't. And not only will we be dissatisfied, we will also get the discipline of God.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
We saw that Haggai rebuked them for having misplaced priorities and he pointed out the results which were dissatisfaction with the things of this world and discipline from God.
Their response was to obey God's message and resume the work on the temple. Their obedience (repentance/confession) cleared their conscience (we might say) so that they could worship God and brought the Spirit's enablement on them so they could do the work of God.
Their courage and motivation was to come from the promise of God's presence and His peace. This is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that God is in control.
Haggai also dealt with the issues of living clean and godly lives so they would not defile their work and sacrifices. He also urged them to depend on God for life.
And finally, Haggai gave them hope for the future by revealing that God was going to destroy their enemies and establish His kingdom with them, His chosen people.
Thus, the lessons we can take from Haggai and apply to our own lives today includes...
1. The work of the Lord should never be procrastinated (1:3)
2. Misplaced priorities hinder the work of God (1:4,9)
3. The goal of God’s work is His glory and pleasure. (1:8)
4. God sometimes uses natural disasters for spiritual discipline (1:6,10,11)
5. Obedience and reverence are prerequisites for spiritual blessing (1:12-14)
6. It is never too late to start obeying God (1:12-15)
7. Courage comes from knowing that God is present (2:1-4)
8. The remedy for a discouraged heart is to see the divine perspective (2:6-7)
9. Everything belongs to and is under the control of the Lord (2:7-8)
10. Holiness is not transferable (2:11-12)
11. Sin contaminates everything one does (2:13-14)
12. Disobedience brings discipline, while obedience guarantees blessing (2:15-19)
13. God is sovereign over the nations and kingdoms of this world. (2:20-22)
14. The covenants of the Lord are guaranteed to be fulfilled (2:23)
We would be wise to prayerfully consider what God is trying to say to us through the Book of Haggai because it's about our own attention to our spiritual well-being.
Don't ignore what matters most - your relationship with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
RECOMMENDED READING:
A Comprehensive Study On Haggai
Haggai: Minor Prophet With A Major Message
On the heels of her "Black Awakening" series, I thought I would point readers to another excellent series written by Sue Bradley during this past year for what will be obvious reasons.
Take some time to read through all six parts carefully, and then prayerfully consider what it is she is telling us.
What Else Is Behind The Veil In Washington DC? Part 1
What Else Is Behind The Veil In Washington DC? Part 2
What Else Is Behind The Veil In Washington DC? Part 3
What Else Is Behind The Veil In Washington DC? Part 4
What Else Is Behind The Veil In Washington DC? Part 5
What Else Is Behind The Veil In Washington DC? Part 6
The title of her series strikes a chord with me because earlier this week I wrote, "Does anyone else feel like the veil is being lifted? Well, if that's the case it would certainly make much sense since the Body of Christ is the bride to the bridegroom known as Jesus Christ."
Jim Elvidge wrote it best: "Have you ever thought that there was something 'odd' about the world we live in? Like there is something about reality that isn’t quite random, as it should be?Something a little too organized, a little too planned, a little too programmed?”
Amen.
A few of my favorite Thanksgiving Day thoughts...
"To All Ye Pilgrims: Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience; now, I...do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and little ones, do gather...to listen to ye pastor, and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings." William Bradford, the Governor of Plymouth Colony
"Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with blessings." Psalms 68:19
Yes, times are tough, but this Thanksgiving Day let's all be thankful for our blessings that are both material and spiritual.
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving Day!
RECOMMENDED READING:
Miracle Of Thanksgiving
Make The First Thanksgiving Real To Your Children
I've reached a conclusion (at least one that works for me) about the nature of how Synchronicity works as well as its relationship to Christianity and Biblical prophecy.
It seems to manifest itself in the creative arts (movies, television, music, radio, magazines, comics, video games, news etc.) more than anywhere else, and each time it does it leaves a pattern behind, which at first appears unrelated unless you're actually looking for it.
It's sort of like a small "head's up" (if it's really the "Hand of God" as Carl Jung proposed, is it like a warning of some sort from God? could this be one way that God communicates with the world today?) that tells us what to expect.
So, even if we're not consciously looking for such things the general theme and constant thread of similarity through it all actually conditions our conscience and soul to such a reality (to the point we subconsciously absorb and internalize it) as a means of perhaps preparing us for the future. I'm getting ahead of myself, but hopefully that gives you some idea about my thoughts on the subject.
I'll admit to you from the start that this piece is just bizarre with a capital "B" (big shocker there, huh?). Even I'm not entirely sure what to make of all of this - and I'm the type of person who believes in some pretty non-traditional and underground ideas and concepts!
However, I want to report on this to further illustrate that we may be on to something when it comes to the "Synchronicity-Bible Prophecy" connection I've been shouting about throughout the blogosphere lately.
I'm not sure how it is for those of you who are also writers and bloggers, but for me it's always intrigued me how these ideas seem to "find me" instead of the other way around. I've always attributed it to a crude form of "divine inspiration" (please don't confuse that statement with me claiming to be a prophet of any kind though) and listened to that voice within.
This week has been no exception to that rule, and sure enough we have yet another case of this strange phenomenon in action since this follows the "Where-Is-America-In-Bible-Prophecy" meme that's been presented in this space these last few days.
MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE...
It's an unusual story about a game called "Shattered Union" and how the specifics of that game eerily parallel real-world happenings today even though the game is a fictional depiction of a future America, and despite the fact that it was imagined and created many years ago.
In 2005, 2K Games released a turn-based tactics computer game called Shattered Union. Instead of me giving you a brief description of what the storyline consists of I'll simply let you review the trailer for this game that's included below for your viewing pleasure. Then we can come back here and revisit things in greater detail.
If this is your first time visiting Look Up Fellowship the first thing I want to do is thank you for taking the time to stop by, and the second thing I want to do is ask you to please go back to the Archives about 1 week and begin reading all entries from then until now since it will provide you with some very important context, which is needed to really help this column have the impact I intend for it to have.
Well, as a red-blooded, born and raised, patriotic American that was fun to watch, eh? Let's get right to it - did anything about that 2 minute trailer strike you as being rather peculiar? How about prescient?
Let's stop for a moment and consider that this game was released in 2005, which means the storyline had to have been created and developed and finalized at least a year earlier in 2004. Given the political climate that existed following President George Bush winning a second term (after it was charged he "stole the election" in 2000) I can understand how a game like this could be made soon after.
However, what I do have a hard time believing is how something that was created as mere fantasy and child's play - a game - can be so very accurate that it clearly echoes EXACTLY what is occurring in this country and the world today. How do we account for and explain that?
ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR WATSON!
Perhaps we should take another look at the story and the eerie parallels with real-world 2008. Keep in mind that the sections written in bold are taken DIRECTLY from the game manufacturer's description of the game's storyline.
"In 2009, following George W. Bush's eight year term in office, David Jefferson Adams is elected the 44th President of the United States of America following a disputed election and a tie vote in the Electoral College (and subsequent tie-breaker by the United States House of Representatives), becoming the most unpopular president in U.S. history."
Forget the names that are being used as that's immaterial. Simply look at the scenario that's being presented here and it's absolutely mind-boggling! This story called "Shattered Union" BEGINS with a "disputed election" involving the "44th President of the United States" in such a manner that involves the Electoral College and U.S. House of Representatives. Are you kidding me!?! Anyone who's followed this blog in the past two months let alone just the past few days knows all about the potential constitutional crisis that is brewing over Barack Obama's citizenship and subsequent eligibility to run for office to become the 44th President.
It's amazing that the game's creators nailed this one so many years in advance, but one coincidence and "lucky guess" hardly makes a "conspiracy" so let's continue to look at how the facts stack up.
"A dramatic amount of civil unrest and rioting springs up all throughout the United States, resulting in domestic terrorism. In response, President Adams uses the Homeland Security Act and declares Martial Law on many areas of the country."
Hmmm, that's interesting too because this is EXACTLY the legal apparatus that would be used to institute Martial Law in this country. Additionally, it was back in early October when concerned citizens in various parts of the country begin to question whether or not the government had inside information about a coming crisis and that they were preparing for this possibility when the news reported that for the first time in U.S. history the federal government was going to be using the military on the streets as a police force despite being in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution. Personally, it's not too far-fetched to think that if Martial Law was imposed on society and people had reason to believe their federal government was a complete sham (and that the Constitution was being trampled on) that perhaps they would rise up and try to fight for their protected rights so at least the game's creators invented a plausible scenario there.
Still, it's very odd that the game's creators were spot on regarding the first scenario, and now we can add another one to the mix. I wonder what the odds are for both to occur by chance?
"During the election of 2012, the Supreme Court disqualifies all the presidential candidates from holding office, effectively awarding Adams with a second term. The public reacts violently when incumbent Adams accepts his next term. During the Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2013, a low-yield nuclear weapon is detonated, destroying the city, killing Adams, his cabinet, and most of the U.S. Congress. The United States plunges into chaos."
Again, forget the name of this fictional President. What I find striking is how the game's makers now go a step further by surmising that the U.S. Supreme Court could have a significant role in determining who wins the Presidency. No surprise there, since we've already established a loose precedent in the previous two elections (2008 results pending SCOTUS review as I write this). Plus, we've been told that a President Obama could have the opportunity to appoint a few new judges to the Court during his administration. Given his actions to date (i.e. using the law to removing his opponents from the ballot in his very first election campaign and now using the law to shield himself from having to provide an authentic legal document in the form of a Birth Certificate) a President Obama could very well be the type of political figure (due to the precedent he's already established) who could fit this mold. It's crazy how much of this "fictional" story seems to correlate with the potential near future that's before us today, isn't it?
Also, the entire "nuclear explosion" aspect is chilling given the constant nuclear threat we're told is very real. I know that up until this point I've asked you to consider the strange relationship between the dates and time frame being used, but if we ignore them for just a moment and remember that Joe Biden and Colin Powell (both within days of one another) publicly spoke about a major "international crisis" that would happen either "within the next 6 months" or around "Inauguration Day" that forces one to question the odds of now 3-4 aspects of this "fictional" story, created 4-5 years ago, being so in sync with real-world geopolitics as they exist in late November 2008.
"The European Union parliament meets in an emergency session and votes to send peacekeepers to the greater D.C. area to secure international interests. Separatist sentiment begins to rise in America. On national television, the governor of California declares home rule and secedes from the Union on April 15, 2013. Texas follows a few days later, taking neighboring states with them and re-forming the Republic of Texas. By 2014, all hopes for a peaceful resolution are gone, and the Second American Civil War begins."
Let's just take that last statement about a Second American Civil War. Strange since it was only days before Election Day when we read in the news about how some felt an Obama loss would result in the next American Civil War. What a shocking statement. Can you remember the last time someone uttered something like that or said they felt like it was a very real scenario? I can't, which makes the media attention on such an absurd comment seem ridiculous. Maybe you can if you're one of those people who has a "crazy uncle" type in your family who believes "crazy things," but even then it's rare that a person's comments would be elevated to the level of importance that the media gave it back then. I saw that story in several places from several different sources. Why is it even news at all? Why not just ignore it as "crazy talk" and stick to reporting on other things more important and relevant just days before the Election?
Ah, but this seems to be the nature of how Synchronicity works!
Let's quickly look at another section of this part of the story. It talks about "separatist sentiment" and in the game you can choose to play as one of 6 United States "factions" - "California Commonwealth," "The Confederacy," "Great Plains Federation," "New England Alliance," "Pacifica," or "The Republic of Texas." Why is that interesting? Yesterday, Russian Professor Igor Panarin made international headlines when he said he envisions the decline and breakup of the United States. So what, right? Well, would it interest you to know that he now predicts the split-up of the United States into 6 parts!?! He even named the territories as though he was sitting there playing this very game at the time of his interview! If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'! See the link for yourself for the full story, but from the article...
"He predicted that the U.S. will break up into six parts - the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large Native American populations; and the northern states, where the influence from Canada is strong."
It gets even crazier though! He even boldly suggested that Russia could claim Alaska saying, "we could claim Alaska - it was only granted on lease, after all." Why does that just send this whole analysis over the top?
From the game's description of the story: "Early in the war, the Russian Federation militarily annexes Alaska, using the expanded operations of the European Union as an excuse. The invasion is personally led by President Nicholai Vladekov, an ex-general and former Soviet hardliner, claiming that Alaska was never really part of the United States and that Russia was merely reclaiming its former territory."
One word: UNBELIEVABLE! One coincidence is just that - a coincidence. Yet, what do you make of two, three, four, five coincidences like this that are all in one place, included in the same storyline, all "predicted" as a plausible scenario 4-5 years ago, and all having a legitimate and tangible connection to world news headlines that exist in THE ACTUAL TIME PERIOD THEY WANTED THE GAME TO DEPICT?
I'm not sure what the answers to those questions are so for now I'll stick with Synchronicity to explain it all. Even the most militant skeptic would have to concede some ground on this one.
SHATTERED UNION, SHATTERED UNIVERSE, VEIL BEING LIFTED?
Students of prophecy know that "knowledge will increase" in the end times and that things will be "unsealed" and "revealed" at the appropriate time - God's perfect timing according to His perfect will.
Is this a clear example of a fulfillment of this prophecy? It could very well be the case. I mean, what else could it be except an insane series of coincidences? I find that highly unlikely given the probability of that occurring by chance or even by an educated guess a few years back.
Please understand that I'm not suggesting that the developers of this game have any foresight into the future or that they're part of a sinister group behind the scenes pulling the geo-political strings to all that happens in the world. Besides, God is the One who allows the plans of man to fail or succeed according to His perfect plan for mankind and whether or not they will fulfill His purposes in their perfect timing.
That doesn't seem to be how Synchronicity works for the most part anyway. Sure, there may be some groups who do consciously try to control the flow of information in a very specific way to send a very specific and symbolic message to their constituents and the masses, but typically it seems as though cases of Synchronicity usually just show up in the most unexpected and unanticipated places, and it's up to us to find the connections and relationships.
Oh yeah, just in case there is something to all of this, it's also worth noting how the game reveals that the story ends when, "Later, INTERPOL reveals the results of its investigation regarding the Inauguration Day bombing. Russian President Vladekov had been dealing weapons on the black market for several years and masterminded the D.C. bombing so Russia could regain its military dominance and more easily control Europe. Protests throughout Russia force Vladekov to declare Martial Law in Moscow. After the former continental United States is unified under one faction, the Independent Commonwealth of Hawaii agrees to join the new government. Vladekov refuses to cede control of Alaska, so the faction's forces marshal to invade the state and drive the Russians out of the New World."
Now, in an effort to tie this all together and prove that there's something very real and disconcerting about the phenomenon known as Synchronicity, I give you another important piece to this prophetic puzzle that also resonates with this same line of thinking - minus the "disputed election" part.
The show was known as "Jericho" and it was a very popular CBS drama (perhaps because it hit a nerve with others) put out by CBS in 2006 - just 1 year after Shattered Union was released worldwide.
Like I said before, I'm still not quite sure what to make of any of this, but even the most hardened skeptic has to admit that there's something strange - something supernatural - going on here.
If today's commentary blew your mind just wait until you read about how a man by the name of John Titor and Einstein's Theory of Relativity might play a role in all of this.
Looks like the good Lord just gave me another conversation starter!
Steadily, the nation is beginning to realize that there is actual, credible evidence that suggests there's something to the story about President-elect Barack Obama's citizenship and eligibility to run for and hold the office of President of the United States of America.
In this latest update we have Joan Swirsky from Tulsa Today who absolutely nails it in just the first three paragraphs of her column today:
"Last week, newscasters reported that al Qaeda’s #2 terrorist disparaged the election of Barack Obama, and hurled racial slurs at Obama himself. 'The report has not been confirmed by the State Department,' they all said, but they reported it anyway.
Fox News reporter Carl Cameron told viewers that three 'anonymous' insiders of Sen. McCain’s campaign said that Sarah Palin was, in essence, a diva and a dunce. He – and dozens of others who picked up the story on other channels – never identified, or even verified, the sources of the quotes, but they reported them anyway.
Contrast these shabby examples of 'journalism' with the legions of identifiable, verifiable and credible sources who for months have been investigating the disturbing allegation that Barack Obama is ineligible for the presidency because he has failed to meet one of the three requirements that the U.S. Constitution mandates, specifically that he provide proof of his 'natural born' U.S. citizenship."
Yet, both left and right media thought it appropriate to comment at length about Obama’s seven-page Questionnaire for those seeking work in his administration – a probing that makes a Pap Test, mammogram, colonoscopy, and endoscopy in one visit seem mild by comparison – not one of these cowardly journalists has asked the simple question: Mr. Obama, where is your birth certificate?
I especially like her unique twist on the "American Hiroshima" al-Qaeda plot and how that could be connected.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Petition To Protect The Constitution
Constitutional Crisis Already Here
Supreme Court: Obama Presidency Challenged
Kenyan Ambassador Weighs In
How To Prevent A Constitutional Crisis
This has to be the quote of the day from Ehud Olmert who said during his visit to Washington that he wants a quick peace deal:
"In principle there is nothing to prevent us from reaching an agreement on the core issues in the near future. We're in a situation where it's possible to do so, and I hope we do. It would be good for the state of Israel. I am ready to make that decision, and I hope the other side will make it as well. You don't need months to make a decision."
He also said he expects a "painful sacrifice," which is truly prophetic for all of us who know what is coming.
It seems as if every day there's a new development in the story about whether or not President-elect Barack Obama is even qualified by the U.S. Constitution to hold let alone run for the office of President.
Today, a Constitutional Lawyer weighs in and says that it's the Electors that have a duty to investigate the matter before they cast their votes on December 15, 2008.
Herb Titus, the Constitution Party's running mate to Howard Phillips in 1996 (and considered an expert on the U.S. Constitution), told WorldNetDaily today,
"If they do their duty, they would make sure that if they cast a vote for Mr. Obama, that Mr. Obama is a natural-born citizen. I think it should be resolved. The duty is in the Electoral College. Every Obama Elector that is committed to casting a vote on the 15th of December, they have a constitutional duty to make certain whether Mr. Obama is a natural-born citizen."
Titus holds a law degree cum laude from Harvard, is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and a long list of federal court districts, and helped found a law school. He told WND the framers of the Constitution specifically wanted the electors, citizen voters from all the states, to determine the presidency to avoid chief executives who are indebted to political parties or court decisions.
In 1788, Titus noted, Alexander Hamilton wrote in the Federalist Papers on the issue of the presidential election that "nothing was more to be desired than that every practicable obstacle should be opposed to cabal, intrigue, and corruption."
This story also coincides with the publication of another titled, "Rathergate II: Certification of Live Birth A Clear Forgery" by Janet Porter, which proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that there's something sinister going on here.
Another sign of the times I guess.
Will the Electors perform their duty and show the nation how to prevent a constitutional crisis?
RECOMMENDED READING:
Petition To Protect The Constitution
Constitutional Crisis Already Here
Supreme Court: Obama Presidency Challenged
Kenyan Ambassador Weighs In
Well, this news today isn't too reassuring. Glad we've spent billions of dollars on something that doesn't work.
In fairness, the technology does in fact work quite well, but it failed to work properly in this particular test.
Given the current economic climate, perhaps that money could've been better spent on other things. At the very least, let's try to do things better and make this technology work for us the way it's supposed to.
Plus, I'm wondering how the rest of the nation feels about this news in light of what's going on in our own backyard today. Seems Russia wants to not only renew Cold War rhetoric, but they're flexing their military muscle with Venezuela as their host.
Now, add all of this information to that from previous posts about possible divine judgment coming upon this nation very soon. Interesting, is it not?
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." Matthew 24:6
I'm so glad I've put my faith, trust, and security in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and not the government to protect and save me.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Washington To Watch Maneuvers "Very Closely"
Protesters in Iceland have clashed with police during a demonstration over the handling of the financial crisis there.
Is this a preview of things to come for the United States? Don't think it can't happen here.
Let's continue to pray that it doesn't.
***UPDATE 1/23/2009: We're now a full 2 months after this story was originally reported and it appears as though things have only gotten worse. In fact, despite the complete blackout by the U.S. mainstream media on this subject, things are VERY rough in many parts of Europe today as the global financial crisis is hitting them the hardest. Some have even suggested this is a preview of what's a virtual certainty for us Americans. One headline from just a few days ago shouted "Riots In Iceland, Latvia, And Bulgaria Are A Sign Of Things To Come" as the article reported that "ordinary Icelanders were determined to vent their fury at the way that the political class had allowed the country to slip towards bankruptcy. The Parliament building was splattered with paint and yoghurt, the crowd yelled and banged pans, fired rockets at the windows and lit a bonfire in front of the main door. Riot police moved in. Now in the grand sweep of the current crisis, a riot on a piece of volcanic rock in the north Atlantic may not seem to add up to much. But it is a sign of things to come: a new age of rebellion. The financial meltdown has become part of the real economy and is now beginning to shape real politics. More and more citizens on the edge of the global crisis are taking to the streets. Bulgaria has been gripped this month by its worst riots since 1997 when street power helped to topple a Socialist government. Now Socialists are at the helm again and are having to fend off popular protests about government incompetence and corruption.
In Latvia – where growth has been in double-digit figures for years – anger is bubbling over at official mismanagement. GDP is expected to contract by 5 per cent this year; salaries will be cut; unemployment will rise. Last week, in a country where demonstrators usually just sing and then go home, 10,000 people besieged Parliament. Iceland, Bulgaria, Latvia: these are not natural protest cultures. Something is going amiss." Indeed. Even the JPMorgan Chief says worst of the crisis is still to come. Oh yeah, by the way, I forgot to mention that special forces had to rescue the Icelandic Prime Minister from furious credit crunch rioters that's how bad things have gotten. In addition, European leaders have called emergency talks to discuss a groundswell of social unrest and violent street protests that have spread across Europe amid the economic downturn. Friends, be glad we have put our complete faith and trust in our Lord Yahweh and His one and only Son Jesus Christ instead of some politician or government. Now make sure you tells others of His saving grace before it's too late for them.***
RECOMMENDED READING:
Russian Analyst Predicts Decline And Breakup Of USA
Ok, so the theme of this weeks writings definitely seems to be the United States and our role in the end times prophecies since this is all sort of taking on a life of its own now.
I'm not sure if there's something significant about the Sixties that the Lord is trying to get across to me or if I'm just imagining there is, but I seem to keep coming back to this decade for some reason in these pieces.
For instance, for whatever reason, I've had a note here for the past three weeks to look at Ronald Reagan's famous "A Time For Choosing" speech that he gave way back in 1964.
Obviously, the title of that speech alone is fascinating given what we've been looking at recently, but I'm willing to bet you'll be even more amazed when you listen to it yourself because his message is chillingly applicable to those of us here in the 21st century.
If you prefer a 5 minute excerpt of the 30 minute speech above simply click here. For those who don't know, this is the speech Reagan gave supporting the Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater. Reagan speaks many things that are issues today - big government, high taxation, and the "war on poverty." He even addresses foreign policy issues including the risk of appeasement, "peace through strength," and war (the Vietnam War).
The speech establishes Reagan as an important figure in the conservative wing of the Republican party. To a significant degree, Ronald Reagan's election to the presidency stems from this speech, given on national television on behalf of, and sponsored by, Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign.
Again, what I find rather fascinating is that I keep being pulled toward an examination of the state of America as well as the Sixties this week, and now after listening to Reagan's speech it's mind-boggling how it remains amazingly fresh as a statement of modern American conservative philosophy over four decades (44 years!) after it was delivered!
Want to really make your head spin? Strange coincidence that a previous entry on the subject of the United States in Bible prophecy was given by Dr. David Reagan and now we have this relevant commentary on the state of the nation delivered by another Reagan.
Now, compare Ronald Reagan's comments to those from David Reagan in Part 1 of his radio interview the other day and what emerges is a body of evidence to suggest that things are about to get bad - very bad - in this country very soon.
What is the good Lord trying to say to me - to us - with all of this? Why now? Why this message? Why is it all coming out of nowhere (at least on my end anyway)?
Is this truly a time for choosing?
Stay tuned.
Is God about to judge America?
Prophecy expert Dr. David Reagan of Lamb and Lion Ministries pours his prophetic heart out in this two part radio series, which is hosted by best-selling author of the recently released book Isralestine, The Ancient Blueprints of the Future Middle East, Bill Salus.
Bill interviews his friend Dr. Reagan in what promises to bring the listeners down to their knees in prayer, and up to date on the prophetic calendar.
They discuss the possible timing of the Rapture of the Christian Church, the rapidly approaching Psalm 83 Arab-Israeli War, the Russian-Iranian led nuclear equipped Ezekiel 38 and 39 invasion of Israel, and what Reagan's sincere concerns are for America and its new President-elect, Barack Obama.
Dr. Reagan is a one of those prophetic voices from the wilderness. The Lord is trying to get our attention. The question is whether or not any of us are listening to Him.
As we approach Thanksgiving in a few days I encourage EVERYONE to turn off the TV and use that time to listen to this series instead. Then, on Thanksgiving Day be sure to thank our Lord and Savior for all the blessings in our lives (and not just the material ones), and then be sure to ask Him for his mercy and forgiveness.
IS GOD ABOUT TO JUDGE AMERICA? (PART 1)
IS GOD ABOUT TO JUDGE AMERICA? (PART 2)
As a brief side note, within the first few minutes of the broadcast you'll hear Dr. Reagan talk about his book that he wrote about the United States and Bible prophecy ("America The Beautiful?"), and I wanted to highlight his comments for a very specific reason.
We've spent some time over the past few weeks looking at the very real phenomenon known as Synchronicity. We've tried our best to understand it from a Christian perspective and what we have found (at least at this point in our analysis) is that Carl Jung was correct to classify Synchronicity as "the hand of God" because I don't believe there's a better description.
Of course, the jury's still out as to whether or not it is something that Christians should even be wary of, but there does seem to be a growing sentiment that these types of experiences are becoming more and more common and for a very specific purpose that is yet to be determined. It's not so much about "predicting" the future (a clear sign that perhaps Christians have no business studying the phenomenon) as it is about seeing the "patterns" and "connections" in such an intricate way after the fact.
That being said, it's interesting to me that out of all the prophecy related books on my bookshelf (about 20-25 from over the years since I was saved) Dr. Reagan's is the one that I decided to grab late last week in the hopes of sitting down to read it again! Not sure why, but I just thought that it might be a timely and appropriate read. Why that book? Why now? And it's the only book by Dr. Reagan that's in my personal collection too!
What are the odds then that Dr. Reagan gives an interview that is quickly gaining in popularity ON THE SAME DAY that I decide to grab this book off the shelf in which he talks about the very subject of this book that was published back in 2003!?! Plus, he chose to talk about that book out of all the others (he's written a total of 8 over the years)! I just stumbled across this audio today, but from the source article where I found out about it, it was put up on that website last Thursday! Again, the same day I grabbed his book off of my bookshelf to read for the first time since purchasing it back in 2003.
Remarkable. I'm truly speechless, and this is exactly what I mean by Synchronicity - when the personal world merges with the impersonal in such a way that eliminates pure chance and coincidence. It can certainly make your head spin sometimes.
Does anyone else feel like the veil is being lifted? Well, if that's the case it would certainly make much sense since the Body of Christ is the bride to the bridegroom known as Jesus Christ.
Also, one final note, be sure to listen closely to what he has to say about "apostasy" as well because that is what I think is a MAJOR SIGN of where we are on God's prophetic timeline that is often overlooked. For additional context on what is meant by "apostasy" please visit the Christian Apostasy blog.
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28
Keep looking up!
RECOMMENDED READING:
The Stage Is Set: Will It Be Judgment Or Destruction?
The Stage Is Set: Will We Ask For Destruction Or Plead For Mercy?
Another area of constant debate in eschatology is whether or not the Bible mentions the United States in prophecy.
Some argue that it doesn't, and they say this make sense because America is traditionally thought of as a Christian nation, and so if the Rapture were to happen it is assumed that this would reduce the nation to third-world status overnight, and that's why the world's most powerful nation isn't mentioned as a key player in the end times.
Some see the U.S. as Mystery Babylon. Still, there are others who see clear parallels between the U.S. and Judah as given to us in Isaiah 5 or Jeremiah 5 and Jeremiah 6. They suggest that this nation will face a similar demise.
This morning, I came across another section of Scripture that caught my eye and made me stop and do a double take.
"How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow." Revelation 18:7
First, she glorifies herself. This implies pride, even to the point of arrogance. Jeremiah 51:41 is used in relation to ancient Babylon, but it applies to modern Babylon as God uses it here in Revelation 18. Jeremiah writes...
"How is Sheshach [a biblical code name for Babylon?] taken! And how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! How is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations!"
This refers to the fall of Babylon. When Jeremiah wrote this, they were so powerful as a nation that nobody wanted to deal with Babylon as an enemy. He calls her "the praise of the nations." This means, essentially, "the greatest of the nations." Everybody praises Babylon as the greatest of the nations on earth. God applies this to Babylon in Revelation 18. It is something implied, not directly stated. However, even Babylon "has glorified herself."
Second, "she has lived deliciously" or "she has lived luxuriously, extravagantly, lustfully, unrestrainedly." The woman is the very apex of luxury on earth. This phrase indicates satiety, that is, over-indulgence, super-abundance, the state of having too much.
Third, she says, to magnify these, "I sit as a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow." "Nobody's going to bother with me. I'll never know any sorrow." Taken together, there is in her an avoidance of suffering, an unwillingness to sacrifice, and it indicates a rather "in your face," cocky superiority. Interestingly, an avoidance of suffering, the unwillingness to sacrifice, inevitably produces compromise with law and conscience.
In this one verse, a nation is portrayed as proud to the point of arrogance, self-confident in its security, thinking that it has produced its power by its own means, and living extravagantly relative to the rest of the world, as it seeks immediate gratification while failing to discipline itself to conform to a set standard.
Hmmm, does that sound like an accurate description of any nation that exists today that you know of? Could this be where we find the U.S. in Bible prophecy? Could America have a similar fate as Judah? If so, Lord have mercy on us all.
Ray Charles created a stirring rendition of "America The Beautiful" that brings tears to my eyes. It's a powerful song made even more powerful with lyrics like "America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw. Confirm thy soul in self-control. Thy liberty in law."
This man was blind and yet he was able to see this country for what it was - a nation built on the foundation of God - and he sang his heart out to tell the world about it.
I'm curious if we'll be able to see our need for repentance following our nation's illicit affair with sin or if we'll choose to remain blind to the truth.
Interesting. On the heels of my previous two entries (focused solely on the state of our nation), my dad sends me this link in an email:
Take Me Back To The Sixties
His only message included with the email was, "This was definitely a better time. Enjoy."
I obviously wasn't alive in the sixties, but there are quite a few nuggets of truth scattered throughout this presentation that resonate with me today.
"Like father, like son..." I guess. Sometimes the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree after all.
I'm afraid I won't look back on any decade with fondness like that except for the decade when I was a child - the eighties perhaps.
Then again, with the way things are going, I may look back on this decade in a similar way as being the one that saw the return of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
MARANATHA!!!
Another example of Synchronicity ("The Hand of God" according to Carl Jung) today in the news.
Yesterday, I wrote a little piece on my frustration with Hollywood and the mainstream media regarding their political bias. A few days before that, I wrote about a tragic case involving a young man in Florida who committed suicide live online while others watched and did nothing to try and get him the help he needed. Today, I came across an interesting story about Obama's pick for Attorney General that seems to tie everything together and possibly hint at what's to come.
Get ready for a push for “reasonable” restrictions on the Internet. It appears Obama’s presumptive choice for AG will be Eric Holder, a former Clinton Justice Department official. As the corporate media throws confetti and heralds the possibility of America’s first black AG, it ignores something more sinister lurking beneath the surface.
In 1999, Holder advocated Internet regulation. On May 28, 1999, Holder told NPR:
"The court has really struck down every government effort to try to regulate it. We tried with regard to pornography. It is gonna be a difficult thing, but it seems to me that if we can come up with reasonable restrictions, reasonable regulations in how people interact on the Internet, that is something that the Supreme Court and the courts ought to favorably look at."
Interestingly enough, even a casual observer can see the Synchronistic thread in all of this. I mean, first there's talk from the Dems - on Election Day no less! - of reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, then there's this tragic story from Florida a few days back (now the family is being very vocal, and rightfully so, about the need to do something to prevent the sort of thing that happened to their beloved son from happening again), and now this news about Eric Holder's political aspirations in this very same area.
It's weird how these echoes seem to present themselves. Plus, when you consider them within the context of Biblical prophecy (i.e. how that type of control over information flow and exchange in a nation could give rise to a totalitarian government led by a totalitarian personality) it all becomes eerie if not for the knowledge that those of us in Christ have nothing to fear.
Still, this is all very fascinating to me how these seemingly unrelated events are now coming together like pieces of a much larger puzzle to perhaps warn us of the potential realities that could be coming upon us all a lot sooner than we think.
Friends, I think that censhorship has already set sail and that it is scheduled to arrive late January 2009 or soon thereafter.
Did you read the news about the emergent church leader who says "gay" can be a "biblical lifestyle" that's acceptable?
It's called "cutting-edge Christianity" and they're debating whether or not Christians should accept homosexuality?
The world wants to change God's words and meanings into something more suitable to its sinful desires. Nevertheless, the truth stands - The Bible condemns homosexuality as a sin.
Let's look at what it says...
Leviticus 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."
Leviticus 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them"
1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
Romans 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."
Homosexuality is clearly condemned by the Bible. It goes against the created order of God. He created Adam and then made a woman. This is what God has ordained and it is what is right.
There's no "debating" the truth of God's Word!
A few years ago, I wouldn't think that it was possible for Christians could turn a blind eye to the truth and accept such things as 7-days of sex, divorce, abortion, homosexuality instead of the Gospel.
Welcome to the end times. Welcome to the twilight zone.
Ok, again, my apologies to anyone who's here looking for prophecy and prophecy only, but I need to devote another entry to politics because I believe it's indicative of the type of censorship and double standard that exists in Hollywood and the mainstream media when it comes to Democrats.
Let's take a look at Saturday Night Live. During this past election cycle, you would have to have been out of the country or someone who doesn't own a TV to not know that SNL became a little obsessed with Sarah Palin.
I tried to find the exact number of times they performed a skit about Palin, but couldn't. Suffice it to say that it was a lot, and all for the Republican Party's Number Two on the ticket.
How many skits did they perform about Barack Obama? One. Yep, that's right! Just one. Then again, I guess it makes sense seeing as though he is "The One" and with the way EVERYTHING else about his campaign had been so symbolically orchestrated perhaps this was a personal request from the DNC.
So, why am I bringing all of this up today? Well, because I have just found Exhibit A in the case of "How-Hollywood-And-The-Media-Are-Biased-And-If-You-Think-I'm-Wrong-You're-Severly-Fooling-Yourself" for you to feast your eyes on.
The following is an unaired SNL sketch that depicts President-elect Barack Obama's White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in much the same light as Sarah Palin was presented to the public on their show.
(WARNING: Although the vulgarity is "bleeped out" there's still enough going in on this skit to make you think twice about playing this at work.)
Did you catch the key word in the previous sentence? This is an UNAIRED sketch! Why? Because it paints the Dems and Obama's administration in a negative light? Give me a break.
What's fair game for one party should be fair game for another, should it not? It's not like they're dealing with "controversial" subject matter either. This is how Emanuel has been described throughout his political career. This is how he made a name for himself and climbed the political ladder.
In fact, there's more of a body of evidence to support these characterizations of the man than there was to support the characterizations of Palin.
I'm sorry, but this is the sort of thing that gets under my skin because I still have several family members and friends who don't believe there's such a thing as bias in Hollywood or with the news media.
I would love to know how it is decided whether or not a sketch will air. I can almost envision the phone in Lorne Michael's office ringing and someone on the other line simply saying, "Do not run that skit Lorne..." when he answers it.
Given what we know about the Democrats and their support of the Fairness Doctrine, is this a preview of things to come? There must be equal and balanced time given to both sides of the story - unless of course it's anything that might damage the Liberal Left's agenda.
More deception.
When will we ever learn to take God and His warnings seriously?
One quote from the news report is of special interest:
"Last week, informed Israeli and Palestinian sources told WND that despite media reports painting a dismal picture of negotiation prospects, Israel and the PA are still quietly working to conclude a major agreement before President Bush leaves office at the end of the year."
So much for a "Christian" President and administration in the White House these past 8 years, huh? I guess we'll just continue to help the world divide Israel and Jerusalem even though it means the United States will be conquered (or destroyed) as divine punishment.
Lord have mercy on us.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The Stage Is Set: Will It Be Judgment Or Destruction?
The Stage Is Set: Will We Ask For Destruction Or Plead For Mercy?
Official: Obama Receptive To Arab "Peace" Demands
Sue Bradley published the final part of her 4-part series today titled "The Black Awakening: The Green Man" for those who read the first three parts last week.
Here's something she wrote that caught my attention:
"The concept of multiple global cataclysms, most recently the planetary flood of Genesis 7, is recorded Biblically to have destroyed all that was 'on the face of the ground,' but little is said about the enormous world beneath the surface. Four books of the canonical text describe life, 'under the earth,' as being subject to judgment. Why is it then that we have such difficulty accepting an underworld, and an abyss?"
It's an excellent question. She continues with:
"Folklore, nursery rhymes and legends will allow our minds to picture what, 'man in his heart' desires, but in Ezekiel we learn of 'terror in the land of the living,' and also the Divine mercy with which we have been sheltered: 'I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou not be inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living.' Ezekiel 26, 32"
As her series so eloquently states through a demonstration of the facts and hard evidence, there comes a time when even the most rigid pragmatist, the most resistant of skeptics, and the most impartial observer must entertain the prospect of so many themes converging in such an unusual manner.
Without giving too much away, I think her conclusions are spot on. People like her, Tom Horn, Steve Quayle, Michael Heiser, David Flynn and others are courageously sounding the alarm where other in these prophetic circles have fallen asleep - by reminding us that what's coming, once was.
Alan Redpath in his Victorious Christian Living wrote that what the book of Ephesians provides in concept, the book of Joshua provides in practice.
Thus, the same weapons used against the giants in the land by Joshua are available for our use, and given the spiritual climate in which we live, a refresher study might be wise.
***UPDATE 1/31/09: Rise of the Ancients - Part 5 : Fortunately, Bradley decided another chapter to this series was necessary.***
RECOMMENDED READING:
Secrets of the Black Awakening Series (Parts 1-3)
We've been following this political story for quite some time because of what it may represent let alone what it might mean for our nation and the world. The prophetic implications are certainly profound.
The latest update on the whole "Where Was Obama Born? Is He Constitutionally Qualified To Run For President?" meme from the Northeast Intelligence Network (NEIN) is that the Kenyan Ambassador to the United States - his excellency Peter Ogengo - admits that Obama was born in Kenya.
During a recent program aired on Detroit's WRIF 101 FM "Mike in the Morning" radio program a decision was made to make a phone call to the Kenyan Embassy in Washington D.C. for the obvious purpose of having a little fun and in order to congratulate Kenyan's on the occassion of Barack Obama's election.
During the course of the call Mike and his co-host Trudy were connected to the Ambassador's office and after a short conversation with a secretary the Ambassador picked up the call.
You can read the full story, see this man's political record, and listen to the audio file from that radio program here and judge for yourself what to make of all of this.
This story gets weirder and weirder as the evidence begins to pile up in advance of that December 5, 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Stay tuned.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Petition To Protect The Constitution
Constitutional Crisis Already Here
Supreme Court: Obama Presidency Challenged
That says it all doesn't it?
No one said people were just going to sit around and nod politely while you challenge long-standing paradigms, so putting up with a little "abuse" is the price you pay when you want to get people's attention.
I appreciate those who are like-minded on the subjects presented here as well as those who tell me I'm nuts - thank you all for visiting and engaging in some serious discussions!
Hardly a "crisis of faith," but boy have I been experiencing the struggle within lately! It's strange and I'm just trying to make sense of everything.
A few months ago, I started this online ministry as a way of alerting others to what I was seeing in the news headlines as proof that we are living in the prophesied end times. Plus, I figured that the interaction with others interested in prophecy would help me to grow and learn new things as well.
Then, a few weeks ago, I did something I've never done before - I sat down and read the entire Book of Revelation in one sitting. Who knows if I'm imagining things and simply trying to look for a connection, but it was soon after that I began exploring all sorts of things I never considered before in an effort to better understand God's Word and prophecies for the end times.
During this process, I've had to question my current understanding of things on more than one occasion. Yet, in those instances my faith has been strangely strengthened when you'd think that such things would only help to weaken it!
In fact, this struggle within has been a good thing for me. It's helped me really focus on God and His Word more than I have in a long time, and I have a true passion for finding wisdom and truth. I finally felt like I was getting somewhere and truly growing in my faith.
So, imagine my surprise today when I get up and come across the following daily devotional titled "Discerning God's Voice" in my inbox:
"Just think of the many cults around today. No doubt, you've seen news reports or televised specials dissecting the odd-sounding belief systems of different faith-based groups. Many of them profess to be based on Scripture, yet they often have certain doctrines that are radically foreign to us; the God of the Bible is completely unrecognizable in their creeds. Obviously, this can pose a problem for those of us in the church who are eager to hear from our Father.
When confronted by different voices that claim to be 'true' and clamor for our attention, we remember two absolute truths:
First, we know that the Lord will never say anything that contradicts Scripture. For example, suppose a religious group claimed that extra-marital affairs were somehow acceptable in the Lord's sight. We would know immediately that this wasn't from God, as it directly contradicts Exodus 20:14.
Second, we know that God won't add to or take away from the Bible. It is His complete and reliable Word. Therefore, anyone claiming to have "more" scriptures or another Testament is a fraud.
Two of the Enemy's best weapons are distraction and deception. Don't fall for his lies. Test every voice against Scripture, and ask God for the wisdom to discern His voice among the impostors."
Those two highlighted sections really hit home for me. While I know that we are children of the light and lovers of truth who need to constantly seek God for the wisdom and truth of a matter, I still help but wonder about these two comments.
For now, I will continue to seek the truth and consider that man's interpretation of things may be flawed or slightly off the mark (because it is fallen man we're talking about here and even with the best intentions we are flawed sinners), but I will CONSTANTLY take all things to God in prayer.
In the meantime, the struggle within continues.
