The Sin Syndrome

I learned a ton during my "dark night of the soul" experience. On second thought, it probably wasn't that dramatic, but it did rock me to my spiritual core by resetting my compass.

One of the things I learned was how to eliminate strongholds of sin that manifest via the sin syndrome. What's the sin syndrome? Think of it as the tried and true process that Satan has used against us human beings since he first began trying to destroy us.

Worst of all is that when we're diagnosed with sin syndrome (if we're even lucky enough to recognize and self-diagnose our own state) the nature of the disease is that it keeps us feeling sorry for ourselves to the point where it renders us useless in this life. That's what our common enemy wants. That's where I was.

Fortunately, the Lord provides us with the vaccine, the only cure -- the truth that is embodied in His one and only Son Jesus Christ. With all the tools we could ever need within the Holy Bible I embarked on a spiritual journey that led me to some discoveries that I've missed all these years.




THE SIN SYNDROME: HOW TO ELIMINATE STRONGHOLDS

There are a series of critical steps we must take...

> Recognize who you are in Jesus Christ. We should walk in a manner worthy of our Lord. We are to walk closely with God; not drifting and falling away. Know who you've been redeemed to be and at least aspire to fulfill that role!

> Recognize the basic temptation. Often times, it's said that temptations to sin come in pairs. Faith or unbelief? If you have been falling away from God, and there seems to be some kind of a toehold-foothold-stronghold of sin in your life of let's say lust/pornography, realize that the lust/pornography is simply the obvious temptation -- not the fundamental one. If you're just going to attack the lust/pornography, you're not going to be as successful as if you will repent of your unbelief and start trusting God and start standing on His Word! That is the platform for the child of God to spring to victory! See, it's UNBELIEF because you're essentially saying that you don't believe God's Word means what it says when it warns against such sins. It is through faith and obedience that God will work with us to dismantle the strongholds of Satan. Yet, just as they went up one brick at a time, they typically don't all fall down at once. It will take some time and patience. So, be sure to rest on the following verses:

Psalm 138:8 (KJV) The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

> Confess your sin immediately!!! Confess your lust/pornography use (to use the same example as above), but confess your unbelief too. Don't forget the unbelief! "Father, forgive me for not trusting You, and for allowing this lust to build up in my life to the point where I committed adultery in my heart. Forgive me. I realize now it's because I've not trusted You; not trusted Your character; not trusted Your Word." Be specific.

> Ask God for the grace to trust Him. See Romans 12:3. When you realize that you can't even trust God apart from His grace, then you will cry out to God and say: "Father, I'm in this shape because I've refused to trust You, and I yielded to the temptation, trusting sin instead to fulfill me and my desires. Oh what a wretched realization this is to me! Lord, I repent of my unbelief, and I beg You Lord to give me more faith! Since it seems that I don't really have any and was deceiving myself I pray that You at least give me the faith the size of a mustard seed so that I can trust You!"

> Get into an accountability relationship. One of the most important means of finding victory. Hebrews 10:25 is relevant here. This is where most of us fail to find victory over sin whatever it may be. We refuse to get into an accountability relationship. Women are more likely than men to do so, and I guess that's because we probably feel like it would "threaten our masculinity" or something. This type of relationship is kinda like crutches. We rely on it until we're healed. Bottom line, this is a secret weapon against the sin syndrome.


After all of that, as important as it was to my spiritual recovery, it wasn't until I thought about guilt. For me, the light bulb FINALLY went off when I recognized guilt for what it really was. Whereas Satan wanted to use my feelings of guilt to paralyze me, God intended to use that intense feeling of guilt to remind me of the simple truth of the matter.

What do I mean? Well, just that years ago when I committed a sin I never gave it a single thought. The mere fact that now, when I do fall on occasion, I will immediately experience intense feelings of guilt, and that to me is crystal clear evidence of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit working in my life. Furthermore, when I recognize that the guilt I experience now weighs heavier and heavier as time goes by is crystal clear evidence of sanctification; Philippians 1:6 in action.

I now look at guilt as another glorious gift of grace from our Heavenly Father because without guilt we would never recognize our need for the Savior.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Of course, that's a passage of Scripture that we're all quite familiar with. The Berean succinctly summarizes the importance of those 25 words:

This verse captures the essence of what a Christian absolutely must have faith in if he wants to conduct his life without falling into the same state of mind that Solomon did as shown in the book of Ecclesiastes. We, too, are subject to our own unstable convictions, opinions, and decisions. In addition, we are subject to decisions and circumstances that others make and over which we have no control, yet which cause us to descend into a blue funk. We seem to be powerless over people making these decisions, so life seems unfair that such things should happen. But we Christians cannot lose our perspective! Romans 8:28 is the right perspective for a Christian, a wonderfully encouraging and comforting promise. However, it does not automatically apply to everyone. Two conditions must be met. First, we must respond to God's grace, to His gift, to His calling, to His gift of Christ, to His gift of the Holy Spirit, to His gift of revealing to us knowledge and understanding of what is happening. We must respond -- that is, love God in return. Second, we must be one of "the called according to His purpose," one of the elect. This does not apply to those who have merely received an invitation from God, because that summons goes out to many more than actually respond to it. Just as in advertising, the call, the invitation, may go out over radio, television, or through the newspaper to millions of people, but few respond as compared to the mass of invitees. The calling of God is similar: The invitation goes out to many, but few become part of the elect (Matthew 22:14). If we meet these conditions, God is with us, and we can be encouraged and take comfort in that assurance.

Putting an exclamation point on all of this today is a beautiful promise I just found that comes to us from none other than the Book of Micah!

Micah 7:7-10 (KJV) Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

What powerful verses! I would suggest that we make this our prayer for those times when the Great Accuser comes to shoot those fiery darts our way. It's recognition of the fact that one has sinned against the Father, and acted disobediently when he/she knew better, but also a bold reminder to Satan that we will be victorious because we know that sooner or later (once we have paid the price for our sin) we will be judged innocent thanks to Jesus Himself who pleads our case, and as a result defeats the Evil One.

A few verses later there's more:

Micah 7:18-19 (KJV) Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

How appropriate is it that that's how the book of Micah ends? And so, that's where this reflection on my recent experience ends as well.

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Posted in: Bible Study,Daily Bread,Spiritual Growth

Four Pillars Of Obama

I'm not entirely sure why this is important, but I have an overwhelming sense that it is. I wish I could do better than that, but that's the best I can do. All I can say is that the Lord has my full attention placed upon this subject at the moment. Another deep, critical analysis born out of my recent studies on the Book of Micah.

A "pillar" is similar to a column, which is a vertical support structure in architecture, but the base section is any shape but circular. The key characteristic here is that it is a vertical structure that often lends support to a larger structure.

My symbolically-focused psyche looks at the pillar as a physical reminder that we must always live our lives vertically. That is to say that we need to make sure we're looking up to and relying on our Lord for all things that would help support us in this life.

When it comes to discussing pillars in the Western world most of us I'd imagine probably think of architectural structures that are usually a part of some great historical building or monument.



When it comes to discussing pillars in a geo-political context most of us are familiar with the "Five Pillars" as in the "Five Pillars of Islam".

When it comes to discussing pillars in an occult context we find them in Freemasonry and in Kabbalah.




When it comes to discussing pillars in a religious context (as in a Judeo-Christian framework) we find the word "pillar" show up 47 times in 35 verses within the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Meanwhile, the plural form ("pillars") shows up 89 times in 74 verses in the KJV.

The word pillar or pillars figures quite prominently in some key Biblical accounts: in the story about Lot's wife (a story of God's divine judgment; eerily consistent with current warnings for this nation and the rest of the world), in the Exodus story (twice: one in particular equates "twelve pillars" with the "twelve tribes of Israel"), in the descriptions of Solomon's Temple, and in the story of Samson to name a few. We also find it in the Book of Proverbs:

Proverbs 9:1 (KJV) Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars

What's unique about that verse is that it served as the inspiration for Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph, which is the autobiographical account of the experiences of British soldier T. E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia"), while he served as a liaison officer with rebel forces during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks of 1916-1918. Arab revolt? Sounds like the present day. 1918? Wasn't that the same year as the first global flu pandemic that's being used as a warning by the governments of the world to scare us into taking the H1N1 vaccine? No, I must have my facts wrong (wink*wink). Sorry, I'm getting slightly off topic.

Interestingly, and in less than a year on the job, when it comes to U.S. President Barack Hussein Obama -- apparently, someone without any Islamic roots despite a name that would seem to suggest otherwise as well as the evidence to the contrary (and until the preparation for his Cairo, Egypt speech, and the speech itself, actually changed all of that and confirmed our suspicions) -- he is making us become quite familiar with new concepts that always seem to be made up of "Pillars", but mainly "Four Pillars".

All anyone needs to do is go back and take a look at the major policy speeches he's given to easily find this reliance on "four pillars of whatever" to make his case and lay out his agenda. So what, right? Is this anything to be concerned about? After all, it could just be politics-as-usual (the politics of semantics), or it could be something more subversive given what we know about where we are along God's prophetic timeline.

What I'm more concerned with right now though is Obama's use of the verbiage. So, let's examine some of those speeches to highlight this new trend.


MARCH 2009 (3 SPECIFIC INSTANCES):

First Use

"Our belief and expectation is that we will get all the pillars in place for recovery this year ... We have confidence that working with Congress we can get the pillars of recovery in place," the president told The New York Times. READ FULL STORY. In one of his first uses of this term, President Obama revealed his true colors as Lex Rex of The Invisible Hand so brilliantly summarized at the time:



10 Pillars of Communism, straight from Karl Marx:

1. Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes. Obama's Pillar: Taking Control of Health Care, Allowing Government to Change terms of Contracts on Mortgages.

2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax. Obama's Pillar: $250,000 and above over taxed and all itemized deductions taken away.

3. Abolition of all rights of inheritance. Obama's Pillar: CEO pay limited, Continuation of the Death Tax, over taxation of the rich. More to be revealed.

4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels. Obama's Pillar: Soon to be revealed.
5. Centralization of credit in the banks of the state, by means of a national bank with state capital and an exclusive monopoly. Obama's Pillar: Takeover of CITI, and secretly loaning Bailout funds to banks. Bailout of FDIC.

6. Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the state. Obama's Pillar: Obama Hate List, Localization of the Fairness Doctrine. Attacks on anyone who crosses the Obama line; Limbaugh, Cramer, Santelli, Hannity, etc.

7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the state. Obama's Pillar: Nationalization of Sectors, Health Care, Auto Industry, more to come, with the DJI plummeting.

8. Equal obligation of all to work. Establishment of civil army. Obama's Pillar: Required Community Service.

9. Abolition of all the distinction between town and country by a more equable distribution of the populace over the country. Obama's Pillar: Sanford Amendment, if a State refuses Bailout Money. Destruction of the Federalism with Centralized control by the Federal Government, Obama's takeover and control of the Census.

10. Free education for all children in public schools. Obama's Pillar: Do away with Voucher program in Washington D.C., more to be revealed.


Second Use

This is where Obama first assigned a number to the pillars concept in a formal setting. Obama stressed that there are four pillars of his proposals:

1. Health Care Reform
2. Energy Reform
3. Education
4. Reducing The Budget Deficit

He mentioned these four pillars of his program more than once, and he counseled persistence in trying to enact his budget and solve the nation's problems, saying, "If you stick to it, you are persistent, then these problems can be solved."


Third Use

This time, Obama focused solely on education. In President Barack Obama's speech on education to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he outlined four pillars of K-12 school reform:

1. Investing In Early Childhood Initiatives
2. Encouraging Better Standards And Tests
3. Recruiting, Preparing, And Rewarding Outstanding Teachers
4. Promoting Innovation Through Charter Schools, Longer School Days And School Years


APRIL 2009:

Remember that Georgetown University speech? President Obama reaffirmed his five pillars of economic policy, including energy, as a key part of the economic recovery, in the NYT: "We can no longer delay putting a framework for a clean energy economy in place. That needs to be done now," the president said. Yes, a slight departure from his use of four pillars with the selection of five here, but the theme is still consistent -- pillars all the way.


JUNE 2009:

President Barack Obama swappeda 20-year "war on drugs" for a made-in-Vancouver "Four Pillars" drug policy. At least that's the take of Simon Fraser University criminologists who told The Province a new 2009 United Nations World Drug Report voices strong approval for a public- health rather than criminal-enforcement strategy for drug control.

1. Treating Drug Use As A "Disease" Not A Crime
2. Increasing Enforcement Efficiency By Going After Dealers Rather Than Users
3. Ending "The Tragedy of Cities Out of Control" Due To Drug Sales
4. Employing Unused International Crime-Fighting Tools Against Organized Crime And Corruption.

JULY 2009:

Obama’s Africa policy speech delivered in Ghana illustrated as much about what he hopes will be the U.S.’s own foreign policy renaissance as it did about his desired relationship with the continent of 54 countries and almost a billion people. Yes, he outlined four pillars there as well!

1. The Buttressing of Democracy And Good Governance
2. Smart Development Assistance
3. Strengthening Public Health
4. Support For Conflict Reduction And Resolution


SEPTEMBER 2009:

In his first speech to world leaders at the United Nations, Obama says the world is on the verge of making a New World Order. The National's headline fittingly read: Obama’s Four Pillars Look Like A Herculean Task, which nicely echoes Biden's suspicious "mark my words" statements from almost a full year ago when he likened the coming "guaranteed" and "manufactured international crisis" to cleaning out the Augean Stables (putting a bow on this headline connecting Obama's plans with Hercules).

Four Pillars of this speech to the UN:

1. Non-Proliferation And Disarmament
2. The Promotion of Peace And Security
3. The Preservation of Our Planet
4. A Global Economy That Advances Opportunioty For All People

After all this study on President Obama's use of the word pillar I should probably also point out that it would appear he's taking U.S. foreign policy advice as it relates to the Middle East not just from the global elite (i.e. CFR), but perhaps also from a man by the name of -- you guessed it! -- Paul R. Pillar.



Paul R. Pillar is a 28-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and a visiting professor at Georgetown University for security studies and as a member of the Center for Peace and Security Studies. As of just last week, Pillar wrote an editorial for the Washington Post that is getting rave reviews for "asking the right questions" about our nation's current foreign policy especially as it relates to defeating terrorists in Afghanistan while the President publicly debates whether or not he should send more troops there.

If President Obama really is the "Man of Sin" that we have been warned about (or even if they're trying to set us up by making us think he is), then we know that he will conquer by peace the first 3.5 years of his reign, and seem to have all the answers to all the worlds problems. Well, that jives quite nicely with Paul Pillar being closely aligned to this presidency. How so? The blogosphere has some interesting background on Pillar. Dinocrat had a useful overview of Pillar’s writings in 2004 and concludes:

Paul Pillar has a career interest and preference for negotiations as the way to solve conflicts. From his earliest book, he focused on situations where the outcome was not victory. Time and again, he has said that military solutions are not solutions. With regard to Iraq, whether it goes well or poorly, it goes poorly -- if terrorism is the question. Clearly Mr. Pillar is not on board with George Bush’s fundamental premises in the Global War on Terror, so it should be no surprise that he is having secret meetings around the country criticizing US policy. Why does this fellow have a job at the CIA?

When I began conducting research to write this piece I had every intention of keeping it relegated to the political arena. However, as I dug deeper and deeper I came across one or two items that demanded further investigation.

Remember a few weeks back when I wrote about the uncanny religiously-themed comic book series that ran from 2006-2008 called Testament? If not, please go back and read that write-up. I'm still working my way through all 22 issues in preparation for another report here, but what I can tell you is that the lines between fantasy and reality via pop culture have definitely been blurred once more with that critically acclaimed story.

The reason I'm bringing this up now has to do with the fact that I discovered that there's a pretty big technology firm called Pillar Data Systems. Given what they do as well as their prevalence for being on the cutting edge of technology I had an inkling that they might be one of the contractors approached and used should the federal government ever succeed in their plans to create a centralized online medical database in conjunction with the establishment of national health care.




Unfortunately, I didn't find anything to support that (yet), but I did see that they have been honored for the second year in a row as...What is "emergent tech" you ask? Think "Transhumanism" and/or the "Singularity" in a sense, which are both topics we've looked at here together to anticipate their connection with the end times. Emerging technologies is a general term used to denote significant technological developments that, in effect, broach new territory in some significant way in their field. Examples of currently emerging technologies include nanotechnology, biotechnology, cognitive science, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Many writers, including Computer Scientist Bill Joy, have identified clusters of technologies that they consider critical to humanity's future. Joy warns that the technology could be used by elites for good or evil. They could use it as "good shepherds" for the rest of humanity, or decide everyone else is superfluous and push for mass extinction those made unnecessary by technology.

Advocates of the benefits of technological change typically see emerging and converging technologies as offering hope for the betterment of the human condition. However, critics of the risks of technological change, and even some advocates such as transhumanist philosopher Nick Bostrom, warn that some of these technologies could pose dangers, perhaps even contribute to the extinction of humanity itself; i.e., some of them could involve existential risks. Needless to say, the consensus (especially from all of us Christians) is that this isn't a good thing at all.

Now, what in the world does this have to do with that comic book Testament? In short, the Antichrist figure of this story uses emerging technology (in this particular case it's an international, centralized database powered by nanotechnology!) to control an entire population via an embedded RFID device (one that was injected into people by a manadatory vaccine believe it or not!) by explicitly tying it to the global economy and distributing "credits" (this is a "power up" of sorts to the existing "Globo" monetary unit and it's called "Manna" during the "Get Tagged! You're It!" promotional campaign!) that not only allow people to buy and sell, but also affect serotonin levels and that helps him to also control their minds.

So, all of that is to simply suggest that we could be witnessing the beginning stages of a similar course of events unfold here in real life that connects the H1N1 panic and mass vaccination campaign with the prophesied Mark of the Beast technology (an RFID device injected into people), administered by a company with the technology that Pillar Data Systems offers.

No, not because "a comic book predicted it", but solely because "the Bible -- God's Word -- said this stuff would happen"; the comic book merely paints a potential scenario of how it might play out for real. And if it did play out that way would any of us really be that surprised to see God try to reach a world that ignores and rejects Him via pop culture since they prefer entertainment over reality anyways?

One final piece. Inventor Ray Kurzweil is among "techno-utopians" who believe that emerging and converging technologies could and will eliminate poverty and abolish suffering. Wouldn't that go hand-in-hand with Obama's four pillars project? If you're having doubts about that assumption then just take a look at this and tell me if it changes your mind:

Transcendent Man Film Trailer



I won't go on and on about the tragic symbolism inherent in the fact that this man Kurzweil is a Jew, and the fact that he is using his God-given brilliant intellect for what amounts to all this anti-Christ science, or the fact that he was born in 1948. Talk amongst yourselves about all of that.

Finally, speaking of pillars, we best remember this gem from the Democratic National Convention:


Christians know full well the prophetic implications inherent in that replica of Satan's Seat. Just ask Ultraguy for a sobering analysis from roughly a month ago! Secularists should note Obama's sly and chronic use of "pillars" in his speeches to highlight his salient points because every time he breaks out the pillar line, all I hear is him giving his Muslim homeys a nod and a wink and then saying, "Got your back, bro." Is he Muslim? Who the heck knows if we'll ever know for sure! Let's just say he has "a propensity" and leave it at that, shall we?

Again, to quickly recap (thanks to Dinah Lord):

> He used 'Four Pillars' in his namby-pamby UN speech.

> He used "Ten Pillars" in his March 7 economic recovery speech.

> He slimmed down his next economic recovery speech on April 14 to "5 Pillars".

> He used "Five Pillars" again in the "Obama Doctrine" of foreign policy spiel on July 13th.

> He used "Two Pillars" in his May 16 weekly address on health care reform and energy reform.

> He used "Five Pillars" in his March 11 education reform speech.

Now, we hear Nancy Pelosi use the term "pillar" to discuss nuclear non-proliferation yesterday:

"One of the strongest pillars of America’s national security is non-proliferation, and I commend President Obama for standing with fellow leaders to condemn this development and call on Iran to cooperate in our pursuit of a world free of weapons of mass destruction."

What gives!?! This entire pillar business reminds me a lot of the "new dawn" phraseology from awhile back too (the same "new dawn" phrase that showed up in that "Operation Blackjack" psy-op).

Last but not least, we've just seen Obama's prevalence for the use of the word "pillars", but mainly "four pillars" as he sees them depending on the issue he's addressing. You know, there's one very important use of "four pillars" in the Bible that I failed to mention.

One harmonious theme runs throughout the entire Bible -- the full relationship between God and man that was lost, and God’s plan to restore that relationship in due time. This plan is termed "atonement", and is revealed through God’s Tabernacle among His people, Israel.

To the casual reader of the Bible, the account of the Tabernacle of Israel may seem a chronicle of no real import for Christians today. The sacrifice of bulls and goats upon a brazen altar may seem to be just another meaningless tradition, but the Paul explains that this drama, played out among the Jews for over 500 years, was not only a schoolmaster designed to lead them to the Messiah, but that it also abounds with significance for the Christian -- "a shadow of good things to come" (Galatians 3:24; Hebrews 10:1).





What does any of this have to do with this whole "four pillars" business?

Exodus 26:32 (KJV) And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim [wood] overlaid with gold: their hooks [shall be of] gold, upon the four sockets of silver. (emphasis mine)

This comes to us in the passages that describes the building of the Tabernacle!!! Tabernacle means "tent", "place of dwelling", or "sanctuary". It was a sacred place where God chose to meet His people, the Israelites, during the 40 years they wandered in the desert under Moses’ leadership. It was the place where the leaders and people came together to worship and offer sacrifices.

The Tabernacle was first erected in the wilderness exactly one year after the Passover when the Israelites were freed from their Egyptian slavery (circa 1450 B.C.). It was a mobile tent with portable furniture that the people traveled with and set up wherever they pitched camp. The tabernacle would be in the center of the camp, and the 12 tribes of Israel would set up their tents around it according to tribe. The instruction on how to build the Tabernacle was first given to Moses in the wilderness, who then gave the orders to the Israelites.

And so God dwelled among His people in the Tabernacle in the wilderness. He appeared as a pillar of cloud over the Tabernacle by day and a pillar of fire by night in the sight of all Israel. The people would not set out on their journey unless the cloud lifted. It was an unmistakably powerful visual statement indicating God’s presence among them.

God knew that the Israelites needed visual evidence of His presence. When Moses went up to Mount Sinai for 40 days and the people did not see or hear from him, they grew impatient and gathered their gold to form a golden calf that they worshipped in place of God. After ten generations of living in Egypt, it was not surprising that the Israelites mimicked the Egyptians in fashioning a visual idol of their own. This act of disobedience demonstrated their need to follow and worship a God who was visually tangible. God’s provision of a Tabernacle -- itself a splendor to behold -- not only allowed the people to sense His presence, but also to see their leader go in to meet with God in a concrete place and not disappear up a mountain.

The Tabernacle of Moses is a lesson of unquestionable authority. The Tabernacle was more than just a dwelling place. All the components of the Tabernacle were part of an intricate visual aid to illustrate God's relationship with His people. One aspect of this relationship was God’s requirement for complete obedience. God told Moses to create the Tabernacle exactly the way He commanded. It was not to stray from God’s blueprint.

To this end, God gave very specific instructions about the size of each component and the materials the Israelites were to use. These seemingly cumbersome rules were not intended to burden the people, but to show God’s unquestionable authority and holiness, and emphasize that people could only come to God on God’s terms, not on their own. They had to obey reverently not only in the construction of the Tabernacle, but also in the way they worshipped. Any irreverence or ritual uncleanness could result from an individual being cut off from his people or in death. For example, the command to "hang four pillars of shittim [wood]" that we just looked at above.

The wilderness Tabernacle is a projection of God’s redemptive plan. In the New Testament, John writes: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). This word "dwelling" is the same word for "tabernacle" in the Old Testament. In other words, God came in living flesh to dwell or to tabernacle among His people. As He walked upon the Earth and lived among the Jews, Jesus Christ Himself fulfilled the picture of the Old Testament Tabernacle. In that and many other ways, the Tabernacle really was a prophetic projection of the Lord’s redemptive plan for His people.

Revelation 21:3 (KJV) And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’

Folks, that to me is an appropriate conclusion to today's journey. I pray that the Holy Spirit opens all the eyes and ears of those reading this so that everyone can clearly see that we're so very close to the prophesied Tribulation and all that comes with it. Before we know it, our chance to get right with God will come to an end. There will be no more time to make amends.

Isaiah 55:6 (KJV) Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

RECOMMENDED READING:
The Four Pillars of Obamaism

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Posted in: America In Prophecy,How Close Are We?,Israel And Middle East,New World Order,Political Signs

Vaccine Rights Rally A Response To Sorceries

By the time you reach the end of this piece today you'll know why the Lord led me to a comprehensive study of the Book of Micah. But first, please allow me to set the stage a bit before the curtain is raised on His production.

It's good to see such awareness and hesitation -- no, common sense -- out there on this subject. Specifically, that people are standing up for what's right when it comes to state-mandated forced vaccines like they are pushing in New York State.

That's right! Quietly, a couple weeks ago Albany passed a new law that requires ALL HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL to receive both the regular Flu shot as well as the Swine Flu vaccine by November 30th. Those who do not comply will be at the mercy of their employers to decide what will be done with them. Many will lose their job willingly rather than take a vaccine.

In an unprecedented power grab, Richard Daines (the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health) has issued an order requiring all health care workers to get the seasonal Flu shot by November 30th or face termination. Daines justifies this seizure of rights by making the bogus claim that there is a seasonal flu emergency in New York. In another unprecedented move, unlike all other vaccine mandates under New York law, NO EXEMPTIONS will be allowed for religious reasons! How good of them to have all of their bases covered, isn't it?

Daines has no authority to declare a non-existent public health emergency. According to the NYSDOH's own data, there was only 68 confirmed cases of flu in the week ending on September 12th in a state of almost 20 million people! Plus, none of the laws cited by Daines in a document explaining his actions gives him the authority to override existing law by decree according to an analysis performed by attorneys working with the Autism Action Network.

My mom is one of those medical professionals who will be affected by this. In fact, she already received a letter from her employer stating that she needs to at least get the regular Flu shot by October 30th, and the H1N1 vaccine by November 30th. She's going to refuse both and is currently in limbo about what that might mean for her and her 30+ years of medical experience as an LPN.

Unfortunately, my recruiting firm rarely dealt with the Health Care Industry so I don't have any opportunities to throw her way let alone contacts to put her in touch with. All of that doesn't matter though. As this news video shows, she definitely won't be the only one standing firm on this issue:

Forced Vaccines Refused By Nurses In New York



What will happen to my mom and others like her? I guess we'll know soon enough as we're down to only weeks left before a state-imposed mandate to get vaccinated by a certain date reaches critical mass. For now, my mom is doing the only thing she can -- relying and resting on the Lord to see her through.

Actually, it's kinda funny because my mom who's not much of a writer herself has been on fire the past 2-3 weeks. A more accurate description would be to say that she's writing, and writing, and writing as if her life depended on it! Specifically, she's working on a collection of daily devotionals that she plans to self-publish that she says "help people get through the storms of life like losing a job unexpectedly because you refuse to take a vaccine that you know is not safe..." and the last time I talked to her she had something like 50 chapters! God works in mysterious ways, huh?

Anyway, the mainstream media has been extremely quiet on this so much so that those who don't have family and friends in the Health Care Industry probably have no idea this is going on. My mom and I separately talked to my aunt about this very same subject when the news first broke that the law had been passed a few weeks ago (she lives in Annapolis, MD) and she hadn't heard a single word about any of this! Worse, she thought we were making it up even though we live in New York ourselves ("Oh, come on now! Where did you hear that? On the Internet?").

Good to see that there's an organized protest tomorrow in Albany, NY over this:

Vaccine Rights Rally At State Capitol Building
East Capitol Park
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
10am - 1pm EST
Albany, NY

I will do my best to report back following tomorrow's protest. Hopefully, there are others out there who know more about this than I do, or who know of other rallies taking place around the country.

Either way, we need to at least spread the word. Folks, this is how it all starts -- covertly with those who "should get the vaccine", which is only a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from making it mandatory for everyone. Today, it's health care workers. Tomorrow, it's you and me.

Remarkably, this all fits nicely within an end times prophecy context. How so aside from all the things we've already speculated? Although it is not generally known (heck, I didn't know this until I heard it on Future Quake!), Biblical prophecies concerning the last days clearly identify drugs playing a key role. This fact, however, has been obscured through a poor translation of the original Old and New Testament texts.

For example, in Revelation 9:21 most translations have translated the Greek pharmakeion / pharmakeia as "sorceries" (see KJV, ASV, NAS, NAU, RSV, NRS, NKJ, WEB, DRA, RWB, YLT). The New King James Version has a marginal reference which says that in the Alexandrian and Majority Texts the Greek word in Revelation 9:21 is pharmakon, which literally refers to "drugs".

Yet, the Greek word in the Textus Receptus underlying the KJV at Revelation 9:21 is pharmakeia, which can literally refer to either the "use of drugs", or to "poisoning", or to "druggery".

It should be noted that the reference in Revelation 9:21 is not to a helpful or medicinal use of drugs such as in Paul's instruction to Timothy to use a little wine for its medicinal properties (1 Timothy 5:23). The pharmakeia of Revelation 9:21 is an end-time druggery, which could refer to everything from over-prescribed antidepressants to forced vaccines (like the coming H1N1 vaccine), or something entirely new and unexpected that is soon to be introduced to the world.

It would seem as though there's also a connection to my Micah study from the last few days, which blows my mind. Some argue that the greatest single examples involving drugs in the Bible (i.e. examples of illegal drug trafficking brought about through free trade; capitalism run amok due to the international pharmaceutical drug lobby via something like the H1N1 vaccine in response to a manufactured global pandemic) can be found in the historical record of the two birthright nations descended from the ancient Biblical patriarch Joseph, the two birthright nations of Ephraim and Manasseh. In Genesis 48:16, they were collectively given the prophetic name of Israel.

Their collective power is described in the tremendous prophecy of Micah 5:7-15; a prophecy that depicts deliverance and destruction simultaneously. They are described collectively and symbolically as a lion capable of destroying all of their enemies (verses 8-9). Also described, however, is their internal moral decay; and a major part of this decay is their illegal/immoral involvement with drugs. Upon closer examination, one wonders if this passage is also referring to the coming judgment upon America.

God says, "and I will cut off sorceries from your hand" (Micah 5:12). The word "sorceries" (NKJV) is a translation of kashaphiym, which the Septuagint translates as pharmaka, or literally drugs. Micah 5:12 alone indicates drugs being "in their hand", and that denotes direct action, or perhaps involvement in illegal drug trafficking. Could it denote forced vaccination instead of illegal drug trafficking?

Another major prophecy revealing an end-time involvement in either illegal drug trafficking or forced vaccination is found in Malachi 3:2-6. This prophecy concerns the return of Jesus Christ, His second advent (verses 2-4). As in Revelation 18:23, some argue it also describes the results of Anglo-American free trade imperialism. Could we say that it describes the results of capitalism at its worst? Profiting from a man-made global H1N1 pandemic and the vaccine used in response to it?

It seems plausible to me unless I'm missing something here. Another unbelievable connection is made between "sorcerers" and "those that oppress the hireling in his wages" (verse 5). That last verse (verse 5) is what sells it for me. I mean, it sounds an awful lot like these medical professionals who will be fired for not taking the vaccines, or an awful lot like the state of NY "that oppress the hireling in his wages", doesn't it?

Not convinced? According to this excellent commentary by James R. Calvert from way back in 2002 for RNN:

In Malachi 3:5, the word "sorcerers" is a translation of the Hebrew word makashaphiym. Makashaphiym here is a ksp participle in the Pi'el form of the verbal stem functioning as a substantive. This is important because such a form has the sense of an occupation (see Wilhelm Gesenius, E. Kautzsch, and A. E. Cowley, Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar, 2nd English ed. [London: Oxford University Press, 1910], sec. 52 f, h; Brown, Driver, and Briggs, Lexicon, p. 506, and William Sanford LaSor, Handbook of Biblical Hebrew [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979], vol. 2., p. 104, sec. 28.2). The exact same form is used this way in Exodus 7:11 and Daniel 2:2 where it is speaking of individuals whose livelihood was also somehow involved with drugs.

Absolutely stunning, isn't it?

Lord, I am in complete and total awe of You! I have no words to describe the depth of how you have seamlessly woven Your Word with the realities of this life. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that You are in full control now just as You have always been. So, I will not fear what it coming, but rest on what You've already told us to expect, and trust in You to see me (us) through.

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Posted in: America In Prophecy,Four Horsemen,How Close Are We?,Mark Of The Beast,New World Order,Pale Horse,Political Signs,Spiritual Deception,Swine Flu

Pruning, Pillars, Prayer And Union Station

NOTE: Busy weekend ahead so barring any unprecedented news that needs critical analysis this will be the lead story for the next few days. Don't worry because there's plenty to digest here. So, sit back and enjoy connecting-the-dots as much as I did. Praise God for the discernment He's giving to His Bride at this late hour.


Let's go rabbit hunting! Shall we? Fortunately, for us with ears to hear and eyes to see the rabbit isn't doing as good a job hiding his tracks as you'll soon see in a moment.

By the way, a brief aside. I think I'll start refraining from calling these casual observations "chasing rabbits" and/or "going down rabbit holes" because to the occult world I guess rabbits symbolize fertility, intuition, rebirth, promise, fulfillment, and balance. He is the goddess’ creature and represents the Moon, night, and dawn, and is also associated with abundance, rebirth, and release and is symbolic of the ‘tween times -- dawn and dusk. Their motions were used for divination too. They’re also associated with transformation, receiving esoteric knowledge, and intuitive messages. It's also known as a trickster. But I digress.

Yep, it's so true that once God gets a hold of you He never lets go. The last few days proved to me the veracity of this verse:

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

During this period of sanctification, it was amazing to me how often (even in the last 2-3 days) the Lord was trying to hammer home the same theme in my life. The other day I did some much needed yardwork -- pruning in a sense -- on some bushes, plants, and shrubs that I had neglected for almost 4 years since we moved into this house. We just let them grow! The property didn't look "messy" per se, but let's just say it finally reached the point where we had to do something about it and clean up what was fast becoming a mess if not an eye sore. Boy, nothing symbolic for me in any of that, huh?

But the Lord wasn't done revealing things to me. At the very same time I was working my way through a study of the Book of Micah, the world focused its attention on the United Nations and the first speech given there by "The One".

How did I know that the Lord was trying to tell me something by leading me to that study at the precise moment? Well, one of the most famous verses -- one that is contained within the symbolic imagery of a sculpture that adorns the UN Headquarters in New York -- is one that comes from the Book of Micah believe it or not!

Micah 4:3 (KJV) And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (emphasis mine)

Now, let's remember what we found in the last entry posted here about how Micah and Isaiah were contemporaries. Actually, we find the same words used in the Book of Isaiah too:

Isaiah 2:4 (KJV) And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (emphasis mine)

Why is that relevant? Well, when I finally got around to visiting the blogs I frequented in the past before my "rest and wait" period just to catch up a bit and to see what they might be noticing too. Not surprisingly, I was floored to find Ultraguy over at New Wineskins writing about essentially the same things! In fact, he wrote the following that must be included here for obvious reasons:



It was pointed out to me recently that the UN charter leans heavily on Isaiah 2:4, which I quote below in the fuller context of verses 2-4:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

The gross conceit of the UN charter, of course, is to focus only on the swords/plowshares bit and assume man can take on this task himself without God. Such an impulse, while perhaps well-meaning (who is not for peace?) is nonetheless premature, naive and arrogant (prideful). Instead, the passage is widely interpreted as referring to Christ’s reign in the coming millennial kingdom and not to a bunch of God-denying bureaucrats who can only agree to average their wicked opinions and call it justice.

Of course, this led me to recall the common view that the coming Antichrist will rise to power and establish his dictatorship through peace during those first 3.5 years. So, I guess it was fitting that AT THE SAME TIME THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA WAS SPEAKING TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN HIS FIRST EVER SPEECH TO THAT POLITICAL BODY is the same time that I came across the following headline and story:

Adidas And Puma Bury Hatchet After More Than 60 Years

Simply put, employees of Germany's rival sportswear companies Adidas and Puma symbollically ended the firms' 60-year-old family feud on Monday with a friendly football match to mark the UN-backed Peace One Day initiative. The game was meant to bring a symbolic end to one of Germany's most infamous family feuds, which began in 1948 when a row between brothers Rudolf and Adolf Dassler split the family sportswear business, already a major supplier in the field, into two camps. Does that year ring any bells with you?

Now, I know there will be some people who will see that and go, "Huh? Boy's lost his head again!" But I look at that headline and marvel at how the storylines and themes that the Lord is about to work out in full view within the world (those with serious prophetic implications) has a ripple effect as though this were a small sampling of what's to come. It's like how when you throw a stone into a body of water and you see the outermost ripples first that all point back to that original splash (there's a nod to the custom called Tashlich that we just looked at too).

In other words, I saw this headline and the accompanying story while it appeared simultaneous to Obama's speech as indicative of how peace between the world and Israel is not far off. Apparently, that assumption from a few days ago may be more chillingly accurate than even I anticipated given the latest revelation published over at New Wineskins today.

Oh yeah, did I mention how that story about Adidas and Puma was about how they "buried the hatchet after 60 years" and that timeline is as close to a dead on match as you can get when comparing it to the history of Israel as a nation. From Netanyahu's speech to the UN: "Nearly 62 years ago, the United Nations recognized the right of the Jews, an ancient people 3,500 years-old, to a state of their own in their ancestral homeland."

Breathtaking, isn't it? The comment that really hit me hard, however, was when he said: "History has shown us time and again that what starts with attacks on the Jews eventually ends up engulfing many others."

Zechariah 12:3 (KJV) And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Sure enough, right on cue, another seemingly non-related news story to those who are lost and spiritually blind was given to us who know better when we read:

Zelaya: Israeli Mercenaries Trying To Kill, Irradiate Me

Let's revisit Obama's speech. Ultraguy pointed out that he used the word "peace" 29 times. What bothered me is his use of the word "pillar". Now, I haven't looked to see how many times he uttered that word, but I'd venture to guess it was a lot less than his use of the word "peace". Still, did anyone else catch what he was saying when he began talking about his "Four Pillars" concept?

Barack Obama spoke of "four pillars", and they are the goals he wants to accomplish. In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Obama told world leaders Wednesday he believes there are four pillars necessary to ensure that future -- nuclear disarmament, the promotion of peace and security, preservation of the planet, and a global economy that offers opportunity for all people. Obama says those pillars must be "the guiding principle of international cooperation".

The fourth pillar is the one I want to focus on for the moment. The fourth pillar Obama spoke of was concerning a way for the entire world to have jobs, and for no one to be without jobs, and for everyone to be able to have a way to buy food. What does that sound like to you? A world where everyone has a job? Sounds really hard to believe something like this can be accomplished unless Obama has the same idea of a mark as described in the Bible. How else do you think Obama would be capable of such an ambitious task without using the mark idea?

Of course, the verse from the Bible that is most relevant to an end times discussion that contains the word pillar is one that's known to most:

Genesis 19:26 (KJV) But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. (emphasis mine)

Sticking with this same speech for a moment let's go back and look more closely at the "swords into plowshares" stuff. To secular world, this concept has always represented a concept in which military weapons or technologies are converted for peaceful civilian applications. The plowshare is often used to symbolize creative tools that benefit mankind, as opposed to destructive tools of war, symbolized by the sword, a similar sharp metal tool with an arguably opposite use. The common expression "beat swords into plowshares" has been used by disparate social and political groups who have hijacked a beautiful Biblical verse that I read as being descriptive of what life will be like when we are all living in the Kingdom Come with Jesus Christ at the head of society.

Fitting. What was it? A day later when Obama also unveiled an "historic agreement" involving worldwide nuclear disarmament? Again, right on cue. Yet, we should know by now that our Heavenly Father is always right on time with all things. May we always continue to trust in Him in the days and weeks ahead because we all know that those who beat their swords into plowshares will end up plowing for those who did not.

Moving on. Believe it or not, my Micah study (and this resulting "observing the times" post) led me to 2 particular political sculptures -- one at the UN and the other at Union Station in Washington D.C. of all places.



As mentioned, the United Nations garden contains several sculptures and statues that have been donated by different countries. The one pictured above is called "Let Us Beat Swords Into Plowshares" and it was a gift from the then Soviet Union presented in 1959, which is surreal since this current atmosphere of "disarmament, peace, and security" arrived immediately following the unexpected turn of events between the US and Russia in regards to the proposed missle shield. Made by Evgeniy Vuchetich, the bronze statue represents the figure of a man holding a hammer in one hand and, in the other, a sword which he is making into a plowshare, symbolizing man's desire to put an end to war and convert the means of destruction into creative tools for the benefit of all mankind. This was the first sculpture that my Micah study led me to.

The second political sculpture highlighted by that Micah study can be found in Washington D.C. At Union Station to be exact. What, if anything, is prophetically significant about Union Station? Is this merely another "rabbit hole" underserving of our valuable time that could be better spent with the Lord? And why did my earlier study on the Book of Micah, Rosh HaShanah, and Tashlich lead me there and compel me to take a closer look?

After all, that would seem like a pretty "heavy" command after The Valley of Uncertainty & Quiet I was lost in the past few weeks. Even so, if there's one thing I learned it's to stop questioning Him so much and start obeying Him more in blind faith and obedience even when things make no sense to my limited brain.

First, let's take a look at the sculpture of Thales at the Union Station front facade:





The vertical lines created by the gigantic Ionic columns terminate in 18 foot high allegorical figures, a grouping entitled "The Progress of Railroading" by Louis St. Gaudens, representing Fire, Electricity, Freedom, Imagination, Agriculture and Mechanics (6 statues and the 36 centurions around the main hall in the interior; 6 + 36 = 42!).

Oh yeah, those "18 foot high allegorical figures"? Well, believe it or not, they have a connection to the "pillar" stuff we just looked at too:

2 Kings 25:17 (KJV) The height of the one pillar [was] eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it [was] brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work. (emphasis mine)

What is 2 Kings about? In general, it's an historical account of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah during the time of Elijah and Elisha. It also speaks of the restoration and opening of the Temple not once, but twice.

We also find it in Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 52:21 (KJV) And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof [was] four fingers: [it was] hollow. (emphasis mine)

Both portions of Scripture referenced above from 2 Kings and Jeremiah tell of the captivity of Judah. So, if what some scholars believe about the United States in end times prophecy is, in fact, true -- that there are some groups who say that Ephraim is Great Britain and Manasseh is the United States (although others say it seems to fit the Biblical descriptions of these tribes in the last days better when viewed the other way around, but it doesn’t make a great deal of difference since they claim both are Joseph and Joseph represents both Great Britain and the United States) -- then the fascinating prophetic application for us today can be found in the Book of Revelation:

Revelation 3:12 (KJV) Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name. (emphasis mine)

What about those other pillars at Union Station? What beings were chosen to adorn the Main Entrance to this nation's primary transportation hub?

Prometheus (for Fire):


Thales (for Electricity), which we already looked at.

Themis (for Freedom and Justice):


Apollo (for Imagination and Inspiration):


Ceres (for Agriculture):


Archimedes (for Mechanics):


Interesting to note (given our look at her in the past) the substitution of "Agriculture" for "Commerce" (in the form of Ceres) in a railroad station iconography, which historians claim vividly conveys the power of a specifically American lobbying bloc. Given the occult forces at work in Washington D.C., I'm not sure I buy that "official" explanation. Do you?

Luckily, I also found these images from the Library of Congress that document the inscriptions found at Union Station after I wondered if there might be anything of substance there in an effort to find covery symbolism contained within the overy symbolism.

What else as we march towards wrapping things up for the day? Here's what I wrote in that commentary on the Book of Micah:

A very brief aside (and something to keep in the back of our minds without going too far down a rabbit hole since it's not the primary focus of this entry), is that

a sculpture of Thales (representing Electricity from "The Progress of Railroading" in 1908), stands as the main facade of Union Station (Washington, DC), which is bizarre after all the anti-terrorism talk and raids this past week involving various cells that the government feared were planning a Madrid/London style subway bombing.

I've read that many Jews in New York City annually perform the ceremony each year in large numbers from the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, but I could not find any independent confirmation of that taking place this year. However, what I did find that was most encouraging despite the media blackout was the fact that 60,000 Christian faithful gathered for the "Prayer In The Square Event" over the weekend, and one prominent Jew from the political arena even joined in. Interesting testimony to the power of prayer and faith in the only one, true God since it would appear that an attack in NYC that was imminent has now been foiled. Hmmm, I wonder if the opposite holds true for cities that support mass prayer and faith in a Satanic god instead? God forbid! Food for thought though especially if an unthinkable horror occurs. Perhaps the subject of the next column.

Ok, so what? This is just another uncanny observation. Weird, yes, but prophetically significant? By now, hopefully, you've come to know me as being someone who takes Ecclesiastes 1:9 to heart -- and why shouldn't I? I mean, if we truly believe that the Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of God, then aren't we instructed to take everything -- that means all of it -- literally, and where we have "issues" with some things that's where we're to rely on our faith to fill the gaps?

Let's also keep in mind that as this Washington Times piece reports:


On Sept. 25, Dar ul Islam, a mosque in Elizabeth, N.J., is slating a massive Friday “jummah” prayer event at the west front of the U.S. Capitol; on the very site that President Obama gave his inauguration speech not so long ago. This is not a joke. Click on this site and the strains of the sonorous Islamic call to prayer (which will be heard at the Capitol, I am guessing), will flow from your computer’s loudspeakers. The mid-day summons to Allah will echo amongst Washington’s most august monuments, the site says “for the sole purpose of prayer.” And “the peace, beauty and solidarity of Islam will shine through the America’s capital.”

They’re talking about reserving 500 buses and talking about 50,000 attendees, so this could be one big clump of folks who head for lunch at Union Station afterward, which is only five blocks away. Pure speculation on my part, but I need to put it out there just in case and definitely in this geo-political climate.

You just know that there's a Hollywood connection to all of this, right? Remember the Nicholas Cage blockbuster "Knowing" that I'm sure everyone's seen once or twice by now? Remember this intense scene?

Knowing Subway Crash Scene
(WARNING: Graphic Scene)



Guess what? That "train derailment" took place in Manhattan, NY in the movie! Furthermore, in one of the write-ups I did on that film I noted how one of the few dates highlighted in the story that was significant was October 19, 2009, which is when we reach the climax (i.e. Rapture and planetary destruction events depicted in the film happened on the same day I believe).

If I remember things correctly it was the above subway crash (with obvious terrorism undertones) that occurred just 1-2 weeks prior to that October 19th date -- or next week for those of us living in the real world. That's to simply point out the absurdity of the fact that we're coming up on the "fictional" events depicted in the movie, which mirror current events following all this terror threat business. Surreal indeed!

Want to blow your mind even further? Someone told me that October 19, 2009 just happens to be 1 Cheshvan 5770 on the Jewish Calendar. Regular readers will remember the potential significance of this month after our studies here in October-November 2008, but if you're new here it's a bonus factoid to note that I've been told that the Great Flood began -- estimated of course -- on 17 Cheshvan - 2105 BCE and ended 27 Cheshvan - 2104 BCE in this particular month we about to enter ourselves! The First Temple was also completed (17 Cheshvan - 960 BCE) in this month, which resonates with what we just saw in that 2 Kings 25 passage!

Incredibly, there is more spiritual convergence here than all of that. In my surfing studies I came across an informative website called Scofield Prophecy Studies whose stated mission is to share "historical tidbits as how Christian expression and public prayer was a vital part of our nation’s blessing. We may not fully know of the spiritual state of all the men we examine, but we do know none of them were fearful of prayers to the God of the Bible in the public setting."

In an article titled "America Must Pray" by Mal Couch, we're reminded that "public prayer, spiritual publications of poems and music, have always been a part of America, until recently. There are forces now trying to silence the Christian spiritual heritage of open and free expression to our God that made this nation great."

Precisely. So, while this noise will be allowed on our Capitol, I'm sure there's a Catholic church somewhere that's not allowed to ring its churches chimes due to the fact that it violates a noise ordinance. Nice study in contrasts there, huh?

There's still another connection to the present day in all of this -- GM as in General Motors, or "Government Motors". Here's the excerpt from the aforementioned column:

Charles E. Wilson, president of General Motors, was in Union Station in Washington, D.C. on the very day of the World War II invasion of Europe began, June 6, 1944, D-day. It had just been announced on the radio that the invasion was beginning. At first the station was filled with the noise of people rushing about, the commuter trains were pouring into the station putting out an enormous hubbub of sounds and energy. But then the buzz of whispers and excitement on the train concourse went from one end of the station to the other as people said, "The invasion's begun, they've landed in Normandy, France."

As Wilson watched, it was first a woman who dropped to her knees right there in the middle of the station and folded her hands. Then a man nearby fell to his knees. Then another and another. People went down with folded hands leaning on the hard wooden benches in the main lobby. Wilson asked, what are they praying for, or who? "For Jim, George, or just for peace?" Perhaps for no reason at all, except that in the hush of the moment we all felt the need to pray!

In a few minutes everyone got up off the floor. Each went on his or her own way. The commitment was personal, private, with no embarrassment or apology expressed.

Wilson reflected later, "Union Station will always have a special meaning: we were there on the day the railroad station in Washington, D.C. became a house of prayer!"

What is sad is to think of America today. It is doubtful if any such expression of public worship and humility could ever take place again. To find hundreds and hundreds of Christians in the same public place who were willing to express their thoughts to God, would almost be impossible! One has to conclude that America then was far more Christian than today! And no one felt guilty at that hour to speak forth the thoughts of their hearts to the Lord!

What do we make of all of this? Me? I see it as being highly significant that this anecdote about Union Station from the '40s marked the decisive turning point in World War II. Given where we are on God's prophetic timeline (and how "late in the game" it is), does anyone else wonder if today's "prayer vigil" by the enemy could mark another decisive turning point in this nation's history?

It's all certainly plausible and I doubt it would surprise anyone especially those of you who already have ears to hear and eyes to see.

In the end, if such a scenario were to unfold in reality I guess it would be sort of morbidly poetic for Union Station to play a major role in kick-starting the Tribulation. I mean, when you think about it, the Book of Revelation itself is like a great Union Station where the great trunk lines of prophecy come in from other portions of Scripture. Revelation does not originate, but consummates. It is imperative to a right understanding of the book to be able to trace each great subject of prophecy from the first reference to the terminal.

I guess that leaves us searching our pockets and making sure we have our "ticket" that will allow us to escape when the Great Conductor shouts "All aboard!!!"

Spiritual convergence or spiritual nonsense? In the end, I'm not sure if there's significance to everything explored here today or not. What I do know is that most of what we looked at together is prophetically significant.

Let's seek our Lord for His wisdom into these matters and share the things He might reveal to us following fellowship and prayer with the Source Of All Truth.

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Posted in: America In Prophecy,How Close Are We?,Israel And Middle East,Political Signs,Spiritual Deception

"Make Mine Micah!!!"

Here in Western New York we have a VERY popular taco joint (ok, that sounds weird; let's call it a taco fast food restaurant similar to Taco Bell) called Mighty Taco.

If you're ever in these parts for any reason be sure to add Mighty Taco's "Super Mighty" to your menu along with the original Chicken Wings from the Anchor Bar. For years, Mighty's slogan was a catchy phrase that read "Make Mine Mighty!!!" and today I'd like to steal their thunder and shout "Make Mine Micah!!!" as in the Book of Micah written by the Old Testament prophet of the same name.

It's surreal when one's private life seems to be in sync with unrelated real world events. Maybe that's the point -- that they're not "unrelated" after all.

At the very least, perhaps the lesson is to be open to the possibility that God can (and will) communicate with you in a very personal way if you simply open yourself to that type of thinking and allow for the possibility to manifest itself.

This is not to imply that I've somehow traded in the God of the Christian Bible for a pantheistic god -- "god is all, and all is god" -- but is to call attention to the fact that nothing is beyond God's control or reach. He is involved in the intricacies of each and every life and so if He decides He wants to use a newspaper headline or a song on the radio to get your attention than so be it! Who are we to say that He doesn't care about us enough to go to any length by using anything and everything within His creation to get our attention and draw us to Him?

In others words, you have to be observant and always watching and waiting for Him to move in your life so that you can give Him the proper glory and praise when He does. Hmmm, fascinating how consistent that would be with all of Jesus' commands to "watch and pray" too, huh?

For example, take for instance the fact that Rosh HaShanah was just celebrated over the weekend by Jews worldwide as well as by those Christians who have recognized that such a holiday is better labelled as being one of the Lord's Feast Days as opposed to merely a Jewish Feast Day.

Now, I don't write that to suggest that we're somehow not living obediently unless we observe and practice celebrating these Feast Days for ourselves (especially not after the commentary and confessional I just wrote the other day), but just that we should tacitly acknowledge their prophetic significance and that's all.

We're all well aware of what Rosh HaShanah represents on the world stage. What many of us might not realize (I had no idea until just now) is that there is an ancient Jewish custom called "Tashlich" that is connected to that all important Feast of the Lord.

The word "Tashlich" means "You will cast away" and so it's just another fitting discovery that correlates to my own personal situation, which is why I felt it was worth mentioning briefly here in follow-up to my previous post.

In this context, it refers to a custom dating from at least as early as the fourteenth century, but probably much earlier, based on the last verses of the Book of Micah:

Micah 7:18-20 (KJV) "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old." (emphasis mine)

Though I learned about it through these verses in Micah, I read that its earliest reference appears to be in the Book of Nehemiah which states, "All the Jews gathered as one in the street that is in front of the gate of water" (Nehemiah 8:1-10).

Still, I stayed with Micah and I'm glad I did. In fact, I decided to do a Bible study of this remarkable book with intense prophetic implications. The name "Micah" means "Who is like God?", in the sense that God is unique. It's actually the name of several people in the Holy Bible. Micah was an inspiring prophet to say the least, and when I re-read this book I was astounded by some of the things that stuck with me.




NOTES: BOOK OF MICAH BIBLE STUDY

> I see this book as a warning about the dangers of evil. In just 7 chapters, Micah hits us squarely between the eyes and the truth hurts although it needs to be heard if we are ever going to find forgiveness and restoration.

> Along with a great influx of wealth into the Israelite society during Micah’s time, came an increasing number of social evils. A quasi-peace pervaded over the smaller regional nations, which in some respects is much like post-war America. Accompanying the loss of morals came a warped view of God and a corrupt religious community. At this point, the Northern and Southern Kingdoms (Israel and Judah) were happy with class oppression, decadent religious observances (6:7), and smug contentment before their God. In light of their rejection of Him, God was raising up a nation (Assyria) that would in the near future (722-721 BC) swallow up their wickedness.

> God in His grace interrupted this decadent society. He destroyed what was left and chose to raise up a remnant of faithful who would be loyal to His cause and person. Those refusing to join the remnant are cast into the great pot of judgment with the rest of the nations. God was doing something new. He was going to build His promised kingdom and nothing would thwart His purpose.

> Key word in the book is "hear" (1:2)

> Notice the word "let" in verse 2. Those who allow God to speak to them will understand that He has witnessed every transgression of His Law. Those who refuse to hear will find to their horror that He has witnessed every secret sin, but then it will be too late to partake in His mercy. They will drink the wine of His wrath! They will see Him when He comes in flaming fire! We must meditate on verses that warn us of that day.

> In Micah 2:1-3 I see the verse as speaking about Hollywood in a sense. It's a place where evil men dig into the depths of their imaginations and make it a reality through their profession. They have the power in their hand to encourage violence in the land and to destroy the family unit through many influences. They don't understand that God will bring upon them the fruit of their sin.

> Micah chapters 1-2 promotes confession. Micah convincingly points out the connection between the pain they suffer with their sinful and wayward ways. We see destruction as evidence of judgment (1:1-7); Revelation as evidence of sins (1:8-2:11); Restoration as evidence of God’s patience (2:12-13).

Promoting Confession

: If judgment comes early, we have a chance of escape. Many think that if they escape scrutiny then they are the clever ones. But Micah rightly rebukes those who tell the prophets to shut up, "If they do not speak out concerning these things, reproaches will not be turned back" (Micah 2:6). This is the reason we must repent now of our sins and not a possible later date.

: We might look down on these people as wicked schemers of evil (2:1-2), but the warning is before us. We must not assume innocence just because we do not have the opportunity to sin and get away with it! Each of us are called to examine our lives for the presence of the seeds of sin which if permitted grow up to poisonous plants.

: Under God’s discipline, it is easy to lose hope because we assume God to be like us. We say, "We are destroyed" (2:4), but we forget that the Lord’s intent is on gathering His sheep together and blessing them (2:12-13). If we are His sheep, we will listen to His voice.

: Sin always has a beginning (1:13), and if it is not dealt with, it grows right up touching the most virtuous part of your life and destroying your life (1:9, 12)!

> Micah chapters 3-5 fosters responsibility. Micah persuades them to accept responsibility for their difficult situation and to understand where it will lead to if they do not change. He encourages them to adopt God’s ways to find hope. We see decline under present leadership (3:1-12); Potential under God’s rule (4:1-8); Goodness growing from hardship (4:9-5:15).

Fostering Responsibility

: Moral leaders wanted! Governmental, commercial and religious leaders were corrupt. Money seemed to dictate their society because it did (3:11)! Calamity will come because of their irresponsible ways (3:12). Hope doesn’t seem to come from them.

: Our enthusiasm for others than the appointed leader over the remnant is a bad mistake. Leaders come and go, but it is "this One will be our peace" (5:5a). Kings and presidents must bow to Him. Why not volunteer yourself to His service now and live an abundant life?

: We would be wise to take the nations’ advice to "Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord" (4:2). No one wants to live in a dying civilization. Hope and life is with the Lord. He takes the lame and makes us a remnant; He takes the outcasts and makes us a strong nation (4:7).

: Unless our enemies are the Lord’s enemies, we are in tremendous trouble. He may allow His enemies to crawl for a while, but it is only for a brief vain fleeting moment. His armies will lay siege against the chief foes (4:13). His mountain will grow taller than all the others (4:1). He will gather all His flock and lead them on ahead (2:12-13).

: Always too big. God despises man’s great projects. They will melt down into nothingness. They bragged of horses and first class chariots (5:10); we our modern armaments. They laughed from their fortresses and walled cities (5:11); we from our missile silos. They place their confidence in sorcery (5:12); we hidden knowledge. They trusted carved images (5:13-15); we confide in a controlled market. God’s power is seen in that He uses the simple to destroy man’s most sophisticated devises (4:12-13; 5:5-6).

: Never too small. God specializes in small beginnings. 4:1 says the mountain of the house of the LORD will become the chief of mountains. The greatest leader, the Messiah, would come from humble beginnings in a no name place called Bethlehem (5:2). It is the remnant that will multiply to be greater than the whole, "Like a lion among the beast of the forest" (5:7-8).

> Micah chapters 6-7 demands commitment. Lastly, Micah puts a clear assignment before them which helps them to evaluate how they are doing. He summarizes the terrible consequences of continuing in their evil behavior and again paints the hope of those who find compassion with God. We see God’s expectations (6:1-8); Results of resisting change (6:9-7:6); Blessings of hoping in god (7:7-20).

Demanding Commitment

: Look not to those who depend on lent authority, but on the issuer of all authority and power. Every power that stands against Jehovah the LORD will be smashed. Those who wait upon the Lord will be greatly rewarded.

: We have not understood the greatness of our God until we have experienced the depth of His compassion. His power is seen in His ability to deal so gently with the objects of His anger. His love is more powerful than His might. No one has drawn close to God except the one who has cried over God’s compassion on Him. See Micah 7:18.

: Our second chance is right now. Take it. Too many have shuffled off an immediate response to the Living God for foolish and temporal reasons. Why hold to those things which will turn into dust and why put off now that which will bring eternal benefit? We have had the miracles; now is the time to respond to Him (7:15).

> Micah is a contemporary with Isaiah. Can’t tell if one copied or collaborated together.

> This is the time of Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah (758-698 B.C.)

> Overriding Theme: Book of Righteousness of God

> Micah had a simple life while Isaiah had one of nobility.

> Micah's key verse: He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

> New Testament key verse: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

> Some scholars have tabulated more than 300 specific prophecies about Jesus in this book!

> Micah says God is coming out of His place

> Some of the "life lessons" I drew from this book include: God judges sin (Chapters 1-2); False leaders face doom (Chapter 3); God has a strategy for His people (Chapter 4); God given prophecy is accurate (Chapter 5); God makes what He wants and expects crystal clear (Chapter 6); Loyal love brings hope (Chapter 7)

> The following diagram (courtesy of Biblical Foundations for Freedom) shows how many times and where in Micah words of comfort and hope are used compared to words of warning and judgment. Remember the chapter divisions are artificial but even still the diagram enables us to get a good overview of the book and God's purpose. For example one can see God's faithful words even to a recalitrant society.



> It's also interesting to note God's faithfulness to preserve His people despite their disobedience and lack of faith. The obvious is not so obvious. Many have taken God’s anger against His people as a sign that He has "dropped" His people and His plan. Not true!

> The book ends marvelously with a prayer and praise!


As mentioned, reading this book affected me quite personally. Notice how the prophet has switched, grammatically, from addressing God in the "second person" (using "You") to addressing Him in the "third person" (using "He"). This may have to do with the difficulty finite man has when addressing his infinite Creator, and it comes up again in connection with the topic of blessings.

Personally, I took it as being indicative of the separation we feel when we recognize our sin and feel as though God has turned His ear and His face from us, and that we have no business even approaching Him given the depravity of our condition and current sinful state. At least, that's how I felt many times during the past several weeks before I realized that this is exactly what Satan was counting on! He was hoping I'd respond that way. I'm sure he wasn't counting on me reading this book and re-discovering my pardoned position in Christ.

Let's revisit the Jewish custom Tashlich for a moment. Jewish communities have for many generations gathered on the First Day of Rosh HaShanah at bodies of water and recited the Tashlich Prayer, which consists of certain chapters of Tehillim (Psalms) and the verses referenced above, to symbolize their wish to get rid of their sins, and to be forgiven by God.

Some people carry out the custom of putting bread crumbs in their pockets and shaking them out into the water to give more concrete expression to their desire to be free of their sins. Historically, Jews would sometimes be instructed by their own community leaders to seek out bodies of water not near the center of town, so as not to be seen during Tashlich by their non-Jewish neighbors, for fear of a "poisoning the wells" accusation. This was certainly true if actual food was thrown into the water, but even if not, they would be accused of mumbling curses and poisoning the wells by witchcraft.

Tashlich is preferably recited alongside a body of water containing fish, to remind people that just as fish are protected by the water in which they live, we pray to be protected by God. Also, just as fish swim freely and can suddenly be caught in a net, so too we can just as helplessly fall into the net of sin. And even as the eyes of fish are always open, so do we pray that God too will keep vigilant watch over his people.

Adding context and weight to this study today, it's interesting to note that the Book of Micah was written around 600 B.C., or roughly the same time that Nebuchanezzar reigned and also around the time of the great Greek philosopher Thales who is credited with beginning Western philosophy itself.

A very brief aside (and something to keep in the back of our minds without going too far down a rabbit hole since it's not the primary focus of this entry), is that a sculpture of Thales (representing Electricity from "The Progress of Railroading" in 1908), stands as the main facade of Union Station (Washington, DC), which is bizarre after all the anti-terrorism talk and raids this past week involving various cells that the government feared were planning a Madrid/London style subway bombing.

I've read that many Jews in New York City annually perform the ceremony each year in large numbers from the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, but I could not find any independent confirmation of that taking place this year. However, what I did find that was most encouraging despite the media blackout was the fact that 60,000 Christian faithful gathered for the "Prayer In The Square Event" over the weekend, and one prominent Jew from the political arena even joined in. Interesting testimony to the power of prayer and faith in the only one, true God since it would appear that an attack in NYC that was imminent has now been foiled. Hmmm, I wonder if the opposite holds true for cities that support mass prayer and faith in a Satanic god instead? God forbid! Food for thought though especially if an unthinkable horror occurs. Perhaps the subject of the next column.

Also interesting to note (since water is a key element in the Tashlich ritual), is the fact that God reveals Himself near water in a number of Biblical stories, including the vision of the divine chariots (Ezekiel 1:3), and Daniel's end-of-days prophecies (Daniel 10:4). One midrash even claims that all prophecies took place near water (Mechila Rashbi 12:1). As in the story of Creation (Genesis 1:2), God's presence, so to speak, is said to hover around water, making it an appropriate place for prayer (Ba'al Haturim Genesis 16:7). Indeed, many medieval European synagogues were built close to waterfronts.

Great bodies of water connote majesty and glory, with riverfronts deemed as appropriate sites for royal coronations, symbolizing the new reign's perpetuity (Horayot 12a). Some later writers speculated that Tashlich similarly celebrates God's kingship over the world, a central theme of the Rosh Hashana prayers (Yabia Omer OC 4:47). Others alternatively contend that the ceremony recalls Ezra's Rosh Hashana assembly that rededicated the Torah by the water gates (Nehemiah 8:1-2). Rabbi Molin himself speculates that the waters recall Abraham's alacrity to bind Isaac which, according to one midrash, included crossing neck-high river streams created by Satan to stymie him, which eerily brought to mind the real world natural tragedy taking place in Georgia this week.

In a detailed study on this custom's history, Professor Jacob Lauterbach speculated that this rite stemmed from an attempt to pacify certain satanic forces and protect children from undue harm. That's pretty close to the truth. I only wrote about this out of curiosity, and the timeliness of it all given where I've been spiritually of late. All of this research is to suggest that Tashlich is a mere tool used to inspire repentance. Indeed, many scholars have stressed that this and other symbolic ceremonies of a similar kind have no hocus-pocus powers to attain atonement, which we all know can only come from faith in Jesus Christ.

Now, let's return to Micah. The writing style of the Book of Micah is also unique in that it mirrors a lot of what the Body of Christ is going through today as it is the written version of several sermons based on visions Micah received from God.

If we were to sum up this book in one sentence it would probably read something like: "We are immoral at every level and headed for destruction because only God can deliver us from ourselves."

In that sense, we could probably label Micah the "Prophet of Good News, Bad News" because he had a way of cutting to the chase (Micah 6:8). Then again, I guess many of the other prophets did the same thing to an extent and could be worthy of the same title. However, what makes Micah unique when compared to others like him is the fact that he preached or prophesied to both the northern kingdom of Israel (called Samaria) and to the southern kingdom of Judah. The other prophets preached to either one or the other.

Micah foretold of judgment that was coming to the Hebrews and of the future victory that would come through Jesus Christ. He was also a down-to-earth prophet who looked around himself and saw a mess. He didn't mince words whether he was describing the evil he saw, the destruction that was coming, or the hope of the future. He even foretold their exile from their homes, which did eventually happen. He also foretold the actual place of Christ's birth as being Bethlehem. Most importantly, he called his people back to a heart devotion instead of a faith that just goes through the motions.

These passages certainly embody the ideal of repentance that is such a preodominant theme in the rituals and customs of Rosh HaShanah. Subjective experiences aside, I think we'd all agree that the Four Horsemen are ready to ride. That leaves us all with only one response -- to fall to our knees and seek our Heavenly Father.

I pray that you make a decision for Jesus Christ if you haven't already because these are chaotic times, and time won't wait for you to finally make up your mind. Even if this doesn't materialize you could still die tomorrow, and any unresolved issues (like where you will spend eternity when you die) will be moot at that point.

Do you desire a personal relationship with the One who created you and desires to have an intimate relationship with you? You need to know that if you haven't been saved and born again then you're not here reading this by accident. God has been trying to get your attention for so long, and He desperately wants you to finally answer His call and reach out to Him before it's too late! This may even be your final warning. Are you willing to take that chance if you leave here without accepting Him and His free offer once and for all? If you know this to be true and want to respond once and for all, tell Him in your own words or use this simple prayer:

"Father God, I know I need You because I am a sinner, but also know that I can never get to You on my own. There's nothing I can do on my own to make up for my sins; nothing I could do on my own to earn favor and forgiveness from You or to secure my place in Heaven when I die. The only thing I can do is to make a conscious decision that You sent Your one and only Son Jesus Christ, and that He came to this world for me. He took my sins upon Himself, was crucified in my place, died for me, and was resurrected so that I may live forever. I accept Him and His sacrifice, and desperately want to receive Your Son Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. When He conquered death for my sake He gave me access to You. Thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. Thank You for forgiving me and for sending the Holy Spirit to transform my life from this moment forward. I pray that You transform my life from this day forward and give me a heart and a mind that desires to not only get to know You, but to be with You as much as possible. Teach me how to live, and teach me how to share this message with others before it's too late for them. Please count me worthy to escape the things to come. Amen."

While you're probably on fire for the Lord right now following your decision and this prayer please keep in mind that you can't just recite a 30-second prayer and be done with it, and go back to living without God like you were before. No! From this moment forward it's important that you commit yourself to growing closer to Him and to living obediently to His Word. You now have to exercise faith on a moment-to-moment basis and walk with the Lord daily as you allow Him to work in your life to change you and mold you according to His perfect will of who He wants you to become. Should you stumble or have difficulty in that pursuit please know you can always come back here to this community for prayers and support.

If you're already a saved Christian, but you haven't repented for your sins or sought the Lord for His mercy, forgiveness, salvation, or prayed that you are counted worthy to escape the things to come as we're instructed to, if you haven't done all these things in awhile, then please say the following prayer right now:

"Dear Lord, I pray that you will not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Please think of me according to Your mercy and for Your goodness' sake, O Lord. Lord I turn from all of those sins that I committed and I ask for Your help in washing the memory and thoughts of that sin completely from my mind. Please restore me to faithful obedience to Your Word, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit anew, so that I may keep Your commands all the days of my life. Lord Jesus, I invite you into my heart anew today, and I ask forgiveness for all of my sin. Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins and for forgiving me of them through your shed blood for me on the cross. Please take away all the sinful 'old things' in my heart that defile me, and replace them with the 'good things' that you desire to grow in to my life. Please wash away all the sinful crud and tendencies toward evil and replace them with a hunger and thirst for your righteousness. I need your help, Lord God, in living this new life in Christ. Please send your Holy Spirit afresh into my life to help me, heal me, lead me and transform me. I also pray that your shed blood washes over me, protects me, and that I am counted worthy to escape the things that are coming upon this world in the form of your righteous judgment. Lastly, I pray that you have mercy on this nation even though we deserve your fierce judgment for our blatant sins that are before you. Help us to see the error in our ways as individuals and as a nation, and lead us to repentance before it's too late for us. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

Now, go and share this message with others because they may not be prepared for what's coming (or perhaps for where they're going to spend eternity).

In the final analysis, how should we apply what we've learned from our study of the Book of Micah? With so many profound truths contained in just 7 chapters it's hard to isolate one key point to consider. Perhaps we should start by asking some simple questions.

How do we see ourselves fitting into God’s kingdom? Do we belong? Have we committed ourselves to His ways? We must see our profession of Him to affect our daily lives, or it is vain.

Jesus claimed that His kingdom would drastically alter the face of the Earth. Are you part of this process? Do you even want to be a part of it?

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