The Coming Storm

Since the destruction and death that was wrought during the tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, May 20, 2013, we have all found ourselves grieving the loss of so many lives, especially the lives of small children.  But we must remember that God is sovereign in all things, including the death of those we consider to be too young to die.  In spite of our age, He has ordained a day for our death, as well as the day of our birth. 

After hearing about the terrible annihilation of the elementary school and the children huddling in a basement where some of them would die, we all wanted comfort for their families and peace to be restored.  It will be a long time before their tears and heartbreak will ease.  Our prayers are not only for them, but also that God would spare our own families if such a terrible event comes upon us.  And as the day of our Savior's return draws closer, the possibility of that happening increases.

Although there is little or no comfort that can be given by well-meaning people to a parent who has lost a child, regardless of the degree of faith the parent has, it is my firm belief that all of those children are safely in the arms of Jesus.  Charles H. Spurgeon wrote that there should be rejoicing when we suffer such a loss:

"Refrain from undue weeping, for they shall come again from the land of their
captivity. Thy dead ones shall live again. Mother of mortals, thou didst well to weep;
but thy children live, so that thou art the mother of immortals; then, why canst thou
sorrow? Dry thine eyes, and bless God that thou hast another link with heaven, and
that thou hast helped to fill the choirs that, day without night, circle the throne of
God with hallelujahs."

While believers remain on this earth, that advice is worth clinging to.  If there is loss, the pain believers experience is lessened, knowing that our loved one is in the greatest place possible, and with the One Who wipes the tears from their eyes and shelters them under His wings.  The reunion that will one day come will be glorious.

For the past couple of days, I have been pondering the disaster that affected the lives of so many.  Not why it had to happen.  If you are a believer, you know the answer to that question.  Nor does it have anything to do with what some believe to be God's wrath being brought down on this nation for our disobedience.   If you are of that mindset, consider that He still "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matt 5:45b)  God's timing in bringing about the destruction mentioned in prophecy and the Book of Revelation is His own and until that day comes upon us, we shouldn't believe that we have extraordinary insight into His mind or His timetable.  When it happens, it will be unmistakable.

What I have been musing over, however, is the tornado's level of intensity and man's reaction in the aftermath.  Oklahoma City mayor, Mick Cornett, described it as "the storm of storms."  Of course, all of the secular media and the scientific community are ignorantly attributing it to "Mother Nature."  Satan knew what he was doing when he convinced someone centuries ago to give this term to God's creation and order.  In short, I was curious about its origin and quickly went to Wikipedia for the answer (this is only one excerpt, but there is more of the term's history on this link, if you're curious):

 "Mother Nature (sometimes known as Mother Earth) is a common personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it in the form of the mother.  Images of women representing mother earth, and mother nature, are timeless.  In prehistoric times, goddesses were worshiped for their association with fertility, fecundity, and agricultural bounty.  Priestesses held dominion over aspects of Inca, Algonquian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Slavonic, Germanic, Roman, Greek, Indian, and Iroquoian religions in the millenia prior to the inception of patriarchal religions."

In literature, it can be traced as far back as the 12th century B.C.  Pagan superstition and mysticism have a long and dark history.  Of course, why should we think otherwise?  It began in the beginning with Satan, who was and remains the author of lies (John 8:44).

Each time a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake occurs that is larger and greater in magnitude than the previous event, it becomes the new standard by which they are measured.  The tornado that touched down Monday in almost the exact location as that of a cluster of storms in 1999 was huge and considered to be one of the largest recorded in modern history.  It was equaled to one of 74 tornadoes that were spawned during a three day period between May 3rd and May 6th, 1999, causing extensive destruction and the loss of 36 lives in their paths.  Because of the intensity of the 1999 tornado that plowed through Chickasha, Bridge Creek, Oklahoma City, Moore, Del City, Tinker Air Force Base, and Midwest City respectively, scientists used it as their standard of measuring tornadoes, establishing it as an "EF5" and basing all others upon this scale.

The "Enhanced Fujita Scale" used to measure tornadoes begins at an "EF0" and as the severity of the tornado increases, so does the level on the scale, ending at an "EF5."  This link demonstrates the speed of the wind and the type of damage that can be experienced during the storm, and also breaks down the standard by which they are numbered.  It's an interesting graph and should be visited by those who are curious or who would like to  have broader understanding of this method of measurement.

If you find nature and weather patterns fascinating, all of this science is engaging, but there is an underlying problem with man assuming he can determine the size and scope of storms that threaten his very existence.  In the backs of their minds, they may be wondering if another cataclysmic storm of greater proportion is lurking in the future but, for now, they are content to dwell on the latest mega-storm.  However, what is more troublesome for secular science and all of their research is the fact that Scripture, which they ignore, tells us things are going to get much worse.  Much, much worse.   God has already given them a "graph" to turn to and to determine what's coming next.  The inclement events that are waiting in the aisles for their grand  entrance upon this world will make Monday's tornado look like a dust devil, and the destruction these disasters will bring will be unequaled to what this earth has experienced in its brief history.

When compared to past tornadic events, what we witnessed Monday was a tremendous storm of vast proportions.  The images and videos that have been seen on television are jaw dropping.  I can't imagine having that wall of destruction bearing down upon me, and not knowing which direction to run to get out of its path.  However, when we consider the minimal loss of life that was brought upon Moore, Oklahoma by this monster, and how many more people could have been taken, we should be grateful that God was so merciful.

In the book of Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus spoke to His disciples about the "signs" that would appear prior to the end of times and His ultimate return.  Earthquakes, famines, and nations and kingdoms rising against each other will all increase in intensity as the day draws nearer.  He likened these events to "birth pangs" that come upon a woman who is preparing to deliver a baby.  Each pain increases and quickens with less time between them, until the moment of birth comes.  For women who have experienced childbirth, the metaphor is clearly understood.  Like the pain her body goes through during the birth process, the earth, that has been subjected to the fall of mankind, will also be unsettled in the last days and demonstrate what man calls "natural disasters" in increasing degrees that will bring about untold destruction and devastation.

There is a word used throughout Scripture to describe great affliction, suffering, trials, persecution, and distress.  The word is "tribulation."  In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus, when speaking of the time of the "abomination of desolation," or the Antichrist who will be allowed full reign during the Great Tribulation, or end of times when God pours out His wrath upon this world, revealed something that should be heavily considered, especially by those who have suffered through storms of great magnitude and have yet to receive Him as their Savior:

"For then there will be great tribulation, such has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.  And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved.  But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short."

Jesus is warning us that what will be coming upon this earth in the very near future will be immeasurable.  There will be no Enhanced Fujita Scale to consult, or Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale available to determine the size and scope of the boundless storms that will sweep across the world.  All of these will be tossed aside as the men who study them tremble and quake with terror, causing them to question the very science they relied so heavily upon.   As God causes the climate to become more unsettled and unpredictable, so will our planet experience more frequent tectonic plate shifting and upheaval, and volcanic activity unlike anything it has experienced since its creation.  And as the earth shakes and heaves, the Richter Scale that measures earthquakes will be rendered useless as they culminate into one of such magnitude that the very mountains that tower above us will be leveled (Rev 16:17-21).  Even the baseball and grapefruit-sized hail that accompanies hurricanes and tornadoes will be eclipsed as "great hailstones, about one-hundred pounds each" fall from the heavens upon the earth's inhabitants.

For man to assume he has the mental capacity and wisdom to predict and determine the magnitude of "Mother Nature's" wrath, is unbelief, idolatry, and arrogance at its worst.  We certainly should give scientists credit for warning us of the approach or possibility of a devastating storm so that precautions can be taken and the loss of life minimized.  But what unbelieving men refuse to acknowledge is that what we saw Monday could very possibly be only the beginning of that which Jesus warned us.  The forces that God will ultimately unleash upon mankind have been revealed to us in no uncertain terms, as well as mankind's reaction when they are:

"And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world." ~ Luke 21:25-26 (ESV)

So much violence and chaos will insue that mankind will have no place to run, no place to hide, and will wish for the very mountains to bury them from the sight of God Almighty Who is pouring out His wrath upon the earth.  (Rev 6:15-17)  For the purpose of enhancing upon this verse, the Greek translation for "faint from terror" (Luke 21:26 NIV) is as follows:

"To lose courage or resolution because of fear; 'aporea' - anxiety; painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind; causes doubt and lack of capacity to cope; fainting with fear: 'suko' - body away from the soul; so terrified that breathing ceases because of what mankind perceives."

When the Lamb of God opens the seven seals of God that begins the Great Tribulation - when the angels are commanded to blow the seven trumpets that causes one-third of the earth to be burned up, the sea to turn to blood, killing one-third of all the creatures living within it and destroying the ships that sail upon it; one-third of the fresh drinking water is poisoned; the sun, moon, and stars are darkened for one-third of the day; Hell is opened and demons released to wreak havoc and destruction; one-third of the earth's population is killed; and the final trumpet blast to herald the fulfillment of God's plan is blown -"in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them." (Rev 9:6)

Whether you are a believer or not, it's not hard to comprehend the true terror that is described for the end of this world as we know it.  And what has been briefly described is only the beginning.  For those whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev 21:22-27), and who worship the Antichrist and take his "mark" in order to buy and sell (Rev 13:16-18), there will be no hope left, no second chance, no salvation offered, only an expectation of eternal damnation, suffering, and separation from all that is God.

This is the storm that's waiting to come.  No man is capable of fully understanding the devastation, destruction, and death that will ride in on its winds.  The magnitude and power by which it comes will be unstoppable, unequaled, and unparallelled from anything previously known or recorded.  There will be no storm shelters in which to hide, and no amount of hording food, water, gold, or guns will keep man secure until it passes, for the storm will continue and increase in intensity until God's will is completed and Jesus Christ is reestablished on His earthly throne (Rev 19:1-10).

 

There is little time left.  The "signs" are obvious and increasing daily.  Are you ready to face what is coming?  Are you prepared to meet your Creator God, face-to-face?  It's my prayer that you have been reconciled to God and have been drawn by the Holy Spirit to know your Savior Jesus Christ.  But if you haven't yet known salvation, I hope you will use what little time is left to seek after it.

" 'Yet even now," declares the LORD, 'return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.'

"Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster." ~ Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)

God's greatest desire is that all men would repent of their sins against Him and believe in and place their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.  But His patience will only last until He deems it necessary to bring upon this unbelieving and sinful world all of the divinely fierce chastisement He has stored against it.  And the storm of His wrath will be immeasurable against the unforgiven.

But for those of us who have believed and are anxiously awaiting the return of our Savior Jesus Christ, there is no fear, only great anticipation for that great and blessed day when He removes His church from the wrath that will bear down upon this world and when we are fully and eternally redeemed.

There may be a coming storm of immeasurable proportions that will wreak untold destruction, but those of us who know Jesus, and are known by Him, will rejoice when that day comes.

"Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."  ~ Luke 21:28 (ESV)

Even so, come LORD!

It's Time To Grow Up, Christian

I thought the recent vampire mania that was mainly brought on by the "Twilight" books and movies was bad enough, luring even so-called "mature" Christians to wait with excited anticipation for the next sequel because of the "romance" that was depicted.   I shouldn't have to point out that it was spiritually unhealthy, demonic and, not to mention, it caused many misguided children and adults to act out the more sinister side of their imaginations by having their teeth surgically altered to reflect pointed fangs, taking on the practice of drinking blood, and actually biting others.

As the old saying goes:  garbage in, garbage out. 

For the last couple of years, another disturbing fad has been sweeping around the world.  Scores of people, mostly young adults, have embraced a fascination with Zombies, modeling themselves after the gory visage of the "walking dead" who are mysteriously "resurrected" from their graves and, with outstretched arms, stumble through the streets and malls pretending to seek and devour the brains (and other body parts) of the living.  It's a ridiculous trend and large groups of them have popped up everywhere.

To make matters worse, governments in certain countries, including our own, have seized the mania and used it in a tongue-in-cheek manner as a way to prepare society for a national emergency, or a "Zombie Apocalypse."  Precious tax dollars were recently wasted on a campaign initiated by the Department of Homeland Security because of the rash of natural disasters that the United States has experienced in the last decade, enlisting the aid of the Center for Disease Control who jokingly used the phrase to encourage Americans to put together "disaster kits" in the event that another should occur.  Mind you, I see nothing wrong with preparing oneself for an emergency, but when it happens, no one is laughing.

Hollywood continues to pump out low budget, B-rated Zombie movies to "entertain" movie-goers and pad their already bulging pockets with cash from the easily entertained.  Toy store shelves sport Zombie action figures that lure the eyes of children and their imaginations into the occult and darkness.  And there are dozens of websites that shill everything from "Zombie Apocalypse" preparedness books and kits, to the top 10 vehicles that are designed to withstand such an assault. 

Unfortunately, there is also no shortage of the use of the term "Zombie" in Christian literature and Christian blogs whose authors borrow the term "undead" to describe the condition of many of today's churches.  If you're interested in how it's applied to a sermon or exhortation, Google it.   Granted, they are correct in their assumption, but I'm sure that Scripture could provide them with a more eloquent and affective way of describing their sorry state.

On February 11th of this year, a hacker was able to infiltrate a Montana television station and "alert" its viewers that "dead bodies were rising from graves in different counties of the state" and "attacking the living."  It was reported that at least four viewers believed the story and called local police to investigate.
 
In June of 2012, the Westboro Baptist bunch protested outside Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.  Among those who protested the appearance of Westboro Baptist was a group dressed like Zombies, some holding signs that said, "God loves everyone."  A "bloodied" woman who was interviewed stated, "Jesus wasn't a hateful person.  He loved everybody."   Were their genuine Christians among the protesters?  That's a good question, but it will have to remain unanswered, merely because there was no one there who demonstrated Christ-likeness.  Dressing up like a Zombie and speaking of the Savior is a bit of an oxymoron.  However, if there were true believers present, dressing like a ghoul probably didn't leave much of an impression on Westboro, or alter their ideals, other than to confirm in their depraved minds what they believe and represent.

I could add more of this nonsense, but I think you get my drift.  It's a "brainless" (no pun intended) and Godless activity and I'm not looking forward to the next demonic fad that hits the streets.

Naysayers will tell me that I'm an old stick in the mud, that this new craze is only temporary until the next one comes along, that "kids" are only having fun, and that I should lighten up a little.  I will be the first to admit that as I was growing up, my vivid imagination conjured up various forms of play to entertain me and my friends, and some of it came from the old horror movies we watched at the local theater which, by the way, were tame and almost laughable, compared to the special effects today's Hollywood is capable of producing.  But I was a child then, and what should be ignorant child's play is being acted out in this day and age by adults.  As we physically mature, so should our intellect, reason, and logic.  At least, that's what should happen.  Instead, an alarming number of this coddled and pampered generation refuses to grow up.  They seek after any form of entertainment to fill their vacant lives.  They view the world and their future through the eyes of the Zombie they're pretending to be: fixed, vacuous, mindless, and void of true and meaningful life.  Even professing Christians will say that it's all innocent fun, or that they're able to watch unwholesome television and movies and overlook sinful behavior because, after all, it's just entertainment.  In other words, they are trying to convince us that, while involving themselves in these things, they are capable of separating their hearts and minds from the world and the smut it has to offer.  They must be pretty special, because when I see images and hear things that disturb me, they stick to me like glue.

Is it any wonder that our society and the church is seriously messed up?

If the Apostle Paul was living in the world today, I am confident he would build upon his exhortation to the Corinthians, when he told them, "Brothers, do not be children in your thinking.  Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature."  (1Cor 14:20).  The nonsensical babbling that was occurring in the church at the time, or what is grossly misinterpreted by our charismatic friends as "speaking in tongues," was no less disruptive then us watching today's adults gather to immaturely playact like children.  Their behavior defies any level of maturity, causing me to wonder if they ever will grow up.  Factor in that the source of things like vampires and Zombies rises from the occult, a creation from dark and sinister minds, and have no redeeming quality that can benefit Christians.

When I consider the dire seriousness of mankind's eternal destination, the last thing I want to do is make a joke of it.  The whole notion behind vampires and Zombies, who are the "undead" who rise from their cold, dark graves and are never at rest for eternity unless they are beheaded (or done in by other violent methods), is insidious and flies in the face of the truth of the Gospel.  The trend should be avoided by every Christian who views the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the blessed hope that we also will be resurrected to an eternal life full of rejoicing and peace.  If you don't believe that we should avoid these kinds of fads, check out Google images , and for a real "thrill," these from Zombie fan clubs:  The Last Supper and Zombie Jesus

Pretty offensive for those of us who love Jesus Christ, aren't they?  Do you see the point I'm trying to make?

Without repentance, belief, and faith in the One Who secured reconciliation with the Father and eternal life for us, there are dead men walking the mean streets of today's world, and there certainly will be those in hell who are "undead," and who will stumble blindly in torment for all eternity.  And believe me, it won't be child's play.  There won't be any chance to go home, clean off all the fake gore, and reenter your normal every day routine.  Our departure here in this life means that our souls will leave our earthly bodies, and those who are in Christ will be given a glorified (beautiful, perfect, sinless) body.  But those who remain unbelieving and unrepentant, their bodies will rise from the grave to be reunited with the soul and be cast into utter darkness and torment.  It will be genuine horror, and it will be permanent.  (Rev 20:11-15)

But it doesn't have to be that way.  Jesus Christ purchased our salvation by becoming our substitute and taking upon Himself God's punishment that we deserved for our sinfulness.  He died and then He rose from death.  Not to remain "undead," but to be resurrected unto life so that we also may have true life - and that life, eternal.

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."  ~ 1Cor 3:11-12

If you're a Christian reading this, one who still plays dress up, it's time to grow up and forever end your "childish ways."  Stop playacting and start living out your profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

He was serious.  It's time you were, too.

   


    

Unravelling Conspiracies

"For the LORD spoke thus to me with His strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 'Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread.  But the LORD of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy.  Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.' " ~ Isaiah 8:11-13 (ESV)

In the aftermath of the Boston terrorist attack, it didn't take long for the cry of "conspiracy" to sweep through the internet with irresistible force.  Depending upon the type of news you read and watch, or online social groups you belong to, there was no shortage of both well-known and obscure reporters and bloggers questioning just exactly who was behind the bombing.

Not to be outdone, FoxNews' Bill O'Reilly quickly waded into the controversy in response to some left-wing media sources that suggested it was a "right-wing" nut job, or a "lone wolf" who had a personal axe to grind, that committed the atrocity.  And, of course, the loudest, far-left leaning, certifiably insane, MSNBC's Chris Matthews wasted no time in pointing his misguided finger at the culprit by declaring, "Normally, domestic terrorists, people, tend to be on the far right."  The problem is that Matthews' hit list of "domestic terrorists," that he also labeled "extremists" on the "far right," includes Evangelical Christians because of their firm stand against all Matthews defends.  The short list involves homosexuality, gay marriage, abortion, and what he considers to be hate speech.

But perhaps the most recognized conspiracy theorist is Glen Beck.  Last Friday on Beck's online radio broadcast, he gave the White House until Monday to come clean about one of the suspects they were attempting to "cover up," or he would reveal the "truth," himself.  The suspect he was referring to is a Saudi national here on a student visa who was injured in the bombing.   As usual, Beck successfully sucked in his faithful followers who believe every word that issues from his mouth, and the YouTube clip went viral over the internet.  Beck's claims didn't stop with his followers, but reached the ears of some Congressmen who were prompted to call in the heads of Homeland Security for clarification.

The fast moving Beck conspiracy theory also piqued the journalistic interest of reputable reporters, such as FoxNews' Brett Baier, who actually took the initiative to call the White House and ask specific questions regarding the Saudi student who was being accused of possible complicity in the bombing.  Because I believe Baier to be a honest journalist who works hard at digging up facts, not fiction, I would strongly recommend to all my readers to put aside Beck's claims and go with what Baier was able to glean from his sources in Washington D.C.   In Bret Baier's blog video, he gives precise details of what he discovered in his investigation, which dispels Beck's claims.  Unfortunately, however, Beck remains convinced he is right and determined to prove it, and is vigilant in convincing others to agree with him.

I will admit that, at times, I believe our government has been involved in cover-ups and conspiracies, especially in this current administration.  Over the course of the last four years, Obama has taken extraordinary steps to ensure that the American people, including our House and Senate, are left ignorant regarding the truth of his agenda.  But how far do we, as Christians, allow ourselves to be swept into believing every claim made by men we deem "trustworthy," yet may have an agenda of their own?  Beck supporters may find this trait untrue of him because of his never-ending mantra of "I'm defending the Constitution," but from a humanist viewpoint, his notoriety and appeal to the downtrodden has made him a very wealthy man.  In contrast, when we examine his spiritual position, his agenda, whether known or unknown to him, becomes much darker.

I hate to burst everyone's bubble, but Glen Beck is not a Christian.  He does not know the One True God, he does not believe in the same Jesus Christ that true Christians worship, and his fine-sounding diatribe - occasionally mixed with tears that tug on American's heart strings, and his survivalist attitude -  is leading people astray.  Like the false prophets who have gone before him, Glen Beck has cleverly ridden in on the coattails of Christianity in order to deceive others into believing he's something that he's not.  When Christians fall into the traps set by men like Beck, they risk doing great damage to their spiritual wellbeing.  Granted, I used to watch his daily FoxNews broadcast and when it came to his knowledge over economic and governmental issues, Beck proved to be eerily accurate.  But the moment he began touting his new "spirituality," blurring the lines between the truth and a lie, and began "preaching" from his self-proclaimed "pulpit" and aligning himself with emergent and ecumenical church leaders, I shut him off and out.  I would strongly recommend the same to all my Christian brothers and sisters who continue to listen to Beck.

When God spoke through Isaiah, the nation of Israel was in gross disobedience and facing near annihilation and exile.  God's anger was so intense that it had to greatly grieve Isaiah to hear His words, and grieve him even deeper over having to present all that was spoken by God to his people.  False prophets abounded in the nation, and the people preferred their deception over the truth Isaiah took to them.  God warned Isaiah to separate himself from the people and the lies they embraced, and for good reason.  Isaiah's response indicated his allegiance and devotion to God and his obedience to His commands: "I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in Him." (Is 8:17)

When Christians go to outside sources like Glen Beck for the truth instead of consulting the Word of God, they become no different than the Jews in Isaiah's time.  The  pressing question he posed should be heavily considered:  "And when they say to you, 'Inquire of the mediums and necromancers who chirp and mutter,' should not a people inquire of their God?  Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?"  (Is 8:19)  Isaiah answers his own question with great emphasis: "To the teaching and to the testimony!  If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.  They will pass through the land greatly distressed and hungry.  And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward.  And they will look to the earth, and behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish.  And they will be thrust into thick darkness."  (Is 8:20-22).  The things Glen Beck have to offer us keep us in the "gloom" and "thick darkness" of suspicion and breeds anxiety and paranoia for everything around us.  By feeding off the unproven suspicions of men whose occupation it is to keep us distrustful starves our souls and causes us to question God, instead of being fed by Him through His Word. 

Men like Glen Beck remind me of the words God spoke through Ezekiel regarding those who claim to have "revelation" from God:  "The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured human lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst."  (Ez 22:25)  All that is gained by heeding rumors and unproven accusations is a further drawing away from God.  The teeth of falsehood "tears" and "devours" the truth, so that when truth is finally revealed, the residue of distrust and hatred remains, making conspiracy adherents "widows" of facts and destitute of discernment.  The "treasure and precious things" we embrace through Scripture are stolen and replaced with spiritually unhealthy garbage.

In spite of what may or may not be a conspiracy, we must remember that God is sovereign over all things, even what is perceived to be a tragedy of the greatest proportion.  We may wonder about certain events and even call them suspicious, subversive, and sinister in nature.   However, with God's help, it is up to each individual to unravel nearly everything we hear in today's culture, especially when it applies to the governmental rumor mill and what we are fed by our liberal media.  Christians should avoid passing on to others what may be a direct violation of the 9th commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Ex 20:16).  Unless one has the proof of the charge being levied and eyewitnesses to back it up (Deut 19:15), or one believes and accepts the word of a mere man without him first providing genuine evidence that what he claims is actually true, we should toss it into the trash where it belongs.

The secular world is full of Glen Becks who are good at convincing people that there is a vast conspiracy being waged against us.  But Christians already know that.  From the beginning, Satan has been and continues to be the greatest conspirator, and his best tool in that regard is in using unbelieving and unsaved men to accomplish his goals.  Once the enemy has his prey securely in his conspiracy trap,  he becomes consumed with suspicion over everything he hears and sees.  Satan is even capable of deceiving Christians when they fail to arm themselves as they should (Eph 6:10-20).  Don't be a pawn on his chess board.  Look to God for answers and allow Him to unravel the mess man has made on this earth.

Follow Isaiah's example.  Wait for God and Hope in Him.  He won't disappoint.

War of Words

There's a war being waged within me.  There are words there, but something is preventing them from spilling out onto the blank page that lies before me.  I want to write.  I need to write.  But that "something," or perhaps better put "someone," is blocking the door that allows me to express myself.

I want to tear down that wall like a wrecking ball destroys useless and unused structures.  I want to breach the blocked corridors of prose and open the cell doors where words of praise and worship are imprisoned, unleashing the power they have to free souls.  And when their chains have fallen, I want to lead them out into the darkness of this world and shine their brilliant light of salvation onto the hearts of men.

But the world won't let me.  Or, at least, its doing its best to prevent me from writing on behalf of my LORD Jesus Christ and, to me, that's the worst position in which I could possibly find myself.  I liken it to having my mouth taped shut, my hands bound behind my back, and my mind being invaded by everything except what is most important to life and eternity.  And I don't like it.

The world is LOUD and SCREECHING.  It's continually in my face.  It's screaming "do as I do and say."  It demands that I accept and tolerate wickedness and depravity.  And if I refuse, then it tells me to shut my mouth and keep my opinions to myself.  And the louder and more demanding the world becomes, the further I draw away from it and long for the day when God sends His Son back to us.  I recently saw a Facebook post by Ray Comfort, where he said it was getting harder and harder not to hate this world we live in, and I fully agree with him.  The world is sinking deeper and deeper into sin, infiltrating every pore in society and demanding that we join their ranks in lockstep.

Speaking of Facebook...when I sat down this week to catch up on posts, my mind reeled over how far we have fallen from not only Grace, but from logic, reason, sensibility, and compassion.  Within one hour,  I read of a young woman who was convinced not to abort her baby, then was taken to a facility that gave ultrasounds so that she could see the child who was nestled in her womb, cried and prayed with the Christians who had seemingly saved a life, then walked back into the abortuary and killed her baby son.  

The next article covered an incident at a Middle School in Ohio that had invited college students in who demonstrated "anti-bullying" and "tolerance" for homosexuals by asking 12 year old girls to stand before the class and kiss each other.

Although the mainstream and ultra-liberal media refuses to cover the trial of the monster, Gosnell, some news bloggers are attempting to reveal the horror and atrocities he committed.  On Tuesday, the judge presiding over the case dropped nine of the charges levied against Gosnell, including three murder charges.  My bet is that when it's all over and done with, his punishment will amount to a slap on the wrist.

All around the nation, thousands of people gathered on Saturday, April 20th, to celebrate the legalization of marijuana in the states of Washington and Colorado, and what is now considered a national holiday by this subculture.   "420 Day" drew an estimated 80,000 potheads to a rally held in Denver, and an untold number in Washington D.C., who all demonstrated a sign of solidarity with other thousands of drug addicts around the nation when they all lit up their joints and blew the smoke into the air at 4:20 p.m.  This so-called "jamboree" of depravity brought not only mind-altering euphoria, but also crime.

And the piece de resistance, scientists in Israel and the Netherlands are working on a way to "counter the shortage of donated eggs for fertility treatment."  Their method?  Removing the ovaries of aborted female babies and harvesting the eggs that develop within four months in the womb.  As Brad Mattes stated, "This Frankenstein-esque madness must stop."  I think even Dr. Frankenstein would be appalled at this attempt to create life.

I could continue to list all that we've witnessed the last year.  The economy.  Natural disasters.  Iran.  North Korea.  Parents murdering their children.  School shootings.  Homosexual marriage.  Legal battles over our Constitutional rights.  The Boston terror bombing.  The list is endless.  But worrying about these things only causes more fear, more apprehension, and more dread of what's to come. (Matt 10:26-33)  It certainly raises my blood pressure, which is high enough. 

That's why I have consciously avoided the news, except for what my eyes fall upon when I first start up my computer and log onto the internet, or head to Facebook and see how current events have affected my friends.   I don't need to be constantly reminded how evil this world is.  And I sure don't need to be continually subjected to images and talking heads rehashing every gory detail, or told by secularist humanists and clueless unbelievers how to respond to them.

I know where to turn for peace and comfort.  Jesus Christ.  Before He was crucified, He comforted His disciples with these words, and they are a beautiful reminder that His Spirit is still with us:

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." ~ John 14:26-27 (ESV)

As a Christian, I know with every fiber of my being that more tragedy, more death, more destruction will come and for those who are left to endure it, it will be worse than anything the world has seen up until now.  But I also know deep down in my soul that when all that is to come is brought to an end, and our true King is seated on His rightful throne here on earth for a time, this world we live in will far exceed our wildest imaginations.

Perhaps this has been a cleansing of sorts.  Unloading personal frustration onto this blog isn't the norm for me, but this post has cracked the writer's block wall and unfettered a few words.  And the only way to conclude this rant is to share the only thing that is important in the big scheme of things:  Jesus Christ.  "He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me."  (Ps 144:1-2)  As long as I keep my eyes focused on Him, let the world fall where it may.

With the Holy Spirit's help, I can hold on until Christ puts an end to sin.  Until He does, maybe He will even fill my heart and mind with words for this blog.  In the meantime, I pray whoever stops in to read this will believe, turn, repent, and put their full faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

The Gospel is the best way I know to win this war with words. 

Eretz Yisrael: The Right To Exist

There is a disturbing trend within the Christian community that tells of a lack of knowledge regarding Israel's history: God's covenant that began with Abraham and which was confirmed to Isaac and Jacob, and her future and the roll she plays in end-time prophecy.  Whether this ignorance comes from a misguided antipathy or outright hatred for Israel, a lack of a desire to know the facts, or whether its importance is not being taught in our churches, we are left without excuse when it comes to God's revelation within Scripture that details His plan for mankind from the beginning of Israel's history to the end.

It is bad enough that the international community fails to understand and acknowledge Israel's rich historical and spiritual roots, but the unwillingness of those who should have the capacity to recognize that God's plan began with Israel and will ultimately end there has caused me a great deal of discomfort, especially in light of the events that are currently being played out before our very eyes.  I am no Biblical scholar.  Nor am I a well-studied theologian.  I am merely a Christian relying on the wisdom of God who feels the urge to provide as much information that I am able to glean regarding the importance of the nation of Israel and how all of the world will be affected by the events that play out on that tiny speck of earth.

If there was ever a nation in the history of this world who could claim sovereignty and the right to exist, it is the nation of Israel.  From the beginning of Scripture to its conclusion, God tells us the story of His chosen people, His conveyance upon them of the land He chose for them, their continued disobedience, and the consequences He meted out to them for stubbornly rejecting His counsel and His will.

Although God brought punishment upon the Jews for their disobedience and uprooted them from their land, scattering them throughout all the nations on the earth, He also promised them there would be a time He would once again return them to their homeland, the nation He established through their father Abraham, and never disperse them again.  It would be then that Israel would become a "stumbling stone" to the rest of the world (Rom 9:30-33; 1Pt 2:7-9).  The Jews will be hated, reviled, and blamed for all the world's woes, and eventually, all the nations of the world will surround them in an attempt to rid the world of their existence, once and for all (Rev 16:16).

There are certain particulars prophecied thousands of years ago surrounding the current situation regarding Israel to which we should be paying close attention. I believe that by the willful avoidance some demonstrate regarding Israel, the church is robbed of the glory that will eventually be established there.  All too often, I hear other Christians disparage the determination and drive that Israel has to live in security on their own land, echoing the demand that they relinquish part of it in order for peace to be established.  This is a grave error, especially in light of the prophetic warning God gave Joel regarding the punishment He would inflict upon those who despise the nation's existence (Joel 3:1-3).

It is clear that most damage inflicted upon Christians, when it comes to the ability to form our opinions regarding Israel, has come from within our congregations or directly from the mouths of our church leaders.  Sadly, many churches in America, and around the world for that matter, have aligned themselves with the secular idea and taken up the mantra that if Israel would only behave, give up half its capitol, and divide the land they were given to the true "occupiers," then the "peace" everyone is clamoring for would come to pass.  However, this is a immature idea, not to mention a unBiblical notion, and one that has been perpetuated for decades by world leaders attempting to make a historical mark on their biographies and be touted as the one who brought peace to the Middle East.  (Consider the fact that Iran's desire is to "drive the Jews into the sea.")

Today, the American President, Barrack Hussein Obama, made his first trip in five years to the nation of Israel.  I just finished watching the press conference, listening to Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu extol praise on each other and tout their feigned ability to negotiate what is clearly a growing danger.  Benjamin Netanyahu has visited the United States ten times during Obama's first four years in the White House, and was once rudely slighted and ignored by Obama.  It only takes a few moments sitting down with our Bibles to know that what the two men believe they will be able to accomplish will not happen through man's feeble attempts.  "Peace" will not come upon Israel through the intervention of depraved and sinful men determining what they think is best, regardless of the efforts and concessions that have been offered on the vast table of negotiations (see http://counting-the-cost.blogspot.com/2009/05/negotiation-table.html)

The "two-state solution" that both men are working towards and the naive thinking that it will bring about "peace" will only further God's anger.  Obama intends to meet with the "Palestinian" leadership tomorrow, and I'm confident that the glowing praise and promises of support he poured on Netanyahu will be repeated to Mahmoud Abbas.  The arrogance of worldly men who believe they will be able to provide an equitable solution by sitting down over coffee is ludicrous.   As the Book of Revelation so clearly reveals, peace will certainly come, but not without great cost, and Israel will pay the dearest.

To those of you who have failed or refused to follow the ancient and current history of Israel and to see its importance in the "big picture", so to speak, God has already brought about for the final time the return of His people to the land He gave them, as is precisely detailed in Scripture.  The first dispersion of the Jews when they were taken into captivity by the Babylonians was approximately 2500 years ago.  The second time they were forced from their homeland was approximately 70 years following the birth of Christ when, out of desperation,  the oppression and brutal persecution of Rome drove them out.  Twice God would exile them for their disobedience.  When He brought them back in  the beginning of the 20th century and Israel gained nationhood status in 1948,  it was to demonstrate prophetic fulfillment and for the purpose of concluding what he started with Abraham.

On May 14, 1948, Israel gained its independence and was formerly recognized as a legitimate State.  However, their re-establishment in the land God deeded to Abraham, and reconfirmed to Isaac and Jacob, did not come without a fight  (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Arab%E2%80%93Israeli_War).  Through Israel's struggle to be acknowledged by the world as a viable and sovereign nation, they have seen many attempts over the last 60 years, often violent and bloody and perpetuated by their Arab neighbors, to chip away, inch by inch, the land the Jews rightfully own.  Even more disturbing is the fact that the United Nations views Israel negatively as the aggressor and caves under the pressure of her Muslim neighbors and their demands, causing the UN to pass an untold number of unfair and untrue resolutions against her, rather than condemning the atrocities that have been and are continuing to be committed by the Arab nations against Israel.

In the mind of the UN, the word "defense" only applies to those who are on the receiving end of Israel's attempt to protect itself.  The only victims that are recognized by the UN are the Muslim Arabs who receive retaliation from Israel for their never-ending onslaught of rocket attacks upon the towns and cities within Israel's borders that have killed thousands of citizens.  The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to ask in his speeches before the UN and other nations if they would sit back and allow the same thing to happen to them without retaliating in kind.  Of course, the answer is obvious, but there is a gross unwillingness by these oligarchs to give the proper response.

To give you a better understanding and to further identify the boundaries with which God used to establish the Promised Land, in 1904 Theodore Herzl defined them in this map which, unfortunately, is from a website that promotes Islam (sorry for that, it was the best I could find, but I find it amusing that a pro-Islam map shows the very boundaries of God's deed to Israel.).  However, it does show a true representation of the original land mass demanded by Herzl and promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thus my reason for posting it here.  

As you can see, the boundaries of the original Jewish State encompassed Syria, Jordan, Iraq, the northern portion of Saudi Arabia, and the northern portion of the Red Sea and Egypt, including its capital, Cairo.  Herzl, the founder of Zionism, used the original borders to demonstrate to the world that the Jews would settle for nothing less in re-establishing themselves in their God-given homeland.  Herzl described it as being "from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates" (see Numbers 34:1-29 for God's definition of the boundaries He set in place).  If those original boundaries which were promised to Israel had been established, the political landscape of the Middle East today would be vastly different.

Considering the information provided us by these maps, the current State of Israel is much smaller than what the Jews first realized as they entered the land promised by God over 4000 years ago.  In fact, it has been reduced down to a strip of land about 8,000 square miles: 263 miles from north to south, 9 miles wide at its narrowest point, only 71 miles at its widest, with approximately 8 million people living there, of which 6 million are Jewish, 1.6 million are of Arabic descent, and 316,000 "other."  In comparison, it's roughly the size of New Jersey.  Through the guise and cunning of men who objected to the Jew's so-called "reoccupation"  of their own homeland, Israel has been reduced to a miniscule strip of land.

There are a few facts of which most are unaware and that I feel should be addressed.  One of the most important is that prior to the return of the Jews to their homeland, there never existed a people called "Palestinians."  Those that lived there were few in number, mostly outcasts from neighboring nations, or "stateless refugees" who had been driven from their homelands and who lacked citizenship in any country.  Because the nation was new and growth was desired, these people were invited by the Jews to assimilate into the newly born nation of Israel with full rights of citizenship extended.  It was not until after the Six-Day War in June of 1967, when Egypt, Syria, and Jordan amassed troops along Israel's borders, expelled United Nation peacekeepers, and blocked passage to the Red Sea, that the name "Palestinian" was born.  It was a term representative of those who resided in "Palestine" -  or better put, those that squatted there because they were not welcome in neighboring Arab nations.

In 1968, the Palestine National Council, which morphed into the Palestine Liberation Organization, or PLO, defined "Palestinians" as  "...those Arab nationals who, until 1947, normally resided in Palestine regardless of whether they were evicted from it or stayed there."  They went on to also declare: "Anyone born, after that date, of a Palestinian father - whether in Palestine or outside it - is also a Palestinian," regardless of their ethnicity.  The statement "whether they were evicted from it" was only the beginning of many falsehoods or, if you wish for the truth, lies that are still being perpetuated against the Israelis.  The Arab people who reside there are considered an asset by the Jews, are afforded the same rights and laws as the Israelis, and are able to conduct their lives and businesses much more freely than if they were residing in a neighboring Arab state.  As a matter of fact, a recent poll that was conducted in Israel revealed that the vast majority of Israeli-Arabs prefer the citizenship they enjoy there, over that of Arab-controlled nations.

The victory for Israel during the Six-Day War was nothing short of a divine miracle, considering the size of their own army and lack of weapons to defend her compared to the vast, well-equipped army that assembled at her borders.  The result was Israel's capture of the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and the eastern portion of their capitol, Jerusalem - all part of the original "land deed" from God.  By securing these locations, they provided a vital buffer or wall of protection against future attacks upon their tiny, vulnerable nation.  Because of Egypt's, Syria's, and Jordan's denial that they initiated the attack against Israel and the UN's acceptance of this lie, these particular portions of Israel have been a bone of contention that has fiercely divided the Middle East and prevented any further negotiations for peace.  And it continues to this day.  In recent events, much of what they gained in 1967 has been lost by the infiltration of Muslims and Israel caving to international pressure and demands to give up these areas.

We are living in a moment in history where changes are occurring at a rapid rate.  Advancements in technology, repositioning of world powers such as the European Union, a world banking system, and a blurring of borderlines which has invited a world-wide economy rather than individual ones, has made it impossible to keep up.  If we chose to simply view the world as a great melting pot of diversity, economy, and religion, as most of the secular world prefers, the image would appear appealing, painting a rosy picture of mutual acceptance and political correctness, and giving the false hope that world-wide peace is attainable through the efforts of its leaders.  However, the danger lies in the details, and one of the most important details is knowing and understanding Israel's role in bringing about the true peace everyone desires.

Considering this very brief and limited history lesson, what responsibility do we, as Christians, have when it comes to Israel and her struggle to survive?  What does God say about it?  Once again, I stress the importance of studying Scripture and making a determination solely based upon the Word of God rather than the secular world opinion that demonizes Israel.

Although many don't acknowledge this fact, the Book of Revelation was written for the Jews.  For approximately 4,000 years, the Jews have refused God's will for them, stubbornly rejecting His plan for all men, including taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile nations.  For 2,000 years, most of them have rejected Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah.  But Yahweh promised that once they were returned to the land He gave Abraham, He would never disperse them again.  In Matthew 24:33-35, Jesus was speaking of a future generation who would see the final return of the Jews to Israel, and we have been blessed in our generation to see it happen.  The "generation [that] will not pass away" is this generation; the world that we live in - RIGHT NOW.  Jesus will eventually build His earthly kingdom in the much-disputed city of Jerusalem, as is described throughout the Old and New Testament and ultimately in the book of Revelation, chapters 20-22.  The Jew's long-awaited Messiah, God's Son Jesus Christ, will return a second time and at last be seated on His rightful throne to be worshiped by all men and to rule with justice over the entire world. 

What does that mean for all of mankind?   It means time is short.  The world as we see it is a far different place than it was even a year ago.  God began man's history in the Middle East, and it will all end in the same place it began.  If you are closely watching, Biblical warnings and prophetic events are eerily occurring at such a rapid rate that we are often left in awe.  The Middle East is a bubbling cauldron of hatred, unrest, and ethnic skirmishes, which has spread across the world with Muslim's twisted and evil ideology that demands all the world be subjected to Islam, and it's about to boil over.  The enemy is nearly at Israel's gates with the determined and unwavering bent of annihilating the Jews  from the face of the earth, and those nations Israel was able to rely upon for defense in the past are diminishing at an alarming rate.  Even our own current U.S. administration, which views Israel as "occupiers," is making overtures of  impatience and demanding "peace" from their Jewish counterparts.  Soon Israel will be left alone to defend herself.  But God, in His infinite wisdom, has drawn a line in the sand surrounding His city Jerusalem, and it will not be breached.

I truly believe we are experiencing the beginning of "birth pangs" that Jesus warned His disciples of in Matthew 24:1-51.  There remains only one prophecy to fulfill Scripture: the "man of lawlessness" whom the world will be forced to worship is yet to be revealed (2Thes 2:1-12), and when he makes his grand entrance onto the world's stage, "all hell will break loose." At the present time, somewhere in the dark and wicked recesses waits a man who will seem to have all the answers for what troubles this world. He will suddenly reveal himself as the great "peace maker" who holds the key to what other world leaders have tried to accomplish for decades.  His deceptive countenance and false character will be such that even Israel will rejoice and embrace what he brings to the negotiation table.  They will tear down the walls they have built to protect their borders, leaving them open and vulnerable to what our sovereign God is about to bring upon the world (Ezekiel 38).

From what God has revealed to us in Scripture about the end of times, Christians know this man to be the Antichrist who will deceive the world with his cunning.  However, the saints won't know who this man is because many of us believe a very special event will take place prior to the 7-year period of Tribulation.  God will remove the "restrainer" (His church who is indwelt with the Holy Spirit through the " Rapture " of His saints, sparing them from the wrath to come as He did Noah before the flood - 1Thessalonians 4:13-18), and allow Satan full reign for 7 years upon this earth.  Christians around the world are anticipating this blessed event, and we believe it will happen soon.

This should strike terror into the hearts of even the most hardened unbeliever, for in his heart of hearts, he knows there is a Just God.  The saying, "There are no atheists in foxholes," is true and can't be ignored by those who refuse to believe there is a Creator.  But we who know Jesus Christ should not be dismayed over the things to come.  Jesus will return with His saints (those of us who were "raptured") after the 7-year period of Tribulation as a Victor and a Conqueror and will once again restore peace and justice upon the throne He establishes over all the earth.

There has never been a more urgent time in the history of mankind than NOW that you make a close examination of your spiritual state and your relationship with God.  Your very soul depends upon it.  Where you will spend eternity depends upon it.  God is very close to proving to all of mankind, who continue to foolishly try to thwart His plans and His will through their own attempts at "negotiations," that His Word regarding His chosen people, Israel, has not changed.  He will bring about events that will cause the world to tremble in horror and tremendous fear, and wreaking destruction unlike any time in history.  All of this will be for the purpose of revealing His Son, Jesus Christ, to the Jews as the Messiah Israel yearned for and whom they will eventually weep over as they remember their past disobedience and rejection (Zech 12:9-11).  It will culminate in the return of our LORD and Savior, our King Jesus Christ, to reclaim His rightful inheritance and establish His throne in the holy city of Jerusalem.

Although this post only touches upon Israel, its troubled history, and its right to exist, I have a purpose for publishing it.  I want you to consider that God's patience will only last until He deems it necessary to bring about everything I have spoken of - and more.  Understanding that He chose the nation of Israel to reveal Himself to all the world is vital in understanding the rest of Scripture.  He did it for HIS honor and for HIS glory, so that HE would receive the praise and worship He deserves.
(Rom 9:19-29).

I used to ignorantly wonder why God loved the Jews more than the Gentiles, but I realized after my rebirth that my envy was unfounded.  As I grew in spiritual knowledge, I came to understand the role God wrote for them in His plan of redemption.  God loves all mankind and desires that all repent of their sins.  He wants all men to turn to His Son and Savior Jesus Christ.  He desires that all believe on Him, put their faith in Him, and trust Him. This is what God meant when He told Abraham, in Genesis 17:1-8, that He would "be the father of a multitude of nations."  This is the message the Jews were intended to spread among all the nations, in order that they would know God Almighty and worship Him, and Him alone. 

"I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.  I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and be careful to obey My rules.  You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be My people, and I will be your God.  And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses.  And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you.  I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations.

 "Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations.  It is not for your sake that I will act, declares the Lord God; let that be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel.

 

“Thus says the Lord God: On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be rebuilt.  And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by.   And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’  Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the Lord; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.

“Thus says the Lord God: This also I will let the house of Israel ask Me to do for them: to increase their people like a flock.  Like the flock for sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Ezekiel 36:22-38 - ESV

Jesus, Who came as God in the flesh, Who died upon a cross, and rose again to forever defeat death and provide His sons and daughters with eternal life, and is now seated on His heavenly throne, is Israel's and your only Hope.

As God jealously guards His people and His land, and causes prophecy to unfold before our very eyes to bring about the culmination of all He has ordained, please turn to Him in faith, in repentance, and belief.  "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion..." ~ Heb 3:7

Even so, come, LORD Jesus!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I have added the following link for you to view.  Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, gave a speech before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference, Monday, March 22, 2010, which followed Hillary Clinton's speech where she made not-so subtle references to Israel's "occupation".  Bibi Netanyahu speaks about Israel's God-given deed to the land.  It's a tremendously emotional speech.  I hope you'll take the time to watch it.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/136663