We often quote the well familiar scriptures in Luke 21:28 and 31, where we are told to "look up" as we await our redemption. We also quote the apostle Paul who instructed us to gather togetherand give each other support in the form of "hope" and "encouragement" in these last days. Additinally, Jesus instructed us to continually watch the signs and to be acutely aware that we are indeed in this last generation.
With these general thoughts in mind, Joel Rosenberg has provided a timely review of recent events and thoughts on what we can be doing as we observe the signs around us:
The Lord Is Shaking The Nations Physically, Spiritually, Financially: Why, and how should we respond?
(Jerusalem, Israel) The nations are being shaken – physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, politically and in so many other ways.
After listing 7 major events from around the world - events which may have prophetic significance, we see the following:
The Lord said through the ancient Hebrew Prophet Haggai that the nations would be shaken in the future.
“For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. I will shake all the nations….I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations.” (Haggai 2:6, 7, 21, 22)
And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven’….Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:25-29)
In conclusion:
Bible prophecy is clear: the Lord shakes individuals and nations that we might let go of all of the flawed political, philosophical, intellectual and religions notions that we cling to that won’t give us true peace, that don’t give us real hope, that can’t bring us any security, that can’t provide forgiveness from our sins much less eternal life for our souls.
The God of the Bible wants to shake us loose of such things that we might turn to Him, and to the life He offers through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord isn’t letting us be shaken because He hates us. He’s letting us be shaken precisely because He loves us and wants us to repent and turn to Him and call out to Him, as individuals, as families, and as nations.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
One sentence stands out:
"The Lord isn't letting us be shaken because He hates us. He's letting us be shaken precisely because He loves us and wants us to repent and turn to Him and call out to Him..."
Amen.
32 comments:
DEAR SCOTT >>>>
I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT THE LAST PART OF 11 JOHN IS REFERRING TO THE RAPTURE, RE THE ONES WHO NEVER DIE, WOULD U AGREE ??
ALSO, PLEASE GO HERE >>>>>>
http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=231324
STEPHEN !!!!
Very, very interesting post today. Some references and scripture here not often visited. I just have to ponder about the proclamation of shaking both the heavens and earth and relate it to the coming of that "whatever it is" due next month.
We can disagree about the science and the relative facts and conjecture but not about something is coming our way. Its there and measurable, in some respects. If what many of us suspect is true, it could provide a "shaking" of unimaginable magnitude and consequences.
I see nothing about it that conflicts with scripture. In fact, everything I know about it seems to fulfill scripture.
What my little mind can't get wrapped around is the magnitude of confusion, reactions, and results of it hitting at the same time the ME is erupting.
I appreciate the encouraging thoughts and scriptures. I am so grateful to know the Lord as my Savior. It is amazing to me the many people who give no thought to the condition of the world and the many problems going on. They are truly like the people in Noahs day. They give no thought to God, none. It makes me angry, so I can only imagine how angry it makes God. His wrath will be poured out soon. I pray that the lost will find the way before it is too late.
I pray they will open their eyes, open their hearts and listen to the message of the saints, the saved ones.
As the shaking continues, the sheeple begin to wake up! What amazes me is the sinners are catching on faster than the Christians. Whats up with that? Is it because the sinners are more aware of their surroundings? At one of the weather blogs I go to, it is about 50/50 now finally. Is it because the church is mis educating people? Don't know. This is so odd to me because we have the gamebook, the instructions etc. Hmm, I am a bit baffled.
Also, does any one know what happened at the "future congress" event in Branson. Also odd that I haven't heard a lick about that either. There were some heavy hitters in the world of Christ there for that conference but I haven't heard a peep yet. Let me know if anybody here went.
Has anyone else felt an urgency with the Holy Spirit lately? Sept is the turning point. We need to be close to him, inyertwined with him by then if we aren't already. Once again speaking to myself as much as others. God bless!
Hi Ally~
I have to wonder the same thing at times about the awakening of others. The best way I can wrap my mind around it is to trust that God knows where they are in their lives or even their walks. Things that may not make sense to us, but he can work on them. If we come up against such situations we can always do our part to represent Christ well and stand in the best book he gave us to help us navigate through life. The Bible, not trying to add more to it or take away from it; to me it’s like a map of life.
IMHO I believe the ones who have not known God or what he can offer, can sense greater dangers and are seeking for something that makes sense. They seem to turn to the world first because they don't know better. I believe in their seeking God puts Christians in their path to better help guide them to Christ. This is why our work is not done in these last days. We can be doing so much more :)
Now we take the saved ones - the Christians. Many who seem to have one foot in the world and one in Christ? Many who say---Shewwww...Hey I am saved, at least I am in, and don't seek to do anything more to further the Kingdom of God. There are those who misrepresent what true Christianity is because they stopped seeking, stop trying something new and unfamiliar. That's how it can make it tougher for us to witness, especially if they are leading a poor example for those who may come after them.
I hope that doesn't sound to complex, but a long time ago I learned for all the suffering Christ did for me, the least I could do was strive to become more Christ like..."a true Christian" and learn and seek and grow in this new life he gave us for his purpose, his glory for his other children out there. Many may have not had good follow- ups in their teachings or the desire grew cold in their hearts and so they start swinging back toward the worldly ways. When they swing back toward the worldly ways they pick up thinking that sounds good but not what was part of God's will for our lives and then add it to their Christian walk and become their own God in a way.
It's such a murkiness that makes it hard for many to see the error of their ways and yet call themselves true Christians. I don't mean that in a bad way. I believe many thought they just needed to be saved and that is it. If many had turned this into a life style and shed their old selves completely and just started doing God's work while we are here...OH...what wonderful help we would have in these last days.
If we can help the non-believers from the onset and walk with them, mentor with them, help them and show them, they will have a better chance than those who call themselves true Christians but are not practicing Christianity. In the meantime, as we come up against false teachings by Christians, etc. it is our job to lead them back to the word and see what it says. Let’s not take one piece of scripture to see what God says about it, but several. Since he put that book here to help us the least thing we can do is to seek first what he is saying about all subjects. It's a choice to die to self, let God be the great navigator, and serve such a loving God who has nothing but our best interest at heart. Boy, I hope that came out right :)
Have a blessed day!!!
GG
GG-so right!
Hi GG,you post such a common sense truth.
It truly hurts to say this, but I honestly believe that today the apostate church and media has redefined what a Christian is. A national poll a few years ago identified only 11% of so called Christians as believing the bible was literal and true.
Now, to me and I suspect to most here, we assume because you call yourself Christian that you believe the bible is literal and true.
The pathetic truth is that only 11% of us did then, and I suspect that number is less now.
To make it even worse, consider that using these numbers then at 11% of the children raised up were in true bible believing homes. Of the number of children entering college, only 1/2 if 1% had a biblical world view.
Not good, any way you look at it.
OK here is my new plan. I have to get my life a little more in order. When that is done, I'm going to start calling myself an apostle instead of a Christian. LOL. Really, what do you think? I'm trying to walk like that with him. Definately not there yet though.
Scott and whomever else that may know-is it possible for the trumpets and seals to happen parallelly? at the same time?
Ally, some people do believe the 3 sets of judgments are all describing the same thing. But there are key differences, such as 1/4 of the world dying but later 1/3. And when things are numbered in sequence, I take it as just that. The trumpets are the 7th seal, and the bowls are the 7th trumpet, but all the seals are not all the trumpets, and all the trumpets are not all the bowls.
One interesting theory (Done Koenig of The Prophetic Years) is that the seals comprise a 3.5 gap between the Rapture and the beginning of the Trib., such that the trumpets take up the first half and the bowls the second. This would be a perfect setup to make people think that the trib was ending when it's only half done since it will have been 7 years since the Rapture, and that when the AC sits on the throne in the temple it's really Jesus setting up the millennial kingdom. The killing of the two witnesses would then be seen as killing the beast and the false prophet, who are then taken away to the lake of fire.
That's DON Koenig, not DONE. :/
Caver~
Yes, I agree with your comment. It's almost like our human desires have not caught up to the grand purpose for the conversion. Let's face it the bible can be a pretty intimidating book :) I think God knows that but just like going to school to study to become what we desire in life, how we can complete the course if we don't do the studies? I laugh sometimes with my husband because we as Christians want all the glory but not the hard work. The glory actually belongs to God so see how easy we teeter back to self. God knows we are human but will we continue to work against ourselves and do God's work? It's like our human bent wants to go one way and our Christian selves need us to go a different way in order to finish the job at hand according to God’s plan.
For this reason as I believe we all agree we all fall short of the glory of God. However we should always be striving not to conform to this world by to be transformed by the word :) It's one of the hardest assignments in the school of life we will ever have. That is how the bible has become important to me. I am no master but I can't show someone if I don't go there and see what God says about something. That is the final authority in any discussions we have here. Sometimes not what we want to hear (ha ha)
Now we can see clearer as to why many of our brothers and sisters in Christ seem to be content where they are in their walk as well as we can see why many non-believers are turned off or away about becoming a Christian. They may think it's boring, rigid and different so how could that possibly help me? Right? But they don't hesitate to point the finger back to the fallen or non-believing as though they have it all figured out but have no sound backing to their points. Auh..silly human nature :)
I do believe that there are more watching our behaviors than we know and that in it can be a wonderful testimony as they see change.
If I may, let's take Mrs. C. for example. If her studies of prophecy had made her feel like it was dull and boring and she did not accept the call, we all would have lost out in these last days learning what we are learning here. Her teachings are deep and she always goes back to what the word says. (Not that others don't; but I am using her teachings as a point here :) She is helping God's children to understand in these last days as to why things are happening but she always does it in a love just like Christ would do to teach those he came into contact with. Had she been thinking of self through the years, she would have stifled Gods will for hers and our lives and she wouldn't be the wonderful, purposeful vessel he is utilizing today. I am sure God knows this assignment in life would not be easy. She chose to reach out past herself and because of that we are reaping the rewards today. God is teaching us through her!
Ally, you are too funny :) Just build on Jesus and keep striving as you do daily and make sure your not part of the great falling away in these last days. We are all saints in his book.
God Bless!!
Hello Ally
Several months ago it 'dawned' on me that the Mid point of the seven years is a 'time marker'.
For example some insist the two witnesses are at the end of the Trib.
BUT.
They are given 1260 days to minister (3 1/2yrs). We know they are killed by the beast when he comes out of the Abyss when the False Prophet sets up the AoD in the Temple and 666 is given. This all happens at the MID point of the week.
Naturally, if the two witness are killed at the end of the 1260 day ministry, then their ministry began on the first day of the week. Their ministry will be within the first 3 1/2/yrs).
Do you see?
Take your time and you can count back from the Mid, realise the 5th and 6th Trumpets are also in the Midst of the week, count forward 42months for the extra time of rule for a/c (last 3 1/2 yrs)to when he is killed when Christ return.
Jesus returns at the 7th Bowl judgment; while the first Bowl was poured out of the 7th Trumpet at the MIDSt of the Week which begins the final half of the Trib.
Its hard to explain without a diagram - so draw a 'time line', mark the Midst and carefully check Revelation.
For quickness, Paula is right - the first seal releases the first horse = a/c, and starts the seven; then Jesus breaks each seal in sequence. The seals are all finished opening by half way through the first 3 1/2 years. The 7th Seal holds the 7 Trumpets which end at the Midst of the Week.
I hope you get a hold of this, it really opened my eyes to understand the sequence of events.
As I am really tired, it will no doubt take some thinking through - but its great when you have that eureka moment.
Have fun
God bless
Sue
Hi Sue~
I had a chart from Precept Ministries on their end times events used in a bible study. I haven't had a chance to even start the study. I just can't seem to find it now but have the papers here. I did find this other one but don't know enough about this topic to confirm if it's accurate. I will post it here for you or Ally or Paula. Whomever is good at tracking these last days. I am learning much from everyone here. I hope this chart is helpful. It looks similar to the one I had from Precept though not theirs.
http://www.prophecysigns.com/assets/Images/endtimesoverview.pdf
God Bless!!
GG
Just in case that link breaks...
http://www.prophecysigns.com/assets
/Images/endtimesoverview.pdf
GG, my biggest problem with the overlap theory is that for the bowls, they are described as "last" because "with them is fulfilled the wrath of God" or something like that. I just see too many discrepancies to overlap all three sets, and though I didn't study that chart I have seen others and they seem to force-fit a lot. Not saying it must be wrong but that I don't agree with it. :-)
I can trust in the sorting process on here :). I know nothing of these timelines. How did most of it look overall? I appreciate you pointing out these things. I would never want to mis-lead anyone. Do you know of any better chart we can look at? Thanks so much!
I have a crude one here, but it certainly isn't etched in stone or anything. I'm sure there are better ones.
Hello GG
Thanks for the link. Have to say it is wrong according to the Maths The Lord has given.
The AoD in the Midst comes out of the 5th6th Trumpet. The 7th Trumpet is sounded and the 7 bowls last throughoutthe final 3 1/2yrs to provide a/c with the extra 42 months he is given. This chart has the AoD as the fifth seal...that's guesswork in imo.
Remember the figures we are given - a Time, Times and half a time = 3 1/2 prophetic years of 1650 days (lunar)
1260 days = 3 1/2 years.
42 months = 3 1/2 years.
All together make up the Shevuah (seven) of Daniel 9.
When the 70th Week of Daniel is over, the following 'extra' days are an interim for 'mopping up' before the 1000 years begin.
Those numbers are fixed and the events have to fit in with them which is revealed by a little bit of detective work through Scripture.
I haven't seen yours yet Paula :)
Arnold Fruchtenbaums charts in 'Footsteps of the Messiah' take the Maths into account and they are just about as close as we can get at this point in time.imo
God bless
MARANATHA!
Sue
x
Hello Paula
Your link has a blank page with a red cross in the top left hand corner...does that mean it is 'broken'?
Hi Sue & Paula~
Thanks so much for the correction on this :) We don't need any more mis-information in an already crazy world.
I will note these changes and look to see if I can find something on the 'Footsteps of the Messiah'.
May you both have a blessed day!!
GG
Sis GG, :)
I am humbled and at a loss for words...except to say this simply...it is ALL HIM, not me without question. Yup, ya brought tears in my eyes for sure! when I read your post and reflected on walking with Him! Sometimes it is a tough battle, and the Lord shows me what Im up against, and I have no choice but to obey Him. His Conviction is heavy on me, especially in the recent years. A few years ago, the Holy Spirit came on me like He hadnt been since the day I gave my life to Jesus! So much so, that at first I joked with the Lord and said with tears "You must be coming back soon Lord, it Truly must be the Last Days". Then He reminded me of His Word of the pouring out of His Spirit. I was overwhelmed to say the least, but Ill save that Testimony-story for another time :)It was Our Father,Our Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit walking through the desert together for weeks! Whewww!Intense!
There have been discussions for example, that I knew once I hit the "enter" key on a post, I would be attacked. Even tried to walk away from the discussion, but I would be so under conviction by the Holy Spirit, there was no question but to obey. Every single time, He assured me that He was and is right there next to me, with me, as He is with us all. He continually teaches us that when you stand on His Word, it never returns void. We are all so incredibly Blessed! Honored! Privileged! to serve HIM! To Love Him!
God Bless You Sis! :) Big Hug
Expected, I clicked it and it comes up fine for me. It's a jpeg, so maybe check to see that your browser doesn't have them blocked? I can email it if you can't see it.
Mrs C~
Thank you as always for showing us what the Lords way is. I know it can be hard for us to want to find a place of comfort through this mess, but some days it's not that easy. As you say, we must stay the course and lean on his understanding not ours. He will be proud for the days your hair went blowing in the wind with courage of conviction and you did not waiver for any human, though you did understand their thinking.
Insert vision of the front of the Titanic here (ha ha) :)
God Bless!!!
Hi Paula~
Thank you for the link. It will come up on my I-pod but at the computer it will give me the X. It must have something to do with the different settings.
Thanks again!
GG
GG Sis, :)
Yes my Sis, and Sisters and Brothers, especially in these days, we have to lean ever to close Him! To His Will, His understanding. He taught me to say “I Trust you Father…I Trust you Lord Jesus…I Trust You Holy Spirit…I don’t trust myself…as part of my walk in the desert with Them :) God says the Truth, when through Paul, He instructs us that we have to focus on all that is good, even when times are tough and darkness attacks our “thoughts”. God tells us what to “think on”.:)
Philippians 4:4-8
4.Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5.Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6.Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8.Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Most important, we have His promises! If we draw close to Him, He draws close to us! James 4:8 :) He causes all things to work together for the good, for those who love Him and are called according to His Purpose. Romans 8:28 He will never, ever, leave us or forsake us! Hebrews 13:5 Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from His Love! EVER! Romans 8:38-39
He is coming back for us! :) PRAISE GOD!!!
John 14:1-3
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
All Praise and Glory be to You Forever Father!!! Thank you Father! Thank you Lord Jesus! Thank You Holy Spirit!!!
Thank you again GG, for such loving and encouraging words! I hope, as we all do, to some day soon hear the most Glorious Words spoken to us by our Lord! Well done good and Faithful Servant, well done…
Matthew 25:21
21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
God Bless You Sis! :)
P.S. LOL You crack me up, the “Titanic insert vision” ? Please forgive me, but how bout...if were going to pick a ship…how bout Noahs Ark (who was a picture of Jesus – all who enter are Saved) instead! LOL and oh yeah, Noahs Ark AFTER is stops raining! LOL Remember…God designed Noahs Ark, man designed the Titanic…need we say more!
Auh..too..too funny. My brain wanted to go to that ship that had the lady on the front but I can't think of it for the life of me. I can see the waves crashing on her bow and the emblem hitting the hard seas. She is strong as ever. Maybe it will come to me. Glad to make you smile.
GG
The way I always heard it was: Amateurs built the Ark - the Experts built the Titanic!
I need y'all to remember me today, I'm in a lot of pain.
My wife went to the doctors with a bad leg. She came back and said "The Doctor told me I can't drive".
"Heck, I coulda told you that!"
Ow! Ow, ow, owwwww!
;-D
DrNofog said:
"My wife went to the doctors with a bad leg. She came back and said "The Doctor told me I can't drive".
"Heck, I coulda told you that!"
Ow! Ow, ow, owwwww!"
And Ellis says:
You brat! LOL! ;-D (Sounds exactly like what my husband would say to me!)
Doc-
What happened? Is she Ok? Or did you trip on something? Somehow I feel an ism coming in this one - ha ha. I pray for a speedy recovery for you both :)
GG
Well doc, at least you still have a sense of humor! Hows that verse go-a merry heart is good medicine (sorry guys my Bible interpretation.) I know a lot of word but i can never seem to remember the chapter and verse ever except for john 16.
LOL DrNo - that was a good one :)
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