Monday, October 3, 2011

A World Searching...In All The Wrong Places

It now appears that the demonstrations and protests are increasing around the nation, paralleling what we have been seeing for quite some time in Europe.

Americans Are Protesting

More than 700 arrested in Wall Street protests

Occupy Wall Street: Mass Economic Riots Are Now Here And America WIll Never Be The Same

We've been watching the world-wide economic collapse taking shape like a slow-moving train wreck - a collapse that will affect every human on earth to some degree.

We've been watching the EU crumbling under the weight of their massive debt problems, as foreshadowing of what is to come to America. We see continual failure after failure by the EU to create anything more than very brief, temporary fixes.

We watch as the United States economic problems continue to mount, with no end in sight and no tangible solutions offered by the politicians currently in office. Meanwhile, millions foreclose on their homes as food-stamps become the order of the day.

We see the Middle East just on the brink of exploding, as the war-like rhetoric has taken a dramatic turn to the worst case scenario, while Israel's surrounding enemies have become more and more emboldened. We know the epicenter is just on the brink. Meanwhile, we hear the same old political rhetoric from politicians that we have heard for decades as the stalemate continues, yet the violence continues to increase.

We see world-wide pestilences increasing with antibiotic resistance the story of this generation, as man's once promising efforts to fight infection is now met with failures more often than success.

We see earthquakes ravaging nations such as Japan as the aftermath from epic destruction and radiation fears develop from failing nuclear plants, not to mention the massive tsunami damage. New Zealand is still in recovery mode from their major quakes, as is Haiti, Chile, and Indonesia just to name a few. We also see man's helplessness and inability to intervene as the power of the earth is revealed. Man only appears smaller and more inept in the face of the earth's changes.

We turn on the TV and listen to the news and hear of more violence, more killings, more rape, more murder, gang violence - more bloodshed every day, and also come to terms of the failure of modern society to combat these issues.

We watch the growing persecution taking place around the world - persecution of our brothers and sisters - with helplessness as we can do very little to stop it - exemplified most recently in Iran, as we helplessly watch our brother about to be put to death simply because of his faith in Jesus - yet he stands firm in his faith.

And what are "the nations" trying to do to solve these unsolvable problems?

They seek answers through man and man's government. And to this day - as we watch the various protests, riots, carnage and violence, man continues to seek answers via other humans and through human government.

How has that worked out so far on planet earth?

When will mankind learn?

As we have become more and more technologically advanced, we have deteriorated in every sense. We have deteriorated morally, spiritually, and in every other way imaginable.

We have created weapons of mass destruction. We have created more bloodshed than any other time in history. We have seen more violence than any time in the past. We have more depression, more abortions, more war, more divorce, more homeless, more destruction and more helplessness.

And as man seeks solutions through mankind, we see a world also turning away from God.

What does the Bible tell us?

Man does not have the answers. Man will never have the answers.

The world is seeking solutions to these massive problems through more and more of what has already failed miserably:

Mankind.

Human government.

Humans have never had the answers nor the solutions.

Watching the current state of affairs on this earth is tragic, but almost comical at the same time.

Man continues to seek the answers to these massive problems through the very cause of these problems: Human government.

If it weren't so sad and heartbreaking it would be humorous. One has to wonder what God is thinking as He watches man's feeble efforts to fix these problems without HIm.

The world will continue to deteriorate until Jesus returns to the earth to establish His reign.

It is that simple.

The demonstrations, the riots, the elections, the border wars, the UN, the so-called "leaders" of the nations, the protestors, the pundits, the political operatives, the corporate CEOs etc. No one from this earth will have the solutions. The efforts that we see today are destined for failure. All of them.

Only Jesus.

There will be no solutions without Jesus.

There will be no peace without Jesus.

We who are in Christ know this.

We also know that we are in this world, but we are not of this world.

We have a very different destination that awaits us - and all of the hope and optimism that goes along with that faith.

It is impossible for me to imagine being on this earth - at this moment in time - without such hope. The hope that is offered by a personal relationship with Christ Jesus.

And it gets even better for us. Jesus has made for us an even better plan - a plan that He has given us on multiple occasions with multiple reassurances. A plan that includes His gathering up of His bride: those who have accepted His gift of salvation.

Before this tribulation period begins on the earth - He has promised to deliver His people - and to take His people to His father's house. A place that has been extensively described in the last two chapters of the Holy Bible.

He stated this case clearly many times in many passages, but perhaps most clearly here:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God; trust also in me.

In my Father's house there are many rooms;
if it were not so, I would have told you.

I am going there to prepare a place for you.

And if I go there to prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me
that you will also be where I am."

(John 14:1-3)

You see, this is a reference to the "gathering up" of the Church - also known as the Bride of Christ. Also known as the Rapture of the Church. This is not a Second Coming reference. At the time of the Second Coming Jesus will remain on earth to establish His earthly reign for 1,000 years. This scripture clearly identifies that Jesus will be taking His bride to the Father's house.

We know this is entirely consistent with the promise given in 1 Thessalonians 4:16

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven
with a loud command, and with the voice of the archangel
and with the trumpet call of God,
and the dead in Christ will rise first.

And after that, we who are still alive and are left
will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore encourage each other with these words."


So what do we do while we watch the world crumble and as we watch the nations seek solutions via mankind and man's government?

We look for Jesus:

The only way to find peace.
The only solution to the world's problems.
Jesus and only Jesus.

And Jesus said to not let our hearts be troubled.

He knew exactly what we would be seeing on earth in these last days.

As the song says

There is no one else for me. None But Jesus

51 comments:

Unknown said...

Great summary and analysis Scott. The lost turn to man and the saved turn to God. Soon, I fear that the saved are going to be blamed for the problems the same way the Jews were blamed in Germany. Trust in Jesus, things will get worse, but still trust in Jesus. Where is the outcry for the pastor sentenced to death in Iran? More people know about Chaz on Dancing with the Stars...

Anonymous said...

Scott >>>>

In reading your comments I could not
help but remember this song...

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE ??

Do u remember that ??

By Peter, Paul and Mary ??



describes the sad path this world
is taking, like it always does, it seems.

Stephen >>>>>>>

Robin said...

Respectfully, Michael . . .I hold onto the belief that He didn't deliver us from death to everlasting life only for us to be persecuted for His name. The Bible tells us Tribulation Saints will suffer such persecution for sure, but that we'll be removed first. It appears everything is now in place and He's only awaiting the final number to "come in".

Very inspiring commentary, Scott . . .thank you for the uplifting message.

Mrs. C said...

Hi Sister Robin :)
Yes indeed, the wrath of God is not for us. :) Jesus already suffered, shed His Precious Blood for us, and does not require us to suffer through the Trib shedding our blood. For us to have to do so, would deny what He has already done! We have His Word, His Promise! Thank You and Praise You Jesus forever!
Revelation 3:10
10.Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Mrs. C said...

Dear Brother Scott :)
I know this is said often, but never too often as far as Im concerned. God Bless you and thank you for the excellent work you do for Him as His Faithful Servant.
Thank you for the giving of your time, and knowledge that Blesses so many! This is again, another one of your excellent postings. :)
God Bless you for your personal sacrifices. Know this, that when we're all together with Him, there will be many that will greet you, known and unknown to you, that chose to accept Jesus having read your wonderful writings! Your humility, especially before Him, is such a Blessing for all to witness!
Most importantly Brother Scott, thank you for saying YES to Him when called to create this wonderful blog!
God Bless You Brother! :)

Mrs. C said...

Forgive me...but most important for all of us is to Trust in Him and not ourselves :)

Scott said...

Amen Mrs C - on that last comment...And also, you know it is my great pleasure to do this and serve my Savior :)

gearedup2go said...

Scott, your heartfelt, passionate, opinion pieces are your best work and I often wonder how influential you are for the many readers that visit your site. I think it will be most interesting if we are to be called up after you publish such a piece as your final letter to the saints.

Scott said...

I felt very strongly led by the Holy Spirit late last night and just started typing. An hour and a half later the post came out. I was just telling my wife, that sometimes the Holy Spirit takes over and I get into a "time-lapse" while writing and I feel that "I" have very little to do with it. Its really not "me" to be honest. Writing the book was a very similar exercise, but thats a long story. In a way, I hate to even talk about this process, as I don't ever want to make this about "me" (in fact, that is the opposite of what I am attempting to say here) - its got to be God working via the Holy Spirit. I'm really not capable, as DrNo will quickly point out :) :)

Anonymous said...

Scott~

You can see the beauty in the writing. Great job listening to the promptings. Have a great day!

GG

Tasarwen said...

Thank you for this post, Scott. I'm sure you were led by the Spirit. I understand (being a writer, myself) what a humbling experience it is. May it never be that our egos (selves) will ever get in the way.

Waterer said...

Such a wonderful Post. Thank you Lord and thank you Scott.
We are promised to be kept from wrath but not persecution. It may heat up more for us and likely will.
If we were in other harder hit places in the world we would not be as surprised perhaps.
Let's not forget to pray for our
strength in trusting Him and not be like Peter.. "This will nevrer happen to you" kind of thinking.
I am not meaning the Trib but the
days of Noah's time. The Scriptures are clear that Noah and Lot suffered in their souls during the wait. And Hebrews 11 gives an incredible list of all the things our bros and sisters have suffered in standing on His promises.
Blessings to you all in His Matchless NAME!

Anonymous said...

Mrs C:

I agree totally and Scott you know my heart when it comes to you brother.

I would like to ponder here, if I may, and expand on what we are going to learn when we are raptured to Heaven. It seems to me that we get caught up in getting there and because our feeble minds can't fully grasp what Heaven will be about, that we just don't spend enough time on what we may experience there.

1. The very first thing will be to behold the beautiful, loving kind face or our beloved Savior. Looking in to His loving eyes, hearing his wonderful voice and having His arms embrace us in the most wonderful hug we will have ever known. Having experienced a relationship with a loving father and mother on this earth we get a tiny sense of what we will be feeling in His presence. I have known love not only as a son but as a father and with that I fully understand the Fathers love. To be able to walk with Him and hear Him tell me about love, fully defining it in a way that I can only understand in His presence. To hear Him say that He Loves me and showing me all the times that He was with me when I was worried or scared. I’ve often wondered what His laugh might sound like and the joy I will feel in hearing it. To be able to walk with Him and talk with Him about His time with the disciples. To know His personal relationship with them hearing it first hand will be amazing. Please spend time each day thinking of the moment you see Christ.

2. Seeing Heaven in all of it's beauty. I try to imagine all the colors and the sense of every fragrant flower rushing all around me at once. I imagine looking into a stream of the purest natural form of water flowing from the throne of God out to the country side. Looking in to the stream down to each molecule of water understanding not only it's creation but the honor it feels in existing before God and singing praises to Him. Hearing this beautiful sound I will finally understand why all of creation honors God through Christ. I imagine each blade of Grass designed by the Father not only to exist but that each blade is alive and fulfilling a purpose in his kingdom. As a survey the wonderful blanket of beautiful green grass I notice that it stands tall for God swaying in gentle praise towards the father. As I step to the grass I get the sensation that each blade gently lifts my foot to it's next step helping me to understand God and his righteousness fulfilling their purpose in God's master plan. The overwhelming sense here is that I am one with everything understanding the love with which everything was created by God.

Anonymous said...

3. Reconciled body. Having lived with back pain over the last 15 years and having 4 surgeries I can tell you that I am fully read to hand over this flesh and become physically what I was meant to be in a body that will be perfect in God’s sight fully honoring him and that what He creates is perfect in every way. I imagine we will all be taller and that we will know and understand our bodies in a more complete way. I mean we will know all the answers to why each part of our body was created and why. We will know physically what our bodies mean but I imagine when God reveals that to us we will understand the love with which we were created. When Christ appeared after the resurrection He was physical to touch He walked, He spoke, He ate food and He didn’t need to open doors to walk through them which tells us He moved at will to places He thought of. His body broken on the cross was fully reconciled and made whole in the sight of God to last forever. In Matthew 13:43 the bible tell us that “The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father”, won’t that be wonderful for all of us.

4. Being reunited with loved ones. Having lost my son Luke and my father recently I can tell you that I can’t wait to see them again. I used to tell everyone that to go to Heaven you had to believe in Christ, obey the commandments, and know Jesus personally in a relationship with Him and you get to go to Heaven to be with God. Since the loss of my son and father now it’s all those things to get there to be with my son and my dad. God uses everything for His glory and it’s appropriate that I not only think this but to remind myself of it knowing that in Christ love and life is forever and can’t be taken away by death. There is more to this though. Aside from my family I am going to finally understand, meet and come to know all of my relatives actually understanding from what tribe of Noah I am from. Thinking this through Noah is my Grandfather and to know that fills me with love and honor that I can’t explain. We will also be with great men and women from history. Can you even begin to imagine some of the people we will meet? A side from the greatest Jesus Christ we will see Adam and Eve, Moses and Aaron, Abraham and Isaac , Jacob, the Disciples minus one, King David and Solomon, Esther, Enoch and Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, and few in more recent U.S. history Abraham Lincoln, George Washington to just mention a couple. I just can’t wait.

All of these things, which probably represent just the tiniest fraction of what we will come to know, are breathtaking in and of themselves. Dear brothers and sisters cling to the only hope we have which is our beautiful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It won’t be much longer until that day arrives. God bless all of you and may each second of your day bring you closer to Christ.

James N Nashville

GG said...

Dear James~

What a wonderful and sensitive part of yourself to share with us all today. That is stated so wonderfully beautiful too. I can't even imagine beyond my front door some days what it will be like and then I get blessed to read something like this from you.

Thanks for sharing this. This is just what I needed today.

Something that has been coming to my attention lately as well is this question...

When you die, God will greet you with one basic question, "Why should I let you into my heaven?" As He searches your heart, what will your answer be?

I have been to a couple of different sites in the past few weeks and keep running into this same statement from different organizations. :) This added to your beautiful statement is something I just never gave much thought too. I am so excited to lay my crown down at the feet of Jesus that I overlooked this type of thought process.

The hopeful answers...

"I am saved by the unmerited grace of your Son, Jesus Christ, and what He did for me on the cross,"

God Bless!! I simply can't wait to go home. I pray daily for the insight and strength to keep witnessing until that glorious moment.

GG

Waterer said...

Dear James and all,
I love your hearts pictures.
I sometimes play a game called "better than that". I dream and imagine heaven in one or more of its aspects and then remind myself.. It's better than that..
No Eye has seen, no ear heard what the Lord has prepared for those who love Him. Surely it is what you have said and more.
I found this lecture the othe day through a friend and it is well WORTH the listen. A Jonathan Edwards conference with Sam Storm on Heaven.
Joy's Eternal Increase : Sam Storms : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive
www.archive.org
Wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Scott I love your blogs!I come to your site everyday..the world really is on the brink of collapse,and I can't wait until it does because it would mean a step closer until Jesus Christ returns!I'm anticipating his return..I can only pray for those who don't know Jesus,because time really is short.

DrNofog said...

Anon-James N Nashville, Great thots! And there are the wonders of all those fantastic stars systems & planets that we'll have all eternity to explore, and we won't need any bulky spacesuits.
Or to paraphrase Cheech Marin: Spacesuits?? We don't have no spacesuits! We don't need no stinkin' spacesuits!!

James -->Go "here" for a helpful hint on "how to". This will save you a little time for any of your future posts too.

GG said... "...what will your answer be?"

"...I already know..."
This one always stirs up a tear, and a hand or 2 up for a wave offering: Third Day "Trust in Jesus"

[and he actually makes 'redneck' music listenable...]
;-D

DrNofog said...

Here's another one that'll make you kick out a leg too!
[I usually hafta lean against a wall or sit down to do that anymore soz I don't fall over...]

GG said...

Thank you Doc!

That is awesome :) Brought on the tears, great song!!

God Bless!!

GG

Tasarwen said...

Thank you, James. That was lovely.

WVBORN56 said...

Excellent encouragement today. Thanks Scott and James...

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every weight and sin that so easily entangles and run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Scott said...

James,
We think a lot alike brother :) Two sentences in, and I knew it was you writing that.

And you also had the order of importance correct IMO - first and foremost will be the aspect of being in the very presence of Jesus Himself. Wow. Thats so hard to comprehend, and the wait is killing me. All of us are of the same mindset when it comes to this aspect. We just want to be with Him. Period. To fall at His feet. To thank Him (in person) for what He did for us.

And the glories of Heaven. As Waterer said, our minds cannot even begin to comprehend what awaits us.

And then the aspect of the reunion.

Better yet - it is all coming soon. As Waterer said, we will be spared from God's wrath, but we could endure various hardships while remaining on earth. Persecution included.

Still - knowing the end is near and knowing what awaits us is what gives us hope and encouragement.

I have a hard time understanding how ANYONE can live on this planet right now, w/o the promises that we have. Its unthinkable.

I know several very wealthy people who are approaching their latter years w/o the hope that we have. Despite having enormous amounts of wealth and the ability to purchase literally anything that they desire - they are not what I could consider to be "happy" or "content" people. Its sad beyond belief. Its tragic. They have nothing to look forward to but death - and their mind, that ends it all. Nothing beyond that. How depressing and sad. Money cannot bring happiness, especially in that scenario. And the older such people get, the worse their mood and sense of fatality becomes.

What a contrast to our situation. As the "end" gets closer, the more and more optimistic we become.

Watching my father's death process was so uplifting as we discussed what awaited him, and the reunion that we would have. THAT is hope. THAT is encouragement - and its all due to what Jesus did on that cross.

Maranatha!

Scott said...

"Redneck Music" Huh?
I'm guessing you don't listen to Lynard Skynard huh DrNo? :)

GG said...

Mrs. C~

I am watching the Kotel.org. They are blowing the Shofar!! :) I am getting chills just being able to witness this.

I am watching a few of the men pace back and forth in prayer. This is really a wonderful experience. Thanks for the site.

Also, My daughter has been wanting me to share something special with the family with the squirrels... :) She is 9 but I call her my little one.

In school she has had to read a signed out book from the teacher. This is called Survivors, True Stories of Children in the Holocaust by Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsun. At first my husband and I thought it would be too hard for her. She loves it!

As and example she is learning about the children who had to hide and live with their families in attics for 2-years or so. Sharing a piece of bubble gum was a treat. Stretching bread, living with lice and even the hair growing gray on the children due to lack of vitamins. When they were finally free they could hardly walk and stand up. They needed help getting out of the attic.

I think she wanted me to tell you because she loved seeing the wall and loved hearing the stories I shared about your Grandfather and Dutch's life. She is starting to see real life things that connect her to God. Ever since I can remember we thought she was an old soul. From the time she could speak she used to say she had indigo powers, whatever that is..and we would just smile. She said it was the feelings she got either good or bad around different people.

So, I am sharing this with you so she can see I did tell you. :) She is just amazed they made it through those times.

God Bless...The family with the squirrels.

GG

Scott said...

DrNo
I'll see your Third Day and raise you one Hillsong:

To Know Your Name

Scott said...

GG - Your daughter sounds absolutely awesome:)

Caver said...

Geepers James, GG, Scott, and all.

Thank you all so much for that insight. With that, I have got to share one with you. I've never shared this with anyone and felt I had to get permission to share with this small group of family. I got it this morning.

We have an employee...a friend, and a brother here at the company. He's been there.

He has died...and come back. I'll spare you the details but his wife was pregnant (I believe) and he bled out internally and she found him dead sitting up leaned against the wall.

He was in Heaven. He knows it was Heaven and knows it was the warmest, kindest, most secure, most beautiful place in every respect. It was beyond perfect.

He could hear his wife screaming, then calling 911 and trying to get help. Then he remembers the voice....as clear as could be.

"You can stay, or you can go back."

Everything about him wanted to stay, but he knew that his wife and unborn child would need him. He said he would go back.

But first...he made a mental note, he had to remember everything....absolutely everything...the peace, the warmth, the colors, the smells..everything.

Then he was conscious again...and all the details of the memory have been taken from him.

Hes a Deacon and Sunday School teacher in one of the most Spirit filled churches I've ever been in. He's a loving husband, and father several times over, a loved and trusted friend and as down to earth and unpretentious as you will ever find. His strength and "presence" is obvious to say the least. I'm blessed to work with him and being able to call him friend and Brother.

To this day....when he talks about his experience there's a look and demeanor that comes over him. He still knows how absolutely perfect Heaven is, even if he can't relate the details.

I hope I've done his story some small degree of justice. Its awesome to hear.

Scott said...

That is amazing and I have doubt that he did experience that. What a gift - if he ever preaches on this experience please let me know, I'd love to hear him describe it.

I've already told my family - that if it ever happens to me, and I have that option, I might have to opt to stay "up there"....:)

Not sure I could come back to this place.

Thanks for sharing that.

I believe we're ever so close. Soon, we too will be in that place and what a glorious moment that will be.
It can't come soon enough for me

GG said...

Hi Scott~

Thank you, she is such a humble and gentle soul. Her level of compassion is something I wish I could bottle up :)

I am glad you and Doc. are playing some rounds of song poker :) I have had two songs by two artists that I play in my car often.

Each one of these makes me think of this site. I hope everyone can listen and I pray Doc will link me up here. These songs seem to be my theme music for us here. I couldn't think of how to share them before, but now you have shown me a way. Thanks!

FWIW..Since I don't know poker that well, so I will lay my cards on the table ..(ha ha)

Enjoy!

GG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXyiToE8zK0

Lift Your Name On High - Jonathan Butler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrmPfl-83o4&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLC7902B16D12128F6

No Better Place - Steven Curtis Chapman

Separated if too long and you can bring them together...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrmPfl-...
83o4&feature=results_main&playnext...
=1&list=PLC7902B16D12128F6

GG said...

Mr. C~

W.O.W...You can't get any closer to heaven than that. How wonderful for him and you to get to share in this experience with him.

Auhh..the glimpses of Heaven that we are seeing today are just glorifying. He is the great creator and I can not wait to see all his works in action.

God Bless!!

GG

Scott said...

Great songs GG :) - Thanks. Nothing like some good, uplifting music to raise our spirits in this time of darkness on earth.

BWest said...

Hello all. I'm in the middle of reading Randy Alcorn's "Heaven" and like all of you I long for HIS return for us. Just the idea of finally living in His presence, as we were meant to, in the environment we were meant to inhabit is beyond exciting.

One of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen is the sun rising from the top of one of the 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado. I like to imagine Heaven like that, but better.

God bless all.

Mrs. C said...

Dear Sis GG, :)
Forgive me for my tardiness, a rough day today, and I just got up from a nappy (those don’t just apply to kids only lol). I am thrilled that you are witnessing the Shofars be blown at the Kotel! It is indeed a wonderful experience! If you select live video viewing the one labeled “Prayer Plaza” (which I think you did by your description), you can notice on the far right side is a partition. All of the women are segregated there to Pray, the women and men are not allowed to Pray together at the Wall.
Oh my GOODNESS! Lol your “little one” Ill call her your “wee little one” sounds just absolutely PRECIOUS! I have tears in my eyes, that your little one appreciates ,at such a young age, the history of what has happened to others. It was important in my family, as Im sure it was in Dutch’s :) Yes indeed Sis, she sounds like an “old soul” as you say, to understand such things. That is Truly God in her life! Tell her for us, that we are very happy that she is learning, and caring so much for others. God Bless her sweet heart :) Please also let her know, that the squirrels are happy :) They stand on the kitchen window ledge, and look in sometimes standing on their hind legs, putting their little paws up on the screen.We also laugh at "flying squirrels" as they also leap off the roof onto the deck rail. They do this twice a day, morning and the evening lol. Im just about to go out there now, to feed them their evening peanuts. :) It becomes quite a scene outside these days, as the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Carolina Wrens, and others, have also caught onto the peanut feeding time. Lol
Any hoo, it warms my heart that you are witnessing the events at the Wall. Im looking now…the long rang view called (Western Wall Plaza) has the sound turned off, so Ill go back to the close up view that your seeing an hearing. It looks like right now, its filling up quite a bit. I believe this is the first night (its 12:30am there) that they are able to come and Pray during the High Holy Holidays. As I said before, I still have not seen anything like I did during this season, a few years back. Imagine GG, that entire Plaza was packed with thousands of Jewish Worshipers, shoulder to shoulder! Women and children were allowed to mix with the men, and they all were singing and Praising God together in perfect unison! The Rabbi would recite the Prayers over a speaker system, and they would all Pray and respond to the Rabbi’s leading them. In addition, they would combine the very powerful loud blowing of many, many Shofars! I tell ya Sis, it brought all of us to tears witnessing and hearing such a beautiful Service! Oh, and I believe they all had lit candles, but Im not positive on that.

Mrs. C said...

(Continued)
I have looked at the Kotel schedule, and see an event happening this Thursday evening. It could be the same event that we witnessed before, because it’s the right time (late at night for them), and many Rabbis will lead the Slichot.
Here is what they say about the event to come during this Holy time for them :)
“Slichot (Penitential Prayers):
Slichot are recited throughout the month of Elul, the Hebrew month preceding the High Holidays during which we ask forgiveness and make amends. The sounds of these prayers and of shofar blowing signal the arrival of the holidays.
At the Western Wall Plaza, slichot are said at midnight and later, starting at 4:30 a.m.
Starting Saturday night, September 24th, people from the Ashkenazi community will join in on the slichot saying.
On Thursday, October 6th at 11:30 p.m. a central Slichot assembly will take place at the Western Wall Plaza. The Slichot prayers will be led by the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Ovadia Yossef, the chief rabbis, the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Amar and Rabbi Metzger, and the rabbi of the Western Wall, Rabbi Rabinowitz.”
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonment) during which no work is permitted, will take place Sunset of October 7 through nightfall of October 8.
Im hoping for you and others, that this will be the same kind of event, if not I apologize in advance! :)
God Bless You and Yours Sis! :) Big Hug!

WVBORN56 said...

Hi BWest...I loved Randy Alcorn's book on Heaven. We just finished a five week series on Heaven in our Sunday School class. It was a wonderful blessing.

The sun rise on one of the 14K peaks in CO sounds great. My son has done several climbs in CO and has reported some nice vistas back to his mother and me.

As another said earlier, "No eye has seen" we can only imagine as the song goes...can't wait!

Thank you Jesus for your matchless grace that covers over our every sin. Praise your Holy name!

Mrs. C said...

Dearest Brother James, :)
Thank you, thank you so very much for that most beautiful post! Truly you are so Blessed by Him...
God Bless You! :)Big Hug!

Caver said...

GG, Women first so now I can comment since MrsC has finally heard the keyboard's cry for mercy and the fire extinguisher has the flames under control.

Whoops...No Dear, not the frying pan!....again!

GG, your daughter sounds like such a joy....and at that age. I was so much older before I could be trusted with understanding such matters. To let suffering touch your heart at such a young age is real compassion and understanding.

You and your hubby are blessed....and doing something right!

God Bless Sis.

Scott said...

BWest
I know exactly what you mean about the sun coming up over the mountains - we have a place in the mountains of NC and when the sun comes up over the peaks it literally looks like it is neon. Its SO beautiful!

And R Alcorn's book on heaven is a must read - agree completely on that...as a matter of fact, I might just have to get that out and re-read it. After all, it IS our eternal home!

Scott said...

Caver - you always manage to make me laugh...Watch out for that frying pan!

GG said...

Hi Mrs. C-

I am glad to hear you had a nice nap :). I really appreciate the information you gave on the Kotel. That is neat to know what was happening on the right side of that barrier.

When I turned it on there were men who had on black attire with hats and kept bowing their heads up and down and pacing in prayer. That was so neat. The area was only starting to fill and some had what looked like tables and chairs. At each table the hairs were back a bit and the men would gather what looked like prayer groups. Then every few minutes for a bit the sounds of the sulfate went off. Could they have been doing this to signal for many to come for prayer?

By time your post came through I took a peek and it was full :). I did get to show my daughter your note and the Kotel when she came home. She wants to know if this is the wall that will be coming down after we go home? Talk about smart. She is soaking up so much in these last days.
She is happy about the squirrels. She thinks it's great you have flying ones. That received a big COOL!!

I will keep watching the site. I have not had such an interest in the Jewish traditions until this site opened my eyes.

God Bless!!!

GG

GG said...

Auhhh...Doc..

I caught my funny typo. The hairs were back...Ooookay... :) who knows...maybe those were down in prayer too!

GG

Mrs. C said...

Hi Sister GG, :)
It is wonderful to witness these celebrations by our elder Brothers and Sisters, the Jewish People.
The men in the Black hats and clothes are Orthodox Jews I believe. The men gather at the tables to read the Torah. It is not required to sway or move when they Pray, but I have heard of some reasons why they do. Some do because while standing, it gives them more focus on their Prayers to God. Another reason I have heard was from Psalm 35:10 "All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto Thee".
When the Temple was there, Trumpets and sometimes Shofars (depending on the occasion) were sounded from the corners of the Temple. The Priests of the Temple, would have this done, and it could be heard everywhere. It would call the people to Worship at the Temple. Jesus would have been familiar with this :)
I posted this on another thread, about the Shofar, so please forgive me if you've already seen it. :)
Please let your wee little very wise one, that most likely, that wall will come down when we are gone. Jesus celebrated the Jewish Festivals, and for me, when you love Him, I want to know all I can about Him :)
God Bless Sis! :)

Mrs. C said...

Sis GG- Here is the information about the Shofar I came across years ago :) I just love it! Especially the "tekiah gedolah "last trump"!Its the longest and loudest! Sound familiar? :)

All those old enough to be educated regarding the mitzvah of hearing the shofar are obligated to hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. To fulfill the mitzvah, women may sound the shofar and say the blessing.

How is the Shofar Sounded?

It is customary to blow the shofar in synagogues in the same place where the Torah is read.

The person blowing the shofar (Ba'al Teki'ah) and all those listening should be instructed that they are listening to the shofar in order to fulfill God's commandment (mitzvah) to hearing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah.

Two blessings are recited before the Shofar is blown.
1.Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam, asher kidishanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu leshoma kol shofar.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has blessed us in his commandments and commanded us to hear the sound of the shofar.
2.Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam, shehechiyanu v'kiyimanu v'higianu la'zman ha'zeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

Once the blessings have been made, no one should speak until the end of the shofar blasts.

The shofar is blown somewhat like a trumpet. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day.

There are four different types of shofar notes:
1.tekiah - 3-second sustained note
2.shevarim - three 1-second notes rising in tone
3.teruah - series of short, staccato notes extending over a period of about 3 seconds
4.tekiah gedolah - the final blast in a set which lasts as long as the shofar blower can blow
When is the Shofar Blown?

The shofar is blown immediately after the haftara is read (30 blasts). During the cantor's repetition of the Amidah of Musaf, an additional 30 blasts of the shofar are sounded. At the conclusion of the prayer service, 40 extra blasts are sounded to make a total of 100 shofar blasts. It is customary for the final blast to be prolonged (Tekia Gedola).

When Rosh Hashanah falls on the Jewish Sabbath, the shofar is not sounded

Waterer said...

This site is a pure party today.
I love this fellowship!
I had the occasion to pray in the womens section of the western wall about 14 yrs ago. The amazing thing was the awareness of the many prayers that had been prayed there and the many small pieces of paper with prayers on them stuffed into the cracks between the stones. Dove were flying up and down the surface of the wall.
Above us were the pointed uzis from the dome of the rock ,
It was sad in a way because the active praying was a form of praying, ritualistic and the people looked pale and worried .
It is a wonderful place. We will all see it oneday.
btw- Have you read Alcorn's Safely Home? It is outstanding, on the Chinese church.

GG said...

Hi Mrs. C and Waterer-

I love learning these new things. It would be exciting to be there right at this time to pray and touch the wall. Waterer I bet that was a great feeling to be part of that several years ago.

When I learn of so many styles of worshipping around the world, I can't help but to think how laxed I can be here in the U.S. Watching such dedication and devotion to our Lord is a beautiful and rare thing to see in these last days.

I will keep watching and learning through many here.

Have a relaxed evening.

God Bless!!

GG

DrNofog said...

GG, Not to worry. I really don't bother wif typos per se, unless... the context would take on a whole new meaning, as when Scott said... "...I had to replace my entire "hearing" and air $ystem..."

Now that definitely qualified as an irresistible Blonde joke waiting to happen!!

I just forgot to include a little note that the "Noooo!!" should be done in the tone & emphasis of Luke's cry after Darth Vader tells him "No, I..am your father!!"
:-D

Scott said...

Heh:) - OK - you got me on that one ---- I have to be more careful in the future so as to not give DrNo more ammunition....hmmm....

DrNofog said...

Scott said... "...I have to be more careful in the future so as to not give DrNo more ammunition..."

Scott, my Bible says all these things were "Foreordained before the foundation of the world"!

You can run, but you can't hide...
;-D

DrNofog said...

BTW, nice bluff, but a pair of 3rd Days beats a lone Queen [Darlene Zschech] in an otherwise empty hand...

Just curious tho... wasn't that vid filmed upside down?? I mean, aren't all those people down there just hangin' upside down by their feet, tryin' to stay on the planet?!?
;-D

Anonymous said...

Scott, GG, Mrs. C.,Dr No,Caver, Waterer:

Thank you for all of the kind words. It's truly an honor to be a part of this family Scott has created here.

It's important for all of us to remember that together here we are following Pauls request to comfort one another at this critical time. We are actually fulfilling prophecy
and it fills me with joy.

Bless all of you!

James N Nashville