It is interesting that the name Hannah has been given. It follows the names that were given months ago for this years hurricane season. Gustov, the present one bearing down upon the Gulf of Mexico means Staff or Rod of God, or the gods, as secular's say. Hannah is next in line as she forms in the Atlantic Ocean.
The reason the name Hannah is interesting is that one lady of Biblical and historical importance was named Hannah. She is the mother of Samuel. I thought of her prayer when she conceived her promised, long awaited son. Her prayer could very well fit the spiritual circumstances we as American citizens face in our present environment of pushing out of society everything and anything that speaks of God. Our dependence as a nation on our self reliance, which is much toughted as a national virtue, our confidence in our super power military machine, our confidence that we can fix or recover from any event in short order, may very well be the result of powerful Gustov approaching our shores.
Will a national prayer of recognition of who God is follow possible disaster? Will it finally sink into our national psychic that we are not really in control of our destiny? Will the majority of Americans NOT vote for a party that supports abortion on demand, gay marriage and rights, and the further compromise against anything that stands for Godly living? The remaining national party has divided Israel and compromises on most issues to win elections. There is no party that fears or even openly speaks of God.
Hannah's prayer gives great insight in several areas. As a nation, we should pay attention and learn her prayer. It can be found in 1 Samuel chapter 2.
1. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside Thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
2. Talk no more exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.
3. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread, and they that were hungry ceased; so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
4. The LORD killeth, and maketh alive; He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich; He bringeth low and lifteth up.
5. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dung hill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He hath set the world upon them.
6. He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
7. The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall He thunder upon them; the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and He shall give strength unto His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed.
Until we recognize this on a national level there is no hope for our nation. The trouble has just begun. Hurricane Rita was a warning; we did not listen. We thumbed our noses and continued to force the division of Israel. We continued to promote the gay agenda in many areas of our nations. Abortion rages on; millions of babies have been torn from the wombs of our women. Murder continues in our streets and the country side. Most workers are not paid a fair wage because of the greed of our muti national businesses. There is no true word coming from most of the pulpits in our nation; only how to enrich yourself and use Jesus as a piggy bank to riches. Nothing about the poor and needy, nothing about the lost and dying and forgotten in society.
Unless we learn the prayer of Hannah, and recognize the might, holiness, righteousness of the One who sits in the Heavens, we are doomed as a nation. We are but dust weighed in the balances, as Isaiah says, and we have come up short. Way short, when we consider the light that has shown from sea to shining sea in the revivals of years past. The multitudes that were saved under the ministry of William Booth; the founder of the Salvation Army, those saved under the ministries of men like George Whitfield and Dwight L. Moody have died and gone on to their eternal reward.
What about us?
Gustov roars; Hannah pleads for repentance. I pray this evening on the eve of possibly great destruction to a section of America, Oh God, in judgment, remember mercy!
As His children we need not fear. He knows those who are His.
And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all of your heart! (Jeremiah 29:13) The LORD is good to those that wait for Him; to the soul that seeks Him. (Lamentations 3:25)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
SINGING IN THE DARK
It has been a difficult month and a half! There have been serious health issues, not life threatening, but painful and troublesome. They just do not seem to go away. There have been economic difficulties as a result and, to add insult to injury, overtime that I worked for a month was not compensated on my pay check. I was basically told the check is in the mail! This statement was basically issued by a County Government, none the less. I feel it is a sign of things to come if the economy does not improve. I keep my ear close to the ground and I was told by a fellow employee who has contacts in the halls of the County Courthouse that we were "given all that they have..." In other words, the county is almost out of money.
Prepare and pray; do not be surpised at what may be around the corner for the economy. After a letter of complaint regarding the issue employee's who worked overtime were given one day's pay! I worked 75 hours!
I do not know why I am speaking of a personal issue like this, but I feel it is a season we are entering on a national level, not just local government. I had a sense that this was going to happen; an inner sense, like God was preparing me for this event, in an effort to prepare me for larger events of this magnitude in the very near future. I specifically prayed on several occasions that this WOULD NOT HAPPEN!! Not now, I prayed. I need these funds now more than ever, I cried. But, to no avail. Nothing could stop what He had ordained. He heard my cries, His answer was no. A difficult answer I do not like to hear; but it is written, man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Is this a truth? I mean, really true when one is in need of bread (a paycheck?).
I can unequivocally say yes, it is true. One can live by the bread, the manna of the Word. It is not easy; it is a lesson to be learned and I am an amature in that regard. But, in the evenings after coming home after working overtime, again, my spirit was feed and encouraged by His word. Many, many passages of Scripture in the book of Psalms, the Song of Solomon, and the book of Isaiah sustain me through difficult times. As dark as these times of difficulty seem, when there is only more darkness at the end of the tunnel, I have been instructed to greatly praise the LORD among the multitude! He has promised to stand at the right hand of the poor to save them from those who condemn their soul. The LORD said unto my Lord, sit at My right hand until I make your enemies your footstool (Psalm Chapters 109-110).
In the midst of my enemies, problems, and trials, the rod of His strength comes forth. In the day of His power, and in the beauty of holiness, from the womb of the morning; He has again given us the dew of our youth. IN THE MIDST of our enemies His rod comes forth. King David said He prepared a table before him IN THE MIDST of his enemies! In the middle of bad health, distress in finance, in times of family stress He suddenly appears, usually when all seems lost. If I grow downcast and downtrodden, when I force myself to spend quality time in His presence in prayer (even when my prayers seem to bounce off of the ceiling of my home or the roof of my truck!), suddenly, He appears. Usually, in these circumstances, I have finally learned, or am in the process of learning something He has been trying to teach me by using a difficulty.
There are other times when we are under direct attacks from the enemy of our soul. Again, I run to Him petioning Him for deliverance; like a small child running from a snake. There is a point of maturity for a child of God, I agree; but there is also a time of total, complete surrender to Him. In our culture, the more independent one is, the more admired and adored. It is not so in the Kingdom of God. The more dependent one is on Him, the more admired by Him we are. Even Christ said that He does nothing of His own, He speaks what He hears from the Father and He does what the Father would have Him do. Never did Jesus say, o.k., now it is My turn to show MY power; in seperation of the Father. He is the Almight God, the Ruler of All, the King of the Universe. There is never a time, nor will there ever be a time when we should act in independance from the Father.
In the most recent past when times were better, I cheerfully gave to quite a few ministries and I felt very, very good about it. In fact, when asked, I would readily give the list of organizations to which I contributed. Quite a list, I thought. Subconsciously I believe I felt I was moving up the ladder of spirituality by doing so.
I think that God is teaching me that no matter how much I gave, it did not increase His love for me. I can not "buy" holiness or closeness to God. I think God was seeing how I would react when the funds I was totally expecting and looking forward to would not come in! How holy would I feel if I could not give what I wanted to give this month? What about next month? I went into panic mode. What to do?
I trudged to Him in shame.
He is lovingly teaching me that it is ALL HIS anyway. The earth is the LORD'S and all of its fullness. Yes, I must donate and pay tithe; this is an important tenant of following Christ; helping the poor, visiting the sick, lifting the downcast and supporting ministries that do this on a national and worldwide level. But there are levels of learning of Him that can only be learned through rough times. I can say, He is a fantastic Teacher, the best of the best!!! No matter how hard my head is at times, He always has a way of getting my attention. It is all in His love.
In the still of the night, as I sit and think of the events of the days and weeks, the voice of my Beloved speaks. He comes leaping over my mountains and obstacles, skipping upon my hills that seemed so formidable over the past days. He is like a young deer leaping over everything that is thrown in His path! He stands behind the walls that I have built in my mind and heart and shows Himself thorough the spaces in my heart that have not started to harden. HE SPEAKS!
He says for me to arise! To come away! The rough times and the winter are past (because He is here!) The rain is over and gone; flowers are appearing on the earth; they are forcing their way through the hardened soil of my heart. It is the time for singing, and the voice of the turtle dove ( His peace) is in my land.
I have finally learned another portion of the lesson He has been trying to teach me; some things again, and again. It is time for rest in His presence. The fig tree is putting forth her fruit, the tender grape is starting to give off a fragrant scent. He says, Arise, My love, Arise, My fair one. And come away. It is time to enter into His rest for a season.
(Song of Songs2:8-13)
What is the purpose of such things? I believe the deeper one goes with God, the more severe the trials and tribulations. He inhabits even the darkest of the dark places of the universe. Even darkness is light to Him. In the times of the darkness of our soul; which may last only momentarily, but sometimes for weeks, months or possibly years, He is girding us with strength to go to battle and while we are in the battle. Strength comes only from Him, I have none. Jesus said He can do nothing without the Father. He will, and is subduing under us people, circumstances, events and troubles that rise up against us. The mountains will melt like wax at His Presence.
He will give us the necks of our enemies. He will destroy those who hate the God that is shown through us.
In our most difficult of times; we must learn to shout with a loud voice and in our hearts, THE LORD LIVETH; AND BLESSED BY MY ROCK; AND LET THE GOD OF MY SALVATION BE EXALTED!
IT IS GOD THAT AVENGETH ME, AND SUBDUETH THE PEOPLE (AND ALL CIRCUMSTANCES) UNDER ME!
God has described Himself as a quickening Spirit. As we call out to Him in our good times, and in our difficult times, we are assured and confident that if we continue to wait upon the LORD, we will arise, we will mount up with wings as eagles, we will run and not grow weary and walk and not grow faint.
HIS WAYS are beyond comprehension; blessed be His Name. What a Father we have! Such blessed children we are!!
Have a great week thinking upon Him.
Prepare and pray; do not be surpised at what may be around the corner for the economy. After a letter of complaint regarding the issue employee's who worked overtime were given one day's pay! I worked 75 hours!
I do not know why I am speaking of a personal issue like this, but I feel it is a season we are entering on a national level, not just local government. I had a sense that this was going to happen; an inner sense, like God was preparing me for this event, in an effort to prepare me for larger events of this magnitude in the very near future. I specifically prayed on several occasions that this WOULD NOT HAPPEN!! Not now, I prayed. I need these funds now more than ever, I cried. But, to no avail. Nothing could stop what He had ordained. He heard my cries, His answer was no. A difficult answer I do not like to hear; but it is written, man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Is this a truth? I mean, really true when one is in need of bread (a paycheck?).
I can unequivocally say yes, it is true. One can live by the bread, the manna of the Word. It is not easy; it is a lesson to be learned and I am an amature in that regard. But, in the evenings after coming home after working overtime, again, my spirit was feed and encouraged by His word. Many, many passages of Scripture in the book of Psalms, the Song of Solomon, and the book of Isaiah sustain me through difficult times. As dark as these times of difficulty seem, when there is only more darkness at the end of the tunnel, I have been instructed to greatly praise the LORD among the multitude! He has promised to stand at the right hand of the poor to save them from those who condemn their soul. The LORD said unto my Lord, sit at My right hand until I make your enemies your footstool (Psalm Chapters 109-110).
In the midst of my enemies, problems, and trials, the rod of His strength comes forth. In the day of His power, and in the beauty of holiness, from the womb of the morning; He has again given us the dew of our youth. IN THE MIDST of our enemies His rod comes forth. King David said He prepared a table before him IN THE MIDST of his enemies! In the middle of bad health, distress in finance, in times of family stress He suddenly appears, usually when all seems lost. If I grow downcast and downtrodden, when I force myself to spend quality time in His presence in prayer (even when my prayers seem to bounce off of the ceiling of my home or the roof of my truck!), suddenly, He appears. Usually, in these circumstances, I have finally learned, or am in the process of learning something He has been trying to teach me by using a difficulty.
There are other times when we are under direct attacks from the enemy of our soul. Again, I run to Him petioning Him for deliverance; like a small child running from a snake. There is a point of maturity for a child of God, I agree; but there is also a time of total, complete surrender to Him. In our culture, the more independent one is, the more admired and adored. It is not so in the Kingdom of God. The more dependent one is on Him, the more admired by Him we are. Even Christ said that He does nothing of His own, He speaks what He hears from the Father and He does what the Father would have Him do. Never did Jesus say, o.k., now it is My turn to show MY power; in seperation of the Father. He is the Almight God, the Ruler of All, the King of the Universe. There is never a time, nor will there ever be a time when we should act in independance from the Father.
In the most recent past when times were better, I cheerfully gave to quite a few ministries and I felt very, very good about it. In fact, when asked, I would readily give the list of organizations to which I contributed. Quite a list, I thought. Subconsciously I believe I felt I was moving up the ladder of spirituality by doing so.
I think that God is teaching me that no matter how much I gave, it did not increase His love for me. I can not "buy" holiness or closeness to God. I think God was seeing how I would react when the funds I was totally expecting and looking forward to would not come in! How holy would I feel if I could not give what I wanted to give this month? What about next month? I went into panic mode. What to do?
I trudged to Him in shame.
He is lovingly teaching me that it is ALL HIS anyway. The earth is the LORD'S and all of its fullness. Yes, I must donate and pay tithe; this is an important tenant of following Christ; helping the poor, visiting the sick, lifting the downcast and supporting ministries that do this on a national and worldwide level. But there are levels of learning of Him that can only be learned through rough times. I can say, He is a fantastic Teacher, the best of the best!!! No matter how hard my head is at times, He always has a way of getting my attention. It is all in His love.
In the still of the night, as I sit and think of the events of the days and weeks, the voice of my Beloved speaks. He comes leaping over my mountains and obstacles, skipping upon my hills that seemed so formidable over the past days. He is like a young deer leaping over everything that is thrown in His path! He stands behind the walls that I have built in my mind and heart and shows Himself thorough the spaces in my heart that have not started to harden. HE SPEAKS!
He says for me to arise! To come away! The rough times and the winter are past (because He is here!) The rain is over and gone; flowers are appearing on the earth; they are forcing their way through the hardened soil of my heart. It is the time for singing, and the voice of the turtle dove ( His peace) is in my land.
I have finally learned another portion of the lesson He has been trying to teach me; some things again, and again. It is time for rest in His presence. The fig tree is putting forth her fruit, the tender grape is starting to give off a fragrant scent. He says, Arise, My love, Arise, My fair one. And come away. It is time to enter into His rest for a season.
(Song of Songs2:8-13)
What is the purpose of such things? I believe the deeper one goes with God, the more severe the trials and tribulations. He inhabits even the darkest of the dark places of the universe. Even darkness is light to Him. In the times of the darkness of our soul; which may last only momentarily, but sometimes for weeks, months or possibly years, He is girding us with strength to go to battle and while we are in the battle. Strength comes only from Him, I have none. Jesus said He can do nothing without the Father. He will, and is subduing under us people, circumstances, events and troubles that rise up against us. The mountains will melt like wax at His Presence.
He will give us the necks of our enemies. He will destroy those who hate the God that is shown through us.
In our most difficult of times; we must learn to shout with a loud voice and in our hearts, THE LORD LIVETH; AND BLESSED BY MY ROCK; AND LET THE GOD OF MY SALVATION BE EXALTED!
IT IS GOD THAT AVENGETH ME, AND SUBDUETH THE PEOPLE (AND ALL CIRCUMSTANCES) UNDER ME!
God has described Himself as a quickening Spirit. As we call out to Him in our good times, and in our difficult times, we are assured and confident that if we continue to wait upon the LORD, we will arise, we will mount up with wings as eagles, we will run and not grow weary and walk and not grow faint.
HIS WAYS are beyond comprehension; blessed be His Name. What a Father we have! Such blessed children we are!!
Have a great week thinking upon Him.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
BABYLON REVISITED
ANCIENT AND MODERN BABYLON?
The Book of Jeremiah paints a graphic picture of the total destruction of the ancient Babylonian Empire. God raised up this fierce nation of warriors to punish Israel for her sins. He said that King Nebuchadnezzar was His rod of punishment. When Babylon accomplished His pleasure God sent a destroying wind against her. The Book of Daniel explains in detail the splendor of this kingdom; the head of gold, greater than all of the kingdoms of the earth. Jeremiah describes her destruction.
What brings great consternation on one hand and great comfort on the other is that God says He never changes; He is always the same. Unlike mankind, there is no shadow of turning with Him. What He did yesterday He will do tomorrow. His blessings, His judgment, His ways never change. His methods of reward and punishment are basically the same throughout human history; both on an individual and national scale.
In that context, the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ describes a Babylon that exists in the last of days. In many respects, this modern Babylon can be none other than the United States of America. Statistics provided in this posting, from none other than the US Government, will confirm that we, like Babylon of old, are already under Divine punishment for individual and national sin.
Ecclesiastes 3 says to everything there is a season, a period to be born and die - to plant and harvest-to kill and heal - to breakdown and build up - to weep and to laugh - to mourn and to dance - to cast away stones and to gather stones - to embrace and to refrain from embracing -
time to get and a time to lose - a time to keep and a time to throw away - a time to tear and time to sew - a time to be quiet and a time to speak - a time to love and time to hate - a time of war and a time of peace. These, times and seasons apply to nations as well as individuals.
One of the characteristics of the Antichrist is an attempt to change times and seasons as established from the beginning of time. As the serpent in the Garden, the world assures us that we really do not reap what we sow. There really is no consequence for our behavior. The season and time for punishment or to reap a bad harvest will never arrive.
Ancient Babylon’s time of success and prosperity was fulfilled. God’s purpose for her existence was complete. In judgment her young men were not spared, nor her armies. In Babylon’s streets they were thrust through with the sword. The LORD of hosts destroyed her broad walls (defenses). They were utterly broken down, burned with fire as the people worked in vain and grew weary of defending her.
Babylon became drunk, her princes, captains, rulers and mighty men were in a stupor. A recent US Army report states that 20% of our military are using drugs to enhance performance or deaden pain and turmoil. Babylon slept a perpetual sleep, unable to awake. This spirit of stupor and drunkenness came from God. Jeremiah 51 gives graphic detail. Babylon was surrounded by three fortified walls thick enough in places for chariots to pass each other. Its size may have encompassed 385 to 480 furlongs (60 miles). Her ruins, according to the writings of St. Jerome (347-420 B.C.E.) who said, “Though the ruins of Babylon’s walls could be seen, the ground enclosed by them was a forest of wild beasts.” Total desolation. How the mighty have fallen! The reason?
Jeremiah 51:24-33 -
“And I will render unto Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out Mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.”
“And they shall take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate forever saith the LORD. Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillars.”
“Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion. And the land shall tremble and sorrow; for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon desolate without an inhabitant.”
“The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they have remained in their holds; their might hath failed, they became as women; they have burned her dwelling places; her bars are broken. One post shall run to meet another and one messenger to meet another, to show the king of Babylon that his city is taken at one end.”
“And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire and the men of war are frightened. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor, it is time to thresh her; yet a little while and the time of her harvest is come.”
This scenario gives detail of how God judges. As great and powerful as Babylon was, the head of gold when compared to all the nations of the world, her destruction was just as great. Just as the book of the Exodus explains the demise of the Egyptian Kingdom when it was time for Pharaoh to release the children of Israel, Jeremiah 51 describes the reason for Babylon’s demise. Both kingdoms were used by God to punish Israel. After the time of punishment restoration and return to the Land occurred.
Israel was the lynch pin in the rise and downfall of both kingdoms.Here we are in 2008. In the turbulent 1980’s Jews in Russia began a Refusnik Movement demanding emigration to Israel. After many events the wall of separation in Eastern Europe fell; in one evening, The USSR; a mighty enemy of freedom collapsed on itself and is now comprised of several smaller nations.
We know the recent history of World War II and the destruction of the German Nazi Empire. Cities fire bombed into oblivion. Only because of the intervention of the Marshall Plan initiated by the United States were they rebuilt. One superpower remains on planet earth. She has created more wealth, prosperity, fought more wars, defended more people; spread her culture to the ends of the earth than any other nation in modern history. The United States of America has sent men to the moon and explored the depths of the oceans, land, and space. No other nation in the history of mankind has had such influence over the nations of the world. Our culture, music, clothing, institutions, influence, and way of life are a dream for billions of the planets citizens.
The United States successfully fought two world wars and defeated the powers of fascism and communism. We have expanded even to the moon and other planets in science and explorations. We were the first nation to recognize the State of Israel that came from the ashes of the Holocaust in Europe.
The United States of America has military bases in Great Britain, Japan, Turkey, Spain, Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the U.A.E., Qatar, Afghanistan and forces in many other countries. What other nation qualifies as modern day Babylon with such worldwide influence and reach?
The main issue is again, Israel. In 2008 we find our government pushing what is diplomatically called the Road Map to Peace. We are willing participants in the carving up of the Land of Israel, the creation of a Palestinian State and the probable division of Jerusalem, the City of the Great King. Israel has again become the lynchpin for the judgment of a great nation who defiles what God has declared concerning His people, Israel.
America is a modern day Babylon. Her destruction is mentioned in the Book of Revelation Chapter 18. The ancient has past, the new has appeared. She boasts in her heart that she, and she alone sits as a queen, she is no widow. She is in charge of her affairs and will never see sorrow. She is boastful, full of pride and arrogance. If a city is destroyed we will build one that is bigger and better. There is no limit to what America can do! Human pride and arrogance rule. We are number one! The kings of the earth commit fornication with her. The merchants of the earth wax rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Likewise, at her judgment they will drink of the wrath of her fornication.
“The forces of ancient Babylon were God’s weapon of war, tools in His hand with which He broke in pieces and knocked down nations and kingdoms. Some were intoxicated by her pleasures and debauched by her; others were intoxicated with her terror and destroyed by her. Babylon was God’s battle ax. Now, Babylon itself must fall. The rod itself will now be thrown into the fire.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)
In Babylon most refuse to cease partaking of her sin of greed, lust, and love of material things. Jeremiah 11:11 says people of this persuasion will not escape; though they cry unto God, He will not listen. He tells them to pray to the gods they have served for deliverance! This modern Babylonian system uses devious dealings and diplomacy to appease Israel’s enemies. She will be destroyed in like manner. Treaties, agreements and understandings will be deviously broken. The forces being appeased will turn on this nation and attack in many ways. The handwriting is on the wall. It has started with the oil blackmail, terrorism, and our financial dependence on their hundreds of billions in loans to us; our own money being loaned back to us by the Arab oil cartel nations, our national debt of 9 trillion dollars has broken the back of our financial system. We are living on borrowed time and pay day is here.
JUDGMENT IS HERE - Consider these facts for what is called a Christian nation. Reach your own conclusion:
* The defense budget for fiscal 2008 is 450 billion dollars, for 2009 - 466 billion dollars, and for 2010 - 484 billion dollars. If we are a Christian nation is this a sign that we no longer have His protection? Is the threat that great? Yes, it is.
* One out of every ten American citizens is incarcerated. (Bureau of Justice/National Corrections Reporting Program)
* There were 1,750,000 arrests for drug use last year.
* In 2005 U.S. residents 12 years of age or older experienced 23 million violent and property victimizations. (National Crime Victimization Survey)
* There were 49,000 attempted car jackings.
* Just in the month of December 2007 the trade deficit was 711 Billion dollars.
* The national debt as of March 5, 2008 is over 9 Trillion dollars.
* 8% of the homes owned by American citizens are late in payment of mortgages. They face possible foreclosure in the near future.
* 40 million babies killed by abortion since Roe vs. WadeOne nation under God?
There are SIGN POSTS given for nations under judgment. They are listed in Deuteronomy 28. These events come in stages and quicken as time passes:
* Cities, fields, produce, and stores are cursed
* Children and your flock (possessions) are cursed
* You will be cursed when you go in and come out
* All you try to do will be drawn in curses (U.S. Foreign Policy?)
* Vexation and rebuke until final destruction occurs.
* Pestilence and disease will cling to you.
* You will be struck with consumption; fever, and inflammation.
* Burning and the sword, with blasting and mildew; these will pursue you.
* The heavens will become brass and the earth as iron.
* Enemies will smite you and you will flee seven ways.
* Your carcass will be meat to the fowls of the air and the beasts of the earth.
* You will be smitten with madness, blindness, and astonishment of heart.
* You will grope at noonday as the blind grope in darkness.
* You will not prosper but be only oppressed and spoiled forever, no man will save you.
* You will marry and another lie with her.
* You will build a house and not live there, plant a vineyard but not gather grapes.
* Your strength and possessions will be destroyed before your eyes.
* Your livelihood (employment) will be violently taken away.
* Your children will be given to other people.
* You become astonishment, proverb and byword among the nations where you are scattered.
God will render unto Babylon all of the evil you have done to Zion-
The forced division of the Land of Israel - the compromise with terrorists in Gaza - Iran - Syria - Lebanon - Saudi Arabia - Egypt - Yemen - the U.A.E. - Turkey and many others whose goal is the destruction of Israel. These evils will be brought on those who perpetuate evil and deceit against His people.
A recent example, the forced withdraw initiated by the United States of Jews from communities in Gaza, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and the division of Jerusalem. This will result in like measure of violence and the evacuation of areas of the United States under judgment. Consider Katrina-after the evacuation of communities in Gaza. New Orleans and the Gulf Coast were under water and hundreds of thousands of Americans were the evacuees almost one week later!
The coming storms, fires, earthquakes, war, violence and social upheaval will be unprecedented in our history if we do not change course and policy and have a long season of national repentance for the evils our society allows. If not, God Himself is against this destroying mountain, this modern Babylonian spirit. Not a stone or anything of substance will remain.
“God has wind and rain at His disposal. If He speaks the word, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens fed by vapors out of the earth. Lightening and rain seem contrary of each other; yet they are produced together. And the wind which seems arbitrary in its motions, for we know not from whence it comes, is brought out of His treasures.” (Matthew Henry)
Jeremiah 51:13 speaks prophetically today, “O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come and the measure of your greed.”
Our individual and national sins have reached to the heavens. God remembers our iniquities. He will reward us double according to our works. In the same measure we have glorified ourselves and lived deliciously, we will be tormented in like measure. The things of which we boast; our wealth, our military, our financial markets and prosperity will be the areas in which our downfall occurs. IN ONE DAY, shall plagues, death, mourning and famine strike terror. Babylon will be utterly destroyed with fire. For strong is the LORD God who judges her.
THE RESULT OF NON REPENTANCE
* You will eat the flesh of your own body, the flesh of your sons and daughters when you are in distress.
* Those that hold you dear to themselves shall be evil toward you, they will not share nor will you share with them.
* The LORD will make your plagues wonderful and of long continuance, even the plagues of Egypt until you are destroyed.
* As the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good for obedience, so He will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to naught.
* You will never have rest, never be at ease.
* You will have a trembling heart, failing eyes and sorrow of mind.
* Your life will hang in doubt, you will fear day and night.
* You will have no assurance of your life.
* In the morning you will say, would to God that it was evening, and in the evening would to God that it was morning; for the fear in your heart and because of what you see.
* You will have children but not enjoy them; they shall go into captivity (drugs, jail, and addiction)
* The stranger (20 million thus far in the U.S.?) within your borders will rise above you very high and you will come down very low. He will lend to you but you will not lend to him. He will be the head and you will be the tail.
* All of these curses will come upon you and pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed; because you did not listen to the LORD your God.
* You will serve your enemies which the LORD shall send upon you in hunger, in thirst and nakedness and in what of all things.
* You will have an iron about your neck until you are destroyed.
* A nation from afar from the end of the earth that does not regard the old or young will eat the fruit of your wealth until you are destroyed and then leave you nothing.
* All of your defenses will come down and the strength you depended upon will fail.
This is a covenant of judgment upon a nation that rejects God. It is as sure as the covenant of promises of blessings for obedience and our personal covenant from God of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
“God will convince by His judgments those who would not be convinced by His word that He is God over all.” (Matthew Henry) A Divine Power has the spirit of man in His hands; He cannot be resisted. When He moves, human effort is useless.What other nation since ancient Babylon has produced merchants of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple and silk and scarlet, precious rare woods, vessels of wood, brass, iron and marble; cinnamon, odors, perfumes, ointments, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat and animals and chariots (weapons) and has enslaved the souls of men by her enticements that Revelation 18 speaks of?
Though she mounts up to heaven and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet God will send spoilers to her. In her judgment all of the fruits and delicacies the merchants souls lusted after are gone with Babylon’s destruction. All things dainty and goodly have departed and no longer exist. They will never again be found in such abundance. At her destruction these merchants (businessmen) stand afar off because her torment is so great. They cry “Alas! Alas! That great city, that mighty city, in one hour your judgment has come.” They weep and mourn because no one is left to buy their merchandise.
THE SCENE IN THE HEAVENS
The scene in the heavens is given of a mighty angel taking up a great stone, like a great
millstone and casting it into the sea. He proclaims, “With this violence shall the great city of Babylon be thrown down and shall be found no more. The voice of harpers, musicians, and of pipes and trumpeters shall be heard no longer. No craftsman, no matter of craft shall be found. The sound of the millstone (factories, industry) shall no more be heard. No voice of the bridegroom or bride, no candle shining, no vision of hope. The great men of the earth, the merchandisers, the advertisers, the sorceries by whom the nations were deceived shall be heard no more. This system that is stained with the lifeblood of the prophets and saints and all that were slain upon the earth ceases to exist.”
Those who traded with her by sea will stand afar off and watch the smoke of her burning. They cry, “What city is like this great city”? “Alas! That great city that was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and decked with precious stone and pearls! In one hour your riches cease to exist.” They cast dust on their heads and cry, weep, and mourn at her destruction. In one hour their riches and future goes up in smoke.
God says her cities are desolate, dry and a wilderness where no man dwells or passes by. She will become astonishment to other nations. The inhabitants will become drunk and sleep a perpetual sleep, unable to awaken.
Babylon has been a golden cup in the God’s hands. He has made the nations of the earth drink and become drunk and full of madness. Her judgment has reached into the heavens. The LORD has risen up the spirit of the Medes (Persia, Iran, Iraq, and Islam). Babylon shines her armaments, gathers her weapons and sets up a strong standard in her boundaries in an attempt to make her borders strong. But, there are ambushes in waiting, for the LORD has devised this and done so as He spoke against Babylon’s inhabitants. He is the Prince of the kings of the earth! He has His way. (Rev. 1:5)
She becomes a habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit and a cage for every unclean bird. A great voice is heard in heaven. Many people cry “Alleluia, Salvation, and glory and honor and power unto the LORD our God. For true and righteous are His judgments for He has judged the great whore that corrupted the earth and He has avenged the life of His prophets. And Babylon’s smoke rose up forever and ever.”
“Rejoice over her, thou heaven and you holy Apostles and Prophets; for God has avenged you on her.”
This rejoicing is over the destruction of the last great worldly system that captivates the body, soul and spirit of men, women, and children. The captivity is the never ending desire for wealth, health, profit, pleasure at the expense of others.Half of the world populations live on less than 1 dollar a day. Millions starve and living in refugee camps around the world with no place to call their own. Slave labor in Third World countries try to produce the merchandize to fill the belly of this beastly world system at bargain basement prices and wages to match. Children labor from sun up to sun down in slums around the world in Indonesia, China, Pakistan, and India.
The time of accountability has arrived.
From the midst of this great destruction the Antichrist will arise and appear to bring order and once again a form of peace and prosperity. He will expand upon the military, intelligence gathering and control formed by this modern day Babyloninan system.
WHAT OF ISRAEL?
God has spoken to the four winds to regather His people to their land. As in Germany and Europe in the early 1900’s, most refused to go. Under much duress, persecution and death many Holocaust survivors returned to their ancient land, Israel.
There are as many Jews living in the United States of America as live in Israel. As the events above unfold the demographics will change quickly. God has declared they will return to Israel where He will reveal Himself as the God of Israel. The last obstacle to this is the success and acceptance of Jews living in America. The destruction and total collapse will be the reason for the remaining Jews to flee to their homeland.
A voice will cry out of heaven as in ancient Babylon, “Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, that you do not receive her plagues.” Flee Babylon-deliver. Save yourself, for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance. (Revelation 18:4)
You Israelites, who have escaped the sword of the Chaldeans (Babylonian’s), your oppressors, and of the Persians their destroyers, now that the year of release has come, go away, stand not still, hasten to your own country again, however you may be comfortably settled in Babylon, for Babylon is not your rest, but CANAAN is.
This massive and final evacuation of Jews from the remaining nations to Israel sets the final stage for the great battle of the LORD. They are all gathered to the land of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob so God can reveal Himself as their God.
Babylon’s destruction is of utmost importance to God’s people. As a result of her fall they will return to their land.
Micah 4:11-13 says -
“Now as many nations are gathered against thee, that say let Israel be defiled and let our eyes look upon Zion. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understands His counsel: for He shall gather the nations as sheaves into the floor. “
“Arise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will make your strength as iron, and your feet as brass, and you shall beat in pieces many people. All will be consecrated to the LORD of the whole earth.”
WHAT OF BELIEVERS IN BABYLON?
Psalm 102:13-16 -
“Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion:For the time to favor her, yea, the set time has come.”“For Thy servants take pleasure in her stones,And favor the dust thereof.”
The great test during the coming troubles is not the trouble, but our faith. Faith will be put to the test. May we be like the children of Issachar, who understood the times in which they lived. They knew what to do.(1 Chronicles 12:32)
Tens of millions wondering in the valley of decision will be led by the Spirit to our homes and places of employment. Our prayers on behalf of the ones God sends across our path will decide where they spend eternity. The false gods of religion and materialism will be exposed by the climatic events about to unfold.
Our Father has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. The King of the universe who created all things knew the day of our birth, the day in which He placed us, and the people we would influence.
When judgment fell upon Jerusalem in days of old, He instructed an angel to go throughout the city and put a mark on the one’s who believed in Him. They were saved from the destruction. They were preserved as His special treasure. Before the Exodus from Egypt, as the plagues and angel of death passed through the nation, the blood of a lamb saved the Children of Israel and those who were in their dwelling places.
We have a much more precious blood to cover us. The blood of God’s Son, Yeshua Messiah. We can plead His blood over our household during this time of the end of all things as we know them. He is faithful and just. He has promised to not lose one that has been given to Him.
His blood is our ASSURANCE!
His blood is our SALVATION!
His blood is the basis of our FAITH!
His blood will NEVER LOSE ITS POWER!
The Book of Jeremiah paints a graphic picture of the total destruction of the ancient Babylonian Empire. God raised up this fierce nation of warriors to punish Israel for her sins. He said that King Nebuchadnezzar was His rod of punishment. When Babylon accomplished His pleasure God sent a destroying wind against her. The Book of Daniel explains in detail the splendor of this kingdom; the head of gold, greater than all of the kingdoms of the earth. Jeremiah describes her destruction.
What brings great consternation on one hand and great comfort on the other is that God says He never changes; He is always the same. Unlike mankind, there is no shadow of turning with Him. What He did yesterday He will do tomorrow. His blessings, His judgment, His ways never change. His methods of reward and punishment are basically the same throughout human history; both on an individual and national scale.
In that context, the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ describes a Babylon that exists in the last of days. In many respects, this modern Babylon can be none other than the United States of America. Statistics provided in this posting, from none other than the US Government, will confirm that we, like Babylon of old, are already under Divine punishment for individual and national sin.
Ecclesiastes 3 says to everything there is a season, a period to be born and die - to plant and harvest-to kill and heal - to breakdown and build up - to weep and to laugh - to mourn and to dance - to cast away stones and to gather stones - to embrace and to refrain from embracing -
time to get and a time to lose - a time to keep and a time to throw away - a time to tear and time to sew - a time to be quiet and a time to speak - a time to love and time to hate - a time of war and a time of peace. These, times and seasons apply to nations as well as individuals.
One of the characteristics of the Antichrist is an attempt to change times and seasons as established from the beginning of time. As the serpent in the Garden, the world assures us that we really do not reap what we sow. There really is no consequence for our behavior. The season and time for punishment or to reap a bad harvest will never arrive.
Ancient Babylon’s time of success and prosperity was fulfilled. God’s purpose for her existence was complete. In judgment her young men were not spared, nor her armies. In Babylon’s streets they were thrust through with the sword. The LORD of hosts destroyed her broad walls (defenses). They were utterly broken down, burned with fire as the people worked in vain and grew weary of defending her.
Babylon became drunk, her princes, captains, rulers and mighty men were in a stupor. A recent US Army report states that 20% of our military are using drugs to enhance performance or deaden pain and turmoil. Babylon slept a perpetual sleep, unable to awake. This spirit of stupor and drunkenness came from God. Jeremiah 51 gives graphic detail. Babylon was surrounded by three fortified walls thick enough in places for chariots to pass each other. Its size may have encompassed 385 to 480 furlongs (60 miles). Her ruins, according to the writings of St. Jerome (347-420 B.C.E.) who said, “Though the ruins of Babylon’s walls could be seen, the ground enclosed by them was a forest of wild beasts.” Total desolation. How the mighty have fallen! The reason?
Jeremiah 51:24-33 -
“And I will render unto Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out Mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.”
“And they shall take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate forever saith the LORD. Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillars.”
“Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion. And the land shall tremble and sorrow; for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon desolate without an inhabitant.”
“The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they have remained in their holds; their might hath failed, they became as women; they have burned her dwelling places; her bars are broken. One post shall run to meet another and one messenger to meet another, to show the king of Babylon that his city is taken at one end.”
“And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire and the men of war are frightened. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor, it is time to thresh her; yet a little while and the time of her harvest is come.”
This scenario gives detail of how God judges. As great and powerful as Babylon was, the head of gold when compared to all the nations of the world, her destruction was just as great. Just as the book of the Exodus explains the demise of the Egyptian Kingdom when it was time for Pharaoh to release the children of Israel, Jeremiah 51 describes the reason for Babylon’s demise. Both kingdoms were used by God to punish Israel. After the time of punishment restoration and return to the Land occurred.
Israel was the lynch pin in the rise and downfall of both kingdoms.Here we are in 2008. In the turbulent 1980’s Jews in Russia began a Refusnik Movement demanding emigration to Israel. After many events the wall of separation in Eastern Europe fell; in one evening, The USSR; a mighty enemy of freedom collapsed on itself and is now comprised of several smaller nations.
We know the recent history of World War II and the destruction of the German Nazi Empire. Cities fire bombed into oblivion. Only because of the intervention of the Marshall Plan initiated by the United States were they rebuilt. One superpower remains on planet earth. She has created more wealth, prosperity, fought more wars, defended more people; spread her culture to the ends of the earth than any other nation in modern history. The United States of America has sent men to the moon and explored the depths of the oceans, land, and space. No other nation in the history of mankind has had such influence over the nations of the world. Our culture, music, clothing, institutions, influence, and way of life are a dream for billions of the planets citizens.
The United States successfully fought two world wars and defeated the powers of fascism and communism. We have expanded even to the moon and other planets in science and explorations. We were the first nation to recognize the State of Israel that came from the ashes of the Holocaust in Europe.
The United States of America has military bases in Great Britain, Japan, Turkey, Spain, Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the U.A.E., Qatar, Afghanistan and forces in many other countries. What other nation qualifies as modern day Babylon with such worldwide influence and reach?
The main issue is again, Israel. In 2008 we find our government pushing what is diplomatically called the Road Map to Peace. We are willing participants in the carving up of the Land of Israel, the creation of a Palestinian State and the probable division of Jerusalem, the City of the Great King. Israel has again become the lynchpin for the judgment of a great nation who defiles what God has declared concerning His people, Israel.
America is a modern day Babylon. Her destruction is mentioned in the Book of Revelation Chapter 18. The ancient has past, the new has appeared. She boasts in her heart that she, and she alone sits as a queen, she is no widow. She is in charge of her affairs and will never see sorrow. She is boastful, full of pride and arrogance. If a city is destroyed we will build one that is bigger and better. There is no limit to what America can do! Human pride and arrogance rule. We are number one! The kings of the earth commit fornication with her. The merchants of the earth wax rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Likewise, at her judgment they will drink of the wrath of her fornication.
“The forces of ancient Babylon were God’s weapon of war, tools in His hand with which He broke in pieces and knocked down nations and kingdoms. Some were intoxicated by her pleasures and debauched by her; others were intoxicated with her terror and destroyed by her. Babylon was God’s battle ax. Now, Babylon itself must fall. The rod itself will now be thrown into the fire.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)
In Babylon most refuse to cease partaking of her sin of greed, lust, and love of material things. Jeremiah 11:11 says people of this persuasion will not escape; though they cry unto God, He will not listen. He tells them to pray to the gods they have served for deliverance! This modern Babylonian system uses devious dealings and diplomacy to appease Israel’s enemies. She will be destroyed in like manner. Treaties, agreements and understandings will be deviously broken. The forces being appeased will turn on this nation and attack in many ways. The handwriting is on the wall. It has started with the oil blackmail, terrorism, and our financial dependence on their hundreds of billions in loans to us; our own money being loaned back to us by the Arab oil cartel nations, our national debt of 9 trillion dollars has broken the back of our financial system. We are living on borrowed time and pay day is here.
JUDGMENT IS HERE - Consider these facts for what is called a Christian nation. Reach your own conclusion:
* The defense budget for fiscal 2008 is 450 billion dollars, for 2009 - 466 billion dollars, and for 2010 - 484 billion dollars. If we are a Christian nation is this a sign that we no longer have His protection? Is the threat that great? Yes, it is.
* One out of every ten American citizens is incarcerated. (Bureau of Justice/National Corrections Reporting Program)
* There were 1,750,000 arrests for drug use last year.
* In 2005 U.S. residents 12 years of age or older experienced 23 million violent and property victimizations. (National Crime Victimization Survey)
* There were 49,000 attempted car jackings.
* Just in the month of December 2007 the trade deficit was 711 Billion dollars.
* The national debt as of March 5, 2008 is over 9 Trillion dollars.
* 8% of the homes owned by American citizens are late in payment of mortgages. They face possible foreclosure in the near future.
* 40 million babies killed by abortion since Roe vs. WadeOne nation under God?
There are SIGN POSTS given for nations under judgment. They are listed in Deuteronomy 28. These events come in stages and quicken as time passes:
* Cities, fields, produce, and stores are cursed
* Children and your flock (possessions) are cursed
* You will be cursed when you go in and come out
* All you try to do will be drawn in curses (U.S. Foreign Policy?)
* Vexation and rebuke until final destruction occurs.
* Pestilence and disease will cling to you.
* You will be struck with consumption; fever, and inflammation.
* Burning and the sword, with blasting and mildew; these will pursue you.
* The heavens will become brass and the earth as iron.
* Enemies will smite you and you will flee seven ways.
* Your carcass will be meat to the fowls of the air and the beasts of the earth.
* You will be smitten with madness, blindness, and astonishment of heart.
* You will grope at noonday as the blind grope in darkness.
* You will not prosper but be only oppressed and spoiled forever, no man will save you.
* You will marry and another lie with her.
* You will build a house and not live there, plant a vineyard but not gather grapes.
* Your strength and possessions will be destroyed before your eyes.
* Your livelihood (employment) will be violently taken away.
* Your children will be given to other people.
* You become astonishment, proverb and byword among the nations where you are scattered.
God will render unto Babylon all of the evil you have done to Zion-
The forced division of the Land of Israel - the compromise with terrorists in Gaza - Iran - Syria - Lebanon - Saudi Arabia - Egypt - Yemen - the U.A.E. - Turkey and many others whose goal is the destruction of Israel. These evils will be brought on those who perpetuate evil and deceit against His people.
A recent example, the forced withdraw initiated by the United States of Jews from communities in Gaza, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and the division of Jerusalem. This will result in like measure of violence and the evacuation of areas of the United States under judgment. Consider Katrina-after the evacuation of communities in Gaza. New Orleans and the Gulf Coast were under water and hundreds of thousands of Americans were the evacuees almost one week later!
The coming storms, fires, earthquakes, war, violence and social upheaval will be unprecedented in our history if we do not change course and policy and have a long season of national repentance for the evils our society allows. If not, God Himself is against this destroying mountain, this modern Babylonian spirit. Not a stone or anything of substance will remain.
“God has wind and rain at His disposal. If He speaks the word, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens fed by vapors out of the earth. Lightening and rain seem contrary of each other; yet they are produced together. And the wind which seems arbitrary in its motions, for we know not from whence it comes, is brought out of His treasures.” (Matthew Henry)
Jeremiah 51:13 speaks prophetically today, “O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come and the measure of your greed.”
Our individual and national sins have reached to the heavens. God remembers our iniquities. He will reward us double according to our works. In the same measure we have glorified ourselves and lived deliciously, we will be tormented in like measure. The things of which we boast; our wealth, our military, our financial markets and prosperity will be the areas in which our downfall occurs. IN ONE DAY, shall plagues, death, mourning and famine strike terror. Babylon will be utterly destroyed with fire. For strong is the LORD God who judges her.
THE RESULT OF NON REPENTANCE
* You will eat the flesh of your own body, the flesh of your sons and daughters when you are in distress.
* Those that hold you dear to themselves shall be evil toward you, they will not share nor will you share with them.
* The LORD will make your plagues wonderful and of long continuance, even the plagues of Egypt until you are destroyed.
* As the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good for obedience, so He will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to naught.
* You will never have rest, never be at ease.
* You will have a trembling heart, failing eyes and sorrow of mind.
* Your life will hang in doubt, you will fear day and night.
* You will have no assurance of your life.
* In the morning you will say, would to God that it was evening, and in the evening would to God that it was morning; for the fear in your heart and because of what you see.
* You will have children but not enjoy them; they shall go into captivity (drugs, jail, and addiction)
* The stranger (20 million thus far in the U.S.?) within your borders will rise above you very high and you will come down very low. He will lend to you but you will not lend to him. He will be the head and you will be the tail.
* All of these curses will come upon you and pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed; because you did not listen to the LORD your God.
* You will serve your enemies which the LORD shall send upon you in hunger, in thirst and nakedness and in what of all things.
* You will have an iron about your neck until you are destroyed.
* A nation from afar from the end of the earth that does not regard the old or young will eat the fruit of your wealth until you are destroyed and then leave you nothing.
* All of your defenses will come down and the strength you depended upon will fail.
This is a covenant of judgment upon a nation that rejects God. It is as sure as the covenant of promises of blessings for obedience and our personal covenant from God of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
“God will convince by His judgments those who would not be convinced by His word that He is God over all.” (Matthew Henry) A Divine Power has the spirit of man in His hands; He cannot be resisted. When He moves, human effort is useless.What other nation since ancient Babylon has produced merchants of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple and silk and scarlet, precious rare woods, vessels of wood, brass, iron and marble; cinnamon, odors, perfumes, ointments, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat and animals and chariots (weapons) and has enslaved the souls of men by her enticements that Revelation 18 speaks of?
Though she mounts up to heaven and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet God will send spoilers to her. In her judgment all of the fruits and delicacies the merchants souls lusted after are gone with Babylon’s destruction. All things dainty and goodly have departed and no longer exist. They will never again be found in such abundance. At her destruction these merchants (businessmen) stand afar off because her torment is so great. They cry “Alas! Alas! That great city, that mighty city, in one hour your judgment has come.” They weep and mourn because no one is left to buy their merchandise.
THE SCENE IN THE HEAVENS
The scene in the heavens is given of a mighty angel taking up a great stone, like a great
millstone and casting it into the sea. He proclaims, “With this violence shall the great city of Babylon be thrown down and shall be found no more. The voice of harpers, musicians, and of pipes and trumpeters shall be heard no longer. No craftsman, no matter of craft shall be found. The sound of the millstone (factories, industry) shall no more be heard. No voice of the bridegroom or bride, no candle shining, no vision of hope. The great men of the earth, the merchandisers, the advertisers, the sorceries by whom the nations were deceived shall be heard no more. This system that is stained with the lifeblood of the prophets and saints and all that were slain upon the earth ceases to exist.”
Those who traded with her by sea will stand afar off and watch the smoke of her burning. They cry, “What city is like this great city”? “Alas! That great city that was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet and decked with precious stone and pearls! In one hour your riches cease to exist.” They cast dust on their heads and cry, weep, and mourn at her destruction. In one hour their riches and future goes up in smoke.
God says her cities are desolate, dry and a wilderness where no man dwells or passes by. She will become astonishment to other nations. The inhabitants will become drunk and sleep a perpetual sleep, unable to awaken.
Babylon has been a golden cup in the God’s hands. He has made the nations of the earth drink and become drunk and full of madness. Her judgment has reached into the heavens. The LORD has risen up the spirit of the Medes (Persia, Iran, Iraq, and Islam). Babylon shines her armaments, gathers her weapons and sets up a strong standard in her boundaries in an attempt to make her borders strong. But, there are ambushes in waiting, for the LORD has devised this and done so as He spoke against Babylon’s inhabitants. He is the Prince of the kings of the earth! He has His way. (Rev. 1:5)
She becomes a habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit and a cage for every unclean bird. A great voice is heard in heaven. Many people cry “Alleluia, Salvation, and glory and honor and power unto the LORD our God. For true and righteous are His judgments for He has judged the great whore that corrupted the earth and He has avenged the life of His prophets. And Babylon’s smoke rose up forever and ever.”
“Rejoice over her, thou heaven and you holy Apostles and Prophets; for God has avenged you on her.”
This rejoicing is over the destruction of the last great worldly system that captivates the body, soul and spirit of men, women, and children. The captivity is the never ending desire for wealth, health, profit, pleasure at the expense of others.Half of the world populations live on less than 1 dollar a day. Millions starve and living in refugee camps around the world with no place to call their own. Slave labor in Third World countries try to produce the merchandize to fill the belly of this beastly world system at bargain basement prices and wages to match. Children labor from sun up to sun down in slums around the world in Indonesia, China, Pakistan, and India.
The time of accountability has arrived.
From the midst of this great destruction the Antichrist will arise and appear to bring order and once again a form of peace and prosperity. He will expand upon the military, intelligence gathering and control formed by this modern day Babyloninan system.
WHAT OF ISRAEL?
God has spoken to the four winds to regather His people to their land. As in Germany and Europe in the early 1900’s, most refused to go. Under much duress, persecution and death many Holocaust survivors returned to their ancient land, Israel.
There are as many Jews living in the United States of America as live in Israel. As the events above unfold the demographics will change quickly. God has declared they will return to Israel where He will reveal Himself as the God of Israel. The last obstacle to this is the success and acceptance of Jews living in America. The destruction and total collapse will be the reason for the remaining Jews to flee to their homeland.
A voice will cry out of heaven as in ancient Babylon, “Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, that you do not receive her plagues.” Flee Babylon-deliver. Save yourself, for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance. (Revelation 18:4)
You Israelites, who have escaped the sword of the Chaldeans (Babylonian’s), your oppressors, and of the Persians their destroyers, now that the year of release has come, go away, stand not still, hasten to your own country again, however you may be comfortably settled in Babylon, for Babylon is not your rest, but CANAAN is.
This massive and final evacuation of Jews from the remaining nations to Israel sets the final stage for the great battle of the LORD. They are all gathered to the land of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob so God can reveal Himself as their God.
Babylon’s destruction is of utmost importance to God’s people. As a result of her fall they will return to their land.
Micah 4:11-13 says -
“Now as many nations are gathered against thee, that say let Israel be defiled and let our eyes look upon Zion. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understands His counsel: for He shall gather the nations as sheaves into the floor. “
“Arise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will make your strength as iron, and your feet as brass, and you shall beat in pieces many people. All will be consecrated to the LORD of the whole earth.”
WHAT OF BELIEVERS IN BABYLON?
Psalm 102:13-16 -
“Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion:For the time to favor her, yea, the set time has come.”“For Thy servants take pleasure in her stones,And favor the dust thereof.”
The great test during the coming troubles is not the trouble, but our faith. Faith will be put to the test. May we be like the children of Issachar, who understood the times in which they lived. They knew what to do.(1 Chronicles 12:32)
Tens of millions wondering in the valley of decision will be led by the Spirit to our homes and places of employment. Our prayers on behalf of the ones God sends across our path will decide where they spend eternity. The false gods of religion and materialism will be exposed by the climatic events about to unfold.
Our Father has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. The King of the universe who created all things knew the day of our birth, the day in which He placed us, and the people we would influence.
When judgment fell upon Jerusalem in days of old, He instructed an angel to go throughout the city and put a mark on the one’s who believed in Him. They were saved from the destruction. They were preserved as His special treasure. Before the Exodus from Egypt, as the plagues and angel of death passed through the nation, the blood of a lamb saved the Children of Israel and those who were in their dwelling places.
We have a much more precious blood to cover us. The blood of God’s Son, Yeshua Messiah. We can plead His blood over our household during this time of the end of all things as we know them. He is faithful and just. He has promised to not lose one that has been given to Him.
His blood is our ASSURANCE!
His blood is our SALVATION!
His blood is the basis of our FAITH!
His blood will NEVER LOSE ITS POWER!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
JOY OVER YOU!
As we read the headlines, they are becoming more and more ominous as the weeks toward the establishment of His Kingdom advance. His glorious Kingdom in which righteousness and justice rule is as sure as the rising of the sun this morning and the setting of the same this evening!
His Children living on this troubled planet have great and precious promises from our Father who inhabits eternity; both past and present. He created the worlds by the words of His mouth. He will defeat the enemy of all who love Him the same way. This evening a storm passed by our home and there were very deep and rolling thunders that made our home vibrate! I thought immediately, MY FATHER IS DOING THAT!!
As the earth and the 190 or so nations start to tremble and shake we can be confident that our Father is also doing that! He is in total control. There are no surprises in His Kingdom. At times His children may have short seasons of fear or doubt, but our victory, as He has said, comes through our faith. This is the victory that overcomes the world; even our faith. It faith in Him; not faith in ourselves. He is our all in all.
In confidence we can remind ourselves daily of Zephaniah 3:17, " The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy, He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing."
Can you imagine this? God Himself rejoicing over you and I with joy and singing? What a thought!
No matter the frightening news or events of the coming weeks; He knows right where we are, He knows exactly not only what our needs are, but even what they will be in the future. He who has carried us through to redemption, deliverance, and salvation through the Messiah will not lose one! No not one!
Isaiah 46:3,4 says:
"Hearken unto Me, O house of Jacob,
and all the remnant of the house of Israel,
which are borne by Me from the belly,
which are carried from the womb;"
"And even to your old age I am He;
and even to hoar (white, aging) hairs will I carry you.
I have made and I will bear;
even I will carry and will deliver you."
How much better promises do we need?
God said He carries us from the womb, bore us from the belly, and that He will continue to carry and deliver us! As the old song from the 1800's says:
His Children living on this troubled planet have great and precious promises from our Father who inhabits eternity; both past and present. He created the worlds by the words of His mouth. He will defeat the enemy of all who love Him the same way. This evening a storm passed by our home and there were very deep and rolling thunders that made our home vibrate! I thought immediately, MY FATHER IS DOING THAT!!
As the earth and the 190 or so nations start to tremble and shake we can be confident that our Father is also doing that! He is in total control. There are no surprises in His Kingdom. At times His children may have short seasons of fear or doubt, but our victory, as He has said, comes through our faith. This is the victory that overcomes the world; even our faith. It faith in Him; not faith in ourselves. He is our all in all.
In confidence we can remind ourselves daily of Zephaniah 3:17, " The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy, He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing."
Can you imagine this? God Himself rejoicing over you and I with joy and singing? What a thought!
No matter the frightening news or events of the coming weeks; He knows right where we are, He knows exactly not only what our needs are, but even what they will be in the future. He who has carried us through to redemption, deliverance, and salvation through the Messiah will not lose one! No not one!
Isaiah 46:3,4 says:
"Hearken unto Me, O house of Jacob,
and all the remnant of the house of Israel,
which are borne by Me from the belly,
which are carried from the womb;"
"And even to your old age I am He;
and even to hoar (white, aging) hairs will I carry you.
I have made and I will bear;
even I will carry and will deliver you."
How much better promises do we need?
God said He carries us from the womb, bore us from the belly, and that He will continue to carry and deliver us! As the old song from the 1800's says:
THERE'S NOT A FRIEND
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No not one! No not one!
None else could heal all our soul's diseases,
No not one! No not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No not one! No not one!
~~~~~~
Have a great week thinking upon Him!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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