A Warning And A Blessing: Why We Should Consider It A Great Privilege To Live In Such A Time As This
Tag Archives: blessings
Scripture of the Day
Psalm 29
1. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
4. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5. The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7. The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.
8. The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9. The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
10. The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
11. The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
Scripture of the Day
Psalm 24
1. The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Scripture of the Day
Job 23
“…8. Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9. On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
10. But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
12. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13. But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth...”
Sometimes in our life with GOD, as with Job during his trials of faith, it seems that the Father is nowhere to be seen. Yet we can read here that in whatever trials people of faith have to endure He is always there, allowing us to learn, trying our faith to make us stronger. If we persevere and come through faithfully then when it’s all said and done we shall come forth as gold, pure and untarnished.
It’s recorded that our Savior said in Luke 6:22. “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” In several passages we can read where our standing is in this sinful and wicked world, yet if we remain faithful we know where this leads and how it ends.
In Ephesians 2 18 through 22 we read thus:
18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Through Christ we can see our beginning and end, that being part of the household of Father. So if you do not think or feel the Father working in your life, rest assured, if you remain faithful and persevere to the end our destiny is guaranteed.
Musings
Starting off this day at 0500 with some prayer and thoughts, I thought I’d comment on a few things I’ve been keeping up on in the news. Primarily the Israeli Palestinian war.
Through the years, I’ve always tried to stay abreast of events in the Middle East, if for nothing more than a morbid curiosity of prophecy as it may relate to current events.
Yes, I grew up with a dispensationalist/pretribulational perspective of Scripture and eschatology. I’m not going to say after 43 yrs of accepting Christ as my Savior that I agree with either perspective in its entirety, although I do utilize those views and others when I interpret Scriptures and its relationship and understandings in my daily walk with my Savior.
Concerning the current events unfolding in both the Middle East and here at home I believe that Believers need to be putting their proverbial “house” in order because I do believe these events are leading us into those dark days known as the endtimes or last days.
I know most claiming the mantle of Christianity are drooling at the thought of an endtime scenario thinking they aren’t going to be here but raptured away into safety and that they won’t see any of what’s referred to as the tribulations that will manifest as the endtime events unwind. This view is generally referred to as a pretribulational eschatology, one I do not subscribe to. I lean towards the prewrath view that believers will be raptured out before the last set of judgments begin.
For those drooling over the rapturing of the Church, I think they may be putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. Primarily because they have been lulled into that escapist mindset that they won’t have to endure any hardships associated with the endtimes scenario, also referenced in some circles as the Day of the LORD. In Joel chapter 2, we read this concerning that particular day,
2. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
Also in Zephaniah 1 we read these words:
14. The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.
15. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,
16. A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.
17. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.
So that Day of the LORD isn’t going to be simply a day of feasting and joyous reunions, it’s going to be a horrible day of judgments and retribution, desolation and wasting away with the deaths of untold millions.
Yes, I do understand those suffering during these times will be unbelievers, but it must also be understood what the Father said in Ezekiel 33:11. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
GOD is a GOD of not only love but holiness and righteousness, too. These last two attributes give HIM the sole authority to judge and punish wickedness.
Also in Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
In these two verses alone we can see the Father’s will expressed in that HE doesn’t find any pleasure in the wicked dying but that they should turn away from their wickedness “or in christian vernacular repent“.
Yes, believers should continually say “Come quickly Lord Jesus” and be looking for and rejoicing when that day occurs, but we also need to understand it’s going to be filled with sorrow because of the loss of life those lost souls going to he’ll.
In Heaven believers are going to have stand before that one man who never sinned, Jesus the Christ, and give an account for not reaching out to others with the message of redemption as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
So while the events in the Middle East have our attention and some believers are desirous of a fulfillment of prophecy there, personally I refrain from wishing that end result of a lost world, although it may be deserving of it.
Please try and reach all of those within your circle of influence with the Good News of forgiveness and redemption through Jesus the Christ, if the Spirit impresses upon your heart if they continually spurn the message of the Cross, then shake their dust off and try to reach others with the message of Christ.
As we read in John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me
There is no other way to the Father, Jesus himself admitted such. No Mohammed, no Buddha, no witchcraft, no neopaganism, nothing except by Jesus.
Have a blessed day.
Scripture of the Day
John 10:15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Early Uppers
For years now I’ve been waking before the alarm fires off its annoying sounds. I guess one becomes conditioned through the years, I don’t really know although I consider it a blessing because I do find myself thanking GOD and doing my morning prayers as I begin my day.
Being an early upper allows for more time to begin whatever routines one may have, mines pretty basic, get up, prayer & reflection time, wash off, get dressed, get coffee, drive…. ’bout it. After 31 yrs of sitting behind a windshield and over 3 million miles I’m beginning to think my wandering days are kinda coming due for some closure.
My 31 foot liveaboard sailboat is down in the Carolinas and that sealonging is starting to tighten its grip on my heart and mind.
Getting my affairs in order on land has taken its own sweet time, some of it was due to me, some to work and other external events that had to take their due course to finish. But now that next chapter is about to start, I’m praying the Lord will bless the coming move and use it for His glory.
And to close with Psalm 37
4. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Bless GOD and may He bless your day.
Scripture of the Day
Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Scripture of the Day
Jude 1
5. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
10. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
11. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
12. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
13. Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15. To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
17. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18. How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22. And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Here we are told to remember the righteous judgment of God and what type of people believers are to look out for. There are those whose sole purpose is to draw your attention away from the Lord, those who distract you with conversations of politics and worldly concerns. We are told to be careful when interacting with them because theirs is the path to hell.
These talkers mock the very God that allows them to breathe, these talkers mock and deride the Son because of their hatred of the Light, loving darkness and sin. These talkers cannot understand even what they are doing because sin has deceived their heart and mind.
So continue in the faith that was delivered to you from Christ as recorded in Scripture, love God, love the Son, and continue in compassion one towards another for today is the day of salvation.
Scripture of the Day
Psalm 3
8. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.
Scripture of the Day
Zechariah 2
10. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
11. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.
12. And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.
13. Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
Scripture of the Day
Isaiah 4
1. And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
2. In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.
3. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:
4. When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
5. And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.
6. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
Attack on Hatun
Scripture of the Day
Luke 12
. In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
3. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
4. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Scripture of the Day
Mark 15
33. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
35. And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
36. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.
37. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
If we are able to mentally visualize the crucifixion from the Gospel, here we can see there was a three hour span of darkness across the land. During the ninth hour or around 3pm give or take, we can read those words of the Lamb of God where it seems the Father forsaken His Son.
Biblical scholars more learned than I have written volumes on this one subject, I’ll not rehash their debates or differences but I’ll only give my opinion, regardless of how simple or Orthodox it may be.
At this ONE point during the crucifixion, all of the sins of mankind, past, present, and future were lain upon the sacrificial lamb of God, at this ONE point in time the Father turned away from His Son because of those sins of mankind which He, the Son, accepted punishment for. To my knowledge there is no point recorded in Sacred history where this happened.
The Father turned away, albeit for a short amount of time as we mortals recall time, nonetheless it was the only time the Father and Son were separated, if we could even call it that. This was something which had to be done to redeem mankind, so we who accept the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, could become sons of God as if through adoption. To the Jew first and also to the Gentiles salvation and forgiveness came because of His love towards us.
It is recorded that after this Jesus said, “It is done.” All of history turns on these few events of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lamb of God. Pre-history pointed forward this AD looks back towards it.
So…”It is done.”… accept Jesus as your Savior and learn what life is really about.
A Laymans Discourse 
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