TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
The Most Important Prophetic Sign Of All Has Bloomed Right Before Our Eyes – By David Reagan - https://harbingersdaily.com/the-fig-tree-withered-for-thousands-of-years-is-blooming-in-our-age/
When Jesus walked throughout the Promised Land 2000 years ago, Israel was already past its prime. The golden era under David and Solomon had come and gone. Divided into Israel and Judah, the Jews had been conquered by the Assyrians and Babylonians and carted off into exile. Fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, Cyrus had encouraged Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Waves of exiles returned from the east, repopulating the Land—even as Samaritans and others now shared the territory once known as Israel. Then came Alexander and his generals, followed by Rome and its legions. To the Caesars, the Jews of Judea were a bothersome population in a backwater territory who were frustratingly insistent on maintaining their own religion. Convictional Jews longed for the Messiah. Zealous Jews sought a military leader to throw off Rome’s yoke. None of them were expecting the Anointed One to lay down His life on a cross. While He ministered, Jesus consistently challenged the expectations of His disciples and His followers. He showed them that God is not pleased by sanctimonious religiosity, but with repentance and obedience. Through His death, He offered the innocent blood needed to ensure that God’s wrath would pass over anyone who put their faith in Him. Jesus’ message was clearly for the Jews first, even as He demonstrated a willingness to bless Gentiles as well. However, His love for individual Jews was matched by impatience with the Jews as a collective whole. That is why He offered His disciples a dramatic object lesson by cursing a hapless fig tree on His way to cleanse the temple of money-changers. Matthew 21:19 KJV – “And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.” That fig tree, found barren of figs even though it was not the season for figs, withered dramatically at Jesus’ command. Cast Aside, but not Forsaken We are sometimes convinced that Jesus was meek and mild to the point of being a wimp. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus balanced unfathomable power with absolute control. He did not lash out in rash anger or wring His hands in the face of evil. With a word He stilled a storm, healed broken bodies, and restored life. He described the judgment that would fall upon Jerusalem and the Jews in general, because most of them refused to accept Him in their time of visitation. Symbolized by a fig tree, the nation that bore little fruit would itself be cursed to wither for a season. Approximately 40 years after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, Rome’s 10th Legion put down a Jewish insurrection with an iron boot, destroying the temple in the process. Those Jews who were not slaughtered in Judea were driven out of the Land. For the next 1800 years, Jews became known as outcasts and vagabonds. They were persecuted and ostracized. They were forcibly converted and then accused of heresy. Inquisitions, pogroms, and edicts kept them down and out in most of the places they dared to try to live. Lacking much fruit in the season of His first Advent, the Jewish nation was cut off and cast aside for almost 2 millennia. The lesson of Luke 13:6-9 was applied to God’s own chosen people. But that is not the end of the story. During the long centuries of the Diaspora—the Jewish dispersal among the nations—as the Jews were afflicted and oppressed, the Land became barren. Although in the fullness of time, God prepared both the people and the Land to realize the prophetic promises. In the late 1800s, a few impassioned Zionists were advocating for a Jewish state. However, most Jews believed they were accepted by the societies in which they lived. The Jewish emphasis on academic study and financial prowess made them excellent students, musicians, businessmen, artists, doctors, scientists, and citizens. In spite of lurking antisemitism and episodic persecution, most Jews were content to pursue quiet lives in places like Germany, Poland, France, and Russia. All that would change in the 20th Century. Preparing the Land for the People Lest we get ahead of our story, it is important to realize that just as fertile soil is required for a healthy fig tree, the Land had to be prepared for the people before the Diaspora could return. Over the centuries following Rome’s expulsion of the Jews in 70 AD, the Promised Land fell under a curse. Known as Palestine (the Latinized version of the name given to the Holy Land by the Romans), it was controlled by a succession of foreign powers—including Christian crusaders and Islamic caliphates. By the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire obliterated the 1000-year Christian Byzantine Empire and began to rule Palestine with a heavy hand. God’s curse lingered on the Land throughout the millennia of the Jewish exile—as foretold in Ezekiel 33:28-29. And make no mistake, the Land was forsaken—denuded of vegetation, deprived of people, and largely devoid of life. In 1869, Mark Twain documented the cursed status of the Holy Land in his book, The Innocents Abroad. He rightfully understood that God’s hand of judgment had fallen on His own Promised Land. But when Europe was consumed by war early in the 20th Century, the “sick man” Ottoman Empire sided with Germany. It chose poorly. In the aftermath of the war, the victorious allies divided the Ottoman territory among themselves. Thus, France came to oversee Lebanon and Syria, and the British acquired a mandate to govern Palestine and Trans-Jordan. For the first time in almost 2 millennia, the Jewish Seder prayer, “Next year in Jerusalem,” seemed like more than a throw-away sentiment. Once the land was wrested from its Ottoman occupiers and a commitment had been given to support Jewish aspirations, reestablishment of Israel would have seemed to be a fait accompli. But Jewish motivation was not yet sufficient to emigrate to a Middle East wasteland. The horror of the Nazi Holocaust changed Jewish hearts and minds. Jews realized that away from their Promised Land they would always be homeless. So, by the thousands (and eventually millions) they streamed back to Eretz Israel—the Land of Israel. The fig tree branch was becoming tender and beginning to put out leaves. Now Learn This Lesson from the Fig Tree In the week between the triumphal entry of Palm Sunday and His crucifixion, Jesus spoke much about Israel’s rejection (Matthew 21:28-44), the shift of the Gospel to the Gentiles (Matthew 22:1-14), and the judgment about to fall on Israel (Matthew 23:13-39). He also responded when the disciples asked Him, “Tell us, when will these things (the destruction of the temple) happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). We have extensively addressed the discourse that follows in Matthew 24. But the lesson of the fig tree offers a key to understanding the timing of the end. Jesus said, “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:32-33). There are many signs contained in the proceeding 27 verses. But Jesus specifically pointed His disciples back to the dramatic lesson of the fig tree from earlier in the same week. The fig tree that was cursed for failing to bear fruit for the Messiah would be restored. And, along with all the other signs of the times, that crucial sign tells those with eyes to see that He is near. Evidence Right Before Your Eyes Ask the average Christian to describe a present-day fulfillment of Bible prophecy and they’ll probably look at you funny. The idea that God is actively bringing His ancient promises to pass before our very eyes is something they probably haven’t considered. But over the past 100 years, the amazement of Habakkuk 1:5 is once again appropriate: “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days—you would not believe if you were told.” That was the way the Lord described His plan to raise up the Chaldeans to sweep across the Jewish nation. Habakkuk was appalled at the horror of such a judgment and registered his complaint before the Lord. God reiterated the finality of His declaration, saying, “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3). In the case of the most important prophetic sign of all, the evidence is right before our eyes. The withered tree that did not bear fruit when Jesus was here 2000 years ago has become tender and put forth new branches. We know that He is coming soon. I Know the Plans I Have for You Throughout the Old Testament, God offered glimpses of His plans—His Gospel plan, His plan to discipline yet protect and preserve Israel, and His plan to bring all of human history to a close. Scoffers have dismissed the relevance of His plans for ages because God has tarried. But those of us who put our faith in Christ are given understanding when we “read and heed” (in the language of Revelation 1:3 and 22:7) His prophetic Word. In his beautiful song, “It is Well With My Soul,” Horatio Spafford wrote, “And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight…” Some of the glorious promises of Bible prophecy still await fulfillment. Others are being fulfilled before our very eyes. We can bear witness to God’s faithfulness by pointing to the promises He is keeping right now. That is also why we take pilgrims to Israel: to bear witness to what God is doing in our own day and age. Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So Take a moment and read Psalm 107. In light of the Diaspora (the scattering of the Jews) for almost 2000 years, see if that Psalm does not describe the Jewish regathering “from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south” (v. 3). One day Jewish eyes will be opened en masse to see the Messiah. Until then, you and I have a great privilege. We are among the redeemed mentioned in verse 2. We know already that the LORD is good; that His lovingkindness is everlasting. If you are among the redeemed of the Lord, don’t miss an opportunity to say so. In the words of Psalm 107:43, “Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things, and consider the loving kindnesses of the LORD.” In conclusion, all of the great prophetic promises fulfilled just recently in the land of Israel prove that we are living on borrowed time! America’s Approaching Apocalypse – Terry James - https://terryjamesprophecyline.com/2024/07/22/americas-approaching-apocalypse/ Some will likely say, “There he goes again with his Amero-centricity.” But America has never been more front and center in the roaring of the seas and waves of humanity as it is during this late prophetic moment. I find that I can do no other than examine end-times matters within the apocalyptic milieu surrounding this profoundly unique experiment in liberty—this nation-state called America, the concept of which was given to the founding fathers by the Creator, according to their own recognition of the fact. Harvest House Publishers released my book The American Apocalypse in 2009. We, that is the publisher and myself, planned a major book tour and publicity effort at the time. However, as you might recall, that year there was a major financial meltdown in America and around the world, due primarily to a banking crisis. So our book promotion plans were greatly curtailed. I now see that delayed book publicity effort was providential. Now, in this greatly accelerated wind-up of the age, I believe we are truly looking at the coming Apocalypse in terms of, perhaps, America’s position within that unveiling of things to come. Here is part of what I wrote in introducing that volume: No nation in modern times stands more at stage-center than the United States. None in all of recorded history has had more influence–or has more directly affected countries contemporary to its time of nationhood–than America. Its contributions to moving the world from the speed a horse can run to light speed through near-instantaneous communications technologies are staggering. There is no peer to American creative industrial genius, when considered in context of civilization-enhancing contributions by all generations prior to the 20th century. The United States of America, as a result of her genius and industry, stands alone as the most materially endowed nation-state ever. Sounds like pompous, typically ugly American elitism, you say? Well, to borrow from, quote, and expand a bit upon the words of that renowned philosopher, one-time St. Louis pitcher Dizzy Dean: “It ain’t braggin’ if you can do it.” Section I of this book, “Prophecy Takes Shape,” provides proof that America’s accomplishments stand far above and beyond achievements of all other nation-players in bringing mankind to the current degree of technological progress. The most gifted history revisionists would be hard-pressed to construct even moderately believable sophistry that would offer contradictory evidence to America’s role in bringing mankind to this amazing technological point in a mere 100 years. Again, Dizzy would say that it ain’t braggin’, because this nation has done it. The very fact of America’s spectacular achievement would, one would think, secure its place within the final prophetic disposition of nations. Yet, this nation is referenced by name nowhere in Bible prophecy. Absence of mention of the most powerful and wealthiest nation in recorded history seems a profoundly strange omission. Recognizing and acknowledging that this super nation-state is not even alluded to by name, there nonetheless remains room to ponder. Therefore, we return to the question, though slightly altered: Is America in Bible prophecy, even if not specifically named? We must first address another question even more pressing: Does there exist a Supreme Judge of all things, who therefore has the final say on human conduct and on contributions to the furtherance of man? (Terry James, The American Apocalypse: Prophetic Scenarios for the United States and the World [Harvest House Publishers, 2009]) Much stage-setting for the coming Tribulation (Daniel’s seventieth week) has taken place since those days when Barack Obama became president—so much change, in fact, that my book, as thoroughly as I feel it was researched, could but serve as cursory prelude to the profound position America now occupies on this world stage of anti-God rebellion. The all-out effort to bring down America—including the attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate who opposes their plans to rule, which just occurred—is evidence of their satanic evil. Their more than obvious intention to remove America’s sovereignty, to bring it into compliance with the globalists’ Agenda 30 goals, to me, manifests Satan’s orchestration beyond any doubt. America must, as Obama stated, be fundamentally transformed. And, beginning with his administration, that is what has been accomplished. The open borders, the transsexual madness, the Sodom-like transformation that has swept every area of society and culture into its wickedness gives witness toward the American Apocalypse. Yet, as obvious as Satan’s orchestration is to bring America into his future Antichrist orbit of control, God’s great restraining hand is even more obvious. The Ephesians 6:12 cabal–the powers and principalities against which the Church (all born-again believers) struggles—must have a crisis of world-rending proportion in order to complete the final governmental architecture necessary to support the coming Antichrist regime. Again, in my opinion, they tried this with the COVID so-called pandemic. It failed, and now much of the world is on to their lying ways. One writer frames well the dilemma Lucifer’s minions face in their drive to bring America and nations of the world into configuration for fulfilling Satan’s desire to enslave humankind: The globalist timeline for their “Great Reset” mentions 2030 as the prime year for total centralization. This is the year they plan to put their carbon controls in place, remove most oil and gas energy, bring in their digital currency framework, finalize their 15 Minute City programs, establish the IMF and BIS as the overseers of the global CBDC structure, launch their cashless society and integrate ESG related goals into every aspect of the economy. 2030 is only six years away, and that’s a lot to accomplish in such a short amount of time. The globalists are going to have to either admit failure and change their timeline, or, create a substantial crisis in the near term to facilitate the Reset. (Brandon Smith, “The Juggling Act: Is 2024 A Pivotal Year For The Globalists?” 1/3/2024 – (Link Here) It becomes more apparent by the day that the Great Resetters can’t do so without America. Thus, so much hangs on the political process leading to this November and the presidential election. As stated before in these commentaries, Satan knows the Rapture is going to happen—and soon. He has therefore stepped up efforts at every juncture to set the stage for the great crisis the Rapture will create. His human minions, at least, don’t know about the Rapture, other than believing it is pie-in-the-sky nonsense by some religious fanatics. But Satan knows. So he lets his human minions work as feverishly as possible to create a crisis, knowing they are helping finish constructing the global platform for his Son of Perdition’s all-controlling machine for governing during that coming time of horror. You don’t want to be here during that time. Here is how to go to Jesus Christ when He calls all believers to Himself in the clouds of Glory. That if you will confess with your mouth the lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that god has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10) We Are Experiencing the Annual Summer Giving Drought and We Could Really Use Your Support! Thank You So Very Much!!! Let Us Make the Short Time We have Left, Count for ALL of Eternity! Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! II Corinthians 9:15 Worthy of Your Support? It has been said, one of the most reliable ways to determine if a ministry is worthy of your financial support is to examine its fruits. If Prophecy Update is keeping you informed and if that information inspires you and causes you to draw closer to the Lord, if Prophecy Update equips you with valuable information and knowledge to share with and encourage other believers and open the eyes of non-believers and if Prophecy Update keeps you connected to current events relating to Bible Prophecy then you are partaking of the fruit produced through this ministry. None of this would be possible without the Lords blessings and your support. I believe where the Lord guides, the Lord provides and most of the time He provides through the willing and generous hearts of believers just like you and me. I genuinely believe that Prophecy Update and many other like-minded ministries, are needed now more than ever! The world is getting darker daily, almost hourly, but never has the light of the Word of God shone so brightly. Never in our history has there been such a thirst for Truth and a need for a Savior! The Prophecy Update website, newsletter, and Video Channels are all dedicated to providing the truth, encouraging and informing believers, and prayerfully opening the eyes and hearts of non-believers with the Gospel, but none of it would be possible without your prayers and support. DONATE HERE Your can also mail your support to: Prophecy Update PO Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384 PROPHECY UPDATE VIDEOS
RECOMMENDED READING & LINKS
THE RAPTURE KIT OR THE RAPTURE KIT FOR PASTORS/TEACHERS CLICK ON EITHER ONE FOR MORE INFORMATION! The Gospel is for every generation - Greg Laurie - https://www.wnd.com/2024/07/the-gospel-is-for-every-generation/ 'If you want to know whether you're one of the chosen ones, then believe in Jesus Christ' Imagine for a moment that you knew everything about everyone. I'm not so sure that I would like to be omniscient if I could be. I would hate to know what people really think of me sometimes. But if you knew what the future would be – and if you were a betting person – I'm sure you would bet on a winner, not a loser. God, being omniscient, chose us. Before our parents were born, before their parents were born, and before our first parents ever were on planet Earth, God Almighty, in the councils of eternity, chose us to be his children. But why? What merit or quality did God see in us that caused him to choose us? I hope the answer doesn't disappoint you. God's choice is not based on anything that you or I did. You don't deserve it. I don't deserve it. And I think the reason God chose us is the same reason he chose the nation Israel. He said to the Israelites, "The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors" (Deuteronomy 7:7–8 nlt). Why did God choose us? Because he loves us. That's mind-bending when you stop and think about the fact that God knows all things. So, do we have any influence as to who gets chosen? The greatest theological minds have debated this for centuries, and there are good people on both sides of this theological conversation. But I'm not going to worry about who the so-called elect are. Rather, I'm going to preach the Gospel. And I believe the ones whom God has chosen will believe. If you want to know whether you're one of the chosen ones, then believe in Jesus Christ, and you will confirm it. The Bible tells us, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13 NLT), and "Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life" (Revelation 22:17 NLT). The apostle Paul spoke of how much he cared about his fellow Jews and his desire that they would believe in Jesus. He wrote, "My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed – cut off from Christ! – if that would save them" (Romans 9:2–3 NLT). Paul was effectively saying that he'd be willing to go to Hell if they could go to Heaven. I'm so glad that we don't have to trade our salvation for the salvation of someone else. Salvation already has been purchased for everyone who asks Jesus Christ to forgive their sins and come into their lives. No matter who they are, everyone needs to hear the Gospel. Of course, people think that down-and-outers need Jesus, and they do. Thank God that we are never so down or so out that he won't reach out and save us. But the up-and-outers need Jesus, too. What's more, religious people need the Gospel as much as nonbelievers do. Some people think that because they were raised in a Christian home, they're Christians by default. No, they simply were raised in a Christian home. In fact, some of the worst sinners are raised in Christian homes. That's because they rebel against it. On the other hand, some of the greatest saints come from Christian homes as well. It depends on the person. We love to put the blame on our parents for what's wrong in our lives. But we do have a say-so about the course we take in life, regardless of how we were raised or not raised. We need to have our own faith. We can't live off the faith of our parents or the faith of anyone else. We need our own relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, one of the easiest places to get a heart that is hardened toward the Gospel is in church. The same sun that softens the wax hardens the clay. And as we hear the truth of the Gospel, we decide whether we will be responsive or resistant to it. Every time we hear the Gospel and don't respond to it, our hearts can get a little harder. In a sense, we can develop an immunity to the Gospel. Don't let that happen, because everything you're looking for is available to you in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It's the missing piece that people are searching for in life. Addressing believers, the writer of Hebrews said, "Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still 'today,' so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God" (Hebrews 3:12–13 NLT). That's why every generation needs to hear the Gospel. I think the challenges and pressures young people face today are, in many ways, unprecedented. And I think a lot of that has to do with social media. I was an early adopter of smartphones, but I believe that in many ways, they are ruining our lives and having a detrimental effect on young people. We've never been more connected yet disconnected at the same time. Experts have described Generation Z, those born from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, as the loneliest generation. They communicate through texting more than through face-to-face conversations. Perhaps that's one reason anxiety and depression are so high among members of that generation. The psalmist David wrote, "Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power" (Psalm 145:4 NLT). Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The answer is Jesus – for every generation. ‘Keeping Watch on The Evil And The Good’: As Questions Swirl, God’s Sovereignty Stills Our Troubled Minds – By Jonathan Brentner - https://harbingersdaily.com/keeping-watch-on-the-evil-and-the-good-as-questions-swirl-gods-sovereignty-stills-our-troubled-minds/ The sound of rain soothes my soul. This was particularly true this past Sunday morning as I sat in my office rehearsing the events of the previous evening. For several minutes, I enjoyed listening to the steady rain outside my open window. I had not slept well the previous night as I thought about what I saw and wondered how it was possible for the Secret Service to allow someone on a rooftop so close to where President Trump was speaking. My thoughts soon turned to my expectation of Jesus’ imminent appearing. In years past, I have placed far too much hope on political solutions for the woes facing America. Now, after a great many disappointments and much, much disillusionment, my optimism for what lies ahead rests solely upon Christ’s soon intervention in our world. Jesus’ imminent appearing is my only lasting solace in these perilous times. The Lord Is Faithful I’m unsure as to why the sound of rain calms me or why I enjoy it so much. Mix in some lightning and thunder and it’s all the more relaxing (assuming there are no tornado warnings or violent storms nearby). The words of James 5:7-8 came to mind as I thought about why listening to rain often quiets my restless feelings: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” The rain speaks of God’s faithfulness; it reminds us of His goodness. Isn’t it curious that James uses God’s faithfulness in sending rain at the proper time for farmers as an example of our waiting for the Rapture? Just as they wait for the “late rains,” so we patiently long for our homegoing amid the perilous times in which we live. The words of 2 Peter 3:1-10 come to mind; people will continue to ridicule our hope, but the day of our homegoing will surely arrive. At just the right time, He will appear and take us to the place He’s preparing for us (John 14:1-3). The arrival of rain at just the right time testifies to the Lord’s faithfulness. It also reminds us of the need to patiently watch, and wait, for His appearing; He will not disappoint us. God Is Sovereign My suspicion regarding the failure of the Secret Service on July 13 has led to many disquieting questions. I list just a few of them below: How did the shooter know he could climb a ladder with a large rifle with no one stopping him? Why did the police seemingly ignore people pointing out the presence of a gunman on a nearby roof? After discovering the presence of a dire threat twenty minutes earlier, why did the Secret Service allow President Trump to take the stage and begin speaking? Why did law enforcement wait until the killer begin firing shots at Trump before killing him? Why the momentary delay of the agents in rushing to assist him after the bullet struck his ear? As the questions multiply with each passing day, many people wonder if a nefarious motive lies behind the egregious dereliction of duty on the part of many that day to adequately protect President Trump. As I pondered these things, the words of Proverbs 15:3 stilled my troubled and suspicious mind: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.“ I don’t expect to receive any definitive answers to the concerns listed above. However, I know the Lord saw all that happened and He will deal justly with all those involved in attempting to kill President Trump. I need not know the details of how He will do it. As I continued listening to the rain, I read how the psalmist linked rainstorms with God’s sovereignty: “For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.” (Psalm 135:5-7) Regardless of what the future holds for me or my country, I know the Lord will someday return just as He promised. His sovereignty assures us that He will adequately and justly deal with the wickedness of our day. He will establish His righteous rule over all the nations of the earth. Even in His kingdom, the Lord will control the rain and withhold it from nations that refuse to worship Him (Zechariah 14:16-19). God will not flood the entire earth again as He did in the days of Noah, but His justice will soon rain down on those who reject Him and His Word. The plans of the elite powerbrokers to enslave the people of the world under a tyrannical regime will succeed for a short while, but the Lord will destroy what’s left of the antichrist’s kingdom at His Second Coming. Until then, the sound of rain will remind me of the words of James 5:7-8 and fill me with assurance that Jesus is surely coming for us and His timing will be perfect. My hope doesn’t rest in the results of elections or any other earthly outcome, but solely upon Jesus and the promises He has made to me in His Word. Although the waiting is difficult at times, it will be well worth it. He most assuredly will reward our watchfulness and eager anticipation of His appearing (Philippians 3:20-21). Don’t let those who now mock and disdain our hope in the Rapture take your eyes off the prize. He is surely coming for us. I pray He appears very soon, but I know that whenever it happens, it will be well worth our patience endurance. He will reward our patient watchfulness. Daily Jot: Beware of false prophets - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com There’s often debate among Christians about modern-day prophets. The guidelines of today suggest ways to “identify” a real prophet and who is false. Basically, what I’ve been told is that a real prophet will always give an encouraging word that “edifies” and the prophecy must also come true. Well, a look at the Bible might give us another perspective about true and false prophets. Think about the great prophets of the Bible and you will see that their prophecies were not always immediately edifying nor did they come true for hundreds of years. One thing for certain, they were the voice of God. Let’s look at a very famous false “prophet” and how he is viewed by New Testament writers. In Numbers 22:2-25:9, Balak, the king of Moab, sought to curse the Israelites by hiring Bilam the “prophet,” who had a reputation for being able to bless or curse a people—for money, of course. Bilam rode his donkey to meet \ Balak, and the Angel of the LORD stood with a sword to stop him. However, Bilam doesn’t see the angel, but his donkey does and refuses to continue. After three beatings the donkey speaks to Bilam and his eyes are then opened to see the angel–some prophet, right? Bilam is told to go to Balak, but not curse the Israelites. Numbers 22:38 says that when Balak tells Bilam to curse the Israelites, he says,”…I have no power of my own to say anything. The word God tells me to say I will say.” Bilam told Balak, however, a way to curse the Israelites was to get them to sin against God and Balak then sent Midianite women into their camp and caused the Israelite men to follow the women into idolatry. According to tradition, Bilam had been given the gift of prophesy, but he used it for evil and personal gain. Jude likens false teachers as following the “error of Bilam,” (Jude 1:11), and Peter also speaks of the “way of Bilam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing” (2 Peter 2:5), and Revelation 2;15, the “teaching of Bilam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel.” Very serious offenses according to scripture, unfortunately, we increasingly see this in the contemporary church, even more as the Day of the Lord approaches. The truth of scripture ultimately defines prophecy. And often the devil is in the details of the discerning. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Some translations say for the “building up” of the body of Christ. Obviously, in the false prophet example of Bilam, there was profit motive and it ultimately it did not build up the people of God. Just because it’s an encouraging or edifying word, it does not necessarily result in the edifying of the body of Christ. Christ himself said to beware of false prophets, meaning there are those who are not what they appear to be. As we approach the Day of the Lord, we must be vigilant and discerning of those who would use the position of prophet and always measure them from the truth in the word of God. Daily Devotion: A Good Offense - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word —Psalm 119:16 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/a-good-offense/ - Listen When a young Billy Sunday became a Christian, another believer gave him some advice that he never forgot: “Let God talk to you fifteen minutes a day through His Word. Talk to God fifteen minutes a day in prayer. Talk for God fifteen minutes a day.” The other believer went on to say that if Billy practiced these things in his life as a Christian, no one would ever write the word backslider after his name. Billy Sunday followed this advice and became one of the most powerful evangelists in the history of the church. He recognized the value of moving forward. The same is true of the happy people of Psalm 1. Yes, they don’t do certain things. But here is what they do instead: “They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night” (verse 2 NLT). They recognize that the best defense is a good offense. Now, when this psalm was written, the Bible as we know it today had not yet been entirely written or compiled—there were only the first five books of Moses, known as the Pentateuch, to read. Certainly, today, with sixty-six books in the Bible to glean from, we should be even more eager to meditate on the Word of God. Notice also that “they delight in the law of the Lord.” God’s Word isn’t drudgery or a duty. Rather, it’s a delight. How do you feel about Bible study? Is it a delight? Or is it a drudgery? Many of us read the Bible with a hunt-and-peck approach. We read a little here and a little there with no real concern for context or what a book is saying. And then we don’t understand why we don’t benefit from what the Scriptures say. The joyful people of Psalm 1 meditate on God’s Word “day and night” (verse 2). The Bible obviously isn’t speaking of so-called transcendental meditation that disengages the mind to receive impressions from elsewhere. Rather, the meditation the Bible advocates deliberately engages the conscious mind with the truths of God’s Word. It is studying the Bible using our minds and contemplating what we’re reading. Here are four great questions to ask ourselves when we’re reading the Bible: (1) Is there any sin here for me to avoid? (2) Is there any promise for me to claim? (3) Is there any victory to gain? (4) Is there any blessing to enjoy? That is reading with a sense of anticipation. It’s recognizing that these are the words of God Himself, and we are to value His words more than gold. There are great rewards for those who study Scripture. Far too often, we fail to discover the treasures in God’s Word because we never open it. Yet there is direction for our lives to help us know how to have a good marriage, how to have a good life, and how to function properly in this world. The Bible tells us everything we need to know about God and life. That is why, if we want to be happy people, we must meditate on the Word of God day and night. PROPHECY UPDATE NEWS HEADLINES Yesterday's Prophecies - Today's Headlines HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRACKING BIBLE PROPHECY 7/23/24 http://trackingbibleprophecy.org/birthpangs.php
FROM THE HEART Let Us Make the Short Time We have Left, Count for ALL of Eternity! IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED THROUGH THIS MINISTRY, THEN WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD PLEASE REMEMBER PROPHECY UPDATE IN YOUR GIVING - WE ARE TRULY, TRULY, THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT WORTHY OF YOUR SUPPORT? One of the most reliable ways to determine if a ministry is worthy of your financial support is to examine its fruits. If Prophecy Update is keeping you informed, and if that information inspires you, and causes you to draw closer to the Lord, if Prophecy Update equips you with valuable information and knowledge to share with and encourage other believers, and open the eyes of non-believers, and if Prophecy Update keeps you connected to current events relating to Bible Prophecy, then you are partaking of the fruit produced through this ministry. None of this would be possible without the Lords blessings and your support. I believe where the Lord guides, the Lord provides, and most of the time He provides through the willing and generous hearts of believers just like you and me. Humbly Seek Your Support Prophecy Update has no corporate sponsors. This ministry is paid for and prayed for by readers and supporters. Without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update, Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter - thanks! If ever there was a time to invest in God's Kingdom, it's now! What on earth are you doing for Heaven's Sake? "Share in the Blessings and Rewards that will last Forever!" "Folks, it's all beginning to unravel. America is in more danger of falling than at any time in its history. But I believe Bible prophecy predicts this very decline. From this point on, we believers have to get serious. We are going to face discouragement, disillusionment and, most certainly, persecution in the time between now and the Rapture. But don't be discouraged or disillusioned. The coming turmoil will provide us unrivaled opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel. So be ready to share your faith and your hope with those who need Christ. We still have time to reap a great harvest of souls for God's kingdom!" - Hal Lindsey 1) We need your prayers!- We proclaim the Truth of the Word of God and we are under constant spiritual and sometimes even physical attack. 2) We need your encouragement!- We need to hear from you, let us know how the Lord is blessing you through this ministry so that we can share it with others. 3) We need your input! - If you have a prophetic article or story or if there is a news related item we missed, let us know. 4) We need your financial support!- To put it quite simply, without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update. I ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to get the Word out and keep the world informed. Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! You will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to the internet your generosity carries a global impact! - Thanks! Our Prayer for You- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 If you have been blessed by Prophecy Update and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to: DONATE NOW Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 We are very pleased to offer all our readers this FREE download on Bible Prophecy from the Evangelical Bible College of Western Australia - Just download and enjoy and be blessed! Feel free to share it with all your friends and family members. Click below to download! "AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING" If You Died Today, Would You Go To Heaven? Find out, visit: www.thegoodtest.net www.gotquestions.org www.wayofthemaster.com How to know God DID YOU KNOW? You can submit an article, leave a comment or praise report at email: [email protected] Maranatha! (Lord Come Quickly) "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All other ground is sinking sand." "Let Us make the short time we have left count for all eternity!" YBIC-Randy
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2025
Categories |
Proudly powered by Weebly
This Site Was Updated By The Computer Group
|