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Prophecy Update Newsletter
August 11, 2016
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
MegaPastors and MegaChurches - J.L. Robb - http://www.omegaletter.com/articles/articles.asp?ArticleID=8288
Is the megachurch of today the same as the church of yesterday? Does the megachurch teach the same message as the church of yesterday? Does having more members mean having a better church? When I was in grade school, the classes were small. The student to teacher ratio made learning easy, which is why they did it for children. In high school the classes got larger but only a little. The big deal for private schools was the low teacher - student ratio. Apparently the larger the crowd, the lower the learning level. Everyone knows one-on-one teaching is the best teaching. As a child, most churches were smaller in nature. There were the big churches, and there were the really big churches; but there were few megachurches. Everyone knew everyone, there were church socials and picnics; and the church was the focal point for social gatherings. It is difficult to socially gather with 15,000 people. It would be a heck of a picnic; it would be huuuge. My how things have changed. With megachurches and megapreachers, there also comes megabucks. A friend and I, a pastor, were discussing this subject a few months ago; and he said to me, "So do you think it's wrong for preachers to make good money?" Did Jesus make good money? Did Jesus live in a $2 million home? Did Jesus drive a Mercedes? No, I explained to my friend; it doesn't bother me how much an individual makes financially. What does bother me is the manner in which it's made. Jesus stressed humility, the meek will inherit the earth. When the rich man asked Jesus how he could make it to his kingdom, Jesus told him to sell everything he had, give the money to the poor and follow him. This was quite stressful for the man, because he was very wealthy. What do we think Donald Trump or The Clintons would say if they were told the only way they could make it, and it was only a start, to God's kingdom was to sell all their stuff and give the money to the poor and the needy and the suffering? Would they do so? Would they pick up their crosses and follow Jesus through the wilderness of mankind? I don't think so, but it's just a guess. Following Jesus is not an easy thing. For one reason he followed Jewish law all 613 of them as did his followers, the first Christians. I have seen many Jesus movies and read many books about our Messiah; and he never lived in a one million-dollar home. He did not drive an expensive car but rode a colt. He was humble. Humility. What did Jesus say? Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." "Which ones?" he inquired. Jesus replied, "'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:16-24 NIV Growing up in High Point, North Carolina, I went to the First Presbyterian Church. I guess it was large church for 1957. I remember we had a wonderful preacher, and he drove a 1957 Oldsmobile. It was brand-new, and he lived in a nice but modest home. It was not a one million-dollar home. Jesus had a lot to say about money. He told us to pay our taxes and take responsibility for our bills when he said give to Caesar that which is Caesar's. Jesus also suggested, commanded, that we tithe our 10% to the temple (church), as commanded in the Bible. In the United States, a megachurch is defined as any church with more than 2000 members. There are 1650 or more megachurches is in the United States. Of the 56 million Protestants who attend worship services regularly, nearly 14 million attend churches with 1000 members or more. With the megachurch comes megapeople and megabucks for the megapreacher, especially for a megachurch of 15,000 or more members. Probably the Catholic Church is the largest of all megachurches, and one look at the pomp and circumstance in Vatican City and the Church is a clear indication of what megabucks can do. Recently, in Atlanta. a megapreacher named Creflo Dollar decided that God wanted him to have a business jet. Not just any jet, but the best business jet, a $65 million business jet. Nothing else would work. Like with Creflo and many megapreachers, the flock gave willingly; and Creflo got his $65 million jet. I wonder how many poor people, how many needy people, how many depressed and sick people could have been helped for $65 million. What's wrong with a regular plane? Did Creflo not think there were souls to be saved in commercial aircraft transportation? Then there is Joel Osteen, the current darling of megapreachers who readily says that he receives no salary from his church, that his income is based on other avenues, like book and video sales. He gave up his $200,000 a year salary. How generous. When Joel moved into his $10 million home, a lot of eyebrows were raised. How many books and videos and whatevers was this man selling? Franklin Graham has a nice country estate but there's acreage and farmland, and humility. The Osteen home is far from humble. The church was not intended to be Entertainment Tonight or TMZ. It was intended to be a place where people that had little time for home study could learn about the Word of God. And God is not all lovey-dovey. I watch Joel Osteen occasionally but my favorite is Dr. Michael Youssef. While Joel teaches how wonderful everything is and proclaims God's love for almost anyone and everyone is grand, other messengers like Dr. Youssef actually teach the Word; and there are many who do teach the Word. They teach the prophets, they teach the prophecies that came true, they teach the prophecies that have yet come true and explain how close we are to the events that have yet come to fruition. Money does not get us to Jesus; it is our belief that Jesus is who he said he was and that he will judge us by what is in our heart. I imagine that if Mr. Osteen would settle for a $1,000,000 home and give $9,000,000 to the Haitians, or to the poor in this country, or to a mother of three who works two jobs and has two autistic children... I think that would be a good heart. The heart is the key. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV God is a good God, but he is not an anything goes God. No matter how they spin it, God has a conservative philosophy, not a liberal philosophy. One only has to read the Bible to know so. 
Urgent Israeli Navy order for new US coastal craft - http://www.debka.com/article/25599/Urgent-Israeli-Navy-order-for-new-US-coastal-craft
The Mediterranean is fast filling up with bigger and more sophisticated warships than ever before, leaving the Israeli Navy lagging behind and short of the new kind of vessels needed to meet the changing challenges to its shores and marine assets, notably from seaborne terror. Israel's naval edge has melted down rapidly in the past year. Egypt took delivery in June of the first of two advanced French Mistral-class helicopter carriers, the Gemal Abdel Nasser, with the second due in two months. Each carries 46 attack helicopters. And Russia has moved over to the Mediterranean its aircraft carrier, as well as a fleet of cruisers and nuclear surface and submarine vessels. Israel's small and dated fleet is less than ready for the kind of asymmetrical warfare posed by new enemies, such as terrorist organizations, including Hamas' naval commandos from the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah's rubber rafts from Lebanon and the small submarines operated by various jihadist organizations in the Red Sea. The jihadists acquired them from South American gangs which used them to smuggle drugs and upgraded them to carry terrorists with their weapons and equipment, or be rigged like a car bomb. The Israel Navy, in addition to defending Israel's shores, is responsible for protecting commercial ships heading to and from Israel; defending drilling platforms, gas pipelines and undersea optic cables; enforcing the blockade on Gaza; and securing Israel's ports. In a hurry to restore the IDF's naval edge, the Defense Ministry and the Navy are pressing US defense contractor Lockheed Martin to produce the results for the tender it won in July to evaluate the operational viability of a new battleship, in terms of its compatibility with Israel's military needs, suitability to its naval theater of operations and ability to contend with the types of threats Israel faces in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The high price set for this evaluation (about $5.2 million) and the short timeline (nine months) given Lockheed Martin researchers to come up with results attest to the urgency of the Israel Navy's need for a new type of vessel, namely the littoral combat ship (LCS), which the United States has introduced to guard its shores. These ships have a minimal radar signature and are capable of high speed relative to their size. They can also land and store helicopters, transport troops, operate drones and carry and store armored vehicles. These LCSs are armed with artillery, missile and electronic warfare systems. The LCS would fill the gap in Israel's defenses against asymmetrical threats to its shores. At present, the Israel Navy's most sophisticated and costly craft are three Dolphin-class submarines. Two more of them are scheduled to join the fleet in 2018 and 2019. They are the spearhead of the Israel's secret warfare capabilities. According to foreign media, some of those subs carry missiles with nuclear warheads. Their shortcoming is that they run on diesel engines which are outdated compared to nuclear-powered subs. The Navy also uses a wide range of other vessels of various sizes and capabilities in terms of speed, visibility, troop transportation, weaponry and intelligence systems. None provide an adequate response to the new type of terrorist warfare that could threaten Israel's shores. Israel tends therefore forego the additional two Dolphin subs on order from Germany and instead update its Navy with the purchase of a pair of the littoral combat ships that are better suited to its changing needs. 
Could the Prophesied Ezekiel 38 'Hook in the Jaw' Be Famine? - Ricky Scaparo - http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/59187-could-the-prophesied-ezekiel-38-hook-in-the-jaw-be-famine
The Bible tells us that in the future there will be a great battle that scholars identify as "the War of Gog and Magog" and is mentioned in Ezekiel 38. This war will consist of many nations, including Turkey, Russia and Iran, that will come against Israel. In this battle, the prophet mentions a very interesting key to what will initiate this future war. Ezekiel 38:4: And I will turn you back and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses, and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with buckler and shield, all of them handling swords. It appears from this verse that the Lord will use something as a hook in the jaw of a fish to reel these nations into a war with Israel to fulfill His sovereign purpose and fulfill the prophetic word given by the prophet Ezekiel. The question that has baffled scholars and has left much for debate is, what exactly is the hook in the jaw? What would pull all these nations into a war with the nation of Israel? Three of the most prominent speculations have been: - Famine in the land that would come in the future which would drive these nations to the land of Israel to obtain the food they need to survive. - A lust for oil that would attract these other nations to assemble an attack. By the way, massive oil reserves reportedly were discovered in Israel recently, located in the Golan Heights, close to the country's border with Syria. The Golan Heights is what all the "Land for Peace" negotiations are about. - A devastating drought could draw these armies in. Let's talk about the famine theory first. This theory in itself sounded ridiculous at one time considering when the prophet spoke of this future war Israel was a barren land, but the prophet Isaiah foretold a day when the Lord would bless Israel, and it would bloom again. Isaiah 41:18-21: I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree and the pine, and the box tree together, that they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it. Isaiah 27:6: In the days to come Jacob shall take root; Israel shall blossom and bud and shall fill the face of the whole world with fruit. Today, the land of Israel, which was barren for thousands of years, is now a leading producer of agricultural products, exporting food to many countries. The next theory is a devastating water shortage or drought like what took place in the time of Elijah the prophet. If this were to happen and Israel was the leading source of water, it could lead to what we call "Water Wars." Today a new report came out that may just give ammunition to this theory. Less than a decade ago, Israel's economy was suffering greatly as drought threatened the country's long-term viability. News outlets even reported data suggesting that the Middle East was in the midst of one its worst droughts in 900 years. However, Israel prevailed, and investments in water technology pulled Israel out of the drought and averted what would have otherwise been an intractable crisis. And today Israel has become the global water superpower. So what happens when the next severe drought comes to the Middle East? We are witnessing an alliance forming already with Turkey, Russia and Persia, which are three major players that will receive the hook in the jaw and come against Israel in the near future. Consequently, the Bible predicts in the Book of Revelation that the Euphrates River will run dry that will enable a 200-million-man army to make its way to invade Jerusalem. Walid Shoebat even spoke of this recently and said the following: Egypt, on the other hand, is dependent on continued flows, but Ethiopia's dam would give the country the ability to all but cut off the flow of the Blue Nile, which supplies 85 percent of water to the Nile Valley. This will starve all of Egypt's 82 million population. Now that this is not far-fetched, we could understand how in the Bible, this is precisely what will happen: The waters of the sea shall dry up, and the river shall be parched and dry. The canals shall emit a stench; the streams of Egypt will diminish and dry up; the reeds and rushes shall wither. The papyrus reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and everything sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be more more. The fishermen also shall mourn, and all those who cast a line into the brooks shall lament and those who spread nets on the waters shall languish. (Is. 19:5-8) 
What One Rabbi Said About Messiah Was So Shocking His Words Were Hidden for 200 Years. Now, Find Out the Truth - By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/73782/200-year-old-scroll-hidden-things-reveals-incredible-details-life-messiah-war-gog-magog/#8HVJoMFdcMamKETT.97
"The secret things belong unto Hashem our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:28 (The Israel Bible™) A highly secret teaching from one of the most renowned Jewish scholars and thinkers in Jewish history is slowly becoming known, revealing shocking details about the character of Messiah which are so explosive that they were hidden, in code, for over two centuries. Megillat Setorim ("Scroll of Hidden Things") has been a secret of the Breslov branch of Orthodox Judaism for over 200 years. It was revealed by the revered Rebbe (Rabbi) Nachman, the founder of the movement, exactly 210 years ago, on the fifth day of the month of Av in 1806, to two disciples during a long carriage ride in Ukraine. Some of Rebbe Nachman's teachings were recorded by his students in hints and code, though he forbade them from passing on his words, and collected into the first manuscript of Megillat Setorim. After death of the rabbi's disciples, the manuscript was allegedly lost, though many believe it was purposefully hidden in order to prevent it being sought after and revealed. "Rebbe Nachman did not want the Megillat Setorim publicized," Rabbi Gedalia Fleer, who plays an important part in the history of the scroll, told Breaking Israel News. "Reading it is not enough. Interpreting it is another issue entirely." In 1963, Rabbi Fleer became the first Western Jew to visit the gravesite of Rebbe Nachman in Uman, Ukraine, where a Russian Jew entrusted him with the manuscript. Rabbi Fleer brought the coded manuscript to a rabbi in Jerusalem who knew the secrets of how to read and translate the encrypted text. After initial reluctance, the rabbi taught the secret writings to Rabbi Fleer, forbidding him from taking notes or recording the lessons. Since then, and very slowly, the hidden writings have spread. Rabbinical interpretation of what Megillat Setorim says about Messiah will upset most preconceived ideas about the man who will bring redemption. Though "Rebbe Nachman says very little about the Messiah," said Rabbi Fleer, "What he does say in Megillat Setorim is that when he comes, he is not going to appear like we think he will. People are going to look at him and say, 'That's the Moshiach (Messiah)?!' "It seems to be that he is not going to dress in a rabbinic manner, and he is going to be a young man and not an old man with a long beard." Rabbi Fleer went on to warn that Rebbe Nachman's disciples did not believe anyone should anticipate or try to guess at the coming of the Messiah. "Messiah is going to come by hesech ha'daat (inadvertently). If you think he is going to come at a certain time in a certain way, then he won't come. That's why Breslov Hasidut (Hasidism) doesn't delve into the subject very much," he explained. Dr. Zvi Mark, chairman for the study of Hasidism at Bar-Ilan University, became the first person to make the Megillat Setorim accessible to the general public when he published The Scroll of Secrets - The Hidden Messianic Vision of R. Nahman of Bratslav. According to Dr. Mark, the Messiah is described in the teachings as a man of enlightenment and art. The secret scroll even sheds light on the sequence of events in the Messiah's lifetime. "Megillat Setorim describes the Messiah as conquering the world without firing even a single bullet," Dr. Mark explained to Breaking Israel News. "He is described as an innovator of wisdom, medicine, and music. A character who deals in making peace between Israel and embodies religious leadership also to the nations of the world. "Although initially the Messiah will not be acknowledged, Megillat Setorim is writing about when he is young, less than 12 years old," Dr. Mark continued. "But later, when he is older, he will be recognized by all of Israel as a rabbi and scholar, and then he will begin to act as the Messiah. "Not in Megillat Setorim, but in other places, Rabbi Natan writes that he understood from his teacher Rebbe Nachman that the War of Gog and Magog would not be a physical war, but a spiritual and cultural war. "The Megilla itself is a wonderful vision of the order of the coming of the righteous redeemer, whose influence is spiritual rather than military, and the revolution he brings to the world will be spiritual, increasing wisdom, and empowering the place of music in human culture." 
Get Busy Building a Boat - Nathele Graham - [email protected]
God told Noah to build an Ark. He obeyed. We might not always fully understand all about God's warnings, but when God's warnings are heeded good things result. Noah probably didn't understand what God meant about rain, flood, or even why he was to build a big boat on dry land, but he took God's word seriously. It was faith that saved Noah. "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an Ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." Hebrews 11:7. Noah could have wasted time wondering why an Ark was needed, what did God mean by rain, and if God really meant He would destroy all flesh or if He was just exaggerating. Noah didn't allegorize God's word or try to decide what He really meant. Rather than wasting time asking useless questions, he got busy building the boat. Because of his obedience, he and his family were saved from the Flood, and you and I are alive today, Noah had kept himself pure by being separate from the evil that was all around him. Even if he had been tempted by the lure of evil, he didn't participate in it. Noah had come from a long line of God-fearing men and learned to obey God from his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and so on. Because of that, God was able to use him to accomplish great things. "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly...the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished" 2 Peter 2:4-6 & 9. Peter tells us that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. Did he stand on the street corner and proclaim that God's judgment was at hand or go door to door telling people about God? He didn't have to do that. His life reflected God and his obedience in building the Ark served as the only witness he needed. It was up to those to whom he preached righteousness to accept or reject his message. Corruption in the world wasn't new. Satan had been trying to destroy humans and stop the advent of the coming Messiah since he duped Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. After that he almost succeeded in corrupting all of God's creation by tinkering with the human genome by using the fallen angels to mate with human women producing Nephilim. The reason that God had to destroy everything was more far reaching than the idea that Seth's sons married Cain's daughters. "And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." Genesis 6:12. Earlier in this chapter of Genesis we're told that the angels (the sons of God) had taken the daughters of men (human women) for wives and so the corruption of the human genome began. Those evil beings corrupted humans as well as all living things. God had to destroy all flesh because everything was corrupted. "And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." Genesis 6:7-8. Noah found grace. Today our salvation is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Noah found grace in the eyes of God because he honored God and he was pure in his generations, which means his genes were fully human and not tainted by the fallen angels. He came from a long line of men who honored God which kept his genes pure. His great-grandfather Enoch walked so closely with God that he was Raptured prior to God's judgment. It was faith that protected Enoch. "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." Hebrews 11:5. The sin and corruption around Noah was great, but like his forefathers he chose to follow God rather than joining in with the worldly corruption all around. We can learn a lot from Enoch and Noah. Unlike Christians, Noah was saved by works. Even though he may not have fully understood why God asked him to build a huge Ark, he obeyed. Because of his works 8 people and some animals were saved from God's judgment. When Noah finished the Ark the animals, Noah, and his family all entered in and God shut the door. "And they went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in." Genesis 7:16. At that time in history there were three categories of people: There was Enoch who was Raptured prior to God's judgment, there were rebellious people and Nephilim who rejected God and they perished in the Flood, and there was Noah and his family who were protected through God's judgment. Today there are also three categories of people in the world: Christians who will be Raptured prior to the coming judgment, the rebellious people who refuse to accept Christ for salvation and will perish in God's judgment, and the ones who will go into the Tribulation period but against great odds will choose to follow Christ rather than the Man of Perdition. It would be smart for everyone to reject the evil and corruption of the world and accept Christ's free gift of salvation right now. There are many similarities between Noah's day and the days live in. It takes very little research to see that the corruption of the human genome is an issue. In the name of science, human embryos are being crossed with animals. These monstrosities are supposed to be killed within a few days, but why create them in the first place? Another question is, are they really being killed? Many scientific organizations are trying to define what it means to be human and how much DNA of an animal will it take to constitute a non-human. The answer is easy. Only 100% human genes that are unmodified constitute a human. Genetically modified food is hitting the grocery store shelves, but do you really think that science can do better than God in making food that is healthy for humans? The knowledge to do these horrific things certainly didn't come from God. "The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." Genesis 6:11. Just as in Noah's day we see corruption and violence everywhere. That shouldn't surprise us. Jesus said that at the end it would be like the days in which Noah lived. "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:37. Don't confuse "the coming of the Son of man" with the Rapture. The Rapture will happen first. In the days after Eden and before the flood the sin and corruption gradually got worse and we see the same happening today. Violence and hatred are getting worse. Genetic manipulation is corrupting human and animals. Wars, earthquakes, disease, famine, and more are growing stronger. Noah built a boat and was a witness of God's grace. If Christians heed God's warnings we will get busy. Christians today need to be the light that shines into the darkness around us and show Christ to this lost world. We need to preach righteousness with our life. We don't notice how bad things are because we are used to the daily violence and hatred. Sadly, this seems normal so we aren't horrified at the atrocities that ISIS inflicts or ungodly laws that governments pass. The people during Noah's time also went about their daily life ignoring the danger around. "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:38-39. Those people were willfully blind and ignorant of how bad things were. This shouldn't describe the attitude of Christians. We should feel the urgency to get busy going into the world, which includes your own neighborhood, and living as a witness for Christ. Talk about Jesus and how it will soon be too late to accept His gift of grace. Study prophecy and watch the news with an awareness of God's word. Tell others about what will soon come upon the earth. God has promised to remove Christians prior to His wrath, but that doesn't mean we won't see persecution against us. Don't let that stop you. Things will only continue to get worse worse and if our faith and trust in Jesus isn't strong we will live in fear. Don't delay in drawing nearer to Jesus and trusting Him daily. There are many signs that we're nearing the Rapture and after that Daniel's 70th week will begin. "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem." Zechariah 12:2. God gave the land to Israel, but the unnatural hatred against God's chosen people was prophesied in the Old Testament and is being fulfilled today. Paul wrote to Timothy "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." 1 Timothy 4:1-3. This is very evident today. Christians need to stand firm on God's word and not be distracted by the sin and apostasy around us. Our eyes need to stay on Jesus. Scripture is filled with prophecy concerning the end times, but too many Christians don't seem to care. If God didn't think it was important for us to know and understand He wouldn't have put so much prophecy in Scripture. People tend to want things to happen fast, but God is longsuffering and patient. Time is rapidly moving towards the end times, but whether that happens today or years from now it's urgent for you to believe God and get busy "building a boat", that is witnessing for Christ. "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Peter 3:3-4. Only those ignorant of God's word can possibly think that things are the same as they were 10 years ago. Evil is growing and God's judgment and wrath are in the near future. Noah got busy and built a boat. Christians need to get busy being a living witness for Christ. Judgment is coming. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron Graham's previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed. If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. 
My Review of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Over the last 35 years, I have literally read hundreds of books on Bible Prophecy and End Time signs. I especially enjoy books on the Rapture, and I have read almost every Rapture-related book published. In all those years, devouring thousands of pages, and millions of words, I have not read a better book on the Rapture than, Rapture Ready...Or Not? Terry James might be physically blind, but he is spiritually sharp and well discerning beyond most authors. In "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Terry has nailed the pre-trib Rapture, and removed any doubt what so ever about the Church going through the Tribulation. With great insight and Godly discernment, Terry explains with simple, yet profound words, why and how that he has come to believe the ways he does about the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the End Times scenario. I think after reading "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" you too will believe as Terry does, and be Ready for the Rapture like never before! - Randy Thomas - Publisher / Editor - Prophecy Update For more information and or to get your copy of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" use this link: http://www.raptureready.com/terry/book35.html 
The Prophetic Significance of Psalm 91 in This Hour - Ryan LeStrange - http://www.charismamag.com/blogs/prophetic-insight/27232-the-prophetic-significance-of-psalm-91-in-this-hour
Like you, I have read Psalms 91 countless times and have always been comforted by its familiar theme but this morning during my prayer time, the prophetic significance of this passage affected me in a deep way: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." (Ps. 91:1-2 MEV). The promise of protection is so clear and yet we as believers spend so much of our time filling our minds and hearts with fear. Our fascination with calamity and destruction aborts the power of faith and quenches the flow of exploits in our lives. At any given time, there are two voices that are resounding in our minds: the voice of faith which releases and empowers the kingdom; and the voice of fear which confines, constricts and derails. There are plans of great outpouring, tremendous revival moves and radical awakening for this generation, yet these intentions are being overridden by a fear mentality that wants to run and take cover! Our proximity to our Father is critical in securing our safety, and our future and present promises. In this powerful chapter, we are told to abide (remain) close to Him under the cover of His feathers. It is really difficult to heed the voice of the enemy when you are snuggled up next to the Father! As I dove into this passage, the relevance to this emerging move of God struck me in a new way. This current move of God is presence-centered, presence-based and presence-fueled! One of the chief components of the emerging paradigm of revival hubs and apostolic centers is prayer. These radical bases are places of prevailing prayer and governmental intercession. No movement has fueled this fire more than the prayer movement. The dedicated warriors from the various branches of the prayer movement have given their lives to the task of establishing the throne room in communities around the globe. What is the throne room? It is a place of habitation! This is the call of the hour-to create ministries that demonstrate and value God's abiding presence. The presence of God is truly the marker in this move. The Lord spoke to me recently and said: "The main room will become the prayer room." I saw intercession and worship based prayer taking over the corporate gatherings of the body of Christ. There is a divine marriage between worship and intercession. We have entered into an era where worship is at the forefront and the presence is the prize. In this generation we have coined terms like "revival culture" and "mantles of awakening." These terms identity concepts of ministry that reject the methodology of church culture simply focused on filling seats and building buildings. These terms and paradigms emphasize finding ways to receive and maintain rich wells of glory. A generation is tapping the wells of power in order to press for awakening and unprecedented global transformation. There is a remnant that is not satisfied with religious duty but desperately longs for the heart of God and His full manifest presence. As we move deeper into the place of surrender and intimacy, we become overwhelmed and surrounded by God's presence. When we minister to others there is heavenly residue. The residue of His glory spills over into sickness and releases healing! The residue of His peace overcomes torment. We are no longer trying to manifest signs and wonders, they are just breaking out as a result of the tangible residue of heaven. We are called to be heaven dwellers and Earth conquerors. Our DNA is that of the kingdom. The glory is our birthright! Wonders are the norm. Revival outbreaks are typical. Divine protection and angelic assistance are the norm for the sons and daughters of the living God! The heaven dwellers should absolutely expect divine protection, warnings and spirit leading. We should live with the full expectation of Daddy's goodness being manifested in our lives. It is absolutely true that we are living in a time of crazy and intense demonic battle. Demon-possessed people are committing horrendous acts and this is the result of our culture's full embrace of hell's agenda. Yet in the midst of these times of adversity there is an abundant level of security and promise for the people of God! Our close and intimate relationship with the Father empowers divine security. I believe that we are seeing and will see an increasing awareness of angelic activity. This is an era of the supernatural! Psalm 91:11 (MEV): For He shall give His angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways. Let us embrace our identity as sons and daughters with absolute assurance! Let us reject the lies and the fear-based religious bondage that the enemy wants to enslave us with. We are called to live lives of full surrender, glorious manifestation and kingdom exploits. There is a radical and fresh move of God unfolding that values the presence of God, and is proximity-based and prayer-driven. A generation is being invited not just to encounter but to dwell in the Father's house. 
Daily Jot: A word about race - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
I realize that this Daily Jot will rub a lot of people the wrong way. So let's just get this out front-it may make you feel uneasy. From my Christian belief, I do not see races. I believe God made the human race and there are differences among us culturally, ethically, and in skin color, but we are all part of God's creation. The concept of "race" has made chasms among people who ought to be civil, even loving brothers and sisters in the Lord. When America elected a man of color to the White House, many had hope that relations between whites and people of color would improve. Instead, relations appear to have become more polarized. But some are trying to address the problems. Dialogue is the first step. For example, football players are taking the lead to start the discussion on this most uncomfortable issue. My contention is that football, and other sports for that matter, brings people together, galvanizes communities. In the locker room, there is no black, white, whatever-there are teammates who care for one another and have trust in each other. Baltimore Ravens tight end Benjamin Watson has said that race problems are not a skin issue, but rather a sin issue. He has written a book, "Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race-and Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us." Watson is a Christian and hopes the book will foster self-examination with an eye toward changing attitudes. Another person who is speaking into the situation is oft-controversial Seattle Seahawk's cornerback Richard Sherman. In an interview with former player Dominique Foxworth for The Undefeated, Sherman explains: "We hear a lot about Black Lives Matter. But I think race was created. I think everybody is a human being first and then the color of their skin wouldn't matter if nobody told you it mattered...Any time you see people who are saying, 'Black Lives Matter,' and then saying it's time to kill police, then it is difficult to stand behind that logic. They are generalizing police just like they are asking police not to generalize us. It is very hypocritical." Sherman continued: "I stand by what I said that All Lives Matter and that we are human beings. And speaking to police, I want African-Americans and everybody else treated decently. I want them treated like human beings. And I also want the police treated like human beings." You see, from these men, who happen to be Black, there is not an either-or in the discussion. It's both/and. There is blame on both sides of these issues. The answer is in the Lord. Isaiah 1:17-18 says, "Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together." We need to focus and learn to do well by one another, reason together and find our way as God would want, as Jesus said in John 15:12 to "love one another as I have loved you." Easy to say, harder to do. We need to try. 
Daily Devotion: When We Need Revival - Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love." -Revelation 2:4 If you want to experience revival in your life, then hang out with a brand-new believer. It is the best thing you can do for your own spiritual health. A brand-new believer is fired up and has questions that will have you digging back into the Scriptures again. You stabilize that new Christian, and he or she reenergizes you. Everyone benefits. On the other hand, if you hang around with jaded Christians, with those who have even become cynical, then you need some new friends. Sometimes people worry about new believers not changing quickly enough, but I am more concerned with older believers who have stopped changing altogether. They are settled in their ways. Maybe they have traded in old vices like immorality, drinking, drugs, or profanity and replaced them with new ones like pride, backbiting, gossip, or bitterness. I find it interesting that 80 to 90 percent of the Christians who personally share their faith have been believers for two years or less. In other words, most people who come to Christ through personal evangelism have done so because someone young in the faith shared the gospel with them. I think this is because new believers are still discovering what God has done for them. They are still excited about it. As we get older in the faith and have walked with the Lord for a time, we start taking these things for granted sometimes. That means we need revival. We need to be brought back to that place where we once were, where we realize how important it is to share with others what Jesus has done for us. If we have no desire to share our faith, then we need personal revival. Revived people are evangelistic people because their evangelism is a result of a Christ-filled life. 
FROM THE HEART
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