Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
War Inevitable in the Middle East - By Pastor Mike Taylor -
http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2019/09/war-inevitable-in-middle-east.html 1 "Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. 2, For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. 3, They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. 4, They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. "(Psalm 83:1-4) In my last message this last week, I spoke of the possibility of Psalm 83 war that could start at any moment. War is brewing in the Middle East. The contention between Israel, Iran, Turkey,Lebanon and Syria is a volcanic eruption waiting to happen. The news was awash with the civil war in Syria and the behind the scene maneuvering of Arab proxies fronted by Iran to position themselves to attack Israel and draw them into a wider conflict. We hear of the movement of missiles that have the capability of striking the heart of Israel being bombed inside Syria or killer drones that Israel knocked out of the sky to prevent an unmanned attack on their country. I watched the video of these attacks and the explosion was 10 times bigger than anything I had seen prior on these attacks. The explosions that rocked the outskirts of Damascus were absolutely massive. It is being reported that they registered about two or three on the Richter scale, as enormous balls of fire lit up the sky that could be seen from all over Damascus. Some say it was a low level nuclear tipped bunker buster bomb that blew up the site of these advanced weapons of war. To date, skirmishes across the border with Syria at the Golan Heights are growing more frequent and the fighting could spiral out of control. Israeli warplanes keep bombing the outskirts of Damascus according to Syrian state media and reports from activists, signaling a sharp escalation in tensions between the neighboring countries that had already been exacerbated by the conflict raging in Syria. Then we hear of activity even as far away as in Iraq and the bombing of Iranian sites made solely for the purpose of attacking Israel. U.N. Peace keepers? This is an orchestrated stand-down from UN in conjunction with Israeli, American, Major non NATO Allies and NATO allies. We see an opening in the Golan Heights Syrian Border with UN forces monitoring the demarcation line having pulled out of the area as stated, presumably to facilitate an Israeli armored assault on Damascus. Like a slow motion horror show, a major Middle East war is underway, and the UN is complacent in allowing this probable war front opening up, but then when does the UN ever stick to its supposedly anti war agenda? They are basically facilitating this war with continued support of state sponsors of terrorism and war criminals. The UN was supposed to keep the world safe from wars, but its blatantly obvious, actual role is to make this war inevitable. If the UN stuck to its mandate it could end this wars in the Middle East today, demand all parties cease all hostilities, and the funding of the insurgency, and roll in more UN forces to deter Israeli armor and reserves poised to level Syria, and issue arrest warrants and actually bring the real perpetrators of this war to criminal court in the Hague. They obviously know who these tyrants are as they are the ones prodding the whole thing along funding the insurgents, and goading the rebels and Israel and whoever else is stupid and immoral enough to wage an unjustified war. Not only that but a war that by any calculation risks triggering an absolute hellish bloodbath of nuclear war with the shattered balance of mutually assured destruction. IS PROPHECY ABOUT TO BE FULFILLED? Is this when the oracle of Damascus will be fulfilled? "The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. 2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. 3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the Lord of hosts."(Isaiah 17:1-3) I believe it could be so as a result of a coming regional war. Nobody should want that or look forward to it. Unfortunately, the next major regional war in the Middle East appears to be closer than ever. But God is in control of these events. During the next war in the Middle East we will likely see death on a scale that is unprecedented. It won't be like the wars of 1967 or 1973. It will likely be a fight to the death where nothing is held back. Israel may be attacked on three fronts, and as reported, Israel makes a solemn promise "Never again" will they be made to see another holocaust. If need be, they will use what is called the "Samson option"...as we know the story of Samson when he pushed major pillars that held up a pagan temple and all died, including himself. Israel will hold nothing back, even if it means nuclear warfare. God will be on their side and the invaders don't stand a chance. You see, the truth is that most Americans have no idea what is really going on in the Middle East. There are ancient grudges and ancient hatred that go back for thousands of years. There is no "peace plan" that is going to suddenly make everything okay. The Middle East is a simmering volcano of hate and resentment that could erupt at any moment. That is why what happened in Syria due their civil war, virtually destroyed the country. That Israeli air strike in Damascus that reportedly was attempting to destroy a shipment of missiles and military hardware that Iran was sending to Hezbollah has brought Israel, Lebanon and Syria to the brink of war. In fact, Syria and Lebanon are calling the air strikes a "declaration of war" and is vowing retaliation. The Syrian government is saying that "Israeli aggression opens the door to all possibilities", but they have not provided any specifics about what they plan to do. Meanwhile, Israel has made it very clear that they will do whatever is necessary to keep missiles from getting into the hands of Hezbollah. The leader of Hezbollah, Hasan Nasrallah, has vowed to strike at Israel in the near future. Israel's right to safety and security Israel has every right to defend herself. Think about it, would you be concerned if Russia or China had chemical equipped missiles in Cuba, or Mexico aimed at Los Angeles or Dallas and not do everything in your power to stop them? We had the same scenario during JFK's presidency and came near to nuclear war with a confrontation with Russia over these weapons being installed into Cuba. Russia blinked first and war was averted. But will it be averted now? When you speak of the religion of Islam, they are not concerned with life, as they are a culture of death and to die for their god, "allah" is their goal to enter into their vision of paradise. They have no problem with starting a war, if they think they can actually win. Russia in the recent past was not so insane to risk their lives in a mutual war of destruction. Not so with the actors placed into these drum beats of war brewing. We see an alliance between Turkey, Iran and Russia that was unheard of just a few short years ago, but here we stand with the actors of the coming Gog-Magog war becoming allies on Israel's norther border. Are we fast approaching the prophecy in Psalm 83 when the entire region will be engulfed in a war that is designed to eliminate the nation of Israel ? Build up to war has been being facilitated and planned from the last war with Hezbollah in 2006. Thousands upon thousands of weapons have been shipped into Lebanon, Gaza, and their surrounding Arab neighbors have been waiting for just such a moment when Israel will be encompassed by their enemies with a large stockpile of weapons. It is reported by the Jerusalem Post: "Syria has stationed missile batteries aimed at Israel in the aftermath of alleged Israeli air strikes in the country, the web site of Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV, considered close to the regime of President Bashar Assad, quoted a top Syrian official." What would it take to tip the scales to an all out war between Lebanon, Gaza strip, Syria and Israel? If chemical weapons are found to be in Damascus or planned to be shipped to the border of Lebanon, then I envision of an assault on that cache of weapons that would release chemicals into the air and kill many people surrounding the explosion, but what would make Damascus a ruinous heap and uninhabitable? Example of a recent modern event, there is an island off the coast of Scotland where scientist exploded a series of anthrax bombs to test what would happen to a flock of sheep. They immediately all died, and the island has been not be inhabited since. Release of this biological weapon of anthrax would make the regions unfit for human life. Another would be an nuclear tipped device that would make the radiation level so high, that all who would live there would die. The latter would level the surrounding landscape into a "ruinous heap", as described in Isaiah. Such an attack would assuredly bring all nations surrounding Israel into a direct conflict with all out war. Their sheer size of numbers of troops and weapons would, I believe, give them the impression that they could destroy Israel. But only one thing they do not figure into their scheme. The God of Heaven is on the side of Israel. As in the previous wars fought in 1948 and 1967, the destruction of Israel was thought to be assured, but with even an overwhelming force, those Arab forces were defeated and it was believed Divine intervention saved the tiny state of Israel. This war will bring us even closer to the time of the beginning of the Tribulation, as Israel will believe they have finally destroyed their enemies and can live in peace. Ezekiel in chapter 38 says that on the heels of this victory against their Arab neighbors that Israel will live in peace and safety. BUT, Ezekiel 38:8 "After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them." When was the last time in your life, have you heard that Israel has lived in peace and safety,"dwelling safely all of them". You say never and you would be right. Since their birth, Israel has been threatened with extinction from their very ancient cousins in a hatred that has festered for thousands of years. Suddenly, the bible reports they will live in safety, but I believe they may feel safe, because every enemy surrounding them will be defeated and their lands conquered. Israel will expand their borders to include most of the Middle East, from the Sinai, east to the Euphrates, north to Syria, and south to Arabia, which will include all of Jordan. Why do I say that? Have you noticed that all the nations spoken of in Psalm 83, includes all the people that surround Israel now, but in Ezekiel 38 none of them are mentioned? It is believed that what I have proposed as the borders of the expanded nation of Israel will be won in this coming war, as none of them, including Syria are mentioned. Why is that so? Because God has allowed Israel to overcome their enemies that have come against them and destroyed their weapons of war and along with a major portion of their armies . They will possess all of their land as spoils of war. What will they possess that they never possessed before? The answer is a major portion of all the gas and oil of the world. How quickly will the enemies of Israel realize that it is unacceptable for Israel to have such wealth and control of a major portion of the worlds oil and gas production? Maybe they will get a reality check in a year, or two? Ezekiel prophesies that God will put a hook into the jaws of the Gog-Magog coalition of nations to even think that they can come against Israel to take what they have won in battle. Money is a powerful motivator for an evil coalition to take what is not theirs. As a believer in the removal of the church before the tribulation and the revealing of the Anti-Christ, the war spoken of in Ezekiel will be waged not so much by Israel, as they will be overwhelmed with a superior nuclear equipped force, I believe headed by Russia with Iran as their front man. This is when God says that He will fight for Israel. Ezekiel 38, 38:18 "And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. 38:19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;..... 38:21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. 38:22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 38:23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD."(Ezekiel 38:18-23 How long will the war that is coming that brings a peace to Israel last? Possibly a short span of time. If this war that Ezekiel prophesied about comes on the heels of the war that is now brewing in the Middle East, we could see Psalm 83 fulfilled and the stage set for Ezekiel 38 & 39. Theologians are in agreement that this devastating war waged by Almighty God will so decimate the nations that come against Israel, that a peace treaty will be proposed for 7 years to prevent another war and allow Israel to have sovereignty over it's land even to allow them to rebuild their temple on the Temple mount. There will be no Arab that dares stand in their way, as they have been thoroughly defeated. Israel will recognize that the God of their fathers, is indeed, very much alive and seek to rebuild their temple in haste, and resume sacrifices to Jehovah. As we all know, a "peace treaty" the "deal of the century" will be revealed after the coming elections in Israel. Is this the "peace treaty" that the coming Anti-Christ will "confirm" as spoken of in Daniel? "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Daniel 9:27) I believe initially, the PA lead by Mahmoud Abbas will reject this treaty, as they don't want peace. What they want is Israel's extermination. But after this coming war, which could happen at any time in the near future, the Anti-Christ will make a "deal" with Israel that he will break 3.5 years into the Tribulation. Why does he wait 3.5 years? When a power is defeated, much like the Muslims like to do, is wait until they are stronger and able to overtake their adversary and destroy them. Makes me wonder is the Anti-Christ got a Muslim background? Time will tell, but that will be revealed in the coming Tribulation, as we won't see that event happen. Why? Because the Church will be removed from this planet. 6 "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders," (2nd Thessalonians 2:6-9) The only POWER that is holding back rampant evil, is God's Holy Spirit and when that power is pulled back to give Satan a free for all time period on this planet, then those who have His Spirit within them will be removed as well. HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE? Can you envision the speed of these developments being fulfilled? Psalm 83 brewing right now in the Middle East, quite possibly. Then the defeat of the nations surrounding tiny Israel with it's expansion to include all of the Promised Land given to Abraham. Safely and peace brought about for a period of time. A coalition of a major power forces coming against Israel and their total destruction by God on the mountains of Israel, followed swiftly by a peace treaty, as a pact with the devil. Then the temple rebuilt, and with today's modern technology, the temple will be rebuilt quickly, as the pieces are already made awaiting their assembly. Then a man will arise who will propose peace written down by Daniel , 27 "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."(Daniel 9:27) This is the prophecy of the appearing of a man of a false peace. A man of deceit and filled with all uncleanness and a lying spirit. He will deceive Israel into a false sense of security. This is the beginning of Daniel's 70th week of the refining of Israel to make an "end of transgression". This my friend, is the end of the dispensation known as the Church Age, or the Age of Grace. God has turned His focus away from a people, who were not his people, but has taken those people for Himself as the Bride of Christ and that work is completed. Now He turns to the nation who rejected Him, He calls His brethren, and will purge them as silver is refined in the fire. 2 "But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years." (Malachi 3:2-4) God has never focused on the Church and Israel in the same period of time. Now is the time that all who believe as I do, the church will be removed from this earth. The next couple of years will be a time of tensions mounting and war being waged at a level not seen in our lifetimes, unless you are over 75 years of age and witnessed Hiroshima. The upheaval in the world's economies will be devastated. Nations will become bankrupt. Prices of raw goods will spiral out of control. Oil will become priceless and gas will be priced to the moon. The amount of time will move rapidly to the Tribulation, if my scenario turns out to be true of this timing and taking scripture at it's word while watching the developments that could speak to it's quick fulfillment. It could literally be in a couple of years...maybe sooner. I have been writing messages that speak of the Tribulation being right upon us. This is the time when Israel will be challenged like never before, and God will come to do battle for her. TIME IS ALMOST UP The time is almost finished. The clock is a few seconds before midnight and the end of the age of grace. Jesus said in Luke: 28 "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."(Luke 21:28) Folks, we are long past the beginning of these things coming to pass. We have seen prophecy after prophecy fulfilled, and the time of the age being over is on the horizon. Scripture is being fulfilled in our lifetime and the prophecy of what Jesus spoke of is upon us. I watched a Prophecy Update video with J. D. Farag that made the compelling argument that it could even be this fall...because of the events going on right now in the Middle East. There is little time for those who will look to Jesus as the substitution for the wrath of God on a unrepentant, rebellious mankind. God's wrath is about to be unleashed and woe to anyone who misses the ark of salvation we know as Jesus Christ. You have a choice to make....choose to live the horror that is coming or choose the One person who died for your sins, that you will be spared His coming wrath. 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."(John 3:16-18) Tribulation is coming. These wars are the run-up to it. Where will you stand? Will you be counted on God's side and worthy to escape? 34 "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."(Luke 21:34-36) How do we stand before Jesus Christ the Son of man, upon that day? We are found worthy only because we believed John 3:16 and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our worthiness will be sealed because of what He did, not what we did, except to believe on the only Begotten Son of God by faith. All others will be thrown head long into what is coming. And coming it is.....right around the corner. 8 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:8-13) Don't be caught flat footed when these things come to pass. War is brewing right now in the Middle East, as it could happen even this fall. But another event could happen even sooner, "The coming of the Lord" and it could happen this fall on the coming Feast of Trumpets. Not saying it will happen, but I listen intently for the sound of a trumpet on any given year during that time that Jesus fulfilled the Spring Feast on the very day of their observance. So logic says, the next Feast of Trumpets is the next time our God and Savior will enter into the affairs and the times of mankind. Don't be caught sleeping, but sober and looking for that blessed Hope. 13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14) Don't put that decision for Jesus Christ a moment longer, as we are on the cusp of the Tribulation and the coming of our Lord for His Church to remove her out of the way of the Wrath of God on a rebellious and unrepentant world. "(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" (2nd Corinthians 6:2) This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying Jesus Christ becomes your Savior and Lord. If there is anything I can do to counsel you, pray with you, or just listen to your cares, then drop me an email to [email protected] , .God bless you all, till we meet at Jesus Feet. Israel's yellow card to Iran, Hezbollah over precision missile project - by Yoav Limor - https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/09/04/israels-yellow-card-to-iran-hezbollah-over-precision-missile-project/ The message conveyed on Tuesday revealing Hezbollah's precision missile factory in Lebanon and the military base being built by Iran in eastern Syria cannot be mistaken: Israel is warning its enemies to cease and desist or face the consequences - even if it means going to war. Both revelations were publicized simultaneously but through different channels. Israel directly released the information regarding the former, via the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. The latter was exposed by Fox News, whose report was based on "Western intelligence sources." Both cases involve substantiated information, backed by satellite images and detailed explanations. They illustrate, yet again, the depth of Israel's intelligence penetration into the axis linking Iran to Lebanon (via Syria and Iraq), but also the determination of this axis to continue operating. Iran, which despite hundreds of reported and unreported attacks on its facilities and weapons shipments, is still looking for ways to entrench itself in Syria to deploy its Shiite militia proxies, along with Hezbollah. Despite the fog surrounding its precision missile program (including the drone attack in south Beirut 10 days ago), Iran continues to pursue this objective with great vigor. Employing such means to expose Iran and Hezbollah's activities is nothing new. Its purpose is to create legitimacy for Israeli action, deliver messages to various audiences and attempt to foil the enemy's activities without the need for military force. In his speech to the UN General Assembly last year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed three facilities in the heart of Beirut used by Hezbollah to equip primitive missiles with precision components. Netanyahu's goal was to pressure the Lebanese government to force Hezbollah to remove those installations from civilian populations and out of harm's way. Hezbollah indeed took action. It hastily scrubbed these facilities to remove the evidence, and immediately played dumb by claiming there was nothing there to begin with. We can assume that Hezbollah will respond similarly this time around, but the present circumstances are more complicated from its perspective. Unlike the previously exposed facilities that were situated among civilians, the factory revealed on Tuesday is isolated and strictly military in nature. Israel can attack the facility without harming innocents. Incidentally, those in the know are surely familiar with the town in the Beqaa Valley where the factory is located, al-Nabi Sheet, from a different context: Israeli navigator Ron Arad was held captive there before he disappeared without a trace. The same applies to the base that Iran is building in Syria. Israel has already established that it will act to enforce its policy of preventing Iran from establishing a military presence in the country, and likely won't hesitate to strike near the Syrian-Iraqi border as well - certainly considering the recent reports about Israeli airstrikes on numerous Iranian-related targets in Iraq. The hope is for the Syrian and Iraqi governments to pressure Iran to minimize or stop its activities on their soil altogether. Past experience tells us that this pressure would be minimal at best, and even if applied would have zero chance of swaying Iranian policy. Tuesday's reports, therefore, are akin to Israel issuing Iran and Hezbollah a yellow card, just before showing them the red card. It would be mistaken to believe that the recent incidents on the northern border concluded this round of hostilities. They were barely the prologue. This campaign will be fought over the enemy's desire to acquire precision missile capabilities, and Israel reiterated plainly on Tuesday that it has no intention of blinking first this time. If Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah doesn't choose to shelve the precision missile project on his own, and spare Lebanon from calamity, then Israel will do it for him - even if it means going to war. Nearing Midnight: Anti-Semitism By Demonic Osmosis - Todd Strandberg - https://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/ The study of Bible prophecy has always involved a fair amount of speculation about how world events will play out. God told us precisely what will take place in the future, but we are left to figure out how the prophetic events will progress towards being fulfilled. Sometimes we get off track by trying to match the current event with prophecy. The Bible's prediction of the rebirth of Israel is the centerpiece of end-time events. For thousands of years, the regathering of Jews to Israel was seen as impossible. To make sense of these prophetic passages, people began claiming that the Church was now Israel. Another way that we go down wrong paths is by falling into the trap of group-think about prophecy. I think the coming global hatred of Jews is a good example. Adolf Hitler was such an evil monster, his systematic killing of 6 million Jews has become the prototype of how the Antichrist will interact with God's chosen people. There is a growing hatred of Jews around the world, but it is not the result of a despotic leader. The Nazi party is dead, and there is nothing like it on the world stage. In fact, the social and political climate is incredibly hostile to anyone with a National Socialist mindset. The left has developed a hypersensitivity to anything that can be remotely linked to Nazism. There is a great amount of anti-Semitism that comes from followers of the Muslim religion. Attacks against Jews in Europe are a huge problem. The vast majority of the time that an anti-Semitic event occurs, the assailant is a Muslim. There doesn't seem to be any logic in why Muslims have such a strong hatred for people they have no direct conflict with. Another thing that doesn't make sense is why so few people in Europe care that these hate crimes are taking place. Here in America, we have this same disconnect from logical thinking - with Jew-bashing in our own legislative branch. It is a mystery to me how Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar got elected to Congress. When the people of the Detroit and Minneapolis areas put these two Muslim Women in office, I knew their single focus would be on Jews and the State of Israel. Rashida Tlaib's short tenure in the House has been rife with accusations of anti-Semitism. Most recently, when confronted with the blatant anti-Semitism of Miftah, the Palestinian advocacy group that planned her failed trip to Israel, she dismissed criticism of the group as a "distraction." Ilhan Omar is equally a Jew hater, and I am stunned by several other moral problems with this woman. There is credible evidence that she was married to her biological brother to enter the US. Judicial Watch says, "Omar may have committed the following crimes in violation of both federal law and Minnesota state law: perjury, immigration fraud, marriage fraud, state and federal tax fraud, and federal student loan fraud. I think the worst example of anti-Semitism in our day is Jeremy Corbyn. He heads the Labor party in England, and he has largely turned a blind eye to a rat's nest of Jew-hating in his own party. In April 2016, a well-known right-wing blog revealed that Labor MP Naz Shah had posted anti-Semitic messages to Facebook a couple of years before being elected. One report revealed that between April 2018 and January 2019 the party received 673 accusations of anti-Semitism among members. I would not just label Corbyn as anti-Semitic because he has rarely had any kind words for Israel, and he is buddy-buddy with nearly every terrorist group that hates Israel. What makes him noteworthy as a Jew hater is his willingness to stand by and allow anti-Semitism to do tremendous damage to his political organization. Turkey's Jewish community is still reeling from the content of a video that recently went viral. The video shows what appears to be a summer camp at which young children are being led on an anti-Semitic cheer in Turkish by what appears to be a woman counselor. In the 39-second clip, when the girl says, "The Jews," the women and children reply, "Death!" The reason why anti-Semitism is seeping into every nation on earth like the osmosis process is because of the spiritual state of the world. As people turn away from God, the influence of the demonic world invades the collective consciousness of mankind. Unless someone is a born-again believer, they are at risk of joining the chorus that chants death to the Jews. I always end my articles with a scripture verse. Rather than reminding the Jews that dark days are right ahead, I decided to close by focusing on the purpose for this end-time persecution: "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son" (Zechariah 12:10). I Need Thee, Oh I Need Thee - Nathele Graham - [email protected] The songs we sing reflect our heart. Lately my heart has been filled with my need for my Lord and this song has been running through my mind. Events reported in the news can bring a sense of dread to our hearts. There are so many violent acts, war, hatred, and much more that it's easy to be afraid and worried. When things get dark, we need to draw close to Jesus. He is the Light of the world and we need that Light. We need Him every hour of every day. I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford. I think of Mary Magdalene. She had been a follower of Christ ever since He drove seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9). She felt safe when near Him and followed Him faithfully. She stood at the cross when He was crucified. The pain of watching Him die was heart-wrenching. As soon as possible on the first day of the week, she went to the tomb and found it empty. Her grief was great and her tears wouldn't stop flowing. Most of us have felt the utter grief that comes from the death of a loved one and can understand Mary's grief over the loss of the friend who had changed her life. When she saw the tomb empty, she could only think that the body of Jesus had been stolen. As she wept, a man approached and she thought he was the gardener. He asked why she was crying. There was no reason for her to think this man was Jesus. She had seen Him crucified and placed in a tomb. Through her tears she answered. "...Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master." John 20:15b-16. His tender voice cut through her grief. Her grief gave way to joy when she heard His voice. Whenever I read this passage, I can feel the tenderness in His voice as He spoke her name. She needed Him and He was there. How I long to hear Him speak my name. He brings perfect peace. I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by. Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh. When you least expect it, temptation crosses your path. When you came to Jesus for salvation you repented of your sin and turned away from it. You recognized that you are a sinner and changed your mind about continuing in sin. Then it happens. Satan whispers in your ear trying to draw you back into sin. It becomes hard to resist. You know your sin has been forgiven, but the temptation tugs at you and tries to draw you away from Jesus. That's why we always need to stay close to Him. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12. It's not easy to turn away from temptation, but prayer and Bible study will keep you strong. Our best defense against falling back into the sin that separated us from God is to draw closer to Jesus. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:7-8. When you submit to Jesus you give yourself over to Him. The more you resist temptation the less hold it has upon you. Temptation loses its power when we stay close to Jesus. I need Thee every hour, In joy or pain, Come quickly and abide, Or life is vain. Too often we think that when we come to Jesus our life will suddenly be easy. That would be nice, but it just doesn't work that way. No matter what comes our way, we need to turn to Jesus for strength. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall to unto me." Hebrews 13:5-6. The word "conversation" comes from a Greek word "tropos" which means the way you conduct your life. The trials we face help us to grow into steadfast Christians. We can always look to Scripture to see that those who had the strongest faith underwent the toughest trials. Paul suffered much physical trouble, but he also had friends turn away from him. Things haven't changed over the centuries, and his letters encourage us in our walk. "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:11-13. Our need for Jesus seems greater when things go wrong, but don't take Him for granted when things run smoothly. Whether there's joy in your life or pain, He will never leave you. I need Thee every hour Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. We aren't born knowing how to submit to His will and serve Him, but as we apply Scripture to our lives, we learn His way. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18. Peter went through many learning experiences before he finally submitted to Christ and learned to willingly serve Him. Peter had followed Jesus for three years and witnessed many miracles which Jesus had done. It was Peter who had sworn to defend Christ even if it meant his own death. When his boasting words were tested, Peter denied knowing Christ. Are we any different? We determine to follow Christ until a friend challenges our faith. After the Resurrection, Jesus led Peter to repentance and restoration. Peter learned the lessons well. Because he was willing to lay aside his pride and was broken over his denial, Jesus was able to use him in a great way. Peter boldly spoke to crowds of non-believers and many of them came to salvation. Jesus taught Peter that even Gentiles are worthy of salvation. Peter was sent to share the Gospel with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who became a believer (Acts chapter 10). Most of us can relate to Peter and see his failures in us. Peter was flawed, but his faith was unshakable. He served Jesus and was eventually crucified for his faith. He truly understood the promise of eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Allow Jesus to teach you and rest in His promise of eternal life. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One. Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son. Jesus Christ is the most Holy One. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1:1-3. Jesus is the Word...Jesus is God. His love for us is perfect. He willingly set aside His deity to walk among sinners and gave us the only way to salvation. He shed His own blood as the only sacrifice to take our sin away. Salvation is a free gift, but it has to be accepted. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13. If you accept His sacrifice then you are a son of God. Walk in His ways, not in the ways of the world. I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Saviour I come to Thee. Oh, how I need Him. Not just when life hits some bumps, but every hour of every day. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. The way of the world is wicked and if we follow Satan, we make our own trouble. One lie will lead to more lies, hate leads to more hate, and one sin leads to another. Sin leads to sickness and death. When we follow Jesus, we don't get destroyed by Satan's hatred. We learn to love our neighbor as ourselves. We learn to humble ourselves before God and let Him lift us up instead of fighting and scratching our way to false glory. Glorify Jesus with your life and receive His blessings. This song was written in 1872 by Annie Sherwood Hawks, with the chorus and music written by Robert Lowry. It's a song that stands the test of time because of the truth it holds. Sing it as a prayer. Have you come to the end of yourself and know that you need Jesus? Tell Him. Pray and ask Him into your life. Turn from the wicked lusts of the flesh and turn to the One who loves you and gave His life for you. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron and Nathele 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. Daily Jot: Of conviction and irrelevance - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com The Daily Jot series on grieving in the spirit, followed by the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) resolution saying that the religiously unaffiliated (nonreligious) "overwhelmingly share the Democratic Party's values" have made a lot of people uncomfortable. These Jots cause discomfort because they stir the spirit, which in turn, is convicting. Maybe readers can't pinpoint exactly why they are convicted, but they are moved in a conflicting way. Let's drill down on this a little. Christians in America are now "officially" under attack from the Democratic Party, which in its resolution directly blames the religious for threatening the civil rights of homosexuals, women, Muslims, and ethnic minorities. Over the last several years, the Democratic Party and those of the political left have become increasingly aggressive at labeling anyone who disagrees with them as bigots, racists, homophobes, Islamaphobes, xenophobes, misogynists and so on. Now the DNC has become so bold as to adopt this as official policy and claim that those with Christian religious values are, indeed, the ones who threaten the civil rights of Americans. In justification, the DNC cited statistics saying, "the religiously unaffiliated demographic has tripled in the last two decades, now representing 25% of the overall American population and 35% of those under the age of 30." So why are these things so grievous to our spirits? There can be a whole lot of finger pointing, and a whole lot of using Bible verses out of context to say that this is just the way its going to be in the end times. But, every generation since the resurrection of Christ has thought they were living in those times. There is more to it than that. When you couple the DNC's statistics with the trend in America, they match very well and point to dark times ahead. For example, a Harris poll taken in February indicated that Millennials and Generation Z are more likely to embrace socialistic policies and principles than past generations. The poll, given exclusively to Axios, cites that 73% agreed that government should provide universal health care; 67% agreed that the government should provide tuition-free college; and nearly half, 49.6%, said they would prefer living in a socialist country. Recent polls indicate that only about 18% of the Millennial generation find that Christianity is relevant. This grieving in the spirit is the conviction that the "church" has become irrelevant. You can see it in the present generation's views AND by the fact that a major political party has publicly stated that the nonreligious overwhelmingly share its values, AND it blames the "church" for threatening the civil rights of others. I am convicted that the man-made doctrinal church of today is mostly irrelevant. Look at the results. Christians are commanded to make disciples, yet have not held even the family structure. 1 Peter 4:17 says, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" You see, it starts with us. Things need to change. Daily Devotion: Cash Rich and Spiritually Poor - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.-Hebrews 12:1-2 As Johnny's career started to really take off, he sought out Sonny James for advice about how to handle the demands of the entertainment industry-the bright lights, the fan adulation, and temptation-and still live a Christian life. "John, the way I do it is by being the way I am," James told him. "I am not just an entertainer who became a Christian. I am a Christian who chose to be an entertainer. I am first a Christian. Remember that what you are and the life you live sings louder than any song. And don't forget to pray." At times Johnny would follow that sage advice. And other times he wouldn't. The Christian life is, in many ways, like a race. Some start well, only to never finish. Some start late in life and finish well. Johnny would stumble and fall many times as a Christian, but he would dust himself off and get up again . . . and again. In the end, Johnny's faith would reach its zenith. One Sunday, driving after a show, Johnny noted cars turning into the parking lots of churches along the highway and dolefully said, "That's why I feel so low this morning. I ought to be in church." But there wasn't time. Later, Cash would look back on that as a pivotal event in his life, the day he put his career ahead of God. The closer we are to God, the closer we'll want to be to His people. The further we are from God, the more we'll want to distance ourselves from His people. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable around Christians, then maybe there's something wrong with you spiritually. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV) Have you stumbled and fallen in your race of faith? Are you determined to always get back up and finish well? Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NKJV) Do you find yourself wanting to be in the presence of other believers? Or, do you shy away from their interaction? What does that say about your spiritual state? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV) Does your career complement or contradict your faith? 
FROM THE HEART
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 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 Visit our website: http://prophecyupdate.com/donations/ Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 
|
|