In The Beginning God

In Daniel Chapter 5, Daniel interprets the “handwriting on the wall"

2012-02-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Decades before the famous “Hand Writing on the Wall” Nebuchadnezzar had taken gold and silver goblets from the temple in Jerusalem to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was finally convinced of the power of the True God and turned out to be a far greater king than his grandson Belshazzar. One night as Belshazzar and his entourage were drinking he called for the temple goblets. Perhaps seeing Belshazzar slopping down wine from the sacred vessels and praising false gods was just too much for our Righteous God. Belshazzar had crossed a line in the sand and was pass God’s forgiveness.

Daniel 5:5, “Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking. Daniel 5: 25, “This is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.” None of the king’s seers could interpret the writing so the queen mother suggested calling Daniel. Daniel 5:26, “This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Meanwhile the army of the Medes and Persians had diverted the water that protected Babylon and were at the door so to speak. Daniel 5:30”That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. 31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.” Just as God had used the Babylon’s to bring His judgment on Israel God used the Medes and Persians to defeat Babylon.

To me the significance of the interpretation of “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN” is that as forgiving as God is there is a point of no return. God had weighed Belshazzar’s sins and they were just too great. The kingdom was finished, divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

There is so much to learn from the Book of Daniel. During the reign of Darius Daniel was falsely accused and survived a night in the lions’ den. As a result King Darius wrote “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. “

Daniel 6:28, "So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”

As an aside, that Cyrus has a connection to Esther of the Book of Esther.

Why are the Jews “God's chosen people”? What is their destiny?

2012-02-18T01:30:00.001-08:00

I like what Chuck Missler said, “The Jews are God chosen people because he chose them!” I would not even think to question the mind of our all-knowing God.

The birth of Jesus was prophesied in Chapter Three of the Book of Genesis:

15 And I will put enmity

between you and the woman,

and between your offspring[a] and hers;

he will crush[b] your head,

and you will strike his heel.”

However, “The call of Abraham” was the beginning of the Jewish nation. God wanted His own people and established the “Abrahamic Convent” with the righteous Abraham. God protected Israel when the people obeyed Him and scattered them when they didn’t. Israelites intermarried with the pagans and fell into idolatry and apostasy bringing God’s wrath upon then. The people repented and God provided them with a deliverer until the next time they again fell into sin.

Ezekiel 37 and the “Valley of dry bones” is a well-known as being prophetic of the restoration of Israel:

Ezekiel 37:21 and say to them, “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel.”

The establishment of the state of Israel in the last century is, as I understand, the final restoration of Israel before the second coming of Jesus. However, in reading Ezekiel 36:22, God lets us know that the restoration of Israel was for His glory:

Ezekiel 36:22, “Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. 23 I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.”

God will protect the Jews as in prophesized in both Ezekiel 38 and Psalm 83. They are His chosen people period, end of discussion. Some church leaders preach replacement theology, a very grave error that could cost them their immoral souls. It’s up to God judge those who try to harm Israel, however, as for me, God says what He means and means what He says.

Give a summary of what the book of Ruth is about.

2012-02-18T01:27:00.000-08:00

To expand on DQ#1 from week one – the Book of Ruth:

The Book of Ruth is a very short book and sometimes dismissed as a pretty story of Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and the love story between Ruth and Boaz. It is so much more! The book is prophetic of the coming of Christ, the grafting of the gentile Church to the olive tree and the re-birth of modern day Israel.

Due to a famine, Naomi and her family left their home in Bethlehem for Moab. The names of the sons, Mahlon (“unhealthy”) and Chilion (“puny”) seemed to be fitting as they died in Moab as did Naomi’s husband. Later Naomi heard that the famine was over in Bethlehem and decided to return. Her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth wanted to return to Bethlehem with her and Naomi tried to convince Ruth to stay in Moab. Ruth’s words to Naomi are often quoted:

16 But Ruth said

“ Entreat me not to leave you,

Or to turn back from following after you;

For wherever you go, I will go;

And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people,

And your God, my God.

Once back in Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth were destitute and Ruth gleaned in the fields of what turns out to be Naomi’s kinsman Boaz. Boaz noticed Ruth and asked an un-named servant who she was. When Boaz was told it was Ruth, his kinsman’s daughter-in-law he warned the men not to bother her and leave extra grain behind for her to find. Naomi realized the possibility of Boaz being the kinsman redeemer. So Naomi set events in motion that resulted in the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. So much in this short book:

o Names of all have special meaning

1. Naomi – beautiful, pleasing

2. Ruth – friend

3. Boaz – strength

o By the Law of Gleaning part of the harvest is left on the field for the poor to gather

o An Unnamed Servant is usually a manifestation of the Holy Spirit

o six measures of barley – six the number of days in Creation

o levirate marriage – the institution of the Go'el. Generally marriage with a brother’s widow was forbidden, however, it was an obligation when there was no son. If the levitate marriage resulted in a male being born, the son would inherit the estate of the deceased brother.

o Kinsman-Redeemer – Boaz was second in line but prevailed

Boaz and Ruth were in the line of Jesus. Boaz was the son of Salmon and Rahab who was said to be a prostitute. Boaz and Ruth had a son they named Obed who had a son named Jesse and in turn Jesse had a son named David, later known as King David. So a prostitute and a Gentile were in the line of Jesus, what redemption!

The Book of Ruth is prophetic of Jesus as the Kinsman-Redeemer and the Church as the Gentile Bride. As Boaz redeemed Ruth as his bride and Naomi her land, Jesus has redeemed the Church and He will redeem Israel.

Read over the following verses and comment: Deuteronomy 17:18; 27:1ff; 31:10

2012-02-18T01:22:00.000-08:00

Deuteronomy is a review of the law and is the book that Jesus quotes from the most.

Warnings are given in Deuteronomy about compromise as well as disobedience. The tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of the tribe of Manasseh fulfilled their responsibility to their people by fighting to re-claim the land to the west. However they later returned to the east side of the Jordan and turned to idolatry and pretty much imploded.

Deuteronomy 17:18-19 talks to the role of the king:

18And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites.

19And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.

Deuteronomy 17 also prohibited kings from accumulating wives, a law too often ignored by the kings.

In Deuteronomy 27 God promised the people a “land flowing with milk and honey” if they would “Keep all these commands that I give you today.” After crossing the Jordan the people were told to write the Laws given to them on large stones and coat them with plaster. These were to be set up on Mount Ebal and the people were to build there an altar to the Lord. There were laws concerning the building of the altar and to offer burnt offerings and more.

I can picture God looking frustrated and saying, “All I have I want to give you if you would just do as you are told.”

It seems Israel has often tried the patience of God. God commanded, Israel disobeyed, God punished them, Israel repented and God blessed them. However, Israel was and is the chosen people of God, a fact our country, our church and our politicians should remember.

The Book of Deuteronomy commanded three mandatory feasts: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Shavout, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

And contains the awesome Sh’ma, the Great Commandment (Deuteronomy 6:4-9): “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thine soul, and with all thine might.” And along with that love, just obey God already!

Why is it important to "make deposits”? What biblical passages have served you well over the past few months?

2012-02-18T01:20:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 6 equates the sword of the Spirit to the Word of God as part of “The Whole Armour of God.” My limited knowledge of the Bible is helpful to me:

1. When I’m emotionally in the “valley”, I think of Paul

2. When I’m debating a Biblical questions with a “Gotha” type person, 2 Timothy 4:3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables..

Studying the Bible, attending/ leading Bible studies and really immersing ourselves in the Word is comparable to making “spiritual knowledge deposits.” One can draw on his/her Biblical amount to witness and add, “It’s not me saying that, it’s in the Bible”. Isaiah 53 could have been written at the foot of the cross rather than hundreds of years before the fact.

It is politically correct to promote the theology that “All roads lead to God,” yes all roads except the “Way” leads to god; however it’s the god of this world. Some of the worst offenders are people who claim to be Christian and take a non-biblical stand. Many people incorporate just enough Biblical truth to sound convincing, a trick well-used used by the devil. Many promote their “Designer god(s)” and now at least one mega-church is endorsing Chrislam. Allah is not the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! The Quran has twisted the role of Jesus into pretty much the same as the False Prophet of Revelation. I’ve witnessed to a Muslim friend and at least he lets me talk. Great inroads are being made by other in bringing Muslims into the Kingdom by exposing them to the Word as compared to the Quran. What a harvest that could be!

Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God” helps me when in the valley. The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept”, show me His great compassion. Jesus knew He would bring Lazarus back to life, however, for that instant, Jesus showed His love and His humanity, wholly human and wholly God. Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” How unlimited a love is that and what a great promise of salvation.

Paul is such an inspiration, “2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

What biblical character has been the most encouraging to you? Tell us why?

2012-02-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

Jesus is everything to me and the greatest encourager ever. There are so many other men and women of God who were larger than life. Ruth was prophetic of the Gentile church, Boaz the Kinsmen Redeemer was prophetic of Jesus as the redeemer of the Church and Naomi is the redeemed Israel. Hoshea/ Joshea and Caleb were willing to challenge the Nephilim and finally got their chance decades later. Paul’s story is very encouraging as he was a man chosen by Jesus even though he once persecuted the believers. To think that Paul (Saul) saw the risen and glorified Jesus and was converted. Paul is an example of God’s forgiveness.

Lot was Abraham’s nephew and a sinner who had fallen far short of the mark. Like me Lot was a well-meaning but flawed individual. Lot chose prosperity by living in sin filled Sodom. Lot must have risen to some prominence as he became a councilman sitting at the gate to the city. As a righteous man Lot realized that the two visitors approaching the gate of the city were angles. The rest of the story is well known most notably Lot’s wife who turned around to look at the city and was turned into a pillar of salt. Lot and his daughters were willing to leave the immoral city, however it seems that his wife resisted thereby bringing judgment on herself. Later Lot’s daughters turned out to be less then righteous, however, that’s another story dealing with the beginning of some rather nasty people.

If a self-absolved man who chose the most prosperous and sin filled city to live in was still spared, there is hope for me. Luke tells us, “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:28-29.

It seems that God with-holds final judgment until the righteous are removed. Lot gives me the assurance that even a far from perfect person such as myself will be spared God’s Wrath. Lot is prophetic of the Church being rescued before the time of God’s Wrath on the Earth as well. God’s promise of the Blessed Hope, the Rapture of the Church.

What are the weapons of our Spiritual warfare?

2012-02-18T01:14:00.001-08:00

In Ephesians 6:13 Paul tells us, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Paul speaks to the whole armour of God, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Paul includes “the helmet of salvation” and “the shield of faith.” To me, the helmet of salvation helps us to keep those negative thoughts from Satan from entering our minds. The shield of faith keep our mind stayed on Jesus and the “darts and arrows” of Satan bounce off our helmet. With the “sword of the spirit” we can be prayer warriors for God.

Paul even adds, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” We are to walk in peace and be an example to others and not stray off the path of righteousness.

A commentary by author John Henry Jowett compared “therefore, having your loins girt about with truth." Ephesians 6:14 with a soldier’s belt “holding the different pieces of a soldier's armour securely in their place.” To me a modern day comparison would be a carpenter’s tool belt. To be useful, both must be organized with each tool (armour) in place for the job at hand.

Each day I read the Rapture Ready website and each day the world seems to be sinking further into sin. While the “Whole Armour of God” protects believers from this environment of sin, we must shod our feet and get about “The Great Commission” and bring as many as possible into the Kingdom

How do the Ten Commandments fit into your life?....

2012-02-18T01:11:00.000-08:00

I have some problems with the commandment to honor your father and mother. My father left my mom and us three children when I was two or three years old. He never attended our high school or college graduations or the important events in our lives. Growing up my mother was my hero, however, now she is getting to be a master of the guilt trip. She would like nothing better than for me to move in with her in California. IMO, California is a modern day Sodom. Much as I honor her as my mother I’m honest enough to admit that she drains my life of joy. Thankfully I have Abba Father who will be with me while in California. I try to use the commandments as a guide to living while failing most every day. Thank you Jesus for washing my sins in your blood!

Jesus charged his disciples and the Church with “The Great Commission:” Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus also added; John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Book of Galatians: Here the apostle Paul was under attack by the Judaizes who were encouraging the Christians to be circumcised and return to the Law. This would marginalize the taking on of our sins by Jesus on the cross. God would not look at Christ as he hung on the cross covered with our sins and Jesus cried out, “God, why have you forsaken me?” Believers are saved by grace and are not under the Law. Through Jesus we have a standard of righteousness and The Holy Spirit as that inner voice. Unbelievers will be judged by the Law as they are not cover by the blood of Christ. Try as the unbeliever may, good works and trying to adhere to the Law will not bring them salvation.

Commandment #3, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” is not about swearing, however, we should never so abuse the name of God. The Word of God never returns empty. If we said something “In the name of God” or swear “By the name of God”, we better know what we are asking for.

Believers were on their knees praying when the Ten Commandments were being attacked. Believer or not a believer, the Ten Commandments are a valuable guide to living. Many people don’t want to question their life-style and try to destroy the message.

What is the lesson behind Noah's Ark?

2012-02-18T01:07:00.000-08:00

What is the lesson behind Noah's Ark?

The Nephilim had corrupted the earth with their hybrid off-spring. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them” (Gen. 6:5–7). However, God gave us hope right from the very beginning as evidenced by the gemology of Adam through Noah. “Man [is] appointed mortal sorrow; [but] the blessed God shall come down teaching [that His] death shall bring [the] despairing rest.” The New Testament story of the Gospel contained in the Old Testament.

So even with the evil state of the world, God did not leave us without a way of salvation. Noah was without fault and saved by grace as we can be today, The apostle Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).

When God said to build an ark, Noah built an ark, spending more than a century building it. The amount of gopher wood required is mind boggling. And building a huge boat when there had not been rain before, a very great act of faith. Noah’s blood line was not tainted by the Nephilim. However, I would suspect that the blood of his wife and/or daughters-in-law was/were tainted as there were Nephilim after the flood. As an aside, Moses sent twelve spies into the Promised Land to check it out before the people crossed over into it. Ten of the twelve spies came back with reports of huge men, Nephilim, and were fearful. Two of the twelve said something to the effect that God is with us so we’ll defeat them. The ten fearful spies convinced the people to stay in the wilderness and cried out that better to die in the wilderness then to be killed by the Nephilim in the Promised Land. Well, God gave them their wish and they wandered another 38 years until all of that generation was dead with the exception of the two spies who trusted in God.

There are several lessons in the building of the ark by Noah:

· Do as God commands

· The grace of Noah also allowed his family to be saved

· When God says to enter the boat, do it

· Once the door closed there was no chance for anyone else to be saved

· Accept the gift of grace provided by Jesus before your close your eyes for the last time, like boarding the ark before the door is closed

What are your thoughts concerning the Nephilim? What are your thoughts about UFOs and alien encounters?

2012-02-18T01:04:00.001-08:00

I took two years of Latin in high school and really enjoyed the myths of the gods and goddesses of the Romans. Then on to the Greeks and very similar myths. I found it to be interesting fiction or so I thought. So these legends of gods impregnating earth women had basis in fact? Not gods but Satan and the third of the angels who followed him. We are told in Genesis 6:4 “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of the human beings and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.” Legends of the offspring’s of these unholy unions are told throughout the planet.

God regretted that He had made human beings and so the flood. Noah’s blood line was not tainted by the Nephilim so he and his family were spared in the well-known story of the Ark. However, I would suspect that the blood of his wife and/or daughters-in-law was/were tainted as there were Nephilim after the flood. When Moses sent twelve spies to investigate the Promised Land they came back with reports of huge men, Nephilim. Then there was David and Goliath and his four brothers.

In addition to creating hybrids I believe that the fallen angles manipulated human DNA as evidence by the strange gods of Egypt, a head of falcon, a head of a cow, a head of a lion and many others. God struck the Egyptians with plagues specific to the various gods. Ray Vander Laan's teaching "God Heard Their Cry" deals with this. Lesson learned; don’t mess with God’s creation.

Man has long tried to explain these hybrids as the gods of old coming into the women of earth. As an aside, I’m an opera lover and especially like those of Wagner. His operas often deal with these legends, for example The Ring which consists of four operas for a total of 16 hours. The first 15 hours are filled with the pagan gods and goddesses and their offspring’s. The final hour is the downfall (twilight) of the gods, yes. Then there is the opera Tannhauser where the Christian Elizabeth wins Tannhauser away from the goddess Venus and brings him to seeking salvation through her prayers and devotion.

In my opinion there are Nephilim today that are often referred to as ETs. Years ago I thought that they were a bleed through from another dimension. I just could not buy into ETs and abductions. I now believe that people can open themselves to these evil beings and invite abduction. There are many rather consistence stories of abductions and being probed, the fallen ones experimenting with DNA? To me, keeping our thoughts focused on God is our best protection.

Young Earth

2012-02-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

Was there really a Big Bang from nothing to something? Is the Universe really 16 billion years old? Did our ancestors really swing through the trees? Did we really evolve from some primordial soup? Does the universe tend towards negative entropy as would be evidenced by lower forms of life evolving into higher forms violating the first law of thermodynamics? Is the fossil record that depends on the Geologic time scale correct? But does not the fossil record allow geologists to date and compare rocks across geological time?

Sounds like Circular Reasoning:
Strata are dated by the fossils
then....
Fossils are dated by the strata.

In my opinion, the whole concept of evolution just does not make sense other than Micro evolution within a species. Add to that the fraudulent attempts to create “the missing link” to prove evolution. Methods include the use of a tooth from an extinct pig, the jawbone of a modern ape filed and treated to make it look old. An old man suffering from arthritis and teeth were from an orangutan. Evolution is taught in schools and promoted as the true.

Why the resistance to Creation? If the universe was created then there would be a Creator to whom we would be accountable. I believe the universe was created by God as described in the Bible. The Bible is history written in advance and has been proven time and again. My God is an awesome God who stands outline time!
In his book “Learn the Bible in 24 Hours” Chuck Missler provides technical example after technical example of a Young Earth and a Young Universe. He also suggests the Gap Theory after the earth became without form between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Lucifer rebelled and took a third of the angels with him and the earth became his domain. The fallen angels and the Nephilim, subject for next week. From Genesis 1:2 we read of God's plan of redemption.

Back to the Young Earth, several years ago I bought a DVD collection By Dr. Dino including “The Age of the Earth”, “The Garden of Eden” and more. There are images of petrified trees standing upright through geological strata. Fish fossils nicely laid out in rock so I guess these dead fish don’t float. Then there is Mt. St. Helene developing lots of strata in a few decades after it erupted.

There is so much about the age and properties of the universe in the Bible, to quote just a few:
Isaiah 64:1 says space can be torn
Psalm 102 says space can be worn out like a garment
Job 9:8 He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea

We live in a young earth created by God in six earth days. We did not descend from apes. Evolution is a fault religion that has caused great harm.

What experiences do you have with Small Groups? In your experience what makes a group good?

2012-02-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Summers I spend in a RV park in Michigan in an area called “The Bible Belt of Michigan”, yes! I attend a wonderful Bible study where we start out with praise reports and prayer requests. Then we view a 20-25 minute DVD from the Faith Lessons by Ray Vander Laan. Then we spend the balance of the hour discussing it. The group has nearly outgrown our park library and gets larger each year. The format is perhaps a little rigid however we stay on topic and get to discuss the film. For two summers I also attended a Bible study at a private home. It was a wonderful group of women but we did seem to go down lots of rabbit holes, my fault as much as anyone else. The woman who held it no longer comes to Michigan during the summers.

Winters I spend in Arizona and for the past several years I attended a Bible study held in a private home. It was a fairly small group of about 14 to 18 people. We sat around the room and could see each other. Perhaps it was too successful as we moved to the church and now sit in pews facing the front. We have many more people and it seem more like another sermon, now where have I heard that?

My favorite Bible study is a small group meeting at a camping site in the desert in a 10’ x 20’ tent. Arizona gets a lot of “winter visitors” so the group starts out small in the fall and grows through the winter. Our leader prepares throughally and has references and references. I keep one of my electronic Bibles on the scripture we are studying and use another electronic Bible for fast look-ups. Our group leader tries to keep the meeting to about one and a half hours.

For me a successful Bible study:

1. Small group

2. Informal setting

3. Stays on topic

4. Leaders who are well prepared and gently controls the flow of the meeting

New York City decided that holding Christian services/ meetings in public schools will no longer be allowed. The church services were held when the schools were closed and I understand that the church paid rent. Shades of things to come?

“Some 35 Ethiopian Christians face deportation from Saudi Arabia for "illicit mingling", the global rights body Human Rights Watch (HRW) says. Police arrested the group - including 29 women - after raiding a prayer meeting in the second city of Jeddah. The women were subjected to strip searches and the men beaten and called "unbelievers", according to HRW.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16808429

List three things that Jesus loves and three things that He hates.

2012-02-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Matthew 22 and 23 covers a laundry list of what Jesus hated. Hypocrites seem to head the list.

Again, Jesus hated hypocrites: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." Matthew 23:27 Jesus hated what was being done to the temple: "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves." Mark 11:15-17

Jesus hated an nongiving nature, Matthew 25:45, Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'

Conversely, Jesus loved a giving heart, Matthew 25:40, And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

As an aside, the verses in Matthew 25:40 and 45 are usually thought to apply to all people. However, Jesus was born a Jew. He was surrounded by Jews. To me, these verses can be compared to Genesis 12:3, " And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

Again, Jesus loved a giving heart. In the story of the widow who donates two mites, Jesus explains to his disciples that the small sacrifices of the poor mean more to God than the extravagant donations of the rich.[2] Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4.

Jesus loved a loving heart both for God and others. Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shall love thy neighbour as yourself, There is none other commandment greater than these.
As for following in the dust or your Rabbi concerning these things, I’m so grateful that we are saved by grace. Try as I may, every day I fall far short of the mark. I’m honoring my mother by helping her out during her current medical challenge, however, I sometimes find myself resenting her demands. I donate money but not my time. I try to love others but find that I’m still judgmental. I share Jesus’ distain for hypocrites. I love and support Israel unconditionally. Not mentioned above is “The Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19. I witness whenever I can.

Jesus loved and hated many traits in man; however, the really big sin was to blasphemy the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12:31-32 "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." As I understand this is the unpardonable sin that would bring destructions.

Developing the Patience of Job

2012-02-15T00:09:00.000-08:00

Like Job I was enjoying a good life. Unlike Job, my children are grown up; however, I have wonderful Church and Bible study friends. Unlike Job I have no wealth; however, I have enough. Unlike Job my two homes are rather humble, and I spend winters in my Arizona home and summers in Michigan. Like Job I have physical challenges as a polio survivor, at least no boils. Like Job I give God the glory.

Good life or not, for years my brother and I have waited for the other shoe to hit the floor concerning our 99 year old mother living in California. Mom is mentally sharp and gets around at home using a walker. Mom is nearly blind with just the ability to see outlines of people. Between her renter/ part-time care-giver and her twice a week care-giver mom was doing OK until last month. However, there was the ever present knowledge that I would have to eventually move in with mom. Add to that the feelings of guilt for wanting to have my own life. I know I’m lucky to still have my mom and many would give anything to have just one more day with their mothers.

The aforementioned shoe hit the floor last month. Wherever someone is needed to stay with mom 24/7 I’m it and the last time it was for seven month. I’m now looking at living at my mom’s place for as long as she can remain at home and my health holds up. Her care-giver will still be coming in twice a week so that’s a big help. Various family members have given me “Atta girls” when a little help with mom would be far more appreciated than empty platitudes. Add to that my brother has major health problems so no help there. I love my mom and am happy that she is getting stronger every day. So I keep asking God what is this all about and I keep coming back to my learning patience. I was rather aggressive when it came to work, a fact commented on by my first boss after college graduation. This carried into retirement and I started a new career, vending and online selling.

Like many others, I’ve long felt that I was to do more to bring people into the Kingdom and did too little about it. So here I am in rather morally corrupt California. My mom suggested that I start a Bible study in her park. Also, there is a Calvary Church nearby so as mom gets stronger I’ll go there. So in addition to the lesson of patience, for the foreseeable future, God is closing the door on my Arizona life and opening a window in California.

Which fulfilled prophecies are most impressive to you?

2012-02-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

There are so many prophecies that have been fulfilled; far more than 500 words would permit. These three were covered in the current teaching and I would agree than they are very, very impressive.

1. Ezekiel 37 and the Valley of dry bones and the rebirth of Israel

2. Isaac 53 could have been written at the foot of the cross

3. 30 pieces of silver and the potter’s field – Zechariah 11:13, Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver and the same 30 pieces of silver were used to buy a potter’s field.

In anoter of Dr. Missler's teachings we studied the meanings of the names of the genealogy from Adam to Noah that told the story of the "Good News."

When King Saul had Samuel conjured up, the departed Samuel predicted that King Saul would be with him (Samuel) the next day and he was.

Psalm 22 was a nearly blow by blow description of the Crucifixion of Jesus. God could not look upon Jesus as Jesus was sin in our place. Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Often readers think that Jesus cried out because of pain. In my opinion it was because Jesus felt the emotional pain of God’s rejection. Jesus cried out to God rather than addressing God as Father or Abba as was His usual salutation.

Then there is the Book of Daniel and the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar in Chapter 2 and Daniel in Chapter 7. Both foretold of the series of four empires. When Alexander the Great entered Jerusalem, he was shown the writings of Daniel. Alexander realized that he was in the prophesy and spared the city. While not prophetic as such, the fourth man in the “Fiery Furnace” was an early incarnation of Jesus. And that Daniel could lay down with lions, a foretelling of the millennium when the lamb will lie down with the wolf. While not prophetic, the “Hand writing on the wall” written by the finger of God told of Belshazzar’s imminent death.

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was prophesized in Micah 5:2, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Then there are the Seven Churches/ ages in the Revelation of Jesus. In my opinion, we are in the Laodicea Church age for the most part. There were many warnings about what to expect towards the latter days. Jude told of the coming apostasy of the church. Paul gave many warning about itchy ears. Peter warns of false prophets. These are surely fulfilled today as people listen to false prophets and distorted theology.

Where do you see the United States in end time prophecy?

2012-02-09T21:41:00.001-08:00

In answer to the question, I don’t! There has been a lot written about why there seems to be no mention of the United States in end time prophecy including:

1. The United States imploding economically and becoming a third rate country

2. The United States will reduce its military to the point of being marginalized as a world power

3. There will be great destruction from an asteroid, earthquake or plague

4. There will be near annihilation due to war

5. The Rapture will take so many Americans to Heaven that the economy and society in general will collapse

The title “young lion” is a mentioned several times in the Old Testament and one theory is that it’s a reference to England as the lion and the United States as her young lion. I serious questioned this theory and did a word search of the Bible. In my opinion the United States just is not mentioned in the end time narrative as found in the Bible. However, we are a part of the gentile nations that the original and later day apostles were send to by Jesus and “The Great Commission.”

In my opinion, the United States is under God’s judgment for a number of reasons:

1. Our demonizing of Israel

2. Our demanding that Israel give up land given her by God

3. Replacement theology being promoted in some churches

4. The increase in Anti-Semitism

5. Our loss of moral compass

6. Throwing God out of schools and pretty much under the bus

7. Approval of abortions as being a woman’s right

8. Approval of the homosexual life-style and same-sex marriage

Now to be more positive:

1. Revival seems to be quietly happening across the United States. My place of residence, Quartzsite, AZ just ended a month of revival meetings

2. Many are joining Bible studies

3. There are many Bible believing websites readily available Online

4. Many are coming to faith across the planet

So bottom-line, I don’t see the United States in end time prophecy. My prayer is that this is due to the Rapture and not some horrific annihilation. Also, I pray that the many bread-crumbs left by believers will be found by those “Left Behind.” Hopefully and prayerfully the post Rapture time will find many coming into the Kingdom.

What lessons have you learned from the book of Job?

2012-02-09T21:24:00.001-08:00

The express often said is “The patience of Job,” perhaps the dedication of Job to God would be a better phrase.

The Book of Job is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible dating back to about 2000 BC. The geographical setting of the Book of Job is thought to be the area of the Arabian Desert east of Palestine, where Midian was located, Saudi Arabia today. Of great interest are the many scientific insights found in Job and later proved by scientists. Also, the Book of Job answers the question of are there dinosaurs in the Bible.

The story of Job addresses the question, “How are the goodness and justice of God reconciled with the suffering and pain in the world

Unknown to Job Satan has challenges God to put Job and his piety to the test. First a little about Satan, he is accountable to God and can’t do anything without God’s permission. God knows Satan’s mind and Satan lacks the omnipresence and omniscient of God. And no surprise, Satan is behind the evil so prevalent on planet Earth. As for Job, he had great wealth both in material things and family. God replied to Satan, Job 1:12, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD”. Satan wiped out Job’s wealth and children but did not touch Job. Regardless of his losses, Job still glorified God.

Next Satan wanted to harm Job physically so God allowed it, 2:5 “But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 2:6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.” Job was covered with painful boils and his wife told him to curse God and die. Job answered, “shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”

Then came the friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar who suggested that Job being punished by God for his sins, being a hypocrite and being wicked. Many discussions later, Job finally called out to God who asks, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.”

Finally the contest is over and Job is rewarded two-fold.

Lessons learned:

1. Having God remove His hand of protection has terrible results

2. God is God and His way is not our way

3. Take what friends have to say with a big grain of salt

4. God created the world and is in control

5. Have patience and truth in Him

So much more is in the Book of Job.

How is there a devaluing of the holiness of God today?

2012-02-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

The truth of the Bible is under attack as not being the inspired Word of God and by association, the holiness of our God! Sad enough that some think that Allah and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are the same, now a new Bible translation that doesn’t offend Muslims. Included in the controversial development is the removal of any references to God as "Father," to Jesus as the "Son" or "the Son of God." One example of such a change can be seen in an Arabic version of the Gospel of Matthew produced and promoted by Frontiers and SIL. It changes Matthew 28:19 from this: "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" to this: "cleanse them by water in the name of Allah, his Messiah and his Holy Spirit.”

To quote one of the contributors to the raptureready website, “ it is quite ironic that people like Brian McLaren and Rick Warren mock the Bible’s predictive prophecy, but are mum on the Iranian eschatology.’

Then we have the diva of the New Age, Oprah Winfrey. Oprah speaks and millions listen as she promotes homosexual as normal, the liberal agenda and New Age philosophies. Oprah is leading her fans through the wide gate that leads to destruction.

Some Mormons claim they are Christians. However their theology has Jesus as the brother of Lucifer and states that as man is, god once was and as god is, man can become. Also, like the Muslims, the Mormons have their own book, “The Book of Mormon” likewise given to them by an angel and both degrade the deity of Christ Jesus. Actually, the Jesus of the Quran is reminiscent of the False Prophet of the Book of Revelation.

It’s bad enough that other religions and cults degrade the Word of God, however and in my opinion, even more unforgivable are those who claim to be Christians but deny that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. The cross is being thrown out and “covered by the blood of Christ” is so politically incorrect. While some television evangelic pastors present a Bible based message, many sound like motivational speakers. Too often the sermons sound like the feel good New Age all roads lead to god false theology. How can the viewer feel good if the pastor talks about sin and that none are good enough to go to Heaven without the cross? There are those who preach that everyone will eventually be allowed into Heaven.

I have a very devoted Catholic friend who believes that we can pray people out of Purgatory. As for me, I believe that once you draw your last breath your eternal destination is determined. Hopefully those who are unsaved will repent at the end of their lives and accept the gift of grace provided by Jesus.

Question, What is the central message of the Biblical Text and how is that being attacked today?

2012-02-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Bible is the inspirited Word of God; Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God created the earth and everything in it, period! The first two chapters of Genesis deal with creation and the rest of the Bible deals with the restoration of the earth and mankind after the fall. God created a paradise for our enjoyment asking only obedience. Not much to ask for compared to all that our original parents were given. However, man was given free will and it would seem has the same flaw as Lucifer, pride and the desire to become like God. Lucifer asked the same question then as now, “Did God really say…”Dr. Missler’s explanation of how his watch came together over billions of years is great satire on the theology of evolution; that this complex universe was some kind of a cosmic accident. God said He made man in His image. Those who say that we evolved from nothing demean the human race and, even worse, make God out to be a liar. And if God lied about creation, the rest of the Bible must be false.

The Bible is certainly under attack today by believers as well as unbelievers. Some who call themselves Christians claim much of Genesis is fables. Further, that many prophesies were written after the fact. If Genesis is mostly fables then evolution must be true. So if we came from nothing what does it matter if we kill each other or the tiniest victims of evolution, the millions of unborn babies sacrificed on the altar of abortion?

The Quran twists events in the Bible to fit their theology and often I hear the statement that Allah is the same god as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. As for me, I take Revelation 22 seriously. The Quran is a total distortion of the Bible, however, there are other religious books that attempt add to or take from the Bible. Like the Quran, “The Book of Mormon” was by revelation to one person by an angel. The Quran was given by a series of visions and The Book of Mormon came from gold plates. Both demean the divinity of Jesus and the Jesus of the Quran is much the same as the False Prophetic of The Book of Revelation.

In addition to unbelievers attacking the Bible there is a watering down of the Word of God by the PC Christians. Throw out the cross and don’t even think of saying that we are saved by the blood of Christ. Some churches even claim we can pray the departed into heaven. It’s time for Christians to put on the “Full armor of God” and take a stand for the inerrant Word of God.

My thoughts about Israel’s Gaza withdrawal?

2012-01-17T22:12:00.001-08:00

Israel’s Gaza withdrawal also known as The Gaza Disengagement was completed in August, 2005. The then PM Sharon said “The disengagement will allow us to look inward. Our national agenda will change. In our economic policy, we will be free to turn to closing social gaps and to waging a real fight on poverty. We will advance education and increase the personal security of every citizen of the country.” I can remember the videos of the hard working Jewish settlers being forced off their land by their fellow countrymen, Israeli soldiers. The settlers had made the desert bloom only to lose it. And of course, peace was not a result.

Pat Robertson was widely criticized for making the comment that “Mr. Sharon was dividing God’s land, and I would say woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the European Union, the United Nations or the United States.” Today Pat is alive and well and sadly former PM Sharon is in a vegetative state years after the Gaza withdrawal.

Here in the United States several presidents from both parties have bullied Israel to give up land that not only did God say was their but they won it after being attacked. I can’t remember any of our presidents offering to return Southwestern US to Mexico. Every time I hear our politicians refer to any of Israel as “The Occupied Territory” I visualize God recording it as one more black mark against our country.

John P. McTernan has written a very interesting book; “As America Has Done to Israel.” Time and again we have pressured Israel to give up the land given to them by God. Starting in early August 2005 and continuing through September, the United States put enormous pressure on Israel to withdraw from twenty-one settlements in Gaza and four in Samaria. The hurricane season of 2005 is history and the area has not recovered to this day. Before that there was “"The Perfect Storm" in 1991. During the Madrid Peace Process, the elder President Bush was very clear that Israel was required to surrender parts of the covenant land for peace. Interestingly enough, President H. W. Bush own home was affected by the storm. There was far more destruction to follow and many times the United States seemed to come under God’s judgment.

There are many parallels between The Gaza Disengagement and Katrina. The US government told residents to evacuate their homes prior to the hurricane and Israel ordered a mandatory evacuation of the settlements. Jews took to their roofs to delay the eviction, and thousands in New Orleans went to their roofs to keep from drowning. Jews had to re-inter their dead in cemeteries outside Gaza and Katrina uncovered hundreds of bodies from Gulf coast graveyards. These were just a few of the events in America that mirrored those in Israel.

When will we learn that God says what He means and means what He says.

DQ#1 What is the Abrahamic Covenant and how is it being challenged today?

2012-01-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:7-8).

The Bible clearly shows that this was an unconditional and eternal covenant and God passed this covenant on to Abraham's son Isaac and his grandson Jacob and each time the covenant was renewed, it included their descendants, the Jewish people. God made seven promises including to bless the Jewish people and to bless those who bless them and curse those who curse them. Plain and simple, God gave them the land and those counties pushing Israel to give up land, including the United States, will and are facing judgment for this. And asking Israel to give up part of Jerusalem after taking it back as prophesized, unthinkable! Don’t people read and/or believe the Bible?

Abraham was far from perfect and lost patience while waiting for God to provide the “son of the spirit.” So Abraham had a son “of the flesh” of whom God said in Genesis 16:12,“He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” True then and so very true today.

Israel has so little land today and yet Israel is under great pressure to give up land for peace. Every time Israel gives up land rather than peace it brings the rocket launchers closer to their cities. Hal Lindsey presented a very informative report; Myths and Facts about Palestine and Israel:

http://unitedwithisrael.org/myths-and-facts/

It amazes me that there is so much hatred towards Israel today as well in history, Satan at work? The United States has been guilty for years of bulling Israel into giving up land. And the United Nations is a disgrace as it accuses Israel of near genocide against the Palestinians. It seems today that it is very PC to support the Palestinians and Condemn Israel. However, God says what he means and means what he says. Let those who harm "the apple of God's eye" fear God and return to the Word!

What does it mean to you to be a “disciple”?

2012-01-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

To be a disciple of Jesus one would have to be Jesus-absorbed rather than self-absorbed. Jesus said to his disciples, “Come” and they came. Later Jesus said “go” and they went out into the world and made disciples. He chose rather common and mostly uneducated men, men who saw something so powerful and righteous that they followed in his footsteps. A Jewish Rabbi with Jewish disciples. Of his 11 original and loyal disciples, only John was not martyred. However, John survived torture and long-term imprisonment.

Before Jesus stepped out of eternity for His earthly walk there were the Old Testament disciples/prophets such as Elijah and Elisha. Elijah called on God in his challenge to the prophets of Baal and later had to run for his life. Elisha answered the call to serve by cutting ties to his possessions:
1 Kings 19:21
“So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.” No questions asked just complete obedience to the call.

James and Jude, the half-brothers of Jesus did not believe Jesus was who He said He was until after the Resurrection. Both became church leaders and authored books of the Bible. They do not mention that they are Jesus' brothers. Rather, they humbly describe themselves as His servants. Josephus reports that priestly authorities executed James around the year AD 66.

So many bigger than life followers of Jesus! Paul wrote shortly before he was beheaded:

2 Timothy 4:6 “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”

Disciples often are required to give that last measure of themselves, their very lives. The publication “Voice of the Martyrs” speaks to the sacrifices made by today’s disciples.

As for me, my best efforts will likely be to partner with faith based organizations, tithe, pray, blog and like Paul, “long for His appearing.”

How is our nation today "post-Christian?

2012-01-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

In my continuing studies with the Koinonia Institute, here is my answer to the question, How is our nation today"post-Christian?

God was thrown out of our schools two generations ago and has been and is under constant attack. Grace such as the salvation provided by Jesus is being given something we don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting something we do deserve. How long will God’s patience continue, how long will He continue to show us mercy? America was founded mostly by men of faith, a fact that is being denied today even by many in high office. Perhaps believers who are working to restore faith in America are helping to postpone God’s final judgment on America. As an example, through his website WallBuilders, David Barton presents the truth of America being founded on Christian principals.

Are we in the United States so far removed from the worship of Baal? How much blood of the innocent unborn has been shed on the “alter of a woman’s right to her body”? It seems that anything goes today in our hedonist society. Homosexuality is promoted as normal as is same sex marriage. Can the abomination promoted by NAMBLA, North American Boy/Man Love Association, be next to be considered normal? Individual sin is individual sin, however, when we as a country approve of it, we are all guilty. For now perhaps God is showing mercy to us as he did in Sodom; God would not destroy Sodom until Lot and his family were removed. However, given the state of our economy, etc, it seems to me that we are coming under the judgment of God.

And our churches, so many are becoming politically correct places of entertainment. Are we now the Lukewarm Church of Laodicea? Sin often is not acknowledged in many of these “feel good”, all paths lead to God, prosperity oriented churches. Chrislam is being promoted by some mega-church leaders. Some even support the false claim that the god of Islam, Allah, is the same as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. As an aside, the so-called Jesus of the Quran most resembles the False Prophet of the Book of Revelation.

Then there is our pulling away from Israel and pushing her to give up more of the little land she has. Have we forgotten God’s promise in Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Believers such as Tim Tebow are ridiculed for kneeling and giving thanks to God on the football field. As predicted would happen as we approach the “End Days”, good is being called bad and bad is being called good. So yes, in my opinion we are mostly a “post Christian” nation, however, God is in control. With evil running rampant in our country, revival is needed and still possible. Or, perhaps the Rapture of the Church will happen soon.
Revelation 22: 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

My Favorite Book of the Bible and Bible Story

2011-12-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

DQ #1. Share how you approach the study of God’s Word and something about your devotional life. What’s your favorite book of the Bible and Bible story?

As I posted in DQ #2 " With prayer and passion! Prayers of thanksgiving for the Word and the gift of Grace. Passion for the Word of God. Passion to share the Word. Passion to immerse myself in the Word. I have several electronic tools that are very helpful not only in my walk but also in backing up the truth of the Bible when discussing it with skeptics which seems to be a mission with me.

As to my favorite Book of the Bible, so many with Genesis likely being number one. But then there are the Books of prophecy and then the Books in the New Testament telling of their fulfillment. The Gospels are wonderful in detailing the walk of Jesus. The Pauline letters are great, 2 Timothy 4 is so moving: ⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. So many, so very many...

Come quickly Lord Jesus.

My favorite story is Ruth. There is Ruth’s devotion to Naomi:

¹⁶ But Ruth said

“ Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.

There is the love story between Ruth and Boaz. However, there is so much more. The story of Naomi and her family going to Moab is well known as is the loss of her husband and sons. So Naomi and her gentile daughter-in-law Ruth returned to Bethlehem. Eventually Ruth and Boaz are married.

So much in this short book:

o Names of all have special meaning

o Law of Gleaning
o the Unnamed Servant as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit
o 6 measures of barley
o Levirite Marriage
o Kinsman-Redeemer – Boaz was second in line but prevailed

Boaz is the Kinsman-Redeemer as Jesus is our redeemer.

Naomi represents Israel

Ruth is the Gentile Bride

As a Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz had to be a kinsman, able to perform, must be willing and must assume all the obligations.

approaching my study of God’s word - from Khouse class

2011-12-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

DQ #2 is With what should you approach your study of God’s word? What are some of your favorite Bible study materials? Besides Dr. Missler, what other Bible teachers have impacted your life?

With prayer and passion! Prayers of thanksgiving for the Word and the gift of Grace. Passion for the Word of God. Passion to share the Word. Passion to immerse myself in the Word. I have several electronic tools that are very helpful not only in my walk but also in backing up the truth of the Bible when discussing it with skeptics:

1. The Franklin Electronic Bible BIB-475 which includes the complete text of: the King James Version and the New International Version. Plus it includes many helpful features such as bookmarking, find, the Holman Bible Dictionary and more. I use this in church and Bible study classes as it has a very fast look-up feature as we go from verse to verse.

2. Several Bibles on my Kindle Book including “English Translation of the Greek Septuagint”, compiled nearing three hundred years before the birth of Jesus.

3. The NowBible with the ESV Bible (can read and listen to at the same time) and so many features, even has a MP3 player so I always have the Bible, Praise and Worship music and Dr. Missler’s teachings as well as those of others close at hand.

4. Smart phone again with a MP3 player and the Nextbook, a poor man’s version of the I Pad that I listen to at night when I should be sleeping.

5. And of course, my computer complete with so many resources.

If I’m alone and having a quick meal at a fast food store, I listen to a teaching, usually by Dr. Missler. I discovered Dr. Missler’s book “Learn the Bible n 24 Hours” several years ago and then this pass summer, the firefighters website with many teachings by Dr. Missler and other teachers. I’ve read several of Hal Lindsey’s books and watch his report every week. I was in Palm Desert, CA for some time in 2007 and was able several times to attend his weekly Bible study. However, Mr. Lindsey no longer lives in California.

Summers I spend in Michigan in an area described as “The Bible Belt of Michigan” in a member owner park. Each summer we study one of Ray Vanderlaan’s Faith Lessons DVD series, talk about approaching the Word with passion, he is the personification. We have Gospel music Sunday evenings and each summer usually have two or three artists who are regulars with the Gaithers. This summer Guy Penrod was there and what a light he is and he sings with great passion. I think hearing Linda Randle in 2006 pushed me back on the path I started out on as a child and strayed from after college and being so busy. I’m listening to Linda singing as I write.

Here in Arizona we have Bible study at church and two friends lead a Bible study in a tent in the desert. What I most prefer is a small Bible study gathered around a table where there is give and take.

The availability of good teachers and resources along with a thirst for God and a love of Jesus have greatly impacted my life. I often tell of playing around the edges of the “New Age” but never being able to take it seriously. And of course, as I was already one of Jesus’ sheep, He would not let me go and I thank Him for forgiving me.

First Class Tomorrow - Koinonia Institute!

2011-12-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, 12/18, I start my first class with Chuck Missler's Koinonia Institute:

Survey of the Old Testament is a Bronze Medallion course that reviews the Old Testament with an emphasis on the integrity of deliberate design found throughout the entire Bible. With 66 books penned by over 40 authors and over a period of several thousand years, virtually every detail in the text — every number, place name, even the structures hidden beneath the text itself— reveal a master plan which transcends the perspective of any of the individual writers and demonstrates an extraterrestrial origin from outside our time domain.

There is so much depth to the Bible and again, the more I learn the more I know I have to learn. I've long had a heart centered connection to Jesus, however, in these last days I want to better be able to defend the faith. I'm not sure what a Bronze Medallion represents but the knowledge gained will be helpful.

I've downloaded several of Dr. Missler's teaching in MP3 with a slideshow presentation format. His DVDs take up far more computer storage space and the main difference is being able to watch Dr. Missler rather than listen to him. I'm happy to hear him while viewing the relevant slides. In addition to the slideshow version, there is an audio only format that I can load to my smart phone. Dr. Missler goes into great detail in his teachings.

A little Bit More....

2011-12-13T23:10:00.000-08:00

Another eBay post I wrote in reply to a member's question about the Bible.

I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God.

I recently enrolled in the Koinonia Institute. Here is part of what I wrote in the KI Discussion Boards' Introduce Yourself:

I'm from a very small town in Michigan. I can't remember a time as a child that I wasn't in Sunday School. As a teenager I sang in both the junior and senior choir. I was in a rather conservative protestant church, however, for a few years in grade school my best friend was the local Baptist Pastor's daughter so I received a more through introduction to the Bible there. Her father was called to another city but I never forgot the peace I found in that church.

I was a young mother of two and divorced in college. The church I attended with my former husband made sure my children and I had a ride to church Sundays. After college I started to drift away from church membership and am thankful that God is so forgiving. I played at the edges of the so-called New Age and New Thought, you know, the all roads lead to God. Thankfully I belonged to the Lord from such an early age that He never really let me go. Now older and far more discerning I've been delving deeper and deeper into the Word for several years. The more I study and attend Bible studies the more I hunger.

I finally decided that I have an unusual mission field. I've been a member of eBay for years, both as a buyer and seller. I stumbled into a chat room and read incorrect doctrine and lots of Christian bashing. My concern is that far more people read these online threads than reply. I try to correct posts such as Allah is the same God as in the Old Testament.

I moved around a lot after graduating from college in the 60s and now am retired and live in Quartzsite, Arizona where I attend a local Baptist church. Summers I spend in Michigan in a park with it's own Chapel. I am truly blessed.

The Christian Bashing Just Doesn't Stop on the eBay Soapbox!

2011-12-05T11:37:00.001-08:00

So now it's bashing Christian for killing non-Christians in the video game Left Behind. The usual half truths. So here is my response:

This game has been out for some time if it's the same one I've seen advertised on cable. I understand that the timing of the game is during the Tribulation and after the Rapture of the Church.

After the Rapture many of people who are Left Behind will become believers and then face trying to survive during the seven year Tribulation. With the removal of The Church the anti-Christ will come to power. It will not just be the new believers who are trying to survive, there will likely be many groups opposing the anti-Christ and his minions. BTW, in reading LaHaye's Left Behind series of 12 books I can not recall the new believers doing other than trying to stay alive. Actually the third movie in the series shows the new believers trying to convince the militant groups than the only force that will defeat the anti-Christ is the Second Coming at the end of the seven year Tribulation.

eBay Posts Revisited

2011-12-01T17:05:00.001-08:00

I've long had another blog where I was posting concerning faith. I'm coping some of these posts to this blog as a more appropriate platform.

Posted on eBay's Store Chat Room 8/30/10:
kathie wrote, While I'm not sure I see God's hand in our current economic situation - the fingerprints of the politicians are all over it. I'm sure I see God's hand in our current economic situation. Meecabay, you are doing a very courageous job of defending the Faith. It's a difficult undertaking these days, the Bible warned of great deception.

I'm a life-time student. After 9/11 I read up on Islam and what I read would be more frightening if I didn't know God is in control. Our leaders, and I include both Presidents Bush's, have and are backing away from Israel. You'd think we learn that God was very serious in his text book, the Bible when he said in Genesis 12:3:
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."
We turn our backs on Israel and often within days we have a natural disaster and/or economic set-back. We now have a very anti-Israel president and his minions in office.

David Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders which presents America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage. I heard David speak on Cable and have a set of his DVDs on my wish list.

I've likely recommended this book before, a quick but informative read: Fast Facts on False Teachings By Ron Carlson, Ed Decker is an easy–to–use resource that provides powerful insights for sharing the biblical gospel with people ensnared by false religions and philosophies. The authors are cult experts provide readers quick, clear facts on the major cults and false teachings of today. Short, informative chapters contrast the cults’ theologies with the truth found in God’s Word. Included is Atheism, Buddhism, Evolution, Hinduism, Islam, Satanism and more.

For those of you who are offended by the use of God and/or Jesus please understand that it was/ is a directive:
The Great Commission - A Personal Instruction:
The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible. First, it's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Second, it's a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth. The Great Commission is found in the Gospel of Matthew.

Before many of you marginalize the Bible by saying it's a book made up by man. The Bible is the Word inspirited by God and was written by about 40 authors over a period of hundreds of years. Hundreds of prophecies have been fulfilled. Here is a link to a list of Prophecies that Jesus Christ Fulfilled, Link. This is a very good source of information as it's a table lay-out of:
o What the prophecy was
o Where in the Old Testament the Prophecy is written
o Where in the New Testament the Prophecy is fulfilled

I feel a great sadness for the many lost souls and yes, There will be tears in Heaven, I knew, why didn't I tell you......

Music from Bear Valley - My Witness on the Today Show

2011-11-26T23:06:00.001-08:00

Copied from my other blog:

Are we accelerating down that slippery slope to a Godless country? I was reminded of the time I was interviewed by a Today Show employee; here is my witness:

I had a God given chance to testify on national TV in the early 80s. I was living and working in the Bay area of California and camping in Bear Valley weekends. Bear Valley in the Sierras above Angles Camp taking route 49 as I recall. There is something called "Music from Bear Valley" for three weekends during the summer. I raved to the ticket sellers/ takers at the concerts how wonderful to be able to camp and attend concerts at the same time. The next weekend the Today staff was filming a special segment on the concerts in Bear Valley and wanted to interview a camper who came to camp and for the concerts. As I was one of two campers they knew about and the only tent camper (I was younger then), I was chosen. The Today people came to my campsite in the very open free camping area. I was asked if I thought this was a proper place for concerts and I was taken back. I asked "What better place for concerts than God's cathedral". The interesting thing is that Today recorded three hours of film and cut it down to four minutes. My testimony was included but I wonder if it would be today as we, as a country, stray further from God.

James Charter 5 - The Hal Lindsey Report

2011-11-25T10:22:00.001-08:00

I received Hal Lindsey's email concerning tonight's broadcast of The Hal Lindsey Report:

A couple of weeks ago, a viewer wrote to me and asked if James 5:1-8 had any prophetic significance. To be candid, I had never carefully studied the passage in that light before. I was surprised to discover that its message really does apply to these times.

little from James 5, Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted.... Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you.... You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed, the wages of the laborers who have mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of [Hosts].

So...now I'm listening to Chuck Missler's teaching on James Chapter 5, right on IMO. The Hal Lindsey Report is on TBN Friday at 6:30 PM here in Arizona.

Taxes? How About Pay It Forward to God!

2011-11-22T11:24:00.001-08:00

Now that the super committee has failed to reach any agreement, I don’t know what will happen to our country, however, I agree we have a spending problem and IMO, little accountability by those spending tax dollars.

Although I’m one of those who doesn’t currently pay income tax as I’m on a fixed income from earned entitlements, Social Security and a company pension, I pay it forward to God. Operation Blessings (OB) does so much good both here in the US and around the world. As my fixed income stays fixed and expenses go up, my wish is that I could do more. Another wish is that our governor officials would be held as accountable for spending as OB is:

http://vimeo.com/31553678

As we approach Thanksgiving, please watch this short video about OB.

Time to get my life in order!

2011-11-18T19:38:00.001-08:00

I just have no patience with being sick however.....I have a cold that seems to be developing into bronchitis. After overdoing it yesterday I paid last night and today. I'm running a slight fever and really coughing. I actually scared myself last night when I started choking and couldn't get my breath. I had an inhaler and my throat finally settled down. I found this rather humorist as I thought what if I pass on with three days worth of dirty dishes in the sink, overflowing onto the counter. The dirty dishes bothered me to the point I got up about one AM and washed them. Choking is a common occurrence with polio survivors so perhaps it's time to start taking a Z-pak. My reaction reminded me again of how unpredictable life is. The thought of dying doesn't bother me as I'll be with Jesus, however family and friends..., it is way pass time to get my earthly life in order.

IMO, long before I have to worry about choking to death, Jesus will come for his Church. The really big question, are you ready?

Drinking in the Word

2011-11-11T22:05:00.001-08:00

I'm watching and listening to the power point teachings by Chuck Missler on the Book of Luke. I finished hour two of 24 hours, very informative. I joined Dr. Missler's Online school, The Koinonia Institute and should be working on my orientation so I can actually start taking the classes.

I bought a little electronic device, the NowBible. In addition to the Bible it has many study enhancements as well as being an MP3 player. It is compatible with an eight GB mini SD Card so I have lots and lots of teachings on it. I can listen to the teachings or read along with the audio Bible. It is well worth the price.

There is so much to learn and the more I read the Bible the more I know how very little I know. I told friends at Bible study that it's like a huge, deep water source that I want to dive into and explore ever nock and crannie of. I was brought up in the church and loves the Old Testament Bible stories as a child. I mostly attended mainstream Protestant churches but now for several years have been attending Bible based churches. Now at the Biblical three score and ten I can't seem to get my fill of the Bible.

I Joined the Online Koinonia Institue, Nowto Feed on the Word

2011-11-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

I bought Chuck Missler's Learn the Bible in 24 Hours several years ago and it's great. Before God TV changed it's signal I would watch Dr. Missler. I've listened to a number of his teaching on the firefighter for Christ website.

I joke that I'm both tired and retired, however, it's not in me to sit quietly by. After decades as a technocrat, I now make jewelry and have ecommerce carts Online. Like most people today I find business is very slow, plus studying the Word is more satisfying.

I spend my summers in my home state of Michigan and my winters in Arizona. I attend good Bible based churches in both states and join in Bible studies. I'm finding that the older I get the more time I spend with the Lord. Often I get so impatience with people and their denigrating the Bible and Jesus, don't they know that they are condemning themselves to the wide gate? I know that we are to pray for their coming into the Kingdom so I do.

LEFT BEHIND: CAN YOU STILL BE SAVED? (Seven Things To Remember!!) Thanks to raptureready Website

2011-10-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is a must read! LEFT BEHIND: CAN YOU STILL BE SAVED? (Seven Things To Remember!!)
http://www.raptureready.com/featured/chambers/jc143.html

Older eBay Post Asking, "Do you fear death?"

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

No, not of death, however, I'm hoping to be spared a lingering death. I nearly drowned when I was very young. I was floating along and remember seeing the blue sky through the water covering my face. It was very peaceful until my sister and one of her friends pulled me to the surface. I recall seeing the terrified look on my face as I held onto something. Perhaps for a short time I left my body, I just don't know but death has never frightened me, however, I'm concerned for my family and I feel that God has more for me to do here..

Sunday services at our park chapel is always uplifting, however, this morning perhaps more so. The pastor talked about one of my favorites, 2 Timothy 4; Paul knows he is about to executed by the Romans and is writing to Timothy: 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Good Information - Myths and Facts about Palestine and Israel

2011-10-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

From United with Israel:

This clip explores some of the myths spread by the Arab-Palestinian propaganda machine, from the times of the fall of the Ottoman empire after the first World War, through the British Mandate over Palestine, the agreement to establish a Jewish homeland, the partition of trans-Jordan from Palestine, the 1947 UN partition plan and the 1948 war after Israel declared its independence.

Later it goes to more recent events such as the withdrawal from Lebanon and from Gaza which made Israel suffer relentless attacks from the Arab side, not in the name of nationalism but in the name of the religion of Islam.

http://unitedwithisrael.org/myths-and-facts/

IMO, most people have no real concept of how very little of the land they were promised after WWI that they (Israel) actually received. Even that little bit of ground is more than the Muslims want Israel to have. Our country has in the past and is currently pushing Israel to give up more land.

Eastern Turkey, lots of Shaking!

2011-10-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

Using the information from the USGS, I've been maintaining adatabase tracking earthquakes for more than a year. The USGS criteria is Earthquakes Magnitude2.5 or Greater in the United States and Adjacent Areas and Magnitude 4.5 orGreater in the Rest of the World.

Eastern Turkey had two earthquakes greater than 4.3 thesecond half of 2010. Through 10/22/11,during 2011 there had been seven 4.2 or greater earthquakes in Eastern Turkey. Today, 10/23/11, so far there have been 17earthquakes with a Magnitude of 4.2 to 7.2.

Sign of the times? Tobe continue.

Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling ~ Anne Murray

2011-09-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling sung by Anne Murray with beautiful and inspiring images.http://warezjunky.info/forum/showthread.php?t=110

Hurricane Irene and The Long Island Express Hurricane of 1938

2011-08-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

As we wait for Irene to impact the East Coast, many are making a comparison to the The Long Island Express Hurricane of 1938. Seems Irene's projected path is similar to that of the path in 1938.

John P. McTernan authored a book named As America has Done to Israel. He tells of the Nazi movement within our country in the late 30s. Perhaps with Irene God is warning us concerning our treatment of Israel:
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Another Fair and Balanced post to the eBay Soapbox

2011-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Posted to the Soapbox 8/25/11:

I post to threads like this not for the majority of those who post here as your minds are made up as is your right. My concern is for those who come into the soapbox, read posts and don't post themselves. So for anyone interested in relevant information.

How do we know the Bible is true?

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t003.html

http://ffmp3.firefighters.org/kelfer.asp

Select Audio Sermons from the pull down menu

Select Thru The Bible Series

BTW, one of my favorite contributors is Chuck Missler. As an engineer he gets into the science of the Bible, something that appeals to my technical background.

Witnessing

2011-08-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

I try to bring a little bit of Christian thought into an eBay chat room that seem to be to be rather anti-Christian. This is a typical posting I made 8/13/2011.
I'm not ignoring you strange, we've had off and on thunderstorms here in SW Michigan. Years ago I blew a mother board likely due to a slow power outage. The lights turned yellow in intensity before going out. The tech thought this did the job on my motherboard. So at the first sign of a thunderstorm I take my computer off the grip.

Luckily my Nextbook has a long battery and plays MP3 in addition to lots of other goodies. So during the latest round of storms I listened to one of Chuck Missler's teaching on the Book of Geneses, good information.

As for Jesus talking about the least of these, I wonder who is meant by the least of these. Jesus mentions my brethren so is He talking about our treatment of the Jewish people, if so we're in deep trouble IMO. Jesus said to help widows and orphans and of course He healed the blind, lame, etc. In Jesus' day woman were a rather second class. Today many widow either have their own work history or can draw on their late husband's benefits. I think orphans are more or less cared for in this country. Now was Jesus talking about people who will not take responsibility for themselves and/or their childred? As for me, I prefer to support faith based organizations who help people who are in great need, need for clean drinking water, netting to prevent malaria, etc.

Since there is so much interest in the Matthew 25 I'll try to start a thread.

Is the Demand that the Rich Pay Even Higher Taxes Covetousness? I Say Yes!

2011-08-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

I did a search for the keyword covet in the Holy Bible and found 39 related verses. God hates covetousness and included it in the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 20:17
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.Exodus 20:16-18

More to follow on this subject. Good night and God bless!

Good News Bad News - Zion Gas and Oil

2011-08-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

The good news is that my shares in Zion Gas and Oil didn't go down in the free fall of today's market. The bad news is that the stock was already at a very low point. I have to remind myself that I bought these shares more to support oil exploration in Israel that to make a profit. I take the Holy Bible as God's Word:Genesis 12:3

King James Version (KJV)

³And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Add to that my love for Israel, money well spent.

In The Beginning God

2011-08-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

With these four words begins the Holy Bible and the greatest adventure of my life.