Vote Biblically

It is here.

Election Day 2020. 

Today those who do not participate in Early Voting, will go to the polls and vote for the President of the United States (and other leaders, proposals, etc).

I am not here to tell you pick this person or that person.

That is a personal choice. If you want to know who I voted for, reach out to me.

But, if you are a believer I want you to remember this; each of us will answer to God for what we did with our lives - good and bad.

Romans 14:12 New American Standard Bible

12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

America is more divided then ever. This election is divisive. But I encourage you to put all that aside. As a Christian, we need to look to God's word to direct our vote.

Joshua 24:15 New American Standard Bible

15 But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Our Pastor on Sunday encouraged everyone to vote, and to vote biblically. Consider these 4 points before you cast your vote:

Abortion

Proverbs 6: 16-19

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,

Seven that are an abomination to Him:

17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

And hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that run rapidly to evil,

19 A false witness who declares lies,

And one who spreads strife among brothers.

Friends, who is more innocent than a baby in the womb? Roe v. Wade is evil, abortion is infanticide, it is murder. 

Psalm 127:3 NASB

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

I think the world has forgotten this fact. God's word states clearly that children are a gift, a reward. And yet, for all time children have been cast aside, viewed as a distraction, a hinderance. During the times of 1 & 2 Kings, people participated in child sacrifice to their idols. Now that has been dressed up and is called "choice." 

Psalm 106:38 NASB

And shed innocent blood,

The blood of their sons and their daughters

Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan;

And the land was defiled with the blood.

That choice has consequences. The God that knitted us in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13), He will not let it go unpunished. 

Joel 3:21 NASB

And I will avenge their blood which I have not avenged,

For the Lord dwells in Zion.

Yes, even the Israelites sacrificed their children. They had divided hearts. It is a sad state of affairs when women advocate for the right to murder their own children without punishment - and the government allows it.

Marriage

I wrote a paper in college, and called it Adam for Eve, not for Steve - or something along those lines. The assignment was to write a controversial opinion piece. I passed, my professor seemed impressed. 

Gods word is controversial to a world that thinks they are their own god. And for believers, to stand on God's truth, is to be viewed narrow mindedly. But, Jesus said that the only way to the Father is through Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). That is pretty narrow and specific. 

And when it comes to marriage, God's word defines it:

Genesis 2:24 NASB

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

Our country has seen a downhill slide in depravity since the sexual revolution of the 1950's and the 1960's. Free love, increase in STD's, generations born of broken families, the destruction of the nuclear family, gay "marriage", pushes to normalize pedophilia, and so much more. I have been reading through "The Book of Signs" by Dr. David Jeremiah. And one point that stuck out to me was this 

"In 1947, sociologist Dr. Carle Zimmerman wrote a text called “Family and Civilization.” He identified eleven ‘symptoms of final decay’ observable in the fall of both the Greek and Roman civilizations. 

See how many characterize our society:

1. No-fault divorce
2. “Birth dearth”; increased disrespect for parenthood and parents
3.  Meaningless marriage rites/ceremonies
4. Defamation of past national heroes
5. Acceptance of alternative marriage forms
6.  Widespread attitudes of feminism, narcissism, hedonism
7.  Propagation of antifamily sentiment 
8. Acceptance of most forms of adultery 
9. Rebellious children 
10. Increased juvenile delinquency 
11. Common acceptance of all forms of sexual perversion."

Israel

Genesis 12:3 NASB

"And I will bless those who bless you,

And the one who curses you I will curse.

And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

God's word sets the precedent for other nations and how they should act towards and with Israel. Pray for Israel, and elect leaders who support Israel.

Church - Essential

Essential - that could be one of the top 10 words of the year 2020. 

es·sen·tial

/əˈsen(t)SHəl/

adjective

absolutely necessary; extremely important

noun

a thing that is absolutely necessary

I never thought I would see the day when churches in America would freely shut their doors. But that happened. Church leaders shut the churches down, because the "leaders" in government said it was essential to flatten the curve and prevent people from getting the virus! (by the way, the government is to represent us, not lead or lord over us - we have a republic if we can keep it!)

I will admit, closing things down for the 2 weeks, at first sounded rational. Logical even. But then, they kept extending the time frame. And it wasn't just churches. But schools and businesses too! And here we are, about 8 months later and many states and cities are still in lockdowns. And many churches are closed, forbidden to open! 

In these days, these last days, people need hope. They need Jesus. They need fellowship. We are not meant to be alone and isolated. God meant for us to be together.

Hebrews 10:25 NASB

not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

If you have followed my blog for any time, but especially in the last 8 months, I have mentioned Pastor J.D. Farag often. I came upon his prophecy updates, and have faithfully listened to his 3 weekly sermons without fail. How he explains Hebrews 10:25 conveys the right visual to what God intended when Paul (more than likely) penned the book.

Many think the meeting together is gathered, but Pastor Farag argues it is assembled. His example is a watch. The pieces can be gathered together, but they don't work until they are assembled. The church can "gather" online, but its not until we are assembled together that we truly can do the work of Christ.

Endure

 2020.

Every year 2019 and before, when someone mentioned 2020, it was in in regards to vision.

• Someone has 2020 vision (present tense)
• Hindsight is 202 (looking back).

But it has always been about bringing clarity. Well, almost 8 months done of 12 in 2020 and clarity is the last thing any of us have. 

• Fires - Australia and California
• COVID-19 - GLOBAL PANDEMIC
• Riots and Looting - Global again, mainly in the USA though
• BLM, ANTIFA - terrorist organizations on American soil
• Election 2020 - Biden vs. Trump
• Mask mandates
• Q, Anon, - Conspiracy theorist or truth?
• Hurricanes - Marco and Laura in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time. Laura was a category 4 hurricane, and got close to being a 5.

If 2020 has taught any of us anything, is that we have absolutely zero control over anything. As a Christian, I know this. But I am human, I have flesh, and this flesh has control issues. So this year has been stressful for me.

But, looking back (see what I did there), the last few years have been rough. Specifically the last three years have been hard, on a personal level. Job changes, hardships in my marriage, a miscarriage, fincial uncertainties. 

In my last post, I shared how we were bracing for Hurricane Laura. By the grace of God, we didn't even get a drop of rain. Louisiana on the other hand, devastated completely. The timing of it all, another God thing. Three years ago we braced for and dealt with Hurricane Harvey.  Seeing the memories on Facebook - it felt like the rain would never end, and it gave me a new and greater appreciation for Noah and his family on the ark. Speaking of timing...a pastor I listen to and study is J.D. Farag out of Hawaii. His mid week sermon yesterday was titled: In His Time (Sermon LINK) It's a great one! I highly encourage you to take an hour and listen, process, and take to heart what Pastor Farag has to say.

It was a great reminder that EVERYTHING is in God's time. To be honest, I am over "it". It being the chaos, the riots, the lectures, the shut downs, the mask mandates, the trying to explain to my children everything that is going. Thankfully, I have my faith. And by reading scriptures, listening to sermons, studying God's word - I am at peace that I do not understand everything. What I do know is this.

Matthew 24:13 (KJV)

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Jesus calls believers to endure to the end. To not give up. And what is the end? Death of the physical body, or rapture. And friends, I strongly believe that I will be raptured before this physical body of mine dies. Scripture tells us that we do not know the day or hour in which the trumpet shall sound (Scripture Link). But He did say there would be signs of the coming of the age (Luke 21:25-26). 

Thinking on everything that has occurred in the last three years, I ponder on all that the Church has gone through. The falling aways, the natural disasters, the financial and economic upheavals, the pure evil witnessed on a global level (beheading, child kidnappings, sexual slavery). And I am reminded about the plagues on Egypt from Exodus 7-12. I don't remember when I "found" this out, but I know I did not always know the following:

• 10 plagues
• The first 3, not only impacted the Egyptians, but also the Israelite's.
• The remaining 7 were on the Egyptians alone.

The first three plagues, were as Anne Graham Lotz said in series on Joel, were nuisance plagues. They made life uncomfortable. I just realized, it was 2015 when I started listening to Anne Graham Lotz when I learned this. And she is right. They got the Israelite's attention. The remaining plagues devastated every part of life for the Egyptians. 

Friends, I see the 10 plagues as an Old Testament picture of the Tribulation. Now, hear me out. 

Yes, the Tribulation is 7 years. And I believe each of the plagues that came upon Egypt represents the 7 years of sorrow on the nations that brings Israel back to their God. What about the first 3 plagues/ 3 years? Well, if 2020 is the year that the church is Raptured (I am not date setting - just thinking things out), then the last three years have been getting the attention of the Church. Pastor Farag here recently said he thinks that God is making everything so uncomfortable here on earth that we LOONG for His return in a way like we have never before. Friends, this is me. I love my family, my husband, my children, the life we have. But the world? The chaos? Uncertainty? The riots? Destruction? I am over it and want FAR AWAY from it. So much, that with each new story coming out, I look to Heaven and ask "when Lord?" 

What if the trumpet does not sound in 2020?

Hold tight friends. That means that things are going to get worse here on earth. That is why Jesus told us to endure to the end. He knew it would be hard, but for those of who do endure? Oh sweet reward! To hear:

Matthew 25:22-24 (NASB)

22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

There is no great reward for a believer in Christ than to hear our Lord and Savior say those words to us. So lets endure. Let's cling tight to our faith, study the Word, share the Gospel, and give what we are able to the brethen.

I want to end my post with sharing how to be saved if by chance anyone reading this post does not know Jesus.

This is from Pastor J.D. Farag's church website, but it explains saving salvation so well. ABC_Salvation

If you are unsure of your salvation, reach out to a Bible Believing and Teaching church, message me, find someone you know who saved. Do not delay. Remember, we do not know the day or hour, but the rapture will occur in the twinkling of an eye.

God and Government Authority

I heard an amazing sermon last week on God and Government Authority.

Pastor Nathan Cothen is the Pastor for Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX - just a short one hour drive from where I live. I listen to him most afternoons on my way home, local station 100.7 FM. He preaches God's word, and in unapologetic about it.  He is one of my favorite pastors to listen to these days.

Their Day in Court - Sermon Audio

If you are able, please listen to the sermon. Below are my notes that I took when I had a chance to re-listen. 

Their Day in Court

Acts 4:13-22

Trouble: Government says "No" and we say "Yes" to GOD

What are believers to do when the laws of the state are in conflict with the laws of God?

Acts 4:13-22 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Threat and Release

13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 

15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 

16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 

17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” 

18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 

20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 

21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 

22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Guilty - Peter and John

• healing a cripple (a miracle)
• speaking truth

Charges not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

Jesus to Pilate, night before crucifixion - "You would have no authority over me if it were not given to you from above."

Natural Revelation - everyone deep in their heart knows there is a God (Romans 1).

Nobody who thinks he is a god wants to hear about sin.

Verdict - The Sanhedrin wanted to kill Peter and John but too many were watching. So for the time, told them to shut up.

PROBLEM - Sanhedrin told them to stop preaching about Jesus, and Jesus told them to preach Jesus no matter what!

Romans 13:1-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Be Subject to Government

13 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 

2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 

5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 

7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

How do we deal with when God says one thing and man says another?

• Does God put in place irreligious governments? Yes. He uses even those who do not bow to Him, as agents of restraint and unregenerate men to keep some semblance of order in the world.

God & Government Authority

What ranks what place? Is the state above authority? No. GOD is!

3 Categories:

1.Agreement
        When everyone agrees.

        Even in non-Christian societies, have some general guidelines (Hindu, Communist, etc) they all say on "paper" - 

            - murder is wrong

            - rape is bad

            - lying is an offense (sworn in at court)

Remember - all truth is God's truth.

John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me."

On the BIG stuff, there is generally agreement, no problem, all on the same page.

2. Aggravation

        Not Morally or Biblically wrong, just irritate you.

            - IRS - take your money and do not ask you waht should be done with it.

                     - we may disagree with them and their policies - it is not immoral or Biblically wrong - so                         we all pay our taxes

            - Motor Cycle vs. Car

                    - in a motor cycle

                        no helmet

                        no doors

                        no seat belt

                    Perfectly Legal

                    - in a car - roughly 6,000 pounds can get a ticket for not wearing a seat-belt

3. Abomination

• God says one thing and government says another. 
• 2 sub types
• Gov. says "yes" & we (Christians) say "No"
• i.e. 1973 ROE v. Wade
• Prior to this God and Gov. said no to abortion.
• If there is any good news, when evil people are allowed to do evil things, and we says no, they cannot flog us, put us in jail, or kill us.

Where we run into trouble is when...

• Gov says "no" and we say "yes to God.
• God said to do it, not only did He say to do it, but we are under compulsion to do it.

What then?

3 answers

1. Obey God - Don't even need to pray it. When the two are in conflict, we are going to obey God.
2. Accept what comes (man up!) (don't organize an army)
1. Peter was in jail twice.
1. 1 time freed
2. 2nd time crucified

Why was it God's will to miraculously free him one time, an angel escorting him out of the city and next time he goes in, its God's will for him to be crucified?

What do both of these have in common?

Glorifying God

• Enhance the reputation of Jesus Christ
• and we as believers in Jesus Christ signed on the dotted line that we no longer live but die to ourselves and live for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Cothen -

"I don't mind dying for Christ, its the flogging. Dying for Christ is relatively easy, being in prison for heat speech, which is three (3) things away from happening in this country. Me being in prison, for hate crimes ir right around the corner. Hate speech . If you have any grit, you too."

Do what the original disciples did - we suffer.

    3. Watch

            Do you know what did Saul in? Holy Spirit was bringing a number of things against him. But, at the end of Chapter 7 of Acts, "stoning Stephen, to death, in total innocence, they laid their clothing at the feet of the man named Saul, who had told them to do it.

You know what breaks people inside? Watching innocent people suffer, unless you are a total mental case, it will break you watching innocent people suffer, because of your corruption. It is what turned the Roman Empires into the Christian world order. He'll do it again, but He has to have people ready to man up, and do what He says, which is obey Him and accept whatever comes and watch because what God chooses to do with it - that is His business.

Romans 8:28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When we follow "obey, accept, watch & know" we may be delivered on this side or in heaven. His will, will be accomplished and we will hear....

Matthew 25:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

And that is what it means to be a Christian.

The Battle Line Has Been Drawn

If you still watch/read the news, and are a believer waiting for the trumpet call....you know that the battle line has been drawn in the sand. My news feed contains the following stories these days:

Day Care Provider Who Hanged Toddler Sentenced
Is Israel Headed for Another War
81 Year Old Man Wearing MAGA Hat Assaulted
Dems Block Born Alive Bill to Provide Medical Care to Infants Who Survive Failed Abortions
Theybies: Some Parents Raising Their Babies Gender Neutral
Anti-Abortion Movie Gets R Rating: MPAA claims decision isn't politically motivated
Couple Sues Planned Parenthood for Child Support after Failed Abortion
Measles Outbreak

With these eight headlines we have the following:

• People killing children
• War
• Hatred/violence towards an individual for their political beliefs
• Healthcare being denied to babies who survive abortion
• Parent's denying God's ordained gender
• An Anti-abortion movie being rated R - a 15 y/o can get an abortion w/o consent of a parent but cannot watch a movie against abortion unless a parent watches with them
• A toddler's parents are suing for child support because the child survived an abortion, and now the parents want money to help raise the child they did not want.
• Measles - basically eliminated now it has made a comeback. 

And honestly, even more and more stories just as horrific have popped up in my feed since I started typing this post. Mother's throwing their children off balconies, drunk drivers plowing into a grocery cart with a toddler (who died from the injuries), infanticide, LGBTQ movement pushed, transgender drag queens reading to kids in libraries.

Friends, the hour is near. The time is approaching, soon the trumpet will sound. But until then, the world is going to get uglier, more depraved, and horrific. Nothing is "off-limits" anymore, except speaking out against the depravity of sin that is being paraded about in the news, the court houses, and dare I say the churches.

The past few weeks have been so disheartening to my faith and my heart. The stories above...the fact that humanity is so depraved is not new. There is nothing new under the sun. I think what is shocking to myself and so many others is how brazenly sin/debauchery/pure evil is being promoted, displayed, paraded, and applauded. The fact that people are openly and publicly mocking God, not even shaking their fist at Him...its so much more. It is as if people are living and doing all they can to deny Him, punish those who serve Him, and...I can't put it into words. But what they are doing....its bad friends, it is bad.

But not bad enough. Because if it were enough, the trumpet would have already sounded. Which means in the weeks and months (I can't dare to think it could go on for years) to come, our world is going to fall further into this pit of brokenness and lawlessness. As horrified as we are with the news stories these days...they will get worse.

Satan is in his heyday currently. He is unrestrained. There is no other answer simply put. He has touched everything. He is in our churches. Let that sink in! If you do not believe me lets consider the following two stories that have been in the news:

Pope Sex Abuse Summit

Purity Ring Vagina Sculpture

For years, bit by bit news stories have come out about priest abusing children within the Catholic church. But here recently, it came out that even nun's were being abused by priest. The Pope was silent for a good long while, but he did finally speak out. Many parishioners within the Catholic faith are still not happy with the new proposals to fix this issue, or the fact that it took so long for information to come out. Woe unto these priests, the day of accountability before the LORD is a day they need to fear.

This second story....I use the word "church" lightly because well, lets be honest, if this "lady" truly was leading a biblical church...well that is part of the problem. there are many groups claiming them and their groups are churches, that they are representing Jesus. Friends, be careful! This lady is not promoting the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ or His teachings. That sculpture is an idol. Have we forgotten the 10 commandments? Have we forgotten what happened to Israel in the wilderness when they made the golden calf? (And don't get me started on the awards show The Oscars!).

But I want to get to the "bottom" of these stories, and the rest. Satan is going after our children. That is the final battlefield my friends. He has us adults arguing about border walls, immigration, we are distracted by gay marriage, and bakers/accountants being sued for not wanting to violate their beliefs, we are distracted by outrageous property taxes, and the national debt. We are also distracted by our TV shows and our cell phones. And our children...they are being left alone. And so the world is teaching them, is giving them attention. Satan is going after our children, and not many of us are standing up against him. We are not praying hard enough.

You ask what proof do I have of this? Look at the stories I listed above.

Infanticide - if a mother chooses to abort her child, and the child survives, that baby has no protections. The mother and doctor can decide to kill it even though the first attempt failed.

A toddler was hung by his care provider. HUNG!

Parents are raising their children as gender neutral - letting the child decide what gender they want to identify as - totally disregarding God's design, plan, and intention. 

Parents are suing Planned Parenthood for child support because the abortion they received failed. Can you imagine what that poor child will one day experience? Hearing about the case, googling his family name and seeing that his parents did not want him? I can only imagine the life that the child is living currently. Speaking of Planned Parenthood, did you see this article:

Progressive Church Plans to Open a Brewery and Donate Proceeds to Planned Parenthood

Again, I use the word church lightly in this scenario. Because a church teaching the Jesus of the Bible would not be doing this.

If you need further proof that Satan is running amok and going after our children, let me introduce you to Annie Christ.

That is not a typo, this gentleman's name is Annie Christ. Does he think he is being cute with his play on words? This man, dresses as a woman, and apparently has put on some vulgar shows for other adults, but also reads stories to little children. And not secretly! The parents willingly allowed their children to participate. 

Drag Queen Story Hour

I watched a video recently suggesting the Transgender Movement is demonically based. Looking at these pictures.....I cannot find an argument against this assessment. What I also see is an individual doing all they can to denounce God.

Okay, so you are thinking, "Well, I would never allow my child to go to such an event, we attend a church that teaches God word, we are good. Satan can't get to my children." If your children are in public school, or if you live in Minnesota - wrong. 

Abraham Lincoln

16th President

“The philosophy of the school

room in one generation will be

the philosophy of the

government in the next.”

I recently attended a convention and heard a session on the LGBTQ Movement and how it is being pushed in public schools. Here are some of the notes:

Where Did this Battle Unfold?

•Nova Classical Academy, St. Paul Minnesota

• K-12 Charter school – high academic and spiritual standards

• Excellent partnership with parents

• Parents on school board

• Fall, 2015 New Kindergarten Student Enrolled

• Gender nonconforming student – liked girl things

• To prepare students, ALL were read the book, My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis

• About her son, Dyson who loved 

Response from Parents

•Pushed back

• Exposing children to these strange gender concepts

• School Board indicated book not approved for use

Results

• Parents, Dave and Hannah Edwards - accused school of failing to protect their child’s “choices”

• Lawyers for Edwards soon involved

• Next school board meeting

• Packed with LGBT advocacy group,

Transforming Families and Gender Justice

• Transgender kids talked about “bullying”

• Protesting parents called “bigots” 

Results

• February, 2016, father demanded gender inclusion policy

• School board delayed

• Edward’s boy pulled from school

• Discrimination complaint submitted to Department of Human Rights

• Result: June 2017, Edwards family won lawsuit

• Required ‘gender inclusion policy’ for school

**FYI, Dave Edwards represents and is a trainer for Welcoming Schools, a LGBT Human Rights Campaign group

Ask yourself, "Was this a test case?"

Outcome for ALL Minnesota Schools

• Implementation through Minnesota’s Department of Education Gender Toolkit for staff training

• Nondiscriminatory dialogue and activities

• Choose own name AND clothes

• He and she removed from classroom

• Called students and scholars

• No boys basketball, No boy scouts

• No girl scouts, No girls volleyball

• Staff training required for gender inclusion

• Families could not opt out of policy

What’s missing in all of this?

• Forces everyone else to change

**Your beliefs/rights and opinions as parents don’t count

**Your choice doesn’t matter

• Where’s the inclusiveness for opposing beliefs?

• 0.6% controlling 99.4%

Want to see what they are using in classrooms to appeal to our children?

Unicorns. Usually seen as an image/idea of purity and innocence, being corrupted by Satan to confuse our children. Folks, this hits home for me. For Valentine's I worked with my 6 year old to make a unicorn box. We had so much fun, even though we argued about flower placement. I even had a shirt made to match! Then the very next day I learned about the Gender Unicorn. I am not going to get rid of the box or the shirt. But, in our household we will stay away from unicorns. If this is going to be the accepted image of the gender issue, we are going to get away from it.

Not too long ago an article came out, that in California they are gong to start teaching children about the 15 genders there now are. Did you know there were 15 genders? My Bible says there are two:

Genesis 1:27 (NASB)

27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

California Wants to Teach Kindergartners There are 15 Genders

Folks...our children are under attack. No where is safe. We cannot live in fear, but we need to pray. We need to cover our children in prayer. We need to know who their friends are, who we are leaving them with (church/sports groups), what they are watching/listening to, we need to be involved. Put your cell phone downs, turn the TV off, and get praying! Jesus has warned us:

Matthew 18:6  (NASB)

6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

FUTURE: Ezekiel 38 & 39

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. My family had a great time. My children were over abundantly gifted - their recently purged rooms are a bit full again. The Christmas decorations have come down. Family has returned home. And looking forward is a new year. Celebrations, return work/school, very cold weather (possibly snow again!).

There is a degree of certainty and uncertainty in the year to come. We anticipate:

• my husband graduating from the police academy
• paying off as many bills as possible
• fixing our fence and electrical issues
• all of us getting a year old

The questions we have going into the year ahead:

• how far Brock will go in the department
• how our church will continue to grow beyond the walls of the building
• will our children accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior (pretty sure Abigail is close)
• will the LORD return this year

On November 29, 1947 the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 181, which formally established a Jewish nation in the land.  War broke out immediately between Jews and Palestinians, which culminated in the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. On this date, Israel was re-established as a nation.

Let us look at the parable of the Fig Tree: Matthew 24: 32-41

32 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; 33 so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

There is general agreement that the Parable of the Fig Tree that Jesus told His disciples in His Olivet Discourse was a prophecy of the rebirth of Israel because the fig tree represents national Israel in Scripture.

• 1 Kings 4:25
• Jeremiah 24:5 
• Hosea 9:10
• Matthew 21:18-20
• Mark 11:12-14
• Luke 3:7-9, 13:6-9 
• John 1:47-49  

The immediate context of the parable was the Time of Jacob's Trouble, also known as the Tribulation. In other words, the generation that sees Israel reborn and the fig tree "put out its leaves" is the same generation that will see the completion of the Tribulation and the return of Jesus Christ.

The fig tree withered during Jesus' first coming because the nation rejected their Messiah. The Jewish people put to death their own King:

• Matthew 27:37
• Mark 15:2
• John 19:19
• Acts 2:36

Verse 34 of Matthew 24 says this generation will not pass away. A biblical generation is 70 years, and we are coming upon that this coming May. If you have read my blog for some time, you know I believe we are in the very last seconds of the Church Age. I believe and yearn for the return of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Emmanuel - God with us. I have studied Revelation, and know that His return for His bride is glorious for her (the Church), but that it triggers a minimum of 7 years of wrath, judgement, and woe on those who have not accepted Him. And that makes me mourn. For only God, Yaweh, knows that hearts of man, and knows who will be raptured and who will remain. There is grace in the time of Seals, Trumpets, & Bowls, salvation can be had, but at a much heavier price than in all times before.

But recently I became aware of a prophecy that must take place first, before the Church hears the trumpet call and is united with her Groom. There will be a war. All nations will turn against Israel, all. The stage has been set with the Trump administration. He is challenging every nation that doesn't stand with Israel, calling them out. North Korea is unstable (the nation and its leader) and is war of words with our President, which everyone believes will spill over onto the world stage. 

I believe that those that stand with Israel will be wiped out, or so decimated that they will be unable to defend Israel, who will then be attacked. 

But, Israel will not be defeated in this attack. The leaders of that attack though, will suffer loss unlike any other. Ezekiel 38 & 39 outline this war, and the outcome. This scripture has not come to pass yet. The prophecy will happen I believe in the months to come. Please read it below, see what is to come, and prepare your hearts. Friends the Church will be on earth for this, but I believe after this war, sometime soon after, the trumpet will call, and the bride will see her Groom.

Ezekiel 38 (NASB)

Prophecy about Gog and Future Invasion of Israel
38 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. 4 I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords; 5 Persia, Ethiopia and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops—many peoples with you.

7 “Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. 8 After many days you will be summoned; in the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel which had been a continual waste; but its people were brought out from the nations, and they are living securely, all of them. 9 You will go up, you will come like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your troops, and many peoples with you.”

10 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It will come about on that day, that thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil plan, 11 and you will say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will go against those who are at rest, that live securely, all of them living without walls and having no bars or gates, 12 to capture spoil and to seize plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places which are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired cattle and goods, who live at the center of the world.’ 13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?’”’

14 “Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “On that day when My people Israel are living securely, will you not know it? 15 You will come from your place out of the remote parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great assembly and a mighty army; 16 and you will come up against My people Israel like a cloud to cover the land. It shall come about in the last days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I am sanctified through you before their eyes, O Gog.”

17 ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Are you the one of whom I spoke in former days through My servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days for many years that I would bring you against them? 18 It will come about on that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” declares the Lord God, “that My fury will mount up in My anger. 19 In My zeal and in My blazing wrath I declare that on that day there will surely be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 The fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all the creeping things that creep on the earth, and all the men who are on the face of the earth will shake at My presence; the mountains also will be thrown down, the steep pathways will collapse and every wall will fall to the ground. 21 I will call for a sword against him on all My mountains,” declares the Lord God. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. 22 With pestilence and with blood I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him and on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone. 23 I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the Lord.”’

Ezekiel 39 (NASB)

Prophecy against Gog—Invaders Destroyed
39 “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal; 2 and I will turn you around, drive you on, take you up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you against the mountains of Israel. 3 I will strike your bow from your left hand and dash down your arrows from your right hand. 4 You will fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you as food to every kind of predatory bird and beast of the field. 5 You will fall on the [d]open field; for it is I who have spoken,” declares the Lord God. 6 “And I will send fire upon Magog and those who inhabit the coastlands in safety; and they will know that I am the Lord.

7 “My holy name I will make known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let My holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. 8 Behold, it is coming and it shall be done,” declares the Lord God. “That is the day of which I have spoken.

9 “Then those who inhabit the cities of Israel will go out and make fires with the weapons and burn them, both shields and bucklers, bows and arrows, war clubs and spears, and for seven years they will make fires of them. 10 They will not take wood from the field or gather firewood from the forests, for they will make fires with the weapons; and they will take the spoil of those who despoiled them and seize the plunder of those who plundered them,” declares the Lord God.

11 “On that day I will give Gog a burial ground there in Israel, the valley of those who pass by east of the sea, and it will block off those who would pass by. So they will bury Gog there with all his horde, and they will call it the valley of Hamon-gog. 12 For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them in order to cleanse the land. 13 Even all the people of the land will bury them; and it will be to their renown on the day that I glorify Myself,” declares the Lord God. 14 “They will set apart men who will constantly pass through the land, burying those who were passing through, even those left on the surface of the ground, in order to cleanse it. At the end of seven months they will make a search. 15 As those who pass through the land pass through and anyone sees a man’s bone, then he will set up a marker by it until the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamon-gog. 16 And even the name of the city will be Hamonah. So they will cleanse the land.”’

17 “As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God, ‘Speak to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field, “Assemble and come, gather from every side to My sacrifice which I am going to sacrifice for you, as a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. 18 You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, as though they were rams, lambs, goats and bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan. 19 So you will eat fat until you are glutted, and drink blood until you are drunk, from My sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. 20 You will be glutted at My table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all the men of war,” declares the Lord God.

21 “And I will set My glory among the nations; and all the nations will see My judgment which I have executed and My hand which I have laid on them. 22 And the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God from that day onward. 23 The nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their iniquity because they acted treacherously against Me, and I hid My face from them; so I gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and all of them fell by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I dealt with them, and I hid My face from them.”’”

Israel Restored
25 Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name. 26 They will forget their disgrace and all their treachery which they perpetrated against Me, when they live securely on their own land with no one to make them afraid. 27 When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the lands of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified through them in the sight of the many nations. 28 Then they will know that I am the Lord their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them again to their own land; and I will leave none of them there any longer. 29 I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,” declares the Lord God.

Once last thing, if you have time, I recommend you read this book. 

Epicenter 2.0 by Joel Rosenberg

I found it a great book on what has happened in the middle east for the past decade and what is still to come. If you have followed me for some time, you know that I am a fan of Joel Rosenberg. Him and Anne Graham Lotz have a phenomenal series on the Book of Joel that you can find on YouTube (search harbingers).

God Bless & Happy New Year friends.