Matthew 24:3-8, NASB (Caps supplied for emphasis).
3As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the END OF THE AGE?"
4And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you.
5"For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.
6"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
7"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
8"But all these things are merely the BEGINNING OF BIRTH PANGS.
The age-old question for over two thousand years has been, "When will Jesus return and when will the world come to an end?" This question was asked by Jesus' own disciples as they sat upon the Mt. of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. Naturally, they would have liked to know when He was coming back, especially since He left some unfinished business such as the restoration of the nation of Israel to a independent theocracy, free of Roman rule, undone. In the prophetic timeline of Matthew 24, Jesus led them through a series of events which must take place before He returned. It should be noted that the return of Christ was contingent upon the end of an old age, and the beginning of a new age. No, this is not new age teaching, but 100% Biblical stuff here folks. Many Bibles translate the Greek word "aion" to mean "world", but the word actually means "age" (Strong #165). So the disciples were not asking Jesus about the end of the world, but about the end of the age they were living in.
What age were the disciples living in? When was it supposed to have ended, and what age was to supposed to have gotten started? When that new age ended, and was there supposed to be another age after that? To answer those questions, one must understand something about time charting based upon astrological/astronomical signs. Astronomy and astrology were a big part of Jewish culture. Signs in the sky were important factors in prophecy as omens of impending changes upon the world scene. In Genesis 1:14 it says that God gave us the celestial bodies in the heavens for signs. "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for SIGNS, and for seasons, and for days, and years." The knowledge therefore as to how these celestial bodies act as sign posts is definitely essential for understanding time, and God's timing for doing certain things upon the earth. Before I go any further, let me just clarify the major difference between astrology and astronomy, because I will be using some astrological time concepts. Astrology is the study of stars and celestial bodies, and the reading of omens, with the purpose of studying the effect of the stars on the social/economic/political conditions on earth. This also implies a worship of the stars and planets as rulers over mankind. Astronomy is the study of stars and celestial bodies without any implication of worship of those celestial bodies. The sages of old practiced a form of astrology where God was recognized as the ruler of the stars and celestial bodies, who used the stars and heavenly bodies to warn us as to WHEN certain prophecies were to be fulfilled. Hence we have the prophecy of Balaam about the star of Jacob, and the wise men from the east following a star to see the Christ child (Numbers 24:17, Matthew 2:2). We see in the book of Isaiah where God turned back the course of the sun for king Hezekiah, as a SIGN of sure victory over the king of Assyria (Isaiah 38:4-8). The Bible is replete with references to celestial bodies, as they are not up there for our entertaiment and worship, but as signs from God to us. We have Joseph dreaming about "the eleven stars" with himself being the twelfth star, which is probably an allusion to the twelve signs of the Zodiac or the planets, and the book of Job is filled with lots of references to constellations and stars (Genesis 37:6-10; Job 38:31-33). Even Jesus spoke about watching the signs of the sun and moon to know when His appearance is near.
Matthew 24:25-27 (caps supplied for emphasis)
25And there shall be SIGNS IN THE SUN, AND IN THE MOON, AND IN THE STARS; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
So how long is an age? According to astrologists, an age is approximately 2,160 years. Personally, I am not sure of the name of the age in which the disciples lived because even astrologers disagree among themselves as to when certain ages started and ended. We however need not be confused as the Bible has given us clear guidelines as to when the age to which the disciples were referring was to end. Jesus tells us very plainly in Matthew 24:7-8 that the new age will start when nations start rising against nations, with famines in various places and earthquakes.
7"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
8"But all these things are merely the BEGINNING OF BIRTH PANGS.
Have we not seen, since Christ left the earth even more calamities and wars between nations than ever before? Starting with the Great Jewish rebellion in AD 66, the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70 by the Romans, the Roman conquest of Western and Eastern Europe as well as North Africa, the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Colonialism and world wide slave trade, World War I and II, global wars against terrorism, and so on. What about the earthquakes and calamities we experienced quick succession in this year 2010? What about the shift of the earth on its axis after the Chilean earthquake this year? What about the global economic crisis and the shift to global finance and a world economy that is taking place? Expect more paragdigm shifts as we approach the end of the age in the political, social, economic, and religious realms as well as in nature.
Most astrologers agree that we are living in the age of Pisces. The Age of Pisces is set to end in the year 2150, but that is disputable as the Mayan calendar places the end of the our present age in 2012. So you see, this is all so confusing as even astrologers cannot agree among themselves, but one thing is certain. This age will end and a new age will be ushered in. Will it be an age of peace, brotherhood, and Christ consciousness? Or will it be a new age of clashing spiritual battles between religons? I think a little of both will be seen. With the spread of the gospel around the world, more people of various religious backgrounds will develop a sense of love for Christ, give their lives to Christ, and Christ consciousness will increase around the world. With that will also come rivalry from those who feel threatened by the rise of Christ consciousness, and the battle lines will be drawn over religion. This new age will be the one that will take us to the second coming of Christ! Are you ready for it?
ADDENDUM (10/8/11): I tend to go with the idea that the disciples lived in the age of Aries (the ram). Why do I believe that? Based upon Biblical markers, and Jesus' own words that His generation would live to see the end of the age, tells me that a new age started in the time of the disciples/apostles, with the destruction of the temple in 70 AD (Matthew 24:1,2,34). The new age which began, was the age of Pisces (the fish), and Aries was the preceding age to Pisces. I have other Biblical markers as well which seem to verify this, but I am open to other points of view.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
What I Have Been Up To
I know, it has been a month since I last posted anything to my blog. That is quite unusual, but I have been very busy on Facebook! You can follow me there, as I post almost daily there, and engage in lots of interesting conversations! In addition, I also left my last post up on purpose because of the remaining questions surrounding the oil spill going on in the Gulf Coast, and other man-made and natural castrophes going on around the world. I tell you, it is the time of the end, and the nearness of Christ's coming is at hand. We need to prepare our hearts and soul to receive Him when He comes. A lot of false theories are going to spring up about what is going on, and yet I see a softening of hearts during this latest oil spill. When this oil spill FIRST started, many people on Huffington Post mocked me for saying we should pray about it because, in my view, only God can help us to get out of this problem. I was mocked terribly, but I held my ground. Now, I am seeing greater acceptance by people on Huffington Post that prayer may be our only solution. Even self-called pagans are getting into the act! Please read this interesting article from Huffington Post and the responses of people. Here is another article from Huffington Post as well, about Gulf Spill Seeps Into Spiritual Life.
God has been good to us here in Florida. For weeks now we have been threatened by the oil, but praise God, not a drop of oil has touched our shores. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16)! Amen!
God has been good to us here in Florida. For weeks now we have been threatened by the oil, but praise God, not a drop of oil has touched our shores. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16)! Amen!
Friday, May 21, 2010
A New Earth
No, this is not a review of Eckhart Tolle’s (New Age spiritual teacher) popular book, but what I am doing is trying to make sense and put into perspective the rapid succession of natural disasters that have plagued Earth since the beginning of this year. Who can forget the large earthquake in Haiti, which was followed afterwards by earthquakes in Chile, Turkey, Indonesia, and other countries around the world, all within the first six months of this year? What about the volcanic eruption in Iceland, which is still a threat to Europe, and which has caused the shutting down of airports and air travel within and to and from Europe? How about this latest oil ‘spill’ where man has tapped into an underwater resource of oil, which has gushed out of control? I tell you, none of these events are just happening by coincidence. In my mind, they are all a part of a larger picture – a new Earth.
In several places in the Bible, many references are made to a new Earth coming. We read in Isaiah 66:17, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Again, we read in Revelation 21:1, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” In order for God to create this new earth, the present earth must pass away – it must be done away it! Contrary to popular belief, God is not coming to take us to heaven for us to live there; rather, He is going to re-create this planet Earth we live on, for us to live here. Read what it says in Isaiah 66:22-23.
“For as the new heavens and the new earth which I shall make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that form one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the LORD.”
People will be actually living on this new earth, and living productive lives. It will not be a metaphysical environment where we will live as disembodied spirits floating around on clouds – all flesh, meaning people with bodies, will worship God in this new Earth (Isaiah 66:23). It will not even be a place where only those who are recipients of eternal life and salvation will live; rather, it will be place where all people – saved and sinners -will live out their lives under a new era and system of things. Isaiah gives us a glimpse of what life will be like in the new Earth.
“And they shall build houses, and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat (Isaiah 66:21-22a).”
The lifespan of man will be increased. The sinners will be live to be 100 years old, and the lifespan of the saved will be as “trees,” meaning, several hundred years old, perhaps I believe to 1,000 years (vss. 20, 22). Already we have seen that the lifespan of man has increased to 100 years, up from 70 years. I did a post about the lifespan of man here to document this change. It should be noted that the increase in life span is NOT due to better health care or modern medicine, for it is IMPOSSIBLE for one to increase one’s lifespan. The lifespan of man is a pre-determined limit of how long man is supposed to live, under FAVORABLE conditions. This is different from life expectancy, which takes into account variables such as health status, hygiene, sanitary practices, lifestyle choices, and the availability of health care, and hence can be less than the life span IF those variables are unfavorable.
I know we have been taught that when Jesus comes back we will live forever, and the sinners will suffer eternally in hell, and the saved will live forever in heaven. What I am describing in this article is not eternity, but a transitional stage, before eternity. The earth must go through this transitional stage before eternity, and like all transitions, it can be painful. The Earth is right now undergoing ‘growing pains’. Paul, the writer of the book of Romans, compares the Earth’s transitional status with the labour pains a woman experiences while giving birth. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8;22). Jesus uses the same metaphor of pain and sorrow in describing this age we are living in. He says, “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8; John 16:21). Jeremiah writes that the Earth shall “mourn” in these last days.
“For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end. For this shall the earth MOURN, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it (Jeremiah 4:27-28, capitalized italics supplied).
Earth is under construction my friends. God is constructing and re-creating a new Earth right before our very eyes. As in construction, things have to be broken down, and torn apart to make room for the new; and so this world is being broken down, and torn apart to make room for the new Earth. The old things are passing away, so that we can experience the new (Revelation 21:4-5).
So, are you ready for the new Earth? A new era in time – a new age if you will? Where will you be in this new earth? Will you be one of the saved who lives in peace and harmony with your Creator in this new Earth? Or will you be among the unsaved who will live a shortened, accursed life in the new Earth (Isaiah 65:20)? To live successfully in this new Earth, change and transition must also start within you. You will need a new heart, or as Tolle puts it, a new level of consciousness, to enjoy the utopia of the new Earth. In any case, that new level of consciousness or new heart cannot be achieved by our own efforts. It must come from God. He wants to change our old stony hearts (the selfish, hard-hearted, egotistical self) and give us a new heart, or a new level of consciousness, that will be in harmony and at peace with Him, and the planet; because there is no way we can enjoy the new Earth, if we take with us our former ways of thinking and attitudes into it. It would just be more of the same heartache, anguish, despair, and distress, we are experiencing now in this dispensation, but only in a different setting. For utopia to be utopia, we have to learn how to relate to each other, and our planet, in a positive and loving way. God is willing to give us this new heart if we so desire to have it. Below, I have taken the liberty to amplify Ezekiel 36:26-28 to make it relevant to our modern way of thinking, as these verses speak very much to the necessity of us having a new heart, or new level of consciousness for a better world.
“A new heart [level of consciousness] also will I give you, and a new spirit [attitude] will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart [ego/selfishness/hard-heartedness] out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh [new level of consciousness]. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave your fathers [the new Earth]; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God” (Words in square brackets supplied).
So we see, a change of heart and attitude is essential for us to enjoy life in the new Earth, for it will be a time of great peace upon the Earth. Finally, the Earth will be at peace.
“They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like a bullock; and the dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 65:22-25).
In several places in the Bible, many references are made to a new Earth coming. We read in Isaiah 66:17, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Again, we read in Revelation 21:1, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” In order for God to create this new earth, the present earth must pass away – it must be done away it! Contrary to popular belief, God is not coming to take us to heaven for us to live there; rather, He is going to re-create this planet Earth we live on, for us to live here. Read what it says in Isaiah 66:22-23.
“For as the new heavens and the new earth which I shall make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that form one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me saith the LORD.”
People will be actually living on this new earth, and living productive lives. It will not be a metaphysical environment where we will live as disembodied spirits floating around on clouds – all flesh, meaning people with bodies, will worship God in this new Earth (Isaiah 66:23). It will not even be a place where only those who are recipients of eternal life and salvation will live; rather, it will be place where all people – saved and sinners -will live out their lives under a new era and system of things. Isaiah gives us a glimpse of what life will be like in the new Earth.
“And they shall build houses, and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat (Isaiah 66:21-22a).”
The lifespan of man will be increased. The sinners will be live to be 100 years old, and the lifespan of the saved will be as “trees,” meaning, several hundred years old, perhaps I believe to 1,000 years (vss. 20, 22). Already we have seen that the lifespan of man has increased to 100 years, up from 70 years. I did a post about the lifespan of man here to document this change. It should be noted that the increase in life span is NOT due to better health care or modern medicine, for it is IMPOSSIBLE for one to increase one’s lifespan. The lifespan of man is a pre-determined limit of how long man is supposed to live, under FAVORABLE conditions. This is different from life expectancy, which takes into account variables such as health status, hygiene, sanitary practices, lifestyle choices, and the availability of health care, and hence can be less than the life span IF those variables are unfavorable.
I know we have been taught that when Jesus comes back we will live forever, and the sinners will suffer eternally in hell, and the saved will live forever in heaven. What I am describing in this article is not eternity, but a transitional stage, before eternity. The earth must go through this transitional stage before eternity, and like all transitions, it can be painful. The Earth is right now undergoing ‘growing pains’. Paul, the writer of the book of Romans, compares the Earth’s transitional status with the labour pains a woman experiences while giving birth. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8;22). Jesus uses the same metaphor of pain and sorrow in describing this age we are living in. He says, “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8; John 16:21). Jeremiah writes that the Earth shall “mourn” in these last days.
“For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end. For this shall the earth MOURN, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it (Jeremiah 4:27-28, capitalized italics supplied).
Earth is under construction my friends. God is constructing and re-creating a new Earth right before our very eyes. As in construction, things have to be broken down, and torn apart to make room for the new; and so this world is being broken down, and torn apart to make room for the new Earth. The old things are passing away, so that we can experience the new (Revelation 21:4-5).
So, are you ready for the new Earth? A new era in time – a new age if you will? Where will you be in this new earth? Will you be one of the saved who lives in peace and harmony with your Creator in this new Earth? Or will you be among the unsaved who will live a shortened, accursed life in the new Earth (Isaiah 65:20)? To live successfully in this new Earth, change and transition must also start within you. You will need a new heart, or as Tolle puts it, a new level of consciousness, to enjoy the utopia of the new Earth. In any case, that new level of consciousness or new heart cannot be achieved by our own efforts. It must come from God. He wants to change our old stony hearts (the selfish, hard-hearted, egotistical self) and give us a new heart, or a new level of consciousness, that will be in harmony and at peace with Him, and the planet; because there is no way we can enjoy the new Earth, if we take with us our former ways of thinking and attitudes into it. It would just be more of the same heartache, anguish, despair, and distress, we are experiencing now in this dispensation, but only in a different setting. For utopia to be utopia, we have to learn how to relate to each other, and our planet, in a positive and loving way. God is willing to give us this new heart if we so desire to have it. Below, I have taken the liberty to amplify Ezekiel 36:26-28 to make it relevant to our modern way of thinking, as these verses speak very much to the necessity of us having a new heart, or new level of consciousness for a better world.
“A new heart [level of consciousness] also will I give you, and a new spirit [attitude] will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart [ego/selfishness/hard-heartedness] out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh [new level of consciousness]. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave your fathers [the new Earth]; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God” (Words in square brackets supplied).
So we see, a change of heart and attitude is essential for us to enjoy life in the new Earth, for it will be a time of great peace upon the Earth. Finally, the Earth will be at peace.
“They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like a bullock; and the dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 65:22-25).
Thursday, May 6, 2010
More Earthquakes!
Indonesia hit by an earthquake on Wednesday, May 5 2010 for the second time this year. Please see this blog post I did on March 6, for a running list of earthquakes for this year. I am trying to keep up. Not easy!
ADDENDUM: Okay, I have now given up on keeping a current list of natural disasters and earthquakes. Too many to list, and happening too fast! But at least we all have an idea of the times we are living in. Keep safe, and be blessed.
ADDENDUM: Okay, I have now given up on keeping a current list of natural disasters and earthquakes. Too many to list, and happening too fast! But at least we all have an idea of the times we are living in. Keep safe, and be blessed.
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Nature of Christ
Last night on Facebook, a facebook friend shared information pertaining to his views on the nature of Christ before the incarnation. He was espousing that Christ was 'begotten' by God prior to creation, and that in Proverbs 8, Wisdom is none other than the person of Jesus Christ. Here are the verses from Proverbs 8 that he used to justify Christ being begotten by God before creation, and that Wisdom is here referring to Christ.
Proverbs 8:22-36:
22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Below is my response:
Now let me share with you what God has revealed to me about this matter. Now I do not claim to have ALL the answers, because that of itself is impossibility, but I do hope you would at least give some thought to what I am presenting, as I have given to what you presented.
Wisdom as represented in the book of Proverbs is referred to in the female gender (Proverbs 3:13-18; Proverbs 8:1-3; Proverbs 9:1-3; and so on). Wisdom is also represented as being with God from the beginning, and as being “brought forth” from God (Proverbs 8:22-24). Wisdom is therefore a feminine attribute of God, and something which comes from only Him.
God is the embodiment of Wisdom. He is the “only wise God” (Jude 25). All these attributes of God are also to be found in Jesus, who being the Son of God, is also God (John 1:1). Therefore Jesus is correctly described as “the wisdom of God”, because ALL the attributes of God, such as wisdom, are contained in Him (1 Corinthians 1:24; Hebrews 1:2-3; Philliipians 2:7). “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
God has revealed to us that He is one God with a triune nature – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7). In the beginning, God said “let US make man in our image; after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). We have one God who exists as three different entities. Jesus says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).
Now here is what is revealed concerning the mystery of Christ. It is a little understood concept, but very important. It might be a little hard to grasp, and one will not get it by casual reading of the scriptures, but the author of the book of Hebrews made a very important point. Hebrews 2:5-9:
5For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?
7Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
In verses 6 and 7 the author of Hebrews quoted Psalm 8:4-6 and applied that scripture as a prophecy about Christ. Did you notice that he referenced “son of man” in verse 6 of Hebrews 2 as being the same person as Jesus in verse 9 of Hebrews 2? Now this might seem a strange way to interpret Psalm 8, but for the first century Jews, this was not strange at all. In my study of Bible history, I have found that among the first century Jews, there was a sect called the Essenes. The Essenes believed in a coming Messiah who would be a Teacher of righteousness Essenes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Many of these Essenes were very accepting of Jesus as the Messiah, and many followed Him in His ministry. In the most famous Essenic document/scripture, the Book of Enoch, which by the way pre-dates the incarnation, that Messiah was called the Son of Man. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man#In_the_Apocrypha_and_Pseudepigrapha
Therefore, it makes perfect sense that Jesus, who was known as the Son of Man before His incarnation, by the first Century Essenic Jews, should be the Creator of man. We, mankind, were therefore created after, or patterned after the likeness of the Son of Man.
That’s all I have to say right now about the nature of Christ. There is more but this is basically the key element. The nature of Christ after the incarnation is another subject matter as well, and sometimes people confuse the nature of Christ before the incarnation with the nature of Christ after the incarnation. That’s for another time. Keep on searching the scriptures, for in them is life, and they testify of Christ (John 5:39). Blessings!
Proverbs 8:22-36:
22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Below is my response:
Now let me share with you what God has revealed to me about this matter. Now I do not claim to have ALL the answers, because that of itself is impossibility, but I do hope you would at least give some thought to what I am presenting, as I have given to what you presented.
Wisdom as represented in the book of Proverbs is referred to in the female gender (Proverbs 3:13-18; Proverbs 8:1-3; Proverbs 9:1-3; and so on). Wisdom is also represented as being with God from the beginning, and as being “brought forth” from God (Proverbs 8:22-24). Wisdom is therefore a feminine attribute of God, and something which comes from only Him.
God is the embodiment of Wisdom. He is the “only wise God” (Jude 25). All these attributes of God are also to be found in Jesus, who being the Son of God, is also God (John 1:1). Therefore Jesus is correctly described as “the wisdom of God”, because ALL the attributes of God, such as wisdom, are contained in Him (1 Corinthians 1:24; Hebrews 1:2-3; Philliipians 2:7). “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
God has revealed to us that He is one God with a triune nature – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7). In the beginning, God said “let US make man in our image; after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). We have one God who exists as three different entities. Jesus says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).
Now here is what is revealed concerning the mystery of Christ. It is a little understood concept, but very important. It might be a little hard to grasp, and one will not get it by casual reading of the scriptures, but the author of the book of Hebrews made a very important point. Hebrews 2:5-9:
5For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?
7Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
In verses 6 and 7 the author of Hebrews quoted Psalm 8:4-6 and applied that scripture as a prophecy about Christ. Did you notice that he referenced “son of man” in verse 6 of Hebrews 2 as being the same person as Jesus in verse 9 of Hebrews 2? Now this might seem a strange way to interpret Psalm 8, but for the first century Jews, this was not strange at all. In my study of Bible history, I have found that among the first century Jews, there was a sect called the Essenes. The Essenes believed in a coming Messiah who would be a Teacher of righteousness Essenes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Many of these Essenes were very accepting of Jesus as the Messiah, and many followed Him in His ministry. In the most famous Essenic document/scripture, the Book of Enoch, which by the way pre-dates the incarnation, that Messiah was called the Son of Man. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man#In_the_Apocrypha_and_Pseudepigrapha
Therefore, it makes perfect sense that Jesus, who was known as the Son of Man before His incarnation, by the first Century Essenic Jews, should be the Creator of man. We, mankind, were therefore created after, or patterned after the likeness of the Son of Man.
That’s all I have to say right now about the nature of Christ. There is more but this is basically the key element. The nature of Christ after the incarnation is another subject matter as well, and sometimes people confuse the nature of Christ before the incarnation with the nature of Christ after the incarnation. That’s for another time. Keep on searching the scriptures, for in them is life, and they testify of Christ (John 5:39). Blessings!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Catholic Sex Abuse Scandal - Part III
And here is Part III, and I hope, the final part of this VERY interesting discussion.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Catholic Sex Scandals - Another Prophecy Comes True
In light of the never-ending and escalating sex scandals plaguing the Roman Catholic Church, I would like to highlight a post a did last year, on October 24, entitled Controlling Sexual Desire. In the comment box of that post, I predicted that the Catholic views on sexuality would lead to an INCREASE, not a decrease in sexual perversity. Here is what I wrote in that comment box on November 1, 2009 to a Catholic commentator on my blog.
"Here is the consequence of your Catholic model. People would become so sexually repressed that they would start acting out in perverse ways. It would lead to an increase in sexual perversity and not a decrease, as people try to find an outlet for their sexual desires. I could give examples of men or women incarcerated in prisons....."( November 1, 2009: Controlling Sexual Desires, October 24, 2009)
How remarkable that I was able to predict an increase in sexual perversion several months before the scandals broke. I pray that people who are following Catholic sexuality will take a hard and serious look at those teachings, and see whether such teachings are in accordance with scripture or not. I am not against Catholics but what I am against is how they try to push their version of sexuality on the masses, without respecting the fact that there are those of us who hold to a more Biblical view of sexuality, which differs from the Catholic view.
ADDENDUM: An interesting conversation is going on here on this blog with me and some Catholic women about the sexual abuse scandal. For part I see here.
"Here is the consequence of your Catholic model. People would become so sexually repressed that they would start acting out in perverse ways. It would lead to an increase in sexual perversity and not a decrease, as people try to find an outlet for their sexual desires. I could give examples of men or women incarcerated in prisons....."( November 1, 2009: Controlling Sexual Desires, October 24, 2009)
How remarkable that I was able to predict an increase in sexual perversion several months before the scandals broke. I pray that people who are following Catholic sexuality will take a hard and serious look at those teachings, and see whether such teachings are in accordance with scripture or not. I am not against Catholics but what I am against is how they try to push their version of sexuality on the masses, without respecting the fact that there are those of us who hold to a more Biblical view of sexuality, which differs from the Catholic view.
ADDENDUM: An interesting conversation is going on here on this blog with me and some Catholic women about the sexual abuse scandal. For part I see here.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Re-inventing my Body
I am a person who believes in keeping my body healthy and strong. I exercise a lot and I have a job where I am quite physical; however, I hate taking pictures of myself, because I am not pleased with the way my body looks. For someone who exercises as much as I do, it is sure hard to shake the fat, especially truncal fat. I know it has something to do with age and hormones, because since my unfortunate experience with run away female hormones (my body making too much estrogen), I've had trouble keeping my weight in check.
As of this week, I will be launching an all out battle to finally combat this weight issue. Yes, I have nicely toned legs and arms, and a great upright posture, but there is just too much weight sitting in my mid section. Yes, I am thankful that things could have been worse, because there is a familial tendency to be overweight, and I am doing a good job of keeping overt obesity at bay, but I think I can do better. I am now a size 14, which is down from my original size 16 two years ago. I can even fit in size 12 at times, depending on the cut of the outfit. My goal is to get to that perfect 10! That is only two dress sizes down! I think I can do this. I just need the discipline to stay the course, and God's help of course. Without Him, I can do nothing! Please pray for me as I embark on this journey.
As of this week, I will be launching an all out battle to finally combat this weight issue. Yes, I have nicely toned legs and arms, and a great upright posture, but there is just too much weight sitting in my mid section. Yes, I am thankful that things could have been worse, because there is a familial tendency to be overweight, and I am doing a good job of keeping overt obesity at bay, but I think I can do better. I am now a size 14, which is down from my original size 16 two years ago. I can even fit in size 12 at times, depending on the cut of the outfit. My goal is to get to that perfect 10! That is only two dress sizes down! I think I can do this. I just need the discipline to stay the course, and God's help of course. Without Him, I can do nothing! Please pray for me as I embark on this journey.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Truth About 2012/Mayan Calendar
Well, putting all the hype aside, let me say that this is still a work of fiction, because this is not the way the world is going to end, per the Bible. The most important thing about this movie is that it highlights the Mayan calendar which in truth predicts two things.
- The year 2012 marks the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar, which will end on December 21, 2012 during the winter solstice, or alternately December 23(Wikipedia), and
- "On the winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years. This means that "whatever energy typically streams to Earth from the center of the Milky Way will indeed be disrupted on 12/21/12 at 11:11 p.m. Universal Time," Joseph writes."(USA Today)
And there shall be signs in the SUN, and in the MOON, and in the STARS; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; THE SEA AND THE WAVES ROARING; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the POWERS OF HEAVEN SHALL BE SHAKEN. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. AND WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
The signs and occurrences in the celestial heavens are therefore signs to us of God's impending return, and the end of the world. Now, we have been hearing that the end of the world is near for over two thousand years now, and some people have even began to even doubt if that will ever happen. People have even begun to scoff at the idea that the world as we know it will end, and that God will usher in a new era and world system. God sends these signs therefore to REMIND us that the end is approaching, and that we should keep on being vigilant, and not fall asleep or get caught up in disbelief and complacency.
The year 2010 started with "earthquakes in divers places" such as Haiti, Chile, Indonesia, Turkey, and so on. We even had volcanic eruption in Iceland. Please see this post for a running record of natural earthquakes for 2010 so far. Expect more natural phenomena from the celestial heavens people! As Christ's return draws closer and closer, we can surely expect more and more of these cataclysmic and apocalytic events happening. God's kindgom is at hand. WE WERE WARNED!
And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand (Luke 21:29-31).
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Celebrations
At this time of year many Christians are conflicted as to whether they should celebrate Easter or not, as the holiday itself has some pagan roots, and many churches have opted to rename Easter Sunday to Resurrection Sunday. Let me level with you. It is not a sin to celebrate the season of Easter.
Easter, is a spring festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. In many cultures, this is observed by various spring festivals. About two weeks ago I attended a Japenese spring festival, and last week I welcomed spring by enjoying Brazilian samba percussion on the beach, under the moonlit spring sky. There is absolutely nothing wrong or pagan about celebrating spring. God is the one who created the seasons, and if we choose to give honor to Him for the seasons, then He is even more glorified as Creator.
Every year, the Jews celebrate a spring festival called Passover. Passover celebrations are not just about eating a passover seder of lamb, unleavened bread, and wine. Historically speaking, under the temple era, Jews were required to bring in a wave sheaf offering of the firstfruits (of early spring crops) before the Lord on the first Sunday following Passover.
Leviticus 23:9-11(emphasis in caps supplied):
9And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
10Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the MORROW AFTER THE SABBATH the priest shall wave it.
It was a time for the Jews to give thanks to God for providing food in the spring, after the winter.
Because as Christians we believe that Christ had become the passover lamb, we no longer celebrate the Jewish passover. We have replaced Jewish passover celebrations with Good Friday, as a day to remember Christ's suffering on the cross as our passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Easter Sunday celebrations, or Resurrection Sunday, as it is now popularly called, have replaced the wave sheaf first fruit offering. The resurrection of Christ from the dead has fulfilled the requirement of the wave sheaf offering of firstfruits. We read, "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20).
So Good Friday/Easter celebrations have become the new Christian spring festival, and yes, we are not required to keep them yearly, but those who do are only excercising their God-given right to worship God, according to the dictates of their conscience. I join with Christians worldwide in celebration of our risen Lord during this spring season, which is a time of God's renewal of the earth from the darkness and death of winter. Our Lord Jesus' life was renewed/resurrected in the spring too.
So today, instead of attending a sunrise service, I will be celebrating spring by going horseback riding through some nature trails, to enjoy the beauty of God's re-creation and re-newing of the earth this resurrection Sunday, and spring.
Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Sunday! Happy Spring!
P.S Okay, so Easter has a name derived from paganism. Well, so does our days of the week and months of the year. It is not the name we celebrate, but the season, and the God who created this season.
Easter, is a spring festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. In many cultures, this is observed by various spring festivals. About two weeks ago I attended a Japenese spring festival, and last week I welcomed spring by enjoying Brazilian samba percussion on the beach, under the moonlit spring sky. There is absolutely nothing wrong or pagan about celebrating spring. God is the one who created the seasons, and if we choose to give honor to Him for the seasons, then He is even more glorified as Creator.
Every year, the Jews celebrate a spring festival called Passover. Passover celebrations are not just about eating a passover seder of lamb, unleavened bread, and wine. Historically speaking, under the temple era, Jews were required to bring in a wave sheaf offering of the firstfruits (of early spring crops) before the Lord on the first Sunday following Passover.
Leviticus 23:9-11(emphasis in caps supplied):
9And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
10Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the MORROW AFTER THE SABBATH the priest shall wave it.
It was a time for the Jews to give thanks to God for providing food in the spring, after the winter.
Because as Christians we believe that Christ had become the passover lamb, we no longer celebrate the Jewish passover. We have replaced Jewish passover celebrations with Good Friday, as a day to remember Christ's suffering on the cross as our passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Easter Sunday celebrations, or Resurrection Sunday, as it is now popularly called, have replaced the wave sheaf first fruit offering. The resurrection of Christ from the dead has fulfilled the requirement of the wave sheaf offering of firstfruits. We read, "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20).
So Good Friday/Easter celebrations have become the new Christian spring festival, and yes, we are not required to keep them yearly, but those who do are only excercising their God-given right to worship God, according to the dictates of their conscience. I join with Christians worldwide in celebration of our risen Lord during this spring season, which is a time of God's renewal of the earth from the darkness and death of winter. Our Lord Jesus' life was renewed/resurrected in the spring too.
So today, instead of attending a sunrise service, I will be celebrating spring by going horseback riding through some nature trails, to enjoy the beauty of God's re-creation and re-newing of the earth this resurrection Sunday, and spring.
Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Sunday! Happy Spring!
P.S Okay, so Easter has a name derived from paganism. Well, so does our days of the week and months of the year. It is not the name we celebrate, but the season, and the God who created this season.
The Passion of the Christ Day Eight: Sunday
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!!!
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
~Mark 16:1-6
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Passion of the Christ Day Seven: Saturday
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
"Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first."
Pilate said unto them, "Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can."
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
~Revelation 14:13
...And rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
~Luke 23:56
Now ... the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying,
"Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first."Pilate said unto them, "Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can."
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
~Matthew 27:62-66
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Passion of the Christ Day Six: Friday
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
~Isaiah 53:7-8
And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
~Matthew 27:35
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is to say, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, "This man calleth for Elias."
And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, :Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him."
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.
Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God."
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
~Matthew 27:45-51, 54-61
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Passion of the Christ Day Six: Thursday Night
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, "With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!"
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
~Luke 22:14-23
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
~John 13:2-5
And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, "Sit ye here, while I shall pray."
~Mark 14:32
Saying, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
~Luke 22: 20-23
The Passion of the Christ Day Five: Thursday
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
And [before] the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, "Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?"
And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, "Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him."
"And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us."
And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
~Mark 14:12-16, amplification supplied for clarity
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Passion of the Christ Day Four: Wednesday
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.
~Mark 14:3*
~Mark 14:3*
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
~John 12:3*
~John 12:3*
"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
~Matthew 26:14-16*
*References taken from the NKJV Bible.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Passion of the Christ Day Three: Tuesday
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, "Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away."
And Jesus answering saith unto them:
"Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."
~Mark 11:20-23
~Mark 11:20-23
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Passion of the Christ Day Two: Monday
Rev. Hillary Dawes, PhD, SC-C
Mark 11:13-18, KJV
Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
And as he taught them, he said,
"Is it not written: 'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations?' But you have made it a den of robbers."
The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Passion of the Christ Day One: Sunday
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"
~Matthew 21:8-9, NIV
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said,
"If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."
~Luke 19:39-44, NIV
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Sabbath before Passion Week
Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, also known as Passion week, in the Christian calendar. I will attempt to put up a series of posts in the coming week to highlight each day's event in the life of Christ up to the crucifixion and beyond to the resurrection. To me however, it all began today, on the Sabbath before Passion Week. The Bible says that six days before Passover, Jesus arrived in Bethany, which was the town of Mary and Martha, to visit Lazarus (John 11:1; 12:1).
How significant that Jesus should visit the home of one who was dead, and was now resurrected, on the Sabbath, before His own death and resurrection.
Today, at church, we will be celebrating Jesus' death and ministry with a foot washing and communion service. I can't wait!
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead (John 12:1).
How significant that Jesus should visit the home of one who was dead, and was now resurrected, on the Sabbath, before His own death and resurrection.
Today, at church, we will be celebrating Jesus' death and ministry with a foot washing and communion service. I can't wait!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Another Prophecy Comes True
Last year, in a blog post about pregnancy and health care reform, I predicted that health care reform will come to pass. Now it has! On Sunday, March 21 2010, health care reform leglisation was passed.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Welcome Spring!
Today, March 20 is the first day of Spring. Welcome Spring! From here on out, the daylight hours will get longer and longer until the Summer Solstice in June. Great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy life! Below is a great article about this special season.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2010/0320/Old-tradition-for-Spring-equinox-2010-burning-socks
http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2010/0320/Old-tradition-for-Spring-equinox-2010-burning-socks
I Will Be On the Radio
Please join with me and lend your support on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 1:30 pm EST, as I will be on the radio for a FIVE-MINUTE interview about my book Surviving a Global Economic Crisis: A Biblical Perspective. Please do not miss this, as the interview will only be for FIVE MINUTES! This represents a great opportunity given to me by the Lord to inform others on how they can survive financially and spiritually during tough economic times, using the principles of God's kingdom. Please click on the link for the website of the radio station http://www.wavs1170.com/aboutUs.html to hear me online.
God's blessings to all!
God's blessings to all!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sex Scandals Galore
It seems like we are faced with a deluge of sex scandals this year. What with the John Edwards affair to Tiger Woods, and now the Vatican. I think that is one of the main reasons why God commissioned me to start writing about sacred sexuality last year, in preparation of the sex scandals to come. The main reason I think why people are having so many sexual struggles is because sex is highly misunderstood within our culture, and is treated with disdain and suspicion within certain mainline churches. It seems like the mantra of many churches is that sex is a necessary evil which we have to put up with for the sake of keeping the planet populated, and that the greatest level of spirituality can only be reached if one is single/celibate. What nonsense! It is attitudes like this keeps us from enjoying and benefitting from sex, as it was meant to be by God - a physical expression of God's love that creates a physical and spiritual union between a man and a woman.
See also a blog post I wrote on October 28, 2009 condemning celibacy as unnatural and unbiblical.
See also a blog post I wrote on October 28, 2009 condemning celibacy as unnatural and unbiblical.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Chilean Earthquake Shifts Earth's Axis
On January 9, 2010 I posted a blog article predicting an increase in earthquakes, and climate changes which will be caused by God, not man. You can read the post Unseasonably Cold Weather a Portent for Climate Change? for more details. This post was written just 4 days before the Haitian earthquake, and before the recent earthquake in Chile.
According to this article, the Chilean earthquake may have shortened the length of days on earth! It has also been reported that because of the Chilean earthquake, the figure axis of the earth has shifted. You can read the full article here.
As you know, the earth's climate does depend upon the rotation of the earth upon its axis. Any change in the axis or the rotation of the earth WILL AFFECT OUR CLIMATE. As I have said before, there is nothing man can do to change climate. Yes, we can affect the environment and local conditions to a limited extent, but we cannot change climate. CLIMATE IS ALL UNDER GOD'S CONTROL.
According to this article, the Chilean earthquake may have shortened the length of days on earth! It has also been reported that because of the Chilean earthquake, the figure axis of the earth has shifted. You can read the full article here.
As you know, the earth's climate does depend upon the rotation of the earth upon its axis. Any change in the axis or the rotation of the earth WILL AFFECT OUR CLIMATE. As I have said before, there is nothing man can do to change climate. Yes, we can affect the environment and local conditions to a limited extent, but we cannot change climate. CLIMATE IS ALL UNDER GOD'S CONTROL.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Groundhog Day
Can hibernating creatures be used to predict the end of winter? Absolutely! Hibernating creatures such as the groundhog sleep throughout winter, and do not wake up until winter is over. Somehow they have an internal body clock that allows them to sleep all winter long, and wake up in spring. The groundhog is no exception to this, and is one of the hibernating animals used to predict when winter will end.
In the U.S, groundhog day is celebrated on February 2, which is a little over six weeks before the astronomical beginning of spring. Astronomically, spring occurs on the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21. February 2, which is groundhog day, therefore falls approximately six weeks before the vernal equinox. So, if you wake up a groundhog on February 2, there is going to be six more weeks of winter, whether he sees his shadow or not. Here is where it gets tricky. The arrival of spring, using groundhogs is based upon using local weather patterns to predict the arrival of early spring or late winter. For example, even though spring oficially starts with the vernal equinox, local weather patterns can 'shorten' or 'prolong' winter. We can have an unseasonably cold spring, and thus 'prolong' winter, or an unseasonably warm winter, and thus 'shorten' winter. If the groundhog is awakened on a day when it is cloudy, it will not go back to sleep, because cloudy weather indicates the arrival of spring weatherwise. If however he is awakened on a sunny day and sees his shadow, he will go back to sleep, because cold, sunny days are indicative of winter. Here is a great article by wikipedia about Groundhog day traditions.
It is amazing how God in His wisdom has given to us all of nature for our enlightenment. If we make it our business to really study nature, and the laws that govern it, then we will see God's hand working in the world He has given to us.
In the U.S, groundhog day is celebrated on February 2, which is a little over six weeks before the astronomical beginning of spring. Astronomically, spring occurs on the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21. February 2, which is groundhog day, therefore falls approximately six weeks before the vernal equinox. So, if you wake up a groundhog on February 2, there is going to be six more weeks of winter, whether he sees his shadow or not. Here is where it gets tricky. The arrival of spring, using groundhogs is based upon using local weather patterns to predict the arrival of early spring or late winter. For example, even though spring oficially starts with the vernal equinox, local weather patterns can 'shorten' or 'prolong' winter. We can have an unseasonably cold spring, and thus 'prolong' winter, or an unseasonably warm winter, and thus 'shorten' winter. If the groundhog is awakened on a day when it is cloudy, it will not go back to sleep, because cloudy weather indicates the arrival of spring weatherwise. If however he is awakened on a sunny day and sees his shadow, he will go back to sleep, because cold, sunny days are indicative of winter. Here is a great article by wikipedia about Groundhog day traditions.
It is amazing how God in His wisdom has given to us all of nature for our enlightenment. If we make it our business to really study nature, and the laws that govern it, then we will see God's hand working in the world He has given to us.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
An Appeal to Married Couples From the Lord
But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife (1 Corinthians 7:10-11, NLT).
I write this post with tears in my eyes, because I have lived this from personal experience. The Lord has been good to me over the years in helping me get through a divorce, and I am a stronger person today because of it. One book which has helped me a great deal is Divorce:God's Will? by Stephen Gola. I pray that my personal experience with separation and eventually divorce will inspire and encourage Christians who are going through this right now.
Christendom is plagued with married couples separating and living single lives while still married. It is not uncommon to find in churches men and women who are in fact married, living separate lives with separate households and lifestyles. All this is done under the mistaken belief that as long as they do not divorce, it is okay. How we have deceived ourselves! God is highly displeased with this type of living arrangement, and it is a great sin upon those who commit this. I can understand in situations where there is spousal abuse or infidelity, but to leave just for selfish reasons or because you cannot get along, is not a good enough reason to separate. If both of you are truly Christians, then selfishness must be laid aside, and the Biblical model for marriage needs to be adhered to, which is based upon love in all it's forms - phileo, agapao, eros, and agape. How can you say you love God when you do not even love your husband or wife? If a person says that they love God and do not love their husband or wife, they have belied the faith, and the truth is not in him/her, for God is love, and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God (1 John 4:7-8).
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters (1 John 4:20-21, NLT).
God hates separation. He says, For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously (Malachi 2:16). He wants married couples to live as one, not separated. This is counted as treachery in the sight of God, and He is not pleased with these kinds of living arrangements.
Look, the reality of life is this: People get married and sometimes they find out they cannot get along. All efforts should be made however to make the relationship work. If however it is impossible for the relationship to work, such as in abusive relationships, infidelity, neglect, and so on, then one should do the right thing and free the other party from the marriage - so they can be free to love again. Staying married and starting another relationship (while living singly/separated) is not the way to go. Jesus calls that adultery.
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery (Matthew 19:9).
Staying married and not allowing for reconciliation is also wrong. You are condemning the other party to a life of singleness because of your refusal to reconcile or free the other person from the marriage. That's what Paul was saying in 1 Corinthians 7:11, But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. The one who forsakes the marital home must live singly because he/she is still married, even though they have left the home, or must try to 'patch things up' with their spouse. If however you are both unable to 'patch things up' because of hardness of heart, then one should not be held captive in a loveless marriage where God does not reside, but be given the freedom to love again.
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned (1 Corinthians 7:27-28).
God's appeal to married couples is therefore this: Submit yourselves to each other in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21), and practice the love which is of God. Do not follow after the worldly customs of love for selfish reasons, but practice the love which is of God.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NLT).
That is the type of love I strive for, by the grace of God.
I write this post with tears in my eyes, because I have lived this from personal experience. The Lord has been good to me over the years in helping me get through a divorce, and I am a stronger person today because of it. One book which has helped me a great deal is Divorce:God's Will? by Stephen Gola. I pray that my personal experience with separation and eventually divorce will inspire and encourage Christians who are going through this right now.
Christendom is plagued with married couples separating and living single lives while still married. It is not uncommon to find in churches men and women who are in fact married, living separate lives with separate households and lifestyles. All this is done under the mistaken belief that as long as they do not divorce, it is okay. How we have deceived ourselves! God is highly displeased with this type of living arrangement, and it is a great sin upon those who commit this. I can understand in situations where there is spousal abuse or infidelity, but to leave just for selfish reasons or because you cannot get along, is not a good enough reason to separate. If both of you are truly Christians, then selfishness must be laid aside, and the Biblical model for marriage needs to be adhered to, which is based upon love in all it's forms - phileo, agapao, eros, and agape. How can you say you love God when you do not even love your husband or wife? If a person says that they love God and do not love their husband or wife, they have belied the faith, and the truth is not in him/her, for God is love, and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God (1 John 4:7-8).
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters (1 John 4:20-21, NLT).
God hates separation. He says, For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously (Malachi 2:16). He wants married couples to live as one, not separated. This is counted as treachery in the sight of God, and He is not pleased with these kinds of living arrangements.
Look, the reality of life is this: People get married and sometimes they find out they cannot get along. All efforts should be made however to make the relationship work. If however it is impossible for the relationship to work, such as in abusive relationships, infidelity, neglect, and so on, then one should do the right thing and free the other party from the marriage - so they can be free to love again. Staying married and starting another relationship (while living singly/separated) is not the way to go. Jesus calls that adultery.
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery (Matthew 19:9).
Staying married and not allowing for reconciliation is also wrong. You are condemning the other party to a life of singleness because of your refusal to reconcile or free the other person from the marriage. That's what Paul was saying in 1 Corinthians 7:11, But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. The one who forsakes the marital home must live singly because he/she is still married, even though they have left the home, or must try to 'patch things up' with their spouse. If however you are both unable to 'patch things up' because of hardness of heart, then one should not be held captive in a loveless marriage where God does not reside, but be given the freedom to love again.
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned (1 Corinthians 7:27-28).
God's appeal to married couples is therefore this: Submit yourselves to each other in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21), and practice the love which is of God. Do not follow after the worldly customs of love for selfish reasons, but practice the love which is of God.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NLT).
That is the type of love I strive for, by the grace of God.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Men of the Bible and the Black Women They Loved
In recognition of Valentine's day and Black History Month, this post will be about Biblical men who fell in love with black women.
Joseph and Asenath (Genesis 41:45)
After Joseph interpreted Pharoah's dream, Pharoah gave Asenath, the daughter of the Egyptian priest Potipherah, as wife. It was the union of Joseph and Asenath that produced the two sons of Joseph - Ephraim and Manesseh. Both Ephraim and Manasseh were fully accepted into the nation of Israel, and were the patriarchs of two of the twelve tribes of Israel - the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Moses and Tharbis (Antiquities of the Jews 2.10.252-3; Numbers 12:1)
You may be unfamiliar with the name of this woman, but she was Moses first wife, before Zipporah. When Moses was a prince in Egypt, according to Josephus, he waged war against the Ethiopians. Tharbis was the daughter of the Ethiopian king, and when she saw Moses, she fell in love with him. They both got married, and consummated the marriage while in Ethiopia.
Solomon and Shulamite (Song of Solomon 6:13)
The whole book of the Song of Solomon is dedicated to the love between Solomon and his wife, whom is called Shulamite in chapter 6:13. This Shulamite describes herself as "black but comely" (Song of Solomon 1:5). She was black and beautiful, and very much so! Read all the loving descriptions of her in this book of Songs. According to 1 Kings 3:1 and Song of Solomon 7:1, Shulamite was an Egyptian princess.
Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12)
Contrary to popular belief, Sheba was NOT located in Arabia. Sheba was located in Ethiopia! It was the name of the royal city of Ethiopia at least since the time of Moses (Antiquities of the Jews 2.10.253).
Ethiopian historians has it that when the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, they had sexual relations! This union produced a son, who was the progenitor of the present royal family of Ethiopia, to this day.
David and Bathsheba?(2 Samuel 11)
No one is really sure of Bathsheba's race. She was the daughter of Eliam, who was a Gilonite, and they lived in Israel (vs. 3). She was also married to Uriah the Hittite, who was a Canaanite(vs. 3). Since it was against the law for a daughter of Israel to marry a Canaanite, and since many Canaanites lived in Israel, one can safely assume that Bathsheba was Canaanite. This however is a big assumption, because the fact is that many of the Israelites were indeed breaking the law and marrying Canaanites. In addition, there is no historical evidence which I can find that shows that Canaanites were black people, although they were descendants of Ham. All the ancient drawings which I have seen, including a carving from the ceremonial cane of king Tut, shows a Canaanite having white skin. This does not mean they were Caucasian, it just means they were a white-skinned race, in much the same way Chinese and Japanese are considered white-skinned.
Jesus Christ
Finally, we cannot forget Jesus Christ - the Son of God. Although not a mere man, He did come to earth as a man, to live among men for a time. He is the ultimate Lover. He loves ALL WOMEN, whether they are black, white, red, yellow, or whatever race or ethnicity they may be. He is our eternal Bridegroom, with the church as His bride. In a marriage, the husband represents Christ, and the wife represents the church. It is because of His of love, self-sacrifice, and caring, all women can look to Him as their ultimate Husband. Women of all races can safely say of Christ:
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee (Song of Solomon 1:2-3).
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!!
Joseph and Asenath (Genesis 41:45)
After Joseph interpreted Pharoah's dream, Pharoah gave Asenath, the daughter of the Egyptian priest Potipherah, as wife. It was the union of Joseph and Asenath that produced the two sons of Joseph - Ephraim and Manesseh. Both Ephraim and Manasseh were fully accepted into the nation of Israel, and were the patriarchs of two of the twelve tribes of Israel - the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Moses and Tharbis (Antiquities of the Jews 2.10.252-3; Numbers 12:1)
You may be unfamiliar with the name of this woman, but she was Moses first wife, before Zipporah. When Moses was a prince in Egypt, according to Josephus, he waged war against the Ethiopians. Tharbis was the daughter of the Ethiopian king, and when she saw Moses, she fell in love with him. They both got married, and consummated the marriage while in Ethiopia.
Solomon and Shulamite (Song of Solomon 6:13)
The whole book of the Song of Solomon is dedicated to the love between Solomon and his wife, whom is called Shulamite in chapter 6:13. This Shulamite describes herself as "black but comely" (Song of Solomon 1:5). She was black and beautiful, and very much so! Read all the loving descriptions of her in this book of Songs. According to 1 Kings 3:1 and Song of Solomon 7:1, Shulamite was an Egyptian princess.
Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12)
Contrary to popular belief, Sheba was NOT located in Arabia. Sheba was located in Ethiopia! It was the name of the royal city of Ethiopia at least since the time of Moses (Antiquities of the Jews 2.10.253).
Ethiopian historians has it that when the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, they had sexual relations! This union produced a son, who was the progenitor of the present royal family of Ethiopia, to this day.
David and Bathsheba?(2 Samuel 11)
No one is really sure of Bathsheba's race. She was the daughter of Eliam, who was a Gilonite, and they lived in Israel (vs. 3). She was also married to Uriah the Hittite, who was a Canaanite(vs. 3). Since it was against the law for a daughter of Israel to marry a Canaanite, and since many Canaanites lived in Israel, one can safely assume that Bathsheba was Canaanite. This however is a big assumption, because the fact is that many of the Israelites were indeed breaking the law and marrying Canaanites. In addition, there is no historical evidence which I can find that shows that Canaanites were black people, although they were descendants of Ham. All the ancient drawings which I have seen, including a carving from the ceremonial cane of king Tut, shows a Canaanite having white skin. This does not mean they were Caucasian, it just means they were a white-skinned race, in much the same way Chinese and Japanese are considered white-skinned.
Jesus Christ
Finally, we cannot forget Jesus Christ - the Son of God. Although not a mere man, He did come to earth as a man, to live among men for a time. He is the ultimate Lover. He loves ALL WOMEN, whether they are black, white, red, yellow, or whatever race or ethnicity they may be. He is our eternal Bridegroom, with the church as His bride. In a marriage, the husband represents Christ, and the wife represents the church. It is because of His of love, self-sacrifice, and caring, all women can look to Him as their ultimate Husband. Women of all races can safely say of Christ:
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee (Song of Solomon 1:2-3).
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Jesus - The God of Love
Just in time for Valentines! My favorite movie of all time is Jesus Christ Superstar (2000 version), starring Glenn Carter as Jesus. In the movie, one of my favorite scenes is where Jesus and Mary Magdalene are having an intimate moment, in the clip "Everything's Alright," which is based loosely on John 12:1-8 and Matthew 26: 6-13. Now, my question is this: What is the real truth behind the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene? Were they in love with each other? Were they married? Were they an 'item'?
Also, John said that it was Mary of Bethany that anointed Jesus' feet. So is Mary of Bethany the same Mary Magdalene or are they two different persons? Any thoughts?
Also, John said that it was Mary of Bethany that anointed Jesus' feet. So is Mary of Bethany the same Mary Magdalene or are they two different persons? Any thoughts?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Our Prayers for Haiti are Working!
Due to the earthquake disaster in Haiti, the IMF plans to cancel Haiti's debt. Please read full article here.
Thank you all for praying, and continue to pray for healing and restoration of all things good.
Blessings!
Thank you all for praying, and continue to pray for healing and restoration of all things good.
Blessings!
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Prayer for the People of Haiti
And, finally, here is a prayer that has been offered for all people from Rabbi Naomi Levy, the author of To Begin Again and Talking to God (a pdf of this prayer is available for download at: http://www.jewishjournal.com/haiti/article/a_prayer_for_haiti_shabbat_download_20100121):
Prayer for the People of Haiti by Rabbi Naomi Levy :
We pray for Haiti.
Our hearts are breaking, God.
The human mind cannot grasp the enormity of the loss.
The cries echo through the universe.
Innocent blood is calling us
To rise up from our heartbreak and act.
We pray for Haiti.
Help us, God,
To understand that destruction can come in a moment
But healing may take a lifetime.
Teach us perseverance, teach us dedication.
We pray for Haiti.
God of the weak, God of the broken-hearted,
God of the living, God of the dead,
Send healing to Haiti.
Send hope to the children who are lost and alone,
Send strength and resilience to the wounded,
And comfort to the grieving.
Fill the leaders of Haiti with the wisdom to raise their country up.
Fill relief workers with resolve.
Bless the doctors and nurses with the power
And the skill to save as many lives as possible.
Open their eyes, steady their hands.
We pray for Haiti.
Bless us, God,
Work through us.
Remind us that every one of us is filled with the power to heal.
Do not let the passage of time lead us to indifference.
Open our hearts, open our hands.
We pray for Haiti.
Let all nations unite as one in a time of reconstruction and repair.
Raise up the people of Haiti, God, out of helplessness and despair.
Teach them to believe
That cities shall be rebuilt on their ruins
That the cries of the children will soon return to laughter.
Be with them, God, watch over them.
And gather the souls of the dead
Whose homes and schools became their graves
Into Your eternal shelter,
Let them find peace in Your presence, God.
We pray for Haiti.
Amen.
Prayer reprinted from blog by Anne Dilenschneider of Huffington Post.
Prayer for the People of Haiti by Rabbi Naomi Levy :
We pray for Haiti.
Our hearts are breaking, God.
The human mind cannot grasp the enormity of the loss.
The cries echo through the universe.
Innocent blood is calling us
To rise up from our heartbreak and act.
We pray for Haiti.
Help us, God,
To understand that destruction can come in a moment
But healing may take a lifetime.
Teach us perseverance, teach us dedication.
We pray for Haiti.
God of the weak, God of the broken-hearted,
God of the living, God of the dead,
Send healing to Haiti.
Send hope to the children who are lost and alone,
Send strength and resilience to the wounded,
And comfort to the grieving.
Fill the leaders of Haiti with the wisdom to raise their country up.
Fill relief workers with resolve.
Bless the doctors and nurses with the power
And the skill to save as many lives as possible.
Open their eyes, steady their hands.
We pray for Haiti.
Bless us, God,
Work through us.
Remind us that every one of us is filled with the power to heal.
Do not let the passage of time lead us to indifference.
Open our hearts, open our hands.
We pray for Haiti.
Let all nations unite as one in a time of reconstruction and repair.
Raise up the people of Haiti, God, out of helplessness and despair.
Teach them to believe
That cities shall be rebuilt on their ruins
That the cries of the children will soon return to laughter.
Be with them, God, watch over them.
And gather the souls of the dead
Whose homes and schools became their graves
Into Your eternal shelter,
Let them find peace in Your presence, God.
We pray for Haiti.
Amen.
Prayer reprinted from blog by Anne Dilenschneider of Huffington Post.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A Prophetic Word Of Hope For Haiti
In view of the ongoing crisis in Haiti, I would like to share some words of hope, with prophetic relevance, with the people of Haiti.
To the Haitians, Jesus is saying:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18).
I have heard your cries and moanings. For too long you have suffered under oppression, want and neglect. I have waited patiently all these years desiring a change in your circumstance, but to no avail. Your cries for help have largely gone unnoticed by the world, and thus I had no choice but to make an end to the systems in place which were the cause of your oppression. I know many have died, but those who have died in Me, are now saved and free. Those of you who have been spared death will live to see the glory of the Lord in the land of the living. I love you with an everlasting love, and only desire the best for you. Now is your chance to throw off the shackles of religious and political oppression and walk with renewed purpose in Me.
"In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer"(Isaiah 54:8). "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry" (Jeremiah 31:3,4).
Continue to put your trust in Me. Do not look at your circumstance, neither let not anyone despise your circumstance. Those who put their trust in Me will NEVER be ashamed. Look, I have sent all of heaven and earth to be your aid. Be strong, and continue to be courageous, and I will lift you up, says the Lord.
To the Haitians, Jesus is saying:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18).
I have heard your cries and moanings. For too long you have suffered under oppression, want and neglect. I have waited patiently all these years desiring a change in your circumstance, but to no avail. Your cries for help have largely gone unnoticed by the world, and thus I had no choice but to make an end to the systems in place which were the cause of your oppression. I know many have died, but those who have died in Me, are now saved and free. Those of you who have been spared death will live to see the glory of the Lord in the land of the living. I love you with an everlasting love, and only desire the best for you. Now is your chance to throw off the shackles of religious and political oppression and walk with renewed purpose in Me.
"In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer"(Isaiah 54:8). "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry" (Jeremiah 31:3,4).
Continue to put your trust in Me. Do not look at your circumstance, neither let not anyone despise your circumstance. Those who put their trust in Me will NEVER be ashamed. Look, I have sent all of heaven and earth to be your aid. Be strong, and continue to be courageous, and I will lift you up, says the Lord.
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