I’m a fifty-something wife and mother of two; corporate paralegal by day and aspiring writer and blogger in the off hours. My blog is primarily about the truths I’ve learned over the past 30 years, first in spiritual matters, but also in other areas of life. My dream is to write a fictional series.
You are covered by the greatest force of LOVE in the whole universe!
You are covered in your Savior’s blood (if you’re a Believer in Jesus).
You are no orphan. You’re not a poor man (woman).
The Kingdom of God is now your own and you have a home with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
He is not JUST reviving and restoring you – greater things have yet to come (in your life)!
God is your Father – and you are His child!
You were bought with a price (the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross, for you)! He died in your place so that you can have eternal LIFE!
You don’t have to wonder if His plans for you are good, or if He’ll come through for you like He should! He will never leave you or forsake you! If you are a Believer, then He abides within you and you take Him with you everywhere you go.
He is your provision, and gives you enough wisdom, to usher in your brightest days, to turn your mourning into praise.
You ARE who He says you are!
He IS who He says He is!
You are defined by ALL His promises and shaped by EVERY word He says, NOT by the mistakes you’ve made in the past!
Quite frankly, because Jesus told us to, so we would be prepared for what’s coming and can be ready.
Many Christians automatically think of the Book of Revelation when they think about End Times prophecy (for those that aren’t Christians, this is the last book in the Bible). But this book can be daunting to study because many people consider it filled with symbolism, which makes it difficult to understand. Suffice it to say, I’ll address the Book of Revelation in greater detail at a later time. But Jesus himself warned his disciples repeatedly in what’s known as the Olivet Discourse about what would happen at the “end of the age.” The Olivet Discourse is a private discussion that Jesus had with his disciples while sitting on the Mount of Olives about what would happen in the end times. This teaching of Jesus is repeated in three books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark and Luke. To make this study easier, I’ve attached a comparison compiled by Debbie Blank, which shows the text of these three books side-by-side (Olivet Discourse Comparison). Just so you know who she is, Debbie Blank is a popular Bible teacher, author and speaker located in Omaha, Nebraska. She and her husband, Bob, are co-founders of Living Word Ministries (www.livingwordministry.org).
Let me stop here for just a moment and say that it is my sincere hope that you would take nothing I say as truth without taking the time to read it for yourself in your own Bible and think on it and pray about it for yourself. Gods tells us in Proverbs 2 that if we accept His words and ask for His wisdom and insight, if we take the time to search for it (in the Bible), then we are promised that we will understand the fear of the Lord and will find the knowledge of God. In other words, He will begin to open your eyes to what He’s trying to say to you in His Word and He will give you greater understanding. This is the power of the Holy Spirit working in you, if you are a born again Believer (a.k.a a follower of Jesus).
Back to the Olivet Discourse . . .
When comparing these texts together, we see some high level instructions to Believers: 1) we are told what the signs of His coming will be, 2) we are told not to be afraid, and 3) we are told not to be deceived. We are even told that Believers will be persecuted, and some put to death, because of our affiliation with Jesus. We are warned that many false prophets will arise and mislead many (and how are we to know the counterfeits if we don’t spend time getting to know the true Jesus? There’s that communication thing again!).
We are even warned that in the end times lawlessness will increase, and because of this, most people’s love will grow cold. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been seeing a lot of news stories lately about flash mobs and rioting, people breaking out into fights at sporting events (some with guns), people being brutally attacked in public for no apparent reason, etc. Yes, we’ve always had various types of crime to contend with, but I’m seeing a disturbing trend of a new level of violence that’s coming to the forefront more and more frequently. In some cases, this violence is even taking over large portions of cities like Philadelphia, or even London.
Jesus goes on to tell us in the Olivet Discourse that when we “see the abomination of desolation . . . standing in the holy place” (or when we “see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand”), then there will be a “great tribulation” such as the world has never seen before, or ever will again (pause to think on the Nazi regime and the atrocities it poured out on the Jews – it will be worse than that). Jesus goes on, and foreshadows the Rapture, or gathering up, of the Church, warning us “of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Jesus goes on to compel us to be on alert and to be ready. We’re instructed to watch for these things to happen and to discern the “season” (that He is close – right at the door!).
Well, I know that’s an awful lot of information to cover in one blog post, but I’d encourage you to spend some time reading over the scripture comparisons for yourself. This is only the beginning, but we need to dive in somewhere. I don’t know about you, but I want to be found ready when He returns. I’m also comforted to know that, even though such horrible things will take place, we have been informed, so we’re not caught by surprise (although we may have to purposely work at not being afraid). But God will surely help us with that if we just ask Him.
If you haven’t spent much time in church, you may not have heard this phrase before. Perhaps you’re starting to hear more people use the phrase “end times” when they talk about things they’re seeing on the news, like when the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks happened in New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., or the various Arab uprisings in the Middle East over the past several years. Perhaps you’ve heard it mentioned when folks talk about the devastating earthquake off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011, the outbreak of spring tornadoes in the U.S. this year, the faltering European economy, the faltering U.S. economy, the massive flooding of the Missouri river or the unbelievable drought going on in the southern U.S. this summer [2011]. Such cataclysmic events, especially when they occur so rapidly, cause many people to feel apprehensive and they begin to search for answers.
The good news is that God has given answers in the Bible that will aid us in our understanding. According to Tim LaHaye, a nationally recognized speaker on Bible prophecy and the co-author of the best-selling Left Behind series, 28% of the Bible was prophetic when it was first written over 3,000 years ago (in other words, what the Bible said would happen had not happened yet). In fact, there were over 1,000 passages of Scripture that were prophecies when they were written, and more than half of those have already been fulfilled. This track record tells us that it’s just a matter of time before the remaining prophecies are fulfilled as well. In fact, many Bible scholars say that our generation has witnessed the fulfillment of more “end times” prophecy than any other generation before it. This stands to reason when you understand that Jesus taught about the end times saying,
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these things are the beginning of birth pangs.”Matthew 24:4-8
I’m sure you’re thinking that these things have always happened, why would this be any different? Might I suggest that it is the timing and frequency with which we are seeing all these things happening together at the same time? Jesus described these events as “birth pains.” What happens when a woman is about to give birth? She begins to have contractions, and as the birth event draws closer, those contractions come more frequently and with much greater strength. This is how it will be during the “end times.”
There are many Scriptures to explore on this subject, and there’s just too much information to cover in this one post. But I hope I’ve whet your appetite on this topic because I plan to dive in much deeper and share some exciting information with you. You might want to pick up the book, Understanding Bible Prophecy for Yourself by Tim LaHaye. This was the basis for an exciting Bible study I attended over the summer, and it’s a resource I’ll refer to from time to time. And if you don’t have a Bible of your own, I’d strongly encourage you to get one. There are many modern translations which make the Bible easier to understand than the traditional King James version. Your local Bible bookstore should have an adequate selection and should be staffed with folks who can help you choose the right translation for you.
I’m sure you’ve heard it said that communication is a 2-way street. And if you’ve been around on this planet long enough, I’m sure you’ve figured out that’s true. In order to communicate with others effectively, you have to be able to listen, as well as to talk to them. Let’s take it a step further. In order to develop a relationship with someone (i.e., a friendship), you need to spend time with that person, communicating with them on that 2-way street. This is how we come to recognize a friend or loved-one’s voice, by frequently communicating with them.
But did you know these principles also apply with God? People have asked me, “But how can I know that it’s God talking to me, and not my own thoughts?” My answer: By spending time with God and frequently communicating with Him. How do we get to know Him (i.e., His character, what He’s like, what’s important to Him, what He expects of us)? By reading the Bible, which is His Word. How do we come to recognize His voice? By spending time with Him in prayer (i.e., communication). This would include talking to Him, just like you would talk to your best friend, but it also includes spending some time listening. Often times, He will speak to my heart when I’m reading a particular scripture. Or, when I’m speaking with others, and they might say something that immediately speaks to my heart. I can’t explain it other than to say that when this happens to me, I just know-that-I-know-that-I-know that it’s God’s voice, and not my own thoughts – because I’ve spent time with Him. You can also test what He says by the Bible. He will never say anything to you that violates His character or the principles found in scripture.
I hope that makes it a little bit easier to understand, and I hope you take some time today to spend with God and get to know Him better. Believe me when I say He will not let you down. He’s just been waiting for you to give Him your undivided attention.
I learn so much from JD Farag, and yesterday’s prophecy update is no exception. If you’re interested in how current events are playing out through Biblical prophecy be sure to check this out.
Many times, when we hear people talk about the miracles of God, we perceive it as God doing something miraculous to bring about a positive outcome. And yes, God DOES perform miracles like this every single day all over the world. He heals people of every disease, He restores relationships, He empowers the addict to kick the habit, He restores sight to the blind, He draws sinners to himself to receive healing in their hearts and salvation for their souls. The Bible is full of stories such as these.
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[b] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Matthew 11:4-5
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23
It is easy to praise God and trust in Him when things are going well and we see miracles such as these happening around us. But what about those times when our prayers seem to go unanswered? Those times when we cry and beg, praying and desperately asking God to intervene. Those times when we really NEED that new job, when a loved one is in the hospital, when your child is missing, when we don’t have enough money to pay the bills, when someone in your life is abusing you or someone you love, when you’re pregnant, going into early labor and begging God to save your baby. And then, despite all your prayers and petitions to God, the thing you fear the most happens anyway.
Is God any less mighty or less loving when our prayers aren’t answered the way we expect them to be; when we are experiencing unbelievable pain and loss? Is God still good when the enemy of your soul comes to you in those dark hours and whispers in your ear that you are unworthy and God doesn’t really love you?
My friends, let me encourage your heart. God IS continually GOOD and His love and mercies will never cease! It is times like this when we need to remind ourselves that God is LOVE, that He is GOOD, and His character doesn’t change. The Bible assures us that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is the Creator of this whole universe, He knows you by name, and He loves you so very much.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
So why does God allow bad things to happen? Partly this is due to the fact that we live in a broken, sinful world, and sometimes there are natural consequences that occur. And sometimes, as we learn in the Book of Job, God allows us to be tested for various reasons. That being said, we are assured in scripture that God can take what the enemy intended for evil and turn it around and use it for good. We can trust Him that, no matter what He allows to occur in our lives, that He’s in control and that someday He will turn our mourning into dancing. Psalm 30 promises us that wailing and sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Many times God will, if you allow Him to, use you to minister to others who are going through a similar pain that you have already endured.
Following is a tremendous worship song called Miracles. This is a song of declaration about God’s love and power, but it was birthed out of the tremendous grief and loss of a child-yet-born. It is the confession of a grieving father who, despite his unbearable heartbreak, is reminding himself that no matter what we face in life, God IS a good and loving God, that He IS a God of miracles and He’s deserving of our faith and trust.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:11-14
My hope is that God will speak to your heart as you listen to this song, and that your heart will be encouraged that He IS a God of miracles!
I had the opportunity to attend my 30th high school reunion last summer. And while, for the most part, it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and acquaintances that I haven’t seen in over 25 years, I also had the opportunity to see some people that brought back some pretty painful memories. It was very bittersweet for me. These painful memories were some of the best times, and some of the worst times in my life, in fact the very lowest points that led me to God in the first place. But I realize I wouldn’t be where I am today in my relationship with God if not for the pain that drove me to Him.
As most of us do, I made some mistakes in high school, even some extremely big ones; decisions that impacted my closest relationships and left a huge hole in my heart that only God can fill. Decisions that will impact me for eternity. I still have regrets that I didn’t work harder to communicate and share my pain. I should have attempted to make certain decisions with the input of another, instead of blazing forward with my own choices, covering my heartbreak and fear in a show of strength and determination, oblivious to the unspoken wants and needs of another. And the fact that my decisions likely left deep and wounding scars in others is, at times, too heavy a burden for me to bear alone. So I took that pain to God and allowed Him to begin the process of healing me, but I had to turn my back on one of the closest relationships I had on earth at the time, and I know he didn’t understand then; I’m sure he still doesn’t understand now.
All that to say, I gained an eternal perspective after that high school reunion – the pain of your past, even the pain of today, are but ripples in the tapestry of eternity. God reminded me that He is the God of every moment; He was with me then, and He’s with me now. And while I thought my pain was dealt with long ago, I’ve come to find pieces of it still yet reside under the surface. But it is that pain, that horrible sin, that anchored the Lamb of God to the cross in my place, and so it anchors me to Him. He is the One who was, who is, and who is yet to come again. He is worthy to receive all the glory, all the praise; He is the One I bow before and He is my King. He reigns over my life in power and strength; He is forever crowned and exalted high above all my mistakes, and He loves me with an everlasting love. I cannot live without Him.
So I want to encourage you today. He sees all your scars, the broken and missing pieces of your heart, the mistakes of your past, and He loves you anyway. There is no sin too great that can keep you from Him, unless you allow it. In fact, He set aside his glory in heaven, crossed eternity, laid down his life and allowed himself to be beaten near death and then crucified on a cross because He loves you so much; He wants to reconcile you back into relationship with Him, right now. What are you waiting for? There is no hurt too deep, no sin too great, that God cannot cover and heal. Trust me when I say, He will forgive you much faster than you can forgive yourself – for whatever you may have done. If you haven’t yet done so, I urge you to turn to Him today and choose your eternity with Him.
Finally, a breath of fresh air with some actual accountability at the EPA.
“…one example, a 26-member board had 24 EPA grantees who had received more than $200 million in research grants from the agency. These scientists were “reviewing” either their own research or the research of their colleagues.” In what universe does anyone think THAT is a good idea, on either side of the political fence? Definitely no bias there (enter, sarcasm).
I began my legal career over 20 years ago working in environmental law, so I’ve had the opportunity to review agency rules over the years and saw first-hand how the EPA had become an “echo chamber[s] of a single point of view”, to the point where it would violate the constitutional rights of Americans in pursuit of its myopic political agenda, often based on “secret” science that it has refused to turn over to Congress for review.
Now I’m all for clean air and drinking water and protecting the environment – I love to spend time out in nature because it reflects the glory of the God I serve and makes me feel closer to him. But I am not in support of lying to people, stealing their land and money through unnecessary regulations, fines and taxation, and then misappropriating those funds to one’s colleagues through crony capitalism to further one’s political agenda.
I seek the truth in what’s really happening in the scientific data and then altering our behavior accordingly. An unbiased review of the data with accountability is where that begins. Bravo, Scott Pruitt.
My goal in this blog is to bring you the truth, as I understand it, in all its various forms. As a writer, I don’t want to be pigeon-holed into one topic of discussion on a regular basis, although there are certain topics that interest me greatly and I do acknowledge that I will tend to gravitate to them more frequently than others.
However, I’m a researcher by vocation and natural skill-set, so I spend a lot of time listening to and reading various sources of information from news outlets to YouTube videos, podcasts, other bloggers’ posts, books, researchers, scientists, etc., and I often find myself looking into various topics to discern the truth of the matter for myself. If I think those topics might be of interest to others, or if I think that there is a large amount of misinformation out there deceiving people from knowing the truth, then I will tend to share that information here. And because I like to TRY to stay organized, I plan to set up additional pages to this blog based on topic such as health issues, climate change, current events, resources, books I recommend, etc.
So stay tuned and feel free to check out my other pages from time to time to see if anything else interests you. And of course, if something speaks to you share that with me and with others who need that information.
People often ask, “How do I have a relationship with God? I can’t see him or hear him talk to me audibly, and he seems so far away.” Perhaps you feel this way too.
Well, how do you get to know another person and develop a deeper relationship with them in your every day life? By spending time with them and talking with them. You don’t learn to recognize another’s voice if you aren’t speaking with them and listening to them speak to you regularly, correct?
A relationship with God is very much the same way. If you want to develop a closer relationship with God, you need to be intentional about betting into his presence, spending more time with him and getting to know who he is and what he’s like. This is primarily done through the following methods:
Spending time reading scripture (the Holy Bible) daily;
Spending time with God in prayer daily (this involves talking to him, but also listening to what he has to say to you);
Spending time in worship, singing praises to God and telling him how much you love him;
Attending a good Bible-based teaching church; and
Spending time with other Christians (we often call this “fellowship”).
God deeply desires to have a personal and intimate relationship with you – yes, you! Just as he walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, so he desires to spend time with you and communicate with you one-on-one. You are on his mind, and he seeks you out!
I have found that one of the easiest ways to get into God’s presence, and to remind myself of who he is, is through worship. We are instructed throughout scripture to praise the Lord, especially in the book of Psalms. It is through worship that I can set aside all the problems and worries that I’m dealing with, put my focus on God and pour out my heart to him. To quote a worship leader, Mike Harland, “As we focus or time and attention on the Lord in worship, proclaim his place of honor in our lives, and thank and praise him for his eternal promises, we can expect God to intervene in our circumstances.” And he often does! Many times I will feel God’s presence so strongly during worship as my heart draws close to him, and I will usually receive a bigger perspective (God’s perspective) on the things I’m facing in my life. It encourages me and lifts my spirit to be reminded that God loves me, he sees me, he cares about what I’m going through and he has the answers and is able and willing to help me.
Psalm 145:17-20 says, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made [that’s you!]. The Lord is near to all who call on him [in prayer and in worship], to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him ….” [emphasis mine]
So, in the hopes that it will prove helpful, I’m including some of the worship songs I have found that draw me closer to God and really magnify how big he is over my life. I hope, as you listen to these and focus on God, that you’ll feel God’s love for you and how much you mean to him – he died for you.
CHOOSE YOUR ETERNITY 