Associations and Affiliations

John the Baptist had some scathing words for the Pharisees and Sadducees as they approached him while he was baptizing people in the Jordan. Among other things, he chastised them for their misplaced reliance on their affiliation to Abraham (Matthew 3:9). These groups had come to put too much weight on this and had neglected the more important matters.

Paul admonished the Corinthians for nearly the same thing -- their gloating about their associations. They were saying, '"I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas,..."' (1 Corinthians 1:12) and ignoring the real issue at hand.

When aligning ourselves with a person, a minister, an organization or even with a church, we can often feel safe because of numbers, past reputation or espoused doctrine. We can believe that by virtue of our alliance with them, we are justified in our current state and position.

But note the admonitions by John and Paul regarding those that were resting on the laurels of others: John the Baptist told the Jews that they needed to repent (Matthew 3:8); Paul goes on to direct those at Corinth, “that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the LORD’” (1 Corinthians 1:31). In other words, we cannot become complacent with our current condition, and we must continue to change it by looking to the Example who is "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

There have been many, even in our recent history, that have failed to remain on guard, thinking they were in the right place or that they could ride the coattails of another. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13).

Active In Peace

Afghanistan, Vietnam, Iraq…The only thing that most people know about these places is war. Stop for a moment and think of how many wars that you know of at the present. As we look around the world there are approximately 50 wars going on at any given time...which is 50 too many.

If a region is not at war or involved in any conflict... is it then at peace?

Before 9/11 the US couldn’t even claim peace then. It was being besieged from within by gang fights, riots, racism, school shootings, church shootings and etc. Drive-bys have been so common place in some areas that they have not made the front page in the local newspaper. Even with the ABSENCE OF WAR there was no peace even before the terrorist attacks.

Peace has a very active component; it doesn’t just happen, we must "make" peace. Matthew 5:9 states, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." We have a greater responsibility than just sitting back and being quiet - especially when problems exist that involve us directly. If we are to be children of God then we must be peacemakers

All through history, nations and their governments have been striving for world peace! Their striving has led only to war because “The way of peace they know not” (Isaiah 59:8; Romans 3:17). The lack of peace is evident everywhere.

We must Think Globally and Act Locally!

Some things that we can do are:

Pray – we are exhorted in 1 Timothy 2:1 to pray for all men and for leaders and "for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." We should also pray that God’s Holy Spirit leads us.

Follow Christ’s example – "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps….Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:21, 23).

Study - We must ask ourselves what it takes to have quiet, tranquillity, and contentment and all the attributes that we look forward to in the world of tomorrow. What does it take to have this between me and another… AND THEN SEEK IT, PURSUE IT AND KEEP IT (Ps 34:14).

We need to make peace dynamic, real, and working by implementing it ourselves.

The peacemaker talked about in Matthew 5:9 isn’t likely to be a third person, but rather someone involved in a conflict. We are more likely to be involved in a dispute rather than be asked to arbitrate. This is the time to let our light shine.

We have been setting a real life example of peace and must continue to do so. YOU could be making the greatest contribution toward world peace in our time!

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19) As we look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and His 1000 year reign on Earth - "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18).

Pascal’s Wager

Blaise Pascal is purported to be one of the great thinkers of the 17th Century. In an effort to convince non-believers that they should become followers of the Bible, he came up with the following logic. His argument was that we should accept the truth of Christianity, because if we are wrong, we have lost nothing, but if we are right, we have gained everything.

Have we accepted this gambit as our approach to Christianity?  Are we "hedging our bet" that we are doing the right thing or that we are in the right place?  We do not need to "go with the best odds" to know whether God exists or the fact that His Way is true.

Once called by God, we have all the facts and assurances that we need in the Bible if we are willing to put forth the work and time. The Word of God is not laid out like a good technical manual, but rather meanings have been purposefully obscured to most (Matthew 13:10-13), and pieces to each puzzle have been scattered "a little here and a little there" (Isaiah 28:10,13). But nonetheless, the Book of Books does indeed have all the information that we need to prove that God exists and that this is the path in which we should walk.

If we are willing to put forth the effort, as we are admonished (Ecclesiastes 9:10), we can know with 100% certainty what is and will continue to be a mystery to many.

Signs of the Times: US: Worse Shape than Greece

According to Pimco's Bill Gross:

"When adding in all of the money owed to cover future liabilities in entitlement programs the US is actually in worse financial shape than Greece and other debt-laden European countries, Pimco`s Bill Gross told CNBC Monday.

Much of the public focus is on the nation`s public debt, which is USD 14.3 trillion. But that doesn`t include money guaranteed for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, which comes to close to USD 50 trillion, according to government figures.

The government also is on the hook for other debts such as the programs related to the bailout of the financial system following the crisis of 2008 and 2009, government figures show.

Taken together, Gross puts the total at 'nearly USD 100 trillion,' that while perhaps a bit on the high side, places the country in a highly unenviable fiscal position that he said won`t find a solution overnight.

This is considerably more than the GDP (PPP) of the entire world combined to put it in a little perspective.

'To think that we can reduce that within the space of a year or two is not a realistic assumption,' Gross said in a live interview. 'That`s much more than Greece, that`s much more than almost any other developed country. We`ve got a problem and we have to get after it quickly.'"

Signs of the Times: Economy Going Downhill

We continue to be told that things are getting better on many fronts but Wall Street Baffled by Slowing Economy, Low Yields.  There is "almost near panic going on with money managers and people who are responsible for money." They are at a loss to "find real yield and real returns on these assets."

The housing sector continues to be bad news upon bad news as results fall well short of expectations:

• US house price fall 'beats Great Depression slide'
• Horror for US Economy as Data Falls off Cliff - CNBC
• U.S. Home Values to Drop by $1.7 Trillion This Year, $9 Trillion since 2006

The government having not learned from the first quantitative easing, set sail with QE II.  That having not worked QE III is not being bandied about.

Prepare for More Money Printing: Analyst - CNBC: "Investors should prepare themselves for a third round of quantitative easing, Simon Maughn, co-head of European equities at MF Global, told CNBC Wednesday.

“The bond market is going in one direction which is up-falling yields which is telling you quite clearly the direction of economic travel is downwards. Downgrades. QE3 (a third round of quantitative easing) is coming,” said Maughn. “The bond markets are all smarter than us, and that’s exactly what the bond markets are telling me.”"

“What’s interesting in the bond markets over the last couple of sessions is, you’ve seen human traders trying to step in and call this turn in the market the same way that equities have done … and they have just been mowed down by the quant funds which are all about leverage, all about momentum and are betting on bond prices going up,” added Maughn.

"Once again, the United States will step up as the marginal buyer of bonds, said Maughn."

"One more big injection of cash into the bond market should take you through at least the summer season into the beginning of the fourth quarter.”

“That cash injection will have the normal inflationary knock-on impact, driving back up commodities, supporting industrial stocks, dragging the financials up with them… I think it’s all about the monetary injection trade,” Maughn told CNBC.

Now it's citizen's are losing any confidence they may have had.

Economy: When Will Economy Recover? 2014, If Ever, Survey Says: 

"Americans are growing increasingly doubtful about direction of the US economy, according to the latest survey from business-advisory firm AlixPartners.

"In fact, an increasing number, some 61 percent, say they don't expect to return to their respective pre-recession lifestyles until the spring of 2014, if ever.

"What's worse, a full 10 percent said they expect they will never return to pre-recession spending.

"That's a more pessimistic view than last year, when those surveyed expected that they could be back to pre-recession spending levels by the middle of 2013.

'Americans continue to push their expectations for return to a pre-recession 'normal' further and further into the future—close enough for comfort, but far enough away to seem realistic,' said Fred Crawford, CEO of AlixPartners. 'But as that happens, more and more it seems normal is actually where we are right now.'"

The Best of Times

As we watch events around the world, we can’t help but think that we are entering into the last days. A full blown war is imminent in the Middle East as many flex their muscles. Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and magnitude. Generations are being wiped out in Africa by AIDS. Approximately 800 million people around the world are persistently hungry. False prophets, wars, pestilence and famine are already here.

Yet, this is the best time! As the world spins more and more quickly out of control, I can’t think of a better time to be doing what’s right. That is to say, that which is right in God's eyes. By the same token, there really has never been an easier time, specifically in our Western civilization, to be about the task of being a Christian.

In our present day climate there can be a propensity to become complacent due to the freedoms and luxuries we experience in the free world. Yet, given the illustrations above, our disposition should be diametrically opposed. We should be asking ourselves a few probing questions: Are we letting down? Are we becoming weary of doing well? Are we saying to ourselves that God is delaying His coming for one reason or another? Are we taking on any of the attributes of a Laodicean?

We have the tools readily available to combat any such tendency or merely to stay on top of those inclinations. We all know what they are...prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting to mention a few. Let's encourage one another to use them as time grows short.

Let's be a light to the world as we practice being a Christian for NOW and for harder times ahead.

Signs of the Times: EU vs USA

This week there was some incredible news which left many doubters and the unaware with their collective jaws on the floor.  It was the reported news that Growth across EU creeps up to 0.8 per cent.  

The strong eurozone performance was powered by Germany which saw growth of 1.5 per cent in the quarter, well above market forecasts.

The EU27 grew by 2.5 per cent. On the annual figures, Estonia came out on top, with growth of 8 per cent. Lithuania achieved growth of 6.8 per cent and Finland 5.2 per cent. The Greek economy contracted 4.8 per cent and the Portuguese economy 0.7 per cent over the year. 

The only country where GDP fell back in the first quarter was Portugal, which suffered negative growth of 0.7 per cent....Greece managed growth of 0.8 per cent.

NOW it is being suggested that Germany is on the brink of 'golden decade' as country's exports surge to record high.

Germany – the world’s second largest exporter behind China – also imported a record €79.4 billion (£70 billion) of goods from overseas as the economy powered ahead.

The Berlin government expects economic growth of 2.6 per cent this year after a stunning 3.6 per cent expansion in 2010.

Overall, Europe to get out of crisis stronger then when it entered into it.

Contrast this with what is going on in the US at the moment:

In the home market (the largest investment for the average citizen)

• National Home Prices Double Dip
• U.S. ‘Underwater’ Homeowners Increase to 28 Percent
• Housing crash is getting worse

As the strength of the dollar goes down, it is inevitable that the cost of living will go up.  We will no longer be able to enjoy the lifestyle we once did.

• Dollar tumbles to 3-yr low
• Rival Currencies Take Aim at Dollar's Dominance
• Wholesale prices rise due to costlier gas and food

Are we now starting to see the vestiges of what is going to happen.  This IS NOT a surprise, nor should it be...yet it is for too many.

To avoid being blindsided and to find out what we can do about it, read:

The Fall and Rise of Britain and AmericaEurope in Prophecy - The Unfolding of End-Time Events

To Lie or Not to Lie

In an article about an Associated Press-Ipsos poll, just over half of those who took the survey said lying was never justified, YET in the same exact poll nearly two-thirds said it was OK to lie in particular situations.  One “noted ethicist” even proclaimed that he was a proponent of lying and we have a moral obligation to lie.

The most dumbfounding aspect of this was that most would say that lying was necessary at the most ludicrous of times:  when asked about their age; whether they were very sick; how someone looked in a dress; etc.

Hopefully we can see how ridiculous this is, and these things would not be an issue for us.  But, what about the tougher predicaments? What if we were faced with something of a more dire nature?  Is it OK for us to lie to save someone’s life or in order to spare our own?

This is where some are more likely to go off the rail.  The short answer is no.  We do not have the prerogative to decide when we can lie.  The Bible does not say that it is OK to lie if a situation warrants it in our mind.  To believe that the Great God did not conceive of the dilemmas that we would face when He asked us not to lie is to discount God and to lack faith in Him.

It is a necessity to worship God in truth (John 4:24), and if we lie, it should go without saying that this is not of the truth (1 John 2:21). If we consider ourselves to be followers of what God instructs us in His Word, the Bible, we cannot lie to anyone, at any time, about anything (Colossians 3:9).

If we are of God, then we will keep His Word, the Truth.  If we believe that we have to lie, then we follow the originator of lying, the devil (John 8:44, 47). If we love and believe God and His Word, then we can rest assured that all will work out for good (Romans 8:28).

Signs of the Times: Earthquakes

The reason so many have focussed on tremors as a sign from God and of the end-times comes from Christ's words as recorded in Matthew and Luke:

Matthew 24:3, 7  Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" ...there will be...earthquakes in various places. 

Luke 21:11  And there will be great earthquakes in various places....

There is no doubt that times are progressing towards the end, but are we getting to the point of the VERY end?

In looking at the data from the USGS site on Magnitude 8 and Greater Earthquakes Since 1900 it was very apparent when I first tried to plot the seisms on a graph spanning 100 years.  But when I graphed the moving average time between the last 10 quakes, here is what became apparent:

It would seem that the years represented here (1902-2011) would be the most accurate we have access to.  In it we see that the average time between events came down to about 300 days twice in the last century (1923 and 1946). But recently the mean has blown through the 300 day "line of resistance" to bottom out at a 189 day average between major earthquakes before rebounding just a bit.  Will it continue it's downward slope or rebound as it had done in the past -- time will tell.

To me, and for what it's worth, the frequency of earthquakes is going up considerably!  Is this it - the end?  No one can say for sure if we are in the very end, but we definitely need to continue to watch and pray (Luke 21:36) and discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:3).

How Did We React?

The big news of the past week has been the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan.  Many different stories of what exactly happened have surfaced.

Now, I am not here to debate whether he is dead or not; or how he may or may not have died; nor even the ramifications of his death which may be considerable.  Rather, I want to address the reactions of many of those in the US and around the world to his demise.

I was struck, and even a little taken back by the unadulterated joy and happiness of many that bin Laden was murdered.  Of course I understand the evil that the organization he formed, al-Qaeda, wrought on the world, not only with 9/11 but many other heinous terrorist acts that have caused untold suffering and anguish.

For those affected by Osama bin Laden here is the hard thing God asks of us in Proverbs 24:17-18, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him...."

Vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19) in His time, in His way and for His purpose.  It is not up to us to take matters into our own hands, but rather we are to work and pray that we live according to His Will.

What God wants and accordingly what we should also want is for "all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).  God would rather that everyone would repent and turn away from their evil ways and turn towards Him.  Is this what we want for EVERYONE as well?

Signs of the Times: The coming beast power sets up shop in the home of the false prophet!

Germany sets up in Rome | The Economist: 

"But last week the EU quietly decided to set up a military headquarters in Rome to run a possible humanitarian mission (even though NATO has also done contingency planning for such an eventuality). For now, say senior European officials, this is just a precautionary step, to be ready to act quickly should it be needed."

Even though the EU Council adopted this for seemingly altruistic reasons, it is interesting to note that the coming beast power (German led core nations of the EU), set up in Rome, the seat of the False Prophet.  From scripture we know that the False Prophet will influence (ride) the Beast power (Revelation 17:3-4).  It will not be long before see the prophesied collusion of these two entities.

BOOKLETS:  

• The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation
• The Book of Zechariah -- Prophecies for Today!
• Europe In Prophecy: The Unfolding of End-Time Events

Osama bin Laden Dead - Now What?

After unimaginable time, money and resources spent, the number one most wanted man in America and perhaps the world has been killed.  Have we chopped off the head of the snake...or the hydra?

It would be naive to think that bin Laden will not be immediately replaced by one or more other equally mad men - that is if he was more than an impotent al-Qaeda head any way.  That being said, this organization does not need more of an excuse to attack than they already have.

It is interesting to note that no sooner than this had been done than the words REVENGE, RETALIATION, and  REPRISAL were being bandied about.  Of course, this why we got in this "war on terror" in the first place.  In SPIEGEL ONLINE they state, 

"But according to the old American understanding of guilt and punishment, justice has been done: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."  But has it and is this the best way?

Some of the first things that we have heard is that by Capturing bin Laden 'would unleash hell': 

"The mastermind of the 9/11 attacks warned that al-Qaeda has hidden a nuclear bomb in Europe which will unleash a 'nuclear hellstorm' if Osama bin Laden is captured, leaked files revealed.

The terror group also planned to make a 9/11 style attack on London's Heathrow airport by crashing a hijacked airliner into one of the terminals, the files showed.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told Guantanamo Bay interrogators the terror group would detonate the nuclear device if the al-Qaeda chief was captured or killed, according to the classified files released by the WikiLeaks website."

This is not a special case it is currently happening in the ill advised incursions in Libya:

Backlash at killing of Gaddafi's son: "As mobs launched revenge attacks on international targets in the capital, the UN airlifted its international staff out of the Libyan capital and the British and Italian missions were left in flames. Britain expelled Libya's ambassador in London in response to the burning of its embassy, which was closed in February. UN officials confirmed that its Tripoli office was also ransacked and Italy said a number of other foreign missions had been attacked."

Where does it end?  After an eye for an eye, is it an eye for an eye for an eye?  Perhaps this has been going on so long that it would explain why so many are blind to the truth.


The Old Testament injunction of an eye for an eye has been misunderstood for too long even though this should have been cleared up by Christ in Matthew 5:38-39:

"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.'  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 

Revenge, recompense and repayment is for God to dole out in accordance with His plan and as He sees fit!

Romans 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

Many believe this is naive, but that is why man is man and God is God.

Q&A:  An Eye for an Eye

Signs of the Times: Egypt, Israel and Gaza

Egypt warns Israel: Don't interfere with opening of Gaza border crossing - Haaretz Daily Newspaper

In a change of policy, Egypt will now leave the door into Gaza completely open. Previously, Israel had a say-so in the products and people that went into the strip which has been a thorn in their side.

Events like this are not a surprise considering we are quickly approaching the end-time and the events that are prophesied to transpire.

Note what Zechariah prophesies about the slavery of modern day Israel [Judah] by Egypt:

Zechariah 10:6, 10 “I will strengthen the house of Judah… I will bring them back, Because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; For I am the LORD their God, And I will hear them… I will also bring them back from the land of Egypt.

Isaiah also supports this in a couple of places:

Isaiah 11:11–12, “It shall come to pass in that day* That the LORD shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt...."

Isaiah 27:13 So it shall be in that day*: The great trumpet will be blown; They will come, who are about to perish in the land of Assyria, And they who are outcasts in the land of Egypt, And shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

Continue to watch these events knowing they will inevitably culminate in the way they are described in the Word of God.

*This phrase refers to the last days, the very end-time and the return of Christ.

The Black Swan

In the first century A.D., the saying, "A rare bird in the lands, like a black swan," was meant to convey something that was not believed to exist. At that time, the European world had only seen white swans. So you can imagine their surprise more than 1,600 years later when the first one was seen and later caught and brought back to Europe. This changed the way many thought, even to the extent that the saying, "A rare bird in the lands..." was used ironically.

Recently, an author has taken this story and come up with the Black Swan idea. His criteria for such an effect is:

     1. The event is a surprise (to the observer).
     2. The event has a major impact.
     3. After the fact, the event is rationalized by hindsight, as if it had been expected.

Furthermore, he also states that these events can be either positive, negative or both.

An example of a Black Swan event would be the first coming of Christ. It was unexpected by most; affected many in a profound way; and now nearly 2,000 years later, many have said that Jesus was merely a man who caught the imagination of the people of His time, as so many before and after Him have done.

There is another Black Swan event on the horizon that will catch most everyone off guard; completely change the whole world; and after it has come to pass, most will be able to see that it was the consequence of predictable occurrences.  Of course, I am speaking of the return of Christ and all that immediately precedes and follows His second coming.

The world will not expect His coming at the time He arrives, nor in the manner in which He does. In one respect, it is amazing that we can live in a time where the Bible is the #1 best selling book worldwide, year after year, and yet most are unaware of its contents, thus making Christ's future return a Black Swan event.

In addition to being a surprising event for most, Christ's return will of course have a major impact. He will save mankind from utter destruction, and this present evil world will be totally changed for the better. And the third criterion of this concept is that Christ's second coming will be viewed after the fact, as having been foreseeable. This will be the outcome, after the Kingdom of God rules this earth and God has made His Spirit available to all and their minds become open to the truth. They will read the prophecies of the Bible, and the words will jump off the page at them, as they wonder how they did not see this before.

It should not and can not be this way for us today! The events of the very near future are not concealed to our eyes and therefore, should not be a bombshell to us, as it will be to the rest of humanity. Those, guided by the Holy Spirit, who correctly study the Word of God and watch and pray always, will see all of this fermenting.

We should not be oblivious to what is coming down the pike; rather, we should be knowledgeable and prepared for Christ's second coming. The result of this Black Swan event will be a dire outcome for many, but it should not and can not be that way for those who have been given an ear to hear and eyes to see.

Signs of the Times: Weather

No end in sight for South's drought  While at the same time just to the North:  Thousands Evacuate as Missouri Town's Levee Threatens to Burst

Wild weather continues to take its toll:
The Associated Press: "Dozens of tornadoes kill 194 in 5 Southern states"

When these events occur with an increasing frequency and calamity we know the end is near.

QA:  Great tempests in the end-time.

Signs of the Times: Economic Slavery

Dick Morris Reports: The IMF Takes Over Our Economy

In this move Europe continues to come to the fore as has been foretold, while the US tends towards an economic subjugation.

BOOKLET:  Europe in Prophecy - The Unfolding of End-Time Events
BOOKLET:  The Fall and Rise of Britain and America

By the Light

Paul uses a phrase in Philippians 1:10, “that you may be sincere.” The word used for “sincere” here is an interesting word: eilikrinēs.

This comes from Greek words that mean “the sun's rays” and “judge”.  When compounded it takes on the meaning “judged by sunlight” or “that which is judged in sunshine."

As Paul's eyes grew dim, with age and the problems that persisted in his life, he realized the necessity of having a good light to examine a subject.  In using this Greek word in this way he wanted to impart to the reader an essential quality of a Christian – we should not have anything that we want or need to hide.

By implication a saint should stand up to the scrutiny of light, and when focused on us, we should come out as a shining example.  It is our calling, as we walk in this way, to persistently remove the spots of darkness within our character.

God is light (1 John 1:5; ), and Christ will help us expose the areas that we need to work on by the light (Ephesians 5:13-14).  As a help “the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light” (Proverbs 6:23).  Through these and with the help of the power of God that “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13), this can and will be accomplished.  As a begotten son of God, Jesus admonished us in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

As we come out of this spiritually high time of the year and go back into the world, we can continue to move forward with the momentum gained  during the Fall festival season.  And if we are complete in our effort to do what has been set before us, then we too can become a light of the world, shining through our good works, glorifying our Father (Matthew 5:14, 16) and walking sincerely in the hope of our calling.

Signs of the Times: Suffering

Pope Benedict admits there isn't a full answer to suffering

This really should be restated that he, as spiritual leader of most of the professing christian world (directly and indirectly) does not have the full answer to the reason for suffering in the world.

The short answer is that Satan is the god of this world (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4) and we are the product of our own selfish ways. God is mostly in a hands off role, that is until the restoration of all things (Acts 3:19-21).

Booklet: Human Suffering, Why...and How Much Longer?

Signs of the Times: Economic Slavery

Don't Like a Weak Dollar? Get Used to It

The title really says it all.  I know many believe that America can and will rebound to it's former glory, but this is not what prophecy states.  At the same time the Euro will continue to grow stronger despite it's nay-sayers.

Euro moves to 16-month high against US dollar

Mastering Relationship Choices

It was interesting to note at the 2011 Master's golf tournament this year, the significance of the "pairings."  In the opening two rounds on Thursday and Friday, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Ricky Fowler played together.  This grouping produced the two lowest scores as well as a very respectable showing for Ricky.  This of course meant that Rory and Jason would again be paired up for Day 3, which would again have Rory at the top of the leaderboard with Jason in the hunt.

Day 4 would find these 2 up and coming professionals playing with others for the first time at the tournament this year:  Rory with Angel Cabrera and Jason with fellow Aussie and long time friend Adam Scott.  Jason, now 23, has known Adam for eight years, a relatively long time.

Jason and Adam went on to produce two of the more spectacular rounds of the day with both of them starting out at 7 under par and both ending up at -12, tied for second overall.  Their comraderie and mateship were obvious on the course and no doubt attributed to their success.

When we are in right relationships the same is true.  It can be a case of iron sharpening iron.  We can benefit from and play off of each others strengths.  A synergism can be created, where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

When we choose our friends, our spouse or get involved in any close relationship, we need to be wise and realize the effect that this can have on who we become and where it may take us in this life.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer and polymath who said, “Behavior is a mirror in which every one displays his own image.”  I think it would be more accurate to say:  “Behavior is the mirror in which every one else sees our image."

With deference to Herr Goethe, I do not believe that we all see our behavior as clearly as others do.  When we look in the mirror we only see ourselves vaguely (1 Corinthians 13:12).

But, as the verse continues and intimates, it is only with the insight that comes from God that we can come face to face with who we really are and then begin to see ourselves as others do and more importantly as God does.

Fatal Sequence

The "fatal sequence" of an empire is most commonly attributed to Alexander Fraser Tytler. It states that a nation progresses as follows:

          From Bondage to Spiritual Faith
          From Spiritual Faith to Great Courage
          From Courage to Liberty
          From Liberty to Abundance
          From Abundance to Selfishness
          From Selfishness to Complacency
          From Complacency to Apathy
          From Apathy to Dependency
          From Dependency back into Bondage

There may be debate as to whether they all have followed this course, but when looking at it, there are some undeniable accuracies. For some time now the English speaking countries have been the dominant empires. So this begs the question, where might we be in Tytler's cycle?

If we are honest, we would have to say that we are near the end... in more ways than one. We are near the end of the list as well as being near "The End." The Bible long ago predicted that the end-times would come and that there would be indicators that we are living in those times. Those events are presently happening all around us, and harbingers of future events are becoming clearer every day.

There is no question that these prophecies are going to take place and this present day empire will come to an end. This WILL happen! What is not clear is whether we as individuals will get caught up in the surge and suffer the same fate.

What are our tendencies? Is it to head towards bondage and away from godliness? Or is it to head towards spirituality and away from carnality? As we live in this world and walk through it, is the world wearing off on us or are we wearing off on it?

In the parable of the sower, Christians are warned about "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches" (Matthew 13:22)--that they will choke off the Word of God and cause us to become unfruitful. If we succumb to these temptations, then we are in danger of receiving a great trial and tribulation (Matthew 24:21) to help get us back on the track.

We have been given a tremendous blessing in the calling and knowledge that has been bestowed upon us. Matthew 13:16-17 says: "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."

God brought us out of bondage and led us to the spiritual faith of Christ where He has given us courage, liberty and abundance in His way of life. Now we must be ever vigilant not to be caught in the vicious circle that leads back to the ignominy of bondage. Where are we in this "fatal sequence"?

"That's Good, That's Bad"

Growing up we used to play a game called "That's Good, That's Bad". One person would start a scenario and then everyone would chime in accordingly and say, "That's good!", except for the next person in the circle who would say, "No, that's bad because..." and then everyone would say in unison, "Oh, that's bad!", except for the next person in the circle who would say, "No, that's good because..." and so on and so forth.

For example:

• A young man went riding on his favorite horse one day.
• That's good.  No, that's bad because he fell off and broke his leg.
• Oh, that's bad. No, that's good because a war broke out and he wasn't recruited.

It was a good opportunity to teach us as children that not everything that seemed good was good nor was everything that seemed bad, bad.

The same is true for us today as adults in God's Church. We are enduring many trials and sometimes we may wonder to what end. We may ask ourselves how anything good could possibly come out of what I am going through now. We can rest assured knowing that God is working out a purpose in our lives, one in which He is refining us and shaping us into His image.

There is a reason for what we are going through now and many times when we say, "Oh, that's bad", God is saying, "No, that's good!". During these times of hardship it is our part to be happy with whatever state that find ourselves in and to be thankful in all things as God does a GOOD work in us.

Signs of the Times: Economic Slavery

Gold hits new record: "Spot gold rose to a record $1,458.50 an ounce as investors bought the precious metal to hedge against inflation and as a save haven as sovereign debt problems flared again in Europe after Portugal's credit rating was downgraded."

It seems that many people are pushing the purchase of gold and silver these days, and their price seems to really be going up and up. But the Bible says that in the end time, it will all be worthless. 

Click here....

While It Is Day

As the days grew shorter and shorter recently, I found myself reflecting on the things I wished I could do, but could not, because it was now dark. I long for the extended days of light when I could do the things that I want to do and need to do.

These days will come again, but the question that remains is, will I make the most of them when they arrive? Have I learned the lesson from the extra hours that I had to spend in the dark? Will I make hay while the sun shines? Will I accomplish the work that I need to do while I have the light to do it?

What about the Church?  Will we be productive and fruitful while we have the opportunity to do the Work?  Will we perform the work that God has placed in our hands and has given us the responsibility to accomplish? In John 9:4, we read Christ's words, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."

There was a time when we had more of the day in front of us, but now the night is near. Do we feel the deadline approaching? Is the onus of that which is ahead weighing heavily upon us? Are we motivated by the fact that we have made a commitment to do the work that God has given to each of us individually?

In Matthew 21:28-31, we read this, "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?"

The answer is obviously the one that repented of his wrong attitude and eventually did the work.

Right now it is still day, but we are rapidly approaching the twilight of the Work, and then it will be night. It may then be too late to do the work effectively that we will have to give an account for (Romans 14:11-12). Without delay, let us follow the example of Christ and work the works of Him who gave us this great calling... while it is day.

Imagine This Time

Satan would love nothing more than to drive a wedge into our spiritual life and separate us from God. His ultimate goal is to do whatever he can to take us out of the Church, the body of Christ. Now, especially at this pre-Passover time of the year and at this juncture in the end-time, he is for sure doing all that he can to disrupt us in our walk towards the Plan of God.

Imagine a spirit being that has been around for eons – 6,000 years would be a short time to him. Knowing that he only had this short time, he, as an entity that never tires, would be relentless in his goal to derail true Christians. Night and day, he would accuse the brethren before God (Revelation 12:10), and he would walk around seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8; Job 1:7; 2:2).

Now imagine that this very short period of 6,000 years is almost up. How much more, if it were possible, would Satan be stepping up his effort to thwart the Plan of God?

God would love nothing more than to have us as members of His Family in His Kingdom. His ultimate goal is to do whatever He can to see that we are successful in this calling. Now, especially at this pre-Passover time of the year and at this juncture in the end-time, He is for sure doing all that He can to reconcile us in our walk towards the Plan of God.

Imagine a loving God—the Father—who has inhabited eternity with only one other Family member—Jesus Christ. After all that time, He began carrying out His plan that included fashioning the physical universe with all the laws to govern it. God also created man and gave him His laws to be governed by. He sacrificed His only Son to pay for the penalty for our sin in order that we may live and have access to His Power – the Holy Spirit which further aids us in attaining His goal for us—to grant us the awesome opportunity to qualify for a position in His Kingdom and Family.

Now imagine we only have a short time left. We are quickly coming to a crossroads – a time when God will pronounce His final judgment on the firstfruits of His creation. Then, in the twinkling of an eye, it will all be decided. Do we sense the urgency?