Listen UP

The following article is worthy of close reading.  Gramps 

“And will bless those who bless you (Israel) and the one who curses you (Israel) I will curse!” (Gen 10:3),

 Previous Times America Faced Major Disaster After Attempting To Divide Israel

BY MICHAEL SNYDER/ECONOMIC COLLAPSE BLOG DECEMBER 27, 2016

Because Barack Obama has cursed Israel at the United Nations, America is now under a curse. Friday's stunning betrayal of Israel at the UN Security Council is making headlines all over the planet, but the truth is that what Obama has just done is far more serious than most people would dare to imagine. 

Over the past several decades, whenever the U.S. government has taken a major step toward the division of the land of Israel it has resulted in a major disaster hitting the United States. 

This keeps happening over and over again, and yet our leaders never seem to learn. And despite the fact that President-elect Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prominent members of both parties in Congress strongly urged Obama to veto Security Council resolution 2334, he went ahead and let it pass anyway.

Because the United States has veto power on the UN Security Council, nothing can get passed without our support. And it has been the policy of the U.S. government for decades to veto all anti-Israel resolutions that come before the Security Council

But this time around, it appears that the Obama administration was working very hard behind the scenes to get this resolution pushed through the Security Council before the end of Obama's term. At least that is what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is claiming...

"From the information that we have, we have no doubt that the Obama administration initiated it, stood behind it, coordinated on the wording and demanded that it be passed," Netanyahu said in a statement. "This is, of course, in complete contradiction of the traditional American policy that was committed to not trying to dictate terms for a permanent agreement, like any issue related to them in the Security Council, and, of course, the explicit commitment of President Obama himself, in 2011, to refrain from such steps."

I am sure that there will be a tremendous amount of debate about to what extent the U.S. was involved in creating and drafting this resolution, but there is one thing that is exceedingly clear.

The ultimate decision as to whether or not this resolution would be adopted was in the hands of one man. Barack Obama knew very well that he had this power, and in the end he ultimately decided to betray Israel.

And now that our government has cursed Israel at the UN, our entire nation will be cursed as a result.

In the Scriptures we are repeatedly told that God will bless those that bless Israel and will curse those that curse Israel. 

When Barack Obama blocked a similar resolution that France wanted to submit for a vote in September 2015, it resulted in America being blessed, and we definitely have been blessed over the past 16 months.

But now that Barack Obama has reversed course and has betrayed Israel, we will most assuredly be cursed. In the days ahead we will see how this plays out, and perhaps we can get some hints about what may happen by reviewing recent history.

There have literally been dozens of instances in recent decades when the U.S. has been hit by some sort of immediate disaster when it has made a move toward the dividing of the land of Israel. 

The following are ten of the most prominent examples that stand out to me...

#1 The last time the U.S. government refused to veto an anti-Israel resolution at the UN Security Council was in 1979. On March 22nd, 1979 the Carter administration chose not to veto UN Resolution 446. 

Four days after that on March 26th, the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed in Washington. As a result of that treaty, Israel gave up a tremendous amount of territory. Two days later, on March 28th, the worst nuclear power plant disaster in U.S. history made headlines all over the globe. The following comes from Wikipedia...

The Three Mile Island accident was a partial nuclear meltdown that occurred on March 28, 1979, in reactor number 2 of Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station (TMI-2) in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was the most significant accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history.[2] The incident was rated a five on the seven-point International Nuclear Event Scale: Accident With Wider Consequences.[3][4]

#2 On October 30th, 1991 President George H. W. Bush opened the Madrid Peace Conference which brought Israelis and Palestinians together to negotiate for the very first time. 

In his opening speech, Bush told Israel that "territorial compromise is essential for peace". At the exact same time, "the Perfect Storm" was brewing in the north Atlantic. 

This legendary storm traveled 1000 miles the wrong direction and sent 35 foot waves slamming directly into President Bush's home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

#3 On August 23rd, 1992 the Madrid Peace Conference moved to Washington D.C., and the very next day Hurricane Andrew made landfall in Florida causing 30 billion dollars in damage. It was the worst natural disaster up to that time in U.S. history.

#4 On January 16th, 1994 President Clinton met with President Assad of Syria to discuss the possibility of Israel giving up the Golan Heights. Within 24 hours, the devastating Northridge earthquake hit southern California. It was the second worst natural disaster up to that time in U.S. history.

#5 On January 21st, 1998 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House but received a very cold reception. In fact, President Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright actually refused to have lunch with him. That exact same day the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke, sending the Clinton presidency into a tailspin from which it would never recover.

#6 On September 28th, 1998 Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was working on finalizing a plan which would have had Israel give up approximately 13 percent of Judea and Samaria. On that precise day, Hurricane George slammed into the Gulf Coast with wind gusts of up to 175 miles an hour.

#7 On May 3rd, 1999 Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was supposed to hold a press conference to declare the creation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as the capital. 

On that precise day, the most powerful tornadoes ever recorded in the U.S. ripped through Oklahoma and Kansas. At one point one of the tornadoes actually had a recorded wind speed of 316 miles an hour.

#8 On April 30th, 2003, "the Road Map to Peace" that had been developed by the so-called "Quartet" was presented to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon by U.S. Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer. 

Over the next seven days, the U.S. was hit by a staggering 412 tornadoes. It was the largest tornado cluster ever recorded up to that time.

#9 In 2005, President George W. Bush (the son of George H. W. Bush) convinced Israel that it was necessary to remove all of the Jewish settlers out of Gaza and turn it over entirely to the Palestinians. 

According to the New York Times, the very last of the settlers were evacuated on August 23, 2005. On that precise day, a storm that would be given the name "Katrina" started forming over the Bahamas. 

The city of New Orleans still has not fully recovered from the damage that storm caused, and it ranked as the costliest natural disaster in all of U.S. history up to that time.

#10 On May 19th, 2011 Barack Obama told Israel that there must be a return to the pre-1967 borders. Three days later on May 22nd a half-mile wide EF-5 multiple-vortex tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri. According to Wikipedia, it was "the costliest single tornado in U.S. history."

The UN Security Council resolution that was passed on Friday is the biggest betrayal of Israel in modern history. As I explained in my last article, I believe that America's reprieve is now over and all hell is about to break loose in this country.

When Barack Obama blocked the UN Security Council from dividing the land of Israel in September 2015, according to the Word of God we should have been blessed as a nation as a result, and we were blessed.

But now Barack Obama has cursed Israel by stabbing them in the back at the United Nations, and according to the Word of God we should be cursed as a nation as a result.

And as surely as I am writing this article, we will be cursed.

****Addition - one of my daily devotionals is called When God Speaks...He Says Amazing Things'

It was written by a friend who calles heself 'Writer for the King' as if God were speaking. She wrote this as a Christmas gift for her family a couple years ago and as I read these two days, I thought you might be encouraged    - Gma

Dec 30  Some years come and go with no seeming notice; big or small.  However, I plan them all and know what lies ahead.  Stay close in Me and you have nothing to fear.  My Father’s will is perfect.  He knows when I’ll return.  I continue to draw all men to Myself.  I Am working quickly and need your help.  Come and follow Me like never before in your, life.  We will do his thing together.  Come

Dec 31  The last day of your year is here.  What a year it’s been.   There have been many things you did not see ahead of time, but I did.  I have carried you through, prepared you as I felt necessary.  I hold you secured into My existence.  I Am God, the only God.  There is no other.  You are Mine and I Am yours.  There is no better place to be.  Sing and shout of Me this night.  Share the wonders, ponder who I AM.  Seek My face on what will be.  Share a Meal of ME together!  We embrace your and love you.  Believe and receive.  Another year approaches.  Each moment is ours to bring forth in your life.  Enjoy the one you are in.  Fret not for the past, nor the future.  We hold it and you securely in Our hands and all is WELL!  COME and DINE with Me!

THe Answer to a Mystery

“For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery – so that you will not be wise in your own estimation – that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so, all Israel will be saved: just as it is written” (Rom. 11:25-26a).

Hey Gang:  I thought I had completed my blog-writing, prior to leaving for Israel, but there is a rapidly developing miracle coming together; I felt I should alert you so you can do some research on your own - to put meat on the skeleton. 

In the past year or so there has been tidbits showing up that indicate many Jews are beginning to recognize the emptiness in their chest cavity, just the size of Yeshua Hamashiah; they are asking very serious questions.  This is a relatively new phenomenon yet, in some ways, it is not.  We have witnessed the rise in numbers of Messianic Communities in Israel and America, and other places in the world, for more than twenty years. 

Although the number of born-again Jews is relatively small, the seed-planting program that Jesus is their long awaited for Messiah, seems to be growing at a steady and rapid pace. 

Several weeks ago, a story surfaced that the leadership of the Orthodox communities of Israel did all in their power to squelch this growing interest.  That said, the young, especially woman of Orthodox community, have been growing very cold towards the emptiness of the Orthodox teachings.   What began with a small prayer- group type, sharing this feeling with each other, began to rapidly expand throughout the communities?  It is now suggested that more than 30,000 Orthodox Jews are in serious study to find out who Jesus is, and, is He the One as John the Baptist asked?

My friends, this is no small issue.  Up until recently the Orthodox Leadership were literally willing to go to very drastic extremes to prevent the “Yeshua as Messiah” belief from penetrating their very closed world.

Joel Rosenberg shared an amazing story this week: “Have you heard that Israeli leaders are urging Jews to read through the entire Bible, verse by verse, chapter by chapter?”  Amazing, but true.    

Can you imagine President Obama, in one of his overly-frequent appearances in the media, announcing, “Now folks, this is what I believe will fix our nation. I want you to join with me and the Senators and Representatives, and all the underlings in the Belt Way- to read through the Bible.”  Every medical facility in America world receive mega calls from people who had heart attacks just hearing him say something like that.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kicked off the new school year by encouraging children to rediscover the Word of God and Biblical roots of their Jewish heritage.  Netanyahu, known by the name of Bibi to his friends, with his bride, hosted another in a series of Bible study groups in their official residence.   They are studying, “What is the connection Jews have to the Temple Mount?”    So much for separation of church and state.    (The recent ruling by the U.N that the Temple Mount has no Jewish roots and is Palestinian and has always been shows the bias of that Organization.)

Meanwhile, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, and several government officials have launched something they call the “929” Chapters.  Purpose – to encourage all Israelis – even the most secular and non-religious among the people- to continue reading verse by verse, chapter by chapter through the full Hebrew Bible or “Tanakh”, until everyone finished together in the summer of 2018 for the 70th anniversary of the prophetic rebirth of the Jewish State.  

Well, I would like to go on and give you the rest of the story, but need to take care of some last-minute details before hitting the airways so will close with this challenge!  Read the Bible through -verse by verse, chapter by chapter.  

There has been two-billion dollars’ worth of rhetoric (actual) that as filled the airways in this presidential fiasco.  It was interesting that right after that piece of information was shared, an add from a ministry came on telling us, “For one dollar a day you can feed and provide care for a starving child”.    Let’s see now, that would be two billion starving and uncared for children around the world, wouldn’t it?

Well, I best leave that lay for now and pray you will seek the Lord’s counsel and vote accordingly. Take note   of our itinerary and be diligent in your prayer covering for us.

Blessings,

P.S.  Forgot – read the morning Scripture again.  Keep in mind that huge numbers of Jews are not making that final decree to accept the Lord as Messiah and Savior but rapidly growing numbers are seeking to learn about Him.  It is my sincere opinion that the day all Jews will be saved is when Jesus comes and every eye will see Him. (Rev. 1:7). This and two bucks will get you cup of java in most hash houses.

Gramps

Gog of the Land of Magog, or Psalm 83, You Decide

“It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.  I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst.  Then the nations will know that I am the Lord.” Declares the Lord God, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight” (Ezek. 36:22b-23).

Hey Gang:  Throughout my eighty- three years on this earth I have heard Gog and Magog preached many times, often at prophecy related conferences, as the next great event facing Israel; the one that will kick the final days of earth, as we know it, into effect. 

For some reason, most pulpits are silent in what God said through Jesus, the disciples and the prophets of old -even though one fourth to one third of the Bible is prophetic.  Jesus said, “I tell you these things before they happen so that when they do happen you will believe that I am He” 

(John 13:19; 14:29; 16:4).   It seems very strange to me that every pastor of the land is not including the Prophetic Word - in this day when darkness is covering the earth and the prophets are speaking loud and clear the Words of Jesus, “One will be taken and one will be left”.

Getting back to the subject, Gog and Magog as the next great event in the history of the last day.  Several of the well- known prophecy gurus of our day appear to be firm believers in this hypothesis.   I in no way consider myself to be a prophecy guru, but have done considerable reading and studying on the subject and I disagree.

My question has always been not who is involved in that battle, but rather who is not!  Ezekiel 38 tells me Gog of Magog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal are involved.  Also involved is Persia (which we know as Iran), Ethiopia, Put, Gomer with all its troops and Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the North with all its troops. 

As I look at the Middle East map, I find the tents of Edom, [Southern Jordan]; the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; Moab [Central Jordan]; and the Hagrites [Egypt]; Gebal [Northern Lebanon]; Ammon [Northern Jordan], and Amalek [Sinai]; Philistia [Gaza Strip] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Southern Lebanon,   Assyria [Syria] also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot [Moab and Ammon above]  (Psalm 83:2-8) all touch Israel’s Borders. 

All of these nations butt up against Israel and all of these nations have a common denominator- they hate Israel and the Jews and do not want them eliminated from the land by the boot ,but rather through completion of what Hitler began in his sadistic use of the Third Reich.  “They have said, “Come, and, let us wipe them out as a nation.  That the name of Israel be remember no more” (vs. 4).

I believe the Psalmist laid the groundwork for why these nations were not mentioned in the Gog-Magog war.  “Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever, And let them be humiliated PERISH” (VS. 17).  They are no more. 

Bill Salus, in his book Isralestine wrote the following comments pertaining to Psalm 83.  “Asaph wrote this Psalm when the nation of Israel was experiencing the blessing of Abrahamic Covenant in an unprecedented manner; they were a people of prominence entering a period of prosperity and residing in their own land under the leadership of their God-ordained king David.

As a people, their focus was on the growth of the nation, and building God His first house of worship on Earth, (the Jewish Temple). Unexpectedly, Asaph introduces a futuristic threat to the Covenant  God made with their patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, – a warning so severe that the survival of the thriving nation could be in question.

Is there a more perfect description of what is happening in Israel at this very moment than verse two through 5 in Psalm 83?  “For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head.  They have taken crafty counsel against Your people.  And consulted together against Your shelter dons. They have said, “Come, let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” 

Would you say that the Middle East is a tinder box waiting for some fool too lite the fuse? Hello UN! And is there not more than a few fools willing to lite the fuse.  I wonder how long Israel will put up with the constant barrage of threats from those neighbor nations, and from all of the world, for that matter.  How long will they sit idly by, as Iran openly builds a nuclear force and makes no bones about it.  Their montra: calling Israel,  number one on their hit list the Little Satan, followed closely by America, the Big Satan. 

On one trip to Israel there was a very popular T shirt printed, “Don’t worry America, Israel will protect you!”   With what our President has done to our military - and congress has allowed like silent pussy cats- I am so very thankful that Israel is there to protect us.  Would I be surprised to wake up one of these days and hear that Bibi Netanyahu and his defense minister lost patience and released the Israel Defense Forces to do what they have known since becoming a nation? Was hangs over their Nation like the clouds in the heavens.  

Our leaders may be impressed with Iran’s bellicose posturing and threatening, all who will listen, with the use of their new toys, missiles and soon to come on board, atomic weapons, but Israel is not.  There is a very eye-opening and interested prophecy in Jeremiah 34-39 pertaining to this very arrogant and bellicose nation.    Elam is the western portion of Iran and is the location of most of Iran’s atomic infrastructure. 

It is reported that their oldest Atomic plant, which provides a huge amount of their power, sits on a seismic area.  Some have called it the most unstable place in the world and could erupt at any time.   Jeremiah 49:38 gives fair warning: “Thus says the Lord of Hosts; The finest of their might.  I will bring upon Elam the four winds from the four ends of heaven, and I will scatter them to all these winds from the four ends of heaven, and will scatter them to all these winds; And there will be no nation.  To which the outcasts of Elan will not go.”

There is another prophecy, that I believe directly points to a coming event in Israel,that we should be aware of  and watching for:  Isaiah 17:1  “The oracle concerning Damascus.  Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and will become a fallen ruin”.   In verse 3 we read “The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and sovereignty from Damascus.”

There is a fourth deep concern on the part of Israel:  I believe this tie-bars with the removal of Damascus as a city.  It is believed by many that when Syria was pressured to give up their chemical weapons, they did so, to a small degree; it is also believed that, if Assad begins to lose control and sees that he is going to go the way of Saddam Hussein, Mubarak, and Kaddafi, he will suddenly find those and use them  towards Israel.

Now several points on this issue that I believe are very feasible: first, if Assad fires one chemical missile into Israel, I believe Israel will retaliate with their Sampson effect. (atomic weapons).  Most every major Islamist terrorist organization is headquartered in Damascus, the longest continuously inhabited city in world history. A single strike of a relatively low-yield nuclear weapon could do the job in a single flight of an Israeli fighter-bomber. All the heads of the terrorists’ hydra-headed serpent could be lopped off in that single blow.  That would certainly set the table for Israel’s victory in the fulfillment of the Psalm 83 prophecy.

Well, folks there is so much happening so fast.  So we are going to go to Israel and see for ourselves.

Blessing,

Gramps

Caring Requires Commitment

Caring Requires Commitment

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.  You shall each them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and  your gates” (Deut. 6:5-9).

Hey Gang:  Each week I receive four reports from prophecy guru’s that alert those who are interested in  keeping up-to-date on “what’s happening man”.   One writer said thing are happening so fast I cannot begin to cover just the things that have surfaced in the past thirty days.  I would in no way say that I am a prophecy guru but do try and remain on alert status.

I have argued with myself as to whether I should send out a “What’s Happening Man” blog and list some of the things that are happening, but I have been amazed of the number of people who are not interested in learning what is happening prophetically in our world.  So, I made a command decision, I would run a test and float a message from Gramps on What’s Happening Man and put it on the What’s Happening Man blog at Grampswhatshappeningman.blogspot.com and check the interest level.

Two statements, this week, that sent chills up my spine were “The numbers are in, and the verdict is undisputable, America is turning against God.  And some pastors are warning that God will soon turn against America.  Could the horrendous out of control fires in the west and the record rainfalls and flooding in the southern states be an indicator the God’s patience has run out on America?”

A 2015 Pew study found almost one in four Americans identified as atheist, agnostic or listed their religion as ’none’ (nothing in particular).  

It’s been 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court first ruled that government-endorsed prayer in public schools is unconstitutional. The landmark decision, which continues to lay at the center of the nation’s debate over the separation of church and state, forever changed the way that faith and religion are handled in classrooms.

The ongoing contention started when Steven Engel, a Jewish New Yorker, came together with other parents in 1958 to sue New York State over ‘state-endorsed’ prayer that was being recited in schools. The Supreme Court inevitably sided with Engel and the decision was issued on June 25, 1962 — a day that lives in infamy in the minds of many religious individuals and free-speech advocates. 

The ongoing contention started when Steven Engel, a Jewish New Yorker, came together with other parents in 1958 to sue New York State over state-endorsed prayer that was being recited in schools. The Supreme Court inevitably sided with Engel and the decision was issued on June 25, 1962 — a day that lives in infamy in the minds of many religious individuals and free-speech advocates.

The invocation in question was one that had been approved by the New York State Board of Regents. The prayer, which read, “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country,” was relatively benign in nature. Still, the parents were adamant that it shouldn’t be uttered in the public sphere.

Engel, who was joined by his wife and seven other parents, claimed that the prayer violated their religious beliefs and practices. Requiring that children utter it, they argued, violated their First Amendment rights, as the government, in their view, was establishing and promoting religion.  Now I Ask you is nine parents a majority and does majority rule in a democracy or are we no longer a democracy?

As a student in Fairview Elementary School in Altoona, Pennsylvania the beginning of a school day included a ritual that was set in steel.  When the school bell sounded beginning the school day, Miss Blanchard would read a Scripture from the Holy Writ which we as a class followed by quoting the Lord’s Prayer.  This was followed by the Pledge of the Allegiance. She followed this with the latest update from the war zones- for we were involved in WWII at that time. We concluded the morning ritual be saying in unison: ”Lord, protect our troops and bring them home safely”.  As I recall most the kids in the class had kin-folk involved in the military at that time.

There was no screaming about separation of Church and State and, if a parent or two would have made it an issue, they would have had a visit from a hit squad -consisting of the other parents.  Now, I bring up this ritual because every child that was involved in elementary school, the first six years of their education process, began each day in similar manner.  In other words, the seeds of the Word of God, honor for our nation and for the 48 stars and stripes and God’s Word and compassion for our warriors was a seed- planting process that I believe dug deep into the hearts of every child.  

I do not recall one incident, in my twelve years of school, where a student carried a gun to school with the intent to kill as many fellow students as his weapon would allow.  Bottom line: nine people yelled so loud that it drowned out the other millions of people of America and removed God’s seed- planting process from young hearts.  Still today, loud voices seem to rule.

I repeat when I read this headline in Koenig’s blog, it sent chills up my spine “The numbers are in, and the verdict is undisputable, America is turning against God.”  

The second chill maker was from a “mole” who stated very clearly that our President has stepped up his efforts, behind the scene, to demand that Israel give up the Covenant Lands of Judah, Samaria, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem.  In 2008 Bill Koenig, a correspondent who works out of the White House, wrote a book titled Eye to Eye in which he listed 57 catastrophic events that occurred shortly before, during the actual catastrophic event, or shortly after the event between October 20, 1991 and October 17-24, 2005. These occurred when the Presidents in office made demands that Israel give up Covenant Land, in order to promote long term peace.(and how is that move working?)

Is there a correlation between the Supreme Court’s decision to kick God out of our schools and what is happening in our nation today? The ruling from the Court was passed down 54 years ago.  Two generations of kids did not have a Mrs. Barnhart in their lives.  For 54 years growing numbers of children graduated without having clue what the Bible is, what is within the two covers.  For 54 years there has been no seed-planning into the hearts of all of those kids that have sat in the classrooms of our elementary schools.

I wonder what those on the Supreme Court, that evicted God from our elementary schools across America 54 years ago, will say when God asks how they voted on this issue and how they voted on the gay marriage issue.

Do you have an opinion on these issues.   Are you willing to make your voice hear? 

 Subject: Hide the Necklace

 Kudos to the 17year-old; hopefully we have the courage to do the same as this young man.

MAY "THE SPIRIT OF OUR GOD" GRANTED TO US ALL THE COURAGE TO FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE!!

A young 17-year-old boy was shopping in St. Cloud, MN, at a sports ​store called Shields. The cashier was a Muslim lady who was wearing her headscarf. The 17-year-old was wearing a necklace with a cross on it.  She told him he would have to put his cross under his shirt because it offended her. He told her he would not do that. Then he told her that he thought she should take her headscarf off.

She then called for the manager. The manager came out and told the 17-year-old to just put his cross​

under his shirt and everything would be fine.

The boy again refused to do so and, at that point, he left the items he had intended to purchase and walked out.

Several customers who had been in line behind him had heard theconversation and also left their carts full of items and walked out of the store!!

KUDOS TO THE 17-YEAR-OLD!!!

We all know we are in some very changing times, and given the same​ circumstances, I pray we would all have the courage this young lad ​had.  We should all spend a few minutes talking about the challenge we​

are facing for our first amendment right of religious freedom. (I have to wonder what's next?  Are they going to try to ban store owners from selling any jewelry with a cross on it??)

Would you have put your cross under your shirt to appease these persons?

Some things for you to chew on?

Blessings,

Gramps

Hal Lindsay Report - Iran and Russia

Tonight on the Hal Lindsay Report  (Fall of 2015 also Hainley inserts)

The coming alliance between Russia and Iran represents one of the pivotal points in Bible prophecy.  We’re seen them flirting with one another for years, but it is now becoming something more.

Last year, the second most important man in Iran visited Russia.  It wasn’t the president, Hassan Rouhani.  It was the leader of the notorious Quds Force, General Qassem Soleimani.

First of all, why did Vladimir Putin want to see the terrorist-in-chief of the world’s chief terrorist nation?  Second, why would Putin break an international law that he signed-off on to see this man?

The United Nations has sanctions in place to prohibit Soleinmani from traveling outside Iran, yet Russia, who voted for the sanction in the UN Security Council, openly invited him to Moscow

.

Could there be a clue in the English translation of the name of that notorious organization.  Quds Force.  It translates to “Jerusalem Force”.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, openly questioned why Soleimani was welcomed to Russia in violation of the international sanctions.

This will get interesting.  The Bible very specifically names an alliance between Russia and a group of Muslim nations led by Persia, or modern Iran, as an aggressor against Israel.  Now, Russia and the  leader of a terrorist organization from Iran apparently dedicated to the destruction of Israel, are getting chummy!

Folks, this isn’t just prophecy, these are today’s headlines! (2015 & 2016)

From time to time, I’ve mentioned the growing insidious movement among those on the left, even mainline churches, to punish Israel for not committing national suicide by surrendering itself to the Palestinians.

It’s commonly referred to as BDS.  That’s Boycott, Divest, Sanction Israel.

But the concept is not always easily identifiable. In fact, it is often cloaked in subtle nuance, but the effect is the same: cripple Israel to the point it is no longer able to survive as a nation.

At the Republican candidates’ first debate last summer, this diabolical scheme showed itself.  And the gentleman who suggested it probably doesn’t realize the implications of his proposal.

Responding to a question from Bret Baier, one of the evening’s moderators, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who favors eliminating all U.S. foreign aid, said, “Each one of my budgets has taken a meat axe to foreign aid…”

When asked if that would harm Israel, Paul said, “…even Benjamin Netanyahu said that, ultimately, they will be stronger when they’re independent.

Baier followed up by asking: “But you still say that Israel could be one of the countries that is cut from financial aid?

Paul responded that “we cannot give away money we don’t have”.

Never mind that all U.S. foreign aid to all the countries of the world combined only amounts to much less than one percent of our nation’s budget.  We’d be better off if he took his meat axe to entitlement programs which account for more than two-thirds of the U.S. budget.

The point is that cutting off aid to Israel Is a bad idea.  Sometimes you have to spend money to save money.

Buying (and using) a toothbrush may save money on dental bills.  Buying oil changes may prevent the need for later costly auto repairs.

U. S. aid to Israel, which is about half of what we give to Afghanistan, works the same way.  Israel is the only stable democracy in the region.  Of all the countries in the Middle East, only Israel’s security needs coincide completely with those of the United States.

Several countries in the Middle East, Iran foremost among them, have vowed to wipe Israel from the map. (And we just gave them????)  They don’t attempt it for one simple reason: Israel’s military strength.  So continuing to help Israel stay militarily strong saves money and lives by deterring those attacks.

A strong stable Israel is far cheaper than a Middle Eastern war.  One that we would have to spend billio0sof dollars and much blood to end.

To those who wish to end U. S. assistance to Israel, I say simply: Let’s not be penny wise and pound foolish.  The Bible says it stronger.  God says that He will bless those who bless and protect Israel.  He will curse those who curse or abandon her.

Finally, this week I want to debunk a notion that will be deadly to anyone who falls for it, even Christians.  That’s the idea that we can qualify for heaven by faithfully doing the things we are commanded to do and not doing the things the Bible prohibits.

It simply will not work.  Man cannot qualify himself  by the works of his hands.  God does not grade on the curve.

The Law proves that.

A note from gramps.  The incidence of Russia increased blatant buzzing of U. S. ships and increased belligerence in world affairs could give one the feeling that they/Russia are testing the waters to see if the United States, or for that matter anyone on in the world, is taking them to task.  While America reduces our military and refuses to get involved in the affairs of the world, the bear from the North continues to arm the enemies of the so-called free world and expands their power base. 

Note:  Several months ago Russia tested the Turkish boundaries; when one of their fighters penetrated the Turkish border – results – one less Russian fighter.  The only thing that Vladimir Putin understands is “power” and a willingness to use it.  The same is true for the power base in Iran.

Question?  For many years the United States was the Big Brother that provided a covering for the nations of the world that came under the tyrants of the world.  If America should continue on its decline military who will move into that void?   The alternative is “the tyrants of the world will rapidly move into that void” – that is Stan’s way.  

Ye,s Russia and Iran recognize strength and power and will one day pay the piper in a big way for their arrogance against the God of Heaven; but Satan has no such respect for those who oppose him. He just waits for the opportunity to try a different tactic.  When he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, notice, when he realized that he was rapidly losing the battle did not admit defeat but retreated until “a more opportune time” (Luke 4:13).

Hey gang:  that is precisely what he is doing to each and every soul that has walked this earth.   That is why it is essential that you keep your armor polished and on, your lamp filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, be aware of what is happening in the world and how it fits into the Prophetic Word and, by all means, stay prayed up to the minute and your mind filled with the Word of God.

Blessings.

Gramps

Showing God’s Love to the World…

The following letter is from The Jesus Film Project.  Their mission: “Showing God’s Love to the World”. 

“For I proclaim the name of the Lord ascribe greatness to our God” (Deut. 32:3).  God is at work – even among wives of Middle Eastern fighters! Written by Erick Schenkel, Executive Director of The Jesus Film Project.

Dear Friend in Christ:  This is how we can respond to radicals and win people from the Middle East to Christ. 

I was in awe as Salma spoke.  She gave testimony to the incredible power of God.  Salma and Amir, are from the Middle East.  I’ve known this remarkable couple for many years.  They had been helping to give humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees.  After winning their trust, Salma and Amir arranged for a showing of “Magdalena” for the women, in a church, expecting perhaps 25 to come – AT THE MOST.

Salma, “When we arrived at the church I as in complete shock.  There was a sea of black in the sanctuary, women in their traditional dress, covered from head to toe.  They were sitting shoulder to shoulder, packed in tightly.  There wasn’t a seat left.  I estimated about 200 women, fully covered.  They were nearly all wives of radical men.  I feared that when they realized I was about to show them a Christian film, they might kill me.  “Lord, this is in your hands!”

“I went to the front before them. And their eyes!  They were filled with hate.  “Lord, “I prayed, only you can do this.  This your problem to won and solve.”  Amir inserted the DVD into the player and started projecting the film on the screen.  I fully expected some to bolt, to leave the building angrily, perhaps many of them.  But no one moved. Not an inch.

“Magdalena” (The Jesus Film especially for women) came to the Crucifixion scene, I couldn’t believe it.  They were transfixed, eyes focused, ears hearing.  Then came the resurrection of Jesus, another offensive concept.  Everyone stayed – not one woman left – they were taking it all in.

“When the film ended, I went to the front of the room and prayed silently, ‘Lord, you are in control, I can’t do this.”  He gave me boldness:  “I know you have lost your homes, all your possessions, some of you, your husbands and sons, I know you are hurting.  But God has brought you here.  You have seen the God who loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you.  You have a choice to make this day.”

“Then this came out of my mouth, by the Holy Spirit: I lifted my left arm and pointed to my left.  You can either follow the dead founder of your religion or go to hell, or, pointing to my right with my other arm outstretched, “you can receive Jesus, the living God who died for you and was raised to life.  You can receive Him and have eternal life.  Would you pray with me if you want to follow Jesus?”

“I couldn’t believe it.  As I prayed the sinner’s prayer there was weeping among them and many tears.  They were saying ‘Yeshua, ‘Jesus, “Isa is the true way, the true God,”  I then asked those who wanted to follow Jesus to raise their hands, if they had just received Jesus.  Not one, not 20, but all of them raised their hands!  They all decided to follow Jesus?

“They began to take off their head coverings.  Their angry, hopeless eyes were gone.  Released from shame, they were beaming with joy, smiling.  They began to hug one another, and me, saying “thank you, thank you…for the first time in our lives we know we are loved!”

Many spoke up, “We want to show this DVD to our families, our friends in our refugee 

neighborhoods.  Can we have our own DVD’s?”  But there was such demand that we sent one of our team back to the warehouse to get more.  We gave them all we had in store, 2,500 DVD’s of Jesus!  The Lord did this.

But this was not the only miracle Salma experienced.  Earlier she had taken another risk.  Salma had gone to a high hotel in her nation.  A very wealthy woman leader was attending a conference, with her entourage, family and servants.

Salma, “The Gospel is for everyone, from beggar to billionaire.  I felt that this lady also deserved to know what Jesus had done for her.  “Salma placed DVD’s of “Magdalena” in her bag and went to the hotel, approaching the security desk.  “Lord, don’t let them see the DVDs.  It is illegal.  They can have me arrested.”

I was amazed.  They looked at the x-ray, went through my bag and didn’t see the DVD’s!  The Lord blinded their eyes.  I was able to approach this well-known leader: I began telling her how much God loved her, that He wanted her to know Him.”  Her response, “I want to know more”.   Still in shock, Salma approached the door to the banquet hall and found 450 other women, many associated with these leaders.  “Lord they deserve to hear the gospel too, but giving out a Christian firm here is illegal.  What shall I do?

As she walked near a door in the banquet room, one of the guards spoke up-, “Can I assist you with anything?”  Salma said she needed help with some boxes in her car (boxes of DVD’s).  The guard not only obliged, but called other guards over to help. She opened the trunk and they carried all the DVD’s into the hall.  The guards actually helped by personally giving out the DVD’s of “Magdalena.  Only God could have done this – because of His grace and glory.

God is at work.  Throughout the Middle East people are abandoning their beliefs, giving up on everything they thought was true.  And now, when nothing else is working to stop radicals, giving them the Gospel is the answer. 

This is but one wonderful story of multitudes who, due to hunger in the heart for love and compassion, have turned to Jesus as Lord of their lives.  It was recently stated that if China remains on the same track for another 20 plus years that it is on today, it will be a Christian Nation.  It is also reported that the number of young people in Iran who are seeking relationship with Yeshua has reached the point where-due to restrictions and fear of government persecution- the number is only estimated, but estimated in the millions.

As I read this letter and the many other articles that come across my computer about the rapid growth the sons of Ismael coming to Christ, it saddens my heart that God has not yet chosen to speak to the affluent, hard hearts in our nation, in dreams and visions.  I believe with all my heart the Lord is preparing to come and collect His children and close the door to salvation.  I pray we will see a mighty wind begin the blow across our nation and fires kindled in the hearts every soul in our nation.  I pray that every seed that has been planted into the recesses of the hearts will suddenly come to life and begin to grow.   

Make sure you are praying for the Franklin Graham Decision American meeting that he is taking to every capital in America.  If you ae unaware of dates and places you can go to Decision America for the finer points. 

Blessings,   

Gramps

The Tomb

Of all the miracles and acts of God in the Bible, the Virgin Birth and Resurrection have, through the centuries, been the most attacked, denied, and vilified.  In recent years, Creation has joined that august company of “doctrines to be denied”.  But ultimately, since the occurrence, the Resurrection stands alone as the most maligned miracle of the ages.

While it is not the purpose of this message to defend or explain the Resurrection, the Tomb is of little consequence without some knowledge, evidence, and belief in the resurrection.  It is somewhat akin to the city of Bethlehem.  Not much more than a small Village in the Judean hills a few miles from Jerusalem; it has very little to commend itself as a major tourist attraction today.

The story of Ruth and Naomi, Boaz and the place of King David’s birth give it some significance.  But the major reason Bethlehem is known worldwide, and continues to be a major destination of tourists and travelers, is because Jesus was born there.

If it were not for one singular event, Bethlehem may only exist today as an archaeological site, sifting for evidence of King David.

In the same way, the Tomb owes its importance and popularity to one singular fact, it is the place where Jesus arose from the dead.  Take that away and the tomb is just another cave in one of the many hills that make up the city of Jerusalem.

But this we can say with authority, it does not matter if you believe this one is the place or another – the pure fact is we have stood in two of them and they are just plain empty!  The Resurrection is the foundational doctrine of the New Testament.  It is the miracle on which all other miracles rise or fall.  It is mentioned or discussed 104 times in the New Testament.

The Resurrection makes Christianity the only major religion in the world with a living Originator.  Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism; etc. - all their originators and founders.  All are dead and gone!  Only Christianity has a living founder.  The apostle Paul said, “if the resurrection is not true, then we Christians are of all men most miserable” (I Cor. 15:19).

But we need not be miserable, for He is risen! Jean & I can personally attest to the fact that the tomb is empty and no one can find his bones!  God has given us “man infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3) of its reality.  The best news the world ever received came to us from a graveyard.  The resurrection of Christ is the Amen of His promises!

Without the Resurrection, we would have little evidence for placing our unconditional trust in Him.  Even the Gospels cannot explain the Resurrection;  it is the resurrection that alone explains the Gospels.

In Acts 1:3 we read, “To whom also he showed himself after His passion by many infallible proofs”.  Were there skeptics?  I think I might have been one that Easter morning.

The body was missing.  Of all the attempts to disprove the Resurrection, no one has ever claimed that the body was present and accounted for in the Tomb.  It is just the opposite.  It is the undisputed fact that the body was gone, that gives the skeptics such a difficult time (Matt. 28:6; John 10:1-10).

The most anxious to recover the body, never found it.  (Nat. 28:12-15).  The elders would have spared no expense or effort to locate and display the corpse of Jesus.  We can be sure they left no stone unturned in their search – but to no avail.

Jesus in body was seen – He was alive and well.  As one preacher said, “The victim of Calvary is loose and at large.”  In 1 Cor. 15:5-8, Paul gives us an account of that morning when Jesus came forth from the grave.  He said Peter saw Him, Peter the one who followed at a distance, as they took His Lord from the Garden to Caiaphas house. Peter saws the tears in his Lord’s eyes and wept.  After the Resurrection Jesus asked Peter, Do You Love Me? (John 21:15).  A question we need to ask ourselves. 

The grave cloths are also infallible proof.  John says they were ‘lying’.  The Greek word is keimai.  It is used in Luke 2:12 and 16 of Jesus “Lying in a manger”.  The word means outstretched like a person who is lying down.  The clear implication is that the grave cloths were positioned as if Jesus’ body had passed through them, only they were empty.  How long would it take to unwrap the body, then re-wrap the cloths without a body to give it a form and why would someone do that?

If someone were stealing a body, I suspect they would not take the time to rewrap the burial cloths and lay them neatly on the slab in the tomb; and the face napkin specifically placed. And what about the guards? And the seal?  Were they sleeping?  Sleeping would have been an offense punishable by death.  More likely they we playing a game of darts or dices.  Is it possible, with guards on duty, that someone came with oxen and donkeys and rolled back the stone?

Perhaps the most infallible proof of all is the disciples themselves.  The Bible, history, and tradition indicate the followers of Jesus (except John) all died painful, martyr’s deaths for teaching the Resurrection.    If they would have had any knowledge that Jesus did not raise from the grave, they would have been in line to say so.  Few people are willing to die for the truth, let alone a lie. 

Regardless of the infallible proofs, and many more could be cited, it has not kept the skeptics from proposing some of the most preposterous explanations imaginable.  Most of them hinge on what is known as the “swoon theory”.  They are variants on concept that Jesus did not really die but simply passed out from the loose of blood and beatings and later resuscitated.

In his book Resurrection Hank Hanegraff list a number of such theories:  One elaborate hoax has Jesus manipulating His crucifixion so that he would be on the cross the day Passover was to begin, knowing that He would be taken down from the cross before the onset of Sabbath.  A second was He took a drug that made him appear dead and was taken down from the cross by Joseph Arimathea and other believers.

A third written by D. H Lawrence (author of the Lady Chaterly’s Lover) concocted his own swoon theory.  In his fanciful account, Jesus survived and ends up in Egypt where He falls in love with a priestess named Isis.  Problem- Isis was a mythological goddess of Egypt, not a priestess.

It gets worse. One account has Jesus imbibing in snake poison to fake His death.  At least two accounts have him married to Mary Magdalene (like the plot of the Da Vinci Code.  Another says Joseph of Arimathea as His uncle. One even had our Lord as a defender at Masada where He died fighting the Romans.

In light of today’s world events, it is of interest to note how the Muslims explain the Resurrection.

They place Jesus as second, only to Mohammed, as a prophet.  There are several variations to the central view, which is that Jesus was never crucified – thus, no need for a Resurrection.  The more popular thesis is that God made someone to look like Jesus and that person was the one who was put to death.

A variety of names are offered as to who the unfortunate substitute was: from Judas Iscariot, to Pontius Pilate, to Simon of Cyrene, and even to one of His inner circle.  However, the majority contend that Jesus escaped the cross by being taken up to heaven and that one day He will come back to earth and play a central role in future events.

Based on some of the alleged sayings of Mohammed, Muslims believe that, just before the end of time, Jesus will come back to earth, kill the Antichrist, kill all pigs, break the cross, destroy the synagogues and churches, establish the religion of Islam, live for forty years, and then He will die and be buried beside Mohammed…..  And now you know the rest of the story.

Our litany of theories is endless.  I have belabored the point to show how shallow and ludicrous men’s philosophies are in regard to the dynamic truth of the Word of God.  In addition to that, it helps us appreciate what God has revealed about the Tomb in which Jesus was buried.

There is one indisputable fact – the tomb is empty.  I know, because I stood in the empty tomb and No one has facts to prove differently!

HE IS RISEN!!!!

Blessings,

Gramps

When All These Things Happen, Look Up - The Final Epistle

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall l always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:16-18).

Hey Gang:    And so I come to the end of the Kermit’s list of the more subtle Signs of the Times.   If you recall, in the very first one of - When All These Things Happen Look Up- I mentioned the twenty- two   prophecy gurus who listed the number one sign for this day as “convergence”, the converging of all the Signs of Times that are listed throughout God’s Word.   The gurus also mentioned the fact that not only are all of the signs coming into view but they are coming with such speed that one wonders if Jesus is not preparing His troops for the final battle.

As I have mentioned before, I receive a weekly update from Bill Koenig, a White House Correspondent, and in his recent opening dialog he wrote these words that we need to place on our bathroom mirror and refrigerator,  “His future comments will be based on such words as “unpredictable,” unprecedented,” “record-setting,” apocalyptic” and “biblically significant” that will appear in 2016”.  I believe we have seen many examples of this in 2015, but his feeling is “we ain’t seen nothing yet!” 

The end of the year was a rich time for study, with reports of fulfillments of prophecy in the past year and predictions for the coming year.   It is interesting to me that in past year, if you received two predictions, one was a Felix the Cat-type prediction and the other biblically based with credibility.  If I were to put a one-word description of a growing problem that exists in many of the writings that are being spread around the internet, it would be “non-truth or deceptive.”.  In essence they are predictions of the human brain, not based on what God has placed in His word so that we will not be misled.

There are a lot of so-called authorities, according to their personal opinions, that are leading many folks down the “Prime Rose Path”.   But that should not be of any great surprise to a Bible believing Christian.  Jesus made it abundantly clear that in the last days there would be great deception- even in the church- that will lead to apostasy.

So, I have chosen as my tenth and final subtle Sign of the Times “convergence”.  You might look at that as a bottomless barrel that you can keep dumping things into and it never fills.  That is not a bad description of trying to stay up to speed in the areas of ‘What is Happening, Man?’ 

The following items were also reported in the Koening report and  are worthy of you placing in your think tank.  So What is Happening Man?  Now!

Item One:   Predictions have been coming in from the four corners of the earth on the dangers that lurk in the shadows on the economies of the world.  In 2016 we will have the Biblical Jubilee Year ending when Yom Kippur begins at sundown on October 11.  There are major concerns with the world’s economies and financial markets, a major impact, El Nino, is expected to cause famine, which also fits the 40-year-crisis-cycle; a disruptive U. S. president in his final year in office is determined to use executive orders to get his way on immigration, climate-control and refugees; and other areas known and unknown.

Item Two:  A major migrant crisis in the European Union will worsen, along with a refuge debate in the U.S.  Christians will remain under attack in the Middle East, and around the world.  Major actions by the leaders of Russia, Iran, Turkey, Sunni vs. Shiite caliphates, and the United States and EU will affect and influence the course of 2016. 

Free Speech will come under further attack in the U.S.  In December, Democratic members of Congress introduced, to the House Judiciary Committee, House Resolution 569 - condemning violence, bigotry and the hateful rhetoric towards Muslins in the United States for consideration.  It is suggested that ministers will have to be very careful what they say from the pulpit!

These are just a few but, be advised, if I were to choose to do another ten subtle prophecies that have been fulfilled or in the process of being fulfilled, I would have no problem choosing my subjects and it would take some picking and choosing for there are many more than ten.  But I do want to alert you to one last danger that is gaining rapid attention around the world.

The term El Nino, which means Christ Child, has been around for many years but never in the context it is being used today.  It is predicted by the U.S. Space Agency NASA that the effects of the current El Nino weather phenomena could be as bad of those of 1998, the strongest on record.  The current El Nino has been linked to several floods and unusually warm conditions in the Northern hemisphere. 

The current El Nino weather phenomena is the biggest and most powerful it has ever been since records have been kept.  The cycle of warm and cold temperatures – which is caused by warm water from Australia spilling out across the Pacific Ocean – has already caused havoc across the world this year including in America.

It is reported by the scientific world that if this El Nino continues to accelerate in power it could cause hunger, drought and disease to millions of people.  In the 1997-98 El Nino 20,000 people were killed and caused almost $97 billion worth of damage as it caused floods, droughts, fires, cyclones and mudslides around the world.

Well, my friends and neighbors, if that does not fire you up to make sure you are a member of God’s “In Gang” and that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, you best get serious about your salvation and commitment to the Lord.  He said “Go”.    So my young friends keep in mind that one day you will stand before the Lord and answer the question “What did you do with My Son, Jesus?

I pray this series has built a fire in your heart for the lost souls all around you.

Blessings,

Gramps

P.S.  As mentioned, we will be reducing the number blogs from this point on.  We have set up a file to share very special reports that come across our computer.  If you would like to be included on that list send name and web address in the comment section or send an email to me.

If you are reading this and not a part of grampsmorningthoughts.blogspot.com, the 2 missing pieces are on the that blog on the last 2 Fridays of January 2016.  WE found that 4 & 5 blogs a week was too much at this time.

When All of These Things Happen, Look Up Part 11

Jesus instructed His disciples to "watch" (Matthew 24:42) and always "be ready" (verse 44). Watch what? Not global events, but themselves. Peter said: "Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you" (2 Peter 3:14-15). That is what it means to watch and be ready. Are you watching? Are you ready?

Hey Gang:  In the last blog, we looked at war and rumors of war as in a world context.  In this blog which I will title Sign Eight, I will restrict my comments to the “apple of God’s eye”- the center of what is happening in our world today – Israel.  To set the stage for this we need to turn to a book that was written between 520 and 489 B.C., the Book of Zechariah, which, I believe, was designed by God for this very hour.  

In verse two and three of Chapter Twelve, God gives us a perfect description of what is happening in our world at the moment.  Notice: “Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah”.   Notice; “they will become like a cup that causes reeling”  (Zech. 12:2).

It is reported that a very large percentage of the business considered in the United Nations centers on Israel.  Unfortunately, the United Nations is largely controlled by the Arab Nations; therefore, most of the actions are prejudicial against Israel.  In a recent meeting of the UN they passed seven resolutions condemning Israel for their savage treatment of the terrorist who were trying to kill them; nothing about ISIS or Iran or Russia.  

In verse three, God continued painting a picture that has appeared loud and clear since Israel became a nation again on May 14, 1948: “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured.  And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it”.   All the nations?  Yes, tragically all, even the United States that has been Israel’s friend and support for many years has, under this President, turned against the “apple of God’s eye”. 

Notice, I did not say their “savior” for only God can be their Savior.  In verse eight we read: “In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants lf Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord before them”.   I like that promise that even “the feeble among them in that day will be like David”.    At 82 one tends to be a wee bit feeble.

We need to look at one other verse before getting into the subject of current wars and rumors of war and how it effects God’s chosen people and land.  It is found in Psalm 83:3 and clearly states the intent of the sons of Ishmael’s heart in past, present and future.  You need to read the entire Psalm, but here I am going to restrict our reading to verse 3 and 4:  “They make shrewd plans against Your people, and conspire together against Your treasured ones, They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation that the name of Israel be remembered no more.”  

For most of my growing up years it was the general agreement on the part of many Bible Prophecy guru’s that the next great event to come is the Gog – Magog War of Ezekiel 38-39.   I fell in line with this teaching and belief until one day a light went on in my head.  The light – does it not seem odd that if Gog-Magog is the next big event in our world why are there no current neighbors that butt up against Israel listed in the confederacy of Gog?

The Scripture tells me that God is going to put a hook into the jaws of the prince of Rosh, Meshach and Tubal and will bring them out splendidly attired horse and horsemen with shield and buckler and swords in hand.  Where are the tanks, and missiles, the jet fighters and bombers, the foot soldiers with their modern devices of destruction and killing?  Now many would argue that God is using symbolic language here and did not have such words for this modern killing devices.  To that I say “hogwash”.  Read on.

My dear mentor, Jessie, would say, don’t try and put words into God’s mouth.  If the Word says horse, horseman, buckle and shield and sword, that is precisely what he means! That did not make a lot of sense to me until a few years back when I first learned about the power grid and how hostile nations were seeking ways to attack the power grids of the countries they hoped to defeat.  Could that be another of those subtle signs of the times that few people know anything about.  If a nation can destroy another nations power grid, that nation would be without power.  My dear friends, everything in this world runs on power, including the armaments of the world.

Ezekiel 39:1 tells us: “Thus says the Lord God, “Behold I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal and I will turn you around, drive you on, take you up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you against the mountains of Israel”.   Now getting back to the question of why there were none of Israels’ neighbors mentioned in the Gog Magog confederacy.  Would Lebanon not have to be part of that confederacy since it is a huge menace waiting to blow its cork with Hezbollah, armed with a huge stockpile of missiles aimed at every city and hamlet in Israel ready to fire.  Is that not something to chew on?

Well my friends I have done it again – run out of space and time.  I pray you will alert me when you have had your fill of What’s Happening Man.  I am very biased and a firm believer that you can set the table for a non-believer to become a believer by showing them clearly that it is Jesus’ desire that none should be without understanding.

When you can take a prophecy out of the Word and lay it down beside the news article that states it has been fulfilled exactly as God said it would be it can open the eyes of the non-believer.    Next time, I will try and tie some knots and clarify the points that I have left dangling.

Blessings,

Gramps