Enigma of Peace

As much as Christians may support the existence of a nation state of Israel, it is difficult to envision a time where Palestinians and Israelis would be at peace. Yet, the prophet Ezekiel speaks of a future time when Gog, who is Russia, and her allies will come against Israel, which will be a nation dwelling “safely” (Ezekiel 38:11 KJV). But, safety comes only after the one who turns out to be the Antichrist comes to Israel’s aid to “confirm the covenant with many for one week” (Daniel 9:27 KJV). Peace with the Palestinians will be a justifiable part of the attraction for the Israelis, but Antichrist’s true motive will be seeking all to worship him as God — in the middle of the Tribulation Week (Daniel 9:27, Mark 13:14). “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2Thessalonians 2:4 KJV). Prophecy is being played out like a cosmic chess match.

Learning Righteousness From God’s Judgments

What possible hope is there in God’s judgments? The answer is to learn righteousness. “When Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9 KJV). But, do we need apocalyptic judgments to finally learn righteousness? Listen to the Apostle Paul. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” (1Corinthians 11:31-32 KJV). Self-judgment and confession are key to the Spirit of God giving us victory in Spiritual Warfare. 

Faith Is The Victory

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1John 5:4 KJV). Winning a war first requires defining victory. If Jesus already defeated Satan at the Cross, why must we fight a Spiritual War? Because “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV). The Enemy covets the glory belonging only to Almighty God, so he must enlist the sympathy of the world and neutralize support for and dependence upon Yahweh. In reality, Satan can only delay God’s final judgment against himself, but cannot eliminate that inevitable conclusion. By contrast, the Father must draw humanity to Himself through His Son by His Spirit. Since faith is that relationship of trust in God which functions by love, I AM will be worshipped by His chosen ones for He is worthy. The Most High alone determines when everything is finished. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). 

The AMOC May Be Headed For Collapse

The Atlantic Meriodonal Overturning Current (AMOC) may be headed for collapse by the middle of the century or sooner, according to scientists, due to manmade global warming, as reported by CNN. The Gulf Stream current is part of the AMOC, which is a giant conveyor belt delivering warm water from the south to the North Atlantic, where it cools. Catastrophic global weather would result from the collapse of the AMOC. “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days” (Mark 13:19-20 KJV). 

Significance of Israel-Hamas Conflict (2023)

What is Israel’s importance, in light of the Israel-Hamas Conflict (2023)? Israel must somehow exist in the prophetic future. For Jehovah, Israel is the “apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10), not because they are stubborn, rebellious, or murdered His Son the Messiah; but simply because, He sovereignly chose them. Israel is the prophetic clock for gauging upcoming End Time events. Israel must continue to be a nation (1948) with a yet to be rebuilt Jerusalem Temple for Antichrist to desecrate with the “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15 KJV). But, Israel will be converted from their rabid unbelief by the End of the Tribulation Week. Quite a miracle! “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8 KJV).

Negotiating With God

“That be far from Thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25 KJV). Abraham interceded for Lot, when he negotiated for Jehovah’s willingness to put off the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The LORD was not negotiating whether it was right to deal with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, but He was willing to give the evil twin cities more time to repent — and, they never did! Never mistake God’s merciful kindness for unwillingness or inability.

Concept of Delay

The concept of delay in spiritual warfare is more important in understanding Bible prophecy than it’s simple name would indicate. For whatever reason the Sovereign Lord deems appropriate, He may delay the return of the Messiah. Though delay puts off the ultimate defeat and subsequent judgment of Satan, the LORD gains by the additional opportunity for humanity to switch their allegiance to Yahweh. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2Peter 3:9 KJV). 

How Long?

A favorite question of the Psalmist to Yahweh was, How long? “We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long” (Psalm 74:9 KJV). Isaiah voiced a similar question. “Then said I, Lord, how long? And He answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof” (Isaiah 6:11-13 KJV). May we be that tenth!

Atmospheric Rivers

Californians, remember the past winter’s Atmospheric Rivers of rain? The extreme weather condition pummeled the state, refilled drought stricken reservoirs, and refreshed the mountain snowpack. “Clouds that can dump a lot of rain are more common in a warmer atmosphere,” says climate scientist Dr. llissa Ocko. Christ predicted weather to become more extreme as we approach His return. “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers [diverse, many] places” (Matthew 24:7 KJV). Christian, we should never be afraid, because our Almighty Father is still on His Throne. 

Fulness of Time

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (Galatians 4:4 KJV). It was the appropriate time set by God, when it had fully come for Christ to be born to fulfill the righteousness of God’s law. Only when God decides it’s right is the time full. As the tough, old drill sergeant said, “You’re not dead until I TELL you you’re dead!” God grant us the patience to wait for the times You have chosen and the willingness to labor like it should be today. Amen.