Sound The Midnight Cry

“Mission Impossible”

The television show “Mission Impossible” would always start with, “Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is (mission named).  As usual, should you or any member of your I.M. Force be captured or killed, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your existence. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Jim.” One would then sit back for an hour of intense drama (at least, intense for those days; nothing compared to the MI movies on the big screen now).

The idea of course was that the mission faced difficult circumstances and objectives but that somehow the team would be able to overcome those impossibilities.

There have been other shows over the years based upon the same premise of doing the impossible (A-Team, MacGyver). Movies have been depicted achieving unrealistic storylines (most sci-fi and tech-action films).

I began thinking about this when a headline on WND.com reported, “IRAN PREPARING NOW FOR ARMAGEDDON”. Sources in Tehran reported Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been heard to say that the coming of the last Islamic Messiah, is near and that specific actions need to be taken to protect the Islamic regime for upcoming events. The Shiites’ believe that 12^th Imam known as the Mahdi will reappear at the time of Armageddon.

It is a well documented that Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has stated that he feels his destiny is to create the global chaos that is prophesied to force the Mahdi out of hiding. The Shiite belief is that that al-Mahdī was born in 869 and did not die but rather was hidden by God to be brought out in the last days to bring peace on the earth.

So the leadership of Iran that is working feverishly to acquire nuclear technology while threatening to cutoff the path of world oil exports is also preparing for Armageddon. If it was only the introduction to a novel or upcoming movie, I would be intrigued. However, it is more than that—and it’s a mission impossible.

The reason I say this is due to the misapplication of the word “Armageddon”. In the everyday use of the term, it means “the end of the world” based upon a worldwide conflict, usually inferring the use of nuclear weapons. The fallacy however, is that the original meaning of Armageddon is biblical and has a totally different reference.

The word Armageddon appears only once in the New Testament; Revelation 16:16. It is a place in Israel where a battle between the forces of the Anti-Christ will come that will result in a return of Jesus Christ to earth with the armies of heaven. The result will be a 1,000 year time frame of peace before the final judgment takes place.

When I read the article of the Iranian leadership preparing to take “specific actions need to be taken to protect the Islamic regime for upcoming events”, I deemed it a mission impossible.

Revelations 6 states, “Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person…cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”

There is only one way to prepare for Armageddon and it isn’t with weapons; it’s surrender to the true Messiah—Jesus Christ! 

 

“The Beginning of the End?”

How many times have we used the phrase, “The beginning of the end?” It’s most common use is when we see change taking place. 2012 is beginning to do just that—changes that are aligning themselves with God’s Word. Let me give you just a few examples:

• Iran is boldly following its plan to develop nuclear technology. Two weeks ago, they boasted that they had begun processing nuclear enriched fuel rods. The EU and other western nations are debating to put an embargo against Iran for continuing down this path. Iran’s leaders simply mock the perceived weakness of the West due to their need for oil that passes through the Straight of Hormuz.
• Syrian president Assad is preparing for a civil war as he continues to try and quell the civilian uprising in that nation. Fear is that he could back a war against Israel to turn attention away from him.
• Russia has sold Iran sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles in hopes of protecting the Iranian nuclear facilities from an attack.
• The Egyptian uprising that began this time last year, it now coming full circle as the people rebel against the military powers that they once supported.
• Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood that everyone said was harmless has all but taken control of the political arena in Egypt and stretching into other nations.

All the while, Israel is being surrounded by hostiles equipped, funded and trained by Iran with the aid of Russia. Israel’s leaders are preparing for what appears to be certain war instigated by Iran and its proxy states.

Ancient prophecies in the Bible point to two events that will signal the apocalyptic end times—Isaiah 17:1 says, “Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” The other is Ezekiel 38 where it is said that Gog, Magog, Persia, Ethiopia and Libya will come against Israel and be defeated. These are widely thought to be Russia, Iran, Northern Africa and the former Persian Empire.

I believe that 2012 will see an increase in the tumultuous changes already at work across the earth. The aligning of these nations is occurring stronger each day and the end result seems to point toward war against Israel. “Will it come this year?” The experts say “yes”—only God knows for sure. However, He points out for us in His Word the signs of the times. Why? That we may know the time is near and that we might soberly be about our Father’s business. No fear—just assurance that God’s Word is true and that Jesus is coming soon.

So watch and pray and live with confidence that God is in control!

 

“Storm Warnings 2012!”

In October 1987, British television weatherman Michael Fish told viewers he'd received a telephone call from a viewer who said she'd heard a hurricane was on the way. He told his viewers not to worry. He brushed aside amateur weather forecasts with a laugh and predicted nothing more than sea breezes. Shortly after he finished, Britain was hit by 120 mile per hour winds that blacked out half the country. It was responsible for twenty-two people dying (18 in Britain, 4 in France). The worst storm to hit England in 284 years and would later be called, “The Great Storm of 1987”.

In fairness to Mr. Fish, his remark concerning the hurricane (he later claimed) was in reference to one reported near Florida. Also, that same morning, the Surrey Record had warned of “furious gales,” so most people believed he was referring to Britain. Mr. Fish did warn of high winds for the UK, warning viewers to “batten down the hatches” but that the brunt of the storm would swing through the English Channel and miss most of England.

History however would show that instead of taking the projected course, the storm cut a path right across the southern part of the country and was far stronger than he had predicted. The paradox came with the misreporting of the weather, the misunderstanding of the official weather report by the population and the actual impact of a storm not seen in centuries.

I couldn’t help but think about this when looking at the headlines across the globe this past week: The Eurozone on the brink of financial collapse with military leaders predicting national riots. Iran threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz and with it, the world’s oil supply. Syria teetering on civil war while the rest of the Arab nations transforming from an Arab Spring to an Arab Winter. In the U.S., unemployment continues at almost record highs and the presidential campaign prepares to kick into high gear. The result of all of this is a world filled with uncertainty about the future.

There are all kinds of ‘storms’ in life and many that are moving quickly upon the financial, social and moral landscape of our nation. Our nation as a whole is not unlike the people in England that went to bed on October 15, 1987 thinking that it would only be a windy night. The fury of what was coming was totally unseen and the people unprepared.

There is a storm racing across the nations today and there are far too few sounding a warning cry. The voices being heard today have the similar sound of the one given that fateful night declaring, “…don’t worry, there isn’t a storm coming.” Too many people never give it thought and simply believed it.

The greatest vacuum for a voice of warning is from the pulpits of America today. Instead of declaring with a resounding call to prepare for the coming storm (that’s what Noah declared), we hear little devotionals to make one feel good about themselves. Without a heaven-shaking word from our pulpits to awaken us from our moral slumber, there will instead be a heaven-shaking touch in our land.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews foretold that “everything that can be shaken, will be.” As we enter 2012, it is time to ask God to shake us that we might wake from our slumber and begin telling others to prepare for what’s coming.

Romans 13:11 says, “We live in an important time. It is now time for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” I guess the question for each of us to ask is, “Do we believe it?”

 

“Caught Cheating”

Every person has at one point in their life felt cheated. It may come by purchasing something that was presented in a manner different from the actual product. It may come by someone lying to us so as to cause us to do or give something for the individual. It may simply be a case of someone deceiving others to cover their actions such as in a game or competition.

Every child has been faced with people that cheat. How many times a child sees another child get away with cheating and their response is, “It’s not fair!” To try and explain that “even if someone cheats, they should always do what’s right” is a tough pill to swallow for a child—or an adult!

Cheating has become so prevalent in our society that several different reality shows have been produced for television. Popular shows have individuals with cameras following spouses in ‘cheating’ relationships, or hidden cameras in the work place to catch employees stealing from their place of employment.

The point that amazes me is that when the cheater is caught, they always seem to justify their actions. Those that have been cheated obviously don’t agree with their argument. However, the people that watch the shows many times will agree with the perpetrator—unless of course, it was them.

You are probably wondering the reason for my writing on this subject. It occurred to me after reading an article yesterday that stated, “Joel Osteen Says Mormons Are Christians”. Now I know the flaming arrows of Joel’s defenders are being lit at this very moment to come against me. However, truth cannot be ignored, debated or side-stepped when someone or some group defiles it. If you think the word ‘defile’ is too strong, consider that it means “to corrupt or ruin something; to make a holy thing no longer fit; to make something polluted”.

Joel’s response came as he responded to criticism of GOP candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon beliefs. “I believe that [Mormons] are Christians. ... I don’t know if it’s the purest form of Christianity, like I grew up with.” He affirmed Mormon statements that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is Savior.

This is not to say that Mormons are not good people. They put great emphasis on moral values and personal character. They talk freely and passionately about their own beliefs, including their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ. But their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ are not those of traditional Christianity, and their understanding of salvation in no way reflects the teachings of the New Testament.

Many people will say, “But look at all the people he is bringing to Christ”. The questions must be asked, “Which Christ are people coming to?” Or, “What about those that will never seek Christ because he told them Mormons are Christians or those they may join Mormonism?”

Colossians 2:8 says, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Joel Osteen told The Washington Times that he is constantly “looking for new ways to influence the culture.”  Jesus clearly said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

 The only biblical way to influence our culture is to not cheat them by not proclaiming the truth!

 

“The End of the World 2”

“Harold Camping, the Family Radio evangelist who wrongly  predicted doomsday back in May, thinks the real end of the world could be today” so says an article in the Washington Post.

His website declared, “at this point, looks like it (today) will be the final end of everything.”

When his prediction last May didn’t pan out, he simply explained that it was the “spiritual end of the world.” Curious, I didn’t know the “world” had a spiritual beginning (just a thought).

When asked about the earthquakes he predicted, he says they came in the form of “man-quakes,” since mankind shook with fear from the Rapture and the book of Genesis describes man as made from dirt. (yeah, right!)

Earlier this year, thousands of people around the world picked up the mantra of “The end of the world is coming” and millions of dollars flowed to that end. Organizers paid for bus tours across the country to get the word out that the Rapture was about to take place. Thousands of followers of Camping handed out flyers warning anyone that would listen of their imminent demise. News media outlets echoed their words as they reported on the criers of the world’s soon passing. Even late night TV comics spoke of it during their monologues often ridiculing the message and the messengers.

Then the date came and went—and with it the faith of many followers that had chosen to believe the message. Instead of holding to what the Bible clearly points out that no one knows the day or hour, they chose to believe a man. Many of those people that gave up everything to spread the message, no found themselves on the streets ashamed for their foolishness.

Not only did many people lose their faith and their money, those people that didn’t believe in Jesus Christ beforehand were more convinced after the missed projection that the message was false in its entirety. And that’s where the real sadness comes in—those that will no longer listen because of the folly of someone else.

While it’s true that every person must give an account of their life before God (whether you believe it or not it will happen), Christians are called to live out their lives so as not to bring reproach to the name of Christ. Taking the Bible and twisting it to fit a personal revelation or belief, will serve to benefit no one—least of all Jesus Christ.

The Bible clearly states that in the last days there will be scoffers. What it doesn’t say is that Christians should behave in such a way to make more people mockers of the truth that Jesus Christ is coming again. The message is not when but that He is and will you be ready when He comes. Why you ask? Because Jesus is coming back not as a baby in manger but as the Righteous Judge of the whole earth.

And for those that would question that these are the last days, Peter stood on the day of Pentecost and referred to the phenomenon that was taking place in their midst, “…this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God…” If it was the last days then, we are almost 2,000 years closer to the very end!

 

“The Wedding Mystery Unveiled”

I love it when the Bible comes to life right before you eyes. A passage of scripture that you have read many times all of a sudden takes on a fresh understanding; it’s like discovering buried treasure!

Now I’m not talking about reinterpreting the Bible—it is able to stand on its own validity. Many people try to change the meaning of scripture to fit their pet theology or ideology. I personally have a rule that whenever a person consistently reads a bible passage then begins with “Now that’s not what it really means…” a red warning flag begins waving. It is something akin to the robot on “Lost in Space” with arms waving yelling, “Danger, danger!”

Recently in a conversation with a person concerning the events taking place in the world, they asked, “So I guess there’s no hope for the future?” To which I responded, “Oh yes there is!”

First Thessalonians 4:18 commands us to “encourage one another with these words.” What words? That Jesus Christ is coming again and His next visit is to gather those people who are watching for His return. This is known in Christianity as the “Rapture of the Church”.

Now there are many people that will tell you that this teaching is nothing more than a concept dreamed up over the years by people hoping to escape the difficulties of life. Other people miss the element of encouragement by arguing over if it will happen and if it does, when will it happen.

Recently while reviewing the structure of a Jewish wedding in the times of Christ, several items became more relevant to me than in times past. One characteristic that reaffirms the return for His Church becomes clear when looking at the Jewish wedding.

After the betrothal, the groom would leave to make the “huppah” – the house for his bride. When the groom’s father determined it was ready to be occupied, he would announce to the groom to go get his bride. This is exactly what Jesus said in John 14:2-3 and Matthew 24:36.

There would then be a marriage supper for all the guests invited by the father of the bride. The Bridegroom and party would come to retrieve the waiting bride and go back to the groom's house in a celebratory procession. The bride and groom would enter the huppah where they would spend a week in privacy together, while the wedding celebration would continue. After 7 days, the groom and bride would rejoin them in public celebration.

When you look at this process and consider the vision in the book of Daniel of 70 weeks, the time frame for the Rapture becomes clear. We know that 69 weeks took place before the cutting off of Messiah (death of Christ on the cross) leaving one 7 year period to be fulfilled. The Book of Revelations tells of a period of time known as the Great Tribulation which spans seven years.

From these verses and the process of the Jewish wedding, we understand two things:

• One, Jesus is preparing a place and He is coming again for us. 
• Two, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb written in Revelations takes place during a week (7 year) before coming forth in His Second Coming to earth!

The times may look difficult but The Hope of our lives is coming soon. The wedding mystery is unveiled—Jesus is coming soon!

 

“Black Friday”

For most Americans, Black Friday is synonymous with shopping, as it derives its name from the idea that retailers begin turning a profit or are “in the black”. It is the day after Thanksgiving and it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

Black Friday conjures up pictures of lines of people camping on sidewalks in front of big stores to get one of the few loss-lead items on sale. Later that day, the news reports are filled with videos of shoppers almost crashing doors open and running through the aisles grabbing items to fill empty shopping carts. For many people, Black Friday is a festive day for friends and family as they make a mini-holiday from the day long events.

Interestingly, there are two other days of the week with “black” associated with them: Monday and Tuesday. Both “Black Monday” and “Black Tuesday” refer to ominous days in history to financial market crashes. Black Monday refers to October 19, 1987, when the stock market crashed losing almost 25% of its total value. Black Tuesday refers to the stock market crash on October 29, 1929, ushering in the Great Depression. Neither one of these days were anything to celebrate or be joyful.

These events came to mind this week as I read news reports concerning the Palestinian Authority’s plan to declare statehood before the United Nations on Friday. For many people within the PA, Friday will be a day of celebration. For many nations represented by their delegates in the U.N., it will be just another day. However, from a biblical perspective, it will be a “Black Friday”.

Item 36 on the U.N. agenda addresses “The question of Palestine.” At that moment, the 66^th session of the United Nations General Assembly will decide whether to create an Arab state in the heartland of the nation of Israel. They could also be sealing the fate of their nations at a future biblical event—the Judgment of the Nations.

Joel 3:1-2 says, “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land.”

It is at this moment, the nations will judged by Jesus Christ, The Righteous. Those that have stood for Israel will enter into the Millennial Kingdom—the 1,000 year reign of Christ referred to in the Scriptures. Those that have stood against Israel are judged immediately and condemned to everlasting torment. This is the event taught by Jesus Christ in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25.

With this understanding, one can clearly see (if they want to) that the decision made this week (or at a later time as parties are at work to try and delay the vote), carry an eternal consequence.

So the words of the prophet Joel echo loudly, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”

It appears that day is closer than anyone realizes!

 

“Stock Market Crash, The White House and Jerusalem”

Carnac the Magnificent was a recurring comedic role played by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Carnac was a “mystic from the east” who could use psychic powers to unseen answers to unknown questions. The act involved giving the answer to a question written on a card sealed inside an envelope, announcing it to the audience, and then tearing open the envelope to reveal the question. The comedy came from an unexpected question following a seemingly straightforward answer.

I was reminded of this after reading an article in The Washington Times by Daniel Pipes (August 16, 2011). He pointed out how “the White House engaged in two furtive gambits last week that painfully exposed the Obama administration's amateurish, deceitful Middle East-Islamic policies.”

The author noted that U.S. policy has maintained that Jerusalem does not belong to any country but is an entity unto itself (in accordance to a 1947 U.N ruling). The fact that Israel has declared Jerusalem to be its capital is supposedly not acknowledged by the U.S.—or is it?

"The executive branch seems to ignore U.S. laws from 1995 (requiring a move of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem) and 2002 (requiring that U.S. documents recognize Americans born in Jerusalem as being born in Israel)" Pipes reported. Yet, the U.S. Administration still wants to maintain that Jerusalem doesn’t belong to any country.

Now a lawsuit against the U.S. State Department has reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The reason for the lawsuit: the “American parents of Jerusalem-born Menachem Zivotofsky demanded on his behalf that his birth certificate and his passport list him as having been born in Israel”, to which the State Dept said “no”.

On Aug. 4, Rick Richman of The New York Sun noted, “The White House acknowledges on its own website that Jerusalem is in Israel — as does the State Department and the CIA on theirs,” undermining the government's case. Richman pointed to three mentions of “Jerusalem, Israel” in captions for pictures on the White House website in connection with a trip by Vice President Joe Biden in March 2010.

On Aug. 9, Daniel Halper of The Weekly Standard reiterated Mr. Richman's point by posting the first of those pictures. Two hours and four minutes later, Mr. Halper reported that “the White House has apparently gone through its website, cleansing any reference to Jerusalem as being in Israel.” The new caption reads, “Vice President Joe Biden laughs with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem.”

All of this underscores the clear intentions of the U.S. Administration (although they would like us to believe otherwise) in its effort to ignore the past relationship with Israel and appease the Islamic nations surrounding it. Jerusalem is the declared capital of Israel, yet the White House thinks it can change that with an eraser.

If Carnac were here today, he would hold the envelope to his head, concentrate and say, “Stock market crash, The White House and Jerusalem”. He would then open the envelope and read, “What happens to your money when the White House tries to erase the capital of Israel.”

Enough said!

 

“Time Is Running Out”

Everyone loves a countdown—10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Zero! We love to watch the countdown in a contest or race as the intensity grows to the final second on the clock. Yes, countdowns are great—until they work against you and then it becomes a deadline.

Looking at the news reports around the world in recent weeks, we knew all about deadlines. The most prominent target date being that of the U.S. debt extension which engulfed the news markets right up to the last minute.

We’ve been made aware of other potential dates of approaching deadlines: hurricane season with the upgrade in predicted storms and the current droughts with regard to crop failures. The news of the recent debt extension only served to remind us that impending disaster looms as the interest on our national debt stands ready to swallow every dollar of tax revenue. The monetary crisis is not limited to these shores as the European Union is grappling with what to do with enormous debts of its member states.

As serious as these issues are, there is one deadline moving forward to a point of no return—the Iranian nuclear program and its impact upon Israel. Though this may not be recognized by many in the U.S., it is definitely on the minds of those living in Israel and surrounding area. Where and when that moment will transpire and time runs out is anyone’s guess—but we know it is approaching quickly.

This week, the Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine reported that commanders of the IDF, especially those in the Air Force, are making "increasingly loud" demands to strike Iran's nuclear program. The policy of Mossad’s covert plans are found wanting considering the accelerated work reported in Iran’s nuclear program.

Last week, Iranian media identified a nuclear scientist who worked on the development of switches for a nuclear bomb assassinated. An unnamed Israeli source stated that Mossad was behind it.

“Until now, Mossad experts have been able to convince decision-makers that the construction of an Iranian bomb can best be delayed through attacks on key figures and nuclear facilities. But it is unclear how long Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue to follow this advice” the article reported.

The world doesn’t understand the sense of urgency that Israel’s leaders feel and that’s because this deadline is more than a countdown of a game. Israel’s urgency is in knowing that this countdown is existential—life and death! They recognize that should Iran succeed, Israel would be desperately vulnerable to attack; not the least because Iran’s President Ahmadinejad has repeatedly threatened to erase the “Zionist entity” from the map.

So the next time you are watching a game or contest with time running out, use it to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalms 122:6) and for its leaders!

“Expect The Unexpected”

The world at the present is filled with hesitancy from all the unknowns facing the nations. Posturing for possible war in the Middle East; Europe facing a financial implosion of the Euro and the financial stalemate in Washington D.C. has everyone waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.

Living in a state of “not knowing” is to say the least, uncomfortable. For years we have lived with the knowledge that the future holds certain unknowns. However, there is an air of uncertainty now that is unfamiliar to most people today. Not since the Great Depression has the future looked so unclear to so many people.

People continue to hope for something that will give them a reason to change their outlook, but all the while whisper their fears of what might come in the near future. Yet when they check the news reports, there is little there to cause them to feel better. Reports of flash riots, thefts air conditioning units and copper wire heists appear on a daily basis. Bank closures, corporate layoffs and national debt issues serve to only heighten the anxieties of people.

There’s an old saying to “expect the unexpected”; the idea is to live prepared for anything that might come your way. As a former boy scout, I can understand the concept of being prepared. However, today that seems to be taking on a new meaning—prepare for the worst—at any cost!

My amazement comes when I meet Christians who seem to take this idea to the extreme. There is seldom a day that goes by that I don’t receive an email, read an article or see a new book telling ‘believers’ how to prepare for the last days. Playing on the uncertainties of the days ahead, a subtle hint of fear is buried within the newsletters calling for Christians to “take heed” for the future unknowns.

Now I want to state that I am not against using wisdom to prepare for events that may happen in the future. I believe that God gives us insight to take certain steps; much in the same way we in Louisiana prepare for a hurricane before it enters the Gulf of Mexico. However, there is a point when our preparation moves from attentiveness to trying to prevent any future difficulties.

There comes a point when Christians have to remind themselves that our faith is not in our resources or stockpiles of food and gold. We have to remind ourselves that this world is not our home. In fact, Jesus left to prepare for us a home in His Father’s house.

Yes, the days ahead are filled with unknowns and to try and know what to expect will only cause sleepless nights. The one unknown that I can expect will not cause one sleepless night but rather peace of mind and soul. We are simply told, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44

So while the world worries about tomorrow and what it may or may not bring, I’m looking for what few expect to see—Jesus coming back again. I think I’ll spend my time telling others what they can expect—and there’s no doubt about it!