|
RECAP NEWSLETTER - 9/4/4 Issue 21 As we examine the world we live in, watch for His coming, take heed to the warning signs around us, and strive to live and walk for Him, we will, undoubtedly, come across news, events, or circumstances that are greatly troubling. Hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, rumors of wars, etc. All of them can be troubling to the heart. Many Christians decide not watch and examine those signs specifically because they know that they are troubling. However, David acknowledges that troubling and evil tidings will come (vs. 7). The only difference between the upright man and the wicked man portrayed in this chapter, is that the upright man is not afraid of evil tidings. David declares that his "heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD." When evil tidings come too close for comfort, knock on our doorstep, or parade across the news, the upright man is not terrified into a weak state. Many in this world are terrified at what they see in the world. Yes, it is frightening; but David states that the evil tidings will not control the upright man. If we are striving to follow Christ whole-heartedly, come what may, our heart is fixed in the LORD. When the billows roll, and the waves crash in, where is your anchor? Is your anchor fixed in your church attendance, your pastor, your spouse, your job, your bank account? If all of that was taken away right now, would your heart be moved? As we strive to live godly, read and meditate on His Word, commune with Him throughout the day, our hearts and reliance is not resting on this corrupted world. It is fixed on Him. It is interesting that the idea of fixed can also include an action where you made preparations ahead of time, fastening and securing your anchor. In the Christian life, we may be sailing on a bed of roses right now. One day, your health may deteriorate, loss of a loved on, natural disasters, war, or other evil tidings will come into your life. Are you working now to ensure that your heart will be in a fixed, established position in Christ when the winds start to howl? If it has been a season since you have communed with Him, read His Word, meditated on Him, and lived for Him, then your heart is not fixed on Him. Sure, you may know where to throw it when the hard times come, but our hearts should be fixed at the onset, before Satan has a chance to make us a shipwreck.
Undoubtedly, as the days grow darker, circumstances and tidings will test
your moorings. Are you fixed and established? Are you trusting
completely in our LORD? Examine your trust. Examine your
moorings. When the tempests blow, will your anchor hold?
MISC NOTES We are working on getting the Bookstore up and running. We have several good books picked out, and four audio cds by Daniel Valles. We just need to finalize duplication, and (Lord willing) we can make them available at extremely low cost. Misc... Here is a link to a very interesting Flash animation asking some poignant questions regarding the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon: http://pixla.px.cz/pentagon.swf The film is secular, and contains background music of the rock-type.
CURRENT EVENT RECAP Considering this event in regards to prophecy and the end days, we know that Russia will eventually move against Israel, with several key allies from the surrounding countries. It is interesting that Russia is still somewhat alienated (willingly) from the EU. Even this week, remarks by Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot have driven a wedge between Russians and the EU. Will this be a watershed event for the Russian government? Will they get more involved internationally in preemptive strikes on 'terrorists'? Once again we are seeing China and Taiwan increase the tension in their arena. Just when the world thought that the situation was lessening after China and Taiwan called off war games, China held naval landing exercises in the southern Guangdong province. Taiwan raised the bar by stating it will not sacrifice its sovereignty, and that the island's security depended on them spending NT$618 billion for "the purchase of eight U.S.-built electric diesel submarines, twelve P-3C submarine-hunting aircraft and six batteries of PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capabilities) missiles." Taiwan is also now giving greater emphasis to being called 'Taiwan' instead of 'Republic of China'. Iraq's oil pipelines are under constant attack, causing great instability in the oil market, and denying the government in Iraq dependable infrastructure. As we progress further along in the last days, we will undoubtedly see increased friction and conflict between Muslim areas and non-Muslim/secular. As we see the war drums increasing in tempo against Iran, combined with the international outcry at the atrocities at the Russian school by Muslims, we are seeing a grouping occur on a global scale. The three main camps that are emerging are the Muslim, pseudo-secular, Christian/Jewish. Currently, the two largest power groups could be the pseudo-secular/Christian/Jewish vs. Muslim. One side sees the other as crazed fanaticism, while the other sees the opponent as infidels. Perhaps tensions are being stirred in an attempt to create racial/religious conflicts which will plunge the world into greater escalating hotspots. I am reminded of the racial conflicts and divisions that devastated Germany, Kosevo, Sudan, etc. The man of peace, Antichrist, will offer more than just political solutions. Anyone can do that. But, to reconcile groups that have deep, embittered hatred for each other, that would make the whole world take notice. I believe racial, ethnic, and religious tensions will increase just for that reason. When people are so sick of the fighting, one who offers unbelievable peace (even if for just a short time) will be viewed as nothing short of divine. We have looked at the geo-political front, now we will briefly look at the morality/spiritual front. Our world is increasing in its appetite for blood. The UN had a meeting this week, praising several countries that made 'progress' in the realm of increasing women's 'rights' regarding abortion. Those that did not make quick work to make it even more available were criticized. It is sad to think that nations and governments will increase their efforts to kill the unborn just to gain favor and notoriety with this international entity. New Orleans is getting ready for its 'Southern Decadence' homosexual festival. Interestingly it also coincides with the National Baptist Convention in the same city. I am anxious to hear the results. The two sides battling for our country are seated in a debate. On one side we have one of the largest gatherings of the most (admittedly) decadent individuals in our nation. Seated in the other chair is one of the largest Christian groups that claims to represent the godly core of Biblical virtues. IF the NBC does not use this opportunity to confront the opponent, then what hope does America at-large have? Hopefully those Christians will not huddle in the convention center in their isolated shell playing church, but will decry the debauchery, depravity, abomination, mockery, and blatant sin that is right next door. How many more chances will Christians have to stand up and be counted for what is right instead of what is politically-correct? Pray that they will take the necessary stand, and stand in the gap. I sincerely hope you have not bought the Passion DVD or movie. I have heard many arguments touting how good and useful it is, and what a Christian-like man Gibson is. We have numerous articles on our website regarding the subject, but I am not surprised at the extra content that they have placed on the DVD. None. No Gospel message, no insights, no telling people why He died, that it was for them, that their sins can be forgiven, that Mary should not be confused as the patron worthy of our prayers... just the movie. Well, chalk up another couple hundred million for Catholic charities and organizations from Gibson, thanks to the undiscerning 'Christian' churches. That is one purchase that will have some accounting of at the Judgment Seat.
REMINDERS & PRAYER REQUESTS
May God richly bless,
|
