This Side of the Whirlwind: Wakeup Call

Wakeup Call

What does it take to shake us free? What must God do before we see what is right around the corner.

Jacob’s Trouble

(Jeremiah 30)

Jacob’s Trouble, found in chapter 14 of “This Side of the Whirlwind,” began its fulfillment in Germany between 1930 and 1945. Though the prophecy was in plain sight (not hidden as was the second half of Christ’s Covenant) the European-Jewish communities could not seem to perceive the coming storm until it was too late.

Overt warning signs:

On September 14^th 1930 Adolf Hitler is instrumental in taking Germany’s National Socialist Party to the second largest government faction, a task spanning only ten years.  Hitler fascinates the youth of Germany with rhetoric while older Germans are attracted to his abhorrence for the Jews.

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This Side of the Whirlwind: The 70th Week 4

Two Halves of the Covenant

The church more commonly refers to the Time of the Gentiles as the Church Age. The three and a half years of Christ’s ministry and the three and a half years of the Great Consummation are two parts of a single covenant spanning seven years and being fulfilled during the Church Age. The Great Consummation represents the second half of that two-part covenant and is yet to be fulfilled.

The 1st half of the Covenant: Blessings

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27 KJV)

The 2nd half of the Covenant: Judgment

The salvation covenant for the Body of Christ means the inclusion of all races, creeds and nationalities, including the nation of Israel. Salvation is the primary purpose for the new covenant or New Testament with the Great Consummation being the great completion or great finale of that covenant for the Time of the Gentiles. There is much more to the Great Consummation than might appear upon a cursory inspection. In the vastness of this prophecy, the attendance of the Body of Christ is required in order to finish the task and complete the prophecies pertinent to the conclusion of the Church Age. It is not possible for all the prophecies to be correctly fulfilled without the Body of Christ being in attendance and here on earth during the Tribulation Period. At the end of the tribulation portion of the Great Consummation, the Body of Christ will be raptured and the judgment portion of the covenant will commence. Only through this process can the covenant be completed.

The nation of Israel will eventually receive deliverance and its heavenly reward. However, scripturally speaking, they cannot receive their reward or deliverance until the conclusion of the Time of the Gentiles. Accordingly, the Time of the Gentiles will not come to its conclusion until the Wrath of God has been fulfilled; only then will the nation of Israel receive deliverance through their expected Messiah (Romans 11:25–29).

The Time of the Gentiles began when Jesus left the House of Israel (Matthew 13:1) where He stopped speaking plainly to the Hebrews and began teaching in parables to the rest of the world. The Time of the Gentiles orchestrated to bring the possibility of salvation to every man, woman, and child began at this time (John 3:16). Indeed, the Time of the Gentiles is the very purpose for the New Testament with the words New Testament meaning “new covenant.” Israel will be, according to Luke 21:24, overwhelmed by secular forces until the Church Age is completed. The Church Age ends with the Battle of Armageddon and thus begins the Millennial Reign.

Many believers have heard or read varying interpretations of “the” Great Tribulation. Similarly, there is confusion regarding the Rapture, the Second Coming of Christ, and the Battle of Armageddon. Most Christians mistakenly believe the Great Tribulation is the Wrath of God spanning seven years. On the surface, this teaching appears doctrinally sound. However, when placed under the scrutiny of scripture, these misinterpretations are easily disproven (see The Day of the Lord chart in “This Side of the Whirlwind” page 252). The main reason for these fallacies is a lack of information. God literally withheld certain facets of the End Times message until the Latter Days were taking place (Daniel 8:26, 12:4 and 9; Revelation 10:1–11).

Another example of Latter Days misinterpretations can be found in the rationalization of the A-millennial viewpoint, which holds to the idea the millennium is purely symbolic. According to A-millennialism, after Christ’s ministry, death, and ascension, the world entered a millennial age where Christ rules in the hearts of Christians, thus beginning the Church Age. The A-millennial perspective states that since Israel rejected their Messiah, God transferred their promises to the church. Supposedly God is finished with Israel, and the Body of Christ now takes Israel’s place. This is a misinterpretation.

Preterism, another doctrine similar to A-millennialism, differs slightly in perspective by assuming many centuries ago, near the time of Christ, all prophecies relating to the End Times were fulfilled, causing the world to enter the Millennial Reign. From a Preteristic viewpoint, the world entered the millennium nearly two thousand years ago and will continue in the Millennial Reign until the time Christ returns. Scholars who embrace this doctrine assert the state of Israel continued on its appointed course in accordance with God’s ultimate plans. Preterism maintains the prophetic events relating to the Latter Days have already been fulfilled, including the prophetic elements of the Great Tribulation. Based on their doctrine, Christ need only return for the Battle of Armageddon and the restoration of the nation of Israel in order to finish the Millennial Reign. Respectively, Preteristic Christians believe they are currently living in a modified millennium rather than in the Time of the Gentiles or the Church Age. The A-Millennialists, on the other hand, view the physical and literal one-thousand-year Millennial Reign of Christ to be just another name for the Church Age or the Time of the Gentiles.

The Preterists and A-Millennialists ignore certain scenarios and prophecies within the Bible.  They do not seem to understand God withheld sealed revelation knowledge on the End Times and therefore their doctrines are incomplete – failing to realize their perceptions are also incomplete. What they saw as the fulfillment of prophecy fails to take into account the prophecies must be fulfilled along scriptural and prophetic guidelines. Their scholars also failed to consider some End Times prophecies must be collectively fulfilled during specific segments of time, as with Daniel 9:24–27. Many of the prophecies in question (those validated during the Great Consummation) are yet to be fulfilled.

Events in history mirroring the fulfillment of End Times prophecies are foreshadowing and have always remained incomplete until now. The prophecies in question are to be fulfilled over a relatively short period of time in conjunction with prophetic guidelines. Some End Times prophecies require multiple prophecies to coincide and be considered collectively for the prophecy to be valid. End Times prophecies must be fulfilled within the prophecy’s guidelines and time frame and by specific individuals and in specific locations. Many misinterpretations of prophecy are the result of ignoring these and similar directives.

For example, in approximately 168 BC, Antiochus Epiphanes attacked Israel and subsequently erected a statue to himself in Jerusalem’s temple. Some scholars at that time mistakenly believed this act was the fulfillment of the Abomination of Desolation prophecy spoken of in the book of Daniel. Prophecies with designated time frames must be fulfilled within stated parameters, such as those found in Daniel 9:24–27 (the verses scholars commonly call “the Seventy Weeks of Daniel”). When Antiochus Epiphanes erected this statue, it appeared to the religious community at large to be the fulfillment of the Abomination of Desolation. However, according to prophecy guidelines, the Abomination of Desolation is unveiled at the beginning of a three and a half year period of judgment. Historically, this event did not take place according to prophetic mandates.

The complex standards required to satisfy these End Times prophecies can be found in the scriptures referring to the Seventy Weeks of Daniel. The prophecy requires an individual of Hebrew descent in the city of Jerusalem to fulfill six edicts during the three segments of time spanning 490 years. Obviously, such a task requires more than the appearance of a few scattered circumstances to satisfy prophecy or announce the Second Coming of Christ. It takes all related prophecies or factors being fulfilled in the appropriate time frame and span of time to validate certain prophecies. Additionally, all prophecies must be fulfilled during the appropriate periods by the appropriate individuals. As is demonstrated in “This Side of the Whirlwind” fulfillment of prophecy is no small feat. In order for an event to be the infamous Abomination of Desolation, the Beast, spoken of in the prophecy must also shatter the power of God’s holy people and institute the Mark of the Beast. Furthermore, to accomplish these tasks every man, woman, and child must be tagged by “The Mark” spoken of in a prophecy, prohibiting individuals from buying or selling life’s necessities. There has been no such technology or event to date that corresponds with the fulfillment of this prophecy. Prior to1950, such technology did not exist. Today however, technology for the Mark of the Beast currently exists and is being openly purchased by individuals and utilized by governments and corporations.

We will continue next time with The 70th Week 5.

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This Side of the Whirlwind: True Life 14

healed of epilepsy.

Before I begin I want to once again mention this truth: every “True Life” post is a true life element of my walk with God.  I make every effort to write only those things which the Lord has allowed me to personally witness or experience.  There are witnesses to nearly every element written.  A walk with God cannot be based solely on experience, but must be backed up, weighted against and in agreement with God’s Word; otherwise, anything can be said to be of God.  God is not fickle.  He gave His Word as a proving ground; as a plumb line and will not contradict His given guidelines.  Weigh everything against God’s Word.  Thanks, enjoy the post and God bless – Steve…

In April of our first year serving in Shiloh Ministries, Sierra Vista, Arizona (with Pastor Larry Deason) there came a day when I felt lead by the Lord to fast and pray for seven days. This was one of my first encounters with fasting.  Boy, was that difficult.

At the time I didn’t know if there was a reason the Lord had me fasting, I just knew I “needed” to fast and pray.

One week later I received a call from my mother living in Phoenix, Arizona asking if I could come to Phoenix and pray for a family member. One member of the family was manifesting some rather bizarre behavior.

When I mentioned to our Pastor that I was heading to Phoenix he volunteered to come along. He said he too had been fasting and praying for seven days.  He said he thought this trip was likely the reason the Lord wanted him to fast the previous week.  I simply thought, “why not,” after all, I was very new to praying for healings or deliverance or anything of consequence for that matter and Pastor Deason was a veteran.  Always good to have someone on hand who knows what they are doing.

Shortly after arriving in Phoenix my mother wanted Larry and me to stop by my sister Eva’s home and pray for her family as well. Almost immediately after arriving Larry asked if something was medically wrong with Amanda.  He mentioned he could see a deliverance need as soon as he set eyes on her.  It was news to me.

My niece Amanda, age nine, had suffered from epilepsy since she was nearly fourteen months old.  As a result of the epileptic seizures, Amanda had not matured much beyond the age of five or six.  The seizures reoccurred one to three times nearly every month and Amanda would regress and not gain any ground intellectually.  After sharing these details with Larry he asked if everyone would please begin to pray.  Larry and I then laid hands on Amanda and I knew at once she was one of the reasons the Lord wanted Larry and I to fast for the week.

Once we started praying, Larry told me to start going through the motions as though I were removing a snake from around her throat.  This seemed very silly to me at the time.  Even though I was not touching her throat in any way, Amanda began to choke and cough as though I were choking her.  We carefully pressed on in prayer!  After several minutes in prayer Larry stopped praying.  He said he was finished – feeling confident the Lord had actually set her free from a demonic presence and healed Amanda of epilepsy.  Being new to deliverance (exorcism) I was unsure and just felt silly about the snake element.  Larry assured Eva that Amanda was healed, but did not want Eva to take Amanda off any of her medications for epilepsy; leastwise, not until some time had passed and Eva was certain Amanda was actually healed.

Nearly eight months later, right around Christmas, Pam and I returned to Phoenix to see the family. By this time I had been privileged to pray for and experience God’s hand in deliverance and the healing of others.  That evening, while we visited my sister Eva in her home my niece Amanda strolled into Eva’s front bathroom as I was washing my hands.  I noticed immediately that Amanda had developed large black and blue rings around her eyes.  The bruising resembled black-eyes as though from a fight.  As I was looking at Amanda’s eyes, Eva passed by the bathroom and I immediately could ask her about the bruising.  She said she wasn’t sure, but she thought it had to do with Amanda’s medication for epilepsy.  Eva said she thought the bruising developed a few days or weeks after we prayed for Amanda’s healing.  Eva thought it was a side effect of the medications.  I then asked Eva if Amanda had suffered any further symptoms or epileptic seizures over the past eight months and Eva responded that Amanda had not suffered even one more episode.  Eva and I then agreed she should take Amanda slowly off of the medications keeping a close eye on her progress.

I then felt an unction from the Lord and placed my thumbs over Amanda’s eyes and prayed, “In the name of Jesus be healed” I said. In the time it took to say those words Amanda’s eyes returned to normal.  Very cool!

It has been more than thirty years since we prayed for Amanda. To my knowledge, Amanda has not suffered even a single epileptic seizure since that prayer.  Thank You, Lord!

Amanda has been married for nearly twenty years now and has five children. She appears to be happily married and serving the Lord.  In every way and at all times God is good!

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This Side of the Whirlwind: The 70th Week 3

THE WORTHY CHRIST – YEAH!

It is mentioned in the Bible and the previous post that Jesus was/is a priest after the order of Melchisedec.  Here is a little teaser on the concept.

“… even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:20 KNJV)

What does that mean?

Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchisedec and not of the priesthood of Aaron because: Melchisedec was/is the King of Salem (King of Peace) and a priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18).  Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2-7).  Hummm?

[What a ca-winkie-dink?  That’s a coincidence for those who didn’t get it.]

Melchisedec is renowned for blessing Abraham after Abraham went to war and rescued his nephew Lot and family from conquering kings:

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.” (Hebrews 7:1 NKJV)

According to Biblical descriptions, Melchisedec was: without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3 NKJV)

Melchisedec was not merely human. He never born or died; had neither father or mother and was made like the Son of God… eternal.  This is why, among other reasons, Jesus was/is a priest after the order of Melchisedec.  Just thought that might be interesting. 🙂

The Second Half of the 70^th Week

We began with the first three and a half years of the covenant, the blessing half of the agreement also considered “The Acceptable Year of the Lord” segment of the covenant and it is complete. Jesus is now the Lamb who was slain and is now worthy to open the seals of the little book.

The second incarnation of Christ can be found in Revelation 5:5 and 6, taking place just before the Great Consummation begins but after Christ’s crucifixion. According to the John’s vision, after the first half of the covenant, Jesus steps from the heavenly realm into a time just before the beginning of the Great Consummation. Bear in mind, John is seeing these events through a divine vision, which allows him to perceive events through time relative to both halves of the seventieth week. Through John’s vision, he is able to perceive and witness the split-versing phenomenon, experiencing both periods of three and a half years as if they were connected by mere moments. In truth, the two events are separated by more than two thousand years even as the seven weeks, sixty-two weeks, and one week segments of the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy are prophetically fulfilled over more than two millennia.

Through his divine vision, John is able to see both halves of the seventieth week as if they were simply connected back to back. John’s vision displays Christ as unworthy one moment in verses 1 through 4 and then worthy only moments later in verses 5 and 6. Split-versing explains the disassociation which takes place between these two sections of scripture and prophecy. Through His ministry and crucifixion, Jesus completes the first four edicts found in Daniel 9:24, providing the mechanisms required for salvation to potentially save the entire world. Following Jesus’s resurrection, He then ascends to be with His Father. Though two thousand years has elapsed here on earth, in John’s heavenly vision, he perceives Jesus stepping from the first half of the seventieth week into a time just before the second half of the seventieth week begins. Only after completing the first four edicts and the first three and a half years of the seventieth week can Jesus then become the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” Jesus had to fulfill the first four edicts in order to become our Savior and He who is able to open the seven seals.

Verse 9 of Revelation 5 confirms Jesus only became authorized to open the book after He was crucified and was resurrected. The verse states, “… You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (NKJV). Between the two embodiments of Christ, there exists a major fulfillment, which permitted Jesus to fulfill the first half of the covenant of Jesus Christ.  As previously mentioned, Jesus’ ministry is the blessing half of the covenant also known as The Acceptable Year of the Lord.

Take a moment to examine the differences and distinctions between “Jesus the Christ,” who had not yet given His life for the sins of the world, and “Jesus the Savior,” who did give His life for humanity and to fulfill the first half of the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27. As with many of the deeper issues within the Word, it often requires effort to determine God’s intended message. (1)

As Jesus opens the little book and releases one seal after another, the visions and prophecies prepared for the Latter Days begin to unfold and be fulfilled. Thus begins “The Day of Vengeance” as mentioned in Isiah 61:1-2 and Luke 21:22. The first four seals release the Beginning of Sorrows. The fifth seal takes place during the Tribulation Period of the Great Consummation when the Beast shatters the power of God’s holy people and thus separates the sheep from the goats. (2) This is the process by which the hand of God separates the committed believer or true Christian from the pseudo-Christian; thus, the great and fiery crucible aids in preparing the Bride of Christ to make herself ready for her Husband before the Rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.(3) The sixth seal begins with the Rapture and Wrath of God as all the earth sees the coming of Christ, the gathering of His saints, and the trembling of the secular world in great fear. At that time, according to Revelation 6:15–17, every individual remaining on earth will attempt to go into hiding for fear of God and His wrath to come. God willed the world to know He is God and He is fulfilling His Word and purpose:

“Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD!” (Ezekiel 38:23 NKJV).  This is a reference to the Battle of Armageddon.

The seventh and last seal will not be released until the 144,000 Elect have received the seal of God written in their foreheads. The seal of God is not one of the seven seals; rather, it is a title of ownership given to protect the Elect of God from God’s Wrath to come. The seal for the 144,000 Elect is the actual name of God written in the Elect’s foreheads.(4)

The opening of the seventh seal releases the seven angelic trumpets of judgment, triggering a deluge of God’s Wrath.(5) Ultimately, the seven bowls of wrath will be poured out over the false religions, their organizations, and every “religious” person the world over.

The remaining text from Revelation 5:8–14 speaks to the chorus of heavenly worshippers giving glory to God and especially His Son, who is now worthy to open the book and its seals. By the end of the seventieth week, Jesus will bring the Time of the Gentiles to a close. The Great Consummation is the second half of the covenant and begins the second half of the seventieth week. Though much of the text will result in otherworldly or supernatural events taking place in our natural world, John experiences these events during his visions, most of which took place in the heavenly realm.

To learn more on these and other End Times related subjects read, “This Side of the Whirlwind” which can be purchased at these fine links:)

http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-001016204/This-Side-of-the-Whirlwind.aspx,

http://www.amazon.com/This-Side-Whirlwind-Steven-Harrel/dp/1512734063/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464582881&sr=8-1&keywords=This+Side+of+the+Whirlwind,

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-side-of-the-whirlwind-steven-r-harrel/1123688752?ean=9781512734065,

http://www.thissideofthewhirlwind.com , www.Borders.com

(1) Proverbs 25:2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.”

(2) Matthew 25:32–33, separating the sheep from the goats.

(3) Daniel 11:32–35, “Some … shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end.”  And Revelation 19:7.

(4) Revelation 14:1.

(5) Revelation 8:1–13, Revelation 9:1–21, and Revelation 16:1–21, the Wrath of God.

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This Side of the Whirlwind: True Life “13”

If a Person does not Work?

 Shortly after moving to Sierra Vista, John and I opened a roofing company. We were not getting rich, but we were getting by for a new company.  Then unexpectedly I got a Word from the Lord.  The Lord instructed me to cease working, stop earning any wages.  I had maintained a job since the age of seventeen so the very concept of not holding down a job seemed wrong and yet, the Lord told me to stop working.  Friends and family quoted 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Uncomfortably, the Lord gave zero indication as to how we were supposed to pay our bills or how long I was supposed to avoid working.  It did not seem scriptural and I wasn’t sure what to do.

A few days later John and I were at church when he approached me saying, the Lord told him in a dream that I was not supposed to work any longer. A little later in the service, Pastor Larry Deason pulled me aside to confirm the Lord had told him the same thing.  He said the Lord told him He was putting me on an extended faith walk.

For the next two years I did not work; nevertheless, the Lord provided our needs. Even though the roofing company only seemed to be doing well when I was not on the job, I just couldn’t seem to reconcile the idea of not working.  Soon I just had to pull out of the company.  Though Pam’s parents help out a great deal, I couldn’t explain where the rest of the money was coming from.  We lacked for none of the basic needs of food, clothes or a place to live.  There were many times we had to wait to make rent or purchase food but somehow everything seemed to stretch to the limit.  In two years we did not go hungry or lacked for a place to lay our heads.  Then it was time for Pam and me to leave Shiloh Ministries.  The Lord instructed us to return to

Tucson, Arizona and remain there until told otherwise. At that time I assumed I was to return to the work place.  Oops, I guess I was wrong.

The first job I acquired after returning to Tucson was a firm called Kelly Advertising. The job required me to go on the road and I saw this as a ministry opportunity.  My family joined me as I offered Golf and Bowling scorecards to Golf courses and Bowling Alleys around the Southwest.  The firm’s sales people would then come in and sell advertising around the card’s perimeter.  Within four months the company became insolvent and we returned to Tucson.

Once back in Tucson, I returned to Hayes Inc. Roofing; my previous place of employment and Pam’s father’s company. I worked there as a roofing estimator and repairman.  The company seemed to be doing well when I first returned to work; unfortunately, the company was on a steady course towards bankruptcy.

In December of 1989 while working for Hayes roofing the Lord spoke to me saying, “I am closing all the doors to ministry.” I knew this was something which was coming, but not immediate.  Once a month for the next three months I heard the same Word from the Lord.  Then in April nearly thirty gigs (ministry engagements) cancelled.   Approximately one month later, the end of May first of June I was severely injured, breaking my neck and requiring bedrest for the next year.  Sadly, by that time the company was sold.

Even after I was injured I couldn’t seem to accept that I was not allowed to make a living. I thought I might simply be paranoid after Sierra Vista, Arizona.  I couldn’t imagine I would not be allowed to work for years.

Industrious as always, during my time working at Hayes Inc., I was also a representative for a multi-level marketing firm named Fund America. Though I believed in the product and applied myself to success in the company it was for naught; the US Government decided it was a pyramid scheme and tied the company up in courts for three years.  By the time Fund America cleared its name the company was ruined and forced into bankruptcy.

The next business I was involved with was a car-stereo company. I wasn’t looking for work or wanting to own a company at that time; nevertheless, a friend needed my truck for moving inventory and I was happy to help at no charge.  The company started doing well and began seeing real profit.  Until that time, I was merely a helping hand; however, my friend, seeing the success, offered me half of the company if I’d but put up half the investment and continue transporting inventory with my truck.  I accepted.  Approximately one month later we became partners and broke even.  Oh happy days!

Christmas was steadily approaching and my partner wanted to increase our inventory by one hundred percent. I said no, thinking we were doing well and should take things slowly.  He on the other hand thought we should double our inventory and add another $50.000.00 to our debt.  He was probably right.  Tragically, on November 26^th the company was burglarized and the thieves took over $35,000.00 worth of inventory.  Like a hardware store a car stereo company must have multiple speaker systems, amplifiers and stereos.  The thieves stole the core of our inventory.  With Christmas just around the corner we had no time to restore our inventory before the Christmas season was over.  Sadly, the company went bust.

During the short period of the car-stereo company’s success, we had taken a little profit and started a small jewelry stand with a nominal $5,000.00 investment. The Jewelry Company was established through another multi-level marketing company named Jewel-way.  Unbelievably, during the same month the car-stereo company bellied up, the Jewel-way company was also hit by a US Government lawsuit claiming it too was a pyramid scheme.  Our entire inventory was seized until the claims could be reconciled.  We did not see our investment returned for some time.  It is almost funny now.

Once again, a friend needed help. This time however it was with a computer software school, different friends too.  The owners were close friends with Pam and I.  He was a computer software designer and Beta tester.  He had opened a computer software school and needed someone to teach a few lower level classes.  Though not yet proficient in the software, I had at least a good working knowledge.  I told my friend I would be happy to help him out for free for just a few months.  All he needed to do was pay any work related expenses.  Two months later my friend’s sister discovered she had lung cancer.  He was close enough to his sister that wanted to move out to California for the few months of her treatment just to help her in her time of need.  My friend asked if I would consider taking on a more managerial position only until he could return.  He offered to pay my general bills until his return.  Once again, I agreed.

We had been great friends, almost like family before they left for California. Interestingly, only a few days before they left his wife assured me they fully trusted me and would never imagine Pam or I mistreating them, their resources or our friendship.  This statement was as true then as it is now, it could not happen.

Unfortunately, by the time they returned three months later “my friend” was accusing me of taking advantage of them financially. From his perspective, our friendship was over and his company insolvent.  Even though I had warned him repeatedly they were spending far too much in California and could not sustain their cash-flow, he could not hear me until it was too late.  When he started the company, he had significant capital and resources in his accounts.  Though I kept him informed the entire time keeping detailed records of every transaction and all his instructions, he blamed me for their new financial problems.  It was too bad he didn’t take the time to look over the records.  The proof was there for all to see.  Nevertheless, he continued to accuse me of stealing his resources and ruining his company.

Only after enduring this final injustice did I see what was happening. In Sierra Vista, Arizona the Lord had instructed me not to work.  Even though I believed the mandate was over when we left Sierra Vista, Arizona, it was not until this last incident that I could see the truth.  Once I submitted to the Lord our financial situations leveled out and we have not since suffered for want in over twenty-six years.  I can look back now and see why the Lord wanted this for our lives but I certainly could not see it at the beginning.  Only the Lord knows for sure about the failure of each company.  All we can do is learn to obey.

But isn’t that what we all have to learn, to trust and obey?

God moves in mysterious ways!

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This Side of the Whirlwind: The 70th Week 2

What! – The Unworthy Christ?

In order to fully understand the implications in Revelation 5:1–14, it is important to first recognize John is seeing prophetic events past, present and future. As evident to this assertion, the text, though written after Christ’s ascension, is referring to Jesus before and after His crucifixion. It is essential to distinguish the intended differences, which separate the two distinctions surrounding Jesus the Christ as portrayed within the first seven verses of Revelation 5. The first distinction is seen in verses 1 through 4. Though Jesus is not specifically mentioned by name, the passage is referring to Jesus before His crucifixion. When the text in verse 2 calls for (anyone) “… who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals,” it is not simply calling for Jesus Christ. Jesus was alive and well, ministering in Israel when the angel cried out and no one was found worthy either in heaven or on earth or under the earth (Sheol, the grave) to come and take the little book. Because Jesus had not yet died for the sins of the world, He had not yet fulfilled several necessary edicts required to qualify Him as worthy to open the book or unlock its seals. Verses 5, 6, and 9 confirm these requirements, for only after Christ had been slain for humanity did He become worthy to open the little book.

 

In the first four verses, though Jesus was the Christ, “the Lamb of God,” He had not yet died for the sins of the world. Jesus had not yet fulfilled the required edicts listed in the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy.(1) Fulfillment of the first four edicts was a requirement for completing the first half of the covenant, a part of the Christ’s ministry and the covenant of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus was not yet the Lamb slain, He was not yet found worthy to open the book or release its seven seals. For this reason, the first embodiment of Christ in Revelation chapter 5 relates to Jesus the Christ, the Lamb of God, who was not yet slain for the sins of the world. The distinction benchmarks the time frame to a period before Christ’s crucifixion. The angelic beckoning was given during the first half of the seventieth week, sometime before Jesus died for the sin of the world. The event established a time stamp for the prophecy’s fulfillment.

And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. (Revelation 5:1–4 NKJV)

Revelation 5:5-6 reveal the second embodiment of Christ. In these two verses, Jesus is perceived as “…The Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the Root of David.” The phrase, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” alludes to the Christian priesthood where Jesus is seen as a priest after a new order, the order of Melchisedec. (2) Jesus is the chief priest, forming a new and better covenant based in faith rather than works. In His role as chief priest, Jesus is perceived as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Maker of a new and better covenant. The phrase, the Root of David relates to Jesus as both the root and the branch of David. As David’s Creator,(3) Jesus is the root of David. As David’s descendant, who will sit on the throne of David in accordance with the Davidic covenant,(4) Jesus is the branch.(5) The manifestation of Christ presented in verses 5 and 6 is an embodiment of the new covenant. In these verses, Jesus is the Lamb of God slain for humanity. The imagery in verses 5 and 6 relates to the prophetic fulfillment of the first four edicts taken from Daniel 9:24, which placate the laws of Moses, abolishing or washing away all impartation of sin through His shed blood. In verse 6, Jesus is seen as, “…A Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Holy Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” This is Christ’s evangelical mission statement for the Church Age. The symbolism taken from verses 5, 6, and 9 further presents Jesus as the Messiah and the only one who is now worthy to receive and open the seven seals. Jesus has become the Savior, Christ, and Messiah.

But one of the elders said to me, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. (Revelation 5:5–7 NKJV)

It is important to recognize the two distinct embodiments of Christ as they are differentiated within Revelation 5. The first four verses are taking place during the end of Christ’s ministry when Jesus is not yet considered worthy to take the book or open its seals. This is the initial period of the angel’s petition from the heavenly realm. At that time, Jesus is not found worthy to open the book or seals. Once crucified and resurrected, Jesus brings the first half of Daniel’s seventieth week and prophecy to a close. Forty days later, shortly before the day of Pentecost, Jesus ascends into the heavenly realm, ending the first three and a half years of the covenant as found in Daniel 9:27 of the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy.(6)  We await the second three and a half years…

Next time we will jump into the second incarnation of Christ in “This Side of the Whirlwind: The 70^th Week 3.”

I head to the great Mount of God to find my rest,

And He is sweet!

Footnotes:

(1) Daniel 9:24–27, “To finish the transgression; to make an end of sins; to make reconciliation for iniquity; to bring in everlasting righteousness.”

(2) Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:5–10.

(3) Colossians 1:13–17, “… By Him were all things created …”

(4) 2 Samuel 7:12-16, the Davidic covenant.

(5) Isaiah 11:1, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”

(6) Acts 1:9–11, “… He [Jesus] was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

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This Side of the Whirlwind: The 70th Week

        Dividing of the 70th Week

Most are unaware the events found in Revelation chapter 5 represent the seven years of covenant to be fulfilled by Jesus Christ as outlined in Daniel 9:24-27. Before we go any further in the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy we should take a few minutes to witness this amazing section of scripture.

John was likely oblivious to the fact he was transcending time and space during his little jaunt into heaven (Revelation 4:1-2). John after being caught up into the heavens experienced past, present and future events all in one revelation.  Truly amazing!  Let’s check it out!

This will take a couple of posts…

The Book and the Seven Seals

As John observes, God calls for the opening of the little book [Likely the same book Daniel sealed in Daniel 12:4-11] locked with the seven seals (Revelation 5:1–14). The seals, when unlocked, release a series of events designed to put God’s agenda for the end of the Latter Days into action. In Revelation 5:2 an angel cries out, seeking anyone worthy to open the seven seals and set into action the agenda for the beginning of the end. When the search begins, no one worthy can be found to open the book or initiate God’s program. Revelation chapter 5 outlines a sequence of events that support split-versing and corroborates its use in the covenant of Jesus Christ as also seen in Daniel 9:24–27. By opening the seven seals, the final components necessary for completing all prophetic visions and prophecies [Fulfillment of the Fifth Edict – Daniel 9:24] are put into action. Each of the seals relates to the end of the Time of the Gentiles and completion of the Church Age. The first four seals launch the Beginning of Sorrows, which will begin soon and before the Great Consummation begins. By the end of the Great Consummation, the last two seals will be fulfilled, along with the last two edicts, bringing the Wrath of God to its close.(1)

The opening of the seven seals releases a series of global measures intended to bring the Time of the Gentiles and the covenant of Jesus Christ to its full consummation. The message and its purpose are completed during this last generation of the Body of Christ born since the Time of the Gentiles and during the period known as the Latter Days. (2) [That means now.] The seven seals create an environment designed to challenge each Christian’s commitment to Christ during the Tribulation Period of the Great Consummation and bring the Days of Vengeance on the unsaved world. Ultimately, this crucible will provide the Bride of Christ with the means to make herself ready for her Bridegroom in accordance with prophecy (Matthew 25:1-10). (3) One function of the process separates true Christians from pseudo-Christians, preparing the Body of Christ for the Rapture and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. For those left behind, the pseudo-Christians (4) and the secular world’s unsaved, the opening of each seal establishes the same environment but results in validating God’s righteous judgment over the lives of those who have rejected God’s (5) free gift of salvation as well as those who take pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:8–12).

Mistakenly, Satan believes the End Times is his agenda for the Latter Days. But in truth, it is God’s program, which allows for the unsaved to fully and freely embrace their individual styles of wickedness so they may be rightly judged by their individual rebelliousness. (6) In point of fact, God ordained this agenda as is confirmed in 2 Thessalonian 2:8–12 and Revelation 17:17. When all seven seals have been opened, the blessings and curses requirements for completing the covenant of Jesus Christ will be utterly satisfied for both the saved and unsaved populations of the earth. (7) By the end of the Great Consummation, every vision and prophecy related to the Seventy Weeks of Daniel and Latter Days will be accomplished (Daniel 9:24–27). Even as the Body of Christ has been saved, similarly the unsaved population of the world will have reached its full measure of wickedness and received objective judgment. Each seal corresponds to a series of events as outlined in the following chapters: Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Revelation 6, and Revelation 8. Parallels confirming the connections between each of these five chapters are illustrated in the Seven Seals Correlation table found near the end of chapter thirteen in “This Side of the Whirlwind.”

In “The 70th Week 2” post we will cover some of the divisions within Revelation chapter 5 which prove the two-three and a half year segments of Christ’s Covenant are true.

footnotes:

(1) Matthew 24:4–10—After the beginning of sorrows, “then” they will deliver you up to tribulation, they will hate you and kill you.

(2) Daniel 11:32–35 and Matthew 24:34, the Latter Days began when Israel reemerged as a nation in 1948.

(3) Revelation 19:7 NKJV, “… for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife [Bride] has made herself ready.”

(4) Those for whom salvation is lost for receiving the Mark of the Beast or worshipping the Beast or his image.

(5) 2 Thessalonians 2:8–12. When Jesus is taken out of the way, Satan is free to deceive his children as he sees fit.

(6) Genesis 15:16, God did not bring judgment on the Amorites until they had reached their full measure of iniquity.

(7) Revelation 10:7, “…the mystery of God should be finished.”

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This Side of the Whirlwind: True Life 12

Surrounding Me?

During the spring of 1985, one of my brothers came to visit Pam and I in Sierra Vista Arizona. We had moved from Tucson, Arizona recently.  My brother stayed with us for several weeks before trouble began.  During this infamous period my little brother was even instrumental in a deliverance I received; some call this exorcism.

Brother – Me – Friend

For whatever reason, reason still unknown, my kid brother decided to betray our trust and flee the state of Arizona with Pam’s 1977 Mustang, a very expensive Italian leather jacket and most precious to me, my 12 string, Blue-Ridge custom made Gibson Guitar. In hind-sight, I was much too attached to this guitar and knew it.

Though not sure what woke me, at about 4:00 a.m., I sat up and knew I needed to search the house. I found our front door wide open and our home thermostat set to its maximum setting.  The house was sweltering.  That was about the time I realized my kid brother was missing along with numerous valuable items, especially my guitar!  We knew right away what happened.  Once again my brother was off and running.  I was furious then, of course, but since then I’ve forgiven him and grown.  Thank you Lord.

Over the next several days I was able to get in touch with my mother and through her find out where my brother had gone, what he had done with the other items and sadly, that he had sold my custom guitar for just $50.00. To make matters worse, I was informed he sold my baby (my guitar) to a Satanist living in Tucson.

It took a little effort, be I was finally able to get a call through to my brother. He provided no apology at the time but was able to give a general description of how to locate the guy with my guitar.

In kindness, preacher John, now my friend John provided me with a ride up to Tucson where our things had been sold. With only a small amount of effort we were able to find the apartment where “the Satanist” was living; unfortunately, at first he was nowhere to be found.  His place was near downtown Tucson and rather secluded.  We were forced to make several trips to his apartment in an attempt to catch him at home, for we did not have a phone number or any other method with which to reach him.

We had to spend the majority of our day running errands, stopping occasionally at the gentleman’s apartment to see if he might have returned home. As the day progressed I sadly realized I might not ever retrieve that precious guitar.  Fortunately, somewhere during this process I realized I cared much too much for the guitar.  It is just a thing.  I finally turned my sense of loss over to God and asked Him to forgive me for putting so much value on a silly guitar.  I prayed, “Lord, if it’s Your plan or will that I should never recover this guitar, I relinquish it to You now and that’s okay.”

We were coming to the end of our time in Tucson and had to return to Sierra Vista, Arizona soon. Knowing we had just enough time for one more attempt at retrieving the guitar, I asked John to make the last jaunt before returning to Sierra Vista.  He quickly agreed and we made the final trip across town.

 

As we parked outside and below the apartment I could hear my guitar being played. As I had mentioned before, by brother led me to believe he had sold the guitar to a Satanist, which to me was the ultimate insult.

As I began climbing the stairs I was also praying. I prayed with the idea I was about to enter a spiritual battlefield.  As I mounted the steps I noticed what appeared to be a yellow aura emanating from all around me.  At first I didn’t know what to make of this golden light.  However, as I drew closer to the door I could feel a sense of righteousness from the Lord pouring into my spirit.  I was empowered with the righteousness of God as I stepped up to and knocked on the door.

The music stopped; surprisingly it was just a little Cat Steven’s. Nothing too evil I mused.  The door suddenly swung open with a normal looking person standing in the doorway; my guitar hanging around his neck as he, in his most Evil – Satanic – Voice asked, “What up?  What can I do for you?”  So evil!  Wait, I thought, screeching to a halt?

I quickly placed my hand over my eyes and beginning from the top of the guitar rattled off six to ten identifying features that only the owner of the guitar could possibly know.

David, not a Satanist, stood there in the doorway dumb-founded. He then declared, “Wow man, I don’t know why, but I trust you more that any person I have ever met.  Please, come on in and tell me what’s up.”

I shared with David the story of how my middle brother had stolen my wife’s car and numerous other items and fled with my guitar. David, repeated his previous comment saying, “Like I said, I don’t know why, man, but I trust you more that any person I’ve ever met.”

David handed over my guitar while saying , “Here dude. This is obviously your guitar.  You can have it back.”

I offered to pay him for my guitar or anything else my brother had sold him, but he adamantly refused the take any payment. He said he should have known better anyways.  He realized there was no way a person would sell a Gibson 12-String for a mere $50.00.

I was able to then share the gospel with David, telling him about the love of Jesus Christ. That very meeting allowed David to give his heart to the Lord.

David said he was not a Satanist, but admitted some of the guys partying at his place that infamous night certainly were. Curiously, the one thing David was most concerned with was the fact he was about to enter the US Military in several weeks and just wanted until then to have a nice guitar to play.

My brother and I had recently been working on an old electric guitar. We had stripped it down and made it ready for repainting; so, I told David, my not so Satanist new friend and new brother in Christ, that I would make sure he received that other guitar as soon as possible.  We were able to get that newly painted electric guitar in his hands with a small amplifier by the following day.  Praise the Lord, another soul for the kingdom of God!

I think it is important to note the Lord did not return my guitar until after I had relinquished it from my heart and into His hands. Since that day, there has not been any material item which has held that same level of significance in my heart.  Lord willing, there never will be.

Notice how God prepared me for a battle very different than the one I expected.

God’s righteousness translated onto David trusting me according to God’s will and resulted in God being glorified. David’s soul was saved for ever and ever!

Are there things in your life you hold too dear?

Are there people in your life who hold a place so valued they displace God’s first-place position in your life and relationship?

Do these individuals hold a greater place of priority than they should?

There is a time coming soon when Jesus will need to be your first priority. Your walk with God number one!

When feeding your family, paying your bills, keeping your job and living in your house “means” taking the Mark of the Beast, what choice will you make?

The Great Consummation is almost here. Don’t take the Mark under any circumstances.

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This Side of the Whirlwind: 70 Weeks Unveiled 3

Split Versing

So, we left off with King Cyrus giving the decree; then the Israelites begin construction and it becomes troublous or troubled times; a consolidated period in which the Israelites actually worked on Jerusalem for approximately 101 years; construction of Jerusalem, the Temple and the wall spanned approximately 49 years or 7 segments of seven.  The wall was then finished circa 437 BC when the 62 weeks segment began and running for 434 years until approximately 3 BC.  And THEN… Jesus the Messiah was born – yeah baby!  Now one segment remains to be fulfilled in the Seventy Weeks of Daniel.  Let’s see how that pans out…

In the post, This Side of the Whirlwind: 70 Weeks Unveiled 2, we looked over Daniel 9:24, breaking down the pieces of the verse and the Edicts of the prophecy.

In the post This Side of the Whirlwind: 70 Weeks Exposed, we looked over Daniel 9:25.

Now, before we go over verses 26 and 27 we need to discuss an interesting interpretive development in the Word. We will call this “Split Versing.”

Split-versing is not common within the Word. In fact, I had not heard of split versing until the Lord brought it to my attention in 2006.  I don’t even know if God has revealed this technique to anyone else since much of the End Times information was concealed until recently.  It may be a tool God used to conceal the Latter Days message until the proper time.

Let’s take a moment to consider this interesting mechanism within scripture. God purposed certain sections of scripture to reference more than one time period within the same verse or section of text. God shared this revelation with me at nearly the same moment He revealed certain hidden aspects of the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy. Split-versing is a necessary component to understanding the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy. When God first revealed this information, He began by using Isaiah 61:1–2 thereby demonstrating the split-versing nature contained within verse two.

According to revelation, Isaiah 61:2 relates to both the ministry of Jesus Christ and the Great Consummation period of the Latter Days. In essence, as with this verse, a split verse is any verse or group of verses whose fulfillment requires two or more completely different time periods. Luke 4:16–30 relates to one of these time periods, the story of Jesus being baptized and then anointed.

After Jesus’ baptism, He suffered a period of trial and temptation in the wilderness. Following this time of trouble, Jesus returned home, entered His home synagogue in Nazareth, and on the Sabbath day, read from Isaiah 61:1–2.

During Jesus’s day, it was expected for any person reading the text to completely finish the section of scripture before expounding upon the chosen script. Contrary to this norm of the day, Jesus did not adhere to the traditional standards. Defying the customs Jesus stopped mid-thought and mid-text, closed up the scroll, and sat down. Jesus then proclaimed to the crowd that He was/is the fulfillment of this Messianic passage of prophecy.

To aid in understanding this significant event and the Lord’s actions, recognize Jesus was reading in His home church where He unexpectedly declared Himself to be the Messiah and God of everyone there. Jesus was telling His family and His friends that He was their Creator and ultimately the fulfillment of every Messianic prophecy for which they had been waiting their entire lives. To the Hebrew people of that day, Jesus was committing a blasphemous act worthy of death. When Jesus made this statement, He openly committed public and personal suicide, according to Hebrew laws and traditions. Confirming this truth, the crowd, the good people of Nazareth seized Jesus and forced Him from the synagogue toward the nearest cliff where they intended to kill Him. Fortunately, because He is the Son of God, He chose to escape and not be murdered (Luke 4:16–30).

Regarding the issue of split-versing, when Jesus read Isaiah 61:1–2a, He initiated the first half of the covenant. In verse 2, Jesus “… proclaimed (sic) the acceptable year of the Lord” and then declared to everyone in the synagogue He was the prophecy’s fulfillment. Only God, as Messiah, could legitimately make that claim and live to fulfill it. Fulfilling “the acceptable year of the Lord” required Jesus to validate the covenant in Daniel 9:27a, with many, for three and a half years. It was not an accident Jesus stopped reading after the first sentence. In fact, if Jesus had continued to read Isaiah 61:2, He would have also declared “… the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn.” Had He read those words, Jesus would have immediately obligated Himself to spend the second three and a half years fulfilling the balance of the prophecy before its appointed time (Isaiah 61:1–2a; Daniel 9:27a). Such an act would have been a monumental tragedy.

It is not, cannot be a coincidence Christ’s ministry spanned just three and a half years. Rather, it was a necessity of prophetic fulfillment. Jesus obviously knew what He was reading and why. The Lord likely knew He was reading a split verse and understood the next line of the text related to the Great Consummation and not His current period of ministry.

Jesus’s ministry took place somewhere between 28 BC and 31 BC. The Great Consummation is scheduled to begin sometime before the end of AD 2028. The split-versing of Isaiah 61:2 consists of two three-and-a-half-year time frames separated by nearly 2,100 years. On that famous day Jesus read the following section of Isaiah before His family and friends in Nazareth.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord … (Isaiah 61:1–2a KJV)

Jesus fulfilled the first half of Christ’s Covenant. A covenant required to span seven years but be divided by two-three and a half year segments.  When the first half of the covenant was ordained to come to an end, the sacrifices and offerings of the Temple were required to cease or stop.  Appropriately, when Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn in two resulting in the Most Holy Place being exposed to the Inner Court.  Immediately the sacrifices and offering were required to stop.  The first three and a half years of the covenant were complete.

What we are talking about is the first three and a half years of the seventieth week from the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy, the seven years covenant in the last week (Daniel 9:27).

We will continue this discussion in This Side of the Whirlwind: 70 Weeks Unveiled 4.

To skip ahead turn to page 112 in This Side of the Whirlwind.

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This Side of the Whirlwind: True Life 11

Believing?

Though we are without a doubt in the last of the Latter Days, what do we do if we don’t quite believe it; can’t quite believe it?

What if you do not feel that truth?

What if, after looking around your world, you cannot accept the reality of the Mark being here or the Beast being alive and Christ returning soon which will turn this world upside-down?

Well, I can tell you I had the same problem until God forced me to make a decision based on all the facts He presented in and out of His Word.

Knowing a truth and truly believing that truth – is something quite different. Here I sat filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and with several revelations related to the Latter Days and I could not swallow the idea we were (in 2011) living just twenty years or less away from Christ’s celebrated return.

Here is some of what I had to consider:

At twelve, the Lord had given me the question about the three and a half years of Christ’s ministry. [The first half of Christ’s Covenant.]  Why only three and a half years of ministry for the greatest Bible figure of all times?

At age 25 God provided the answer to the seven segments of seven enquiry as it relates to the Seventy Weeks of Daniel prophecy.

Then, years later the Lord drops Habakkuk 2:3 on my life – which states, “The revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the end and shall not prove false. Though it tarry wait for it; for it will certainly come and not delay.” [A direct answer to my prayer: should I continue to wait on the Lord or get back into ministry and the workforce?]

Following divinely inspired foundations in 2006 the Lord began filling my mind and spirit with one revelation after another pertaining to the End Times and the end of the world as we know it.

The Lord continued providing revelations for “This Side of the Whirlwind” until I had all the information I needed for writing “This Side of the Whirlwind.”

Even with all of these proofs I still answered people’s questions about the End Times with equivocations and qualifications such as, “If what the Lord has told me is true – blah, blah, blah…” I answered like this much too often.

Then one day after getting off the phone with a friend and once again answering his questions by qualifying, “If what the Lord has told me is true then – blah, blah, blah…” I was then confronted by the Lord in my own front-room.

As I entered the room the Lord quoted the first two lines in Habakkuk 2:3 saying, “The revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the ‘end’ and will not prove false.” [By the way, this was the third time the Lord brought this verse to my attention.]

This is where the Lord really cornered me when He forcefully said, “Now, are you going to believe Me or are you not? The book either speaks of ‘the End’ and ‘will not’ prove false or it does not speak for Me and is full of lies. Which is it?”

I knew I had not made any of this stuff up; therefore, I knew it came from God, something greater than myself. Right then and there I made the decision: I would no longer refer to the book’s revelations by qualifying each statement.  I would choose to trust the Lord and believe in His Word and the revelations He imparted to me; regardless of any consequences.

For many years I have known the difference between God’s voice and my own. I also know the Lord’s voice from the enemy’s.  It does not mean I cannot be deceived.  It is just not very likely, thanks to You, Lord.  It is like knowing your mother’s voice, but more so.

I still wrestle with the idea we are about to enter the Great Consummation. The world is about to enter the great crucible and storm of all storms.  Christians will be required to run for their lives and fend for themselves amidst the tidal-wave of unbelievers pursuing them for a bounty. But God will prevail as the Word states.  Prophecy will be fulfilled according to God’s Word.

And yet, I still cringe from time to time when I mention the time limit “God said” remains until the coming of the Lord.  According to revelation and God’s Word the Great Consummation will begin before the end of 2028.

I think it is natural for me to cringe when so many before me have been wrong.  Of course God new they were wrong at that time.  Some had to be wrong to fulfill 2 Peter 3:1-4.  I am no one special, just another servant of the Lord.  Like Balaam’s donkey, a mouthpiece for the Lord.

The Word tells us:

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2, NKJV).

 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, (Juke 1:20 NKJV)

We are in the Latter Days. Our time is short and there are many who are not yet saved.

Why do Christians carry salvation and the truth so casually.  There are so many people lost and led astray though other faiths; being led to Hell through false doctrines and away from Christ and salvation?

Believing we are in the Latter Days is critical. Recognizing the warning signs for the Mark of the Beast and the Beast himself is important.  We must look carefully at all the signs and wonders which are taking place or are about to take place in our world.  Then we need to learn God’s Word, take time for a short assessment of the world around us and note how the days are evil.

The End Times had to come in someone’s generation. It just happens to be happening in ours!  For this reason, over the next few days, look around at all the people you know and care about, those you just bump into on a daily basis.

Then, ask yourself: how many of these people have actually told you they are saved?

How many have you asked?

Whose soul will be lost because you didn’t have a clue or the guts to ask?

This is not about guilt.  Guilt is useless in this case.  This is about putting yourself out just enough to know if someone you care about or just bump into on occasion is actually saved from an eternity of suffering.

What if one of them read this post and they are wondering about you standing there smiling or joking or buying a coffee?

Would you be okay if they didn’t bother to ask if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

The choice is yours and may have eternal ramifications.

May God bless you with the fullness of His knowledge, with boldness and His grace!

Save and protect Your people my Lord, in Jesus name we pray… amen!

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