Many bloggers wrote, "that's it - there is nothing that can stop this obvious usurper from getting into the presidency."
Perhaps they are right. But I will not give up hope on this - not yet anyway. I am still praying for God to step in and have mercy on our nation. I am hoping that appropriate action will be taken to prevent Obama's inauguration on January 20, 2009. ANYTHING can happen between now and then.
[NOTE: I have been taken to task by two bloggers (who have already commented here) for sharing the following "conspiracy theories." If you wish to skip over this section, just scroll down to "START HERE." That is where the main points (and as the title of this post indicates - the prophetic clues - information begins.
- Christine.]
You may be wondering why I still have some hope regarding this issue. I will share some comments from others that have given me such hope.
Frank at the NEIN blog shared this:
frank said...
Please read this. You can not rule this out until Jan 8th comes up. This is a very good article.
SonOf1776
I find the theory that a higher entity (Bush? Hillary? RNC? GOD?) is overseeing this and will burst The Ones bubble at the most opportune time to be quite believable. But how credible is it? Well, when enough seemingly independent things all line up and point the same direction, the logical conclusion is hard to ignore. Here is my evidence to date.
First I find it believable that SCOTUS cannot act until after Jan 8. But that is dangerously close to Jan 20. The wheels of justice typically spin slowly and 12 days is nothing. Once this guy takes office and controls Congress, the Military, the DOJ, homeland security and the FBI, who could stop him. He would just ignore SCOTUS and thumb his nose like he does to everyone else. Still, consider that SCOTUS was meant by the founding fathers as a check and balance on the other two branches. Bush is still president. The One cannot legally be considered president until Jan 8 and officially not until Jan 20.
Second, I find it believable that Bush ordered the army brigade to be close to DC to handle possible rioting if The One was somehow booted. But the article on that was dated in September and I cannot imagine that even Bush had any plan at that point. In fact Bush seems so brain dead now I cannot imagine he has any plan. Still, I think that of all people, he would be the one most likely to know all the facts, including what the BC really says. He has the power, at least at the moment. If the DNC can get into all of Joe the plumbers records, imagine what Bush can get into.
Third, by Jan 8 most if not all of the significant lawsuits will have landed at SCOTUS. If these are truly only being denied the stays, but still pending, it is believable they (SCOTUS) are collecting them all for a grand finale. But I have seen no official word that the first three (including Berg) are even still pending. Does “stay denied” mean just that or more? No one has stepped forward to explain any of this except our peers in the blogosphere who are just guessing too. Still I find this believable as just to get any case into committee at SCOTUS with all nine justices has to say something.
Fourth, the timing of the Blagojevich scandal is too perfect. I find it believable that Fitzgerald had Blagojevich cold but was having trouble connecting the other dots. So he decided to shake things up and see what additional action he could get. But The One plays this game well. It is maybe the only thing he does well. Cover and run. It would be a dangerous move by Fitzgerald to just roll the dice. Seems more believable that either all we get is Blagojevich or else we get it all but not till after Christmas and Fitz was just rolling on Blogojevich to save the senate seat.
Fifth is the almost unbelievable turn-coat techniques being practiced by the conservative media such as Rush, Hannity and the rest. When Hannity starts practicing “conservatism in exile” and the almighty Rush tucks his tail and cowers it is just too strange. Are they afraid of repercussions? It is believable that because they actually control a sizable army of “real” investigative journalists they have been told to back off or they might spill the apple cart. Loose lips sink ships and all that.
Sixth is the silence and submission of Hillary that went just too easy. The Clintons are (were?) very powerful and play dirty politics with the best. I think we all expected her to pull off a coup-de-etat at some point. It is quite believable that this is still in the wings. It is pretty difficult to think Hillary is now so desperate she would accept a cabinet position from The One and give up a Senate seat. And why hasn’t she resigned that? Hillary is a smart cookie and plays for keeps. It is quite believable she plans to win the end game somehow.
Seventh, it is not believable that a Republican governor would side to conspire with The One. I’m talking about Linda Lingle here. But did she conspire? While she (and other government officials) did seal the records, she also made sure that Hawaii did not come right out and say Obama is a natural born citizen, or even a citizen. Only that his posted BC is legit and they have the original in their records. So, if there is a higher grand scheme, she would appear to be playing along.
Eighth, and never mentioned anywhere that I know of is why is Ted Kennedy silent. Can anyone imagine him letting someone like The One become the Only One? John and Robert would roll over in their graves. So what about this? Ted wants Caroline in the senate. Hillary wants to be president. Neither wants The One in DC. So, on Jan 8 Ted makes the motion of ineligibility and calls in all his chips (and he must have some big chips!). He forces a vote for Hillary to be president and all becomes right again in left land. Wild, yes, but believable? In light of everything else that has happened in the last few months, why not?
There is probably more evidence. I welcome anyone else to present it, pro or con.
My conclusion is that it is very believable that all or most of this is too coincidental to be just a bunch of unrelated events. My logic (I design computers and rely on that when all else fails) says Two, three or even four of these might be just that, a bunch of unrelated events. But, eight events, all pointing to a higher orchestrated plan seems pretty convincing.
Still it makes me nervous to think that The One might be able to take office before the main part of this can unfold or that there might not even be a main part.
And what if there are multiple “grand plans” by opposing forces (D vs R) to oust The One and assume control. Okay that’s too scary. It would mean all out war in Congress on Jan 8. I guess I’ll buy some extra water and food and firewood just in case.
http://texasdarlin.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/a-case-of-the-scrubs-covering-up-is-never-a-good-idea/#comments
Jan 15 11:22
December 16, 2008 9:03 PM
Then, I shared some previous comments that were already re-posted here:
Over at Citizen Wells blog, I found a comment that mentions the Congress Jan. 8th meeting, too:
Bob // December 15, 2008 at 11:41 am
SCOTUS has allowed the election from the people’s participation to the official election without comment, or prejudice.
What this means is that all commentary concerning the meaning of ‘natural born Citizen’ prior to December 15, 2008, is acceptable as written to this Supreme Court. Nothing has changed at all on that front.
The specific time for SCOTUS to participate in the official election process is after January 8 at Midnight, when the world know what Congress has done, and any lawsuits will have to come from a member of Congress.
So, it’s time to focus on CONGRESS. They will count the votes of the Electoral College. Dick Cheney will chair (he’s President of the Senate).
Congress must be convinced that the following must be done:
1. They cannot count the votes for someone who is a “dual or multiple citizen” under their own law as codified by the Code of Federal Regulations by the Department of State, under FAM 7 (Consular Services). — Remember: Barack Obama, Sr. was in this country on a temporary student visa issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, so he was under the supervision of the British embassy in Washington, D.C. . I don’t think anyone in Congress is aware of this fact, but it’s accurate history.
In other words, he had no intention of taking up permanent U.S. residency or apply for naturalized citizen, EVER!
2. They cannot vote for a first generation Commander-in-Chief, based on the debate in the 1787 Constitutional Convention, which records are preserved under the supervision of Congress in the Library of Congress.
Next, someone named "commenter NBC' challenged this view:
The argumen[t] that SCOTUS could not act now, is therefore, unworthy of merit.
But commenter Bob came back with:
Bob // December 15, 2008 at 1:06 pm
In my experience, when a court is not specific (which they must be when they render a decision), and simply leave the status quo (which is what happened here), the benefits are often greater than you might imagine.
Leo’s case and Cort’s case and Orly’s case were basically orders to the SOS of NJ and CT and CA to do their job. They didn’t, so the Electors today are voting on two bogus candidates. However, in the future, no SOS in any state is likely to get a pass on this, so the dog has had his bite — but no seconds. So, really, this is a win for good government.
To sum up, perhaps SCOTUS has given the task to make sure Obama is eligible to Congress. I also read that a Congressman or Senator (just one!) could hold up the election process if they object to Obama's ineligibility (or even just his lack of papers to show whether or not he is eligible).
I find it quite curious that the Obama family is heading back to Hawaii....
hmmmm....
Could a fake document (like a vault-length COLB) be in the works over there??
Yes. Just speculation on my part.
Then, I also read this comment thread recently:
nobama2 wrote:
Janet it occurred to me that Hawaii is a good jumping off point for Jakarta or Nairobi.
—————————
OMG so funny you should write that! I had been tinkering with the idea that he MAY NOT RETURN! That he would take off from there but head in the opposite direction of the USA!
on December 15, 2008 at 2:35 am Janet
Just keep in mind that GW Bush did not bring home 20,000 troops for the purpose of taking care of “civil disobedience” because he thought nothing big was about to happen.
This is a really big thing and needs to be handled very very carefully, slowly, methodically. Keep in mind that the Supremes only denied the stays, they never said that there was no cause for a hearing regarding citizenship qualifications — that part of the 2 lawsuits is still pending. Pending? Doesn’t that mean “waiting”? Waiting for what? THAT is what we have to be patient about.
Since most of the country does not understand the Constitutional requirements and Obama’s lack thereof (even the electors!), Patrick Fitzgerald is coming in from another direction as well.
Think of it as someone with many diseases. It’s only a matter of time before ONE of them gets him.
December 16, 2008 10:10 PM
Unless I missed the announcement, isn't it true that Joe Biden has NOT resigned from the Senate yet? If he hasn't resigned yet, is anyone else out there curious as to why he hasn't done so? Does he KNOW that something is up regarding Obama and the challenges against his "natural born citizen" status?
On the other hand, lets say that despite all of the objections and lawsuits, Obama gets into office. I, for one, KNOW that his Democratic leadership will weaken our nation. I have no doubt about that. It is inevitable. The potential pick of Jamie Gorelick is but one example of the absolute naivete of Obama when choosing an attorney general! And, I'm certainly not the only one who thinks so! I could list more but suffice it to say, we will be (unfortunately) quite vulnerable to attack with Obama in there. (Even Joe Biden said so!)
This is just my opinion, of course, but if Obama does get into office, then I think that the prophetic clues being discussed in the rest of this post will come closer (and, more speedily) to fruition.
*******
START HERE!
This post is going to switch gears a bit. The reason? Because Sean over at the NEIN blog has recently posted an intriguing comment. I want to share his comment here, and then share an essay about prophecy that was written back in 2003 by an Internet acquaintance named "Jerry Cesario." Next, I will share a link to Sean's new post today. Finally, I will share some portions of Dr. David Jeremiah's recent book, "What in the World is Going On? - 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore."
Hopefully, you will vividly see how all of what is being shared in this post are tied together!
First, Sean's comment:
SeanOsborne said...
Perhaps one senator would gum up the counting of electoral votes on Jan 8th, but I tend to doubt that will happen.
The world socialist fix is in, and unless there is a revolt -and I mean a REAL revolt against this usurper being elected - then it is finished.
I'll have a new entry coming up this morning that may blow your socks off.
The text of this report almost certainly occurs during an Obama Administration, and it talks about just such a "strategic shock" as armed rebellion in the United States. Nuclear armed rebellion even.
And this is not idle chatter or wild-eyed conspiracy nonsense either. This report comes from a retired Army LTC and the United States Army War College's Strategic Institute, with appropriate disclaimers, of course.
standby...
December 17, 2008 5:54 AM
Next, in the following essay that was originally written in March of 2003, and posted in 2004 at my Talk Wisdom Forums, the author shares details about the prophecy found in the book of Ezekiel and compares it to the signs of the times today. Knowing what has transpired since the original date of writing of "Ezekiel's Final Puzzle Pieces" makes it all the more stunning today!
The Times of the Signs #6 Ezekiel's Final Puzzle Pieces
Quote: Volume II Issue #3 March 1-15, 2003
Ezekiel's Final Puzzle Pieces
Over the past few weeks the European countries involved in the impending war on Iraq have been very busy making plans, protesting plans and deciding which side they are on. Turkey has been dominating the See-Saw in the World Playground. "Yes you can use our bases...", "No you cannot use our bases.", "Give us money and you can use our bases.", "Give us more money...", "You cannot use our bases." And today, that is the official position, although the pundits anticipate that to change, again.
Meanwhile, to the south of Iraq, the Arab nations surrounding the region have pulled together their own council to discuss their support/non-support of the imminent Allied Attack. All the while Russia has been backing the UN's call for "more time" for the weapons inspections. In the midst of a major war looming over the region, one wonders why Turkey seems to be so double-minded on the issue of support. Naturally the average person on earth probably doesn't understand. While many news and intelligence analysts can see the basic reason, those who study Bible prophecy can see the spiritual side to the question clearly.
Many centuries ago a man named Ezekiel lived in Israel. Ezekiel was a mighty prophet of God and was used to warn the people of his day about the coming downfall of the nation. Israel had rejected God and had turned to worshipping idols and serving the gods of the pagan nations around her. God finally ran out of patience and announced to His prophets throughout the land that judgment was coming. Ezekiel was one of these prophets. Each prophet during that time was given a specific theme of prophecy to drive home and Ezekiel's lips were moved to tell of the departing of God's glory and the subsequent Babylonian captivity to follow. While he was a captive in Babylon, the LORD gave him the prophecy of Israel's return to the land, but also her second dispersal to all the nations of the earth, and the return once again after many centuries. Israel was first captured and carried off to Babylon, and then, after rejecting Christ, to the ends of the earth.
Astonishingly, Ezekiel was shown a very graphic vision of the restoration of Israel even after they were thought to be long dead. Chapters 36 and 37, containing the "vision of the dry bones", is a chilling picture of the sovereignty of Almighty God and how He controls the fate of a nation and a people. Just as He said He would, God brought the people of Israel, that He had scattered abroad, back to the literal, physical land of Israel (to the very day actually that God said they would come back. Ezekiel 4:1-6).
Right on the heels of Israel's restoration however, God speaks of the Satanic alliance that would come against her when the appointed time was upon the world for the Day of the LORD. This alliance is what we now know as Islam, specifically the radical element found in the Middle East today. Ezekiel 38 and 39 are so rich in prophecy and promise that I could not cover it all because we would never finish this commentary. However, it is most important to understand that this defining moment is at the end of the Great Tribulation. Although the setup of the nations for this great battle may span the whole length of the last half, which is what we are seeing today, the events of the last days are depicted here leading up to the great Day of the Lord.
EZEKIEL 38
1Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2"Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
3and say, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.
Many teach, and assume, that these are the ancient names for Russia. This may very well be, and until the appointed time comes, we just cannot be sure. As a side note, Rosh does not appear in all the manuscripts. The general consensus these days is that it probably does refer to Russia, but you must remember that the entities that now make up the newly formed “Breakaway Republics” that came after the fall of Communism, have changed the whole face of prophecy. These nations are all extremely fundamental Islamic countries and if you really pay attention, all of Russia’s nuclear research and weaponry came from these regions before the fall.
Also, when interpreting prophecy, you have to keep in mind that God does not concern himself with the names of man. The Bible uses the ancient names of the lands based upon Genesis 10. Here the sons of Noah, begat their own sons and all these names can be traced back to this passage.
4I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.
5Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
6Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops--many people are with you.
7"Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.
God tells Gog to be ready for this day, this day of the great battle. Gog is obviously the leader of this great army, but who are they and why are they being assembled? For instance Persia is not just modern day Iran. At the time of Ezekiel’s prophecy Persia would be conquering Babylon in the coming years. It encompassed what today would be all of Iran, Iraq, Syria, parts of Saudi Arabia, and probably some good portions of the breakaway republics south of Russia. By the way, don't be outflanked by watching Iraq only. One doesn’t need to look too deep to figure out that Persia is once again emerging in the form of the Islamic threat to the world. Since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11th, a whole new worldview has surfaced regarding the Islamic agenda and amazing global events are unfolding that are clearly prophetic signs for the future. Also, don't forget that Bush named the countries considered the new "Axis of Evil"; Iraq, Iran, Syria and North Korea.
If you look at all the countries involved in this prophecy it becomes rather noticeable that Ezekiel was privy to a look into our time and the alliance that would be formed by radical Islam. In his day these countries were just countries. Most were warring tribes, but never posed any threat to Israel. Ah, but do not forget what history has shown us. Mohammed was the one who brought all these tribes together. When the Jews living in Mecca refused to pray at his newly formed mosque, he turned on them and likewise so did all those under his rule. This hatred for Israel has prevailed, and waxed stronger, ever since. However there is one country that, while compared on the map today with those of Ezekiel's day, seems to stand out as a Western ally. Yet in the prophecy this country is clearly aligned with the great force allied against Israel. That country is Togarmah, or modern day Turkey.
Many do not realize the strategic importance of Turkey in this war. In fact, Turkey does not realize the strategic importance that they truly play in this war. The West needs to be able to come from the North down into Iraq. Without a military force to the north, Iraq can move its forces north and, possibly, attack Turkey as well as Israel to the northwest. If we do not have Turkey to base our troops, then we have to move all our forces to the Persian Gulf and attack from the south. Whether or not they will allow us to move in is pivotal. However, in the end, Turkey will succumb to the Sword of Allah just as the Bible says. While it may be after this war, when Iraq is liberated, it may be now. Everyone's favorite invisible terrorist, Osama Bin Laden, made it quite clear the fate of any country that aligns itself with America, Europe and of course Israel. This will be the deciding factor in Turkey's status in this war.
Ezekiel speaks of the final war against Israel. Gog (whom I believe is the Beast) is coming up against the land of Israel in order to completely plunder and destroy it. This is described as an evil thought placed in his mind by God Almighty. This is a time when Israel is dwelling safely in the land. Folks, Israel has not been dwelling safely in the land since they returned in 1948! This is post peace treaty, post “covenant with the many”. Perhaps this war will get so ugly that a peace treaty of some kind will have to be brought forth and enforced upon the region. Read on and this becomes even clearer…
13Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, "Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?""
Tarshish is widely thought to be Great Britain or Spain. Because the root word “tin” is where Britannia gets it name, many believe that Tarshish may also refer to tin, but this is still speculative. Strong’s renders it as “yellow jasper”, and lists it as a possible Phoenician city, or possibly Spain. King Solomon sent ships there to get supplies and Jewish artifacts have been unearthed in Britain dated back to the time period.
So again, only time will tell, however if it is Great Britain then the reference to her “young lions” is rather interesting. I do hold this view as well. Who are the young lions of Great Britain? America, Australia? Before 1948 the sun never set on the British Empire. This may be in a sense a reference to the rest of the world outside of the Middle East. However, we must not miss the subtle hint here. These three groups, Tarshish, Sheba and Dedan, are opposing Gog and what he is doing. They are not going to war with Gog, there are just asking why he is doing this.
Could it be that these three nations, or entities, have been rendered powerless to stop him? Could this coming war be the downfall of the post-Christian nations such as Great Britain, Europe, America and Australia? If the US and Britain do not have a strong military presence in the northern region of the Middle East, then does that not leave the door wide open for Russia to come right in and attack Israel? While questions like these have long peaked the interest of prophecy buffs, the reality of these scenarios has finally come into play.
Friends, we are living in serious times. Have you ever put together a large puzzle? When you first begin it is rather daunting as you try to figure out where all the pieces go. Most people find all the border pieces first and set the frame of the picture. Just as God set the frame for prophecy and sealed the rest until the appointed time, so today we see the pieces falling into place and the big picture getting clearer everyday. One thing about putting a puzzle together that really stands out when compared to the prophetic scene today is what happens as you near the completion. Towards the end the pieces begin to fall into place very quickly until you realize that you are done all of a sudden! Is this not what we are seeing today?
We are so close to the end Church! It is time to finish the race. We are told to endure til the end and keep our eye on the finish line. As the times in which we live become more intense around us, we must keep our faces towards heaven and our eyes fixed on Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith. I hope to see you all around the throne soon.
One Nation, Under God...
As the world braces for war the Bible seems to be speaking louder than ever before. Louder still for those who understand the times in which have been thrust into. Perhaps not so loud for those who are asleep, both in the Church and on the outside. I have found myself grieving at all the protesting against this war. Grieved at the state of sin and the readiness of the world to receive a man that will bring peace as they want it, and grieved at the amount of Christians who are joining the anti-war movement.
Let me get something straight right away though. I am not a warmonger, or an advocate of any wars because "God is a God of wrath!" I am simply one who reads the times and understands the serious nature of Iraq and the evilness of Sadaam Hussein. Of course Jesus taught peace. One of the biggest arguments for Christians who protest is the story of Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus and how Jesus healed it telling Peter to put away his sword. Context people! Jesus was not saying that you cannot go to war. The appointed time had come for him to die for the sins of the world and Peter could not stop it. In fact, the book of Romans tells us that God ordains the forces of government and that we are to trust Him for his direction in issues like this (Romans 13:1-3).
Perhaps what grieves me the most is the fact that so-called evangelicals cannot see the good that will come of the liberating of Iraq. Sadaam is a brutal dictator, not a Muslim by the way, but he allows Christians to be persecuted in his country. If a democracy is established, even for a short time, just think of the work that missionaries can do in bringing the Gospel into the heart of Islam! If the US and Britain were based in force in the middle of the Sudan, do you think the atrocities there would being going on? You see, Clinton never wanted to commit to that region and look at what is going on. Bush wants to end radical (terrorist) Islam, at least. As long as the Lord tarries, this is not a bad thing. God may use us to put Sadaam down and advance the Gospel in Iraq before the end.
Not only that, but the mere fact that the area in dispute, Biblical Babylon, should also be another reason why Christians should turn to their Bibles instead of their Magic Markers and Poster Boards. Sadly, because a vast majority of the Church today has rejected the literal interpretation of the Bible, especially prophecy, it cannot see the forest for the trees! If the Church as a whole believed every word of God's Word, then they may think twice before protesting against what is probably prophecy setting up to be fulfilled.
As for the lost who are protesting, well that is another story.
I read a lot of spy novels and historical fiction/non-fiction. One thing that stands out is the way the previous generations viewed war. There were a couple of generations that understood the seriousness of war and the preservation of intelligence information. For instance, in WWII the Nazis were engaged in a serious effort to uncover the allied plans for D-Day. Do you realize the cost we would have faced had we lost at Normandy? We would have lost the war! Hitler was an evil dictator and a murderer. The people of the countries involved listened to their governments and not only backed the war effort, many of them went to work in factories producing bombs, military gear and clothing.
This generation, well, they just cannot help it. They are only acting out on the values that they have been taught. This generation is so far removed from war and the real reasons behind it, that they just do not understand. People today do not understand the scope of what the government keeps from us concerning the terrorist threat. There are things they know that would make the average peace marcher's hair stand on end. I would even bet that if the Homeland Security Department actually made some of this public the protestors may march right down to the recruiter's office and sign up!
But alas, Satan has run his "We are the World" peace campaign for many years now in the UN, the public schools and in the entertainment industry. It seems to have worked. Folks we are actually witnessing the ripening fields for the false harvest of the Antichrist! God help us all to realize the hour is late!
Which brings me to the next portion of this commentary.
In addition to the protesting and continued plans for war, two things happened this week that should have rocked the Church into waking up. The Bush administration made an attempt to have Roe Vs. Wade overturned and the "Under God" portion of the Pledge of Allegiance put back in. Both were met with stiff resistance and essentially denied. This is a frightening aspect of the state of our nation. I for one am glad that we did not start this war this last weekend. This may be the downfall of our nation. (As I mentioned in the above commentary, America may be out of action soon)
The Bible says that a nation is blessed as long as it fears the LORD...
PSALM 33:12
"Blessed the nation whose God the LORD; the people he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
PSALM 144:15
"Happy people, that is in such a case: , happy people, whose God the LORD."
PSALM 146:5
"Happy that the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope in the LORD his God"
But woe to them who forsake the Lord and His goodness. Israel was mighty in war against those whom the Lord had called them to vanquish. However, they were devastated when they went out on their own, after having rejecting God and "doing what right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25).
Sadly, this nation has reached a rather precarious position on its stance for God and the laws He has mandated. The wholesale murder of precious babies apparently takes precedence over going to war. How is that for irony? Protest against war, but drop into the abortion clinic and take care of an unwanted pregnancy on the way to protest the war. How about this one? "We don't want war, but we don't want God either"; or, "we are going to war, but we want to do it without the help of God". Bush is getting slammed for his faith-based initiatives. I heard the crowds clap and cheer during his address to the nation before Powell gave his report to the UN. I also heard the noticeable drop in that response whenever Bush mentioned God or used Biblical wisdom.
In my opinion, we do not want to go to war until we get at least these two issue straightened out. One way or another, the issues should be resolved. For now, consider the prolonging of this war God's mercy on our nation. The Bible has many warnings about the consequences of rejecting God. Many examples of nations that have been laid waste for this erroneous move can be found throughout the Bible. I have been reading Romans and Paul makes a good case for the descent of man as he continually rejects the goodness of God and the message of the Gospel as it has appeared to all men. It is certainly not a stretch to take Romans 1 and apply it to a whole nation. Hey, if the shoe fits...
One thing that sort of stands out to me is the section about Israel and their rejection of Jesus Christ (Romans 9-11). As I read through I was stopped on the following verse and I had to meditate upon it. Although the true context is for each individual and his relationship with God, again I think that an application can be used for our nation in this tumultuous time.
Romans 11:22
"Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off."
Friends, pray for this nation. By all accounts it appears that we are done as far as our testimony to the goodness of God is concerned. However, just like Israel when she was led into captivity, there was a remnant that remained faithful to God. God preserved them and even raised up prophets to encourage and comfort them during the downfall of the nation. May God do the same here, if indeed, America has reached her end as an official mouth-piece for God. /quote
Written by Jerry Cesario
*******
Next, please read Sean's blog post:
Homeland Insecurity: The Inevitability of “Unconventional Strategic Shocks”
I would also suggest reading a previous post that was also written by Sean at his NEIN blog:
Why We Must Pay Attention to the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
All of this has reminded me of what I read in chapter six - "Does America Have a Role in Prophecy?" from Dr. David Jeremiah's book, "What in the World is Going On? - 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore."
Excerpt:
[J]ohn Walvoord addresses the issue:
Some maintain that the total absence of any scriptural reference to America in the end times is evidence that the United States will have been crippled by a nuclear attack, weapons of mass destruction, or some other major catastrophe...In the post 9/11 world the detonation of a dirty bomb, nuclear device, or biological weapon on U.S. soil is a dreaded yet distinct possibility. Such an attack could kill millions of people and reduce the United States to a second rate power overnight.
Dr. Jeremiah goes on to describe how since the deployment of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima in August of 1945 (which ended the fanaticism of Japan and their "kamikaze" suicide/homicide bombers); friends and enemies of the U.S. knew that we would use any weapon to protect our nation. Despite the 24/7 vigilance to protect our nation today, it may no longer be enough to deter enemies determined to attack us.
Excerpt:
In a truly frightening column in The Washington Times, Ed Timperlake (who served in the Office of the Defense Secretary under Ronald Reagan) went on to observe: "a totally new dimension has emerged regarding a nuclear attack on America. The great tragedy of the murder of Benazir Bhutto brought the world's attention to the possibility of loose nukes falling into the hands of fanatics who would use them." In other words, the political instability in Pakistan could lead to nuclear warheads falling into the hands of radical Islamic jihadists. "It is certain," continued Timperlake, "that a nuclear weapon in the hands of fanatical jihadists will be used. The only deterence against its use is a worldwide hunt for the device before Israel, London, New York, or D.C. disappears in a flash."
Jeremiah goes on to mention North Korea, as well. Despite the fact that these are two very different enemies, both have such burning hatred for the United States and a disregard for human life, it would be stupid for us to turn a blind eye or ear to predictions of impending disaster. Many experts see a major attack on our country in the near future as virtually inevitable.
[Note: Remember - that foreign policy expert - Joe Biden also said so!]
In "The New Axis of Evil" chapter, Dr. Jeremiah discusses Ezekiel's prophecies in detail. Admittedly, it is quite frightening to read! However, as believers we need not fear any of this. The sovereignty of God's plan and accomplishment of God's purpose is inevitable!
Ezekiel 38:4 tells us what God will do to Israel's enemies - in no uncertain terms. Also see the following verses for God's defining purpose clauses:
Ezekiel 38:16, 38:23, 39:6, 39:7. 39:21-22.
Dr. Jeremiah writes:
God's purpose in the cataclysmic battle of the last days is very clear and very simple. God intends for people to recognize Him as the Lord God of heaven, whose name is holy, whose glory fills the universe, and whom men must recognize as sovereign if they are to find the peace and joy He desires for His people.
Finally, note the sovereignty of God's plan in rescuing His people. Ezekiel tells us that the ultimate outcome of the battle of God and Magog will be the salvation of the Jewish people.
Eze 39:25 "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: 'Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name--
Eze 39:26 after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their [own] land and no one made [them] afraid.
Eze 39:27 When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations,
Eze 39:28 then they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer.
Eze 39:29 And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord GOD."
Thus Ezekiel ends his monumental prophecy on a high note, extoling God's tender love and compassion toward His people. No matter how great the evil in men's hearts, no matter how much destruction and death that evil brings about, God's ultimate purpose in confronting that evil, in revealing His glory among the nations, and in bringing His own from the lands of the enemy is always to accomplish the salvation of His people.
As Ezekiel shows us so vividly, God's destruction of the Axis of Evil in the last days will accomplish the salvation of his people, the nation of Israel. By identifying this Axis of Evil as modern nations who are unwittingly bent on fulfilling this devastating prophecy, we have answered another question about what is going on in the world today. We have shown how present events will lead to the ultimate accomplishment of God's purposes.
As I close this chapter, I think it is important to point out that there is, in a sense, the potential for an axis of evil within the heart of every one of us. As the apostle Paul tells us, each of us has in our heart that "sinful nature" we inherited from Adam--a propensity for selfish evil that, if not controlled by the presence of God's Spirit, can run rampant and produce destruction in our own lives and in the lives of those about us.
But thanks be to God, His salvation is not for Israel only. All men and women today can choose to be among God's people. You don't have to be a Jew to receive salvation, nor does being a Russian or an Iranian force one to be a part of the Axis of Evil. God in His infinite love pours out His Spirit on all who believe and trust in Him. With that wonderful transaction, and as His Spirit is poured out on the redeemed, the axis of evil in our hearts is transformed by God's love.
Hat Tips:
The NEIN Blog
Citizen Wells
Blue Letter Bible
Jerry Cesario essay at Talk Wisdom forum
Althouse
Free Republic
Dr. David Jeremiah: What in the World Is Going On? - 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore