DEVOTIONAL

It has been said that God works in mysterious ways. I'm sure as Christians, we all have had those times when it appears that only God could have orchestrated certain events or bring something to pass that seemed impossible. Well, reading through 1 Kings chapter 17, the other day I was struck with how God provided for Elijah in some rather an unusual ways. Most of us, I assume, have had the opportunity to feed the birds at some time in our life, whether it be directly (e.g., throwing your dried leftover loaf of Wonderbread to the pigeons in the park) or indirectly (e.g., dropping your half-eaten sandwich from lunch on the ground because their just wasn't any trash can around). But most, if not all of us, have never had the experience of being fed by those very same birds. But as we read in 1 Kings 17, we see that God had the ravens provide meat and bread every morning and every night for Elijah during a time of drought in the land. This may seem kind of odd at first, which it would be (how many times have you been sitting at the bus stop when a pigeon comes by and drops a dried crust of bread in our lap?), but some things that make it even more odd is that ravens like to eat dead animals (so you could only guess where that meat may have come from), ravens were considered unclean according to Leviticus 11:15, and finally, ravens have long been associated with bad omens, selfishness, and death. Yet in spite of all those things, God, being ruler and creator of His creation took these unclean, ominous, selfish, and death-bringing creatures and brought promise, hope, selflessness, and life to Elijah.

But just when you would think that God had done His miracle for the day and it was time for Elijah to take over and start trying to find a way to provide for himself, the Lord tells Elijah to meet up with a widow in another town 80-90 miles away. Now when some of us here the word widow, it may conjure up images of a rich white widow whose husb[Photo]and died and is left with a ridiculously large inheritance. However, widows back in the time of Elijah were women without a lot of power and social influence and certainly not wealthy. They were near the bottom of the social class, if not at the bottom. So with that in mind, we find Elijah arriving in town and asking the first widow he sees for a drink of water, and if that wasn't enough he asks her for a piece of bread also. I'm sure it felt weird and maybe a little humbling for Elijah to ask this poor widow, in the midst of a drought nonetheless, for some bread and water (imagine yourself asking one of those guys standing on the street corner holding a "hungry and homeless" sign to give you some money for food). But the widow complied, after a bit of protest, and provided Elijah with not only bread and water but also a place to live for awhile!

God used some amazing yet humbling means to take care of Elijah. Here was an able-bodied man being served and provided for by some wild birds and a poor destitute woman. May we always be reminded of how God provided for Elijah and that He will always provide for our daily needs but not always through the means we might expect.

Let me leave you with one of my most favorite Bible passages found in Matthew 6:24-35. This passage reminds us of the truth of God's Faithfulness and His provisions.

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Prayer Thought:

"Lord, may You never let me forget about Your providence. May I be reminded daily of Your faithfulness to me and for Your provisions. I am thankful for all that You have blessed me with and I am confident that You will continue to provide for my daily needs in whatever manner you see fit. I place my hope and my trust in You. Amen!!"

DEVOTIONAL

In 1 Kings 19 we find Elijah running for his life, literally, because of the "contest" that took place on Mount Carmel between him and the prophets of Baal. The Lord had shown his power and superiority over the false god Baal, and in response, Elijah had all the prophets of Baal "slaughtered". This of course, greatly upset Queen Jezebel and she swore that she would "slaughter" Elijah because of what he did. So this caused Elijah to run and hide out and he began feeling very depressed even to the point of asking to die. More than likely, he probably felt all alone, like he was the only follower of God left and that all had turned away. Thankfully, God brought him to Mt. Horeb, the same mountain that Moses received the 10 Commandments, (also known as Mt. Sinai) and gave him a word of encouragement by saying, "[y]et I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18). In other words, God was telling Elijah that he wasn't the only one left who was a true follower of God. There were still others that were faithful servants.

As a Christian in today's society, it is too easy to feel that you are the only one left and that everyone has turned away from the things of God and desires rather to do their own thing. Especially with reports about how Christianity has plummeted 10% in the last decade. However, we must remember that God's word to Elijah still holds true to us today in some respects. We have encouragement that we are not the only ones left, but that God has chosen His people and that not even Satan can pluck them out of His hand. And He'll remind of us of this fact whenever you see someone standing up for their beliefs in the news or if you meet someone in the grocery store who is a christian or even maybe as little as a person carrying a bible down the street.

 

In today's society as a Christian, it is too easy to feel that you are the only one left and that everyone has turned away from the things of God and desires rather to do their own thing. Especially with reports about how Christianity has plummeted 10% in the last decade. However, we must remember that God's word to Elijah still holds true to us today in some respects. We have encouragement that we are not the only ones left, but that God has chosen his people and that not even Satan can pluck them out of His hand. And He'll remind of us of this fact whenever you see someone standing up for their beliefs in the news or if you meet someone in the grocery store who is a christian or even maybe as little as a person carrying a bible down the street.

Finally, this brings to my remembrance of a story that Matt Redman told of how he was playing a concert in Norway one night and for some reason he kept thinking of that Michael Jackson song "You are not alone", so he went ahead and played it and afterward was having regrets about playing the song. However, his choice was confirmed when after the concert a lady walked up to him and said that she felt so alone before the concert and was spoken to by that song. This is just one tiny of example of how God shows us that we are not alone. (Hebrews 13:5)

JOURNAL: Nation's eyes on state after Prop. 8 ruling

Nation's eyes on state after Prop. 8 ruling

[Source: San Francisco Chronicle, May 28, 2009]

Back in May both sides of the Gay Rights' Debate were brought together to the steps of the California Supreme Court. At 10:00 a.m. the Supreme Court Justices announced whether Prop. 8 would stand or be overturned. The Justices had a dilemma on their hands: they could keep the will of 52% of the voters who voted to make traditional marriage a constitutional amendment, and in the same process anger the gay rights' community, or they could overturn the proposition, anger 52% of California residents, but make the gay rights supporters happy. No matter what decision they made, they were going to upset a portion of the population.

This reminds me of when Jesus put the Jewish religious leaders in a dilemma. They came to Jesus asking "by what authority he was doing these thing [i.e. healing people]". Jesus knowing that the leaders did not have pure motives but rather wanted to trap him in his words so that they could rid themselves of him, said that he would answer their question only after they answered His. Jesus asked the leaders if they believed John's authority to baptize came from heaven or from men. Right then, the Jewish leaders knew that they had been outwitted by Jesus. If they answered "from Heaven", Jesus would ask why they didn't believe John's message but if they said "from men" then the people would become angry at them. So instead of giving their answer, they decided to say that they didn't know where John's authority to baptize came from. And with that being said, Jesus held up his end of the deal and did not answer their question.

Read the story: Matthew 21:23-27

UPDATE:

• Prop. 8 trial: Closing arguments end as judge presses both sides [Source: Los Angeles Times, June 16, 2010)
• Judge rules California's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional [Source: CNN, August 04, 2010]
• Judge lifts Prop. 8 stay - gay marriages on hold [Source: San Francisco Chronicle, August 13, 2010]

JOURNAL: Berlusconi says he's world most popular leader

Berlusconi says he's world most popular leader

[Source: Reuters, May 1, 2009]

Well, you may have never heard of him but he claims to be the best thing since sliced, Italian bread. His name is Silvio Berlusconi, the 72-year old conservative President of Italy. He is now serving his third-term in office and has recently said that opinions polls show that he is at 75% approval rating - higher than that of Barack Obama - and ergo, the world's most popular leader!  This isn't surprising though because he has once said that he was the Jesus Christ of Italian politics and second only to Napoleon himself...but only taller. These comments may seem like nothing more than just the normal and usual rantings of an egocentric politician but it becomes a little more interesting when one takes a look at what the Bible has to say about the world leader in the last days. Daniel 11:36, says that "[t]he king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard of things against the God of gods." In addition to this similarity with the world leader, Berlosconi also is the top guy in Italy. Revelation 17:9-11 hints that the world leader will come from the place of "the seven hills" and Rome, Italy is known as the city of seven hills. Whether or not you believe that Mr. Berlusconi is the leader that the Bible is talking about is left up to your own discretion.

JOURNAL: The 2009 Bilderberg Conference

You may have heard of a Build-a-bear or of a Whataburger, but what about a Bilderberger? If that doesn't ring a bell it may be because it is a secret society, one of the most secret because it has no official name - at least as far as we know.

They have been around since 1954, holding meetings every year. Today marks the start of their 2009 annual meeting which is being held in Greece. It is reported that as many as 150 influential world leaders are club members and that many of them will be attending the conference this year which will deal with...you guessed it....the global financial crisis. It's been reported by Daniel Eustelin, a Bilderberger connoisseur, that the question up for debate this year is whether to implement "either a prolonged, agonizing depression that dooms the world to decades of stagnation, decline and poverty — or an intense but shorter depression that paves the way for a new sustainable economic world order, with less sovereignty but more efficiency.” With the way things have been playing out in the media my best bet is on the latter.

It comes as no surprise however to Christians that man is attempting to control the world as some have claimed the Bilderbergers of doing. We see this happening in Genesis 11 with the Tower of Babel and Revelation 13:7 speaks of a coming world leader given power over all people - creating what could be deemed a global society. As we read about such things as these secret societies trying to exert their power and control over the world it shouldn't alarm us or cause us to fear but rather it should help us to trust in the Lord and be thankful for His Word which illuminates this dark world, uncovers the secrets of man and promises that one day the powers of evil will be forever vanquished!

RELATED ARTICLE(S):

• What are the Bilderberg Group really doing in Spain? [Source: The Independent, June 4, 2010]
• Former Nato Secretary-General Admits Bilderberg Sets Global Policy [Source: Prison Planet, June 7, 2010]
• Fidel Castro fascinated by book on Bilderberg Club [Source: AP via Seattle Times, August 18, 2010]
• Breaking: Secret Bilderberg Agenda Leaked by Mole [Source: Infowars, June 8, 2011]
• Rich, Famous and Powerful Converge at Bilderberg [Source: CNBC, June 9, 2011]

Examiner 11-09-2010: Downtown Phoenix rally protests October 31 church attack in Iraq

Hundreds of supporters filled the streets of Downtown Phoenix on Monday to protest the murder of dozens of Christians in Iraq by a terrorist group on October 31, in an attack not unlike those that will be perpetrated upon true believers during the Last Days as prophesied in the book of Revelation.


Rallies similar to the one held at Washington and First Avenue in downtown Phoenix were held worldwide on Monday. Phoenix was joined by cities and countries such as New York City, Chicago, Canada, the UK, and Germany as they gathered to speak out against the horrific attack on Iraqi Christians in Baghdad last month.

For more information: Group protests attacks on Christian church in Iraq
On October 31, gunmen entered the Syrian Catholic Church in Baghdad, Iraq and killed more than 50 people, injuring at least 80. It has been reported that a terrorist organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq, with ties to Al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to Voice of the Martyrs , this is the second time in recent years that this church in particular has been a target of an attack, and just one example of the persecution that has been occurring all over Iraq.

Unfortunately, these kinds of attack are nothing new for this part of the world. Christians are being killed every day in countries such as Iraq, Pakistan, India, and many more. The Bible warns Christians that there is a day coming when worldwide persecution of Christians will be widespread and rampant under the leadership of the Anti-Christ.

At the opening of the Fifth Seal in Revelation, the Apostle John writes that he "...saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne" (Revelation 6:9).  Later in the book John shows that these souls were the Christians that were persecuted and killed by the Anti-Christ. According to Daniel 7:21 and Revelation 13:7 the Anti-Christ makes war with the saints and prevails over them.

To further illustrate this point, in Revelation 12, the Apostle John relates his vision of the pregnant woman (Israel) and the dragon (Satan). After the dragon is unable to kill the woman he goes after her offspring (Christians). "Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus" (verse 17).

It is clear that according to the Bible, in the Last Days persecution of Christians will not be confined to just certain parts of the world, but rather this coming persecution by the Anti-Christ will be global in nature.

Examiner 11-04-2010: Proposition 203 - Is the legalization of marijuana prophesied in the Bible?

Proposition 203 – The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act has narrowly lost in a bid to legalize the medical use of marijuana in the State. However, according to Bible prophecy, the widespread use of drugs will continue to increase in the Last Days before Jesus returns.

This past Tuesday Arizona voters headed to the polls to vote for one of the most controversial propositions on the ballot this year, Proposition 203. The citizen-initiated proposition hoped to legalize marijuana for medical treatments for diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer’s. This is the fourth time in 14 years that the issue of legalizing marijuana has come before voters; the first time being in 1996, followed by 1998, 2002 and now 2010.

Believe it or not the issue of drugs is discussed in the Bible. In Galatians 5:20, the Apostle Paul lists sorcery as one of many “works of the flesh” (i.e. sins). Interestingly, the Greek word for sorcery used in this passage is pharmakeia. Pharmakeia can be defined as the use or administering of drugs, which is where the English word pharmacy is derived. In addition to Galatians, this term is used only two other places within the Bible. In Revelation 9:21, the Apostle John reports that during the time of the Tribulation, one of the evils that men did not repent of was their sorceries (i.e. drug use). Several chapters later in Revelation 18:23, John reveals that the great men of the earth, who were part of the now fallen Great City Babylon, used sorceries (i.e. drug use) to deceive the nations.

According to Scripture, it is clear that the use and administering of drugs will be an issue in these Last Days. So much so, that even in the face of great tribulation, men will rather turn away from God than to turn away from their drugs. Further, the widespread use of these drugs will allow the powerbrokers of the world to deceive the masses. With this thought in mind, it is safe to say that the fight to legalize marijuana is not over and that supporters of this proposition will be back for the next election in Arizona in order to pass this into law.

For more Arizona 2010 Election results click here.

Examiner 12-24-2009: Israel and the coming war with Hamas...again

The other day an AP article caught my attention.  It was entitled "Amid Gaza calm, Israel and Hamas prepare for battle."  This immediately brought to mind the prophecy found in 1 Thessalonians 5:3, "While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."  However, unlike the peace that will be brought during the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation (which will bring peace to the world only for it to be disrupted when the Anti-Christ declares himself God and breaks the peace covenant with Israel), this "unprecedented calm" in Gaza, to use a quote from the article, is about ready to be disrupted by war between Israel and Hamas once again.

Last December, Israel began an offensive against Hamas, which ended in January with a ceasefire. And according to news reports, things have been relatively calm in the region since that time. However, analysts are warning that the tension is still there and that the war may not be finished yet. Some sources even believe that the next round will bring more destruction than last year.

This belief was bolstered a few days later by a Ha'aretz article entitled "Year after Gaza war, Hamas says ready to fight Israel again."  In which Hamas made it clear that they had the right to protect themselves no matter the cost. As reported by Ha'aretz, Hamas was quoted as saying "But if any battle is imposed on us, we are ready with all our manpower and equipment to confront any Zionist war, any crime and any attack regardless of scale" [emphasis mine].

It is believed that Hamas has been smuggling weapons and developing war tactics with the aid of Iran and Syria, who are both known advocates for the destruction of Israel.  This holds significance for students of Bible prophecy because the Bible predicts there will be a two wars involving Israel during the Last Days: The Gog-Magog War of Ezekiel 38-39 and the Psalm 83 War.  In the Gog-Magog War, Iran (Persia) will take part in this Russian (Gog-Magog) led invasion against Israel.  In the Psalm 83 War, Arab nations and factions, including Syria and Hamas, will come together to try to destroy Israel.  There is debate on which war will occur first but the truth is that no matter which one happens first, it's quite possible, if the news reports are correct, that this current situation may escalate into one of these wars that the Bible speaks about, which means that the return of Jesus Christ is near! Are you ready?

Examiner 12-19-2009: Possible life on Saturn's Moon and UFOs over Moscow

Two seemingly unrelated news stories caught my attention today: One dealing with Saturn and the other dealing with Russia which both, I believe, fit right into a Bible prophecy concerning the Last Days.

On December 18, NASA scientists announced the discovery of a reflective substance, which they believe to be water, on the Northern Hemisphere of Saturn's Moon Titan.  According to a CNN article, "Experts believe the presence of liquid on a planet or moon improves the chances that some kind of life could develop there". This statement reflects a growing trend in the scientific community that life can and will be found in space.  This discovery joins the ranks of other recent and similar discoveries such as NASA's announcement of significant amounts of water found on the moon, the building block of life found on a comet, a researcher's claim that there may be fish-size life on Jupiter's moon Europa, and evidence from a meteorite of ancient life on Mars.  Okay, let's catch our breath for a moment and then quickly take a look at the next story.

***

On December 18, reports out of Russia claim that a huge pyramid shaped "UFO" hovered over Moscow for several hours.  Some have described it as looking like an Imperial Cruiser from Star Wars.  According to a Telegraph article, Russia reports that it is not a UFO but declined to comment on what the alternative might be.  Of course this has not stopped wild speculation of what this mysterious craft may have been.  You may remember that in October another mysterious phenomenon occured over the Moscow sky with the sighting of a halo-like cloud, reminiscent of scenes from the 1996 movie Independence Day.

If we put these two stories together - scientists finding evidence of life in outerspace, and weird mysterious UFO's and related phenomena - we have all the right ingredients for a coming of a powerful delusion in the Last Days that was spoken of in the Bible.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 we read:

"1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."

According to the apostle Paul, the coming of the Anti-Christ [the lawless one] will be displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders; Perhaps much like we are seeing plastered all over today's headlines.  It seems that these signs and wonders are increasing at an exponential rate. Could they be foretelling the soon arrival of the Anti-Christ?  Will these UFO sightings culminate in a disclosure event where we are visited by these "alien beings" (think ABC's series "V")?  It appears that the scientific community, and even the religious community, is prepping us for a soon-coming announcement of the discovery of life on other planets.  If this is the case, then there is no doubt that this so-called "alien-life" (aka Fallen Angels) will turn us away from the true God, evidenced by Jesus Christ, and to a false god(s) instead, thus creating a powerful delusion so that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ will believe the lie.

Could the arrival of the Fallen Angels, posing as Intelligent life from other planets, claiming to have put us here and telling us they have come back to guide us into a new enlightened age, be what the Apostle Paul was referring to as he was led by the Holy Spirit when writing to the Thessalonians?  It may or may not be one possible explanation.  Of course we will not find out until that time comes but whatever the powerful delusion may be we must remember that the truth is found in no one else except Jesus Christ (1 John 2:22)  Surely we are living in the Last Days and awaiting the soon return of Jesus!  Are you ready?

Examiner 11-30-2009: Russia's alliance with Iran helps build nuclear power plant

Reuters reports that Russia is planning on assisting Iran with putting into operation a 1000-watt nuclear power plant in Southwestern Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Shmatko who visited the Iranian site hasn't given a completion date but has stated that "[t]he Bushehr plant will be finished in the nearest future."  Although Russian/Iranian authorities claim that the nuclear power plant will be used for civilian purposes only, many western countries believe that it is part of a weapons program.  Their fear was aggravated even more so today when Iran announced that they were creating 10 uranium enrichment sites which they again claim are for peaceful purposes, not for nuclear weapons.

Read full article here.

Iran may be creating these nuclear sites for peaceful purposes but students of Bible Propehcy also realize that it may be for other more covert reasons, such as trying to wipe Israel of the map.  In Ezekiel 38-39, we read about the Gog-Magog War.  This attack is led by Gog, what is now Russia, and other countries, one of them being Iran, who try to invade the land of Israel in the last days to plunder it.  However, this alliance is miraculously defeated by God. Verse 22 states that "[w]ith pestilence and bloodshed I [God] will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur." Could this verse be a description of the use of nuclear weapons?

As Russia and Iran continue to strengthen their alliance, it is only a matter of time before this prophecy is fulfilled.  Are you ready?

Examiner 11-25-2009: Israel takes step forward in peace process

In a surprising turn of events today, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced a 10-month settlement freeze in the West Bank which was approved by Israel's security cabinet.  Full government approval should be given by Sunday.  According to the Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu said that this was "designed to encourage resumption of peace talks with our Palestinian neighbors."   However, the most interesting statement made, which will perk the ears of many bible prophecy students, is that he hopes that this decision will bring "meaningful negotiations toward a historic peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Read full article here.

Could this "historic peace agreement" be the covenant that the Anti-Christ confirms in Daniel 9:27? Only time will tell but it appears that we are seeing Bible prophecy jump off the pages of scripture and onto today's headlines.  Are you ready?