Signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars

Joel 2:30-31

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the
earth: blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood, before the
coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

   Today, November 28, 2012, there was a penumbra lunar eclipse. This was the second and last lunar eclipse of 2012. There has also been two solar eclipses in 2012.

   The prophet Joel told us that in the latter days there would be signs in the heavens and in the earth. A lunar eclipse isn't a very spectacular event in this day and age. Sure, if you happen to be lucky enough to be in a part of the world where you're able to observe either a solar or lunar eclipse, then it's pretty neat to be able to watch it. But nothing earth shattering in the grand scheme of things. But when was the last time you saw the sun darkened or the moon turned to blood? In a total solar eclipse, it looks like the sun is darkened, but it just a shadow covering the sun. We also have what we call blood moons. A blood moon happens because of refracted light. And how much refracted light depends on how much dust and clouds are in the atmosphere. Again, it looks like the moon has turned to blood, but it's just the way the setting sun hits the clouds and dust around it. I used to think that Joel meant a solar eclipse and a blood moon when he said that the sun would be  turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. But really, what kind of signs would those be if that's what they were?

   In my mind, when we are given signs to look for, that means something out of the ordinary. Why would God use signs that could be explained away by man? I mean, He's free to do that obviously. He's God. But if man can explain away a sign or two, then how is that going to get someones attention, which is what the signs are all about? A total eclipse of the sun isn't something we see very often. But they still aren't going to get much attention outside the scientific community, the press and a few astronomer wannabes. According to the NASA website, we won't have another total eclipse of the sun until August 21, 2017. And although blood moons are more common place than a total solar eclipse of the sun, and awesome to look at, they are still common place enough to not get that much attention. In fact, the last one I saw was a pretty disappointing sight and barely pink, much less red. That's not to say that the Lord wouldn't use eclipses and blood moons in some way as latter days indications that the church age is about to come to a close. But I just don't think that's what He meant by this passage in Joel.

   We have to remember that the world (and man) has been going through the most cataclysmic time in history.  The church has been raptured and man has gone through the seal, trumpet and bowl judgements. The armies of the Antichrist have gathered in the valley of Megiddo to fight against the Lord Jesus Christ. Tribulation saints are waiting in expectation of the second coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints. They know their wait is almost over.  For some reason, I just don't see a total eclipse of the sun or a blood moon making much of an impression on anyone right about then. But if the sun is really darkened and the moon turned blood red, I can see those two signs making saint and sinner alike taking a second look.

  Jesus told us in Luke 21:11 that there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. As neat as a total eclipse of the sun or blood moon ares, I just don't believe they are in the category of a great sign. I could be wrong, it has been known to happen, but that's my opinion. There was one more sign Jesus told the church to look for: Luke 21:28~ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

   If you don't know Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life, I invite you to ask Him to forgive your sins and save your soul. The closer we get to the rapture of the church and the second coming of Christ, things in the world will get worse, not better. The time is getting close. If you need help asking Jesus into your life, please feel free to contact me.

Romans 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groaneth

and traavaileth in pain together until now.

Until next time!
~Nancy

Please check us out and "Like" us on Facebook!

Egypt, Israel's Friend?

*This post was originally posted November 19, 2012. Due to technical problems I had to redo the post.*

Ezekiel 29:12

I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries
that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste,
shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among
the nations and disperse them through the countries.

   Since the Arab Spring (2011 - 2002)  and Mohammed Morsi's inauguration in 2012, Egypt's commitment to peace with the nation of Israel has been in question. Morsi is a leading figure in the Muslim Brotherhood, the Arab world's largest Islamic movement. In October 2012, Morsi sent a letter to Israeli President Shimon Peres stating that he wanted to strengthen ties between Israel and Egypt. But on November 14, 2012, Morsi condemned the Israeli air strikes in the Gaza by the IAF.

   According to the media, Egypt is a key player in negotiating a cease fire between Israel and Hamas. But last Friday, Egypt's Prime Minister Hisham Kindil arrived in Gaza to show solidarity with Hamas and their rocket attacks into Israel.

   A bilateral peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1979. The treaty was honored by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The two countries have lived in peace until the Arab Spring and Mohammed Morsi's installation os the new president of Egypt in June, 2012. The Muslim Brother has called for a jihad against Israel. Beings as Morsi is a leading figure in thr Muslim Brotherhood, I would say that speaks volumes about how he feels about peace with the "Zionists".

   What does that mean for the cease fire that is supposedly being brokered by the Egyptian government in Cairo? I can only give you my opinion and that is that I am not going to hold my breath that a cease fire can be brokered between Israel and Hamas. Hamas wants the Gaza blockade opened up and they want to be able to keep their Fajr-5 rockets. The Fajr-5's are long range rockets that are capable of hitting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Of course Israel can't allow Hamas to keep those rockets. And if the Gaza blockade is opened up, Israel risks even more weapons being smuggled in to use against her. The Israeli's can't allow that either. Sending the Egyptian Prime Minister to Gaza to show Egypt's solidarity with the Palestinians pretty well says what stand Egypt is taking. Will there be a cease fire? I don't know. 97% of Israeli citizens favored the air campaign in the Gaza but only 30% favor a ground invasion.

   What Egypt seems to neglect to understand is Genesis 12:3 ~ I will bless them who bless thee, and I will curse those who curseth you. Our Ancient of Days doesn't take too kindly to anyone or any country coming against Israel. And if the Egyptians (and all Muslims for that matter) would put the Quran down and start reading the bible, they would find out what their reward would be for coming against the apple of God's eye. They should look back on Egypt's history. Pharaoh refused to let Moses and the children of Israel go. Even after multiple plagues brought on the country, and the deaths of all the Egyptian first born children, including Pharaoh's son, Pharaoh still hardened his heart. But it wasn't the Children of Israel who drowned in the Red Sea, it was Pharaoh's armies. Both Isaiah 19 and Ezekiel 29:1-13 give us a vivid picture of what will happen, and in fact, is happening in Egypt, as a reward for their treatment of Israel.

   We're living in very troubling times. But those of us who belong to the Lord Jesus, also see these times as very exciting times. As each day passes, we are one day closer to seeing the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who was, who is, and who is to come. Revelation 1:8. If you don't know the Lord Jesus Christ and know that feeling of excitement that only a true child of God can know, please feel free to contact me. I would be honored to introduce you to my Savior.

  My sister in the Lord, Katie Redmond Green helped me create a Facebook page for this blog. Please check us out and like us! 

Isaiah 19:1

The burden of Egypt.
Behold, the Lord rideth on a swift cloud,

And shall come into Egypt;

The idols of Egypt shallbe moved in His presence,

And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.

Until next time!
~Nancy

  

No Guarantee

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not, what shall be on the morrow.
For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that 
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

   I do want to take this opportunity to apologize to all of you for not updating the blog the past few days. As most of you know, I had a very good friend who was in the hospital on life support last week after having a major heart attack. She passed away yesterday (November 25th) after she was removed from life support a day earlier. Instead of doing a prophecy update tonight, I am hoping you won't mind if I blog about what the Lord Jesus is speaking to my heart right now as I grieve Carol's death. I will get back to the regular blog tomorrow. Just afford me this opportunity to speak from a heart that hurts right now.

   Carol was one of the best friends anyone could ask for. She was blunt, even blunt to the point of hurting your feelings. She was an Italian spitfire if I had ever seen one. She was crazy. Not crazy in a bad way, but crazy in a funny way. She once had a kitten that my kids had given to her. She put flea powder on this kitten and he was way too young for flea powder. He was a sick kitten for awhile, but pulled through. But after that, he always ran sideways. So Carol named him Sidewhinder. LOL Carol owned the first chow chows that I had ever seen. And it was her chows that made me fall in love with, and respect the breed. Since then, I have owned and loved 3 chow chows. Everytime I look at my third chow, Tai, I will remember Carol and thank her for introducing me to her Maggie and Alf. She hated the smell of sour apple gum and any time any of the kids had it in their mouths, she made them go out on her front porch and sit and chew it so she wouldn't have to smell it. As my daughter Ashley and I were leaving the hospital last Friday, we were talking about the sour apple gum. Ashley said "You know Mom, Carol always made us go sit out on her front porch while we chewed the gum so she wouldn't have to smell it, but then she always came outside with us." :) But even through all the craziness, she was fiercely loyal... as a wife, as a mother, as a grandmother and as a friend. 

   I knew Carol for 27+ years. And I have to admit, the majority of that time was when I was away from the Lord as a "prodigal". Needless to say, I am not proud of that. And over this past week and a half, the enemy has really used that to heap guilt on my head. But as another friend of mine reminded me, I wasn't always a prodigal and Carol had heard about Jesus from me, more than once.

   I don't know whether or not Carol accepted the Lord. But through all of this, I have learned a very valuable lesson. There is a reason why Jesus says we are to be a light to those who are living in darkness. Too many people talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. We never know if we are the last person someone who isn't saved talks to before they die. We here in the U.S. are very, very fortunate in that we typically get more than one chance to hear the gospel and accept the Lord Jesus as Savior. But we need to take every advantage God presents us with to share the gospel. Jesus tells us in John 4:37 that one sows and another reaps. We don't always know which we are doing, but one is every bit as important as the other. What good is it to have the word of the living God living in us, if we aren't willing to share it? What good is sharing the gospel, if we aren't willing to reap the harvest? I know there are plenty of us who have said "I just want to hear the words well done good and faithful servant when I get to heaven". I have said it myself. But you know, the thing that should really be motivating us to do the works that He has commanded us to do is not hearing "Well done thou good and faithful servant" but seeing someone in heaven who has heard the Word of God from us and will live eternally because we were obedient to what the Lord Jesus commanded us to do.

   Romans 8:28 ~ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. I don't know where my friend will be spending eternity for sure. But one thing I do know is this, I will never live with the guilt of wondering again, whether I did my job or not.

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

And he who winneth souls is wise.

Until next time!
~Nancy

Carol Louise Epperson
February 11, 1948 - November 25, 2012

Wars and Rumors of Wars...

Matthew 24:6
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not

troubled for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

   Fox News' Megyn Kelly is reporting that the air strikes on Hamas are in preparation for something "large scale". An article in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz has featured an article which states that the current operation in Gaza is preparing the southern border for a much bigger Iranian operation by taking out Iran's power in Gaza. (Preparing the Ground for the Big Iranian Operation). 

   Iran's proxy's, Hamas (southern border) and Hezbollah (northern border) both have weapons that are supplied by Iran to attack Israel. Iran is going full speed ahead with their nuclear program, even after sanctions from the international community and the U.S. Iran's leaders have stated that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. But their actions speaks louder than words. Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated on numerous occasions that Israel (the Little Satan) and the U.S. (the Big Satan) should be wiped off the face of the earth. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned the international community of Iran's intentions, and has stressed how important it is to Israel and the U.S and the entire Mideast region, that the Iranian nuclear program be stopped. Netanyahu has gotten precious little help or support from the U.S. or the international community in his efforts to stop Iran.

   The UN's head of the IAEA has reported that Iran's nuclear program has remained unaffected by the sanctions leveled against it. The IAEA reported an increase in the supply of a more purified form of uranium that can be more easily converted to weapons grade material. (Iran's Nuclear Capabilities Set to Double). Time is running out.  During his recent speech to the UN in September, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a Spring, 2013 as a possible red line date before military action will have to be taken against Iran should they refuse to halt their nuclear program. President Obama has done very little to help deter Iran from their nuclear ambitions. At the start of Operation Pillar of Defense, President Obama acknowledged that Israel had a right to defend herself. But behind the scenes, he has been pressuring Israel to back off with the threat of delaying parts shipments for the IDF and IAF. Sending Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is almost comical since she hasn't shown herself to side with Israel either.

   Persia is listed in Ezekiel 38 as one of the nations that will will join with Russia to invade Israel. Persia is modern day Iran. I don't know what is in store for Iran at the hands of Israel. But I do know what the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has in store for Iran and it's nothing short of destruction for coming against the apple of God's eye.

Matthew 24:7

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Until next time!
~Nancy

The Apple of His Eye

Psalm 121:4

Behold, He who keepeth Israel 

Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

   As I here at my laptop, it looks as if the Middle East is about to explode. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally had enough of the terrorist group Hamas terrorizing the Israeli citizens in the southern region of Israel. For those of you who aren't aware, Hamas is supported both financially and militarily, by the nation of Iran. The same nation of Iran that is going full speed ahead with it's nuclear program (thanks in no small part to President Obama) so they are able to wipe the Little Satan (Israel) and Big Satan (America) off the face of the map.

   In the beginning of Operation Pillar of Cloud, it was hoped that things wouldn't escalate. But as each hour passes by, that hope dwindles. At last report, the Israeli government has called up 75,000 Israeli reservists for a possible ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Rocket fire has hit Tel Aviv and also hit close to the holy city of Jerusalem. The temple mount is located in Jerusalem. The first and second Jewish temples and the coming third Jewish temple were/will be built on the temple mount. The temple mount also houses the second most holy site in Islam, the Dome of the Rock. Why Hamas would chose to fire rockets at Jerusalem knowing that the Dome of the Rock is there is beyond me. But who knows, maybe being hit by rocket fire from Hamas is the solution to the Dome of the Rock being removed from the temple mount so the tribulation temple can be built? Just a thought. :)

   What does all of this mean? Operation Pillar of Cloud could be what Operation Cast Lead (Winter 2008 - 2009) was. Just enough to get the terrorists to stop  firing rockets into Israel and stop arms imports into Gaza. Israel accomplished it's goal through Operation Cast Lead, but it wasn't very long before rockets and arms imports started again. I feel that at least one of four things may possibly happen:

1. The fulfillment of Psalm 83. This is a prophecy that of an Islamic caliphate  of Israel's surrounding neighbors declaring war against her. Israel does win and reclaims land that she has lost, but in doing so, suffers heavy losses militarily.
2. The fulfillment of Isaiah 17. This prophecy states that Damascus, Syria is leveled, never to be inhabited again. Current events in Syria make fulfillment of this prophecy highly likely in the near future. It is also possible that Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17 could happen simultaneously.
3. The fulfillment of Isaiah 19. This prophecy states that Egypt will be made uninhabitable for 40 years. Watching Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood's reaction to Operation Pillar of Cloud and their stance that Israel back off, leads me to believe we may be getting ready to see this prophecy come to pass.
4. The fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 & 39. The Gog - Magog war. I think that this is probably the least likely of the four. Obviously the Lord didn't see fit to ask for my input and He's more than free to do what He knows is best. :)

   What does all of this mean for us? If you've given your life to the Lord Jesus Christ and trusted His sacrifice alone for your salvation, it means that we will be going home soon to be forever with our Lord. John 14:1-3.  Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." Jesus scolded the Pharisees and the Sadducees because they were able to discern the weather but they weren't able to discern the times in which they were living... the first coming of the Messiah. Matthew 16:1-4. We may not know the day or the hour of the rapture of the church, but we are admonished to know the signs of the times. Jesus told us what signs to look for in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. And in Luke 21:28 Jesus told us that when all these things begin to come to pass to look up and lift up our heads for our redemption draws near.

   Does all of this put fear into your heart? Would you rather that Jesus hold off coming until you have had a chance to go to college, get married, have kids and grand kids? Would you rather He not come until you have had time to live life they way you want to live it before making a commitment to Him? Putting aside all of what I have said in this post, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Hebrews 4:7 says "To day, if ye will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." And 2 Corinthians 6:2 says "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Only through Jesus can that fear be taken away. Only through Jesus, can you know what living life really means.

If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, but would like to, please feel free to contact me and I would be honored to introduce you to Him. 

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Until next time!
~Nancy

A Watchman's Calling

 Isaiah 62:6 ~ 

I have set watchmen upon they walls, O Jerusalem,
which shall never hold their peace day or night; ye
that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.

  Hello all....

   Welcome to my blog!

   For a season now, the Spirit of the Lord has been nudging me to start a blog to be used as a tool to take end time bible prophecy and explain it as it pertains to events happening in our world today. I wasn't sure why He'd ask me to do this. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. But I kept putting the "idea" on a back burner. I had really been wrapped up in the election  and my campaign against Mr. Obama for quite some time and instead of listening to the Lord, I "did it my way". I can't even put into words the disappointment I felt when they called the election the night of Nov. 6th in Mr. Obama's favor. I went to sleep in the wee hours of the morning on the 7th not only disappointed, but also feeling very beat up. I was so very sure that Mitt Romney was going to win the election. It's my belief that no man could solve the financial crisis that the U.S. is going through. But I did feel that possibly Mr. Romney may have been able to stop the bleeding some. By the evening of the 7th, the Lord finally had my attention. According to Daniel 2:21, He removes kings and raises up kings, and Mr. Obama was still in office because he had not yet accomplished that for which the Lord had put him in office. Since then, I have had a feeling of dread... not only for the U.S., but also for the nation of Israel. And I understood why, at least in part, the Holy Spirit had been tugging at my heart.

   Genesis 12:3 says "I will bless them that bless thee, and cure him that curseth thee". Mr. Obama is no ally to Israel. He has been very outspoken about a two state solution in favor of the Palestinians. He has called for all building to stop in east Jerusalem, he has walked out on meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu because Bibi and his team refused to cave to Mr. Obama's will. In front of the cameras, Mr. Obama supports Israel, but behinds the scenes, he does what he can to cater to the Palestinians and what they want. Mr. Obama has wasted 4 years trying to get Iran into "discussions" over their nuclear program. Instead of implementing the crippling sanctions that Israel has asked for, Mr. Obama has stuck to his belief that negotiations are the answer. What little Mr. O has done, is too little, too late. And now that Mr. Obama has been re-elected to a second term, I would imagine that his treatment of Israel will continue to deteriorate. And as Mr. Obama's treatment of Israel worsens, we can expect that God will continue to turn His back on the U.S.

Should Jesus tarry, it looks as if we will be traveling a bumpy road until He does come to take His bride away. It's my prayer that through my blog, I would be able to help you understand what's going on in the light of bible prophecy.

Matthew 28:19 & 20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,
and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen

Until next time!
~Nancy