“Scanning the Horizon” (2009)

Ephesians 5:17 “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

This pondering of the year ahead contains no earth-shattering revelations or prophetic words of understanding which have been kept hidden until this moment. It’s more of a re-establishing of things that we already know and an exhortation of how we should respond as we see the day approaching. It’s not an entry into the array of debatings that dominate the arena of prophetic considerations as we are beyond the season of endless dialogue. Today each of us must proclaim the truth of Gods word from the housetops; even in the face of unparalleled oppositions which will appear to have a solid alliance with reason. (Reason apart from divine revelation has been the downfall of untold millions) A few will listen, however, most will not. Sadly, the “most will not” category contains many professing christians who love this present world. For the sake of the few who have ears to hear, and for our own well-being, we must be in a place to “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”  

As the year 2009 is soon to be upon us, there is simply no substitute for hiding the word of God in our heart and quality time spent with him in prayer. There are, without a doubt, many resources which offer up solid information and chronicle the unfolding of events. A number of these are linked to on the “End Times/Prophetic Sites” page. But nothing can take the place of the revelation and discernment that the Lord Jesus will grant to those who love him. Those who, from their heart, have let go of this world along with their own agenda. Loving not our lives can be a real challenge and we indeed must “die daily.” Whenever the cracks in the status quo grow larger, the spirits of self-preservation and panic try to re-assert themselves.  But when we reach a place where our only desire is to the Lord and we can say, with all sincerety “Thy will be done” there’s a supernatural peace and contentment that will withstand even the most unthinkable of events.

This is something that cannot be taught in a theology class or “worked up” through a ten-step program. It can only come from the Lord as we seek him with all of our being; laying aside every distraction, every idol that was once embedded into our heart, and every transgression that may have seemed insignificant, but caused separation. It’s imperative to ensure that we hold the promptings of the Holy Spirit in higher esteem than our own carnal reasonings or the opinions of the brethren who are “only looking out for us.” As the ambience continues to deteriorate, we will either be led by the Spirit of God or lured by the spirit of another. Those who are following from afar, and not in a secret place with the Lord Jesus will be frantically seeking one to lead them by the hand when everything familiar has vanished the brave new world that, according to scripture, will mark the end of this age is no longer deniable. 

Three familiar verses; all of which have been quoted much in the history of this blog, are needful to bring up before proceeding:

Daniel 11:32 “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.”

II Thessalonians 2:2-3 “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by letter as from us, as that day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.

II Thessalonians 2:11-12 “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

These verses all reveal the dangers of not having a close relationship with the Lord Jesus. We’re fastly approaching a time when those who have a superficial profession or are trying to serve two masters will be manifest. As such, the single most important admonition concerning, not only the coming year but throughout the time remaining, is to get close to Jesus and become ever more familiar with his word. Shut out every voice that’s contrary to the word of God; regardless of credentials, and get in close to Jesus who is always as close as the mention of his name. He will open to us the scriptures and grant discernment as we witness the final seconds of this age wind down. As we get in close, we’ll hear the promptings specifically catered to our situation. We’ll know when to remain, when to flee, and have confidence in carrying out the instructions from on high that make no sense in the natural.

Daniel 11:35 “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.”

The trial of our faith hasn’t really been covered here, however, a dream that I had early on the morning December 23, suggests a time when we shall be cast into prison and hauled before rulers as a testimony against them. The dream started out with CR (a brother from work) and I were at my house, but preparing to head out somewhere. As we were getting into the truck, a car came into the driveway and blocked us in. A man emerged with a briefcase that he opened in front and displayed for me. The interior of the briefcase was divided into several little comparments and each one contained an item of evidence concerning things that I had spoken about over a period of time. He began to ask me questions about various items of evidence. His voice was very machine-like; as though he was probably an android. Several questions were asked about various pieces of the evidence and I responded to each one; expecting this to eventually end at which time we could head out.

CR remained ready to get into the truck as this dialogue was ongoing. Then two more cars pulled into the driveway; coming from opposite directions and meeting at this address. Two men emerged from each vehicle, took cover behind the car doors, and pulled out handguns which they trained on CR and myself. (I was unable to make out what type of handguns they were but their size was almost cartoon-like) Any false move; so much as a twitch would have been the end of our physical lives. I cannot remember the exact words of the primary speaker, but it was obvious that we were to be taken into custody for our vocal proclamation of truth and the testimony of Jesus. One notable aspect was that all three vehicles were older makes; like early eighties perhaps. 

I awakened and looked at the clock which revealed that it was around 6:00 am. During the dream, I remember having no fear concerning the event playing out in the driveway. Just knowing some of my own faults, I believe that at least a certain amount of self-preservation would manifest under such conditions. Yet the grace of God that passes all understanding will be sufficient for whatever we face. Evidence of this can be found in the link to the writing by Cory Ten Boom in the blogroll, or by reading the account of Stephen in Acts chapter 7

Well, I’ll close this out for now. As we watch events unfold on every front; economic, geo-political, geological, astronomical, and in the realm of supernatural manifestation (Luke 21:26) the question that is often asked is “what do we do? Do we run or stay put? Do we store up resources for the lean times or give away all that we have?” There’s no cookie cutter answer for everyone concerning our position in the time of the end. The only way to know is to remain close to the Lord and know that he knows them who trust in him. (Nahum 1:7) And when we are given clear direction, we should not spend time comparing it to reasoning based on a landscape in transition, but to just be obediant and know that “everyone” will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and confess that he is Lord of all.

I Peter 4:17-19 “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

The trip to Chicago is now planned for Tuesday (Dec 30) as CR doesn’t have anyone to watch his kids on Monday. Please pray that the Lords will be done in this time. Also, please check out this posting that I found at Dare to dream entitled MILITARY GOVERNMENT POSSIBLE IN US? We are in very strange times.

I wish to all a blessed day and a blessed 2009 in Jesus. May our hearts be in heavenly places.