Where The Tree Falleth (video sermon)

The Miracle Of Dreams (poem)

That night when in Judean skies the mystic star dispensed it’s light,

A blind man moved within his sleep, and dreamed that he had sight!

That night when shepherds heard the song of hosts angelic choiring near,

A deaf man stirred in slumber’s spell and dreamed that he could hear!

That night when in the cattle stall slept child and mother cheek by jowl,

A cripple turned his twisted limbs, and dreamed that he was whole!

That night when o’er the newborn babe the tender Mary rose to lean,

A loathsome leper smiled in sleep, and dreamed that he was clean!

That night when to the mother’s breast the little King was held secure,

A harlot slept a happy sleep, and dreamed that she was pure!

That night when in the manger lay the Sanctified who came to save

A man moved in the sleep of death, and dreamed there was no grave!

-Susie Best

Worth It (song)

The Power Of Darkness

 There's a fear in the heart of almost every child when it comes to the dark. Somehow, they know that there's something there to be afraid of. Where did this fear come from? Why doesn't it have to be taught?

Daniel 2:22- He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.God knows what is in the darkness. He brought creation out from that black night.

Genesis 1:2- And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

There was darkness before the creation. A planet without form and void of life. Darkness covered the face of the deep until a voice rang out in power with the creative power of "Let there be light".

The cycle of time began with the division of the light and the dark. Then more beautiful things came into being as God expanded His creation with plants and animals, stars and suns, and the magnum opus finish with the creation of humanity.

Jeremiah 51:15- He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Darkness was almost forgotten as the moon and stars lit the night. The sun rose every morning to chase the dreaded shadow away. But the blackness didn't like to stay hidden. As Eve bit down on the fruit, the inky blackness took root, and as Adam chose to partake of the fruit, the darkness of sin infected the world bringing with it the knowledge of evil.

The wickedness spread until God had to drown the inhabitants of the world in the depths of a watery grave, saving one family and two of each animal to continue His design of life.

Hebrews 11:7- By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

II Peter 3:6- Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:God sent His law to teach them how to follow the light in an immoral world. This wouldn't dispel the darkness, it could only highlight the fact that this wickedness was ingrained into the very fabric of creation.

Deuteronomy 5:22- These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.

Galatians 3:24- Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

God knew that no one could possibly keep the entire Law, so promised to send a Messiah to shine through the darkness. A Savior to lead the captive of sin to freedom. 

Hebrews 2:14-15- Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

When the time was right, Jesus was born. Darkness shrieked with a fearsome anger. It influenced Herod to send soldiers to try to destroy the flicker of light while it was still a small, innocent babe.

Matthew 2:13- And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

The Bible doesn't tell us how many times and how many different ways the darkness tried to snuff out the light as Jesus grew into a man. However, as Christ began His earthly ministry, the evil tried a direct approach. Three temptations that would corrupt the Light causing it to dim and fade if He had fallen susceptible to it. But Christ's brightness shone through as one-by-one He overcame temptation with Scripture. The same voice that created the world, staved off evil with "It is written".

John 12:46- I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Darkness watched and waited until it saw it's rumination in the religious leaders of the day. It stoked their fury until the beings that were once the pinnacle of God's creation turned on Him. It coaxed Judas Iscariot to betray the Sun of Righteousness with a kiss.

Luke 22:48- But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Luke 22:53- When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

During the crucifixion, even the sun and stars refused to shine. The earth quaked at the horror of the dying Creator. Only the darkness rejoiced as it spread it's ugly shadow across the world.

Matthew 27:51- And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Luke 23:44-46- And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Darkness exalted while Jesus was in the tomb. It was certain that it's victory was complete, and that the Light would never come out again. The cold, dark tomb seemed to be the end for the bright and morning star.

Micah 7:8- Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

The Son shined more brightly when He came forth from the tomb. Darkness shrank back as it realized that it's conquest had been temporary.

Isaiah 9:2- The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The disciples hadn't realized what was happening. They were shut up quaking in fear hoping that the political and religious powers were content with the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. But once Christ walked into that room, He dispelled the gloom of despair in their hearts.

Revelation 22:16- I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

II Peter 1:19- We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

He ascended into heaven leaving some precious promises behind. First, the Holy Spirit would come and indwell them, giving them the boldness of the Light of Life inside them. And, secondly, He left the promise that He will come again.

The blackness hated that the Lord left His light. It scavenged the earth to find and snuff it out.

Psalm 143:3- For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

Isaiah 60:2- For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

For hundreds of years, the powers of darkness waged war on the indwelling light of the christian during the church age. The more it tried to destroy the greater the light spread.

Acts 26:18- To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Throughout the generations, as one christian was felled by the dark more arose to put on the armor of light and shine the good news of the Gospel to those in the dark.

Romans 13:12- The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Ephesians 5:11- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Ephesians 6:12- For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

One day soon, however, Christ will take the Christians out of this world and let the darkness have it's way. 

Isaiah 5:30- And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

Isaiah 8:22- And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.

Darkness will reign supreme in the Tribulation, and for 7 years the world will feel absolute despair as the darkness does what it has always wanted- consume and destroy.

Joel 2:10- The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

Even the sun, moon, and stars will not be able to shine during this time. But the sun will withhold it's light when Christ comes again! He will return to the earth with a vengeance to beat down the powers of darkness.

Joel 2:2- A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

Jeremiah 23:12- Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Just when all hope will seem to be lost, the powers of Darkness will face the Son of Righteousness like they've never seen Him before!

Matthew 24:30- And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Isaiah 11:4- But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Then, the Lord Jesus Christ will reign in the light for the Millenium. The world will be transformed from the desolate void that the darkness spread into a beautiful place like the original creation of Eden.

Revelation 20:4- And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Isaiah 11:6-10- The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Only once more will the shadow of darkness slink across the land. But it will be no match for the Son of Righteousness. This will be the last time the powers of darkness will ever dim the light of Life again!

Revelation 20:7-10- And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Darkness will fall and Light will prevail.

Job 18:5- Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

Revelation 22:5- And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Healthy Minute- Vitamins

 The body needs many different things for it to remain healthy. Fresh air and sunshine, vitamins and minerals, and even exercises and sweating all contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

This is by no means an exhaustive study, and I encourage you to do your own research.

In doing this study, I've learned a lot about different vitamins and how they are absorbed into the body. Our food industry has kind of taken over our common sense and short circuited our thinking about healthy food. They say "drink milk" because the calcium is good for bones, but they don't tell you what else your body needs for healthy bones. The truth is that magnesium and Vitamin K2 (called activator X by Dr. Weston Price) is very important for your bone health.

Fermented Natto is very high in K2 and helps the body against bone loss and heart problems, it's also good for the skin helping with elasticity. This nutrient should be added into the diet multiple times weekly. You can take it as a supplement (Vitamin K2- MK-7 is the formulation best absorbed by the body).

Vitamin K2 is best absorbed when taken with Vitamin D3 and fats; In fact, vitamins A, D, E, and K are best absorbed when taken with fats. These fat soluble vitamins are stored in  the liver for up to six months and can be utilized when needed by the body. The exception to this rule is Vitamin K2.  Vitamin K may be stored by fat cells, however, the body rarely stores large amounts of Vitamin K, so we must continually get new stores through our diet and gut flora.

Vitamin B12 is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach; take Vitamin C about 2 hours later since it can inhibit absorption of Vitamin B12. Acid reflux medicine, ulcer medications, Metformin, and certain antibiotics also interfere with absorption of Vitamin B12.

Biotin absorption is inhibited by a substance found in egg whites.

However, most B vitamins are water soluble and don't require food to be taken with them.

Vitamin C is also a water soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb iron (but inhibits the absorption of B12). Iron levels must be above 70mg/ day for optimal hair growth, any lower and your body will take the nutrients from your hair first.

Water soluble vitamins are used up and/or expelled from the body daily and therefore must be replenished often.

Calcium should not be taken as a vitamin supplement. It will bind with the plague in your blood and cause problems. This mineral is best gotten through food sources.

Men should not take iron supplements. They are toxic to the male body. A female that is anemic can take iron glycinate- this form is gentle on the stomach and highly absorbable.

The best magnesium to take is L-threonate. This form gets directly into the cells. All other forms tend to stay in and exit the digestive tract.

I've assembled a list of vitamin supplements that I think will be most beneficial. I like the liquid or gummy versions because I believe they absorb better. I've tried to limit where you would need to go to get all of these, so I've limited it to 3 stores.

As always, getting your vitamins from food is the best- so always vary your daily dietary intake with many different fruits, veggies, grains, and meat sources.

Mary Ruth Morning Multivitamins

Mary Ruth Nighttime Essentials

Mary Ruth Probiotics Beauty Plus

Mary Ruth Gut Flora Enzymes

Mary Ruth K2 and D3 Gummies

Naturelo Vegan Iron with Vitamin C

Nutrizing K2

Dr Ohhira Probiotic

Taking all of the vitamins listed will give you 100% of the daily recommended value of all vitamins, plus 25 mgs of iron (via Naturelo Vegan, which is easy on the stomach), and 200 mgs of K2 (adding in Nutrizing K2 adds another 600 mgs of K2), and taking the two Mary Ruth probiotics plus the Dr Ohhira Probiotic will provides 21 different strains of probiotics.

If you want the simplest, and fewest options for maximum health benefits, then I would say Mary Ruth Morning and Evening vitamins plus the Beauty Probiotic (4 strains) and the K2 gummies is around $135 per month without autoship. I do recommend that you add in the Mary Ruth Gut Flora health (11 strains), at least.

If you notice my chart above, you'll see that there are colors across the top. Yellow indicated morning and Blue indicates evening, which is when I suggest you take each one.

Also listed in the chart is a dental probiotic that is recommended in the book Cure Tooth Decay by Ramiel Nagel. If you have problems with your teeth, then I suggest you add this in. You only need to chew one tablet before bed daily (after you've brushed your teeth).

For those with the MTHFR genetic mutation, you may want to consider methylated vitamins, especially folate and B12. A good multivitamin for this would be Metagenics PhytoMulti. Contrary to how it looks, “MTHFR” is not an abbreviation for a popular curse word, but a shortened form of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Individuals with this may present with elevated homocysteine levels, which have been associated with inflammation and heart disease, birth defects, difficult pregnancies, and potentially an impaired ability to detoxify, along with nutrient deficiencies in Folate, B6 and B12.

Anyone who has the MTHFR gene, and is having trouble getting pregnant can add EB-N5 twice daily for 2 months, and then stay on one pill daily. It will help!

Anyone who has ADHD or ADD can add L-Tyrosine and a methylated B-complex to their diet. Within a month you will see a major difference! HiYa children's chewables has methylated B12 and methylated folate.

For those fighting cancer, I recommend adding Protandim 2 and DIM to your daily regimen. Two pills of each daily. They won't interact with chemotherapy.

For hair and skin, there are some other nutrients to consider adding to your diet if you're having issues.

• Saw Palmetto and Red Clover help to suppress the formation of DHT in the body. DHT is believed to enable hair loss.
• Bamboo is great for skin care and hair growth as it contains a lot of silica.
• Ashwaghanda taken internally is also good for hair growth and it helps with stress.
• Red Clover oil is to be used topically along with Indian Goosebury (Amla) oil and Rosemary essential oil for hair growth. Also good for hair is Bhringraj oil.

When Answers Aren't Enough (song)

Poutine with Beef Gravy, Mushrooms, and Bacon recipe

1 bag (28 ounces) frozen seasoned fries, baked per package instructions
5 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound boneless beef chuck, chopped into small cubes
16 ounces of sliced baby portobello mushrooms
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, minced
3 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup flour all-purpose flour
4 cups beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 cups white cheddar cheese curds
sliced chives to top

Bake seasoned fries per package instructions.

While fries are baking, add chopped bacon to a medium skillet and heat over medium heat until crisp. Remove from pan and set aside.

In the same pan (don't wipe out bacon grease), add the chopped beef chuck and cook until brown.

Add the butter and allow to melt. Now add onion and mushrooms, stirring occasionally until onion is soft and translucent.

Add garlic and cook for one minute.

Add flour, stirring constantly, until the flour becomes a golden color.

Slowly pour in the beef broth, continuing to stir constantly. Add the salt, pepper, and Worchestershire sauce and bring to a boil.

Allow to simmer until thick.

Top the baked fries with cheese curds, gravy, mozzarella cheese, and cooked bacon pieces. Transfer the fries back into the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Top with chives and serve.

13 Reasons People Don't Want To Become A Christian (video sermon)

Why Not Love The World?

One of the main things that should set Christians apart from others is the fact that they shouldn't love the world. It's an odd idea when you think about it. We live in this world and our daily activities revolve around others in this world. So, why does the Lord not want us to love the world?

First, let's explain what that means. "Love not the world" is not talking about people. We are to care about the souls of others and actively witness to those around us. When the Bible says "love not the world" it's talking about positions and possessions in the world.

I John 2:15- Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

If we start loving exalted positions in this world, or the material possessions that we can acquire in this world, our love for God starts to wane. 

Matthew 16:25-  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Our time on this earth is for the sole purpose of learning through the Scriptures and trials how to be more Christ-like. Jesus wasn't interested in acquiring worldly possessions, nor was he interested in a governmental position on this world.

Matthew 8:20- And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Matthew 4:8-10- Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Christ was offered the kingdoms of the world as one of the temptations by the devil. Notice how the Lord never said the devil didn't have power to grant this?

2 Corinthians 4:3-4- But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Those in the world worship a different god than we do- it could be money, or power, but ultimately they are following the devil, who is the god of this world.

The world doesn't know the Lord God Almighty or Jesus Christ.

John 1:10- He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

John 17:25- O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

In fact, when you play nicey nice and cozy up to the world you are showing a hatred to the Lord, because the world hates Jesus Christ. You can't love the enemy and still be in good graces with God.

James 4:4- Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

You may be thinking that's a little extreme, but the world hates the Jesus of the Bible.

John 7:7- The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Why does the world hate Christ? Because He's not of it.

John 8:23- And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

The world may seems like it wants to be your friend, but make no mistake it's god is actively trying to destroy you.

I Peter 5:8- Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

They can put on a good act. The world can seem religious, kind, and even righteous, but it is pure wickedness in disguise.

I John 5:19-  And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

This world has already been condemned by God, and one day everything in it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 11:32- But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 7:31- And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

We are to utilize the things in this world, but never are we to set our sights on acquiring as much of it as possible, because it's all going to perish.

2 Peter 3:10- But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Christ made a point to pray for the Christians, and He also made a point to not pray for the world.

John 17:9, 16-  I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

When you got saved, you became a different person. You are no longer one of the world's citizens, and for that cause it will never truly accept you.

All that the world allures us with will one day be gone.

1 John 2:16-17- For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

When we stand before God we will not be judged according to how much we acquired or how noble our rank was, we will be judged according to our actions and motives.

I Corinthians 3:13- Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

So, let us walk as Christ did while He was here. Helping others along the way. Leading lost souls to the Savior who died for them. And when it is all over and our last breath has been exhaled, we will hear "well done" from our Savior.

I Am So Blessed (song)

O Child Of God, Wait Patiently! (poem)

 O child of God, wait patiently
Then dark thy path may be,
And let thy faith lean trustingly
On Him who cares for Thee;
And though the clouds hang drearily
Upon the brow of night,
Yet in the morning joy will come,
And fill thy soul with light.

O child of God, He loveth thee,
And thou art all His own;
With gentle hand He leadeth thee,
Thou dost not walk alone;
And though thou watchest wearily
The long and stormy night,
Yet in the morning joy will come,
And fill thy soul with light.

O child of God, how peacefully
He calms thy fears to rest,
And draws thee upward tenderly,
Where dwell the pure and blest;
And He who bendeth silently
Above the gloom of night,
Will take thee home where endless joy
Shall fill thy soul with light.

-Fanny Crosby

IF YOU DIED NOW...Are You 100% Sure You're Going To Heaven?

Faith of Devils

 My boss once asked me why my bumper sticker said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ". I thought it was pretty self explanatory until he said that grammatically it should be "in" and not "on".

If you've ever witnessed to anyone before and prayed while doing so then you know that the Lord gives you what to say. I answered him that devils believe in Christ, we were to believe on His work of salvation at Calvary.

James 2:19- Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

I saw something recently that made me think of this interaction. Devils have faith. Devils not only believe in Christ, they know exactly who He is- the Son of God. There's no doubt there! But, devils aren't saved.

Mark 5:2-7- And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

The maniac of Gadara knew that Jesus Christ was the son of the Most High God. More than that, he came before Him and worshipped Him!

He asks Jesus if He is come to torment him before the time. Do you know what that means? It means that devils know there is a hell that they are destined for eternity to burn in. That's more than most people today know!

Another thing most people don't know about devils is that they ask God for things and it can be granted. That's prayer that is answered by God.

Mark 5:8-13- For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

Jesus Christ told the devil to leave this man. The devil asked that He would send it into the herd of pigs, and the Lord granted his request!

Did you know that devils know how people get saved?

Act 16:16-18- And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

The devil inside of this woman knew Paul and the message of salvation. She acknowledged who Paul served and his reason for being there.

Salvation isn't offered to devils. Why would she broadcast the reason for the messenger of Christ being there?

Note also that devils can tell true born again, blood bought Christians from the religious fakes.

Act 19:13-16- Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

These men thought that they could use the power of Christ without actually belonging to Him. The devil knew who Jesus was. The devil knew who Paul was. But these men didn't have God's protection against this devil and he knew it. They quickly found out!

I'm not certain what they difference is between devils and evil spirits. But the Bible tells us how to find out if someone is speaking to an evil spirit.

I John 4:1-3- Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Devils can be tricky. Satan himself can quote Scripture. When speaking with Christ, Satan said "It is written" and then quoted the Bible. If Satan can quote the Word of the Lord, don't think that devils and fake Christians can't!

Most people don't realize that Satan can still access heaven. He was cast to the earth when he fell, but he wasn't banned from heaven. That's a future occurrence. In fact, he regularly attends meetings in heaven!

Job 1:6-7- Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

The difference is that devils will never confess and forsake their sins. Devils are very well informed, but they are not transformed like a true Christian believer. They won't be going around singing about the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ that can save sinners from hell. 

Are you truly a Christian? Have you called out to God for salvation through His Son and cleansed your soul in the blood He shed on Calvary? Or, like the devils, are you just spiritually enlightened?

Well Done (song)

Travelling On My Knees (poem)

 Last night I took a journey
To a land across the seas.
I didn’t go by ship or plane,
I traveled on my knees.

I saw so many people there
In bondage to their sin
And Jesus told me I should go,
That there were souls to win.

But I said “Jesus, I can’t go
To lands across the seas.”
He answered quickly, “Yes, you can
By traveling on your knees.”

He said, “You pray, I’ll meet the need.
You call, and I will hear.
It’s up to you to be concerned
For lost souls far and near.”

And so I did; I knelt in prayer,
Gave up some hours of ease.
And with the Savior by my side,
I traveled on my knees.

As I prayed on, I saw souls saved
And twisted persons healed.
I saw God’s workers strength renewed
While laboring in the field. 

I said, “Yes, Lord, I’ll take the job.
Your heart I want to please.
I’ll heed your call and swiftly go
By traveling on my knees.”

-Sandra Goodwin

You Are Not the Center Of The Universe (video sermon)

Daniel's Prophesy

The books of Revelation and Daniel have received much speculation over the years. Their prophesy of the things which will befall the earth in the latter days  have brought more skepticism and research than any other predictions made.

I have tried to take the summation of those predictions and lay them out here.

First, a little history of the peace process in the Middle East. Multiple peace resolutions have been drafted and negotiated between Israel and the countries that surround it:

• The Camp David Accords were for peace between Egypt and Israel. They were first signed in 1978.
• The May 17th agreement was for peace between Lebanon and Israel. It was signed in 1983, but was annulled when Muslims took over Beirut.
• The Oslo Accords were for peace between the Palestinian State and Israel. They were first signed in 1993.
• The Wadi Arab Treaty was for peace between Jordan and Israel. It was signed in 1994.
• The UNSCR 1701 was a call for a cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel. It was approved in 2006, but has yet to see any resolution.
• The Abraham Accords is the latest peace treaty to be arranged between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, along with Egypt and Jordan, and Israel. It was signed in 2020.

These are important to note because somewhere at the beginning of the tribulation an agreement of some sort is reached, and this agreement is broken during the middle of the tribulation.

In Daniel 11, we see a detailed account of the last days of Israel before the Tribulation period happens and during it. Those who are up-to-date on the history and politics of Israel may be able to decipher the meaning of the first 19 verses; I do not possess that knowledge.

The King of the North and the King of the South, mentioned in Daniel 11, will battle throughout the end of the church age and into the tribulation. I believe that the King of the North is the nation of Israel, which will eventually be led by the Antichrist (the vile person mentioned in verse 21).

The King of the South is the only one that I cannot identify. I would have guessed that it was Egypt, which is South of Israel and has been fighting with the Israeli's since the 1940's. The only problem is that Egypt has signed peace agreements with Israel both in 1978, and then again in 2020. In fact, almost all of the countries around Israel have at one time or another signed peace treaties with Israel, except Iraq, Syria, and Iran (none of them South of Israel).

From my understanding this is what follows in Daniel, with correlating verses from other parts of the Bible.

The earlier verses talk about the war between the Kings of the North and South. As previously stated, I believe these are countries. The Man of Sin and the Antichrist, in my opinion, does show up until verse 20, which is where I begin.

The Man of Sin will obtain the kingdom by flatteries. He comes in peaceably; possibly hailed as the Jewish Messiah and the Muslim Madhi. He's a smooth talking statesman that will usher in what people believe will be a great time of peace.
Daniel 11:20-21- Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

The current king of the North (Naftali Bennett?) will be followed by a raiser of taxes, whom I believe will be the man of sin, and then after his assassination will become the Antichrist. "Within few days" appears to be the first half of the tribulation period-  three and a half years.
When the Antichrist appears he will be a powerful, knowledgeable foe. He will not be alone, but will be joined by a false prophet and ten half-human, half-angelic beings (aliens?) mentioned in Daniel 2.
Daniel 8:23-24- And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
Daniel 2:43- And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Daniel 7:24-25-  And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

The Bible foretells that the Man of Sin will be assassinated and then resurrected again as the Antichrist (Revelation 13:2-3) but with damage to his right hand and eye (Zechariah 11:16-17).
Revelation 13:2-3- And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Zechariah 11:16-17- For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Daniel 7:23- Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

This Antichrist (king of the north) will make and break an agreement between Israel and another country in Daniel 11:23-24. During this time he will continue fighting the king of the south (whichever country this is will have had continual war with Israel) as well as a country in the east in Daniel 8:9-10 and Revelation 16:12. This is obviously a reference to the Antichrist because it speaks of angels falling.
Another thing to note is that peace agreements generally don't have a time frame associated with them.
Daniel 11:23-24- And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.
Daniel 8:9-10- And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Revelation 16:12- And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

The king of the south will have an impressive army, but the Antichrist of the North will have devices (technological advances or advanced weaponry) that he uses to defeat them.

Daniel 11:27-28- And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.

Daniel 9:27 mentions an agreement that is broken in the middle of the week. Again, since the former peace treaties never had a time frame associated with them, I'm going to assume this is something different; possibly an agreement having to do with the use of the temple and the offering of sacrifices?Daniel 9:27- And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

These two kings will come to some sort of agreement, but neither will abide by it. This agreement is said to be broken in the middle of the week. I believe this is actually giving us the timeframe of the tribulation with the first part of the week (3.5 years) being the tribulation under the Man of Sin and the last part of the week (3.5 years) being the great tribulation under the Antichrist, also known as the Son of Perdition. 
II Thessalonians 2:3-4- 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; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.  

The Antichrist of the North will then start persecuting the Jews in fervor (this may be when he first introduces the Mark of the Beast). The timing of this is unclear. This could be at the same time as when he stops the sacrifices and declares himself god or it could be shortly before then.
Daniel 11:28- Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.
Revelation 13:16-18- And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

He's going to have a naval battle (Daniel 11:30) that sends him into a fury. This may be when he gets kicked out of heaven after the resurrection of the 144,000 (Revelation 12) when he steps up the persecution of the people of Israel.
Daniel 11:30- For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
Revelation 12:7-9, 13- And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

He'll destroy the sanctity of the temple and sit down on the Mercy Seat declaring himself as god (Daniel 11:31). As previously stated, I'm not certain how much time will pass between the Mark mandate and his declaration of himself as god (could be at the same time), but that's when things really amp up. That is when the Israelites are told by Jesus in Matthew 24 to flee the land (also mentioned in Revelation 12:14); this is considered the Great Tribulation.
Daniel 11:31- And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

It may be around this time, though it could be the same time the Mark of the Beast shows up, that he calls for the sacrifices of the temple to cease (Daniel 8:11-12).
Daniel 8:11-12- Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Revelation 12:14- And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Matthew 24:15-16,20-21- When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Zechariah 14:2- For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

(Notice the warning about the Sabbath- that's because they are back under a faith and works setup. They have to ask Jesus to save their souls while also keeping the commandments of God; these people can lose their salvation by breaking the commandments (which they will need to ask for salvation again and again each time) or by taking the mark of the beast (unless the can cut the mark off themselves there is no remedy; no hope of being saved again).
I Timothy 6:9- But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
The temptation to take the Mark will be great! Only those who have it will be able to buy or sell- that's why there are so many verses in the New Testament against the rich. Those who are "rich" in the tribulation have accepted the Mark of the Beast.

Many people will oppose this regime (Daniel 11:32) and will lose their lives in the process (Daniel 11:33). Revelation says it's a great multitude which no man could number and they are from every country and race around the globe.
Daniel 11:32-33- 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. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Revelation 6:11- And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Revelation 7:9,13,14- After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

The Antichrist of the North will go beyond anything anyone has seen or done before, creating a new religion that demands worship or death (Daniel 11:36-39). Probably simultaneous with the declaration and the Mark of the Beast being required or the Antichrist sitting down on the ark of the covenant and declaring that he is god. However it happens, the AntiChrist and his false prophet will be able to work miracles, which will deceive many people into accepting his claim that he is god.
Daniel 11:36-39- And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
Matthew 24:24- For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Again the King of the South will come against him (Daniel 11:40) and this will begin a battle on both land and sea that overthrows and decimates many countries, some are even named as though they were hoping to stay out of it? (Daniel 11:41-43)
Daniel 11:41-43- He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

Then he'll get news from both the East and the North that trouble him and cause him to turn his attack in those directions (Daniel 11:44) It's possible that parts of Europe and Asia begin to rebel and wage war against him.
Daniel 11:44-45- But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
Daniel 7:26- But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

None shall help him- That's when the Lord gets his army ready (Daniel 12:1)
Daniel 12:1- And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Christ will come back with the armies of heaven and wipe out all the armies of the Antichrist along with all who follow him.
Revelation 19:11,14,19- And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Revelation 16:14- For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Zechariah 12:9- And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

 It's interesting to see that the Antichrist thinks he can win against the Lord Jesus Christ when He comes. It's not even going to a long battle. Christ with the Word of His mouth will destroy his enemies with a power above that of a nuclear bomb!
Zechariah 14:12,15- And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
Revelation 19:20- And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Revelation 11:18- And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

It's hard to believe that during all the natural disasters, mutant beasts, and other horrors that God unleashes on the world spoken of in the book of Revelation during this time that there's still national wars happening! But, the prophecy is clear that this will be a time like as has never been, and thankfully never will be again!
Jeremiah 30:7- Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
Joel 2:2- A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

This may be an exhausting study, but it is in no way an exhaustive study of what all will happen during the tribulation. This has been added to the blog in hopes that people will be warned and cry out to God for salvation before these events occur. But it is my hope that those who find themselves in the midst of the times mentioned may learn from this and be better able to endure what is coming.

Spiritual Warfare - Having Done All To Stand (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - The Power of Prayer (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Corrupting The Word of God (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - The Sword of The Spirit (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Armor of God continued (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Armor of God (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - The Battlefield of Your Mind (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Satan's Tactics (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Evil Spirits (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Fallen Angels (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Satan (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Principle Powers (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Common Misconceptions (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Obedient Angels (video sermon)

Spiritual Warfare - Invisible Creation (video sermon)

The Lord of the Broken (video sermon)

A Grandmother's Prayer (poem)

 

How Can I Fear? (song)

A History of Israel

This is going to be a bullet point study on the nation of Israel from inception to current times. Much of this study comes from the Bible and notes offered by Pastor Brian Donovan along with information for current sources. 

Sometime in the late 1,800's BC, God calls a man named Abram and tells him to leave his country and his people and move to a land that He would show to him. And Abram does it. He's like a dreamer following the Lord for a promise that he, in his lifetime, would never see fulfilled.

Gen 12:1- Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Hebrews 11:8- By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

God promised that Abram, whom He called Abraham, would have many children that would become a great nation and that they would inherit the land that God had called him to. Though Abraham only had one son, Isaac, he believed God would do what He said.

Isaac had Jacob and Esau. These twin boys were very different! Out of the two, God chose to bring forth his promise to Abraham through Jacob.

Jacob had four wives, twelve sons, and one daughter. These boys are some mean men! They destroy an entire village because the ruler's son has a one night stand with their sister. Even though this man wanted to marry her and correct his transgression, they wouldn't stand for it. Through deceit they ensured their victory.

 They even betray one of their brothers and sell him as a slave. Joseph is taken down into Egypt and goes through many hardships, but in the end he ends up saving the region from a seven-year famine. His father, Jacob (whom the Lord called Israel) moved his entire family down into Egypt for the duration of the famine, and they stay there in the land of Goshen.

Time passes and the Jewish people end up becoming a great nation in Egypt. Then they start to getting persecuted by a foreign occupation- the Assyrians. They cry out to God for help and God send them a deliverer- Moses.

Moses is sent to bring the Jewish people out of Egypt and lead them back to the land that was promised to Abraham. After ten plagues and the decimation of Egypt, he leads them into the Arabian Peninsula where they would have many trials as they attempted to learn to trust God.

The Jewish people had picked up a lot of bad habits in Egypt. So, God used Moses to give the Israelites His Law. The people would be under Moses in the wilderness for a long time while he taught them God's ways.

Exodus 18:13- And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

Moses is noted for loving his people so much that he intercedes to God on their behalf. They make many mistakes during this time, and even anger Moses! Because Moses loses his temper and disobeys God through his fury, he doesn't get to enter the promised land.

Moses' protege gets to lead them in. Joshua, a great general, leads this rag-tag group of slave's children from a 40-year trek in the wilderness into the promised land of Caanan and helps them begin to possess it. He defeats thirty-one different kings in the land and this is the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.

Now, God starts to give the nation of Israel judges to teach and lead them. The pattern throughout the book of Judges is the Israelites forgetting about God and turning to idols, the Lord God Almighty allowing them to be persecuted by their enemies, and then them crying out to God for deliverance, followed by God sending men to deliver them and judge them to keep them on track. But then they forget about God and His mercy and His Law, and the cycle would start over again.

Let's go through a brief list and description of these judges.

Othniel would be the next judge of the children of Israel. He was the nephew of Caleb, General Joshua's friend, and the only other elder man to survive the wilderness years.

Judges 3:9-11-  And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

After him, Ehud would judge. 

Judges 3:15- But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

This left handed man goes against the King of Moab, Eglon, and surprises him with a sneak attack. Then he runs to gather the Israelites together for a strike against them before they can prepare for battle. He saves the Israelites from the Moabite occupation.

Then there's a curiosity. A man who delivers Israel, but isn't called a judge. In fact, only one verse is used to mention his deliverance.

Judges 3:31- And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

The fourth judge of Israel is Deborah.

Judges 4:4- And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

This is the only female judge. It was suppose to be Barak, but he wouldn't stand up and do his job, so the Lord uses her as judge and gives the glory to a woman. Deborah goes with the army of Israel against the Canaanites and their captain, Sisera, is killed by a woman names Jael.

The Scofield Bible lists the next two judges as Gideon and Abimelech. But, this is wrong because Gideon says that neither him nor his sons would rule over Israel. 

Judges 8:23-  And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.

This removes them from consideration as Judges of Israel. So, the next man we come to is Tola.

Judges 10:1-2- And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.

The Bible doesn't give us any real details about this man or his time as a judge.

Jair is the next judge.

Judges 10:3-5- And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years. And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead. And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.

The Bible mentions that he has thirty sons. To keep the peace, he puts each of these men in a different city. So, there's all these cities set up around the land for his sons. None of his sons are mentioned beyond this little blurb.

Jephthah now comes on the scene.

Judges 12:7- And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.

Jephthah is a vain man which the Lord goes into great detail about. He is rash and speaks without thinking. Though he is a valiant warrior, his mouth gets him into trouble. He vows to offer God whatever comes out of his house first if he wins the war, and it turned out to be his only daughter. Instead of repenting and asking God to forgive his erroneous ways, He remains stubborn to his vow and sacrifices her to the Lord.

After that sad story, Ibzan judges the Hebrew children.

Judges 12:8-9- And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years.

This man has thirty sons and thirty daughters. He sends his daughters out to marry those who aren't Jews, and he takes women who aren't Jews as wives for his sons. This was against the Law of Moses! God didn't want His people intermingling with the heathen around them.

The Bible doesn't have much to say about Elon, who is our next judge.

Judges 12:11-12- And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years. And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun.

Abdon also has little said about him.

Judges 12:13-14-  And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel. And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years.

He has a lot of sons and a lot of nephews that ride around like royalty. His name literally means "to be a servant". 

Samson judges Israel in the days of the Philistines. He never fully delivers the Hebrew children because he's too busy living for himself. The Bible goes into his life in great detail.

Judges 15:20- And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.

Samson was not just known for his strength, but he was known for his impulsive desires. He follows the lust of his flesh. His lust causes him to fall for a woman who cuts his hair, the source of his power, and delivers him to the enemy. His end is to die with the Philistines; he kills himself with a bunch of civilians in the middle of a party in their temple.

Leaving the book of judges, we come to Eli.

I Samuel 4:17-18- And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

Eli is known for not controlling his children. They commit all sorts of wickedness, and God tells Samuel that He is going to kill Eli's sons for their sin. When this news comes, Eli falls backwards and breaks his neck because the ark of the Lord is taken at the same time by the Philistines to Ashdod, a city on the Mediterranean coast East of Jerusalem.

Samuel is the thirteenth and final judge of Israel.

I Samuel 7:15-17- And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.

The Israelites decide that they don't want to be different. Instead of embracing that they are God's peculiar people, the insist on being like the nations around them and they ask for a king.

I Samuel 8:5- And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

All the nations around them were heathen. But, God does what they ask and allows a man to be appointed to that position. Saul is crowned their first king, and this man is a great type of the antichrist.

David is the next king and he wins battle after battle for his country. He is the one who most attribute with completing the promise of the land grant to Israel.

After him is Solomon, who is the wisest man to ever live. He builds the first great temple for the Lord God Almighty in the city of Jerusalem. It is said that he made silver and gold a common place item in the land of Israel, and there was a time of great peace under his reign.

Many kings follow and their roller coaster apostacy continues. Eventually, they go into captivity under Assyria, Babylon, Media Persia, Greece, and then Rome. During this captivity, the first temple was destroyed and a second temple would be built.

Then, while under Roman occupation the Messiah comes. The Lord Jesus Christ shows up and He's rejected by the leaders of Israel. The Sanhedrin had so much Babylonian influence and traditions intermingled with their religion that they didn't recognize their Messiah. They deliver Him to the hand of the Romans to murder.

After His crucifixion and resurrection, the people of Israel are given time to repent of the rejection of their Messiah, but they refuse. And so in 70 AD, God allows the Romans to completely destroy Jerusalem, along with the second temple.

Josephus wrote, "Now as soon as the army had no more people to slay or to plunder, because there remained none to be the objects of their fury (for they would not have spared any, had there remained any other work to be done), Caesar gave orders that they should now demolish the entire city and Temple, but should leave as many of the towers standing as they were of the greatest eminence; that is, Phasaelus, and Hippicus, and Mariamne; and so much of the wall enclosed the city on the west side. This wall was spared, in order to afford a camp for such as were to lie in garrison, as were the towers also spared, in order to demonstrate to posterity what kind of city it was, and how well fortified, which the Roman valor had subdued; but for all the rest of the wall, it was so thoroughly laid even with the ground by those that dug it up to the foundation, that there was left nothing to make those that came thither believe it, Jerusalem, had ever been inhabited."

For the next 1,800 plus years, the Jewish people would live around the world in various countries. Some times they would be persecuted. Sometimes they would thrive. But, they lived without a country and a temple.

In late 1800's AD, a man named Theodor Herzl starts dreaming about the Jewish people having their own nation in the land of Israel. He formed the Zionist Organization and spent his time emphasizing the importance of the Jewish people returning to what was then called Palestine. He said, "Only through a Jewish state could they avoid antisemitism, express their culture freely and practice their religion without hindrance." Although he died without ever seeing this dream become a reality,  he is considered the "spiritual father of the Jewish state".

Just before the end of World War I, the Balfour Declaration was issued announcing the support of the British government for the national home for the Jewish people in their ancient land of Israel. This was the first step in the Jews gaining their country back.

However, many Jews had become comfortable in their various countries, wealthy even. To uproot and move to a new, uncultivated place didn't seem like a good plan to them. So, World War II breaks out. The most heinous treatment of the Jewish people by the Nazi regime encouraged the survivors to move to the land that would promise them religious freedom.

The nation of Israel has had many leaders known as Prime Ministers since- Some serve multiple terms that overlap with others, so I'll just name them in the numerical order of when they were first elected to that position.

In 1947, David Ben-Gurion becomes the first Prime Minister of Israel who says, "We will declare ourselves a nation among the nations". Ben-Gurion goes looking for help to establish the nation of Israel. In 1948, President Truman becomes the first leader to acknowledge Israel as a nation for the Jewish people.

There's a general, Moshe Dayan, who is under this Prime Minister, who is noted for his defense of the new state of Israel. His damaged left eye and eye patch are what most people remember him for, however he gets some farmers and teenagers together and these men hold off oncoming forces of Syria, Egypt, and the settlers of Gaza.

Moshe Sharett is the second Prime Minister. He's not a hard nose politician. He only serve about two years between Ben-Gurion's terms.

Levi Eshkol is the third Prime Minister. He's known for being the Prime Minister the 6 Day War, which also starred the General Moshe Dayan. The Israeli Intelligence, Mossad, take a pre-emptive strike against the Egyptians and Syrians and decimate around 90% of their enemy's ability to retaliate on the first day! Within the next few days, the Israeli army is able to stave off the remaining forces and win the war in less than a week. He died of a heart-attack just a few years later.

Now, there's an interim Prime Minister. Yigal Allon only holds the office for about one month, then another election occurs.

Next, is Golda Meir. This is the only female Prime Minister! She was a tough lady who stood up to formidable men; she even told the Pope off! She is also one of the signers of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. She accepted a US peace initiative that ended the fighting with a cease-fire between Israel, Egypt, and Jordan.

Yitzhak Rabin is after her. This former ambassador to the United States has two terms, and is fraught with trouble. His first term ends because of financial scandal, and he is assassinated during his second term. Many believe it's because he helped Yasser Arafat create the Palestinian Authority by signing the Oslo Accords. This has caused a lot of problems for the nation of Israel!

Menachem Begin is the sixth Prime Minister. He isn't known for much politically except the signing of a peace treaty with Egypt, but he did put a lot of emphasis and money into building settlements all over the land, especially in Gaza and the West Bank.

Yitzhak Shamir is after with two terms. He opposed the Camp David Accords by Jimmy Carter, but they were accepted anyway. He tried to negotiate with Egypt and Lebanon to form political relationships, but wasn't very successful. He also opposed refugee visas given by the United States to Jewish people. In his opinion, they had a country in Israel which they were free and encouraged to move to.

Remember Yasser Arafat? During this time, he was changing his strategy from conflict to negotiation. He had moved himself to Tunisia and emerged as an advocate for a two-state Israeli-Palestinian nation.

Shimon Peres, the next Prime Minister, helps to bring Arafat back into the land and allows the Palestine Liberation Organization self rule. He founded the Peres Center for Peace, which focused on tolerance and the advancement of economics and technology. He suffered a stroke with massive brain hemorrhage which left him with irreversible damage. His health continued to decline until his death in 2016.

Benjamin Netanyahu came in after this and was faced with some wishy-washy people. They want him to stand up for them one day and then they want him to give concessions the next so they could have peace. He was the first native born Prime Minister appointed to the position, as well as the youngest man ever elected. He also served as the longest running Prime Minister with a total of 15 years in office. 

Ehud Barak was a lieutenant general in the Israeli Defense Force, but as a politician he was more about convenience. During his term as Prime Minister, he gave extreme concessions to the countries around Israel, withdrawing from Lebanon, and attempting negotiations with the PLO. If Yasser Arafat had taken the deal offered for the withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza, then Israel would have been completely surrounded by enemy forces; it's a good thing that Arafat denied the deal.

Ariel Sharon was next on the scene. He is known as the "Butcher of Beirut" among the Arabs for going into Lebanon in the 1980's and killed a bunch of civilians because of bad intel. In 2005, he decided he was going to start giving away land and withdrawing from the Gaza strip. He was expected to win another term as Prime Minister, but the Lord gave him a stroke in 2006 that removed the possibility of reelection. He went into a coma and was in a vegetative state until his death in 2014.

Ehud Olmert was a hard liner politician and lawyer. He became acting Prime Minister because of the stroke suffered by Ariel Sharon. Even though he said that he would firmly stand by the rights of the Jewish people to live in the entire land of Israel, he followed in Sharon's footsteps stating that he backed the creation of a Palestinian State and that the Jewish people needed to withdraw from the Gaza strip. What happened in 2006 emboldened the Jews enemies to come against them because the leadership has gotten soft. The fighting between the Palestinians in Gaza and the Jews in Israel has been escalating ever since.

Naftali Bennet is the thirteenth Prime Minister to be elected to the position. He is a software entrepreneur born to American-Jewish immigrants. Bennett was elected on the premise of a rotational government with Yair Lapid. Naftali Bennett would serve as Israel's Prime Minister until 2023, after which Yair Lapid would assume the role until 2025.

The parallels are uncanny!

If history stands to repeat itself, then we should see someone come in as a new form of Political figure next. After 13 judges, the Israelites crowned a king followed by the building of a temple. I believe that after 13 Prime Ministers we will see some of  Daniel's prophesy and Revelation's warnings come to pass. 

Daniel 11:20-21- Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Watch for someone who raises taxes, the building of the third temple, a new leadership role obtained by flattering lips, and a peace agreement signed between this leader and other nations.

And prepare yourself for what comes next!