February 14, 2006
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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!
I am praying that you find the greatest romance possible, that of a strong relationship with Jesus. He loves us so much that it is hard to conceive.
When we last left off in Revelation, Chapter 6 we saw that the Lamb (Lion of the Tribe of Judah) was worthy to open the seals and he opened the first seal, the man on the white horse. Oh what a trickster. When I grew up cowboy shows were big, and the good guy always wore a white hat, the bad guy a black hat. Unfortunately in this case the bad guy comes around on a white horse and spouting peace, peace. Unfortunately peace is not what he has in mind, for his companions are rather unsavory.
When Jesus opened the second seal the second living creature told John to come and see, Rev. 6:4 “Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.”
After the false peace of the first rider, what follows is war and it is war with a great sword. Jesus is also described as having a sword, a sharp two-edged sword which comes out of His mouth -these are the powerful Words of God, the word of truth which kills lies.
To conquer by peace will not work, for a false peace treaty will lead to political division, and ultimately war. James 4 talks about this, James 4:1-3 “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ass amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
Since the fall of Rome there have been very few years (something like 72) where there wasn’t a war somewhere in this world. War serves a few purposes. If you ever notice, often when the leaders of a country need to keep in power, a war is used to help keep the country focused on other areas than where the real problems lie. War is used for population control, scientific advances are made during war times, it keeps the economy stimulated, and dissipates boredom. The only other way to control a nation is slavery in the old way, which also produces many of the same outcomes of war. When a country wants resources of another country often war is employed to conquer. We war among ourselves when we desire what others have, power others have, or relationships that others have.
The only way to dispel war is to turn control over to God, and focus on God. To pray and obey, then we diffuse the war within ourselves and without, but the flesh does not give in easily. We need God to help us keep peace, for we cannot do it in our own power.
The antichrist, after espousing peace, will need to consolidate his power, and gain control to do what he purposes to do, so war is a natural outcome of the false peace promised by the first rider. And of course war has the negative outcomes of famine and death.
Whenever we try to do things our way we muck up big time. In the OT, Israel began to reach its decline when it changed from a theocracy (rule by God) to a monarchy (rule by king), and God even warned them what would happen if they chose to be ruled by a king.
The first sign of downfall was shown in the poignant verse in Judges 21:25 “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Isn’t that what is happening today, do what you feel is right, what matters is me. Self-esteem, etc. Takes the focus off of God and leads us to the dangerous territory of feelings.
In I Samuel Israel demands a king, and Samuel warns the people in Chapter 8 that God told him verses 11-18 the things that will happen, the king would reign over their sons, appoint them for his chariots and horsemen, some will run before the chariots, captains, some will serve the king and reap his harvest, weapons of war will be made by some, the king will take daughters to be perfumers, cooks and bakers, and the king will take the best fields, vineyards, etc. A huge difference from rule by God, yet the people clamored for a king. From the time of Saul on, Israel was under the rulership of kings, some good/some bad, mostly bad unfortunately. Then Israel lost their ability to rule when they were dispersed throughout the nations after A.D.70 when the temple was destroyed. But never fear the best king is yet to come for Israel, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
But until then, with the earth in crisis, check out Matthew 24 and 25, people will be clamoring for a strong leader to bring peace on the earth, this leader will come forward, promising peace, war will ensue, and unfortunately those left on earth are in for a rough time.
Heather
Comments (29)
ryc: I think He does pamper us in just the ways we need when we need it. But when the chips are down, we can be assured He knows what He is doing to chisel that diamond out of the lump of coal. He knows my name…. Ps 139
Hey there Heather! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!! I hope you’re doing well and that God is continually healing and blessing you!! hugs and prayers!
Happy Valentines Day!
Happy Valentines Day to you too! I too am praying that God will romance your heart not only today but everyday! There is a wonderful story in Captivating that talks about God romancing our hearts and sending us kisses each day! ( I remeber you mentioning it for you to read book…its soooo good!) Thank you again for sharing what you are learning! have a wonderful day!
” Whenever we try to do things our way we muck up big time.” Oh, how true! Funny, I was about to send out Valentine’s wishes to the “W”s on my subscription list, and there you were!
Happy Valentines Day!
Jim
As the days go by I realize more and more clearly what a clever wit and funnybone you have. I love it. Happy Valentines Day.
You are just such a blessing. You have no idea.
Heather, Thank you for responding to my question. I really do not know you but thanks again. God is such a wonderful person. I am so glad to be a part of the family of God. Blessings to you and coorespond anytime you wish. PEL
Happy Valentine’s Day! Yes, my kids interrupted my classes all day yesterday to bring me valentines. They were so cute!
God may not lift us out of the storm but he certainly walks through it with us.
Oh that we have the faith to trust in His ways!
thank you heather…i know that you have a great ministry right here! keep it up and i wish you all the best also!
Hey Heather.. thanks for the comment…….Hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day! T
Thank you so much for your prayers, that means a lot. I think I’ve almost kicked this thing!!!!
It is always interesting that when we try to do things our own way we always fail, at least ultimately. Sometimes it seems to work out for a while.
Tim
RYC: I am really eager to hear about how you met my husband over a clogged toilet! It sounds so interesting. Please tell it!!
I’ll be back to comment on this post, sometime this afternoon or evening . . . after my student leaves for the day. I’ll “curl up w/ a cup of tea”, & join you in the Bible study!
Hi Heather,
Thank you! How are you?
Ahhhh….RYC—me too.
Can I ask your oppinions about the paranormal?
Annette
Thanks….yes many were touched, and many made decisions. God was really moving among us, and lots of our youth grew much closer to their heavenly father – that’s about as good as it gets. Have a blessed week. <><>
Yes, this is the day of me-me-me. I’m looking forward to my next life!
Wow, you are full of wisdom and insight. I will fix me some Coffee early tomorrow morning and come read more of your xanga. I appreciate all the time you put in my questions too. I am aware the spirit world can be very deceptive, like human beings, but I am also aware of a lot of good in the spiritual too. Being that I am a sensitive, all my life, I was raised knowing I was a little bit of a different kind of Christian. I am left to question some of my own Scriptural Doctrine, but that doesn’t mean I question the one true God and his love. I’m a trinity Christian, raised a Southern Babtist traditionally and I grew up in church. I never practiced spiritualism. I don’t seek it out, it finds me often but I’m not afraid and like converting an evil heart to christianity, the spirit world too approaches me with bad too, not all good. God is the ruler over it all I believe and no harm will ever come to me. My faith is strong and for the most part, the spirit assist and works in my favor. It is a world I have to figure out though, that is why all my life I have asked questions like the one I asked you. Experience seems to be the best way in getting that wisdom because “Sensitives” are truely few and far between. In fact, in person, I’ve never come accross one. Not one of God’s service. I have come accross a miracle worker before, as a child and I remember him but I don’t think he was a man of God’s service with his gift. My gift is quite similar to that of the show “Medium”. Her gift is much more sensitive if it isn’t exaggerated story. I have less psychic dreams and more communication I can hear through feeling and I do know it is the spirit world I’m communicating with. If you don’t believe Angels to be dead souls (I don’t) then not all of the souls are limbo souls I have the power to listen too. I do get guided into christian service for other poeple. Often though, I don’t mention my gift. It isn’t for all to know. My sacred heart is better protected doing God’s will without others having to know how I get information, sometimes about them. I can give you an example of the gift (a recent one). I am writing letters to two siblings, one adopted I never knew growing up. One (debbie) is an older half sister adopted out at birth. Her adopted parents died as she grew and now that we are in our 30′s and ready to meet each other (we weren’t always aware of each other), I found myself at home one sunday morning before I got out of bed communicating with her parents who had crossed over. They took on no form I could see but I could hear and communicate. They had a request of me, they wanted me to tell Debbie of my gifted spirit and speak of thier love for her. They wanted me to refer to them as “Mom and Dad” before her respecting thier position as her parents. Both spirits were there with me that morning. This is how the spirit calls me to service, not always for God but good reasons. I will tell Debbie I am a spiritualist in time and give her the message from her parents when she is ready and I am ready. I don’t want to frighten debbie with my unbelievable gift.That often happens to me.
I seek questions knowing alot of answers for the experienced insight others also have. You are a rare jewel to find Heather. I appreciate all you wrote. I will sieze the opportunity and read your xanga. I believe in most all you had to say. Your so admired. The gift of healing is a miraculous gift, do you still have that? my mom at 9 was healed of cancer by a penecostal prayer that way. She was one out of 100 children to survive her type of cancer. God is great hua. Log on anytime, I truley enjoy your company and all the time you put into me. If you have any insight for me personaly, gosh, I’d love to hear it. I will keep company with the wise and experienced anyday!:)
Your new christian friend in faith, Annette
hope you had a blessed and lovely valentine’s day
)
That verse about people doing what was right in their own eyes during the time of the judges is telling, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Funny that God wanted them to have judges but allowed them to have a king only after protesting. I find it funny God would protest man’s action yet go along with it anyway, but that’s another story. So anyway, weren’t men doing what was right in their own eyes by instituting a king? They did what they thought was right in their own eyes when they crucified Jesus and when they built the tower of Babel and when they crossed the ocean to escape religious oppression. Do we go with God, or do we ask God to go with us?
Heather… just wanted to say, “Hi!” and “Thank you!” for your faithful prayers for me during this difficult time with my heart health. I’m being referred to a new cardiologist for a number of reasons ~ that’s a little scary, but I know Doc has my best interest at heart… I trust him 100%! Anyway, just know that I haven’t forgotten you ~ lying in bed so much of the time is giving me LOTS of special prayertime with my Father God… I’m still praying at least twice a day for my XangaLand sisters (only missed one day, and that was Monday when everything went wrong heart-wise). If I don’t get back by for a while, don’t worry… I will return! Just have to take it slow right now.
Do take care of yourself, Heather! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
In Christian love,
thanks for doing what you do.
Wow…Life has been busy and I have missed getting to stop by here…Despite my busy days, I am praying for you, dear sister…With much love, Paula
I was lead to study the scripture 1Sam 28 about the “Medium” who served King Saul (A Christian King). She was called “The Witch of Endor”. She seemed so kind as a servant of her present King. I was wondering heather, why did King Saul in that scripture, feel a need to cut off the “mediums” and “spiritulist” from the land, in the first place. Did something happen that created that? In the end he ended up using one of these mediums himself to Summon up Samuels Ghost to find out why God wasn’t communicating with him through other spiritual accepted means in Christianity. In the end, he resorted to a “Medium”. Contradicting his own rules. Tell me, where in the bible does it say “Mediums” should never be used for the good and God’s purposes. Look at the Catholic spiritual leaders, they deal with all sorts of things, so they must know the good and the bad of it all.
Just curious and seeking more spiritual knowledge,
Annette.
Ps: Heather, I have a gift that is not accepted by my own faith, I find myself quite about it much to often. In my life the word “Medium” has always been something good. I don’t summon up spirits but I run into them often.
Annette, thanks for coming to my site! I do wish you would read the book, The Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelsen. I understand that you are believing that the medium work you are doing and the spirits that you are contacting are meant for good, but remember that there is satan who will deceive people, and seeks to mirror true experiences from God.
Before speaking about the witch of Endor you may want to recall that the reason Saul sought her is because he did not obey God and God removed the Holy Spirit from Saul and passed it on to David. In those days, unlike Christians who have the Holy Spirit today, the Holy Spirit would stay with a selected person until there was a reason for Him to move on.
In I Samuel 16 Saul realized that the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and that a distressing spirit troubled him. He became very jealous of David and repeatedly tried to kill David, but David acted honorably, choosing to let God deal with Saul. God is the one that made the commandment to come to Him, not to a medium or witch or sorcerer, and Saul initially forbade them to be in Israel. For a time he obeyed God, but when, after a life-time of disobedience to God, Saul’s encampment was surrounded by Philistines, Saul got scared (chapter 28), and disguised himself (did not go as whom he was) and sought the Witch of Endor because God was not speaking to Saul. She might have physically fed him, but the message she gave him was not comforting. She saw Samuel (although I believe it was a familar spirit that looked like Samuel) who pronounced in verse 19 “Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me…” That means that Saul and his sons were to be killed in this battle. That would not have been a comforting message.
When people say that they are mediums I often wonder the source of what they are receiving. See, satan will counterfeit everything God does. You can see that in the book of Revelation when the beast receives a mortal wound and is raised up. The spirits that you may be seeking may look good externally, but pray and ask God to reveal what they really are to you. Often they are not the etheral spirits that one thinks.
Once a person is dead they do not return to the earth as spirits, nor do they return in reincarnation. There is no Biblical proof of that. If we have asked Jesus to be the ruler in our lives and repented of our sins, and asked Jesus to forgive us, the Bible passage 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” When we, as Christians die, we are present with Jesus, and I guarantee that we will not be seeking the earth or people on the earth, for we will be fulfilled in the place that Jesus prepared for us. He knows us so well that he knows the number of hairs on our head. No way will He not prepare a wonderful place for us.
Those who do not know Jesus are sent to Death and Hades, where they will wait until the end times for a chance to face the judgement seat of God, and God will judge their deeds. I would not want to be in that group because I know that, while I do good, I could never do enough good, or be perfect, that there are sins that I needed forgiving for. I needed Jesus to cleanse me.
There are many people, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, who do speak words of truth and wisdom over people. This is not to be confused with mediums, for these people are getting their information straight from the Holy Spirit and God, and what they share with people will bring them closer to God.
One interesting study to do is to check out the reaction of people whom Jesus healed. When they were healed they always praised God, they never praised Jesus. Jesus made the focus of the healed peoples’ worship God, not himself. Many of the secular mediums are more intersted in THEIR prophesies, THEIR true statements, not that it would bring people to God.
A demon can imitate an angel of light, a demon can imitate a spiritual being, a demon can imitate a dead person, a demon can read us so well by our actions and words to know what we want to hear and play back “comforting” words to us, to make us feel better, to get us to believe a lie. And a demon knows the word of God so well (look at the temptation of Jesus) for demons, before they became fallen angels, were up in Heaven in God’s praise and worship choir, they know what God said and can use the spiritual words, with a twist, to lead a person astray. Please be careful what and whom you invoke.
Many people spend their lives looking for the supernatural, in big and grand things, but miss the supernatural in the little things like the Word of God, like the blessing of a new day, like a small act of kindness, a spiritual insight. Often God works so quietly that we don’t observe Him behind the scenes.
From the occult studies I have done, I can honestly tell you that dealing in the realm of mediums can leave one open for trouble. But, God will use you if you are open, honest, humble, and willing to obey Him, and it may seem to be the same sort of power used, but trust me, the focus is different.
I hope this is clear, I still recommend reading that book and finding a good pastor that you trust to talk with regarding these issues. Pastor Don spent endless hours with me sorting out much of this,
Heather
Huggs to you
Blessings,
kim