February 19, 2006
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This was quite the challenging day. The kids were testing their limits, and I held out for apologies before privileges would be given like eating snacks or IM’ing. Do you really survive the teenage years? I am feeling like I want to go on a looooong vacation, say about six years, or am lovingly thinking of cryogenics for a few years until the difficult times are past. One plus of the teenage years is that I am often driven to pray.
Thinking of Revelation and the rapture I am contemplating “Beam me up Jesus”, oh well, guess we must wait until the right time, which only God knows!
Anyway, in Revelation we were discussing the opening of the seals, and seeing how Jesus was the only one worthy to break the seals on the title deed of Earth, how those on Earth are thinking that it is God’s wrath, when in reality it is the results of their sinful behaviors coming home to roost.
Seal one was the white horse, the rider had a bow and a crown, and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. The odds favor this being the antichrist, for the crown is stephanos, a temporary crown given to a victor in a contest, one that will fade, and the rider has a bow, but no arrows. Remember a white horse does not necessarily mean good.
Seal two was a companion, a fiery red horse, and the one who sat on it was to take peace from the earth, people kill one another, and there was given to him a great sword. When peace is not from God, and is a peace that comes from conquering, the peace will not last, for man-made peace is filled with flaws. We will not have true peace until the millennium when Jesus comes to rule and reign for the 1000 years.
The third seal is a rider on a black horse, carrying scales in his hand. And a voice in the midst of the four living creatures says, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and the wine.” This is obviously famine, something that often accompanies war, for people are not there to farm their land, and the land is often destroyed in a war. A denaris is a day’s wage, and that means that there is little food, for one quart of wheat is not enough to keep a person alive for a day. What is sad is that the objects of luxury, the oil and wine are not limited. When there is famine and scarcity, rationing is an end result. Such rationing also helps to consolidate the power of whatever leader is in power, for the people are beholden to the leader for their sustenance.
Amos 8:11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”
There are more kinds of famine than just lack of food. Jesus told satan that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. In our day and time there is a famine of the Word of God, and that is sad because when real crisises come we are going to not have the weapons to fight the problems, for our problems are not of the earth only, but also of principalities and powers, things that we don’t see. Best we fill up on the Word of God, know the scripture, know that the Bible has to say so that we are not sleeping when the end comes, but are ready to do what must be done. To fight the good fight and to recognize which way the wind is blowing.
I have to tell you that the antichrist’s companions of war and famine are frightening, and unfortunately they lead to even worse problems.
I am so grateful that God has given us His Word, His Prophesies so that we are not taken unawares, and can know what is happening. I suspect that as time draws nearer for the ultimate battles, the attacks of the world will increase more. I was saddened to hear that Christians in Nigeria were killed today by Muslims for the “sin” of being a Christian. Times are getting tougher and tougher.
Tomorrow my brood has a day off from school. Not sure what we want to do. One has a cold, so skiing is out for him, one has a ton of homework (which could have been done today, but nooooo). My daughter isn’t going to be happy with any choice of plans if her brothers are along for the ride. Me, I would love to sleep late, but can’t. I pray for a peaceful day tomorrow, I could use one of those.
Hope you have a blessed night,
Heather
Comments (5)
Being a parent is sooo hard! Every phase of it has its challenges! I hate hormones!! We’ll get through it! I hope tomorrow is peaceful for you! I read about the murdered Christians too,how sad.Makes me realize how we take everything here in the good ole USA for granted.
Believe it or not you do survive teenage years! Some psychologists call it “second adolescence,” the “terrible twos” being the “first adolescence.” Remember those terrible two years? The child is just becoming aware of him/herself as a separate person with his/her own wishes and desires, so everything is “no”. Teen years are similar. They’re not little kids any more, they have raging hormones that evoke emotions they have no idea what to do with, and they want autonomy they’re not ready for yet. Deep inside, believe it or not, they DO want boundaries. But it’s a battle of wills at times. Hang tough, pray for patience and wisdom, and this, too, shall pass:) We moms have to stick together! in Him, Gerrie
Hoping you have a peaceful day tomorrow!
Have a blessed day!
Michele
You’ll survive the teenage years, but you’ll do it with less battle scars if you follow the Leader. We raised seven; six of ours and one grandchild. I’d like to tell you it gets easier, but we’re now the grandparents of seventeen, and there are still trials and troubles that require our help. Prayer and the pomises of God are what keeps me sane.
Choose a peaceful activity for tomorrow so you won’t get totally worn out.
Yes, you’ll survive since you know Jesus…hahaha! Get you some knee pads! I did it three times, my knees are a little scuffed up and I did have some hair left, but thank God I made it! I’ll be praying for you too. love you