Just watching Obama & all his early endorsements and early followers I thought I would repost what I wrote when he first announced his run for President:
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Barack Obama - be informed
Barack Obama
http://www.barackobama.com/
He just announced his intent to run for President in 2008
He has had an amazing rise to power, fame and popularity
He has a message to bridge the divide between Democrats and Republicans.
He said his name means “one who’s blessed”
He says there is no black or white. He is a child of a black father, white mother who were divorced when he was two.
He has an “Amazing ability to talk between divides”
“he gives a sense of hope”
…no differences in anything – we must all be the same and united
Attends United Church of Christ.
More info on United Church of Christ:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ
The motto of the United Church of Christ comes from John 17:21: "That they may all be one.
The text displayed on the screen says "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we."
The resolution "In support of equal marriage rights for all", supported by an estimated 80% of the 884 General Synod Delegates, made the United Church of Christ General Synod the first major Christian deliberative body in the U.S. to make a statement of support for equal marriage rights for all people
The language used that asserts no distinction between same sex marriage and different sex marriage.
United Church of Christ General Synod XV also passed two resolutions concerning the conflict between Israel and Palestinians in the Middle East, calls upon Israel to remove the separation barrier between Israel and the West Bank. Opponents of the "Tear Down the Wall" resolution have noted that the wall's purpose is to prevent terrorist attacks, and that the resolution does not call for a stop to these attacks.
In 2007, the UCC will hold its General Synod 26. It will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UCC.
Howard Dean and Bill Gates also attend.
[edit] Controversial "God Is Still Speaking" identity campaign
Main article: God is Still Speaking
Example from UCC media branding campaign
At the 2003 General Synod, the United Church of Christ began a campaign with "emphasis on expanding the UCC's name-brand identity through modern advertising and marketing."[15] that was formally launched Advent 2004. The campaign included coordinated program of evangelism and hospitality training for congregations paired with national and local television "brand" advertising, known as the "God is Still Speaking" campaign or "The Stillspeaking Initiative." The initiative was themed around the quote "Never place a period where God has placed a comma,"
Blessings,
Tony
Posted by Tony Ellsworth at 10:43 AM 0 comments
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Candlemas & Groundhog's Day: Early Spring for the Bride?
"The serpent will come from the hole
On the brown Day of Bride,
Though there should be three feet of snow
On the flat surface of the ground."
February 2nd/3rd is many holidays in one.
Candlemas: Purification of the Virgin & Presentation of Jesus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlemas_Day
Groundhogs Day: First celebrated in Pennsylvania & New York, weather & early spring prognostication. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_day
Imbloc: Thought to be the Pagan precursor to Groundhogs day. Satan never creates only deceives. See what truth is left here once you carve away his lies. The above poem is from this day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc
All three have potential Rapture implications. Here are but a few:
1. 40 days from Christmas (Candlemas)
2. Purification of the Virgin. Those ready are described as such. (Candlemas)
3. Presentation of Jesus. We are a model of Jesus, a presentation of the man-child at the heavenly temple in New Jerusalem (Candlemas)
4. Early Spring or more winter? Doesn’t it seem odd that when the groundhog does not see his shadow because of gloomy conditions it is time for early spring? When it is most gloomy this is when our Savior will finally bring spring. (All 3 have a version of this regarding Spring)
5. This is when the prophet & prophetess, Simeon & Anna saw their Savior in the temple after a long wait. – Luke 2:22-40 (Candlemas)
6. Marks the end of the Epiphany season (Candlemas)
7. On a less serious note, watch the movie Groundhog’s Day w/ Bill Murray. He is doomed to repeat the day (refinement) until he can have a good heart. Unintentionally, rather prophetic. (Groundhog’s Day)
8. Fire and purification are an important aspect of this festival. (Imbloc)
9. The above poem with reference to the serpent and the bride. (Imbloc)
10. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. (Revelation & Sun representing Jesus’ rein). – (Imbloc)
11. Among agrarian peoples, Imbolc has been traditionally associated with the onset of lactation of ewes, soon to give birth to the spring lambs. (Imbloc)
12. In Irish, Imbolc (pronounced im'olk) from the Old Irish, meaning "in the belly" (i mbolg), referring to the pregnancy of ewes, and is also a Celtic term for spring. (Imbloc)
Blessings,
Tony
On the brown Day of Bride,
Though there should be three feet of snow
On the flat surface of the ground."
February 2nd/3rd is many holidays in one.
Candlemas: Purification of the Virgin & Presentation of Jesus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlemas_Day
Groundhogs Day: First celebrated in Pennsylvania & New York, weather & early spring prognostication. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_day
Imbloc: Thought to be the Pagan precursor to Groundhogs day. Satan never creates only deceives. See what truth is left here once you carve away his lies. The above poem is from this day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc
All three have potential Rapture implications. Here are but a few:
1. 40 days from Christmas (Candlemas)
2. Purification of the Virgin. Those ready are described as such. (Candlemas)
3. Presentation of Jesus. We are a model of Jesus, a presentation of the man-child at the heavenly temple in New Jerusalem (Candlemas)
4. Early Spring or more winter? Doesn’t it seem odd that when the groundhog does not see his shadow because of gloomy conditions it is time for early spring? When it is most gloomy this is when our Savior will finally bring spring. (All 3 have a version of this regarding Spring)
5. This is when the prophet & prophetess, Simeon & Anna saw their Savior in the temple after a long wait. – Luke 2:22-40 (Candlemas)
6. Marks the end of the Epiphany season (Candlemas)
7. On a less serious note, watch the movie Groundhog’s Day w/ Bill Murray. He is doomed to repeat the day (refinement) until he can have a good heart. Unintentionally, rather prophetic. (Groundhog’s Day)
8. Fire and purification are an important aspect of this festival. (Imbloc)
9. The above poem with reference to the serpent and the bride. (Imbloc)
10. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. (Revelation & Sun representing Jesus’ rein). – (Imbloc)
11. Among agrarian peoples, Imbolc has been traditionally associated with the onset of lactation of ewes, soon to give birth to the spring lambs. (Imbloc)
12. In Irish, Imbolc (pronounced im'olk) from the Old Irish, meaning "in the belly" (i mbolg), referring to the pregnancy of ewes, and is also a Celtic term for spring. (Imbloc)
Blessings,
Tony
Electrical Universe & potential Rapture implications
January 22nd is one week before January 29th & TU 24
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_2008_stock_market_downturn (January 22nd)
http://www.tu24.org/ (January 29th) – Asteroid & electrical Universe
Candlemas on February 2nd/3rd, Saturday & Sunday to follow: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlemas
I had mentioned January 22nd and February 2nd/3rd as watch days. I came to these days through an intersection of personal testimony & Jewish and Christian feast days. However, my wife & I are leaving by air to New Mexico from Omaha to Denver flying over the Rocky Mountains for our job at the Open Door Mission on the 29th. The Southern Rocky Mountains are in New Mexico and on Saturday February 2nd we plan to be at the “Blood of Christ Mountains” at Glorieta Pass http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_of_christ_mountains
From my personal testimony that happened last year January 22nd was a delay and prelude to finality on February 2nd.
You never know what will happen for sure, but we are to be “watchers”. I will be watching with great anticipation from January 29th – February 3rd.
There is a lot more information at my website under the blog section.
Blessings,
Tony
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_2008_stock_market_downturn (January 22nd)
http://www.tu24.org/ (January 29th) – Asteroid & electrical Universe
Candlemas on February 2nd/3rd, Saturday & Sunday to follow: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlemas
I had mentioned January 22nd and February 2nd/3rd as watch days. I came to these days through an intersection of personal testimony & Jewish and Christian feast days. However, my wife & I are leaving by air to New Mexico from Omaha to Denver flying over the Rocky Mountains for our job at the Open Door Mission on the 29th. The Southern Rocky Mountains are in New Mexico and on Saturday February 2nd we plan to be at the “Blood of Christ Mountains” at Glorieta Pass http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_of_christ_mountains
From my personal testimony that happened last year January 22nd was a delay and prelude to finality on February 2nd.
You never know what will happen for sure, but we are to be “watchers”. I will be watching with great anticipation from January 29th – February 3rd.
There is a lot more information at my website under the blog section.
Blessings,
Tony
Monday, January 21, 2008
Jan 22nd: Tu B'Shevat - Tree Day!
Throughout the centuries, Kabbalists have used the tree as a metaphor to understand God's relationship to the spiritual and physical worlds. (Aish.com)
Trees are rooted in the earth, but reach up towards the sky. They bear fruit. In spring they grow leaves, in fall they turn colors and in winter they lose their leaves to start all over again. Through the Bible at times God’s people improperly worshipped trees. Although this is true, Trees have a connection to the spiritual which is not improper.
Remember that “it” all started in the Garden of Eden of an issue of the fruit of a tree. And there were two significant Trees in the Garden, the Tree of Life & the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.
Let’s look at Abraham and Oaks:
Genesis 12:6
6Abram passed through the land as far as the site of (A)Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land
Genesis 13:18
18Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the (A)oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built (B)an altar to the LORD.
Genesis 14:13
Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram.
Genesis 18:1
[ Birth of Isaac Promised ] Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.
Also Jacob before God named him Israel:
Genesis 35:3-5
3and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make (A)an altar there to God, (B)who answered me in the day of my distress and (C)has been with me wherever I have gone."
4So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.
5As they journeyed, there was (D)a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.
And verse 10
10(O)God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name." Thus He called him Israel.
Oaks are mentioned multiple times with Joshua and the Promised Land…
Gideon when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him:
Judges 6:18-20
18"Please do not depart from here, until I come back to You, and bring out my offering and lay it before You." And He said, "I will remain until you return."
19Then Gideon went in and (A)prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an [a]ephah of flour; he put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them.
20The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And he did so.
Also:
Anointing of Saul as King
Absalom when his hair became caught on a tree was an Oak.
Jesus & trees
Isaiah 61:3
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called Oaks of Righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Jesus in his ministry, as prophetic fulfillment of himself read most of what appeared right before this verse regarding “Oaks of Righteousness”. Some translations simply say Trees vs. Oaks and I think this leaves something important out. Oak is a symbol of strength and quality and it fits the context of what this section of Isaiah is saying. Let’s read on to see what else it says about these “Oaks of Righteousness”…
Mark 8:23-25 (King James Version)
23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
I believe that this is in God’s word for a reason. Did Jesus accidentally do this? No. Is it recorded by accident. No. So why did Jesus allow this man in the healing to see men as trees. Why the mention in Isaiah? There is something more here than a metaphor.
Since the Holy Temple was destroyed, the Jewish people could no longer bring the First Fruits (Bikkurim) to Jerusalem. On Tu B'Shvat we offer instead the fruit of our lips, to praise God for all the fruit trees in the world. (Aish.com)
Tu B’Shvat is known as Rosh Hashanah for trees. Since we know that Rosh Hashanah has a tie in with the Rapture and trees has a tie in with God’s planting or elect and that this holiday has a connection with first fruits as well, it certainly bears watching.
Tu B’ Shvat marks the 1st day of Spring in Israel.
The Mishnah in Tractate Rosh Hashana says that Tu B'Shvat is New Year for the TREE (singular). This reference to a singular tree alludes to The Tree -- the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. (Aish.com)
Last Year I wrote the below about Tu B’ Shvat which was on February 2nd and the same day as Candlemas (purification of the virgin and the presentation of Jesus at the Temple). I am watching January 22nd and February 2nd/3rd very carefully this year.
Also, notice that the riders mentioned below are seen by Zechariah in the 11th month on the 24th day. This would be January 31st this year.
Tree of Life
(Written January 9, 2007)
Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast.
Trees…
Branches, roots, and fruit – can we glean anything from this?
February 2nd this year is Tu B'Shevat, also known as Rosh Hashana for trees.
It is interesting that this falls in the “Season of Esther” – the month of Tebeth until Purim. Hadassa means “Flowering Myrtle Tree”. Maybe there is something to learn here.
Myrtle Tree:
It has yellowish-white blossoms, and blooms in February or early March. The nuts are mature about October. Further proof of God’s Sovereignty and that he forms us in the womb. Hadassah is Esther’s Jewish name. Purim is of course the Jewish holiday named after Esther and Mordecai who overthrew the evil Haman and his plot against God’s people. This holiday takes place in February or March each year.
God always leaves much deep meaning for us to glean from. The “fruit” of this tree, which are nuts mature about October. The branches of this tree are used in Sukkoth. Also, they are used as wedding decorations.
Through struggles and stress, Myrtle trees form beautiful pictures in their wood. With a little imagination one can see animals, ocean scenes, mountains, or rivers. If you are lucky enough to find a piece with a pink or orange streak, you may even see a sunset.
Also, they grow in lush valleys and are nearly symmetrical and look already pruned when they in fact have not been.
Here are a couple of interesting Bible passages on Myrtle trees that are deeply prophetic. Like Esther/Hadassah, these trees represent a select people God has a special plan for:
Zechariah 1:7-17
"Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be. And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth. And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest. Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years? And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words. So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem"
Clearly the horses and riders are angelic riders, one of them probably Jesus. Since they are positioned among the Myrtle trees they are there for defense and protection. You’ve heard the saying the “fruit grows in the valley”. The Myrtle trees grow and grow their fruit in the valley. Their fruit comes full in the fall, with their blossoms corresponding to Purim or a time of war and defense. Through stress (refinement by YHWH) each develops a unique pattern (Spiritual gifting/character).
Also Isaiah 55:13
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign.
and
When you come to the land and you plant any tree, you shall treat its fruit as forbidden; for three years it will be forbidden and not eaten. In the fourth year, all of its fruit shall be sanctified to praise the LORD. In the fifth year, you may eat its fruit. -Leviticus 19:23-25
From the Judiasm 101 website:
There are four new years... the first of Shevat is the new year for trees according to the ruling of Beit Shammai; Beit Hillel, however, places it on the fifteenth of that month. -Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:1
Tu B'Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees.
Jewish Year 5767 : sunset February 2, 2007 - nightfall February 3, 2007
According to www.hebrew4christians.com Tu B’Shevat marks the first day of Spring in Israel as well.
YHWH cares about trees, had rules to live by and also compared them to man. There is no doubt they have a connection to man, which we will go into further later. Israel even got them in trouble for worshipping trees. Seem silly? Well, there are lots of things that we don’t understand in our secular society now that made spiritual sense that we have lost. We will find that although these practices were idolatry much that was done long ago was not because people were some sort of “Neanderthals” and didn’t have our science, but rather it is we who have lost a deep understanding of the origins and deep truths. However, this is no excuse to worship trees.
Deuteronomy 20:19
19"When you besiege a city a long time, to make war against it in order to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by swinging an axe against them; for you may eat from them, and you shall not cut them down. For is the tree of the field a man, that it should be besieged by you?
Again from the www.hebrew4christians website:
A story from the Talmud discusses planting trees for subsequent generations. This story represents the concept of tikkun olam – the repair of the world.
Isaiah 55:12 “…and the trees of the fields will clap their hands…”
Isaiah 60:13 “The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the juniper, the box tree and the cypress together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I shall make the place of My feet glorious.”
Who are these trees? What will this mean?
It looks like there are many types, and with many types comes many meanings. I have to go to the most prominent place I can think of regarding trees and start there:
Isaiah 61:3
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called Oaks of Righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Jesus in his ministry, as prophetic fulfillment of himself read most of what appeared right before this verse regarding “Oaks of Righteousness”. Some translations simply say Trees vs. Oaks and I think this leaves something important out. Oak is a symbol of strength and quality and it fits the context of what this section of Isaiah is saying. Let’s read on to see what else it says about these “Oaks of Righteousness”…
What they will do (4 is the number of earth):
4Then they will (L)rebuild the ancient ruins,
They will raise up the former devastations;
And they will repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.
What they will possess (5 is the number of Grace):
5(M)Strangers will stand and pasture your flocks,
And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers.
What their official position is (6 is the number of man):
6But you will be called the (N)priests of the LORD;
You will be spoken of as (O)ministers of our God
You will eat the (P)wealth of nations,
And in their riches you will boast.
Their redemption (7 is God’s number – Spiritual Perfection):
7Instead of your (Q)shame you will have a (R)double portion,
And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion
Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land,
(S)Everlasting joy will be theirs.
Justice and a New Covenant! (8 is God’s number for new beginnings)
8For I, the LORD, (T)love justice,
I hate robbery in the burnt offering;
And I will faithfully give them their recompense
And make an (U)everlasting covenant with them.
Their family will be blessed (9 is the last chance plague for Pharaoh, who lost his firstborn – 9 is finality)
9Then their offspring will be known among the nations,
And their descendants in the midst of the peoples.
All who see them will recognize them
Because they are the (V)offspring whom the LORD has blessed.
Rejoicing and Marriage (10 is the number for ordinal completion)
10I will (W)rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in (X)my God;
For He has (Y)clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And (Z)as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
New beginnings (11 is the number for change, redemption for the righteous and judgment for the wicked. It comes right after 10 which is ordinal completion and before 12 which is the number for earthly government)
11For as the (AA)earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,
So the Lord GOD will (AB)cause (AC)righteousness and praise
To spring up before all the nations.
Let’s look at Abraham and Oaks:
Genesis 12:6
6Abram passed through the land as far as the site of (A)Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land
Genesis 13:18
18Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the (A)oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built (B)an altar to the LORD.
Genesis 14:13
Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram.
Genesis 18:1
[ Birth of Isaac Promised ] Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.
Also Jacob before God named him Israel:
Genesis 35:3-5
3and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make (A)an altar there to God, (B)who answered me in the day of my distress and (C)has been with me wherever I have gone."
4So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.
5As they journeyed, there was (D)a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.
And verse 10
10(O)God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name." Thus He called him Israel.
Oaks are mentioned multiple times with Joshua and the Promised Land…
Gideon when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him:
Judges 6:18-20
18"Please do not depart from here, until I come back to You, and bring out my offering and lay it before You." And He said, "I will remain until you return."
19Then Gideon went in and (A)prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an [a]ephah of flour; he put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them.
20The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And he did so.
Also:
Anointing of Saul as King
Absalom when his hair became caught on a tree was an Oak.
If you do some reading and searching regarding Oaks in the Bible you will see both good and bad. It really started out good and Isaiah prophesies about the Oaks of Righteousness. Israel with it’s fallen human nature took something good and worshipped the created instead of the Creator.
There is a lot more to study on trees in the Bible, but this is a good start.
Blessings,
Tony
Trees are rooted in the earth, but reach up towards the sky. They bear fruit. In spring they grow leaves, in fall they turn colors and in winter they lose their leaves to start all over again. Through the Bible at times God’s people improperly worshipped trees. Although this is true, Trees have a connection to the spiritual which is not improper.
Remember that “it” all started in the Garden of Eden of an issue of the fruit of a tree. And there were two significant Trees in the Garden, the Tree of Life & the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.
Let’s look at Abraham and Oaks:
Genesis 12:6
6Abram passed through the land as far as the site of (A)Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land
Genesis 13:18
18Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the (A)oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built (B)an altar to the LORD.
Genesis 14:13
Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram.
Genesis 18:1
[ Birth of Isaac Promised ] Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.
Also Jacob before God named him Israel:
Genesis 35:3-5
3and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make (A)an altar there to God, (B)who answered me in the day of my distress and (C)has been with me wherever I have gone."
4So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.
5As they journeyed, there was (D)a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.
And verse 10
10(O)God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name." Thus He called him Israel.
Oaks are mentioned multiple times with Joshua and the Promised Land…
Gideon when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him:
Judges 6:18-20
18"Please do not depart from here, until I come back to You, and bring out my offering and lay it before You." And He said, "I will remain until you return."
19Then Gideon went in and (A)prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an [a]ephah of flour; he put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them.
20The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And he did so.
Also:
Anointing of Saul as King
Absalom when his hair became caught on a tree was an Oak.
Jesus & trees
Isaiah 61:3
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called Oaks of Righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Jesus in his ministry, as prophetic fulfillment of himself read most of what appeared right before this verse regarding “Oaks of Righteousness”. Some translations simply say Trees vs. Oaks and I think this leaves something important out. Oak is a symbol of strength and quality and it fits the context of what this section of Isaiah is saying. Let’s read on to see what else it says about these “Oaks of Righteousness”…
Mark 8:23-25 (King James Version)
23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
I believe that this is in God’s word for a reason. Did Jesus accidentally do this? No. Is it recorded by accident. No. So why did Jesus allow this man in the healing to see men as trees. Why the mention in Isaiah? There is something more here than a metaphor.
Since the Holy Temple was destroyed, the Jewish people could no longer bring the First Fruits (Bikkurim) to Jerusalem. On Tu B'Shvat we offer instead the fruit of our lips, to praise God for all the fruit trees in the world. (Aish.com)
Tu B’Shvat is known as Rosh Hashanah for trees. Since we know that Rosh Hashanah has a tie in with the Rapture and trees has a tie in with God’s planting or elect and that this holiday has a connection with first fruits as well, it certainly bears watching.
Tu B’ Shvat marks the 1st day of Spring in Israel.
The Mishnah in Tractate Rosh Hashana says that Tu B'Shvat is New Year for the TREE (singular). This reference to a singular tree alludes to The Tree -- the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. (Aish.com)
Last Year I wrote the below about Tu B’ Shvat which was on February 2nd and the same day as Candlemas (purification of the virgin and the presentation of Jesus at the Temple). I am watching January 22nd and February 2nd/3rd very carefully this year.
Also, notice that the riders mentioned below are seen by Zechariah in the 11th month on the 24th day. This would be January 31st this year.
Tree of Life
(Written January 9, 2007)
Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast.
Trees…
Branches, roots, and fruit – can we glean anything from this?
February 2nd this year is Tu B'Shevat, also known as Rosh Hashana for trees.
It is interesting that this falls in the “Season of Esther” – the month of Tebeth until Purim. Hadassa means “Flowering Myrtle Tree”. Maybe there is something to learn here.
Myrtle Tree:
It has yellowish-white blossoms, and blooms in February or early March. The nuts are mature about October. Further proof of God’s Sovereignty and that he forms us in the womb. Hadassah is Esther’s Jewish name. Purim is of course the Jewish holiday named after Esther and Mordecai who overthrew the evil Haman and his plot against God’s people. This holiday takes place in February or March each year.
God always leaves much deep meaning for us to glean from. The “fruit” of this tree, which are nuts mature about October. The branches of this tree are used in Sukkoth. Also, they are used as wedding decorations.
Through struggles and stress, Myrtle trees form beautiful pictures in their wood. With a little imagination one can see animals, ocean scenes, mountains, or rivers. If you are lucky enough to find a piece with a pink or orange streak, you may even see a sunset.
Also, they grow in lush valleys and are nearly symmetrical and look already pruned when they in fact have not been.
Here are a couple of interesting Bible passages on Myrtle trees that are deeply prophetic. Like Esther/Hadassah, these trees represent a select people God has a special plan for:
Zechariah 1:7-17
"Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be. And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth. And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest. Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years? And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words. So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem"
Clearly the horses and riders are angelic riders, one of them probably Jesus. Since they are positioned among the Myrtle trees they are there for defense and protection. You’ve heard the saying the “fruit grows in the valley”. The Myrtle trees grow and grow their fruit in the valley. Their fruit comes full in the fall, with their blossoms corresponding to Purim or a time of war and defense. Through stress (refinement by YHWH) each develops a unique pattern (Spiritual gifting/character).
Also Isaiah 55:13
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign.
and
When you come to the land and you plant any tree, you shall treat its fruit as forbidden; for three years it will be forbidden and not eaten. In the fourth year, all of its fruit shall be sanctified to praise the LORD. In the fifth year, you may eat its fruit. -Leviticus 19:23-25
From the Judiasm 101 website:
There are four new years... the first of Shevat is the new year for trees according to the ruling of Beit Shammai; Beit Hillel, however, places it on the fifteenth of that month. -Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:1
Tu B'Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees.
Jewish Year 5767 : sunset February 2, 2007 - nightfall February 3, 2007
According to www.hebrew4christians.com Tu B’Shevat marks the first day of Spring in Israel as well.
YHWH cares about trees, had rules to live by and also compared them to man. There is no doubt they have a connection to man, which we will go into further later. Israel even got them in trouble for worshipping trees. Seem silly? Well, there are lots of things that we don’t understand in our secular society now that made spiritual sense that we have lost. We will find that although these practices were idolatry much that was done long ago was not because people were some sort of “Neanderthals” and didn’t have our science, but rather it is we who have lost a deep understanding of the origins and deep truths. However, this is no excuse to worship trees.
Deuteronomy 20:19
19"When you besiege a city a long time, to make war against it in order to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by swinging an axe against them; for you may eat from them, and you shall not cut them down. For is the tree of the field a man, that it should be besieged by you?
Again from the www.hebrew4christians website:
A story from the Talmud discusses planting trees for subsequent generations. This story represents the concept of tikkun olam – the repair of the world.
Isaiah 55:12 “…and the trees of the fields will clap their hands…”
Isaiah 60:13 “The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the juniper, the box tree and the cypress together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I shall make the place of My feet glorious.”
Who are these trees? What will this mean?
It looks like there are many types, and with many types comes many meanings. I have to go to the most prominent place I can think of regarding trees and start there:
Isaiah 61:3
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called Oaks of Righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Jesus in his ministry, as prophetic fulfillment of himself read most of what appeared right before this verse regarding “Oaks of Righteousness”. Some translations simply say Trees vs. Oaks and I think this leaves something important out. Oak is a symbol of strength and quality and it fits the context of what this section of Isaiah is saying. Let’s read on to see what else it says about these “Oaks of Righteousness”…
What they will do (4 is the number of earth):
4Then they will (L)rebuild the ancient ruins,
They will raise up the former devastations;
And they will repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.
What they will possess (5 is the number of Grace):
5(M)Strangers will stand and pasture your flocks,
And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers.
What their official position is (6 is the number of man):
6But you will be called the (N)priests of the LORD;
You will be spoken of as (O)ministers of our God
You will eat the (P)wealth of nations,
And in their riches you will boast.
Their redemption (7 is God’s number – Spiritual Perfection):
7Instead of your (Q)shame you will have a (R)double portion,
And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion
Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land,
(S)Everlasting joy will be theirs.
Justice and a New Covenant! (8 is God’s number for new beginnings)
8For I, the LORD, (T)love justice,
I hate robbery in the burnt offering;
And I will faithfully give them their recompense
And make an (U)everlasting covenant with them.
Their family will be blessed (9 is the last chance plague for Pharaoh, who lost his firstborn – 9 is finality)
9Then their offspring will be known among the nations,
And their descendants in the midst of the peoples.
All who see them will recognize them
Because they are the (V)offspring whom the LORD has blessed.
Rejoicing and Marriage (10 is the number for ordinal completion)
10I will (W)rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in (X)my God;
For He has (Y)clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And (Z)as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
New beginnings (11 is the number for change, redemption for the righteous and judgment for the wicked. It comes right after 10 which is ordinal completion and before 12 which is the number for earthly government)
11For as the (AA)earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,
So the Lord GOD will (AB)cause (AC)righteousness and praise
To spring up before all the nations.
Let’s look at Abraham and Oaks:
Genesis 12:6
6Abram passed through the land as far as the site of (A)Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land
Genesis 13:18
18Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the (A)oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built (B)an altar to the LORD.
Genesis 14:13
Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram.
Genesis 18:1
[ Birth of Isaac Promised ] Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.
Also Jacob before God named him Israel:
Genesis 35:3-5
3and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make (A)an altar there to God, (B)who answered me in the day of my distress and (C)has been with me wherever I have gone."
4So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.
5As they journeyed, there was (D)a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.
And verse 10
10(O)God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name." Thus He called him Israel.
Oaks are mentioned multiple times with Joshua and the Promised Land…
Gideon when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him:
Judges 6:18-20
18"Please do not depart from here, until I come back to You, and bring out my offering and lay it before You." And He said, "I will remain until you return."
19Then Gideon went in and (A)prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an [a]ephah of flour; he put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them.
20The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And he did so.
Also:
Anointing of Saul as King
Absalom when his hair became caught on a tree was an Oak.
If you do some reading and searching regarding Oaks in the Bible you will see both good and bad. It really started out good and Isaiah prophesies about the Oaks of Righteousness. Israel with it’s fallen human nature took something good and worshipped the created instead of the Creator.
There is a lot more to study on trees in the Bible, but this is a good start.
Blessings,
Tony
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Soldier, An economist, A Pastor
This sounds like some sort of joke, but as we struggle through war and terrorism, an economy that is about to collapse we are faced with a decision for the Republican candidate for President:
A Soldier: John McCain
A Economist: Mitt Romney
A Pastor: Mike Huckabee
For my vote I’m going with the prayer.
Blessings,
Tony
A Soldier: John McCain
A Economist: Mitt Romney
A Pastor: Mike Huckabee
For my vote I’m going with the prayer.
Blessings,
Tony
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
MIke Huckabee Contributions
I am new at this, but I did sign up as a Huckabee Ranger. You can read my earlier January blog in regards to my thoughts on Mike Huckabee for President. Please click on the link below if you would like to get more involved by contributions, emails or otherwise.
Thank you and Blessings! Tony Els
http://my.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Account.Fundraising
P.S. - If it is easier just to go to his site then my donor code is: R6326 I have a very small goal of raising $100 right now. If I meet that then I will move on from there!
Thank you and Blessings! Tony Els
http://my.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Account.Fundraising
P.S. - If it is easier just to go to his site then my donor code is: R6326 I have a very small goal of raising $100 right now. If I meet that then I will move on from there!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Rapture: Martha, Mary & Lazarus
I am watching closely the following dates:
January 22nd, which is Tu B’ Shevat, Rosh Hashanah for Trees, and marks the 1st day of Spring in Israel
And February 2nd/3rd which is Candlemas (40 days from Christmas) and the day of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin. It is also Groundhog day which is a mark for the timing of Spring.
I have really found the article regarding the archetype for the Rapture regarding Lazarus, Martha, Mary and Jesus extremely important. It clearly shows Martha as the “type” for the first fruits rapture, Mary as the main harvest rapture and Lazarus as the type for Israel. Read it for yourself with his explanation. It is really very, very good.
http://www.ffruits.org/firstfruits/lazarusarticle.aspx
Now regarding some of my thoughts on timing (not a prediction, but thoughts)
Lazarus’ raising from the dead is recorded in one book in the Bible – John. It is significant. Jesus shows before His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His death on the cross for us that He indeed can defeat death. This so upset the Religious leaders at the time that they not only decided to kill Jesus, but also Lazarus.
Everyday I spend time in prayer, meditation, study and trying to listen and discern God’s voice in regards to His will and certainly hoping for the Rapture. I know you do this as well. As I was thinking about what could be some of the most significant models in the Bible that would give us a clue. Before relooking at the article listed above that I had read some time ago, I knew that Jesus defeating death before the cross would be significant. Here is a supposition in regards to some of my thinking about the timeline:
In pondering, Acts clearly is a foreshadowing of the Church during the time of the tribulation. The Holy Spirit is poured out, tribulation occurs and it is after the ascension of Jesus and the raising of the dead.
We know the raising of Lazarus occurs before Palm Sunday and Passover. Even though Jesus raises Lazarus to show that He can indeed defeat death, Lazarus representing Israel, it is critical to show “all” that He can defeat death. In the Rapture death is defeated in a different manner than when the dead are raised, but it is a necessary requirement being that it was the penalty for sin which we have all inherited. Notice in the account that neither Martha or Mary die, but Lazarus dies. More important Jesus says this to Martha:
John 11:25-26 (KJV) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Earlier in the account we read Martha comes out first – this along with other clues tell us about the first fruit & main harvest:
John 11:20 (KJV) Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
I encourage you to read the article in full from the link above. I have the website listed at my blog section and you can read more about the coming dates there.
If this is a “model” and it is the only account in the book of John, then potentially we can draw something from this in regards to timing. Remember in Revelation John is called up to Heaven and then sees the Lamb that is slain. We know this Lamb to be Jesus who has died for our sins. I believe that even though the Rapture is miraculous that this account in Revelation is accurate and like John says he does, we may weep greatly at our own sins and the sins of the world realizing how greatly we NEED Salvation and Jesus. If we were Raptured and did have a chance to see the Heavenly view of our redemption, when would this potentially take place? Passover. If so, then the Rapture may be before Passover. I also believe that it may be before, Palm Sunday. Since we are a model of Jesus and he rode into Jerusalem this day, we may also have a chance to ride into Heavenly Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday this year is in March. Now if we will get a chance to see and experience Jesus defeating death, and if this model of Martha & Jesus is a clue for us then there may be a possibility for the Rapture before Palm Sunday. This would have to be after Hanukkah and before Palm Sunday, likely putting it into January or February.
Lots of interesting speculation and only God knows for sure. Thank goodness we can rest in His Sovereignty and Love.
Blessings,
Tony
January 22nd, which is Tu B’ Shevat, Rosh Hashanah for Trees, and marks the 1st day of Spring in Israel
And February 2nd/3rd which is Candlemas (40 days from Christmas) and the day of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin. It is also Groundhog day which is a mark for the timing of Spring.
I have really found the article regarding the archetype for the Rapture regarding Lazarus, Martha, Mary and Jesus extremely important. It clearly shows Martha as the “type” for the first fruits rapture, Mary as the main harvest rapture and Lazarus as the type for Israel. Read it for yourself with his explanation. It is really very, very good.
http://www.ffruits.org/firstfruits/lazarusarticle.aspx
Now regarding some of my thoughts on timing (not a prediction, but thoughts)
Lazarus’ raising from the dead is recorded in one book in the Bible – John. It is significant. Jesus shows before His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His death on the cross for us that He indeed can defeat death. This so upset the Religious leaders at the time that they not only decided to kill Jesus, but also Lazarus.
Everyday I spend time in prayer, meditation, study and trying to listen and discern God’s voice in regards to His will and certainly hoping for the Rapture. I know you do this as well. As I was thinking about what could be some of the most significant models in the Bible that would give us a clue. Before relooking at the article listed above that I had read some time ago, I knew that Jesus defeating death before the cross would be significant. Here is a supposition in regards to some of my thinking about the timeline:
In pondering, Acts clearly is a foreshadowing of the Church during the time of the tribulation. The Holy Spirit is poured out, tribulation occurs and it is after the ascension of Jesus and the raising of the dead.
We know the raising of Lazarus occurs before Palm Sunday and Passover. Even though Jesus raises Lazarus to show that He can indeed defeat death, Lazarus representing Israel, it is critical to show “all” that He can defeat death. In the Rapture death is defeated in a different manner than when the dead are raised, but it is a necessary requirement being that it was the penalty for sin which we have all inherited. Notice in the account that neither Martha or Mary die, but Lazarus dies. More important Jesus says this to Martha:
John 11:25-26 (KJV) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Earlier in the account we read Martha comes out first – this along with other clues tell us about the first fruit & main harvest:
John 11:20 (KJV) Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
I encourage you to read the article in full from the link above. I have the website listed at my blog section and you can read more about the coming dates there.
If this is a “model” and it is the only account in the book of John, then potentially we can draw something from this in regards to timing. Remember in Revelation John is called up to Heaven and then sees the Lamb that is slain. We know this Lamb to be Jesus who has died for our sins. I believe that even though the Rapture is miraculous that this account in Revelation is accurate and like John says he does, we may weep greatly at our own sins and the sins of the world realizing how greatly we NEED Salvation and Jesus. If we were Raptured and did have a chance to see the Heavenly view of our redemption, when would this potentially take place? Passover. If so, then the Rapture may be before Passover. I also believe that it may be before, Palm Sunday. Since we are a model of Jesus and he rode into Jerusalem this day, we may also have a chance to ride into Heavenly Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday this year is in March. Now if we will get a chance to see and experience Jesus defeating death, and if this model of Martha & Jesus is a clue for us then there may be a possibility for the Rapture before Palm Sunday. This would have to be after Hanukkah and before Palm Sunday, likely putting it into January or February.
Lots of interesting speculation and only God knows for sure. Thank goodness we can rest in His Sovereignty and Love.
Blessings,
Tony
Monday, January 14, 2008
Mike Huckabee, Politics & the Rapture
I know politics can be a hard thing to discuss, but they say the same thing about religion. My opinion is that if people respectfully exchange ideas without personal attacks it can be good and Satan wants us all to stay in our “isolation caves”. I call it “round tabling” (I’m sure I’m not the first, but it does get the point across).
Anyone I’m sending this to is a Rapture Watcher, so like me you may be thinking “what does it matter” since we may be gone and the world is going to the Anti-Christ sometime soon here (as well as to “hell” in a handbasket!)
But, I believe that God expects us to “fight” up until the last moment for the things that we believe that are important to him. Even if we are gone, we should be lovingly doing what we can for those left behind and we cannot be for sure how long the Lord should tarry. God has us fight for our faith and refinement and so many other things so never give up the fight. Persevere onward!
All that said, I am backing Mike Huckabee for President. The first two issues by far that I look at regarding the “fruit” of a candidate is where they stand on Abortion and Marriage. Are these the only issues? No. But, they tell me right away something about what kind of stand in the society we live in they would take on other Biblical vs. Worldview issues. These are not popular issues to stand on, so if they are doing so publicly then I get a very good indication (with research and confirmation being a good idea) on other Biblical issues.
This is the response that really got me interested in Mike Huckabee regarding creation. He did this before winning Iowa:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-BFEhkIujA
I know many brothers & sisters in Christ would differ on this subject, and I’ll say in advance that I respect your opinion and right to vote for whoever you want. I certainly would listen to anything you might have to say. I already have listened to all the criticisms of the media and other candidates.
My opinion is that he is the only (with the exception of Ron Paul) candidate that I fully trust to stand for Biblical values (however, I’m not judging anyone else either). As someone who considers himself a struggling middle class citizen I feel great that I can vote for a candidate that I believe really stands for Biblical values, believes in God (and says so unashamedly) and is speaking about doing something for the middleclass citizen. I love his line that he says “I’d rather be like the guy you work with than the guy who laid you off”. Well “Hallelujah” to that! He says he wants to help out with healthcare, tax cuts and oil prices and boy do I need that my gas bill doubled last month with the price of oil going over $100 – Yikes. That bill alone got me hoping more and more for the Rapture!
I know we all are anxiously and desperately waiting for the Rapture. Even so, I’m going out riding high with my guns blazing!
YBIC & Blessings,
Tony
Anyone I’m sending this to is a Rapture Watcher, so like me you may be thinking “what does it matter” since we may be gone and the world is going to the Anti-Christ sometime soon here (as well as to “hell” in a handbasket!)
But, I believe that God expects us to “fight” up until the last moment for the things that we believe that are important to him. Even if we are gone, we should be lovingly doing what we can for those left behind and we cannot be for sure how long the Lord should tarry. God has us fight for our faith and refinement and so many other things so never give up the fight. Persevere onward!
All that said, I am backing Mike Huckabee for President. The first two issues by far that I look at regarding the “fruit” of a candidate is where they stand on Abortion and Marriage. Are these the only issues? No. But, they tell me right away something about what kind of stand in the society we live in they would take on other Biblical vs. Worldview issues. These are not popular issues to stand on, so if they are doing so publicly then I get a very good indication (with research and confirmation being a good idea) on other Biblical issues.
This is the response that really got me interested in Mike Huckabee regarding creation. He did this before winning Iowa:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-BFEhkIujA
I know many brothers & sisters in Christ would differ on this subject, and I’ll say in advance that I respect your opinion and right to vote for whoever you want. I certainly would listen to anything you might have to say. I already have listened to all the criticisms of the media and other candidates.
My opinion is that he is the only (with the exception of Ron Paul) candidate that I fully trust to stand for Biblical values (however, I’m not judging anyone else either). As someone who considers himself a struggling middle class citizen I feel great that I can vote for a candidate that I believe really stands for Biblical values, believes in God (and says so unashamedly) and is speaking about doing something for the middleclass citizen. I love his line that he says “I’d rather be like the guy you work with than the guy who laid you off”. Well “Hallelujah” to that! He says he wants to help out with healthcare, tax cuts and oil prices and boy do I need that my gas bill doubled last month with the price of oil going over $100 – Yikes. That bill alone got me hoping more and more for the Rapture!
I know we all are anxiously and desperately waiting for the Rapture. Even so, I’m going out riding high with my guns blazing!
YBIC & Blessings,
Tony
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Standing Watch for Jesus
I was in the Navy aboard a ship and fulfilled my active duty requirement just before Desert Storm broke out. Regularly I stood watch. I relate my testimony and standing watch to now standing watch for the events leading up to and the event itself of Christ’s return.
When a sailor was about to take over the helm watch of the ship it was required that you would “take in” and memorize in a certain format all of the current observed conditions and orders and then salute the Officer of the Deck and recite these perfectly before asking permission to relieve the current helmsman. There were other watches as well not involving the Helm (driving the ship), Lee helm (controlling the speed). There were Starboard (right) and Port (left) watches, Aft (back) and Aft steering (emergency). There was also a watch for “tracking” everything that had already been spotted in the water. This could involve things having to do with nature, ships, debris, etc.
I was involved in the rescue and “bailing out” of a U.S. Embassy under attack and the Alaskan Oil Spill cleanup. During the Embassy mission I was assigned watch on a .50 caliber machine gun. During this time there were several threats of small boats potentially loaded with bombs and such. I can tell that after standing this watch with a gun locked and loaded ready to fire on order or to return fire it was very scary.
Recently Iran ran some similar boats at our U.S. Navy ships. I am asking you to please not minimize this threat in any way as it is very real. There is no effective difference in shooting military missiles or crashing jet liners (9-11) or boats loaded with bombs. The loss of life is still very tragic and there would be Radical Muslim groups claiming military victory.
Also, I want to show a real life example of a military watch and how it relates to an “end times” watch. Perry Stone has a good study on this and when Jesus and the Apostles were admonishing us to “WATCH” for Jesus’ return they many times utilized military parables. Perry Stone in his study of this said that if a Israelite soldier was caught sleeping on watch he would be stripped “naked”. It certainly seems to relate to this scripture:
Revelation 16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Live footage of the Iranian attack:
http://video.newsmax.com/?assetId=V1409768?s=al&promo_code=429D-1
Blessings,
Tony
P.S. – My testimony and how I believe it has prophetic relevance is available at www.tony4yhwh.com
When a sailor was about to take over the helm watch of the ship it was required that you would “take in” and memorize in a certain format all of the current observed conditions and orders and then salute the Officer of the Deck and recite these perfectly before asking permission to relieve the current helmsman. There were other watches as well not involving the Helm (driving the ship), Lee helm (controlling the speed). There were Starboard (right) and Port (left) watches, Aft (back) and Aft steering (emergency). There was also a watch for “tracking” everything that had already been spotted in the water. This could involve things having to do with nature, ships, debris, etc.
I was involved in the rescue and “bailing out” of a U.S. Embassy under attack and the Alaskan Oil Spill cleanup. During the Embassy mission I was assigned watch on a .50 caliber machine gun. During this time there were several threats of small boats potentially loaded with bombs and such. I can tell that after standing this watch with a gun locked and loaded ready to fire on order or to return fire it was very scary.
Recently Iran ran some similar boats at our U.S. Navy ships. I am asking you to please not minimize this threat in any way as it is very real. There is no effective difference in shooting military missiles or crashing jet liners (9-11) or boats loaded with bombs. The loss of life is still very tragic and there would be Radical Muslim groups claiming military victory.
Also, I want to show a real life example of a military watch and how it relates to an “end times” watch. Perry Stone has a good study on this and when Jesus and the Apostles were admonishing us to “WATCH” for Jesus’ return they many times utilized military parables. Perry Stone in his study of this said that if a Israelite soldier was caught sleeping on watch he would be stripped “naked”. It certainly seems to relate to this scripture:
Revelation 16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Live footage of the Iranian attack:
http://video.newsmax.com/?assetId=V1409768?s=al&promo_code=429D-1
Blessings,
Tony
P.S. – My testimony and how I believe it has prophetic relevance is available at www.tony4yhwh.com
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Trees & the Third Watch
Coming soon is a little known minor Jewish Feast Holiday called Tu’ B Shevat, which is known as the Rosh Hashanah for Trees (New Year for Trees). I have seen it related as an “Arbor Day” of sorts. I believe that this sells it short because in the bible trees are far more significant than what a “secular” person might think of simply planting a new tree to make a contribution to the environment.
I do not believe that the Rapture will happen on this day which is January 22nd, but I am watching it for a yet unknown significant event. Here are a couple of reasons to watch:
It is the Rosh Hashanah for Trees (more information on why trees are so significant to YHWH to follow)
This is a full moon day
Seasons of the year correspond to a time on the clock (Torah.org). “Fall is analogous to evening-time, the dead of wintr to mid-night, spring to dawn, and summer to mid-day. That being so, it follows that Tu B’Shvat is about 3 or 4 a.m., since it’s smack-dab in the middle of winter season.”
Part of the significance of the New Year for Trees is the “tithe” requirement. Based on when the fruit from the tree forms relevant to the Tu’ B Shevat date each year makes a difference in the “tithe” similar to our “fiscal year”. As I was reading this the first thing I thought of was Jesus’ mention of the fig tree, especially since Tu’ B Shevat is considered the first day of spring in Israel (a tie in also to February 2/3 Candlemas Day, which is also our Groundhog day).
Matthew 24
32Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Luke 13
6He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Matthew 3:10And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Men Are Trees
Mark 8:23-25 (King James Version)
23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
24And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
25After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Isaiah 61:3 (King James Version)
3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
- A person is like the tree of a field... (Deut. 20:19)
- For as the days of a tree shall be the days of my people. (Isaiah 65:22)
- He will be like a tree planted near water... (Jeremiah 17:8)
Isaiah 55:12 “the trees of the field shall clap their hands…”
Holy Spirit
Tu B'Shvat is technically the day when trees stop absorbing water from the ground, and instead draw nourishment from their sap.(Aish.com) I believe this relates to drawing from the Holy Spirit and/or the “blood of Christ”. In fact the sap is called the “blood” in the “heart” of the tree. A change is made from drawing from the earth to drawing from within.
Luke 17:21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
However, to be clear this within would be through the “blood of Christ” and not a new age form. It is “through and by Christ” alone.
Tu B’ Shvat & Candlemas tie-ins
Tu B’ Shevat is a minor jewish holiday and Candlemas is a Christian holiday (little known as well). Last year these two holidays overlapped on February 2nd. This year Tu B’ Shevat is on January 22nd and February 2/3rd is Candlemas. February 2nd is also Groundhog Day. Both the Jewish and Christian observance are early looks and indications of spring.
I’ll be writing more and I am looking anxiously at these dates.
Blessings,
Tony
I do not believe that the Rapture will happen on this day which is January 22nd, but I am watching it for a yet unknown significant event. Here are a couple of reasons to watch:
It is the Rosh Hashanah for Trees (more information on why trees are so significant to YHWH to follow)
This is a full moon day
Seasons of the year correspond to a time on the clock (Torah.org). “Fall is analogous to evening-time, the dead of wintr to mid-night, spring to dawn, and summer to mid-day. That being so, it follows that Tu B’Shvat is about 3 or 4 a.m., since it’s smack-dab in the middle of winter season.”
Part of the significance of the New Year for Trees is the “tithe” requirement. Based on when the fruit from the tree forms relevant to the Tu’ B Shevat date each year makes a difference in the “tithe” similar to our “fiscal year”. As I was reading this the first thing I thought of was Jesus’ mention of the fig tree, especially since Tu’ B Shevat is considered the first day of spring in Israel (a tie in also to February 2/3 Candlemas Day, which is also our Groundhog day).
Matthew 24
32Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Luke 13
6He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Matthew 3:10And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Men Are Trees
Mark 8:23-25 (King James Version)
23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
24And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
25After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Isaiah 61:3 (King James Version)
3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
- A person is like the tree of a field... (Deut. 20:19)
- For as the days of a tree shall be the days of my people. (Isaiah 65:22)
- He will be like a tree planted near water... (Jeremiah 17:8)
Isaiah 55:12 “the trees of the field shall clap their hands…”
Holy Spirit
Tu B'Shvat is technically the day when trees stop absorbing water from the ground, and instead draw nourishment from their sap.(Aish.com) I believe this relates to drawing from the Holy Spirit and/or the “blood of Christ”. In fact the sap is called the “blood” in the “heart” of the tree. A change is made from drawing from the earth to drawing from within.
Luke 17:21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
However, to be clear this within would be through the “blood of Christ” and not a new age form. It is “through and by Christ” alone.
Tu B’ Shvat & Candlemas tie-ins
Tu B’ Shevat is a minor jewish holiday and Candlemas is a Christian holiday (little known as well). Last year these two holidays overlapped on February 2nd. This year Tu B’ Shevat is on January 22nd and February 2/3rd is Candlemas. February 2nd is also Groundhog Day. Both the Jewish and Christian observance are early looks and indications of spring.
I’ll be writing more and I am looking anxiously at these dates.
Blessings,
Tony
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