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Last night, the Lord revealed to me, through His Word, what I saw in my vision of what appeared to me, to be the end of the world. The “being” that I saw perched on the dead tree was Satan!
When Satan was called Lucifer, he was the covering cherub over the throne, of the whole universe, of Almighty God. A Cherub is a type of angel with both human-like and animal-like characteristics. Cherubim were closely associated with Almighty God. At times He is pictured as dwelling between them, or riding on them. (Isaiah 37:16; 2 Samuel 6:2). Some have human faces, and others have animal faces. Models of cherubim have been illustrated “perching” on the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18-22; 26:31).
I never take any of my visions for granted, or try to interpret them myself. Also, God’s Word has warned us about going to other men, and asking them for the meaning, or the explanation of visions. Interpretation is only suppose to come from the Lord and His Holy Spirit.
My recent new revelation of knowledge would definitely explain and clarify the image of the “being” that I saw in the dark. Even though there was darkness throughout the earth, I could clearly tell that this “being” was indeed very strange and unusual looking. Because, even though I saw this “being” hopping from tree branch to branch, I was thinking in my mind how strange its movements were, considering the size of it. The “being” was moving about like a small animal, and it was expressing the extreme sadness of human emotions!
This vision of revelation that I received several years ago, I now know that my vision was the END result of Satan’s deception, and how Satan was able to persuade an unrepenting world to accept his (instruction from that other tree) way of life!!!!!!
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is a DYING tree. My vision was about a DEAD TREE! However, there’s still time to choose between which tree we want to live our lives by. But, the choice is a crucial one to choose between. It would mean choosing between living life eternal, or perishing in a “pit” of darkness!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Clouds and Darkness
"I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. -Genesis 9:13.
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. -Exodus 13:21.
In the daytime also He led them with the cloud... -Psalm 78:14a
While He was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" -Matthew 17:5.
...He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. -Acts 1:9b.
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart... -Ephesians 4:17-18.
He made darkness His secret place; His canopy around Him was dark waters and thick clouds of the skies... The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice, Hailstones and coals of fire. -Psalm 18:11-13.
"Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." -Luke 21:27.
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. -Revelation 1:7.
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. -Exodus 13:21.
In the daytime also He led them with the cloud... -Psalm 78:14a
While He was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" -Matthew 17:5.
...He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. -Acts 1:9b.
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart... -Ephesians 4:17-18.
He made darkness His secret place; His canopy around Him was dark waters and thick clouds of the skies... The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice, Hailstones and coals of fire. -Psalm 18:11-13.
"Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." -Luke 21:27.
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. -Revelation 1:7.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Alpha and Omega
“In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits…” Revelation 22:2.
“…but of the fruit of the tree, which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it…” Genesis 3:3.
The tree in the “midst” of the garden symbolized a direct conflict with Almighty God’s teachings to Adam. After, having the opportunity to notice the various meanings, of the word “midst” that I wrote about in http://psalm23vision.tumblr.com/ (Midst, also can be defined as middle, center, central, interposition, put between, throw in, a wedge, insert, intruder, etc.), I discover that it's interesting to learn how interposition can also be defined as meddling, interference, hindering, stop, obstruct, etc. In order words, to "stir up" a big mess!
Now, I want to focus on Almighty God. “For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22. “…Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He’, and will deceive many. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars do not be troubled, for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be EARTHQUAKES in various places, and there will be famines and troubles… these are the beginnings of sorrows.” Mark 13:5-8.
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it." Matthew 28:2. This last scripture reveals that the appearance of an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, can cause a great earthquake!
Before these things, “… the Lord rained brimstone and fire, on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.” Genesis 19:24-25. God’s Word said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me. How about you?
I have chosen to totally, and completely rely on the Word of God, rather than the words of most men. And, it’s always good to read, and search the scriptures for yourself. Because, as I have said before, when we don’t read the Word of God for ourselves, we risk following in the error of the Pharisees! And, when I don’t have complete understanding of what God’s Holy Word is revealing to me, I humble myself, and go to Almighty God with a repentant heart, and ask Him to give me understanding of His Word. This was the final approach that I took, as a young teenager, after asking people questions about God’s Word, and they were not able to answer the questions to my satisfaction.
The Lord wants us to come to Him, with our questions, anyway. Not only will He give us the understanding of His Word, He ("His Holy Spirit") will connect with our human spirit, the “spirit” in mankind that has been with us since we were born into the world. “Before, I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5a. There are some people who may not be called to be prophets (I certainly don’t consider myself as being one) like Jeremiah was, but we all have a human spirit within us. And this is the spirit that connects us to the Lord Almighty! And Satan has sought to destroy the human spirit of mankind since the beginning of Adam and Eve, when they were deceived into taking the spirit of Satan, and putting Satan’s spirit between the spirit of mankind, and the Holy Spirit of Almighty God! This is the greatest deception of mankind, and of the entire world as a whole!
Almighty God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem this separation of mankind from Him. Jesus Christ died to destroy Satan’s deceptive lies, and restore the life of mankind back to Almighty God! We still have an opportunity to choose the Tree of Life. The tree symbolized in, “…the middle of its street, and on either side of the river” (Revelation 22:2). And turn away from the deceptions, and ungodly principles of Satan. The “serpent” in the Garden of Eden succeeded in separating mankind from Almighty God. Jesus Christ died to close that gap of separation, and bring mankind back to serving, and worshipping Almighty God in truth. A deceived, and spiritually blind world serves, and worships Satan’s principles without completely knowing how, or in what manner they are doing so. Simply, because like Adam and Eve did, during their era, the WORLD has exchanged the truth (Holy Spirit teachings and guidance), for a deceptive lie (Satan’s teachings and direction). Which tree have you chosen to live by? The time, to choose, is getting shorter!
“I looked when He opened the sixth seal and behold, there was a great EARTHQUAKE… and the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.” Revelation 6:12-13.
“…but of the fruit of the tree, which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it…” Genesis 3:3.
The tree in the “midst” of the garden symbolized a direct conflict with Almighty God’s teachings to Adam. After, having the opportunity to notice the various meanings, of the word “midst” that I wrote about in http://psalm23vision.tumblr.com/ (Midst, also can be defined as middle, center, central, interposition, put between, throw in, a wedge, insert, intruder, etc.), I discover that it's interesting to learn how interposition can also be defined as meddling, interference, hindering, stop, obstruct, etc. In order words, to "stir up" a big mess!
Now, I want to focus on Almighty God. “For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22. “…Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He’, and will deceive many. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars do not be troubled, for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be EARTHQUAKES in various places, and there will be famines and troubles… these are the beginnings of sorrows.” Mark 13:5-8.
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it." Matthew 28:2. This last scripture reveals that the appearance of an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, can cause a great earthquake!
Before these things, “… the Lord rained brimstone and fire, on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.” Genesis 19:24-25. God’s Word said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me. How about you?
I have chosen to totally, and completely rely on the Word of God, rather than the words of most men. And, it’s always good to read, and search the scriptures for yourself. Because, as I have said before, when we don’t read the Word of God for ourselves, we risk following in the error of the Pharisees! And, when I don’t have complete understanding of what God’s Holy Word is revealing to me, I humble myself, and go to Almighty God with a repentant heart, and ask Him to give me understanding of His Word. This was the final approach that I took, as a young teenager, after asking people questions about God’s Word, and they were not able to answer the questions to my satisfaction.
The Lord wants us to come to Him, with our questions, anyway. Not only will He give us the understanding of His Word, He ("His Holy Spirit") will connect with our human spirit, the “spirit” in mankind that has been with us since we were born into the world. “Before, I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5a. There are some people who may not be called to be prophets (I certainly don’t consider myself as being one) like Jeremiah was, but we all have a human spirit within us. And this is the spirit that connects us to the Lord Almighty! And Satan has sought to destroy the human spirit of mankind since the beginning of Adam and Eve, when they were deceived into taking the spirit of Satan, and putting Satan’s spirit between the spirit of mankind, and the Holy Spirit of Almighty God! This is the greatest deception of mankind, and of the entire world as a whole!
Almighty God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem this separation of mankind from Him. Jesus Christ died to destroy Satan’s deceptive lies, and restore the life of mankind back to Almighty God! We still have an opportunity to choose the Tree of Life. The tree symbolized in, “…the middle of its street, and on either side of the river” (Revelation 22:2). And turn away from the deceptions, and ungodly principles of Satan. The “serpent” in the Garden of Eden succeeded in separating mankind from Almighty God. Jesus Christ died to close that gap of separation, and bring mankind back to serving, and worshipping Almighty God in truth. A deceived, and spiritually blind world serves, and worships Satan’s principles without completely knowing how, or in what manner they are doing so. Simply, because like Adam and Eve did, during their era, the WORLD has exchanged the truth (Holy Spirit teachings and guidance), for a deceptive lie (Satan’s teachings and direction). Which tree have you chosen to live by? The time, to choose, is getting shorter!
“I looked when He opened the sixth seal and behold, there was a great EARTHQUAKE… and the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.” Revelation 6:12-13.
Things I Saw...
I was residing in Dallas, Texas, at the time, when I had this particular vision.
I see a crystal globe of light slowly coming through the front door, and swiftly floating inside our home. The door is closed, and locked! The light has a soft bluish glow to it, and the shape of it is round, looking like it’s about the size of a golf ball. Immediately, I yell for my mother, “Come look!” She appears quickly, and stands next to me, at my right side. Standing extremely close to each other, we are both silent as we stare at, and observe the object that has just landed, in the center of our living room floor.
Cautiously, I slightly bend over forward to get a closer look at the mysterious object of light, and quietly ask, “What is it?” “I don’t know”, my mother softly whispers to me. So, I suddenly become brave enough to touch the object of bluish crystal light. Quickly, my mother grabs my hand, pulling me away from the mysterious globe of light, “Don’t touch it!” she yells.
Suddenly, the small globe of light lifts itself from its position on the floor, and swiftly floats towards the front door, as it completely disappears after going through the stilled locked door. The mysterious globe of light is going outside, of our home, the exact same way that it had come inside.
My mother, and I walk over to the front door, and open the door to see what happened to the globe of mysterious light. We are totally amazed and shocked, at what we see going on outdoors. It’s nighttime, and it appears to be very unusually darker than it normally would be during the night. It's almost like the pitch-black darkness, in a rural country area, without streetlights or any other sources of outside lighting. Also, the darkness outside looks like a rural country road when you’re driving, and briefly turn off the car’s headlights. And, it appears as if billions of stars are literally falling from a black sky. The atmosphere is thickly filled with unnumbered globes of bursting bluish lights, just like the one I saw coming inside of our home, and briefly settled itself on the living room floor. However, there are other objects of lights, varying in different sizes, and color variations. All of these lights appear to be nearly the same color, except for many of them being much brighter than some of the others are. It looks like there is some type of war going on, right outside our front door! Also, the many different sizes of bluish light objects remind me of a 4th of July fireworks show. But, instead of the fireworks shooting upward, they are all coming down from the sky like rain!
I see a crystal globe of light slowly coming through the front door, and swiftly floating inside our home. The door is closed, and locked! The light has a soft bluish glow to it, and the shape of it is round, looking like it’s about the size of a golf ball. Immediately, I yell for my mother, “Come look!” She appears quickly, and stands next to me, at my right side. Standing extremely close to each other, we are both silent as we stare at, and observe the object that has just landed, in the center of our living room floor.
Cautiously, I slightly bend over forward to get a closer look at the mysterious object of light, and quietly ask, “What is it?” “I don’t know”, my mother softly whispers to me. So, I suddenly become brave enough to touch the object of bluish crystal light. Quickly, my mother grabs my hand, pulling me away from the mysterious globe of light, “Don’t touch it!” she yells.
Suddenly, the small globe of light lifts itself from its position on the floor, and swiftly floats towards the front door, as it completely disappears after going through the stilled locked door. The mysterious globe of light is going outside, of our home, the exact same way that it had come inside.
My mother, and I walk over to the front door, and open the door to see what happened to the globe of mysterious light. We are totally amazed and shocked, at what we see going on outdoors. It’s nighttime, and it appears to be very unusually darker than it normally would be during the night. It's almost like the pitch-black darkness, in a rural country area, without streetlights or any other sources of outside lighting. Also, the darkness outside looks like a rural country road when you’re driving, and briefly turn off the car’s headlights. And, it appears as if billions of stars are literally falling from a black sky. The atmosphere is thickly filled with unnumbered globes of bursting bluish lights, just like the one I saw coming inside of our home, and briefly settled itself on the living room floor. However, there are other objects of lights, varying in different sizes, and color variations. All of these lights appear to be nearly the same color, except for many of them being much brighter than some of the others are. It looks like there is some type of war going on, right outside our front door! Also, the many different sizes of bluish light objects remind me of a 4th of July fireworks show. But, instead of the fireworks shooting upward, they are all coming down from the sky like rain!
Things I Saw and Heard...
I am swiftly walking through the kitchen towards the back door, of my maternal grandmother’s home. I open the door, and notice that it’s nighttime outside. I see a tremendous crowd of people standing in my grandmother’s backyard. The crowd is standing sideways looking to my right, and their faces are looking up at the sky. It appears as if a brilliant moonlike glow is shining down, on all of their faces, directly from the sky. I am looking at the faces of the people. Their faces appear to be the only thing that is highlighted by this brilliant light coming from the night sky. Everything else about the backyard scene appears dark, and shadowy. The people are laughing, smiling, and talking among themselves. I can hear the roar of chatter among the audience. I notice, from my observance of their faces that the people are of various racial backgrounds, or cultures. All of a sudden, I see a look of terror come across the face of everyone in the crowd. The people start screaming, as they scatter, and run away in different directions. I lean slightly forward from the doorway, and holding onto the doorpost, I look up at the sky, with my head turned towards my right shoulder. Trying to see what it is that scared the crowd of people, all of a sudden. I don’t see a brilliant light shining from the sky anymore. I see a complete darkened sky. Also, I see the moon in the night sky. The moon is very strange, and weird looking. The color of the moon is red! And there is a trail of red colored, strange looking smoke coming from the moon. The smoke is very similar to a type of smoke coming from a fireplace chimney. This smoke is moving very, very slow in a “snake” like winding trail towards the earth!
Things I Saw and Things I Heard
Several years later, apart from the vision that I observed from my grandmother’s backyard, I had another strange vision. This vision is the most troubling one, of all the other visions that I’ve ever had. The vision still brings tears to my eyes when ever I think about it.
The entire earth is totally dark. There is no light of any source that can be seen anywhere. I see massive, literally more than billions of people in piles, on top of each other. This vision is worst than any documented disaster ever known to mankind, anywhere in this earth's history, past or present. I would even go as far, as to say that not even Hollywood could stage such a disaster, in any stretch of the human imaginations. There are just no earthly words that can be found that will describe this completely total earthly destruction.
Directly in front of me, I see an unnumbered mass of human bodies in a gigantic dark pit. A tiny glimmer of light, that’s an eerie looking glow, enables me to see the faces, of the mass of human bodies. As I have said before, it’s very difficult for me to write, or even talk about this particular vision. It is because, I’ve been told to share my personal spiritual experiences, with the world, that I am making every effort to do just that. I see a mass of human bodies in a dark location that looks like some type of pit, and these human bodies appear to be writhing in both pain, and pleasure. I say pleasure, because, the facial expression, on some of them, seem to have an ecstasy like appearance. And the faces of others appear to be either sleeping, or dead. The bodies that still seem to be alive appear to be mixed together with the dead bodies, as though the bodies that are squirming around in the pit, with other bodies on top of them, are in the processing of dying.
I slowly turn around, and look behind me. I can see a red dawn like horizon in the far off distance. As I continue looking around at a completely darkened earth, I spot the silhouette of only one large tree in the distance. I can even see a span of barren tree branches, from the silhouette of this one tree. I began to walk in the direction of the tree.
Almost immediately, I’m standing very close to the tree that I previously saw far off, from a great distance. This tree is the only one seen, on the earth. It is completely barren, and stripped of any leaves. And, all of the tree branches are very large in size, as well. It reminds me of a tree that has lost all of its leaves during the winter season. Suddenly, I hear a whimper, coming from the vicinity of the tree. It sounds like someone is crying. I glance around to my right, and I can hear the sound of swift movement above my head. Moving closer to the tree, my eyes penetrate the thick darkness, trying to determine where the whimpering sound is coming from.
I am suddenly looking at a pair of large, oval white eyes. The eyes are the only thing that can be seen, in total darkness. And the eyes are the most weirdest, strangest, and un-humanlike eyes of any “being” that I’ve never seen before anywhere in the world. But, I can see extreme sadness in the eyes of this particular “being”. And, somehow, I can clearly understand, and tell that this “being” is suffering tremendous pain because of all the death, devastation, and destruction over the entire earth. After, I looked into its eyes, it tried to run away from me, but there was nowhere for it to run away to, or hide. The “being” jumped, from one branch, to another branch, as if it was strictly confined to the tree that it was perched on. From the “being’s” shadowed body, I could tell that it was very small in stature. It was only about two or three feet in length at the most!
All of my visions have been vivid, and clear with some amazing details. It has been as if, I was watching all of these things, as they were happening, in a panoramic scene.
The entire earth is totally dark. There is no light of any source that can be seen anywhere. I see massive, literally more than billions of people in piles, on top of each other. This vision is worst than any documented disaster ever known to mankind, anywhere in this earth's history, past or present. I would even go as far, as to say that not even Hollywood could stage such a disaster, in any stretch of the human imaginations. There are just no earthly words that can be found that will describe this completely total earthly destruction.
Directly in front of me, I see an unnumbered mass of human bodies in a gigantic dark pit. A tiny glimmer of light, that’s an eerie looking glow, enables me to see the faces, of the mass of human bodies. As I have said before, it’s very difficult for me to write, or even talk about this particular vision. It is because, I’ve been told to share my personal spiritual experiences, with the world, that I am making every effort to do just that. I see a mass of human bodies in a dark location that looks like some type of pit, and these human bodies appear to be writhing in both pain, and pleasure. I say pleasure, because, the facial expression, on some of them, seem to have an ecstasy like appearance. And the faces of others appear to be either sleeping, or dead. The bodies that still seem to be alive appear to be mixed together with the dead bodies, as though the bodies that are squirming around in the pit, with other bodies on top of them, are in the processing of dying.
I slowly turn around, and look behind me. I can see a red dawn like horizon in the far off distance. As I continue looking around at a completely darkened earth, I spot the silhouette of only one large tree in the distance. I can even see a span of barren tree branches, from the silhouette of this one tree. I began to walk in the direction of the tree.
Almost immediately, I’m standing very close to the tree that I previously saw far off, from a great distance. This tree is the only one seen, on the earth. It is completely barren, and stripped of any leaves. And, all of the tree branches are very large in size, as well. It reminds me of a tree that has lost all of its leaves during the winter season. Suddenly, I hear a whimper, coming from the vicinity of the tree. It sounds like someone is crying. I glance around to my right, and I can hear the sound of swift movement above my head. Moving closer to the tree, my eyes penetrate the thick darkness, trying to determine where the whimpering sound is coming from.
I am suddenly looking at a pair of large, oval white eyes. The eyes are the only thing that can be seen, in total darkness. And the eyes are the most weirdest, strangest, and un-humanlike eyes of any “being” that I’ve never seen before anywhere in the world. But, I can see extreme sadness in the eyes of this particular “being”. And, somehow, I can clearly understand, and tell that this “being” is suffering tremendous pain because of all the death, devastation, and destruction over the entire earth. After, I looked into its eyes, it tried to run away from me, but there was nowhere for it to run away to, or hide. The “being” jumped, from one branch, to another branch, as if it was strictly confined to the tree that it was perched on. From the “being’s” shadowed body, I could tell that it was very small in stature. It was only about two or three feet in length at the most!
All of my visions have been vivid, and clear with some amazing details. It has been as if, I was watching all of these things, as they were happening, in a panoramic scene.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Storm Is Coming
There was a quiet still voice that woke me up this morning. The voice said, "The storm is coming." I asked, "When?" The only answer I received was, "Soon."
My spirit is sad about the things I've seen, and all of the things that I've heard. But, my spirit also rejoices at the future coming of the Glory of the Lord!
My latest vision, before my vision of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, concerning the destruction of a city. I was working, and living at a homeless Outreach Mission, at the time when I saw in my vision, the inside of a building (somewhat like an office building with people working).
I am running (in a panic) throughout a building, trying to warn the people about something that is coming. Some of the people appear to be laughing or joking among themselves, and ignoring me. I see a few other people gathering around a window. The people gathering around the window, appear to be watching something that is going on outside. I stop running through the building, and walk over to a nearby window. When I look through the window, I see devastation everywhere. It appears as if an earthquake, or a tornado has suddenly struck the city. The ground is full of broken concrete.
I don't see any people anywhere around anymore. All I can see is a metro train that is still sitting on its railroad tracks. The rail is all twisted, and the metro train is broken apart. There are still no signs of people anywhere. The city appears to be completely deserted. Immediately, an angel appears in front of me, and this angel is holding a trumpet in its hand. The angel is watching me, as I observe all the devastation around the city. Then slowly, the angel raises the trumpet it is holding, and begins to blow it. I notice that the trumpet is a very long slender instrument. Almost immediately, after the angel blows the trumpet, a wall of water rises as high as the sky. The wall of water is so high, I cannot even see the sky. The only thing that I can see now is the angel blowing the trumpet, and a wall of water, with tremendous swirling waves on top of it, is coming toward the city!
I am running (in a panic) throughout a building, trying to warn the people about something that is coming. Some of the people appear to be laughing or joking among themselves, and ignoring me. I see a few other people gathering around a window. The people gathering around the window, appear to be watching something that is going on outside. I stop running through the building, and walk over to a nearby window. When I look through the window, I see devastation everywhere. It appears as if an earthquake, or a tornado has suddenly struck the city. The ground is full of broken concrete.
I don't see any people anywhere around anymore. All I can see is a metro train that is still sitting on its railroad tracks. The rail is all twisted, and the metro train is broken apart. There are still no signs of people anywhere. The city appears to be completely deserted. Immediately, an angel appears in front of me, and this angel is holding a trumpet in its hand. The angel is watching me, as I observe all the devastation around the city. Then slowly, the angel raises the trumpet it is holding, and begins to blow it. I notice that the trumpet is a very long slender instrument. Almost immediately, after the angel blows the trumpet, a wall of water rises as high as the sky. The wall of water is so high, I cannot even see the sky. The only thing that I can see now is the angel blowing the trumpet, and a wall of water, with tremendous swirling waves on top of it, is coming toward the city!
~ Jonahs Sister ~
STILL WATCHING and PRAYING!
Note: After, I woke up this morning, I saw some papers laying on my kitchen table. I casually picked up the papers and began glancing over them. These papers are part of a group of documents I had sorted through, several days ago, when I was looking for some book notes. I haven't had the opportunity to read these papers until this morning. I have several documents, books, magazines, newspaper articles, etc. I'm always finding topics of interests that relates to my writing project. I don't always get to read them right away, so I store them in boxes for reading later. I was amazed to read the topic of subject on these papers. I have written the following brief synopsis below, and a reference to its source. These papers seem to give confirmation about my recent visions.
STORMS & VISIONS
FOR AMERICA AND GREAT BRITAIN!
HIDDEN AGREEMENTS! HIDDEN COVENANTS! PRAY FOR TRUTH!
PRAY FOR EXPOSURE OF DARKNESS! THE LORD'S DISPLEASURE!
DIVISIVE ATTACKS!
AN OPPOSING SPIRIT
TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
VISION FOR AMERICA!
America, A Shift Ahead - A Great Sifting
I AM CALLING MY APOSTLES! I AM CALLING MY PROPHETIC EVANGELISTS! THE CONSUMING FIRE OF MY PRESENCE SHALL ROAR ACROSS THE YOUTH OF AMERICA! I SHALL DO A NEW THING IN THE BIBLE BELT!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
VISION FOR GREAT BRITAIN!
I saw several pockets of small fires across Europe... These fires, God said were kindling fires, they were very small, hardly noticeable on the map, but they burned furiously, and had fiercely burning blue flames, and then I saw that some kind of net was being loosed from the heavenlies down to earth, and I heard the Lord say, "This is the snare of heaven", and I saw a great angelic host, the warring host of Heaven being dispatched across Great Britain and Europe and other Northern-most and Middle-Eastern parts of the earth with swords that glistened like flaming fires, and the Lord said, "As in the ancient of times, so as My people humble themselves and pray, a great and mighty roar of battle shall be unleashed from the heavenlies, and My mighty warring angels shall go forth..."
GREAT BRITAIN
LAND OF END-TIME DESTINY
LAND OF END-TIME DESTINY
"Oh Great Britain, Great Britain - Isle of walls and of fortresses, I tell you that even as the glory of the Lord has departed from the Lion, so the glory of the Lion of Judah shall return..."
I AM ABOUT TO BLOW THE TRUMPET!
"For even as many of My children, even as much of My church in Great Britain slumbers even this day, so I declare that I am about to blow the trumpet," says the Lord, "Yes, I the Lord God of Hosts am about to blow the trumpet in Zion, and it shall resound with a mighty roar from the heavens..."
"For even now, I have heard the prayers of My people. Even now, although it be but a remnant, I have heard the prayers of the watchmen on the walls of Great Britain..."
A MIGHTY FLOOD OF EVANGELISTS!
"For surely the day of the missionaries dawns once more upon these shores, for surely the day of the Gospel going forth to the uttermost parts of the earth dawns once more upon these shores..."
THE RISE OF ONE IN GREAT BRITAIN WITH A ROD OF IRON AND MY GOVERNMENT UPON HIS SHOULDERS!
"And there has yet to rise from these shores one who has a rod of iron, in the decades to come, you shall yet see one rise who has My government upon his shoulders, and he shall rise in the government, and he shall rise in this nation and he shall rule with a rod of iron," says the Lord. "And he will come at such a time when Great Britain is faltering..."
THE GREAT JOINING OF
THE LION
&
THE EAGLE
&
THE EAGLE
"And there will be a great joining of the Lion and the Eagle, and even as the voices in the streets and the byways, the murmuring, the complaining of any alliance between the United States and Britain, so I tell you that these voices neither discern the times nor the purposes of the Living God, for even as the Eagle came to the Lion's aid in times gone by, so I tell you that in this coming season, once again this alliance between the Lion and the Eagle shall be forged...", says the Lord.
"And this nation shall return to its Christian roots... and the glory of the Lion of Judah shall once more return and rest upon the Lion. If my people repent of the sins of this nation and humble themselves and pray."
Monday, March 15, 2010
A Jonah Sister Revelation
The Book of James declared what I felt in my own heart when I was a young child growing up. Ecclesiastes reminded me of the sorrow I felt in my spirit, immediately after the Lord began showing me supernatural visions. And the Book of Nehemiah confirmed how real the adversary is, and how the adversary assigns people to you, in order to effectively Discourage, Discredit, and Delay you, create Diversion away from Holy Spirit teaching, and cause you to Doubt the Word of God, in hopes of Defeating you.
Psalms confirms the heavenly miracles of hearing angels sing, and hearing the sound of heavenly music coming down from heaven. The Book of Psalms helped me to understand the inspiration a person feels, and why they would want to write songs and poetry about life, and their spiritual experiences. Also, Psalms helped me to understand how Almighty God really does live among the praises of His people. The Holy Spirit sings to you too, and you can actually hear the Holy Spirit singing through your human spirit!
I have read that Psalms reveals our freedom of expression, when we are deeply concerned or confused about things going on in our life, or in the lives of other people around us. Poetry and songs will open our mind to human emotions and acknowledge a need to go to Almighty God in prayers and with thanksgiving. And by doing so, this will create a personal relationship between us, and our Heavenly Father. When we take our feelings, and humble ourselves before Almighty God with prayers and singing, He will hear and act upon our concerns. Psalms is a powerful revelation about the truth and power of worship to Almighty God. It’s an awesome experience seeing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit actively working among your praises, and the worship of our Heavenly Father.
Apart from these specific books of the Holy Bible, I believe that the Book of Jonah helped me to understand my own personal experiences, of not wanting to let go of worldly pleasures, and wanting to stay spiritually blind to the Lord’s efforts in trying to reveal certain things to me, and about me. I didn’t want to know about those things, during my young adult years, neither did I want to learn how to be a good Christian. I had no interests in being a committed church member either. I was terribly bored during the church meetings I did attend on the few occasions, with family or friends. When I was living in St. Louis, Missouri, a friend of mine actually held my hand, during an altar call prayer service. She had invited me to her church, and I thought she was just happy to see that I showed up. Later, I realized she wanted me to become a church member. Maybe the Lord was working through her too, I’m not certain of that.
Anyway, I was connecting knowledge about Almighty God to churches that took the fun out of the “party” life, and just living a fun life in general. Whenever, I experienced a vision, or a dream about something weird, or a strange occurrence, I would immediately feel obligated to be a good Christian. I thought it was more than enough just to go to church on Easter Sunday. It was fun going to church then. I could dress up and show off my new Easter shoes and clothes And my Easter hat too, if I found one that I liked. But, I was determined not to be a permanent member of anybody’s wearisome, or boring church. Attending church made me sleepy and tired, during the years, when I was much younger. I’d be happy and excited on the way to the church, but in less than thirty minutes after getting there, I’d be restless. And after finding more interesting activities going on in the hallways, or just outside the doors of the church, I would begin to wander and roam about (Satan wants people to wander and roam away from the Word of Almighty God). At least that would keep me from falling asleep in the church’s sanctuary.
And every church I visited had beautiful buildings, and gorgeous images of Jesus Christ hanging on the walls throughout the facilities. However, I never quite understood why Jesus had so many different faces, and His clothes were always different in each picture, or on the statue images of Jesus Christ that I saw at the various churches. Even His cross was inconsistent. Some crosses were very elaborate, while others were plain and simple. A few of the churches didn’t even show Jesus on a cross! He was only pictured hanging on a single post. Anyway, I thought that Jesus Christ looked very fashionable since He had an extensive wardrobe, and Jesus had a great hair stylist too! And, all of the church ministers gave stirring sermons. Also, I was fascinated by how a minister could choose one scripture out of the Holy Bible, and preach about that single scripture during the entire church service.
Now, when I first heard about Jonah in the bible, I began thinking how easily I could identify with his experience. But, Jonah ended up in the belly of a fish. What would be the chances of something like that ever happening again? There were no fishes that big in the water near where I lived (not saying that God couldn’t have caused one to miraculous appear or something). But, in my own limited human thinking, what could happen to me, if anything, that would be worse than being eaten by a fish? Besides staying away from water where big fishes could swim. And, I was also impressed by Jonah’s tenacity. This would be one reason for cautiously adopting his philosophy, after much thought and consideration. I remember that decision clearly, as if I were reliving the exact moment.
If you’ve never read the story about Jonah, you must make every effort to do so. Jonah’s story made me laugh out loud. The story is a short one, but it’s filled with a lot of real life realities about how people can judge others, and have a wait and see attitude about things in life. Something that still exists in the world today. Without trying to write about Jonah’s entire story, I want to share some interesting highlights of his story that made me want to consider myself as a sister (by having almost similar thoughts) to Jonah. Not as a sister, or brother in Christ (which we are), but, I could actually understand where Jonah was coming from. I’m just now beginning to wonder, at this very moment, was the man that I saw sitting and waiting nearby, in one of my visions, as if he was waiting for someone, or something to happen, Jonah? What would be the chances of that actually being him? That would be absolutely amazing for me, to have Jonah be in one of my visions! But, that’s another story entirely.
It is written that Jonah was a strong nationalist. Jonah had problems understanding how Almighty God could be merciful to Ninevah of Assyria. Jonah thought these people deserved severe punishment. I, myself sometimes have difficulty understanding why the Lord don’t strike people dead in their footsteps, when I see them do, or hear them say things that I would never do, or say for fear of the Lord’s punishment concerning those things.
Jonah is the only prophet being sent to preach to the Gentiles. My understanding of this story is that Jonah may not have been so much against doing what God was asking for him to do, in as much as Jonah had a problem with doing what God asked him to do concerning the people of Nineveh. Jonah thinks that God should allow the pagan people to decline! Jonah wants Nineveh to lose the power that they used against Israel. I notice right away that this story is all about what Jonah wanted. Now, that should have been the very first red flag for me. But, of course I can read Jonah’s story with a spiritual mind now. When I first read about Jonah, I was spiritually blind, and totally living a happy worldly life. However, Jonah doesn’t want God to show mercy to these pagans!
Jonah’s name means “Dove” or “Pigeon”. Jonah’s disposition was said to be strong-willed and hasty, among other things. But, Jonah was loyal and committed to the nation of Israel. Jonah did fear the Lord as God of heaven, and Creator of the land and sea, but his willful disobedience (another red flag) and reluctance was based on his anger about God showing mercy to the pagan people. Skipping over all of the historical stuff in the Book of Jonah (about the fish and all of that), Jonah finally relents to Gods call, and he decides to go and prophecy to the non-covenant people, Nineveh of Assyria.
After Jonah gives the message to the Gentile people, Nineveh of Assyria, Jonah is disappointed that the people are actually listening to God’s message of repentance and deliverance. Now, Jonah is angry and confused about what is actually happening in his presence. Jonah just can’t understand why God would have mercy on these pagan people who abused the nation of Israel. Finally, the story made me laugh very hard when I read how Jonah, still not believing the people is genuine in their repentance, he builds a shelter for himself on a hill overlooking the city of Nineveh from the east. Jonah then sit and wait (as if he was camping out) on this hill for the date to come, which God had set to judge the people if they didn’t repent. While Jonah is waiting, God uses this opportunity to teach Jonah a lesson.
Almighty God causes a plant to grow overnight in a place on the hill that will shade Jonah’s head. Jonah thinks this is a good fortune for himself, so he rejoices over the shade tree that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Next, God prepares a worm to destroy the plant (see how personal Almighty God can be, and have a sense of humor too). But, that should have been another red flag for me also. Now, the worm cuts the stem of the plant. The plant withers. After that, God cause a hot wind to blow in from the east. The blowing hot wind makes Jonah uncomfortable. The story reveals how miserable Jonah is. I would imagine that Jonah could have been experiencing something almost similar to a hot day in the Texas summer heat. But, while reading the story, I also get the impressing that God possibly caused Jonah to be more hotter than a summer day in Texas, because the hot east wind dries Jonah’s parched body.
Jonah laments the death of the plant, and shows his displeasure to God. And, God show Jonah about his inconsistency at being more concerned about a plant than he is about the fate of the pagan Gentiles. God loves the Gentiles too. The moral of Jonah’s story is to show how much God cares for all people. Almighty God desires all people of the Earth to receive His mercy and forgiveness. When the Holy Spirit directed Jonah to go to Nineveh and give the people a message from God, Jonah had refused to go at first. Jonah did not want to follow the Lord’s guidance. But, Jonah’s reluctance didn’t stop the Spirit of God from continuing to intervene in Jonah’s life. Until finally, Jonah gave in to God’s will for him to go and prophesize to the pagan people. This allowed the Holy Spirit to work godly sorrow in the hearts of the people, and the people responded to God’s message of judgment. After Jonah refused to accept God’s divine work in the lives of the people, the Holy Spirit showed Jonah the contrast between his concerns for a plant, and God’s concern for the people of Nineveh of Assyria.
Today, God still wants people to turn away from their worldly ways, and turn their lives around so they can freely receive His mercy and offer of forgiveness. Almighty God desires for all people on Earth to be reconciled to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Israel was commissioned to reveal God to the world. Genesis 12:3. Now, the church has been given this mission to go into the world and preach the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20. When a church have the attitude of Jonah, that is to consider itself exclusive, like Jonah and Israel did in their era, the church is not accomplishing its tasks according to the Lord’s will. When the church take the command of God seriously to arise and go to the nations of the world, those people who hear the Word and respond in faith, experience the mercy and forgiveness of God in life-changing, culture-impacting measures.
Now, during my older young years, Jonah’s story has taught me how to grow spiritually. It’s true that the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God. 1 Corinthians 3:19. And experiencing life has been the greatest teacher for me in my life, and learning how to overcome difficult situations in life. A young woman once asked me, “Why is life so hard?” She had asked me this question, during a time when I was much younger than I am now, but a few years older than she was. Her question caused me to “ponder” about an answer, but I couldn’t come up with a sensible answer that would make any sense to me. So, I answered, “I don’t know.” But, I remember how much it bothered me that I couldn’t answer that question. I kept hearing that question over and over in my mind, trying to understand why I couldn’t come up with an answer. It was a very simple question. But, there were no simple legitimate answers for me to give to that young lady. Also, I realized that any attempts I’d make to try and justify the hardships in life, I’d probably end up confusing her even more.
If anyone should ever ask me the same question again, I would have a very simple legitimate answer, and one that would make perfect sense. Why is life so hard? Life is so hard because of Satan’s authority in this world.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Some people act like Satan is a fairy tale, or someone to poke fun at in cartoons, comics, movies, and television shows, etc. Satan is not a “comical joke” and he’s probably LOL at those who think that he’s a big joke! Satan has tremendous and terroristic power! And he uses this power throughout the world, among all nations, cities, communities, in homes, and just everywhere. Wherever there’s strife, turmoil, division, etc. you can bet Satan or one of his posse demons is right there in the midst of everything! Just like Satan was in the midst of the Garden of Eden. Satan is an invisible spirit being who can manifest himself in the most dangerous attacks on humanity, to a point that will “boggle” the wildest imagination of anyone, or anything with the slightest possible chance of it ever happening. And Satan will still go beyond that!
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9.
Satan is not alone in his devious works! He persuaded a third of the angels to follow after his ways. Holy Scriptures tells us that these angels were his angels! I have not read anywhere in the scriptures where a third of these angels were actually numbered. But, when reading other scriptures…
“Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53.
When An Unclean Spirit Returns:
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him, seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43-45.
The demon-possessed man healed:
Jesus asked him saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”, because many demons had entered him. Luke 8:30. Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. The demonic spirit caused the man to have seizures. And this unclean spirit carefully kept the man under its protection.
The unclean spirits (something that is unseen) kept this man under guard! The man was bound with spiritual invisible chains and shackles! Satan and his demon angels are unseen spirits, lurking around us throughout the entire world. And some of these invisible spirits have actually tried to prevent me from writing this information about them! But, the Lord has already prepared me for this moment in my life. I’m pressing forward to share my testimony with the world, because I don’t want to experience any more Jonah-like trials. Now, my mindset is, “Lord, just show me what You want me to do, and I’ll do it.” “Lord, You want me to go there, really?…” O.K., I’ll go without hesitation. Well, maybe a little hesitation (you would not believe some of the places that the Lord has directed me to, and have shown me through dreams what goes on in those places). But, I’m doing my very best to be obedient to the Word of God. And He has truly blessed me tremendously. Oh, the stories I have yet to share with all of you….
But, getting back to Jonah’s example of learning how to allow God to work with us, and through us. When we reject the truth of God’s Word, and His gospel message, it gives Satan and his angel demons (do you have any clues as to how many of them it is yet?) power and authority over our lives. Our human spirits will never remain void (empty)! We will either have knowledge of God’s Holy Spirit, or the knowledge of Satan’s spirit (the knowledge of both good and evil). We will be living our lives according to the Tree of Life (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faith, unity, etc. (Galatians 5:16-26); or we will be living the ways of that other tree. Remember how this tree was in the midst (central, core, nucleus, intervention, intrusion, a go-between) of the garden? Genesis 3:3. Jonah’s previous attitude about pagan people, should serve as a good example of why mankind do not totally control the life of other people.
Jesus Christ is now the Center Core, the Nucleus, and our Intervention. Jesus is also the go-between Satan and humanity! Jesus is our All and All, and He is more than enough of what we’ll ever need. He is our EVERYTHING!!!
Jesus is my Everything in the morning, noon, evening, and during the nighttime. And everywhere in between! Jesus is my Peace, Love, Forgiveness, Righteousness, Friend, Guardian, Security, Companion, Savior, Deliverer, and Heavenly Father! Praise the Lord! He is worthy to be praised! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
“Oopsy doo, I got a little happy and needed to shout and praise His name!”
Still Watching and Praying!
~ Jonahs Sister ~
My eyes have seen
My ears have heard
My mouth shall speak
about the goodness of Almighty God
Psalms confirms the heavenly miracles of hearing angels sing, and hearing the sound of heavenly music coming down from heaven. The Book of Psalms helped me to understand the inspiration a person feels, and why they would want to write songs and poetry about life, and their spiritual experiences. Also, Psalms helped me to understand how Almighty God really does live among the praises of His people. The Holy Spirit sings to you too, and you can actually hear the Holy Spirit singing through your human spirit!
I have read that Psalms reveals our freedom of expression, when we are deeply concerned or confused about things going on in our life, or in the lives of other people around us. Poetry and songs will open our mind to human emotions and acknowledge a need to go to Almighty God in prayers and with thanksgiving. And by doing so, this will create a personal relationship between us, and our Heavenly Father. When we take our feelings, and humble ourselves before Almighty God with prayers and singing, He will hear and act upon our concerns. Psalms is a powerful revelation about the truth and power of worship to Almighty God. It’s an awesome experience seeing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit actively working among your praises, and the worship of our Heavenly Father.
Apart from these specific books of the Holy Bible, I believe that the Book of Jonah helped me to understand my own personal experiences, of not wanting to let go of worldly pleasures, and wanting to stay spiritually blind to the Lord’s efforts in trying to reveal certain things to me, and about me. I didn’t want to know about those things, during my young adult years, neither did I want to learn how to be a good Christian. I had no interests in being a committed church member either. I was terribly bored during the church meetings I did attend on the few occasions, with family or friends. When I was living in St. Louis, Missouri, a friend of mine actually held my hand, during an altar call prayer service. She had invited me to her church, and I thought she was just happy to see that I showed up. Later, I realized she wanted me to become a church member. Maybe the Lord was working through her too, I’m not certain of that.
Anyway, I was connecting knowledge about Almighty God to churches that took the fun out of the “party” life, and just living a fun life in general. Whenever, I experienced a vision, or a dream about something weird, or a strange occurrence, I would immediately feel obligated to be a good Christian. I thought it was more than enough just to go to church on Easter Sunday. It was fun going to church then. I could dress up and show off my new Easter shoes and clothes And my Easter hat too, if I found one that I liked. But, I was determined not to be a permanent member of anybody’s wearisome, or boring church. Attending church made me sleepy and tired, during the years, when I was much younger. I’d be happy and excited on the way to the church, but in less than thirty minutes after getting there, I’d be restless. And after finding more interesting activities going on in the hallways, or just outside the doors of the church, I would begin to wander and roam about (Satan wants people to wander and roam away from the Word of Almighty God). At least that would keep me from falling asleep in the church’s sanctuary.
And every church I visited had beautiful buildings, and gorgeous images of Jesus Christ hanging on the walls throughout the facilities. However, I never quite understood why Jesus had so many different faces, and His clothes were always different in each picture, or on the statue images of Jesus Christ that I saw at the various churches. Even His cross was inconsistent. Some crosses were very elaborate, while others were plain and simple. A few of the churches didn’t even show Jesus on a cross! He was only pictured hanging on a single post. Anyway, I thought that Jesus Christ looked very fashionable since He had an extensive wardrobe, and Jesus had a great hair stylist too! And, all of the church ministers gave stirring sermons. Also, I was fascinated by how a minister could choose one scripture out of the Holy Bible, and preach about that single scripture during the entire church service.
Now, when I first heard about Jonah in the bible, I began thinking how easily I could identify with his experience. But, Jonah ended up in the belly of a fish. What would be the chances of something like that ever happening again? There were no fishes that big in the water near where I lived (not saying that God couldn’t have caused one to miraculous appear or something). But, in my own limited human thinking, what could happen to me, if anything, that would be worse than being eaten by a fish? Besides staying away from water where big fishes could swim. And, I was also impressed by Jonah’s tenacity. This would be one reason for cautiously adopting his philosophy, after much thought and consideration. I remember that decision clearly, as if I were reliving the exact moment.
If you’ve never read the story about Jonah, you must make every effort to do so. Jonah’s story made me laugh out loud. The story is a short one, but it’s filled with a lot of real life realities about how people can judge others, and have a wait and see attitude about things in life. Something that still exists in the world today. Without trying to write about Jonah’s entire story, I want to share some interesting highlights of his story that made me want to consider myself as a sister (by having almost similar thoughts) to Jonah. Not as a sister, or brother in Christ (which we are), but, I could actually understand where Jonah was coming from. I’m just now beginning to wonder, at this very moment, was the man that I saw sitting and waiting nearby, in one of my visions, as if he was waiting for someone, or something to happen, Jonah? What would be the chances of that actually being him? That would be absolutely amazing for me, to have Jonah be in one of my visions! But, that’s another story entirely.
It is written that Jonah was a strong nationalist. Jonah had problems understanding how Almighty God could be merciful to Ninevah of Assyria. Jonah thought these people deserved severe punishment. I, myself sometimes have difficulty understanding why the Lord don’t strike people dead in their footsteps, when I see them do, or hear them say things that I would never do, or say for fear of the Lord’s punishment concerning those things.
Jonah is the only prophet being sent to preach to the Gentiles. My understanding of this story is that Jonah may not have been so much against doing what God was asking for him to do, in as much as Jonah had a problem with doing what God asked him to do concerning the people of Nineveh. Jonah thinks that God should allow the pagan people to decline! Jonah wants Nineveh to lose the power that they used against Israel. I notice right away that this story is all about what Jonah wanted. Now, that should have been the very first red flag for me. But, of course I can read Jonah’s story with a spiritual mind now. When I first read about Jonah, I was spiritually blind, and totally living a happy worldly life. However, Jonah doesn’t want God to show mercy to these pagans!
Jonah’s name means “Dove” or “Pigeon”. Jonah’s disposition was said to be strong-willed and hasty, among other things. But, Jonah was loyal and committed to the nation of Israel. Jonah did fear the Lord as God of heaven, and Creator of the land and sea, but his willful disobedience (another red flag) and reluctance was based on his anger about God showing mercy to the pagan people. Skipping over all of the historical stuff in the Book of Jonah (about the fish and all of that), Jonah finally relents to Gods call, and he decides to go and prophecy to the non-covenant people, Nineveh of Assyria.
After Jonah gives the message to the Gentile people, Nineveh of Assyria, Jonah is disappointed that the people are actually listening to God’s message of repentance and deliverance. Now, Jonah is angry and confused about what is actually happening in his presence. Jonah just can’t understand why God would have mercy on these pagan people who abused the nation of Israel. Finally, the story made me laugh very hard when I read how Jonah, still not believing the people is genuine in their repentance, he builds a shelter for himself on a hill overlooking the city of Nineveh from the east. Jonah then sit and wait (as if he was camping out) on this hill for the date to come, which God had set to judge the people if they didn’t repent. While Jonah is waiting, God uses this opportunity to teach Jonah a lesson.
Almighty God causes a plant to grow overnight in a place on the hill that will shade Jonah’s head. Jonah thinks this is a good fortune for himself, so he rejoices over the shade tree that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Next, God prepares a worm to destroy the plant (see how personal Almighty God can be, and have a sense of humor too). But, that should have been another red flag for me also. Now, the worm cuts the stem of the plant. The plant withers. After that, God cause a hot wind to blow in from the east. The blowing hot wind makes Jonah uncomfortable. The story reveals how miserable Jonah is. I would imagine that Jonah could have been experiencing something almost similar to a hot day in the Texas summer heat. But, while reading the story, I also get the impressing that God possibly caused Jonah to be more hotter than a summer day in Texas, because the hot east wind dries Jonah’s parched body.
Jonah laments the death of the plant, and shows his displeasure to God. And, God show Jonah about his inconsistency at being more concerned about a plant than he is about the fate of the pagan Gentiles. God loves the Gentiles too. The moral of Jonah’s story is to show how much God cares for all people. Almighty God desires all people of the Earth to receive His mercy and forgiveness. When the Holy Spirit directed Jonah to go to Nineveh and give the people a message from God, Jonah had refused to go at first. Jonah did not want to follow the Lord’s guidance. But, Jonah’s reluctance didn’t stop the Spirit of God from continuing to intervene in Jonah’s life. Until finally, Jonah gave in to God’s will for him to go and prophesize to the pagan people. This allowed the Holy Spirit to work godly sorrow in the hearts of the people, and the people responded to God’s message of judgment. After Jonah refused to accept God’s divine work in the lives of the people, the Holy Spirit showed Jonah the contrast between his concerns for a plant, and God’s concern for the people of Nineveh of Assyria.
Today, God still wants people to turn away from their worldly ways, and turn their lives around so they can freely receive His mercy and offer of forgiveness. Almighty God desires for all people on Earth to be reconciled to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Israel was commissioned to reveal God to the world. Genesis 12:3. Now, the church has been given this mission to go into the world and preach the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20. When a church have the attitude of Jonah, that is to consider itself exclusive, like Jonah and Israel did in their era, the church is not accomplishing its tasks according to the Lord’s will. When the church take the command of God seriously to arise and go to the nations of the world, those people who hear the Word and respond in faith, experience the mercy and forgiveness of God in life-changing, culture-impacting measures.
Now, during my older young years, Jonah’s story has taught me how to grow spiritually. It’s true that the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God. 1 Corinthians 3:19. And experiencing life has been the greatest teacher for me in my life, and learning how to overcome difficult situations in life. A young woman once asked me, “Why is life so hard?” She had asked me this question, during a time when I was much younger than I am now, but a few years older than she was. Her question caused me to “ponder” about an answer, but I couldn’t come up with a sensible answer that would make any sense to me. So, I answered, “I don’t know.” But, I remember how much it bothered me that I couldn’t answer that question. I kept hearing that question over and over in my mind, trying to understand why I couldn’t come up with an answer. It was a very simple question. But, there were no simple legitimate answers for me to give to that young lady. Also, I realized that any attempts I’d make to try and justify the hardships in life, I’d probably end up confusing her even more.
If anyone should ever ask me the same question again, I would have a very simple legitimate answer, and one that would make perfect sense. Why is life so hard? Life is so hard because of Satan’s authority in this world.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Some people act like Satan is a fairy tale, or someone to poke fun at in cartoons, comics, movies, and television shows, etc. Satan is not a “comical joke” and he’s probably LOL at those who think that he’s a big joke! Satan has tremendous and terroristic power! And he uses this power throughout the world, among all nations, cities, communities, in homes, and just everywhere. Wherever there’s strife, turmoil, division, etc. you can bet Satan or one of his posse demons is right there in the midst of everything! Just like Satan was in the midst of the Garden of Eden. Satan is an invisible spirit being who can manifest himself in the most dangerous attacks on humanity, to a point that will “boggle” the wildest imagination of anyone, or anything with the slightest possible chance of it ever happening. And Satan will still go beyond that!
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9.
Satan is not alone in his devious works! He persuaded a third of the angels to follow after his ways. Holy Scriptures tells us that these angels were his angels! I have not read anywhere in the scriptures where a third of these angels were actually numbered. But, when reading other scriptures…
“Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53.
When An Unclean Spirit Returns:
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him, seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43-45.
The demon-possessed man healed:
Jesus asked him saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”, because many demons had entered him. Luke 8:30. Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. The demonic spirit caused the man to have seizures. And this unclean spirit carefully kept the man under its protection.
The unclean spirits (something that is unseen) kept this man under guard! The man was bound with spiritual invisible chains and shackles! Satan and his demon angels are unseen spirits, lurking around us throughout the entire world. And some of these invisible spirits have actually tried to prevent me from writing this information about them! But, the Lord has already prepared me for this moment in my life. I’m pressing forward to share my testimony with the world, because I don’t want to experience any more Jonah-like trials. Now, my mindset is, “Lord, just show me what You want me to do, and I’ll do it.” “Lord, You want me to go there, really?…” O.K., I’ll go without hesitation. Well, maybe a little hesitation (you would not believe some of the places that the Lord has directed me to, and have shown me through dreams what goes on in those places). But, I’m doing my very best to be obedient to the Word of God. And He has truly blessed me tremendously. Oh, the stories I have yet to share with all of you….
But, getting back to Jonah’s example of learning how to allow God to work with us, and through us. When we reject the truth of God’s Word, and His gospel message, it gives Satan and his angel demons (do you have any clues as to how many of them it is yet?) power and authority over our lives. Our human spirits will never remain void (empty)! We will either have knowledge of God’s Holy Spirit, or the knowledge of Satan’s spirit (the knowledge of both good and evil). We will be living our lives according to the Tree of Life (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faith, unity, etc. (Galatians 5:16-26); or we will be living the ways of that other tree. Remember how this tree was in the midst (central, core, nucleus, intervention, intrusion, a go-between) of the garden? Genesis 3:3. Jonah’s previous attitude about pagan people, should serve as a good example of why mankind do not totally control the life of other people.
Jesus Christ is now the Center Core, the Nucleus, and our Intervention. Jesus is also the go-between Satan and humanity! Jesus is our All and All, and He is more than enough of what we’ll ever need. He is our EVERYTHING!!!
Jesus is my Everything in the morning, noon, evening, and during the nighttime. And everywhere in between! Jesus is my Peace, Love, Forgiveness, Righteousness, Friend, Guardian, Security, Companion, Savior, Deliverer, and Heavenly Father! Praise the Lord! He is worthy to be praised! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
“Oopsy doo, I got a little happy and needed to shout and praise His name!”
Still Watching and Praying!
~ Jonahs Sister ~
My eyes have seen
My ears have heard
My mouth shall speak
about the goodness of Almighty God
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
In The Beginning
Bereshith
"In the beginning."
God Almighty didn't force his purpose on mankind. The choice for man to accept God's will and purpose for his life, has always been and always will be his choice. It has been like that since the beginning of creation.
Eve was the first woman in the Holy Bible associated with Adam. The story of Adam and Eve is very unique. The story tells us how man and woman was created, how they related to each other, and about their relationship with God Almighty. We also learn about (The Garden of Eden) their environment.
God Almighty wanted Adam and Eve to lead a happy life, without affliction, care, and vexation of spirit. His desire was to provide Adam and Eve divine care and guardianship. God Almighty wanted all things, which contribute to their enjoyment and pleasure, to grow up by His providence, of their own accord, without their labor and painstaking. Labor would lead to their old age. Death would not be at any remote distance.
The Garden of Eden Environment
Eden "delight", is the first residence of mankind. History about this garden is found in the first three Chapters of the Book of Genesis. Eden was a place of extreme fertility, as mentioned in other Old Testament books. (Isaiah 51:3; Ezekiel 28:13, 31:9; Joel 2:3).
God created the first residence of humankind. He planted a paradise in the east, flourishing with all sorts of trees, including the "tree of life", and "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil". It was the first created man and woman's duty to take care of the plants. The garden was watered by one river, which ran round the whole earth, and was parted into four parts. Phison, which denotes a multitude, running into India, makes its exit into the sea, and is by the Greeks called Ganges. Euphrates and Tigris goes down into the Red Sea. The name Euphrates (or Phrath), denotes either a dispersion, or a flower; Tigris (or Diglath) signifies what is swift, with narrowness; and Geon runs through Egypt, and denotes what arises from the east, which the Greeks call Nile.
God Almighty walked in the garden in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). Imagine sharing an afternoon walk with God, as the two of you stroll through paradise!
There is reason to believe that the Garden of Eden existed in the Middle East. God consistently used this area to work out His plan of salvation. Today two of the rivers which once flowed through Eden retain their names: Tigris (Hiddekel), and Euphrates, flowing from eastern Asia Minor to the Persian Gulf!
Eve's Relationship with God
Eve is created from Adam's rib ("This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh" Genesis 2:23), and is given to Adam by God, to be his wife. Eve was created by the hand of God from living tissue in a man. God declared, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" (Genesis 2:18).
God loved Eve, and He gave her the capacity to love and share in return. Our first mother Eve had a loving relationship with God, just as other women throughout bilical history. God wants to have a loving relationship with women today.
Eve's Relationship with Her Children
In the beginning, Eve had two sons with Adam. The oldest was Cain, which name signifies possession. Cain tilled the ground. The younger son, Abel was a lover of righteousness, and believed that God was present at all his actions. Abel's name signifies sorrow. Abel excelled in virtue and was a shepherd. Later, Eve bore another son and called him Seth, "For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed" (Genesis 4:25). Eve had other sons and daughters with Adam.
Cain (Genesis 4:1-16) is the oldest son and brother of Abel. Cain cultivated the land (fruits forced from labor) and offered the first fruits of his harvest. God rejected his offering and Cain became jealous of his brother Abel.
INTRODUCTION OF SIBLING RIVALRY
Cain slew Abel becoming the first murderer. (Genesis 4:2-16). Abel's sacrificial offering was accepted by God Almighty. Cain was cursed and condemned to a life of wandering. A divine mark was placed upon him lest anyone meeting him should slay him. Anyone who disregarded the mark and killed Cain would be visited with sevenfold vengeance. Cain is mentioned in the New Testament (1 John 3:12; Jude 11) for his wicked deed. Cain settled in Nod east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16).
Abel (Genesis 4:2-16) is the second son, and brother of Cain. Abel was a shepherd who offered the firstborn of his flock as a sacrificial offering which was acceptable to God Almighty.
Seth is the third son (no theological thought about Seth was found by this author). God has given us an account about Eve's third son. Adam was 130 years old when Seth was born. Seth was the "spitting" image of his father Adam. Adam lived another 800 years and had other sons and daughters (Genesis 5:3,4). Seth lived 105 years and had a son name Enosh (Genesis 5:6).
This famous story about fratricide cause many theologians to (think) this story illustrates early nomadic tribal beliefs that filtered down through time into religious thought. Animal herding, the principal occupation of many nomads, was considered more pleasing to their gods than agriculture; because, Abel's sacrifice was accepted, and Cain's was not (Hebrew 11:4, 12:24).
The story is explained by historians and biblical scholars as a symbolic account of an ancient nomadic tribe named Cain. It's distinguishing tatto mark; and of its reputation for ferocious vengeance against other tribes who slew members of the tribe of Cain. The name Cain has become synonymous with murderer; the mark that was affixed to Cain has become known as the mark or brand of Cain and used figuratively to denote a murderer.
Eve's Relationship with Others
Outside of Marriage and Family
The serpent came to Eden (And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode... Jude 6), and planted "the seed of doubt" in Eve's heart. "You will not surely die, for God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4-5).
The serpent "bamboozled" Eve into eating the fruit from that other tree. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan reversed God's instruction to man, and made a wrong choice appear to be the right choice. Satan is using that exact same strategy today on mankind. He is sometimes very successful. Satan's master plan is to destroy our relationship with God Almighty, our families, friends, and others outside of marriage and family. See vision: http://www.jonahsister.blogspot.com/
Temptation
The serpent deceives Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:4, 13).
Notice how Eve was first deceived through her sense of beauty and next by her possible willingness to learn about the unknown. Like little babies, we are facinated in the beauty of an object and curious enough to explore its every aspect.
Satan, the Devil (serpent symbolization in Eden) talked to Eve (women are known to be the weaker sex). Satan deceived her into eating the forbidden fruit by appealing to her senses {sight, smell, tough, taste, hearing}. Eve listened to the serpent and saw the forbidden fruit was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, able to make one wise.
The serpent told Eve that eating the fruit would give her wisdom. Who else was present to dispute the serpent's claim? Proper guidance and obedience from a father or mother protects us from being harmed. Who was supervising Eve when she fell into harms way? Instruction from a parent and being obedient to that instruction will keep us safe from that which could possible hurt us or destroy our lives.
God commanded that Adam and his wife should eat from all the rest of the plants, except the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". God warned them that if they touched it, it would cause their destruction. The serpent overcame Eve, and persuaded her to despise the command of God. When Eve tasted the "fruit" and was pleased by it, she persuaded Adam to taste it also. Adam ate the fruit knowing better. He simply followed the lead of his wife Eve.
Adam's single act of disobedience cut him and all his progeny (offspring, descendants) off from God's Holy Spirit! Adam's action revealed that he didn't want to go God's way of eternal life (symbolized by the "tree of life").
Man
Adam determined for himself what was right and what was wrong apart from God Almighty. Man has followed in Adam's footsteps ever since.
Penalty: Adam and Eve was removed from the garden and put in another place. Eve was given the sharp pains of bringing forth children because she persuaded Adam to be disobedient by repeating the same story to him that the serpent used on her. Also, the ground would not yield its fruit of its own accord, except through hard labor.
Deliverance: Instruction from God Almighty, and being obedient to His instruction will keep us out of the wiles of serpents. All of mankind's problems are due to not believing God's goodness and to disobeying His Word!
The Tree of Life, freely offered to Adam and Eve, symbolized availability of God's Holy Spirit. What do you think would have happen, if Adam and Eve had first eaten fruit from this tree?
Spiritually Kidnapped!!!
Satan spiritually kidnapped Adam and Eve. God Almighty would have given them His Holy Spirit and eternal life. Adam and Eve chose a course of false education that produced sin and death by choosing the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. "...the eyes of them were opened" Genesis 3:7-11.
Very few people realize the great power, now turned to cunning deception, possessed by Satan. Satan got to Adam through his wife Eve. Satan appeared as a subtile serpent. He cleverly deceived Eve by putting doubts in her mind about God's truth. Satan tricked Eve into believing God had been unfair and selfish. All these things (cunning, deception, doubting, unfair, selfish, etc.) are the characters of Satan!
Satan - (powers of) Gog and Magog, in the Bible, great hostile powers controlled by Satan that will appear just before the end of the world (Revelation 20:8). Magog is also identified as a land - the home of Gog (Ezekiel 38:2). Later accounts show Gog and Magog (modern day Russia) as conventional symbols for any force opposed to authenic religion or its adherents.
Lucifer - (Latin for "light-bearer"), name for the planet Venus when it appears as the morning star; Vulgate translation of the Hebrew expression for "bright one". Isaiah used the term in satirical allusion to the king of Babylon, describing the frustrated ambition of the morning star to rise higher than all the other stars: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning" (Isaiah 14:12). In the New Testament, star imagery is associated to the figure of Christ (2 Peter 1:19) He is called "day star"; in (Revelation 22:16) He is called "morning star".
Serpent - God deprived the serpent of speech, out of its indignation at its envious disposition towards Adam and Eve living happily, and in obedience to the commands of God. The serpent was made an enemy to man. Here is thought that the serpent, along with other living creatures, had one language and could speak. The notion is that the present state of such living creatures is not their original state; and their capacities have been once much greater than we now see them, and are capable of being restored their former condition. Both man, and the other subordinate creatures are to be delivered from the curse brought upon them, and (at last be delivered from that bondage of corruption- Romans 8:19-22).
Author's Comments:
"Do you have a special understanding relationship with your pet animal?"
Look directly into the eyes of your pet, and ask your pet, "Who's being trained, you or me?" The response you received from your pet's reaction may surprise you!
~ Jonahs Sister ~
Historical Sources: Encyclopedia, Microsoft Encarta 98; Every Woman: In The Bible, Sue and Larry Richards; Josephus: The Complete Works, translated by William Whiston, A.M.
"In the beginning."
God Almighty didn't force his purpose on mankind. The choice for man to accept God's will and purpose for his life, has always been and always will be his choice. It has been like that since the beginning of creation.
Eve was the first woman in the Holy Bible associated with Adam. The story of Adam and Eve is very unique. The story tells us how man and woman was created, how they related to each other, and about their relationship with God Almighty. We also learn about (The Garden of Eden) their environment.
God Almighty wanted Adam and Eve to lead a happy life, without affliction, care, and vexation of spirit. His desire was to provide Adam and Eve divine care and guardianship. God Almighty wanted all things, which contribute to their enjoyment and pleasure, to grow up by His providence, of their own accord, without their labor and painstaking. Labor would lead to their old age. Death would not be at any remote distance.
The Garden of Eden Environment
Eden "delight", is the first residence of mankind. History about this garden is found in the first three Chapters of the Book of Genesis. Eden was a place of extreme fertility, as mentioned in other Old Testament books. (Isaiah 51:3; Ezekiel 28:13, 31:9; Joel 2:3).
God created the first residence of humankind. He planted a paradise in the east, flourishing with all sorts of trees, including the "tree of life", and "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil". It was the first created man and woman's duty to take care of the plants. The garden was watered by one river, which ran round the whole earth, and was parted into four parts. Phison, which denotes a multitude, running into India, makes its exit into the sea, and is by the Greeks called Ganges. Euphrates and Tigris goes down into the Red Sea. The name Euphrates (or Phrath), denotes either a dispersion, or a flower; Tigris (or Diglath) signifies what is swift, with narrowness; and Geon runs through Egypt, and denotes what arises from the east, which the Greeks call Nile.
God Almighty walked in the garden in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). Imagine sharing an afternoon walk with God, as the two of you stroll through paradise!
There is reason to believe that the Garden of Eden existed in the Middle East. God consistently used this area to work out His plan of salvation. Today two of the rivers which once flowed through Eden retain their names: Tigris (Hiddekel), and Euphrates, flowing from eastern Asia Minor to the Persian Gulf!
Eve's Relationship with God
Eve is created from Adam's rib ("This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh" Genesis 2:23), and is given to Adam by God, to be his wife. Eve was created by the hand of God from living tissue in a man. God declared, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" (Genesis 2:18).
God loved Eve, and He gave her the capacity to love and share in return. Our first mother Eve had a loving relationship with God, just as other women throughout bilical history. God wants to have a loving relationship with women today.
Eve's Relationship with Her Children
In the beginning, Eve had two sons with Adam. The oldest was Cain, which name signifies possession. Cain tilled the ground. The younger son, Abel was a lover of righteousness, and believed that God was present at all his actions. Abel's name signifies sorrow. Abel excelled in virtue and was a shepherd. Later, Eve bore another son and called him Seth, "For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed" (Genesis 4:25). Eve had other sons and daughters with Adam.
Cain (Genesis 4:1-16) is the oldest son and brother of Abel. Cain cultivated the land (fruits forced from labor) and offered the first fruits of his harvest. God rejected his offering and Cain became jealous of his brother Abel.
INTRODUCTION OF SIBLING RIVALRY
Cain slew Abel becoming the first murderer. (Genesis 4:2-16). Abel's sacrificial offering was accepted by God Almighty. Cain was cursed and condemned to a life of wandering. A divine mark was placed upon him lest anyone meeting him should slay him. Anyone who disregarded the mark and killed Cain would be visited with sevenfold vengeance. Cain is mentioned in the New Testament (1 John 3:12; Jude 11) for his wicked deed. Cain settled in Nod east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16).
Abel (Genesis 4:2-16) is the second son, and brother of Cain. Abel was a shepherd who offered the firstborn of his flock as a sacrificial offering which was acceptable to God Almighty.
Seth is the third son (no theological thought about Seth was found by this author). God has given us an account about Eve's third son. Adam was 130 years old when Seth was born. Seth was the "spitting" image of his father Adam. Adam lived another 800 years and had other sons and daughters (Genesis 5:3,4). Seth lived 105 years and had a son name Enosh (Genesis 5:6).
This famous story about fratricide cause many theologians to (think) this story illustrates early nomadic tribal beliefs that filtered down through time into religious thought. Animal herding, the principal occupation of many nomads, was considered more pleasing to their gods than agriculture; because, Abel's sacrifice was accepted, and Cain's was not (Hebrew 11:4, 12:24).
The story is explained by historians and biblical scholars as a symbolic account of an ancient nomadic tribe named Cain. It's distinguishing tatto mark; and of its reputation for ferocious vengeance against other tribes who slew members of the tribe of Cain. The name Cain has become synonymous with murderer; the mark that was affixed to Cain has become known as the mark or brand of Cain and used figuratively to denote a murderer.
Eve's Relationship with Others
Outside of Marriage and Family
The serpent came to Eden (And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode... Jude 6), and planted "the seed of doubt" in Eve's heart. "You will not surely die, for God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4-5).
The serpent "bamboozled" Eve into eating the fruit from that other tree. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan reversed God's instruction to man, and made a wrong choice appear to be the right choice. Satan is using that exact same strategy today on mankind. He is sometimes very successful. Satan's master plan is to destroy our relationship with God Almighty, our families, friends, and others outside of marriage and family. See vision: http://www.jonahsister.blogspot.com/
Temptation
The serpent deceives Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:4, 13).
Notice how Eve was first deceived through her sense of beauty and next by her possible willingness to learn about the unknown. Like little babies, we are facinated in the beauty of an object and curious enough to explore its every aspect.
Satan, the Devil (serpent symbolization in Eden) talked to Eve (women are known to be the weaker sex). Satan deceived her into eating the forbidden fruit by appealing to her senses {sight, smell, tough, taste, hearing}. Eve listened to the serpent and saw the forbidden fruit was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, able to make one wise.
The serpent told Eve that eating the fruit would give her wisdom. Who else was present to dispute the serpent's claim? Proper guidance and obedience from a father or mother protects us from being harmed. Who was supervising Eve when she fell into harms way? Instruction from a parent and being obedient to that instruction will keep us safe from that which could possible hurt us or destroy our lives.
God commanded that Adam and his wife should eat from all the rest of the plants, except the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". God warned them that if they touched it, it would cause their destruction. The serpent overcame Eve, and persuaded her to despise the command of God. When Eve tasted the "fruit" and was pleased by it, she persuaded Adam to taste it also. Adam ate the fruit knowing better. He simply followed the lead of his wife Eve.
Adam's single act of disobedience cut him and all his progeny (offspring, descendants) off from God's Holy Spirit! Adam's action revealed that he didn't want to go God's way of eternal life (symbolized by the "tree of life").
Man
Adam determined for himself what was right and what was wrong apart from God Almighty. Man has followed in Adam's footsteps ever since.
Penalty: Adam and Eve was removed from the garden and put in another place. Eve was given the sharp pains of bringing forth children because she persuaded Adam to be disobedient by repeating the same story to him that the serpent used on her. Also, the ground would not yield its fruit of its own accord, except through hard labor.
Deliverance: Instruction from God Almighty, and being obedient to His instruction will keep us out of the wiles of serpents. All of mankind's problems are due to not believing God's goodness and to disobeying His Word!
The Tree of Life, freely offered to Adam and Eve, symbolized availability of God's Holy Spirit. What do you think would have happen, if Adam and Eve had first eaten fruit from this tree?
Spiritually Kidnapped!!!
Satan spiritually kidnapped Adam and Eve. God Almighty would have given them His Holy Spirit and eternal life. Adam and Eve chose a course of false education that produced sin and death by choosing the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. "...the eyes of them were opened" Genesis 3:7-11.
Very few people realize the great power, now turned to cunning deception, possessed by Satan. Satan got to Adam through his wife Eve. Satan appeared as a subtile serpent. He cleverly deceived Eve by putting doubts in her mind about God's truth. Satan tricked Eve into believing God had been unfair and selfish. All these things (cunning, deception, doubting, unfair, selfish, etc.) are the characters of Satan!
Satan - (powers of) Gog and Magog, in the Bible, great hostile powers controlled by Satan that will appear just before the end of the world (Revelation 20:8). Magog is also identified as a land - the home of Gog (Ezekiel 38:2). Later accounts show Gog and Magog (modern day Russia) as conventional symbols for any force opposed to authenic religion or its adherents.
Lucifer - (Latin for "light-bearer"), name for the planet Venus when it appears as the morning star; Vulgate translation of the Hebrew expression for "bright one". Isaiah used the term in satirical allusion to the king of Babylon, describing the frustrated ambition of the morning star to rise higher than all the other stars: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning" (Isaiah 14:12). In the New Testament, star imagery is associated to the figure of Christ (2 Peter 1:19) He is called "day star"; in (Revelation 22:16) He is called "morning star".
Serpent - God deprived the serpent of speech, out of its indignation at its envious disposition towards Adam and Eve living happily, and in obedience to the commands of God. The serpent was made an enemy to man. Here is thought that the serpent, along with other living creatures, had one language and could speak. The notion is that the present state of such living creatures is not their original state; and their capacities have been once much greater than we now see them, and are capable of being restored their former condition. Both man, and the other subordinate creatures are to be delivered from the curse brought upon them, and (at last be delivered from that bondage of corruption- Romans 8:19-22).
Author's Comments:
"Do you have a special understanding relationship with your pet animal?"
Look directly into the eyes of your pet, and ask your pet, "Who's being trained, you or me?" The response you received from your pet's reaction may surprise you!
~ Jonahs Sister ~
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Historical Sources: Encyclopedia, Microsoft Encarta 98; Every Woman: In The Bible, Sue and Larry Richards; Josephus: The Complete Works, translated by William Whiston, A.M.
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