ANCIENT PROPHECY

Christ’s Birth Foretold in the Old Testament of the Holy Scriptures


The people who walk in darkness will see a great Light. A Light will shine on all those who live on the earth, the land of the shadow of death. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and thick darkness the people, but the Lord will arise upon you and His glory will shine upon you. Nations will come to His Light, and kings to the brightness of His coming.


A Star will come out of Jacob, and a Scepter will rise out of Israel. But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the tribes of Judah, out of you will come One who will be Ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin will conceive and bear a Son and will name Him "Immanuel" [God with us].


For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government and peace.


He will judge your people with righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. He will defend the afflicted and save the children of the poor and needy. He will crush the oppressor. He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak, the poor and the needy, and save them from death. His Name will endure forever - may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through Him, and they will call Him blessed.


God says, "See I Lay a Stone in Zion, a tried Stone, a precious Cornerstone, that is safe to build on. The one who trusts in Him will never lose courage!"


The above quotes are taken from these Bible texts
Isaiah 9:2; 60:2,3/ Numbers 24:17/ Micah 5:2/
Isaiah 7:14; 9:6,7/ Psalm 72:2,4,6,7,12,13,17/
Isaiah 28:16

Best Friend Forever

Jesus is eager to be your best friend. He has not changed with the changing years. His love is as strong, His understanding as perfect, His sympathy as deep, as He was in Bible days. He is just as eager to be helpful today as at any time past.


Sometimes, we are called to pass through periods of trial and hardship. Our future seems hedged with difficulties. Our faith and loyalty are tested to the limit. But NEVER does God desert us. He awaits the right moment to come to our rescue.


Maybe, at this moment, you are troubled, perplexed, and afraid; it may be because you have forgotten that you have such a Friend. Jesus is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1. So why not take Jesus at His word and go boldly, and with confidence, and tell Him all that is on your heart.


The Wonderful Creator, the Glorious Savior, is also your Friend Forever!

UFO's

On May 7, 2013 there was an article regarding an increase of widespread, worldwide UFO sightings in the months of March and April 2013. With all that is happening worldwide in terrorism, threat of nuclear war, etc., do you suppose UFOs are really demons, and that the time is here for Satan to make an entrance?


"fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons." "As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will impersonate Christ." The Great Controversy 624, e g white


Satan will, if possible, prevent us from obtaining a preparation to stand in the last day. He will entangle us with earthly treasures, causing us to carry a heavy burden and we will be overwhelmed with worry; and Jesus' second coming will come upon us as a thief.


Satan is not permitted to read our thoughts, but he marks our words and actions, skillfully adapting his temptations to meet the cases of those who place themselves in his power. If we would work to repress sinful thoughts and feelings, giving them no expression in words or actions, Satan would be defeated, for he could not prepare his temptations to meet our case.

Biblical Names & Their Meanings

The names of Jacob’s sons (and their meanings) are listed in Genesis 29:32-35; 30:1-24; 35:18; and grandson Manasseh in Genesis 41:51. However, in Revelation 7:5-8 they are listed in a different order. It is interesting to see what this order “spells out.”

Judah - Now I will praise the Lord
Reuben - (for) the Lord has surely looked upon my affliction.
Gad - A fortune (troop) comes
Asher - I am happy,
Naptali - with great wrestling I have prevailed.
Manasseh - For God has made me to forget all my burdens and my father’s house,
Simeon - because the Lord has heard that I am unloved, and He has given me His Son also.
Levi - Now this time my husband has become joined to me.
Issachar - God has given me my wages.
Zebulun - God has endowed me with a good inheritance.
Joseph - The Lord shall add to me another Son,
Benjamin - the Son of my [His] right hand.

“Now I will praise the Lord, [for] the Lord has surely looked upon my affliction. A fortune comes, [so] I am happy - [for] with great wrestling I have prevailed. For God has made me forget all my burdens and my father’s house, because the Lord has heard that I am unloved, He has given me His Son also. Now this time my Husband has become joined to me. God has given me my wages. God has endowed me with a good inheritance. The Lord shall add to me another Son, the Son of [His] right hand.”

Satan can't read our Thoughts

“Satan is not permitted to read our thoughts; but he is a keen observer, and he marks the words, and actions, and skillfully adapts his temptations to meet the cases of those who place themselves in his power. If we would work to repress sinful thoughts and feelings, giving them no expression in words or actions, Satan would be defeated, for he could not prepare his temptations to meet the case.” True Revival, p 10

When I entertained doubt and worry, I was creating a foothold for Satan’s attacks. I realized how much opportunity I had given to the devil by filling my mind with doubt. I forgot that the Almighty had the whole world in His hands. There is nothing beyond His control. Who am I to worry?!

by I Coker (from Africa)

God's Protection in Disasters

God has protected me from many things including natural disasters.

In Alaska, in 1967, we were traveling with Uncle Morris in a motor home. On our way from Fairbanks to Anchorage we planned to camp overnight at a lake but for some reason pulled up camp and drove through the night. The next morning we learned earthquake tremors had struck Fairbanks! The Lord protected.

My hometown of Omaha has been struck by killer tornadoes numerous times. While living in that city my family home never suffered damage and always we were hours away when the storms hit. Often I wondered what future plans the Lord had for me seeing He sheltered me so many times.

In 1998 the Lord urged me to go to the crawl space due to a fast moving, severe thunderstorm headed for my home. The winds were blowing at 108 mph! Tornado sirens began blaring. While trying to remain calm I made myself comfortable on the dirt crawl space floor. While praying, a peace came over me and sensing the protection of Heavenly angels I fell asleep during the worst of the storm. Later my husband came home and the storm was over! It was just like resurrection morning! I fell asleep with the assurance of God's peace and the next thing someone was calling to awaken me.

"Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalms 119:165 [KJV]

In Times of Trials & Testing

God speaks to us in a special way in times of testing. This Blog is presented with the sincere desire that you might be strengthened as God speaks to you in your time of need, and that you, through the “Comfort of Scriptures, might have hope.” Romans 15:4.

“Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in our trials.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not worry, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

“The eternal God is your refuge....” Deuteronomy 33:27

“Like a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those that fear Him. For He knows our frame, He remembers that we are only dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

“Do not worry about anything; but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“God will keep you in perfect peace, when your mind is focused on God, because you trust in God.” Isaiah 26:3

Breast Cancer Miracle

On February 7th, 2005 I felt several large lumps on both breasts. On February 11th my physician confirmed the lumps and found smaller ones on each side. A February 16th appointment was made at the hospital for a mammogram and ultrasound, with a surgeon standing by for biopsy. I had known women who died from breast cancer. Was I to be another statistic?

Between February 11th and 16th I put my life in order by phoning or writing family and friends to put everything “right” between us. Then I rededicated my life to God, asking forgiveness of all my sins. I told God if it was His will for me to die, it was okay as long as I was “right” with Him. I asked for God’s healing in my life, I read the Bible, I prayed earnestly, I did all these things, but the lumps were still there.

On February 16, mammogram day, I awoke at 5:30 am and watched the sun rise. “What would this day bring,” I pondered. I prayed to God to be near, really near. At the hospital I changed into the gown and felt my breasts, and, yes, the lumps were still there.

The mammogram was over and so was the ultrasound. I now awaited the surgeon’s decision of whether or not to do my biopsy. I could hear him talking fast and loud about my case. He was scaring me! What was he saying? “Why was she brought in? She has no lumps of any size in her breasts! They are completely clear!”

God worked a miracle! I have been lump free for eleven years!

The Bible Fair

We attended a citywide Bible Fair, it was really something special! Everyone from the surrounding area was invited to bring their most unusual, smallest, largest, newest and oldest Bibles. There must have been 200 Bibles on display. We exhibited a 1941 U.S. Serviceman's New Testament.

The largest Bible was 12 by 18 inches and was printed in the 1860's. An unusual Catholic Bible had a huge, carved wood crucifix on the cover. A Methodist congregation brought a Bible covered in woven leather. Other unusual Bibles included a Catholic Bible with a hinged silver cover, and a tiny 1800's Bible in sixteen volumes with a custom wooden case. The most unusual Bible was a 1700's Bible printed for the followers of the reformer John Huss!

The oldest Bible was really something and was in very good condition. It was printed in 1576! The next oldest Bible was printed in 1590! One elderly lady brought in thirteen Bibles and her newest was 120 years old! She was the lady who exhibited the 1590 Bible and the most unusual Bible.

A Jewish synagogue brought a 100-year-old sheepskin scroll of the first five books of the Bible, and a rabbi was on hand to explain how these skins are prepared and how the writing is done. The ink is made only of carbon black and water and rubs off easily. Only a silver pointer is used to touch the scrolls, as oil from the hands will ruin the skins.

Several language Bibles were exhibited including: Spanish, French, German, Czech, Romanian, Afrikkan, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Dutch, Swahili, Chinese, Japanese and others. Some of these foreign Bibles were over 100 years old!

The Christian Record Braille Foundation brought in a 23 volume Braille Bible, all the volumes stacked up is over five feet tall! Christian Record's gift to everyone was the complete Bible printed on a small piece of plastic; it is called "the tiniest Bible in the world!"

It was a fantastic day seeing all these beautiful Bibles!

Signs of Jesus' Coming & the End of the World

Like a woman’s labor pains, the Frequency & Severity of the Signs increase until Jesus comes 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3; Matthew 24:7, 8

SIGNS IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD
Increase of Earthquakes & Disasters [Weird/Violent Weather?](Matthew 24:7;Luke 21:11, 25)
Famine, Disease & Pestilence (Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11)
Signs in the Sun, Moon and heavenly bodies (Matt 24:29; Luke 21:25)

SIGNS IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
Labor & Money Troubles (James 5:1-5)
Increase in Knowledge (Daniel 12:4)

SIGNS IN THE POLITICAL WORLD
Disregard for Justice (Isaiah 59:12-14; James 5:6)
Fear, Distress, Perplexity Everywhere (Luke 21:25-28)
Wars & Rumors of War (Matthew 24:6, 7; Luke 21:9, 10)
World Leaders & Pastors preach “Peace & Safety” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-5)

SIGNS IN THE SOCIAL WORLD
Moral Collapse, Increase of Violence & Crime (2 Timothy 3:1-6, 13)
Love pleasure more than God (2 Timothy 3:4)
No Natural Affection (2 Timothy 3:3)
Disobedient to Parents / No Self Control (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
Increase of Evil, so the Love of Many grows Cold (Matthew 24:12)

SIGNS IN THE RELIGIOUS WORLD
Form of godliness, but denying God (2 Timothy 3:5)
Disregard for God’s will, but doing “religious” works (Matthew 7:21-23)
Ignoring/Rebellion against God’s Commandments (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
False christs & prophets / false “bible” teachings (Matt 24:11, 24; 2 Thess 2:1-12)
Scoffing at Jesus’ Soon Return (2 Peter 3:3-14)

When you see these signs, know My [Jesus] coming is very near, but no one knows the day or hour, so always be ready. Matthew 24:33, 36, 42, 44. Do not be afraid, believe in God & Me[Jesus]. John 14:1-3.

I look forward to Jesus’ coming, because then He will take us out of this crazy world, and into Heaven!
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, Revelation 1:7

Pop Bottle Tops

After Halloween in 1964 my friend, Merry, and I got into more trouble

. In her basement we found a wall box with pop bottle tops sticking out of it. There were purple tops, red tops and orange tops, and we thought they were grape, strawberry, and orange soda bottle tops. I tried to get the pop bottles out of the box, and when Merry’s dad found us pulling on the tops, he was very upset -- the tops were old fashioned, live electrical fuses!!!

 Praise God for His protection!!!

Halloween 1964

On Halloween 1964 I was allowed to go "trick or treating" with the neighbor kids Merry and Mark who were two years older than me. The rule was to stay on our Circle, but we decided the "treats" were better on the east side of busy 90th Street.

After crossing 90th Street in the dark the first homeowner eagerly led us into his garage. He told us for a "treat" he was giving us fresh fish he had caught that very morning. Being excited about “fresh” fish we were each given six or more frozen fish. The fish wrappers were stamped, "June 1962,” but this made no difference to us, we were only in elementary school.

We were proud of our fish, but kept getting farther from home and finally were lost. It started raining, thundering and lightening and being very scared we started running and shouting. Adults came out of their houses to see what the commotion was all about and began yelling at us. We were so scared we threw our thawing fish all over their lawns, which only made the adults yell louder!

Running down the street we met Dad who was driving around trying to find us! After a reprimand he drove us home. Dad and Mom were upset that anyone would give me two-year-old frozen fish and the next day Dad went to see the man and gave him some words.

Zucchini Boats - Entree

Debra’s Zucchini Boats

From the kitchen of: Debra M


INGREDIENTS

Two large zucchini
1 pkg Pepperidge Farm Stuffing - sage
1 - 28 oz can of diced tomatoes – Italian style
2 tablespoons dry minced onion
2 celery stalks chopped
2 ½ cups water
5 T margarine

INSTRUCTIONS
Cut zucchini lengthwise in half and scrape out insides. Place hollow zuchinni in large baking dish.
Place zucchini scrapings in saucepan with water and boil until scrapings are soft. DRAIN and set aside.
Boil 2 ½ cups water with 5 Tablespoons margarine until margarine is melted. After boiling add 3 cups of dry stuffing. Add onion, celery and boiled scrapings. Mix well. Spoon into hollowed zucchini, any extra stuffing place on top of zucchini. Pour diced tomatoes with juice over stuffed zucchinis.
Before baking add water to bottom of baking dish so zucchini will get soft and won’t stick to dish.
Bake 375 for 45-50 minutes.

The Good Samaritan according to Me

There once was a young woman who was walking in a rough neighborhood (sin). Suddenly she was mugged by a gang (Satan and his demons). They hurt her physically and emotionally, and left her for dead in the gutter.

After awhile a church member walked by. The young woman called out for help, but the church member cursed her and continued walking. Then the church leader walked by. The young woman pleaded with him to please help her, but he stuck his nose in the air and pretended not to see her. Then a pastor walked by and was disgusted to see her lying in the gutter. He too passed her by.

Finally, Jesus Himself (the good samaritan) walked by and when the young woman weakly called out for help Jesus immediately stopped and helped. He didn’t call her a “stupid idiot” for walking in such a rough neighborhood, but He did dress her physical and emotional wounds and carried her to the nearest Inn and continued to care for her. The next day, before He left, Jesus told the Innkeeper to feed the young woman and wash her wounds, saying He would repay the Innkeeper when He returned. “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” --Jesus

Facial Beauty

Everyday Morning and at Bedtime -
Cleanse with Cetaphil Liquid Cleanser [DO NOT ADD WATER] -
Using finger tips massage face in small circular motions. Do not rinse. Pat dry.
Moisturize with
: 1. a good Skin Serum containing vitamins: C and/or A.
2. use good moisturizer over the Serum.
Do Steps 1 & 2 within 3 minutes of cleansing as pores close after 3 minutes.
My dermatologist highly recommends Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer.


Once a Week Exfoliate -
Exfoliator Recipe:
2 Tbsp brown sugar plus 2 Tbsp honey for shower use.
Or
2 Tbsp brown sugar plus 2 Tbsp olive oil for use in sink.
Mix ingredients in small container w/finger. Apply all of mixture to face and gently scrub all over face for 15-30 seconds. (Both honey and olive oil are natural moisturizers.)
Rinse w/warm water and pat dry.

My Favorite Cousin

In October 2013 my favorite cousin, Jim, died of bone cancer. He was only 61 years old, and his birthday was yesterday. Jim had been an honor guard in Washington, DC; and more recently a federal bank examiner. He was a fine Christian gentleman in every sense of the word.

We do not know what life will bring to us. Some days are quiet, others hectic; some days we come down with illness, other days we are happy and healthy. My word to you, the reader, is this: always be right with God - always have your life in order.

I believe that very soon, (though no one knows exactly when), the Lord will come for those who love and trust Him and He will take them to Heaven. I believe Jim will be among those who will be resurrected when Jesus comes.

For further reference please read:
1 Corinthians 15:51-57, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Verge of Stupendous Crisis

“The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living.

Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place…that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.”

[Read Matthew 24, Luke 21] Prophets & Kings, p 536, 537

POWER

“In Heaven every power will be developed, every capability increased. The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still [in Heaven] there will appear new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects of study to call forth the powers of body and mind and soul.” Prophets & Kings p 731, e g white

The Dead Know Nothing

The living know that they will die, but the dead do not know a thing. Their love, hatred and envy die with them.

The dead have no work, wishes, knowledge nor understanding - for they are dead. The dead praise not the Lord. He breathes his last and is buried; in that same day his thoughts die also. The dead will never arise to haunt, and will never return to his house. They will never know if their children are honored, or if they fail or face disaster. They do not know about it. Because they are dead!

Can the living learn the future from the dead? If there is a [false] prophet among you or one claiming to foretell the future, and if his predictions come true, but he says, "let us worship other gods," then do not listen to him/her! These are false prophets, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ's apostles! For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light!

The Holy Spirit expressly says, "In the last days some will leave the faith and will believe evil spirits and doctrines of demons." So watch yourself lest you are weighed down with life's worries and cares, and Christ's Coming catches you off guard. Watch and pray at all times so you will have the strength to keep yourself from evil.

The above quotes are from these Bible texts: Ecclesiastes 9:5,6,10/ Psalm 115:17; 146:4/ Job 7:9,10; 14:21/ Ecclesiastes 9:5/ Isaiah 8:19/ Deuteronomy 18:10-12; 13:1-3/ 2 Corinthians 11:13-15/ 1 John 4:1-3/ 2 Thessalonians 2:9,10/ Revelation 22:12/ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17/ 1 Timothy 4:1/ Luke 21:34-36

Saved from a Tornado

In 1968, when I was thirteen, Mom and Dad went to a party in another town. While they were gone a tornado warning was issued. Dad phoned, “Deb, are you alright?” I replied, “I'm pretty scared.” Dad’s immediate response was, “I'll be right home!” Dad arrived and took me back to the party with him. How great was Dad's love for me. So will Jesus come back for us at Earth's darkest hour. How great is God’s love for us!