Friday, June 27, 2008

DISCERNING THE TIME

I frequently refer to the times we are living in as 'these days' and these days, whether they are part of the tribulation period or not, are already a time like no other. If we have not yet entered the tribulation period, we are really in for a lot of excitement based on what we have witnessed thus far. I cannot say if we are in the tribulation period, but in my Spirit I seem to sense that indeed we are; possibly the first half with the worst yet to come.

Right now the whole State of California is completely covered in smoke from over 1,000 wildfires that were mostly sparked by over 8,000 lightning strikes from the past weekend. What a site that must have been from the Heavens. Surely some of those strikes had to strike twice in the same spot. Residents are told of the dangers of the smoke, especially in those with respiratory ailments, and told to stay inside. Air and road travel are complicated and lives are interrupted and inconvenienced again. The heavy smoke is now starting to affect Nevada.

In the Midwest, two more levees have broken and the Mighty Mississippi is getting mightier. In Iowa, 83 of its 99 counties have been declared disasters. The fallout from the floods will affect all of us for a long time and will be as devastating as it is to those who are experiencing its impact first hand right now.

My Spirit also seems to be telling me that we may very well be close to witnessing the breaking of the Fourth Seal of Revelation, the pale horse that escalates death and destruction worldwide. This is not said to frighten, as it is my sincere prayer that those who are being called in these days have moved past that stumbling block a long time ago, but an attempt to discern the time of these days.

Revelation 6:7-8 (King James Version):

7And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.


By doing as God commands us, in this case by staying sober and watchful, we will not be surprised or taken off guard because we have been given time to prepare in our hearts and minds for the coming days ahead. I believe this is so very important because it not only gives us a chance to draw closer to the Lord and strengthen our faith, but to be better prepared to help our brethren who may or may not be as aware of these days as we are.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Faithful Forever,

Congratulations on your first blog. You really have a message to tell sister and so glad you have started the blog.

I agree we are living in trying times and being sober and alert is what is needed for all the followers of Christ.

I am off to the dentist but just wanted to say "great job" on your first attempt at blogging. Now if we can get the others from the other site over here to encourage those that are standing up for Christ in these last days

Love your sister in Christ

Sandra

faithful forever said...

Sandra posted this at the other site while doing what she does best, encouraging and inspiring and I wanted to paste it here as it is such an important reminder and message for us all for all times, good and bad:

"The Lord will be with all his followers and will give us peace and understanding during these times we are living in."

****
It is our human nature to want to control and believe that were are responsible for sustaining our lives, but we are mistaken again. God provides everything we need and in the trials ahead He will continue to provide and we will learn this lesson in a whole new way as we come to fully rely and fully accept that everything comes from Him. We just have to have faith.

Dear Sandra, thank you for your encouragement; you inspired me and helped me fall off the fence. Hope the dentist was as easy on you as possible. Love in His Holy precious name.

Anonymous said...

Faithful Forever,

The dentist visit was fine. Only had a cleaning. The dentist I go to is family run and they are great. I don't have dental insurance so I try to get my cleaning done on schedule and they give me a discount for paying cash. I don't think they like dealing with insurance companies.

I knew you were good at writing and expressing your views and glad to see you giving it a go. I would like to see the others that are on the other site come over and start putting their links here and their wisdom on current events.

God is so good and he is preparing a wonderful future for his children but we will have to go through this "discerning times" to prepare us for his glory. We are living in troubling times because of all the disasters and economical turmoil in the world but his love will sustain us.

Did you hear the news about the North Pole? Man continues to deny his footprint on this world and what we are doing to the environment. Too much consuming and believing we were invisible. We are not and we need the Lord more than most people believe. It is too bad that they have been lead astray by the prosperity ministers who continue to this day telling their flock to consume.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/weather/06/27/north.pole.melting/index.html

Love your sister in Christ
Sandra

faithful forever said...

Sandra,

Thanks for the link. The news reported a sunny-side-up view that much needed arctic drilling could be done with no ice at the polar cap. I thought, 'gee, what's wrong with me, why didn't I think about that.' Maybe we'll get cheaper gas out of the deal.

Did anyone else draw a bizarre line between the gay marriages being allowed in California with 'fire reigning down from Heaven' with all the lightening strikes? Please, somebody just say yes to humor me...would really enjoy hearing anyone's thoughts or insights. Just no tomatoes please, they are messy and most likely contaminated. (Josh, there's a little bit of sense of humor :)

Sandra, you keep that light shining. Do me a favor, tell your people that there are people who very much care about what they think and invite them to share them with us.

Did you ever hear any follow-up regarding the Lakota tribe that wanted to be free of citizenship?

In love and faith.

Anonymous said...

FF,
I read that too at the end of the article. Gee our weather is changing but there is oil so let the drilling start and the heck with the environment as long as we can drill for oil. I think we as a country have just been gluttons when it comes to gas. All the big trucks, RV's and SUV's that consumed so much. Now they are paying the price for it.

It was not the official Lakota tribe but Russell Means and his group. He is not a tribal official and it did not come from the authorized tribal council. The tribe said Russell Means does not speak for the tribe. That is all I heard on it. So no the tribe did not withdraw from the U.S. It would have been something had they done it.

Here is a link to learn a little about Russell Means:

http://russellmeans.com/

Yours in Christ
Sandra

Anonymous said...

This is sick. How can a leader get up and talk like this?

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2008/06/27/todd.child.rape.rant.cnn

Love, compassion and putting yourself in the shoes of a parent who goes through this ordeal with their child is missing.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2008/06/27/todd.child.rape.rant.cnn

Thank God we have hope in Jesue to sustain us when we see the signs of the times.

Yours in Christ
Sandra

Dave Wilcox said...

FF,

Great post and please post more! I agree, we are in some sort of slow spiral as this Kosmos (world system of Babylon) agonizes and dies. Well I say Good Riddance! And you are right, time to wake up people. The time is short.

Sandra, its great to hear your voice as well. Thank you for your contributions, its good to have you back.

faithful forever said...

nathandave,

It is good to have you back as well my brother; I was missing you in a big way when you said the Lord wanted you to take a break. We must take rest in Him routinely to be able to withstand this battle. May He bring us back each time more ready and able for His glory.

YES - Good Riddance. I know how ready I feel now and I can only imagine how ready we are going to be when the evil is destroyed forever.

Thanks for your kinds words and edification nathandave. There is so much to say and such little time to say it but the issue at hand is too important for us to be silent. I am looking forward to your next post also and I am hoping it will be soon. You have come to mean so much to me over this journey and I would just like for you to know that. It will be extra wicked pissa when I get the chance to hug my brother nathandave.

I am loving this new site with more elbow room but if I could change one thing, it would be to have the comment section like Stephens...the way it is more spread out and open is friendlier and this one doesn't do the links as well. As always, got to take the good with the bad and make the best of it.

Waiting to hear from Young Brother and Peter Z (hint, hint).

Love to all.

Anonymous said...

FF,
I just highlight the links and copy than I put them in the www. It just takes a little getting use to but we just need to adapt to the different format for comments.

Nathandave,
Thanks for the welcome back. It is nice to be back. There is so much going on and I am so proud of all of you for taking the plunge and starting this site. You all contribute so much to the understanding of the times we are living in.

Washington State has had such a cool spring and today it is going to hit in the 90s. One extreme to another.

God Bless
Sandra

faithful forever said...

Follow-up article on California's smoke-filled condition:

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/californians-coughing-from-smoky-skies/20080628184509990001?icid=200100125x1204756073x1200225898

young brother said...

Excellent first post, FF. I knew you had it in you, and very glad to see it coming out.

Kelly said...

Faithful Forever--what a great post, I really enjoyed reading that! You are such a blessing with your words of encouragement, and I really loved how you said this time allows us to draw closer to the Lord while we prepare to help our brethren who may not be aware of these days.

Very, very true. Watching the news the other night, the headline said "Great Flood of 08" and it struck a chord with me...I just knew at that instant that we are in the end times and we're facing a monumental change in our world right now.

It's getting tougher to pretend everything is "normal" when so much chaos is ensuing throughout our country and the world. I am thankful I have you and everyone else here to share my thoughts and ideas with!

faithful forever said...

I hear that, Kelly. These sites with His people are more of a blessing every passing day. I know exactly what you mean about the 'normal' stuff also. That has been on my mind a lot lately - the way you can still carry on and keep your head in the sand, but I know for certain that many are taking notice and are scared.

I had not heard it referred to as the Great Flood of '08 and this is just one of the many, many reasons we all need each other so much - we all work together to keep the Body running smoothly. When there is nothing else we can count on, He will be there and He has given us each other to help endure. The connection I feel to you and the others is indescribable and I believe it is a foretase of the feast to come. Love will overbound as it is shown here time and time again in even this limited electronic medium. I am always blessed by your fellowship, Kelly, and I am thankful to hear that I do the same for you. All for His glory. I hope and pray we are pleasing Him in some small way.

Thank you both YB and Kelly for your kind words and encouragement, and the fellowship is priceless and this is how we know it is a gift from God. Praise and thanks to our glorious Savior.

with love - always.

Anonymous said...

All,
I have been following this group since 9/11. I sent for their video called "Greed is Good" where they explore the love of money and this country. They believe that the U.S. is Babylon and are telling others to flee it. They left for Canada years ago and set up this website to warn the people in America. I would just like others opinion on this if you decide to look it over:

http://www.antipasministries.com/index.htm

FF,
We do need to encourage each other and that is what the Lord requires of his followers. When we have disagreements we do it in love. Love you sister and you are such an encouragement to all of us with your love and faith in the Lord. Keep on shinning.

Kelly,
I agree with you on being a light to those that are confused but don't know why events are happening. We don't know the end but we know the signs and we just have to show love and compassion. You have such wisdom and compassion for your fellowman.

YoungBrother,
This first step for some of the regulars on the other site was very much appreciated. They are all shinning and you helped it happen. You and those that helped you are doing God's work by bringing out the talent of those that were on the other site.


Yours in Christ Love
Sandra

faithful forever said...

Sandra,

Blessings and greetings sister. Watching you shine is quite a joy.

I do not have time to check out the site right now, but my first reaction is while they have a valid point, they may be unwittingly instilling fear. It does not matter where we are, God is going to protect His flock; remember He tells His angels to not have anything happen to the Earth until ALL His followers are sealed. It is our faith to trust in His promises and let His perfect love drive out all fear. You are safe and strong in Him no matter where you are. How awesome is our God.

I love watching His Kingdom be furthered, if we are not reaching a broader audience, maybe our purpose is to strengthen and encourage each other in this wonderful little community. This is certainly what I am witnessing.

From the deepest depth of my soul, thank you all for being just who God has made you to be for every one is a genuine and complete blessing.

This foretaste is making me so hungy.

Love and holy kisses. I have to run but I could literally stay right here all day - nothing else matters as much.

Anonymous said...

Faithful forever

Your post was a blessing to me as it to the other brothers and sisters. You are such a blessing to all of us. Its really wonderfu, in such a time as this, to fellowship in the spirit of love and one-ness.

Stay blessed my sister.

faithful forever said...

I am guessing that was Annon; I would recognize you anywhere.

The fellowship has always been amazing, but lately I am more aware of it being a foretaste of the feast to come. I am more thankful everyday for the gift of each other and the realization of how priceless it is in this darkening world. The opportunity to witness individual lights shining, makes these days so much more bearable.

Glad to see you here Annon. Thank you for your kind words. And I wanted to ask you what you think of all the UFO activity as late? Time will tell and all things will be revealed, but I can't help but speculate if ~they~ aren't getting ready to stage some world event. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Love.

faithful forever said...

Annon, I also wanted to tell you that I had seen the article about Iran digging 320,000 graves for 'invading enemy soldiers' and how chilling that was. Raw Story had an article about it also. Just a matter of time it seems, unless it is all propaganda because we know the only certain and trustworthy entity is our Lord and Savior.

lots of love Annon, and I hope you continue to keep us as well informed over here as you did over there...we need each other more than ever and I believe this need will continue to grow.

Anonymous said...

Annon,

Welcome and I hope you come back and start giving us your insight and searches here. It is different but I am so proud of those who have ventured out and are blogging here. The insight is amazing. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle of end times.

FF,
I thought it was Annon too. He is so right about the fellowship and I hope he continues to keep us informed.

God Bless
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Hello folks

Sorry to keep you guessing. I forgot to sign my name at the bottom of my comment. Anyway glad to have you all here.

FF
I found it very hard and confusing the UFOs thing. Their sightings in different parts of the world has become a commonplace and getting a high level attention. Even very recently there was a conference at the UN in relation to UFOs. They are even dubbed as "brothers" by some who claim to have established contacts with the so-called ETs. I remember reading a couple of years ago that the ETs decided to destroy our planet on May 27, 2006 because of the nuclear weapon threat posed by humans. Apparently, according to what I read then, there was a plan to test a nuclear weapon in the Nevada desert which was later cancelled and as a result the ETs "spared" the earth.
I found it interesting that a nuclear war is even dangerous and a threat to those who live in "another world" i.e the UFOs. Then again, there are lots of references in the bible where we read the word "the worlds" mentioned. And those worlds other than that of ours could be the abodes for these beings. Having said that, I think these beings are legions of the adversary whom Paul refers to as powers and principalities. It could be that they are the pysical manifestation of the spirit world. Stange as it may seem though, sulpher is the stinkiest substance to smell and infact causes nausea. And in some cultures in Middle East and Africa people burn sulpher as an incence while they perform exorsism. In some Coptic churches and many monastries the clergy sprinkle sulphure diluted water to drive away unclean spirits from houses and villages. And there is a strong belief that demons do not come near a pinch of sulpher. And sulpher is one of the main components of the nuclear bomb. If they are really the fallen angels and/or the physical manifestation of the spirit world, I tend to take seriously the age old practice where sulphur used as a weapon against these demons. And I have no doubt that these beings one way or another play a vital role in the lives of evil people mainly those in authority.

I found it interesting what the Indian foreign Minister said in the second link and Michael Salla's analysis.

Stay blessed ya all.

Annon

http://exopoliticsjournal.com/vol-2/vol-2-3-Salla.pdf

http://ancientx.com/nm/anmviewer.asp?a=66&z=1

faithful forever said...

Annon,

Such a deep thinker and I really love that. I believe all things will be revealed; we just have to have patience. And Annon doing all the hard work!

Thanks for all you do. And I love ya and appreciate all you do for I am well aware of the time involved in your searches.