by Joseph | Apr 26, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh!
Shared by Jeff Rowland.
I have been preaching now for 27 years. I have Pastored churches for over 20 years, and there is urgency growing in my spirit like never before. The things I’m going to share with you have captivated my heart in such an unusual way that I feel like purpose is surging through me to get some information out to as many people as I possibly can. I do believe that for such a time as this, this message is to be proclaimed.
With the recent earthquakes in Japan and in other parts of the world my mind began to go to a passage of scripture and has swallowed up my entire being. I understand that earthquakes have been happening since the dawn of time. However, Jesus told us how that earthquakes would be a sign of His soon return and that always triggers something in people when a sign in the bible is being fulfilled before their very eyes. I had the same response when I read this passage that I have read many times before, but now it seemed like I was reading it for the very first time.
Heb 12:25-29 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.
From a literal standpoint we must always be reminded of what the book of Hebrews is about. This book in the bible is teaching us how much better the new covenant is to the old covenant. It teaches us how much better Jesus is to the angels or to Moses. These things and many more things must be kept in our mind in looking at this or any other text in this book. The comparison is being drawn here between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. In the Spirit I have to say that I’m convinced that this passage represents exactly where we are in God’s time.
The writer begins by saying, “See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.” This warning is critical and is also an indictment against the church today. It reminds me of the writings to the seven churches of Revelation and the end of each discourse to them; “he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
I don’t remember a time when people’s response to the word of God has been so relaxed. It’s as if the Word of God no longer carries any real meaning or power in people’s lives. One could almost draw the conclusion that no one really believes what the bible is saying. We may agree with it in word but if we don’t allow it to motivate us to action then I’m not sure if we really believe it from our heart? (more…)
by Joseph | Apr 25, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
My wife and I are blessed with three beautiful children. My youngest is about to be 21 years old.
I had the incredible joy of experiencing the birth of each of my kids, and welcoming them into their family. I was with my wife at every moment during the labor.
We often joke about the moments of labor, and how I tried to comfort my wife during the contractions. It was certainly a painful experience for my precious wife, but also a beautiful time in our lives. Most parents can relate to the difficulties of the birth process and the incredible joy that followed.
There is a growing intensity in everything right now. To me, it is a reminder of the labor pains that we went through as our beautiful children were preparing to join our family. They started with minor discomforts, and intensified quickly – as the time of their arrival drew near.
Our Messiah shares that during the last days we will experience difficulties, and then related them to the pangs of labor. Obviously, I believe that means we will see increasing intensity as we draw nearer to His return.
“For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” Mark 13:8 NAS
I often think about the events that led up to the birth of my children. What if I had not taken my wife to the hospital as she was entering into labor. What if she and I had delayed in our preparations for our children? It seems to reason that things would have been extremely difficult.
Preparation is vital – especially now in the beginning of the birth pangs. The new birth is coming soon, and we have no more time to delay.
by Joseph | Apr 23, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
I have the wonderful blessing of meeting with some very special people, and sharing about the times we are currently living. I find it a great joy to listen as people open their hearts, and share what Yah is revealing to them about the days.
Throughout scripture we are introduced to people who were given an important assignment for an important time. Those people were anointed to fulfill that assignment – most often under extremely difficult conditions. They remained faithful to the call, and shared what Yah had appointed for them to accomplish.
Recently, I was delighted to fellowship with a man that I believe has an incredible anointed message for the time we find ourselves. Over the upcoming days, I would like to begin sharing some of that message here on this site. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts.
With more to follow, below is an introduction to a message by Jeff Rowland.
The Shaking of the last days
Without a doubt we are living in the last days. We have heard those words so much that we have almost become callused to it. However, the things we are witnessing around the world points only to the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even a casual student of the Word of God would have to acknowledge that fact.
Looking forward to His return can give us hope in this life, but understanding what God is doing in these last days can give us strength to live with confidence in the power of God, and in a constant state of renewal.
We want to take a look into what God is doing in these last days. I believe we are in the beginning of sorrows as Jesus taught in Matthew 24, and simultaneously we are living in the beginning of one of the greatest stirrings of God’s Spirit that has ever been on the earth. It is with this perspective that we look at the Word of God for His last day instruction and guidance as to how we continue on in this life.
What God is doing in these last days has effect on every aspect of life in terms of people, the earth and heaven. Understanding of this can lead you to great victories while lack of understanding can lead you to hopelessness, and despair. Many in these days seem to have no spiritual energy at all. Most are approaching these days with the attitude that they need nothing more than what they now have in God. The problem is that what God is doing in these days will effect even those who seem satisfied with the status quo in their lives.
It’s my prayer that these words will touch you in a way that will cause you to chase Jesus once again in your life, to run after Him with all your strength. I trust that God anoint what the Spirit is saying to those who read it?
by Joseph | Apr 21, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
Okay, so we know we need to prepare. I still have people asking me… “prepare for what?”. Years ago, I felt that God issued a “Preparation Call”. Now, there are more-and-more people are hearing that call, and are now taking action.
Every day, I see bizarre things that confirm to me there is a major need to be prepared. I just believe there are major changes. Things are not right in our world – and I am convinced we are heading toward some major upheavals.
Do you ever wonder what our Governments know, and are keeping from us? My trust is in the Lord, not in this earthly government. I believe a government will deceive citizens if it suits their agenda.
Interesting news today… The US Government is now beginning to prepare us for a catastrophic event. It makes me wonder exactly what the Government may know. Why is it important to understand how to deal with an earthquake now? Seems to me this is a bit strange.
Read the article Government Preparing for Earthquake.
So, what does it mean?
It means, prepare. Prepare by drawing close to the God who loves you just as you are – without conditions. Prepare by loving your family and helping them to prepare. Draw near to those you love, and especially draw near to the One who brings Peace and Joy and Life.
by Joseph | Apr 20, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
My family has been in preparation for a while. It certainly hasn’t always been an easy journey, but it has been essential.
Years ago, the “Preparation Call” was not a popular calling. People considered us weird and extreme. Some members of my extended family called me an “alarmist”. But… at that particular time things seemed okay in the world, so people assumed all would be well.
Fast forward to today, and you see a completely different story. People are concerned with what they read in the news every day. People are afraid, and wondering what the future holds.
Even as things seem to be falling apart, I am confident in the One who has my heart. I am encouraged with the following words from Scripture…
Fear thou not; for I am with you: do not be dismayed; for I am your God… (Isaiah 41:10)
I do not know all that is coming, but I do believe we have some very difficult times ahead. In the USA, I believe we will be entering into a time where our Constitution will be in a serious crisis. That will cause further fear, chaos, and turmoil. The time to prepare is now, and to draw closer to Yah – the One who freely gives us His Grace that we might be saved.
It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8,9)
The day is upon us. Prepare.
by Joseph | Apr 11, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
Learning how to be more self-sustaining is an obvious desire for many people who are involved in preparation. Food and water storage along with other supplies are typically the first area people consider, as they begin to prepare for difficulties ahead.
One area that many people often neglect to consider is health care. There is often an assumption that there will be adequate and immediate care during a crisis.
While it may be correct, it would be prudent to consider natural home remedies as part of our health care and ongoing wellness. Over the coming weeks I will begin sharing some home remedy examples of areas that might be helpful in your planning and preparation.
Asthma Help
Children and adults all over the world are now suffering from attacks of asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that includes shrinking of the breathing passages, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Mucus accumulates in the airways making breathing difficult. The attacks are so severe that sometimes a trip to the emergency room is called for.
Excess mucus and the shrinking of the airways and inflammation make breathing difficult.
It is important to control asthma and prevent attacks if possible. Avoiding triggers for asthma attacks is the best prevention. There are other ways of preventing attacks and a few can be found in your home.
First, try sitting in a cool place and practice deep breathing. Try to relax; it will release tension in your body and in your air passages. Drink one cup of hot coffee or tea without milk. Milk can cause excess mucus. Or drink a hot cup of water. The liquids should be as hot as you can stand without burning your throat. While you are boiling water, hold a towel over your head and lean over the boiling pot. Turn on the shower on hot and wait until the steam starts rolling. Stick your head inside the shower so you can breathe the steam.
You may also try a few ingredients that may be available in your kitchen. Boil one teaspoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of honey, and a half-cup of milk. Add some garlic and drink the mixture every morning. You may try drinking two tablespoons of lemon with one tablespoon of water each morning and evening.
How about this for your system? Drink fresh cabbage juice everyday, or blend honey and lemon juice in a blender with a radish. After mixing it for 20 minutes, cook it over a low heat. Take one teaspoon of this mixture every morning when you wake.
I will share more home cure methods that will include ingredients that may be found in a natural food store. Until then…
Best health
by Joseph | Apr 7, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
In the news today, there are mounting numbers of people who are beginning to prepare. Some people do not even know what they are preparing for, but they are following the actions of others and are moving forward with their own preparations. It seems obvious that increasing numbers of people believe there is a coming “event” that impresses upon them the need to prepare.
The media is obviously picking up on the trend and are beginning to feature news and shows to highlight this growing phenomenon. Preparation centers and storage facilities are beginning to form in local communities, doomsday shelters are being sold in record numbers, and survivalist events are being held all over the Country. It is now moving into the mainstream.
That concerns me a bit. I feel impressed that we really must be very diligent in our preparations, but as we take action it is vital that we remain very prayerful and discerning.
Recently, I have heard the Father calling to prepare – but especially prepare by seeking a closer Faith in Him. He has reminded me that many people are preparing by building a boat – by storing provisions, growing a garden, or learning how to can corn.
Certainly, those are important tasks and will be helpful accomplishments during a tough period. But… having a boat is not enough to properly prepare for a storm. We must have Faith beyond the Boat. Consider this…
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:37-40
The disciples were very experienced on the water, and very likely knew how to maneuver through rough seas. I feel pretty certain they had prepared for the journey and had the proper equipment and provisions on board. But… with all their task actions completed, they were still afraid with the storm hit.
Prepare for the journey, but build a Faith beyond the boat. Strengthen your relationship in He who is able to calm the storm.
by Joseph | Apr 2, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
I’ve been talking about preparation for a LONG TIME – far longer than most people even considered preparing. Like many of the current preppers, I’ve been called an “alarmist”, fearmonger, ignorant, silly, and a few other choice words.
Today, “preparation” is a very common discussion – and there is actually a whole movement of people called – “preppers”. I’m finding out that preppers consider themselves different from survivalist – kindof a survivalist lite.
Many people are now saying they received a “call” to prepare. I felt that same call many years ago, and actually was one of the first to coin the term “Preparation Call” – as I believed that God was preparing some people for an important time. There are now tens of millions of references to the term “Preparation Call” on the web.
Today, there a millions of people who assume preparation is all about “storing up food, buying a grain mill, and getting a cow”. While those things are important, unfortunately, most people still COMPLETELY miss the point.
There are people who assume they are getting prepared because they put a closet together provisions in anticipation of a chaotic event in the future. Certainly, it is VERY important to get provisions in place, but that is only the surface – and most people are still falling dangerously short of what is really needed.
What I see many people doing right now is almost as dangerous than if they didn’t do anything. They operate with an “Intellectual Faith”, and call it preparation. Their provisions have in some ways become their security and have given them some measure of comfort for their fears – as they ready themselves for the coming storm. Again, I contend they are missing the point.
In my humble view, if I carry preparation too far and assume that my efforts will somehow control an outcome, then I am likely putting my faith in my works. I am personally trying bring keep the boat stable in the storm, rather than rely on the only One who can truly calm the storm.
Bottom line is – preparation is not at all what most people think. People are on-edge, fearful, and are wound pretty tight as they anticipate a coming calamity.
Consider this…
When the quake hit Japan and then the subsequent concern about nuclear fallout, within a few days – the shelves in NC were completely depleted of Potassium Iodide. I live some 6,700 miles away from the catastrophe, but people in my town rushed to protect themselves from the fallout. Do you think people are a little bit on edge?
Even as the government said there are no health risks for people in the US, droves of individuals ignored those hollow statement and ran to get protection. You think people anticipate our government as being too untrustworthy?
Now, I submit to you… those who have been in preparation were the main people who ran to get the Potassium Iodide. Oops… they must have forgotten to get that one on the list of items they were supposed to have as part of their prepping.
So, what if a major radiation leak happened at one of the facilities in your area? (Please don’t call me an alarmist or assume that I am suggesting that is coming – it is a hypothetical question). Do you think all of the preparations and food storage would be safe from such an event?
Preparation is FAR more than just storing food and provisions. If you store a closet full of food, and a disaster wipes out your home – what do you have now to be prepared with?
“Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part and it shall not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
I believe Yah wants us to be preparing so that we might be better able to share with others. For me, the first step in preparation is to strengthen my Faith in HE who is able to calm the storm. Right now, it is vital that we strengthen our relationship with Him as well as bonding stronger with those we love and serve every day.
by Joseph | Mar 31, 2011 | Preparation, Sharing
People are now talking freely about “preparation”. Many do not know what they are preparing for, but many now feel a “leading” to prepare. It really doesn’t take much to see that “something” is about to happen, and those who are called – need to be ready and especially prepared to share and assist others.
I speak with people daily who are beginning to prepare. They are storing up food, water, and other provisions, and are establishing plans to help them cope during times of difficulties.
Now, I’m extremely pleased to see people beginning to prepare. There is a preparation urgency, so I believe it is important – on many levels.
But, also…
I believe it is essential that we prepare in our relationships. We must pray that Yah will bring our families to a place of preparation. Those who are emotionally fragile, will have a very difficult time during a crisis period. Those who have an “intellectual faith” will struggle in understanding why Yah is allowing such pain and suffering to happen. We need to be continually seeking the Father, and resting in the knowledge that He alone is in control.
I believe our preparations and storage are tasks that we all should undertake, however, we should not look on our provisions as our security. Our security is in He Who has called us to this moment, that we might share with those who will be afraid and hurting.
Our preparation in learning how to store food is just a task. If we are gripped by that which causes fear, and tremble with the chaos around us – we serve little purpose in sharing the hope of He who as given us His grace. If we are to share peace, we must have peace. The drama of chaos must be insignificant – as there will be many who will shudder during the storm. Those who are called to prepare will have the great blessing of offering comfort to those who are afraid – because we know the One who calms the storm.
I believe there is a time of great chaos coming to this land. Whatever the events that will create uncertainty, are only temporal. I also believe we face a constitutional crisis that will cause great troubles and struggle. It will be time like no other.
There is an urgency to prepare now. Pray without ceasing. Prepare your hearts and minds. Prepare your relationships. Be ready for that which you cannot plan or control.
by Joseph | Aug 27, 2010 | Preparation, Sharing
As things continue to intensify and people struggle with the uncertainties of the times, it is important that we continue preparing – and especially getting prepared spiritually.
Recently, my sister wrote a daily devotional on “Spiritual Maturity”. I thought it was very good and certainly timely with what is going on now in the world. I’ve shared on the topic before, but I think her points certainly warrant repeating. I will share some of the main points of her article below.
Fulfilling the call of God on your life – and also getting prepared for future difficulties – will require spiritual maturity. If we examine what Solomon had to go through to prepare to build the house of the Lord, we gain insight into how the Lord prepares us and trains us up. King David wanted to build the House of the Lord, but God told him that Solomon would be the one who would build the House. Even though David was probably disappointed, he began helping Solomon prepare himself for the task. In 1 Chronicles 29:1 David said, “Solomon is yet young and tinder” (inexperienced), in other words he had not matured yet. King David knew Solomon was inexperience and would need to mature in order to accomplish the call on his life.
Right now as our world faces growing uncertainties, many people are living in fear and panic. Unfortunately, many people have simply been oblivious to the need to ready themselves for difficulties – or may have ignored the preparation call. We live in a world of immaturity. We live in a time when the adults have more toys than the children and most people don’t want to grow up. The first step to spiritual maturity comes as the worldly desires are put aside and the work of the kingdom becomes a priority.
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