With the recent Hurricane Harvey and the present Hurricane Irma in the USA, many people are speculating that it is God's judgment upon America. I will not venture an opinion except to say that hurricanes are just a fact of life here in America. But it is true that God has used weather in Biblical times to punish the ancient peoples.
Many signs are coming to pass now that the Bible foretold by the prophets of old; or are in the process of coming true, in the beginning stages. Take the War of Gog and Magog which is mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39. The nations mentioned in those prophecies are now lining up against Israel and joining forces to soon come against Israel, God's covenant people. As mentioned several times before on this blog, the nation of Israel is God's prophetic time clock. I have written before about the Battle of Gog and Magog and in one instance I go into much detail, found here.
As to the exact timing of this war, there are many different views held by Bible scholars. Some feel the battle takes place before the Rapture of the Church; some believe Gog and Magog happens early in the 7 year Tribulation; others say that it occurs after the Rapture but before the Tribulation. There are several other opinions as well. The point is, God knows when it will be; our job is to believe it by faith because God's Holy Word prophesied it, and also to use it as an evangelizing tool to win souls to the Lord.
Another prophecy, found in Isaiah 17, concerning Damascus, Syria, is about to be fulfilled. Please read all of that chapter, but I will quote Isaiah 17:1,
"The burden of Damascus, Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall become a ruinous heap." Much of the area around Damascus has been destroyed already, but this prophecy emphatically states all of Damascus will totally be destroyed. Reading further in Isaiah 17, we see that its destruction comes by way of Israel.
The above two prophecies are now about to happen at any time; preparations are taking place right now. This is why Bible prophecy is such a wonderful evangelizing tool; it proves the Bible is true and it creates an urgency for an unbeliever to accept Jesus as their Savior before it is too late to do so. These events also encourage believers to "Look up, because your redemption draws nigh", Luke 21:28. It is an exciting time for Christians, knowing that the Lord will soon return to take them to be with Him in heaven.
Following is a video on current events and Bible prophecy by Amir Tsarfati, who is a Jewish Christian with a thriving ministry based in Israel. Amir mentions that North Korea is like a smokescreen to that which happens with Russia and Iran. It is a very interesting update on current affairs.
Aren't you glad that God is patient ! I am. I was slow to understand God's patience with me and how He was drawing me to Him by His forbearance. I am filled with gratitude for His persistence in clearing the sawdust out of my mind and for giving me understanding of His Word and for drawing me to Him and to Jesus.
"No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day." - Jesus at John 6:44
God was also patient with Adam and Eve when they sinned and even made clothes for them from animal skins.
The Lord showed extreme patience with the rebellious nation of Israel, who murmured against Him and were ungrateful for all of His provisions and protection.
Those of you who read your Bibles are very familiar with the Lord's love and extreme patience throughout all of Scripture; and no doubt in your own life as well.
"But thou, O LORD, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." - Psalm 86:15
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
Romans 2:3-4 says, "Do you suppose, O man - you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself - that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"
Take time this weekend to thank your Heavenly Father for His blessings and for Jesus and for His patience. He loves you.
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