Perhaps this article is a little self-serving, but I hope you’ll find my “coincidences” here of interest.

Over the years, I’ve written a number of books, first beginning my writing journey in the 1990s when I had not yet entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

During that time, one of the books I wrote was called The Tattooed Cat after visiting a small town in Wisconsin with my wife. Frank Lloyd Wright had a home he called Taliesin in that community of Spring Green that also housed a school for aspiring architects. The somewhat quaint town itself and a particular church sparked my creative juices, and I proceeded to write my novel. One of the key components was that I happened to see a number of cats as we drove around.

In the course of that work, I named my antagonist Marcus Ahriman. At this point, I couldn’t begin to tell you how I came up with that name.

Was there something having to do with evil that I searched and found on the internet? Or did it just come to me? Regardless, when I re-crafted the novel following my conversion as a Christ-follower, I kept much of what I’d written but had to do away with the ungodly aspects and turn the story toward a redemptive message. Of course, in this, there is a major and divisive clash between good and evil.

For my efforts with this book, I was given the Christian Redemptive Fiction Award, which I greatly appreciated. Here are a couple of paragraphs from Peter Younghusband’s review for this award:

This “cats are everywhere!” scene at the beginning of the novel is a great platform to introduce our main characters, Greg and Elena, and why they have come to Green Springs. It is from here that Ritter shows his expertise at characterization. I was drawn to Elena but not so much to Greg. I picked up that this latter character had some issues, and these were revealed as the novel progressed. It is Elena’s well-developed character that becomes a mainstay in this novel as everything revolves around her reason for being in Green Springs and, as it is revealed, her crucial and pivotal role in the events that play out in the satanic manipulations and motives of Marcus Ahriman. But then again, all the characters in this novel are believable and credible to the degree of their involvement in Ritter’s plot arcs….

From the intersection of these arcs until the finale, I was exhausted and riveted, curiosity more than piqued! I wanted to know more about the mysterious two sisters, who really is Marcus Ahriman, what is the connection between him and Pastor Nesbitt, and what is it with all these cats! What will become of Charles Mayfair, [and] is Greg really out of the picture, or is there something suspicious going on with him? And then there is the sense of evilness that pervades everything to do with Marcus Ahriman and Pastor Nesbit. Is this just their persuasive personalities, or is this due to something more? What is the connection between the new Millennium and an ancient artifact that places Elena and her mother at the center of Nesbit’s and Ahriman’s attention? Who or what is The Tattooed Cat?

Fast forward to today. For the last several years, I’ve been reading and researching connections to the sons of God (bene Elohim) in Genesis 6, who descended from heaven to earth in rebellion against God. Of late, as well, I’ve been learning more about transhumanism, or, even as I put it in a recent Awaken Bible Prophecy Update: trans-specie-ism (Transhumanism? No: Trans-Specie-ism).

All this comes together from my wife commenting on the name Ahriman in something she saw. I thought she was referencing The Ahriman Gate by Tom Horn, but she remembered my character in The Tattooed Cat and was referring to that. I recently read The Ahriman Gate, which deals with demonic gateways or portals to other dimensions, so that was my current point of reference.

What is it with Ahriman as a name or entity? The World History Encyclopedia says:

Ahriman is the evil spirit in Early Iranian Religion, Zoroastrianism, and Zorvanism, Lord of Darkness and Chaos, and the source of human confusion, disappointment, and strife….

Scholar John R. Hinnels describes Ahriman’s nature: “He is the demon of demons, and dwells in an abyss of endless darkness in the north, the traditional home of the demons. Ignorance, harmfulness, and disorder are the characteristics of Ahriman. He can change his outward form and appear as a lizard, a snake, or a youth. His aim is always to destroy the creation of [Ahura Mazda], and to this end, he follows behind the creator’s work, seeking to spoil it. As Ahura Mazda creates life, Ahriman creates death; for health, he produces disease; for beauty, ugliness. All man’s ills are due entirely to Ahriman.”

Did I know this about Ahriman when I chose that name for my evil character in my novel? If I had any clue, it certainly wasn’t to this extent; definitely not when I recast the story in a Christian light. However, this description captures the essence of Marcus Ahriman.

To add further intrigue, note Younghusband’s comment on the first name of this character:

When I saw the surname of Marcus, I instantly Googled it and was not surprised as to its definition. I have had this name in another supernatural and demonic novel, and both usages amount to the same definition. So this gave me more clues as to who Marcus could be and where Ritter was taking this novel. I wondered if this was deliberate on his part or not, but surely this could not be just a coincidence or made up by him? Only Ritter can answer that one.

No! I didn’t have a clue! Googling it, we learn that it is another rendering of Mars, the Roman god of war. Seriously, could I have chosen an antagonist who is as wicked as my character and inadvertently chosen a better name?

Topping this off is the gate or portal aspect from Horn’s book that also ultimately plays a final key role in my story. It is believed – legitimately, I think – that around the world there are gateways into the spiritual realm. Is Jacob’s ladder one such that Godly entities use at that place where Jacob dreamed?

Was the Tower of Babel built at such a location where Nimrod and his followers attempted to reach the heavens so as to bring God down to their level? When Revelation 16 describes the star fallen from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit, does he descend through a portal to the underworld? The Tattooed Cat effectively shows one such place, and I assure you, I had no knowledge of these things when I wrote it!

From the “coincidences” I mention here, I can look back and see God’s hand in my writing and choosing of various aspects of the book. Isn’t it true that in many instances like this, we have no idea at the time but only from the perspective of years?

God continues His work in this world. As I write this, it is still daylight when followers of Jesus can do what the Lord desires of them. Night, however, will soon fall upon the earth. Thankfully, our beloved Bridegroom will deliver us from this coming darkness.

Just as Jesus tells us in Luke 21:28:

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

………

Gary Ritter website: books & blog
http://garyritter.com/

Kindle Vella story: Tribulation Rising
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099Z462WD

Wading With Alligators Without Prophecy :: By Dave Hubley

(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.)

A few weeks ago, I was at a prayer meeting at church. One of the ladies sitting nearby commented on the speech that the president of Ukraine gave to the American congress. She was fairly gushing over what a wonderful speech it was. I was quite taken aback by it, and it brought to mind that even “the elect” can quickly be drawn in by carefully crafted words and facial expressions. Since she directed her comments at me, I was prompted to remind her that the man is essentially an actor.

Perhaps he is a very good one; perhaps he was sincere. Time will tell, but the acceptance of his words without proof of their validity was a little unnerving. I think that entire situation warrants a great deal of caution. As time goes on, related to this event, it is becoming clearer that, indeed, the world is being played. If only this were the only example of the world being played. It is only one of myriads.

I am not the least bit doubtful about this lady’s salvation. But it gave me another reason to believe even more strongly in the value to all Christian believers of studying God’s word of prophecy.

“News” outlets abound with every contradiction one can imagine (and some we can’t imagine). Many seem diametrically opposed to each other. Confusion reigns. Truth is buried in there somewhere. Or not.

In other words, it is not just a description of general behavior; it is a warning klaxon.

It is now institutionalized, standard operation for deceiving and misleading, and awareness of it should govern every single perception we have of ANY reports we see, hear, read, etc.

Romans 1:29-32 describes the potential of humans: “being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

And 2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the characteristics of men near the end of the age: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Paul further cautions Timothy (and us, of course): “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim 3:13).

The world (meaning the unsaved) willingly wades with alligators every day. They go to work (if they still have a job), they come home, and they wonder why gasoline is so high. They stop at the supermarket and wonder why the shelves are so bare. They sit in front of the tube and watch the “evening news” and continue to exist in a 180-degree from reality paradigm, a deadly pantomime of reality. They listen to the brainwashed (and brainwashers). Talking heads tell them about the inevitability of “climate change” washing out the shorelands and inundating the coastal plains of the world’s nations, but they never consider why the leading, rich and privileged promoters of this travesty have no compulsion against buying multi-million-dollar shorefront homes!

They never consult history books (older ones that were published before the agenda minions took over) to confirm that climate does change from time to time in a normal cyclical way as it has since long before records were kept and tracked. There are rational voices out there, but they don’t hear them either because they have been silenced or they simply don’t want to deviate from their routine. It’s easier to get home, turn on the tube and drink up the panacea of false narratives.

Turn up the heat, and wait for supper; soon, there may be none of either.

I have a neighbor who is very likable and extremely intelligent, yet he swallows this bile and “worries” about what will happen because of all he hears on the “news”; yet, the thing he should be concerned about, he is oblivious to. Any attempt to witness draws the “blank look” or the shrug that so many of us who do try to witness (and that is a frightfully small number) are so familiar with.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18).

Tragically, this conduct, this wading with alligators, is hardly limited to the unsaved. Many Christians have become inured to the real climate change that surrounds them—the climate of truth. While the Truth of God’s Word cannot be changed, the understanding of it is under constant assault. Many of the current (so-called) Christian churches lead this horrifying parade.

Many Christians walk a line between cognitive reasoning regulated by Biblical wisdom and the siren call of convenience. Hearing their “facts” from secular sources is easier than opening the Word of God and allowing the Spirit to guide them into all Truth and hone their intellect so they can distinguish between Truth and indoctrination.

By contrast, there are very many Christians who can, through the council of the Spirit, see the forest for the trees. They know the lie when they hear it. They spend time in the Word, and it permeates their heart and mind just as God intended.

There are just far too few of them.

Never before has it been more imperative to take the time/ make the time to study God’s Word.

Approximately 1/3 of the Bible is prophecy, so the popular opinion goes. I personally believe it is more than that; but be that as it may, I know so many Christian brothers and sisters that are afraid of prophecy, and so they avoid it; God’s very signature on His purpose for all creation.

No one can foretell the future but El Shaddai! His track record to date = 100%. His track record for the future will also be 100%

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

Now to the crux of this article.

It is this author’s opinion that the Christian who has not put sufficient effort into understanding the prophecies related to the nature of human conduct at the end of the age, as stated above, likely does not possess the situational awareness that should cause them to diligently put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). As a result, I believe they are going to be very unprepared for the realities that are manifesting with extraordinary rapidity every single day as the end of the age rushes into view.

When I was a little guy, our house had a very large picture window facing a large open field across the street. I would watch the sky turning very dark and ominous as very violent thunderstorms approached. They would gather and grow and darken until, suddenly, the first bolt of lightning would flash across the sky, and the storm would unleash all its violence and unrestrained fury.

At one time, it was popular to say among prophecy-conscious believers that “the (prophetic) clouds are gathering on the horizon.” I don’t think it is an overstatement to say that the storm is over our heads right now.

There is a wonderful children’s song called “Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See” by Buford Abner.

It carries a warning about what you allow your eyes to see, ears to hear, tongue to say, hands to do, and where you allow your feet to take you.

It has never been more appropriate to the stabilization of our everyday lives than it is right now. Yes, it is a children’s song just like Jesus Loves Me,” and it is no less important to Christians of all ages.

The prophecies of God are unfolding in real-time right in front of us.

You can easily imagine the inevitable outcome when wading with alligators.

It’s time to get out of the pond.

For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life:

You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior.

It requires that you come before God on His terms.

And, what are His terms according to His Word?

• Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him).
• Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God).
• That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
• To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt.
• Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross.
• To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion.

God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.

• No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one.
• No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will.
• Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions.

If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.

John 5:24: “Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life.”

There are no answers, and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics, or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.

The answers are in the Word of God—the Bible. If you ask God with all your heart, He will hear you.

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Pro Salvator Vigilans

To contact me: canoeman96@gmail.com