Kings :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: April 29, 2023 by RR10

Israel has always been a unique nation. It was established by God, but its history is filled with many ups and downs. When they obey God, they prosper. When they rebel, things aren’t good. Even in rebellion, God never deserts them. They had strong leaders in Moses and Joshua. These men led them from captivity and conquered the land that God had promised to Abraham forever. God’s plan was that He would be their King, and they would prosper. After they settled in the land God promised them, there were disputes. Instead of a human king to rule over them, God raised up judges, but the people eventually demanded a king.

Samuel was a prophet and a godly man who served God faithfully. His sons weren’t as honorable as their father. “And it came to pass when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:1-3).

Samuel served God, but his sons weren’t honorable men. Still, they became judges over Israel. There had been judges for many years but no king. Judges and kings are human, and unless God is looked to as the ultimate King, there will always be failure of nations. The rule of the judges was a time when Israel rebelled. “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

That same attitude seems to be governing our world today. The people were fed up with the evil in their land, and today in America, the people are getting fed up with the corruption.

The people in Israel approached Samuel with their dissatisfaction “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:6). The people went to Samuel, another human, asking him to make them a king, but they should have gone before God, then waited for His answer. People haven’t changed much over the many centuries since that time. Instead of wanting a king just like the nations, they should have desired for God to be their King.

History is a good teacher if we pay attention. We forget to consult God when we choose our leaders. Samuel wasn’t happy with the people, but he did turn to God. He felt that he had been rejected. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).

God should have been their King, but the people rejected Him. God gave them what they deserved: Saul. He looked good… tall, dark and handsome, but those aren’t qualifications for a God-fearing leader. If the people had been patient and waited, God would have provided a godly king. That’s really what causes most of our problems in life. We try to solve our problems by our own efforts in our own time.

The people demanded a king, and Saul was selected. He wasn’t the best leadership material. He had mood swings and was a violent man who couldn’t lead his army with competence. Not the best choice for king. In addition to that, he was a Benjamite. The Kings were to come from the Tribe of Judah, so he was wrong on every point. It was a young boy from the tribe of Judah named David whom God had chosen for their king. David was the youngest son of Jesse, and a shepherd. God was preparing him for leadership, but it would be many years until he was skilled in fighting enemy armies and leading the nation of Israel. God allowed Saul to be king until David was ready.

David was a great king, and his heart was humble. He was far from perfect, but when sin was brought to his attention, he didn’t try to justify his actions. He turned to God in humble repentance. “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest” (Psalm 51:3-4).

David had committed more than one great sin. He lusted after a married woman named Bathsheba, and she became pregnant by him. Her husband was a very loyal member of David’s army, and David made sure he was put in a position in battle where he would be killed. The sin was great and worthy of David’s death. At least David didn’t have the baby murdered in the womb. When his sins were brought to his attention, David was broken. He realized that he could lose the closeness he had with God. That’s when he went before the Lord and acknowledged his sin. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

How do you react when you sin? Do you just keep on sinning and justify your actions? Or do you go before the Lord, repent, and then turn away from sin? David ran the very real risk of losing his salvation. Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit, but David lived before the Cross, and his salvation could be lost. He loved the Lord, but he understood the seriousness of his sin. He repented and was forgiven.

Brothers and sisters, do you acknowledge the sin in your life and go to God for forgiveness? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God loves us and will forgive all sin, but then we need to turn away from our sin.

David and Bathsheba’s baby was born in very poor health. David had mourned deeply as the baby struggled for life. David fasted and prayed and mourned. Then the child died. “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat” (2 Samuel 12:20). King David did what was right. He sought God while the child was alive, but when the baby died, David cleaned himself up and went “…into the house of the LORD, and worshipped…”

Again, here’s a lesson to be learned. Pray fervently while we can, but when God’s answer isn’t what we prayed for, it’s important to make ourselves presentable and worship the Lord. Never blame or accuse God.

Bathsheba was also in mourning for her son. “And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him” (2 Samuel 12:24).

Time passed, and eventually Solomon became king over Israel. Solomon began his reign as a God-fearing monarch, and God granted Solomon wisdom. “And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:32-34).

Solomon had a father he could look up to and use as an example of a godly man and king, but Solomon didn’t follow David’s example of worshipping God and wasn’t a good steward of God’s blessings. Solomon made many mistakes, such as marrying pagan wives and building them pagan places of worship. He never forgot God, but he never honored God in the way David did. Solomon did do some very good things, such as building the Temple, which David had desired to build for God.

God was pleased with Solomon’s efforts, but He had a warning and a promise for Solomon, the Jewish nation, and for Christians. The warning was for all of God’s people. “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13-14).

God’s blessings are all around us, but there are troubles too. Natural disasters, famine, and more. God wants us to turn from the wickedness of our daily life. If all of God’s people would turn from wickedness and turn to God, we would be amazed at the blessings we would receive.

Sin is out of control within Christian congregations. Just like Samuel’s sons, authority is being abused, and God’s truth is being perverted and rejected. Many congregations today take pride in accepting sexual sin within the congregation and leadership. Read the first chapter of Romans to see what God thinks of rejecting Him as the Creator. The lie of evolution isn’t a minor issue. The punishment is homosexuality. It’s a sin to participate but also a sin to accept it as normal. Take a look at the nations that are on the verge of collapse, and ask yourself whether we should turn from our wicked ways. The answer is “Yes”!

I listen to news reports, and there are some encouraging things happening. Men who think they are women are being stopped from competing in women’s sports, many states are coming against abortion, and some states are requiring the 10 Commandments to be posted in public schools as well as Bible study. This is a start, but Christians need to get behind these laws. We need to stand strong for our Lord and King, Jesus. America will soon have elections to choose leaders. We must vote for candidates who support Biblical truth.

Saul was given an amazing blessing from God, but he didn’t appreciate it and was very much like the world in his attitude. David honored God, and even when troubled times came, he praised God. When he failed, he didn’t treat his sin lightly or cover it up but humbly repented. Solomon was blessed by God with wisdom. He didn’t use his gift wisely and was very dissatisfied with life. His riches and wives didn’t bring the contentment that his father David found in serving the Lord.

There is a greater King. “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:13-16).

All praise and honor to our King, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Christians should learn a lesson from these accounts. God wants the best for each of us, but it might be that we want our way, and we want it now. We can see the result of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. God’s truth must be first. God wants His best for us and will give it in His perfect time. When we pray, we need to listen to His answer and be content. It’s good to present our desires to God, but we need to be patient.

Israel wanted a king like the nations had. Those kings were pagan, idol worshippers who didn’t know the True God. We need to turn away from the world and only worship God Almighty. Jesus needs to be the King of our life. The world around us is getting darker and darker with wickedness and evil. Jesus is the Light. Live your life according to the Gospel. The world cannot understand God’s truth, so we need to shine brighter than the darkness. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Let the Gospel shine in you, and don’t let Satan make you blind.

Who do you want to rule over you? A fallible human who is only trying to please the world, or do you want the King of kings to reign? Jesus will soon call Christians Home to live eternally with Him. You would be wise to let Him be King of your life today.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.rapture ready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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Choosing to Be an Abomination Unto God :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: April 29, 2023 by RR10

On Apr. 17, 2023, Benny Johnson (Turning Point USA) released a short clip of an interview he did with Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Johnson asked DeSantis about men taking the role of women.

DeSantis said:

The ideology is a total fraud.
I think there is the issue of are we going to be a society based on truth? Or are we going to be a society based on deceit?
If you take a man and they dress up as a woman, and you tell me I have to accept that they’re a woman, then you’re asking me to be complicit in a lie, and I just refuse to do that.
So, we’ve got to tell the truth, you know, I think the truth will set you free, and let’s just be honest about what’s going on here.

The Book of Proverbs says, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him” (Prov. 6:16-19).

“A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,
Feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies,
And he that soweth discord among brethren.”

God is a God of truth (Psa. 31:5).

Jesus is truth (Jn. 14:6).

Satan is the father of lies (Jn. 8:44).

A nation that chooses to abandon the truth and become a nation of fraud, lies, and deceit is also choosing to become a nation that is an abomination unto God.

A nation founded on the Scriptures cannot choose to abandon God and follow Satan and get away with it forever.

God will call for repentance by allowing hardship to come upon that nation, but a lack of repentance will ultimately stir the wrath of God.

Here are some recent events that seem to indicate that the Rapture and Tribulation Period are close.

One, concerning abandonment of the truth, deceit, and persecution: a street preacher that heads a group called Warriors for Christ expressed his concerns on social media three times about a church in Oklahoma that was endorsing same-sex marriage, drag queen shows in front of children, and more.

When one of the gay church members told the local city council some of the things the street preacher was saying were not true, the street preacher produced photos and video clips to verify what he was posting.

The church petitioned the county court for a restraining order to silence the preacher, and the court threatened to arrest him and jail him (for up to 5 years) if he posted any more Bible verses on social media that condemn homosexuality.

The Rutherford Institute is appealing the court order on behalf of the preacher.

According to John Whitehead, head of the Rutherford Institute, this case is an effort to criminalize speech, thoughts, and actions that are not politically correct.

Two, concerning abandoning God and not getting away with it (making bad decisions): on Apr. 22, 2023, Germany shut down its three remaining nuclear power plants (producers of so-called dirty energy).

These three plants produced only about 6% of Germany’s power, but for a nation that was already experiencing major energy shortages, a 6% reduction makes a bad situation worse.

The idea that Germany could produce enough solar and wind power to meet her clean energy needs has turned out to be wishful thinking.

The destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline and sanctions against Russia have made Germany’s energy situation worse.

With insufficient energy, Germany’s economy is headed for big trouble, and her wound is mostly self-inflicted, but many people are going to suffer.

Three, concerning abandonment of the truth and choosing to follow lies: on Apr. 23, 2023, the Expose reported that data released by the Office of National Statistics in the UK shows that 92% of England’s Covid-19 deaths in 2022 were people that had been fully vaccinated (people that had received three or more jabs).

Four, concerning the coming false religion (Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth): on Apr. 19, 2023, it was reported that Bishop Manuel Sanchez Monge of Spain submitted an op-ed that was printed in a regional Spanish Newspaper.

Monge’s op-ed was titled “The 2030 Agenda and the New World Order.”

Here is some of what Monge said (in my words as I understand it):

The Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals are anti-Christian, and they are designed to change the religious beliefs of everyone on earth.
Globalists want to establish an unelected and undemocratic world government.
Globalists want to transfer the responsibility of raising and educating children from the parents to the government (parents will have no say).
Globalists want to determine what people should believe (about abortion, LGBTQ issues, secularism, the definition of tolerance and intolerance, etc.) and how people should live.
Agenda 2030 will create a new civilization with everyone living and believing the way the globalists tell them to live and believe.

(My opinion: The Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals became global laws on Jan. 1, 2016. The globalists that are pushing them are anti-Christ, anti-Bible, and anti-Israel. A person cannot reject Jesus, the Bible, Israel, etc., and be saved. The stage is being set for a one-world government, a one-world false religion, persecution, and the Mark of the Beast.)

Five, concerning church members departing from the faith in U.S. churches: on Apr. 24, 2023, it was reported that a 2020-2023 survey of 2,000 people who identify as born-again Christians found that only 44% believe that Jesus lived a sinless life.

The study was conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University and was supervised by George Barna, a well-known pollster.

Six, concerning the tracking of all buying and selling: on Apr. 20, 2023, it was reported that two U.S. Senators (Sinema of Ariz. and Lummis of Wyoming) introduced a bill (Senate Bill 884) on Mar. 21, 2023, to create a digital identity for every U.S. citizen.

Eight days later (on Mar. 29, 2023), the bill cleared the proper Senate Committee and was passed on with a favorable recommendation.

A digital ID will allow everyone to be tracked.

It can be linked to one’s bank account, healthcare records, driver’s license, social security information, etc., and used to control them.

(FYI: Patrick Wood, editor of Technocracy.news, reported that Sinema attended the 2022 Bilderberg meeting and the 2023 World Economic Forum meeting.)

(My opinion: The fact that a bill to track all buying and selling is pending in the U.S. Senate as you are reading this should help you understand the reality of Bible prophecy and the need to be ready for the Rapture.)

Seven, concerning corruption in the White House: on Apr. 19, 2023, it was reported that two members of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee (Greene of Geo. and Mace of So. Car.) said they have seen bank documents at the U.S. Treasury Dept. that contain “jaw-dropping” evidence of Biden family involvement in foreign business deals, human trafficking, and prostitution rings.

On Apr. 20, 2023, it was reported that Greene tweeted that she “reviewed more than 2,000 pages of financial records revealing a crime syndicate involving Biden’s family and countries such China, Russia, and Ukraine.”

Green said the Bidens established fake shell companies to receive money from foreign countries.

Concerning human trafficking and prostitution: this report said a Florida Grand Jury found that drug cartels are claiming and seizing children from Mexico and exposing them “to horrifying health conditions, constant criminal threat, labor and sex trafficking, robbery, rape, and other experiences.”

Based on the Grand Jury findings, the Fla. Attorney Gen. has sent a letter to the U.S. House and Senate requesting an investigation of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services involvement in these crimes.

Eight, concerning world government: an international advocacy group of entertainers, politicians, corporate executives, and others (called Global Citizens Now) with billions of dollars in commitments meet each year to discuss ways to advance the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Some of the big names that will gather in New York on Apr. 27, 2023, include Canadian Prime Min. Trudeau, French Pres. Macron, EU Pres. Ursula von der Leyen, John Legend, Hugh Jackman, and others.

Other groups that plan to have people present are Verizon, Cisco, P&G, Ford, PepsiCo, and Rockefeller.

It has been reported that they will “combine major announcements on policy initiatives with discussions about immediate steps that can be taken on climate change, food insecurity, gender inequality, and other issues.”

Nine, concerning antisemitism in the U.S.: on Apr. 13, 2023, 14 Democrats urged Pres. Biden and Sec. of State Blinken to condition U.S. aid to Israel (money, weapons, equipment, etc.) on ending gross human rights violations.

When asked if they would support conditioning U.S. aid to the Palestinians on PA respect for Israel and Jewish civil rights, none of them responded.

Ten, concerning the coming economic collapse: on Apr. 26, 2023, Gary Bauer (Campaign for Working Families) reported that the interest on America’s national debt last year was $475 billion (about $1 billion, $300,000 per day).

Higher interest rates will make it worse this year, Biden wants to keep increasing our national debt, and he is refusing to negotiate with Republicans that want to try to avoid a collapse.

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com