Shaping Up :: By Daymond Duck

This article is about what is shaping up now, not what is coming many years down the road.

Wars and rumors of wars, a global economic collapse, hyperinflation, famine, pestilence, the decline of America, etc., are shaping up now.

Here are some examples that recently made the news.

One, concerning the decline of America and the coming Tribulation Period (God’s judgment of the nations): on Apr. 22, 2022, Canada Free Press posted an excellent article by Rev. Michael Bresciani titled “No, It’s Not the Economy Stupid—It’s the Raging Perversion, Moral Depravity, and Transgender Mutilation of Our Own Children.”

Bresciani (editor of new.americanprophet.org) notes that God promised to bless nations that obey Him and to curse nations that disobey Him (Deut. 28, for example).

Bresciani points out that polling companies often use a list of 8 concerns that they ask people about (the economy, immigration, the war in Ukraine, health care, food and fuel shortages, education, environment, and politics).

He notes that these things would be last on God’s list, and there is nothing on the list about things that are important to God (morality, etc.).

Bresciani rightly believes that most people are ignoring the Scriptures and God’s desires for humanity (love Him; love Jesus, love others; pray; etc.).

The idea that God would intervene and judge the nations is foreign to them.

Judgment is coming because society is using the wrong list of concerns (man’s list of concerns instead of God’s list of concerns).

Obedience to God brings blessings, but disobedience to God brings curses, and disobedience to God is America’s (and the world’s problem) (Deut. 28:1-2, 15).

Two, concerning perilous times: on Apr. 20, 2022, Brighteon reported that shipments of anti-tank weapons, ammunition, artillery shells, drones, vehicles, etc., to Ukraine are rapidly depleting U.S. stockpiles, and it will take a long time to restock these items due to the shipping crisis, difficulty of getting parts, etc.

If the U.S. got into a war and suddenly needed a lot of weapons, they might not have enough, and they might not be able to get them very fast.

(Writer’s opinion: Perhaps Biden should ask the Taliban to ship the billions of dollars of weapons he left in Afghanistan to the U.S.)

Three, concerning a global economic collapse and famine: on Apr. 21, 2022, David Malpass, Pres. of the World Bank, said the world is facing a human catastrophe.

  • Hundreds of millions of people could be impoverished by higher food prices.
  • The poor could have to eat less and spend less on other needs.
  • Higher food prices could force developing countries to default on their debts.
  • Food prices that were at 10-year highs before Russia invaded Ukraine are higher than they have been since record-keeping started 60 years ago.

Four, concerning global food shortages and unrest: on Apr. 20, 2022, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed concern that the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine could trigger a global food crisis and civil unrest in vulnerable nations.

This may relate to something Jesus said about the end of the age, “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring” (Luke 21:25).

There are at least two different interpretations of this verse: (1) The seas and the waves roaring are hurricanes, etc., and (2) The sea refers to the “sea of humanity,” and the roaring refers to civil unrest (Rev. 13:1).

It is interesting, considering all the other signs and their convergence, that a global organization is expressing concern over civil unrest caused by food shortages.

Five, concerning the supply chain crisis: on Apr. 21, 2022, Pastor Tom Hughes showed part of a Monkey Werx video that shows hundreds of oil tankers and cargo ships off the coast of Shanghai that are sitting idle and waiting to be loaded.

According to Monkey Werx, considering how long it will take to load the ships, how long it will take for the ships to reach their destination, and how long it will take for the ships to be unloaded – current inventories could be exhausted, and there could be severe shortages of many things (including some foods) somewhere around the time of the next elections in the U.S.

It is the opinion of Monkey Werx (not a prediction) that the shortages could trigger unrest and possibly the cancellation of the upcoming election.

I am not questioning Monkey Werx, and I can’t predict what will happen, but:

  • Biden clearly said the New World Order and food shortages are coming, and he said he intends to make the New World Order happen.
  • There is plenty of evidence that the FBI, CIA, etc., have been corrupted (protection of Hillary Clinton and Hunter Biden, destroyed Hillary’s phones for her, lied to courts, faked Gov. Whitmer kidnapping, falsely prosecuted others, etc.).
  • There was corruption in the last election, and some politicians are willing to do anything to hold onto power.

We can only speculate about what they will do, but the Bible teaches that world government and famine are coming, and nothing should surprise us.

Six, concerning pestilence and the death of multitudes during the Tribulation Period: on Apr. 22, 2022, it was reported that:

  • After they received a Covid vaccination, more than 769 athletes collapsed on the field between Mar. 2021 and Mar. 2022.
  • The average of those that suffered cardiac arrest was 23 years old.
  • Since the above information was released, updated figures show 890 athletes had cardiac arrests and other serious problems, and 579 died.

Seven, concerning the Days of Lot: teaching porn in kindergarten thru grade three is the issue behind the recent conflict between Disney and Fla. Gov. DeSantis.

Florida passed a law to stop the teaching of sexual subjects in kindergarten through grade three.

Opponents falsely labeled it the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

They accused the state of Florida of discriminating against gays.

On Apr. 22, 2022, Gov. DeSantis responded by signing a bill that strips six districts in the state of their self-governing status and taxing powers.

This is the point: Teaching the LGBTQ+ agenda in school is part of the UN “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” goals.

It is part of an effort to brainwash children into supporting the globalist agenda, and an effort to reduce the population of the earth.

(Note: Concerning a reduction in the population of the earth: Elon Musk recently expressed his opinion that “Earth could maintain a population many times the current level.” He called the UN population estimates “ridiculous.”)

Eight, concerning the decline of America: on Apr. 20, 2022, Franklin Graham said, “I believe God is going to judge America at some point. He has given us so much, and we’re so wasteful and so disobedient and so wicked in what we’re doing as a nation.”

Graham said, “Our educators have taken God out of schools. Our politicians have taken God out of politics. Our nation is not better [for it]. Our nation is worse.”

Graham urged U.S. citizens to turn back to God as a nation; he urged Christians to run for school boards, take control of their communities, and pray.

Graham said (and I agree) that God is America’s only hope.

Nine, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog: on Apr. 18, 2022, Russian Pres. Putin spoke to PA Chairman Abbas by phone, condemned Israel’s response to Muslim riots on the Temple Mount, and pledged Russia’s support for the PA cause.

On Apr. 21, 2022, Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas terrorist group, called a Russian official, thanked Russia for Putin’s response, and asked that Russia take a central “role in curbing this (Israel’s) aggression.”

Ten, concerning the Jews returning to the Promised Land at the end of the age: God said,

“Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither. They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he” (Jer. 31:8-11).

On Apr. 23, 2022, I received an e-mail from a pastor who said, “I was watching the news about 2 weeks ago when they were highlighting the mass number of Jews (about 10,000) who were making their way to Poland (from Ukraine) to board planes for Israel. That same night I was reading Jeremiah 31:8-11, and I KNEW that what I had watched that evening was a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. What was so amazing was how these verses describe what I was watching as they came weeping, with the lame and the blind, with the women with their children and those who were pregnant with child. We are indeed living in the days of His return.”

Eleven, concerning corruption and deceit: on Apr. 25, 2022, it was reported that White House logs show that one of Hunter Biden’s business associates visited Joe Biden at the White House when he was Vice Pres. at least 19 times, and yet, Joe Biden claims that he had nothing to do with Hunter’s businesses.

There seems to be no question that some of Hunter’s associates were getting access to his dad, Hunter was raking in millions of dollars, and money was flowing back and forth between Hunter and Joe (It has been reported that Joe paid legal fees for Hunter; Hunter paid bills for Joe, Hunter came close to getting prosecuted for tax evasion, Joe has millions of dollars of unexplained income, etc.).

Twelve, concerning wars and rumors of wars: talk of WW III and Russia using nuclear weapons; the conflict between Russia and Ukraine appears to be spreading.

  • More than 40 nations now support Ukraine.
  • The U.S. will send more weapons to Ukraine.
  • Germany will send anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine.
  • France will send truck-mounted cannons to Ukraine.
  • Russia has stopped the flow of natural gas to Poland and Bulgaria.
  • The U.S. provided information that helped Ukraine shoot down a Russian transport plane carrying hundreds of Russian troops and to sink a Russian ship.
  • The U.S. appears to be ignoring what Russian officials say about WW III and the use of nuclear weapons, and Russia appears to be ignoring what U.S. officials say.

As the conflict drags on, food shortages, inflation, economic problems, etc., are worsening and moving the world closer to what could be the fulfillment of Tribulation-Period prophecies (removal of peace, famine, economic collapse, nuclear weapons, etc.).

Thirteen, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog: on Apr. 26, 2022, White House Press Sec. Jen Psaki said Iran’s breakout time to nuclear weapons is “a few weeks or less” away.

Israeli leaders have constantly said they will not allow Iran to produce nuclear weapons.

This comes at the same time that Russia is upset with Israeli support for Ukraine.

Fourteen, concerning a peace treaty in the Middle East: on Apr. 6, 2022, Bahrain’s Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said, “We are determined. No one will stop us from building on the Abraham Accords. We are not worried about the enemies of peace, but we will fight against their efforts. We will fight anything which will harm our peace, our security, or interfere in what we do, or misrepresent us and distort our religion.”

“Our peace, our security” means “our peace and safety.”

More war is coming, but the Abraham Accords could ultimately lead to the confirmation of a covenant that will cause globalists to declare “peace and safety” and lead to the Tribulation Period.

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

 

Deception: My People Are Destroyed :: 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.)

I have long believed and frequently said that while the Old Testament was written to the Jewish people, it is important to understand that the Lord had the entirety of the scriptures (including the New Testament) written, knowing that all His creation would still be reading it even up to the present time. Therefore, all the scriptures have application and give direction to every individual who would ever live.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16).

I think this NLT translation of the same verse says it well also: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

God’s Word is timeless and, like Him, from Everlasting to Everlasting.

Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

This oft-quoted verse, on its face, has to do with salvation; however, it also carries with it the understanding that man was created with an intellect and that this intellect has a role to perform in all willing people; that is, to enable us to understand His word and the application of it in our lives and in our minds as well as our hearts. This process begins with Salvation in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

While intellect is not spiritual in itself, it can certainly play an important part in understanding spiritual matters. If it were not so, God would not have included this concept in a verse related to Salvation.

Additionally, it is this author’s opinion that evidence of scripture having multiple applications is becoming clearer as the time of the end nears. I am again reminded of Daniel 12:4;

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” [Emphasis added by me]

The below verse from the book of Hosea in the Old Testament was written prior to the destruction of the Northern Kingdom (then called Israel). This is the first half of the verse, and as with the entirety of God’s Word, it has application to God’s people today.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (Hosea 4:6a).

During the OT period 753-715, Hosea prophesied to the Northern Kingdom using the example of an unfaithful wife. It also clearly indicated the Lord’s continuing to express His love for them.

Willful ignorance and purposeful rejection of the wisdom and knowledge of God and His Word eventually brought about the Lord’s response to that rejection.

The northern kingdom of Israel was invaded and broken apart by the Assyrians in 722 during Hosea’s ministry. The people went into captivity. God had warned them repeatedly and was ignored. The consequences of willful rejection became a very harsh reality.

136 years later, after numerous warnings from God, the southern kingdom (Judah) would fall for the same reasons. Failure to respond to the Lord’s warnings always has catastrophic consequences.

America has been receiving strong warnings very loudly since 11 September 2001. Outside of a few weeks of increased church attendance, most (not all) people have “rejected and ignored” as well.

There is another danger that I believe must be recognized intellectually as well as Spiritually. In drifting from or ignoring the Word of God, there develops complacency. It slithers in like a snake.

Many Christians have discontinued gathering with other believers. There are myriads of reasons for this. Some of them are legitimate; most of them are not.

In Canada, the obstacles being thrown in front of believers by Satan’s little helpers can make it extremely hard to attend church. I know some of them and the obstacles they face. My heartfelt encouragement is to suggest gathering together in small home churches if possible. The value of being with brothers and sisters cannot be overstated. Home churches are one way to circumvent the opposition, and it is quite common in many places where persecution has been ops-normal for quite a while.

Even if, at first, no one wants to lead the worship, just reading the word of God to each other is like pure gold. I pray that some of you will give this a try. God will bless you for it, and remember: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

Then, there are the not-so-legitimate reasons. These prevail in most places in the US where church attendance is very low. There are currently few real obstacles to gathering in churches and worshiping together as a body in this country.

Most obstacles here are believer-generated.

  • Too busy
  • It’s my only day off.
  • I’m too tired by the time Sunday rolls around.
  • The churches are full of hypocrites. If this is your reason, I would suggest that you should go anyway; there is always room for one more.
  • I couldn’t find a good church (while this may be somewhat legitimate due to the high levels of apostasy), there are a couple of suggestions I would make.

1) You could try attending the “best” bad choice you can find and pray for awakening in the church while you are in the midst of them (not easy, but maybe the Lord wants you to try).

2) You could “attend” the streaming services of your local churches online and then choose one, then attend in person. It is far better, I think, to try than to “give up.”

  • But, I go to church! Really, do you think God has not noticed that you only attend on Easter and Christmas? All the rest of the year, you are MIA.

Let us briefly confirm what is meant by the term “God’s people” by “reasoning together” and how important this intimate relationship is viewed by the Lord.

  • The Hebrews are/were referred to as God’s wife (Jeremiah 31:31-32), and this is the relationship He had the prophet portray in the book of Hosea also.
  • The Church is called the Bride of Christ, and this is confirmed in the book of Revelation (Chapter 19:7-9).

Both the Hebrews and the Church are referred to as “people who are called by My Name.”

Jesus Christ is God. He said so Himself: “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30), as well as numerous other places. Thus, we know also that we, “Christians,” are also called by God’s Name.

This is stated clearly in the Old Testament book of Amos (Ch9-v11-12);

“On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in days of old; That they may possess the remnant of Edom, And all the Gentiles who are called by My Name,’ Says the Lord who does this thing” (Amos 9:11-12).

And it is reiterated in the New Testament book of Acts (Ch15-v15-18):

“And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My Name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’ Known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:15-18).

*VERY IMPORTANT!! I DO NOT ascribe to replacement theology. The Church DOES NOT REPLACE the Jews and the promises God made specifically to THEM!

So please consider this: If God could *go back on His Word to the Jews (Jeremiah 31:31-37), could He not just as easily go back on His Word to the Church? *IMPOSSIBLE! It will never happen.

ALSO IMPORTANT: God will, at His appointed time, make the two (Jew and Gentile) one by the power of God through the Cross. God has His long-range plans all made. Infinitely long-range.

“For He is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the Cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:14-18). [Emphasis added by me]

Now to the crux of this article: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

The Word of God clearly informs people that God is from everlasting to everlasting, that He does not change.

At this stage of history, does anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ really believe that He will view willful ignorance, complacency, or rejection of His Word any differently than He ever has?

Please ask yourself: Has His nature changed?

Please ask yourself: Has His Word changed?

Which part of the parable of the ten virgins applies to you? (read Matthew 25: 9-13)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Matthew 25:10 “And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” —They are sensible of their past folly; they have taken good advice: they are in the act of getting what alone they lacked: a very little more, and they also are ready. But the Bridegroom comes; the ready are admitted; “the door is shut,” and they are undone. How graphic and appalling this picture of one almost saved—but lost!

The above commentary may be accessed by going to this link: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/25-10.htm

Within this page are several other commentaries. All seem to agree with the above.

Are you ready? Or are you not?

I beseech you, brothers and sisters, to examine yourselves and evaluate yourselves.

When I was 16, I went to an Episcopalian church and was “confirmed,” and I thought that was “good enough.” I did not repent, however. I did not grasp that part of God’s requirement. I was not saved! A terrifying thought! I thank God that in His great mercy, He allowed me to live long enough to know the Truth, to repent and believe. I urge you to evaluate yourself as well. It is eternally critical!

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Please consider this. When the door is closed to the Age of Grace, by the Rapture, will you go Home? If so, how will you fare in the Bema Seat judgment? How will your works, after being saved, look?

“If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:15).

In examining yourself as a born-again Christian, could you perhaps have fallen asleep (spiritually) and need to wake up? If so, you need to wake up now!

Perhaps you are saved but feel empty and fearful: not currently undergoing Sanctification because your indifference has been impeding the work of the Spirit in doing so.

I believe the time of the Age of Grace is winding down rapidly. I bring up these questions because the Spirit prompts me to; and now is the time to ask them of yourself.

  • Are the commentators right about the consequences when the door is shut?
  • Is there a chance that your repentance was not really genuine?
  • Is there any sign of fruit in your life?

If you are a spiritually born-again believer and find that you are not bearing any fruit because you have indeed fallen asleep, it is not too late to evaluate. As long as you have breath in your body, you can still repent and renew!

If you find that you are not really spiritually born again into the saving Grace of Jesus Christ, please read what is written below and come to the foot of the Cross. You will not be rejected!

For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore have 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