In 1 Kings 18 + 19, Elijah, one of God’s greatest prophets, who saw into the heavens on a regular basis – became “depressed”. Here is this guy, that the entire Jewish and Christian world recognized as one of the most amazing men that ever lived. In fact, he didn’t actually die. He was one of 2 people (Enoch was the other one) who were taken up to heaven by God while they were still alive. That’s pretty darn amazing.
But even so, he got so depressed about all the other prophets being killed, that he freaked out and wanted God to kill him. He gave up on life on earth and just wanted to “cash it in”. How is that possible? Well it is possible. It’s because he was “human”.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
We all get fearful and depressed a LOT, and those of us who are blessed by God because we eagerly watch for his return, carry a difficult burden. But the Lord tries to teach us to go on living our lives (happily like little kids) and have no fear, and trust in him.
Yes we are to watch and pray, but we have to show our lights of happiness to the world. WE are the ones which God expects to SHINE above all the other fearful people.
I used to think about stocking up on food, buying guns, and “fighting” for my survival. But then it hit me! What FOR? All through the Bible is story after story of God trying to tell us to STOP! He will take care of you. Your praise and worship is the key. If you don’t praise and worship the Lord all day long, you are a sitting duck. The “demons” HATE THAT! Praise and worship to Jesus is like bug repellent to them. It opens up the heavens and allows God to keep his Angels of protection in your midst all day long.
Why Do Those Darn Christians SING?
When the “sky is falling” and every one is starving to death, WE are to be REJOICING. We are to be throwing Jesus parties! People will wonder – HOW CAN THOSE DARN CHRISTIANS BE HAPPY? What is it that they know that we don’t? Are they MAD? Do they not starve too? But yet they SING! How can they SING?
In fact, there is a book entitled “Fox’s Book of Martyrs”. I have not read it yet but know about some of the information from other sources. Christians were known for singing praises to the Lord while they were being burned at the stake. Can you IMAGINE THAT? They didn’t say GOD WHY??? They said PRAISE YOU JESUS I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART while they were being slaughtered. They sang songs of praise to Jesus while they died.
What did they know?
WHAT IS THE SIGN?
All throughout history (think about this), there have been times on earth where there were famines, droughts, death, murder, starvation, millions slaughtered, burned at the stake, burned in ovens, babies killed, Christian’s hunted like dogs, the whole thing. Between 30 A.D. and even into the 20th century, many famous Christian leaders believed with all their hearts that the Tribulation had begun. How is this possible? How in the world did the church of Thessalonica think they missed Jesus’ second coming? Paul had to go calm them down. Some of them even quit their jobs. What did Paul tell them about? What does the Bible say to “watch out for”?
What is the biggest SIGN OF THEM ALL?
Remember there is no “tribulation period”. That is a misgiving. There is only a GREAT Tribulation. The “Great” Tribulation is marked by ONE EVENT. The abomination takes his throne. His throne is in the 3rd Temple of Solomon. The Daniel 9:27 “covenant with Israel” must be signed. This event will likely become a prophetic marker that lets us know that soon the “mack daddy” Antichrist will take his throne. Soon thereafter he will cause the festivities in the Temple to cease.
This is the event for which we must watch diligently. Watch the Iran war. WWIII. Watch for the Dome of the Rock to be destroyed so the Jews can rebuild their temple. This is the key.
A Bit of of a Misnomer
Tribulation-Now’s web site name is a bit of a misnomer. It suggests that we have entered into a “Tribulation Period“. It is not intended to imply that however. There is only a Great Tribulation. This doesn’t mean that we aren’t surrounded by Satan’s army, and it doesn’t mean that they don’t plan to put us all in FEMA Camps (eventually). They do and they will. Those who PRAISE JESUS all day long MIGHT get delivered from it. But then again … maybe all of them won’t.
I guess my point is this.
FEAR NOT
Fear NOT. The Kingdom of God draws nigh. And THIS TIME we know for sure it is REALLY upon us.
I am excited. I thought about saving food but then I realized WHY? Is our mission on this miserable illusion to sustain our existence? Is that what this is all about? Are we to save food and hide in the wilderness? Or are we to TRUST IN GOD, and be beacons of happiness and faith in dark times KNOWING that God will keep us safe until our time has come?
While I doubt I will have such amazing courage and faith, I fancy myself having a picnic in the park, praising Jesus, while all this is happening. Remember Woody Harrelson, in the movie 2012, and how THRILLED HE WAS when the world was being destroyed? THAT IS HOW WE SHOULD BE!!
PRAISE JESUS!
I do not know for sure what the right answer is. My own mother, in 1977, moved our whole family 5 miles up the road so she could plant crops and save food because she thought at any time the Great Tribulation would begin and she wanted to be ready.
I was living like Harrison Ford in the movie “Witness” getting woke up at 4 A.M. by my father wearing a straw hat telling me…
These were all lessons in my life that taught me the errors of my family, and the world around me.
How Much Food?
Maybe we should stock up on food. But if you do – you BETTER BE PREPARED TO GIVE IT AWAY. If you follow Jesus’ command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER then you MUST feed the poor and heal the sick. If you are eating while others are starving and you do not help them – Jesus will REMEMBER. You will have no choice but to ask forgiveness and feed the people who are knocking at your door.
JESUS IS MAGNIFICENT
We as Christians are to be “above all this stuff”. If we truly believe in the magnificence of Gods’ heavens, then we should be rejoicing instead of hiding in fear. We should believe with all our hearts that we will be fed and clothed and be happy. Our happiness will make people say “what in the world are you happy about” and you have ONLY one answer you can give ….
I leave you with this one thought.
Here Paul writes about his thoughts on staying here on the earth.
Phil 1:21-24
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor [he gets to save people and encourage them]; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
NKJV
Great post, these are exactly the same conclusions that I have been led to by the THE SPIRIT of GOD through HIS HOLY WORD. I feel, based on where THE LORD has taken me in scriptural study, that our part will most definately be in a ministerial role to the many unsaved or struggling in their faith folks, through what will no doubt be a very challenging time in HIStory.
The LORD is not bringing understanding to such an army of saints at this time without reason….The ancient doors are readying to open that THE KING of GLORY may come in. PSALM 24:9 BLESSINGS & SHALOM to you…..sister debra
Thank you so much.
It doesn't mean I will not report on the evil empire, but it does mean we have to remind ourselves we are Sons of God and are to be beacons of peace on a higher level than those who live in fear.
Be Blessed in Jesus Name!
Very encouraging post.
Also I reccommend 'Foxe's book of martyrs' to EVERYONE!
Humble servant.
Sorry, but there are so many things wrong with this article. I would never give out such reckless and careless advise. It is far from what Enoch and Elijah had to say.
You sound like the unprepared mockers who laughed at Noah, who were giving in to parties and merrymaking, while he worked on the ark.
YAHWEH said those who don't provide for their families are worse than an infidel. Faith without works is useless.
First, you need food and water. Food prices will make it nearly impossible to even think about storing one bean. Get it while you can.
YAHWEH is the Author of the 2nd amendment. He commanded us to sell our cloak and buy a sword. I trust His Judgment.
Anyone irresponsible parties who mocked the warning trumpet and comes looting around for free food at my house will suffer the consequences.
King David was very happy. He rejoiced Christian style by danced with the blood of the enemy in his sandals. And he was he apple of YHVH's eye.
The Jewish temple? There is no Jewish temple. The Jews are not Israel. The Anglo Saxons built the true temple a long time ago.
In your careless joy, you have no fear. Even His very Elect will barely escape. The first step to wisdom is to fear YAHWEH. It is the enemy we are not to fear.
Your mother was a wise woman. You may want to reconsider her "better safe than sorry" attitude. Might come in handy… some day soon.
Many agree with our beliefs and in all fairness I wanted others to hear what your thoughts are on this subject.
BE BLESSED IN JESUS NAME!
Excellent!
Preach it Brother!
Love
Diane
Great post, these are exactly the same conclusions that I have been led to by the THE SPIRIT of GOD through HIS HOLY WORD. I feel, based on where THE LORD has taken me in scriptural study, that our part will most definately be in a ministerial role to the many unsaved or struggling in their faith folks, through what will no doubt be a very challenging time in HIStory.
The LORD is not bringing understanding to such an army of saints at this time without reason….The ancient doors are readying to open that THE KING of GLORY may come in. PSALM 24:9 BLESSINGS & SHALOM to you…..sister debra
Thank you so much.
It doesn't mean I will not report on the evil empire, but it does mean we have to remind ourselves we are Sons of God and are to be beacons of peace on a higher level than those who live in fear.
Be Blessed in Jesus Name!
Hi John
check out all these verses.. they are really giving me peace at heart.
Psalm 48:14, For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Psalm 139:9-10, If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall they hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 16:9, A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Isaiah 42:16, And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them and crooked things straight. These things will I do until them, and not forsake them.
John:
That is a beautiful article! I am curious–do you know who David Wilkerson is? I receive daily articles from him which are very uplifting. Last year (March 2009), he revealed a prophecy from the Holy Spirit which he passed on to us–I am attaching his message which included strong suggestions that we Christians stock up on food and water, etc.
http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/2009/03/urgent-message.html
God Bless,
Chris
David Wilkerson is AWESOME. I will definitely take a look at it. Also he had a vision that was published recently about what looked like a nuclear event with fire rolling down the streets. I believe that may be the next "big one" here in the US.
Be Blessed In Jesus Name Chris!!