The Darker it Gets, the Brighter Your Light

"No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts [it] in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. "The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when [your eye] is bad, your body also [is] full of darkness. "Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. "If then your whole body [is] full of light, having no part dark, [the] whole [body] will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light."                    Luke 11:33-36 NKJV

I was fortunate enough to be raised by Christian parents and introduced to our Lord at a very early age. Some of my most favorite memories are of sitting in Sunday School singing songs and listening to the stories as we were taught about the Gospel of Christ, and Jesus' love for us. One of my memories is of how much we liked to sing certain songs, which was evident in the volume we sung them. One of those which I am sure many of you remember as well is called “This Little Light of Mine”. Complete with hand motions, we would sing that particular song as loud as five and six year old children possibly could.

I don't remember how old I was when I figured out that the message in this song was taken straight from scripture, but it is one lesson that I have never forgotten, and in light of where we see the world going lately, one which I feel is extremely important to all of us. One doesn't have to read and study scripture very long before coming to the knowledge of the importance God places on the actions of those who profess to believe. I know of, and have heard so many instances where people have found out after the fact that people around them were watching them closely to see if their actions in life lived up to their profession of faith. It happens all the time and yet there are many in the body which seem to be completely unaware of the fact that their light might be burning a little “dim”.

Something I am sure most of you have already noticed is that at times the Bible certainly could be described as a book of opposites. This is especially true when you contrast what the Bible calls the “works of the flesh” and the “fruits of the Spirit”.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told [you] in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”   Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”          Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

So the question for us is simple...what do others see when they look at us? Do they see a light shining in the darkness or a light hidden so well that we look just like the world around us? Many, if asked, would say that the world is getting darker. Society is changing quicker than ever and the relative morality of the world is spiraling downwards at an ever increasing pace. The struggle for us as believers is to insure that we continue to reflect the light that is in us even as persecution begins to be commonplace as we are attacked for our faith in God and adherence to His principles.

“in all things showing yourself [to be] a pattern of good works; in doctrine [showing] integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”            Titus 2:7-8 NKJV

Since next Sunday is the Super Bowl it seems appropriate to use football as an illustration in some way so I will try to do that in light of what we are talking about. I'm sure most of us, either in football or something else, could at one time or another be described as a fan. Fans like a certain team and support them (sometimes exuberantly) as the season goes on. They may even wear their team’s colors with hats or jerseys or even fly flags which show their support. But what happens when their team begins to lose? Have you seen pictures of stadiums which are only half full because fans either leave early or don't come at all? I think you could make the case that in difficult times, when the going gets rough; the only people who still show support are those who are committed followers of their team.

As believers, maybe that is a question we need to ask ourselves when times get difficult. Are we true followers of God who are committed to follow Him no matter what the cost or the circumstances in which we find ourselves? Or are we simply fair weather fans who are committed only when things are going well and we are happy with our circumstances?

“Beloved, I beg [you] as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by [your] good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”   1 Peter 2:11-12 NKJV

More and more we see those who choose to believe be attacked for their faith, but this passage makes it clear that even though others may choose to speak against us, the fact that we choose to stay strong and keep the faith will glorify God in the end. Others are watching us, especially as the circumstances around us get more difficult.  Yet it goes without saying that a light shines brighter the dark grows darker.  Our responsibility is to make sure our light shines in such a way as for others to see. 

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”            Romans 8:22-23   NKJV

Is it no wonder we find it difficult to wait upon the Lord? We watch as our nation experiences anger, protest, and even violence. Much of that is now being directed at the body of Christ and those who choose to live according to His principles. Yet waiting is what is expected of us as believers, so I think it important that we should be looking for some of the reasons God asks this of us. I would like to share just three ideas I have about why we as believers find ourselves in this situation right now.

One: We are being prepared to fully appreciate eternity with our Lord.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”                                              2 Corinthians 4:17-18  NKJV

The more we must endure down here increases the joy we will find when we finally experience the glory of life with God in the place He has prepared for us. The longer the wait is, the stronger the anticipation and the greater the appreciation.

Two: We are being strengthened with power from above which allows us to complete the tasks He has set for us here.

“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. “       Isaiah 40:31  NKJV

We know what is expected of us here on this earth, and it should come as no surprise that the opportunities to share our faith will increase dramatically as the end draws near. In a way, you could say this is our time to shine, and God has promised to give us the strength necessary to succeed.

Three: We are to be living examples of His faithfulness.

“For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”                          Psalms 100:5 NKJV

I have three daughters who are grown and living on their own now, and one of the lessons about life that I often have an opportunity to share with them is God's faithfulness. Of course I have to explain to them it's easier for me because I am a little older than they are (okay, a lot older) but having experienced more examples of God's faithfulness makes it easier to accept whatever situation I find myself in. I simply remind them of the situations in their past when they were in agony about waiting for something, yet God always came through. In these situations God demonstrates His faithfulness to us, and also through us so others can see.

At times, waiting can be agony. I won't deny that and neither will you. I am so ready for Jesus to return, but He isn't here yet and we are being asked to wait a little longer. How long? I have no idea, but it certainly doesn't look like it will be much longer until the labor pains will be over and we will be delivered to glory with Him while the world is delivered to tribulation. It should go without saying that there are reasons for making us wait. I truly believe it is because our light can shine brighter as the world around us gets darker. Look to God for strength, and be busy making the most of the opportunities we have in the short time we have left.

If you have never chosen to accept the gift of eternal life provided for us by God the Father, I would urge you to do it today.  Time to make that choice is indeed rapidly running out and Jesus returning to take His own back with Him to heaven could happen at any time.  All you need to do is simply ask Him for forgiveness for your sin, invite Him to come into your life, and believe He died to pay the price for your redemption.  A simple prayer like this is all that He wants to hear from you.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

Now let your light shine.

Keep watching.

The Greatest Sign of All

“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”   Matthew 24:3  NKJV

If you are familiar with this passage from the Olivet Discourse and have read it before, or even if you are reading it for the first time, I wonder if you have ever thought that we today, as the body of Christ, are not much different than the disciples were for the simple reason that we too are looking for signs of Jesus’ return.  The desire to know when our deliverance from this world will occur, the time when Jesus Christ will once again make His presence known, is a completely normal response to the promises we have received from Him.  Yet because that event is so dearly anticipated, Jesus responds to the disciple’s questions, and our own, with a warning.

“And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”   Matthew 24:4  NKJV

I personally find it ironic, then, that Jesus’ answers to their questions in the Olivet Discourse have proven over time to be one of the most divisive and confusing passages for those who study eschatology are challenged to understand.   Obviously, Jesus foresaw the debates that would result from attempts to decipher exactly what He was saying to the disciples in response to their question of what to watch for, and the future of the nation of Israel.  Yet I can’t help but wonder if over time we have overly complicated what Jesus meant to be a rather simple answer to their questions?

“Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.”   Daniel 9:25  NKJV

You may wish to debate whether or not the disciples were aware of this prophecy from Daniel 9, but it is my opinion that they were, especially as we can see that Jesus referred to it as part of His answer to their questions.

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”   Matthew 24:15-16  NKJV

So in context, with the knowledge that Israel’s destiny was limited to a period of seventy weeks (of years, each week being seven years long), the disciples were told by Jesus exactly what to look for in order to recognize when the last week was imminent and what to expect would occur during those seven years before the end of the age when He would return.  With that in mind, we come to what some consider the “great debate”.  Namely, if Jesus is talking about the seven year tribulation period the nation of Israel must endure, why would He speak the following words?

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, “and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. “Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”   Matthew 24:36-44  NKJV

For as long as I have studied this passage over many, many years, the debate has always been, do these words refer to the rapture of the Church or not?  On the one hand, why would Jesus refer to the rapture of a Church that had yet to be formed and that the disciples were completely unaware of?  On the other hand, if this refers to Jesus second coming, how could Israel not know the day of His return when they are told the tribulation period is exactly seven years totaling 2520 days on the Jewish 360 day calendar?  I rather doubt that my answer will settle a debate which has lasted as long as this one, but for what it is worth, I decided to let an English philosopher help me out.

You may not recognize the name William of Ockham, but it’s entirely possible you have heard the phrase “Occam’s razor”.  It describes a principle stated by this philosopher that is applied to problem solving and is often called a law of economy or parsimony.  This principle can be best explained as this; “the simplest answer is most often the correct one”. My personal experience over many years is that this principle is extremely valuable in solving just about any problem we can encounter either practically or philosophically.  So how have I applied it to this particular question?

Simply this; the apostles asked a question and Jesus gave an answer.  The question was; how will we know when the end of the age is near?  Jesus’ answer was; when the Church disappears in the rapture.  Now of course, Jesus shared many signs that would also occur but in answer to the question “why mention the rapture” I would argue that it is the greatest sign of all.  How could Israel and the world explain away or ignore the disappearance of millions of people in an instant?  What follows is an excerpt from a teaching on the Olivet discourse by Chuck Missler of khouse.org.

The direct clue to the real issue is the immediately following verse:

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. -Matthew 24:36

That would seem to have in view the Harpazo, or "rapture" of the church, (3) which is the principal event that is distinctively without precedent prerequisite events. It appears to be the trigger to the entire scenario. The removal of the church is also the event which removes the present blindness of Israel: (4)

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. -Romans 11:25

https://www.khouse.org/articles/2000/289/print/

Notice the phrase he uses; “It appears to be the trigger to the entire scenario.”  I couldn’t agree more.  The simple answer as to why Jesus mentions the rapture when answering the disciples questions concerning what to watch for is simply that it is the sign which reveals to Israel and the world that the end is about to begin.  There will always be those who argue that earthquakes, famine, plagues, and wars have been a part of history since the beginning of time, yet the one thing that has never happened and the one sign that no one could possibly ignore is the mass disappearance of so many in the blink of an eye.  It is, and will be, the greatest sign of all.  The question for all today, though, is are you ready?

If you are unsure about your answer to that question, I urge you to make the decision to accept the free gift of salvation offered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for your sin and accept it today by telling Him you believe He died for your sins, and asking Him to come into your life. 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16  NKJV

Keep watching.

Israel's Day of Mourning

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'The fast of the fourth [month], The fast of the fifth, The fast of the seventh, And the fast of the tenth, Shall be joy and gladness and cheerful feasts For the house of Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.' Zecharaiah 8:19 NKJV

As you might expect, recent events have certainly influenced the discussions to be found on many, if not most of the websites, blogs, and social media devoted to the subject of the end times.  Of course, the overwhelming question concerns where we are on God’s calendar, and what should we expect to see next?  Most Bible scholars agree that the prophetic events revealed in the Word concerning Israel’s future, in their order of occurrence are; the Isaiah 17 destruction of Damascus, the Ezekiel 38,39 Gog Magog Conflict, the Confirmation of the Covenant in Daniel 9:27a, the Abomination of Desolation also found in Daniel 9:27b, and the Battle of Armageddon followed by the Second Coming of Christ found in Revelation 16:16, and 19:11-21.

So it follows that the next major event that we are told to watch for is the Destruction of Damascus.  It also makes sense that although this is the prophetic sign we should expect to see, there will also be signs which will lead up to its occurrence.  I have no doubt that this is what we are witnessing today in the Middle East, especially if you consider the role of instigator that Persia/Iran is to play in these events as revealed by the Word.  That said, the next question you would expect to hear would be, do we know when this event might take place? Know? No. Speculate? Why not?

Many are familiar with the seven feast days appointed by God for the children of Israel to observe, but not all are aware that He also created four days of fasting to commemorate tragedies that occurred during Israel’s' history. Zechariah goes on to say that when the Messiah comes, these fast days will become days of celebration and feasting, but for now they are still days of mourning. One of these fast days seems to stand out from the rest by virtue of the number of tragedies that have occurred on this exact day throughout history. In the passage from Zechariah, it is called the fast of the fifth month.  Just in case you are not familiar with this particular fast day in Israel, I thought I would talk a little about it today.

Called Tisha B'Av, this day of mourning and fasting reminds Israel of the day that the temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and the Jews taken back to Babylon in captivity. This day has become, however, one of the most significant days in Israel's history due to the astonishing "coincidence" of numerous national disasters occurring on this exact day since its inception. These are:

...1312 BC... Spies return from 40 days in Israel with evil reports of the Land of Israel. Jewish people cry in despair, give up hope of entering the Land of Israel.

...587 BC... Destruction of First Temple by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezar. About 100000 Jews killed during invasion. Exile of remaining tribes in southern kingdom to Babylon and Persia.

...70 AD... Destruction of Second Temple by Romans, under Titus. Over 2,500,000 Jews die as a result of war, famine and disease. Over 1,000,000 Jews exiled to all parts of the Roman Empire. Over 100,000 Jews sold as slaves by Romans. Jews killed and tortured in gladiatorial "games" and pagan celebrations.

...71 AD... Turnus Rufus plows site of Temple. Romans build pagan city of Aelia Capitolina on site of Jerusalem.

...135 AD... Bar Kochba revolt crushed. Betar destroyed - over 100,000 killed.

...1095 AD... First Crusade declared by Pope Urban II. 10,000 Jews killed in first month of Crusade. Crusades bring death and destruction to thousands of Jews, totally obliterate many communities in Rhineland and France.

...1290 AD... Expulsion of Jews from England, accompanied by pogroms and confiscation of books and property.

...1492 AD... Inquisition in Spain and Portugal culminates in the expulsion of the Jews from the Iberian Peninsula. King Ferdinand of Spain issued the expulsion decree, setting Tisha B'Av as the final date by which not a single Jew would be allowed to walk on Spanish soil. Families separated, many die by drowning, massive loss of property. With funds provided by Ferdinand, Christopher Columbus, a Messianic Jew, sets sail to locate the land which will become a Jewish refuge.

...1914 AD... Britain and Russia declare war on Germany. First World War begins. First World War issues unresolved, ultimately causing Second World War and Holocaust. 75% of all Jews in war zones. Jews in armies of all sides - 120,000 Jewish casualties in armies. Over 400 pogroms immediately following war in Hungary, Ukraine, Poland and Russia.

...1942 AD... Deportations from Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka concentration camp begin.

...1989 AD... Iraq walks out of talks with Kuwait.

...1990 AD... The First Gulf War begins in and as a result Saddam Hussein launches missiles into Israel

...1994 AD... The deadly bombing the building of the AMIA (the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina) which killed 86 people and wounded some 300 others.

Now I would think that any reasonable person who looked at this list would conclude that this is much more than just coincidence. It is obviously a day throughout history where God in His infinite wisdom has chosen to send a message to the nation of Israel. I also believe it is fair to say that considering the prophecies in the Bible concerning Israel's future we could reasonably speculate that there is more in store for Israel on this particular day at some point in time. My question to you today though is does it appear that the potential for another national tragedy seems to be increasing as we speak?  Does it follow that the attack upon Israel we find in Isaiah 17 could be considered a tragedy?

Somehow I am of the opinion that those who choose to watch as Jesus commanded will not be taken by surprise when the events of Isaiah 17 occur, unless of course, we are not here to witness them. By that I refer to an event called the rapture, and I will discuss that next week. I'm not in the prediction business, but I am in the “watching” business. God has revealed to us through the Bible what the future of Israel is, and we as His followers should be watching for the signs He has told us to look for. As I have said before, why would God tell us to watch and then not show us anything? I believe the next few months are going to be a very interesting time in the Middle East, and I for one will be watching closely to see what events transpire there.

If you are reading this today and have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to do it right now. Simply admit to God that you need His forgiveness because you are a sinner,  be willing to turn away from your sins, believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and invite Him to come in and control  your life through the Holy Spirit by praying a simple prayer like this;

Jesus I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.  Psalms 122:6 NKJV

Keep Watching

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/BkqYwl11g8

It Begins?

“Surely it is coming, and it shall be done,” says the Lord GOD. “This is the day of which I have spoken.       Ezekiel 39:8  NKJV

We discussed last week the possibility that we are the “last generation” which will see the fulfillment of the prophecies of the end of the age. I also shared my feelings that 2020 might prove to be full of signs which will make where we are on God’s calendar perfectly clear.  Yet I would be the first to admit I was a little surprised by the events in the Middle East this past week and the part our nation played in those events.  I find it sad, yet understandable, that so many believers are disappointed to the point of becoming skeptical about prophecy simply because of the fact that the Church is still here.  While I certainly will admit to being disappointed to still be here, it goes without saying that the Word of God can, not only help, but answer many of our questions in regards to the prophecy of our future day of destiny meeting with Jesus in the air.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.   Matthew 24:32-35  NKJV

As we talked about last week, I, and many others, am convinced we are the generation which will see these things come to pass. Is there more to come?  As I often say, Jesus would not have told us to watch if He had no plan to show us the signs of His return. Yet I for one am predicting nothing other than what God said in this passage; learn, watch, and trust.  God’s words will always come to pass for He does not lie.  We have His promises of what will be and what will come, and we can trust Him implicitly for the simple reason of so much He has prophesied in the past has already been fulfilled.  How hard can it be to trust in the future when the past occurred just as He foretold?

“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. “Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.”     Isaiah 46:9-13  NKJV

As you might expect, the first response by Iran to the assassination which occurred this past week was to threaten Israel as well as the United States, specifically Tel Aviv. As our ally in the Middle East, Israel becomes the target of those who wish to do us harm, and as we have just seen, they are definitely in the crosshairs.  While most scholars agree that the attempted invasion of Israel revealed to us by Ezekiel the prophet found in chapters 38-39 of his book occurs before the seven year tribulation period, it also should be noted that other events precede that as well.   A point to consider is that in a war of this magnitude, you must have some point of justification or "casus belli" that will carry weight in the eyes of the world, or you run the risk of alienating yourself, and more than likely inviting some sort of response such as sanctions, economic and political isolation, or possibly a military intervention. We have seen in the last three wars against Israel that no single country has ever acted alone, but always part of a coalition of Arab states A very important fact in Ezekiel’s prophecy is that although Magog is the aggressor, Persia/Iran, listed second, is the provocateur.

“Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, “and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. “I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.”   Ezekiel 38:2-4  NKJV

So what comes next?  Specifically, I have no idea but whatever it is, it will lead directly to the fulfillment of the prophecies given to us by God in His Word. Generally, I will begin to talk about a possible roadmap next week, and share my thoughts on what we need to be watching for. I am convinced that any believer familiar with Biblical prophecy can see and understand the times in which we find ourselves today.  The signs are all around us that point to the fulfillment of prophecy in our immediate future, including the rapture of the Church that we have all been waiting for.  While it may be disappointing to see these things happen without hearing the trumpet blow and the voice calling us upwards, we still have God’s promise that it will be done.  How I personally deal with disappointment is to continually read the promises we have in His words to us that while we may not know the day, He has said it will be done.

“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them. Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.’ ”   Isaiah 44:6-8  NKJV

Every week we are treated to more and more signs that our deliverance is close at hand.  If you have never made the decision to accept the gift of eternal life offered by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ I urge you to do it today.  Simply tell God you accept His Son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and turn your life over to His control.

Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keep watching.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/donald-trump-warns-iran-that-we-have-targeted-52-iranian-sites-if-any-americans-are-attacked/ar-BBYCxEl?li=BBnb7Kz

https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-threatens-tel-aviv-us-bases-in-middle-east-after-killing-of-soleimani/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-said-seeing-signs-iran-prepping-ballistic-missiles-as-tehran-vows-revenge/

https://www.debka.com/in-a-fresh-air-strike-us-targets-iraqs-pro-iranian-militia-chiefs-after-terminating-their-master/

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/142726/iran-raises-red-flag-over-messianic-mosque-declaring-end-of-days-war-for-first-time-ever/

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/142758/end-of-days-expert-iran-sharpening-swords-for-gog-and-magog/

https://www.raptureready.com/2020/01/07/drone-strikes-possible-prophetic-purpose-terry-james/