I've read so many interesting things concerning prophecies. All interesting, causing all sorts of emotions, and inspirations, but I've always been left what reminds me of the name of one of berf's groups. "So, Here we all are......Now what"?
The problem with all the prophecies is all of them are so vague. No answers as to what that means one should actually be doing, on a daily basis, or what move/action should be undertaken, next.
When a prophecy offers warning, and seeming advice, that avice is also vague. Telling me to obey God, is vague. If God gave me some very exact instructions, as was given to Noah, before the flood, I might be able to carry that out. Noah was told exactly what to do. Build an ark, of specific size, out of specific materials, and to stock it with specific items etc...
Lot was given specific things to do, ("run to the hills, and don't look back"!). These 2 examples were also very much more in real time. No prophecy from 2,000 years earlier, was instructing that an ark was to be built, because a flood would be coming to the entire inhabited earth.
Now, the Native American prophecies are interesting, but the way these are presented are just as vague, and none tell us what to do, when the (Ship In High Transit) hits the fan, nor what to do to prepare, before it does.
So, the best I can do is to watch for any of the more obvious signs, like earth changes, and keep in mind that the entire planet is probably traveling through that part of the universe that is referred to as, The Seat of God, and all hell is about to break loose, and at some point (beinning with the date Dec.21st,2012 being the beginning of a window of time, maybe 2 weeks, for the big event). At which time, I and my family should already be hunkered down into a cave, somewhere. Haven't determined for how long, but my guess is for at least those 2 weeks.
My guess is that, being in this area known as, The Seat of God, possably the earth will be thusly situated so as to be radiated by some gamma blast, which will probably be unseen, and not felt, but following such will ensue a dieing off, of animal, and plant life, as well vast droughts etc...
In the meantime, I might use what little resources I have to put a little food stock aside, with other emergancy supplies. Maybe scout out for a cave, somewhere, and, while time allows, go have any dental work done, and what-not. There will probably be some sort of mass exedus out of big cities, or maybe a mass exedus into big cities. Don't know, but my guess is that one should get out of the big cities, and into the wilderness. Maybe because there are more caves in the wilderness? Head for the hills, maybe because there are more caves in the hills?
Also, maybe following/obeying God (that still small voice within) might mean following my God-given insticnts.
Having expressed the difficulty I have with the vaguarity of prophecy, what are some of your own thoughts with the sunject, and what are some of the things you have done to prepare, should you be a believer in such prophecy?
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 86
As far as what we are supposed to do with our lives... it explains that well enough throughout the Bible. We are to do what God's will is. It is in his commands and precepts as well as all that Jesus taught. What is his specific will for an individuals life? Well the place you are at in life may not be by chance. We all have our own gifts and abilities. Yet while some may end up being mission workers, pastors, teachers, etc.... some of us are just "regular" people (housewives, mothers, etc).
Does that mean we are doing less than God's will for us? Not necessarily. We are to do all things as if serving the Lord... even for menial and everyday tasks. Even though we may not have some awesome vocation or "mission" in life doesn't mean we are any less needed to spread the light of Christ and with witness and testimony. It may be as simple as sharing your faith with someone at the grocery store. I am the type that if the opportunity arises and someone brings up faith.... I share what I have and what I know. Do all for the glory of God.
As far as prophecy... yes we are supposed to be alert and know the signs of the times. The only protection for the end times is to have a thorough grasp on our faith and know what it is we hope in. Reading the Bible daily and making time for prayer and worship are essential. We may not know exactly what everything in the book of Revelation means (and I think this was done on purpose). We know it as it is revealed to us, as it comes. When one things happens, we know what is coming next.
There was a couple discussions I responded to about the cost of food (and shortage) and gas and basically all goods. This always brings to mind Revelation 6:5-8
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
I've read it many times over the years... but until now it wasn't something I fully understood. It makes complete sense to me now in these times we are in. But at the same time I'm not afraid. I know that I already have the "protection" required to withstand all this. It's having the knowledge and faith that Jesus bought us for a price by dying on the cross. His blood has washed our sins away because we couldn't do it ourselves. Our flesh will perish but our souls will never die. Those who don't believe can't grasp this. It sounds crazy to them. To me it is the sanest thing I know!
And about knowing what you're supposed to do specifically.... thought I would add that God is not necessarily going to tell you everything to do with your day. It is the Spirit living within us that guides us. As long as keep that, we can discern how best to live. As long as we are doing it for the Lord and it does not go against anything he has said.
I'm very familiar with the Biblical passages you sited, and I have the answer to these, and I have no problem with these. My problem is with the vagueness.
For example: "We are to do what God's will is".
This is vague. Left open to all too many trying to interrpret to me, what that is.
Wear a dress, cause I'm female. Go to church, sit and listen to a preacher's sermon. Bow my head, and liten as I am lead, in prayer, and then say, "AMEN. in unison at the end, with all the others in the congregation.
I know better than that, already. That's not it.
Noah, recieved specific, clear information, and instructions as to what he was to do, and how to carry that out, concerning a great catstrophe that was to occur.
As far as wearing a dress (which verse says that?lol)and leaving your hair long and women not speaking in church .... that was Paul and I believe (IMO) that he was referring to some problem in a specific church in his letters. As far as ascertaining what God's will is for my life... I read the Bible often, paying close attention to the precepts and commands. Thankfully and praise the Lord that Jesus made it so we could be forgiven and have grace... because of course I still screw up!
I believe what God wants me to do with my life is Love, share, serve, witness, be humble and meek. To dedicate every aspect of my life to him. To bring my children up in love and discipline and his Word. To be giving and care and compassion for the poor, needy, orphan, widow, homeless, etc.
My pastor was talking about a woman (can't recall where the story came from originally)... she wouldn't even get out of bed in the morning until she felt led by the Spirit as to what socks she should wear that day. She went through her entire day doing this. Of course she didn't get much done. If she didn't feel led, she did nothing. I don't think that's what God wants of us. He's left us his Word as instruction on how to live our lives and leaves the specifics up to us. Not that at times we don't feel a strong urge to do something that would line up with his will (like seeing a homeless man on the street and giving him some change, or working at a soup kitchen, or being a foster parent, etc). Sometimes we feel a strong leading to do something like this... and I don't think that's "our" feeling... it's God leading us into that area of need.
Is this closer to what you're talking about? I try really hard not to be vague, lol.... but one person's vague may be another's clarity. I always try to be as specific as I can though.
Wonderful points you trying to make and questions you're asking though. I don't necessarily think there's one clearcut answer out there that will fit for everyone.
Prophecy is generated from spiritual realms, the information given to certain beings later called prophets who pass that information on to the people.
There are many "levels" of those mentioned realms, the less selective the "truth filter" of the receiver, the less meaningful and helpful the information. Often such information received is corrupted by the misunderstandings of the one receiving ... the reason for the validity of the warnings about "false prophets".
Prophetic "warnings" are not meant as "predictions" that "will" come true, as much as they are meant as "warnings" of what "may" come true "IF" we do not change our ways ... meaning that the path we were on at the time of the warning "would" lead to certain outcomes predicted IF there were NO changes made by us for "course correction" ... the truth being that we individually make our own realities, and those socially being a joint co-creation "with" those we associate with.
To the degree we believe something so, so it is, or will be ... if enough people think alike, their social experience will also be shared ... yet it is all interactive in every direction and any change creates other change ... thus the reason for so many "prophecies" never "coming true" ... that in no way means that they were not a potential possibility at the time given, it only means that they may have effected our thinking to effect a change in our future ... and that can work both ways also, for good or bad, depending upon the interpretation and follow through of the message ... IMnsHO.
Jerry Kays, Apr 14, 2008, 5:59pm EDT
Back later for more thoughts.
This answer is very helpful, to me. You always cut straight through the crap, which, in turn, has lifted me away from getting mired down in such crap.
Looking forward to more of your thoughts.
Yes larry, that will do, nicely.
That of the objective literal interpretations, and that of the subjective spiritual viewpoints.
I now believe the objective concerns are the warnings to get the attention of those who just might have noticed the trends enough to begin to wonder about them ... that in the end are meant to get us to seek some spiritual insights to the degree, hopefully, that we find our inner spiritual relationship and the peace that will give us as it assures us via our intuition that we can trust to "let go and let God".
If we can get to that place of understanding, we will have found the truth that sets us free ... knowing then that we are truly immortal in the spiritual sense and that whatever happens, it will be ultimately OK for us ... that is where I am now with it all.
I was spiritually "told" that we were all in for very rough times and that those who thought alike, would enjoy each others company ... I was also told, to tell others.
I also had a strong suspicion that a "pole shift" would be involved ... at first I looked at that objectively and researched it to find that there is scientific proof in the earth rock structures of severe magnetic flux shifts in our very distant past. I have read of things, in esoteric ancient spiritual tomes, that speak of cosmic seasons that cycle through thousands of years that could well bring on such things as physical pole shifts.
But the most important pole shift, as far as I am concerned, is that of the shift from relationship to our ego self priority, to our transcendent spiritual Self (Soul or higher Self) priority, an INternal re-connection from which all other peace of mind will follow, a "type" of pole shift akin to going from (-) to (+), but most importantly appreciating the neutrality (=) in-between ... IE ... (+=-) ...
Isaiah 1:10-17 (New International Version)
Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
"The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?
Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed (or rebuke the oppressor). Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
This has alsways been one of my favorite, precisely because it is not vague. But I also never saw this as a prophecy. Isaiah, or at least ,that which you have quoted of Isaiah. So many other things do become so burdensome.
Jesus' simple messege, of love, and doing to others, as you would have done, likewise, to yourself is also simple, and easy. These are also not a prophesy.
The only thing vague, in the messege that Isaiah gave is when he said, "Listen to the law of our God". This is vague because so many laws of man have been added, and interpreted to such a degree that I become saturated. The way Isaiah was talking, sounds like he was feeling saturated also.
I would really like to learn more.
Btw, I'm confused over the inclusion of Dec.21st, 2012 in the article. What big event does it refer to?
One of my grandmothers once predicted that the end of the world would occur in 1998. That turned out to be the year that she died.
GO GREEN!
Thanks for responding. I see your point, but what we do today has an effect on our tomorrows, so what my article about the problem I have with prophecy, asks what is the best thing for me to be doing, today, that affects, in a good way, my tomorrows.
Many things are obvious, but the things having to do with prophecy have thus far supplied no concrete set of behaviours that I should be doing, in preparation for much of what these prophecies speak of.
Oh and all hell is already breaking lose.
Pushing religion aside (there are so many, and they can't all be right) I personally think your idea of running for the hills is the correct one. You might have to push me out of the way, though. I'm old and slow.
I have talked to my 40 year old son and he agrees. A cave, up in the mountains, might just be the best and safest place to be. One of his friends has already moved and is building his home deep into a mountain.
I've read all the prophecies that are available and they all lead to 12.21.12 as the final. That's clear enough for me! The spiritualists can talk and spout ideology, the religious can rattle off scripture, but I'm headed for the hills!!
So your saying I need a hammer, and nails? Rulers, saw? A crew of people?
Your saying I do not have the proper tools is obviously a metaphor, I think, but you did not leave me with a list of the tools you are talking abbout when you use the term tools.
This is vague, as well.
Nightwalker, Heading for the hills with a cave, looks like the closest thing to accurate info. Glad to hear your friend has already been able to move on with his idea of what he thinks he should be doing.
I like to read prophecy as a challenge to know and do what I should, not to fear what is given in cryptic messages.
1) They are vague, just like psychic readings, so they can easily apply to any situation you decide to apply it to.
and,
2) Watch Ghost Busters II, I think it is. They mention the same date. Pretty funny. If it's not Ghost Busters II, it's the original film.
Love God (easy, to know God is to love Him);
Love your neighbor (quite a bit harder, since knowing him/her is unlikely to inspire love, but rather the opposite).
The rest is out of our hands.
A powerful book is "God's Problem" - addresses the failure of the Bible to resolve suffering; and shows the contradictions authored by the various biblical writers.
What kind of father would wish to kill his children when they do not obey?!
The current paradigm - the greater one, not the generational or century or social, religious, political, etc paradigms--the current paradigm we're just finishing out is the "great hell cycle."
We're about to enter the Age of Peace, where the creator / source / divine love is perceived as sacred twins (male & female) rather than lone "god" or "goddess."
In terms of the "vagueness" of prophecies - well, first one must use one's self-trust faculty, which is the developed intuition, to determine whether a prophecy contains higher truth are not. There are gobs and gobs of lower vibrational "channels" spewing out all kinds of things these days - but SOME teachers/saints/avatars are worth paying attention to, as are your own dreams and inner leadings.
The "vagueness" of higher prophecy is actually METAPHOR, which is the language of the sacred - what Native peoples sometimes call Great Mystery.
One of the ways people throughout time have entered deeper understanding of signs/symbols/metaphor is through the art of divination. Again, your own nose for higher Truth is your best guide.
Better to be led by intellect (God gave us that too) than by slick words.
John
Jared, Thanks! I'll look that book up.
Carolion, I think you're on to something!
Keeping it simple does sound like good advice. That and a cave, in the wilderness.
Sandi, I agree.
I would have never known of you had you not just commented on something I wrote. You sounded sooooo positive I came over to check you out. Now that being said, I'm only able to speak from personal experience . . .
Dorothy,
I totally disagree that prophecy is vague. No, it isn't. It isn't vague at all. Now, why would God write something just for the purpose of confusing and/or baffling us? He (Jehovah) is not the author of confusion. Since you have stated you know the Word, I'll dispense with a lot of references.
What is necessary with prophecy is STUDY and UNDERSTANDING. Once you have studied and placed it in proper perspective, then prophecy makes all the sense in the world.
For example, it IS true that Jesus said that the children/Jewish people would not know the day or the hour, but what did Paul tell the Church? He said that WE would know about the time, didn't he? Well didn't he? Still for the sake of proof, I shall quote it,
For it is written, is it not:
1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Final Instructions
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always;
~~The First Letter written to the Thessalonians, Chapter 5 by the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, son of Benjamin, Citizen of Rome
Jesus did say that no one knows the day or hour, but did he say that no one knows the month or the year?
Jesus also COMMANDED that the people "Watch and pray", so as to NOT be unprepared, and be taken by surprised, and miss that time.
Now, WHY would Jesus tell them to do this, if they would have no idea of when? He wanted them to be prepared no matter when the time would be. There is a difference in prophecy concerning how it is delivered to the Jewish people, and how it is delivered to the Gentiles, but I've NO TIME to get into it now; it would require a book, but let me say this much . . .
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.
I'm a skeptic
I'm a cynic.
I am the biggest "Doubting Thomas" that you would ever want to see.
However, growing up in the family in which I've grown up, would make a believer out of EVEN I, Dorothy.
Time after time, the people in my life -- family and friends -- have said things about the future, and VOILA!, they have happened with absolute accuracy. I'm not speaking of something going on now, but the future, THE FUTURE! IT BOGGLES THE MIND!
Recently it was discovered that I had contracted cancer, and the learned doctors with all of their "wisdom" told me what I MUST, MUST do to save my life; I said, "NO!" The reason that I said, "NO!" was because of a prophecy given to me years ago. If I listened to the doctors, then I would be in disbelief of the prophecy. But, weren't the doctors, with all of their great knowledge, tests, and so forth correct? Nonsense! Of course they weren't. Dorothy, they thought I was absolutely nuts! I defied them, as was my right, and each time I turned out -- much to their shock -- to be correct.
After all was said and done, it turned out that littl' ole me had been correct with EVERYTHING, and the doctors had been wrong in their "recommendations. Oh, I did have cancer, and I did not dispute that, but all else was WRONG!
Did I have some special scientific knowledge, or information that the doctors did not have?
NO!
What I did have was a prophecy given to me, from someone who I knew has spoken prophetically, and used EXACT words.
YES, prophecy is EXACTING, and I could give you dozens of true stories like this.
Again, from Isaiah 41:21-29, IT IS WRITTEN:
"21 "Present your case," says the LORD.
"Set forth your arguments," says Jacob's King.
22 "Bring in your idols to tell us
what is going to happen.
Tell us what the former things were,
so that we may consider them
and know their final outcome.
Or declare to us the things to come,
23 tell us what the future holds,
so we may know that you are gods.
Do something, whether good or bad,
so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear.
24 But you are less than nothing
and your works are utterly worthless;
he who chooses you is detestable.
25 "I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes—
one from the rising sun who calls on my name.
He treads on rulers as if they were mortar,
as if he were a potter treading the clay.
26 Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know,
or beforehand, so we could say, 'He was right'?
No one told of this,
no one foretold it,
no one heard any words from you.
27 I was the first to tell Zion, 'Look, here they are!'
I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good tidings.
28 I look but there is no one—
no one among them to give counsel,
no one to give answer when I ask them.
29 See, they are all false!
Their deeds amount to nothing;
their images are but wind and confusion.
Father is gettin' down wi' the git down!
and again, IT IS WRITTEN . . .
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."
~~Isaiah 42:9
He does this throughout Isaiah. There is even a scripture where he says that ONLY He knows the future and will reveal to whomsoever HE pleases.
12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.
and this one . . .
"There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."
~~Isaiah 57:21
are NOT for you, or anyone else currently on this thread. Rather, they are for a few who follow me around on Gather for dumb reasons.
LOL.
Blessings to you, Dorothy.
Instead, I look at other things (like, say, our collapsing economy), and attempt to be prepared for that (investing in things like corn and wheat, wood furnace, solar energy...), because that is only wise.
In the end, I don't know if God will take me today, tomorrow, or three hundred years from now. I know He'll do what He will, when He will, and it isn't my decision to anticipate or make. I only need to try to always be better, and know that it is never enough, but all is covered in Grace.
I always laugh at those that say they can forsee the future and know what will happen. There's ONE big guy that can do that.... other than that.... it's all a good guess. Being vague makes it seem ever so slightly more "real" and accurate
Colin, I did see some shows having to do with what you mentioned. That was very interesting.
I'm thinking that much of the preparation that is needed is only in the realm of what is humanely possable.
Like the disaster preparations that the government advises we all have, like flashlights, medical kit, water, food, radio, batteries etc...but maybe needing to last longer than 3 days. Look how long the areas hit by the hurricanes are still taking in recovery.
I'm worrying about any of this, I just always seem to have someone sticking this under my nose since...well, all my life, and it does seem to cause me to ponder, some.
Thanks for the many good examples and suggestions concerning this. It helped me get focussed.
Having skimmed, (and yes, Iwill go back and read it all, ALL COMMENTS, in depth, and with serious intent...) I will say the following: Religion is superfelous. (At least any One Single Religion.)
As for me: The Word of My Lord, The Master (male or female) of the Universe (Go Sheerah!) is this: Do It Right.
Ain't about church. Ain't about religion or faith. Ain't about Rules and Regs.
It is so simple. Really. I don't have to put on stockings to go to church. I don't have to serve Tea and Crumpets to the pastor on Saturday afternoons, and make polite conversation on innane subjects. I don't have to Kow-Tow to idiots, or listen to diatribes from "the converted Sheeple on the Planet." Nor do I have to recognize a single deity or "God Like" phantom.
It really is this simple: Do the Right Thing.
Every moment. To Every Person you meet.
Just be the person you know you should strive to become. (And I say that, even while I hate the word, "Should.")
If I had to re-write the 10 religious (not necessarily Christian) commandments (and we did this as an exercise at my kitchen table when I was raising too many kids that were not my own) I would say this:
Protect Your Children.
Love Others.
(See? It's really simple! 2 Rules--not Ten.)
Find something to like about everyone you meet--every day. Thus do you learn to value others. Thus do you learn to "get along."
It really doesn't get any simpler than that.
If you live your life by those two rules? No problems with integrity. No problems with honesty. No problems with drugs, or gangs, or children, or abortion, or illegal immigration or anything.
So. I'm asking. What's the problem? Is there any problem that love (and logic) can't fix?
If there is, I've never seen it on 50+ years here on Earth.
Is Jesus Coming again?
Is there a Real Jesus? Is there a Christ? Is there a 'Single God?'
Not likely. But, I don't know. No one really can KNOW.
And, it doesn't really matter, does it? If I live my life right? There won't be an issue. No matter WHO or WHAT is judging us...
Jes' sayin'...
Blessed be,
Wilka
I see changes in your life. Big changes. Some that you don't really want to occur. Is there a person who has been mean to you lately? Be careful, they can be harmful. You will find a new beginning after the New Year but be very cautious and walk lightly. A new person coming into your life will bring great changes.
See how ambiguous it can be! How easy it is to put into the reading whatever one wants to put there.
The same is true with prophecies, they most often are ambiguous. Anyway, I came by to say thanks for commenting on my post,
Are You Decreasing Your Life Span?
I appreciate your comments.
It's a little harder when my neighbor is a mentally ill man from two blocks away, standing on the corner of my property on a rainy night because he has been evicted from his rented room, the police have been by to yell at him to move along and there's no bus service and he has no phone access and no transportation. Yet God kept me safe as I helped him too.
The point being, we don't get to pick and choose who our neighbor is. Just look at the next person you see. That's your neighbor. Love him/her the best way you know how.
Shalom,
JC/JuanCasto
There are even some people who would suggest that Jesus's reference to "a man carrying a pale of water" refers to this, as that exact image is in fact a symbol for aquarious. I find this interesting, but not alarming, mostly because it seems clear to me that throughout the bible God and Jesus use pagan imagery, not because there is any true power in it, but because it was so prevalent at the time that it a kind of imagery the jewish people would be familiar with and understand. Same as with sacrifices, burning an animal does nothing, but for how the jews interpreted it so that they might understand true purpose behind it.
So far vagueness is concerned, I will draw up a comparison.
(No prophecy)
My mother shows up at my house without any prior notice. Surprise! My house is a mess, I'm in my pajamas, and there's nothing for her to eat.
(Exact prophecy)
My mother calls and says, "I'm coming over thursday at 4:30." I hang out being lazt until around 3 on thursday, at which point I tidy up, vacuum, and make sandwiches.
(Vague prophecy)
My mother calls and says, "I'm coming over sometime next week." I get dressed everymorning, I always keep the house clean, and I make sure there is always some snack on hand that can be put together quickly.
I believe that god basically wants us to know that something is coming, with a general idea of what it is, but not the details or exact time. The reason for this is, while all repentance is good, he would rather we not all have wild orgies and murder each other until a year or two before his arrival, getting our forgiveness at the last minute with generations piled high who need not be concerned at all. Instead, the 'exact' thing he wants us to do is always live our lives in peace and love so that we need not be concerned with when the end will come, because we are always ready.
I think this is what is meant by not being surprised by the thief in the night. Not that we know when the thief is coming, but rather that when he comes we are ready to accept it rather than panic.
When Christ was here, people saw The Lord in the flesh,and they still rejected his instructions.
These are just my thoughts.
Some have settled on an answer, and a way, and some are still working out the details.
Just stopping by to say hello from
A city is mentioned. It is Damascus.
Reading from my New King James Version it says:
The burden against Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1).
From reading this, if Damascus was destroyed at some time in the past, even if rebuilt several times, it probably would not still be existing today.
This verse in Isaiah appears to be about a future and permanent destruction.
What would destroy it? An earthquake? Flood? Nuclear bomb?
I don't put any stock in 2012 because it isn't scripture. Maybe God showed someone somthing but ... If that something happens it happens :)
But one thing that makes me continue to study Biblical prophecy in spite of it's vagueness is the promise in the first chapter of Revelation of a special blessing to those who study the book. It's not the blessing so much as it seems to indicate there was good reason to know what is prophesied. If God thinks it important I decided to stick with it :) However ...
I have a feeling that we won't understand fully until it happens. THEN we'll say "OH. I see now, this is in the Bible. Then the meanings will unfold before us. Until that time all we can do is familiarize ourselves with the facts.
Another wonderful article. Thanks.
Points Nation
Points Nation
?????? ??????!
The past should be remembered and learned from but not be a yoke that holds people or society back from moving forward>
PIF
~*Points Nation*~
(POINTS NATION)
Now....when we look at those words, what are they actually saying directly, suppose we were in the time this revelation came, what would we say it meant and what was it foretelling? I truly would have no idea what that prophet was saying or what had been revealed to happen.
What happened was this:
This was a foretelling of where Jesus would be born, the King of the Jews, because Herod the King was troubled. It was actually a foretelling of: Christ would be born in Bethlehem of Judea.
Another one like the one above is in Matthew, Chapter 1. The revelation was: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Em-man-u-el, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Suppose a prophet spoke those words above today, would we know for certain that this revelation was talking about Mary, who had never known a man, would have a son, who would be named Jesus.
Another one is this: The revelation was given to Esaias the prophet: The Land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.
Suppose the above revelation was spoke in our presence, would we will be to decipher from this that it means: This is what came to pass from the above revelation:
And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephalim. (this was talking about a route Jesus would take)
I have received revelations that in my natural mind I would think well it means this or that, but when it came to pass, I was relieved or delivered of the revelation, but many times it would not resemble what I thought in my mind it would be. However, it would come back to me exactly as it was given and I knew it had come to pass enough to deliver me of the message.
For example: Early on in my walk with Christ, he said to me: "You shall dwell in a land much strange unto you." Well for me, that could be anywhere, since I have always lived in this same general area of Indiana, so even Kentucky would be a strange land to me, and in fact, at the time that was spoke to me, that is what I thought it meant, living in Kentucky. When that came to past, it was actually a job where I worked last and it was Madison State Hospital. I did not actually "dwell" there, but as I worked there, I would find myself saying: "I feel just like I live in this place and it is a very strange place to me."
So that absolutely was the deliverance of that revelation to me: You shall dwell in a land that will be much strange unto you.
At the time I was asking God for deliverance from my state job. Deliverance came at that last job.
Prophysy and revelation from God is always given in parts.