Eternal Hope and Peace...

I needed to break out of a slump that has been going on for a while.

Hey, it happens to the best of us, so it surely happens to the least, a group in which I find myself a member of.

After resting and strengthening myself in the word, I was moved to speak the following. This is as much for me as it is for you.

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In this season, many celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus by tradition.

For some it is ritual and tradition only, enjoying the contact and friendship of family, meals, presents , etc., in an attempt at unity and peace and compassion from a worldly point of view and from personal and internal strength in the flesh.

For others, it takes on a spiritual recognition and representation of that which God would put into action from the very beginning. To bring man back to God in fellowship, and out of darkness and despair and endless destruction. Men and women buried under the terminal weight of sin at birth with no hope of overcoming the verdict of death, and no way out of the deep well we have fallen into, now have an escape! The death penalty has been paid on our behalf.

Mature Christians understand the wealth of hope and freedom, given freely by Christ Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, and much more beyond that death, by His resurrection and triumph, in which we also are victorious, by accepting the simple gift of His Salvation by His Grace, in it's simplicity, an act of believing and confessing Christ, and following Him.

This is the Gospel, the Good News!

For the true believer, the comprehension of this at times, is so profound that it makes you cry, not tears of pain or hurt, but of joy!

There's more. His promise to His own, is to return at an appointed time in our future, to resurrect those who have died in Christ, and to transform those still alive in Him. To forever be with Him, eternal in nature, clothed in uncorrupted spiritual glory, just as He is even now after His resurrection. This is known as the Resurrection and Rapture.

All of this for the taking, simply by believing in the Son, and accepting His gift.

The worldly rational mind can't cope with the simplicity. The fallen pride nature within us says we must do something to deserve or earn it, and worse, do something to maintain it.

Romans 10:8-10 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

That's it! Believe it, and speak it! And Paul would also say in Ephesians that it is a gift and not of works.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

A gift is received, not earned.

If it is earned, it is a wage paid, and one that can not settle the overwhelming debt required.

Neither can you add to His already Finished work, for then Grace is made to no avail, and becomes works of the law which are not enough. We bring nothing to the table of salvation but our faith in Him.

This salvation is a process, yes, but the first step of "Justification" is finished by His sacrifice and resurrection. His blood, paid our blood debt, and set us free of the penalty of sin, our death sentence.

There are 3 phases to our Salvation:

• [Past / Justified] - At our salvation, we changed our mind, our direction, and were Justified! Washed fully of our sin. We were saved from the Penalty of sin.

• [Present / Sanctification] - We are being Sanctified! We are being saved from the Power of sin.

• [Future / Glorification] - At our completion we will be Glorified, and saved from the Presence of sin altogether.

As I said, "Justification" is immediate and eternal, you are eternally secure and saved.

You now belong to Christ permanently, and for the rest of your mortal life, will be sanctified by Christ throughout your years, growing in maturity and more like Christ, until death and resurrection, or Rapture.

Your best days and opportunities will be those during life when you allowed His will to reign in your life and allowed Him to do His work through you.

Any and all things done in self-will and self-glory will be burned up in the Fire of testing, but eternal life is already yours and can not be lost.

Your eternal security is biblical and can be said based upon Jesus's own words in John chapter 10:

John 10:27-30 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.

When Jesus reiterates twice that "NO ONE CAN SNATCH THEM OUT OF HIS HANDS", it literally means NO ONE, which includes yourself.

So, let's take a moment to understand why this is. You see, Salvation from God when accepted, is a binding permanent covenant between you and God, and His promise to us as believers (that He must deliver on to remain God, one He can not nor would He go back on), it requires nothing from us but our faith (to believe on the Son and confess Him as Lord). No works on our behalf, no prerequisites of cleaning ourselves up before hand, come as you are and say simply yes to His offer for your life eternal.

You simply can't break this covenant that relies solely on His fulfillment of the terms of the covenant. Nothing we do or say can break it now, because we have now been given His Spirit and made New Creations, with a sinless spirit, which inevitably will inhabit a sinless new body.

This is why it is considered a marriage covenant, as the two become one by His Spirit, which is why we always move forward towards Him rather than slipping back toward the old nature we were dominated by, before our salvation.

Often, sadly, when discussing these topics we get the vocal objections of some who feel they are inadequate in Christ and must help Him out a bit.

Sometimes very vicious in accusation and judgment.

There is something so insidious about those who would try to judge your salvation between you and Christ... as if they could.

And then claim that the Promises to the True Believer written in scripture are "Doctrines of demons".

It is incredibly rude and hateful to say to another brother or sister that they are preaching doctrine of demons. How insulting to Christ Jesus, even more so, than to ourselves.

I remember in scripture how Pharisees claimed that Jesus healed by Beelzebub. Very dangerous territory.

I have to ask both :

What Jesus is it that you preach? ... and... What then is your hope and your peace?

• If Eternal Salvation can be lost, then it is not eternal.

• If you could lose salvation, then you would.

• If Grace depends on our cooperation, then it is no longer Grace.

• Grace and Works are mutually exclusive, they can not exist in the same binding.

It is sad that so many are being sucked into legalism, and works based stuff these days. It simply is not the way.

There is nothing we bring to the table of salvation but our hearts and willingness to accept His gift based on His righteousness.

Our salvation does not depend on the opinions of men (or women). Can you imagine if it did? 😬

Romans 14:4 Why do you judge your brother. To one's own master does he stand or fall. And HE WILL STAND, for Christ is able to make him stand.

No. Jesus's Grace fulfills the Law. We are not under the Law, we are under His Grace.

And for that I am oh so grateful and thankful...

So in this season, I cherish our Lord and God, and consider His mighty work on all of our behalf (past, present, and future). Let us be humble and compassionate, sharing the love He taught us by His example and His command to love one another as He loved us, even before we knew what love really was.

My hope and desire as always, is in His promise of His soon return for us. The time is oh so near folks... Make sure you are ready for Him... Hold on to your faith to the very end, you will not be made to be ashamed of it.

If you are not in a Saved Relationship with Christ, I invite you to simply follow the simple pattern that Christ as the Word, gave in His word.

Grace and Peace to you in  this season in Christ Jesus our Lord!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Signs in the Sun, Moon, and the Stars... (Luke 21:25)

 

This week and last has some particular interest in the geopolitical future of the world according to men, with summits and agendas.

It's also seen an event in the celestial world outside our atmosphere, which doesn't seem to be a rare occurrence any more.

Many here in the USA lament the condition and vulnerability of the Power Grid, and rightfully so. The situation is more precarious than many would like to admit.

Recently, yet another large coronal hole has appeared on the suns surface, and it's huge. Spewing out radiation in the form of a Solar Wind towards Earth, accelerated by the lack of being able to contain it at the surface of the sun. Southerners seeing Arora in the lower latitudes because of the onslaught.

Technically speaking, a coronal hole is a temporary region of relatively cool, less dense plasma in the solar corona where the Sun's magnetic field extends into interplanetary space as an open field.

Compared to the corona's usual closed magnetic field that arches between regions of opposite magnetic polarity, the open magnetic field of a coronal hole allows solar wind to escape into space at a much quicker rate. This results in decreased temperature and density of the plasma at the site of a coronal hole, as well as an increased speed in the average solar wind measured in interplanetary space.

If streams of high-speed solar wind from coronal holes encounter the Earth, they can cause major displays of aurorae. Near solar minimum, when activity such as coronal mass ejections is less frequent, such streams are the main cause of geomagnetic storms and associated aurorae.

Here's a picture of it from instruments designed to image the surface of the sun to see it's features.

Now, for me, I see more than just some physiological feature of the sun in it's processes. The shape is particularly interesting to me in the fact that it reminds me of the Hebrew Letter Gimel (or Gimmel - 3rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet).

I took some time this morning to check out various depictions of the Letter Gimel (Gimmel) and a few of the written forms are mighty close. Here's a pic I made to get the idea across.

Why might you ask would I find this interesting?

The Word... Always the word.

Luke 21:25 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.

I take the word as a real and practical meaning unless otherwise noted by context, and the context here is VERY practical, because 3 verses later in verse 28, Jesus includes it in a larger list of things we are to recognize in the time He speaks of (which we are in), and to use for our encouragement.

When we see this, and the other things, we are to look up! Focus on Him... Lift up our heads! Be encouraged by it... And why?

Because our Redemption draws near (not His second coming, no... OUR REDEMPTION!)

Okay, so, why would the letter Gimel (Gimmel) show up on the sun's face, and what could that mean?

The Hebrew letter Gimel (Gimmel) has quite a rich meaning base for believers, but it's foundational meanings of which I will share only 2, has much to say.

From (Chabad Org) -

The word " gimel " is derived from the word " gemul ", which in Hebrew means both the giving of reward as well as the giving of punishment.

From (Hebrews for Christians) -

Gimmel is a Picture of Yeshua as our Redeemer

Yeshua the Mashiach is identified as the Redeemer of mankind (John 4:42). He is the One who, being born into the world, runs forth bearing charity for the poor ones who stand "behind the door." He is our nourishment and our great Benefit. But for those who spurn His love, Yeshua represents judgment and recompense (i.e., the Avenger of blood, called go'el haddam).

Note that Gimmel also can mean "lift up," as a camel lifts up the one who is upon it. Likewise, Yeshua has been lifted up and exalted before the world as the One who has conquered sin and death on our behalf.  Benefit indeed!

Here then is a coincidence in meaning between (Luke 21:25) and an actual physical event with a "seemingly" Hebrew letter of Gimel on the face of the sun, a coincidence in context of the message of Redemption being near when seen, a coincidence in meaning of the letter Gimel representing our Kinsman Redeemer who will perform our Redemption, a coincidence in the pictorial meaning of Gimel as a Camel that "Lifts up the one upon it".

Irony as well... Look up, Lift up your head, for your redemption draws nigh...

The redemption of both the living and the dead in Christ involves our being changed, and lifted up off the face of the earth forever to be with Christ.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

I make no predictions, I will set no date... But I gotta say...

I am HIGHLY encouraged by this event, and it's timing in these two (of all) weeks.

Keep looking up !

Grace and Peace to you all in our Lord Jesus Christ!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Priorities

 

A few years back, a week after the Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017, I had a dream of sufficient strength, so as to remember it well.

It had a message for me, and I recognize that I am now fairly along in it's timeline.

Now, while I regard my dreams (at least some of a certain special quality) as authentic messages for me, they are never for public consumption, and are not prophecy for, or to the world.

I don't often talk about my dreams openly, because usually if I do, then all manner of yahoos jump in with their interpretation, or criticism about dreams being too vague, or the symbolism too weird to be understood, or figments of the imagination and meaning nothing really but physiological responses to the previous days stresses, etc, expressing a verbal litany of things and opinions I didn't ask for, or don't really want to hear about.

Those complaints are not my problem, as I know for certain what my dreams usually mean quite quickly, and which ones are really just brain idle.

Sharing a dream often seems like either an open invitation for purists and legalists to assault your character and tear you down, or the other extreme of those who would use your dream and try to manipulate it to be about something they want to be true or they want to make seem like it predicts, stealing away the exact and original meaning that was meant for the one who had the dream.

They can never know the meaning as it was not a message for them, nor did it use symbols or circumstances they have reference for like the one who had the dream. The same symbol in one man's dream, has different meaning in another's. God uses what will get your attention and mean a certain thing to you in your dreams, that has no bearing in another's relationship with the Lord. It's a totally discrete, unique, and proprietary lexicon for each person in a dream language.

So then, you might be asking me why now then, I would bring this up in the public eye in a blog. And the answer to that as always when I post something here, is that I felt moved to do so.

I've been at the bottom of a well as of late.

Isolated, overwhelmed by real life, treading water, and last but not least, like many of you, under attack.

It's a multi-frontal assault on all sides with different tactics all converging to bring me down, trying to steal my joy, kill my hope, and destroy me by insidiously trying to use me to do it.

There's a thing about being at the bottom of a well though, if you can keep yourself encouraged enough to recognize it. And that is the quietness and solitude. The ability to be able to focus in the silence of it, to remember the things of the past that you have learned from, the lessons taught in the affliction of the trials, the affirmation of God's blessing and wisdom, and presence, and I believe even in the dreams He sends.

He shows us our path, our future, our ultimate and eternal victory, He encourages us, He edifies us. He shows us it is not over, we will make it, we will come through.

The gift He has given us in both Salvation and in His own Spirit given to us, He could do no other. He has not brought us this far, only to forsake us and give up on us. He's already won, He's already paid the price. We're just catching up to Him in time, and eventually, time will run out and mean absolutely nothing to us anymore.

So... On to the dream then...

The Second Hand Store

In a good friend's store (He owns it) working with, and for Him, to help Him. My wife and other friends are in there too, doing various things.

The store is full of different things, like a thrift store but the items are not as old and used as you would find in a thrift store. There is nothing in it that is high tech like PCs or TVs or electronics of any kind.

One friend who is humble and mild, is being asked by another person, who was thought to be a friend, to take inventory of everything, and send that inventory to the "officials" (feeling like it was government of some kind).

I immediately take notice after overhearing this, and openly call my good friend the store owner over and tell him what is going on. Explaining what this other guy is trying to do. And it is an open conversation with all of us there in ear shot.

Nothing is said out loud by the store owner (my friend) but somehow we all know His decision is to leave it all behind and leave the store together.

I have a moment of anxiety about my wife and an income, but am pleased to see she also is ready to leave.

The other guy who tried to get the meeker friend to do an inventory walks away while all this has happened shaking his head in feigned disappointment.

After we leave the store and make our way towards some other location, we are walking along a section that is either a road or a river or a canal bank.

Across from this is a housing section and just above the houses are mid air displays by laser, of trees and sky that overlap (not too well either with double instances of trees offset and overlaps that are not properly registered with each other).

They flicker some times, and the animation of clouds and trees blowing are jittery. Though it is not very good, the equipment being used is very high tech. It is obvious that something is being hidden from view behind them.

After this we all are approaching a bridge across the road/river/canal which has curved to the right in front of us, yet we can't really see the bridge.

As those ahead of me (knowing the store owner friend and a few others are in that part of the group) begin to cross the bridge, they appear to be walking on air.

I look down at my feet and my feet disappear into the "seemingly" empty air. I tap my feet a bit and it is like splashing in a puddle, my feet show up again, and then disappear back into the air. I then realize this is the same high tech laser imaging being used previously.

As we continue forward across the bridge I get yet another moment of anxiety about if maybe the bridge is out ahead and we can't see it. It only lasts a moment though and we continue forward.

This is where the dream ended.

If I am to place a marker in this timeline of this dream to say where I (we all) are now currently, I would say it's just after leaving the store, and while we are all walking the bank of the canal.

This dream (for me) teaches several things. The most important for me is the lesson of Priorities. 

To stay focused on the One (Store Owner) and follow His lead, whether to do the work assigned or to exit the store on His direction. The Store Owner is obviously Jesus.

Here is where we see the faith of the believers. Exchanging the world for the Higher things (Walking away from the store when the Store Owner says the work is finished). The Store itself and the items in it, are His creation, the world, the people in it.

There is also Discernment being shown here by the juxtaposition of material versus spiritual. The whole path of the walk from start to finish, is from the visible, to the invisible. The Road/River/Canal Bank represents the flow of life in the temporal.

There is Discernment in the difference of true believers, in the action of defense of the meek here in this example, versus a Judas typology, in the person who tried to bully the meek worker, with the focus on "inventory" which represents the lust of  avarice and legalism.

These items in this store are no mere physical objects, but represent opportunities in the form of personal lives, to which is His work, and by His direction, our work as well.

There is Deception shown also in the high tech displays showing both a fake world on flat screens, and hiding something behind them. There is also the lack of High tech in the store

On a personal level, as I know this dream was given to me in that fashion, I experienced as a participant, a couple moments of doubt. Quickly recovered both times, and that has to do with faith and focus on the One, the Store Owner, Jesus.

I'm very comforted by the way this dream ends, and I can't really call it a Rapture Dream per se', but "Walking on air in the clouds" comes pretty darn close. ⛅

Grace and Peace to you in Jesus Christ our Lord!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Prophecy Fatigue

Not to put too fine a point on it, but ... I just really don't care about this or that prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes, or the fact that they are all converging.

Not what you were expecting? :) Yeah it surprised me too... I'll be honest and transparent, I'm a bit raw at the moment. 

As of late I have been having issues with irritability, reaction, and distraction. I'm at a point where the noise of the world is so much, and so intrusive, that I really just don't care to worry about how it relates to Bible prophecy at this point.

I know well that it is here. I know about a lot of the converging prophecies that are under way, and I just don't need to keep up with them. The point being, I don't need proof of what I already believe.

Lately, I have had to hold the shield of faith up for extended periods. I'm weary, and I recognize that fact. I know so many others who are also.

I would rather rest in a corner, and enjoy His Grace and Peace, share His word and good news if there is an ear that will listen.

Still, I am ready to give an answer for the Hope that lies within me to any who will ask. Not many these days that will.

But the world is quickly drowning out those ears with noise levels never seen before, at least in our life times anyway.

I have to set a boundary and enforce it in my life or I will be overwhelmed by it.

I must regain humility, self-control, gentleness, and compassion, that come by way of His divine love through us. That calm within the storm that is Jesus Christ Himself.

Be still indeed!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Shtuff...

There are times when you are considering something, a phrase, a thought, a scripture, some item that you take a pause for, that generates a whole different track leading away from the original.

Like a dog after a buried bone, you dig into the rough in order to chase down that new scent and understand some new aspect or different thought altogether. A treasure that someone else buried for you to discover when you triggered the right conditions and passed by.

I was thinking about all the scoffing, jeering, and mocking that is prevalent now, and how it is a sign of the times in it's own right.

2 Peter 3:3-7 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

It occurred to me in reading this scripture the forms of destruction mentioned.

First by Water, then by Fire.

Water is often used for worldly, mortal, and temporal symbolism.

Fire is often used to represent heavenly, spiritual, and eternal symbolism.

You see it used to describe the difference between natural (fleshly) birth, and the spiritual rebirth at salvation.

As well as the difference between earthly ritual baptism, and spiritual baptism of the Holy Spirit at salvation.

There are many more examples, but suffice it to say that I am always amazed at the typology found in scripture.

Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Considerations...

 

There's a storm coming...

For many, it's already here.

I keep saying the world has gone mad, and the next day it doubles down on the day before.

The Red Skies of Morning seem to get bloodier, and deeper, and darker, by the day.

Like an endless freight train with too much inertia and mass, speeding down a large grade. Sparks flying from the wheels, and cars pushing and shoving one another and stretching links to the point of breaking.

How does one process this overload and stay on the road of sanity, avoiding the extremes of distractions on either side, and hedging against the mental and spiritual fatigue of the onslaught of the world's intrusions and information overload?

It's times like these that I seek solitude, prayer, and the word, for all Salient and Intrinsic considerations...


To focus and meditate on what is important, like Mary with Jesus, and not like Martha.

There is no other way.

To dance or wrestle with the world, is to degrade your footing in days when you must Stand Firm on the Rock and not relent, compromise, or engage in frivolous battles.

So... What are your priorities?

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:15-20 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification

Romans 14:19

So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

I tried hard recently to put together a blog entry on some other items but it just wouldn't come together. Probably because I tried real hard to put it together... hah hah...

It took a lively conversation with a dear friend in email to bring me to this one. It reminded me of just what is so important in these days for the Body of Christ to be focused on.

Christ's commandments to us are these, and they are not burdensome:

• To Love God
• Love our neighbors as ourselves
• Love one another as He loved us
• Do unto others as we would have done unto us
• Forgive one another as He has forgiven us
• Seek peace and edify and build up one another
• Preach the gospel
• Keep His Word and thereby not deny His name
• and Patiently Endure

Paul is so singularly focused on the unity of the body in many of his epistles, through encouragement and edification, and the discarding of arguments and controversies that lead to division.

Always pointing to the positives of Faith, Hope, and Love, and discarding the world.

Some examples:

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

---

2 Timothy 2:22

Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

---

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things.

---

Ephesians 5:19

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord.

---

And who can deny the importance of all this in our current time now, more so than ever before.

Paul says of Faith, Hope, and Love, that the greatest of these is Love. So we should understand the quality of that Love he speaks of, which is answered in the very same chapter in:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient,
love is kind.

It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.

It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no account of wrongs.

Love takes no pleasure in evil,
but rejoices in the truth.

It bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.

Love never fails.

---

Regarding our days...

Daniel 12 is an interesting chapter, and in conjunction with Revelation 22, a certain statement is revealed from the perspective of heaven about our days.

Daniel 12:2-3

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace [and] everlasting contempt.

Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

---

Daniel 12:10

Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

---

Revelation 22:11

Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.

---

I have to ask myself, will I shine brightly in unity with my fellow servants of the Lord, or will I be mired in the muck of the world and it's passing concerns, arguments, controversies, and rabbit holes?

I choose to shine like the living water, and reflect His light as I am able.

❤️

Grace and Peace to you all in our Lord Jesus Christ!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Distant Early Warning

With evil so prevalent and so much in your face, in these crazy times we're living in, I'm kind of caught off guard, as I never thought I'd see the day.

I'm sure Lot felt the same way.

I should have known.

The Bible says the end times will be like the days of Noah (and of Lot). Violence filled the world in Noah's time, and certainly filled the Cities of the Plain (Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar).

Judgment was called for in both cases, because it was just out of control, and only Zoar survived for the sake of Lot.

Isaiah 59:19b When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

When evil waxes worse and worse and abounds so much, God preserves His own in the midst of it. This is of course quickly recognizable in the story of the flood with the Ark.

In the original language of (Isaiah 59:19b) the word picture and context is related to that of holding back the flood of evil, with the breath of His mouth. This is a reminder and typology of the Red Sea crossing where the waves are held back by the Breath of the Lord as the Hebrews cross on "DRY" land.

He preserves His own.

Psalm 91:7-8 Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. You will only see it with your eyes from a distance, as you witness the punishment of the wicked.

Psalm 37:10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

And while we are under His shadow of protection, we also witness His judgment though we are not touched by it. And once finished, that which was evil, and those that were wicked, will be no more.

This is a sober realization in the development of a Christian. Things will change, and we will see better days.

With all the things pointing to His soon return, I should have known that to have a rescue and escape, things have to be at their most dire. When we are all at the end of ourselves, and must cry out to God in our distress.

All the decades since I became a Son of the Light, were preparation, and early warning for what was to come.

And as we see the day approaching, we must stay our course, and endure patiently through it all for Him, and that glorious day to come.

Grace and Peace to you all in our Lord Jesus Christ!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Still being here...

Back on September 1st, I made an entry called Seven years?

The idea was that with all the hoopla and hype about Feast of Trumpets and the conjunction of the UN SDG Summit with their "7 year" pep talk for the Agenda 2030 being the covenant that is reinforced and made better, that we should be cautious and pay close attention to the things not present for it.

Now that the summit is technically over, and Feast of Trumpets has passed, let's talk a bit.

As you can see... we're still here.

I know this is a downer. It however does not mean that it still won't happen soon. So there's the bad news and the good news all in one sentence.

Every day that passes we are one day closer to it's occurrence.

In review, I mentioned two things that are missing among others:

• (1) the single individual to confirm it (strengthen it or make it better) we know as the AC.

• (2) having anything to do with Israel and the New Temple or the worship in that new temple.

The score at the moment is, We're not there yet, and it didn't happen over the last few days.

Let's move away from the UN for now and look at the personal level.

There is no shame in longing for His soon return.

Christ has said in numerous places to look up and lift up our heads, and to hold fast. Both He and the Apostles told us to let go of the world, but for the affairs of the day you are in, with loose roots.

There is an extra reward for those who long for His return and watch the times (seasons) and things going on around us that show that He is near (Luke 21:25-28). The crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) for one. But for me, I cherish His return and my final conversion from corruptible to incorruptible, to be like He is, for all eternity. The crown glorifies Him anyway and is but ground cover at His feet.

In (Luke 21:34) Jesus makes a statement about what we are to watch for, and that is of the condition of one's heart, not a date. You see this in many places, from Jesus to John and to Paul... Love not the world neither the things in the world, for the world is passing away.

We find it in the comparison of the churches of Philadelphia and Laodicea (Rev 3), and the grave consequences because of it.

Our call, is to endure patiently by faith, love one another as He has loved us (His command to us - the Law of Love), and to preach the Gospel to all the world.

This is our field-hand work of the day, each and every day... His gift, that precious Pearl of great price that we have given everything up for, and gone all-in to receive by our faith alone in His finished work for us.

Cast everything upon Him, and trust in Him. His burden is light remember...

And lastly, all His promises are true and "yes" (2 Corinthians 1:20), He has gone to prepare a place for us, and come back to receive us. If it were not so, He would have told us (John 14:2-3).

Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

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Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Closure

Closure noun • The act of closing or the state of being closed. • Something that closes or shuts. • A bringing to an end; a conclusion.

In recent conversations as of late, the topic of closure has come to the surface. Usually in the form of a retrospect of life of what was, as compared to what is now. And more specifically about our positions in faith as compared to our loved ones who are lost, our Walking Dead of the spirit as it were.

As I contemplated the common definitions of "closure", though I am focused on the 3rd definition, I was struck by the implications of the 2nd one in relation to prophetic doors being shut. This of course relating to the Laodicean church in (Revelation 3). More on that maybe at another time.

If there is one thing that is true in the life of a Christian, is that when we accept Christ and go all in, it is the cost of doing that in relation to the world and with family and friends, and in some cases even our marriages.

In previous blog entries (see below), I covered some of the different aspects of the divide between believers and nonbelievers. The hardest being, those within a family or a relationship. Now I am going to talk about "Closure".

Wickedness Prospering Friends Family and Perilous Times Undertow

We can expect those still of the world to act like those of the world, and we can not judge them when they do not yet know God (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). They will be judged by God alone.

Here is a problem for many of us to learn in life, the error of assumption that everyone is a brother or sister. No, they are lost and children of Darkness, until they are saved and become children of the Light. Then they are your brother or sister in Christ, and are subject to judgment of their actions (but never their salvation) by fellow members of this new family.

As I stated before

The unfortunate reality is that the choice for each and every person, is solely theirs to make, and the consequences are theirs also, good or bad. We must account for ourselves, and ourselves alone.

We must let them go.

I have learned this lesson as much as anyone. At first it feels strange to say and do this, as if there is some kind of guilt I am due. It sounds harsh and insensitive. But, it is what you must come to at some point, the realization, that not everyone is going to make it, and the tragedy is that it will be their choice that brought them to ruin.

Not everyone who started out with you, will finish with you.

This is the "closure" you must reach in some way at some point, or you stagnate in your worry and sorrow over things out of your control and that you are not authorized to judge. You place your will in front of that of Christ's, effectively placing yourself above Christ in the issue.

Our command is to Preach the Gospel to the whole world. His Gospel, not our own. We are nothing without Him, and it is only His name that saves. As Paul would say in (1 Corinthians 1:13). Was Paul crucified for you?

So... We must learn to give the message, and more importantly let them make their decision on it, and also finally, to accept that they have made their own choice, and that we must move on to those who have yet to hear the message.

We are to have no fellowship with them (Ephesians 5:11 / 2 Corinthians 6:14 / 1 Corinthians 5:13 / Titus 3:9-11), unless they actually become members of the Christ family. We do not ignore or avoid them though either (Colossians 4:5-6).

Everyone should know the common sense difference between evangelism and fellowship. To not be unequally yoked.

Closure though, is a different creature altogether. Closure is right and proper for the mental and spiritual health of a believer. Closure is no yoke at all.

There comes a time in some encounters when one must cut the line, tear up the road, bust down the bridge, nuke it from orbit because it's the only way to be sure... add infinitum...

The cutting off of contact, and of a relationship (necessarily toxic by reason) is a necessity. Too long now Christians have been told or manipulated to believe that they must endure toxic relationships or encounters over and over again, for Christ, in the name of long suffering and patient endurance.

This is a fallacy and it is an insidious one, turning Spirit armored discerning Christians into a powder puff blob of indicisive jello, fearing the possibility of offending over the natural defense of the word and your faith.

Because of this false understanding of "love" equating unconditional tolerance, today's Christian is taught nothing of the boldness that comes with our faith, and from His Spirit. To stand one's ground, to not relent, to call things as they are, and to not negotiate, nor to compromise.

Jesus is the Word made flesh, it is living and active. The Word is sharper than any two edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and the intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

The Gospel is offensive to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18) in the pride of their own wisdom. And they have made their choice.

Jesus warned especially of the days when the choice would divide families to an extreme (Luke 12:49-53 / Matthew 10:34–39). Days that started then and are climaxing now.

With the idea that Closure is a bringing to an end or a conclusion (and how prophetic is that in ways I would have never thought about until now?), we can best relate "Closure" to the process of grieving.

There are 5 stages in grieving, in which the last one is Acceptance (of a loss). The 5 stages are:

• Denial

• Anger

• Bargaining

• Depression

• Acceptance

With Acceptance comes Closure (to some level dependent on the situation)

What does closure look like?

For many, dealing with family or friends who are lost, facing and enduring the sometimes brutal attacks both verbally and psychologically, come to the point where we acknowledge we have done all that we can, and the rest is up to God. We give these over to God, and we hope in God for the best outcome apart from our influence or interaction.

Closure can be extreme and a bit agrressive while still a form of defense too. Survivers of Narcissistic Parents for example may have to cut off communication and break all ties completely to get out from under the toxic situation. At the very least they need to set boundaries and enforce them against the intrusive and manipulative aggressor. You want to talk about Patient Endurance, this will test you! Often, the survivor, after coming to the realization of the truth of the relationship, finds that there was no relationship to begin with. They grieve for the parent that they never had, and it's just as much of a traumatic loss as any other loss.

Many know closure after the physical death of a loved one or beloved pet, and have been through the painful times of grieving.

Closure can come after the loss or betrayal of a friend, when you have assessed all the damage to feelings and deception and illusion of what you thought you had as a friendship.

With all these examples and more, you can't really move on in life until you have reached it to some extent.

And the Christian of today is getting it from all sides, we must cut ties with some, or you risk spinning your wheels and wasting opportunities to reach those who still need reaching. We can no longer (nor could we ever really) afford to waste the short time given us here.

The truth is painful sometimes, the truth is offensive, and the truth must be upheld. Our truth is Christ Jesus for He is the Truth, the Way, and the Life.

He is coming soon, and He is the ONLY "Closure" that we will ever know in this world.

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Seven years?

Been a lot of hoopla over the coming SDG summit and Feast of Trumpets. As others have, I also will throw in my opinion chip briefly.

I have been cautious, and I've had to wait a bit to say anything, as I have had real life issues to deal with, such as the recent week long heat wave, equipment failure, and a whole host of other things I don't need to bring up here.

During this time while I went throughout the course of my days, I contemplated the idea of FoT rapture based on the proximity of Agenda 2030, SDG's summit, etc. and Feast of Trumpets this year, just prior.

The one pro to this idea is the "Peace and Safety" motto that has been broadcasted about it. This of course is in relation to (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Two glaring cons to this though come from scripture and that of non other than (Daniel 9:27) itself.

It is simply not enough to say that this declaration of 7 years of doubled efforts in the SDGs is the covenant to come, since it will be bereft of:

• (1) the single individual to confirm it (strengthen it or make it better) we know as the AC.

• (2) having anything to do with Israel and the New Temple or the worship in that new temple.

It is, for now, a global agreement for environment, money, government, etc. Signed by "many" for sure, but missing that singular person so many have speculated on.

And according to (2 Thessalonians 2) we simply can't know who the "he" is, because we will be gone already.

For this reason, by scripture, I do not find this reasoning abounding on youtube and in many conversations as a basis of excitement for FoT this year any more than any other day in our near future.

I abide by the warning of Christ in (Luke 21:34) to watch my heart, and not get bogged down in the world, which very much includes it's various worldly events and scheduled plans.

Now... Do I think it won't happen this FoT this year? I can not say that either. :)

I remain forever hopeful for soon escape (Luke 21:36). Mid September would be most welcomed if it should happen.

The only certainty for each of us day by day, is that we are one day closer. ❤️

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Why we should NOT... be ashamed of "Escape"

We often hear a complaint from others about the Pre-Tribulation Rapture believers wanting to escape the Tribulation, as though we are lazy Christians and have to be purified in at least the first half of it for some reason.

Apparently Christ's work on the cross wasn't enough, and the promise to the church of not being appointed to wrath is of no effect.

Christ does not receive a battered and bruised Bride (Trib purified Church), and He doesn't receive only part of His Body (Partially Raptured Church) when He comes for her. The work done to purify her and finish her is Christ's alone to do, and He will, and has completed it for every single believer He knows as His own.

I would tell you, and show you from scripture, that this pre-trib "escape" they complain about is promised by none other than Christ Himself in (Luke 21:36).

For a lot of people, when you bring up the 21st chapter of Luke's Gospel, they immediately relegate it to the Second Coming of Jesus on earth. They consider this by way of the "Olivet Discourse" first found in (Matthew 24). and also in (Mark 13).

They also often assume (Matthew 24) is only about the Jews at the Second Coming. All three of these scriptures are clear in and of themselves that it is not the sole focus.

In (Matthew 24:3), the disciples ask Jesus a 3 piece question. Many seem to miss the distinction here, and the fact that Matthew, Mark, and Luke cover the perspective differently, while saying the same things.

Matthew 24:3 While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”

- When will these things happen?

- What will be the sign of Your coming?

- What will be the sign of the end of the age?

The last two are encompassed in one sentence, but are actually two very different things.

"Your coming" and the "End of the Age". There is a reason they are separated by an "AND" and not linked by an "AT".

What you have here is a 3 part question. (2) What's,  and (1) When, that includes both What's. All three Gospels cover the three parts, but it is Luke's 21st chapter that points it out the clearest as both Jew and Gentile, and Christ's coming for His own, as well as His 2nd Coming.

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Luke's Gospel has the distinction of being written towards all men. In fact, in the first chapter, Luke in verses 1-4, dedicates this writing that follows, to Theophilus.

Now most people when presented with what appears to be a name, consider it such and try to find out about Theophilus to not much success.

It is quite likely that it was to all men in general, since, Theophilus means "Lover of God". And the only one who would read it, would be by necessity, a "Lover of God" (and His word). In the time of Luke, they would understand this. It would be akin to a southerner saying "to all y'all".

There is an interesting dynamic going on in the first 4 verses,

In the first 2 verses, Luke explains that "many have undertaken to record an account of the things fulfilled among us (plural), just as they were handed down to us (plural) by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word."

Not only does Luke describe the purpose (an account), and the target audience (Lover of God), but he also shows a proper humility, without having to say it, that he was not an Apostle. He was however a great Disciple, and a great friend to the Apostle Paul, and he would go on to write the book of Acts a couple years later.

In verse 3, is where we find Theophilus mentioned, and in verse 4 we get the why of the purpose... "so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."

The account Luke writes is for the "Lover of God", and is for them to be certain about the things they have been taught.

If Theophilus is a singular person by name, it reduces the writing to a personal letter between Luke and this person. We know Luke much more than this from later writings of the book of Acts as well as the Apostle Paul. This simply does not fit the context. This is to everyone, Jew or Gentile, who are a believer, and therefore a Lover of God.

There is no change here from plural to singular in these first four verses. Luke is addressing everyone who reads this book in a cordial way and salutation.

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So with this in mind, lets take a look at Luke Chapter 21, verses 25-36 which are divided into (3) contextual parts. We take the context from the word itself, and not the assumed context we have been taught through the years. We will also see the logical flow of the events within the context of those very verses as well.

- Signs that precede His Coming and our full bodily redemption (25-28)

- The when of Israel as the time piece to know the season (29-33)

- The caution about our hearts and focus in those days. The escape before the global trial even begins, the quality of the one who escapes, and where they escape to (34-36)

So for reference, and to make it easy on everyone, I will post this section within my blog post. I use the Berean Study Bible (BSB), if anyone wants to know.

Luke 21:25-36 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because YOUR REDEMPTION is drawing near.” Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

In verses 25-26 we get a list from Jesus of what to watch out for to know when His Coming (for us) is near. Things all taking place at the same time.

- Signs in the sun and moon and stars

- On the earth dismay among the nations

- Also bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves

- Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth
- The powers of the heavens will be shaken.

And at this same time in verse 27, everyone will see Christ (Son of Man) coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Notice that He is in a cloud, and not on Mount Zion or Mount of Olives. This is further reinforced by the fact that in verse 28, Jesus goes backward in tense to state that when these things begin to happen (not have already been fulfilled fully) we are to stand up and look up, as our Redemption draws near. Redemption is full bodily redemption at the Resurrection and Rapture of the Church, and it takes place in, and we are gathered to Him in, the clouds.

This is not Second Coming (Jesus feet on the ground), in judgment and battle mode in wrath.

Redemption is when you have purchased something or someone with a price, paid that price, sealed that item or person with a seal of ownership, and return to collect the purchased item or person. The receipt and seal being His blood and His Spirit.

A note about the title of "Son of Man" used in verse 28 and also later tied to it in verse 36. Son of Man is Christ's Kinsman Redeemer title, so it is fitting here to be used rather than a Judgment title when dealing with wrath and judgment.

We then get a word picture from Christ (verses 29-33) about the general times when this will occur using Israel (the Fig Tree) as the time piece. Indeed all the nations, since it is only found in Luke that Jesus is quoted as saying "Look at the fig tree and all the trees.".

Trees represent the nations. The Fig and Olive tree is Israel, and obviously other trees are the other nations. Here we see both being used, when their leaves sprout, we know that summer is near. Summer is harvest time.

This gives a general timing of when summer/harvest is near prophetically. Israel (the Fig Tree) only became a nation in late 1948 and early 1949. Her leaves sprouting in the decades that have followed.

So here we have both the signs of His Coming (and when), as well as the End of the Age (and when).

What follows in verses 34-36 are nothing short of a profound caution as well as a confirmation of pre-tribulational Redemption (Resurrection and Rapture).

Jesus tells us in verse 34 to watch, not for a date, but our hearts and our focus. The date is unattainable for men, for Jesus states elsewhere that He comes at a time when no one expects, as a thief in the night. We are to watch our hearts and not get bogged down in the world, or we will be caught off guard by it when it does occur. He has given us what to look out for, and what to do when it begins, and in the meantime we patiently endure all we are given in life until He comes for us. We will not be caught off guard.

Verse 35 tells us that that day and trial will come upon all those who dwell upon the earth (globally), and by definition it is the start of it.

Lastly, in verse 36, we are told to keep watch (over our hearts) at all times and of the things He told us to look for, and pray that we have the strength to ESCAPE ALL that is ABOUT to happen (not already has finished happening), namely that of the Tribulation, so that we may stand before the Son of Man.

Standing before the Son of Man refers to the (BEMA) judgment seat of Christ. Not for judgment over sin, as Christ has already dealt with that. It is finished! Tetelestai!

It is necessary for all who stand there to be redeemed and immortal to even be there.

And what of "Pray that we have the Strength to escape"?

- Prayer is the direct line of communication with God in our personal relationship with Him. Without it, how do you know Him, or He you? Prayer is the enactment and expression of Faith. It means you believe He is who He says He is, and that He is listening to you and regards you as one of His. It means you believe in His promise and direction, and His cleansing. Paul reminds us to "Pray Always".

- Who's strength? Certainly not our own. No, not ours, but His strength, His power, His will, His salvation.

- Escape what? The Tribulation of course. You can not escape ALL that is to come if you are already in the middle or at the end of it. All means ALL.

One last scripture to link here to (Luke 21:35-36) is another scripture from Christ Himself to the church of Philadelphia, in the Revelation of John, chapter 3, verses 8-11. Here we see confirmation of what we discover in (Luke 21:35-36).

Revelation 3:8-11 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead. I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

In verse 8 They have little strength, yet they keep His word and do not deny His name. This is the essence of Faith. His strength is sufficient for them. And verse 10 cinches the deal, look at their reward for Patient Endurance! They are KEPT from (not taken through) the trial that is about to come upon those who dwell upon the whole earth (the Tribulation). In other words, they "escape". In the meantime, they are told to hold fast to that which they have, so as not to lose reward.

They hold fast to Faith. It's the only thing that has ever mattered. And it is the thing that pleases God. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

So... "Escape" is the word Christ used, escape is the promise I believe in. Escape is the only thing that is encouraging (1 Thess 4:18), and No one and No thing will make me ashamed of Him or His Promise (Romans 10:11).

Romans 14:16 Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.

Grace and Peace to you in Christ Jesus! Maranatha!

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Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]