The Parable

Joseph Herrin (08-31-2012)

Brush Pile Being Burned at RV Park

There is a parable that Christ gave that I have been sharing with a number of people recently. I will share the Scripture passage here with you.

Luke 13:6-9
He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

The sons and daughters of God are like unto the fig tree. Many have been abiding in Yahweh's vineyard for many years, but they have not been bringing forth fruit. They remain barren; barren of obedience, barren of the fruits of faith and righteousness. Yahweh has borne patiently with them, giving them time to begin obeying Him and to bring forth the fruit of righteousness, but now He is saying the time of judgment is at hand.

Yahshua is like the dresser of the vineyard. He says, “Let me give the tree one more year. I will break up the soil, and dung around it, and then if it does not produce fruit we will pluck it up and cast it into the fire.”

Is it not significant that in our society today we speak of unpleasant things that come into our lives as "dung?" (I am sure you can think of less polite expressions that are used today.) This is the manner in which Christ dungs around us: He will cause very unpleasant and noxious things to enter our lives. The intent of Christ is to stimulate His children to change their ways. He would induce them through such means to begin bearing the fruit they have lacked.

Last Monday I had three people sitting with me at my table in my bus and I shared with them this parable. As I finished, the owner of the RV park approached a large burn pile he had been building from landscape refuse. He poured gasoline around the edges of the pile, and stood off from a distance and lit it. On top of the pile was a small tree he had uprooted from some place on his property. We all watched the pile go up in flames. Randy Simmons, who was one of those visiting, said, "It is not by coincidence that this occurred right after you finished speaking about this parable."

The next day I had a man in his thirties come to stay with me. I met him some years back when I was employed by the Macon Rescue Mission. He is a professing Christian, but he has not been walking as a disciple of Christ. He has been engaging in illicit sexual relations, using drugs, smoking cigarettes, and living a sensual life. Symbolically, he is morbidly obese, which serves as a spiritual parable of his fleshliness.

I have stayed in contact with this young man for the past five years since he left the mission. He would call me periodically and share that he was under conviction for his sinful life, and wanted to get things right with God. I would speak to him words to exhort him to not delay in making changes, speaking to him of the fear of the Lord, and the fact that God will not bear with His children forever.

When this young man arrived to spend some time with me, he shared that he had recently had a dream. In the dream God said he was done with him. He understood this to mean that his time was up and Yahweh was not going to strive with him anymore. When he awoke from the dream this man was quite frightened. He wondered if God had given him over to judgment and there was no longer any hope for him.

I am confident that this is not the case, but even as the owner of the vineyard asked “Why does this tree even encumber the ground anymore. Pluck it up and cast it into the fire,” Christ is now interceding and saying, “Let me dung around it one more time.”

The Lord must really heap the manure on our lives at times to lead us to make radical and lasting changes to our lives. The man who came to stay with me has been reduced to poverty. He is in his thirties and living in a small trailer on land owned by his parents. He cannot work as a truck driver because he cannot provide a clean urine for the drug screens. He has been unwilling to give up marijuana, and the Lord has been very patient with him.

Today, a sister in Christ who attended some of my meetings when I was traveling the country, wrote to me. She had corresponded with me about a week or two ago. Her life has become very unpleasant as she also is reduced to poverty. She has been following the counsel of her own soul, and her life has been a shambles. She entered into some relationships with ungodly people, seeking fellowship with darkness. When her situation became desperate she turned to these godless ones, among whom are some living and promoting a homosexual lifestyle. She looked to them to deliver her, rather than seeking God. I spoke frankly with her, desiring to arouse in her the fear of God that she would take immediate steps to return to Yahweh’s path for her life.

This sister had been convicted of a number of specific things God would have her to do. She spelled them out in large capital letters in her last letter to me two weeks ago. Today I received a letter from her in which she said that after undergoing tests at a chiropractor’s office, she is afraid she has a very fast advancing cancer. She confessed that she had not done any of the things she had committed to do in obedience to God weeks back. She wrote today asking me to pray for her.

I shared with this sister that my prayers for her cancer would avail nothing as it was Yahweh with whom she had to deal. He was chastising her for her stubborn spirit and disobedience. Christ was dunging around her life in hopes that this might induce her to bear the fruit the Father had been seeking in her life. If He did not find it now, there was nothing left to do but to pluck her up and cast her into the fire. (The Scriptures indicate many Christians will share a place with the unbelievers in the Lake of Fire. See the writing God’s Plan of the Ages if you are unfamiliar with this topic.)

http://www.heart4god.ws/index_htm_files/Gods%20Plan%20of%20the%20Ages.pdf

Randy Simmons recently shared with me regarding a man he has known for some time on the streets of Macon, Georgia. This man is a professing Christian. His family ministered for years as a gospel group. He sang and played the guitar in many churches. This man had backslidden. He was living a sensual life, giving little regard to the consequences.

Recently this man became depressed and took an entire bottle of anti-depressants. He collapsed on the streets of downtown Macon and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The drugs had been absorbed into his system, so pumping his stomach would not help. The man lay in a coma for some time. The doctors did not know whether he would live or die. This man’s father came to visit him and wept for his son.

The man recovered from this drug overdose. He shared with Randy that God had appeared to him and told him that this was the last time. He said there would be no more grace and mercy if he returned to his life of sin again. He was clearly shaken by these words.

I believe we are now in an hour when Yahweh is speaking a similar message to many who have been called to walk as overcomers. He is saying, “I have been looking for fruit in your life for many years. I have not found any fruit unto maturity yet. Why do you even take up space on my Earth if you will not bear fruit for me?” For many, the period of Yahweh’s patience has come to an end. Now there remains only judgment.

John 15:2-6
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

Hebrews 10:26-31
For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

As I am writing this, the UPS driver has just delivered a package. When I went out to speak to her she asked me if I heard what happened to a certain man who works at the same company for whom my daughter works. She said the man was at work yesterday when he sat down to take a break. He had a heart attack and died. The man was 46 years old.

There are things that come quite suddenly upon individuals. This man did not get up in the morning thinking “I might have a heart attack and die today.” Neither did the sister in Christ consider that if she continued to resist the will of the Father that she could be diagnosed with a fast growing cancer in less than two weeks time.

In this age when the church teaches Christians to have no fear of God, when they are taught by example and doctrine that they can live any way they want as long as they maintain a confession of Christ, some are likely to object to the notion that God will judge His people with sickness and even death. Read the following words of the apostle Paul.

I Corinthians 11:30-32
For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

The church of Corinth contained many fleshly believers. Some were having sexual relations with prostitutes. Some were coming to the church love feasts and acting as gluttons, while some were getting drunk. There were many living unruly, self-focused lives.

Yahweh struck some with sickness, seeking to induce them to consider their ways and repent. Even then, many would not repent. How often unbelief enters in and a Christian begins to say, “I don’t think this sickness, this injury, this threat to my life, has anything to do with God or my behavior.” This is what happened in Corinth, and many who could have been healed died as a result of carnality and unbelief.

Recently someone forwarded to me the following prophetic word by Glynda Lomax.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012
All Sin Comes With A Price
My Word is truth, though many refuse the truths it offers them. My Holy Word contains the power to set men free from their sins, the power to move any mountain, to clear any path.

My people often neglect to study My Word and learn of its truths and in times soon coming, this shall lead to their sudden destruction, for no man can stand before My Judgments.

Many are deceived into thinking sin no longer counts, that it no longer matters to Me, but it has always mattered. My Son died for sin because it mattered. He died to set men free from it, not to leave them free to do it more.

All sin comes with a price. There is no sin that does not bring a consequence into your life, though at first you may not see it. As the cup of your sins becomes full, that consequence must be meted out, for I am a Holy and Righteous Judge and I will have a holy and spotless bride for My Son.

For those who repent, the consequences will be less. For those who do not even try to stop sinning, they shall be very grave. But be not deceived, whatsoever a man sows, he shall also reap.

Sin is grievous in My eyes and should not be found among those sworn to serve Me. You are coming into a fierce and evil time and you cannot stand before your enemies without My power and My truth. Those who live sinful lives will not walk in My power and will not be able to stand.

If you turn now from your sins, you will have help in that time. If you do not turn from them, grave consequences await you, My children, which you shall not enjoy. For some of you, I shall expose your sins to others. Some of you shall reap through diseases, financial lack and loss of relationships.

Your choices now determine the ease of your path later. In My great mercy, I have warned you that you may turn from the destructive path in time, but you must want to turn from it.

Choose you this day whom you will serve.

Each time temptation calls, you are choosing. Be wise, My children, be vigilant. For the enemy of your souls seeks to devour you and all you have.

Will you let him?
[End Prophetic Word]

Brothers and sisters, I share this word in hope that some who have been resisting the voice of the Spirit will fear God and repent. The hour is late. Very dark days are close at hand. Only those who walk closely with the Father will be enabled to pass victoriously through these days.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Isaac - 2012

Joseph Herrin (08-27-2012)

Tropical Storm Isaac

People frequently write to me to share links to news articles. Quite a few have sent me information on Tropical Storm Isaac, which is forecast to become Hurricane Isaac in the next day or two. Many are looking for the spiritual significance of this storm. It is being reported that Isaac should make landfall on the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina striking New Orleans, possibly near the same location.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/27/us/tropical-storm-isaac/index.html

As I have considered the “coincidence” of these events I was led to reflect on the message contained in Hurricane Katrina. In the presentation titled Signs of Judgment I shared that Hurricane Katrina was sent by God as a judgment against flagrant moral debauchery. Katrina struck New Orleans just a few days before the 34th annual Southern Decadence event was scheduled to take place. Southern Decadence is a week long event that is promoted by the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans, and it is self-described as “a gayer Mardi Gras.”

On August 31, 2005, two days after Katrina struck New Orleans, the group Repent America issued a press release containing the following information.

"Southern Decadence" has a history of filling the French Quarter section of the city with drunken homosexuals engaging in sex acts in the public streets and bars. Last year, a local pastor sent video footage of sex acts being performed in front of police to the mayor, city council, and the media. City officials simply ignored the footage and continued to welcome and praise the weeklong celebration as being an "exciting event." However, Hurricane Katrina has put an end to the annual celebration of sin.
[Source: http://www.repentamerica.com/pr_hurricanekatrina.html]

It is true that Hurricane Katrina prevented Southern Decadence from being held in New Orleans in 2005, but it was back and in full swing the following year. I checked to see when the event was scheduled to be held this year and found that it is slated to begin on Wednesday, August 29th, the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina striking the city, and the same day that “Hurricane” Isaac is forecast to make landfall impacting New Orleans.

The name Katrina bore an obvious message in 2005. The name Katrina is derived from the Greek katharos meaning “pure.” Katrina also made final landfall at the mouth of the Pearl River. Pearls throughout the Scriptures represent that which is pure and undefiled. The New Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven is described as having 12 gates each made of pearl. This is the origin of the expression “the pearly gates.”

Revelation 21:21, 27
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl... and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Note that the gates of pearl serve as the demarcation between that which is holy and that which is unholy. We are specifically told that “no one who practices abomination... shall ever come into” the city. Yahweh has described homosexuality as an abomination.

Leviticus 18:22
“You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.”

That the revelers coming to New Orleans intuitively recognize the gross immorality of their actions is revealed in the name of the debauched homosexual festival held there. It is named “Southern Decadence.” The word decadent means “morally depraved, impure.” The word shares a common root with the word “decay,” which is used to describe a fall from a pristine state into one of corruption. Despite the hue and cry of the homosexual community that their sodomite acts are to be respected as natural and decent, when they gather together among their own in New Orleans they boast of the indecency of their unrestrained sexual escapades.

The official website for the Southern Decadence events in New Orleans contains the following words on their history page.

By noon traffic will be closed to vehicles at Royal Street at Esplanade and Barracks at Chartres Street since Royal Street will be overflowing with marchers mostly costumed in drag, scare drag and traditional drag, and any other kind of rig they can conjure up from their imaginations. And don't forget all those gourgeous (sic) men and women, most scantily clad. You will see the playful, the whimsical, the pretty, the ugly, the satirical, the witty, and the obscene. But whatever you see, it will always be totally decadent.
[Source: http://www.southerndecadence.com/history.htm]

When a people give themselves over to moral depravity to such an extent that their consciences are seared, where they have no shame, nor inhibition, choosing rather to boast of their unrighteousness, they are inviting the judgment of Yahweh.

New Orleans After Katrina Struck

There was no repentance in New Orleans to be found among the city leadership after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. Mayor Nagin immediately began declaring that although Southern Decadence had been canceled, the city was determined to be back open for all revelers to arrive to celebrate Mardi Gras in the Spring. Four weeks later, just as the mayor announced that citizens could begin to return Hurricane Rita struck and flooded the city for the second time. The name Rita means “pearl.” God was plainly declaring that He will judge unrighteousness and that He demands purity from the nations.

Seeing that the names of these hurricanes that struck New Orleans in 2005 bore such significant meaning, what could the name Isaac portend? The name Isaac means laughter, and it is derived from the Hebrew word “tsechoq.”

Genesis 21:6-7
And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh (teschoq), and all who hear will laugh with me."

Strong’s Concordance of Hebrew words provides the following definition of this word.

laughter (in pleasure or derision)

When I first learned the name of this storm was Isaac, the word “derision” immediately came to mind. This Hebrew word occurs in only two places in the Bible. The following passage is speaking of Yahweh’s judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their flagrant immorality. Yahweh states that those who have given themselves to sin with an unrepentant heart will “be laughed at and held in derision (teschoq).”

Ezekiel 23:28-33
Thus says Yahweh God..., "the nakedness of your harlotries will be uncovered, both your lewdness and your harlotries. These things will be done to you because you have played the harlot with the nations, because you have defiled yourself with their idols. You have walked in the way of your sister (Samaria); therefore I will give her cup into your hand.' Thus says Yahweh God, ‘You will drink your sister's cup, which is deep and wide. You will be laughed at and held in derision; It contains much. You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, the cup of horror and desolation...”

The city of New Orleans is unrepentant in its unrighteousness. Although it has been twice struck by hurricanes in recent times, it has not altered its hedonistic pursuit of every form of impurity and unrighteousness.

Southern Decadence - New Orleans
Dates Wednesday August 29th - September 3rd (2012)

Southern Decadence started forty-one years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of our world's major annual events.  One of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, it has become known as the "Gay Mardi Gras."  People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don't even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday.  With over 120,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants, and an economic impact estimated to be in excess of $125 million, the city has recognized the festival's importance with an Official Proclamation to welcome the event.
[Source: http://www.southerndecadence.net/]

Isaac is set to rain on this parade of immorality. Following is an image of a weather forecast for the city posted today.

Though the leaders of the city, and of the nation, promote homosexuality as if it were virtuous and beyond reproach, God has declared that it is an abomination. Many are giving into the constant drone of the media and pressure from those who promote sodomy and other perversions. The weight of men’s opinions is less than nothing when compared to the thoughts and judgments of mankind’s Creator.

Isaiah 40:15-17
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. Even Lebanon is not enough to burn,
Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before Him, they are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.

Though the pride of man boasts great things, and puffs itself up in rebellion against God, Yahweh holds the unrighteous and prideful in derision. None can stay His hand.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Responses to ‘A Prophetic Experience’

Joseph Herrin (08-21-2012)

I have received a number of responses to yesterday’s blog post that I thought I would share. The first one comes all the way from Australia.

G’day Joseph,

I have come across your blog only recently... and I have started drawing people’s attention to your work via my website too.

I was really blessed to read some your early 2008 blogs as I have known in my spirit for a long time that, in the Lord’s time, He would raise me up as a Moses-type ministry – specifically as one who could lead God’s people out of slavery in Egypt through a wilderness I have come to know and love en route to a promised land I have only ever seen in the Spirit. We can only take people where we have been ourselves. The message I carry is one of separation from the world system – with its flood of sexual immorality and Babylonian covetous debt system of finance – and a return to the Covenant and intimacy with our Lord. We must let no one deceive us with empty words. It is because of sexual immorality and covetousness, which is idolatry that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.

Just reading your latest blog, I wanted to share something that happened to me recently. In hindsight, I wish I’d taken more notice of the numbers in the experience (amount of transaction, time of day, etc). I was out traveling with my family in the country and we stopped to get some fruit at the country fruit shop. As we’d left home I had a thought to put some cash in my pocket even though we often use EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) to pay for things these days. After I’d gathered some fruit to purchase, I went to pay and the shop assistant told me that unfortunately the EFTPOS system was down. After a short hesitation I remembered I’d put a $50 note in my pocket. I said to the lady, ‘Well, just as well I have some cash.’ As I said this, I stretched the note (very strong plastic notes here in Australia) out as if to emphasise the cash I was carrying and it tore in half!! We were all shocked for a second. And then she said, ‘It’s okay I’ll tape it up and the bank will accept it.’ I laughed and said, ‘Well I’m kinda out of options if you aren’t able to accept this note.’

I didn’t think too much of the experience until I was driving again in the car and the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me and said, ‘The monetary system will break very soon.’ Of course, I know the economic system is on the verge of collapse but the Lord was highlighting to me, through this experience the closeness, of this happening. I then recalled a dream I had not long before this experience where, in my dream, the Aussie dollar dropped by 20c in one day! I was kind of surprised at that dream because often I think of the stock market crashing rather than specifically what might happen to individual currencies. Obviously a 20c drop in the dollar in one day is unheard of except in the event of a massive economic storm.

Anyway, my heart is warmed as I read what you are sharing, brother, and I have linked your analysis of the London Olympics closing ceremony to my mailing list. If you were interested in what I wrote in that email/blog called ‘Anoint Thine Eyes With Eye Salve That Thou Mayest See’, you can have a read by going to www.sweetriversrevival.org.au/words/view/457

Again richest blessings in Yeshua my brother. His kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Dylan Oakley

This experience with the electronic funds machine being down, and his money tearing in half at the same time, is indeed profound. When I wrote Dylan back I shared with him that it is hard at this moment to perceive the amount of panic and chaos that will suddenly result when people’s money fails them. Recent items in the news reveal that the government is preparing for these days. The Department of Homeland Security, which is a domestic agency, has placed orders for 750 million rounds of hollow point bullets. To put this in perspective, the U.S. military in Iraq in the course of a year expended approximated 70 million rounds of ammunition. The government has ordered ten times as much ammo for use by their agents here at home. DHS also recently placed an order for an additional 750 million rounds of bullets of different caliber and configurations.

Not only this, but the Social Security Administration ordered 170,000 rounds of hollow point ammunition. If one would care to speculate as to why they have done so, consider how many people look to Social Security for their income. Where do you suppose a lot of people will go when their checks do not arrive, or they are unable to cash them, or their direct deposited money is not available in the banks? They will go to the local Social Security office, and they will be angry. As a precaution the government is supplying ammunition to the security staff at these buildings ahead of time.

See the following articles to read about this subject.
http://dailycaller.com/2012/08/17/who-does-the-government-intend-to-shoot

http://www.infowars.com/dhs-to-purchase-another-750-million-rounds-of-ammo/

http://www.naturalnews.com/036847_ammo_purchases_government_stockpiling_media_lies.html

People of God, I have already related through this blog those recent physical preparations the Father has directed me to make to be in readiness for days of dislocation and financial collapse. I have consistently advised people that they should be seeking the Father to know what He would have them to do. Yahweh is not directing all people to do the same thing. I know some who have been led to live in homes in specific locations during this season. Others are led to acquire mobile habitation, such as a motor home or travel trailer. What is important is that each person be sensitive to the voice of the Spirit and obey whatever Yahweh directs YOU to do.

I have often told people to ignore what the government is saying, and to observe what they are doing. Yahshua gave the same advice when seeking to discern an individual’s character. He said they would be known by their fruit. If you have not read the article entitled “Others Are Preparing - Should You?” I would encourage you to do so. It details some of the obvious actions the government is taking in preparation for days of great civil unrest.

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/others-are-preparing-should-you.html

Another brother wrote to me this morning to forward me a brief devotion by chip Brogden that he felt tied in well with yesterday’s blog post. I agreed with him. The message of being Spirit led is fundamental to the subject of following Christ through a wilderness experience. Following is the post brother Ken forwarded to me:

August 21
INFINITE SUPPLY
Today's Message from Chip Brogden

"If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
-GALATIANS 5:18,25

In the wilderness you don't follow your feelings. It says the children of Israel were led by a column of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night. When the cloud moved then they moved. When the cloud stayed still then they stayed still. I mean it's really as simple as that.

Walk in the Spirit. If you begin to be led by your feelings then you'll make the wrong decision every time. Most of the time, the right decision doesn't feel good. Doing the right thing is usually difficult. The easiest thing to do is to quit, to give up, to go back to Egypt. But I'm telling you, get to the place where going back is no longer an option - then going back is no longer a temptation.

http://theschoolofchrist.org/daily/august21.html

©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

A sister in Christ from the East Coast wrote to remind me of an e-mail she had sent some months back when she and her daughter were traveling on I-40 West in Tennessee. They were caught in the middle of an accident with trucks and cars crashing around them, but Yahweh miraculously preserved them.

Hi Brother Joseph,
I wanted to take some time to share with you what happened to my daughter and I today while traveling in Tennesee. It is a testament of God's awesome protection and power. I am a bit tired right now and don't quite have the mental energy to type it all out, but wanted to share the pics and alittle of what I wrote on facebook today. Thankful to be writing this unscathed! Many Blessings!

In Christ,
Jenean

Facebook post:

My daughter and I are currently at a hotel taking quite a few deep breaths, very thankful for life and completely and utterly amazed at the power of God!!! We were just involved in an accident on I-40W involving about 5 tractor trailers and 3 cars...everyone made it out alive and 3 people only had scratches!! Truly the protection of God and His angels!!!!!! I have a slight scratch on my car..God used my daughter to interpret spanish, and us to pray for others and help EMS, etc. We are thankful for a young woman named Alison who also jumped in and for the truck driver that risked his life to spare hitting my car and others!!!! He crashed into another tractor trailor and all these people made it out alive! Glory to God in the highest!!!! We all prayed together and the man who risked his life was wearing a purple shirt. After all settled we decided to just stop at the next hotel! When searching for a hotel we passed a sign that said Purple Heart Trail, made me think of the man who risked his life in this accident wearing the purple shirt. I pray God will bless Him and he will be in awe of His power, protection, and love!

This sister provided some pictures of the accident site, and they are quite dramatic.

I-40 Accident Photo 1

I-40 Accident Photo 2

I-40 Accident Photo 3

I-40 Accident Photo 4

Yahweh has been using the symbolism of a crash to indicate what is coming to the nations. A crash is something that occurs with great suddenness. There is no time to prepare once the crash begins. All preparation needs to be done ahead of time. Even as in a car a driver and passenger should take precautions ahead of time, wear their seat belt, make sure tires are inflated properly and have adequate tread, insure brakes are functioning well, etc., so too those who listen to the voice of the Spirit and perform the preparations He instructs them to make will find themselves ready for that hour.

There will be some, like this sister and her daughter, who will find themselves right in the middle of the crash. They will observe the collapse of infrastructure all around them. They will see all forward motion in society come to a complete halt. Yet, in the midst of it all they will be protected. Undoubtedly, just observing what is about to take place will shake the most godly among us (to quote a phrase by the late David Wilkerson).

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

A Prophetic Experience

Joseph Herrin (08-20-2012)

Randy and Kathy Furman, friends who live in the Arizona desert, wrote to me this morning and shared the following experience.

There was a bad accident late this afternoon on the westbound interstate between our exit (#71) and the next exit (#66).  We were out back working in the garden and started seeing unfamiliar cars wandering through the back roads.  We usually only have a couple of cars down our road every few days so this was unusual.  Randy approached one and found out about the accident.  The estimated time for clearing the road was about 5 hours so people were using their GPS to find a way around the roadblock.  The problem was that the GPS was giving them the wrong directions.  Randy pointed them in the right direction, then because more cars kept showing up, I drew out a map and made copies to hand out.  We decided to drive out to the pull out near the exit and direct people to the correct path.  One man was talking to a friend on the phone as he pulled up to us.  When we offered the map he said, "What a blessing." And then said to his friend,  "See what happens when you trust God."

A woman with her two daughters pulled off and we gave her a map, explaining how to get to the next exit by taking the back roads.  She was very apprehensive.  It was starting to get dark.  And Randy suggested that we drive and lead them.  The woman was very appreciative.  Two other cars joined the caravan and we led them down the back road to Petro and the on ramp to I-40.  Randy said that the woman reminded him of Much Afraid.  The people in the three cars trusted us to lead them through the wilderness.  They stayed close on our trail all the way.  As we drove we thought of the spiritual significance.  Miles and miles of cars and trucks were stuck on the broad way, but a remnant was willing to trust us and follow us down a very unfamiliar road.  By the time we got to Petro it was very dark.  We pulled over and two of the three cars came along side us to thank us and offer us money for gas.  We refused and told them to be blessed.  Much Afraid did not stop, but we saw her continue on toward the interstate.
[End of Letter]

Randy and Kathy have been following the Spirit of Christ through wilderness places (figuratively and literally) for many years. They have learned the ways of the Father and the necessity of an upcoming wilderness experience for all who would be numbered among the overcomers in Christ. Yahweh has been preparing forerunners who will be used in the hour that is very close at hand to lead a larger number of God’s people through their own wilderness way.

I have often compared what Yahweh is doing to the life of Moses. After being raised in Egypt, Moses was led to the wilderness at the age of forty where he spent forty years in the wilderness being humbled by Yahweh. At the end of this period Yahweh declared that Moses was the most humble man on the face of the earth. Then, at the age of 80, Moses encountered Yahweh at the burning bush. He was commissioned to lead God’s people out of Egypt (signifying the world) and to take them to their inheritance in the land of Canaan. For forty more years, Moses led the children of Israel through the wilderness.

We see the pattern of God taking a forerunner and doing a deep work in his life that he might be suited as a vessel to be used in powerful ways by the Father. Only humble men and women can be entrusted with the power of the ages to come. Yahweh will appoint humble men and women to act as shepherds for a remnant portion of the body of Christ who must also experience the wilderness. Not coincidentally, it was I40 that the traffic was backed up on. Forty is a number related to the wilderness and signifies trials and testing.

(There is a parable in the sign above for those who can discern the link between “Sin City” and the name below it.)

Although I was confident that Randy and Kathy had discerned the message that Yahweh was speaking through this experience, I wrote them back and affirmed what I saw, recognizing that this was an experience that would be profitable for the body of Christ to hear about as well.

--
That is quite a parable that the Father has set before you. I believe those things signified are very close at hand. The major accident on the Interstate would seem to represent that crash of the economy that is looming. As you may remember, earlier this summer as I was getting my trailer lights wired up at Camping World a man crashed into a light pole right across from where I was parked. The Father spoke to me then about the approaching crash. That same day as Randy and Veronica were driving me around I saw a hotel sign flashing 14:14:14 in military time. Fourteen denotes transition, and it seemed evident that it will be a time when the military must be called in to restore order. This was also reinforced by the fact that there was a VA motorhome right next to where the man hit the pole.

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/crash.html

It is interesting to note that most people will stay on the broad path they have known. It is a remnant that will come off and take the way through the wilderness. Yahweh certainly gave you a profound parable of the various types of people who will take this wilderness path. Some, like the man who praised God, are bold and at peace because their hearts trust in Yahweh. At the other end of the spectrum are those like Much Afraid. They will follow this path halting and trembling. They will need much reassurance, and Yahweh will send shepherds alongside them to help them down the path.

It also seemed very significant that all this occurred as the night was falling. You spoke of it being very black by the time you reached the Petro station. With all the symbolism of The Dark K(night) Rising and Elton John's song Good Morning to the Night, the Father is surely foretelling a time of much darkness that is coming upon the nations and the hearts of the people.

I also perceive a parable in that some coming off the Interstate were trusting to their GPS to guide them and it was leading them astray. You may also remember a post I had last year where I wrote of the phenomena known as "death by GPS."

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/wilderness-sign.html

Right now I am in the midst of a study on the subject of propaganda, and how much it influences American society. I believe the system that many will pay heed to in the coming days that will lead many astray will be the Global Propaganda System. What the saints will need to do is turn off this influence in their lives, and listen to the voice of the Spirit as well as those saints who have gone before them who can show them the way.

Is it not telling that the GPS system worked fine as long as people stayed on the broad path, but when they tried to use it to navigate the narrow path it failed them? I appreciate you sharing this experience with me. I trust you will not mind if I make mention of it in a blog post as it has a lot of relevancy to the hour at hand.
--

A further thought on this experience is the sparsity of traffic that Randy and Kathy normally see near their property. I have twice visited with them in the desert, and it is a very remote place. Most of the roads are dirt, and there are few signs. It is very easy to get lost.

The Furmans spoke of only seeing a few cars every couple days. It is a rarity. So too has it been rare to encounter another saint traveling this wilderness path that all must walk who take up their cross to follow Christ. There are few who have surrendered their lives to be led of the Spirit, to go wherever He would lead, even if that is to journey through barren places where trials and tests are common.

The hour is near at hand when a larger company of saints must embark upon this journey. Yahweh has graciously prepared forerunners to encourage the saints, and to help guide them on their way.

Tragically, most Christians will be unwilling to leave the broad and heavily trafficked path they have been on. Even when everything is crashing and grinding to a halt around them, the broad path will appear more appealing to them than to venture off alone down a narrow path that they are unsure of. There will be some like the woman that Randy compared to the main character of Hannah Hurnards’ allegory Hinds’ Feet on High Places. They will be Much Afraid, but Yahshua will guide them with much tenderness and reassurance. He does not desire to lose any of those sheep whom His Father has given to Him.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

London Calling - Legions Arise - Thorns of Vengeance

Joseph Herrin (08-14-2012)

Warning: This blog post contains dark material from Satan’s kingdom. It will be disturbing to some readers. (It is disturbing to me.) We live in a very evil hour, and things are swiftly growing darker. This information is not presented to titillate, nor for entertainment. It is to reveal the lateness of the hour that the saints of God might walk wisely and put away the vain pursuits of their lives lest they be unprepared and swept away in the coming storm.

This post ends my commentary on the XXX Olympiad, the 2012 London Olympics. The closing ceremony was held on August 12th. If you missed the previous posts on the London (Babylon as Zion) Olympics, you can find the posts here:

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/babylon-rising-part-five-tisha-bav-and.html
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/babylon-rising-part-six-london-as-zion.html
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/babylon-rising-part-seven-ringing-in.html
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/babylon-rising-part-eight-storm-warning.html
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/babylon-rising-part-nine-jupiter.html
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/good-morning-to-night.html

The Olympics have from their inception in ancient Greece been devoted to Satan in his guise as Zeus/Jupiter. It is therefore inevitable that any commentary on these events will be dark and disturbing to those who are children of the light and lovers of all that is pure, holy, and righteous. I would caution any saint from making the study of Satan’s kingdom their pursuit, for spending too much time focused upon darkness is oppressive and has led some individuals into deception and a quenching of that spiritual life within them.

At the same time, the Scriptures themselves tell us much about Satan’s kingdom, and his evil plans and the darkness of his spirit. As I reflect upon those things I will be sharing in this particular post, the following words from the book of Revelation come to mind.

Revelation 12:10-12
"Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night... For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time."

The time is indeed short. Satan’s wrath is about to be loosed upon the earth, particularly upon the saints of God. It is an hour when the sons of God will need to manifest faith in their God. Sadly, multitudes have been so focused upon worldly pursuit, and have been captivated by false doctrines of comfort and prosperity, that they are quite fleshly. Satan is able to easily deceive, frighten, and oppress these spiritual infants who should have attained to a greater state of maturity that they might stand in readiness for this evil hour.

Throughout the entire London Olympics Satan has been boasting of those things he is about to do. He has found many evil men and women to join with him in seeking to establish a New World Order which is not new at all. The order of Satan was observed as far back as ancient Babel, the first city of Nimrod, and the beginning of Satan’s earthly kingdom. There has always been gross darkness associated with Babylon. It typifies all that is offensive to Yahweh, the God of creation.

Revelation 18:2-3
And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality."

These words aptly describe the city of London today. She is soon to become even more foul as the Olympic ceremonies served as occult rites to summon forth evil spirits and foul legions from the underworld. From the ringing of the bells to commence the XXX Olympiad, the construction and inauguration of The Shard just prior to its opening, people issuing forth from under the roots of the tree atop Glastonbury Tor during the “dark satanic mills” portion of the opening ceremony (whose music was arranged by the group Underworld), to the very close of the games, there has been an emphasis upon summoning forth the legions of darkness. The parallel release of The Dark Knight Rises movie with its similar theme of underground legions who arise to strike terror into those dwelling above ground further reveals the message being set forth by Satan.

It is not unusual to find major corporations echoing the same message, for the powers that are at work to bring forth the New World Order control the majority of multi-national corporations in this world. Just prior to the Olympics British Airways released the following advertisement.

British Airways Advert Link:
http://youtu.be/M6VzhDE1Wso



The song being played during this commercial is London Calling by the British group The Clash. Following are the complete lyrics to this song with the words contained in the commercial underlined.

London Calling

London calling to the faraway towns
Now that war is declared and battle come down
London calling to the underworld
Come out of the cupboard, you boys and girls
London calling, now don't look to us
Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust
London calling, see we ain't got no swing
Except for the ring of the truncheon thing
The ice age is coming, the sun's of an end
Meltdown expected the wheat is growing thin
Engines stop running but I have no fear
Cause London is drownin' and I live by the river
London calling to the imitation zone
Forget it brother, you can go it alone
London calling to the zombies of death
Quit holding now and draw another breath
London calling and I don't wanna shout
But while we were talking I saw you runnin' out
London calling, see we ain't got no highs
Except for that one with the yellowy eyes
The ice age is coming, the sun's of an end
Engines stop running the wheat is growing thin
A nuclear error but I have no fear
Cos London is drowning and I live by the river
Now get this
London calling, yes I was there too
An' you know what they said - well some of it was true!
London calling at the top of the dial
An' after all this, won't you give me a smile?
London calling...
I never felt so much a' like a like a like a...

Let none suppose that this specific song was chosen on a lark by some advertising executive. It was chosen with great intent due to the message it proclaims. As one observes the images in the commercial and how they coincide with specific lyrics, it is plain that great thought has gone into this media piece.

At one point you can see the British Airways jet passing in front of a statue of a chariot in which stands a rider holding a spear. At that very moment the words “war is declared” are being sung. The statue is a famous London landmark of Queen Boudica.

Queen Boudica

Wikipedia provides the following information.

Boudica (d. AD 60 or 61) was queen of the British Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire.

Boudica's husband Prasutagus, ruler of the Iceni tribe who had ruled as a nominally independent ally of Rome, left his kingdom jointly to his daughters and the Roman Emperor in his will. However, when he died, his will was ignored — the kingdom was annexed as if conquered, Boudica was flogged, her daughters were raped, and Roman financiers called in their loans.
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica]

Note in particular the role of Rome’s bankers in this matter. We stand at an hour in history when once more the financiers will use policy to establish global governance. It will also be a time of rape, warfare, and great slaughter. Satan will stir up every power of the underworld to bring forth chaos upon this earth.

British Airways - The Shard - London Calling to the Underworld

With great purposefulness we find that in this commercial the words “London calling to the underworld” are sung just as The Shard comes in view. The Shard, now the tallest building in Western Europe, bears a close association to calling forth evil and malignant forces. Following is an excerpt from Babylon Rising - Part Six:

To understand what The Shard represents, one can look to one of the chief instruments Satan has used in this past generation to introduce mankind to the worship of Satan. It is the boardgame called Dungeons and Dragons. An entire industry has arisen alongside this board game which includes numerous books that describe the worlds found in Dungeons and Dragons. R.A. Salvatore has sold over 15 million books, many of which are related to this fantasy role playing game. Among these books are the novels The Crystal Shard, Passage to Dawn, The Silent Blade, and Servant of the Shard. All of these novels take as a central element a relic called Crenshinibon, also known as “The Shard.” A wikipedia entry on this item includes the following information.

Crenshinibon is an evil, sentient artifact in the Forgotten Realms setting based on the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game....

Crenshinibon is a vile relic of immense power, a crystal shard that draws its magical energy from the light of the sun. Crenshinibon is a sentient artifact, and it possesses a never-ending hunger for power and glory at whatever cost; therefore, Crenshinibon is not a reasoning being. It always desires a powerful wielder, usually a corruptible magic-user of some sort, and greatly enhances that wielder’s powers. The Crystal Shard also insidiously manipulates its wielder and would readily abandon him or her for someone more capable of furthering its goals of ultimate conquest. The relic can lure in thousands of evil-intentioned beings with its magical call, creating a grand army for its wielder and so-called master.
[End Excerpt]

The creator of this British Airways commercial understood very well the relationship between The Shard and the words “London is calling to the underworld.”

Immediately after this, the words “Come out of the cupboard, you boys and girls” is sung as the legs of a young woman are seen who has evidently just gotten out of the shower. This serves as an invitation to engage in sexual wantonness and deviant behavior. The words “Come out of the cupboard” are equivalent to the American saying “Come out of the closet.”

Whether this is in reference to homosexuality, transgender deviancy, pedophilia, adultery or fornication, Satan is able to keep the world mollified by setting their focus upon sex, sex and more sex. Remember, this has been the XXX Olympiad. A story released a few days ago stated that the London Olympics Organizing Committee ordered 150,000 condoms to be distributed free to the 10,000 athletes staying in the Olympic Village for two weeks. This is an increase of 50,000 from the Beijing Olympics. Reports abound that the atmosphere of the Olympic village is that of one endless orgy.

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)

The acts of the sinful nature have been present in abundance during the Olympic games in London. Satan’s kingdom stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of God. There is a breakdown of all moral restraint as people increasingly give themselves over to sensuality, living as beasts on a purely physical plane. This song by The Clash contains mention after mention of the demise of society as it descends into chaos.

It is significant that the tail of the plane is in view as a church and an open market come into focus. The tail symbolizes “the end.” The open market includes a produce stand. The words “have bitten the dust” end this segment. What seems to be indicated is that the church is at an end, free and open markets will be crushed, and food will be hard to find. This will be due both to worldwide famine, as well as strict government control of the sale of all foodstuffs. In a portion of the lyrics to London Calling that did not make it into the commercial, there is a line about “the wheat growing thin.” This is an obvious reference to famine.

Why would British Airways use such a disturbing, apocalyptic song in its advertisement for the Olympics? Certainly if one wanted to extol the virtues of London they could hardly have picked a worse song. There is nothing positive, inviting, or attractive described in the lyrics. The BBC website has this to say about the song being selected by British Airways.

London Calling is a post-apocalyptic radio message to the survivors, a concept familiar to anyone who's seen a zombie movie or any of the 1970s' abundant disaster fiction. There's even, at the end, guitar feedback sending a signal in Morse code - naturally, "SOS..."

"London Calling is a classic example of a song that has become so familiar that its original meaning has been lost," says Gray. "It's instantly recognisable and superficially the perfect invitation to the capital and the world's premiere sporting event, but it's actually about the end of the world, at least as we know it."
[Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14324385]

The words “London Calling” are a reference to the British Broadcasting Corporation’s tag line during World War II when they were broadcasting into occupied territory. What is being prophetically indicated is that the earth is about to descend into worldwide bloodshed, chaos and war once again. Remember, the great military presence in London during the games. There were even warships anchored in the Thames River and rocket launchers installed among the city’s high rise apartments. War is surely coming, and not a small local war. It will be a war of worldwide impact.

During the closing ceremonies there was much use made of newsprint. It covered everything, floors, walls, vehicles. The newsprint contained various messages, such as the following:

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

A brave new world

Rage, Rage Against the Dying of the Light

Look Back in Anger

British Singer George Michael Standing Amid the Headlines

Over and over, the emphasis was upon death and dying. Notice in the picture above the words “tired of life” just below the singer’s feet. The death imagery was quite often very open. Look more closely at the belt buckle worn by George Michael, and take note of the fact that he was dressed in black, the color of death.

Death Head Buckle

Then there was the strange fixation upon dead musicians such as Freddie Mercury and John Lennon. In an echo of the eerie baby head featured in the opening ceremony, there was a large fragmented head that came together to form an image of the deceased John Lennon.

Again we see this overlaid atop newspaper print, and the mind associates this with the obituary section.

One of the most disturbing images from the closing ceremony was of a ship of death manned by black clad figures who appeared evil and ghoulish.

The Olympic committee promised that the closing ceremony would be a big, festive, celebration. Yet it appears that the party was celebrating death, rather than life.

Olympic Zombies

It is at times difficult to perceive the clear message that Satan is presenting in forums such as the Olympics. The reason for this is that the masses are presented all things in symbolic speech lest they be offended or frightened. To understand Satan’s message more plainly one can look to those groups that are indoctrinated into the darkness and have embraced it. Such ones are not offended by the overt worship of Satan as god, nor are they disturbed by the emphasis on death and destruction.

One place that people can find the words of Satan being proclaimed very clearly in this hour is in Satanic heavy metal bands. One such band is called Arch Enemy. The band name is a reference to Satan the “Arch” angel, the Enemy of God and mankind. The lead singer is a woman whose name is Angela. (Note the “Angel” in her name, a reference to a certain fallen angel.) In 2011, this group put out an album titled Khaos Legions. The Legions are a reference to the demonic hordes under the rule of Lucifer.

Mark 5:6-9
Seeing Yahshua from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; and shouting with a loud voice, he said, "What business do we have with each other, Yahshua, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!" For He had been saying to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" And He was asking him, "What is your name?" And he said to Him, "My name is Legion; for we are many."

Lest some should think that a group like Arch Enemy is obscure, they need only look to how many views there are on YouTube for their posted songs. The videos have been viewed by millions. They are clearly demonic. The lead singer, though female, sounds like a demon possessed male as she screeches out the lyrics of the songs. As one reads the lyrics it is apparent that they are spoken by Satan, and his legions. If you want to know plainly what Satan is speaking at this hour, the same message that is cryptically set forth at the Olympics, read the following lyrics from the following songs that appear on the Khaos Legions album.

Arch Enemy - Khaos Legions Album

Note the rings in this image above. The smaller rings are reminiscent of the Olympic rings. The large ring in the center is reminiscent of The London Eye whose image was included in the closing ceremony. It is perhaps not coincidental that the people on the cover are wearing gas masks, and it was reported that the shooter in Aurora at the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises also was wearing a gas mask. Also note the combat gear, flak jacket, etc., which the shooter also was reported to be wearing. This gives one an indication of the type of chaos that is coming.

Song One
Khaos Overture

From the ashes of a corrupt undying world
They raise like a phoenix
A godless entity
They are the Khaos Legions
[End of Song]

Now consider the image at the end of the closing ceremony as the Olympic cauldron was being extinguished. Arising from the flames was the image of a phoenix.

Phoenix Rising

Remember that this entire Olympics contained rituals and images relating to calling forth evil spirits. This included a special bell fashioned for these events that was inscribed with the words of Caliban, the spawn of the devil, from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. This bell was rung at the open and close of the games. Bells are used in occult rituals to enhance communication between the human realm and the spirit realm. All of England was invited to join in the bell ringing at 8:12 A.M. at the start of the Olympics and I believe the summons was answered on August 12 (8/12) at the close of the Olympics. Read again the lyrics to this song:

From the ashes of a corrupt undying world
They raise like a phoenix
A godless entity
They are the Khaos Legions

It is hard to discern the darkness of this evil group and its music by reading the lyrics alone. I am including a link to a YouTube video with the next song from this album. I warn the reader that the video is spiritually dark and may be disturbing to some. The lyrics are written as if they are being spoken by Satan and his demonic hordes.

Song Two
Yesterday Is Dead And Gone
http://youtu.be/rRkc08_dR-0



The fire's inside us tonight
These bridges will burn so bright
Tomorrow bears our name
No more power games

Reaching for the light beyond
We will rise through the dark again (Reference to The Dark Knight Rises)
Ready to fight for what we believe to be right
Yesterday is dead and gone

Rattling the chains - shaking the cage
Heed our war cry
Let there be no doubt - we want out
This is reckoning day

We are standing in the flames
Reaching for the sky
Fight to the end
Yesterday is dead and gone

Under a blood red sky
Our voice will be heard in a world

Where compassion is lost (See Matthew 24:12)
You try to control us
This is so absurd
Freedom will be won at any cost

Yesterday is dead and gone
[End of Song]

Did you note the words “Freedom will be won at any cost”? The word Freedom was displayed in huge letters across the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremonies.

People of God, this is not a declaration of freedom for liberty loving mankind. It is a declaration of demonic liberation. The Khaos Legions are coming forth and the result will be repression for Christians and all who stand for morality and righteousness. The freedom being declared is the demonic kind. It is unrestrained immorality. It is violence and decadence in the extreme. This is the freedom born out of rebellion towards Yahweh and the kingdom of His Son. This becomes very evident in the third song from this album.

Song Three
Bloodstained Cross

Gripping the strength of belief
Old tales and lies you trust (Mocking the gospel message)
In the end there is no relief
A final breath you're breathing dust (speaking of Christ’s final breath on the cross)

Get up off your praying knees (a message to Christians)
The door is about to slam shut
Armageddon, drawing near (Song “Armagideon Time” is flipside of London Calling)
As darkness engulfs your soul

All the prayers in this world
Won’t help you now

You deceived, they believed
In your bloodstained cross (An accusation against the Son of God)
You deceived, they believed
In your bloodstained cross

A perverted truth your reality
Forced your beliefs on the weak
Power twisted by years of abuse
The strong shall inherit the meek

Get up off your praying knees
The door is about to slam shut
Armageddon, drawing near
As darkness engulfs your soul

All the prayers in this world
Won’t help you now

You deceived, they believed
In your bloodstained cross
You deceived, they believed
In your bloodstained cross

You deceived, they believed
In your bloodstained cross
You deceived, they believed
In your bloodstained cross

All the prayers in this world
Won't help you now
[End of Song]

These are the words of the legions that have been summoned forth. Their hatred toward Yahweh, and defiant spirit is revealed in the fourth song from the album.

Song Four
Under Black Flags We March

Your hate is our trigger
Revolution now
The more we have to suffer
The more we will fight

With our fists up in the air!

Legions marching ready to fire
These streets will burn - let the black flag rise
Legions marching ready to fire
Empires of corruption - crash and fall

Under black flags we march...

The voice of rebellion calls your name
Servants of the truth are standing tall

With our fists up in the air!

Legions marching ready to fire
These streets will burn - let the black flag rise
Legions marching ready to fire
Empires of corruption - crash and fall

Legions marching ready to fire
These streets will burn - let the black flag rise
Legions marching ready to fire
Empires of corruption - crash and...
[End of Song]

People of God, this is not only the message plainly declared on this album, it is the message that was set forth at the Olympics in its various ceremonies. The streets will burn. Remember the molten metal flowing in the streets in the opening ceremony to form the Olympic ring? Remember the images of the dark satanic mills and the smell of sulphur pumped into the stadium? Remember the many images of death among children and adults? Satan is declaring that mankind’s worst nightmare is coming even as the children in the opening ceremony were oppressed by evil images in their dreams.

Following are the words to the fifth song from the Khaos Legions album.

Song Five
No Gods, No Masters

Here I am, back to the wall,
I picked the fight against the time,
Free at last I go my own way,
I will resist them, till the day I die,
I am who I am; my time has come. (Note that “I am who I am” is mimicking what Yahweh said of Himself to Moses.)

I am who I am, take it or leave it, (Satan declares himself god of this world)
A rebel at heart,
No gods, no masters,
My time has come.

There is no second place,
No perfect world,
Your head is whole,
Freedom in your heart,
Be strong; take this chance,
Make your way; a better future comes.
I am who I am; my time has come.

I am who I am, take it or leave it,
A rebel at heart,
No gods, no masters,
My time has come.
No gods, no masters.

What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
Locked and loaded ready to strike,
You stand loud and proud, united as one.

I am who I am, take it or leave it,
A rebel at heart,
No gods, no masters,
My time has come.
[End of song]

I am going to include one last song from this album. It is number 13, which is a number of great significance to Satanists. This song expresses the heart of Satan and the great wrath He has toward God and His people at this hour. Before reading it, let me remind you of the song that was chosen by the Olympic Committee as its main theme. This song titled Survival by the group Muse gives voice to Satan. It speaks of the spirit of vengeance. This song was played every time the athletes entered the Olympic Stadium. Following is a portion of that song.

Muse – Survival Lyrics

Race, life’s a race
And I am gonna win
Yes, I am gonna win

And I’ll light the fuse
And I’ll never lose
And I choose to survive
Whatever it takes
You won’t pull ahead
I’ll keep up the pace
And I’ll reveal my strength
To the whole human race
Yes I am prepared
To stay alive
I won’t forgive, the vengeance is mine
And I won’t give in
Because I choose to thrive
[End Lyrics]

Song thirteen on the Khaos Legions album is titled Vengeance is Mine. Again, these words are spoken in mockery of Yahweh as Satan speaks them in defiance. The Scriptures state:

Romans 12:19
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Here is Satan’s declaration:

Song Thirteen
Vengeance Is Mine

Infestation
Of spirit and flesh

Indignation
Is all you left me with

Domination
Your ultimate goal

Transmigration
You will lose control

I will rise up and prove you wrong
I have been waiting in the shadows for too long

The gates are opening - My true self unleashed

Laceration
Of my mind and soul

Alteration
Your truth is full of lies

Liberation
Sweet revenge is mine

Devastation
You will burn in my hell

I will rise up and prove you wrong
I have been waiting in the shadows for too long

The gates are opening - My true self unleashed

Vengeance is mine!

The gates are opening - My true self unleashed
[Source: http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/archenemy/khaoslegions.html]

Satan’s true self was declared to us by the Son of God. It was Yahshua who said:

John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy...”

John 8:44
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Yes, now the true nature of Satan will be seen. He will come forth with great wrath knowing that his time is short. The ceremony and rites have been held. Satan’s legions have been summoned. Now the world will see what it is they have invited into their homelands.

A rite was carried out after this Olympics that has not been performed before. The Olympic cauldron was constructed of 204 smaller cauldrons. Each one was shaped like the thorn from a rose.

The 204 individual copper “thorns” are being sent home to each of the 204 nations that participated in the Olympics. Thorns are used in Satanic rites to symbolize “vengeance.” Woe to the nations, for they have brought fire into their bosoms. Satan has great wrath, and his time is short. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy.

Let the reader know that the hour is late. Let Yahweh be your refuge. Seek Him while He may be found.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

The Hearing Ear - Part 6

Joseph Herrin (08-11-2012)

Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made them both.

Let us suppose that a child of God has acknowledged the cost of Christian discipleship and they have accepted it. They have surrendered their life to be led of the Spirit wherever He would guide them, and to do whatever He would ask them to do. This same one has responded in obedience to the things Christ has commanded them to do. They have not shrank back from costly obedience, and have denied their own desires that they might do the will of Christ.

There will be times when such ones will find that Yahweh is silent in their lives. They may find themselves in some difficulty, or distress, they may be facing some decision that needs to be made quickly, yet despite all their prayers the heavens remain silent.

It is not uncommon for a Christian who is leading a surrendered life to find themselves in such a quandary. There are times when one will be pursuing fervently obedience to Christ and yet they find that everything seems to be falling apart around them. Their mind may be in perplexity, not understanding why things are occurring for they cannot identify any overt sin, their heart does not convict them of having gone astray in any matter of obedience.

Consider the plight of the disciples as they were crossing the Sea of Galilee at night in a boat and a tremendous storm arose. On this particular occasion Yahshua was with them in the boat, but He was sleeping. As they labored to cross the sea a fierce storm arose so that they feared they would be swamped, yet still Christ slept.

Have you had occasions in your life when some storm was brewing in your home, at your place of employment, in your health, your finances, or some other area, and it seemed God was sleeping? No matter how hard you labored to stay afloat in the midst of the storm it seemed as if you were all alone. You knew God was present, but He was doing nothing to deliver you. At such times Yahweh is testing our faith.

I can remember many occasions, following my surrender in 1999 to follow the Lord wherever He directed, when I was faced with a great trial of faith. I had a wife, and two children, and we were often in some peril. If God did not come through we would surely suffer harm, or loss. Yet Yahweh delayed.

I was very much a man of prayer in those days. I clung desperately to the hem of Christ’s garment. I would daily beseech Him to send forth deliverance, provision, or to give some added assurance of His direction for our lives. Yahshua was truly faithful, for He did not permit us to perish. However, He was not always timely according to my expectation. There were many times when He let our bills get behind.

I remember one day when an employee of the electric utility showed up to disconnect our power. I was three weeks late in paying the bill. Every day this matter weighed upon my mind and I sought the Father for His provision. I was working a part time job as a college instructor and I received a paycheck once a month. As days turned into weeks, I had no money to pay the bill and the Spirit restrained me from seeking additional employment. I prayed for God to intervene, to manifest His provision, or to keep the lights on by some means. Finally, there was only one more day until I would be paid and I thought Yahweh had spared us by causing the power company to overlook the fact that we were behind in payment. Yet, that very day a man showed up to cut off the power.

Not knowing what else to do, I walked outside to speak to the man. I explained that I would be paid the next day and would go immediately and pay the bill. I was shown grace as the man said that since he had never been to my house before for non-payment he would not turn the power off that day. The next day the bill was paid. All through this trial the Lord was silent. He spoke nothing to me. He sent no additional provision. He provided me no assurances that all would be okay.

Yet, as I considered my situation I knew that I was walking the path Yahweh had appointed to me. I had not deviated from His will. I had been careful in my expenditures, and daily I was seeking to walk in obedience to Him. I also knew that it was NOT His will that I announce to others that I had a need, and it was His Spirit that forbid me to seek additional work to earn more money.

Why would Yahweh reward my obedience with such trials and difficulties, for they were frequent and unrelenting? Added to my burden was the criticism of family, friends and even Christians who viewed my life and condemned me. They would urge me to follow common sense and go find a better job and earn more money. Yet, Yahweh had only temporarily granted me part-time employment. Soon He would require me to lay even this aside and to trust Him once more for all the needs of my family.

I often felt like I was hanging on a cross as those around me were hurling reproaches and insults. How I longed to come down off the cross. I knew I could choose to do so, but it would be an act of disobedience. It was a fear of God and a deep desire to not fall short of His will that kept me walking that path appointed to me. I also bore the burden of knowing that my actions and choices would affect my wife and children. I wanted to provide them an example of one who would endure suffering and not shrink back from the afflicted path. I feared lest my own disobedience in abandoning the afflicted path should lead to the same action in their lives. That was a burden of guilt I did not wish to bear.

Hebrews 10:36-39
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: "For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Yes, we have need of endurance. “For yet a little while” Yahweh will test us and try us. He may be silent as we endure many trials and face numerous decisions. If we know we are following the path He has appointed to us, then there is no need for Him to tell us again that this is the way. We should not expect that obedience will result in calm winds and smooth seas. Yahweh must perfect our faith and test our hearts to see if we will remain faithful to do that which He has commanded.

I thought much on these matters when this walk was new to me. I wanted to understand my way, and also to encourage others who were facing similar trials. During one particular season of waiting on God when many threats and pressures were weighing hard on me I wrote the following article.

Waiting, the Ultimate Test!
Joseph Herrin (6-5-2000)

This test has been the most excruciating of all. I have been tempted repeatedly to throw in the towel. At times, only a tremendous fear of missing the will of God and being disqualified to be a partaker of the things reserved for overcomers has kept me to the course. As one of God’s prophetesses has recently stated, “Only those who finish the course receive the prize. Don’t quit half way through the race.”

The test I am speaking of is waiting. I am now in the eighth month of waiting. The trial has been severe because God has selected a path for me that would bring me into opposition with all around me. Christian brothers and sisters have judged me to be in great disobedience. I have been characterized as arrogant and prideful and wicked. My own family has judged me to be deluded and some have even questioned whether or not I was ever truly saved.

Does this worry you? Do you wonder why so many would judge a Christian brother to be in such gross disobedience? Are you affected by the preponderance of negative opinion? Certainly so many could not be wrong, could they?

Consider Joshua and Caleb returning with 10 other spies to look over the land of their promised inheritance. The land was a veritable fortress. There were walled cities and warriors of great size in the land. Joshua and Caleb did not deny this. They believed, however, that their God was bigger than these obstacles and that the giants before them would simply become their prey.

Not so, the other 10 spies. They judged by appearance. They looked at themselves and were made weak. In their own strength they perceived that they would fail and their own strength was all they had. They had not learned how to exhibit confidence in an almighty God. The rest of Israel gave way to the same fears.

Some have estimated that Israel consisted of nearly 3 million people at this time. Joshua and Caleb stood against the opinion of 3 million of their brothers and sisters. What arrogance, what pride for these two to believe that they were right when so many said that they were dead wrong. In fact, those who said they were wrong wished them to be dead. It is recorded that they spoke of stoning them. I have been stoned with the rocks of accusation and insult. It hurts. Some of the bruises don’t go away very quickly. Some are deep bruises.

Consider David when he was yet a youth. He is sent to the site of battle to carry food to his brothers and to bring back news of their welfare to his father. He finds all of the army of Israel hiding behind rocks as the champion of the Philistines comes out daily to challenge and taunt them. David hears that King Saul has offered a reward to any Israelite warrior who will challenge Goliath and slay him. He even has offered one of his daughters as part of the reward. David hears of this and is incredulous.

David is not intimidated. He hears the taunt of Goliath and is filled with indignation. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine who defies the armies of the LIVING GOD?” David cannot believe that such a reward has been offered to kill him. This idolater has defied the true God. His protection has been removed. He will become a prey to a warrior of the true and living God.

David’s oldest brother Eliab overhears David as he talks to the soldiers about the reward offered to kill Goliath. David’s words are bold and Eliab becomes angry. Eliab felt justified to hide behind the rocks every day. Goliath is huge. David’s fearless words sting and Eliab begins to accuse David of evil.

1 Samuel 17:28
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger burned against David and he said, "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle."

After all, who did David think he was. The entire army of Israel was cowed before Goliath. David was surely just exhibiting arrogance and pride. He was deluded to think that he could slay Goliath. He was but a youth. The opinion of all Israel was against him. Why did he think he was right?

No, being in the minority doesn’t mean you are in the right, but being in the majority doesn’t either. One must look at the issues involved. One must see what emotions and physical and spiritual forces are shaping opinion. Fear and a desire for self-preservation were very evident in the majority in both cases mentioned. Courage and confidence in God was present in the minority.

What do you suppose the percentages are today? Do the majority of Christians express confidence in God? Are they stepping courageously out in faith, entrusting themselves to an almighty and loving God? No, most are rather choosing to play it safe. They are given to pursuing the “prudent” path. What then do you suppose their response will be to a brother or sister who wants to face the giant?

It is hard, however, to face such opposition from brothers and sisters and family over a prolonged period of time. It wears at one. It is easy to give into despair when you have taken a stand that requires courage and confidence and then God delays in bringing about your vindication. Even Abraham had difficulty in waiting. At times it seems that desperation assails you. It is best not to make decisions in these moments. Stand firm. Wait. The answer is coming.
   
Isaiah 40:31
Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me the strength to endure the test. Give me the fortitude to finish the race. Though I stumble, give me the courage and resolve to get up again and return to the race. Consider my frame, that I am but dust. However, I desire to be courageous dust. I desire to be bold dust. I desire to be dust that brings glory to You. Breathe Your breath upon me and cause me to stand. Cause your resurrection life to renew me and bring forth fresh vitality. My eyes are upon You, Father. You are my shield and my buckler. You are my strong tower and my fortress. Cover me over with the pinions of your wings. Hide me from the power of the evil one. Do not let my enemies triumph over me. My eyes are on You. My eyes are on You. Lift up my head once more and set my feet upon the solid Rock.
Amen
[End Article]

During this same season of testing I published yet another article based upon the lessons the Father was teaching me.

The Untimeliness of God
Joseph Herrin (6-7-2000)

It has been prophesied by some in recent days that the Father is preparing a group of His children to be able to walk in tremendous callings in the days ahead. This group will be a type of firstfruits. It was common in the land of Judah and Israel for the people to plant an early crop of barley, only to plow it under when it began to reach maturity. This sacrificial crop enriched the soil, preparing the way for an even greater wheat harvest which would follow.

I believe the group God is raising up at this time corresponds to the barley crop. God will use them to prepare the way for a tremendous wheat harvest which will follow. As ministers of God, they will devote themselves to the Lord’s purposes in them of ushering in the great last days harvest and in bringing forth beauty in the Bride of Christ.

Part of the preparation of this group is removing all religious thought and reasoning from them. These false thoughts born of man’s reasoning and fleshly desire will be replaced with the true knowledge of God. One particular tenet of religious thought that the Father is revealing in my life, and I believe in the lives of many others, is that God’s will can be recognized by timeliness and sufficiency of His provision. We are taught that if God’s provision for us comes through for us in a timely manner, then it is proof of His will. If His provision tarries past some immovable physical deadline, it is proof that He would have the need met in some other fashion.

My particular crucible of testing involves trusting God for financial resources. Nearly eight months ago God told me to leave my job as a PC Coordinator with a local hospital. He indicated at the time that He would take me into a new realm of ministry involving writing, speaking and whatever else He would bring to me. God confirmed this direction in my life many times over. It was a tremendous step of faith for me, so I asked Him to confirm His will many times. This He very graciously did. After a point, though, He quit reassuring me and left me to exercise faith in the path He had set before me.

During this time I have had no regular financial support. I am not a paid staff member of any church. Being 39 years old, I am much too young to collect retirement. To add to the trial, I am married and have two children, ages 10 and 12, who rely upon my provision for them. My wife does not work outside the home, rather she finds her employment in home schooling our children and fulfilling the other responsibilities of being a wife and a mother.

As I said, it was eight months ago that I left my job at the Father’s leading, and during this time we have not lacked for food, clothing, transportation, shelter, or any other basic need of life. However, God’s provision has not always been timely. On occasion my home mortgage and other bills have been in serious arrears before God’s provision was manifested. At one point my mortgage payment was 3 months delinquent and I received a notice of pending foreclosure proceedings before God’s provision was manifested.

The testimony of nearly one and all, both within the church and without, is that if God had truly led me to walk as I am, His provision would be both timely and amply sufficient. Indeed, many of the churches I have been in have taught that one of the primary ways to discern God’s will in the life of the believer is to see if His provision is manifested in a timely and sufficient manner. Is this religious thinking, or does it reflect the true knowledge of God and His dealings with mankind?

It would certainly be nice if this were true. It would mean that those who are walking in obedience to God will never know lack, nor will they ever have to wait an undue amount of time to see God fulfill His word to them. Unfortunately, for those who wish this to be true, the Bible reveals that this is not the case.

One of the clearest examples in scripture is Abraham. God gave him a promise of a son. Abraham waited and waited. He knew at some point that he would pass a line of physical possibility. At some point his body would grow old and no longer be capable of reproduction. Abraham and Sarah waited as long as they could. The deadline was at hand. Sarah, being the dutiful wife, finally suggested that Abraham do something she really wished he would never have to do. Sarah was cutting her own throat. She was suggesting that her husband have a child by another woman. Physically, she could see no other way. Isn’t God a timely God? Wouldn’t He fulfill His promise to her husband while he was still capable of having children? This must be the only way.

Of course we know the story. Abraham listened to Sarah and had a child by her handmaiden. God then appeared to Abraham again and told him that this child was not the promised one. Whoops! If this wasn’t the promised one, where would he arise from. Abraham was now past the point of having children, and so was Sarah.

Romans 4:19
And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb...

God was very untimely (according to man’s expectation) in fulfilling His promise to Abraham and Sarah. Something must have clicked in Abraham’s thinking at this time. He realized he and Sarah were too old to have children, but God was still saying they would. God must not have been limited to perform His word within a time frame of physical possibility. It must have occurred to Abraham that God’s word can be accomplished past what we would consider a point of no return.

This sort of messes up the nice religious theory that God’s will can be recognized by its timeliness. The scriptures also show that God’s will cannot be recognized by its sufficiency. Paul said:

Philippians 4:10-12
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

Paul said that he at times knew humble or lean times. He experienced going hungry and suffering need. Those who support the theory that provision indicates whether one is in God’s will would have to conclude that Paul was outside of the will of God. “Why Paul, don’t you know that if you were really doing what God called you to do that God’s provision would be present in your life?”

Those who preach a prosperity gospel have somehow overlooked much of the testimony of scripture. We don’t like to wait upon God. We don’t like to think that at some point we might endure lack or hunger. It is easier on our flesh to teach that God will always bless us with an on-time abundance of the things we need. By teaching this we are justified to go out and obtain what we need after our own fashion when we perceive that God hasn’t met our need, or satisfied our longing, to the degree, or with the expedience we expected.

We may ask, “What could it hurt to try to help God out some if we perceive a real need and God’s provision is absent?” The account of King Saul’s failure to wait for God’s provision should provide us reason to hesitate to “help God out.” The story of King Saul’s failure to wait upon God is familiar to most saints. I have heard it frequently taught on. I think most saints are much too hard on Saul. I know few who would not cave in to the same pressure.

Saul’s son Jonathan had just gone and raided a Philistine garrison and had achieved a decent victory. This angered the Philistines. They called their whole army together. There numbers were tremendous.  “Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance...” (I Samuel 13:5).

How many people did Saul have. We are told that there were 2,000 men with Saul and 1,000 with Jonathan. King Saul was vastly outnumbered. The people with him saw this and it is said that those following him “trembled.” They were scared to death. Things then began to deteriorate. Saul’s army began to slip off and disappear.

1 Samuel 13:6-7
When the men of Israel saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear.

Now, it is bad enough to be outnumbered and to have the numbers get worse and worse (it got to the point that Saul only had 600 men left, 4 out of 5 of his soldiers deserted), but to have the ones who remained “quaking with fear” made it even worse. Who was there to encourage and embolden Saul? Who was there to tell him to stand fast and trust in the Lord? Few of God’s saints today have ever been put in such dire straits.

Saul rightly knew that only God could deliver Israel in such a situation. It was customary to entreat the Lord’s favor before entering a battle. The king, however, was not to offer the burnt offering. It was pre-arranged that the prophet Samuel would show up and make the offering and entreat the Lord’s favor. Saul waited seven days, the days agreed upon for Samuel to arrive. When Samuel didn’t show up on time, Saul could endure the wait no longer.

It must be said that it was a tremendous test for Saul to wait even seven days. Each day he received reports of more Philistines gathering and more of his army fleeing. Saul was surrounded by terrified men. A seven day wait had to have been agonizing, but Saul waited these seven days. However, Saul had a point past which he could wait no longer. His endurance had limits to it.

I Samuel 13:11-12
Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering."

In actuality, Saul seems to have done the prudent thing. Certainly, he felt justified in his own eyes. Things started out bad and they were falling apart. In very little time Saul anticipated having no men left at all. The Philistines could come against him at any moment. In offering up the burnt offering he was seeking the Lord’s favor. There was only one thing wrong, Saul was not permitted to perform the sacrifice.

It is apparent here that in God’s sight, the end does not justify the means. Samuel told Saul,

I Samuel 13:13-14
"You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command."

It is interesting to note that if Samuel had shown up at the appointed time that Saul would have appeared to be the most godly of men. He had faithfully waited seven days under the most trying conditions when all were deserting him. How many of us appear godly when God is on time? How many of us look like heroes when God meets us according to our expectation? But what if God’s answer is delayed; what will be revealed to be in our heart? Will we also feel “compelled” to do that which we know in our heart is wrong? Selah.

Prayer:
Father, give your servants the strength and confidence in you to wait upon your provision. Keep us from presumption. Father, protect us from the terror that comes upon us suddenly. May we not be moved, but may we find peace attending our way as we fix our eyes upon you.

Father, instruct us that we might acquire the same peace that Your Son had, sleeping in the bow of the boat while the storm raged and others’ hearts were filled with fear. As the popular song of one of your handmaidens says, “You have been my Lord and Savior; won’t you be my Prince of Peace.”

Father, we ask for your peace that we might persevere in the storms and trials of life. Out of our confidence in You, may we be preserved in the day of testing.
Amen
[End Article]

Brothers and sisters, there are times when our spiritual hearing is functioning quite well, but God is not answering our urgent pleas and petitions. Yet, if we will quiet our souls, in the silence we will learn much. Yahweh will instruct us in His ways and we will come to discern the purpose of our trials.

There are times when Yahweh does not speak to us when matters are urgent. This is often for the perfecting of our faith. Do not permit yourself to be driven into some hasty action by the pressures exerted upon your soul. Do not choose a course different from that which Yahweh has set you on. In a little while He will come. We need not be upbraided as Peter was when his faith fled away as he looked at the wind and the waves about him.

Matthew 14:31
"You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Our faith is precious to the Father and He will surely try it. In the silence let us stand firm in faith and not shrink back.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063