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Crisis in the Book of Revelation

by Asher Intrater
written by Asher Intrater

These past few weeks we have reported on several urgent situations. Rekindled fires in the hills around Jerusalem continue to require firefighters’ attention. A surge in COVID 19 cases continues to put pressure on Israeli citizens.

 

On the worldwide scene, the takeover of the Afghanistan government by the Taliban has created a crisis emboldening terrorist extremists in the Middle East. Chaos and fear are swirling throughout the region. Believers are in real danger of persecution and in need of much prayer.

 

Revelation 8:7 – The first angel sounded: hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown to the earth. A third of the trees were burned up…

 

Obviously, we haven’t reached the level of disasters as noted even in the first trumpet. However, we are moving in that direction. World disasters will become increasingly more intense. One day there will be a war that will kill one third of the world population.

 

Revelation 9:15-16 – …were released to kill a third of mankind. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was 200,000,000. I heard the number.

 

A third of mankind would be approximately two billion people. An army of two hundred million will attack. Numbers for an army that size and the numbers killed of that size could potentially be fulfilled by an Islamic Jihad war against India-China-South East Asia. (Interestingly, the passage speaks of the origin of the army in the Euphrates area – verse 14.)

 

Revelation 3:10 – … I will protect you from the hour of trial which will come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth.

 

This verse does not mean that God will remove us from the planet, but that He will protect us during trials and tribulations. There is a specific time coming of worldwide disaster. The word “hour” does not mean 60 minutes; it does mean that the time will be relatively short, and it will be controlled and limited. Worldwide disaster is coming; it will be limited in time; God will protect us.

 

God does not call crises “disaster,” but “testing.” Despite the hardship and suffering, there will be a hidden purpose of God. There is one purpose toward “non-believers” and another for “believers.” Although most unbelievers will not respond correctly, God’s purpose is to convince them to repent of wickedness.

 

Revelation 9:20 – …the rest of mankind did not repent …

Revelation 9:21 – … they did not repent …

Revelation 16:9 – … they did not repent …

 

God’s purpose for the faithful believers is to forge them and refine them for their special destiny.

 

Revelation – 5:9-10 – You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation; and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.

 

The scroll of God contains His plan. The seals mean that this plan is hidden to most people. Yeshua, who opens the seals, brings God’s plan to come to pass. He reveals that plan to those who serve Him. This verse explains several key elements:

 

God has a plan. Things are not “going out of control.” God’s plan is not a spontaneous reaction to circumstances, but one that is prepared beforehand. The plan is so concrete that it is written down.

 

Yeshua is the victor. He opens the seals. He conquers sin and Satan; death and hell. He is the leader of the kingdom. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (verse 5).

 

We have a destiny. God is using the end times difficulties to purify and strengthen the heart of the righteous to be a special people, as priests and kings (spiritual and government leaders).

We will reign with Him. Our destiny is to rule in the world to come together with Yeshua. It is difficult now, but it will be worth it in the end.

 

Our destiny as a special chosen people to rule in the world to come together with Yeshua is repeated:

 

Revelation 20:4 – … They lived and reigned with Messiah for a thousand years.

 

We face times of increasing tribulation in the end times. Those tribulations are a judgment against the world; a purification of the Church; a preparation of a special people for God; and a warning for people of every nation to repent. The tribulations of the end times culminate in a massive world war in which all the nations attack Israel (Zechariah 14). At that time Yeshua will return as the head of the Church, the king of Israel, and the commander of Heaven’s army.

 

At that time the dead will be raised; the devil will be incarcerated; and the kingdom of God set up on earth for a thousand years, with its capital in Jerusalem. After that there will come an even better world, the New Creation and New Jerusalem.

 

Revelation 21:3-4 – The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them… God will wipe away every tear… There will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

 

There will be a perfect world for eternity. The Garden of Eden will be restored. There will be no pain or evil. Tribulation is temporary; while paradise is permanent. Let us be strong in our faith and endure to the end.

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New Christian songs
ArticlesVideo

10 New Christian Songs You Must Hear To Fight Loneliness Amidst COVID-19 Crisis

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

In the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic, every person needs encouragement. Perhaps, some might even be battling loneliness and suffering from anxiety. Thankfully right now, a lot of new Christian songs are helping us manage those overwhelming emotions. Feelings we cannot express but only through music. Thank God for these Spirit-filled songs!

New Christian Songs

If you feel down, or have been worried lately, you need to hear these encouraging songs. Here are ten of those new Christian music:

1. Dear God by Cory Asbury

This Christian song is about a believer striving to please God and felt like giving up. And how God lovingly responds to his honest confession to Him.

2. Peace by Bethel Music

The song that will surely flood peace to a heart that is overcome by fear and a mind that is overwhelmed by negativity.

Peace (Official Lyric Video) - Bethel Music feat. We The Kingdom | Peace

3. Your Will Be Done by CityAlight

A perfect song for someone lost, broken, fearful, and in doubt in the midst of what is going on in the world today.

Your Will be Done (Acoustic)

4. TOGETHER by for KING & COUNTRY

A song that was specially written for those who feel hopeless, lost, broken, and lonely because of the adverse effects of the pandemic. You are not alone, we are all in this together! There is hope.

for KING & COUNTRY - TOGETHER (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly) [Official Music Video]

5. Never Lost by Elevation Worship 

An uplifting song declaring one’s faith in God, believing God can do all things despite overwhelming hurdles in life.

Never Lost feat. Tauren Wells | Live | Elevation Worship

6. The Father’s House by Cory Asbury

A song you need to hear if you feel like you’re haunted by your failures and past mistakes. And that you can always come to the Father’s house if your burdens are weighing you down.

The Father's House (Live) - Cory Asbury

7. Champion by Bethel Music & Dante Bowe

A song that will remind you who you are in the sight of God, so you won’t dwell on those lies and ideas telling you that you are not enough.

Champion - Bethel Music & Dante Bowe

8. Promises by Maverick City

A song declaring God’s faithfulness over your life. And even in the storms of life, this song will remind you to stay steadfast in the LORD because He remains the same.

Promises (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL

9. Amadeo (Still My God) by Ryan Stevenson

You will find hope in this upbeat music, choosing to praise God and declaring He is still God amidst life’s uncertainties.

Ryan Stevenson - Amadeo (Still My God) Lyrics

10. The Blessing by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship

This song went viral shortly after it was posted on YouTube. Because this is not just a worship song. The lyrics are straight from the Scripture! Claim God’s promises and meditate on those promises through this music. It will surely encourage you!

The Blessing with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes | Live From Elevation Ballantyne | Elevation Worship

ALSO READ: 6 Powerful Christian Movies To Watch During Quarantine
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Articles

$350M Campaign By World Vision, To Fight Extreme Poverty Due To Coronavirus Crisis

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Christian humanitarian aid organization, World Vision, launches a historic $350 million campaign for 72 million people to fight against extreme poverty. Especially now that the progress of the advocacy for the poor is threatened due to the coronavirus global crisis.

According to World Vision President Edgar Sandoval, this campaign has become the organization’s “largest-ever global response” in their 70-year history. He told The Christian Post in an interview, “We are aiming to reach 72 million people, including 36 million children. To do this, we need to raise $350 million. And that’s what everyone is working hard to do — to raise the funds that we need to serve the most vulnerable.”

World Vision | Laura Reinhardt

Extreme Poverty

In 1990, 1.9 billion people were recorded to be living in extreme poverty, according to the World Bank. But in the recent estimates in 2015, the record dropped to 734 million people. That is to say, 36% of the people in the previous record has come out of extreme poverty.

The Incredible Story of One Man’s Mission to Rescue Thousands From Poverty

Hence, the President believes the world “could basically turn the clock back 30 years on extreme poverty if nothing is done.”

He pointed out, “This virus has the destructive power to potentially turn the clock back 30 years and all the progress that the world has made on eliminating extreme poverty. It is urgent that we respond and that we respond with this level of scale.”

Edgar Sandoval Sr., World Vision US president, and his daughter Andrea.

The Key Players 

Then he said that the pastors’ role is crucial in reaching out to the world’s most vulnerable.

“We know that pastors and other faith leaders can be a real power, force, in stopping COVID-19 because they have the position of trust in their communities and they can,” he said.

Further, he added, “Drawing from previous experience, this is not the first time that World Vision is partnering with pastors and other faith leaders. This is something we have done in every single pandemic that we faced. Whether it is HIV and AIDS, or the Zika or Ebola outbreaks, this is the model that works.”

Working Together

World Vision plans to mobilize its 37,000 staffers worldwide. They will work together with 400,000 pastors and other faith leaders as well, along with some 220,000 community health workers.

The Christian organization will focus on “promoting preventative measures to stop the spread of the virus. Supporting health systems and the workers that operate in those health systems. And addressing all the secondary impacts of the virus on children and communities.”

Edgar revealed, “Just in our first two months of [the pandemic] we’ve already equipped over 36,000 pastors and faith leaders to disseminate the first phase of our response.”

A Threat In Fighting Against Extreme Poverty

Moreover, whilst the global economy is suffering an immense recession during this pandemic, the World Bank predicts that “the poor could suffer.”

Also, the ongoing crisis could “erase almost all the progress made in the last five years,” according to the international monetary agency. For this reason, the agency estimates between 40 million to 60 million people will fall into extreme poverty this year.

“These are very different times and the amount of uncertainty is quite high,” he said. “World Vision has been focused on marching forward with its work through prayer, kindness, and a bias for action. “

Then he continued, “We believe this is our time. This is a time where every act of courage, love, and belief in the name of Jesus does more than just stop the spread of fear, it replaces it with hope.”

Source: The Christian Post

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Pastor Helps In Crisis
Articles

NY Pastor Honored For Tirelessly Serving Families Amid COVID-19 Crisis

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

A pastor in New York was honored with a parade in appreciation for his endless efforts to assist struggling families during COVID-19 crisis.

On May 5, a parade was organized to honor Pastor Francisco Fernandez. They did this in front of Iglesia Sol De Justicia, a small church in the heart of Brooklyn. Apparently,  people gathered and paraded their cars together. Then they honked the car horns while passengers applauded Pastor Francisco.

 

Serving Families In Need Amid Crisis

When the coronavirus outbreak began, it seemed that the pastor worked tirelessly to help families in need. He helped by distributing much-needed food and hygiene products to the people.

Sign Language Cover Of ‘Fight Song’ To Honor Frontliners Touches Millions

“The community’s greatest need right now is food,” he said in a statement. “They’re crying out for food. They’re hungry. This is a time we need to step out of the four walls.”

World Vision

Pastor Francisco partnered with World Vision, a Christian aid group in the relief efforts. According to CBN News, he worked with them to give families “emergency kits that contain enough food to feed a family of five for one week.”

Sandy Aguila-Rosa, manager of World Vision commended the pastor for his compassion for the community, which has suffered greatly during the pandemic.

“So many people were dying of COVID-19. And he was here working until midnight with his wife and some volunteers, delivering food to the people that wouldn’t come out because they were afraid,” she said. “He knew their need as well.”

Heart For The Homeless

Additionally, the pastor revealed how he could relate to the unlikely circumstance being that he was once homeless.

He said, “I know the need. I know what hunger is.” Then he continued, “I know what it is to go without food, without a place.”

Further, he added, “I always tell everybody, you know…to God be the glory of all things, you know, it’s not about me. It’s all about Him.”

“I’m no hero. I’m just God’s hands and feet where He needs me.”

Source: CBN News

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Articles

Son Spends Time With 87-Year-Old Mother With Alzheimers Amid Crisis

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

An elderly woman with Alzheimers got to  spend some quality time with her son. He agreed to her request to drive fast around the block amid the lockdown.

Hendrika lives in the Central Coast, Australia. She has Alzheimers disease. According the Shareably report, it is “a type of dementia that causes problems with a person’s memory, thinking, and behavior. It develops slowly and gets worse overtime.” The disease affects many elderly people across the globe. Despite old age, the disease causes many to act like a child.

A Son’s Love For Her Mom With Alzheimers

Now, this is the case of the 87-year-old mother, Hendrika. Amazingly, she has a son who spends time with her even amidst the pandemic crisis where people are told to stay indoors. 

Sweet Husband Sings Worship Song To Quarantined Wife Through Window

In the video posted on April 29, Jason, Hendrika’s sweet son gave in to his mother’s innocent request. He agreed to drive her around the streets of Central Coast, Australia. 

Driving Fast

Jason asked her, “You wanna’ go again?”

“Yes!” the sweet woman enthusiastically replied.

And when he stepped on the gas, Hendrika mimicked the growl of the engine like a child. Her son let out a small laugh of his mother’s delight.

Then once again, he asked her, “Do you want to go fast? You ready?”

She imitated the powerful engine’s sound again. The expression on her face shows how much she loves the fast drive.

Although the fairly new video has only one comment, it surely speaks volumes about a son doing the extra mile for his mother.

“What a beautiful soul you are, she is having the time of her life and it’s all due to a simple act. May God bless you both and keep you safe,” wrote Brian Ellison.

 

Source: Shareably

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Articles

89-Year-Old Grandma Sews Over 100 Masks To Help Amid COVID-19 Crisis

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Most people’s initial response to the spread of coronavirus was fear, panic, and how to seek protection and hide. But this 89-year-old grandma responded selflessly and thought of how she could help the people around her.

It is known to all that elderly people are most likely to be at risk when encountering COVID-19. That is why seniors are advised to be extra safe and careful. However, one elderly woman from Chicago, Illinois is making a difference.

Selfless Grandma

Facebook

Teresa Provo, also known as Grandma Terry, is making headlines for her selfless act amid the pandemic crisis. Unlike some who were demanding help, she never complained nor waited for anyone to come along and help her. Instead, the moment she heard that there was a shortage of masks and everything was on lockdown, she took the initiative to help. She immediately thought of her family and other people around the world and responded to the need.

Police Officers Pray Together For Fellow Officer Affected By COVID-19

This 89-year-old woman saw the crisis as an opportunity to aid others. And she began making her own masks because her first thought was to protect others when the pandemic broke out.

“First, she found all of the fabric she could. Then she proceeded to sew masks for all of her family members and friends — adding up to about 50 masks total,” reported Shareably.

The selfless grandma then mailed everyone all over the country from Chicago, Wisconsin, Florida, Minnesota and California that her masks are all ready to go.

Photo | Good News Network

 

Proactive To Help

Despite the threat in her health for people like her age, Grandma Terry never resorted to the full-on panic mode. Amazingly, she became proactive to help others in any way that she could.

Moreover, she even went the extra mile to personalize each mask according to the person’s favorite sports team. Also, the sweet grandma included handwritten notes.

The news went around about her doing such a noble act. So when a group of elderly people called “Red Hat Club” heard of what she did, they decided to join her cause. Now, Grandma Terry, along with the Red Hat Club, made masks for the nursing home residents in Chicago, Illinois. As a result, they made over 600 masks.

“It took us two weeks, but we get ‘em done,” she said. “I’m still working on some.”

Apparently, Grandma Terry is making sewing her hobby in this time of isolation. She is indulging herself towards her sewing machine which has “basically been a savior during this time.”

Source: Shareably

Read Also: New Jersey Teens Helps Medical Teams And Small Businesses Amidst COVID-19 Crisis

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Spontaneous Worship
ArticlesVideo

A Spontaneous Worship Amidst COVID-19 Crisis

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Perhaps boredom is filling the homes of millions today due to the  “Stay at Home” measure enforced in different places around the world. But some Christians desire that every home be filled with prayer and worship despite the global pandemic crisis.

The spontaneous worship posted by Cageless Birds invites viewers to spend time in worship and prayer amid the COVID-19 crisis. Well-known worship leaders like Jonathan and Melissa Helser and Amanda Cook joined the powerful worship.

Heaven’s Perspective

“At the beginning of the COVID Crisis, before our home state of NC issued a Stay at Home order, we felt the urgency to gather together – to worship, sing and pray over our nation and the nations of the world. Our only agenda was to get Heaven’s perspective and the mind of the Lord for this moment in time,” they captioned in the YouTube video.

Sweet Husband Sings Worship Song To Quarantined Wife Through Window

The Christian worshipers desire to fill homes with faith and hope regardless of what is currently happening. And propel individuals to contend for “communities and families as we all wait for breakthrough.”

So this is the perfect time that we go deeper in worship and pray in humility to God.

As 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, “I [God] have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.“

Spontaneous Worship during Covid Crisis | Jonathan and Melissa Helser & Cageless Birds | Amanda Cook

Impact Of Worship

One coronavirus front-liner who works in the hospital commented, “Thanks so much for posting this. I’m playing it in the hospital where I work.”

Another shared, “This reminds me of the time when Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God in prison. This quarantine feels like a prison. But we can use this time wisely by inviting Jesus in and by praying and singing hymns to Him. He’s worthy to be praised in season and out of season. And we just don’t know what kind of doors can come open after this.”

But indeed, this is a season to declare the goodness of God and the hope that is in Him despite this unfortunate event. May God be glorified in our lives!

Read Also: Justin Bieber Hosts Online Worship Service For 150 Million Followers

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Crisis
Faith

God Help! I’m in a Crisis

by Kylé Adcock
written by Kylé Adcock

Have you ever been in a crisis in your life? Are you going through a crisis now? Have you felt so overwhelmed when everything hits you all at once?

Stop right there

God already knew this moment would happen. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe you are in God’s testing ground? Have you ever thought that maybe God is testing your reactions. Or perhaps you haven’t listened to God’s prior instructions in your life and God is just trying to get your attention.

Or perhaps the outcome to the solution was not what you wanted. Perhaps you did nothing wrong and you are in a situation you didn’t ever expect to find yourself in. Or perhaps your decision snowballed into something you did not want or ever expect  it to.

Wait on God

What? Did you just tell me to wait on God? Yes that is exactly what I am telling you. Not so easy is it?

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT ON GOD?  I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO?

Sometimes God sorts your situation better than you can. Sometimes, in the stillness of listening to the whispering’s of the Holy Spirit all you have to do is be still. Sometimes that means you either need to keep praying, or do what God told you to do last. Often we forget the last instruction God gave us. Have you ever prayed THY WILL BE DONE in the Lord’s prayer? Sometimes if God’s will and your will do not  align, God stops. He waits until you are in His will. God does take your prayers seriously, so you also need to be careful what you say when you pray.

In the meantime, what do I do?

  • “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:19)
  • “Be Still and Know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
  • “Praise God in every circumstance…” (1 This 5:18)
  •  “Do not give up in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:8)

Ok now you probably thinking really? I must sit and do nothing? Well here is a vital lesson in the spiritual realm.  Satan would love you to lose your temper and make things worse. It is often far harder to have self control in situations. Remember Satan is not in hell. He goes about roaring like a lion on this earth to and fro, seeking those he may devour. Satan is also the accuser of the brethren.

Yes, that means he tells God, “look what your Christians are doing.” Sometimes he’s right but mostly he’s a liar. Remember, God has you covered by the power of the Blood of Jesus.

Obedience is vital

Did you know that your biggest attack comes before your greatest breakthrough? Did you know that Satan’s traps or set ups can be turned around to God’s lift offs in your life?

Have you put on your armour? Do you do this daily? Wait… what armour? I am not in the army?

Ephesians 6:10 to the end of the chapter, speaks about putting on your spiritual armour. You are in spiritual warfare. You need to keep in prayer, say little and pray a lot.

“For we wrestle not in flesh and blood but in every evil work. where there is confusion, strife and envy there is every evil work.”

Persevere

Having done all to stand, STAND.  God will keep you safe in the midst of the storm.

GO TO YOUR QUIET PLACE

God is waiting to hear from you. He is waiting to hear Him being praised and thanked before you have the answer. Do not forget God’s eye is constantly on you. Isn’t this wonderful?

Why? Because God honours the praises of His people. You show faith in action just by praising God. You need to fight the GOOD fight of faith. This is when God smiles. This is when God honours your faith. God see’s your tears. God does see all.  Praise Him till you have your breakthrough.

This article was written by Kylé Adcock who is a singer songwriter based in South Africa. She studied singing at Trinity College, London and is a vocal coach at Kylé Music, raising up a new generation of recording artists and worship leaders.

 

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News

Was Jesus a Refugee?

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

What is a refugee?

Let’s begin by investigating what the definition of a “refugee” is for starters. It’s very easy to begin a conversation about an idea and the two people in the discussion have two completely different definitions. Merriam Webster’s definition is: A refugee is a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution

Refugee: a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution

Let’s examine the Word pertaining the move to Egypt and the circumstances surrounding their reasons for departure.

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:13-16)

Based on Merriam Webster’s definition of refugee, Jesus absolutely qualifies. He and His parents fled because of Herod and the impending decree to kill the male born children under two. They fled Israel and went to another country – Egypt.

Christians and refugees

God establishes nations and defines them by borders and boundary lines while advocating helping the stranger and foreigner.

What’s the role for Christians surrounding the topic of refugees, foreigners, and immigrants? Certainly, it’s a delicate conversation. God establishes nations and defines them by borders and boundary lines while advocating helping the stranger and foreigner. First, it seems Christians are to pray. Lift up the entire situation to the Lord in prayer. Pray for the leaders of the nation making important decisions surrounding the safety of the nation. Pray for those who have lost their homes. Keep in mind, the responsibility of helping refugees is not necessarily the governments, but that of followers of Jesus. God instructed His people to care for the foreigner and sojourner. Ask the Lord what your role in this conversation might be? How could you lend a hand? Maybe it’s giving to an organization helping feed refugees? There’s a multitude of possibilities in which we can contribute to helping those in need.

Personal reflection

What might the Lord be asking of you right now?

“He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. “Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)

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