Wake up, Church! The Alarm Has Already Sounded

Imagine you’re the boss of a large company and one day while walking around the jobsite you discover some of your employees asleep. Perhaps you’re a merciful person and, after waking them up and warning them not to repeat the offense, you move on.

But they don’t stop taking naps while they’re supposed to be working.

Someone else catches them at it again, sleeping right out in the open as if it were perfectly acceptable and they had no reason to be concerned about anything. But once more they get off with a warning.

Then a day comes when something goes wrong in their area and a raging fire breaks out. Perhaps it happens because of their inattention, perhaps not. Regardless, they’re so sound asleep they never hear any alarms, never have a clue until it’s too late, and they perish.

Because they were asleep.

Does it sound like something from a movie script? Maybe, but I’m sure similar things have occurred. Probably more than once. If, like me, you happen to live surrounded by chemical plants, you know what I mean. I’ve heard stories all my life.

I was thinking about one such story this morning and, as He often does, the Holy Spirit led me in a spiritual direction. Consider the same scenario…not in a company, but in the Church.

I thought about those sleeping employees and how they had been lulled into complacency. I mean, if you’re obviously sleeping on the job and not trying to hide it, you must feel like such behavior is ok. Why? Who did you see doing the same thing? Have you convinced yourself you’re above the rules? Or have you just stopped paying attention?

The truth is, we see the very same thing happening in the Church today. I’m not talking about sleeping in the pews; yes, this happens but is nowhere near as dangerous as what I’m referring to. I’m talking about the large percentage of the Church that has been lulled into complacency and is asleep on the job.

How many think they’ve “got it covered” just because they showed up? They fill their pews on Sunday morning and believe that’s good enough. But it’s not!

Romans 13:11 (NKJV) warns us,

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”

In Revelation 3:1-3, to the church at Sardis Jesus says,

“…I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead… Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain…”

And in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 we see the clear warning,

“Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”

Complacency is from the devil. I mean that literally. God leads us in peace. The devil can’t copy peace. The closest he can get is complacency, and he uses it skillfully. He distracts the Christian from what he needs to be doing, encourages him to get comfortable, and drapes a shroud of complacency over him to lull him to sleep.

When I had that thought this morning, alarm bells went off: The Ten Virgins!

In sharing this parable in Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus made it clear that we can’t be complacent. In verse 13, He says,

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

Unlike the five foolish virgins, we must be prepared so that we’re ready to move the instant we hear the alarm. The consequences of failure in the parable were huge to those women.

And they can be huge to us.

The parable of the ten virgins has long been thought to be a reference to the Rapture of the Church, a warning that we must stay prepared if we don’t want to miss that call. Those who study End Time prophecy are well aware that Jesus’ return is unimaginably close, especially given the most recent events in the Middle East.

Don’t let the devil drape you in complacency. Put on the cloak of a warrior and stand up. Keep your eyes on our Lord and go where He leads.

Stay in the Word, stay in prayer, and keep sharing Jesus with everyone you can. Pray for the salvation of those around you. Yes, even pray for your enemies. God doesn’t want anyone to go to Hell, and neither should we.

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

1 Timothy 2:3-4

“…God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Don’t let complacency be your downfall.
Stay awake. Stay prepared. Stay in step with the Spirit.
The time is short – and Eternity doesn’t wait.

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

The Miraculous Rise of Israel: Gog and Magog Looming?

Are you following what’s going on in the Middle East? If not, why not?

I mean, if you happen to have stumbled across my blog and you’re not a Christian or Jew, I get it. But if you are a Christian or a Jew and you’re even a little familiar with the book of Ezekiel…

I just hit the pause button because I need to make one important note. If you are relying on the regular news channels for your news, you’re cheating yourself BIG TIME. Just like many of us in the US are currently keeping our eyes on those who actually live in the Appalachian Mountains because we know they will tell us the truth of what is and is not being done for them, those who really want the truth about Israel are turning to Israel for information.

Personally, I follow Amir Tsarfati on the Telegram app. He’s on Instagram, YouTube, etc., as well. I just prefer Telegram. He’s a Christian Jew who lives in Israel. He was a major in the IDF, so he understands the military aspects of what happens. He scours a variety of news networks and social media sources for accurate information. He’s also an expert in End Time Prophecy (eschatology), which is the reason I started following him in the first place.

Ok, back to the point of this post.

Because of what’s going on over there, I’ve been in Ezekiel 36 through 39 this week. Throughout history, many doubted the possibility of the prophecies of Ezekiel 36 and 37 ever being fulfilled but, as we know, they were. The Jews have come so far from having been scattered all over the earth to where they are in Israel today! Israel’s current population is over 9 million; the actual number I found is 9,420,582. I don’t know what percentage of that number is Jews who have returned to their land, but it’s significant.

That number is even more amazing when you consider that Israel of today is only 8,630 square miles. That’s about the size of New Jersey. I’m from Texas, so I had to ask the question, “How many times would it fit in the state of Texas?” Thirty one times. Yes, I mean you could fit Israel into Texas 31 times. At least that’s what everyone’s favorite search engine told me. It is tiny! Do a search for a graphic comparing it to the Arab nations that surround it; it almost disappears.

All of which makes what is happening over there even more mind blowing!

This tiny nation, which has been surrounded by terrorists and nations that want it obliterated for pretty much the entirety of its modern existence… 

I’m a word person, and I almost have no words. Seriously, I sat here staring at my computer for several minutes, trying to figure out what to say next. I can’t recount all of the miracles that have happened over there in recent days. Anyone who is really watching what’s going on, who has even a clue, has got to understand that we’re seeing the supernatural at work.

Yes, Israel obviously has great intel. Yes, they know what they’re doing. Yes, they’re getting assistance from other countries. No, these things cannot account for their continual, astounding successes and so many utter failures by those who attack them. In fact, there are Jews who previously weren’t overly interested in God that are turning to Him now because of the miracles they are witnessing.

One verse that has always made me stop and think is Ezekiel 38:8, where God is talking to Gog. In the New Living Translation it reads, “A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel.”

Did you see it?

which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war

This part has always caused me to question because, even when not actually at war, Israel has always been under attack from someone since the very beginning. Even in times of peace, they’ve had to stay aware of where bomb shelters are and what sirens are going off. It’s been their everyday life throughout modern times. And Ezekiel says they’re going to enjoy true peace, without such threats – after recovering from war?

My friends, given this week’s supernatural miracles (I don’t know how they could be described any other way) I see a very real chance that, very soon, Israel will indeed be enjoying peace after recovering from war.

All around the globe, those who know are saying it: We are truly living in biblical times. We may well see Ezekiel 38’s prophecies fulfilled in the very near future.

I am so convinced that I wrote this in my Bible

Ezekiel 38:8: A month ago I couldn’t see how Israel would reach this place any time soon. Today, Oct. 3, 2024, I can see it. God has worked MIGHTY miracles and next month Israel may well be enjoying this peace!

Celebrating Jesus, and His soon return!
Tammy C

PS: If you want to follow Amir on Telegram, look for the verification check mark. There are MANY fake accounts out there.

PPS: I downloaded the “Red Alert: Israel” app. It notifies me every time Israelis receive an alert about incoming rockets, which lets me know it’s time to pray. That alert has been going off a LOT this week.

No. It’s Not At All Surprising.

This article puts what happened at the Olympics into perspective for Christians. As the Bible predicted, the world we live in IS growing increasingly evil, and to ignore that fact is spiritually dangerous.

From Prophecy News Watch
Does the Demonic Olympic Opening Ceremony Really Surprise You?

Celebrating JESUS!
Tammy C

Like a Bride

A friend’s recent Facebook post reminded me of a conversation I had with God some time back. She had been talking to God about the Rapture, and what He told her was so close to what He said to me that I had to come share, or share again if by some chance I’ve posted on the topic before.

I am excitedly looking forward to the Rapture! I watch as evil and deception grow more prevalent in the world, natural disasters become mind-numbingly common, and we seem to be nearing World War III and, though it pains me on the one hand, on the other hand I know it’s just more indication that Jesus is coming back very soon.

So why was I talking to God about this particular topic? Well, yet another person had said something to imply my focus was on the wrong thing. (Yes, I’m referring to the old slam about being “so heavenly minded you’re no earthly good.”) Keeping my focus on God and doing all He asks me to do is vitally important to me, so I went to Him with the question just to make sure I’m still on track. And do you know what He told me?

It would be unnatural
for a bride not
to look forward excitedly
to being united with her groom.

Needless to say, I stopped being worried about what others thought. I am excited, and I am excited for good reason, but my excitement doesn’t distract me from one of my primary purposes on this earth – telling people about Jesus and helping them grow closer to God. Rather, it drives me forward, especially as I see so many in the church, so many pastors even, completely ignoring the import of the book of Revelation.

Of course, you know my stance on the importance of reading and studying the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation. At least you do if you’ve read much of my work. I wrote Experiencing the Bible: A Guide and Journal specifically to help Christians who don’t know how to “get into the Word” come to a greater understanding of the Scriptures and a closer relationship with God. It’s obviously great for more mature Christians too, but the bottom line is that my focus is on expanding the Kingdom of God, which is right where it belongs.

And since I am not unnatural,
my excitement is right in line.

The Bride of Christ, the Church, is destined to be united with Jesus Himself and be with Him forever. This is HUGE! Yet it seems to me that the vast majority of Christians don’t even think about Eternity, much less the glaring neon signs all around us that indicate the church will be taken out of here very soon!

Ok, maybe you don’t know what I’m talking about. A quick web search will probably give you more information on the Rapture (including criticism) than you could imagine, but here’s a super condensed synopsis. In these Last Days, a day will come when those who are in Christ will be taken off the earth. We call it the Rapture. Rapture isn’t a word you’ll find in the Bible, but if you go back to original texts you’ll find the word “harpazo,” which means…

  1. to seize, carry off by force
  2. to seize on, claim for one’s self eagerly
  3. to snatch out or away

It has also been translated as “to rapture.”

If you do know this, then you probably also know Matthew 24:36 (NET): “But as for that day and hour no one knows it–not even the angels in heaven–except the Father alone.” This verse is another reason people like to avoid thinking about The Rapture. After all, if you can’t know the day or the hour, what’s the use?

The thing is, you CAN know the season, and we are in it.

In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus tells His disciples the parable of the fig tree. Throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree represents Israel as a nation, so we know this parable is about the nation of Israel. Jerusalem was devastated in 70AD and Israel was ripped apart by invaders, ceasing to be the nation the Jews had always known. The Jews were then scattered throughout the world (which had been prophesied) and Israel became a wasteland that no one wanted because she had nothing to offer.

It wasn’t until May of 1948 that Israel was, in essence, recreated as a nation/state by countries that determined reparation had to be made for the Holocaust, that the Jews must have a home. Last year, Israel celebrated 75 years as a nation. So let’s go back to Matthew 24.

“Learn this parable from the fig tree: Whenever its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Matthew 24:32-35

No, no man can know the day or the hour; God hadn’t even told Jesus at that point. We can know this, however. My father’s generation saw the budding of the fig tree, the rebirth of the nation of Israel, and right here Jesus says that generation will not pass away. There are various opinions on just how long a generation is. I believe it’s 70 to 80 years, because that’s pretty much the average life span, but at the outside it could only be 70 to 100 years. Go out 100 years from 1948 and you have 2048, which is only 24 years away.

No matter how you look at it that’s not long, and every pre-rapture prophecy has been fulfilled, so the only thing holding Jesus back is The Father. God has a specific plan in mind and will fulfill it in His time. While we wait, we need to be getting ready for the wedding. It’s past time to get excited!

If you want an inexpensive and quick read
that will help you better understand what
I’ve shared today, grab a copy of
Amir Tsarfati’s little book, Any Day Now.

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

The Woman in the Basket

In Zechariah chapter 5 we see our prophet friend having an absolutely bizarre vision, one I’ve heard more than one person attempt to explain – never in a way that made sense to me. But I may finally understand it.

Then the angel who was talking with me came forward and said, “Look up and see what’s coming.”
“What is it?” I asked.
He replied, “It is a basket for measuring grain, and it’s filled with the sins of everyone throughout the land.”
Then the heavy lead cover was lifted off the basket, and there was a woman sitting inside it.
The angel said, “The woman’s name is Wickedness,” and he pushed her back into the basket and closed the heavy lid again.
Then I looked up and saw two women flying toward us, gliding on the wind. They had wings like a stork, and they picked up the basket and flew into the sky.
“Where are they taking the basket?” I asked the angel.
He replied, “To the land of Babylonia, where they will build a temple for the basket. And when the temple is ready, they will set the basket there on its pedestal.”

Zechariah 5:5-11 NLT

According to the vision…

  • The basket is filled with the sins of everyone throughout the land.
  • The woman’s name is Wickedness.
  • The basket will be taken to Babylon.
  • A temple will be built for the basket.
  • The basket will be placed on a pedestal in the temple.

As a reminder, Old Testament prophesies are sometimes literal and sometimes figurative. They also can have multiple fulfillments. With that in mind…

Working our way backwards through this list, it becomes clear that the basket or, more accurately, what it contains, will be worshipped. This is, after all, what happens in temples. Just as God was worshipped in the Temple built for Him, this basket’s contents will be worshipped in the temple built for it.

I’m thinking a figurative temple.

The temple will be built in Babylon, which in the Bible represents the world’s system.

So, if I read this prophecy correctly, it’s telling us that the world’s system will worship wickedness and sin.

Which it takes little discernment to see pretty much sums up the condition of the world right now. Today’s society condones just about everything God condemns. In fact, it doesn’t just condone sin; it exalts sin, pushing it to the forefront in every arena possible, sadly even in the church. The world system we live in, indeed, worships sin and wickedness.

As I see it, this is just one more sign of how close we are to The End.

Celebrating Jesus and looking for His return!
Tammy C

Signs of Where We are in Time

From Real Life with Jack Hibbs

I don’t remember ever sharing a video on this blog before, but this one is important. It’s important for everyone in my opinion, but it’s especially important for Christians because it gives a very clear indication of where we are in End Times prophecy.

Don’t want to think about the End Times? I get it, but the fact is that if you are watching what’s going on at all you can see the signs of a world that is rapidly setting itself up to be the earth of the book of Revelation. Just the things I’ve read in the past few days, warnings given by top AI developers, is nothing short of disturbing. Jack Hibbs, in this video, shares even more than I’ve heard – and that’s only part of what he’s talking about.

Stop reading this. Start watching the video.

Celebrating Jesus and His Soon Return!
Tammy C

The Rapture Ready House

God has been dealing with me, in the past few days, about getting my house Rapture ready. This is a new concept for me, a responsibility I had never even considered. Yes, I said responsibility. I pray, with the saints of the New Testament, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!” I pray for those who need to be saved or return to God. I share Jesus. I have been under the mistaken impression that I have been doing all I need to, but God has shown me that the Christian’s responsibility doesn’t necessarily end there.

What God pointed out to me is that many who will be left behind know who we are. They know we are Christians and, thanks to all the books, movies, and talk, they will have a clue what has happened. As soon as they realize we are gone, they will come running to our houses for answers and provision. I now see that I have a responsibility to ensure they find what they’re looking for, to have my house ready for the Rapture.

Rapture readiness will look different in different homes. In my case, I have a framed statement on the wall that explains briefly what will have occurred. I am also rearranging my bookcases so that Bibles and truly helpful books will be most visible. I’ve written one note to place near the Bibles, explaining briefly how important it is that they take them, share them, and study them.

A while back, God also had me buy a week’s worth of survival rations. This stymied me at the time, but later He told me that it wasn’t for us, but for someone else. Now He’s instructed me to write a letter of explanation to add to the box along with a Bible and copies of a message my pastor preached entitled, “Help! I’ve missed the Rapture!” that is specifically directed to those who are left behind.

I’ve learned to take God’s instructions seriously, and I’m working on getting all of this done. He’s been telling me the Rapture is closer than I think. That He has instructed me to prepare my home for it reaffirms what I know He has been saying.

So… I keep my heart right, I pray, I share Jesus, and I’m getting my home Rapture ready. I urge you, strongly, to consider doing the same.

Celebrating Jesus and His soon return!
Tammy C