FIVE MINUTES IN THE WORD - The book of Obadiah - February 11, 2014

FIVE MINUTES IN THE WORD for Wednesday, February 12, In the year of our Lord 2014

Words within brackets [   ] are mine.

OBADIAH  [Obadiah is pronounced with a long "o" and a long "i" sound.  The book has only one chapter.  The subject of this book is the prophesied destruction of Edom; which is considered a type of the destruction that will come upon the enemies of Christ and His saints during the Great Tribulation.]

1 The vision of Obadiah.  [His name means "servant, or worshipper of the LORD."  ]  Thus saith the Lord GOD [He is saying that what he records came directly from GOD.] concerning Edom [They were the descendants of Esau; and were constant enemies of Israel.]; We have heard a rumour [A report passing from person to person. This rumour was first started by Jeremiah. (Jer. 49:14). Today's rumour is that Christ is soon to return to ultimately establish His kingdom.] from the LORD, and an ambassador [one sent from a foreign land with a message] is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her [Edom] in battle. 2 Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. 3 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee [pride warps reason, and swells the ego], thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock [A hollowed out place in a massive rock, large enough to shelter humans and/or animals from the elements.] whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? [Pride creates an illusion of invincibility.] 4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD. [The "eagle" is the national symbol of the United States, and each state is represented by a "star" on the country's flag.  Could it be in the plan of Almighty God to break America's national pride, because of her many sins and backslidings?]

5 If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? [It is stated here how vulnerable the Edomites were, but they didn't see it.] if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes? 6 How are the things of Esau searched out! [discovered, rummaged through] how are his hidden things sought up! [snatched up]  7 All the men of thy confederacy [allies, friendly nations] have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; [Those whom they'd considered their friends had deceived them and caused them to be led away to their doom.] they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him. [The Edomites are too deceived by their pride to see their weaknesses, and that their allies are really their enemies.  Is there a wake-up call for America here?]

8 Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau? 9 And thy mighty men, O Teman [A region in Edom with men known for their courage and great strength.], shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter. [Even Edom's mightiest of men will be so smitten with fear, that they will be powerless to stop the slaughter.]  10 For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. [Esau was the twin brother of Jacob; yet Esau, and His descendents despised Jacob.]  11 In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. [They stood by, in the past, and even assisted Jacob's enemies, without offering tho help out His brother.  Now it is time for their judgment, which is deserved.  This fate awaits all nations who turn their backs on Israel, and curse them. (Genesis 12:3)] 12 But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress. 13 Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity; 14 Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; [They had even blocked the escape of those Jews who tried to flee. What a hatred the Edomites had for Judah!] neither shouldest thou have delivered up [turned over] those of his that did remain in the day of distress. 15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: ["Whatsoever a man sewth, that shall he also reap."] thy reward shall return upon thine own head. 16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. [Such complete and total destruction; it would be as if they never existed.].

17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. 18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau [The entire family line to be wiped out.]; for the LORD hath spoken it. [God said it; so that settles it.] 19 And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau [Those Jews who lived in the south of the land of Judea, would posses the land off Edom, after their destruction.]; and they of the plain the Philistines [Gaza Strip region]: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead [The areas once possessed by the northern tribes of Israel, would be given to the Southern Kingdom, who had not fallen into the deep idolatry of their brothers in the Northern Kingdom.] 20 And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south. 21 And saviours [deliverers] shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD'S. [At the end of the seven year Great Tribulation, which is prophesied to soon occur, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)  One day soon, not just Edom, but ALL of the kingdoms of this world will become our Lord's!  "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)]

By David Cosma, Wednesday, February 12, In the year of our Lord 2014

Did Jesus Christ Create The Universe?

Does the Bible Teach That Jesus Created the Universe?

          Many would be surprised to learn that none other than Jesus Christ, the declared Son, of God the Father, is the very one who spoke all things into existence and today holds it together “by the word of His power.”  (Hebrews 1:1-3)

          This is an astonishing truth, and far too many Christians either minimize this Bible teaching or are in complete ignorance of it. 

          The one in whom we have placed our faith and trust to save our poor, lost souls, is the very member of the Godhead—Jesus Christ—who spoke the words recorded in the first chapter of the Bible, “Let there be light…Let the dry land appear…Let the earth bring forth grass…Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life”…and so on (Genesis 1).

          Why is it so important that we understand this amazing truth about Jesus Christ as the Creator, who brought forth matter out of nothing and gave life to lifeless creatures of his design?  It is because there is an all-out attack by the enemy, in opposition to the revealed truth from God, as to the origin of the human race.  The enemy doesn’t want us to know the history our real roots.  If we would come to realize the dynamic power of Jesus Christ, then we would have a lesser desire to place our trust in our own strength but, rather, in Christ Himself, as our all-sufficient Lord.  

          As hard as it may be to comprehend, the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is the Word who spoke on the six days of creation, and all things came into existence, “and it was good.”

          Where in the Bible can we turn to find evidence that Jesus Christ was the Creator of all things?

          In the New Testament book of John chapter eight, we read about a conversation between a group of Jews and Jesus, regarding his true identity.  Jesus made a statement that caused his hearers to become so enraged, that they took up stones in an attempt to stone him to death!  He told them that before their great patriarchal figure Abraham had even lived, that He Himself existed.  To the Jews of that day, His claim was considered a statement of blasphemy, worthy of death.  They all knew that Abraham had been dead for centuries by this time, yet Jesus wasn’t even fifty years of age.  How could such a thing be so?  The fact was, Jesus had existed long before Abraham, for Jesus was and is the great I AM, the self-existent God who created all things in heaven and in earth.  (John 8:47-59)

          In the first chapter of the gospel according to John, we read the following: 

“1   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  The same was in the beginning with God.  3  All things were made by him;  and without him was not anything made that was made.  10   He was in the world, and THE WORLD WAS MADE BY HIM, and the world knew him not.” 

          We must ask the question, Who is the Word in these verses?  If we can discover the identity of the Word, then we will know who made all things.

          If we scan down in chapter one, to verse number fourteen, we read:

“14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

          Ah, now it is becoming clearer.  The Word who was with God, who was God Himself, and was the being who did the speaking during the creation week, having made all things that were made, is the one who “was MADE FLESH, and DWELT AMONG US.”  Of course we know this was none other than Jesus Christ, the one who existed EVEN PRIOR TO HIS PHYSICAL BIRTH.  It was the Christ, who was called the Word, because he was the spokesman for the Godhead.  The method God used to create, was SPEAKING.  He spoke, and it came to pass.

          This is not all of the proof that Jesus Christ was and is the Creator of all things.  There is more!

          In the very next verse, following the statement that Jesus was “made flesh, and dwelt among us,” a man by the name of John the Baptist is quoted as having said about Jesus, “This was he [Jesus] of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.”  What makes this so interesting is that John was the biological cousin of Jesus, born six months PRIOR to Jesus’ birth.  However, John identifies Jesus as having been BEFORE him.  How could this be, unless John knew the true identity of the Christ?  He understood that Jesus was the preexistent Son of God!

          The apostle Paul, when writing to the Christians in the city of Colossians about Christ as the IMAGE of God, wrote: 

“15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16  For by him [Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: ALL THING WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM:  17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”  (Colossians 1:15-17)

          That is a powerful statement that Paul made about the person and work of Jesus Christ.  If Jesus was an ordinary man of simple faith in God, then Paul’s statement would be one of great irreverence and slander against God Himself—even blasphemous.   There should be no such claims made of any man or woman born through the linage of Adam, unless this man was born via a virgin, was fathered by God the Father and then lived out His entire life without any sin whatsoever.  But we should have no fear about Jesus being unworthy of such statements of grandeur.  No statement, even close to the one written by Paul about Jesus, can be found in the Bible about any other man or woman:  not Moses, not Abraham, not Isaac, not Jacob, not Ruth, Esther or Mary…not any other person—Jesus only!

          In the book of Ephesians, again Paul mentions this grand truth about Jesus as the Creator of “all things”: 

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST.”  (Ephesians 3:9)

          When the followers of Jesus Christ come to clearly comprehend that the one in whom they’ve placed their faith and trust—as their Lord and Savior—is also the one who actually created this universe and all things in it, they can, with an even greater confidence, rest assured that their soul is safe in His almighty power and loving grace.

by David Cosma, baysidedave7@gmail.com,  October 13, 2013

         

Bible Prophecy Reveals Who Will Destroy Damascus, Syria!

More than seven centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures recorded a yet to be fulfilled prophesy, which declared that “Damascus [will be] taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” (Isaiah 17:1)

Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, is the capital of Syria, with a current population of about two million souls. Syria is located in the Middle East, and borders with Turkey to the north, Israel and Jordan to the south, and Iraq to the east (whereislocated.net/Syria).

President Obama’s call to strike Syria for its alleged use of chemical weapons (WMD) against its own citizens, has prompted some students of the Bible to consider if this event could spell the beginning of the end for Damascus. Perhaps even more intriguing: Is it God’s plan to use the US to bring about utter desolation to the city of Damascus; thus fulfilling the ancient prophecy in the book of Isaiah?

Continue reading to find out what your Bible has to say about Damascus and which nation will bring it to its horrific end.

There is an oft overlooked psalm in the Bible, which sheds light on understanding the timeline of events which lead up to the utter desolation of the capital of Syria. In the eighty-third psalm of the Book of Psalms, we read about a time of great stress felt by the nation of Israel, where she senses her end may be near. The psalm begins with Israel’s cry to God, asking Him to no longer be silent, still and holding His peace. They tell God that enemy nations around them have crafted a plan against His chosen people, saying, “Come, and let us CUT THEM OFF from being a nation; that the name of Israel MAY BE NO MORE in remembrance.” (Psa. 83:4, Be sure to read the entire psalm.)

As the psalm progresses, it names specific Arab and gentile nations—longtime enemies of Israel (see Genesis 16-17)—whose sole purpose of uniting is to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. We can rest assured that these cries of Israel WILL BE HEARD!

According to your Bible, the little (but mighty) nation of Israel—not the US—will be the nation to accomplish God’s will in turning Damascus into “a ruinous heap,” never to be inhabited again (proof that this prophesy has yet to be fulfilled).

Could military action, proposed by President Barak Hussein Obama, initiated by the US, against Syria, be that domino which falls to cause a chain reaction of events leading to the ultimate fulfillment of Bible prophecy? Only days ago, a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host said that a strike on Syria may bring about World War III...and many believe he could be right!

The leadership and people of Israel have been very patient with their hostile neighbors; but don’t confuse patience with weakness. Israel is a strong military power, which explains why Israel has not been to war since 1973. Since returning to their homeland as a nation again in 1948, it has endured several wars—being always the victor—but no nation has dared challenge it again in forty years, knowing that Israel would come after them with deadly force. It would appear that the Arab nations, along with Iraq (which is not Arab), are waiting to acquire nuclear weapons to use against Israel, which they believe would be the ticket to getting rid of the nation forever.

Consider the fact that in the last several years, Israel has endured the attack of THOUSANDS of scud missiles, primarily from Hezbollah (believed to be backed by Iraq). For the most part, these missiles have only destroyed buildings, resulting in an amazingly low number of human casualties. It's as if a great Unseen Hand is somehow looking after the little nation of Israel.



Israel has a Plan B, should Plan A fail.

Israel’s plan B is known as “The Samson Option,” named after an ancient servant of God who destroyed Israel’s enemies, the Philistines, by literally bringing the house down. Unfortunately, according to the biblical account, Samson lost his own life in the victory (see Judges 16). The “Samson Option” would only be used if the nation of Israel believed that they were about to be defeated. Their plan would include a massive nuclear direct hit of Damascus, Syria, as well as nuclear weapons showered upon other enemy nations. History provides ample evidence that Israel isn’t afraid to use deadly force, if threatened with their very existence; regardless of what the UN or any other nation may threaten.

In the last few years, the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has received a cold reception from President Obama when he has visited the US. Many believe, based on his previous actions, that President Obama favors the Muslim-led governments, over Israel, which could prove dangerous—if not downright deadly—for the US (see Genesis 12:3). Before the US becomes involved in “correcting” or “punishing” Syria, America had better get right with Almighty God, learn what God’s plan and program is for the immediate and not-too-distant future, and become aligned with God’s will regarding the nation of Israel, America’s longtime ally.  There will most certainly be consequences, should the US attack Syria! 

The United States of America will NOT destroy Damascus in this proposed attack, should it be carried out, or in any other future war. That responsibility is reserved for the nation of Israel. But when will this take place?  No one knows for certain. Nevertheless, we know that it cannot be long in coming. Clearly, world events are shaping up for these prophecies to be fulfilled...and rapidly!

Has Almighty God forever forsaken His chosen people, Israel, because of their failure to recognize and embrace their Messiah, Jesus Christ, when He came the first time? No! An emphatic NO! He hasn’t forsaken His chosen people. God has a future plan, which includes the physical descendants of Jacob (the Israelites)!

And God also has a plan for you!

If you have not yet prepared for eternity and where you will spend it, then you must do so now, without delay. Your mortal life is uncertain and short at best, so there is no better time than the present to consider the claims of Christ and believe on Him today for your soul’s salvation!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood for you. He died, was buried and after three days and three nights, Jesus rose from the dead that you might be justified before the Heavenly Father (see I Corinthians 15:1-6).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) If you will call upon this Jesus, Who is revealed in the Word of God, you can be spiritually reborn (“born again”, “saved”), becoming a member of the spiritual family of God! Trust Him today and be saved; then, and only then, will you be prepared for living in the present and future, regardless of what may come.

Written by David Cosma, Dothan, Alabama. September 5, 2013.   Email: baysidedave7@gmail.com

How To Help Others & Yourself When Discouraged or Depressed

HOW TO HELP OTHERS AND YOURSELF WHEN DISCOURAGED OR DEPRESSED


Words of wisdom from your Bible


The Merry Heart


Proverbs 15:13 “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” When a person is merry and cheerful, it shows on their face, but when one experiences a broken heart, their will to go on can be lost. We might say, The wind was taken out of her sail. Verse 15 “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” When one faces continual discouragement, not a single day seems to be good, but evil. However, for the one who maintains a merry heart, life is always good. How much more true this is when the person maintaining the merry heart is a lover of the Savior, Jesus Christ!


In Good Health


Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.” A bright and positive outlook and attitude can actually work good for the body, much like vitamins or prescription medicine. When one is depressed, it can have an impact on the body’s overall health. It has been documented that a broken spirit or a discouraged heart, over a prolonged period of time, can and often does lead to a diseased body: hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, cancer, etc. “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 - It is interesting to note that King Solomon states that honey provides health to the bones. It is doubtful that sugar or artificial sweeteners can make such a claim legitimately.)


In My Shoes


Proverbs 14:10 “The heart knows his own bitterness; and a stranger does not intermeddle with his joy.” Solomon, the writer of this proverb, observed that no one truly “knows” the bitterness or the joy another may experience. Why is this so? The reason for this can be found in understanding that we are each unique beings. Our experiences and feelings may not be a perfect match of those around us. Have you ever noticed how someone can experience a setback, but just keeps moving forward, while another can experience the same or similar setback, yet that person shuts down completely? It is because we are who we are in life, due to our past personal experiences: parents, siblings, education, religious training, status, race, culture, etc., all have their role in making us who we have become. While no one can truly intermeddle with your joys or sorrows, this does not mean he or she can’t offer you help to get through and even come out of your bad spot in life, or share in your joys. While others may not be able to fully understand your heart and mind, they still may have had enough of life’s experiences to share in your joy and sorrows.


A Positive Attitude


Proverbs 18:14 “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” Any wounded prisoner of war who survived imprisonment and abuse at the hands of his captors, can certainly attest to the truthfulness of the verse. When one is hurting bad physically, a positive attitude—especially when based upon the promises of God’s Word—may get him through his trial. However, when the spirit becomes wounded and downcast, it is then much more difficult to recover or even survive from the infirmity. We see then how important it is for Christians to keep God’s promises in the mind’s forefront, with their eyes fixed on Jesus, His teachings, and the hope of His imminent return! What better way can anyone maintain a good spirit in this fallen world?


Encourage Yourself


Psalm 42:11 “Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope you in God: for I shall yet praise him.” It becomes difficult to offer praises to our God when we become discouraged or depressed. This was the case with David, when he sang this song while in exile, desiring to return to his beloved Jerusalem. He had to lift up his own downcast soul, so he could bring himself to praise his God. Sometimes it works to give yourself a good talking to, so you can turn your attitude around. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (First Samuel 30:6) At times, it can seem that no one is there to lift you out of your funk. When this happens, do what David did—encourage YOURSELF in the Lord!


A Good Word


Proverbs 12:25 “Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad.” Sometimes all it takes to lift a friend out of their funk (depression, slump) is to offer a word or two of positive encouragement. “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24) “There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” (Proverbs 12:18) “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” In other words, when something is spoken beautifully, at the right moment, it is likened to a valued work of art. (Proverbs 25:11) “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.” (Proverbs 27:9) “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23) If you bring good news or an encouraging word to someone, that person is uplifted. But it doesn’t stop there. By being the bearer of this word or news, you too experience joy! It is so wonderful when the right word(s) is spoken at the appropriate moment. The followers of Jesus Christ should seek God’s Spirit to guide them as they attempt to minister words of help to strangers, family and friends. When Christians do this, they then can say with the prophet Isaiah, “The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” (Isaiah 50:4)


By David Cosma, July 4, 2013

U.S. Penal System Places Responsibility Upon Wrong Shoulders

U.S. PENAL SYSTEM PLACES CRIMINAL’S RESPONSIBILITY UPON WRONG SHOULDERS MAN SAID that the Bible is a book of archaic principles which have no practical benefit for a modern society. Now THE RECORD: God’s laws concerning corporal punishment were structured in such a way as to ensure that the cost of the crime was shouldered by the perpetrator, and that justice was quick. In Exodus, chapter 22, verses 1-3, it reads: “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.” Note that the thief had two options: pay for his theft in goods or, if he lacked the means to pay for his crime, he was sold to retire his debt to society. In every instance the criminal shouldered the cost of his crime. Many are appalled at the idea of a man or woman being sold into servitude to make good their offense, but consider the alternative: We incarcerate into the prison system to punish and attempt to rehabilitate. The first-time offender cohabitates with other criminals which include some very hardened ones. He or she then returns to society much less naive and in many cases more accomplished in the way of error. The recidivism rate in the U.S., which is the rate at which criminals end up back in prison for similar crimes, is a whopping 67½%. The prison system’s rehabilitation record certainly has its work cut out for it. It’s quite common for inmates to be sexually violated: males sodomized and females raped and exploited. The atmosphere in the present prison system is simply not conducive to rehabilitation. God’s system of being sold into servitude to pay one’s debt to society was clearly more humane. Not only was the offender working in a much better and safer social setting, it was fully possible one would learn a trade and certainly learn the value of honest labor. It is also conceivable that a diligent laborer could find favor with his employer and secure a good job after his sentence was completed. God’s plan placed the responsibility of the offender’s debt upon his own shoulders. The penal system in the U.S.A. and in many, if not most, countries place the burden of the crime upon the innocent. Consider the enormity of this cost which is being shouldered by the wrong people: According to a February 7, 1994, Time Magazine article, the cost of imprisonment in the U.S. at that time was $24,000 per person per year; computing that cost with a 3% inflation rate per year, the cost in current U.S. dollars equals $31,315 per prisoner. Now consider the 1998 American prison population of 1,299,096 inmates, and compute the cost of housing the criminals. It is a staggering $40,300,000,000! To put this in perspective, it would take the total federal income tax of five million average tax payers to foot this bill. The servitude is being served by the wrong people. In God’s commandments to Israel, a prison system like we know today did not exist, but there was a place for dealing with criminals called “ward.” Leviticus, chapter 24, verses 11-14: 11 And the Israelitish woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) 12 And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them. 13 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 14 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. One was kept in ward for a very short time until the facts of the issue were resolved and then punishment was exacted speedily. God’s word declares, remember, Ecclesiastes, chapter 8, verse 11: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” God’s program was swift. If one was found guilty of a crime punishable by death, the Biblical example shows that he was put to death speedily. In the American legal system, a prisoner convicted and sentenced to death can start the appeals process which can stretch over 23 years, 60 appeals and over 200 individual judicial and executive reviews. The cost of this process is enormous. The average time on death row between the years 1977 and 1995 was nine years. Not too speedy, is it? Again the cost is being shouldered by the innocent. God made provision for those who killed someone by accident; it was called the city of refuge. Numbers, chapter 35:11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. 12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. 13 And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge. 14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. 15 These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither. There were six of such cities. This review, of course, is very brief, but what should be obvious is that the commandments of God are perfect. The penal system He directed Moses to establish was swift. Rehabilitation was very likely and the cost of that rehabilitation was shouldered by the right person. When man alters God’s directives, man fails without exception. Now you have THE RECORD. (copied and slightly edited from Godsaidmansaid.com)

HOW WILL THE POPE'S RESIGNATION IMPACT THE WORLD & WHO WILL RULE NEXT?

by David Cosma

News is rapidly spreading that Pope Benedict XVI (aka Joseph Ratzinger) has announced his resignation as the leader of 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, effective February 28, 2013. It has been reported that it is not due to illness but, rather, to failing stamina to continue his duties. Benedict is 85. It remains to be seen what may be made known in the days ahead regarding further details of his choice to step down. He is the first pope to do so in 600 years. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, reigned from his deathbed, and was the longest reigning pope in modern history. Here is what I foresee happening in the next weeks, based on my understanding of the Scriptures, Bible prophesy, Roman Catholic tradition and history. Expect the next pope to be labeled by the press as another “conservative,” much like Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. Why do I believe this is likely? Because these two popes were responsible for the appointment of EVERY SINGLE CARDINAL now serving in the Roman Catholic Church, and it will be up to these cardinals to elect the next pope. It is interesting to note the timing of the pope’s resignation--February 28th--is only days after a large group of Cardinals, hand-picked by Pope Benedict XVI, will assume their new posts. Expect that the next pope will be either a German, as is Pope Benedict XVI or an Italian. Why do I believe that a pope is most likely to come from one of these two countries? Because Bible prophesy reveals that the final resurrection of the Roman Empire is upon us and a European pope will be necessary to galvanize the European Community (aka United States of Europe), in preparation for the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophesied ten-toed image, which represents the modern-day European Community. A German or Italian pope would certainly fit the bill. Also, a German pope would be able to work closely with German leadership (the most powerful European nation), which will fulfill the role of a religious-politically mixed system prophesied in Daniel and Revelation for the End Times. An Italian pope could also help to rejuvenate the financially defunct country of Italy. Italy and Greece have appeared much in the news in recent years, due to their bankruptcies as major nations. Expect that the next pope will likely be more effective at unifying Europe, even more so than were Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. The people of Europe have long desired unity among their countries, but knew it could only happen with a strong Roman Catholic leader. This next pope could be just who they have been looking for, and it appears that it is the right time in history for this to become a reality. (Read Revelation 17) Expect that the Roman Catholic Church will grow ever stronger in its power and influence, especially with regards to Europe, but also around the world. Great support for the next pope is likely to be evident, and there will be tremendous hope in this next leader over one of the world’s largest religions. Time will tell if what I foresee will transpire. I, like you, will watch with great anticipation as God unfolds His marvelous plan for the “restitution” of all things. (Acts 3:21) By David Cosma, Monday, February 11, 2013

HOW SAFE COULD A NATION BE, WHOSE TRUST IS IN GOD?

HOW SAFE COULD A NATION BE, WHOSE TRUST IS IN GOD?

In reading the following verses from the thirteenth chapter of the book of First Samuel, we can learn some valuable principles with regards to the security of a nation and the need for a leader who respects God’s specific commands. 19 Now there was no smith [a metal worker] found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: 20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share [sharp steel wedge of a plow], and his coulter [blade of a plow], and his axe, and his mattock [digging hand tool]. 21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads [pointy stick to urge animals to move]. 22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. During the period of time in which the prophet Samuel served Israel, they had no smith in the land. The Philistines had a corner on this market until the time of King David’s reign. (I Chron. 22:30) This forced the farmers to travel to the Philistines’s to sharpen their instruments used in building and farming, but prevented them from producing their own weapons for defense. Not long after Saul was anointed king by Samuel the prophet, they were threatened by their neighbors, the Philistines. Our text indicates that the people were unarmed and, therefore, were considered an easy prey to their nearby enemies. Only King Saul and his son Jonathan were equipped for battle. If you continue reading the text you learn that the Lord intervenes on behalf of His chosen people, Israel, saving them from their enemies. Sadly, King Saul only half-heartedly sought after God and failed to fully obey His commands, which would have secured a certain and swift victory over all of their enemies. There are some lessons to be gleaned from this passage. 1) When an enemy nation (or individual) perceives that a nation (or person) is weak, they open the door of vulnerability to attack. 2) When a nation is weak, they can easily become overcome by those who would take advantage of them by suppressing and oppressing them. 3) When a people are unarmed and, therefore, unable to defend themselves in the event of an attack, they are at the mercy of their government to protect them. King Saul had not yet built an army capable of such protection. 4) We see the importance of a people putting their trust in God, His Word and in seeking out His divine will and protection in times of distress. In the passage above and the following chapters, King Saul’s half-hearted obedience to the LORD delayed victory and increased anxiety and hardship for his own people, over whom he reigned. The psalmist David wrote, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) This must not be interpreted to mean that a nation should not equip itself with an army or machinery capable of preserving the lives of their people. What it does mean is that a nation’s or their leaders’ trust is not solely in their army tanks and air force jets, but rests in the Lord their God. How safe would a nation be whose motto truly is “In God We Trust,” and meant it? - by David Cosma, January 2013