God visits this country. A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse, says a wise man; and he that will not hear must feel. For the carnal mind it’s impossible to grasp; violence of that kind withstands all human ways of explanation and has to be spiritually discerned.

Over the past years preachers who addressed grievances openly in the streets of London, warning constantly by the prophetic words that disaster would come upon this city and the whole country have been ridiculed and mocked. Of course, many of them did damage and used the name of God in vain by their dumb statements and foolish performances. Nobody needs shrieking bible-bushers, slapping pedestrians with their quixotic ideas about God and about life. Therefore it’s also no surprise that many were not taken seriously. However, recent events are no surprise whatsoever for those who payed attention to the words by preachers and through various other means by which God tried to wake up the slumbering masses.

What we’re seeing right now is a solemn warning before even greater disaster follows. That’s merely my personal opinion, but when considering what was said in 2008, I expect more to come and therefore encourage to intercede before God’s throne.

]]> http://shophar.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/london-riots-where-is-god/feed/ 0 Matthias http://shophar.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/to-london-2/ http://shophar.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/to-london-2/#comments Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:38:24 +0000 Matti http://shophar.wordpress.com/?p=321 ]]> On the 10th of October 2010, this is the 2nd Cheshvan 5771, the word of the LORD came to me saying,

There’s a day coming, says the Lord, when I will flood the streets of this city with water. There’s a day coming, says the Lord, when you will need a boat in order to get to your house, for the streets of this city will be flooded with water, says the Lord. When you were fat and satisfied in your lust, swimming in sin and drowned in iniquity and swollowed up by your wealth and riches, this city burnt up in a fire, a fire not of the Holy Ghost, but a fire of judgement, says the Lord. A day is aproaching, says the Lord, that I will send water and the lust and perversion will be buried by it.

I have people in this city, true and faithful, men and women of God that I send to you, says the Lord. But you mocked them, rejected and despised them, called them madmen, weirdos and crazy, says the Lord. There is a day coming when you have to give an account for that. When I will send water by comanding the rain to fall and when I cause the sea to rise, those who mocked my servants and rejected my mesengers that I send to you will perish in it, unless you repent, says the Lord.

For thus says the Lord, You are like a woman who has left her husband. And as the husband finds his wife when he comes home in bed with another man, so did I find you in bed with another man, says the Lord. And like a husband feels when he comes home finding his wife in bed with another man, so feel I about you, says the Lord.

Two things will I do, says the Lord; and a third shall be a sign to you. This city shall be flooded with water and your houses be drowned therein. I will allow your enemies to rise, terror to stand up and attacks to come upon this city. My people, the house of Israel, will move out of you and leave this place, all that I call by my name, says the Lord.

You say in your heart, I am a good person, I never killed anybody nor do I wish anybody harm. Don’t you know that God not only sees the outside but also the thoughts and intends of your heart? Therefore he knows how many times you lusted after men and after women. He knows how man times you cursed and sweared and spit out the filth that is upon your lips daily. He knows how many times you killed or wished somebody to die in the secret place of your heart. You trust in your riches, in your wisdom and intelligence. You are puffed up in your own strength and in the might of your own arm.

You say I have no need of God, for my own arm will help me and my own riches will redeem me. You are perished in your wealth, confounded in your wisdom and in the strength of your own arm.

Men lust after men, women after women, husband betrays wife and wife betrays husband, your marriages are dirty and you think I don’t see it, says the Lord? Your lips are full of cursing, swearing is in your mouth and you are using the name of God in vain continually. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain. O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. For every useless word that you speak, you shall give an account of in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.

You desire the wealth of your neighbour and lust after the riches of your friend. You steal from your brother and lie to your own parents. Your streets are filled with violence and prostitution. Your eyes are full of lust and you desire not good but which is evil and an abomination in the eyes of God. The name of God is become a mockery and his fear a strange thing to you. Money has become your God and you become idolaters because of the greed that rules your heart. You rely on your own strength and trust in your riches. But God says, Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

You say there is no God and explain his creation by your foolish ideas and yourself became fools thereby. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead. Therefore you are without excuse!

A flood is coming and terror is on the rise again; water will run through your city and fear and panic shall rule your life. My people Israel will I cause to leave this country and then you shall know that there is a God in this world, says the Lord.

Turn to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will turn to you, says the LORD of hosts the God of Israel. It is me who calls you, for it is me whom you left, says the Lord. There is hope and there is a way, the only way, Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the living God. For he says, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.

For He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and you hide your faces from him; he was despised, and you esteem him not. Surely he has borne your griefs, and carried your sorrows: yet you esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for your transgressions, he was bruised for your iniquities: the chastisement of your peace was upon him; and with his stripes you are healed from the desease of sin in your life. All you are like sheep gone astray; you are turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of you all. Repent therefore and turn to Him. Come to Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

Amen.

“Keep it with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

(Proverbs 4:23)

Once there was a Heart, a tender one, very precious, a feast for the eyes, warm blooded, and sensitive toward many things. But the Heart had a problem. For by reason of its pedigree it had a limp in its right leg. It was its grandfather Jacob who fought an angel that beat him upon his thigh. Ever since Jacob was walking with a limp and so do all his descendants till this day (Genesis 32:24-30).

The Heart had a lot of friends. Many stayed with it for a long time. Unfortunately none of them ever showed true love or real affections to it. The Heart broke with its friends and as an result they beat it upon its back and slapped it in the face. It had to defend itself and therefore stroke back many times. Then it left its friends and walked alone, getting heavier and heavier. The problem with the limp grew worse and it was hard to walk straight. After a while carrying such a burden, two people began to accompany the Heart. One was called Disappointment, the other one Discouragement. Throughout the years they became close friends and they were following the Heart almost everywhere. Through its new friends, the Heart was introduced to a person named Resentment and another one called Bitterness; after some time, Hardness joined in. Since the weight was steadily growing heavier, from time to time Anger helped to gain some relief. He was a good helper but it didn’t last long. A guy called Drug, who never came without his girlfriend Confusion, offered some help, too. Therefore the Heart got very busy with all its friends that she hardly ever noticed the Gentleman who came walking into its direction. The Heart couldn’t hear him. “What is he saying?” Many times he came and knocked at its door but Disappointment and Discouragement were chatting too loud and Bitterness closed the curtains so that nobody would look inside.

After some time the Heart became weary and drained. It was looking at its life, looking at its friends and its company, as suddenly someone knocked at its door. “Who is it?” It was Mr Guilt. “Oh, he wasn’t invited!” Drug said, “I know him.” Hardness and Anger, “We too! Once he has arrived you won’t get rid of him!” He was a very strange person. Many times he didn’t say much. At other times he wouldn’t stop talking and seemed to be everywhere. He sat on the bed, on the couch, on a chair, or in the corner of the room, staring with his beady eyes at the Heart.

One day, in all of the Heart’s despair, a postman dropped a letter. The sender’s name was Self-righteousness, offering a book called ‘The Wisdom of the World’ (James 3:15 -18). The Heart got excited. A glimpse of hope drove through its inner chambers and it said to itself, “I need this book!” There was also another book in the letterbox. It was the one the Gentleman had left. The Heart had no time to think about it. It needed the book Self-righteousness had offered. There was only one problem – no money. So it decided to sell the book of the Gentleman and bought The Wisdom of the World instead. Mr Guilt was silenced for a moment while the rest of the company applauded to its decision. Disappointment and Discouragement left the room and False-Hope entered into the Heart’s house and they began to read the book together. “Oh what a delight!” they said. Five minutes later the phone rang. It was Pride who invited himself to come over with his friends.

Now the Heart was glad. Everything seemed to be right. There was no annoyance by Disappointment and Discouragement anymore. There was no reason to get angry, False-Hope was a great friend, and The Wisdom of the World became its daily guidance and joy. From time to time the Gentleman showed up and had a look again. But the Heart was too busy and the company with Pride and False-Hope was much more promising that it didn’t open. Whenever the Heart read the book, Mr Guilt was silent. For that reason it stayed at home and read the book day and night. The Heart ceased from walking and began to live only within itself. It began to built up walls, towers, and many different fortifications and defence systems; for The Wisdom of the World had told it so. Now the Heart looked like a huge fortress. Nobody could enter in, neither would it come out. False-Hope, Pride, and another man by the name of Self-indulgence had done a great work.

One night the Heart woke up. There was a noise coming from outside. It looked through the lattice in front of the window and saw the Gentleman coming over the hills. He wasn’t alone. There were many people with him. All were wearing white robes, carrying hammers and chisels in their hands. “What does that mean?” it thought. As they came nearer it could read the words that were written on some of the tools: The Word of God, and Judgement (Hebrews 4:12-13). The Heart was afraid. It cried out for False-Hope but she had left before the Heart even noticed the Gentleman’s coming. Hastily it flickered through The Wisdom of the World but couldn’t find any answer. The Gentleman and his company tore down the walls. They split the bricks into pieces without any effort. The chisels went through its stones like a hot knife through butter. As they drew closer, the Heart discovered another word on their tools: Circumstances.

After a few hours the whole fortress was destroyed; no wall, no room, or secret chamber was left. The Gentleman and his companions had torn down the entire building.

In its former centre, on a small heap, was lying a small object, like a flint. It had many scratches and was very filthy. The stony thing was beating and breathing very heavily. The Gentleman took the Heart: in his hand he carried it to a hill by the sea. He laid it upon the ground and pulled a seed, like a mustard seed, out of his pocket (Luke 13:18-19; 1Peter 1:23-25; John 3:3-6; 1Peter 1:3; John 12:24-26). The Heart asked, “What are you doing? What happens to me? What is behind the hill? Is the sun rising?” “No!” said the Gentleman. “It’s the morning star! (2Peter 1:19) That means in a few moments the sun will rise.” Then he squeezed the mustard seed into one of the Heart’s cracks. The Heart gasped, “What is this?” “This is the Word of God,” the Gentleman replied. “And now?” said the Heart frightened. “You’re going to die!” answered the Gentleman. “Oh no!” rebelled the Heart. “Why do I have to die?” “Once there was a snake,” said the Gentleman, telling the Heart a parable. “But the snake was in prison. On the day she was released, the snake decided to become a better person and went therefore to school. As the years passed by, the snake managed to master all grades and finished school as one of the best pupils. Her next step seemed to be clear – college; and since the snake improved and developed many skills, even her next step to go to university, was already definite, too. At university she signed up for many courses, improved again, wrote essays and articles, and published them with great success. Her friends and colleagues, the lecturers, and professors admired her and applauded with great appreciation to everything she did. The snake was the star at the graduation party and after her speech the people applauded: with standing ovations was she now celebrated. As she came down the stage, a crowd was gathered to congratulate. But as one of her admirers stepped on her tail while she was passing by, she turned and bit him in his calf and he died on the spot. Someone called the police, they took her, dragged her to court and afterwards again to prison; for a snake is a snake and will always stay a snake.”

The Heart was struck by the words of the parable. It was exactly what it was trying to do all those years. “I feel wretched,” it said and gave up the ghost.

After three days the sun rose slowly behind the horizon. Tender rays shone forth from behind the hill and skimmed the land till they touched the mustard seed in the Heart’s body. A rain-shower watered it, a gentle breeze dried it, and slowly the seed began to grow. The pieces of its dirty crust fell off and as the sun rose stronger the Heart’s whole being was flooded with light. Then the Heart opened its eyes, “I live!” The seed within continued to grow and it asked, “What is this Light and where does it come from?” “It’s the Sun of righteousness and it has always been here.” (Malachi 4:2) The Sun rises only behind this hill,” he pointed out. “What is the name of the hill?” “Golgotha,” answered the Gentleman (Matthew 27: 33-35). “The Sun rises only behind this hill and only to those who fear God.” Then the Heart asked, “What do I have to do?” “Nothing!” he replied. Now the Sun rose very quickly and filled the whole landscape with Light. The seed grew and the wings of the Sun brought healing to its wounds. All afflictions and disappointments, scars of broken relationships began to leave. The old and dirty coat in which it was wrapped all those years, the crust and the many masks it wore to defend and protect itself, were taken off. The Light reached the inner chambers of its being and pure love was poured into it. Then it turned to its right and noticed somebody assisting. “Who are you?” “My name is Grace and I help to make your healing possible,” she said (Ephesians 3:8-9). Another person appeared and new eyes were given to the Heart. “What does that mean?” it asked. “These eyes are called Hope. They will help you to see from God’s perspective – with the eyes of the Spirit.” “Where are all my friends?” “They’re dead!” said the Gentleman. “They died with you.”

The Heart was now silent for a moment. Then it looked into the Sun and was filled with peace. Now it understood everything the Gentleman had said and began to cry for a long time. Then he wiped away its tears and said, “I love you,” and disappeared.

Who are the two witnesses in the book of revelation?

There is definitely no shortage of clips, especially on you-tube, sermons and books sharing various ideas and publishing a vast amount of vivid fantasies about the identity of the two witnesses in the bible.

One can spend his time doing researches and reading the bible for no other purpose as to find out who they really are; or for the sake of having confirmed what he believes already about them.

I’d like to show briefly the uselessness of such a task and the fruitlessness of such a question to ask.

Is there a god?, many people ask. Has such a question ever been debated in the bible? Was the bible written for this very purpose, that is, to make clear whether there is a god or not? The writings of the bible express God’s intension of making known his character and his ways to a depraved mankind which is entirely lost without him – and not primarily his existence. The only reference made to an atheist states simply, ‘The fool says in his heart that there is no God.’

Everyone has a god – an idol so to speak – if it is not the true God of Israel. Therefore God’s concern is not to point out his mere existence but to tear down idols and false ideas about him by revealing his true character and ways in the scriptures of the Bible.

In order to receive correct answers we must ask the right questions. To inquire therefore the identity of the two witnesses in terms of what their names are, whether they ascend from heaven, or if they are born like everybody else, is a very useless thing to do. Had God intended to do this, chapter 11 of the book of revelation should consist of only two, perhaps three verses saying, ‘And I send my two witnesses Moses and Elijah (or Elijah and Enoch) who will prophecy 1260 days. They will die and after three and a half days they rise again.’ (or something similar).

My question is this: Have you ever seen Moses or Elijah? Do you have any idea how Enoch looks like? If Jeremiah knocks at your door tomorrow would you recognize him as the one who foretold the destruction of the first temple?

There is no benefit or help we can draw from such answers, for it is simply the wrong question that has been asked. The mere knowledge that it is Moses and Elijah – perhaps Enoch and/or another old-testament prophet – offers little help; for nobody has ever seen them.

Many will come in my name, Jesus said. Many came already and others are at work today. Jesus doesn’t give us three steps how to find out whether somebody is false by outward appearance. He rather tells us to watch out for their fruits.

In the case of the two witnesses we are given by God a clear description of the types of miracles they will do, the kind of authority they exercise and even the kind of clothes they would wear. Everything  they do is divinely orchestrated by God and happens in a particular time frame. Through chapter 11 in the book of revelation we are given a clear guidance in discernment of what to expect from people who will claim to be the two witnesses – or if you will, a group of people who claim such a thing.

I don’t want to go into great detail about the question if they are two individuals or rather symbolically stand for a group or churches. I believe the chapter leaves no doubt that we should expect two individuals with the described authority given by the LORD and that the events mentioned are therefore future and still to come.

Jesus answered, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3, 5.6

For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God – not by works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath beforehand ordained, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2, 8-10

]]> http://shophar.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/the-snake/feed/ 0 Matthias http://shophar.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/an-interesting-book-to-read/ http://shophar.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/an-interesting-book-to-read/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:07:22 +0000 Matti http://shophar.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/an-interesting-book-to-read/ ]]> I just read a book written by Ellis Skolfield which I found quite challenging.  Some of you might know: it’s called The False Prophet and seems to refute many of common opinions and theories concerning endtime events . It’s not only about the never-ending rapture question and who the two witnesses are, but rather tries to correct a lot in regard of the time we’re actually living in.

There’s all reason to doubt many of the things mentioned in the book and I disagree with him in major points. However, I recommend it because it  invites  to scrutinise never challenged concepts of endtime events and encourage you to honestly seek God in this matter to show you His views about how things going to be before Jesus comes back.

www.ellisskolfield.com

Yesterday afternoon I pushed through the masses at Oxford Street, as all of a sudden something grabbed my attention: Another anti-Israel demonstration? Since the events in Gaza, December and January this year, there’s nothing surprising in a demonstration against Israel. However, even though it was just a table and a couple of people handing out leaflets, I felt something different: I looked at the big banner behind the table calling to boycott Marks & Spencer. I’m a German and I know the history of my country.

One of the women behind the table looked at me saying, “Have you signed already?” I replied, “No.” “You’re speaking with the same voice like certain people in my country 60 years ago.”, I said. She didn’t understand and asked me, “Where are you from?” I said, “I’m from Germany!”- and  she seemed to be struck by it. Then I left the place.

It’s not my aim to shock people. I just have my eyes open and all reason for concern when I see things like that. The person obviously wasn’t conscious of what happened around her; or better where she happened to be into. But I speak a clear warning to all those who are involved in activites like that. If you continue doing so, and even convinced to offer help for the Palestinians thereby, don’t burn your fingers for you’re in danger! It’s not the way God chooses to deliver people that are in bondage and suffer percecution. He has a plan with his people Israel, and destiny and purpose for the Palestinians alike. You can see the fulfilment of biblical prophecy infront of your eyes. There loads of verses and whole chapters in the prophetic books of the bible speaking clearly about Israels return and restoration. Trouble comes whenever people don’t understand that or rebel against it.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. Psalm 2, 1-3 (KJV)

God has a cup prepared and is about to pour it out. Judgment will come upon the land and its people: in particular the east, north and southeast of the country: at the borders it will be shaken. Judgment in terms of disease, pestilence, and natural disasters is going to come. I don’t know about details but children will be very much effected by it. It’s going to be in the news: the media will report about it.

Islam will fall and revival, in terms of true conversions to Jesus Christ, will break out among the Curds in the east (takes place already). It happens very quickly- therefore watch! A harvest comes all of a sudden, very surprisingly. Islam will collapse and many Curds will come to faith in Jesus the Messiah. I felt so strong God’s compassion on that people.

Watch the video and see what’s already happening among the Curds. Although it’s not related to Turkey in particular, it gives you a glimpse of what’s going to take place in future.

Due to the elections in Israel and the situation in the Middle East in general, you perhaps ask yourself this question. If not, then it may be a witness to you that God, the God of Israel is in charge of the situation and

“… changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” Daniel 2, 21

Benjamin Netanyahu is God’s choice for PM in Israel.

Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. Isaiah 45, 20-25

Germany, 30th April 2007, 10th Iyyar 5767 (Shabbat, Amos 9:7-9:15)

“When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.” Psalm 102: 16

I read in a tract about the events on September 11th written by Tom Hess. It included a call for a donation in order to send the book Let My People Go to half a million Jewish households. I read that Aliyah is required to prepare the way for the King of Glory. After I recognized a reference made to Psalm 102:16 (17), God spoke to me, “This is the time you live in. Now is the time that I save my people. This is the time of (or for) Jerusalem.”