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   . . . a series of prophecy updates from Pastor Ray


The Russia-Syria-Iran Connection

I admit to being torn.  On one hand, the pastoral, caring-for-the-flock side of me wants to say to everyone with calming assurance, that yes, we are witnessing a volatile war in the Middle East, and yes, it does appear to be moving the prophetic timetable along a bit, and we certainly need to be paying attention, but everyone needs to calm down and let’s just see what develops...

On the other hand, I want to jump up and down and shout from the top of my lungs, “DO YOU SEE?  DO YOU GET IT?  DO YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE WATCHING PROPHECY UNFOLD RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES?  MARANATHA!  JESUS IS COMING!!!!”

So somewhere between near apathy and hysteria lies wisdom.  And godly wisdom begins with the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 9:10), which can be translated as “reverential awe or worshipful respect” and—fear!¹  That’s right.  A certain amount of healthy fear toward the Lord is alright.

There’s a wonderful a parable that Jesus told in Luke 19.  He tells the story of a nobleman who goes away for a time and leaves his kingdom in the care of his servants.  He gives them some resources to work with, then tells them to “Do business till I come” (Luke 19:13).  In the end, he praises the workers who invested their resources, multiplying them and prospering the kingdom.  He harshly rebuked and punished the one who hid his talents, and had nothing to show for the time his master was gone. 

Today, we are waiting and watching for the Lord’s return.  We see the signs in the events unfolding around us, and I don’t know about you, but I am excited, eagerly following the news, full of anticipation—and a healthy fear.  I want to be found doing what the Lord has called me to do when He returns. 

I also want to help keep you informed, so am including some links to some very interesting articles which I think will cause you to pay even closer attention to world events.  Both are by Hal Lindsey; the first one is titled UNCOVERED: RUSSIAN-SYRIAN-IRANIAN AXIS which you can read here. 

The other article discusses a very recent controversial development:  the bombing of Qana, Lebanon by Israel, a tragic air raid in which at least 56 civilians died, many of them children.  The deaths of so many innocents has only heightened the world’s hostility toward Israel.  But there’s more to this story than is commonly being reported.  I know I learned a lot from this piece, and hope it will give you some important information as well.  You can read this article here.


As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback.  You can write to:  media@maranathachapel.org.

Keep watching and praying!
Maranatha,
Pastor Ray

8/01/06




1. http://bible.crosswalk.com/Dictionaries/BakersEvangelicalDictionary/bed.cgi?number=T256