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On Your Mark? Are You Set? WHERE Will You Go?

6/25/2017

4 Comments

 
(Are people on the Right, right with God? And will people on the Left, be left behind?)
 
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
Ephesians 5:3-4
 
Dear family, friends and neighbors,
 
This is my third call to heed the many warning signs that are being displayed by our heavenly Creator, Yahweh. As prophesied, they will occur in the last of days, before the Great Tribulation. Jesus will return to rapture the body of Christ. Are we, as the Body of Christ, washed clean by His blood, trying to live holy lives and making ourselves ready for His return? He will, with the Saints, come back, setup His holy kingdom on earth, judge the living and the dead and cast Satan and his cohorts into the eternal Lake of Fire (You may want to read my previous articles of this series, entitled: “Is The Body Ready To Go?” and “Again I Ask, Is The Body Ready To Go?”) God’s signs should not be ignored, nor scoffed at, but taken very seriously. It is His desire and passion that no one should perish in their sins, which would result in eternal separation from Him.
 
It’s not to say that many of the current events have never transpired on earth’s historical timeline. They have, and history repeats itself. It is, however, that these prophesied signs have never culminated, simultaneously, at any time in our planet's history, until now! God’s word clearly informs us that when all these things are taking place, look up, for your redemption draws near. The list of the warning signs is long and detailed. I will comment on a few that have impressed me. Before I do, I would like to share with you a spiritual confirmation that I experienced yesterday, hence the inspiration that compels me to write to you, today.
 
As I’ve stated before, I try to write about spiritual things only when I sense the nudging from the Holy Spirit. That sensation came in the form of an unmistakable shove this time.
 
For about an hour, I was typing a post to my Facebook profile page, using my smartphone, yesterday. It was pertaining to the topic at hand. During that time, I was criticizing myself for using my phone to attempt a lengthy post, knowing that I was risking the loss of my work. It has happened to me before on Facebook, when I leave the page and return. When I’m typing an occasional long post, using my phone, I will typically copy the text as I go, so I can paste it and pick it up from that point, should Facebook axe me, again. Well, I didn’t and for a reason unknown to me at that time. It may have been because I was submerged in the work and having success with not losing the intended post. I even said a short prayer; If it be your will, God, that I should lose this text, I would take it as a sign that you don’t want me to share it, or at least not at this moment. I was feeling a bit apprehensive about posting it, anyway, due to my own insecurity about timing and how it would be received. That happens to me sometimes, because, to be honest, I believe that much of what I write is not received well by a lot of readers. I think it can be attributed to the content being provocative and the perceived notion that it's “controversial,” "hate speech," or “taboo.” Publishing my essays comes with a cost. Still, I possess a strong sense of urgency to share these messages and I believe God is encouraging me to do so.
 
I was using the book of 2 Timothy, Chapter 3 as my scriptural influence for my message. (It was the current chapter set to read for my chosen plan, in the “You Version” Bible app. I think it’s an excellent app. Read the entire bible in one year, is the goal. I started it about two years ago and am at 85% complete. I like to read the bible slowly. I digress...) One more flip back to my Facebook page and I’m ready to click the post button - the dialog box is empty. Ugh! There goes another hour of my life that I won’t get back. That sparked the bickering with myself; It was God’s will - no it was your ignorance - no it must have been God’s will. After all, I prayed that prayer...I contemplated a take-2, but then decided to let it go.

Later that night...yesterday, just before midnight, while continuing my study and research, I received a notification of a new video published by one of my most recent and favorite teachers on this topic. Steve, with his ministry “Think About It,” captured my curiosity. (I encourage you to check his videos out and support him, if you’re able. At a minimum, seriously consider the possibility that there is truth in his messages, because there is.)
 
When I clicked on the link, low and behold, he is preaching his message using, yes, the very same book and chapter of the Bible that I was attempting to post my thoughts about, earlier; 2 Timothy 3! Wow! What are the odds for the timing of this happening? He was expressing the same concerns and warning in his message as I was trying to do, and have in the past. I just happened to be on the identical chapter in my bible study, at that particular time, sensing the same urgency to share the same message? I wouldn’t exactly say that I receive God’s confirmation often, or as clearly as I did this time, but I can not honestly write this one off as a mere coincidence. I don’t believe in coincidences, anyway. I believe all things have meaning and purpose, even though we can’t interpret what the meaning is for every event. As I reflect on this confirmation, I think the Lord may have wanted me to wait, before posting it on Facebook, in order to publish a more in depth piece, where I can elaborate more effectively on the message.
 
Are people on the Right, right with God? And will people on the Left, be left behind?
 
It’s not just a clever set of questions to ask myself, or to ask you, but I’m pondering them with more sincerity, instead of merely being an intended tongue-in-cheek comment.

Consider this; for those of us that believe there is meaning and purpose in all things. Could it be that God worked clues into our language? Do some words and phrases reveal truth, which skeptics perceive as only coincidences? For example: the words I used in the subtitle to this piece, “right” and “left.” Is it a clue from God? “Right” rhymes with many words in the English language, as with the word “light,” and it has the same sum of letters, five. The number five is associated with perfection and completeness in scripture. The word “left” rhymes with very few words. One is the word “theft,” which is interesting to me. The word “left” has the sum of four letters, as does the word “dark.” Number four is associated with the earth, or world. The phrase; "the four corners of the earth" and "the four winds," can be linked to the four main directions; North, South, East and West. With that said, to think about the two words used together in the phrase: “left in the dark,” might be intriguing food for thought, to some.  Ironically, this phrase has four words. Is this all just a crazy stretch of my imagination? Maybe it is, but on the other hand, the bible teaches us that all things are possible with God and we can do all things through Christ. It’s just one of the things that fascinate me about the innumerable possibilities with God and how uses them to communicate with and en
lighten us.

 
As I’ve been observing the behavior of these two groups of people, the Left and the Right, over the span of a couple of decades, I see a distinct contrast in the overall behavior and ideology, between the two. It’s emerging with more clarity of definition, much like observing a submarine surfacing in hostile waters. The division is increasing and the gap is spreading, rapidly. A revealing of unapologetic and vehement disdain, generating largely from the mentality of the Left Wing Progressive Globalists. They’re hellbent on imposing their “indisputably, beneficial and euphoric, worldview agenda” on the rest of the earth’s inhabitants, regardless of what the majority have to say. Oh and at the same time declaring it to be the most democratic and peaceful direction to take us.

I would never slap a judgement on anyone from either side, but one would have to be completely blind to reality, not to be able to recognize the blatant differences between the two bodies of visionaries. The bible speaks to this separation. Worldly wisdom will call good, “evil” and call evil, “good.” Is that not more prevalent today than ever before? A lot of folks aren’t sure what is good, or what is bad, anymore. Allegiance to political correctness and relativism, instead of reverence for God’s word, can be blamed for that.
 
I believe we are witnessing the falling away of the “church” - the apostasy. Mimicking society, it has moved further away from Godly principles. It looks as if God is turning a large lot of people over to their sinful desires and hardening the hearts of those whom aren’t willing to repent and seek His guidance and forgiveness. God told us this will happen.

Like the days of Noah, they have chosen a different god to listen to - The Father of Lies. In those days, people were desperately wicked to the core, with no sense of righteousness and no hope of redemption. They were so evil that God had to wipe them out, except for Noah and a handful of his family members, in order to salvage a small remnant of His people. As it was then, there are many deceiving and being deceived. They are being revealed, as in Revelation, either intentionally defiant, or they are totally oblivious to it, lacking spiritual discernment. Their condition is due to the continuance and the celebration of their sinful lifestyles. Stumbling in the night, they are the living dead. A growing number of people don't even seem to have an inkling about common decency. They don't try to conceal their evil thoughts and deeds - It's fine, it's mainstream and everyone is doing it, they reason. Speaking of the devil's influence, I'll share a line from a song I wrote, recently:

"He whispers loud and clear
'It's okay to live that way
Get your freedom here.' "

You shall know them by their fruit, God says. Good and bad deeds define the hearts of men. Fools may have freedom to enjoy their folly, for now, but it's temporal, only for a season, the repercussions are not. It’s getting easier to recognize the subscribers to each side - the enemy, or the army of God. The Bible also refers to this time as the separating of the sheep from the goat, and the wheat from the chaff. It proclaims that the righteous will become more righteous and the wicked will become more wicked. The Light will glow brighter and the darkness will grow darker, so will it be for those who walk in either. They, whom are walking in darkness, are truly blind. Things in the light can not be seen, nor understood, by them. Righteousness is foolishness, to them. They see a believer’s visions as fallacious mirages, or hallucinations. Their faithlessness has distorted their vision. It's as though they're viewing an abstract painting and it's become reality, for them. That’s why there is presently so much scoffing at the word of God, mocking and persecution of Jews and Christians and a devotion to gaining the approval of the world. It’s all been foretold.

 
People, God’s signs and warnings are everywhere, all around us, in all parts of the world, occurring simultaneously, as predicted by the prophets of old. Some of them include, wars and rumors of war, like the looming threat of nuclear warfare, such as World War III, Armageddon, civil upheaval. There is sexual deviance, promiscuity running rampant, proud boasting, lovers of oneself, short tempers, violence and beheading. There are people of diverse nations having visions and dreams of Jesus visiting them, small revivals and mysterious trumpet sounds, around the world. There is heightened levels of security enforcement, insecurity, depression, oppression, alarm, alarmists and natural disasters, like record breaking occurrences of earthquakes. I can continue the list with the expedience of increased knowledge, miraculous technology, the high speed of transportation, false teachers, false prophets and pastors spreading lies and embracing doctrines of demons. Then there are family members, friends and nations turning against each other, in distress. Add celestial signs and wonders, like rare blood moons and events coordinating with Jewish holidays, intriguing alignment of stars and constellations. A major prophecy was fulfilled, when Israel became a nation and its people returning to their homeland. Plus the building of their new temple. I could go on and on. The two recent born heifers with the number 7 marked boldly on their foreheads, which has biblical implications in Jewish culture and history. There are literally hundreds of detailed, biblical, prophesies, that have already been fulfilled. Did you know that? The odds of that happening are astronomical. We might as well calculate it as infinite and miraculous, because that's what it is.  

These signs are very significant in two ways. One is that they've all been prophesied about and will appear in the last days. Secondly, they all will be occurring simultaneously. That is exactly what is going on 
In our present generation. The bible instructs us to know when Jesus’ return is near, by discerning the signs. No man knows the day, nor hour, of the Lord's return, but we can and must know the season. Similarly, we must not judge another person's heart, nor their eternal destination, or we’ll be judged by the same standard as we have judged them. Only God can judge those matters, because only He can know what’s in a person’s heart. However, we sure can judge the fruit one bears, as either good, or bad. We are called to know what bad deeds are and to call it what it is - sin. We are called to correct our brothers and sisters in Christ, in love, the way God loves and corrects each of us. Before we do that, be sure to remove the plank from our own eye, before attempting to remove the speck from your neighbor’s eye. That’s an important principle that Jesus taught us. (I believe Jesus had a wonderful sense of humor. The sarcasm and imagery of that comment, causes me to chuckle.)
 
In closing, I want to tell you, there is a large group of people, and it has been growing for the past several years, who are waking up and acknowledging the same things that I’ve been writing about and telling anyone who might listen. Many are hearing the gospel in every nation. Some are seeing, believing and crying out about the coming "Day of the Lord" and the fulfillment of prophetic signs. They are God’s messengers, witnesses and watchmen on the wall. They are serving He who has sent them. His word of warning is going out, as is His plea to return to Him for salvation, through His Son, Jesus. No one comes to the Father, except through the Son.

It’s very near, my friends. Know the signs. Don’t let anyone convince you that these events are nothing to be concerned about, because they are the same now, as they’ve always been, since the beginning of time. That is not true. They are not! People who are claiming this are unenlightened stooges, who will drag you to hell, with themselves. If you fall for their foolishness and live your life, doing as you please, believing that this life is all there is, then you are in for a shocking and horrific surprise. Don't be that person.

Get on the right side of God and you won't be left behind.

 
May the peace and enlightenment that only comes through Christ, be with you!

​
(c) Douglas K Clare
4 Comments
David Clare
6/27/2017 06:37:54 am

Very well written Doug. I believe so much of what you say. God bless you for taking your time for others to write this. He will bless you for your good fruit. I know we have some differences on Catholic doctrine, or maybe I should say some of the clergy that miss the guidance of the Holy Spirit knowingly or unknowingly. Like us, they are men and have the same sinful nature that all of us do. While Catholics, like all men are sinners, Catholic doctrine is pure because it is guided by the Holy Spirit. God knows that we are prone to sinfulness that is why he built his church on solid rock, unwavering against time, history, and men's foolishness, thinking we know better, we are enlightened by our increased intelligence. ALL FOLLY, ALL VANITY, ALL PRIDE. I encourage you, to be careful about interpretations or coincidences. Make sure your interpretations are in accordance with you catholic faith. Here is a site that you can use to see if what you interpret meets the three criteria set up by the Holy Spirit https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/the-limits-of-scripture-interpretation. The devil is well aware of scripture and weaves his sinful agenda to distort its meanings into foolish men's minds. Not that what you have said is wrong, most of what is written is spot on. Just be aware of the signs of the end times, for Satan is and knows his time is limited. Lucifer maybe coming to the plate for his last at bat and wants to swing for the fences, to try and persuade God's most faithful. That is why men of true faith will be persecuted more, have a heavy cross to carry. But not to heavy if we allow Christ into our life. You are more learned than I in your faith journey in Bible study than I. Thank you for what you do, the most important job in the world, bringing brothers to Christ.

Dave

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Doug Clare link
7/16/2017 03:27:01 pm

Thanks for commenting and for the compliment. Anything that one finds valuable in my messages, I encourage them to give thanks and credit to God, for all things that are good come from Him.

Dave, I know your intentions are pure in, your subtle and humble way, in concern for my accurate discernment on current events and biblical truths, while being sure that they are indeed influenced by the Holy Spirit. I grateful for you watching out for me. Thank you! Let me assure you and set your apprehensive concerns to rest. I take the responsibility very seriously, with much caution, for that exact reason. For example; when writing this piece, I spent most of one day writing and revising it as I sensed it needed to be. My prayers accompanied the process and I had fasted before, during and after writing it, for a total of about 36 hours. I won’t claim that it is 100% flawless, but I am 100% confident in that it is the message that I should be delivering, with great urgency, to a dark and fallen world in need of the Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ! Trust me, I am well aware of the devil's power, influence and intelligence, that's precisely why I am very cautious and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

I've visited the link that you shared. I confess, it didn't make a big impression on me and I found it a little difficult to understand, as I've also found is the case when reading other doctrinal entrees in Catholicism.

Yes, brother, I have issues with the Catholic church, both with some clergy's and hierarchy's behavior, as well as various doctrinal and ritualistic practices, to be sure. I have expressed them to you more than once. I must remind you that although I was raised in the Catholic church, I claim no membership, nor complete allegiance with any denomination, hence my non-denominational Christian status. My adherence is more toward a Protestant point of view. (I currently worship on Sundays at a spirit filled Baptist church, where the sermons are preached with a refreshing courage to speak the uncomfortable and politically incorrect truth, as well as the warm and loving nature of God.)

I am not convinced that Catholic doctrine is of the Holy Spirit. I view some of it as being legalistic, indoctrinating it's members as a form of mind control. I characterize it as enslavement to a loyalty toward a system of holy exclusivity. Retrospectively, speaking frankly, their religious schooling left me feeling intimidated, fearful and brainwashed, with the perspective that the only true religion was this one, alluding to the notion that anyone outside of the Catholic denomination were not true Christians and would not inherit the Kingdom of God. To leave it, once baptized, would lead to permanent dis-communication and eventually—hell’s fire. I think they’ve lightened up on that, since then, fortunately.

I know my next comments will lead to the ruffling of some feathers, to utter contempt for me. I am probably considered a blasphemer, by them, but I'm bound to express it for Catholic's to consider.

What may have originated as the true church of the body of Christ, after Jesus' death and resurrection, seems to have been tainted by the influence of Satan, probably in a relatively short span of time following it's inception and maybe since it's origin. The Devil strikes hard and swift, sometimes, when he senses a threat to his agenda and pride. It wasn't long before the rituals, rules and the “infallible” hierarchy were established.

I am by no means an expert on Catholic doctrine, nor do I have a desire to be. Derived from what I have learned, accompanied by my observations, comparing them to scripture, years of Catholic schooling and discipline, I can draw some simple, but important distinctions. They give me much concern about Catholicism.

Some of my grievances are as follow:

* The “chain of command” so to speak, is setup similar to a cult, exalting one leader as a deity type figure. The pope, considered infallible by many within the Vatican and congregation, has an excessive amount of clout and influence over his flock, to the point that a large proportion of them border on worshiping and idolizing him as higher and holier than thou.

* “Father” a term that Jesus commanded us not to use when addressing anyone, nor calling one “Rabi,” “Teacher,” nor “Reverend.” I think we can assume that he was referring to clergy members. His preferred addresses were “Minister,” “Pastor,” and “Priest.” “Shepherd,” is probably acceptable, but rarely used, today. Not only do Catholics refer to their priests as “Father,” but the pope they call “Holy Father.” That seems blasphemous and a recklessly prideful thing to permit, to me. It’s God’s name. What do other denominations call their clergy? - “Rabi” and “Reverend.” Catholicism, howev

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Doug Clare link
7/16/2017 03:36:17 pm

CONTINUED...

What do other denominations call their clergy? - “Rabi” and “Reverend.” Catholicism, however, seems to have taken it to an unnecessary lofty level.

* Speaking of worshiping and idols, Catholicism spends an inordinate amount of money and time erecting elaborate statues to honor biblical figures, also extravagant tabernacles, utensils made of gold, garb, etc. (Personally, the pope’s tall hat (mitre) reminds me of a snake’s head, but I digress.) Not that they are in and of themselves evil, but they do command a lot of attention and praise from the members, which, in my opinion, draws people away from due worship and praise to God. Jesus’ mother, Mary, appears to receive more attention, like a Goddess and worshiped more than Christ, at times. I don’t care for their crucifix either, displaying Jesus, like he’s perpetually dead on a cross. He defeated Satan with the cross and is now sitting at the right hand of God the Father. This ongoing image of Him, also strikes me as blasphemous and at a minimum—disrespectful. God commanded us not to hold up any graven images and yet Catholicism is one of the religions that epitomizes the practice, in my opinion.

* The current pope, Francis, gives me much concern, more than maybe any of his predecessors. He’s embracing and preaching theological and social ideologies that go against former papacy tradition and against biblical principles and teachings. It’s too much to get into right now, but I encourage readers to take a hard look into this man’s agenda, history and his mindset before you continue, or begin, admiring him.

* There are other aspects that throw up red flags, like repetitive prayer (the rosary) daunting and ritualistic services (the Mass) confessionals, priests forgiving sins like they’re needed to be intercessors for us before the Lord. Jesus already did that, once and for all. I could and would like to go on, but I’ll end it to give you, or others, a chance to comment on what’s been put on the alter of respectful debate, thus far
.
I acknowledge that there have been some positive modifications made in the Catholic church and there are deep and articulate explanations for every complaint that I’ve outlined. They may not have reason enough to win the favor of God, when they’re simply held to the scrutiny scripture. There are some affirmations still proclaimed by the Catholic church, that I applaud, i.e., upholding: pro-life, traditional marriage, ethical behavior, moral values and I believe there are true followers of Christ in every Christian denomination. I must admit that I’m not convinced they should stay with a church that is falling, or has fallen, away from the basic tenants of the faith. The Catholic church still adheres to the 5 tenants of the true Christian faith, as far as I am aware, in spite of some of the comments made by the current head of the church. For that I’m grateful.

I could be mistaking some of my observations, but that’s the way I lean when pondering these issues.

May the discernment that comes through Christ be with you,

Doug

Reply
Doug Clare link
7/19/2017 05:10:32 pm

The following article explains some of the concerns I have with Pope Francis and the Catholic church which are also shared by many in the church...

http://yournewswire.com/wikileaks-soros-vatican-coup/

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