SEEING THE BIG PICTURE - So often we believe our dreams are dead. There seems to be nothing left in our world to live for. Everything appears to be against us. During these times, God is doing His deepest behind-the-scenes work. During these times, God is performing a deeper work in each of us — a work that cannot be seen. One of God’s methods for directing His children’s steps is through drying up resources: a job loss, a career change, or a disaster. In these times we are willing to listen more intently, and to seek God in ways we would not normally do. - ”… Everything is against me!” - Eventually, Benjamin along with Jacob’s other sons learned that their brother Joseph was second in command in Egypt. Joseph revealed his identity, and Jacob was reunited with his son whom he had not seen for more than 13 years. He had thought Joseph to be dead. So often we believe our dreams are dead. There seems to be nothing left in our world to live for. Everything appears to be against us. During these times, God is doing His deepest behind-the-scenes work. During these times, God is performing a deeper work in each of us — a work that cannot be seen. When clients began leaving my ad agency and it dried up for no apparent reason, it appeared “everything was against me.” I could not see that God was orchestrating a whole new calling on my life. At the moment, it seemed like the worst thing in the world. It seemed that I had been a failure. But God said, “No.”

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Seeing The Big Picture

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So often we believe our dreams are dead. There seems to be nothing left in our world to live for. Everything appears to be against us. During these times, God is doing His deepest behind-the-scenes work. During these times, God is performing a deeper work in each of us — a work that cannot be seen. 

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One of God’s methods for directing His children’s steps is through drying up resources: a job loss, a career change, or a disaster. In these times we are willing to listen more intently, and to seek God in ways we would not normally do. “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Os Hillman

 

”… Everything is against me!” – Genesis 42:36

 

Eventually, Benjamin along with Jacob’s other sons learned that their brother Joseph was second in command in Egypt.

Joseph revealed his identity, and Jacob was reunited with his son whom he had not seen for more than 13 years.

He had thought Joseph to be dead.

So often we believe our dreams are dead.

There seems to be nothing left in our world to live for. Everything appears to be against us.

During these times, God is doing His deepest behind-the-scenes work.

During these times, God is performing a deeper work in each of us — a work that cannot be seen.

When clients began leaving my ad agency and it dried up for no apparent reason, it appeared “everything was against me.”

I could not see that God was orchestrating a whole new calling on my life.

At the moment, it seemed like the worst thing in the world.

It seemed that I had been a failure.

But God said, “No.”

All the years before had been preparation for what God’s ultimate calling would be.

One of God’s methods for directing His children’s steps is through drying up resources: a job loss, a career change, or a disaster.

In these times we are willing to listen more intently, and to seek God in ways we would not normally do.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” [C.S.Lewis, The Problem of Pain (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1962), 93.]

Os Hillman is Founder and President of Marketplace Leaders Ministries, an organization whose purpose is to train men and women to fulfill their calling in and through their work life and to view their work as ministry.

Os is an author of 21 books, speaker, consultant and recognized authority in the role that faith and ethics play in the marketplace. Os began sending out a daily internet email newsletter entitled TGIF Today God Is First in 1998. Today TGIF is read daily worldwide in 104 countries. Os has equipped leaders in 26 countries. Marketplace Leaders has an online bookstore, TGIFbookstore.com serving the faith and work movement.

Os has been featured on CNBC, LA Times, NY Times and many Christian media. He has been a regular contributor to Crosswalk.com, Charisma online, and Christian Post. He has spoken at Harvard University and was a visiting professor at Regent University for a season.

Before starting Marketplace Leaders, Os owned and operated an ad agency from 1984-2001. During this time he served clients such as American Express, Steinway Pianos, US Kids Golf, Peachtree Software, ADP Payroll Services, Parisian Department stores (now Belk), Thomas Nelson Publishers and many non-profit organizations.  His company won many prestigious awards from the Direct Marketing Industry such as the International Echo Award, Direct Marketing’s highest achievement for excellence in direct marketing for specific ad campaigns.

Os attended the University of South Carolina on a golf scholarship and was a golf professional for three years before going into business in 1980.  Os also attended Calvary Chapel Bible School. Os is married to Pamela and Os has one married daughter, Charis. He and his wife live in Cumming, Georgia a suburb of Atlanta.

https://todaygodisfirst.com/seeing-the-big-picture/

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Holy Spirit Have Your Way

Leeland

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https://puricarechronicles.blogspot.com/2019/11/holy-spirit-have-your-way-leeland-long.html

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IS CORONAVIRUS A DIVINE JUDGMENT OR A CALL TO FAITH? - No matter if this is a natural plague or one sent by God, whether it is a call to believer or sinner, it reminds us why we are here and what our priorities should be - thus, it is truly a lifesaver for those who will believe - Many are wondering if the current pandemic is one of the ‘birth pains’ that presage the soon return of our Lord, where Jesus will be the final judge. The truth is, no one really knows if the current plague is a judgment from God on our unbelieving, immoral, materialistic, compromised world. No one can prove with absolute certainty that indeed coronavirus is a sign of the final judgment. But we do know this: sooner or later, the final judgment will come in its fullness. The average believer must ask for the gift of discernment as well as examine the prophet’s accuracy record. Such discernment is developed more accurately in those who have developed an intimate relationship with God. As in the Old Testament, many so-called prophets today do not have the gift of prophecy. The Bible indicates that they speak visions from their own “minds” and “imagination,” not from the mouth of the Lord. On rare occasions, disasters of one sort or another are God’s attempt to warn us that our time on this earth is but a vapor, a breath.

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Is Coronavirus a Divine Judgment or a Call to Faith?

No matter if this is a natural plague or one sent by God, whether it is a call to believer or sinner, it reminds us why we are here and what our priorities should be - thus, it is truly a lifesaver for those who will believe

Dr. David Kyle Foster

Author

From Exodus to Revelation it is clear that God does indeed send plagues and disasters upon the earth.

This begs the question: Is today’s coronavirus pandemic one of those plagues?

Let’s look at some scripture in both the Old Testament and New Testament regarding plagues:

“I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.” (Exodus 9:14)

“The Lord will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses.” (Deuteronomy 28:59)

“A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.” (Revelation 9:18)

“They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify Him.” (Revelation 16:9)

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:18)

This historical certainty, and foreseen revelation, leads to even more questions.

Is Coronavirus a ‘Birth Pain’ before Judgment?

Many are also wondering if the current pandemic is one of the ‘birth pains’ that presage the soon return of our Lord, where Jesus will be the final judge.

Let’s look at some scripture regarding this as well:

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:6-8)

“This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” (Romans 2:16)

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead.” (2 Timothy 4:1)

We Don’t Know if the Time is Now

The truth is, no one really knows if the current plague is a judgment from God on our unbelieving, immoral, materialistic, compromised world.

No one can prove with absolute certainty that indeed coronavirus is a sign of the final judgment.

But we do know this: sooner or later, the final judgment will come in its fullness.

“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

What About the Prophets?

If you believe, as I do, that the gifts of the Spirit given to the Church at Pentecost were meant to be active until Jesus’ return, then how are we to receive the modern prophetic pronouncements about the origin of the coronavirus that are at odds with each other?

Many prophets say it is a judgment from God, while others say that it isn’t.

So how is the average person supposed to know which prophecies are true?

In the Old Testament, the answer was easy. If a prophet prophesied falsely, that was a guarantee that he was not a true prophet.

Those self-appointed, so-called prophets either spoke out of rebellion against God and His will, or blindness caused by their sinfulness, imagination, presumption, or self-exaltation. The true gift, therefore, was made an infallible gift. (See Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

In the New Testament era, however, things are different.

Prophets today do not have a 100% batting average.

Their gift is one of many spiritual gifts that have been given the Church, all of which are given to fallible people and all of which are expressed imperfectly (see Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 13:9-12; 1 Corinthians 14:29-33; Acts 2:17-18).

Prophecy is now for everyone to whom the Holy Spirit deems to give it. And as with other spiritual gifts, the person having it is sometimes wrong.

Consequently, the average believer must ask for the gift of discernment as well as examine the prophet’s accuracy record.

Such discernment is developed more accurately in those who have developed an intimate relationship with God.

As in the Old Testament, many so-called prophets today do not have the gift of prophecy.

The Bible indicates that they speak visions from their own “minds” and “imagination,” not from the mouth of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:16c; Ezekiel 13:2b).

Why the difference between OT and NT criteria?

Spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ are graces that allow believers to participate in the work of the Holy Spirit, or as Scripture says, “participate in the divine nature” and the work of Christ (2 Peter 1:4).

Is Coronavirus God’s Wrath or Nature’s Fallen State?

Sometimes, disasters are simply the exigencies of nature, (which began when Adam & Eve sinned), expressing its own fallenness.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Romans 8:22)

On rare occasions, disasters of one sort or another are God’s attempt to warn us that our time on this earth is but a vapor, a breath.

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (Matthew 24:43b)

“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)

“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” (Psalm 144:4)

“Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath…” (Job 7:7a)

Our Eternal Fate Involves a Choice

So, what is our response to God's offer of eternal life (beyond this vapor) through Jesus Christ?

It is a choice we’re offered through trials and tribulations — that we ignore at our peril.

The truth is, all of us were born with a sinful nature.

“I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5)

“Through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned…” (Romans 5:12)

God’s Holy Fire Consumes

The problem for us as sinful humans is this: God is holy. His holiness is a fierce fire that destroys anything that is not holy.

“Our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29)

“Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?” (Isaiah 33:14)

As sinful people, we cannot live in the presence of His holy fire without being consumed.

Thus, for us to live in His presence, we must be made holy as He is holy. Unfortunately, our righteousness is as filthy rags.

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah 54:6)

What Is the Antidote to Our Unrighteousness?

God has mercifully given us the antidote to our sin.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

“For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19)

How does Jesus make unrighteous man righteous? Let’s follow the path through scripture:

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

The Present Darkness of Pandemic Is a Warning Not a Question

So, is the current pandemic a judgment from God? In truth, this is an irrelevant question. The pandemic is a manifestation of our present darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

It is a warning, if you will, whether from fallen nature or from God Himself, that we must turn to the Lord to be saved before it is too late.

And as we’ve seen, too late for us may be today!

The most important question of all is: When we do go, where will we go? Where will we be spending eternity?

And as we’ve seen already, only the Bible has the answer to that one.

It is also a call to those of us who have already been saved by the blood of the Lamb: that the purpose of our lives (whether here or in heaven) is to pursue an intimate relationship with our Creator.

That is the purpose of life itself! Why not take that seriously as well, by spending regular, quality time with the Lord.

Whether Final or Not, Choose Christ

The final day of judgment will indeed come as a thief in the night when it will be too late to choose. In such a case, suffering becomes a warning and a hard mercy.

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’” (Luke 12:20)

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)

No matter if this is a natural plague or one sent by God, whether it is a call to believer or sinner, it reminds us why we are here and what our priorities should be.

Thus, it is truly a lifesaver for those who will believe.

Dr. David Kyle Foster is the author of Transformed Into His Image and Love Hunger and is the founder/director of Pure Passion Media (www.PurePassion.us). His newest book is The Sexual Healing Reference Edition. You can listen to his twice-weekly podcast by going to: www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/purepassion.

https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/coronavirus/is-coronavirus-a-divine-judgment-or-a-call-to-faith.html?utm_source=Jeeng

SURVIVAL SOLUTIONS - Water Storage & Purification - In the aftermath of an EMP attack or a cyberattack, all pumping of water ceases due to there being no electricity. Or perhaps in the occurrence of a major earthquake where pipes are shattered, and water stops running, or if it becomes contaminated with sewerage and waste. Maybe even an economic collapse during which Municipalities cease to operate at their normal level of functioning. Any of these scenarios could cause a chaotic disturbance to the water supply. We all know that water is critical to life and we can’t go long without it. The time to get ready is now, BEFORE disaster strikes. It is generally recommended that you store at least 1 gallon (approximately 3.8 litres) of water, per person per day. Aim at having at least two weeks worth of drinkable water stored and easily accessible. That means one person would require 14 gallons (53 litres). The more people you have in the home obviously the more water you will need to have stored.

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Survival Solutions  

Water Storage & Purification

A Minute To Midnite

Survival Solutions  – Water Storage and Purification

When a major disaster or crisis occurs, one of the first things to be disrupted is often the ready access to clean running water.

Imagine in the aftermath of an EMP attack or a cyberattack for example, that all pumping of water ceases due to there being no electricity.

Or perhaps in the occurrence of a major earthquake where pipes are shattered, and water stops running, or if it becomes contaminated with sewerage and waste.

Maybe even an economic collapse during which Municipalities cease to operate at their normal level of functioning.

Any of these scenarios could cause a chaotic disturbance to the water supply. We all know that water is critical to life and we can’t go long without it.

However, how many of us are prepared for such situations where clean water could become scarce or unavailable?

Is it worth risking being caught off guard with no source of clean water in an emergency situation?

I believe the time to get ready is now, BEFORE disaster strikes. Don’t put it off!

In this brief article I want to give a basic outline of things to consider when preparing in advance of a possible water outage.

Also, I have added links to two videos that we made showing a couple of great, simple but effective water purifiers, that don’t require electricity.

They do however, require gathering some materials that you may find hard to come by in an emergency situation, so rather than waiting for one to occur – get your stuff sorted now!

How Much Water Should You Store?

It is generally recommended that you store at least 1 gallon (approximately 3.8 litres) of water, per person per day.

Not all of it will be used for drinking, but at least half of it is likely to be used for that, and the rest can be used for washing hands etc.

I suggest that you aim at having at least two weeks worth of drinkable water stored and easily accessible.

That means one person would require 14 gallons (53 litres). The more people you have in the home obviously the more water you will need to have stored.

Basic Water Storage Requirements:

You may decide to purchase bottled water. That can somewhat expensive.

Or you may be lucky to already have large rainwater storage tanks. But if not, then there are options for storing water in smaller containers.

In the latter case, preferably store your water in food grade plastic or glass bottles.

Make sure they are well sealed. I have discovered that using empty juice bottles works well. They will need to be thoroughly cleaned first however.

These bottles are generally about 3/4 gallon (2.8 or 3 litters) in size, are easy to handle, and are not too heavy.

So, rather than discarding your juice bottles after use, clean them and use them for water storage.

Should You treat Your Water With Chlorine?

If you are storing town water from a municipal supply then the chances are you won’t need to treat the water before you store it as it will already have chlorine in it.

If however, you are not on a town water supply then you probably should treat it before you store it. This will increase it’s shelf life.

Use only pure Sodium Hypochlorite. Be aware that not all bleaches are pure. Some contain surfactants and other additives and shouldn’t be used. Janola for example is not recommended for this.

In New Zealand a product called Clor-O-Gene is one that issuer and is recommended for water sterilization. They state on the product bottle to use one capful per 20 litters of water.

It is advised by many people that you replace your stored water every twelve months.

Simple Home-Made Water Purifiers

You may find that you run out of stored water and need to resort to gathering water from impure sources. We have here included two videos on how to make very effective water purifiers.

Water Filter – Black Berkey Home Made – Simple Build

A video demonstrating the simple steps used in building a home made water filter using Black Berkey purification elements. It’s a very effective water purifier made at a much lower cost than the commercial products.

Water Filter – Black Berkey Home Made – Simple Build

Survivalist Water Filter – Make A Bucket Sand & Charcoal Bio filter

How to make an effective charcoal and sand water filter using two buckets. Great for purifying even the dirtiest water. Relatively easy to make with the step by step instructions given in this video. In a survivalist situation having clean water can’t be taken for granted. One of these will ensure you have the ability to make rain water, stream water or even puddle water safe, Note if you use dirty water PLEASE boil it after passing it through this filter!

Survivalist Water Filter – Make A Bucket Sand & Charcoal Bio filter

A Minute To Midnite is brings you news, interviews, survival tips, and insights into the world as we watch Biblical Prophecy unfold in the 21st century. We believe in encouraging people to prepare for the End Time events that are ahead – as we watch the signs unfold before us! We who run this site, are bible believing Christians who believe in being proactive in waking people up, spreading the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and warning people of the evils of The New World Order to those who will listen.

We also strongly desire to see a return to an “Acts Chapter II” type of Christianity.

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47

https://aminutetomidnite.com/survival-and-prepping/water-storage-purification/