Monthly Archives: March 2011

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

At first glance, the truth contained in this verse runs counter to our typical thinking. Generally, we associate “wounds” with enemies and “kisses” with our friends.  However, there are times when we need to hear something that will turn us away from danger. And, a true friend will be concerned enough about us and faithful enough to our friendship to really tell us something we may not want to hear.

On the other hand, an enemy may see us in a vulnerable place and “kiss” us with what seems to be good words and encouragement to do things we do not need to do.  The enemy will PRETEND to be our friend.  BEWARE!  What we really need is truth, even if it may hurt a bit.

 

Are We Taking Chances With Nuclear Waste?

Concerned citizens and scientists whose expertise is in nuclear power have refocused concerns about the US “practice of packing spent-fuel pools at power plants far beyond their capacity.”

Rod McCullum (director of the used-fuel programs for the Nuclear Energy Institute) says they think that it’s safe.

Oh, really?

According to some nuclear scientists in the US, we take more chances with our nuclear waste than was taken at the damaged Japanese plant.

Are you aware we have about 65,000 tons of nuclear waste spread across the United States at various facilities?  According to an article from Fox Business News, there were over 200,000 spent fuel rods in 2009, with the number growing every year.

Years ago the federal government promised to find safe storage for these used rods (which will remain radioactive for THOUSANDS of years).  But, as yet, that has not happened.  Our government is still debating the HOW and WHERE.

Are we surprised?  Have our scientists given our energy and profit hungry society a monster that we cannot kill, or even safely control?

The sort of problem that has threatened the life and quality of life of Japanese society can quickly become a WORLD-WIDE problem.  This is all the more reason that we must enthusiastically pray, “THY kingdom come” and prepare ourselves to be a part of God’s solution for mankind and a truly utopian society when Jesus Christ does appear.

For reference, check out a short article on the web: http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/article_696e430a-5e57-5b17-b91e-a17ae28aa9b6.html

 

 

 

Jerusalem Surrounded by “Armies”

One interesting Scripture that describes a significant end-time event is found in Luke 21.

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

What kind of “armies” does this verse describe, and why are those “armies” surrounding Jerusalem?  Over the years there have been some interesting possibilities suggested for the “armies.” All of this war-like activity in Middle Eastern countries renews interest in identifying these “armies.”  Anyone watching world news obviously realizes that all around the tiny State of Israel there are numerous unfriendly nations.  Some of those nations are currently experiencing great internal conflicts, violence, and blood shed. Recently, there have been rebels troops, chaotic mobs and governmental troops doing battle in several of these countries.   Can these warring groups be considered “armies?”  Are these the “armies” of Luke 21? Or, is there a better explanation?

Are the armies surrounding Jerusalem because they are ready to destroy the city?  Or, could the armies near Jerusalem be there because they have the goal of  protecting Jerusalem?  Perhaps, the “armies” are stationed in Jerusalem to keep other “armies” from destroying it?

For everyone looking toward the end-time, the Middle East is the place to watch…especially the city of Jerusalem.