So is this the 'writing on the wall"?

[moonglow]

I love it when the secular news uses this expression because its so bibical..

Usually we use 'signs' ..we are to be watching for signs of Christ's return. What does this mean to you?

And what do you all think of the latest events going on in the middle east? The extremely harsh weather this winter, the animals (birds, fish and others) dying in mass, horrible fires in Australia, then a cyclone, now an earthquake in New Zealand which usually leads to more earthquakes in other places due to them being part of the ring of fire along with of course how very bad our economy still is and will get worse due to rising gas prices due to the conflicts in the middle east..and if its bad for us it is/will be for many other countries. And of course what is happening in many churches throughout the world too..very great false teachings going on...can't say that is new, but its pretty awful and with some seems to get crazier and crazier. How do you view our Christian 'health' over all? Strengthening? Weakening? When we put all of these things together...do you think they are the signs we should be watching for? Why or why not?

I am just wondering how other Christians are seeing all of these events...and what your prayers with God might be telling you too. This includes dreams or visions. I don't really want to debate anything...just feedback. Thanks

God bless

[markdrums]

I think the amount & frequency of these things is about the same as it's been for decades & longer.
The difference nowadays is, we hear about EVERYTHING, INSTANTLY!!

"Back in the day" we never heard about many of the things that get reported on the news.... and if we did, it would take a couple days or more.

BUT.... there's definitely enough chaos to keep me on my toes, with my eyes & ears wide open. That's for sure!

[teddyv]

I love it when the secular news uses this expression because its so bibical..

Usually we use 'signs' ..we are to be watching for signs of Christ's return. What does this mean to you?

And what do you all think of the latest events going on in the middle east? The extremely harsh weather this winter, the animals (birds, fish and others) dying in mass, horrible fires in Australia, then a cyclone, now an earthquake in New Zealand which usually leads to more earthquakes in other places due to them being part of the ring of fire along with of course how very bad our economy still is and will get worse due to rising gas prices due to the conflicts in the middle east..and if its bad for us it is/will be for many other countries. And of course what is happening in many churches throughout the world too..very great false teachings going on...can't say that is new, but its pretty awful and with some seems to get crazier and crazier. How do you view our Christian 'health' over all? Strengthening? Weakening? When we put all of these things together...do you think they are the signs we should be watching for? Why or why not?

I am just wondering how other Christians are seeing all of these events...and what your prayers with God might be telling you too. This includes dreams or visions. I don't really want to debate anything...just feedback. Thanks

God bless

Personally, all things being equal, I see the economy improving - it'll be a while yet in the US, but the signs are there. Certainly we are doing pretty well to the north, but then we did not take it on the chin as the US did. Stock markets are generally up which, IIRC, historically mean a general overall improvement.

As far as the earthquake/natural disasters, I don't read any increase in the Biblical references - just a statement not to worry about these when we hear about them.

Without a knowledge of complete history of what the church has taught over the centuries, I'd be surprised if it is any worse, other than the amount of people it affects would be that much greater.

[moonglow]

I think the amount & frequency of these things is about the same as it's been for decades & longer.
The difference nowadays is, we hear about EVERYTHING, INSTANTLY!!

"Back in the day" we never heard about many of the things that get reported on the news.... and if we did, it would take a couple days or more.

BUT.... there's definitely enough chaos to keep me on my toes, with my eyes & ears wide open. That's for sure!

Thanks!

The amount and frequency of what? As far as I know there hasn't been civil uprisings like we are seeing in Egypt, Libra and other places in quite some time. I would have to check history to find out when the last times were..and they succeed! I think the earthquakes have remained steady for a very long time..they just affect more because there is more of us. Which is sad because the death toll rises.

When I heard this yesterday...well lets say I am not looking forward to the future very much..

The Six-Legged Meat of the Future

Could beetles, dragonfly larvae and water bug caviar be the meat of the future? As the global population booms and demand strains the world's supply of meat, there's a growing need for alternate animal proteins.

The vast majority of the developing world already eats insects. In Laos and Thailand, weaver-ant pupae are a highly prized and nutritious delicacy. They are prepared with shallots, lettuce, chilies, lime and spices and served with sticky rice. Further back in history, the ancient Romans considered beetle larvae to be gourmet fare, and the Old Testament mentions eating crickets and grasshoppers.

blah...on a side note you should have seen my son's face when he watched this news story...

But all I could think of was that movie Charles Heston was in...

I am starting to think becoming a vegetarian sounds better and better all the time.

God bless

[markdrums]

Thanks!

The amount and frequency of what? As far as I know there hasn't been civil uprisings like we are seeing in Egypt, Libra and other places in quite some time. I would have to check history to find out when the last times were..and they succeed! I think the earthquakes have remained steady for a very long time..they just affect more because there is more of us. Which is sad because the death toll rises.

When I heard this yesterday...well lets say I am not looking forward to the future very much..

The Six-Legged Meat of the Future

Could beetles, dragonfly larvae and water bug caviar be the meat of the future? As the global population booms and demand strains the world's supply of meat, there's a growing need for alternate animal proteins.

The vast majority of the developing world already eats insects. In Laos and Thailand, weaver-ant pupae are a highly prized and nutritious delicacy. They are prepared with shallots, lettuce, chilies, lime and spices and served with sticky rice. Further back in history, the ancient Romans considered beetle larvae to be gourmet fare, and the Old Testament mentions eating crickets and grasshoppers.

blah...on a side note you should have seen my son's face when he watched this news story...

But all I could think of was that movie Charles Heston was in...

I am starting to think becoming a vegetarian sounds better and better all the time.

God bless

LOL!!!
Well, I can say that I have always been an "adventerous" eater..... but I still haven't added "creepy crawlies" to my regular diet. (But, thinking about it.... bugs are probably a lot like shellfish, except they live on land.... hmmmm)

Perhaps I might need to do some personal research & taste-testing???

I'll update you if that happens.

[moonglow]

Personally, all things being equal, I see the economy improving - it'll be a while yet in the US, but the signs are there. Certainly we are doing pretty well to the north, but then we did not take it on the chin as the US did. Stock markets are generally up which, IIRC, historically mean a general overall improvement.

As far as the earthquake/natural disasters, I don't read any increase in the Biblical references - just a statement not to worry about these when we hear about them.

Without a knowledge of complete history of what the church has taught over the centuries, I'd be surprised if it is any worse, other than the amount of people it affects would be that much greater.

Yes the list of people claiming to be the Second Coming of Christ and false teachers and prophets dates back to the NT times for sure.

What I see in the church is a wider gap of true teachings vs false teachings...a separating of the sheep from the goats. There is little middle ground anymore. I realize false teaching was something Paul was battling from the get go for sure and that is nothing new. I just see a widening gap between the two and I do see good bible based churches growing in strength and in numbers and their faith growing mighty.

One thing I know for sure that has changed and does affect people greatly is the media. The corruption in it through songs, through shows, through magazines and even news..and of course the internet, is astounding and stunning when compared to what was viewed when my mom was growing up. A huge, huge change there for sure and its greatly influencing young people. Their ideas about the world is being formed through the media and its not good at all. I personally see the media as a type of false prophet.

Thanks for your input.

God bless

[moonglow]

LOL!!!
Well, I can say that I have always been an "adventerous" eater..... but I still haven't added "creepy crawlies" to my regular diet. (But, thinking about it.... bugs are probably a lot like shellfish, except they live on land.... hmmmm)

Perhaps I might need to do some personal research & taste-testing???

I'll update you if that happens.

Dude you have some serious issues you need to work on... ewwwww!!!

My son bought some chocolate covered grasshoppers once but I don't think he ever ate them. ugh. I think people need to investigate what these bugs eat themselves, or what they crawl over and on...it ain't pretty..then they eat the bugs. ew.

Yep...pounds of lettuce here I come...

[markdrums]

Dude you have some serious issues you need to work on... ewwwww!!!

What...? Did you JUST meet me? LOL!!!!

[moonglow]

What...? Did you JUST meet me? LOL!!!!

I am just informing those that don't know you...ha

[tango]

Stock markets are generally up which, IIRC, historically mean a general overall improvement.

They thought that in 1929 as well, and the second wave of the downturn wiped out more people than the first did.

It might be a good omen, it might not. I just wouldn't read too much into anything the stock market does.

As far as the earthquake/natural disasters, I don't read any increase in the Biblical references - just a statement not to worry about these when we hear about them.

Agreed

[teddyv]

They thought that in 1929 as well, and the second wave of the downturn wiped out more people than the first did.

It might be a good omen, it might not. I just wouldn't read too much into anything the stock market does.

I presume you are referring to the dreaded "W" recession type of recovery. I know you are a bit of a pessimist in these matters (based on other posts). I just can't help being more of an optimist, I suppose, especially in my biz.

[tango]

I presume you are referring to the dreaded "W" recession type of recovery. I know you are a bit of a pessimist in these matters (based on other posts). I just can't help being more of an optimist, I suppose, especially in my biz.

More the double-dip recession - I see a W as having two equal downturns followed by a relatively fast recovery - 1929 was anything but (taking until 1954 to recover the highs of 1929).

It's good to be thought of as "a bit of a pessimist" given I generally suggest that people who want uplifting forecasts don't even talk to me about economics. Honestly, I just don't see any way out of where we are without economic pain like we haven't seen in generations.

For the record I seriously hope I'm wrong, I just don't see much economic optimism for the future.

[ProjectPeter]

More the double-dip recession - I see a W as having two equal downturns followed by a relatively fast recovery - 1929 was anything but (taking until 1954 to recover the highs of 1929).

It's good to be thought of as "a bit of a pessimist" given I generally suggest that people who want uplifting forecasts don't even talk to me about economics. Honestly, I just don't see any way out of where we are without economic pain like we haven't seen in generations.

For the record I seriously hope I'm wrong, I just don't see much economic optimism for the future.

Nah... it's toast. Too much debt and not enough common sense.

[tango]

Nah... it's toast. Too much debt and not enough common sense.

That's being a bit simplistic, but sums up my thoughts pretty well all the same

[ProjectPeter]

That's being a bit simplistic, but sums up my thoughts pretty well all the same

SImple is good.