Category Archives: Natural Disaster

-Hope in the Now and the Future

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Michael| 2 Comments

(Image by Keoni Cabral via Flickr)

I have heard many Christians refer to the future and proclaim that they have ‘read the back of the book’ so they are not afraid because God is in control. In response I wonder if they have really studied it at all with all of the upheaval portrayed in the Book of Revelation.

I have read the last chapter also but find myself naturally afraid at times considering the chaos we seem to be facing daily; coming at us economically, politically, and in natural cataclysmic events. A lot of Christians have been seeking ‘signs and wonders’ but some of the natural signs we have been getting lately are nothing like what we have been praying for. If we are in the beginning of ‘end times’ like some seem to think, then it sure isn’t going to get any better any time soon -only worse. At least until the very end.

It reminds me of a famous quote from the first Star Wars movie when Luke Skywalker says that he is not afraid and Yoda responds: “You will be.” That scene always send chills up my spine.

We may be entering times that the Bible says will try our very souls and cause hearts to fail. How are we Christians to respond to the fear and the chaos all around us? We will not be able to ‘faith’ it all away and change reality like some of the ‘health and wealth’ folks seem to teach. Particularly if God is in the chaos bringing about his own ‘end time’ purposes.

This is a good time to remember and hold on to all of the promises that God has made to believers over the years. When I really get down sometimes I turn to an old paper back book that I picked up during the ‘Jesus people’ move of the 70’s. It’s got one page after another of encouraging promises that God and his Son Jesus have made to believers through the generations including those who find themselves in the very final moments of history.

Here’s one scripture that I find particularly helpful right now:

Jer 29:11-14
11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD,…”
ESV

Jeremiah spoke these words of encouragement to a people who were in exile and had lost everything, their jobs, their homes, their church (Temple), and their nation. We don’t have it quite that bad yet.

While the current events are disconcerting, I believe that the Lord has plans for His people to rise up and still bring the Gospel to every nation and people …then the end shall come.

It is not a time to dwell on our fears or what we might have lost but what we might gain through a closer relationship with the Father in the midst of fulfilling His destiny and calls on our lives. The church has yet to rise up and become that shining beacon on a hill –but it will. *Top

Posted in Economy, End Times, Harvest, Natural Disaster

Tagged End Times

-Responding to the Times?

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Michael| Leave a comment

Here’s some good council from James Goll on how we should be responding to all of the different situations and problems facing our nation.

He points out that the American church has not really turned to God in a disparate way, that the circumstances may call for more radical responses on our part.

Personally looking over the history of our land, there has never been a time when so many major natural disasters have stricken this country in so short a period of time. Then we are in the midst of 2 1/2 wars while our economy is at its worst point in last 70 years or an entire generation.

What does the future hold?

We are preparing for the worse both naturally and economically out here in California. Too many words have come our way to ignore the possibilities of major trouble. However we are also expecting and hoping for revival in the midst of it all.

How are we to respond? Radical prayer is in order. Read the suggestions for responses to differing situations in Goll’s article: “Responding to the Times”

Posted in American Church, Christian Living, Economy, Natural Disaster, Perseverance, Prayer, Prophetic Message, Word for the Church

Tagged Prophetic Counsel

-California: Everything That Can Be Shaken…

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Michael| Leave a comment

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one o...

(Image via Wikipedia)

The LORD will march out like a mighty man,
like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
and will triumph over his enemies. -Isaiah 42:13

There have been a lot of prophetic words lately about California suffering a major earthquake. Meanwhile the earthquake scientists at Caltech are warning us that a major quake is coming our way sometime within the next 5-10 years so all Californians need to be prepared.

In the news, around here there is concern about how the state will be able to pay its bills and avoid bankruptcy. Unemployment is as high as it has ever been in the Golden State. Remember that during the Great Depression of the 30’s folks came out west to California to find work. Now jobless people here are going the other way heading for Arizona and Texas. Last month 75 major companies left California for different less taxing states.

Meanwhile among my friends and family, many have had dreams and visions of major catastrophes coming our way. One of my sons who is one of the most accurate prophetic folks that I know even had a very real and vivid vision of a flash of light and a mushroom cloud appearing on the horizon as we were in the car together heading down the 91 freeway toward LA.

If you look at what happen in Missouri this week and the tornados that sweep across other areas in the last couple of months it is easy to see that we are living in different and chaotic times. I can’t remember a period in my lifetime when so many natural disasters have occurred one right after another.

A lot of us out here have been praying about how we are called to respond. A major word that was read to our congregation on Sunday indicated the following:

Everything that can be shaken will be…what remains will be solid. It is not a time to run and leave, but a time to gather together and fight, a time to prepare for harvest.

Isaiah 42:13 was also cited (see above).

I believe that this message not only applies to our area but the entire country. We are living in chaotic times on many different levels both natural and spiritual, but the Lord is ready to do battle and bring forth a great Harvest in the midst of it all. *Top

Posted in American Church, Harvest, Natural Disaster, Revival

Tagged Harvest & Revival, Natural Disaster

-Japan: A New Opportunity to Spread the Gospel and Bring Revival?

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Michael| 2 Comments

In the midst of chaos, death, and sorrow one Japanese-American minister sees a new opportunity to spread the Gospel in a land that has basically rejected it.

Japan has a population of about 130 million and while the majority somewhat practice Shintoism and Buddhism in reality the younger generation is basically secular in their world view.

Only about one percent of Japan is Christian and the church has grown very slowly in the last 100 years or so. But the article also points out that the Gospel spread quite quickly there in the 16th century when Portuguese missionaries first brought Christianity to Japan. However for a number of reasons it fell into disfavor and was actually banned from the country for hundreds of years.

Doug Stringer, the half-Japanese, half-American founder of Somebody Cares America, is leading a team now working on the ground in Japan. It is Stringer’s view that Christians need to work together as a team across racial and denominational lines in Japan in order to make any kind of real impact. The few Christians that there are in japan have unfortunately been divided and have seldom worked together in the past. Stringer is hoping that this will all change and the church will be far more united in the future:

“Crises draw people together, but some groups, even Christian groups, want to get their five-minute sound bite or 15 minutes of fame and they no longer really work together. It’s like a fishing pole catching one fish rather than a fishing net woven together to catch a lot. We need to work together.”

Stringer has hope that the Gospel and the church will rise up and meet the challenge amidst the ashes of destruction in Japan and bless the entire nation:

“I believe we can turn it around again in Japan for Christ. This is our opportunity to go to that one percent. We can see a nation of very honorable, but proud people in a desperate situation receive the love of Christ through God’s people in a very tangible way. They will see the living Christ and meet the Hope of Glory because of it.”

“We must leave a lasting equity for churches, pastors and missionaries—the Christians in Japan—so that out of this tragedy we can see lasting transformation. I don’t know if I will have the opportunity to personally see those changes, but I want to empower believers in Japan to get past their differences and become part of something bigger than themselves—to see history in the making as hearts become open to the Gospel message.”

According to the article, Stringer has received a number of personal prophecies over his life including one word that indicated that he could end up touching the royal family itself and government of Japan. Also, that he and his family might be instrumental in initiating a revival in that country.

We hope and pray that these words will be fulfilled through brother Stringer and others who are also called to break down the spiritual walls of resistance that has kept Japan from receiving Christ. Please pray with me for revival to break out among that honorable people. *Top

Posted in Divine Appointment, Evangelism, Harvest, Japan, Natural Disaster, Revival

Tagged Japan

-100,000 Bottles of Water: A Prophetic Picture of Provision

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Michael| 1 Comment

(Image by Klearchos Kapoutsis via Flickr)

A week and a half ago we received 100,000 bottles of water as a donation from a supplier to our Mercy Warehouse at Vineyard Laguna Niguel.

I have talked about the warehouse before –it is a on-going ministry of our church to the poor and just regular folks of South Orange County. We give away approx. $100,000 worth of food, clothing, furniture, and etc. per month out of our 40,000 sq ft. warehouse. We also have become a food bank supplier for other charities in the area including the Salvation army.

Usually when we receive a large donation like that it is because we are going to need it or someone in the area. If 100’s of loafs of extra bread shows up it means that some other charity in the area has probably been shorted and really needs the bread.

The warehouse has become a prophetic picture of God’s provision. So when 100,000 bottles of water shows up some wondered if disaster was soon to strike in our own area. However according to several of our contacts in the Middle East the water sure could be utilized there. But we were frustrated in all of our attempt to arrange for shipping.

Then the huge quake hit in Japan and it became very clear where the water needed to go and immediately we were able to find transportation. The water is already there.

In thinking about this experience and others lately, this is a prophetic picture of God’s provision for us. It is going to be there exactly when we need it. File this for future reference as our own nation, communities, churches, and even our own families go through disasters and crisis in the future. *Top

Posted in -Provision, Kingdom Economy, Natural Disaster

Tagged Prophetic Provision

-8.9 a Sign of the Times?

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Michael| 1 Comment

NASA Satellite Image of Japan Captured March 1...

(NASA Goddard Photo and Video via Flickr)

The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan is one of the largest recorded in history. I have heard it referred to several times as an event of Biblical proportions. Is the earthquake also a ‘sign of the times’?

Yes.

But it depends on what you mean by that. Is it a sign of the ‘last days’? That remains to be seen however it is a ‘sign of the times’ that we are currently going through for sure.

Everything that is happening in the world right now is exceptional or unique. No one can explain the convergence of economical and political upheaval along with some of the greatest natural disasters the world has ever known.

Is this God’s judgment or is the enemy at the bottom of it all or a combination? Some prophetic folks are referring to all of it as ‘the perfect storm’.

Most prophetic people are saying that everything right now is being shaken that can be shaken. In that sense the 8.9 earthquake is a natural sign for what is taking place. Economies, political structures, alliances, churches, religions, and cultures –everything is being turned upside down and up for grabs.

Lately a lot of prophetical words to God’s faithful have been warnings that it is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. How much worse? A lot depends upon the prayers of His people. I don’t know what is is like where you are but out here we are receiving a definite call to prayer. Our church is right now trying to set up 24 hour prayer. As it stands now just a few hours in the middle of the night will probably not be covered.

Now For The Good Part

Our enemy has his plans but so does our God. Remember the word that Joseph spoke to his brothers after it was all over. After years in slavery and prison to finally be lifted up as the prime minister of Egypt:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” –Genesis 50:20

The plan is to save many lives for all eternity—the greatest harvest and revival of all times. A world–wide harvest but also a major revival for America.

Increasingly we are living in times in which knowledge is expanding at an exponential rate and what is wrong is being presented as good and what is good according to God’s law is now considered bad. But a new day is coming when the faithful church will rise up and shine for a moment like never before as a light and beacon to the whole world. *Top

Posted in American Church, Harvest, Natural Disaster, Revival

Tagged Sign of the Times

-“What in the World Is Happening?”

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Michael| Leave a comment

What in the World Is Happening? -Cindy deVille asks this question in her latest offering to Charisma’s Prophetic Insight. She observes:

“We have witnessed unprecedented flooding, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, including the erupting of a volcano that shut down most of Europe’s air travel. We have seen a historic oil spill threatening our coastlines and economic systems; massive earthquakes; tsunamis; wars; severe rioting; political unrest; economic turmoil and terrorists bent on killing masses.

Nations are in an uproar! What in the world is going on?”

Response: This is a question that many of us have been asking lately. At first it all seemed to be just a series of unrelated happenings and maybe some of them are just that . However, as these extreme events begin to pile up many are seeing the entire world turned upside down physically, economically, and politically.

It is no longer possible to ignore that something major is going on and changes are happening to our world that will change it for ever. Meanwhile the gospel is reaching nations and peoples in places where it has never been before. What is God’s message for his people and his church today in the midst of these chaotic times? According to Cindy deVille:

“The church can—and must—be ready for the days ahead!”

<<Read the rest of her message>> *Top

Posted in Natural Disaster, Prophetic Message, Word for the Church

Tagged Prophetic Insight

-Earthquakes, Prophecy, and Pentecost

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Michael| 1 Comment

: (Image by luca.m. via Flickr)

The ‘end-time’ teachers are going crazy covering all of the major earthquakes lately falling over themselves noting how the scriptures include the escalation of world-wide earthquakes as one of the signs of the end-times.

Many are expecting to be raptured at any moment. However, I don’t believe that the Lord is finished with humanity quite yet.

If we are entering the final moments of history before the return of Jesus than we can also expect a world-wide harvest that touches every nation. After all, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations and for me the most important end-time sign of all is this one:

“And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end shall come.” –Matt. 24:14

Many looking for a quick rapture typically don’t consider** that there are still places in this world that the Gospel has not reached yet but the pace is picking up at an incredible rate right now. Already there are major revivals going on all over the world particularly in Africa, India, and Asia including a hidden harvests going on in Muslim countries. Over six million Muslims have been secretly coming to Christ every year since 9/11/2001.

Here’s a prophetic message from Cindy Jacobs:

“The Winds of Pentecost”

She believes that major revivals are going to break out at every one of the recent earthquake locations:

On December 31, 2009, the Holy Spirit spoke through me and said: “I’m going to shake the earth. You will begin to see earthquakes—I am going to shake everything that can be shaken. Look where the earthquakes are hitting because God is going to release a wind of Pentecost in those places.”

She also says that the Day of Pentecost this year is particularly important for ushering in a new world-wide revival:

Pentecost this year is May 23, …

God wants His winds of Pentecost to blow at Pentecost. The Lord says: “I want My people to pray in a new Pentecost that will sweep the face of the earth, for I am coming with divine visitation that will touch heaven and earth. Many will be swept into the kingdom of God, and My glory will pour out with signs and wonders both in heaven and [on] the earth!”

<<Read the whole message>> *Top

**Note: There is a popular teaching among many that there is nothing that still has to happen before Jesus returns for his church. Some teach that the Gospel reached the entire known world in the first century. But of course this doesn’t consider the millions that lived in the Americas which for me is a major problem for that theory.

Posted in Eschatology, Harvest, Natural Disaster, Pentecost, Prophetic Message, Revival, Word for the Church

Tagged End-Time Signs, Prophetic Message

-A Call for Repentance: Is Judgment Coming to LA?

Posted on March 24, 2010 by Michael| 1 Comment

: (Image via Wikipedia)

Here’s A prophetic call for repentance across America but particularly for LA and Southern California from Rob Winters of Phoenix, Arizona:

“A Call for Repentance”

Some quotes from the article:

Although the “big one” has not yet struck the southern California coast, recent earthquakes that have devastated Haiti, Chile and other countries along the “ring of fire” have set off an alarm in my spirit. …

Therefore, I am issuing a call to repentance to Christians throughout America, especially those in greater Los Angeles. You may be wondering why Los Angeles is ripe for judgment. For the past century, through music and media, Hollywood has become the headquarters for the propagation of pornography, violence, greed, alcoholism, the drug culture, New Age practices, homosexual and pro-choice agendas, and a host of other anti-Christ views that have poisoned the lives of millions throughout the world.

Although repentance and intercession will lessen the number of deaths and degree of destruction, the Los Angeles earthquake will be formidable and is inevitable. However, we need to take action and mobilize prayer now.

<<Read the rest>>

Response: Repentance is definitely in order and a major component of any revival. Living in So. California myself, I would rather have revival instead. There is already a major stirring among the young people out here particularly on college and university campuses. I am hoping for another ‘Jesus People’ type move.

Southern California is already going through some major economic difficulties. The state of California is nearly bankrupt and increasing taxes right and left mostly through new fees for everything. Many businesses have left California and have relocated in Las Vegas and in Phoenix because of the excessive costs of doing business in the state due to taxes, business fees, and new ‘global warming’ environmental regulations.

The unemployment rate is officially over 10% but in reality it is closer to 20%. Those who has been unemployed for over 6 months are dropped from the official list. This doesn’t even begin to cover underemployment.

Some of the things that Rob Winters looks for have already happened. A major earthquake- ‘The Big One’ is long over due in Southern California and many Christians have had dreams and visions of it. It is a matter of time and God’s timing.

Major intercession and prayers among the Christian community in So. California have held back God’s judgment. I am still praying for major Revival instead. There are thousands of others out here who are doing the same. *Top

Posted in Natural Disaster, Prophetic Message, Repentance

Tagged Los Angeles, Prophetic Judgment

-The Pat Robertson on Haiti Controversy

Posted on January 15, 2010 by Michael| 6 Comments

Pat Robertson at one point in the video intimates that the earthquake might be a ‘blessing in disguise’. Then he goes on to talk about how Haiti in the past ‘made a pact with the devil’ in order to get free from the French and that the curse of God is still on that nation.

Somehow according to Pat the earthquake could be a ‘blessing in disguise’ if the nation turns to God in the midst of the tragedy.

What do you think about what he said here?

His comments are all over the news and the internet and have become an embarrassment to the Christian community. I have already heard of several atheists making an issue of it.

Did Haiti literally make a pact with the devil? I don’t know one way or another. It is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere and nothing ever seems to go right for them but there is also a lot of Christians in that land.

Even if Pat believed that he prophetically received that understanding from God it was not necessarily something he should have shared in the way that he did. Obviously not wise at all.

I can see little good coming out of such a ‘revelation’ at this point. It is tantamount to kicking someone who is already down. Understandings like this should probably be shared privately with missionaries and Christian leaders that serve there instead.

What do you think? *Top