Red Flags: Fire And Rain – The Rod of Iron

Old Dog V

Red Flags: Fire And Rain

Bob Neumann

The Word of God warns of signs of what is called “The End of the Age”. Sometimes it is referred to as the “Day of the Lord.” Most who do not place much value in either the authority or the power of the Word of God give it another name “Doom’s Day.” That is because of the misinterpretation of the message that scripture attempts to give. People who look to the Revelation of the Word see the “Day of the Lord” as the ultimate Paradigm Shift. But to those who look at it from a “self”-centered perception of the universe see their inevitable destruction – or “doom.” Therefore, it is nothing more than “individual perspective.”

This calls to mind a song from the 1960’s called “Eve of Destruction.” It seems that many “spiritual” people are singing that song today. Among the New Age Guru’s and Psychic Councilors there are many Pseudo-Prophets who speak of the next three to five years in cataclysmic terms. While there is a “measure” of truth in what they preach, both their source of information and their ultimate outcome is greatly erroneous. But let’s look at another song from the 60’s that said; “But I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain…” good news world, Brother James Taylor spoke of the past tense; “I’ve seen…” But there was a time where we were warned of what is now taking place. Yeshua spoke of a Mo’ed, a “Set Time” in Matt 24: 36-39 (*) The Father knows! But there are some False Gospels being preached that the “Coming of the Lord” is being held back so the “gospel can be preached.” That does not line up with scripture.

Verse 39 tells us that the world in general, haven’t a clue of what is happening in spite of a Global Deluge. The Gospel of Luke has an interesting “parallel” in the 21st Chapter, and an interesting warning. (vs 25-28, 34-36). Look again at verse 28, and think for a moment. When these “signs” begin to take place, we should be in anticipation for the coming of the King. Matthew’s prophetic warning speaks of floods, Luke speaks of the roaring and raging of the “seas.” Debatable points to all closed minded “realists” until you cross reference it. How often does the world and the New Age talk about “Global Warming” and “Greenhouse Effect”? Hoe many “modern psychic’s tell of Hurricanes and floods in their cataclysmic scenario’s?

While they are not very original, they also are not very accurate. Yet you can never pin them down to any specific point while they take credit for every near miss. Looks interesting like they want their cake and to eat it too. Throughout this summer the news has weekly reported flash floods and torrential rains throughout the continental United States. Yet daily we receive updates that report continuous “brush fires”, forest fires”, “wild fires.” Throughout the Western States.

Today, 8/28/96, the National Media stated that over 20,000 fire fighters are actively engaged in seven states. At present the city of Boise, Idaho is ringed by “fires.” In previous reports I heard a report that over 4 million acres have been burned so far this year. Obviously that number is now obsolete. The fires are but an inevitable outcome from a greater problem, draught. In the midst of one of the “wettest” years we have seen there are more areas of “draught” than there are “floods.” Many knowledgeable observers are talking of a return to the “dust bowl” states of the 1930’s in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas. Likewise Missouri and Arkansas have watched their crops burn in record breaking heat waves. To deal with the increased electrical consumption they have run their Hydroelectric Plants at capacity through much of the summer. Reservoir levels drop as streams and rivers dry up. Yet to the immediate North and East the state of Iowa and Mississippi are struggling to keep dikes and levees intact because of unseasonably high flood levels. This problem is not limited to North America.

In the last 30 days flash floods have hit in Spain and Italy. Nepal had a “blizzard” in the middle` of summer. Japan and the Philippines have had Typhoons while China drowns. Throughout the summer reports on the flood of China continue. While the video footage is obviously limited and dated, the catastrophe is real.

There have been no updates of the casualties this flood has caused, but early in July they “acknowledged” thousands dead and millions homeless. Damage was “acknowledged” in the billions of dollars. The future problem lies in the fact at the central provinces are underwater today. The “breadbasket” of China, so to speak, has been wash away. This would seem to point to maybe the worst harvest in history, seeing the present population of China at 1.3 billion people.

Taking into account the failed crops in many states and the present low levels of global grain supplies, trouble are definitely ahead. Anticipated shortfalls in India, Pakistan, and China point to severe hunger for almost half the world’s population. Record high grain prices in the commodities market tells us that there is no room upward in the market. The simple law of supply and demand dictates that the price goes up when the supply goes down! Present futures are near theirs all time high. This leads to consumer prices increasing geometrically and inflation escaping the present limits set by the government through the Federal Reserve Board.

Now let us step back a bit and take a deep breath. Presently we have “floods” and fires.” The “fires” strip the ground over which prevents proper absorption of rainfall. So when a “draught” ends, if there has been a brush/forest fire, the water “runs” off and not into the ground. This leads to erosion of topsoil and decreased fertility of the land. It also produces mud and land slides, and usually “flash floods.” So we find ourselves full circle. Drought and fire leading to floods, floods leading to famine. This brings us to rising markets, increased profits, and tighter interest rates. Well, Hallelujah! Happy days are here again! I guess old Billy Clinton-Slick Willy – is right. Things are getting better! But for who?

Revelations 6:5-6

⁵ When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.

⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”

⁵ When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.

Imagine working a whole day for a sandwich? That is what we are told will come. These are 6.4 billion people alive today according to United Nations Estimates. Presently the world states over two billion are “legally” defined as “malnourished.” That means they only have enough food, in calories, to reach 75% of what “expert” call minimal for survival.

What it means is over 1/3 rd of the people of earth are starving. And it is not only in Asia and Africa, we have too many in need in America. What is ‘too many’ you may ask? How about any more than one! But the prophecy does not stop there at the lack. It says “do not” limit the oil and the wine. This talks about the “haves”, those who are ahead of the game. The Apostle John is being told that in the greatest famine of history there will be many prospering in the midst of devastation. Is it beginning to sound a little close to home? Most financial expects see a continuation of this so called “bull” market. Yet most contrarians will tell you that the real money, the big “killing” comes during a falling market. Especially if you are anticipating each change. Let me repeat that word, ‘anticipating’, and let you think about it. Anticipate is not the same as to estimate, nor is it the same as to speculate.

I make no attempt to predict or prognosticate the future. The so called “Psychic Hot Lines” make a lot of money “entertaining” people by there efforts at telling people what is ahead. And according to most “infomercials” their customers are pleased at both their service and their product. On the other hand I am but a watchman. I look and listen to what is around us, and call out warnings of changes in the “weather.” which anyone could see if they are looking. Especially if they can see beyond the immediate. Some may call it opinions, and they are by nature. But we can look at them as “forecasts” of approaching storms. In Proverbs it says: (22:3)

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.

Concerned thought listens to the forecasts and then acts.

Samuel

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