Blood Moons ... Shemitah ... Jewish holidays ... pestilences and chaos spreading across the globe at break-neck speed ... Does this mean we are going to see the world as we know it come to an end right now? ... Certainly news outlets, both religious & secular, are abuzz with stories and speculation concerning the aforementioned. ... But let us forego all the speculation and instead discuss what we do know. ... Yes, the world is showing signs that it is in desperate trouble. .... Besides what has already been mentioned, we also are witnessing a worldwide moral decline of epic proportions, not to mention the rising civil chaos being multiplied by the flood of refugees who are fleeing their war-torn countries. There are many more issues, but the two that are drawing the most attention right now are the Shemitah/Jewish holiday situation and the Blood Moon phenomena. ... First, we have seen that the Shemitah year has brought major chaos to America's financial markets over the past 50+ years. ... And just in the last two - 2001 & 2008 - a cataclysmic fall of the stock market took place on the exact dates which marked the end of the Shemitah year. ... Of course, this can't happen on that specific date this year because it falls on a Sunday - September 13th. ... Many think, however, that a major market collapse will occur on either Friday, the 11th, or Monday, the 14th. ... Whatever, financial chaos is expected to take place. ..... Will it? .. Certainly we have seen major upheaval in recent days surrounding U.S. & world markets. .. Guess we'll just have to wait & see if it happens on the specified dates. ... Also worth mentioning, in previous Shemitah closures, it hasn't always occurred on the specific date, but has within a several week window. .... The very near future should prove very interesting! As for the Blood Moon/ Tetrad (four lunar eclipses & one solar eclipse) phenomena, as has have discussed in prior writings, seven of them will occur in the 21st century ... but only one of them - the tetrad of 2015 - will align itself with certain Jewish calendar sequences. ... Why is this of major interest? ... Because only three others have occurred in the past, and all three led to massive consequences concerning the Jewish people. ... The first was in 1493-1494, which occurred during the Spanish Inquisition, which history tells us that the Jewish people were slaughtered en masse. ... The next one was in 1949-1950 which was the period of the re-establishment of the Jewish nation. ... The next one occurred in 1967-1968, the time of which the Jews recaptured the Holy City of Jerusalem. ... And now, we come to 2014-2015, which concludes on September 28th, and is also the beginning of the Jewish holiday - "Feast of Tabernacles" ...... Will something of major consequence happen with the nation of Israel in or around these particular dates? ... Once again, it is something to watch closely ...... Now, I must emphasis that only God in heaven knows the exact time. ... Once again we look to scripture for this proof ... "But of that day and hour know one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (Matthew 24:36) ... But also, Jesus does teach us that we will know the season ... "Now learn the parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near - at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place." (Matthew 24:32-34) ... So, even though God tells us we will not know the exact time, we will recognize the 'season.' .. I personally believe that we are the generation that Jesus refers to in His teachings. I also believe this ... I do not think it is yet quite time for the Lord to call His church home (Rapture) .... There are still a few things that need to take place before the 'Trumpet' blows. ... Concerning this upcoming Shemitah event, we may very well see financial chaos here in America, which would ultimately involve the entire worldwide economic situation. ... For those of you who follow my teachings, you know that I believe the world government will come into being by means of worldwide economic chaos. ... In addition, America will continue to 'fade away' as far as being the only presiding superpower so as to allow for such a government to come into existence. ... Sadly, for all the 'nationalist' Christians out there, America IS NOT mentioned in Bible prophecy. ... We may still exist in some form in the end-time scheme of things, but will not be the dominating force we once were. As for the consequences concerning the 'Blood Moons' as they relate to Israel, my thinking is that there very well could be a regional war that will take place very, very soon. ... Psalm 83 describes this type of war which will involve the hostile surrounding Arab factions that have sworn her ultimate destruction (Hezbollah, Hamas, etc). ... Of course, Israel will be victorious and will increase her land mass which was originally promised by God Himself to Abraham and his offspring. ... This is a prophecy that is yet to be fully completed, and is also not to be confused with the coming Ezekiel war, which will ultimately involve Iran (Persia) & Russia (Magog - King of the North). ..... There are several more biblical events that need to occur such as the destruction of Damascus (Isaiah 17:1), the rebuilding of the Third Temple, and more. ... But for the sake of time, let's leave it on the 'buzz' issues for now. No doubt, much is taking place in the prophetic landscape .. so then, the question is this ... How should we live? ... As we watch the world around us, we first must work hard NOT to become numbed. .. We must not let ourselves begin to think that we are living in 'normal' times - that what is happening has always happened. ... Extraordinary, unprecedented, earthshaking events are making headlines with increasing rapidity. .. Prophecy is being fulfilled like never before. .. The earth is shaking all around us and we must NOT ignore it! ... "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35) For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36) Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36) ... Christ gave this warning so we could be among the few who will escape the terrible events soon to strike the earth. ... Sadly, we see that most people still remain confident in their own power. ... they deceive themselves and hold fast to an illusion of security. ... Meanwhile, this world hurtles toward the prophesied days of reckoning at a breathtaking pace. ... "For when they say, 'Peace and Safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:3) .... Flee complacency, as time is short! ...... John 16:33 says this ... "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ... With this exhortation given to us by our Savior, let us be confident in our faith .. sober-minded, maintaining good judgement .. fervently praying .. and being loving to one another. ... Also, we should NEVER set dates, and live our lives as if the 'Trumpet' will blow at any moment, but prepare ourselves to also live out our allotted time if the Lord decides to tarry. ... Either way, now or later, we are assured of an eternity of glory and bliss! ... Hallelujah!!!!!! Until next time, Red