Is 2013 The Year of the Snake?

January 1, 2013January 1, 2013Allen Frederick 1 Comment

So the Lord God said to the snake, “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all the wild or domestic animals. You will crawl on your belly. You will be the lowest of animals as long as you live. I will make you and the woman hostile toward each other. I will make your descendants and her descendant hostile toward each other. He will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:14-15 (GW)

The Snake

Mine is the wisdom of the ages.
I hold the key to the mysteries of life.
Casting my seeds on fertile ground,
I nurture them with constancy and purpose.
My sights are fixed.
My gaze unchanging.
Unyielding, inexorable and deep,
I advance with steady, unslaked gait,
the solid earth beneath me.

I am the snake.
By Theodora Lau

English: Chinese for “Snake” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to the Chinese zodiac 2013 ushers in the year of the snake. This after the year of the Dragon sets us on a course, according to the Chinese, of good fortune but to those of the Christian west one could draw the opposite conclusion.

To the Chinese, the Snake would be most content as a teacher, philosopher, writer, psychiatrist and fortune-teller. In truth there are many snakes in our society. They are present in every sector of society but are best identified in the areas of academia, politics, the media, and the arts. They weave their way through these institutions leaving in their wake confusion and destruction, and yet they seem to excel and advance undeterred. The poet put it succinctly when he penned the above verse. The snake has been around since the beginning of time and will exist until the end of time. In the meantime the snake has a focused purpose and will not be deterred. With patient persistence the snake will weave and twist and wiggle its way into every dark corner of society, and lay its eggs of deception along the way.

The snake can not be compromised with, nor can one negotiate in good faith with a snake since they will take both sides of an issue and slither their way around any obstacle that opposes their purpose and plans for society. One can not trust a snake. The way of the snake is never straight but always crooked.

2013 is also the Year of the Water Snake, described as unpredictable. When its body moves forward, it ungulates, thus making it difficult to tell which direction it is going. Which personally I find disturbing. It is difficult to tell exactly where the snake is leading you or for that matter where it came from. Since it will willingly take both sides of any issue it is almost impossible to entrap the snake in any ideological debate, since the snake has no problem twisting and winding itself into any distortion necessary to advance and avoid capture. This constant weaving and dodging to the uninformed may look like intellectual debate and positioning, but to those who really understand the ways of the snake will see it as what it is twisted distortions.

The evil-doers are strange from the first; from the hour of their birth they go out of the true way, saying false words. Their poison is like the poison of a snake; they are like the adder, whose ears are shut; Psalms 58:3-4 (BBE)

According to Chinese Astrology, the Year of the Snake person is a smart person. They think of clever schemes in a cold calculating way. They are always maneuvering to advance those schemes. Like a river that twists and winds its way through a canyon, the snake will weave around any obstruction that restricts its path toward its goal. This Chinese zodiac animal sign represents people who are loners and use others to achieve their aims and goals.They present their goals as worthwhile for humanity be most are solely for the gain of the snake.

Because 2013 is the year of the snake it is possible, in all the cold, calculated, clever advancing the snake does, it may become arrogant in its own craftiness and become complacent. They might just drift along thinking it will happen – from business ventures to relationships to political success. Ignoring the pulse of society means problems could arise and blow up in their face.

Do not count on that however, since the snake has an uncanny ability to spot opportunities and exploit them to their benefit. This is why snakes are usually very wealthy and successful.

But I have a fear, that in some way, as Eve was tricked by the deceit of the snake, your minds may be turned away from their simple and holy love for Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (BBE)

The snake has a certain allure (sleek, sexy, powerful, hint of danger) to some people – those people not put off by the dangers that snakes can have. Be careful that you are not overtaken by the snake’s supposed charm and charisma. These are disarming characteristics of the snake which want is to overcome opposition. The snake is not your friend and as such should be approached with caution and skepticism.

How best do you deal with the snakes in society? The only sure-fire way to end the advancement of the evil schemes of the snake is to crush them. Expose every crooked deal, and expose every lie to the knowledge of the truth. Take the straight and narrow path and do not allow yourself to drawn into a verbal debate with the serpent who has proven himself to be far craftier then your average person. Immerse yourself in the love of God and surround yourself with the gospel of the truth of God’s word. Only through the light of the scriptures and the illumination of the Holy Spirit‘s guidance will you be able to avoid the deceptions of that ancient serpent.

Although 2013 is supposed to be the year of the snake 2015 is to be the year of the sheep. Take heart, and do not grew weary in doing well. God knows how to deliver His people from the snares of the fowlers and the lying schemes of the snakes.

This is a view from the nest. What say you?

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

Along for the journey

This has been A View from the Nest. The statements, comments, or opinions expressed are solely that of the author and do not represent the views or opinions of the host of this site or any affiliates thereof. Any questions or comments should be directed to myself and not to the host or hosts of this site.

It’s The End of the World As We Know It

December 20, 2012Allen Frederick 2 Comments

Well not so much. For it is written:

“No one knows when that day or hour will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son don’t know. Only the Father knows. “When the Son of Man comes again, it will be exactly like the days of Noah. In the days before the flood, people were eating, drinking, and getting married until the day that Noah went into the ship. They were not aware of what was happening until the flood came and swept all of them away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes again. Matthew 24:36-39 (GW)

According to the Mayan calendar December 21st 2012 is supposed to be the end of the world. This is not the first time the end of the world was predicted. All the earlier predictions were wrong and I am certain this prediction will be wrong as well. Had the Mayans had some sort of special knowledge of what was going to happen in the future they would not have suffered the loss of their own kingdom.

But be certain of this, that if the master of the house had knowledge of the time when the thief was coming, he would have been watching, and would not have let his house be broken into. Luke 12:39 (BBE)

If the Mayan’s were unable to predict their own end how could it be said that they possessed a certain knowledge of things to come concerning the end of the world? Like others who have predicted the end of the world before, this too will be proven to be a false prophecy.

The problem with these false prophecies of doom is that they embolden the skeptics to mock and ridicule God and his holy people. There is coming a doomsday that has been prophesied by Holy Scripture, but with all these phony prophesies coming forth every few decades or so it makes it easy for unbelievers to become skeptics, which is exactly what will happen before the real doomsday prophesied by scripture takes place.

First, you must understand this: In the last days people who follow their own desires will appear. These disrespectful people will ridicule {God’s promise} by saying, “What’s happened to his promise to return? Ever since our ancestors died, everything continues as it did from the beginning of the world.”

They are deliberately ignoring one fact: Because of God’s word, heaven and earth existed a long time ago. The earth {appeared} out of water and was kept alive by water.

Water also flooded and destroyed that world. By God’s word, the present heaven and earth are designated to be burned. They are being kept until the day ungodly people will be judged and destroyed.

Dear friends, don’t ignore this fact: One day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.

The day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day heaven will pass away with a roaring sound. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and be destroyed. The earth and everything that people have done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:3-10 (GW)

And remember Jesus said that no man knows the day or the hour of his coming. This is information that God himself retains. Only God knows when He has had enough of our sinfulness.

Like I said before had the Mayan’s had some sort of insight into future events they would have not suffered the destruction of their own kingdom.

Most of us do not even know when our last day on earth is going to be, and yet we seem to fall for these end of the world prophesies over and over again. Do not be alarmed nor distracted by all this talk about the end of the world. Heed what Jesus said to his disciples about those days.

but give attention to yourselves, for fear that your hearts become over-full of the pleasures of food and wine, and the cares of this life, and that day may come on you suddenly, and take you as in a net: For so it will come on all those who are living on the face of all the earth. But keep watch at all times with prayer, that you may be strong enough to come through all these things and take your place before the Son of man. Luke 21:34-36 (BBE)

So what will you be doing tomorrow? Will you be found enjoying the pleasures of this world? Will you be doing last-minute Christmas shopping? Will you be wining and dining at a holiday party or two? Or will you be seeking Christ in the midst of all this Christmas glitter and end of the world clamor? Will you be found searching His word for answers to life’s problems? Are you watching for and expecting the eventual return of our Lord and Savior?

So whether you fell for the end of the world prophesy of the Mayan calendar or not, know this; tomorrow we will be one day closer to the real return of the Lord Jesus, and the eventual end of the world as we know it.

Until then Carpe Diem.

This is a view from the nest. What say you?

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

Along for the journey

Powerless

November 30, 2012November 30, 2012Allen Frederick 2 Comments

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

The resulting power outage caused by Hurricane Sandy caused teenagers for the first time in their lifetime to live without any electricity, and (can you even imagine) – without a cell phone! For the first time in their lives they enjoyed the privilege of experiencing what life was like decades ago. Forced to slow down, unable to text or “Facebook”, everyone who lost power entered a “moment” of technological communication silence, and they waited anxiously for the powers that be to restore their normal life patterns. How many actually enjoyed this, or found a relief from the tyranny of communication technology, I wonder? How many actually took any time out to “wait on the Lord”? I have to wonder if the Almighty had much more company than He was used to during this time.

How much, really, do we depend on earthly power? And how much on the power of God?

The past election was another power outage that affected the loosing party in particular. After their lose the excuses started to pile up one on top of another. Every possible reason for their political power being shut-off was addressed with one glaring exception. There was no mention of lawlessness, or rebellion against God.

It would seem even from the electorate that there is no longer any interest in Godliness, but rather we are attempting to work out our own salvation. We are attempting to work in our own limited strength and not tapping into the source of all power-God. This is idolatry at its worst. To think that we mere humans are capable of addressing life’s storms apart from God is foolhardy. Trying to power-up our own lives while separated from the true ‘power grid‘ is about as useful as the teens toys during the Hurricane Sandy power outage. No amount of complaining or arguing is going to restore this lost power until the power lines are reconnected.

Perhaps there are those who have generators as back-up power sources and there maybe others who have the ability to recharge batteries using solar power. But in every case there must be a source of power to generate power.

For the East Coast effected by Hurricane Sandy the restoration of electrical power rests in the hands of the power company‘s ability to repair service lines and restore damaged generating stations. For inner strength and the power to overcome defeats and set-backs there is a different source of power. That source is the Lord! If we truly want to gain power in this world then we need to get access to the greatest power source in the entire universe.

It is far better to be working with God rather than against Him don’t you think?

Wait I say on the Lord!

This is a view from the nest. What say you?

Along for the journey

Life Isn’t Fair: So Grow Up!

August 11, 2012Allen Frederick 3 Comments

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11

Really is that so? Are we behaving like adults or more like a child? Why are so many lamenting that life just isn’t fair? Isn’t that a bit childish?

I got news for you friends life isn’t fair, and anyone who is honest will attest to the number of times they felt that they were being cheated or denied something they thought they deserved. A promotion, a job offer, a word of appreciation, an award, a gift, fame, fortune, opportunity, or any number of life’s perceived blessings. Yes it is just not fair.

No life isn’t fair but neither is death since death plays no favorites, does not reward nobility nor recognize wealth or fortunes. Death does not over-look ones standing nor spare the well-connected.

Nope my friends, death comes to us all, some sooner than later, but death is the end of life, and it does not play fair. The wicked and the saint each are buried side-by-side. Not fair but that is the way it is. And since neither life not death is fair why do we so often cry aloud like a child: “its not fair?”

Annie Glasel, today’s quest author, addresses this idea of fairness in her article titled: “God is Not Fair.” Enjoy!

God is not fair, no He’s not. He’s righteous and loving. He’s compassionate and merciful. He’s just and wise. He’s miraculous and trustworthy. God is not fair because if He was, we’d all be condemned.

Fairness implies standards. Fairness assumes morality. Fairness demands a measurement. Unfortunately, when a human speaks of “fairness,” it always means that he or she is using a standard, a morality system and a measurement that befits his or her ideals. Sadly, humanity is flawed. It is likely that any system we devise would also be flawed.

It seems rather comical to hear people talk about what’s fair. My 5 year-old’s concept of fairness is very simple if he gets what he wants, then it is fair. All else is not. Politicians with more years of public debate essentially are like my 5-year-old; they just have better vocabularies and are better rehearsed in their deliveries of eloquent, persuasive speeches that make simple issues sound more complicated. But the concept is the same.

This brings me to the recent revelation I had about 1 Corinthians 13 passage the part that reads “when I was a child” It seems that my prayer times are filled with childish complaints of unfairness, much like my 5 year olds.

I tell Him how unfair it was that “I should have to work when my other girlfriends are ‘enjoying’ full time motherhood.” I complained how unfair it was that “I am stuck with a car that I despise.” I complained how unfair that I should have a job that did not pay enough. I complained how unfair it was that I should have to live across the country from my family. I complained how unfair it was that I have been faithfully tithing but that I am not experiencing immeasurable wealth.

Of course, I do temper this with, “yes Lord, my life is not as bad as those struggling with loss of jobs, loved ones, divorce, financial ruins, betrayal, torture and diseases but nonetheless, I am miserable because you are not fair to me.” (Or more accurately, not giving me what I want, the things that I think will make me happier).

I think at this point, if God were fair, He would start to take away all those things that I take for granted and consider not good enough. And perhaps start to give me the things I deserve. (Um…I don’t really want to go down that road!)

Closer study of the Bible reveals that God does not give us what we want or what we deserve. Instead, He gives us peace, wisdom and grace. He gives us the desires of our heart. Which I had always thought meant He gives us the stuff/things/people/events/circumstances that our hearts desire. Actually, I think it means that He puts new desires in our hearts, His desires (which are better than our desires that tantamount to lusts of life). After all, His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher. I think He exchanges our childish desires for Godly desires.

In doing so, we would stop speaking childish things and start to speak in the language of love. We would be following the instructions to pray ceaselessly and bring all of our supplication with thanksgiving. That sounds like the perfect antidote to turn complaining time back to prayer time.

So, I thank you God that I have a job, a home, a loving husband and child who greet me every day after work. I thank you that I have a car with air conditioning. I thank you that my pay meets all of my needs after tithe and still have left over to not have to cook every night. I thank you that I have families and they are healthy, alive and well. I thank you that I live in an age where I can call them by phone or video phone (while riding in my car). And that it only takes a plane ride to see them. And I thank you Lord that you don’t give me more money than I can manage properly.

And most of all, I thank you God for not being fair and not giving me what I deserve. I thank you for giving me the immeasurable wealth I don’t deserve in Christ Jesus, including but not limited to salvation, kindness, mercy, justice, forgiveness, love, miracles, wisdom, grace, the power of His name and the ever-present Holy Spirit.

I’ve written to ease my pain; I’ve written to hear my voice; I’ve written for vanity; I’ve written for sanity; I’ve written for fun; I’ve written for laughs; I’ve written for me; I’ve written for money. But until I write for God, this talent is for naught.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com–CHRISTIAN WRITER–MAKE A WEBSITE

Thank you Annie for your thoughtful words. No life is not fair it cost an innocent man his life to save the guilty from death. The good news is everyone can be treated fairly who call upon the name of the Lord because he will save them from the unfairness of this life and keep them from the death that is to come in the life here-after.

No He does not promise you a bed full of roses, nor does he promise that life will treat you right, in fact he says the world will hate you because the world hated him first. But in the end that is when you will receive your reward, the gift of eternal life with Christ.

Some may not think that is such a grand thing since they are looking for rewards in the here and now. Well my friends get used to it. Life is just not fair!

And that is the way I see it. What say you?

The High Price of Government Control

March 20, 2012March 20, 2012Allen Frederick 1 Comment

I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink.Matthew 25:42 (GW)

Dirty Water Claims Over 9,000 Lives Every Day

ASSIST News Service (ANS) – PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA Visit our website at: http://www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@ao…

Assistnews

As I read this story I was struck by how helpless the common folk were in these nations run by corrupt governments. Here is a quote from the above story:

these people are often the most affected by water-related health problems because they are “systematically excluded from [water] access by their poverty, by their limited legal rights or by public policies that limit access to the infrastructures that provide water for life and for livelihoods.”

Individual rights are the first thing to go in a totalitarian government. In order for a tyrannical government to control the lives of the people it must first deny them rights and private property protections. They need to make “classes” out of the people. Then they are able to regulate the different classes and grant special privileges or deny access to basic human needs. With all their personal dignity stolen and being forced into government servitude the people lose their ability to care for themselves even so much as digging a well to provide fresh water.

In areas where water is available government policy makes it illegal for an individual to dig a well or to attempt to provide for him or herself. This is where BIG GOVERNMENT always takes the people. The privileged will always have because they steal from the people who are least able to defend themselves.

That is what makes America exceptional because our Founding Fathers knew the horrors of tyranny and set out to PROTECT the rights of every person by establishing that their individual rights are GRANTED by God and not handed out by governments.

HELP OUT IF YOU CAN BY MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO:

For more information, visit www.gfa.org/cleanwater.

Are societies more against individuals than ever? (scottberkun.com)
Safety First: The Gradual Erosion of our Rights (theohioconservative.wordpress.com)
Dictatorial Powers? (eagleviews.org)
The Source of Political Correctness (eagleviews.org)

A View from the Nest

Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor

Tag God

Is 2013 The Year of the Snake?

The Snake

It’s The End of the World As We Know It

Powerless

Life Isn’t Fair: So Grow Up!

The High Price of Government Control

The Snake

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