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When Push Comes To Shove

Revelation 6:1 

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

 

As world events unfold to probable war, I can't help but think of the schoolyard bully. It starts out with a comment, then a war of words and the push on the shoulder and the shove back. Soon their is an eruption into blows. 

That is what I see when watching the world stage of President Bush of the United States and the rest of the world. While his focus is for the moment on the "evil Iraq", his words are also focused on any nation that does not comply with their evaluation and plan of action, i.e., war to eliminate any threat of evil emanating from Iraq.  His words and judgments have in fact put every other government in a position of supporting him and the United States or facing future political or economic retaliations. Many in Canada, in fact, view the inevitable support merely because 85% of it's trade is done with the U.S. 

As one person commented in an interview, "We don't have the luxury of being separated from the U.S. by an ocean like Europe does." Most in Canada rightly or wrongly feel that the UN should determine the course of action with Iraq, yet, feel they must bow to the pressure of the US. Now that the UN Inspectors have added weight to the accusation of Iraq's disobedience to international agreements, some are feeling that it must be dealt with, but many others feel, what is the rush? negotiations and other means should prevail before killing people. 

There are some who have suggested that the rush for war and dealing with Iraq is due to something as bizarre as the uniforms that the US troops wear and the weather in Iraq. Apparently, later in the year is too difficult for the comfort factor. Further, even if Saddam chose to comply with the UN demands, or it was proven he didn't have weapons to the degree that the US claims----who would believe him? Or for that matter, who would care? Obviously from the perspective of some, he's guilty because of what he's done in the past, what he might be doing now and what he might be planning on doing in the future. God forbid that we as individuals be viewed in the same light. 

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

As one reads or watches the news as it unfolds worldwide, one sees editorials which describe the U.S. agenda and Bush as "warmonger", "hypocritical", "dictatorial" and so on. In fact, many are suggesting that instead of showing more support for the US, there should be less for it and more for support for International unity and consensus of the United Nations. 

Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

The U.S.  has consistently stated that Iraq has not complied with UN resolutions. Yet, the U.S. has hypocritically determined to act with or without the UN sanctions or approval. It's interesting as to why, when viewed as the world's superpower, any help would be needed from any other country. The purpose of dealing with Iraq, is supposedly as a continuation of the war against terrorism, which began as a "holy war" because the United States is " a beacon of light". Others have noted that a war with Iraq would destabilize the Middle East and cause economic hardship, while others suggest the idea of war is for U.S. economic gain, as well as cause hostilities between Muslims and those who are not. It's difficult to be in a holy war if one isn't viewed as holy. It's just as difficult to be a beacon of light if others don't view you as a beacon to be followed or hallowed.

In his Address to the Nation, Jan 29, 2003,  George W. Bush stated these were, "days of reckoning."  He outlined the positive steps, "To protect our country, we reorganized our government and created the Department of Homeland Security, which is mobilizing against the threats of a new era." 

However, many view Homeland Security as Homeland In-Security with many looking at the probable invasion of privacy not where they want their dollars spent. Others of course view it as worth the loss and are being conditioned to accept further scrutiny and restrictions and controls, believing it to be best. Some are now viewing the terrorist alerts in various countries as a means to cause people to be alarmed enough to desire the war President Bush desires and falsely eliminate "evil."

President Bush has also used the words of a hymn to give credence to the care of the American people. "For so many in our country -- the homeless and the fatherless, the addicted -- the need is great. Yet there's power, wonder-working power, in the goodness and idealism and faith of the American people." The words "wonder -working power" come from the Lewis E. Jones hymn, Power in the Blood. The chorus reads, "

There is power, power, Wonder-working power, In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, Wonder-working power, In the precious blood of the Lamb.

I hardly think that "wonder-working power" applies to the paganism and ungodliness of the United States or any other nation. Mr. Bush also placed AIDS as a "plague of nature" which tide must be turned in the most afflicted nations of Africa and the Caribbean, thereby evading the homosexual, adultery and fornication association. One merely has to read Department of Health studies to understand the nature and course of AIDS.

Proclaiming U.S. leadership in " confronting and defeating the man-made evil of international terrorism", Mr. Bush elaborated on the daily things he contends with, from threats to reports on operations. But, " we are winning. " Outlining the various arrest of al-Qaeda members, totaling more than 3000 suspected terrorists worldwide, Bush intimated the elimination of many more. 

" Many others have met a different fate. Let's put it this way -- they are no longer a problem to the United States and our friends and allies. "

It's perhaps noteworthy that the trial of Mounir El Motassadeq, the Moroccan man charged with aiding the Sept. 11 hijackers, has an interesting twist in the name of justice. In an article titled, Judge Orders New Charge in Al Qaeda Trial, 05.02.2003 , 

".....Chief Judge Albrecht Mentz accepted an explanation on Tuesday by Germany's intelligence service (BND) and the German Interior Ministry that the agencies' investigative ability and reputations could be damaged if the court be allowed to hear the questioning of Mohammed Haydar Zammar.

Officials say Zammar is the al Qaeda operative who helped bring together the Hamburg terror cell, led by Mohammed Atta, that is suspected of carrying out the Sept. 11 attacks. German intelligence has in its possession copies of Zammar's testimony, conducted shortly after he was taken into custody. He is believed to be in a Syrian jail cell.

The defense submitted a motion last Thursday, stating that Zammar's testimony could better define Motassadeq's knowledge of the Sept. 11 attacks. Motassadeq, 28, has been charged with more than 3,000 counts of accessory to murder for the Sept. 11 attacks.

On Tuesday, Mentz changed the second charge against Motassadeq, of membership in a terrorist organization, to support of a terrorist organization. The change will ease the burden of proof on the prosecution's side and subsequently ease the possible sentence Motassadeq faces from 10 years to 5 years for that charge...." http://www.dw-world.de/english/0,3367,1432_A_771774_1_A,00.html

President George W. Bush stated, "We have the terrorists on the run. We're keeping them on the run. One by one, the terrorists are learning the meaning of American justice. As we fight this war, we will remember where it began -- here, in our own country."

Call it being cynical, but understanding that coercion and violation of prisoners is a common issue and one that has been of great concern in pursuit of getting a conviction. 

Does it not seem more than a little odd, that someone who is supposed to have confessed to being head of a terrorist cell and whose testimony could convict or validate innocence, to think interrogator's reputations would be "damaged" if the alleged confession and link to the accused was actually allowed in to court?  

Somehow, the witch-hunt mentality and thirst for blood is no less powerful today than it was in the Inquisition. The thirst to appease, the need for revenge or having a "righteous war" on terrorism can and most likely will, lead to setting aside true justice. Reputations of authorities would remain more intact and less damaged if techniques used to obtain a "confession" or evidence were revealed openly and without violation of laws and if proper evidence is indeed provided. People have been wrongly convicted before simply because of hatred and desire for heads.

Obviously, most have concluded that the evidence given previously by Colin Powell to the United Nations was less than satisfactory to prove connections from Iraq to al-Qaeda. Many countries and their leaders find that the evidence does not account for the conviction for war. In fact, many countries have so long seen war and it's devastating effects on themselves or their neighbors that they hold to the firm belief that it is not an answer to be rushed into. Even Osama bin Laden's supposed voice tape giving support to Iraq does not necessarily mean that Iraq supports him. 

If one tries to convict by saying that al-Qaeda has terrorist cells in Iraq, one could easily counter that the United States has terrorist cells within it's own country and indeed housed and trained the very people responsible for September 11th. In fact, it's not surprising to be finding these secretive groups worldwide-- because they indeed do hide and use other countries to advantage. Will all countries be a target then, if it is found that a terrorist cell operates within it?

The problem is, the failure to capture Osama bin Laden has only fueled resolve to eliminate anything that even begins to squeak anti-American and independent in thought. As I see it, Saddam Hussein, who was supported by the U.S. in the war against Iran, is the viable target because he has defied world authority for the most part, remained autonomous and has been a bother for years, including going to war before. He chooses to be in a dictatorship and make choices independent of what others think or want, and his countries assets are desirable to some. He doesn't like to be told what to do and is doing everything in his power to drag his feet and defy UN or U.S. authority, because he doesn't recognize their authority or doesn't want to recognize their perceived authority.  He wouldn't be an "evil dictator" if he did comply easily. 

He's really not unlike the U.S. leadership, who makes alliances and choices for economic and political gain. Mr. Bush said clearly in his address to the nation,  

"...Our war against terror is a contest of will in which perseverance is power. ... Whatever the duration of this struggle, and whatever the difficulties, we will not permit the triumph of violence in the affairs of men -- free people will set the course of history. 

Today, the gravest danger in the war on terror, the gravest danger facing America and the world, is outlaw regimes that seek and possess nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. These regimes could use such weapons for blackmail, terror, and mass murder. They could also give or sell those weapons to terrorist allies, who would use them without the least hesitation.

This threat is new; America's duty is familiar. Throughout the 20th century, small groups of men seized control of great nations, built armies and arsenals, and set out to dominate the weak and intimidate the world. In each case, their ambitions of cruelty and murder had no limit. In each case, the ambitions of Hitlerism, militarism, and communism were defeated by the will of free peoples, by the strength of great alliances, and by the might of the United States of America. (Applause.)

Now, in this century, the ideology of power and domination has appeared again, and seeks to gain the ultimate weapons of terror. Once again, this nation and all our friends are all that stand between a world at peace, and a world of chaos and constant alarm. Once again, we are called to defend the safety of our people, and the hopes of all mankind. And we accept this responsibility. (Applause.)

....In all these efforts, however, America's purpose is more than to follow a process -- it is to achieve a result: the end of terrible threats to the civilized world. All free nations have a stake in preventing sudden and catastrophic attacks. And we're asking them to join us, and many are doing so. Yet the course of this nation does not depend on the decisions of others. (Applause.) Whatever action is required, whenever action is necessary, I will defend the freedom and security of the American people. (Applause.)

...Our nation and the world must learn the lessons of the Korean Peninsula and not allow an even greater threat to rise up in Iraq. A brutal dictator, with a history of reckless aggression, with ties to terrorism, with great potential wealth, will not be permitted to dominate a vital region and threaten the United States. (Applause.)

....This nation fights reluctantly, because we know the cost and we dread the days of mourning that always come.

We seek peace. We strive for peace. And sometimes peace must be defended. A future lived at the mercy of terrible threats is no peace at all. If war is forced upon us, we will fight in a just cause and by just means -- sparing, in every way we can, the innocent. And if war is forced upon us, we will fight with the full force and might of the United States military -- and we will prevail...."

Unfortunately, as one reads responses worldwide, people don't seem to be asking the US to be a leader or liberator of mankind, or the hope of mankind. On the contrary, Mr. Bush is forcing other nations to step in line with the US, or be viewed as dragging their feet or wanting to somehow support Iraq. It seems that the UN is also required to step in line with the US or view itself as being somehow negligent in it's pursuit for unity and world peace and Mr. Bush is determined to make it an effective authority or.... 

There are many who feel that wiping out Saddam Hussein will translate into their being secure and without threat of terrorism in the United States. People in North America have a rather sanitized view of what war entails, unless they've been directly involved, and in this case, what could result in the genocide of Iraqi people. Somehow that may translate into the genocide of Muslims, and then perhaps the focus will turn to others who "could" possibly pose a threat to the United States or as some will translate it, world peace.  

Mr. Bush pointed out in his Address, the wicked things that have been done to Iraqi people by it's own government. Yet, how many think that the LSD experiments and mind control experiments, etc., done by the US and other governments on their unsuspecting citizens is any different? How many really think it appropriate to have held the Nuremburg trials against perpetrators of Nazi atrocities, when the US, Canada, Britain and other "free" countries imported Nazi "scientists,"--- guilty of being part of the experiments and atrocities---so they could continue their "work" for the benefit of the respective governments? Evil is truly redefined in today's society.

With the alleged rallying cry of Osama bin Laden, the stage is being set for war, despite the opposition which desires to resolve things peacefully. With troops being moved into Afghanistan and the Gulf, we can expect retaliation by those who stand against the United States. It would be foolish to think that their wouldn't be retaliation by those who are accused of being terrorists or with having links to terrorists. Perhaps the question in most minds will be, who will throw the first blow? What is more difficult for some to comprehend is that, just as what took place at Pearl Harbour, December 7, 1941, the United States can be affected by war on it's own soil. Normally it has been able to take the battles to other countries, whether it be in participation of a joint military action or whether it was covertly overthrowing regimes. 

The Illusion of Peace and Unity

Matthew 10:34 

Jesus said " Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."

Worldwide, religious leaders call for peace in attempts to stop the potential loss of lives, which many in government categorize as "acceptable losses." Acceptable, perhaps, if it's not one of your own. 

The Vatican has strongly opposed war with Iraq, with Pope John Paul II saying such a war would be a "defeat for humanity". The pope was also an opponent of the 1991 Gulf War, and spoke out against UN economic sanctions imposed on Baghdad after its 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

The week of February 10, the pope sent peace envoy Cardinal Roger Etchegaray to Baghdad, where he held talks  with top Iraqi officials. Archbishop Renato Martino, the head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, has denounced Bush's idea of a preventive war as a "war of aggression" which does not come under the definition of a "just war." He along with many others have said that the latest evidence on Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction presented to the Security Council by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell was both "unconvincing and vague."

Speaking in the flavor of leadership like Colin Powell, Michael Novak, U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, attempted to sway Catholic opinion by presenting arguments that the failure of Iraq's cooperation with UN weapons inspectors was indeed cause for a "just war". He defined the formula and aim for a just war to include, "the blocking of great evil, the restoration of peace, and the defense of minimum conditions of justice and world order."

In January, a 13 member delegation from the ecumenical U.S. National Council of Churches went to Iraq. Spokesman, Bob Edgar, told reporters that a preemptive war is, "immoral and illegal", " "theologically illegitimate," and "profoundly violates" Christian beliefs and religious principles. The delegation also strongly pleaded for the UN to ease it's sanctions on Iraq, in place since 1990. 

While governments wrestle with the elimination of dictators and elimination and control of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction, they follow the New Age call for the same results. The New Age movements Project Peace and Goodwill is a global campaign promoted by Lucis Trust, an NGO with the United Nations and the publishing company of Alice A. Bailey (1889-1949). [http://www.thenewagesite.com/project/peace.html] Lucis Trust is the lodge of the Theosophical Society and continues to publish Bailey's books which had been dictated to her by a demon. The original name of the company was Lucifer Publishing. 

The goal of Project Peace and Goodwill is for all nations to totally disarm all nuclear weapons and other means of mass destruction. The campaign calls for people to commit to reciting the Great Invocation, a prayer to the New Age Christ, a.k.a. Lucifer, to take over the world. It comes from none other than Lucis Trust. The Project's New Age site, states >http://www.thenewagesite.com/:

The Declaration of peace and goodwill >http://www.thenewagesite.com/project/declaration.html

We, the nations of humanity, in order to insure the preservation of life on this planet, and to promote a more perfect peace, unity, and brotherhood among the peoples of the world, do hereby endorse this Declaration of Peace and Goodwill and solemnly covenant to completely disarm ourselves of all weapons that threaten the total destruction of humanity and render them harmless.

....

The Great Invocation is a world prayer for peace and right human relations. http://www.lucistrust.org/invocation/

"Many religions believe in a World Teacher or Saviour, knowing him under such names as the Christ, the Lord Maitreya, the Imam Mahdi, the Bodhisattva, and the Messiah, and these terms are used in some of the Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish versions of the Great Invocation."

..."By using the Invocation and encouraging others to use it, no particular group or oganisation is sponsored. It belongs to all humanity."
The Lucis Trust >http://www.lucistrust.org/

Targeting the United Nations leadership, and then the governments and people of the major countries of influence, the goal is to have people praying the Invocation, especially at Full moons. Alice Bailey taught the importance to those snared into this wickedness:

"....In the New World Religion "the science of invocation and evocation will take the place of what we now call 'prayer' and 'worship'. Each full moon period or spiritual Festival will be a definite time of focussed group invocation and it is towards this that we work. Of all the full moons of the year there are three which are of greatest spiritual importance, concentrated in three consecutive months and leading, therefore, to a prolonged annual spiritual effort which will affect the remainder of the year:

1. The Festival of Easter - the full moon of Aries.

2. The Wesak Festival - the full moon of Taurus.

3. The Festival of Goodwill - the full moon of Gemini.

Three Spiritual Festivals are already kept throughout the world, though not as yet related to each other. The time is coming when all three Festivals will be kept simultaneously throughout the world, and by their means a great spiritual unity will be achieved and effects of the great Approach so close to us at this time will be stabilised by the united invocation of humanity.

The remaining full moons will constitute lesser festivals but will be recognised to be also of vital importance. They will establish the divine attributes in the consciousness of man, just as the major festivals establish the three divine aspects...Thus the twelve annual festivals will constitute a revelation of divinity.

[The Twelve Annual Festivals will constitute a revelation of divinity--Alice Bailey] http://www.lucistrust.org/meetings/fullmoon/

Part of the phrasing in the occult Invocation includes, "Let Light descend on Earth." and "From the point of Love within the Heart of God ... May Christ return to Earth..." and "...may it seal the door where evil dwells. Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth"

The "It" and "Plan" referred to is the Luciferic Plan of "love and Light" which Bailey expounded on in her many books. The Plan was to "seal the door where evil dwells" and to her and her followers,  fundamentalist Christianity is the door where evil dwells. That is, all those who believe that Jesus Christ was and is God come in the flesh and that He died and rose again for our sins and sits at the right hand of the Father. Those who obediently desire to serve our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Christians are called to be the "light" that people should see. 

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We are warned about deceptions, and to not follow the notion of Christ's on earth, and to not be afraid when war happens.

Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Just as Mr. Bush is determined to "eliminate evil" and bring world peace and security by eliminating weapons of mass destruction and those that would use them, so too, the occultists, calling on humanity to deal with those who hold weapons of mass destruction and who would hinder the "elimination of evil" and bring world peace. 

The problem again becomes how one defines evil. As Believers our response must be in accordance to Biblical obedience. Those who have cursed and name called in their writings about the U.S./Iraq events, have shown their lack of faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. That behavior is not of God.

Our hearts go out to those who have been placed in a position where they will kill or possibly be killed. We grieve that all these things must come to pass, but, Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

If true Christians are to "let their light shine" then we need to be about the Masters' business. We need to be sharing the salvation and peace of Jesus Christ and reacting to things by keeping them in Biblical perspective. We know that all that is taking place is the preparation for the global worship of the beast, which may happen sooner than we think. And that will lead to the final war, in which Christ will deal with all these wicked things. 

Revelation 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

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