Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

God’s Peace Process – Part 02

                                                                           
It is precious, wonderful, and at times, rare. The world longs for peace but it always seems to be elusive. It is said of the Ottoman Turkish Empire (1300-1922) that there were only 24 consecutive years of peace throughout its entire history; otherwise, they were either fighting to take territory or to retain it.
While the world survived two world wars and a cold war, today there remain global hotspots, particularly in Asia, that are like dry tinder in a hot summer. One misguided spark and the region, if not the world, could go up in flames.
Add to that how even in the relatively prosperous and peaceful western world, many people lack personal peace, even as Christians. Be assured, this is not God’s will and He does have the best way forward.
In Part One, we learned that God has peace that surpasses all understanding. It is freely given, universal in scope, and eternal in duration. We learned that the pre-requisite to receiving this peace is to make a decision to obey Jesus’ command: don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).
Here in Part Two, we want to learn how to establish God’s peace in your life.
In regard to the cause of conflict, even war, we need not go any further than the Book of James:
James 4:1-3 (MEV): Where do wars and fights among you come from? Do they not come from your lusts that war in your body? 2 You lust and do not have, so you kill. You desire to have and cannot obtain. you fight and war. Yet you do not have, because you do not ask. 3. You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your passions.
Bad as this – that our lusts cause conflict and war – there is something even worse. Humanity is serious danger of incurring the wrath of God, in part because of the lusts, greed, and sin. The Book of Romans says that God’s wrath is being stored up against all ungodliness and unrighteousness (1:18), hardness and impenitent hearts (2:5), and contentious people who do not obey the truth. Though we are made in God’s image, our sin nature and actions have put as in enmity towards God. The carnal mind is on a  collision course with God and it cannot be subject to His law (8:7).
Frankly, it is the most dire situation to be an enemy with the living God, but that’s what Romans tells us. Yet, God unilaterally instituted a solution to rectify this situation.
It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the 3rd day; this is the gospel in a nutshell. Believe this and receive Him and an amazing thing happens. We are ‘saved’ and ‘justified,’ which means we are declared not guilty and righteous.
Peace Established
Do you want to enter the peace process? From the very outset, God’s peace will come upon your heart and mind. A tranquility beyond your own enablement will enter in. How do you get it?
Say ‘Yes’ to the gospel and the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ, receive justification, and look what comes next:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ — Romans 5:1
It couldn’t been easier or clearer. When the Prince of Peace comes into your life, you are reconciled with God, adopted into His family, grafted into Israel’s olive tree (Romans 11:17-24) justification sets in, and a peace beyond all understanding will take control of your life.
Till this day, I will never forget the feeling of joy and peace I received when I asked Jesus into my life. That peace has stayed with me ever since. What God has done for me, He will do for you.
Unlike the manmade ‘peace process,’ where peace is given in instalments, God gives you complete peace on the spot. Yet, it is possible to grow in peace, like you can grow in grace, faith and glory. In fact, you can come to a place of great peace, perfect peace, and permanent peace.
Our upcoming articles will show you how.
Verses to Ponder
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Trump Chronicles Part 02: How Did He Win Over Middle America?

Last month, we looked at the American Brexit: The Triumph of Donald Trump.
Here we need to explore a very vital part of Trump’s appeal. Despite the universally negative portrayal of the man in the mainstream media (including in Australia) — which focused on one-liners and offensive comments – the fact is that he convincingly won the US Presidential election.
The reason? His policies and how he conveyed them.
Despite a highly-resistant group of conservatives who belonged to the ‘Never Trump’ camp, the candidate managed to win over many other conservatives, a good chunk of middle America, and also some Democrats. Over 80% of Evangelical Christians voted for the Republican nominee.
In her last book published days before her death in September 2016, US conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly (1924-2016) in The Case for Trump, outlined his key policies. Her bottom line: despite his being a former Democrat (so was Ronald Reagan), a reality television star, thrice-married, and a casino owner, Donald Trump is worthy of every true conservative’s support.
The portrait that is painted is of a patriot who sincerely believes in the slogan ‘Making America Great Again.’ He believes in hard work and family.
First, look at America over the last decade: a national debt that doubled, a declining military, a superpower unable to control its own borders, a vicious flare-up in the culture war, an increasing loss of religious freedom especially for Christians, foreign disasters in Syria and Libya, an emboldened China & Iran, an alienated Russia, increasing jihadism, and an marginalised middle class. In order for America to be great again, these issues have to be addressed and reversed.
Here are some of Trump’s key policy areas:
1.    Immigration: Trump says a nation without borders is no nation at all. He wants to triple the number of Immigration and customs Enforcement Officers (ICE), which currently is only 5,000 strong. This is less than the Los Angeles police force. The much-touted ‘Wall’ with Mexico is going to be built – it is not the first wall around (ever heard to the ‘Great Wall of China’). Sanctuary cities, which are metropolises who provide a safe-haven for illegals, including criminals, will be defunded. Trump’s point is that illegal migration is ‘illegal’ and America can recover its greatness if it is a nation which keeps the law.
2.    Free trade: Trump, and conservatives, argue that ‘free trade’ is killing American jobs. So he proposes to US companies who use cheap foreign labour pay a 35% tariff. The recently negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which Trump alleges is a ‘job-killer,’ may also be on the chopping block. He wants to be an advocate for the American worker.
3.    Political correctness: Despite outcries form the media, leftist politicians and mainstream Republicans, Donald Trump is determined to speak straight, from-the-heart, and not tap dance to political correctness. While the media focused repeatedly on some of Trump’s alleged annoying remarks, we need to remember that most politicians say offensive things – so why zero in on Trump? He is determined to speak directly and honestly on issues like ‘global warming,’ which he says is an expensive exercise which is ‘killing us.’ He will be even more forthright when it comes to jihadism, talking tough and acting tougher.
4.    Judicial activism: For at least half a century, the US Supreme court has practiced judicial activism. Instead of reviewing laws to see if they conform to the US constitution, as is its true role, the court basically ‘legislates from the bench’ on things that are not mentioned at all in the constitution. This is usurpation of Congress’s role. They have created ‘rights’ out of thin air. The court threw out prayer in public schools, while making abortion and same-sex marriage a ‘constitutional right.’ Until now, the unelected liberal justices have been accountable to no one. Two solutions for the wayward court: The US congress could pass legislation and second, the President can appoint conservative, constitutionally-honouring judges. Trump plans to do precisely that and his list of potential Supreme court nominees gets the thumbs up.
5.    Regulations: It is said that the two tools the left wing uses to control the agenda is political correctness and regulations, especially at the federal level. Trump wants to get rid of excess regulations and says ‘We can’t breath.’
6.    Military: The world is a more dangerous place than it was a decade ago, especially due to jihadism, an assertive China, and unpredictable Russia. Yet the US military has been emasculated at the same time. Trump wants to build up the military and take care of America’s neglected veterans. Like Ronald Reagan, who also built up the US military, the purpose is not to fight unnecessary Middle East wars, but to project ‘peace through strength’ so that war is avoided altogether.
7.    Faith & Family: Trump has been married three-times. He has owned casinos. He was caught on video making crude comments about women back in 2005. Yet, there is another side to him as well: He is a family man, a well-loved father, who now has a rock solid marriage with Melania while on good terms with his ex-wives. Remarkably, he has never taken drugs, smoked cigarettes, drank a drop of alcohol or even a cup of coffee. Furthermore, he says he is proud to be a Christian and says he will not allow the erosion of religious freedom that has grown alarmingly in the US. He says he will be a defender of the Church, in America and throughout the world. One conservative commentator who has dealt with Trump says that on all the important issues: abortion, marriage, religious liberty, US relations with Israel, Trump ‘ticks all the boxes.’

After decades of both Democrats and Republicans failing to balance the federal budget, protect America’s borders, and/or cut the red tape, middle American voters resonated with the message of Trump and with his them ‘Making America Great Again.’ They believed his promises to get things done.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

HAPPY HANUKKAH?: Jerusalem Again in the Spotlight

As Christians prepared for Christmas and Jews for Hanukkah (both were on December 25th this year), the United Nations (UN) Security Council voted on Resolution 2334. Initially it was sponsored by Egypt, who announced a delay after a phone call from President-elect Trump. The next day, 23 December 2016, New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela jointly sponsored it and it passed 14 to 0 (including permanent members UK, France, China and Russia). The United States abstained. Israel was furious, protesting to all ambassadors of Security Council member nations who have embassies in Tel Aviv .
Terminology
Two-state solution: An independent (Arab) Palestine and independent Israel living peacefully side-by-side in territory west of the Jordan River. This has been the position of the international community for decades, stretching back to the 1930s and 1940s.
Israeli settlements: Settlements are Jewish Israeli communities built on land captured from the Arabs in the Six-Day War of 1967 (West Bank, Golan, East Jerusalem). There are 121 settlements in the West Bank with a Jewish population of 382,031; 41 settlements & land use sites in the Golan Heights with a population of 20,000 Israelis; and East Jerusalem has around 18 Jewish settlements/suburbs/neighbourhoods with a population of 375,000 Israelis (statistics from Wikipedia)
What Was UN 2334 About?
UN Resolution 2334, reiterated previous UN resolutions from 1967 to 2008, its commitment to a ‘two-state solution’, condemned all attempts to alter the demographic composition, character, and status of ‘the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem,’ … to stop the construction or expansion of Israeli settlements and the transfer of (Jewish) population to these areas.
It ‘demands’ that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the ‘occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.’
Clause 3. Underlines that it will not recognise any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations. This means the pre-1967 borders are to remain unless they are altered through negotiation.
Clause 5. Calls upon all States, bearing in mind paragraph 1 of this resolution, to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967; This could greatly aid the BDS movement (boycott, disinvestment, and sanction campaign) and EU attempts to make a distinction in products that come from Israel or those that come from the West Bank, Golan and, in theory, East Jerusalem.
Clause 6. Calls for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction, calls for accountability in this regard, and calls for compliance with obligations under international law for the strengthening of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including through existing security coordination, and to clearly condemn all acts of terrorism. This clause comes in light of the recent incitement, knifings, car-ramming, and shootings by Palestinians on Israeli civilians.
The Implications of UN Resolution 2334
•     Clause 3:This treats the armistice lines of 1949, known as the pre-1967 borders, as the basis or at least ‘starting point.’ They can be altered by negotiation. These boundaries are untenable in the long-term and, if there ever is a successful negotiation for a two-state solution, they would have be modified. The famous UN Resolution 242 of 1967, which forms the basis of a possible peace treaty, states that the all nations must have safe and secure borders.
•     Clause 5: Makes a distinction between Israel’s territory and ‘occupied territory,’ which spells danger for Israel. It could leave it vulnerable to litigation, a greater target for commercial boycotts and/or sanctions. The EU has already made that distinction, demanding that products that originate from the territories must be labelled as such.
•     Clause 6: This was really the only concession for Israel, condemning violence and ‘acts of terror.’ However, it is the Israeli settlements that gets the much greater emphasis as the obstacle for peace. Israel says that it is Palestinian violence and refusal to recognise Israel as a Jewish state that is the real impediment to successful peace negotiations, not the settlements. The implication is that Israel and its settlements are to blame for the failure of the ‘two-state solution,’, not Palestinian rejectionism, intransigence, and violence.
•     Big question: When Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the Six Day War of 1967, it was held by Jordan. Prior to that, it was held by Ottoman Turkey until 1917 and Britain until 1948. In 1988, Jordan relinquished all claims to the territories west of the Jordan River, popularly known as the ‘West Bank.’ So when did the West Bank and East Jerusalem become ‘Palestinian territory?’ Everything is subject to negotiation; by calling these areas ‘Palestinian territory’ pre-judges the outcome, making successful negotiation more difficult.
•     UNESCO in October 2016:A ruling was made regarding the Haram/Al Aqsa Mosque, known in Israel as the ‘Temple Mount,’ where issues involving access for Muslim worshippers, recognition of Jordan’s administrative WAQF status, and other things were addressed. While acknowledging in general Jerusalem’s status as sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it appeared to reinforce Muslim rights on the Mount without referring to Israel’s historical association. Some interpreted this giving sole charge of Jerusalem’s key sites to the Muslims alone.
•     East Jerusalem and Palestine: Since UN Res. 2334 says that East Jerusalem is ‘Palestinian territory,’ what does that mean for Israel’s rights at the Western Wall, the Jewish Quarter, the Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, as well as the Israeli neighbourhoods beyond the 1967 ‘green line?’ By calling ‘East Jerusalem ‘Palestinian’ territory, the UN is acquiescing to the redivision of the holy city.
•     The Future: While the chances of Israel withdrawing from East Jerusalem, voluntarily and soon, are slim, what will it mean in terms of law suits, boycotts, sanctions, international censure, or even conflict? Zechariah 12:2-3 says Jerusalem will be a ‘cup of trembling’ to the neighbours and ‘heavy stone’ for the nations, whereby those who tamper will injure themselves. Are we heading into such a scenario?
•     Obama & Israel: As an aside, outgoing US Barack Obama has been accused of knifing Israel in the back on his way out of the White House. For the record, since 1967, every US President, including those who were considered great friends of Israel, have allowed or even voted for Security Council resolutions that either criticised or condemned Israel. Here is the scorecard:
PRESIDENT
RESOLUTIONS PASSED
PRESIDENT
RESOLUTIONS PASSED
Lyndon JOHNSON
7
George HW Bush
9
Richard NIXON
15
Bill CLINTON
3
Gerald FORD
2
George W. BUSH
6
Jimmy CARTER
14
Barack OBAMA
1
Ronald REAGAN
21
•     NUMBER OF ANTI-ISRAEL UN RESOLUTIONS PASSED DURING THE LAST NINE US PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATIONS
So until 23 December 2016, President Obama did not allowed any anti-Israel resolutions to be passed in the UN.
The UNESCO Resolution, the UN Resolution 2334, and future resolutions to come, reiterates the point this author has been saying for a long time: Jerusalem will continue to be the centre of international controversy for years to come. That’s why, now more than ever, it is time to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

GOD SAVE THE KING: Why Study First (I) Samuel

A powerful prophet, a promising potentate, a perishing Philistine, and persistent paranoia – welcome to the Book of I Samuel. This book tells us the transition from the time of the judges to the birth of Israel’s monarchy. Another way to look at it is the theocracy of Israel, where God was king, evolved into a man-led monarchy. Seen in this context, Israel’s monarchy is not a sign of progress nor a divine promotion.
I Samuel starts with the birth of the most credible prophet in Israel since the time of Moses – Samuel. Following this is the birth of the Israelite monarchy, the rise of Saul and David, and their bizarre interaction. Highlights include the rise of Samuel, the destruction of Shiloh and journeys of the Ark, the temporary neutralising of the Philistine threat, David’s victorious confrontation of Goliath, and David’s life as a fugitive from Saul. As usual in Scripture, there is no whitewash of the main characters. The story is told as it is. The book ends with the death of king Saul and his sons by the hand of the Philistines on the slopes of Mount Gilboa in northern Israel.
                                                                 HEBREW
The original name of the book comes from Samuel, or shmu’el.This can be translated ‘heard of God,’ ‘petitioned of God,’ or even ‘his name is God.’ Though it, along with II Samuel, were originally one account in Hebrew, in the 285 BC Greek language translation of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Septuagint (LXX), separates the two books.
AUTHOR
The person who wrote I Samuel is anonymous. The Talmud nominates Samuel, who could have easily written part of it (though it is unlikely he wrote about his own death in Chapter 25 or of the encounter with the witch at En Dor in Chapter 28). I Chronicles 29:29 speaks of the books of Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet and Gad and Gad the prophet. Possibly all three were involved in the authorship of I Samuel, with Samuel writing the earlier portions and the other prophets writing the latter.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
There were three categories of ‘anointed’ ones in ancient Israel. The prophets, priests and kings. All three are part of I Samuel: Eli the priest, Saul the king, and Samuel the prophet.
While these three offices involved anointed ones, only in Jesus do you have ‘the Anointed One’ (Messiah in Hebrew, Christ in Greek) or ‘the King of kings, Lord of lords, Anointed of the anointed.
As we learn elsewhere in Scripture, Jesus is:
•    Anointed a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15);
•    Anointed a priest like Melchizedek (Psalm 110:; Hebrews xxx);
•    Anointed a king like David (II Samuel 7; I Chronicles 17)
THEME OF I SAMUEL
It tells the story of transition from the time of theocracy, where God ruled through the judges, to the monarchy where a man is king. This centralisation of power into human hands came with demands and risks, including the lack of balance of power and accountability. You will learn about a corrupted priesthood under Eli, reprobate sons who were incapable of succeeding him, a rising monarchy and prophets who provided ‘checks and balances.’ For centuries prophets were ‘oral’ and later they became the written prophets, whom are featured in the Old Testament.
The time will come that the theocracy and monarchy will combine in One Person, Jesus Christ, when He comes to earth to reign again in the period we know as ‘The Millennium’ or 1,000 year reign (Revelation 20:4-6). Every believer should long for that day!
 KEY VERSES
I Samuel 13:14: But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
I Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.            
DISTINCTIVES
Revival in I Samuel
•    Hannah’s prayer (1)
•    A humbled people (2)
•    A prophet’s prayer (7)
Backsliding of Saul
•    God promised all would be well if Israel and her king would fear Him (I Sam 12:12-15). Yet, Saul failed God. Here’s how:
•    1.  Sin of presumption by assuming the priests function at the altar (13:11-13);
•    2.  Unjust to Jonathan (14:44);
•    3.  Partial obedience – which is always disobedience – in the matter of Amalek (15:23);
•    4.  Mistreatment and persecution of David (18:29);
•    5.  The final straw: communing with a witch (28:7).
•     
OUTLINE OF I SAMUEL
I.         From Eli the judge to Samuel the prophet (1:1-3:21)
•    Hannah’s masterful prayer
•    Eli’s sinful sons
•    The call of Samuel
II.      Samuel the Judge (4:1-7:17)
•    Philistine conquest of Israel
•    Eli and sons die
•    Shiloh destroyed
•    Ark of God taken and returned
•    Israel repents and revives under Samuel
•    Philistines subdued
III.    From Samuel the prophet to Saul the king (8:1-12:25)
•    Samuel’s sons are rejected
•    God is rejected in favour of a human king
•    Samuel warns Israel about the manner of a king
•    Samuel anoints Saul
•    Saul coronated
•    Saul’s victory on behalf of Jabesh-Gilead
IV.   Early reign of Saul (13:1-15:9)
•    Presumption at the altar
•    Foolish curse
•    Disobedience
V.     Saul and the rise of David (15:10-31:13)
•    Saul rejected by God
•    David anointed by Samuel
•    David slays Goliath
•    Saul persecutes David (18-26)
•    David goes to Philistia

•    Saul visits the witch and dies on Mount Gilboa
Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

God’s Peace Process – Part 01

Among the most desirable and least obtainable commodities in the world is peace. In the last century, we had two world wars and dozens of regular wars since. We even had a very dangerous ‘Cold War’ where the American and Soviet superpowers avoided direct conflict, but they facilitated several proxy wars while pointing nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles at each other. We even now have a ‘war on terror,’ which, in reality, is a war with global jihadism.
In addition, there are global hotspots, mostly in Asia, where a miscalculation or lack of statecraft could result in a regional or global conflict. These ‘hotspots’ include the Korean Peninsula, China-Taiwan, India-Pakistan, Israel-Iran, Israel-Arabs, the Syrian war and the threat of the Islamic State.
Yet, even in prosperous and relatively peaceful societies, there is a shocking lack of personal peace. Rates of anxiety and depression are at record levels, especially in prosperous peaceful countries like Australia. Those who suffer from these things derive no comfort from the fact that their country is not in armed conflict.
Are you eager to trade in your fears, anxieties, and depression, for some lasting peace? Then read on.
THE PEACE PROCESS
During the early 1990s, there was a novel approach to the Arab-Israel conflict. Israel entered into the ‘Oslo peace process’ with the Palestine Arabs. Basically, it offered ‘peace in instalments.’ Here’s how it worked: the more land Israel gave to the Palestinians, the ‘more peace’ it would obtain.
While there have been some areas of progress as a result of Oslo (for example, Oslo made it possible for certain countries to enter into diplomatic relations with Israel), the ultimate goal of a just, lasting peace remains elusive.
Nevertheless, there is good news: it is possible to have personal, growing, permanent, life-sustaining peace. It is a priceless gift from Jesus Christ Who, among His many glorious titles, is called the ‘Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus offers every true believer the marvellous gift of peace and it, too, comes as a process. You can ‘grow in peace’ as you do ‘in faith, grace and glory.
WORD OF THE LORD: SHALOM
If you would like to receive God’s peace, here and now, pay particular attention to this promise from Jesus from John 14:27 (NKJV):
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Most people know the Hebrew word for ‘peace,’ namely ‘Shalom.’ It is used to say ‘hello,’ ‘good-bye,’ and ‘how are you?’ Yet this word goes even deeper. It can also mean ‘wholeness, inner rest, fellowship with God, and total well-being.’ In the Greek language translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, ‘shalom’ becomes ‘soteria,’ which means ‘salvation’ (Genesis 26:31; 41:16).
What a wonderful word!
GOD’S PEACE PROCESS
If you would like to enter into God’s ‘Peace Process,’ please understand that the above verse in John 14:27 gives the promise of peace and the pre-requisite for receiving it. Christ promises to leave His peace with you. As the Prince of Peace, His peace will be grander, more powerful, and more wonderful than mere human peace. He promises to give peace in a manner that is impossible for the world to replicate. When the world gives peace, it gives for a price, it gives in part, and it can renege and take it away. When Christ gives, He gives peace fully, freely, and permanently.
Yet, there is a condition you must fulfil. Before you can receive Christ’s peace, you have to obey the simple command: don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid. Despite the march of fleshly fear, overdrive anxiety, and deepening depression, if you will surrender to God, humble yourself, and submit to His grace, you can enter into a personal, mental, and spiritual ‘cease-fire’ which makes receiving Christ’s peace possible.
The Nature of Peace
The World’s Peace
Christ’s Peace
Given for a price
Given freely
Given in part
Given in full
Can be lost or taken back
Remains permanently
Powerless
Powerful
Anxiety remains
Anxiety gone
Depression remains
Depression gone
Fear remains
Fear gone
Despair possible
Despair impossible

There are four more steps to entering into God’s peace process. Stay tuned for more
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Bacon and Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is an amazing dish: simple, creamy, and tasty. It is also versatile: you can make it as you like, more or less rice, more or less vegetables. This particular recipe has been a family favourite for years. Give it a try.
Bacon and Mushroom Risotto
1 ½ litres (6 cups) chicken stock
2 T. olive oil
4 slices of bacon (or ham)
500 g button mushrooms halved
1 medium thinly sliced leek or2 onions
1 clove crushed garlic
1-2 cups Arborio rice (according to taste)
160 ml (2/3 cup) light cream
1 cup parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 T. finely chopped fresh basil leaves or 1/2 T. dry
2 T. chopped fresh chives or 1 T. dry
STOCK: Put the stock into the pot and heat; then reduce to low while keeping the stock hot.
HEAT olive oil in large pot or saucepan. Cook bacon (or ham, whole or diced) in the oil until crisp; then remove from pan.
COOK sliced mushrooms in the same oil until coated and tender. Add leek/onion and stir until clear and soft. Add the uncooked rice and bacon to the pan Heat until well coated by oil.
ADD STOCK to the pan/pot. Try 1 cup of stock at a time, stir over low heat until absorbed and flavour infused. Add another cup of hot stock to rice mixture until it, too, is absorbed. Continue this process, 1 cup of hot stock at a time, till gone and rice is tender.
ADD CREAM and stir like you did with the stock. The risotto will be soft and creamy.

REMOVE PAN from the heat and still in the parmesan cheese, pepper, basil, and some of the chives. Cover the pan and allow to rest 10 minutes. Add the remaining chives and serve immediately.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Seven Pillars to Understanding the Future: Introduction Part 01

We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there—US INVENTOR CHARLES FRANCES KETTERING
When you think about it, the Christian faith is not just wedded to the ancient past or focusing on a successful present. It is helping to prepare people for a glorious future that will never end. Failure to keep our eyes on the future makes us less ready for it.
Consider this: Today’s world is change-filled, increasingly complex, crisis-riddled and chaos-laden. The rise of jihadism, an assertive China in the South China Sea, a temperamental nuclear-armed North Korea, growing western debt, an uncertain European Union, and redefinition of like marriage and family.
Part of the issue is that the situations we face today are unprecedented – we have never been this way before. The best and brightest among us, when pressed on the point, have to admit that they don’t know what to do. That includes leadership. If our leaders do not know what to do, what hope have we?
Thank God, there is a way forward. It comes from the Bible. One of the great practical verses from Scripture is a key to making the most of today while preparing for a bright tomorrow:
I Chronicles 12:32f And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.
When you meditate on this verse, it becomes obvious that there is a simple yet profound insight. ‘Understanding the times’ is the key for direction today and blessing tomorrow. It is important to know what is happening and also why it is happening. The ‘what’ is knowledge,’ the ‘why’ is understanding, and when you add both, you end up with ‘wisdom.’ It is ‘wisdom’ that leads you on what to do. In other words, if you seek knowledge and understanding, as the book of Proverbs exhorts, then God will download to you the wisdom of what to do, also known as divine guidance (see Proverbs 3:5-6).
Where do you get wisdom? Does it come by studying the ancient Greek philosophers? Going to university? Hobnobbing with the intellectual elite? Actually, wisdom is not an ideology, a corpus of knowledge, or even a combination of bright minds. The Bible describes wisdom as a person: Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:30). To put it simply and straight: the wisest thing you can do is to invite this Wise One, the Saviour of the world, into your life (John 1:12; Revelation 3:20). Since He is truly God’s wisdom from above, then ignoring or rejecting Him would be the most foolish thing we can do.
Where do you get ‘understanding?’ Just as the source of wisdom is a Divine Person, so is the source of understanding. The Holy Spirit, the Third Person in the Godhead, is the source of understanding. We learn through John 14:26; 16:13, that He is the instructor, the advocate, who teaches us all things and reminds us of all things that Christ has commanded us. He searches all things, including the deep things of God (I Corinthians 2:10), and is more than able to give us the understanding we need to proceed.
In the coming articles, we will be introduced to seven pillars in understanding the future. When you know and put into practice these things, then you will be in an optimal position to become ‘future-ready.’ Stay tuned for more.

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TRUMP CHRONICLES PART 01: AMERICAN BREXIT? The Triumph of Donald Trump

NOTE: This author is constantly being asked to comment about Donald Trump, even though his topics are on other matters. This is the first of a series of articles called ‘The Trump Chronicles.’ Terminology: US Republicans are roughly equivalent to Liberal/Nationals in Australia and Tories in the UK. US Democrats are similar to Australia and Britain’s Labor Parties).
The Great Political Upset
They said he would never make it. The media, the Democratic Party, even part of his own Republican Party, were all against him. He faced the formidable, ‘cashed-up’ Clinton political machine. The campaign itself was long, gruelling, and the dirtiest in 100 years. The polls were predicting a Clinton win, even a landslide.
Yet, despite it all, Donald J. Trump pulled off one of the greatest political upsets in US history to become America’s 45th President. In addition, his Republican Party retained majorities in both houses of Congress.
What are we to make of all this?
First, the US election is the latest of several ‘shock’ electoral results that happened in the last two years. In 2015, national elections in Sri Lanka, Israel, and the United Kingdom delivered results totally the opposite to what experts, pundits and pollsters predicted. Ironically, David Cameron’s stunning unexpected majority win in 2015 set the stage for a promised referendum on continued UK membership in the European Union, which ultimately led to his political demise. The UK vote to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016, popularly known as ‘Brexit,’ was probably the biggest shock vote to date — until the election of Donald Trump.
How Did He Do It?
How did Donald Trump win the election? Is the American election a populist revolt equivalent to Brexit?
As this author has been stating for a while, our world is in a time of shaking: economic, social, political, and spiritual. These shock elections are part of it. When it comes to Donald Trump, the billionaire business mogul who entered the political fray only 17 months ago, he defied the odds and won the election.
First, Trump had a simple, catchy, compelling slogan: Make America Great Again. Effective campaigning means finding a vision that means something to the people, encapsulate it in a simple phrase, and talk about nothing else. Trump did this effectively. But there’s more.
Second, Trump capitalised on voter dissatisfaction on both sides. The electorate believes that career politicians are ‘out-of-touch,’ only giving them the time of day during an election campaign and telling them what they want to hear. Once (re)elected, the politicians go back to ‘business as usual:’ Serving the demands of big money and special interests rather than the person on Main Street.
Trump understood this. As a billionaire, he said that he could not be bought off by special interests. His rhetoric could be harsh, abrasive and politically incorrect, to the consternation of the cultural elite. Even some supporters were uncomfortable with his words. But here’s what the experts miss: Trump, unlike career politicians, did not sound like he was reading off a script. He was telling people what he really believed. The electorate found his honesty breathtakingly refreshing.
Third, Trump projected strength and resilience: Consider this – a 70 year old man went through the rigours of a protracted (17 month), nasty, divisive, bruising political campaign, facing the daunting Clinton political organisation. The media, academia, and Hollywood were all against him. A liberal Supreme Court justice denounced him. Even the Pope condemned his ‘Mexican wall’ as ‘unChristian.’ Despite all this, he triumphed and emerged without a smudge. Talk about ‘Teflon factor’ and strength. No wonder Vladimir Putin loves him!
Another point: Trump is an outsider. He is not part of the political establishment. He does not owe anyone favours. He does not bow the knee to special interests.
Trump also knew how to handle the often hostile mainstream media. Like Samson with the Philistines, he lampooned again and again while brushing off attacks against himself. He got a lot of publicity, for free.
Trump promised to be a man of action: Despite the mainstream media harping about his controversial phrases on Mexican walls, Muslim immigration, or age-old crude comments in private, he talked about issues Americans care about: Reforming the health system, rebuilding the military so America can start winning wars, taking care of war veterans, fixing the Clinton-era China trade agreement that has seen the loss of 1000s of US jobs, repair the immigration mess, the ailing economy, and restore pride in the country.
Finally, there was much prayer and fasting for the American election in the mode of II Chronicles 7:14. The same can be said for the other elections, including Brexit.
A Word from the Optimists
Let’s hear from a couple of people who predicted a Trump victory from Day One, despite the polls.
JM Shepal, author of the book Why Donald Trump Will Become the Next US President, said: ‘The main reason they (the American voters) are coming out to vote, they love his rhetoric, they love the way he carries himself, they love what he says and how he says it, but most of all, they love the fact that there is a candidate that is a political outsider and that understands what the people want from their next leader.’
Wayne Allyn Root, who was predicting the ultimate success of Trump’s campaign since the very day his candidacy was announced, gave some interesting insights in his October 24, 2016 article: ‘Why I’m (still) betting big on Donald Trump to Win.’ http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/10/24/why-im-still-betting-big-on-donald-trump-to-win.html  At the time the article was written, many (though not all) polls predicted a Clinton victory. Root pointed out some interesting signs that were totally overlooked by the political and media establishment:
1)      A Las Vegas cab driver routinely asked every passenger who they were voting for. Without exception, they said ‘Trump.’
2)      That on a drive from Washington DC to Florida (a distance of perhaps 1,000 kilometres or 620 miles), the driver saw 100s of Trump campaign signs along the highway. They did not see one ‘Vote for Hillary’ sign.
3)      Despite her massive profile and positive standing in the polls, sales of Hillary’s new book were lagging. Trump’s book Great Again is a best-seller.
4)      Trump rallies were attracting 1000s while Hillary’s only 100s.
Trump learned how to by-pass the special interests, cultural elite, and the ‘kingmakers’ in order to connect directly with the person on Main Street. Also, many independents and Democrats were crossing over to Trump because they found a man who was willing to listen to them.
American Brexit?
Is the election of Donald Trump the equivalent of BREXIT? Trump apparently thinks so. He calls it ‘Brexit plus plus plus.’ Former UKIP and BREXIT leader Nigel Farage says Trump’s victory is ‘bigger than Brexit.’ Wayne Allyn Root called Trump’s election ‘America’s Brexit.’
There are clearly parallels. Both elections had the political, media, and business elite supporting the familiar, status-quo situation (e.g. remain in the European Union; vote for Hillary Clinton). Both elites thought they controlled the narrative. Their rhetoric was that of condescension, scare-mongering, and insults. Supporters of Brexit were called small minded little Englanders; uneducated, old white men, etc. while Trump supporters were called ‘bitter,’ ‘deplorables,’ and ‘uneducated.’ The polls pointed to a status quo victory. Despite it all, in both cases the  found their voice, ignored the elites, and said ‘We want our country back.’
Trump and the Middle East
It is way too early to say what Trump will do in the Middle East, but he is clearly going in a different direction to his predecessor. He has expressed skepticism over the Iran nuclear deal and there are hints that he could scrap it. Of course, Tehran did respond with concern in the light of his election.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi appeared to be a bit more relaxed. He said that Trump’s election rhetoric may differ from his policies once he takes the oath of office. Furthermore, he said he understands Trump’s measures of registering Muslims in the US as a means of achieving stability and peace for his nation.
Trump said he was tired of Israel being treated as a second class citizen and promised to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In the past, other presidential candidates have promised to do the same thing but once in office, they backtracked. Nevertheless, a Palestinian official, sensing that Trump marches to a different drummer, threatened to use their power in the United Nations if Trump dares to make an embassy move.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed joy at Trump’s victory. He called the President-elect a ‘true friend of Israel.’ A post-election position paper by the Trump campaign said the Palestinians must renounce violence and recognise Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state before being receiving statehood.

Regardless of your political persuasion, country of residence and citizenship, the world should pray for the success of Donald Trump’s presidency. In this globalised world, we all have a vested interest in it.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

How to Inherit the Earth: Biblical Meekness Part 01

A Better Way To Inherit the Earth

It has been the goal of dictators and despots for millennia. Having conquered their home base, they seek to go further afield. Whether Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte,  Adolf Hitler or a cast of others, these hyper-ambitious megalomaniacs try to extend their imperial reach worldwide but overextend themselves. Then they fail and fall, bringing their empire crashing down with them.
Even ‘the beast’ in the Book of Revelation, also known as the antichrist, attempts to rule the entire world. At first glance, it appears that he succeeds but if so, his success is short-lived. Not only are there wars of rebellion against him in the tribulation period, but antichrist will take one step too many and end up losing his battle. His end is in the lake of fire.
Bible students should know that the earth – all of it – belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Yet He also makes an amazing offer. To people who possess a certain character quality, they can also inherit the earth.
What is this quality? It is not ambition. It is not assertiveness. It is definitely not arrogance. The dictators and despots mentioned above have plenty of all these things, yet they failed every time. So what is the key.
Psalm 37:11 and Matthew 5:5 tell us: The meek shall inherit the earth.
Meekness Defined
Irony of ironies. Meekness is actually the key to acquisition. Yet, before we acquire, we need to understand what it really is. In the Bible, the Hebrew word translated meek is anav, meaning poor, weak, afflicted. In Greek it is praos, meaning ‘meek, mild, gentle.’ None of these adjectives sound like the ingredients of inheriting the earth.
Yet consider this: The man Moses was very meek, above all the men who were upon the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). Jesus Christ refers to Himself as meek (Matthew 11:29). So since Moses and Jesus were meek, did that mean they were also ‘weak?’
Not at all. Indeed, no where did two men demonstrate more anointing and power than Jesus and Moses Somehow, meekness is the pathway to power, a power that helps you inherit the earth.
Let’s then consider a description of true Biblical, earth-inheriting meekness: When a person commits and submits to God, to the point that their own personal traits and desires decrease and Christ-in-them, the hope of glory, increases, then they begin to live by the power of God. In short, the meek are willing to decrease so that Christ in them increases – thereby releasing power, effectiveness and fruit.
If you are a ‘Great Commission Christian’ – and you should be  – committed to helping the gospel go worldwide and raising up disciples of Jesus – then remember God’s way to inherit the earth. Biblical meekness, possessing a sterling attitude, an empowering grace, and a regal calm, will obtain for you that which has eluded the worldly ambitious throughout human history. It truly is the ‘high road’ to overcoming power, victory, and possessing your possession.

(NEXT MONTH: We will see a great Biblical example of meekness in action).

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

FROM ‘DE FACTO’ TO ‘DE JURE:’ Part 03

Finding Legitimacy in an Immoral World

We have learned that ‘de facto’ is a reality and relationship without official or divine sanction. It seeks the benefits and pleasures of said relationship without the commitment and responsibility. De facto is also called ‘cohabitation.’
Yet to live in a de facto relationship is a gamble. From a Biblical view, any sexual relations in a de facto context is considered to be fornication, since it is outside the parameters of marriage. Furthermore, we learned that that de facto couples who eventually get married have a much higher rate of divorce than those who never lived together at all.
A de facto attitude and lifestyle are clearly not options for Bible-believing, Spirit-filled Christian. We are called to a life of commitment, communication, responsibility, and solid relationships based on love, respect, and reciprocity. Everyone who has experienced these benefits endorses them without hesitation.
Dr John Hayward, director of the Jubilee Centre, said: ‘All the evidence suggests that families headed by married, biological parents who have not previously lived together provide the best environment for both the individuals involved and their children.’
How can we trade-in our self-centred, fearful, uncommitted de facto mindset for a solid, stable, sanctified and credible de jure one? The answer is ‘Make a Commitment.’ To whom?
•       TO GOD: Receive Him as Saviour, serve Him as Lord, listen to His Word (the Bible), obey the prompting of His Holy Spirit.
•       TO FAMILY: Be committed to your spouse, children, and parents. Sound family life is universally valued, regardless of nation or culture. Morality is a God-given hedge that we build to protect our families and ourselves.
•       TO GOD’S PEOPLE: Commitment to Christian fellowship is vital for a healthy, flourishing Christian life. God’s church may be universal but it also has a local address. Church-hopping and irregular fellowship is part of the de facto syndrome, even if you are married, and can be hazardous to your spiritual health.
•       TO SOCIETY: Be faithful, responsible, and committed in your civic duties, like paying taxes, voting, speaking out on moral issues, etc. De Jure Christians make great citizens in any society. Love your neighbour as yourself. This includes de facto couples, divorcees, widows, etc.
What If?
What if you are in de facto relationship and have come to Christ, what should you do? You are not alone. Amazingly, the first person Jesus revealed Himself as Messiah was to a Samaritan woman who was married 5 times and lived in a de facto relationship when she met Christ (John 4:16-19). He has been called the friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34).
This author was confronted with this question a few years ago. The couple had been together 10 years and had two children. They had become Christians and planned to marry soon. However, they were uncomfortable about the possibility fornication now and a higher divorce rate after marriage. My advice to them was simple: The foundation of their relationship was flawed, therefore get a better foundation. This meant repudiation of the old foundation: the de facto spirit and fornication. This repudiation involved repentance, moving out of the house, and refraining from intimate relations until after the wedding. Only then could they have a new, better, and sure foundation for marital stability. Fortunately, this couple readily agreed, as others have before them.

May one of the most notable casualties of the upcoming, world-wide, move of God be the glorious defeat of the ‘de facto’ factor. Righteous living, de jure living, is the best antidote, now an