CANADA IN VALLEY OF DECISION

So much is happening in this world and so quickly, it is a challenge to discern where things are at. The rising price of gas has caught our attention and reminds us again that our privileged Canadian lifestyle hangs in the balance. Yesterday it was reported that Israel was practicing a long range military exercise simulating a possible attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. These are serious days where armed conflict in the Middle East could result in our economy being devastated and the whole world in crisis. I do not believe that the formation of the state of Israel is a political accident of no lasting relevance. Ezekiel 34-39 has some clues to how the Lord might see things, but Joel 3:1-3 has the clearest of warnings to the Nations about their treatment of Israel, particularly concerning the dividing up of the Land. Everybody seems to want a slice of Jerusalem but it still remains the 'City of the Great King' (Matthew 5:35). God promises to enter into judgment with the nations, may we in Canada so pray that our leaders in Church and State heed the word of the Lord:

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14

Even as our Government has softened their heart toward the First Nations recently, may they also keep a tender heart toward the Jewish people especially in the Land of Israel.
 

The Group of Eight (G8) Summit is an annual meeting attended by the leaders of the eight countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the President of the European Commission. World leaders will discuss the world economy, environmental concerns, African development and other pressing issues They will also be joined for part of the time by leaders from Algeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Also leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Australia, Indonesia, and Republic of Korea. The event is on the northern island of Hokkaido in a beautiful area with two active volcanoes! In the capital, Tokyo, there will be a time of prayer to cover this event, hosted by local church leaders, and including some intercessors from Canada. Pray for Stephen Harper for great wisdom and authority in dealing with complex issues. Visit www.g8summit.go.jp/eng/index.html for more information.
 

A global day of prayer for China has been set aside for August 8th, the day the Olympics open in Beijing. The church in China needs our prayers, please see www.808chinablessing.org.
 

The Olympic Games will open in Beijing at 8 minutes past 8:00 pm on August 8th, 2008. This is very deliberate so as to act at the most propitious and lucky time to assure success. The number 8 is considered a lucky number in Asian culture because it sounds like the word "prosper" or "wealth". China is striving mightily to be the leader in gold medals at the games and build up their national pride and unity, and avoid loss of face. Curious that the message of the Gospel concerns a peasant who was executed but rose from the dead and calls us into his Kingdom to do his will free from all the elemental spirits of the Universe. We do not need luck anymore. Pray for a move of God in China.

EIGHT DOES IT AGAIN!

I continue to be amazed at the number of leaders in North America that still propagate the teaching that 2008 is a year of new beginnings! This is always true in Christ who makes all things new, but certainly not because the year ends in an 8. As I shared in the IFC December 2007 notes, this teaching has its source in Hebrew Numerology not prophetic insight. Another apostolic leader has suggested that the 490 years from Daniel 9:24 when added onto an assumed start of the reformation, 1517 AD, brings us to 2007 which makes 2008 the start of a new age in the purposes of God. This seems very similar to a recent declaration that the 'Third Wave' has started this year with the 'Florida Outpouring'. As we search the scriptures the climatic events that could occur seem to be: apostasy, the man of lawlessness revealed, false signs and wonders, increased deception and delusion, and then the glorious personal return of Jesus Christ. ( 2 Thess 2:1-12) Are we eagerly expecting Him?

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36

I had no idea that this book was so popular, having sold a million copies! It is well written and challenging. God the Father initially appears in the Shack in the form of an Afro American woman! I found the following link helpful in its analysis of how some important subjects are represented. www.challies.com/media/The_Shack.pdf
 

As you may know I had quintuple by-pass heart surgery on May 8th, just six weeks ago! Beth and I are so grateful to you all for your prayers and many assurances of your care and support during this difficult time. I am glad to say that last week my energy levels increased significantly and I have been able to resume driving and have a few outings. It would be wise of me not to do too much for another 4-6 weeks, but by the end of July I am hoping that my sternum will be fully healed and I can get back in the swing of things. I believe the Lord has been refining us and we want to be profitable servants in the years to come. Once again thank you for your love and prayers.
With Every Blessing, Dave