The Mystery Of The Shemitah (book review)

Title: The Mystery Of The Shemitah
Author: Jonathan Cahn
Publisher: Frontline Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group
Date: 2014
Pages: 276

The Mystery Of The Shemitah (book review)

Jonathan Cahn had first written a book titled: The Harbinger. For a short synopsis of that story it is a novel story of a man who reveals seven harbingers (signs) on the judgement of America. In this book he now breaks down in detail the seven signs and more dealing with an ancient mystery that may be tied to America’s fate.

He starts out with getting a full understanding of what the mystery is when it was started nearly 3,000 years ago in ancient Biblical times and reveals how it ties to America today. Part of that mystery is a seven-year cycle set up by God that can be seen to this day in America. Revealing cycles of economic prosperity and depression can be seen as possibly a part of those seven-year cycles. Along with the seven-year cycles, he looks at the significance of towers and their implications throughout history and in America.

Throughout the book he uses a lot of data that can be looked up and verified as correct in the dates as to when it occurred.

Parts of the book does feel like it is very repetitive of what was already said. However, it does open the eyes to the possibility that what he is saying may be true and that judgement by God is starting to be placed upon America due to the choices having been made.

I cannot say that what he is saying in this book is completely accurate and God is judging America, but I cannot deny that it is extremely possible. Since the book was written in 2014 there have been a lot of changes in America that appear that America is choosing to deny God. There has also been events that have occurred since then that line up with the seven-year cycle that Jonathan wrote about.

I highly recommend you read this book with an open mind to its possibilities and be led by the Holy Spirit as to what to do with the information learned in your life and in your community.

The Harbinger (book review)

Title: The Harbinger
Author: Jonathan Cahn
Publisher: Frontline
Date: 2011
Pages: 262

The Harbinger (book review)

This book is a novel that is documentary/fictional story based upon true facts with the author’s belief as to what those events mean. Jonathan Cahn in the story takes a look at what is happening in America and sees the events as warnings or judgements of God against America.

Nouriel, the main character (there are only three characters in the entire story) is mysteriously given an old coin by mail with no message or meaning to it. Later he is met by an unnamed man who helps him uncover the meaning of that coin and is given, one by one, eight other coins to discover their meanings. Each of these coins link America to ancient Israel and Solomon and God’s judgements upon both.

The primary verse that is looked at is Isaiah 9:10. Throughout the story, Jonathan quotes many different presidents, politicians and leaders, in real life, in linking them to what Israel had done and America is currently doing that is bringing upon America God’s judgement. The events begin with 9/11 and lead up to the fall of the stock market in 2008. In the end he is challenged to determine what he must do with what he now knows.

Every quote and event mentioned have footnotes that show a link where it can be verified that they actually occurred. I had checked many of them for verification and also because I did not honestly believe that some of the people had said some of the things that were quoted. All of them were true.

As a believer it will challenge one to think about how he sees things that are occurring and how God’s hand is in those events. This story is not a feel good, happily ever after story, but one that paints a picture of coming doom if no change occurs. After reading this it is very difficult to state that what Jonathan points out is not actually very possible, but extremely probable.

One thing that I was concerned with in this story is that there is no mention of following Jesus, only in following and obeying God. Other than that, I highly recommend reading this book. And as you read it, open your heart to what God may be saying and doing in America.

Agatha Christine: Next Door Spy (movie review)

Title: Agathe Christine: Next Door Spy 
Director:
Karla von Bengtson
Production Company: Copenhagen Bombay Production
Length: 77 minutes
Release: August 2017 Denmark
Actors: Agathe Christine: Simone Edemann Mogelbjerg; Vincents far: Dar Salim

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This movie is an animated detective movie about a 10 year old girl, Agathe Christine (AC) who desires to be a detective. The storyline is after the style of Agatha Christie detective stories.

It opens with AC, her mother and older sister moving to a new city. AC is not wanting to make the move and having to find and make new friends.

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AC often daydreams of being a detective. One day while out walking she finds out that a local kiosk is being robbed on a regular basis. She has a suspect in mind and sets out to solve the mystery. In the end AC is able to solve who was doing the robberies.

The main character is the only well built character in the story. AC is a strong willed child who is determined to do what she wants regardless of what the rules are or others think. Throughout the story AC will often lie to keep herself from getting into trouble or to be able to do what she wants to do.

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Her sister and Vincents (a neighborhood boy) will also often lie to cover their tracks or to gain control of a situation.

There is one character that stands out as to not really fitting into the story. It is the lizard that hatches from an egg that AC has. The lizard starts out very small and talking. As the story goes on, it grows very large and attempts to control AC. It appears to have an ulterior motive that is not really dove into in the story.

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One of the negative aspects of this movie is that there is some inappropriate language in it. Vincents and his friend use some foul language at times. It is not very harsh, but still foul. For a movie that is geared towards children 9-12 years old, it is too much and unnecessary.

Another negative aspect is that the mother does not appear to really be involved very well in AC’s life. She is willing to pay a neighborhood child to be willing to play with AC. She makes implications on AC without really paying attention to what is actually occurring.

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One of the positive aspects that I see in this movie is that AC learns to not be so quickly to judge the character of a person. She feels for the guilty person once she learns of his feelings and why he does what he does. However, this draws on the ethical question of whether stealing for a good cause is good or bad.

Another positive I can point out is that the guilty character does pay back what he owes to the kiosk. This does show taking responsibility for wrongs done.

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Children, ages 9-12, will be able to easily follow the simple dialogue. If they enjoy a mystery, most will enjoy this movie, though it is not action packed or fast moving. The movie moves along at a simple pace. I see this as a positive note due to most movies today are very high packed with action, flash/bang/move.

As for the production of the movie, it is not a high quality filming. It does have good, simple filming, but does not measure anywhere near the quality of some of the major animated movies seen today.

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While the overall story line is good, I struggle with recommending it to anyone due to the language in it. As a believer, I do not see any reason for subjecting children (or adults) to foul language that is not necessary. Outside of the language and the lizard, the movie is a good simple mystery that middle school children would probably enjoy.

No press embargo: TriCoast Entertainment has released the feature onto various digital platforms (InDemand, Amazon, iTunes, DirecTV, AT&T, FANDANGO, FlixFling, Vudu).

All pictures used in this post are used with permission and are copyrighted.

Daniel 2:27-28a Not Taking Credit

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Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Daniel 2:27-28a 

The desire to have the right answer or have the ability to meet the need for others is great in most people. They want to be able to say that they can give what is needed out of their own abilities and strength.

Very few people like to admit that they do not have the right answer or lack the ability to do something. It makes them look weak and incompetent, so they will often make up something to try to meet the need, whether it is right or wrong.

The king had had a dream and wanted someone to tell him what the dream was and what it was about. If no one could do that, he would kill everyone. He was told about Daniel being able to do that. Daniel tells him that only God can give that answer.

In themselves, no believer really has the ability to do anything. Their power, strength and wisdom come from God.

The world will have questions to problems that they do not know how to answer or deal with. They are seeking answers, that only God can give. Some believers will give the answers in their own abilities or give the answer God has, and will take the credit for it, rather than give God the credit.

God has given His Holy Spirit to guide believers and give them wisdom. When a believer speaks, it should be with the wisdom and words of God, and then he needs to let the world know it is God’s word, not his own.

There will be times when someone needs help or guidance.  At these times seek God’s direction for that situation. God will guide you in what to say or do to help that person out. As you do this, do not take the credit for yourself. Give the credit to God for what He has allowed you to do.

Doing this points people towards God and takes the focus off of you. God is the only one who can give the perfect answer each and ever time. Allow God to work through you, but also give Him the credit. Without Him, you can do nothing.

I pray today that you will be filled with God’s Holy Spirit; that you will be guided by God’s Spirit; that you will give God credit for what He does trough you; and that you will allow God to use you to help others.

Job 37:5 Beyond Understanding

Greece islands

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5 

Curiosity into things is something that man has always had. He wants to understand how things work or why they work the way that they do. For many people they are fascinated by how things work and they begin to question it.

It is out of desire to understand the mysteries of life that many of the discoveries have been made. Some are very simple, such as how something might taste, while other things are extremely complex, such as the breakdown of molecules and how they work in a body.

While millions of things have been discovered, there are also many things that remain a mystery. Some of the things that have been discovered, have also been changed over the years with greater discovery of that item.

Elihu points out that God does things that is beyond understanding. What God was doing in Job’s life was even beyond his understanding. God was doing a great thing, though no one could see it, or understand what He was doing at the time it was occurring.

It is easy to see how great God is when one thinks about the complexities of this life and earth. How does God sustain everything on this earth, down to the smallest particles of life and matter? No one can fully understand this.

Then it gets even more complex with how God works in the life of a person. God allows things in his life to mold and shape the person into one like Jesus. God uses both good and bad things to change a person into the person he is meant to be. This is beyond the understanding of people, yet it is marvelous what God is doing.

As you put your trust in God, trust what He is doing and allowing in your life. Do not fight God, but turn to Him and hold on to Him. Know that what He is doing and allowing is what is best for your life.

The allowance of struggle and destruction in the life of Job ends with blessings beyond measure. God may use things that do not make sense to you in order to make you like Jesus. As He does this, remember that His ways of doing things is beyond anything you can think or imagine, yet it is the best way.

If He can build and sustain this universe, He can build and sustain you.

I pray today that you will see God’s hand in your life; that you will trust God’s work in your life; that you God will reveal His work in your life; and that you will not fear God’s work in your life.