I walked up a slight hill that was parched, and I noticed the grass crunching underfoot as I walked, and as I was reaching the hill’s crest, I looked into the sky. It was dusk, dark with blood-red clouds, with wisps of red-orange and purple. My eyes scanned down to view a huge valley plain littered with burning objects, hulking masses of twisted metal, and millions of smaller masses strewn about. As my eyes continued their scan down to a few yards before me, I saw that the smaller masses were mangled people, blood, and shredded and burning fragments of what were human bodies were everywhere. The smell of diesel and burning flesh contaminated the air, creating an awful stench. As I turned my head in disgust, I heard grunting and the creaking of metal, like a broken truck door opening. I quickly looked back to see a uniformed man sliding off a truck seat and staggering toward me in the dark, with only the flaming wreckage and last faint glimmers of dusk illuminating the scene. He was a wounded soldier, blood oozing from his shoulder where his arm had been severed; his face was grimaced, with pallor from shock and blood loss. As I watched in horror, he staggered up and fell face-first at my feet. I reached down to check to see if he was alive, and he grabbed my arm and screamed! “Kill me! Please kill me!”
I awoke from my nightmare and leaped from my bed, my heart pounding, my breaths heaving, and I was dripping with sweat! I hadn’t moved that fast in years! I sat down on the edge of my bed and wiped the sweat from my brow and face. I vividly remembered the scene in my nightmare and knew in an instant that it had been a picture of the prophesied battle of Armageddon, and the valley plain I viewed was the plain of Megiddo. What a horrible way to wake up! I wasn’t sure what the Lord was trying to show me, but I knew he had His reasons. I looked over at the alarm clock and noticed that it was 6:35 a.m., so I decided to go ahead and get up and get ready for the day.
My name is Samuel Gideon, but people just call me Sam. I am a retired business executive who retired about 5 years ago. My beautiful wife of 42 years succumbed to ovarian cancer just 2 years ago. On my birthday next month, I’ll be 67 years old. I’ve had a good life, marriage, and career. I still share my time in service to my church as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and as part of the Finance Committee, and in my community as a part of The Gideons International, providing Gideon reports that share what God is doing through our ministry throughout the world. Yep, it’s been a good life, and I’m still going strong. My children are also doing well. I have two sons that have careers that have taken them to cities far from home, but they visit on holidays and keep in touch by phone and e-mail. I’m alone, but not lonely because I have my church family and my Gideon ministry friends. Yes, I’m a Gideon with the surname Gideon…just a coincidence.
We had a Testament distribution at the local University a few days ago, distributing 3,225 Testaments. It was a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the low to mid-70s, without a cloud in the sky. It was a perfect day for a distribution. The students were pretty receptive too. You always get the occasional student or professor that just ignores you or looks at you like you’re doing something wrong, but that’s okay as long as the seed of God’s Word is being spread. We were done just before noon, and I stopped off to get a burger afterward for lunch. We have a hotel distribution next month if the Lord tarries. I really look forward to the distribution, sharing God’s Word, and getting to work with my Gideon friends again.
Today I’m just going to putter around the house, get some housework done, wash some clothes, and watch a few TV shows. I also have a Sunday school lesson to study and prepare for. I like to read over it several times and do my own research too. I think it adds to the lesson and improves my students’ knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures, but it also builds my knowledge and understanding. You can never know too much about what the Lord is sharing through Scripture, and the day you think you know everything is the day that pride takes over, and you stop learning and growing your faith. I pray that never happens to me, and I keep growing my knowledge and faith until the Lord returns or I die, being “…absent from the body and …present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) Either way, I’m ready.
It was a good and relaxing day, and I got everything accomplished that I wanted to accomplish, and as an added bonus, received a call from my youngest son Tom. He and his wife are doing well, and their first child is just three months away from being born. The conversation was little more than, hi, I love you, everything’s fine, and we’ll talk to you again soon. But that’s okay, I know he’s busy. At least he’s thinking about me enough to call. His brother, my eldest son David, calls less often but stays on the phone a little longer. He and his wife are already proud parents of two beautiful girls, my granddaughters. They will all be coming over in a couple of months for Thanksgiving Day and will stay through the end of the week. I really look forward to seeing them. By this time, the day had drifted into late evening on this warm late summer day, so I brushed my teeth and decided to hit the sack. Shortly after retiring to my bed, I fell fast asleep.
I walked up a slight hill that was parched, and I noticed the grass crunching underfoot as I walked, and as I was reaching the hill’s crest, I looked into the sky. It was dusk, dark with blood-red clouds, with wisps of red-orange and purple. My eyes scanned down to view a huge valley plain littered with burning objects, hulking masses of twisted metal, and millions of smaller masses strewn about. As my eyes continued their scan down to a few yards before me, I saw that the smaller masses were mangled people, blood, and shredded and burning fragments of what were human bodies were everywhere. The smell of diesel and burning flesh contaminated the air, creating an awful stench. As I turned my head in disgust, I heard grunting and the creaking of metal, like a broken truck door opening. I quickly looked back to see a uniformed man sliding off a truck seat and staggering toward me in the dark, with only the flaming wreckage and last faint glimmers of dusk illuminating the scene. He was a wounded soldier, blood oozing from his shoulder where his arm had been severed; his face was grimaced, with pallor from shock and blood loss. As I watched in horror, he staggered up and fell face-first at my feet. I reached down to check to see if he was alive, and he grabbed my arm and screamed! “Kill me! Please kill me!”
I awoke again yelling, “No! No!” from a repeat of that same nightmare and sat straight up my bed, my heart pounding, panting, and again I was dripping with sweat!
“What the heck?” I said aloud. I wiped the sweat from my face and lay back down.
“Wow, another fun wake-up call,” I said aloud with sarcasm.
I leaned over to look at the clock, and it was 6:32 a.m., so just like the day before, I decided to get up. What horrible images! I can still see them vividly in my mind. I can still feel the bloody hand of that dying soldier where he grabbed my arm, the faint smell of diesel still in my nostrils. After I dressed, I went to the kitchen to make myself some coffee and relax. This was very unnerving, I’ve had that same dream two nights in a row, and to make things worse, I remember the dream as vividly as if I had lived it. After finally calming down and making my coffee, I sat down to watch the news on TV.
The news was horrible, nothing but news clips of wars and rumors of wars, pestilence in faraway places, and natural disasters not too far away. All signs of the end times, as prophesied in the Bible. I had to turn the news off and switch to something more uplifting. What a mess, the world was just one big mess, and there was virtually nothing I could do about it. I was sharing the gospel and distributing God’s Word, serving in my church and community, boldly standing on biblical principles, but that just didn’t seem to be enough. Oh well, I’ll just have to keep plugging away and hope for the best.
The morning sun began to fill the house as dawn yielded to morning. I completed my usual morning routine…prayed, ate breakfast, completed my devotion and Bible reading, and then got online for a little while to say hi to my friends and family via cyberspace. Long-distance communication with the convenience of sharing pictures and videos is wonderful, but I prefer communicating in person when possible. I viewed and read posts from family and old High School friends, and other friends and wrote comments back to some of them. After completing my cyber hobnobbing, I decided to head out for a haircut and lunch out at my favorite family restaurant. So, I got ready and gathered my wallet and keys, and headed out the door.
The barber shop was empty except for one old gentleman in the barber chair and my friend Jim Madigan, the barber. The old gentleman was furrowed and silver-haired, wearing bib overalls and scuffed work boots. They were the vestments of a hardworking man. But he looked as if he had long since retired. Jim had Blue Grass music playing in the shop, and it sounded good! I love Blue Grass music, which is exactly why I frequented his establishment. The old gentleman was speaking to Jim, so I didn’t say anything except hello to each of them. I sat quietly, listening to the music until it was my turn. When Jim, the barber, was through with the old gentleman, the old gentleman paid for his haircut, said his goodbyes, and departed. Jim swept up and then said, “Next! What can I do ya for?”
“Hey, Jim, just taper up the sides and back and leave it a little long on top,” I replied.
“You got it, Sam,” he answered and I sat down, and he began cutting my hair. We engaged in the usual small talk – the weather and our health, etc. – until he was done. I paid him, and as I was departing, we exchanged.
“See ya next time Jim.”
“I’ll be here, Sam. Have a great day!”
“You too, Jim,” I said as I walked out the door.
I got back in my car and drove just a couple of miles down the road. I dropped by the Old Mountain Home restaurant, and the hostess sat me right away. I plopped down in the booth and picked up the menu, then immediately sat it down. I just realized that it was meatloaf day, and they make delicious meatloaf, so that’s what I would have. When the waitress stopped by, I said, “Hey Jennifer, how are things?”
“Pretty good Sam. How are you doing?” She replied.
“I am blessed beyond measure, Jennifer.”
“Well, amen, Sam. God is good.”
“Amen, Jennifer.”
“What would you like to drink, Sam?” She said.
“Cola would be fine, and I’m ready to order, too,” I said.
“Let me guess, meatloaf, green beans, smashed taters and gravy, and a biscuit,” she said.
“You know me all too well, Jennifer. Thank you, that’ll be fine,” I replied.
“I’ll be right back with your drink,” she said as she turned to leave. She returned a minute later with my drink.
“Here you go, Sam; I’ll have your order out to you as soon as it’s ready.”
“Thanks, Jennifer.”
I sat at a table where I could see the news playing on the big screen TV. I couldn’t hear it but could read the captions. It looked like yet another earthquake struck, this time in Italy. Earthquakes are definitely on the rise. Then the reporters were talking about another Ebola virus outbreak in Africa that had claimed the lives of an entire village of 324 people, and the epidemiologic investigation efforts were being complicated by a localized drought and famine in the area. My mind wandered to Bible prophecies about the end times. I remembered Luke 21:11.
“…and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”
This old world is in some serious trouble. I remember a much brighter world from my youth, with endless possibilities and the freedom to pursue them. It seems to be a much darker world now. Our personal freedoms are being eroded away through pointless and misguided legislation, crime is up, terrorism is running rampant, and children all over the world are being taught Humanism in school. Worst of all, the biblical scriptures are being ignored, and people are sinning without remorse or repentance. It’s not the same world I grew up in, but there are many bright spots if you look for them. Bright spots like the look on a child’s face when they get that special Christmas gift or when they realize, for the first time, that Jesus loves them. Bright spots like when a person you are sharing Christian apologetics information with finally realizes that they are not just an evolved ape-like creature or realizes that Noah and his Ark are not just allegories but real historical facts. Bright spots like when the Holy Spirit leads someone to the saving knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus, forming a personal relationship with our Lord. Yep, we still have some bright spots in this old world, but they are decreasing and fading rapidly. I hope I’m in Heaven before they disappear completely.
“Here you go, Sam,” Jennifer said as she laid my plate on the table. “Can I get you anything else?” She questioned.
“Nope, the ketchup is already on the table, so I’m all set, thanks,” I replied.
“You’re welcome. Just holler if you need anything?” She said.
“Okay, thanks,” I replied.
My meatloaf was outstanding, and I loved those delicious smashed taters and gravy. Smashed taters is a personal euphemism for mashed potatoes, it’s just more fun to say it my way. Jennifer had started using my euphemism, too, at least when she was waiting on me. I really love this place – the food, the service – and the people are great too.
After finishing my meal, I looked up to see some woman on the TV complaining about a survey of people in the United States that showed there was still 60% of the population that didn’t believe in evolution. She complained about it being a disgrace. Well, I don’t think it’s a disgrace. What I think is a disgrace is that 40% of the people in the United States believe in that antiquated fallacious theory of evolution. Every scientist on the planet, with brain one in his head, knows that the only way to believe in evolution is by faith because the “proof” of evolution is completely absent. It doesn’t exist. My main problem with all of this is that many professing Christians believe this false doctrine. My mind again wandered to Bible prophecies about the end times. I remembered 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.”
Trust me, that old fallacious theory of evolution is exactly that, a myth perpetuated by those that reject God and his precious Word, the Bible. People want to have their “ears tickled,” or in other words, they want to hear what they want to hear. If what they want to hear differs from what the Bible says, then they find a preacher or teacher that will tell them the lies that they want to hear. In reference to the false doctrine of evolution and other false doctrines, I remembered Matthew 24:24.
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
These false prophets, teaching the false doctrines of evolution, humanism, hedonism, Islam, and many other false gospels, have been spread worldwide. As described by Matthew concerning the “great signs and wonders,” these false prophets will use magic, science, and supposed miracles to deceive millions of people, even trying to deceive some of the “elect” (Christians). So, as prophesied by the Bible, the end of this era of time must be coming to a close soon because these false prophets are proliferating.
“Can I get you anything else, Sam, some dessert, maybe?” Jennifer said.
“No thanks, I’m done, I just need the bill,” I said, with an air of melancholy.
“Okay…are you alright, Sam?” Jennifer asked with concern in her voice.
“I’m okay, but I’d be much better off if I didn’t watch the news. It’s so depressing,” I said.
“I know what you mean. You almost never hear anything good on the news, just death, destruction, and other horrible stuff,” she shared.
“Yep, but the meal was great, and the service was outstanding, as usual,” I replied with a smile.
“Well, thank you, I appreciate that. It’s always a real pleasure to serve you, Sam. I’ll go get your bill for you,” she said, smiling as she quickly scurried off.
My waitress, Jennifer McNeal, is a sweet girl and a member of the church we both attend. She has been attending our church since shortly after her birth. I started attending after I retired and moved into the area a few years back. She returned with my bill, and we said our goodbyes, and she gave me a big hug; then, I went up to the register to pay.
“How was everything?” The cashier said.
“Everything was great as usual,” I said.
“That’s wonderful,” she replied, and then I paid, and she handed me my receipt.
“You come back and see us soon,” she said.
“Oh, you can count on it! We’ll see ya soon,” I exclaimed.
I headed home, full and happy after a great meal. I spent the rest of the day outside puttering around in my garden in front of my home, weeding and trimming. I also spent a little time in my little greenhouse admiring the beauty of the flowers and the sweet smell of my roses. When I was through outside, I stopped at my greenhouse and clipped a couple of lilac-colored roses to bring inside. My wife loved roses, and I did too. She was partial to roses that were shades of purple, which was fitting because our love was love at first sight, which is what some say purple roses stand for…Love at first sight. The beautiful perfume they contribute to a room is wonderful and relaxing. The beautiful aroma also reminds me of my precious wife. I sure do miss her. Her death left a big hole in my life, but I was muddling through. As the day was ending, the sun had started to set, and the sky was transforming from blue to various hues of orange and violet. I took my shower, got dressed for bed, and then went into the living room to read my Bible for a while. I took an occasional inhalation of the fragrant perfume from the roses as I read. When I finished up, I was still wide awake, so I decided to watch a little TV. As the night dragged on and I began to feel sleepy, I went on to bed.
I awoke yelling again, sat straight up on my bed, my heart pounding, and again I was dripping with sweat!
“What in the world is this all about?” I said aloud.
I wiped the sweat from my face and lay back down. By this time, I was getting pretty tired of waking up this way. I wished I knew why I kept seeing these horrific images. I wished I could wake up in a more pleasant manner. If I kept this up, I might have a heart attack, a stroke, or something. I looked over at the clock, and it was 6:55 a.m., but I decided to recline in bed for a few more minutes.
I prayed aloud, “Lord, please share with me why I’m seeing these images in my dreams. I want to always do Your will, but I just don’t understand yet. Open my heart and mind to Your Holy Spirit, and in accordance with Your will and in Your time, please reveal to me what these images are all about. I thank You and praise You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” Then I went ahead and got up, ready to start my day.
This same dream repeated for 7 days, then abruptly stopped.
“Thank you, Lord!” I exclaimed the first day I awoke without a nightmare.
Over the next few days, I would think back on the dreams, still not knowing their purpose. Well, if the Lord saw fit to share the purpose, I’d gladly listen. Otherwise, I would just use this dream as a wake-up call for those I share the Gospel with. I sure would hate to be around when this horrible event takes place, and I trusted they wouldn’t either. Perhaps that’s exactly what the Lord wanted. Perhaps He gave me these images to share with people, to open their eyes to what will happen to all those that wage war against God. I immediately felt a wave of peace flow over me, like a blush followed by a deep sense of relief.
“Thank you, Lord! It took me a while, but I got the message. I thank You and praise You for Your wisdom and guidance,” I prayed aloud. If you’re open to the Holy Spirit, He’ll answer your questions and share His wisdom with you. I thank and praise Him for sharing His wisdom with me.
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