UPDYKE books
Current events are not a force unto themselves; but God is in control.
This is something I have had to remind my wife and children of recently. It is something I tell myself every day.
We spend much time watching current events and expressing political views. We should be spending more time meditating on Scripture, talking to God, and humbling ourselves before Him.
There is no country or president that will precipitate a cataclysmic or apocalyptic world event outside of His Providence. God has already established the timetable for such things.
We need to repent of our dissension: fear and anger over current events.
When does God intervene unto the affairs of man? Well, that is not a question that can be answered in this forum. Perhaps, He more frequently influences. And, He allows, according to His plan. (But don't forget: evil is restrained for our protection. This we need to acknowledge in prayer: praise and request. Meditate on His promises!)
But most importantly, God is caring: for the plight of humanity, for the innocent, for the righteous, for His creation, for the oppression caused by the increase of evil. God is LOVE!
He will assist you and thus effect your response to the events in your life. It is perspective that gives God control. Perspective changes everything.
How do you expect God to respond to the turmoil of the world? He has already told us. Are you listening?
First, I studied the Book of Revelation. Although I have for many years believed that it was beyond my scope of understanding, I asked for His guidance, and the wisdom of His Spirit.
I outlined the Book, and the chronological order of events became evident. I have been attuned to clues and direction in this quest and many, many times returned to my notes, and the sacred text, to consider and apply new insights.
Still, there are many chapters that I cannot interpret or fully understand.
Most recently, I have made myself available to the interpretation of others. There are obvious differences, and I wonder how they can overlook key verses that are pointers for me.
I have no agenda to verify; no religious or doctrinal position to establish. I am free of such influence and simply seek the understanding that Jesus said we should have.
And so my journey continues. Pray for me... that I will be pure in heart.
Next, I looked back, into history, to see the evidence of expectations for the future. And finally, I considered how current events may fit into these prophetic and historical understandings.
I can see the buds swelling (parable of the fig tree).
As always, I appreciate your response. If wanted, I can share my outline of Revelation and additional details of the study.
Thank you for your consideration. May God bless you in your pursuits!
In the meantime, please consider my new novel, historical / end times fiction. A link to preview it is provided above.
Blessings,
Alan Updyke
Edify - Encourage - Empower! with Updyke's novels:
"These books are meant to be shared." Tell your friends to visit UpdykeBooks.com.
The Cross
Necklace
for the Sake of Sam
PURCHASE REVIEW
Here is a story of mercy and grace. It is among those that urge us to believe in truths higher than our preferred opinions, to act in ways that honor the image of God. “THE CROSS NECKLACE – For the Sake of Sam” promises these elements with a beautiful theme and intent. We all enjoy stories that spark the imagination in the way the Advocate does - that perhaps someone wiser and more knowing looks out for us and, if we are paying attention, guides us toward best outcomes.
In the small town of Walthem, Samuel Urban is known as the people’s judge. Once shown mercy, this magistrate feels obligated to grant unto those brought before him a second chance. Sam’s journey, one of pitfalls and recovery, is something people still talk about.
It was the intervention of his predecessor that saved Sam from a penalty that loomed like a noose, determined to claim his young life. But his acquittal stirred resentment in one who, unknowingly to Sam, became his archenemy. His nemesis seethed with anger at the news of Sam’s release from prison and the thought of him going unpunished.
The mysterious alliance that now desires to lynch Sam is not only reclusive, but very powerful and influential, and from them there will be no reprieve, because they lack understanding. But will he win in the end?
This is the story about a young couple, Sam and his girlfriend Jodi, but more importantly, it documents the influence of an Advocate, established in truth, for setting them free from their deepest despair.
The disgrace of Sam being charged a second time is more than they can bear. They are without hope until they discover a force at work in their lives which is greater than the reckless power possessed by their enemies.
Battle lines are drawn. The game of war is about to commence. But in truth, life is surely much more than a game. (Based on a true story.)
The Secrets of Sweetened Vales
Blessings All Mine
PURCHASE REVIEW
She was his first crush. When Julianne suddenly disappeared, he demanded answers, but those who knew what happened to her refused to tell him. Vincent’s heart was broken, but time didn’t wait for the truth to be revealed. He eventually moved on. Then one day a friend request came like a ghost from his past to resurrect the secrets of Sweetened Vales. And his haunts returned. Something strange had happened in that small town where its residents were healed, the source of it remaining a mystery.
Today it all seems like a dream as the world is consumed with the information age, yet the meaning of Vincent’s past is not explained by a search of the web. His personal experience, meaningful history, is soon to be forgotten. And still, he carries the scars of Sweetened Vales; his heart remains broken. Medication numbs the enduring pain.
The mystique of the strawberry fields known in his youth no longer entices a grower. Gone is the hopeful expectation Vincent once felt there. Wearing a cyber mask, he pretends to be someone he isn’t, in danger of losing his true self. He wonders if hope can be recovered like buried treasure, to heal the hurting once again.
Nowadays fresh strawberries are prominently displayed by the grocer year around, but this genetically altered fruit isn’t gratifying, not like the savory harvest from the fields of Sweetened Vales. Looking back, it's easy to see how the age inherited is altering us too.
What secrets does his past hold? Vincent intends to find out, to be free of the disappointing repetition that defines him. There was something very special about that strawberry farm and it is still intended for us today.
Thereafter
The earth shakes violently and the struggle of their after lives becomes the ultimate test.
PURCHASE REVIEW
Historical, end times fiction, “Thereafter”
is a book with insight for coming days, based on historical facts and an interpretation of prophetic writings.
The evidence we can glean from history is most convincing. Current events need to be understood within the context of lessons learned from our past. This book presents a fictional scenario of future events.
It’s a difficult and controversial topic, but one which we should not completely ignore. This writing is based two strong convictions. First, a time of great persecution is coming. Hatred is very strong.
Jesus said that nations will be offended, betray one another, and hate one another.
Secondly, we should not be surprised when it happens. He also told us to study for understanding, pray for refuge, recognize and understand the signs that foretell what is to come, and be ready.
Yes, we should be prepared! Are you?
“Thereafter” is insightful and thought provoking. Don’t just watch current events, interpret them!
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