Perhaps you've felt fed up with or sick of all this social distancing and sheltering at home? But there are some enjoyable and edifying things we all can do.

May I ask.. How often have you felt a desire to become useable by God and then to be used of God in communicating his true Gospel Message? 

Have you ever found yourself running here and there -- all about trying to seek and serve the Lord.. but wondered if your priorities were in the right order or if you are even accomplishing anything of eternal worth? We can so easily get too busy for Jesus -- I mean for time alone with Jesus. But let's become effective and fruitful in him.

In your much serving have you found yourself really frustrated like Martha got.. or stumbling or even blowing it in the flesh at times? And then were wondering why it happened? How can we say we really know someone, a Friend we no longer spend any time with? Hey, social distancing can be real good for us and for God's Kingdom.

- For 3 yrs Paul in Arabia social distanced himself.
- Jesus also did that fasting for 40 days 40 nights.
- John did on the island of Patmos.

"I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 1:9

- Elijah the man of God did too. The word of the Lord told him to go "Hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan." 1 Kings 17:3

There were others too and I will soon get to them. I love how the Bible is honest and shows us them, but this word hide in the text here means to come apart to take in before giving out, means to be absent, not like hiding in fear or due to your guilt. 

Do you need to come apart with the Lord before you come apart? Why should we social distance now?

1. For health on different levels. Yes, God loves and has a good plan for us.

2. God has a good promise for us. He promised to provide for Elijah in the middle of the will of God. See vs. 4-6.

3. God has a good prerequisite for us. It's called obedience to the word. why is it easier to obey Christ? Cuz we know and trust him. It's daily so easy to trust Christ if we spend some time alone with him cuz we'll really know him.

4. God has a good provision for us. the ravens (an unclean bird) brought him bread and meat in the morning and evening time and he drank from the brook (..until it dried up). vss. 6-7.

5. God has a good purpose for us. He guided him to Zerephath after that brook dried up. It was a test of his heart.

Focus on and choose to trust the Blesser instead of the blessing from him.

Luke 12:24 NKJV — “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?"

1 John 5:2 — "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments."

1 John 5:3 — "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

John the baptizer lived a separated life unto the Lord and God chose to use him as a voice to his generation. And he can use you as well. 

GOD WANTS TO MAKE YOU HIS VOICE BUT YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE THE CHOICE!

Time alone with God helps a lot! Let the Spirit lead you. 

Separation will bring you to Illumination of the word, which will lead you to clear Proclamation of truth, which will produce a ministry Manifestation in this world, and yes that will involve Evangelization!

The Bible in Matthew 3:1-12 says “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea [in that region to the immediate west of the Dead Sea], and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!'” John knew the ultimate Solution to their needs and that turn and trust part was and still is so important.

What can we muse over regarding the Social Distancing?

• John points them to Jesus, not self! He must increase, I must decrease.

• Keep in mind -- there had been no prophet of God heard in the Land during the 400 silent yrs! 
• And 30 years had passed since events in Matthew 2.
• The Weusts says: “Be having a change of mind which issues in regret and a change of conduct.”
• Why does the Bible (Isa) say: Voice? Cause dead gods don‘t speak thru people. (that word ‘VOICE‘ appears 456 times in the Bible KJV) 
• People won‘t walk across the street to hear a sermon. A sermon tells you what God and Religious people said for a different situation,
• A voice tells you what God is currently saying for your situation. 
• An Echo is selfishly ambitious when you think about it.
• But who made the paths crooked?  The religionists did that.. making it complicated for people to come to God. They say it's by works, or by works plus grace. And they still do that today. Tell em the Way to God is through Jesus who made it simple for us. Jesus said, My yoke is easy. But the way of sin and Satan is crooked and the way of the transgressor is hard! 
• Jesus preached- 4:17 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
• Disciples- Mk. 6:12 “And they went out and preached that men should repent.” (10:7 The kingdom of heaven is at hand). 
• John was a stopable-man that had an unstoppable Message! The Word burned in his heart. He basically had holy heartburn. The Bible teaches that there are only three spiritual temperatures with us humans.. boiling hot, icy cold, or lukewarm. Are you on-fire walking in Christ today?
• Preaching the Gospel of repentance and faith is still the primary means that God uses to save people. And John was accurate with his message.
• The Lord in Romans 10:17 says “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the (Rehma) word of God). Yes, of course faith comes after true repentance!
• He was a stopable-man that had an unstoppable Message! The Word burned in his heart (had holy heartburn. Bible says there are only three spiritual temperatures boiling hot, Icy cold, lukewarm).
• John was not intimidated or afraid of anyone. He was a road builder and an ax-man—one who got to the very root of sin to expose and deal with it for their benefit.
• Some people heard the message and confessed their sins, others just grew hard-hearted. You know how God gets to the very root of our lives (it's imperative vs. 10), for the root determines the fruit. (v. 8).  
• So Why be a Voice in our day?: 
• There are 1 million more lost people on earth today than last Sunday.
• And next Sunday there will be 2 million more lost people on earth.
• Did you know there are 25 lines around the globe (1 sq ft per sinner in line), and it's growing 30 miles a day.
• According to my figures 3.884 MILLION people are making their way to hell today!
• If there were no more people born in the whole world, and if Christians went to work winning the lost at the same current rate we have been winning them, it would take 4000 thousand years.
• Billy Graham estimates that “70% of those who go to Church are Lost!”
• Ray Comfort says that 80% of those responding to the Gospel and accepting Christ go and "backslide." (Includes evangelism in local churches to large crusades).
• He said, More Christian teens watch MTV than non-Christian teens.
• A confidential survey in Christianity Today among 300 pastors, found that nearly 1 in 4 admitted that he had been involved is some sort of sexual sin.
• Muse on this.. 1 out of 4 Americans who say that they are "born again" think that Jesus sinned while He was on earth.
• Did you know that 1 in 5 women who kill their children through abortion say that they are "born again," evangelical Christians. That's horrific!
• The Father wants to do things to you, so that Jesus can do things in you, so the Holy Spirit can do things through you.
• But the number one reason why people refuse to, just won’t become a voice—they don’t care.
• SEPARATION unto God is important. And I'm not talking about isolation because that wouldn't be good for any person.
• The Bible says in Luke 1:80, "So the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel."
• He was in out-of-the-way, in non-desirable places with God for much of his life. 
• The religious affiliates (prob) wouldn’t let him rent a building in the city-ctr. Low overhead.
• Joseph spent 2 years in jail and was forgotten. 
• Moses spent 40 years in the desert. 
• Mr. Steven D Eyre said, “Solitude was a constant part of Moses’ life. His first encounter with God at the burning bush was one of solitude [and separation]. Alone, Moses saw the bush and heard the voice. When he received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, he spent forty days alone with God.”
• King David, was a fugitive from age (16 or 17) and then for 30 years from following. He wrote a few Psalms during this time. 
• Again, Elijah social distanced himself. Remember when he said it wouldn’t rain on earth, and after that lived in obscurity by the Brook Cherith (1 kings 17:2-ravens fed & it dried up) and then he went to Zarephath. 
• Paul--in the Arabian desert for some 16 yrs. Gal 1:17
• Jesus also went into the desert and returned in the power of the Spirit. His whole life--He was in the world but not of it.
• SEPARATE, SEPARATED, SEPARATION--APPEARS 83 times in the Bible (KJV)
• I don't mean we are to be separated from fellowship or from Sinners, but from evil and from sin. Jesus was and is a friend of sinners! He spent some time with them, winning them to saving faith.
• The Bible commands us in 2 Corinthians 6:17 "Come out from among them And be separate says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."  Fish4souls.org

Let’s pray for those who are kinda scared today. Seems like there's a lot of that huh.

God is on His Throne, Hasn’t Once Fallen Off Of It, and is Much Bigger than the Coronavirus.

Lord God, we love and trust You. Thanks for Your good plan..and for being stronger than this current virus. We pray that the numbers of those who have it and might have it.. will start going down. We are praying together that anyone in our Land and in other Lands..that has the Coronavirus will be touched by You and healed. And we are praying sincerely, Lord, that we will not live in fear but will be practical and live in faith doing Your will. We in this Land choose to love those that You love.. starting on our knees, God. We stand against all the hatred (of Conservatives and Non-Conservative people), and the prejudice against peoples of other countries, and against the lies Networks call news today. As foolish Globalists keep spurring on so much shifting around of third world groups to the West, we pray because we choose to love instead of to dislike those of other Lands. We stand against real "xenophobia" cuz we want all men and women to be saved and blessed by You. In Jesus’ Name we pray that Your Church.. with right motives.. would obey You and even be used to bring closure to the Great Commission. For Your glory, Lord. Amen.

God calls you to turn, trust and come to Christ today. And He calls us Christians here to pray for America and those other nations where people have been suffering too.

There has been a lot of fear in our Land and still is even now (you know the Media hasn't helped with this, but has done the opposite of that).

Yes fear here (not a good thang), especially in the light of this COVID-19 in many places. What can we do. First, we all need to humble ourselves, repent (when needed) and yes pray in faith. We need to remember that the promises of God are still true for us today!

I've been using those Clorox wipes on surfaces and washing my hands a bit more lately. I say listen well to the the medical experts and take appropriate measures that they advise, but we need to also replace our fears with faith, ask for His covering and strength. Continue to pray earnestly for our nation and tactfully-bold proclaim His Gospel Message.

Ask for what? We pray that God would send a real awakening, a biblical revival, and simply protect us. Paul in the Bible book of Philippians chapter 4 clearly tells us this, "Don’t worry about anything and pray about everything!’”

None of us know how many days we have left here, so we each need to make every day and moment count for eternity. We need to enjoy our forever-friendship with God through Christ righteously and finish strong.

Listen, the first step to going back is looking back. Don’t do it. Remember the children of Israel in the wilderness longing to go back to Egypt.. when their life in that land as slaves was really horrible. Well, we ain’t going back to our old life with the worldly system.

Lord, we are weak (I know I am..) but You are SO strong -- help each one advance spiritually.

The Apostle Paul (in Philippians 3:14-16) said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”

He also said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Fish4souls.org - F4Skurt.blogspot.com - Twitter.com/kurtwvs - SeeNations.tumblr.com - Urbaane.tumblr.com - Facebook.com/ShareJesus

The world walks in darkness and has troubles..

..that work against em. I feel for them. Been there, done that. 

Believers have trials that work for em... as we each trust in Christ (see 8/28romans)—these challenges are so unavoidable. But instead of being troubled, be encouraged every single day as you sow to the Spirit. 

http://kurtwvs.tumblr.com/post/114275711758/and-you-will-hear-of-wars-and-rumors-of-wars-see

How good Christ is to us! So so good. Man, I know what I deserve ..the Cross.. and what I don't deserve.. any grace or a Family or a home in Heaven. 

Makes me wanna say somethin'!

He is our living hope and alone can calm any fear, any circumstance, any anxiety, any of life's storms. Jesus has the power to bring any of us all the way through, and rescue us from all despair. He was born "to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace" (1/76-79luke).

Did you know that India’s population is expected to increase by 400 million by the year 2050?.. which will be equal to the populations of both the U.S. and China combined. Yup! Wanna be ready to do my part. 

The Great Commission is our mission.. for every believer. I challenge you to pray big (in faith), trust more (for He is 100% trustworthy), expect gobs (from the Lord of the Harvest) who deeply loves each person. He can help us compassionately spread His Gospel ..His way. 

It’s Pretty Much Time For American's Of Any Party Etc... To Wake Up!

Loved one, dear fellow American, it's always good to understand exactly what's playing out before us.  More and more Nations and their constituents are deciding on what side they will stand -- on God's side according to the Bible, or on the side of this world's system (including dead religions) that's influenced by Mr. Lu-Cifer. 

So much goin' down so fast before us. Not tryin' to scare anyone or come up with my own unique brand of whacko eschatology as so many do, but you already know, don't you.. what the Bible says'll happen in the Last Days?  I just want to encourage you to recognize the times and be ready. Are you ready for what'll happen? Here's my musings as of late...

• A lot of Establishment people and other people are afraid, so I honestly never want to cause more people to fear. But you can see that the United States is at a critical crossroads today, and that this is one of the most significant times of her entire history. Sure, God is working here and it is still possible for this generation to experience an authentic spiritual awakening that could stem the tide of evil and gross darkness in our land (it's happened before when citizens got on their knees and confessed their sins), but we all need to be very awake!

• How significant is America's relationship with Israel? How important is it biblically for us to regularly pray for the peace of Israel and to have a leader who not only stands with her, but is awake, experienced and ready to act to protect her as well as our own people? What are the consequences for the Church and this nation, if we remain biblically illiterate for the most part and misunderstanding what God's purposes are?

• Do you really know what the goal of resurgent militant Islam is? Do Muslims worship the same God we do? Does it matter?

• Islam has begun an aggressive sweep across the globe on a scale not seen for 500 years. What can history tell us about the clash of civilizations and worldviews looming before us?

• Can our prayers, Bible study, fellowship, witnessing and godly living—starting at home—really make some kind of difference?

• Does God still have a unique purpose for our nation here, America? I believe He does and we can still get on board with it as we fully get on board with Christ allowing Him to be Lord over every area.

What will we do about ISIS, Putin, China, North Korea and all the Refugees? Can we find a leader wise enough and man enough to deal with em all? 

The Sons of Issachar back in the day.. in Bible times knew exactly what to do and we Americans in this century and decade also need to know! 

Hey, I'm really no expert to speak of ..just an average citizen, but just the same…I want to passionately call the Church.. the Body of Christ to it's knees and to clearly understand the times that we live in. Don't just flow with the masses to do what they want to do! Please engage in fervent, educated, earnest intercession for this country and this upcoming election. I really feel it will go well for this people as we pray believing. Yes, and go read about the Sons of Issachar who back in the day, were basically commended in 1 Chronicles 12:32 as people "who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do."

Are you like that? If the Church is to arise and fulfill her calling in this hour, the wisdom of the Sons of Issachar must characterize each believer of this generation as well. Do you believe that we can still make a difference in this land and also worldwide by God's zealous grace? I do.. one life at a time as we sell-out to Jesus completely.. as we pray believing and obey Him. But I don't mean in is some weird herky-jerky, pushy or creepy religious sort of way. I've heard it said, "As the church goes, so goes the nation." How does the church go in your hometown?

Is it giving worship of Jesus, the Word of God and prayer preeminence in all its services in a winsome way? Is it out on the streets and in the workplace where the people are, evangelizing? How about in your community? Do you or your neighbors really care or are you all caught up in lesser temporal things? Are you worried about what your friends will think of you if you get involved?

Jesus said that He, "appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (Jn. 15:16, nkjv). Earlier in the same chapter, He said, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (Jn. 15:8, nkjv). 

Today, with a partisan Congress filled with people looking out for themselves ..with our shaky economy at risk and our financial situation whacked by individuals who are running free from all fitting consequences...

With the election not far off, praying Christians must know the facts and consider the close affiliations regarding both of the candidates. Our close friends influence our thinking. That’s how it is for each one of us.

Yes, in light of what the Bible says, instead of looking to our own feelings each one of us must vote wisely on November 4th and also know our nation needs much more than a positive political outcome. It needs God to intervene.

Man, a lot is at stake in this election! 

We can't afford to do what so many out-of-work, base, attention-craving, B-list celebs are pushing for. We can't afford a liberal victory politically for this country, because we would indeed lose more freedoms and free speech rights. Decent churches, pastors and missionaries will not be exempt either.

Christian, you and I are more known more for what we are against in this society ..instead of what we are for, but if we vote stupid, you and I will be in some hot water quick. You will not be allowed to say certain things about the destructive wrongs a particular group regularly does …when it's time for something to be clearly said!

Yes, we are for Christ and for the same freedoms our forefathers died to give us! We are for what is best not only for our own kids, but also for those of the lost people who live around us. But secular thinkers feel we are clueless about what is best. Perhaps it's because of religious wackos and charlatans of the past, bearing Christ's name. Whatever.. we must live to change all that!

What else? Every item of the homosexual agenda will be approved if we vote ignorant.. if we miss God's leading and vote wrong. All the laws protecting unborn babies (and possibly already born babies in spite of abortion attempts made on their lives) in the future will be gone completely.

Have we forgotten 9-11 already and that we haven't had an attack on American soil since then?

Think about this: In the four wars that Arab armies fought against Israel since the rebirth of their state (1948, 1956, 1967, 1973) the Muslim commitment and motto was: "Drive the Jews into the sea!" You know how Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad (who of course doesn't represent every Muslim) is demanding that Israel be "wiped off the map." 

He and near-rabid Muslims still vehemently hate Jews, Christians and Westerners. They think about killing you and your kids every single day to please Allah (who is not at all the Bible God), and yet we must pray for and not hate those who hate us. Real Christians don't hate or murder people ..or foolishly bomb abortion clinics. We aren't vigilantes here who address the sins of others, by sinning in destroying them or their property (two wrongs don't make one right), even though we Christians have been broad-brushed by the media to all be like that.

Real Christians aren't anti-gay people or anti people of other religions, though we are certainly against the destructive beliefs and actions some people hold to. I want to love and reach gay people just like other sinners. Is it harder for God to save a homosexual than some hedonistic party animal like I was?

During these perilous volatile times I am for a strong defense militarily and for great vigilance at the top. I'm not only for great vigilance at the top, I want a leader who is experienced and ready to act in a moment’s notice to protect our citizens if needed. Do you remember how 9-11 caught us all off guard? I am not for our leader sitting down to negotiate in a politically correct way with avowed terrorists like Mr. Ahmedinejad without any prescribed conditions at all ..to legitimize them as reasonable people and to give what they say credence. Sure there's a place for diplomacy, but to sit down with radical Muslim extremists who repeatedly and overtly say they're committed to killing us and Israel ..that's idiotic-crazy! 

Today there are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world and over 4 million of them live in the USA. 

Many of them are our friends and wouldn't say they are out to hurt others. But listen, we have nothing "radical Muslims" want here, except the oxygen in our lungs. Radical Islam hopes to rule the world by force if that's needed, and obviously many think it's needed. That's why negations with them will never work—it's because of their intense beliefs that they value more than the infidels (you, me and the Jews).

Have you even read what their book says? They simply want to take their book seriously ..unlike many Christians do. Americans don't yet seem to understand that radical Islamists fully believe they will literally bring back the 12th Imam(1) ..a counterfeit Messiah for them, by first bringing chaos and destruction to this world ..especially to Israel (the little Satan) and to the big Satan (America).

Did you know Vladimir Putin (who seems to show only three letters in his eyes ..KGB) has his own plans regarding ISIS? Have you read about the Prince of Rosh, Meshech, Gog (Ezekiel 38:1-6) and the future war between Gog and Magog? You should in it's context, because it will happen in the not too distant future. The Bible says: 

"Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, 'Thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.'" 

Did you know that the war of Gog and Magog will involve the forces of Russia and a coalition of Arab Muslim nations who will come and choke Israel in a murderous way ..from every side until there is no way for the Jews to make it or survive ..unless our God intervenes? And our faithful God will intervene for them. They are still the beloved apple of His eye; His chosen people. Listen, He never blows off any of His commitments or covenants like many people here do.

But how will we make our way through these perplexing issues, the future dangers and all the wild emotions of these times? We can make it in Christ! He has not appointed us (born again Christians) unto wrath. The Rapture of the Church will soon happen. I so hope you are ready! Take heed, for the Word of God still has the answers for us, Christian: 

Here's how we can make it: 

1.) We must keep a right spirit, stay compassionate and intercede. We must prayerfully maintain right priorities, right motives and understand that the times. We must also understand that the death of any human being diminishes the rest of us. We need to stay in the Word and in healthy Christ-exalting churches that have an evangelistic and Bible-teaching aim. We must cherish all types of people of every color, and mourn their deaths and not allow anyone to be murdered! Love always protects others. I choose to let God protect me.

We must… 

2.) Fight the real enemy and win! We are to focus on the Lord and realize that Satan and his minions are the real enemies not people. Christians are to be gentle people of love. We seek to build relationships not to destroy them. Of course there is also a time for judgment and a time for war. I'm so grateful that our forefathers in this country fought in wars that were worth fighting in. It's so sad that they had to kill people in those wars (but unlike what many Christians think, the Bible never calls that type of thing "murder"). Until Jesus Christ returns and wins the ultimate war, wars and rumors of wars will be our lot. Sorry 'bout that – it's because of Adam's sin, our sins, not God's! Yes, the Bible accepts war in some cases ..for the protection of innocent people and the Bible even uses it to illustrate the rigors of spiritual discipleship in the believer's life. But remember, the devil is our primary enemy.

3.) Find the time to examine your own life. Before we get lost in the theological arguments of eschatology or of God's judgment on a country, we each should ask, "How does my life honor God who has blessed me so richly?" Am I right with Him and red hot in a born again Bible-based supernatural experience with Jesus ..as He wishes?

Hey gang, if I were not sure of my eternal destiny, I would be a very frightened person today. Jesus gives me peace in Him today. Has He given you this same assurance of salvation or do you merely hope He will grade on a curve and you will somehow be allowed to enter heaven when you die? The Bible says you can know in advance.

Please remember that the people who died in those 9-11 terrorist attacks weren't afforded a death bed conversion or much time to rethink their position on biblical salvation. Hopefully some got right with God, but how can we know for sure. Listen, if you ever plan on getting right with God, now is the time to be doing that!

4.) Faithfully continue to serve the Lord with full commitment. There is something we can do that will out-live each of us. We can build our lives on the Rock solid foundation of Jesus Christ and also win others into that excellent relationship with Him. We can use our time, talent and treasure (and I'm not after your treasure with this statement ..I'm after you) to influence others in extending God's Kingdom globally—the most powerful Kingdom that will have no end.

5.) Pray and find strength in Jesus Christ. We need to forgive people and first find needed forgiveness in Christ. We must go before the Lord for this land, intelligently vote wisely, looking to God to meet all our needs ..instead of to this world's system. Yes, we are to look to Him to protect us and to guide us in all matters of daily living ..with godly character.

During any upcoming election, a nation like ours is very vulnerable. We don't want the wrong leader put in. An evil person with charisma and magnetic verbal abilities can win when vital facts are ignored or trivialized. Let's pray that God's choice will be put in. You know that Satan is currently the ruler of this world's system, and that is the case due to popular vote so to speak. I won't judge the candidate's hearts. Both are flawed; one far more than another, but most of humanity (on the broad path) and a third of the angels historically have opted for the evil one. Some have voted to reject Christ outright, and others have by default. They simply put Christ, repentance and trusting Him off ..preferring their sin instead. What about you?

It's a good day to be in Christ! I don't ever want to be some negative prophet of doom not offering a Solution. Be reminded that the light shines brightly in the pitch blackness of the darkest night. That's not just some sweet Hallmark kind of theology. I earnestly ask you to join with God's praying people everywhere in understanding the times, in praying for our leaders and in voting so that we can become beacons of hopeful illumination during these defining moments of our national existence.

(1) He is also known as the 12th Imam and he can only return during a time of worldwide chaos (hell on earth caused by radical Muslims). The 12th Imam is the son of 11th Imam al-Hasan al-Askari, who died in 874 in a prison in Samarra (in present day Iraq) without leaving a son and successor. After Imam al-Hasan al-Askari died the teaching arose that he did have a son after all, the 12th Imam, who was called Mohammed ibn Hasan al-Mahdi al-Muntazar. He disappeared and is "hidden" by Allah until the time when he is revealed as the Mahdi (messiah). Enshrining a Myth: The al-Askari Mosque in Samarra, Iraq houses the specific cellar where the 12th imam ostensibly disappeared from.