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Is this the end times

Embed from Getty Images I am a christian. I do not pretend not to be. I am not ashamed of the gospel. Yet, with everything going on right now the question that I see more and more and a question I am often asked is this the end times as in the one written in the bible?

On April 2, 2020 the New York Times ran a story entitled “The Apocalypse as an “Unveiling”: What Religion Teaches Us About the End Times.” It seems people feel a shift and understand this time we may be headed for a biblical ending.

I recently reached out to a dear friend a person who I both enjoy listening to but have also learned a great deal from, Joe Nungesser. Joe and I have been friends for years. I had the pleasure of spending time with him in Israel, a place we both really want to go back to.

I believe Joe and I are on the same page. First and foremost we have been in the end times since Jesus ascended to Heaven. That said there is a chain of events Jesus and the bible tells us must take place before the end is upon mankind.

Let’s take a look at some prophecies that must take place. In the Books or Mark, Luke and Matthew they all say near the end earthquakes will increase. So far in 2020 the world has seen 3,110 earthquakes.

Idol worship is at an all time high. Technology has increased just as is written in the book of Daniel. Sickness, famine, pandemic. It is here. I am not a fear monger. I am a follower of Jesus. But life is not 75 degree day eating ice cream on the front porch all the time.

1 John 5:19 “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” “How you are fallen from heaven,O [a]Lucifer, son of th morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!” Isiah 14:12.

“By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within,
And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.” Ezekiel 28:16.

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they [a]did not prevail, nor was a place found for [b]them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9.

Satan must go to Jesus to attack a person. Jesus said “all authority in heaven and earth is given to me.” But, to craft a plan to drive people away from God is what fuels his fire. He uses, politics, religion, people, principalities and other  measures.

It is times to wake up! The time is now, to turn to Jesus and repent. Do not wait until it is to late or put it off until later.

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The Detroit Lions select Ohio State defensive back Jeffery Okudah in the first round

Embed from Getty Images With the third pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions took a player who many experts tabbed, Jeffery Okudah. The Ohio State product Okudah is said to be the best defensive back prospect this century.

When a defensive player who is gifted is there for the taking, you take. That is exactly what Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn did. Quinn did not over-think the pick, it was too easy. So what are the Lions getting in their prized first round pick? Let’s take a look.

With any defensive back feet and hips are critical. Jeffery Okudah has some ungodly feet. Okudah is smooth in his pedal and shuffle outside of his frame while retaining excellent balance and maintaining a base to recover and change direction depending on the angle of the play.

Man to man or zone, Okudah plays them both very well. Okudah  disrupts route timing and anticipates route breaks very well. Okudak improved on  baiting quarterbacks into throws in 2019-20.

Extremely relaxed at the line of scrimmage with the ability to mirror wide receivers release, Okudah is also aggressive and generates displacement without losing balance.

What sets Jeffery Okudah apart from the rest of the players in his field is his ball skills. Explosive with leaping ability with good length and timing to address the ball at the high point. Blessed with a good feel for route distribution and drop sequencing.

Okudah excels in dropping from off coverage and zone alignments and has a clear understanding how route spacing overlaps zone coverage to take away the quarterback first read.

While at Ohio State Okudah was never out of position. He never failed to recover and attack back to the ball.  Flexibility, foot work, and near flawless  balance are all at an elite level for Okudah. His perfect hip placement made Okudah a top five draft prospect.

Jeffery Okudah is not the best tackling cornerback. That is okay. He is a shutdown corner who has not been put in position to make many tackles. That is what the Detroit Lions expect him to do at the next level. Shut down the man lined up across from him.

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In a surprise, Disney announces production on “The Mandalorian” season 3

Embed from Getty Images With season two of the smash hit “The Mandalorian” set to hit Disney Plus streaming in October word has now been let out that pre-production for season 3 has started. Here is what is known so far.

Mandalorian co-creator and writer/director Jon Favreau has been “writing season 3 for a while.” While longtime Lucasfilm creative director Doug Chiang is said to have been working on “concepts” for “the past few weeks.”

The Mandalorian  production team had just finished work on season 2 around the beginning of March, just making it before the lock down and shelter in place orders that have delayed the filming and release of pretty much every movie and TV series currently in production everywhere.

Season 2, will see the fan-favorite hero Ahsoka Tano, the Togruta ex-Jedi on screen in live action for the first time. Season 2  is said that the Mandalorian will help the Child (Baby Yoda) find his home and will go further into the state of the Empire after its defeat at the Battle of Jakku.

Also we are sure to see Moff Gideon continue to search for the Mandalorian in an attempt to stop him. The Mandalorian is the first series on Disney Plus, but Lucasfilm hopes to add new shows to the line up in the near future. A Rogue One spinoff series featuring Diego Luna’s character Cassian Andor is in the works but due to the global pandemic has seen a production stoppage.

Also Disney Plus is diving into reality shows. The next real Star Wars TV fans might see is actually Lucasfilm’s foray into nonfiction programming. Jedi Temple Challenge, a children centered game show hosted by, Ahmed Best better known to Star Wars fans as Jar Jar Binks.

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Being the calm in peoples worry and stress

Embed from Getty Images “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

In uncertain times such as the current times, there is enough worry and stress going around it is almost contagious. There is real fear, worry and stress globally, Christ followers absolutely should not be overcome by worldly issues.

What are ways we can breathe peace into people lives while being quarantined, and in an age of social distancing? First and foremost hold onto God’s promises! He is faithful. That is what we need to bring to people.

Meet the people where they are. A good way to do this is by admitting to them that you are dealing with the same issues they are. When we put ourselves in the same boats with others it begins to  deescalate some of the absences of peace.

Be quick to let them know you are trusting the Lord through all of the uncertainty. Offer them a word from God, something like: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take this suffering away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Encourage people to invite Jesus to walk with them in the fear, worry and stress. The mind is a dangerous place to be at times. Turning the T.V. and news off can also be helpful.

Pray with them perhaps pray a bible verse over them, like “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Reflect Jesus, this what Christ followers are asked to do. When we do through the power of the Holy Spirit people are set free.

 

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Redevelopment of family nucleus during quarantine

Embed from Getty Images “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133: 1

Perhaps the best thing that can come out of the whole COVID-19 pandemic is families learning how to be families again. As many people have been working from home as have their children due to school and trade center shutdowns.

We live in what seems at time like a non-stop world. Sometimes we are caught up in it and we do not even realize it. Running here, going to the stores there, dropping a child off at band practice, the list goes on and on.

No matter the origin of the virus, I believe God has played a major part in it. After all the earth appears to be in a sabbath of sorts. So what does this mean for the family nucleus?

It means that first and foremost families are around each other more and for longer periods of time. So there must be grace and mercy in order to ensure that people are heard. When you have children you must allow them the space to get their emotions out. If emotions become the target of someone in the house then some alone time may be a good idea.

I feel it is most important for Mom and Dad to be on the same page. Even if one continues to leave the house for work. The parents need to keep a sense of perspective, if that happens the rest of the household will remain calm.

This is a great time to listen to your children and spouse. We have come up with some projects around our house. I find it interesting and a chance for me to learn from my family when I ask them what their thoughts on how to approach a task.

It breathes confidence in them and shows that I am listening to them. When I do this with my children and wife it brings us into unity. The book of Ephesians explains that unity is what we all need, “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4: 3.

With the uncertain times we are living in. Unity becomes the key to family redevelopment.

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Steve Yzerman relied on patience his first year as Detroit Red Wings general manager

Embed from Getty Images It has been exactly one year since Stevie Y. came home. Home to both the city he played in and the city his family is firmly planted in Detroit. Nobody, not media, not fans, not even Steve Yzerman himself thought the job of rebuilding the Detroit Red Wings would be easy.

Before COVID-19 put the NHL on pause, the Detroit Red Wings were 17-49-5, to put it differently, the Red Wings had lost 54 of 71 games. It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that is woefully bad.

39 points earned by the Red Wings is still 23 points behind the Ottawa Senators and their 62 points. with 145 goals the Detroit hockey team is proud owners of fewest goals scored in the league. While the 267 goals the porous Red Wings defense let in is good for most goals allowed.

With all the bad, Steve Yzerman said he was not surprised by the task at hand. The Detroit Red Wings are the only NHL team already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

Steve Yzerman said ” I knew what I was getting into, I think I have a general idea what it takes to build a team.” The same day Yzerman said that he also said “Patience is very difficult to sell.”

Yzerman wanted and demanded to see growth in player development in players and prospects. That has happened. The good news is while players have taken steps forward the Red Wings are in good position for the first pick in the 2020 NHL draft.

The plan is to get as many draft picks as you can, not just draft picks but high picks to increase the odds a player or players will turn into something special. That is the lot of a rebuilding team.

What remains to be seen is the fate of current Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill. Yzerman has supported the coach throughout the season. The Red Wings hold a team option for the coach. But this summer there will be several big name coaches available, Yzerman could bring in his guy.

The Detroit Red Wings have struggled in year one of Steve Yzerman’s return. They may not be a whole lot better next season. But that is okay. Remember, draft picks are what is on the horizon this season and next.

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The Detroit Lions want players who are ready to play

Embed from Getty Images As you read the headline you probably were thinking “no kidding.” However, with no offseason workouts because of COVID-19, it is importantant the Detroit Lions get the number three pick in the draft right. Not only that but it needs to be a player who can step in a deliver.

An advantage the Detroit Lions and general manager Bob Quinn had was that Quinn and the Lions coaching staff coached in the Senior Bowl. Giving the shutdown of most public events and gatherings this has actually turned out to be huge.

There are some very good defensive players in this draft class. That is good news for a Detroit team needing upgrades in the secondary and at edge rusher. The Lions are in a good position to make a pick or trade down and grab some extra picks.

So what is an example of a player who is and who is not NFL ready you ask? Let’s take Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. The talented linebacker/safety has been mocked by some to the Lions. But is is an example of while a good player he would need an adjustment time. This to me makes Simmons a less likely player to he headed to Detroit.

While a player who can step in right away and help out and greatly improve the defense is a player like Ohio State defensive back Jeff Okudah. Okudah checks all of the boxes. A big defensive back, quick, will be a shut-down corner. Okudah has great hip control (which is huge for defensive backs) and is a solid tackler. This should be the Lions pick even if they slide back one or two slots.

In this years draft, general managers will be making their selections from their homes due to the current pandemic. Bob Quinn said yesterday any and all trades will be made ahead of the draft for all teams.

Quinn said he has two laptops, two cell phones, three monitors, as well as a big screen T.V for the draft. Quinn said he and the Detroit Lions coaches and scouts are ready for the 2020 draft.

Bob Quinn said as far as he understands there will be an NFL season, but is unsure what that will exactly look like at this time. But it all starts Thursday with the 2020 NFL draft.

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As stimulus checks arrive, why not give to those in need

Embed from Getty Images “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”, 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8.

Food pantries are running low, the need is great. As more people have and will file for unemployment the need grows, while pantries continue to run on fumes.

As the leader of my house, I made the decision that my family will be giving a generous donation to a food pantry with a portion of our stimulus check. First and foremost the Lord has provided, it is not ours to keep.

1 Timothy 3: 5 tells us “For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” I can manage my house all glory to God. I provide and the Lord is pleased. So you might ask yourself where does the “how will he care for God’s church” come into play?

We have been blessed to be part of two church congregations with extensive histories. I feel that in order to honor current members and just if not more importantly past members then we need to strive to be Christ to everyone, so we do not damage the legacy that has been set before us.

Again, giving is a way to provide like Jesus, I can pray and ask God to multiply our offering and He will. My heart breaks thinking about people being at the point they can no longer provide for their household. So anyway I can honor Jesus I am going to. The fact that it blesses people is what it is all about.

Please consider giving and helping. I leave you with this ” Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3: 27.

 

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Mandalorian docuseries on Disney Plus coming Star Wars Day May 4

Embed from Getty Images For a long time Star Wars fans have adopted May 4th as “Star Wars Day,” They figure it is close enough to “May the Force be with you.” This May 4 will be special for Star Wars fans on Star Wars Day, Disney Plus has announced and eight part in depth, behind the scenes look documentary at the widely popular “The Mandalorian” series exclusive to the streaming platform.

The documentary will explore never before seen footage from the cutting room  and roundtable conversations hosted by director, writer, and producer Jon Favreau.

One of the episodes will explore  how the special effects and props team brought The Mandalorian’s creatures to life. Which should be interesting to watch.

Also in the documentary fans will be treated to a look at George Lucas’ legacy, technology used in The Mandalorian, the show’s music score, and connections to Star Wars characters across the galaxy. To sort of connect the dots.

Faced with a lack of new content  due to the global pandemic, like many other companies, there is a need for new content for its streaming service, and Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian can fill that role until new Star Wars content is ready.

One good thing is that Season 2 of “The Mandalorian” had finished filming before the production shut down was mandated, Disney has not indicated if the second season’s release date will be affected.

If your like me, a pretty big Star Wars fan, this documentary series should be fun, interesting and a way to pass the time until Season 2 premieres.

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How to get the most out of reading the Bible

Embed from Getty Images “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119: 105

This article may pinch. But that is okay. This article is for the Christian reader who professes they read God’s word, yet can not put any context around what they read or quote.

Most Christian’s if they are reading their bible’s at all, only read the surface stuff and do not take the time to really dive into the Word of God. Which is exactly what we should be doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world is not getting answers from state and health officials, the President or anyone for that matter.

Yet, God has the answers because God is The answer. So how then can bible verses have more context? How then can Christ Followers be peace in the storm? Understanding God’s word would begin to answer those questions.

Let’s look at a simple bible verses most Christian’s know “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. There it is in it’s surface appearance.

Now it is time to put some context around it so it has the deep meaning the timeless verse should have.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4: 9-10. Now we are starting to build a body.

Let’s continue, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will He not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32, now not only do we have some body but we now have a question to ponder.

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1: 15-16, Now we begin to get the entire gospel of Jesus and all we are doing is checking the concordance in the bible.

Finally we get the redemption of Jesus’s mission “and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” Revelation 1:5.

There are many more verses that would bring even more fullness to John 3:16. I used only four bible verses that bring into light just how weighty the famous bible verse as an example.

If you profess to be a Christian, then I think for the sake of your walk with God, as well as having answers for a world looking for them, then really get into God’s word.