Hi Fay,

What timing!  I just received this in an email. Having gone through natural childbirth twice myself, I believe the following is a great parallel to what is going on with the earth having birth pangs.

Maranatha!
Amy Van Gerpen
www.trackingbibleprophecy.org

---

Ring of Fire Posted: 14 Mar 2011 12:18 PM PDT Joseph Herrin (03-14-2011) The Ring of Fire describes a geographic area where 75% of the earth’s volcanoes, and 90% of the earths earthquakes occur. The earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand which occurred on February 22, 2011, and the massive 9.0 magnitude quake that occurred in Japan on March 11 were both located on the Ring of Fire. The Spirit of Christ has led me to a growing understanding of these events by directing me to focus on the phrase “Ring of Fire.” On march 10th, the day before what is now being referred to as the “Sendai Earthquake” in Japan, Randy Simmons, the brother in Christ with whom I have traveled to speaking engagements across America, had an unusual experience. He was doing some work with an uncle. Both men sing and play the guitar. As they were working they began to sing the Johnny Cash song Ring of Fire. Randy is not a big fan of Johnny Cash’s music, and rarely ever sings his songs, but that day this particular song came to mind. The next day as Randy was listening to the news reports on the earthquake in Japan, he was struck by the repeated mention of “the Ring of Fire.” Randy called me about noon on March 11, and told me about the earthquake. I had been busy with other things and had not seen the news. Randy also told me about his experience singing Ring of Fire the previous day. Since this was my introduction to the quake, from the very beginning the Father has had me ponder what the significance is of it occurring on the Ring of Fire. As I considered these events, in my mind were the words “birth pains.” The Spirit of Christ has shown me that these events are related to birth pains. Mark 13:8 "For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” Romans 8:19-22 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. In my spirit I sensed a prompting to do an Internet search on the words “birth pains” and “ring of fire.” When I did, the Spirit confirmed what I had been sensing. Following is an excerpt from the first web page I was led to. The “ring of fire” Posted on March 12, 2008 by Kathy At some point during birth preparations, somebody is going to tell you about how it feels to give birth. For me, the contractions were painful, but the birth itself was not, except for what is known as “the ring of fire.” Some women feel this every birth, some don’t feel it at all, and some have it at some births and not at others. I don’t want you to set yourself up for feeling more pain than is strictly necessary, but I do want to prepare you for this sensation. First, what is it? During a vaginal birth, as your vagina expands around the largest point of the baby’s head you will often feel a pulling or burning sensation. It is brief (maybe 30 seconds), and like every other pain you feel, it impels you to change something to stop the pain. Typically, it will feel better to stop pushing, to allow your tissues to rest and expand gently. Many times when women push through the pain, they end up tearing. Now, what does it feel like? Open your mouth as wide as you can and hold it. Now, put your fingers in the corners of your mouth and pull your mouth wider until you feel stretching or burning. Now, imagine that at your vaginal opening. That is similar to what you might feel when your baby is born. Yes, it’s painful, but it’s also brief. Some women are nearly terrified of the “pain of giving birth,” but they feel like they can handle the contractions. They may opt for an epidural or a local anesthetic to avoid this pain. But I gotta tell you–birth is painless compared to the contractions beforehand. If you can handle the contractions, you don’t need to worry about feeling the baby come out. For me, pushing was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done; and the sensation of the baby moving down was also empowering. The contractions were no fun; but pushing my babies out was painless, except for the ring of fire. [Source: http://womantowomancbe.wordpress.com/2008/03/12/the-ring-of-fire/] On the Internet, I found reference after reference, confirming that the moment during the birth process when the baby’s head begins to crown is associated with the term “ring of fire.” These words describe the pain a woman experiences when the baby’s head is crowning. As the baby enters the vagina your skin and muscles stretch. Eventually the head will appear. With every push, more of the baby's head can be seen. The labia and perineum (the area between the vagina and the rectum) eventually reach a point of maximum stretching. At this point, the skin may feel like it is burning. Some childbirth educators call this the "ring of fire" because of the burning sensation felt as the mother's tissues stretch around the baby's head. [Source: http://www.healthline.com/yodocontent/pregnancy/intrapartum-care-vaginal-delivery.html] Everything that occurs in nature is according to the design of Yahweh. That women experience pain in childbirth is by design. In the third chapter of Genesis we read that pain in childbearing is a part of the curse brought upon the creation when Adam and Eve sinned. Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you." In other writings I have shared the parable that is contained in these words. Yahweh did not choose this experience for the woman arbitrarily. It was intended to reveal through the natural realm some deep spiritual truths. Yahweh’s desire from the beginning of the creation has been to have sons in His image and likeness. When mankind sinned, the plan of God did not change. However, it became necessary for mankind to experience pain in order to arrive at conformity to the image of Christ. In these words to the woman in Genesis 3:16 we find a grand parable. Eve was the wife of the first man, whose name is Adam. The church is the wife of the Last Adam, who is Yahshua the Messiah. I Corinthians 15:45-48 And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. Eve was told that she would only be able to bring forth children through pain. In a direct parallel, the church can only bring forth sons in Christ’s image through pain. Matthew 10:38-39 “He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake... Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. People of God, the ministers of ease and prosperity do not proclaim truth. They tell no one that there is an “afflicted path that leads to life, and few there are who find it.” The church continually receives the lie that Christ suffered so that they would not have to do so. Such a message is appealing to the flesh and soul of man, but it is a false message. Christ proclaimed the message that all who would follow in His steps must also embrace pain, and sorrow and suffering. Such things are necessary in order to bring forth sons in the image of God. There is a cross appointed to ALL who would be a disciple of Christ. There is a ring of fire that ALL sons must pass through in order to be revealed. I Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. The Father has been giving numerous signs, parables, and testimonies in the earth that the time for the sons of God to be revealed is close at hand. In 2008 I shared with the saints concerning the sign that was given indicating that it is time for the barren woman (the church) to give birth to her sons. Three named storms appeared in the Atlantic ocean at the same time. Each of them related to a Biblical story of a barren woman who gave birth in her old age. This is a parable of the church who has remained barren, failing to bring sons to maturity, but who must do so now at the end of the age. I will include a portion of the earlier teaching. Hanna - Ike - Josephine (09-03-08) What do all of these hurricanes have in common? Their names are all derived from Biblical characters who are associated with stories of barren women giving birth to extraordinary sons. The Bible contains a number of historical accounts of women who were barren... Consider the testimonies of the women who are referenced by the three tropical storms that have recently formed. Sarah was the wife of Abraham, and she was barren. It was such a reproach to be childless that Sarah suggested that Abraham take her handmaid Hagar, an Egyptian, and raise up offspring by her. In this was pictured man’s attempts to bring forth offspring in God’s image by communion with the world. The world’s methods are employed. How many churches have hired men to lead them who have the title of Doctor before their name, or who have college credentials that follow the same? How many seek to build gilded edifices with stained glass and vaulted ceilings, to employ the skills of musicians and choreographers, and to set before the people some gifted orator who can cause them to feel that 30 minutes of men’s wisdom has somehow brought them closer to the presence of God? Such are the methods and allure of men. The world and its methods, like Hagar, appears fertile, but what she produces is despised in the eyes of God. God told Abraham that Hagar was not the one to produce an heir that He would accept. The heir would come through Sarah. Sarah laughed, for she was already advanced in years and had been barren all her life. So too has the church remained barren, failing to bring forth mature sons after the image of Christ. Yet in her advanced age the child will come forth. Sarah was 90 years old, and Abraham 100 when Isaac was born. Isaac means “laughter.” Consider Rachel, the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Though she was the favored wife of Jacob, she was barren. Her sister became her rival, and Leah gave birth to multiple sons whole Rachel remained barren. Great was Rachel’s distress. Genesis 30:1-2 Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she became jealous of her sister; and she said to Jacob, "Give me children, or else I die." Great was the desire of Rachel before God listened to her and opened her womb. Consider also Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. I Samuel 1:1-11 Now there was a certain man... Elkanah... And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah and the name of the other Peninnah; and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. .. And when the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters; but to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but Yahweh had closed her womb. Her rival, however, would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, because Yahweh had closed her womb. And it happened year after year, as often as she went up to the house of Yahweh, she would provoke her, so she wept and would not eat. Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?..." Then Hannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of Yahweh. And she, greatly distressed, prayed to Yahweh and wept bitterly. And she made a vow and said, "O Yahweh of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head." Consider the distress of Hannah. She was so humiliated by her failure to bring forth children for her husband that she made a pledge to God of devoting her offspring to Yahweh. This is what God has been waiting for. He has allowed the church to remain barren until she would bring forth sons who will be devoted to God all the days of their lives. These will truly be sons after the image of Christ, for He always lived to do the will of the Father. It is no coincidence that the boy Samuel is described with similar language as the young Son of God. I Samuel 2:26 Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the LORD and with men. Luke 2:52 And Yahshua kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Both Samuel and Yahshua came from the wombs of women who had never previously born children. Both were given as gifts of God. Both were devoted to God their entire lives. And both serve as types of the sons of God who must come forth in this last hour to be readied to rule and reign with Christ. [End Excerpt] You can find the entire article at the following link: http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/hanna-ike-josephine.html Consider the significance of the fact that the birth pains described as “the ring of fire” occur when the baby’s head is “crowning.” Christ must have offspring who can rule and reign with Him. These sons can only be brought forth through pain. A great testimony has been occurring along the Ring of Fire on the earth. On February 27th, 2010 an 8.8 magnitude quake occurred near Concepcion, Chile. In the story of Abraham and Sarah we read that God appeared to Abraham and told him the time appointed for a son to be given to him was at hand. The messenger told Abraham that “at this time next year, Sarah will have a son.” In February of 2010 the Father gave this sign that the hour was at hand for the church to “conceive.” The hour of her “conception” had arrived. A year later in February 2011 we find a massive earthquake striking Christchurch. Now the time of birth pangs has arrived. The Ring of Fire is being stretched as the earth experiences her birth pangs in anticipation of the sons of God being revealed. Now we will see both “Christ’s church” and the world begin to reel. Isaiah 24:19-23 The earth is violently broken. The earth is split open. The earth is shaken exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, and it will fall, and not rise again. It shall come to pass in that day that Yahweh will punish on high the host of exalted ones, and on the earth the kings of the earth. They will be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and will be shut up in the prison; After many days they will be punished. Then the moon will be disgraced and the sun ashamed; For the Lord of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before His elders, gloriously. What does this portend for the people of God, and how are they to prepare themselves? The church has avoided suffering, choosing for herself ease, and pleasure and sensual indulgence. This has brought no sons forth to maturity. Those who would pass through this time of birth pangs and emerge as glorified sons must adopt a very different mindset. “For the joy set before them” they must “endure the cross.” This change of mind is also signified by the Ring of Fire and the crowning of the baby’s head. The infant’s head at this time is still soft. The bones have not filled in completely, nor have they hardened. As the baby’s head passes through the birth canal it is squeezed, and it takes upon a different shape. The head becomes narrower, and elongated. This change in the shape of the baby’s head serves as a parable of the change that must occur in the thoughts and minds of all those who would rule and reign with Christ. They must leave the comfort of the womb, experiencing suffering and pain as they do so. Yahshua described the days that are now at hand with the following words: Matthew 24:7-13 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Mark 13:9-13 "But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Those who have pursued ease and comfort and pleasure must adopt the mind of a martyr. They must live to do the will of Christ, enduring suffering and shame for His name. None who will be approved of the Father can avoid suffering in these days. II Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Yahshua will suffer persecution. If your mind is not fixed on following Christ, even through suffering, shame, and loss of all possessions, then you need to embrace such a mindset. God has shown in the recent quake in Christchurch that many will not stand. In a city with a population slightly over 300,000 there were 10,000 homes destroyed, and 100,000 damaged. As we see these quakes progress around the Ring of Fire, we are seeing a testimony being given. Judgment must begin at the house of God. If it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? I look for an intensification of these birth pangs in the earth. We will also see an increasing hostility toward true disciples of Christ. You must have your mind girded up, willing to suffer the loss of all things in order to remain faithful to Christ. The Father has testified that my experiences of the past ten years are typical of what His faithful sons and daughters must pass through. It is time to come out of Babylon. You will find that few will walk with you. Family will betray you. Loved ones will forsake you. Many of God’s faithful will suffer imprisonment as a criminal for their testimony and obedience to Christ. HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END SHALL BE SAVED. There is a joy set before all who will endure the cross. Hebrews 11:16 Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. The cities of this world will be shaken. They will crumble and fall. But there is a heavenly city whose foundations are sure, for its architect and builder is God. Put on the mind of Christ. You are but an alien and a stranger here. Hold all things, and all relationships, of this world lightly. The shaking is beginning. Everything (and everyone) that can be shaken will be shaken. An hour of fiery trials is at hand.  Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws   Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com   Mailing Address: Joseph Herrin P.O. Box 804 Montezuma, GA 31063