A cease fire deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas. The details are in the article below. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts.
In my opinion, this takes us one step closer to an eventual Palestinian state and a more permanent peace agreement that could set up the peaceful condition of Ezekiel 38-39. Perhaps we could even see a peace deal providing the framework for the one confirmed by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27).
This is a good thing for the short term peace of Israel. However, Iran remains a problem to be dealt with and this could just be an expression of hudnah. See previous posts for the meaning of hudnah.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/21/clinton-calls-tel-aviv-bus-bombing-terrorist-attack-as-truce-deal-between/
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Israel can defend itself, but.......
I am linking the following article for your review. You can read it for yourselves, but I want to leave you with a couple of thoughts on it.
1. Part of Israel defending itself is going into Gaza and cutting off the source of the threat at its head. It is admirable to say Israel has the right to defend itself, but it means little if you try to put limits on what defending itself is.
2. Calling on Egypt and Turkey to intervene on Israel's behalf is foolish. These are radical Islamic nations. They haven no interest in doing anything to benefit Israel. They may play the part of the neutral party, but their sympathies will be with Hamas. Hamas, Egypt and Turkey all have Islam and a hatred of the Jews in common.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/11/18/us-britain-warn-about-risks-israel-becoming-involved-in-ground-war/
1. Part of Israel defending itself is going into Gaza and cutting off the source of the threat at its head. It is admirable to say Israel has the right to defend itself, but it means little if you try to put limits on what defending itself is.
2. Calling on Egypt and Turkey to intervene on Israel's behalf is foolish. These are radical Islamic nations. They haven no interest in doing anything to benefit Israel. They may play the part of the neutral party, but their sympathies will be with Hamas. Hamas, Egypt and Turkey all have Islam and a hatred of the Jews in common.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/11/18/us-britain-warn-about-risks-israel-becoming-involved-in-ground-war/
Cease fire talks underway
According to the following article Israel is currently engaged in cease fire talks brokered by Egypt. Personally, I would not put much hope in these talks going anywhere. Egypt has tried to position herself as the leader in trying to bring peace to the Israeli-Hamas conflict. The problem is Egypt is run by the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that despises Israel. They do not come to the table neutral in the situation looking for a fair deal for both sides. I have a hard time believing Israel is hopeful these talks will lead anywhere.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/18/israeli-envoy-meets-with-egyptian-officials-about-ceasefire-with-hamas/
While talks are ongoing, Israel continues it military action against Hamas. The following article quotes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his willingness to expand that action.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/18/war-looms-over-gaza-as-signs-mount-possible-israeli-invasion/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/18/israeli-envoy-meets-with-egyptian-officials-about-ceasefire-with-hamas/
While talks are ongoing, Israel continues it military action against Hamas. The following article quotes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his willingness to expand that action.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/18/war-looms-over-gaza-as-signs-mount-possible-israeli-invasion/
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Israeli citizens told to prepare for seven weeks of fighting
As Hamas continues to fire missiles at Tel Aviv, Israelis citizens are being told to prepare for seven weeks of fighting. According to the linked article below from ynet news, thousands of reservists have received their enlistment orders.
It seems weird to say this with countless rockets being fired, but it feels like we are just in the calm before the storm. A ground invasion of Gaza by the IDF will escalate the scope of this conflict. As I have said before, I believe the worst is yet to come.
The thing that I think is important to keep an eye on is how much outside nations such as Syria, Lebanon, and even Iran get involved in the conflict, particularly Syria.
http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=292277
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4306834,00.html
It seems weird to say this with countless rockets being fired, but it feels like we are just in the calm before the storm. A ground invasion of Gaza by the IDF will escalate the scope of this conflict. As I have said before, I believe the worst is yet to come.
The thing that I think is important to keep an eye on is how much outside nations such as Syria, Lebanon, and even Iran get involved in the conflict, particularly Syria.
http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=292277
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4306834,00.html
Friday, November 16, 2012
Israel calling up 30,000 reserves
Israel is calling up 30,000 reserves as the war with Hamas continues. According to the following article this is the largest reserve call up by the IDF since 2008. The article states Israel would prefer not to launch a ground operation, but would not rule it out. Obviously, such a call up indicates the IDF feels a ground operation in Gaza might be necessary and imminent.
Keep an eye on world leaders increasing their calls for "peace." It will be interesting to see if some sort of agreement is days, weeks, or even months away that could provide the framework for the peace deal with Israel to be confirmed by the coming Antichrist.
Also remember the Islamic word for peace is hudnah. It is not peace as we know it. The idea of hudnah is a ceasefire with your enemy until you are stronger and an opportune time to resume jihad presents itself. Pray for wisdom for world leaders, particularly those in the U.S., to understand what Hamas and other Islamic organizations mean when they refer to peace.
Keep an eye on world leaders increasing their calls for "peace." It will be interesting to see if some sort of agreement is days, weeks, or even months away that could provide the framework for the peace deal with Israel to be confirmed by the coming Antichrist.
Also remember the Islamic word for peace is hudnah. It is not peace as we know it. The idea of hudnah is a ceasefire with your enemy until you are stronger and an opportune time to resume jihad presents itself. Pray for wisdom for world leaders, particularly those in the U.S., to understand what Hamas and other Islamic organizations mean when they refer to peace.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Israel at War
In recent days Israel has exchanged rocket fire with the terrorist group Hamas, assassinating a high ranking Hamas official. Reports tonight show that Hamas has fired on the Israeli capital of Tel Aviv.
In response Israel has begun to move troops to the Israeli-Gaza boarder. Fox News Channel just reported that Israel may be planning a ground excursion into Gaza. Israel has begun to activate reserve troops.
This is a serious situation that will only become more so in the days ahead. Here are a few things to watch.
1. Hamas is supported by Iran and Syria. Will this conflict escalate to directly involve both nations and not just their proxies in Hamas?
2. If Syria does become involved, is this the war that will lead to the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 and the destruction of Damascus?
3. How will this affect the possibility of Israel launching a preemptive strike on Iran?
4. How will the United States respond to the conflict? Will President Obama, no longer burdened by the need to be reelected, stand beside Israel and support Israel?
5. Will we now see the dominoes begin to fall in the Middle East leading to Gog-Magog, Psalm 83, and/or Isaiah 17? Where and how far will this go?
As Christians lets all make sure we are praying for the following:
1. The peace of Jerusalem
2. Protection for the people of Israel
3. Wisdom for Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF leadership
4. The leadership of the United States to stand beside Israel
In response Israel has begun to move troops to the Israeli-Gaza boarder. Fox News Channel just reported that Israel may be planning a ground excursion into Gaza. Israel has begun to activate reserve troops.
This is a serious situation that will only become more so in the days ahead. Here are a few things to watch.
1. Hamas is supported by Iran and Syria. Will this conflict escalate to directly involve both nations and not just their proxies in Hamas?
2. If Syria does become involved, is this the war that will lead to the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 and the destruction of Damascus?
3. How will this affect the possibility of Israel launching a preemptive strike on Iran?
4. How will the United States respond to the conflict? Will President Obama, no longer burdened by the need to be reelected, stand beside Israel and support Israel?
5. Will we now see the dominoes begin to fall in the Middle East leading to Gog-Magog, Psalm 83, and/or Isaiah 17? Where and how far will this go?
As Christians lets all make sure we are praying for the following:
1. The peace of Jerusalem
2. Protection for the people of Israel
3. Wisdom for Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF leadership
4. The leadership of the United States to stand beside Israel
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
A few thoughts on the election
I am going to step outside of the normal scope of my blog to make few comments on the recent presidential election. I know many Christians are struggling with what has happened and I hope what I write here can help if you fall into this category.
1. Daniel 2:21 says, "He (God) controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings." No king, ruler, or president comes to power outside God allowing it to happen. Contrary to what we believe the outcome of an election is not determined by man, but rather by what God allows to happen. Bottom line: God allowed President Obama to be reelected.
2. Was his reelection God's will or God telling a stubborn nation that He would give them what they wanted? Some will say President Obama's reelection was God's will. Others will say this was not God's will but He allowed a rebellious nation to have what it wanted much like he allowed Israel to have a king in Saul when that was not His will? So who is right? I don't know. You can certainly make a case for both. If I could answer this question for sure I would be writing books read by millions and not a blog read by teens. However, I will say that America fits the mold of the those Paul writes about in Romans 1:18-32 whom God gave over to a reprobate mind.
3. Whether or not we like the fact President Obama was reelected it is our scriptural duty as Christians to pray for him. I would suggest praying that God opens the eyes of his understanding so that he can see the truth. The truth on abortion, the truth on homosexual marriage, and the truth on standing by Israel. If we spend more time praying for him than we do complaining about him, than he will be a better president and we will be better Christians.
4. There are some who are asking the question, "Why did God allow President Obama to be reelected when so many were praying so hard he wouldn't be?" I can't answer this definitively but please consider these three options. I am no saying any or all of these are fact, just possible.
a. God never intended for the descendants of Abraham to live in Egypt forever. However, over time they became comfortable there. God allowed an ungodly ruler, Pharaoh, to come to power to make them uncomfortable so they would turn their eyes to Him and look for His deliverance from their situation. This is not our home. If it is true that the rapture is near, could God have allowed a ruler to come to power who will make us uncomfortable here and turn our eyes to Him looking for our deliverance?
b. God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to come to power to bring judgment on Judah when the cup of her iniquity was full. Could it be that the cup of America's iniquity is full and God has allowed a ruler to come to power who will facilitate the coming of God's judgment?
c. The United States is not mentioned anywhere in end time prophecy. Could this be a further step in the weakening of America to bring about the world conditions necessary to fulfill end time prophecy?
5. As Christians we need to keep perspective. Here are two areas where I feel like many in the church lost perspective.
a. I grow weary when I see the number of Christians looking for a political solution to a spiritual problem. Many seem to have the opinion that if we elect the right person or right party all will be well in America. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let me be blunt. American could elect a Republican who is pro-life, pro-family, and pro-Israel to the presidency and fill up the Congress with the same type of people and it will not bring change to America. Only repentance and a turning back to God will bring change to America. That can happen no matter who is in the White House or Congress. America's problems are spiritual, not political and must be treated as such.
b. Mitt Romney was not a savior. The truth is most of his political career was spent as a moderate, not the champion of the "conservative" movement many in the church made him out to be. From reading what some Christians wrote and listening to what some said, you would have though he was the second coming of the Apostle Paul. The truth is he was a moderate politician who is a member of a cult that teaches that the Bible is full of error and that Jesus is one of many sons of God. That is they guy that a lot of Christians seemed to be putting their hope in in our quest to "vote for righteousness." Scary isn't it? I do believe he was the best choice in this election, but that didn't make him a good choice. Would I have preferred him to Obama? Yes! Do I see his losing as the end of the world? No!
6. I too, like many people, worry about the fiscal future of the U.S under four more years of President Obama. One of my main reason for voting for Romney was my belief he had a better grasp of what it would take to turn this economy around. (Sorry folks, I didn't trust him on social issues like abortion, traditional marriage, etc. Too much flip flopping over the years.) However, whatever may come of the economy I rest knowing that God will take care of His own. He will supply our every need according to His riches (not those of the U.S. economy) and glory by Christ Jesus. I am reminded of when King David said that he had been young and now was old but he had never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed out begging for bread.
7. I have saved my most important point for last. My final say on Election 2012 is this: GOD IS IN CONTROL. TRUST HIM!
1. Daniel 2:21 says, "He (God) controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings." No king, ruler, or president comes to power outside God allowing it to happen. Contrary to what we believe the outcome of an election is not determined by man, but rather by what God allows to happen. Bottom line: God allowed President Obama to be reelected.
2. Was his reelection God's will or God telling a stubborn nation that He would give them what they wanted? Some will say President Obama's reelection was God's will. Others will say this was not God's will but He allowed a rebellious nation to have what it wanted much like he allowed Israel to have a king in Saul when that was not His will? So who is right? I don't know. You can certainly make a case for both. If I could answer this question for sure I would be writing books read by millions and not a blog read by teens. However, I will say that America fits the mold of the those Paul writes about in Romans 1:18-32 whom God gave over to a reprobate mind.
3. Whether or not we like the fact President Obama was reelected it is our scriptural duty as Christians to pray for him. I would suggest praying that God opens the eyes of his understanding so that he can see the truth. The truth on abortion, the truth on homosexual marriage, and the truth on standing by Israel. If we spend more time praying for him than we do complaining about him, than he will be a better president and we will be better Christians.
4. There are some who are asking the question, "Why did God allow President Obama to be reelected when so many were praying so hard he wouldn't be?" I can't answer this definitively but please consider these three options. I am no saying any or all of these are fact, just possible.
a. God never intended for the descendants of Abraham to live in Egypt forever. However, over time they became comfortable there. God allowed an ungodly ruler, Pharaoh, to come to power to make them uncomfortable so they would turn their eyes to Him and look for His deliverance from their situation. This is not our home. If it is true that the rapture is near, could God have allowed a ruler to come to power who will make us uncomfortable here and turn our eyes to Him looking for our deliverance?
b. God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to come to power to bring judgment on Judah when the cup of her iniquity was full. Could it be that the cup of America's iniquity is full and God has allowed a ruler to come to power who will facilitate the coming of God's judgment?
c. The United States is not mentioned anywhere in end time prophecy. Could this be a further step in the weakening of America to bring about the world conditions necessary to fulfill end time prophecy?
5. As Christians we need to keep perspective. Here are two areas where I feel like many in the church lost perspective.
a. I grow weary when I see the number of Christians looking for a political solution to a spiritual problem. Many seem to have the opinion that if we elect the right person or right party all will be well in America. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let me be blunt. American could elect a Republican who is pro-life, pro-family, and pro-Israel to the presidency and fill up the Congress with the same type of people and it will not bring change to America. Only repentance and a turning back to God will bring change to America. That can happen no matter who is in the White House or Congress. America's problems are spiritual, not political and must be treated as such.
b. Mitt Romney was not a savior. The truth is most of his political career was spent as a moderate, not the champion of the "conservative" movement many in the church made him out to be. From reading what some Christians wrote and listening to what some said, you would have though he was the second coming of the Apostle Paul. The truth is he was a moderate politician who is a member of a cult that teaches that the Bible is full of error and that Jesus is one of many sons of God. That is they guy that a lot of Christians seemed to be putting their hope in in our quest to "vote for righteousness." Scary isn't it? I do believe he was the best choice in this election, but that didn't make him a good choice. Would I have preferred him to Obama? Yes! Do I see his losing as the end of the world? No!
6. I too, like many people, worry about the fiscal future of the U.S under four more years of President Obama. One of my main reason for voting for Romney was my belief he had a better grasp of what it would take to turn this economy around. (Sorry folks, I didn't trust him on social issues like abortion, traditional marriage, etc. Too much flip flopping over the years.) However, whatever may come of the economy I rest knowing that God will take care of His own. He will supply our every need according to His riches (not those of the U.S. economy) and glory by Christ Jesus. I am reminded of when King David said that he had been young and now was old but he had never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed out begging for bread.
7. I have saved my most important point for last. My final say on Election 2012 is this: GOD IS IN CONTROL. TRUST HIM!
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