In other news...

First up: The Peace Talks

"EU, US put hope in relaunch of Middle East talks"

The Quartet is gearing up to formally invite Israeli and Palestinian leaders for face-to-face peace talks for the first time in one and a half years.The meeting is to be hosted by US President Barack Obama in Washington on 2 September and to aim for an outcome within one year, EUobserver has learned.

The official aim of the Quartet is to help create a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, with a negotiated solution on the status of Jerusalem.

As we know, it always boils down to the fate of Jerusalem (aka "the burdensome stone").
And of course, there is this little fact to consider:

Another problem is the Palestinian Authority's split with Hamas, a militant Palestinian resistance group listed as terrorists by the EU and US, which controls the Gaza strip.

Hamas refuses to recognise the right of Israel to exist or to renounce violent resistance, however.

Oh yea, that...

And this:

"Syria: Israel-Palestinian talks useless"

Official press in Damascus warns that resumption of direct US-brokered negotiations would prove waste of time unless Washington puts pressure on Jerusalem.

Jerusalem. Hmmm.

Syria's official press warned on Sunday that the resumption of direct US-brokered Israel-Palestinian peace talks would prove a waste of time unless Washington puts pressure on its Israeli ally

Then, we turn to Iran, who once again announces yet more weapons build-up (this is getting ridiculous):

"Iran unveils missile-launching boats"

Iran began mass production on two missile-launching assault boats to patrol the country's coastline and shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on Monday, according to AFP.

IRNA said that the Zolfaqar missile-launching vessel can be used for patrol as well as attack operations, having a "high destructive power."

Referring to Israel's occasional threats against Iran's nuclear facilities, Ahmadinejad called any attack unlikely, but he said if Israel did, the reaction would be overwhelming.

"The scope of Iran's reaction will include the entire the earth," said Ahmadinejad. "We also tell you — the West — that all options are on the table."

"Iran begins mass production of 2 assault boats"

Inauguration of production lines for missile-launching speedboats comes day after Iranian President Ahmadinejad unveiled country's home-built bomber drone, which he said would deliver 'death' to Islamic Republic's enemies

Here is an interesting article regarding the overall situation in the Middle-East today:

"Doomsday Articles Reflect Edginess on Iran"

Amos is identified as a member of the “Israeli Intelligence Forum,” which includes retired members of the intelligence community and former government officials.

The Russian-Iranian move to open the Bushehr nuclear plant this weekend, Amos opines, was meant to signal to the “declining powers of Europe and the U.S.” that a new front is taking shape: Russia, China, Iran, Turkey, North Korea, Brazil and Venezuela are all lining up against the West.

Iran wants a war to break out between Israel and Lebanon within the next two weeks, the article claims. Lebanon, it warns, will launch missiles against all parts of Israel, especially Tel Aviv. This “first strike” will cause massive casualties and psychological shock in Israel and will be accompanied by missile fire from Hamas in Gaza and by terror attacks in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem.

This will be followed by a second strike: a chemical weapons attack by Syria that would cause “hundreds of thousands of dead in Israel.” Israel will retaliate “very severely” but only against Iran's proxies – Syria, Lebanon and Gaza – the article predicts

Pridan's article appeared in Haaretz and is titled “Wake Up!". It predicts that Israel will take action against the Iranian nuclear program. “Stricken Iran will respond with its remaining strength” following the Israeli attack, the prominent advertiser warns, firing "missiles that can carry a payload of half a ton of explosives or chemical weapons."

In addition, Hizbullah will fire thousand of rockets. Pridan also believes Tel Aviv will be badly hit, and envisions the IDF Headquarters at HaKiryah, the Akirov Towers where Defense Minister Ehud Barak resides, and the Azrieli Center towers all being reduced to rubble.

Both articles call on the public and its leaders, including the media, to awake from what they see as a state of lethargy in the face of impending catastrophe.

Also in the news, a few articles of further interest:

"Ahmadinejad: Israel is too weak to attack Iran's nuclear facilities"

"Islam is the New Communism"

"Report of Investigation Park 51"


As stated so many times before, one aspect that strikes me is the ongoing "rumors of war". It doesn't take much reading, on a daily basis to see rumors of war. As we watch the build-up of arms in the Middle-East, it usually hinges on a single item: War Preparations, which is synonymous with "rumors of war". In fact, reading news from sources in the Middle East, most of what we see and have seen over the last 2-3 years falls into the category of "rumors of war".

Jesus warned us. He also stated that we should have no fear, as we would see these things before His coming.

Soon, these rumors will become a reality. The only remaining question is, will the Church be here to witness the actual wars which are destined for the Middle East. Only time will tell.

The Aftermath and God's Judgment

Now that Iran has been allowed to get their nuclear reactor up and running, the obvious question becomes "What's next"?

Below are some interesting perspectives:

"Secret US-Russian sanctions vs Bushehr deal tied Israel's hands"

The Obama administration and Netanyahu government greeted the start-up of Iran's first nuclear reactor at Bushehr with extraordinary meekness, given the grim military and strategic hazards it represents for the region and Israel in particular. Yet nary a squeak of protest came from Washington or Jerusalem when Russian technicians began loading 162 rods of 82 tons of fuel into Iran's nuclear reactor - a process that will take two weeks - Saturday, Aug. 21 - notwithstanding US-led sanctions, Israel's military preparations and international diplomatic posturing.

DEBKAfile reveals that both the Kremlin and the State Department have joined in concealing the secret deal whereby Russia votes for UN Security Council sanctions against Iran in return for US silent acquiescent to Moscow's activation of the Bushehr reactor.

The price the Obama administration and the Netanyahu government paid was prohibitive: Vladimir Putin was allowed to jump the Iranian nuclear drive miles forward toward a capacity for producing weapons-grade plutonium. (Moscow claims the rods will be returned, but Iran's capacity for deception and concealment in the entire last decide s well documented.)

The Netanyahu government was supposed to have all its worries swept away by the US assurance that the Iran threat is not imminent but eleven months away, as the New York Times reported Friday, Aug. 20. The next day the London Telegraph mocked this assertion by explaining that US officials were really saying that "the process of converting nuclear material into a weapon that worked would take at least 12 months" - a prospect hardly likely to ease Israel's concerns.

Omitting any comment on the Bushehr reactor, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel's security would be paramount in a deal with the Palestinians. He issued a list of stipulations, such as the demilitarization of territory handed to the Palestinians - only side arms for police; Israel would retain control of the Jordan Rift Valley bordering the Kingdom of Jordan and the mountain ridges forming the spine of the West Bank, they key to defending Jerusalem and Israel's coastal plain.

Many will recall the prime minister's solemn reiterations that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to Israel and noticed how fast they have faded.

His "security pledges" regarding a future Palestinian state on the West Bank should therefore be taken with a hefty grain of salt. Indeed, according to DEBKAfile's Washington sources, the prime minister may already be listening to a US proposal to assign the policing of the Jordan Valley and West Bank mountain peaks to NATO troops, most of them American.

"Israel says Iranian reactor use 'totally unacceptable'"

Israel on Saturday denounced Iran's fueling up of its first nuclear power plant as "totally unacceptable" and called for more international pressure to force Tehran to cease any uranium enrichment.

Israel, widely assumed to be the only Middle East country to have nuclear weapons, has said a nuclear-armed Iran would be a threat to its existence, raising concerns Israel could attack Iran's nuclear sites.

It looks like Iran isn't stopping with their nuclear ambitions, as their build-up for war (aka the battle of "Gog-MaGog") continues:

"Iran builds 'ambassador of death'"

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Sunday welcomed his country's first domestically-built, long-range, unmanned bomber aircraft, calling it an "ambassador of death" to Iran's enemies.

The goal of the aircraft is to "keep the enemy paralyzed in its bases," he said

The president championed the country's military self-sufficiency program, and said it will continue "until the enemies of humanity lose hope of ever attacking the Iranian nation."

The new development in Iran's long-rang strike capabilities comes a day after the Islamic regime began moving uranium fuel into the Bushehr reactor in preparation for activating the power plant.

"Ahmadinejad: Our response to attack would be worldwide"

As Iranian and Russian engineers began loading fuel into Iran's first nuclear power plant on Saturday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told Qatari newspaper Al-Shark that if the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities were attacked, the response from Teheran would be "worldwide" in its scope.

Iran's hard-liners consider the completion of the plant to be a show of defiance against UN Security Council sanctions that seek to slow Iran's nuclear advances.

Hard-line leader Hamid Reza Taraqi said the launch will boost Iran's international standing and "will show the failure of all sanctions" against Iran.

Iran says it plans to build other reactors and says designs for a second rector in southwestern Iran are taking shape.

"Iran hopes Russia's next step be delivery of S-300 missiles system"

Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi hailed Russia's move on Bushehr nuclear plant fuelling and expressed hope Russia's next step would be the delivery of S-300 missile system to Iran, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported on Saturday.

Russia's move ensured Iranians that it abides by its commitments and public opinion in Iran, he said, adding that " Russia (should) implement its obligations on S-300 missile system as well."

"Al-Qaida prepares for Israel-Iran war"

Al-Qaida is ready to exploit a war "by the Jews against Iran," the Sunni group's second-in-command in Yemen, Saeed al-Shehri, said in an audio message this month, according to the Daily Beast.

According to the Daily Beast, Al-Qaida would benefit from an Israel-Iran war because if Israel attacked Iran's nuclear installations, Iran would use its proxies to lash back at Americans in the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

This story is a long way from being over. Israel can still attack the nuclear facilities in Iran; the clock hasn't stopped on this potential action.

More importantly, we see the ongoing alliance between Iran and Russia (and don't forget Turkey) - all sworn enemies of Israel - strengthening by the day. Exactly as foretold approximately 2,500 years ago by God's prophets, namely Ezekiel and Zechariah.

The build-up for this future war continues. Iranian president Ahmadinejad has made his intentions crystal clear - He intends to destroy Israel and, in turn, hasten the return of the Mahdi, so that the world can finally be brought under Sharia Law. But Israel must be dealt with first.

Everything that we are seeing in the Middle-East today - Hezbollah and Lebanon arming up. Syria and their rhetoric against Israel with their stockpiling of Chemical tipped missiles. Hamas and their missile build-up. Turkey and their alliance with both Russia and Iran. Egypt and Northern Africa with it's growing domination by radical Islam, also sworn to destroy Israel. Russia arming elements of Radical Islam via Syria and Iran.

All of this is being done for ONE CENTRAL PURPOSE: TO DESTROY ISRAEL.

That is the purpose of the arms build-up, the lies and manipulation of the UN and the international media. That is the purpose of the forming alliances in the region. That is the purpose of Iran's nuclear reactor and means to nuclear weapons. That is the purpose of the so-called "peace plan". That is the purpose of attempts to divide Israel.

Almost everything that we observe in the Middle East today is being done for that single goal - DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL.

Exactly as foretold in our Holy Bible.

And to enable this effort - the U.S. and the rest of the UN pretends that this won't happen. The U.S. does everything in it's power to aid and assist Israel's enemies - and there will be a heavy price to pay for this - a price that hasn't been paid yet, but will.

Because God is true to His word, and He has made it clear that He will deal with countries that oppose and attempt to divide Israel.

As stated:

"The day of the Lord is near for all nations.
As you have done, it will be done to you:
your deeds will return upon your own head" (Obadiah 1:15)

"I will bless those who bless you (Israel)
and whoever curses you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3)

On that day, when all nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.
All who try to move it will injure themselves" (Zechariah 12:3)


After paving the way for Iran's nuclear reactors to get up and running - the U.S. now turns to the ever-present push for "peace".
Lets look at some key quotes and see how things line up with God's warnings:

"Clinton announces Israel-PA talks"

Clinton told a press conference in Washington that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas had been invited to the US capital in September 2 to officially relaunch direct talks, and that she believed the negotiations on a final status peace agreement could be "completed within a year."

Abbas' top aides sought to reassure his Palestinian critics by insisting that if Israel continued building new Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria (the so-called "West Bank"), Abbas would pull out of the talks. The threat included Jewish housing projects on the eastern side of Jerusalem, which, despite being home to hundreds of thousands of Israeli Jews, the Palestinians claim as their capital.

"Even if Israel builds one house in the settlements," the negotiations will come to an end, declared Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member Hanna Amireh.

"Talks to Resume: US Wants Deal in One Year"

PA officials saying that they would not participate in the talks if the building freeze in Judea and Samaria was not extended, while the Netanyahu government has pledged numerous times not to extend the freeze when it expires in late September.

"New bid for peace to start on Sept 2"

The official’s comments came a day after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians were set to commence at the beginning of September. She said that the US believed these negotiations, aimed at resolving all final status issues, “can be completed within a year.” Clinton said she had invited Netanyahu and PA President Mahmoud Abbas to Washington on September 2 to meet and relaunch the direct negotiations.

Netanyahu and Abbas are expected to first meet separately with US President Barack Obama on September 1, when Obama will also hold bilateral meetings with King Abdullah of Jordan and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, topped off by a dinner for all five leaders that night.

The Mideast Quartet of the US, UN, EU and Russia, however, issued a statement on Friday that included some of the framework sought by the Palestinians.

In endorsing direct talks, the Quartet expressed support for “the pursuit of a just, lasting and comprehensive regional peace as envisaged in the Madrid terms of reference, Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.”

Those documents are filled with configurations that Israel has objected to. While Jerusalem embraced Clinton’s announcement, it has remained silent on the Quartet statement, with which it has reservations.

The U.S. is already on record as agreeing with the "Palestinians" on the "pre-1967" borders which would force Israel to divide their country (via the "land bridge" between Gaza and the West Bank) and divide or even give up Jerusalem completely.

God has expressly warned against such actions. This is unambiguous. These "peace talks", which begin soon, will solidify these actions by the U.S. in God's eyes. We will not escape God's judgment for this action. Period. God is true to His word EVERY TIME.

It is also interesting to continue seeing the "one-year" time frame proposed. The U.S. administration keeps stating that Iran is one year from having nuclear weapons and a peace-plan can be agreed in a one-year time frame.

Obviously the U.S. administration sees these two actions as linked: In the administration's naivety and vast ignorance, it seems apparent that they believe an agreed "peace plan", once implemented - will make Iran happy and suddenly (resulting from the peace plan) Iran will stop their war build-up and fall in love with Israel. That seems to be the current plan.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Please come quickly Lord.

More news...

There is just too much pertinent news for one post (see below for update on Iran). Here are some more miscellaneous articles of interest today:


"Time's Up on the Middle East Powder Keg?"

Looking at the Drudge headlines over the last hour makes it clear that war is brewing on the near horizon in the Middle East. The headlines read like a road map to war rather than any sort of road map to peace like Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is hoping for next month.

This week's developments leave the watchman on the wall with no doubt that events are converging to an all out war in the Middle East that is sure to rock the global economy, send the price of oil sky-rocketing, potentially ignite a swarm of suicide bombings within the United States, and usher in World War III.

As if they had any chance of working, UN sanctions against the Islamic regime proved meaningless as they have from the beginning. Now Western nations find themselves in a greater predicament as Iran has continued its uranium enrichment and plans to build 10 more nuclear reactors in Iranian mountain regions.

A day after the United States "persuades" Israel that Iran's nuclear threat is not imminent (as an effort to postpone and Israeli preemptive strike against Iran's nuclear reactors) and a day before Iran goes nuclear, the Iranian military boasts a test launch of a surface-to-surface missile: Iran broadcasts missile launch on state television. At the end of the video chants of "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) can be heard, and what's more, the side of the Qiam missile was tattooed with the inscription "Ya Mahdi", which is a reference to Shia Islam's end-time savior. It should be noted that Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadenijad believes it is his divine mission to usher in the "12th Imam" by starting the apocalypse.

One thing is clear: there will not be peace in the Middle East this side of Christ's return. All things considered, a war seems nearly imminent whether it starts between Israel and her immediate neighbors or Israel and Iran. Either case, it will be a regional war to include all of these countries including Syria with its advanced chemical warfare program.

Scripture says Russia will eventually lead a coalition that will come against Israel only to be utterly destroyed by the hand of God. Preempting the Russian-led war coalition, we could very well see the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 which may be the result of a Israeli nuclear strike against the Syrian capital of Damascus for a potential WMD attack against Israeli cities. Whether these recent events will tip the first domino is yet to be determined, but there can be no doubt that this is a "rumor of war" that very well could lead to a war that will surely thrust us into the beginning of sorrows

"Lebanese army, Hezbollah appear closer"

Whether or not recent events have really helped to bridge the gaps that have separated the Lebanese military and Hezbollah remains to be seen, but Israel is now eyeing its northern border with a renewed sense of vigilance with the prospect of squaring off against a seemingly more unified enemy.

In the category of "Pestilences" we see the following:

"WHO calls for monitoring of new superbug"

The World Health Organisation on Friday called on health authorities around the globe to monitor a multi-drug resistant superbug that surfaced in South Asia and spread to Britain.

The WHO said research published in The Lancet medical journal on August 11 identified a new gene that enables some types of bacteria to be highly resistant to almost all antibiotics.

It underlined that the whole health care chain, including patients, hospitals, governments, laboratories, pharmaceutical firms and vetenarians, had "to be alert to the problem of antimicrobial resistance and take appropriate action."

Multi-drug resistant bacteria generally "constitute a growing and global public health problem," the UN health agency noted.

Indian doctors warned earlier this year about the threat from a new multi-drug resistant superbug known as NDM-1 -- months before the British study -- warning that it could spread worldwide with patients.

The Lancet study said plastic surgery patients had carried a new class of superbug from South Asia to Britain.

At least there is something uplifting in the news - a story that the MSM won't get near. This article is certainly worth reading in full; here are a few quotes:

"Jesus lives on in Jerusalem"

Some 15,000 Messianic Jews currently live in Israel, but if you saw one on the street you would almost certainly fail to recognize any difference. They honor Jewish circumcision, bar-mitzvah, and wedding ceremonies, but believe Jesus is the messiah.

The small community of Yad Hashmona, near Jerusalem, is home to a number of Messianic-Jewish families. They believe in Jesus – or Yeshua, as they call him – and in the teachings of the New Testament as well as the old. They are Jews in every sense, but for the most part keep this side of their faith to themselves. When these families gather for the Shabbat meal, however, Jesus is the guest star at their table.

Around 350,000 Messianic Jews live in the US, and one would be just as hard-pressed to recognize them there as in Israel. Some are Orthodox, and dress as the haredim do, while others are traditional and wear a yarmulke or no religious symbol at all. They are for the most part Zionists, and see IDF service as a top priority.

In Interter's eyes, the prophecy of the messiah came true in 1967, with the Jewish conquering of Jerusalem. "The New Testament talks about the destruction of the temple, a long exile, and finally the return to Zion, and that is exactly what happened," he explains. This may seem a political view to some, but Interter rejects this. "We have no political view," he says. "But we read the Bible and see Jerusalem as our sacred city." This perception leads inevitably to Zionism, and Interter's sons are products of this, having all served in elite army units.

Living in this "biblical age" is fascinating - we are witnesses to His plan - in these last days - being carried out exactly according to plan. Everything we see and observe on a daily basis is coming together and nothing that we see is happening outside of that plan. God is watching over everything happening and He has a perfect plan which is being conducted.

During times like this, I always find Psalm 33 comforting and reassuring:


"The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of His heart through all generations.

From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind;
from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth -

No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,

We wait in hope for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.

In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,
even as we put our hope in You."

Amen.

In the news: Iran

First up: Iran's nuclear reactor

"Iran prepares to start up first nuclear reactor"

Nationwide celebrations are planned for the fuel loading at the Bushehr facility in southern Iran, while Russia pledges to safeguard the plant and prevent spent nuclear fuel from being shifted to a possible weapons program.

What concerns America and others — including Russia — is Iran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment, a process that can be used to make fuel for nuclear arms.

Of greater concern to the West, however, are Iran's stated plans to build 10 new uranium enrichment sites inside protected mountain strongholds. Iran said recently it will begin construction on the first one in March in defiance of the U.N. sanctions

"Iran begins loading Bushehr nuclear reactor"

Iran has begun loading fuel into its first nuclear power station in a ceremony attended by Russian officials.

"Despite all pressure, sanctions and hardships imposed by western nations, we are now witnessing the startup of the largest symbol of Iran's peaceful nuclear activities," Iranian nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi told journalists at the plant.

The BBC's Jon Leyne says Iranian officials have promoted Saturday's launch as a victory for the Islamic republic against its enemies. Nationwide celebrations are planned to mark the event.

"After years of delays, Iran begins fueling first nuclear reactor with Russian help"

Washington and other nations do not oppose Iran's stated aim of producing nuclear energy, but are concerned that if Iran masters the enrichment cycle it would have a pathway to weapons production under the convenient cover of a peaceful energy program. Iran denies such an intention.

It is the enrichment work that has been the target of four rounds of U.N. Security Council sanctions.

Of greater concern to the West, however, are Iran's stated plans to build 10 new uranium enrichment sites inside protected mountain strongholds. Iran said recently it will begin construction on the first one in March in defiance of the U.N. sanctions.

Iran is really feeling empowered right now - see what else they are up to right now:


"Iran Test Fires, Touts Advanced Surface-To-Surface Missile Day Ahead Of Nuclear Reactor Launch"

Nothing like a little geopolitical ruckus to spoil the fun...the fun. Xinhua reports that hours ago, and just a day before the Bushehr nuclear reactor is supposed to go online, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that Iran had test fired a surface-to-surface missile, Qiam, footage of which was shown on state television. Surely this fits well as a time slot segue from the recent clip showing mass graves prepared for Iran's "aggressors."

Iran's new surface-to-surface missile, Qiam, has been successfully test-fired, Vahidi said in Friday prayers in Tehran.

"Being a new class of Iranian missiles, Qiam has been equipped with new technical specifications and exceptional tactical powers, " Vahidi was quoted as saying.

One of the features of the missile is that "it does not have flippers and this provides it with higher tactical capabilities," the minister said.

Another feature of the missile is that the possibility of being targeted by other missiles is very low, Fars news agency quoted him as saying.

Vahidi did not specify the location and the time of the test.

Vahidi's remarks came a day before the country's Bushehr nuclear power plant operations startup.

More here:

"Iran broadcasts missile launch on state television"

Ahmad Vahidi’s announcement comes a day before Iran is scheduled to launch its Russian-built first nuclear power plant in the southern port city of Bushehr.

Television images showed the sand coloured Qiam (Rising) blasting into the air from a desert terrain, amid chants of “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest).

The words “Ya Mahdi” were written on the side of the missile, referring to Imam Mahdi, one of the 12 imams of Shiite Islam, who disappeared as a boy and whom the faithful believe will return one day to bring redemption to mankind.

“The missile has new technical aspects and has a unique tactical capacity,” he said on state television, adding that the device was of a “new class.”
“Since the surface-to-surface missile has no wings, it has lot of tactical power, which also reduces the chances of it being intercepted,” he said.

Also during government week, the production lines of two missile-carrying speedboats, Seraj (Lamp) and Zolfaqar (named after Shiite Imam Ali’s sword) are due to be inaugurated, while a long-range drone, Karar, is expected to be unveiled.

The firing of Qiam comes days after a top commander from the Revolutionary Guards said Iran will mass produce replicas of the Bladerunner 51, often described as the world’s fastest boat, and equip them with weapons to be deployed in the Gulf.

Obviously, from this article, one can see how much Iran's build-up for war is continuing. Unwittingly, they are preparing for the battle described in Ezekiel 38-39. We are watching Iran, in all of their boldness and now, newfound cockiness - prepare to march directly into their destruction.

Ezekiel's description of subsequent events (subsequent to their ongoing build-up to war) is quite clear. Iran, along with Russia and Turkey and the northern African states have no idea the massive destruction that is coming their way. It's God's will and His plan and it will happen exactly as the Bible has described.

God is firmly in control and His plan is being carried out exactly as He directs.

That is always worth remembering.

More Rumors of War

Rumors of war. I can't recall seeing a time quite like this in the past - the rumors of war are at an all time high right now:

"Exclusive: Al Qaeda Plans for Israel War"

The terror group's arm in Yemen is ordering jihadists across the region to ready themselves for a war "by the Jews against Iran" that will spread across the globe, according to a new audio message. Bruce Riedel on the assassinations al Qaeda is plotting to exploit the conflict—and the new threats against America.

Al Qaeda is warning its supporters and sympathizers to prepare for a new war in the Middle East, which it says will pit Israel against Iran. Al Qaeda’s franchise in Yemen, the self-styled al Qaeda in the Arabian Pennisula (AQAP), issued an audio message this month with a lecture by its second-in-command Saeed al Shehri in which he tells jihadists in the Middle East that “what is expected is for the war to begin by the Jews against Iran.”

So why does al Qaeda want another war? Because it calculates an Israeli strike on Iran will prompt Iran to strike back against not only Israel but also the United States. Iran will attack American installations in the Gulf, encourage its proxies in Iraq and Afghanistan to attack Americans, and engage in a global terror campaign.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah will start another war, raining missiles down on northern Israeli cities and towns and provoking Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and maybe even into Syria. Iran might even try to close the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt the global energy market. All this chaos and violence will make America even more unpopular in the Islamic world and open doors for al Qaeda to exploit. In this they are right, another war will be blamed on America rightly or wrongly. Shehri and his boss, Osama bin Laden, probably don’t really know if another war is in the making but they are almost certainly right that if it comes it will be good news for al Qaeda.

Interesting - the following article actually uses the biblical phrase "rumors of war":

"Russia fueling launch of Iran's first nuclear plant and rumors of war"

On October 26, 2005, speaking at the 'World without Zionism' conference in Tehran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad revealed an evil intention when he sparked fears of a nuclear attack on Israel by threatening to wipe the Jewish state off the map; erasing it from the pages of time. He repeated that caustic threat against Israel on June 2, 2008 in a public address that was televised on Iranian news saying, "Thanks to God, your wish will soon be realized, and this germ of corruption will be wiped off the face of the world". He has also compared Israel to a "dried, rotten tree that will collapse with a single storm."

These 'words' reveal what he, and the followers of this regime wish to happen to Israel: a quick death; for it to disappear. Israel is not the only one targeted in these hateful rants, this genocidal regime running Iran also wishes sudden destruction upon the 'Zionist'/Judeo-Christian based and free United States as well, calling it the 'Great Satan', and labeling Israel, 'Little Satan.' The consistent genocidal threats by this tryannical, holocaust denying, cultic regime have been many and documented, but outside of Israel, Iran's 'intentions' are still being questioned by many of the world powers.

Now the article gets interesting.

This rising Russian-Iranian alliance was foretold by the Prophet Ezekiel over 2500 years ago, and it is by No coincidence that in this day, Russia (Magog) and Iran (Persia), are connected together in so many ways (energy,weapons,SCO,Hamas etc.) It is quite amazing to witness all these nations aligning as prophesied, thousands of years ago.

In Ezekiel Chapter 38, the Prophet foretold that in the last days there would be a Russian-led alliance of Islamic nations, and most scholars agree in general with the nations named in this event led by Gog, a Czar -type /evil dictator:

Magog is Russia,
Persia is Iran,
Beth-Togarmah is Armenia/Islamic former republic of Soviet Union
Meshech and Tubal are areas in Turkey
Gomer area in Turkey
Libya, also written as 'Put' in some Bibles
Cush is (Southern)Sudan/Ethiopia region
"the many peoples with you" who will attack along "mountains of Israel" Lebanon, (Possibly Syria, and Jordan)

This coalition of nations will launch an attack against Israel, and Ezekiel warns that Gog comes for the purpose of 'taking a spoil'. It is very probable that the spoil Russia comes for is the oil and natural gas that Israel has just discovered. The current fires in Russia, affecting some of their own resources and costing millions, perhaps could play a motivating role in the 'thirst' for the spoil. At this time there are already rumors of war over these fields.


The "War of Gog and Magog," was not possible before 1948, before Israel was rebirthed as a nation, and the prophecies of Ezekiel 36, and 37 were fulfilled, and continue to be - as the Jewish people are still being led to make aliyah, making their way home to Israel. Only time will tell when this attack will occur, but the events lining up in the Middle East certainly point to its coming fulfillment. Many scholars think according to scripture, that it is probable this invasion will occur just prior to, or soon after, the beginning of the time of Jacob's Trouble, the 7 years of Tribulation.

It will be a supernatural event in which God Himself will intervene to quell this doomed invasion of Israel - when He sanctifies His Holy Name, defends His People, His Land, and opens many eyes to Himself, with nations witnessing this and knowing that God has done it!


As these particular nations align with each other, strenghthening ties, and Israel becomes further isolated on the world scene, ( as prophesied Zechariah 12 1-3, Psalm 83) and antisemitism rages around the world,in Psalm 122 it is written to, 'Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem'. Genesis 12 1-3 is also a strong truth that has never been revoked, and we are to Bless Israel, those who do, will be blessed. God unlike man, does not lie, and while replacement theology is prevalent in many churches, and the world rages at Israel for unjust reasons, it is important to note that it is also written that those who curse Israel, will be cursed.

And the conclusion to this article is appropriately dramatic:

The Middle East conflict goes beyond flesh and blood, it is a deeply rooted spirtitual battle, and because of this truth, it can only be won in the spiritual realm, and that is why, there will be a rapture of the church, a time of judgment on earth, a redemption of Israel, and a destroying of the Antichrist and his false prophet at the end at the time of Armegeddon, before the LORD sets up His Righteous Kingdom and rules from Jerusalem! God will solve this conflict between the descendants, of Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham - where the root of it began.

At the same time, the many people in the surrounding nations in the Mideast, and those who think this attack will be a good thing, need prayer for God's mercy and salvation to reach them, The LORD God through His son Jesus Christ, He is real Hope, His gift is Life Everlasting, and He is Faithful and True. Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved. He is Merciful to all those who call upon Him , who call on His name in Truth. Psalm 145, John 3:16-17.

More rumors of war:


"If military threats materialized nation's counter-attacks not merely regional"

Focusing on US military threats, Ayatollah S. A. Khameneie said here Wednesday, “Their resorting to such foolish option is a remote possibility, but if so, Iranians counter-attack will not be merely regional, but covering a vaster scene."

And this:

"Steinitz demands ultimatum for Iran"

Raising the stakes: Finance minister says America must warn Tehran of military strike within weeks; ‘Time has come for whole world, under US leadership, to present Iran with unequivocal ultimatum,’ he says

In the first such statement by a Cabinet member, Steinitz said: "The US must issue a clear ultimatum to Iran, tell it that if it does not change its behavior within weeks, the military option that has been on the table up until now will become relevant."

He also disputed claims by the by former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton, who said Israel has "days" to attack Iran before Russia fuels its Bushehr nuclear facility.

"Bushehr is only one reactor, and not necessarily the most significant one in respect to the nuclear issue. However, Iran's progress in enriching (uranium) and its aspirations for nuclear weapons continue and must be stopped," the finance minister said.

It is hard to imagine that the "lid" can be kept on this boiling pot much longer. The tensions and the rhetoric seem to increase daily, and the discussions (aka "rumors") of war are escalating on a daily basis.

It is becoming obvious that Israel will not strike the nuclear facilities before Saturday as many had speculated. I believe that Iran has been baiting Israel to attack; that way they could achieve their ambition to attack Israel, but under this scenario, they could attack and still be considered as the victim - a perfect situation for their needs. The question then becomes, "what will Iran do if Israel does not attack?"

They have several options. They could use their proxies (Hezbullah, Hamas, Syria, etc.) to launch a regional war and enter the conflict that way. They could also wait until they actually possess a nuclear weapon and simply attempt to destroy Israel with such weapon(s).

Either way, Israel is firmly in the bulls eye of radical Islam which completely surrounds Israel (exactly as Zechariah predicted).

It's just a matter of time - but in this case, only God's perfect timing will determine when the conflicts will begin.

And when they do begin, we're in for quite a ride.