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"Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:
for the time is at hand." - Rev 22:10 

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Wars and rumours of wars
IDF won't distinguish PA from terrorists
31/3/06
The Israeli Defence Force have given orders for soldiers not to distinguish between Palestinian Authority security personnel and potential terrorists. The orders follows yesterday's Palestinian suicide bombing, in which four Israelis lost their lives. An elderly couple and a young girl were blown to pieces when they unwittingly gave a ride to a terrorist dressed as an Orthodox Jew. The attack was justified by the Palestinian Authority as a "natural response to Israeli crimes". I didn't notice one word of condemnation for this justification of terror from the press or world leaders in the news. 

Quote: ""A government that engraves on its flag the idea of continuing terror and does not order the security forces it is responsible for to fight terror is accountable for this attack and every other attack that will come out of the Palestinian territories," Israeli Defence Minister Mofaz said. "Israel will not allow such attacks and will respond strongly." 

The Lebanese President has declared his intention to fight against Israel over Shebaa Farms, and also recently praised Hizbullah for their reign of terror in Northern Israel. Syria is the moral and financial backer of several Jihad groups operating in Israel. As does Iran, and of course President Ahmedinejad has declared his intention to wipe Israel off the map. And now the Palestinian Authority, under the leadership of Hamas, is committed to the destruction of Israel. All this causes me to believe full scale war is not very far away. 

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
A great shaking in the land
31/3/06
America is planning to test a new 700 tonne explosive device in the Nevada desert, that may send a mushroom cloud over the city of Las Vegas. The conventional warhead is being tested as part of America's arsenal to be used against any future strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. The device will be detonated in the first week of June.

Quote: ""I don't want to sound glib here but it is the first time in Nevada that you'll see a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas since we stopped testing nuclear weapons," said James Tegnelia, head of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Tegnelia said the test was part of a US effort to develop weapons capable of destroying deeply buried bunkers housing nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. "We have several very large penetrators we're developing," he told defense reporters. "We also have -- are you ready for this - a 700-tonne explosively formed charge that we're going to be putting in a tunnel in Nevada," he said. "And that represents to us the largest single explosive that we could imagine doing conventionally to solve that problem," he said.

The release of this news has clearly been timed to coincide with Iran's refusal to co-operate with the new UN Security Council resolution. And already there is a "great shaking in the land" of Iran, not from a missile strike, but from a series of devastating earthquakes. So far around 66 bodies have been discovered, but the full impact of the quake will not be known for several days. 

Quote: "Iranian television showed brick houses flattened, with bent iron girders poking out, and mud buildings reduced to mounds of dust. An earth mover lifted broken masonry from one building, while residents scrabbled through rubble with their bare hands. Barani said 330 villages in the area were severely damaged. But strong tremors on Thursday night might have helped keep the toll down because many had left their homes and taken to the streets well before the big earthquake hit on Friday morning.

Iran was hit by an earthquake on the 26th of December, 2003, which wiped out the city of Bam, killing over 30,000 people. Exactly one year later to the day, the greatest earthquake the world has ever seen hit Indonesia, killing 250,000 and causing the earth to wobble on its axis.

Ezekiel 38:18-20
And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, [that] my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy [and] in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that [are] upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.

Source Breitbart, Reuters

Revived Roman Empire
EPP: EU Constitution is a "holy text"
31/3/06
This link from my friend Steven

A German MEP, Hans-Gert Poettering of the European People's Party, has said in an audience with the Pope that the EU Constitution is a "holy text", and the Catholic Church should do its utmost to uphold the treaty. The EU Constitution was written by Giscard d'Estaing, French Freemason and secular humanist. The Catholic Church previously criticized the document, which unlike the US Constitution, makes no reference to God or Christianity, and contains only a vague reference to the EU's "humanistic roots" in its preamble.

Quote: "“[We] fought for a reference to God in the European constitution. Although we were not successful, we are proud of having done so. The final text does embody essential Christian values,” said Poettering. “Whatever the outcome, the EPP group as an advocate of Judaeo-Christian values, is determined about the spiritual and moral dimension of the European project. Encouragement by your holiness for this aim is vitally important.Poettering argues that in an era shaped by the fear of a clash between the west and Islam, religious politicians play a key role. “Through initiatives with states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the group aims for new relationships, for which Christians and Muslims can be privileged partners as believers,” he said.

As I suggested a few months ago, the publication of the Mohammed cartoons which sparked violent protests by Muslims around the world, and increased fears of a "clash of civilizations", may become a key factor in the revival of the EU Constitution. With the rise of Islamic extremism and an ever-growing European Union, many people are questioning what it actually means to be European. This new treaty may be launched as a measure to ensure all Europeans are "signed up" to Europe's principles and don't pose a threat to the Union.

Source EUPolitix

Wars and rumours of wars
Hamas justify suicide bombing in the West Bank
31/3/06
A Palestinian suicide bomber, disguised as an Orthodox Jew, has killed at least three Israelis in a horrific attack in Kedumim, in the West Bank. The Palestinian suicide bomber had hitched a ride with the Israelis, and detonated his bomb inside the car. President Mahmoud Abbas' Al-Aqsa Martyrs brigade claimed responsibility for the attack, which was justified by Hamas as a "natural response to Israeli crimes".

Quote: "Israeli spokesman David Baker blamed the Palestinian Authority for the bombing. "The Palestinians refused to lift a finger to prevent terror attacks against Israelis, and we saw the results tonight." But Hamas MP Mushir al Masri said Israel's policies invited attacks. "It was a natural response to the Israeli crimes, to the continued Israeli killing, incursions and arrests," he said. "Our Palestinian people have the right to defend themselves."

It's sad that these types of attacks are already being carried out, only days after Hamas and Kadima took up the reins of power in the Middle East. The next four years may be characterised by extreme hardship for ordinary Israelis. They will be slaughtered on the one hand by a terrorist government that is pledged to the destruction of Israel, and forcibly evicted from their homes by their own government in future disengagements. As Israeli politicians judge between their citizens, whether they live on the East or West side of the peace wall, so God will also judge them for their actions.

Ezekiel 34:20-23
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, [even] I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

The One Shepherd of course speaks of the Messiah, who is of the lineage of David, Yeshua HaMashiach.

Source BBC

Wars and rumours of wars
UN Security Council publishes resolution on Iran
30/3/06 
After weeks of diplomatic wrangling, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council released their statement, calling on Iran to stop all Uranium enrichment. The ruling was not legally binding, and gave Iran 30 days before another IAEA report would be submitted to the council, followed by a binding resolution and possible sanctions. Iran has resolutely refused to halt the enrichment process, and had previously promised to resume full scale nuclear enrichment if it was referred to the UN Security Council. 

Quote: ""We will not, definitely, suspend again the enrichment," Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Aliasghar Soltaniyeh, told Reuters. Soltaniyeh spoke as six world powers were meeting in Berlin to discuss their next steps on Iran, with Russia and China seeking assurances that force would not be used.

Israeli intelligence experts stated that the end of March was the point of no return for the perfection of Iran's knowledge of nuclear weaponry. With China and Russia blocking military intervention, and Europe unwilling to loose trading partners, it will be up to America or Israel to sort this one out. Now that Israel has committed itself to the disengagement with or without Palestinian cooperation, the Jewish nation will be less concerned about offending the Muslims in any strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. But it looks like there will be trouble regardless of who hits Iran, with the Iranian Defence Minister promising to strike Western interests and Israel if any nation attacks. Wondering out loud here, I wonder what the chances of an Iranian attack during Purim next year are? With Islam viewing eclipses as a sign of the end of the world, and Jews preoccupied with celebrating their feast...

Source Reuters

Mark of the Beast
UK: Compulsory ID Cards by 2010
29/3/06
Well I said it would just be a matter of time, and tonight the House of Lords caved in to government pressure to bring in their compulsory identity card system. Four years from now, if the Labour party survives the next general election, every British citizen will be required by law to carry an RFID smart card. An optional card will be already available within a year or two, but by the year 2010, if you need to apply for a new passport you will also be required to apply for an identity card. The cards are expected to cost around £93 per person - that's on top of paying for a new biometric passport that the government is planning to release within the year. So your personal identity will already be stored on government computers, whether you apply for the ID card or not. 

Quote: "The upper chamber of Parliament agreed to a compromise plan that would allow people applying for new passports to opt out of applying for an ID card until 2010. The Lords had sought an entirely voluntary system. Blair wanted to make it mandatory.

The government expects this scheme to cost a whopping 5 billion pounds, but what they won't tell you is what will happen when cards get stolen or lost. And will it be compulsory to carry your card on your person at all times, if not what purpose does it serve? It will be much cheaper to manufacture RFID implants that it will cards, and the implants will solve even more security and fraud problems than the government could ever dream of. The mark is coming. It may be 5 or 10 years away, but it's coming.

Revelation 13:16-17
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 

Source Bloomberg

Signs in the sun, moon and stars
Eclipse, Islam and the end times
29/3/06
My friend Adam sent me this link regarding Islam's interpretation of the eclipse. I'm not an expert on the Qur'an by any means, but Islam also believes that total solar eclipse are to be interpreted as a sign that that the "world is coming to an end". As Adam says, Islam is closely linked with the worship of the moon. Muslims once worshipped around 365 gods. Islam is a mixture of several religions. Mohammed was heavily influenced by Christianity and Judaism, and one of his reforms was to get rid of all the many gods Muslims worshipped, except one - the moon god, Allah. That is why you will see the crescent moon at the top of mosques, although Muslims no longer believe Allah is the moon God but have since transformed him into a deity. Some Western politicians believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, although I think we all know that cannot be true. The belief in one God was not the only thing Mohammed borrowed from Christianity, he also borrowed the belief in an Antichrist, the belief a prophet who will reign in Jerusalem for seven years during a time of great trouble, and the belief that signs in the sun and moon would spell the end of history as we know it.

Quote: "Solar and lunar eclipses are reminders of the Day of Judgment, when the sun, moon, and stars will all lose their light. [When the sight is dazed, and the moon is buried in darkness, and the sun and moon are joined together: Man will say on that day, ‘Where is the refuge?’] (Al-Qiyamah 75: 7-10)

Source Islam Online

Mark of the Beast
UK: Blair tries to pass ID card legislation again
29/3/06
The House of Lords has again rejected the latest Labour government's proposals to introduce a compulsory ID card scheme for British citizens. The legislation to introduce national identity cards was rejected by the Lords just last month. The Labour government had tried to make it mandatory for Britons renewing their passports to also apply for a national ID card, but the Lords rejected that measure as an attempt to bring in a compulsory system through the back door. I wouldn't put it past Tony Blair to do that either, knowing all that he has done here in Northern Ireland. His government recently tried to legalize prostitution in this country, pretending he was concerned for the safety of those girls having to walk the streets at night.

Quote: "Blair's Labour government has had plans to introduce ID cards for some time. In its manifesto for last year's election it said it was committed to introducing them during this parliament, "initially on a voluntary basis". Since then, it has proposed to link the scheme to passport applications. That means anyone who applies for a passport would automatically have their details added to the ID card database. The Lords say that is a betrayal of Labour's promise to make the scheme voluntary and are pushing for a delay in the compulsory element of the scheme until 2011.

Unfortunately it looks like it's just a matter of time before the UK has a compulsory ID card system in place. The best we can do is hold it off for another few years. My friend Adam sent me the following link about this whole "security" scenario. It's written by a Christian who is very concerned about the ever-encroaching RFID technology in today's society.

Quote: "Some in Europe are proposing an RFID Personal ID Card that can be scanned like a credit card. Next will be an implant to replace the card. Ever heard of the coming cashless society? It could be closer than you think. Microchip implants could take the place of currency, checks, and even credit cards leaving some people, particularly Christians very nervous. Why do this leave Christians nervous you ask? In the last book of the Bible, Revelation, we are told that the Anti-Christ who will appear before the end of the world will require a mark on the right hand or forehead of all before they can buy or sell. A microchip implant sounds very suspicious. Right now we know that these RFID chips are not mandatory, but what would keep future leaders from changing that? These RFID microchip implants are supposed to be pain free and safe, but the FDA has raised questions over the safety of these chips. Among the hazards were electrical shock, MRI incompatibility, and adverse tissue reaction. I can imagine that mostly minor health risks go along with this procedure, but I still would not want to be tagged like an animal and kept track of.

Source Reuters, The Conservative Voice

Signs in the sun, moon and stars
Today's eclipse shadows Libya, Turkey and Russia
29/3/06
People are gathering in their thousands from across the world, to watch the total solar eclipse that will pass over Libya today. The government is gearing up for a massive influx of foreigners, and hopes to use the occasion to boost its failing tourism industry. 

Quote: "The total eclipse begins at sunrise at the coast of Brazil and the moon’s shadow swiftly crosses the Atlantic before making its a landfall at the Ivory Coast / Ghana border. The path of totality then curves through Togo and Benin, before entering Nigeria. Exiting that country, the path crosses central Niger, gaining in duration all the time before sweeping across the north-western tip of Chad. Maximum Eclipse of 4m 07s is reached just across the Libyan border, and the umbra leaves land again at the border of Egypt and Libya. After crossing the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey is swiftly crossed and then Russia, where the moon’s shadow leaves earth at local sunset. 

Although the eclipse can be viewed from most countries in the Middle East, only a few will see a total solar eclipse, and that list includes Libya, Turkey and Russia, all members of Gog's alliance. 

Genesis 1:14 
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 

The Bible teaches us that God not only created the sun and moon to give light for those dwelling on earth, to regulate earth's seasons and to mark the passing of time, but also for "signs". In fact "signs" is the first reason given for the creation of these heavenly bodies. So when Christians observe these astronomical events and attribute various meanings to them, it's not because we are superstitious but because God brings our attentions to significant events by the movement of the heavenly bodies. The timing of this eclipse is significant, coming on the day the Israeli and Palestinian governments both take up office. Jesus Christ said that during the last days there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations...

Luke 21:25 
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

This eclipse may be seen as a warning to the nations that will seek to come against Israel, as spoken of by the prophet Ezekiel (38-39). A friend Kari also states this eclipse occurred on the eve of the Jewish new year, Rosh Chodesh, and may be a sign for Israel for what will come to pass this year.

The last total eclipse to pass over the Middle East occurred on the 2nd of October, 2005, during the Jewish Feast of Trumpets. The next total lunar eclipse for the Middle East, due in March 2007, will be a warning for Israel for it will fall on the exact day the Jews are celebrating Purim, when God delivered them from their enemies.

Source Reuters, Africa Guide, Net Speed

Knowledge shall increase
Scientists fuse brain cells with chip
28/3/06
Researchers have found a way to fuse living brain cells with microchip technology. Dubbed the "neuro-chip", scientists took special proteins found in the brain and used them to attach neurons to a silicon chip, just a millimetre in size. Through these proteins, the neurons were able to receive and transmit electrical signals through the tiny transistors on the microchip. Scientists are hoping this technology could be used to solve neurological diseases, or create a new generation of super computers.

Quote: "To create the neuro-chip, researchers squeezed more than 16,000 electronic transistors and hundreds of capacitors onto a silicon chip just 1 millimetre square in size. They used special proteins found in the brain to glue brain cells, called neurons, onto the chip. However, the proteins acted as more than just a simple adhesive. "They also provided the link between ionic channels of the neurons and semiconductor material in a way that neural electrical signals could be passed to the silicon chip," said study team member Stefano Vassanelli from the University of Padua in Italy. 

British Telecom actually hoped to create a chip similar to this one, which could be implanted into a human being and used to record memories, effectively enabling people to live on in a microchip existence (that is, for those who don't believe in the existence of the soul). The US government also hoped to use the technology to create a super-army, by greatly enhancing human ability to store information. It's Frankenstein science, and as with every new technology, it will be used for good and evil. Daniel's prophecy that knowledge would increase in the last days is being fulfilled, and I believe God will not allow man to destroy himself with these terrible technologies. Judgement will come...

Genesis 11:5-6
And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

Source Live Science

Peace Process
Hamas government approved
28/3/06
Tuesday the 28th of March will be seen as a black day for Israeli politics, whatever party now wins the elections. Voter turnout is at an all time low, and Kadima is fearing a right wing backlash, which may force it into coalition with parties that are against its policy of further disengagements. And the reason being what happened today in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas government has been approved by the Palestinian Legislative Council, prompting cries of "Allahu Akbar", and pledges from the cabinet to continue the war against the Jewish state.  

Quote: "Chanting "Allah is Greatest" after the 71-to-36 vote, Hamas lawmakers hugged and kissed Ismail Haniyeh, their teary-eyed prime minister-designate who vowed to not to abandon the fight against Israel. "The Koran is our constitution, Jihad is our way, and death for the sake of Allah is our highest aspiration," Hamas lawmaker Hamed Bitawi said... Addressing Mariam Farhat, a newly-elected Hamas lawmaker whose three sons died fighting Israel, Haniyeh said: "This the fruit of the sacrifices by martyrs, including your sons. You've got to be proud of this day."

Sharon's disengagement plan has resulted in a terrible catastrophe for the Middle East. Israel has disobeyed two commands given by God, not to part His land (Leviticus 25:23), and not to seek the peace of their enemies (Deuteronomy 23:6). The fact that Hamas sees disengagement as the "fruit" of its terror campaign will only result in increased violence until the Palestinian flag is raised over Jerusalem. Olmert and the West have not realized this is not a political war, but spiritual, and Muslim terror groups will not be satisfied until Israel is destroyed.

Luke 19:41-44 
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Source Reuters

Peace process
Two Israelis die in polling day attack
28/3/06
Two Bedouin Shepherds were killed this morning by a Kassam rocket, on the morning Israel went to the elections. Security in Israel is at its highest level, in response to over 80 polling-day terror warnings that have been received by the IDF. Over 25,000 police are standing guard to ensure the safety of voters. 

Quote: "Two Israelis were killed by a Kassam rocket in an open area between Kibbutz Nahal Oz and the Karni crossing late Tuesday morning. The victims were Salaam Ziadin and Khalid, his 16-year-old son. The Kassam exploded among a group of Bedouin shepherds. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack, Israel Radio reported. The IDF was investigating the possibility that the rocket had not actually been fired on Tuesday, but was a stray ordnance that had somehow been triggered. Two other people on the scene - including a sister of the killed boy - were taken to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and being treated for shock.

Polls are predicting a downturn in popularity for the media-favourite, Kadima. Ex-Prime Minister Netanyahu warned voters yesterday while he visited the Wailing Wall in East Jerusalem that Kadima would divide city if they got into power.

Quote: ""Without a strong Likud, we will not have sovereignty in Jerusalem," Netanyahu told reporters at the site. "Only a strong Likud can maintain Jerusalem. Kadima and the Left will divide Jerusalem and once you start dividing, you never know where it's going to end. There is no way to safeguard Jerusalem without the nationalist camp and there is no nationalist camp without the Likud."

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

Mark of the Beast
US court adopts Fingerprint recognition technology
28/3/06
These links from my friend Adam, both in the same day :)

A US court in Georgia has become the first in the nation to install a new type of fingerprint recognition technology. Apparently this security device is not for criminals, but for those attending the court.

Quote: "Funded by the Department of Justice, the SecureScan II's non-contact imaging capabilities reduce the need for wanding and pat-down searches. While ignoring common items like coins, watches, and jewellery, the SecureScan II is sensitive enough to locate hidden razor blades and cell phones on its video image. View Systems Executive, Charlie Nelson, states, "We have installed a number of units in the Georgia courthouses. This is the first courthouse to use the fingerprint identification reader. The fingerprint reader matches the fingerprint on file identifying and authenticating the employee all in under three seconds."

But this technology has a downside. When thieves attempted to steal a new Mercedes S-Class car from a Malaysian man, which is equipped with fingerprint recognition technology, he lost more than just his car keys...

Quote: "The attackers forced Mr Kumaran to put his finger on the security panel to start the vehicle, bundled him into the back seat and drove off. But having stripped the car, the thieves became frustrated when they wanted to restart it. They found they again could not bypass the immobiliser, which needs the owner's fingerprint to disarm it. They stripped Mr Kumaran naked and left him by the side of the road - but not before cutting off the end of his index finger with a machete. 

Source MarketWire, BBC

Apostasy
Freed Iraqi hostages condemn Western policies
28/3/06
I thought it was strange when freed hostage, Norman Kember, stated his desire to go back to Iraq, even after being imprisoned for over 100 days by terrorists, who threatened to execute him unless the British government took its forces out of Iraq. But still, perhaps the man is genuinely devoted to the Iraqi people among whom he works. In a daring rescue attempt, involving the SAS and American forces, risking the lives of dozens of soldiers, Kember was finally freed. You would think that the Christian organization, Christian Peacemaker Teams, that was responsible for Mr Kember, would be eternally grateful for the government's efforts, and at least to those men and women who risked their lives for the three men. But instead the group criticized Western policy, called for the withdrawal of allied forces in Iraq, and offered not one word of thanks to the men and women that secured their release. All this prompted the Iraqi embassy in Toronto to call the CPT, "dupes for jihadism and fascism".

Quote: "The Iraqi embassy called CPT "wilfully ignorant" and "outrageous," and accused the Chicago-based group of being on the side of anti- democratic forces in Iraq. "The Christian Peacemaker Teams practises the kind of politics that automatically nominate them as dupes for jihadism and fascism," the embassy's statement said.

"Rachel Corrie" comes to mind, a British woman who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in a fool-hardy "humanitarian" mission to support the Palestinian cause in Gaza, and oppose the Israeli "occupation". It's just as well the government is committed to looking after its citizens abroad, and hopefully if more Britons go missing in Iraq the government will still work as hard towards their release, members of CPT or not. 

Quote: "Apparently CPT is not sufficiently Christian to believe in the virtue of gratitude. Nor is CPT’s commitment to "peacemaking" much broader than opposing U.S. foreign policy and denouncing Israel. A CPT statement expressed joy that three of its volunteers were "safely released" in Iraq. Of the British and U.S. warriors who "released" them, there is no mention. Just as oddly, the CPT statement refers obliquely to the murdered CPT volunteer Tom Fox, "whose body was found" two weeks ago, but avoids noting how Fox died: the self-proclaimed Iraqi "Swords of Righteousness Brigades" tortured and slaughtered Fox. CPT made no mention of this, while condemning the "illegal occupation of Iraq by Multinational Forces," which are the "root cause of the insecurity which led to this kidnapping and so much pain and suffering in Iraq."  

It is true what John Bunyan said in his book, Pilgrim's Progress. There are some people that make the very name of a Christian to stink in people's nostrils.

Source  Edmonton Journal, Front Page Mag

Peace process
Hamas calls on EU to intervene in Middle East
27/3/06
Terror group Hamas has called on the Quartet to discuss ways to end the conflict in the Middle East, in a top level meeting with the Palestinian Legislative Council. Just days before his government will officially be sworn in, Palestinian Prime Minister designate, Ismail Haniyeh, called specifically on the European Union to help end "occupation of Palestinian territories". In a devilish twist of logic, Haniyeh blamed the Jewish "occupation" for the destruction of the Palestinian "homeland", the aggressor presenting himself a victim of the circumstances they themselves created. Adolph Hitler couldn't have said it better.

Quote: ""I was hoping that our meeting would be in Jerusalem, the capital of our independent Palestinian state," Haniyeh told the PLC. "But under he current circumstances, the homeland is divided in a clear sign of the harshness and oppression of the occupation. The occupation is waging a bitter war against our people and against our democratic choice."

I thought it was particularly interesting that Hamas should call on the EU for help. For years Christians have been saying it will be the EU will be the ones that will help resolve this crisis, and that any American attempt to solve the problem will fail. Well now the Palestinians are calling on the EU - their biggest financial donor, to provide political assistance, no intervention, in this conflict. The EU is the only regional power that is respected enough by both sides to be able to broker some sort of deal. And all this is happening, just as Daniel states. Tomorrow will bring a new reality for the Middle East peace process, with the Israeli election results which will determine the course of the next four years. Whoever wins the election will find themselves making a deal with the devil himself.

Source Jerusalem Post

Mark of the Beast
EU to bring in European Driving Licence
27/3/06
The European Union is planning to introduce legislation to permit a standardized European Driving Licence within the next year. If the legislation is passed, a single smart card system will eventually replace the licence schemes of member states. Driving licences from member states are already recognized throughout Europe, but some countries systems are antiquated. Current driving licences will be phased out by 2012, to be replaced by this new scheme.

Quote: "The credit card-style licence, with photograph and possibly a microchip, will replace national versions. The EU hopes the scheme will help prevent fraud and improve security. Subject to final approval, national licences will be phased out between 2012 and 2032. The new ones will have to be replaced every 10 or 15 years.

Northern Ireland has one of the most up-to-date driving licence schemes in the continent, due to the terrorism situation here. We've had photographic ID for decades. It is good that other countries should be brought up to date, for the traffic system mainly in the East of the continent is horrendous. And it is good that fraud and security will be improved. Hopefully lives will be saved on our roads because of this legislation. But the fact that you will now be carrying a European Driving licence rather than a state licence reinforces the confirmation of Biblical prophecy, that we are now living in a European Federation with little or no sovereignty left of our own.

Here is more news regarding the rise and rise of the smart card system. This time from Australia. This link from my friend Andy...

Australia is planning to launch a new smart card system which will have a number of Medicare uses. The card, it is hoped, will prevent - you guessed it - fraud and ID theft. It will be used like a credit card, to enable the Australian Health Service to hand out benefits in a secure method, and will contain contact details and a photograph of the card holder, but no biometric data.

Quote: "Currently, Medicare cards contain only the person's name and Medicare number. "It's very different to a national ID card," a government source said. "The privacy protection for individuals is strong. "The threat to individuals today is identity theft. This would protect against that."

Source BBC, The Australian

Gog and Magog
Orange revolution in Ukraine turns red
27/3/06
This link from my friend James Chai

It seems Ukrainians are becoming disenchanted with the European Union, as the nation experiences as the country goes to the elections. Financial reforms which Victor Yuschenko had promised have failed to bear fruit, and with the recent surge in gas prices announced by the Russian federation seen as punitive measures for closer Ukrainian ties to Europe, the Ukraine is now drifting back towards its old Soviet master. Victor Yuschenko may have to agree to power sharing with his old political rival if he is to continue governing the country. The "Orange revolution", which Victor had hoped would spread across the globe, now has a distinct "red" tinge to it. With Chinese and Russian cooperation increasing, Moscow is pitting itself as a counter-balance to US dominance ahead of its invasion of the Middle East.

Quote: "Much of the wild optimism, generated by a revolution that turfed out Yanukovich and the Moscow-backed old guard, has evaporated amid slowing economic growth and infighting in the ranks of the leadership over corruption. Though now enjoying total freedom of expression, ordinary Ukrainians face unpredictable price hikes in basic foodstuffs.

Source MosNews

Persecution
Abdul to be freed
26/3/06
Sorry not a lot of news, I was very busy today.

The prosecutions' case against Abdul Rahman, a Muslim who now believes in Jesus Christ, will be thrown out of court according to an anonymous Afghan source. Abdul was arrested and charged with deserting Islam after his family handed him over to the authorities. Several family members have apparently testified that he is mentally unstable, a claim which Abdul denies, and the case may now be thrown out of court due to lack of evidence and gaps in Afghan law. Abdul, who has worked in Germany, may find himself exiled to a safe country, free from his persecutors - sorry "prosecutors", who sought to kill him for his faith.

Quote: "The official told The Associated Press that the case had been returned to the prosecutors for more investigation, but that in the meantime, Rahman would be released. "The court dismissed today the case against Abdul Rahman for a lack of information and a lot of legal gaps in the case," the official said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. "The decision about his release will be taken possibly tomorrow," added the official, who has been closely involved with the matter. "They don't have to keep him in jail while the attorney general is looking into the case."

I wouldn't blame Abdul if he had pretended to be mad. I wonder how I would have coped in the same situation. Remember how David escaped with his life from the Philistine king, by feigning himself to be mad (1st Samuel 21). But Abdul confessed Christ, and God has honoured him.

Source Jerusalem Post

Persecution
Afghan convert may be released
25/3/06
There is hope for Abdul tonight, the Afghan Christian who is under trial for converting from Islam. Both the US and the EU have sent messages to Afghanistan urging the Judge presiding over his case to show leniency, and protect Abdul's freedoms. They have received assurances from the Judge that Abdul will not be executed. But if the prosecution have their way, according to Islamic Sharia law Abdul must be executed. The Judge has sought for ways in which the case could be dropped, checking to see if Abdul was mentally capable of being tried. The Afghan President is also under pressure to solve the case. Pope Benedict has sent a letter to the Afghan President, urging him to grant a pardon and spare his life.

Quote: "Austria, current holders of the European Union's rotating presidency, said it would strive to protect Mr Rahman. "We will leave no stone unturned to protect the fundamental rights of Abdul Rahman and to save his life," Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said. Pope Benedict XVI has written to Mr Karzai, calling for clemency and appealing "for respect for human rights sanctioned in the preamble of the new Afghan constitution", the Italian Ansa news agency reported. The criticism has prompted the Afghan government to intervene in the matter.

The Catholic church in the past has had its own fair share of public executions for those who affirmed faith alone was enough for salvation. Perhaps they have seen the light, or perhaps in this world of political correctness it's no longer proper to burn people at the stake. But it's important to remember this is just one man, who has happened to catch the attention of the whole world because he is being tried in a country which was invaded by the West and is supposedly democratised. There are thousands of others like Abdul, in China, Vietnam, Saudi, India, Pakistan, among many others that routinely face beatings and death at the hands of those who believe they are doing God a service.

Source BBC

Peace process
Abbas: Peace within a year
25/3/06
This link from my friend Bud

President Abbas is weighing his options ahead the instalment of the Palestinian Authority government on March 28th. As President, he has power to disband the government, and will do so in the interests of the Palestinian people, he said in a letter to the newly elected leader of Hamas. But he probably will forgo that option for fear of causing a Palestinian civil war. But President Abbas has stated in a letter to Prime Minister designate Olmert, that he believes a peace deal with Israel could be done through the Palestinian Liberation Organization, bypassing Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Quote: "Olmert said he preferred to achieve this through negotiations, but will do it unilaterally if that fails. Abbas told Haaretz that Olmert's unilateral plan might bring a temporary truce, "but it will not bring you peace." Abbas said that he proposed to former Prime Minister Shimon Peres and to the Americans to open secret, back channel discussions to resolve the conflict. "I am convinced that within less than a year we will be able to sign an agreement," he said. 

The peace process over in Northern Ireland has been fraught with problems for the past decade. Because of Sinn Fein IRA's failure to disarm, it has been suggested that parties North and South could negotiate an agreement without the terrorist organization being involved. But as both governments state, no deal can be done without Sinn Fein IRA and unfortunately they are right. It has been often said that true peace only comes through righteousness and unfortunately in Ulster we don't have that luxury. There will never be true peace here until the IRA and other Loyalist terror groups disappear, and that will never happen. There is just too much money involved, terror has become profitable. And the government isn't willing to enforce the law. As a result a deal has to be done with the men of violence which is more profitable to them than the terrorism, and that's what has happened in Northern Ireland. As far as the Middle East goes, Israel and Abbas will be forced to do a deal with Hamas by the international community, which will bring a limited peace that will not last. 

Source Fox News

Gog and Magog
Libya officially joins Gog's alliance
24/3/06
Over the last few months I've been looking at what countries are making gestures towards recognizing the Hamas terror government, now installed in the Gaza Strip. So far, most of those nations mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy have pledged their support for Hamas, despite not only its refusal to recognize Israel, but its pledge to work towards its destruction. Moscow started the ball rolling, by inviting Hamas for talks. That was followed by Iran, with whom Hamas enjoys financial and moral support, Turkey - a bit of a surprise considering Turkey enjoys good relations with Israel, and Sudan. Today Libya's government became the last of those nations mentioned by name in Ezekiel's prophecy to officially recognize and pledge support to Israel's enemies.

Quote: "Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi pledged support for Palestinian militant group Hamas, which faces cuts in Western funding over its refusal to denounce violence against Israel, state news agency Jana said on Friday. The report came after Gaddafi met Hamas leader-in-exile Khaled Meshaal in Tripoli late on Thursday. Meshaal said this week his group will continue to fight Israel and told the United States its Middle East policy would fuel terrorism. Meshaal's visit to Libya is part of a tour of Arab states to drum up financial aid and political support for Hamas to head the Palestinian government. "The brother leader (Gaddafi) told Meshaal that Libya will continue its support for the Palestinian people and its just cause," Jana said.

Ezekiel 38:3-6
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (Russia): And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia (Iran), Ethiopia (Sudan), and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer (Turkey), and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.

What are the chances of this happening? That five distinct nations mentioned by name in a book over 2500 years ago, would be aligning themselves - as predicted against a nation called Israel, which for over 2000 years didn't even exist? God is real, and as Daniel states, the Most High rules in the kingdom of men (Daniel 4:17). If you don't have a personal relationship with God, then the Bible also predicts where you will spend your future, in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour today.

Source Reuters

Weather
Sea levels will rise 4m in 100 years
24/3/06
A new US study into global warming has warned if ice continues to melt at current rates, sea levels will rise by at least four metres within the next hundred years. Although their findings are based on inaccurate evolutionary models, using data from imaginary dates of 130,000 years ago, melting ice at the poles due to a combination of pollution and damage to the Ozone layer will cause significant problems for coastal cities in the near future. 

Quote: ""Greenland's glaciers deliver large quantities of fresh water to the oceans, so the implications for climate change are serious. We believe further warming of the climate is likely to accelerate the behaviour we've documented, said co-author Meredith Nettles at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in New York, US.

It's interesting, because water in the Bible is directly linked with the judgement of God. First we had Noah's flood, which destroyed a violent and corrupt world. Then God gave His promise that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood (but the heavens and earth are reserved unto fire). In addition to this, we have God's decree where he set the bounds of the tide, so that the land would not be destroyed.

Job 38:9-11 
When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed [place], and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

But the sea is also mentioned in the future judgements of God, to be executed during the tribulation period. Tsunamis aren't just freak mishaps. The same Man whom the "sea and waves obey", will also use the sea and the waves in the judgement of man's sin.

Luke 21:25 
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Revelation 18:21 
And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

But the sea must eventually give place to God's judgement on man's soul.

Revelation 20:13 
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

But praise God, when He has made all things new, there will be no more sea. A symbol of no more separation for those living on earth from their God, and a reminder that there will be no more judgement for sin and all its consequences has been dealt with forever. 

Revelation 21:1 
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Source BBC

Wars and rumours of wars
Iran orders attacks on Israel before elections
24/3/06
Security in Israel is being tightened up after it was revealed Iran has ordered Islamic terror groups operating in the Gaza Strip to carry out mass-casualty attacks before the Israeli elections next week. Israeli security is now at its highest level. Several suicide bombings have been foiled in this past week alone. Public opinion could be significantly affected should any major atrocities occur, and could alter the outcome of the elections. Kadima's Olmert recently stated only parties agreeing to the disengagement from the West Bank could join his party in government, and few parties are willing to cede more territory to a government that refuses to recognize Israel.

Quote: ""The Tehran regime is looking to disrupt the election process and deteriorate the security situation to distract international attention from the pressure over its nuclear program," a senior security official said. Officials say Iran has instructed the Islamic Jihad and West Bank cells of the Fatah-linked Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror groups to infiltrate immediately an Israeli city and carry out a mass-casualty attack.

Source WorldNetDaily

Persecution
US, EU up pressure on Afghanistan trial
23/3/06
Now for some good news. The US and the EU are now applying diplomatic pressure on Afghanistan to release Abdul, once a Muslim, who is on trial for becoming a Christian 16 years ago. Abdul was handed over to the Afghan authorities by his own family, upon whom they believe he has brought dishonour. Afghanistan is ruled by Islamic Sharia law, even though its new constitution enjoins it to protect the freedom of minorities. If convicted Abdul could face the death penalty. His Muslim captors believe Abdul should be killed even if the court, which some believe is seeking a way to drop the case, refuses to convict him.

Quote: "Senior Muslim clerics said Thursday that Rahman must be executed and if the government caves into Western pressure and frees him they will incite people to "pull him into pieces." Four senior clerics interviewed by The Associated Press in their mosques in Kabul agreed Rahman deserved to be killed for his conversion. "He is not crazy. He went in front of the media and confessed to being a Christian," said Hamidullah, chief cleric at Haji Yacob Mosque. "The government is scared of the international community. But the people will kill him if he is freed."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair believes these Muslims are not true Muslims, because they are willing to kill for their religion. This is the side of Islam that Tony doesn't want you to see, and with 40% of UK Muslims in favour of bringing the law that convicted this man into parts of Britain, you can say goodbye to religious freedom in this country. Thankfully true Christians like Abdul are not bigots, Mr Blair, but are willing to lay down their own lives for the Lord and for what they believe. It was the Bible that brought us freedom from oppression in this country and it's about time someone stood up for it.

Revelation 2:10 
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Source Reuters, Jerusalem Post

Mark of the Beast
South Africa launches national ID card
23/3/06
This link from my friend Adam

South Africa has become the latest country to adopt a national ID card scheme. As in the UK's case, the government hopes to eliminate fraud, which is costing the country around 80 billion Rand per year. South Africa currently uses a barcode passbook, but these are easily stolen and forged, so the government believes introducing the smart card system will prevent that from happening. The chip inside the smart card will contain the biometric data of the holder, and will be rolled out by the end of the year.

Quote: "Nkosana Sibuya, a spokesperson for the department of home affairs, said the department was still in the planning stages of introducing the smartcard ID. "We are putting all fingerprints collected when individuals apply onto a digital system. We hope to finish by September and then start rolling out the smartcard," he said.

While there is nothing sinister about having an identity card scheme, most people are wary of them for they don't trust those that hold our personal information not to abuse it. That is a legitimate fear, and people have a right to be protected by government from that possibility. But what these schemes do represent is a greater push towards the eventual monitoring all human activity for the "greater good" of mankind. The Bible states that this coming monetary/identification system will eventually be linked with the worship of a man - the Antichrist, and it is at this point that the prophecy (Revelation 13:16-18) will be fulfilled in its entirety and those remaining on earth will have the greatest cause to fear.

Source IOL

Weather
Canadian Inuit running out of snow
23/3/06
This link from my friend Tony

Inuit living in Alaska, Canada and Russia are experiencing devastating changes to their climate. The temperature, usually around minus 20 degrees at this time of year, was an astounding 48 degrees - melting snow which should have lasted for 3 months within 3 days. But the change in weather isn't just being felt by humans. Polar bears that roam the pack-ice for food are going hungry, and wildlife that previously couldn't have survived the Arctic chill are now migrating into the region from the south. It spells the end of the Inuit way of life, and a dangerous warning to the rest of the world.

Quote: "In the Russian northernmost territory of Chukotka, the Inuit have drilled wells for water because there is so little snow to melt. Reykjavik, Iceland, had its warmest February in 41 years. In Alaska, water normally sealed by ice is now open, brewing winter storms that lash coastal and river villages. Federal officials say two dozen native villages are threatened. In Pangnirtung, residents were startled by thunder, rain showers and a temperature of 48 degrees in February, a time when their world normally is locked and silent at minus-20 degrees. "We were just standing around in our shorts, stunned and amazed, trying to make sense of it," said one resident, Donald Mearns.

Source MSNBC

Blair's blunders
Blair: Protestant bigotry akin to Islamic terror
23/3/06
Usually it's Tony Blair's wife, Cherie, who is prone to political blunders regarding regional conflicts, but this time Tony has managed to offend millions of law-abiding people, by equating "Protestant bigotry" with Islamic terror. It wasn't so much the idea of Protestants being equated with bigots that offended them, or even that Protestants had murdered Catholics. Sadly bigoted Protestants have murdered many Catholics in Northern Ireland. But it was Prime Minister Blair's equation of Islam and Christianity which offended most, comments which were described as "dangerous" and a "studied insult to the Protestant community" by Northern Ireland MPs. Tony Blair's comments show us just how the man thinks, that he sees all religious fundamentalism as a threat, whether it is Islamic suicide bombers or "Christian" bigots who supposedly murder for their religion.

Quote: Blair: "There are those, perfectly decent-minded people, who say the extremists who commit these acts of terrorism are not true Muslims, and of course, they are right," he said. "They are no more proper Muslims than the Protestant bigot who murders a Catholic in Northern Ireland is a proper Christian. "But unfortunately, he's still a Protestant bigot. "To say his religion is irrelevant is both completely to misunderstand his motive and to refuse to face up to the strain of extremism within his religion that has given rise to it."

To equate "Protestantism" with murder and bigotry while not even mentioning the IRA's 30 year campaign of terror is insulting. Anyone who reads Foxe's Book of Martyr's can see that Protestants have suffered terribly at the hands of the Catholic Church, in many countries for many centuries. My own ancestors fled France during the slaughter of the Huguenots. But the Prime Minister's comments that these "Protestant" murderers are somehow following the teaching of Scripture in a similar way to devout Muslims who follow the Qur'an's teaching that Allah calls them to kill Jews and Christians, is an extremely dangerous ideology and deserves only the highest condemnation. Tony Blair at best owes the Christian community of Northern Ireland a public apology. 

Sadly he's not the only politician involved in the peace process, who has managed to tar all Protestants as bigots in one fell swoop. Last year Unionists were in an uproar after Mary Macalease, the Republic of Ireland's President, stated that Protestant children were "brought up like Nazis". 

Source BBC

Anti-Semitism
Attacks against Canadian Jews at all time high
23/3/06
A Jewish organization that monitors anti-Semitic attacks in Canada has expressed concern over an increasing trend of violence against Jews in the country. Canada isn't a place you would normally associate with racism or nazism, but according to B'nai Brith Canada, 2004 marked an all time high in their 23 year history of recording anti-Semitic attacks. 

Quote: "B'nai Brith Canada said 829 anti-Semitic incidents were reported to their anti-hate hot line and offices in 2005. A record 857 were documented in 2004. "We were looking at numbers in the two hundreds a decade ago," said Ruth Klein, director of B'nai Brith's league for human rights. "We show almost the same figure as last year and last year was an all-time high." The organization says many of the incidents are influenced by neo-Nazi groups and propagandists of the Middle East who are anti-Israel.

A Rabbi in Britain warned just a few months ago of a "tsunami" of anti-Semitism sweeping across the globe, that would soon hit the shores of America and Britain. Anti-Semitism in the UK is also at an all-time high, with over 400 attacks being reported last year.

Source Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
Muslims planned to bomb UK with atomic weapon
22/3/06
I found this article on the BBC website before I left work, but when I arrived home half an hour later, I found the article had been modified, and the title Suspect 'had nuclear bomb plan', now read List of 'terror targets' revealed. The information regarding the "atomic bomb plot" is also now relegated to the end of the article. In other words this article has fallen victim to the BBC censors. Luckily I found the same article on the Turkish Weekly, which contains the original emphasis on the atomic bomb allegations, where they should be, at the top of the page.

Seven Muslims are undergoing trial for conspiracy to murder in the UK, after it was unveiled they had obtained fertilizer in a desperate bid to blow up a shopping mall in Kent. Attacks were also planned against essential services, including water, electricity mains (nuclear power stations?), gas and other utilities. Suspicious co-workers raised the alarm and the plot was foiled. But what is worrying is that one of the gang believed he could obtain a radio-isotope bomb from the Russian mafia in Belgium...

Quote: "In 2001, when Salahuddin Amin had been in Pakistan, he had been asked by Abu Munthir, a man he had met at a mosque in his hometown of Luton, to contact a man named Abu Annis about a "radio-isotope bomb", prosecutor David Waters QC told the jury. "Amin did so via the internet and Abu Annis said they had made contact with the Russian mafia in Belgium and from the mafia they were trying to buy this bomb." Mr Amin later told police he did not believe the offer could be genuine. "In his own words, he did not think it was likely 'that you can go and pick an atomic bomb up and use it', Mr Waters told the jury.

The fact is, you can just go and pick up an atomic bomb and use it. That's why they call them "suitcase" bombs. Similar suitcase bombs, lost after the fall of the Soviet Empire, are believed to have ended up in the hands of Al-Qaida. The UK government believed a "dirty bomb" attack was enough of a significant threat only a few years ago, that they sent out fliers to every house in the country warning of what precautions to take in the event of such an attack. 

Quote: "I would say that it is very important for the entire international community to proceed on the distinction between a dirty bomb and a bomb which is based on enriched uranium and plutonium. A dirty bomb is quite possible, because it can be created out of radio-isotopes and radio-isotopes are widely available in hospitals, in agricultural facilities, in industrial facilities, and that has to be given urgent, though not immediate attention in order to control those kind of installations.

Source BBC, Turkish Weekly, House Of Commons

Gog and Magog
Libya: Israel is not a nation
22/3/06
Colonel Gaddafi, leader of the African state which in the past was courted by the Arab world but now finds itself drifting closer to Europe, was praised by the West whenever he pledged to give up the country's nuclear weapons. But that doesn't mean Gaddafi has turned over a new leaf. Libya released around a hundred Muslim Brotherhood terrorists from its jails within the past few weeks. The country was also responsible for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people when it crashed in the town of Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988.

Quote: "For the residents of Lockerbie, Scotland, their nightmare was just about to begin. "It was like meteors falling from the sky," described resident Ann McPhail (Newsweek, Jan. 2, 1989, pg. 17). Flight 103 was over Lockerbie when it exploded. Many residents described the sky lighting up and a large, deafening roar. They soon saw pieces of the plane as well as pieces of bodies landing in fields, in backyards, on fences, and on rooftops. Fuel from the plane was already on fire before it hit the ground; some of it landed on houses, making the houses explode.

An envoy for Middle East peace that drew individuals from across the world in a month long journey over the deserts of Jordan, Israel, Egypt and finally Libya, has been refused entry into Muammar Gaddafi's terror state on the final leg of their trek. The reason being Libya does not and will not recognize Israel as a nation. 

Quote: ""Israel does not exist as a country, it is Palestine, and we do not allow occupiers into our country," was the explanation a special representative of the Libyan government gave the nine-person group of a peace mission for barring their entrance into the country Wednesday morning. The group, which includes three Israelis, was camped out in the no-man's land between Egypt and Libya after failing to gain entrance to the latter country late Tuesday night.

It seems that although the West may have welcomed Libya into the fold after they renounced their ambitions to possess nuclear weapons, the state has not embraced our principles of freedom and democracy. The result is a quasi-terror state that is willing to align itself against Israel in any coming Middle Eastern war, just as Ezekiel predicted...

Ezekiel 38:3-6 
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts [of armour, even] a great company [with] bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia (Iran), Ethiopia (Sudan), and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: [and] many people with thee.

Source Jerusalem Post, Islam Online, About History

Mark of the Beast
Visa launching pre-paid credit cards
22/3/06
This link from my friend Stephen

Visa is planning to launch a new pre-paid credit card system by 2007, in an effort to advance a cashless society. Visa is aiming to attract consumers who have no former relationship to any financial institution, thus opening a whole new market for the company. The cards will be able to be reloaded with electronic funds at any retail outlet.  

Quote "From end-2006 and early 2007, initial Visa merchants are expected to launch the service as a new revenue stream while offering consumers greater convenience. All Visa stakeholders including merchants, cardholders, financial institutions and affiliates, stand to benefit from supporting future prepaid card market growth and from migrating paper check and cash usage to prepaid plastic cards.

Britain has already experimented with cashless societies, with the introduction of smart cards on a trial basis. We have also had extensive ID card trials, although government legislation to bring a compulsory ID card scheme in earlier this year failed spectacularly. But when it comes to paying by plastic, we are lagging far behind Asia, where paying via RFID cards has become part of everyday life.

Quote: "And now in Korea an accessory that offers something similar has been introduced. The small MYbi Card hangs from a key chain or cell phone and carries amounts of as little as $3.50. It's hard to imagine such technology taking off in the U.S. RFID-based payments are already popular in Asia, so an accessorized version of such functionality is natural. But in the U.S., where consumers still use only cash for smaller purchases, widespread RFID-based payment systems will probably require precisely the concerted effort currently seen between the credit card giants and cell phone manufacturers to incorporate the functionality directly into people's phones.

Source ePayNews, RFID Update

Pestilences
Bird flu now exists in two forms
21/3/06
Biologists from the US have announced that the deadly influenza known as H5N1 has now mutated into two distinct strains, at an Atlanta conference called the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Genetic experts have examined over 300 samples of the virus strain over the past few years, and have confirmed that a new strain emerged in Indonesia last year. This news increases fears of the likelihood that the virus may mutate again, only this time in a form that can be passed from human to human. So far around 100 people have died after coming into contact with infected birds.

Quote: "Prior to 2005 every known human case of bird flu had been caused by a particular subtype of the H5N1 virus, which infected people in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. But the latest analysis by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified a genetically distinct variant which appears to have emerged last year, infecting people in Indonesia.

I think the question is not if we end up with a human variant of H5N1, but what the casualties will be from it. Israel recently announced over 10,000 turkeys had been killed from this virus in a very short period of time, and I believe a lot of other countries have similar problems but are keeping quiet about it. For years we've been warned by the medical community of super bugs which have become resistant to all known drugs, but it looks like the one we have to fear most today is the common flu virus.

Deuteronomy 28:58-61
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, [even] great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. Also every sickness, and every plague, which [is] not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

Source BBC

Land for Peace
Abdullah: Palestine must be set up in 2 years
21/3/06
King Abdullah of Jordan has put further pressure on Israel ahead of the upcoming elections today, warning that if a Palestinian state wasn't established in two years, the Middle East would deteriorate into a "decade of violence". 

Quote: "Jordan's King Abdullah II warned on Monday that if an independent Palestinian country isn't established in two years, the Middle East could deteriorate into a decade of violence.

It's interesting that the King made no mention of Palestinian terror groups having to recognise the state of Israel, or give up violence within two years as part of the establishment of this state of "Palestine", leading me to believe that Hamas will enjoy full Muslim support to continue its war of attrition until the international community finally intervenes, and forces Israel to hand over East Jerusalem. The UN already believes that East Jerusalem should form the capital of any future Palestinian state, and British diplomats, including Foreign Minister Jack Straw, are pressuring the EU to intervene. I don't know where the Palestinians got this idea of Jerusalem for a capital, for many years after Israel declared independence, the capital was Tel-Aviv. Perhaps the real reason behind Palestinian desire to control Jerusalem lies on the Temple Mount. 

Source Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
US could destroy Iran nukes in 2 days
21/3/06
A former CIA operative who helped lead the search for Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, has publicly stated that America has the technology to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities within two days. Gary Berntsen believes it is possible for the nuclear sites to be taken out using bunker-busting bombs. Former Pentagon adviser Richard Pearle stated earlier this month that the facilities could be destroyed in one night using a small fleet of B2 bombers. Those words are likely to anger the rest of the international community, including Britain, China and Russia, who are currently embarking on a policy of appeasement, at lease publicly. But Gary Berntsen believes Israel should distance itself from personal involvement in the attack this time, due to international sensitivities.

Quote: "In addition, Moshe Ya'alon, Israel's former chief of General Staff, said the IDF has the capabilities to attack Iran's nuclear facilities and could do it in conjunction with the US and some EU countries. However, Berntsen believes Israel should not carry out any operation. "It's better for the United States to do it. If you (Israel) do it, we'll have all sorts of problems in the Middle East, all sorts of countries that will align themselves with the Iranians over this. Politically it makes more sense for the US to do it," he said. Berntsen also ruled out a ground operation.

It's fascinating. I wonder if Gary realizes how significant his words are. Because that "alignment" he speaks of, which is becoming clear for all to see, is the same alignment mentioned in the prophecy of Ezekiel, when Gog and his allies come against the land of Israel in the latter days. 

Source Jerusalem Post

Gog and Magog
China and Russia announce new gas deal
21/3/06
Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently on a state visit to China, aimed at boosting ties between the two nations. A new gas deal has been announced, which will see over 80 billion cubic metres of Russian gas pumped into China per year. Both China and Russia have a lot to gain from a close relationship. Russia desperately needs money to boost its failing economy, and China desperately needs energy to continue its economic growth. The China and Russian Presidents have decided to celebrate this new relationship by having a special "Year of Russia" in 2006, and a "Year of China" in 2007.

Quote: "The organizing committee of the Year of Russia in China, headed by Chinese vice premier Wu Yi, announced on March 16, 2006 that its official website, in both Chinese and Russian editions, was now up and running. The website aims at providing timely coverage of various activities that will take place during the two-year period when the historic events - the Year of Russia in 2006 and the Year of China in 2007, unfold. These activities overspread a wide spectrum of areas, ranging from politics, economy, trade, culture, education, health, sports, press, science and technology, to military. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the Year of Russia to begin from Jan. 1 when they exchanged New Year greetings on Dec. 31, 2005.

This news comes as Russia and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, blocked a statement from being released that would have issued a warning to Iran to stop enriching Uranium. The UN Security Council has been in disagreement for two weeks on what action - if any, to take against Iran. Russia and China have found a common consensus on Iran, both nations being heavily involved in Iran's nuclear programme.

Quote: "Last year Russia and China held their first ever joint military exercises. They are looking to repeat those this year. And on international issues like Iran's nuclear programme, the two presidents may seek to co-ordinate their opposition to the line being taken by the US, Britain and France.

As closer economic, military and political co-operation increases, and both nations have found a common enemy, Western global influence, the possible fulfilment of prophecy concerning the Chinese and Russian invasion of the Middle East draws near.

Daniel 11:44 
But tidings out of the east (China?) and out of the north (Russia?) shall trouble him (Antichrist): therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

Source BBC, BBC, Reuters, ChinaView

New Age
Do you have an "Indigo child"?
20/3/06
This link from my Canadian friend Stephen...

No, this is not a joke. Apparently thousands of people across the world are reporting this strange phenomenon of "Indigo children". They have issued a checklist whereby you can know whether your child is one of these remarkable "Indigo" people, supposedly the next rung in the ladder of the evolution of mankind. Here is a checklist to find out if you are one of these lucky parents... 

Quote: "* They come into the world with a feeling of royalty (and often act like it) 
* They have a feeling of "deserving to be here," and are surprised when others don't share that. 
* Self-worth is not a big issue. They often tell the parents "who they are." 
* They have difficulty with absolute authority (authority without explanation or choice). 
* They simply will not do certain things; for example, waiting in line is difficult for them. 
* They get frustrated with systems that are ritually oriented and don't require creative thought. 
* They often see better ways of doing things, both at home and in school, which makes them seem like "system busters" (nonconforming to any system). 
* They seem antisocial unless they are with their own kind. If there are no others of like consciousness around them, they often turn inward, feeling like no other human understands them. School is often extremely difficult for them socially. 
* They will not respond to "guilt" discipline ("Wait till your father gets home and finds out what you did"). 
* They are not shy in letting you know what they need.  

If you do indeed have an "Indigo child", congratulations, you are fulfilling Biblical prophecy...

2nd Timothy 3:1-5
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Your spoiled brat is self-centred, rebellious, stubborn and greedy. Unfortunately this is natural for children born of Adam (Romans 5:12), but there is a solution. Your child needs discipline, and a lot of it. Take the words of the wisest man who ever lived, "Spare not the rod", Proverbs 22:15. Your child may need to be taught to respect others (Philippians 2:4), otherwise when your child grows up, how will anyone respect them (Matthew 7:12)? Your child needs to understand authority, for if your child does not learn to respect earthly authority, how will it ever learn about Heavenly authority (Psalm 50:21)? Your child needs a life changing experience, called the new birth. Basically the first one resulted in a deformed child, marred with a terminal disease called sin. God has provided a way for this problem to be eradicated, but it necessitates coming as a little child to Jesus Christ, who will cleanse them from all sin (Matthew 18:3), and make them into a new little child (2nd Corinthians 5:17). 

Source Indigo Child

Weather
Larry leaves thousands homeless
20/3/06
Australia is counting the cost after experiencing the worst cyclone to hit the country in decades. No deaths have been reported, but cyclone Larry has left thousands homeless after it tore up a swathe of coastline stretching hundreds of miles. Fifty thousand homes are still without electricity, and crops have been devastated. The Innisfail mayor, Neil Clarke, described the destruction as comparable to that caused by an atomic bomb.

Quote: "Earlier Monday, the cyclone hit Australia as a category five storm -- the strongest rating possible. The eye hit Innisfail with gusts up to 290 kph at about 7:30 a.m. (2030 Sunday GMT), according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology. Top sustained winds at landfall were at 190 kph, but gusts up to 300 kph were reported, Craig Burke, a forecaster at the airport in Cairns, about 90 km north of Innisfail.. 

My friend Barbara sent me this link regarding the weather she is currently experiencing in Texas. Again a similar story to Europe last year, experiencing wildfires one week, and flash floods the next. Despite the deluge, which has flooded thousands of homes, the reservoirs are still empty. Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.

Quote: "Farther south, heavy rain during the weekend soaked parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Up to 8 inches of rain was reported in North Texas, causing weekend flooding around the Dallas area. That eased what has been classified as a "severe" drought in the region, but the National Weather Service said the Dallas-Fort Worth area is still 11.5 inches below normal.

Source CNN, CNN

Persecution
Afghan Muslim convert to be sentenced to death
20/3/06
This link from my friend Adam.

You might be forgiven if you were under the impression that freedom had come to Afghanistan, following the overthrow of the ruling Taliban by US forces around four years ago. There may be political freedom to an extent, but as far as religious freedom is concerned, Islamic Sharia law still has the nation firmly in its grip. Abdul Rahman fell foul of Islamic law when he became a Christian

Quote: "Appearing in court earlier this week Rahman insisted he should not be considered an infidel, but admitted he is a Christian. He says he still believes in the almighty Allah, but cannot say for sure who God really is. "I am," he says, "a Christian and I believe in Jesus Christ."

He was subsequently arrested after his family turned him over to local authorities, and now faces the death penalty if he refuses to submit to Islam. A family member converting to another religion is a great shame for Muslims, who believe Islam is a superior religion to both Judaism and Christianity. Those who do are often find themselves the victim of honour-killings, murdered by their own kin. As a testament to his faith, Abdul is refusing to submit, even if it means facing death.

Quote: ""Yes that's true, a man has converted to Christianity. He's being tried in one of our courts," Supreme Court judge Ansarullah Mawlavizada said, adding that his trial began early last week. He said the man could face the death penalty if he refused to revert to Islam as Sharia law proposes capital punishment for any Muslim who converts to another religion. Afghanistan's constitution states: "No law can be contrary to the sacred religion of Islam." 

I wonder how many Christians would be prepared to seal their testimony by their blood if Christianity was outlawed in this country. Should Hamas be elected in the Gaza Strip, many Christians may have to if Sharia law is introduced.

Source VOA, Middle East Times

Mother of Harlots
Chief Rabbi calls for "UN of religions"
20/3/06
The Second World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace was opened in Seville, Spain yesterday, a gathering of high profile religious leaders which is aimed at easing tensions between Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The conference comes after months of riots from Muslims protesting over the publication of cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed as a terrorist, which have resulted in the deaths of around 50 people. Chief Rabbi, Yona Metzger, has called for a "United Nations of Religions" to be set up, in order to ease tensions between the world religions.

Quote: "The delegates have made it very clear that now is the time for concrete initiatives. At the opening ceremony Rabbi Yona Metzger said his idea of a "United Nations of religious groups" could "bring a bridge between religions to help the bridge of the diplomatic way". That plan has broad support from key participants like Frederico Major, the co-president of the Alliance for Civilisations, the lobby group for international conflict resolution, supported by the United Nations and initiated by Spain's Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

In fact, such an organization was already set up around six years ago, called URI, United Religions Initiative. This is a quote from the preamble of their charter...

Quote: "We, people of diverse religions, spiritual expressions and indigenous traditions throughout the world, hereby establish the United Religions Initiative to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings.

It's extremely interesting what has come out of this conference, which may be seen as another step towards uniting all religions under one umbrella before the arrival of the Antichrist. I thought this comment from Morocco's Religious Affairs minister was also very interesting, in light of the words of Jesus Christ...

Quote: "Ahmad Taoufiq, the religious affairs minister of Morocco, condemned Islamic terrorism and said Muslim leaders are sometimes silent when attacks occur. "We have to separate ourselves from trends which are dividing the world into darkness and light," he said.

John 3:18-19
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Source BBC, URI, Washington Post

Weather
Australia braces for Cyclone Larry
19/3/06
Residents of Queensland are bracing themselves for the most devastating storm the country has seen decades. Already a category 4 storm, citizens are being warned that this monster Larry will cause damage, and to seek shelter on higher ground. South Cairns residents have been told to evacuate, as winds of up to 180mph are expected to hit around 250 miles of coastline. 

Quote: "Queensland state Counter Disaster and Rescue Services executive director Frank Pagano compared the potential force of Larry to Katrina, which ravaged the United States' Gulf Coast in August last year, killing more than 1,300 people. "This is the most devastating cyclone that we could potentially see on the east coast of Queensland for decades ... there is going to be destruction," Pagano told reporters in Brisbane. "Katrina was a category five -- this is currently a category four that can develop similar to the American one," he added.

2005 was a very bad year for world weather patterns. America endured several killer storms which left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands homeless. There were more storms in 2005 than ever recorded in one single year. Europe also experienced wildfires in the east due to prolonged heat waves, and a deluge in the west which damaged thousands of homes, all at the same time. Due to the increased sunspot activity meteorologists are expecting even more killer storms next year. How much of this devastating storm activity is caused by manmade pollutants is anyone's guess, but the Bible is clear that things will get worse as we approach the tribulation period...

Luke 21:25-26
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 

Source CNN

Peace Process
Kadima: Israel will act alone for "peace and security"
19/3/06
On Saturday night, Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz addressed one of the biggest turnouts Kadima has seen so far in their election campaign, stating that "Israel will act alone for the sake of peace and security". President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to approve the PA government presented by Hamas within days, and although Hamas has gained a lot of support from the Arab world, the international community has no choice but to isolate the government for its refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence. Israeli law forbids recognition of any party that is involved in terrorism or seeks the destruction of the Jewish state, and for Israel that means returning to a similar situation when Arafat was Chairman - acting alone. For ordinary Israelis that will mean more disengagements from the West Bank, although it seems the IDF will remain in "occupation" until a peace agreement is reached.

Quote: ""Israel will act alone for the sake of peace and security," Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Saturday night at Kadima's largest rally ever. "Israel is the one who will set its security policy and national objectives, not Abu Mazen and his henchmen nor Ismail Haniyeh and his threats. Israel will set its permanent borders so that her citizens will be able to live securely within defensible borders, and to ensure a homeland for the Jews in the land of Israel," Mofaz said. "Israel will enforce all agreements that it signed in order to protect her citizens' security," he added.

The reason why I thought this story was so interesting, is because of Mofaz's remarks about "peace and security". It bears much resemblance to Paul's words to the Thessalonians, only the outcome is markedly different to that of Mofaz's vision.

1st Thessalonians 5:2-3 
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Source Jerusalem Post

New World Order
CFR criticizes America's pro-Israel policies
19/3/06
A new paper, written by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt for the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, is creating much controversy and criticism over its claims that US Foreign Policy has been skewed by pro-Israel lobby groups. The paper suggests that the United States support for Israel is harming America's image abroad, and even goes as far to say that the terrorist problem in the US is mostly due to America's relationship with Israel. John Mearsheimer states in his report that Israel is a liability to America, and that if it weren't for America's support for Israel, the US wouldn't have to worry about states like Iraq or Iran (I'm sorry but that argument just doesn't wash. Iran developing nuclear weapons is a threat for the whole world). The paper even goes on to say that this pro-Jewish lobby group, whoever they are, have used the old excuse of "anti-Semitism" to silence criticism of Israel. 

Quote: ""The overall thrust of US policy in the region is due almost entirely to US domestic politics, and especially to the activities of the 'Israel Lobby,'" the paper writes, adding that while other lobbies have tried to affect US foreign policy, "no lobby has managed to divert US foreign policy as far from what the American national interest would otherwise suggest, while simultaneously convincing Americans that US and Israeli interests are essentially identical." The academic paper, whose authors are well-known scholars in the fields of political science and government, sets out to dispute almost every argument of the pro-Israel activists in the US.

Well it seemed to good to be true. Surely all the left-wing, liberal, anti-Israel propaganda can't be contained in just one single 81 page report?! Well I searched the internet, and yes, I found it was too good to be true. Our friend John J. Mearsheimer has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations for at least 10 years. It seems the CFR, and every other New World Order group, are now doing their best to turn world opinion against Israel, in their ultimate plan for the destruction of God's people. If I was Bill O'Reilly, I would be saying this is definitely the "most ridiculous item of the day". The New World Order overlooked one thing when they were drawing up their plans for world domination. God!

Psalms 2:4-6
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king (Jesus Christ) upon my holy hill of Zion (Jerusalem).

Source Jerusalem Post, CFR Membership Roster

Morals
Italian minister criticizes Dutch euthanasia law as Nazi
18/3/06
The Dutch government is furious after an Italian minister branded the lax abortion and euthanasia laws in Holland as reminiscent of Nazi Germany. Before WWII began, Germany, under leadership of Adolph Hitler, implemented similar laws to the Netherlands, which lead to the extermination of the elderly and disabled, and the forced castration of those whom the government perceived as polluting the Aryan race. The Italian minister has refused to apologize for his comments.

Quote: "Italian Parliamentary Relations Minister Carlo Giovanardi told a radio program on Thursday that Nazi thinking was re-emerging in Europe through Dutch euthanasia laws and a debate on the killing of children with deformities. He has refused to apologize. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize adult euthanasia. The number of cases is not known as not all doctors report them, but the government estimates there are several thousand each year.

Sadly he is right, and its not just through lax euthanasia laws that Nazism is raising its ugly head. Neo-Nazism is also a growing problem throughout Germany and Britain, and anti-Semitism is at an all time high. Reuters says that the laws regarding euthanasia in the Netherlands are very strict, but this cannot be the case when most doctors don't even report the killings they carry out. This also happened in Nazi Germany, where doctors would kill elderly patients and modify their death records to cover it up. 

A recent ITV study into abortion in Britain found some doctors were still carrying out abortions on babies with cleft lip palette, a genetic disorder that is now easily treated while the baby is in the womb. The British Medical Association also recently considered legalizing euthanasia, a decision many believe was politically motivated by the Blair government. The BMA's consideration caused a national outcry among medical practitioners, who believe such a decision violates their Hippocratic oath, the pledge to support life. It's ironic that medical health care has never been better, and today doctors can alleviate most pain and depression caused by terminal illness. But many feel the government's consideration to approve euthanasia was encouraged by an over stretched National Health Service, and this may have resulted in doctors coming under pressure to kill terminally ill patients to free up beds. 

Source Reuters, BBC

Talks and rumours of talks
Britain pushes for more Iran talks
18/3/06
Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the net, yes, Iran is pushing for yet more talks about its self-made nuclear crisis. This has prompted the US to raise serious questions about whether Iran's new-found ambition to resolve the impasse are genuine. Washington, along with every other sane minded person on the planet, believes Iran is trying hard to split the international consensus and employing time-wasting tactics in order to push through the finishing touches to its nuclear research, before any attack begins. Once again, it's Britain that has fallen for Iran's ploy, hook, line and sinker...

Quote: "The diplomat, who demanded anonymity in exchange for divulging the confidential strategy, said the British proposal would have the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, including the United States, sit at the same table with the Iranians, along with Germany. The British plan to float the proposal at a meeting of political directors and senior government officials from France, Britain, Germany, Russia, China and the United States, the diplomat told The Associated Press.

The British diplomat also stated these talks would only happen if no UN consensus could be found. Talks would then commence in the summer, and Iran would be offered a new "unspecified" deal. Yesterday another European minister joked that a deal could not be rushed through within weeks, or we would end up bombing Iran by April. But with Iran reaching the point of no return, it's hard to see how the world can afford to wait any longer.

Source Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
Al-Qaida threatens to overthrow the House of Saud
18/3/06
In his last testament, discovered in Saudi Arabia after he was killed in an anti-terrorist raid, Al-Qaida leader Fahd Faraaj al-Juwair warned the House of Saud that the terrorist network were planning to overthrow the kingdom, and that the Royal Family should escape while they had the chance. He also threatened allied forces in the Middle East, telling them to stop supporting Jews and Christians living in Palestine and other Muslim lands.

Quote: "Addressing the Saudi Royal family, al-Juwair said, "if you know what the youth are preparing for you, you will be busy to escape this peninsula," he said in the video, sent in an email to The Associated Press. He warned Americans, "Get out of Muhammad's peninsula, get out of all Muslim lands, stop supporting the Jews in Palestine, halt supporting Christians in Muslim lands, or else you'll have nothing but killing, destruction and explosions," al-Juwair added.

Although the kingdom is one of the most repressive regimes in the Middle East, where even carrying a Bible can land you in prison (also European airline staff are now forced to wear full body Islamic dress before landing in the state), Saudi Arabia generally adopts a pro-Western stance because of Saudi's great oil wealth. Al-Qaida attacked the Saudi oil facilities just over a month ago, and many intelligence analysts believe Al-Qaida wants to get its hands on Arab oil in order to finance its war against the West.

Source Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
Hamas forming cabinet amid calls for war
17/3/06
Factions within Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party have been calling on the President to dissolve the Palestinian Authority, and cede control of Gaza back to Israel in protest, if Israel keeps up its "attacks" on the PA and keeps taking unilateral decisions on disengagements. But those voices are likely to fall on deaf ears, and it looks like Hamas will form a Palestinian Authority government within the next few weeks. The list of cabinet members is being finalized, and contrary to the international community's desires for a moderation in Hamas policies, the terrorist organization is preparing for an all out war against Israel.

Quote: "Hamas's leader-in-exile, Khaled Meshaal, said running the Palestinian Authority was not its ultimate goal. "We and the Zionists have a date with destiny. If they want a fight, we are ready for it. If they want a war, we are the sons of war. If they want a struggle, we are for it to the end," Meshaal declared in Damascus. Hamas is sworn to Israel's destruction and has not met any demands from Israel or the "Quartet" group of Middle East mediators to recognize the Jewish state, renounce violence and accept past agreements, conditions for international aid.

Hamas has declared that they will only speak to Israel once the nation disengages from all areas captured in the Six Day War, and allows the "right of return" for all Palestinian families and their descendants to their homeland, since Israel became a nation. Palestinians could then effectively vote Israel out of existence. Even if Israel did return to pre-1967 borders, Hamas still won't recognize Israel's right to exist, and believes this is just one step in the process towards the destruction of Zionism.

Isaiah 62:1 
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.

Source Reuters, Reuters

Anti-Semitism
Hamas promotes new child-suicide bomber story
17/3/06
The Hamas-run website, Al-Fateh, has published a new article glorifying suicide attacks carried out by children. Hamas denied they were responsible for the website, but Israeli sources believe the man that runs the Al-Fateh website is closely affiliated with the leaders of the terrorist group. The website was shut down after being reported to the Internet providers, but it has reappeared on a Malaysian based server. The latest offering, called "A Palestinian Girl's Heroism", praises a young girl's efforts to become a Shahida (martyr for Allah), by blowing herself up along with several Israeli soldiers as she directs them to drive over land mines.

Quote: ""On the way, Suad got ready to carry out her plan. She decided to cause the car to ride over the land-mines, so that all of the soldiers would die. "Suad sat next to the driver, to direct him, and she led him to the land-mines. Then the [car] blew-up and all of the soldiers were killed. As for Suad, well she became a Shahida (Martyr for Allah) on the grass, while smiling, because she died as a Shahida for Palestine". [Al-Fateh - Hamas Website, March 15, 2006].

Israel is literally fighting its own "Vietnam". With a Palestinian culture that glorifies death and indoctrinates their children that to kill innocent people is pleasing to Allah, what else can the Israelis do apart from building security fences to protect themselves and the Palestinians from these destructive ideologies? But Israel is routinely criticized by the international community for their border fence and treatment of Palestinian children who are caught wearing explosives belts. I'll never forget the day the 15 year old was stopped, and Israeli troops allowed the television cameras to film him. Instead of the IDF being praised for their determination to fight terror and save lives, they were lambasted for gloating over the capture of a Palestinian teenager. That shows you how much the international community cares about the conflict in Israel.   

Source Arutz 7

Pestilences
Avian flu kills 11,000 birds in Israel 
17/3/06
Israel may become the latest country to suffer an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 virus. Three sites in Israel are suspected of contracting the virus, and one such infection has resulted in the death of over 1000 turkeys. It seems now that figure has risen to 11,000, according to the Israeli Health Ministry. So far three kibbutz labourers are suffering from similar symptoms to those diagnosed with the H5N1 strain. Israel is expected to cull tens of thousands of birds as a precautionary measure. 4 million vaccinations are also being flown into the country to help prevent the virus spreading.

Quote: "The suspicion that the virus had reached Israel first emerged Thursday morning, when veterinarians at Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha discovered 400 dead birds in one of the coops. At about the same time, nearby Kibbutz Holit reported suspicious deaths among its turkeys. Initial laboratory tests determined that at least one of the birds had died of avian flu, but further testing is needed to determine whether it was the deadly H5N1 strain. Further deaths were reported at both coops later in the day, and the death toll eventually climbed to more than 1,000. "They're dropping like flies. I've never seen anything like it," said Dr. Yariv Agur, an expert on avian diseases who visited the Holit coops on Thursday.

Quote: "The Health Ministry confirmed on Friday that the virus responsible for the recent deaths of approximately 11,000 turkeys at the southern kibbutzim of Holit and Ein Hashlosha was indeed the H5 strain. The same strain was identified at Kibbutz Nachshon near Beit Shemesh, following an unusual amount of poultry deaths.

Authorities are still insisting this virus can be killed by heat, and that there is no reason to stop eating poultry. But the battle is on to contain the outbreak, and the fear is that if this virus ever mixes with human influenza, a deadly disease will emerge that will quickly spread around the world killing millions of people. 

Source Haaretz, Jerusalem Post

Mark of the Beast
WM bank moving to RFID credit cards
17/3/06
I received an email from a friend Marty in California... The following words are Marty's.

This past week I got a letter from my bank Washington Mutual, telling me that I needed to call in to authorize them to change my bank ATM card from a Visa to MasterCard. It was not a choice they were giving me. The letter stated that my Visa would be cancelled completely as they are switching all their ATM's to MasterCard. The main reason given for this inconvenience was "convenience." This is because MasterCard is implementing a chip in all the new cards and the device is called "PayPass". I gave them my info to make the change, but I'm pretty creeped out about it.

Quote: "Tap N Go™: Just one tap of your MasterCard PayPass card on the PayPass reader at participating locations and you're good to go. It works just like your traditional MasterCard card—but no more swiping or giving your card to cashiers. No fishing for coins or waiting for change. PayPass makes the transaction process simpler and quicker for all—at fast food restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, and more. 
Built-in technology: The MasterCard PayPass card has built-in chip and antenna technology, as well as a standard magnetic stripe. The card and specially equipped PayPass terminals communicate payment card details using very short range radio waves. 
Safe and secure—just like your traditional card: Your card never leaves your hand. And you get the same level of security that you've been accustomed to: $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and a receipt for every purchase. The chip within your MasterCard PayPass card has the same information as that on the magnetic strip of your card. Current MasterCard and Issuer privacy and confidentiality rules apply as per your current cardholder agreement.

Marty has good reason to be creeped out. For as I said just a few days ago, big retail companies will be the driving force behind this technology. Imagine the money they would save, not having to deal with cash, not having to hire cashiers, not worrying about security, etc. Now with the advent of PayPass, we are just one step away from having the little RFID chips implanted in our hand.

Source MasterCard

The Heavens declare
Astronomers find "double-helix" nebula
16/3/06

Astronomers have discovered a nebula at the centre of our galaxy that looks exactly like a double-helix strand of DNA. This nebula, which is comprised of dust and gas and glows from the radiation emitted from surrounding stars, spans 80 light years, or 480 trillion miles. The twisted effect is thought to have been created by a nearby black hole, but nevertheless this is an astounding phenomenon and truly a witness to the handiwork of God. 

Quote: ""Nobody has ever seen anything like that before in the cosmic realm," said Mark Morris of the University of California, Los Angeles. Most nebulae are "formless, amorphous conglomerations of dust and gas," Morris said in a statement, adding that this one "indicates a high degree of order." The discovery of the twisted nebula, which stretches across 80 light-years at the center of the Milky Way, the galaxy that includes Earth, was reported in the current edition of the journal Nature.

It's sad that most astronomers will praise the unique effects of the "big bang" for this magnificent sight. To me, this nebula is a sign given by God, saying, the same God who is big enough to design the expanse of the universe and measure it in the palm of His hand, is also the Creator and owner of mankind, and is humble enough to create even the smallest string of DNA in a human cell. It's a wonder most people don't care who He is or what He has done for them. 

Psalm 113:4-6
The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Source CNN

Pestilences
Russian says bird flu will mutate in America
16/3/06 
Russia's top animal and plant expert, Sergei Dankvert, has expressed his fears that bird flu will reach Britain and America by the Autumn of this year. Many European nations have already confirmed cases of the deadly H5N1 virus, and America is already making preparations for the viruses arrival. Sergei stated that he believed there was a high probability of the virus mutating in America. The virus is known to have caused the deaths of at least 100 people, and that's only the confirmed cases.

Quote: ""We forecast that bird flu mutation is possible in the countries where the number of different viruses is high. This group includes the United States," Dankvert added. Bird flu has spread with alarming speed in recent weeks across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.

Revelation 6:8 
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Source Reuters

New World Order
OSCE proposes global media controls against "hate speech"
16/3/06
This link is also from my friend Stephen...

A group which I have never heard of before, OSCE, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which boasts 55 member nations from across the globe, is proposing new legislation to curb "hate" communication on the web and global media. The list of activities in which the OSCE is involved is quite extensive. Part of OSCE's "global agenda" is media freedom, and it looks like that may mean "freedom" from sites like this, if its plans are put into effect. But don't expect to hear about it in the news, all the public will notice is a greater push towards social integration worldwide, for the "greater good" of course. There will be a meeting of OSCE members in Brussels on May 29th, 2006, to discuss the the problem and propose measures combating hate messages broadcast by the web and television networks across the world.

Quote: "The conference will focus on the severe problems created by the propagation of messages inciting to hate and violence against people of other races, religions, cultures and civilizations in global media such as the Web and satellite TV's and on the ways to curb and sanction them. It should also address the question of how the global media could enhance a positive dialogue of civilisations around the Mediterranean and within the OSCE area. The conference will be subdivided into three chapters or panels :
presentations of samples of monitoring of internet sites and satellite TV programmes propagating racial, cultural and religious hate and violence, as well as positive programs; 
analysis of existing legal and technical tools to curb and sanction messages propagating hate, violence and terror as well as the existing constraints on these efforts in the OSCE, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern areas; 
Outline of possible and desirable future political, legal and technological strategies to fight the broadcasting of hate messages on global media
and instead to bring people of different cultures and religion closer together.

No doubt this conference stems from the publication of the Mohammed cartoons, which sparked Muslim riots across the world which lasted for several months, but don't think that Christians will be exempt from propagating their "hate speech", telling people that Jesus is the only way to heaven, or stating their beliefs that homosexuality is sin.

Source OSCE, Medea

Wars and rumours of wars
1 in 10 Indonesian Muslims back suicide bombings
16/3/06
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has praised Indonesia's "moderate" policies during her two day visit to the South Pacific. Her visit was aimed at broadening support for the war on terror, but the US and other nations have turned a blind eye to Indonesian Christians who are suffering in their own "war of terror".

Quote: ""I think Indonesia has a very big role to play as an example of what moderation, tolerance and inclusiveness of society can be," she said.

Perhaps this statement was wishful thinking on Condoleezza'a part, or more likely a complete lapse of judgement. A new survey has revealed that 11%, that's around 1 in 10 Indonesian Muslims, or around 19 million people, believe that suicide bombings are justified by the teachings of the Qur'an.

Quote: "The survey, based on 1,200 respondents across Indonesia's 33 provinces, showed 11.2 percent believed suicide bombings were justifiable on occasion while 0.5 percent said the method could always be justified to defend Islam from its enemies. The survey also revealed that 8 percent support masterminds of past suicide bombings, including Noordin M. Top, the most wanted terror suspect in Indonesia, who authorities say is an expert in recruiting young suicide bombers among the country's impoverished masses.

Source BBC, Reuters

Mark of the Beast
China to roll out 1.3 billion RFID chips
15/3/06
This link from my Canadian friend Stephen...

China is planning to roll out over 1.3 billion RFID chips for use in Chinese identity cards, in the largest identity programme that has ever been undertaken. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security, which oversees the police force, is planning to release 300 million second-generation resident cards per year, over the next few years.

Quote: "In-Stat estimated that 100 million RFID tags were sold in China during 2005. The number of tags shipped annually in China is expected to rise quickly in coming years, hitting total sales of 2.9 billion tags by 2009, it said. The second-generation ID card project is expected to soak up most of this demand through 2008, at which time demand for RFID tags used in retail stores is expected to dominate the market, In-Stat said.

The biggest demand is coming from the retail market, who use RFID to track goods and monitor product performance. And it won't be long before consumer demand will push big retailers into adopting a cashless system, using the "mark" for point-of-sale transactions. RFID is now becoming common enough to fulfill Revelation 13:16, "He (Antichrist) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark".

Source Computer World

Wars and rumours of wars
History repeats Purim for modern times
15/3/06
I received this link today from the Temple Institute in Jerusalem, regarding the feast of Purim that the Jewish nation is now celebrating. 

It is ironic that just as Jews across the world are celebrating the feast of Purim, political conditions in the Middle East are now much the same as what they were in Queen Esther's day. During the Babylonian captivity, Haman - a prince under the authority of the Persian king Ahasuerus, angered by a humble and Godly Jew by the name of Mordechai, devised a plan to destroy the Jewish race that were scattered throughout the empire. He cast "pur" or the "lot", to discover the exact day on which is plan would be best accomplished. Finally after a year of waiting, the lot revealed that the 13th day of the 12th month was the time for the plan to be executed. As in so many Scriptures, the number 13 represents rebellion, and in this case the rebellion was against the authority of God. Haman's plot was foiled through Divine intervention, and the king's command to destroy all Jews through his entire kingdom was completely reversed.

Quote: "Yet, as fantastic as it may appear the first time around, the basic features of the Purim chronicle seem to have again been set in motion in today's current geopolitical situation. Once again, the Persian nation, (Iran), sees itself as the leader of an empire, (Moslem), that spans "from India to Cush (Ethiopia)". Once again, a son of Haman and Amalek, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, has declared for no other reason than blind hatred of the Jews, his intention to wipe the nation of Israel off the map. Once again, "point zero" is Jerusalem and Mount Moriah. And once again, saviors like Esther and Mordechai will arise to rescue the Jewish nation from the grips of her most implacable enemies. And once again, pulling the invisible strings is the G-d of Israel, His presence hidden from all those whose faith fails to penetrate the sound and the fury of of mortals hell-bent on evil.

The coming Iranian war with Israel will end with the same results as 2500 years ago. God will defend Jerusalem, not for Israel's sake, but that His name would be sanctified amongst the nations (Ezekiel 39:6, 39:27).

Esther 4:14 
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?

Like Esther, we Christians also have a big responsibility. Spiritually, Israel can't see what is about to take place in the Middle East, but we can. We are "come to the kingdom for such a time as this", to be God's witnesses throughout the world that God's Word is true and He will fulfil His will on this earth. We are privileged to be living in "such a time as this", in the days immediately prior to the tribulation period. We have a responsibility to be warning others that the time is now to get right with God, for time is running out (Revelation 22:12).

Source Temple Institute

Morals
US school children subjected to X-Rated novels
15/3/06
It's the latest in a long line of obscenities currently sweeping across the schools in the United States of America. For the ALA, it's literally "essential reading", and any attempt by US parents to have the books removed from libraries and school curriculum is being thwarted by the twisted belief that these parents are against free speech, and not simply trying to protect their own children. US parents have started a website, ClassKC.org, in order to organize protests against the authorities who enforce this sordid curriculum.

Quote: ""The books, therefore, are not only vulgar but provide little intellectual challenge for high-school students," Concerned Women for America points out. "Beloved," by Toni Morrison, was assigned to 12th-graders but has a sixth-grade reading level. "'Beloved' contains oral sex, incest, rape, paedophilia, graphic sex, extreme violence, sexual abuse, physical/emotional abuse, infanticide, and an extensive amount of profanity," states the classkc.org website. "The first two chapters contain five references to sex with cows in addition to other types of sex."

Sadly I imagine it's not just America that suffers from this problem, of the gross abuse of freedom of speech. And I complain that Muslim children in the Middle East are fed on a diet of lies in regards to Israel. Our own countries fare not much better. If America or Britain suffers further atrocities, who can we turn to, for we have turned our backs on our Protector.

Psalms 81:11-14
But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels. Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, [and] Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.

Source WorldNetDaily

Wars and rumours of wars
Ayatollah: Nuclear programme is irreversible
14/3/06
When British Foreign Minister Jack Straw stated that President Ahmedinejad of Iran was not the key decision maker in the country, I wonder if he was talking about this man. Iran's supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned the West that Iran's nuclear programme is now irreversible, and encouraged Iran's political leaders to hold their ground against Western pressure. Looks like our Jack's got a red face.

Quote: "Khamenei, who holds final say in all matters in Iran, ordered its diplomats abroad to defend the country's nuclear program, saying that backing down would force Tehran to gradually give up all its foreign policy goals.

Meanwhile, Iran has published some of the entries for its Holocaust Cartoon competition. Over 200 cartoons were received, from over 35 countries of the world. The Iranian paper's decision to hold the competition came after Muslim protests around the world over the caricature of Mohammed as a suicide bomber. But how the Holocaust ended up being the theme of the competition shows just how much of a hatred Iran has for Israel, for it was Denmark and not Israel that published the cartoons of Mohammed in the first place.

Quote: "One cartoon submission reflects the opinion of the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who drew international outrage last year when he said that the Holocaust was a myth. The cartoon, by Firouzeh Mozafari, an Iranian, shows nine Jewish men continuously entering a gas chamber that shows a counter reading "5,999,999," implying that Jews have inflated the number of Holocaust victims.

Source Fox News, The Scotsman

False Christs
Hispanic claims to be Jesus Christ
14/3/06 
It's hard to know what to write about, there is so much happening today. This link was sent to me by several people, and it is extremely interesting, and sad.

A Hispanic preacher from Miami, by the name of José Luis De Jesús Miranda, has claimed to have had an experience in which he was caught up into heaven, and merged bodies with the Lord Jesus Christ. He now claims to be God in the flesh, and has gained a following of thousands.

Quote: "Puerto Rican preacher José Luis De Jesús Miranda says a wondrous thing happened to him in 1976 when he was living in Massachusetts. He claims that two heavenly beings took him to a marble hall where an apparition merged with his body and began to speak inside of him. De Jesus believes that he and Jesus Christ became one and the same in that instant. 

Perhaps what José Luis claims is partly true, he was possessed by a spiritual being claiming to be Jesus. But when this being claims that sin no longer exists and everyone can do as they wish, there can be no other conclusion that this spirit is demonic. It's extremely sad to see so may Christians who are also deluded by the "signs and wonders" movement. And without mentioning names, you know who I mean. Jesus Christ said that during the tribulation period, the false prophet will call down fire in the sight of men, and people will believe he is from God. Jesus said if it was possible, these miracles would be so deceptive they would deceive even God's elect. Jesus also said that at the judgement, many men will stand before Him claiming to have even prophesied in Christ's name, cast out demons and done "many wonderful works". But Christ shall say to them, "Depart from Me, I never knew you". Friends, these are serious days we are living in. Don't believe everything you see on TV, but test the spirits and see whether they are of God. How do you do that? By studying the Scriptures, and if what you see doesn't agree with the Bible, reject it.

Mark 13:5-6 
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Source Charisma Now

New World Order
Condoleezza courts "moderate" Indonesia
14/3/06
US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has praised Indonesia's "moderate" policies during her two day visit to the region. Indonesia has supported America in the war against terror, but what is "moderate" about the Islamic nation remains a mystery. Indonesia is one of the most repressive Islamic countries in the world, and Christians are regularly beaten and killed for their faith in Christ. Several teenage girls were decapitated last year while on route to school, and their heads were left outside Christian churches. Christian market places are also routinely bombed by Muslim terrorists, leaving dozens dead and hundreds wounded. But "business before pleasure" according to US policy...

Quote: "Rice praised Indonesia's moderate policies and its cooperation in fighting against terrorism, which were rewarded last November with the restoration of military ties between the two countries, a move human rights groups say was premature.

Even after the Asian tsunami the terror war in Aceh rages, and Indonesia is still shaken by earthquakes on a weekly basis. Muslim groups warned Christians attempting to distribute aid and spread the gospel to stay out of the country or face attacks. The only thing "moderate" about Indonesia is the weather.

Source Reuters, News Max

Wars and rumours of wars
Violent protests over Israeli jail-break
14/3/06
Violent protests have erupted in the Gaza Strip after the IDF raided a Palestinian jail this morning. The British Council office has been set ablaze and shots fired. One guard and one prisoner is reported killed in the jail-break, which was instigated by Prime Minister Olmert and Mofaz in order to capture a soon to be released terrorist responsible for the killing of an Israel politician. Anger has been directed against British and US interests in the region, after international monitors deserted their posts in the prison. Palestinians are accusing them of collusion, and labelling the jail break as an electioneering stunt.

Quote: "Israeli troops stormed a prison in the West Bank town of Jericho, demanding the handover of militant leader Ahmed Saadat. Palestinian militants subsequently shot at and set fire to the British Council office in Gaza. Crowds are also reported to have attacked the British Council office in Ramallah in the West Bank.

To be honest, if Prime Minister Olmert hadn't announced his plans to disengage from most of the West Bank, I would have been inclined to dismiss this report as just more wanton violence by the Palestinians. But now that Kadima is seeking to win the elections which are just weeks away, the political ramifications of this jail break must have been taken into consideration. But Hamas is also expected to form its next government on the same date, and as soon as Hamas gains power, you can be sure the doors of every prison in Gaza will be swinging wide open.

Source BBC

Persecution
Iranian House Church leader stabbed to death
14/3/06
Ghorban Tourani, a Pastor of a House Church in Iran was brutally stabbed to death by Muslims after refusing to submit to Islam. The Pastor, a Muslim convert, was invited to a religious meeting by Muslims to discuss matters, and he agreed in the hope of sharing his faith. When the Muslims pressured Ghorban to deny Christ and convert back to Islam, he refused and left the meeting. Sometime later, he was met by Muslim who claimed he wanted to become a Christian, and arranged a place and time to meet up. When the man failed to show, Ghorban walked home and was lynched by a gang of Muslims. 

But God honours the faithful witness of His servants, even in death. As has happened so many times before, God is now speaking through Ghorban's death more than he may ever have been able to in his life. The murder has affected many people living in the Turkmen, and is prompting many Muslims to start asking why a Christian man would be willing to die for his faith.

Quote: "According to the Voice Of The Martyrs' sources, many hard-line Muslims in the area are now curious about Christianity as a result of the courageous Christian leader's death. "We've been told that his story has now spread throughout the ethnic Turkmen community in Northern Iran," Nettleton notes, "and many Turkmen people are asking questions about Christianity. They are asking about Pastor Ghorban and why a man would be willing to die for his faith in Jesus Christ." Even as the members of Ghorban's Christian community mourn, they are encouraged by the groundswell of interest in Christianity that his murder has created. The Iranian Christians are trusting that God can use the pastor's death to bring about a great revival among Turkmen people and are asking fellow believers to pray that God will bless his sacrifice to that effect.

Source Agape Press

Israel
Lebanon preys for the piece of Israel
14/3/06
I commented a few days ago that I believe this process of disengagement and disarmament in Israel is designed to make the nation completely indefensible, before the onslaught of Har Megiddo begins. The following article confirms my belief. Lebanon's Prime Minster, Emile Lahoud, has stated that the country should "claim" land within Northern Israel. 

Quote: "Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said that Lebanon should claim land within Israel, a Lebanese paper reported Sunday. According to Al-Balad, unnamed sources at the presidential palace said Lahoud wants Lebanon to fight not only for the Shaba Farms, which Israel occupied in 1967, but for lands in the northern border city of Metulla and the border kibbutz Misgav Am.

The fact is, Palestinian claims on Gaza and the West Bank are equally invalid, for no Palestinian state has ever existed on that territory. Gaza was controlled by Egypt, and Jordan only recently renounced its claim over the West Bank. The Palestinian terror groups are involved in a struggle, not to create their own state as the world believes, but to further the destruction of the "Zionist regime", piece by piece. As one man once said, nobody prays for the peace of Jerusalem, but everyone preys for a piece of Jerusalem.

Joel 3:4 
Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon (Lebanon), and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

In other news, Jewish and Christian fears have been confirmed regarding "Hamastan", the belief that a Palestinian Authority run by Hamas will become a totalitarian terrorist state. Hamas Prime Minister Haniyeh has stated that he intends to appoint a Minister of Sharia law. If Sharia law is enforced in the Strip, it will mean the beginning of horrendous persecution for Christians living in Gaza and the West Bank.

Quote: "Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Ismael Haniyeh said Monday that he plans to appoint a minister whose job will be to advance the use of Islamic shaaria law. "Shaaria is the basis of law and no one plans to ignore it," Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Ismael Haniyeh said yesterday at a lecture at Gaza's Islamic Movement. "Islamic law deals well with present reality."

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
US, Israel discuss implications of strike
13/3/06
As the United Nations Council struggles just to agree a statement regarding Iran's breach of its nuclear treaty, Israel and the US are also talking about what the implications of any planned strike on Iran's nuclear facilities will be. Israel has said a strike may not be imminent, and should only be carried out after the Israeli elections on March 28th. Military analysts are also discussing possible repercussions, should Iran retaliate against Israel or Allied forces in the region. 

Quote: "The sources pointed out that it is clear that Israel would have to coordinate with the US forces air control any attempt to fly over Iraq on the way to Iran, if Israel chooses to attack using the shortest route. Last week, former Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon said in Washington that the West does have a military option against Iran and that a joint US-NATO-Israeli air strike against dozens of nuclear facilities in Iran could set back Teheran's nuclear programs for several years.

As Jack says, "this is not Iraq". Israeli fighter pilots literally saved the world when they took unilateral action against Iraq's French-built nuclear reactor, Osiraq. This time the stakes are higher. There are dozens of nuclear facilities to destroy, many of them underground. Ariel Sharon has stated that "Israel will know how to defend itself if attacked". This time there will be no holding back, if rockets start to reign down on Tel-Aviv as they did during the first Gulf War. 

Source Reuters, Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
Iran builds underground nuclear control centre
13/3/06
Iran is seeking yet more talks with Russia regarding its nuclear programme, just weeks after the last round of negotiations between the two nations failed to reach any agreement. Iranian ministers refused to accept a compromise deal, whereby Uranium could be enriched on Russian soil, preventing Iran from using the process to produce nuclear weapons. Iran previously sought to restart talks with the European Union, after its discussions with the same group failed to reach agreement, but these new talks also failed to reach any compromise.

Quote: ""Iran in the last day or two appealed to us again to hold consultations," Lavrov said at a briefing. "They will take place in the nearest future." Talks on Russia's offer to host the Iranian uranium enrichment program produced no results after Tehran rejected Moscow's demand to suspend its uranium enrichment activities.

One really wonders what Iran has to talk about, when they refuse to accept any compromise. Or perhaps they are just buying more time. Israeli intelligence experts believe that Iran may be able to perfect the Uranium enrichment process and build its first bomb as soon as April, 2006 (Link from my friend Laura). Meanwhile Iran continues to construct an underground nuclear control centre, part of the effort to conceal its nuclear activities from the prying eyes of the international community.

Quote: "According to the report, the secret facility is part of the Iranian plan to move as many as possible of that state's nuclear facilities underground, in an attempt to evade their destruction. The site, the London daily reported, could also be used as a bunker for Iran's leaders, should a military conflict erupt.

Source Jerusalem Post, Iran Focus, Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
Jack Straw suffering from Iran-apathy
13/3/06
British Foreign Minister Jack Straw has condemned the United States over its policy of keeping all options on the table in regard to the Iranian crisis, including military action. "This is not Iraq", the Foreign Minister stated. Mr Straw still believes that Iran can be won over by good old diplomacy. But Iranian ministers are already on record boasting that they have "duped" the West over their nuclear programme, by using talks to stall international resolve to deal with the problem.

Quote: ""It is a proud country with a good civilisation. We want to see a normalisation of relationships with this country and it is still not to late for the Iranians to get back into negotiations with us," he said. Mr Straw commented that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was "a difficult individual to deal with", but added that he was not "the critical decision-maker" in Iran. He renewed his claim that military action against Iran was inconceivable.

All this leads me to believe that the West really has too much to loose by starting another war in the Middle East. Not only would the UK loose over £1 billion worth of trade exports to Iran, but they would also risk offending Russia and China, major trading blocs for the European Union. That is why Europe is so anxious for a "deal" to be done, and why America isn't afraid of pursuing the military option. British ministers are soft in the head if they think Iran will back down. Scriptures proves that this war will take place sooner or later, and that the current European position of "diplomacy alone" will result in an unhindered Russian/Arab invasion of Israel.

Ezekiel 38:13 
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Source BBC

Wars and rumours of wars
Peace-loving Britain still needs nuclear deterrent
13/3/06
Just days after UK Foreign Minister Jack Straw labelled Israel as a "potential threat" to world peace, and expressed the government's belief in the need for a nuclear free Middle East, it seems Britain's nuclear deterrent is unlikely to be scrapped any time soon. The Cold War ended around 15 years ago, but with countries such as Iran, India, North Korea and Pakistan all now rumoured to be in possession or close to possession of nuclear weapons, Britain still feels the need for weapons of mass destruction, and is working with America to ensure its current nuclear capability remains operational for at least another 30 years.

Quote: "The Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston is believed to be working with the Americans on a project known as the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW). It would be a simpler device that could be tested in a laboratory rather than with a full-scale detonation, which would break international law against nuclear testing. "The government haven't owned up publicly to being part of the American warhead programme," said Mr Ripley. "That is still a question mark, although it is a strong possibility. Aldermaston has hired new scientists and is co-operating with the Americans, so it's plausible." He said the RRW is essentially "21st century electronics meets established nuclear physics", and would not change the operation of Trident.

I can't help wondering if Britain was in range of Iranian Shihab 3 missiles, would we be as quick to dismantle our nuclear armaments. Considering Iran kept its nuclear programme a secret for around 20 years, would we be as inclined to trust Iran, even if it declared it had dismantled its nuclear facilities (which will never happen anyway)? Then why are we forcing Israel to do that? Israel has decided to brush Jack Straw's comments under the carpet for the meantime, so as not to divert world attention from Iran, but I can't help feeling that this pressure on Israel to disarm and disengage from strategic areas is a satanic ploy to destroy the nation's defences before the onslaught of Armageddon.

Revelation 16:16 
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon (vale of Megiddo).

Source The Scotsman

Wars and rumours of wars
UK: Israel and Iran are both threats to peace
12/3/06
This particular article has made me very angry, and I will be contacting the Prime Minister and my MP to express my views, and would ask you to do the same if you love Israel.  

Email Tony Blair and Fax Your MP

British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, has stated in an interview with Channel 4 news last week, that Britain regards both Israel and Iran as "potential threats" to Middle East peace, and that the UK will be pressing both nations to dispose of their nuclear arsenal. It is an open secret that Israel possesses a nuclear capability, and that the nuclear option is an essential part of Israel's deterrent against it's aggressive neighbours, who launched an all out war to drive the nation into the sea as soon as it declared independence. Successive Israeli Prime Ministers have stated that Israel will not be the first nation to use nuclear weapons in the Gulf. Contrast that with Iran, who boasts it has the right to possess nuclear weapons, and is fanatical enough to use them even if they kill thousands of their own people in the process. The UK government believes that the only way of ridding Iran of its nuclear weapons and thus preventing a future nuclear war, is if everybody destroys their nuclear capabilities - including that tiny democratic nation, Israel, that gets smaller by the year. It is widely believed Israel would be indefensible without a nuclear deterrent, and previous Iranian presidents have boasted that it would take just one nuclear tipped missile to destroy the nation.

Quote: "Straw said Thursday that Britain is seeking a "nuclear-free Middle East." He said that Iran and Israel were the only two countries left that posed "potential threats" now that Iraq and Libya's nuclear aspirations have been neutralized. The foreign minister, who has made headlines in the past criticizing the Jewish state, conceded that removing the Iranian threat was indeed more urgent than the Israeli one. "If you want to see a nuclear-free Middle East, you've got to remove that threat from Iran, including the rhetorical threat to wipe Israel off the face of the map," Straw told British Channel 4 television. "Once you've done that, then we can get on to work in respect of Israel."

Jack Straw has also criticized Israel in the past. During the UK's presidency of Europe, Jack Straw planned to submit a document to the European Council, condemning Israeli activity in East Jerusalem and accusing Israel of using the peace barrier to hold on to areas captured in the Six Day War. He later relented after coming under pressure from Christian and Jewish groups, although publicly admitting he did this because of "sensitivities" in the Israeli political process.

Source Arutz 7

Wars and rumours of wars
West Bank to be moved to Negev
11/3/06
If the new "centrist" party, Kadima, is elected this March, around 80,000 Jews living in the West Bank will find themselves being forcibly evicted, and relocated to the desert. Last year, under the leadership of Ariel Sharon, the world watched on as Jewish soldiers evicted "settlers", who had been branded the enemies of peace by the mainstream press. That operation went smoothly, but for those Gaza residents, many of them are still living in temporary accommodation with no compensation provided by the Israeli government. I was shocked as I watched an ITN reporter, Julian Manyon, commenting on a grieving Jewish man being evicted from his house. The man was tearing his cloths, a sign of grief and mourning, but Julian's comments were that many of the evicted Jews were going "mad". That's how much the world knows or cares. If the same thing was happening in Britain, there would be a national outcry.

Quote: ""We are talking about a very large population that would be removed from the West Bank," a top member of Olmert's Kadima party told WND. "The plan is to push for them to settle in the Negev, which is able to accommodate the big numbers and which is already prepared to accept a large influx of new residents." Olmert officially announced last month Israel will withdraw unilaterally from most of the West Bank and make other moves aimed at changing the Jewish state's borders.

The warning still stands for those nations that force Israel to part God's land...

Joel 3:4-5
Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head; Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your temples my goodly pleasant things:

Source Jerusalem Post, ITN

Wars and rumours of wars
Al-Qaida operative warns of two attacks
11/3/06
This link from my friend Adrian...

Warnings of an impending terrorist atrocity have been posted on Islamic websites by a man called Rakan Ben Williams, claiming to be an undercover Al-Qaida operative living in the United States. The postings claim that the terrorist network is ready to carry out two attacks which will dwarf the September 11th attacks and bring America "to its knees". According to Williams, the smaller attack will be carried out first, followed by the larger one if America refuses to submit to Islam. Williams blamed America's interference in the Middle East, and claimed Washington was being manipulated by Israel and the Jews.

Quote: "The threat suggests the attack will be far greater in magnitude than Sept. 11, 2001, because following this one, "there will be no one to analyze and investigate, because the mind and the heart will be unable to comprehend it. ... This will not be a single operation, but two; one bigger than the other, but we will begin with the big one and postpone the bigger one, in order to see [how] diligent the American people is [in preserving] its life. If it chooses life, [it must] carry out the demands of the Muslims, and if it chooses death, then we are its best perpetrators."

US intelligence experts believe that Al-Qaida may already have two Russian nuclear suitcase bombs smuggled into the United States. In a plan called "American Hiroshima", Al-Qaida would detonate one of the devices in an American city in broad daylight for the whole world to see. Several days later, a second device would be detonated, similar to the American bombing of Japan during World War II. Al-Qaida has chosen nine possible cities, all with high Jewish populations, as targets for destruction... New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston and Washington, D.C. It's frightening if what Williams says is true, and America needs to repent and turn to God for only He is able to deliver them from this enemy.

Source WorldNetDaily, WorldNetDaily

Wars and rumours of wars
Jewish sect backs Iran's call to dismantle Israel
10/3/06
We only want to destroy Israel because we only want peace and calm to prevail in the world. Those were the words of the Neturei Karta, an Jewish religious sect, words that would put C. S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters to shame (Christian books written from a twisted demonic perspective). The Neturei Karta is currently visiting Iran, and has publicly backed President Ahmadinejad's call for Israel to be "wiped off the map". The group has close ties with the Arab world, and rejects the idea of "Zionism". I found the following quote very intriguing. 

Quote: "The doctrine of Neturei Karta says Jews cannot use human force to establish a Jewish state before the coming of the universally accepted messiah.

A "universally accepted messiah"... I wonder who that could be. Is it possible that the world will, for a short period of time, recognize Israel's right to exist when this false messiah appears on the scene? For the only Messiah I know of was universally rejected, and He bears the marks of the nails in His hands, wounds that prove His love for me. Any man that doesn't bear those marks is an impostor.

John 5:43 
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

And for those Christians who have the same mindset, that Zionism is not a move of God, the Bible states Israel will be regathered in unbelief, before national repentance.

Hosea 6:2 
After two days (2000 years) will he revive us (Israel): in the third day (Millennium) he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Ezekiel 36:24-25
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Source Jerusalem Post

Antichrist
Solana seeks arms deal with China and US
10/3/06
Javier Solana, the High Representative for the EU Common, Foreign and Security Policy, is actively seeking how to bring China out of the cold as the nation's economy continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. The world placed China under an arms embargo, after the Red Army crushed a pro-democracy demonstration in Tienanmen Square in 1989. But now Europe can no longer afford to ignore China's financial clout, and Javier Solana is seeking to broker a deal between the US and China to get the arms embargo lifted.

Quote: "EU diplomats said Solana hoped to defuse tension over the issue by starting a broader, regular transatlantic dialogue about how to integrate China’s growing economic, political and military power into a cooperative international system. He is also expected to discuss plans for an international conference to support Iraq’s new government, to be hosted jointly by the EU and the United States in Brussels in late June -- a symbol of common purpose after bitter transatlantic rifts over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The diplomats said Solana would also discuss efforts to bring peace to Sudan’s troubled Darfur region and to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he is on a peace mission.

Gone are the days when China was criticized for its human rights abuses. Nowadays Western governments do their utmost to sweep the issue under the carpet. It is estimated there are over 100 million Christians in China, and the Chinese House Church movement is growing despite horrendous persecution. Believers meet in complete secrecy for fear of facing beatings and imprisonment by the Chinese Secret Police, for their illegal gatherings.

It's interesting that Solana is also planning to host an international conference on Iraq. Perhaps this will mark the start of Babylon's rise to prominence on the world stage. I've heard it said that Babylon was not touched during the bombing and subsequent invasion of Iraq.  

Source Tiscali News, Zion Ministry

Wars and rumours of wars
Hamas: Olmert's border plans are "declaration of war"
10/3/06
As expected, Hamas are furious over Prime Minister designate Olmert's announcement that he plans to finalize Israel's borders within the next four years, with or without Palestinian co-operation. Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal stated that these plans amounted to a Israeli "declaration of war", for Hamas will accept nothing less than pre-1967 borders, including East Jerusalem, before they will agree to any "truce". And that's still without officially recognizing Israel's right to exist.

Quote: "Hamas leader abroad, Khaled Mashaal, said Friday that Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's plan to create Israel's permanent borders by 2010 is "a declaration of war" on the Palestinian people. According to Mashaal, "this is not a peace plan, rather a declaration of war that would enable Israel to hold on to a large portion of the West Bank and Jerusalem, keep the wall, the settlements, and delay the right of return. Olmert is in the process of committing the same mistakes as Ariel Sharon."

The international community will also accept nothing less than pre-1967 borders, as UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has stated, along with countless other diplomats, including UK diplomats who recently attempted to destabilize Israel's control of East Jerusalem by encouraging Palestinian activity in the city.

Source Jerusalem Post

Noah's Ark
New satellite image of the ark released
10/3/06
A new high definition satellite image of the "anomaly" on Mount Ararat has been released to the public. The image had not been disclosed until now, because countries such as the United States did not want other nations to know how advanced their satellite technology has become. The ark was "rediscovered" by US pilots flying over the Ararat mountain range in 1949, although historians such as Josephus seem to have known the ark's location, and even mention people as having visited the vessel and taken pieces of wood from it to use as "talismans". There are a number of people that claim to have seen the ark first hand, although due to conflict between Turkey and its neighbours, coupled with harsh weather conditions, have made it difficult for any expedition to locate it. The ark now lies in two pieces, broken up by an earthquake which split mount Ararat a number of years ago. 

Quote: "The anomaly remains ensconced in glacial ice at an altitude of 15,300 feet, and Taylor says the photos suggest it's length-to-width ratio is close to 6:1, as indicated in the Book of Genesis. The U.S. Air Force took the first photographs of the Mt. Ararat site in 1949. The images allegedly revealed what seemed to be a structure covered by ice, but were held for years in a confidential file labelled "Ararat Anomaly." The new image was actually taken in 2003, but has never been revealed to the public until now.

It's extremely interesting that new ark imagery is being released at this particular time in history. Although it seems that if the ancient world knew of the ark and didn't repent and believe in the God of Noah's flood, even if we had concrete evidence the ark is the one spoken of in the Bible, would people then believe? I think not.

Luke 16:31 
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Source WorldNetDaily, Christian Evidences, Jesus, Dinosaurs and more,

Pestilences
Bird flu could infect 2 billion people
9/3/06
This link from my friend Tony...

That's according to Dmitry Lvov, Director of the Russian Academy of Science’s Virology Research Institute, who believes up to one third of the world's population could be infected within a short space of time should the virus mutate into a form that can be passed from human to human. Currently the virus can only be passed onto people who come in contact with infected fowl. Norway is possibly the latest country to be hit by the avian flu, as the disease continues to make headway across Europe.

Quote: "“Any pandemic (flu) virus appears as a result of crossing between a human virus and a bird virus. A highly pathogenic monster emerges and it can affect up to one-third of the world’s population in a short period of time,” he said.

Tony says this figure, one third, is remarkable considering the Scriptures in the book of Revelation which state that one third of the world's population will die during the tribulation period. But disease will only be part of the picture. Famine, global war and catastrophic natural disasters will overtake those who escape the pestilences. 

Revelation 8:13 
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Revelation 9:18 
By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Source MosNews

Peace Process
Israel will finalize borders by 2010
9/3/06
Acting Israeli Prime Minister Olmert has declared that the government plans to finalize its borders within the next four years, regardless of whether it has a partner for peace with the Palestinian Authority or not. He hoped that international pressure would force Hamas to recognize Israel and renounce violence, but it's unlikely that prospect will be forthcoming taking into consideration Hamas' new-found Russian support. If Hamas refuses to work with Israel, Olmert says will try to achieve as broad a consensus as possible before making the borders permanent.

Quote: "Olmert said he intended within the next four years to "get to Israel's permanent borders, whereby we will completely separate from the majority of the Palestinian population and preserve a large and stable Jewish majority in Israel." This was the first time that Olmert has put a time frame on what he has said in the past was Israel's most pressing issue: determining its final borders. During the interview, which will appear in its entirety in Friday's Post, Olmert refused to get drawn into a detailed discussion of where he envisioned the borders would run, saying only that his broad guidelines included Gush Etzion, the "Jerusalem envelope," Ma'aleh Adumim, the "Ariel region" and the "Jordan River as a security border."

But it's unlikely Olmert will find consensus from the international community for anything other than pre-1967 borders, meaning East Jerusalem will have to go. It's also extremely interesting that Olmert mentions 2010 as the final date for a settlement. Taking into consideration the number of prophetically related events coming up for the 2007-2013 period, such as the seven year covenant, world weather predictions and the 2010 Headline Goal, Israel aiming for final border status by 2010 falls exactly in the middle of that seven year period. Coincidence? Perhaps not. The Bible states that in the middle of the tribulation period, the Antichrist will turn against Israel. East Jerusalem shall be taken by force, and for the next 3.5 years, Jews will flee into the desert where they will be protected by God.

Revelation 12:14 
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 

Source Jerusalem Post

Peace Process
UN envoy calls for new Middle East peace plan
8/3/06
Special envoy to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, John Dugard, has called for a new peace plan to be implemented in the Middle East which deals with "present realities", in a new report that criticizes Israel for the failure of the "roadmap to war". John Dugard goes where Muslims fear to tread, and claims that Israel still occupies Gaza, is the sole cause of the Palestinian humanitarian plight, and has used the West Bank barrier to seize land captured during the Six Day, Arab initiated war. 

Quote: "Israel's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Itzhak Levanon, said the new report bore "little reaction to either the facts or existing principles of international law". "After the full military and civilian withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and the recent accession of the terrorist organisation Hamas into power, the dissonance between [Mr Dugard's] mandate and the present situation has never been clearer," he said in a statement.

John Dugard confirms my previous statements, that people like him with an inbred anti-Jewish Western mindset, encouraged by Muslim "victimization" propaganda, are the Hitler's of this New World Order who will eventually push the world into Har Megiddo and the "Final Solution", the destruction of the Jewish race.

Revelation 12:13 
And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Source BBC

Mark of the Beast
Scientists implant chip in tooth
8/3/06
This link from my friend Akhtar...

Next time you attend your dentist complaining of chipped teeth, it may be the electronic kind you will be talking about. Scientists have experimented with implanting miniature RFID microchips into teeth, in the hope that they will be more inclined to withstand the rigours of every day life. Often dental records can be used to identify bodies that have long since decomposed. But if this particular company gets their way, those teeth are going to be revealing more than your age...

Quote: ""You put your ID card in your pocket, we put it in a tooth," said Patrick Thevissen, a forensic odontologist at the Catholic University of Leuvenin in Belgium. The ID chip can carry information including a person's name, nationality, date of birth, gender and national ID code and can be read after death. The idea came about because of the difficulty and expense of identifying victims of disasters from dental records. Trying to identify bodies after the Asian tsunami, for example, relied heavily on forensic dentists. But it was difficult and time consuming, particularly when teeth had been badly damaged or when dental records were not available. 

I actually purchased some RFID tags from www.phidgets.com for the purpose of showing other Christians how close we are to the fulfilment of Revelation. There's something about having the thing in your hand (not literally inserted in it of course) that somehow makes it all very real. It's only a matter of time before RFID tags become so commonplace that they are accepted as part of everyday life.

Source Guardian

Wars and rumours of wars
Hamas launch terror website for children
8/3/06
This link from my friend Tony...

The Palestinian terrorist group, Hamas, has launched a new website aimed at children, encouraging them to become suicide bombers. The website, called "the Conqueror", presents stories of "martyrdom" and poems written by children glorifying attacks perpetrated against Israelis.  

Quote: "The Hamas-run Al-Fateh.net glorifies shahada, martyrdom, and presents the deaths of terrorists attacking Israelis as a time of celebration, according to a report by Palestinian Media Watch. One of the stories on the site quotes a mother saying that when she heard her son had become a shahid, a martyr, she bought dates, candies and coffee to give out. An entire section of the site is called "Stories of the Shahids" and the most recently posted story honors Hamas terrorist Naseem Ja'abari, who murdered 16 people when he blew himself up on a bus in Be'er Sheva on August 31, 2004. 

Unfortunately this website is nothing new for Palestinian children, who are raised on a diet of lies from an early age by Islamic schools, aided by the Palestinian government. They are taught, according to the Qur'an that the Jews are descended from pigs. The Jews are also reported to drink the blood of Palestinians, hand out poisoned sweets to Palestinian children, and sell cancerous cola to Palestinian towns. And the official Palestinian Authority news channel has carried these types of stories for years, even while Fatah was in power. The PA did recently promise to cut these reports from its official channel, but now that Hamas is in power things will get worse. The "Cherie Blairs" of this world really have no idea what is going on in Islamic-run countries, and with a pervasive Western belief that this conflict's root cause is the presence of Israel in the Middle East illegally occupying the land of "Palestine", will ultimately bring war, not peace for the world. 

Source Arutz 7

Weather
Next solar cycle to peak in 2012, 50% stronger
8/3/06
This link from my friend Jim...

Meteorologists are warning that the next solar cycle could be around 30 to 50% stronger than the last one, increasing fears that the world's weather will continue to become more extreme. The sun goes through an eleven year cycle, with increased sunspot activity producing massive solar storms which can disrupt the world's weather systems, and knock out communication satellites. What's interesting is the date meteorologists are expecting this coming cycle to peak, 2012. Tony Blair recently stated that the world had until 2012 to do something about global warming, or it would be too late. And of course, the European Neighbourhood Policy is due to last from 2007-2012.

Quote: "LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A new computer model suggests the next solar cycle will be more active than the previous one, potentially spawning magnetic storms that will be more disruptive to communication systems on Earth. The next sunspot cycle will be between 30 percent to 50 percent more intense than the last one, scientists said Monday. The cycle will also begin a year later than expected, in late 2007 or early 2008, and peak around 2012, said Mausumi Dikpati of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo. The new prediction is at odds with previous forecasts, which suggested that the intensity of the next solar cycle would be measurably smaller.

Last year's hurricane season saw a record breaking twenty seven storms, and prompted meteorologists to start using the Greek alphabet to name storms for the first time in history. Several of the hurricanes were also the most destructive to hit American in many years, and again coincided with events in Israel, prompting many Christians to believe Katrina was Divine retribution for America's support for the "roadmap to war". The Bible states that God's wrath that will soon be poured out upon mankind for his wickedness will affect the weather, and the sun in particular.

Revelation 16:8-9
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

Source TBO, Reuters, WorldNetDaily

Morals
South Dakota considers banning social abortions
7/3/06
In a new landmark ruling, the state of South Dakota is preparing to ban abortions that are carried out for socio-economic reasons. Doctors that carry out illegal abortions, if the law comes into effect, could face fines of up to $5000 or five years in prison. The abortion debate is currently heating up in the US, and even the woman responsible for bringing in the Roe vs Wade ruling has been campaigning hard to have the abortion laws overturned, in what she sees as an increasing culture of death in American society. 

Quote: "Gov Rounds said: "In the history of the world, the true test of a civilisation is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them," he said in a written statement. The organisation Planned Parenthood, which runs South Dakota's only abortion clinic, immediately said it would challenge the new law.

You can be sure left-wing liberal groups such as the ACLU and Planned Parenthood will be doing their utmost to ensure this law is revoked. It's interesting that the mainstream media is already spinning this story, claiming it represents a "total ban" on abortion, when in fact abortion will still be legal if the birth poses a risk to the mother. But I guess if you consider that 96% of all abortions are carried out on healthy children, whose parents don't want the child due to social or economic reasons (unplanned or unwanted pregnancies), I guess in their eyes that amounts to a total ban and affront to a woman's right to kill her unwanted child.

Source BBC

Anti-Semitism
Saudi Arabia defies WTO in boycott of Israel
7/3/06
Saudi Arabia is continuing to defy World Trader Organization rules, by hosting a planned Organization Islamic Conference calling to strengthen the Muslim boycott on Israel. The nation was recently granted World Trade Organization membership, of which Israel is also a member, if it agreed to drop its boycott of Israeli goods.

Quote: ""Next week, we will hold the ninth annual meeting for the boycott of Israel here in Jidda," Ambassador Salem el-Honi, high commissioner of the Organization for the Islamic Conference's (OIC) Islamic Office for the Boycott of Israel, said in a telephone interview. "All 57 OIC member states will attend, and we will discuss coordination among the various offices to strengthen the boycott," he said, noting that the meeting is held every March. The OIC, consisting of 57 Muslim countries, is based in Jidda, as is its boycott office.

Sadly this is just the tip of the iceberg. As we saw yesterday, whether in Britain - one of the most democratic countries in the world, or in Saudi Arabia - one of the most repressive, there is an ingrained hatred of Israel in the world's conscience, that will ultimately bring all the nations of the world against God's people.

Zechariah 14:2-3
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

Source Jerusalem Post

Mark of the Beast
UK Government defeated over compulsory ID cards
7/3/06
The UK Labour government has been defeated yet again on their controversial Identity card scheme. The bill - which would have made it compulsory to apply for an ID card upon renewal of a British passport, was a rejected by the House of Lords who viewed it as bringing in a compulsory national identity scheme via the back door. This defeat is another blow to the credibility of Tony Blair's leadership. 

Quote: "The Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers said this would introduce the cards by stealth and go back on Labour's original plan which was to have voluntary ID cards. "The Government should now look for compromise and go forward with the voluntary scheme they promised," Conservative Leader in the Lords, Lord Strathclyde, said in a statement. "The issues of personal freedom involved are too important to be foisted on the public by half truths and deception."

The House of Lords overturned amendments to the Incitement to Religious Hatred bill just a few months ago, which could have made it a criminal offence to hand out gospel tracts in the street. That particular bill was lost by just one vote, the Prime Minister's himself. Tony Blair was attending to other matters, after his party whips convinced him that his vote was not necessary because the bill would be easily won. Many Christians in the UK were praying regarding this bill, and believe that Tony Blair's absence was the intervention of God in the affairs of man.

Source Reuters

Brave New Britain
Muslim shock at Arsenal-Israel sponsorship
6/3/06
British Muslim groups expressed outrage over Arsenal Football Club's new sponsorship deal with the Israeli Tourism Ministry. The Club's decision to promote Israel as its "exclusive travel destination" for next season has horrified Muslims who view Israel as a "racist apartheid" regime.

Quote: ""We are getting reports that a number of Arsenal supporters are utterly shocked" by the deal, Ms. Hunter said. The PSC (Palestinian Solidarity Campaign) encouraged supporters to write to Arsenal saying, "Israel is a racist apartheid state which is consistently in breach of international law in its human rights abuses; and that such a deal endangers Arsenal's anti-racist reputation". 

British Muslims should be grateful they live in a democracy where laws exist to protect people of all faiths, but to accuse Israel of being an apartheid state that promotes racism shows just how uneducated British Muslims must be. Israeli Arabs have the right to vote, the right to become an MK, and the right to join the country's armed services. I don't see many Jews living in Saudi Arabia that enjoy similar rights, and recently Iraqi Muslims decided that people possessing an Israeli citizenship could not simultaneously hold Iraqi citizenship. Who's calling the kettle black here? If there are decent Muslims living in Britain who are against this blatant anti-Semitism, now's the time to speak up.

Source Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
Fears of Muslim civil war in Gaza
6/3/06
The international community is already concerned that violence in Iraq between Shi'ite and Sunni groups may deteriorate into civil war, and with protests continuing over the publication of cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed as a suicide bomber, it's easy to see how a conflict that started in Iraq could easily become a worldwide issue. Over 50,000 Muslims gathered outside the Danish embassy today in Pakistan, chanting "Death to America", and "Death to Bush", as the American President was visiting the country. But fears of an Iraqi-style Islamic civil war are now spreading in Gaza, as a new Shi'ite terror group emerges in a predominately Sunni region. Hamas has expressed "deep concern" over the development and plans to launch an investigation into who is behind the new terrorist group.

Quote: "A PA security official said he did not understand how a Shi'ite group could operate in the West Bank and Gaza Strip "where we don't have even one Shi'ite." All the Muslims living in the PA-controlled areas are Sunnis. Many Palestinians expressed fear on Sunday that the presence of a Shi'ite group in the West Bank and Gaza Strip could lead to a similar situation as in Iraq, where Shi'ites and Sunnis appear to be on the verge of civil war.

But don't think that Muslim in-fighting will detract from Israel's problems with Islamic terror. President Ahmedinejad of Iran believes that Israel was behind the bombing of the Shi'ite shrine in Iraq, and that Israel is "behind all the world's problems". It seems Israel will ultimately get the blame whatever happens.

Source Fox News, Jerusalem Post

Revived Roman Empire
France and Germany in Constitution talks
6/3/06
Confidential talks between Germany's Chancellor Merkel and France's President Jacque Chirac are now underway on how to proceed with attempts to revive the ill-fated European Constitution. According to this report, the EU Constitution need not be completely rewritten as Constitution creator and freemason Giscard D'Estaing would have us believe. It seems it only needs to be repackaged, to become more acceptable to those states that rejected the Constitution last year. So much for the Constitution being declared dead. According to my friend James Chai, Europe's "deadly wound" will be soon be healed.

Quote: "According to the plans, the charter should be reduced to its first two parts, setting out the EU’s competences and the charter of fundamental rights of the union. These core parts should be boosted with the addition of a political declaration and be put to a fresh poll in both France and the Netherlands. The remaining third part of the text, detailing the EU’s policies, should be ratified by the French and Dutch parliaments, completing the ratification of the entire constitution as it has been approved by 14 member states so far. 

It is widely believed Britain would not accept a European Constitution. Most Britons believe we already have too much regulation from Brussels, but the UK referendum, when it happens, is not legally binding. Just like the Iraq war, Tony Blair could press ahead without public consent, and agree to implement the EU Constitution for the "greater good" of Britain.

Source EUObserver

Peace Agreement
Jordan to be recipient of seven year "democracy fund"
5/3/06
I found this interesting article relating to the seven year covenant of Daniel 9:27. 

It seems the new European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), is being remarketed as a "democracy fund" for the terror stricken Middle East. The European Union is planning to give a whopping 1 billion Euros in grants to states that are willing to reform, in other words a financial "carrot" for those countries willing to succumb to European Union political control. Julian Vassallo, head of the EU Council's policy planning unit, states that Jordan is just one of the nations that may qualify for the money. 

Quote: "Jordan can aspire to become one of the recipients of a new "democracy fund" that the EU intends to establish by 2007, an official from the European Council told The Jordan Times on Saturday. According to Julian Vassallo, from the EU Council's policy planning unit in Brussels, the facility will be allocated around one billion euros to be distributed over the seven-year period between 2007-2013 as extra aid, in addition to the regular economic assistance for the EU's southern and eastern neighbours. The extra aid will be granted "to those countries that show that they are delivering on their commitments to democratic reforms," Vassallo said. Countries rewarded for their progress in political reforms with allocations from the democracy facility will be free to spend the extra assistance for any development project they choose, the EU official explained. "Jordan is one of the possible recipients," he added.

Israel was the first nation to sign up to the European Neighbourhood Policy, along with roughly 15 other Middle East nations. The reason why so many Christians are excited (if that's the right word), is because the Antichrist is to bring in an agreement between the European Union and many nations of the Middle East, that is to last seven years. The European Neighbourhood Policy also had a mid-term review period, in which Javier Solana, as High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, will be responsible for. It is also extremely interesting that Jordan is the only nation to be spared the wrath of the Antichrist, after the agreement is broken.

Daniel 9:27 
And he (Antichrist) shall confirm the covenant with many (nations) for one week (seven years): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Source MenaFN

Wars and rumours of wars
Iranians duped EU over nukes
5/3/06
Straight from the horse's mouth, you might say, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Rowhani, has admitted that the emergency dialogue with the EU was planned to buy Iran time, and divert world attention from the nation's efforts to upgrade their nuclear facilities for the production of nuclear weapons. It seems everyone apart from the European ministers involved knew that. Many Christians have been saying that for months, and now Iran has finally had the gall to publicly admit it. 

Quote: "At the closed meeting of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, Rowhani (Iran's top nuclear negotiator) boasted that during talks to forestall Iran's nuclear program, which intelligence sources in the U.S. saw as part of an effort to build nuclear weapons, Tehran completed the installation of equipment needed to convert yellowcake at its Isfahan plant. The Europeans, he said, were convinced nothing was occurring at the plant. "From the outset, the Americans kept telling the Europeans, 'The Iranians are lying and deceiving you and they have not told you everything.' The Europeans used to respond, 'We trust them'," he said.

But sadly it's now too late to do anything about it. Russia will not agree to sanctions against Iran for fear of hurting her own economy, and the West is sleepwalking into a nightmare, now months, if not years away from bringing the world into a full scale nuclear war.

Revelation 8:7 
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Source WorldNetDaily

False Christs
Madonna expecting Kabbalist Messiah
4/3/06
The pop-singer turned Kabbalist, Madonna, is seeking a home on the sea of Galilee, in anticipation of the coming of the Kabbalist Messiah. Kabbalism is a twisted form of Judaism, that concentrates on the worship of angels. Madonna recently converted from Catholicism, to Kabbalism, and changed her name to the Jewish name of Esther. Unfortunately she is just one of many celebrities now seeking spiritual fulfilment in all the wrong places, after they have realized their celebrity lifestyle only leaves them empty.

Quote: "MADONNA is trying to buy a house overlooking the Sea of Galilee at the place where followers of her Kabbalist faith expect the Messiah to reappear to herald world peace. Representatives of the 47-year-old US singer have been cold calling home-owners in the picturesque mountain retreat of Rosh Pina and offering to pay any price to secure a property on her behalf. The star — who was raised an Italian Catholic but adopted the Hebrew name Esther several years ago — wants the house to turn it into a Kabbalah study centre where followers can pore over the mystical texts.

The facts that Kabbalists, Jews and Muslims are all expecting the return of their Messiah now can only point to the soon appearing of the Antichrist, who will deceive the nations with his promise of world peace. Yes, Satan knows people are now prepared to accept anything for the sake of peace, and people are now in such a deprived spiritual condition that they will accept him, even if he is the devil himself.

Luke 21:7-8
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

John 5:43 
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Source Times Online

Wars and rumours of wars
EU, US backtrack on Iran nukes
4/3/06
This link from my friend Jim...

The EU-Iranian talks regarding the pressing nuclear issue failed to reach any consensus on Friday, although further talks will begin again on Monday. Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, stated there was no new offer from Iran on the table. But it seems the EU and US are starting to realize no deal can be done with a nation that is bent on starting the next Gulf war. Instead it seems America and Europe are giving in to Iranian demands, offering to turn a blind eye to nuclear enrichment if Iran calls a temporary freeze to its nuclear programme. Iran had previously threatened to start full scale nuclear enrichment if sanctions were brought against the nation, and it seems now that Iran, with Chinese and Russian help, will get its own way. 

Quote: "Iran and the European Union inched toward a compromise Friday that diplomats said would allow Tehran to run a scaled-down version of a uranium enrichment program with potential for misuse to develop atomic weapons. The development was significant because the Europeans and the United States have for years opposed allowing Iran any kind of enrichment capability - a stance that Russia, China and other influential nations have embraced in recent months.

If this agreement is reached, whereby Iran is permitted to develop its nuclear programme, it will only delay the inevitable. Israel still states that it will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, and will risk incurring the wrath of Russia and China, should they attempt to go against any internationally brokered agreement.

Source Jerusalem Post

Wars and rumours of wars
China ups military budget by 14%
4/3/06
China announced recently that it intends to boost its military budget by 14% this year, but ministers insisted the increase was planned to cover rising salaries and fuel costs, and that China was a "peace-loving nation". But that description is wearing a little thin these days, after the country's recent threats against Taiwan. China and Russia also held their first joint military manoeuvres in history last year, increasing Taiwanese tensions that China was readying for an invasion of the island. 

Quote: "China's armed forces are the biggest in the world and have seen double-digit increases in military spending since the early 1990s. The increases have caused concern for neighbours Japan and Taiwan. The US has also expressed fears over the spending on the 2.5m-strong military. Washington has several times accused China of understating its military budget. It said last year's spend was not the $30bn stated but closer to $90bn.

The US government criticized China last year for continuing to increase its military budget, despite having no regional enemies to deal with, and that there must be some other reason why China was boosting its military capabilities. Perhaps China is beginning to realize that its booming economy is dependant on an ever decreasing oil supply, and securing those resources may mean a future invasion of the Middle East.

Revelation 16:12 
And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Source BBC

Gog and Magog
Libya moves towards joining the Gog alliance
3/3/06
So far, most of the nations mentioned in the Gog alliance that are to invade Israel in the latter days have given official recognition to the Hamas government. Hamas resolutely refused to recognize Israel while its leaders were in Russia today, stating that was a non-issue. Hamas leaders have been touring the Middle East, garnering support for their terror government. They stopped off in Sudan and Iran, and Turkey welcomed Hamas talks to the dismay of Israel. 

Libya today made a step towards joining that exclusive club that will march against Israel in the latter days. Libya has made a conciliatory gesture towards the Muslim Brotherhood group, the founder of many of the Palestinian terrorist organizations, including Hamas, by releasing 87 of their prisoners. No reasons were given for their release.

Quote: "Libyan authorities on Thursday released 87 jailed activists from the Muslim Brotherhood group, all that were in custody, in an apparent gesture of conciliation toward the banned fundamentalist movement, a top Libyan official said. "They are free now and were sent home," said the official on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the press.

Ezekiel 38:3-6
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia (Iran), Ethiopia (possibly Sudan), and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer (Turkey), and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (Turkey) of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.

It looks like Hamas, coupled with the situation in Iran, will form the hooks in Gog's jaws, that will bring the sleeping Soviet giant against Israel. And that war, which the President of Iran is intent on creating, gets closer by the day.

Quote: "Ahmedinejad said the root cause of challenges faced by the Muslim world can be found in the "hegemonic tendencies" of certain bullying powers, a clear reference to the United States and Europe. "But domination and bullying will not last much longer. Bullies and Zionists beware, you are going to fall," Ahmedinejad said in a public lecture in Kuala Lumpur on the last day of a three-day official visit.

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

Gog and Magog
Israel believes Russia will not harm Israel
3/3/06
This fascinating link from my friend James...

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has assured Ariel Sharon that Russia would not harm Israel, despite its acceptance of Hamas in the Palestinian Authority government. My friend James Chai says that he sent several emails to Ariel Sharon asking him to read Ezekiel 38-39, the passage which describes a Russian/Arab invasion of Israel in the "latter days", but he never received any response and concluded that Israel no longer believes its own prophets.

Quote: "“President Putin told me that he had previously given a commitment to (the coma-stricken Israeli Prime Minister) Ariel Sharon that Russia would never do anything to harm the state of Israel and that that commitment applies to me as it did to Ariel Sharon,” Olmert, the acting prime minister, told public radio.

For me, the passage springs to mind about king Hezekiah, who invited a Babylonian delegation to view all his palace. Israel was later destroyed and carried away captive in the Babylonian invasion, because of their refusal to obey God's Word.

2nd Kings 20:14-17
Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon. And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD. Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.

Meanwhile, Hamas arrived in Gog today for talks, and resolutely refuses to recognize Israel. The Western world is falling over itself to accommodate Hamas, and recently South Africa has offered to host talks with the terrorist group.

Quote: "The issue of recognition is a done issue. We are not going to recognize Israel," Mohammed Nazzal, a senior official accompanying exiled Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal, told reporters after their delegation arrived in Moscow.

Source MOS News, Reuters

Terrorism
Dubai "ports deal" given UK go-ahead
2/3/06
Concern is growing over the new merger between Dubai Ports World and P&O. The deal, which was given the go ahead by the British High Court today, will see control over six US ports handed over to an extremely rich Arab nation, with no formal ties with Israel. Effectively it could be opening a back door of terror into the US for Al Qaeda or any other group that wishes to carry out an attack on US soil. Dubai is the banking capital of the Arab world, and money allotted for the September 11th attacks was funnelled through the nation's banks. 

The CEO of Zim Integrated Shipping Services in Israel, Idon Ofer, is extremely critical of the DP World firm. He claims that the company flouts the law by shipping products boycotted by the US because their countries of origin refuse to recognise Israel. If the deal goes ahead, DP World will gain control over the port of New Orleans, which is still not fully recovered from the natural disaster last year. 

Quote: "Ofer told CNN he also plans to send a letter to Clinton's fellow New York Democrat, Sen. Charles Schumer, who also is critical of the deal. Ofer said his company sends its ships into Dubai's ports with other countries' flags to skirt the boycott with Dubai and other Arab countries that do not have formal diplomatic relations with the Jewish state. Jordan and Egypt are the only Arab countries with diplomatic ties to Israel.

Source CNN

Just a short note. Again, thank-you for all who prayed for me during this difficult time. God has answered your prayers, and I have now regained strength. It has been a difficult few weeks, and at times I was very concerned about my heart, and even when I prayed for help and comfort from the Scriptures, none came, but only verses about death and the grave. And it seemed every TV programme I would watch was either about death or heart attacks. This lead me to believe this has been more of a spiritual trial than a physical illness. But I prayed that God's will would be done, even if it meant dying (after days of anxiety). And you can imagine my joy when my doctor confirmed my problems were due to a virus, and that I would soon recover.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning! (Psalm 30:5)

News will be back online very soon, perhaps today if I find something good.