Summary by Joel

Whew, I don't think I've ever blogged so much in such a short-time span. Maybe because I feel compelled to get some stuff on here before our 2 week vacation to our home and native land starts.
Anyhow, Joel Rosenberg's latest entry is a quick summary of why many prophecy watchers are very...watchful right now. Great short read.

We're All Imperfect Recruits

My pastor spoke today (7/30) about not making the mistake of thinking you must be perfectly holy before you can be pressed in to service by God. Not that we shouldn't strive for obedience to Jesus, but that knowing we won't become fully righteous this side of heaven shouldn't allow us to sit on the sidelines of "Kingdom" work.
Since my work is primarily with those who have gotten a DWI charge, I couldn't help thinking of Mel Gibson, who just released a humble public statement following his own recent drinking and driving charge.
No mistake, Mel's action wasn't good, and his apparent anti-semitic remarks during the arrest truly sadden me.
However, this is still the same man who brought us the Passion of the Christ movie. Despite Mel's self-admitted long-time struggle with alcoholism, God used him in a big way.
God's grace is bigger than any sin any of us could commit. Thank God He still loves Mel. Thank God He still loves ALL of us, even when we mess up.
If you're reading this Mel, know that there's a DWI pro who's seen many a case worse than yours. Read that Bible of yours brother. The jews are our brothers, and God will perfect the ones who believe in His son as much as He will perfect you and I. If they bother you, spend time praying that as many of them as possible come to know Jesus.
Meantime, here's a great piece by excellent Bible teacher John MacArthur reminding us to:
"Be Not Drunk With Wine..." I'll be reading it a few times myself in the hopes of applying the wisdom in it to my own ongoing battle with tobacco.

Hezbollah's Civilian Pawns

What will Hezbollah do next, strap their women and children TO their rockets? What kind of army keeps their civilians with their rocket launchers?

If You Want Blood, You Got It

Say what you want about blood, but when it's spilled, it sure gets everyone's attention. My 5 year old daughter ended up with a nasty bloody nose during a play (?) - fight with her neighbour friend. Near as we grownups could make out, they were swiping at each other through a tent, which had been set up in the back-yard for a sleep-over for the punching boy's older brother.
As my daughter screamed, blood pouring out of her nose, everyone was drawn to her plight, of course freaking her out even more. Here I am, holding damp tissues to her nose, wondering what happened (the story didn't come out until she was calm).
As I gave her a bath, we realized that her shirt was quite bloodied. We both noticed that the blood stain seemed to land primarily on the Lion character (Aslan) of her "Narnia" t-shirt. If you've seen/read the Narnia film/book, you no-doubt know that Aslan represents Christ. Of course, this lead to a great discussion of Christ's sacrifice as we cleaned up. Yes, the discussion did involve Christ's shedding his blood for us. Some may say that this would be too traumatic a topic for a 5 year old. However, she was not horrified, but strangely calmed. When the impact of what Christ did for us on the cross hit her, she simply exclaimed: "Thank-you God!" She already knew what Christ had done, but I believe the experience of having her own blood shed (and feeling the pain of it) really drove home the precious blood of Christ for her.
The night had a happy ending, as we were able to go back to the birthday party, where my daughter and the boy played some more, albeit gentler games. We even had cake and ice-cream, and all was understood and/or forgiven.
No one likes blood, but it sure draws a crowd. I guess it's impossible to ignore. It sure is hard to watch it flow from your own child. Thank God there are times when the shedding of blood concludes with everyone at the party (who is hungry for it) eating cake and ice-cream.

Psalm 83

Did you read about the ancient book of Psalms dug up in Ireland? It was opened to Psalm 83 - a prayer to ask God to keep Israel protected from her neighbouring enemies. Seriously.
http://web.israelinsider.com/Views/8954.htm

Not familiar with Psalm 83? You can view an excellent presentation of it right now by clicking here.

Also-laughed

I experienced a true first tonight. Despite their numerous gaffes, I've never actually laughed out loud at the comments of any politician. Even when they've made outrageous, silly, boombastic brags, I've never heard one that resulted in a spontaneous belly laugh. John Kerry, however, achieved this tonight.
According to Kerry, had he been elected, this whole middle-east thing would not have happened. Read the quote here. The setting? Some Detroit pub (?) called "Honest John's bar and grill."
Thanks Mr. Kerry. Guess I'll have to live with the remorse of contributing to this war by voting for your opponent. Would you also have used your diplomatic wiles to prevent Adam and Eve from tasting that forbidden fruit? I guess on both accounts, we'll never know. Sigh...

Iran's Diversion Tactics?

I've been waiting for Hal Lindsey to comment on the Middle-East situation. He hasn't let me down. Not only has he brought some light to the Damascus prophecy, but also expounded on current intelligence that brings Ezekiel 38 (Gog and Magog) to the table. Could the timing of Hezbollah's attack in Israel be one big diversion tactic?
This whole situation in Israel right now is fascinating to prophecy watchers. If it's not heading toward the end, these days sure do foreshadow the end of our church age.
UNCOVERED: RUSSIAN-SYRIAN-IRANIAN AXIS

Syria Threatens Involvement

I may be too hung up on the whole Damascus thing, but it keeps inching closer. "Syrian information minister says country to enter Israel-Hizbullah conflict if IDF forces invade Lebanon, approach Syria border."
Haven't IDF already done this? Maybe he means Beirut proper, or Northern Lebanon?
Syria: We'll join conflict if Israeli troops approach

Meanwhile, I'm praying for as few casualties as possible (on both sides). Lord, would you make yourself known to those who may perish, before they do so.

Are We On The Road To Damascus?

Updated on Monday July 17th:
Syria watches and waits


Got news? If so, you might want to re-read Isaiah 17 right quick. Here's an article that will get you up to speed on the potentially prophetic implications of what the headlines are plastered with:

Isaiah 17, An Oracle Concerning Damascus

My question for non-believers is this: If Damascus were to be utterly destroyed in this middle-east crisis, would it make you reconsider the truthfulness of the Gospel?

Ecclesiastes 12:14

12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

12:13
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:12

12:12
Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

Ecclesiastes 12:11

12:11
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd.

Ecclesiastes 12:10

12:10
The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.

Ecclesiastes 12:9

12:9
Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.

Ecclesiastes 12:8

12:8
"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher.
"Everything is meaningless!"

Ecclesiastes 12:7

12:7
and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Ecclesiastes 12:6

12:6
Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
or the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
or the wheel broken at the well,

Ecclesiastes 12:5

12:5
when men are afraid of heights
and of dangers in the streets;
when the almond tree blossoms
and the grasshopper drags himself along
and desire no longer is stirred.
Then man goes to his eternal home
and mourners go about the streets.

Ecclesiastes 12:4

12:4
when the doors to the street are closed
and the sound of grinding fades;
when men rise up at the sound of birds,
but all their songs grow faint;

Ecclesiastes 12:3

12:3
when the keepers of the house tremble,
and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
and those looking through the windows grow dim;

Ecclesiastes 12:2

12:2
before the sun and the light
and the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds return after the rain;

Ecclesiastes 12:1

12:1
Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
"I find no pleasure in them"-