"2013 Predictions"

Predicting the future is both tricky and dumb, and yet, people go on doing it. Why? Because people love it. They eat it up. They're even willing to pay for it. And so, of course, people continue to make predictions. Too bad no one seems to notice (or remember) how few of them come to pass. Google '2013 predictions' and we predict you'll get a ridiculous mix of astrology, I Ching, Nostradamus, and a wide variety of psychic prognosticators. Oh, and just enough Bible prophecy to discredit it along with all the others. That's right. Mix it all together--and wah-lah--the Mayans, the Hopis, and the Bible are all equal.

Wait a minute. The purpose of this blog is to examine biblical prophecy and to raise a word of caution regarding non-biblical attempts to predict the future. We are continually shocked to discover how many people believe there is no significant difference!

Because we are living in the most incredible times the world has ever known, it is becoming clear even to the dimmest among us that something unusual is happening. Everything from political crises to international conflicts bombard us daily. Every new turn of events reminds us that the 'tipping point' could be just around the corner. And it could be. But one of the dangers of such expectations is the wild speculations that are sure to follow.

Instead of wildly speculating, why not use the signs of the times as a motivation to seriously study what the Bible has to say about our future?

As prophecy teacher Dr. Ed Hindson put it: "Along the highway, signs are used to identify locations, provide information, and give warnings. The same is true of prophetic signs. They stand out on the biblical horizon to get our attention. They give a glimpse of things to come--but only a glimpse. Signs are not intended to give all the details of future events, yet they do play a prominent role in biblical prophecy."

Much is being said about 2013. Will we go over the fiscal cliff? Eliminate the debt ceiling? Go to war with Syria? Iran? Your guess is as good as ours.

Speculating about the future beyond what the Bible actually predicts is a dangerous game we don't want to play. Just ask the Mayans.

A wise man once said: "The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." -- Thomas Russell

"You have more than enough advisers, astrologers and stargazers. Let them stand up and save you from what the future holds. But they are as useless as dried grass burning in a fire. They cannot even save themselves" Isaiah 47: 13,14.

News:

• Reuters: Lawmakers rush to break deadlock over the so-called fiscal cliff days before a year-end deadline.
• Fox News Channel: Worst drought in decades threatens Mississippi River commercial traffic
• Jerusalem Post: Revered Palestinian, Marwan Barghouti, calls for a new revolt against Israel. "Launch of a large-scale resistance serves the cause of our people," he said.
• Reuters: Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi has signed Islamic constitution into law. Opposition groups condemn the new law as too Islamic and undemocratic.

"12/21/2012: End of the World or Mayan Myth?"

When tomorrow (December 21) has come and gone, we'll all know the Mayan end-of-the-world myth was just that--a myth. In fact, anyone or anything that claims to know the future is equally bogus. That includes:

• psychics
• astrology
• tarot cards
• fortune-tellers or mediums
• clairvoyants
• Nostradamus, Sylvia Browne, John Edwards, Edgar Caycee, and anyone else you can think of.

There is only one source of truth--the Word of God. Challenge any of today's so-called psychics to see who would be willing to stake their lives on their predictions and we bet there would be no takers. Yet that was the standard for Biblical prophets--one false claim and they were stoned to death (Deut. 13:1-11).

The reason God filled the Scriptures with provable, fulfilled predictions was to lend this library of books (the Bible) credibility. The concept of a book directly inspired by God had to be backed up with evidence--otherwise who'd believe it?

The Scriptures have been scrutinized by scholars, ripped to shreds by skeptics, and studied by scientists for 2000 years. No one can dismiss it. Archaeological research offers proof that the Bible can be trusted in geographical and historical matters. Manuscript evidence exceeds those of any other ancient document and the Dead Sea scrolls prove that modern Bibles are identical to ancient copies. With this in mind, it is vital to understand how central this book is to our quality of life both here on earth and in the world to come.

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ prove beyond any doubt that He is who He claimed to be: the only begotten Son of God. If this is true, then everything else the Bible says is also true. This should give us unimaginable hope!

This Christmas season has been a particularly tragic one. Sin is rampant everywhere and the love of many is growing cold (Matt. 24:12). But if the prophecies are true, and we know they are--there is great joy ahead.

"Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace" (Luke 1:78,79). That prophecy was given at Christ's First Coming and will continue to be fulfilled until His Kingdom comes.

Homework: Recognize the treasure we have in God's Word to us. Understand that it is a living, supernatural two-edged sword. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In other words, Jesus is the Word made flesh. The Bible is God in print. It has the answers to all of the big questions. Why do so many neglect it? It's a two-edged sword, a reflection of where we stand before God. For some, a terrifying prospect. But the answer isn't to run from Him--we need to run to Him. Jesus is our only hope. Without Jesus, the Word, we perish.  That is what Christ-mas is all about: the Word becoming flesh to dwell among men so that we might trust in Him and be saved.

"Jesus said, 'I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God...For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God...they loved the darkness more than the light, for their deeds were evil.'"

A wise man once said: "Life on this planet is not some aimless meandering through time without purpose or direction. Our lives are journeys with a destination and that destination is eternal in nature. Everyone--whether they believe it or not--will spend eternity somewhere." --Bill Crowder of RBC Ministries

News:

• FNC: Montana parents claim Christmas carols are a "form of bullying".
• CNN: Twenty-five U.S. school districts cancel school on Friday, December 21 citing student fear of Mayan Doomsday Prophecy.
• Drudge Report: Fearful 'end of world' callers flood NASA.

"Has the World Gone Crazy?"

Remember that old song by The Who--"meet the new boss, same as the old boss"? Well, unfortunately for Israel the New Boss is the Old Boss--Barack Obama. And you'll never guess what he's up to now...

He's sending Egypt 20 F-16 warplanes! That's right, Egypt. 

• The country that voted into power a Muslim Brotherhood regime on an anti-U.S. and anti-Israel platform.
• The country who's new president, Mohammed Morsi, gave himself near-dictatorial powers (although, he has since been forced to walk that back).
• The country that's been rioting in the street in angry clashes between pro-democratic and Morsi-led pro-Islamist groups.

The jets were ordered 2 years ago by now-deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, a reliable ally of both Israel and the United States. But earlier this year a new Egyptian President, Mohammed Morsi, was swept into power. Egypt has now become a radicalized, unstable, and very questionable (ally?) government in the grip of upheaval. And yet, despite the instability and calls to suspend arms sales to Cairo, the United States is going ahead with delivery of the F-16s. Why now? Why not wait to see what kind of government will take shape? Or...

Is the delivery date of January 22 more than just an amazing coincidence? It is the exact same day that Israelis will vote for the next Knesset. And how 'bout that announcement date. Another coincidence? 

The announcement for the jets came on December 11, as Cairo and other Egyptian towns were set for massive rival demonstrations: Those for and against President Morsi's referendum on a pro-Islamist constitution that would grant Islamic Sharia law a more prominent place in Egypt. Obama's actions appear to throw support behind this plan and away from the pro-democracy opposition.

As outrageous as it seems, we must ask:

• Is Obama using those warplanes to signal his support for the region's Muslim Brotherhood?
• Is Obama, by sending the jets on January 22, trying to undermine Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in the eyes of the Israeli voter?

Frankly, we can think of no plausible explanation to supply arms to Egypt at this time given these facts:

• The Morsi-led Muslim Brotherhood government has not proven to be a partner for democracy.
• Given the recent attempted power grab, Morsi has shown himself to be capable of violence against his own people. Have we learned nothing from Syria?
• Should relations between Egypt and Israel deteriorate, the U.S. will be in the untenable position of having supplied massive amounts of military hardware to both sides.
• Egypt already has 200 F-16 warplanes.
• And finally, why should the American taxpayer, in light of our fiscal woes, continue to be a major arms supplier to yet another unstable Muslim regime?

Is it just us--or were the Kinks right--"it's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world except for..." oh, never mind.

A wise man once said: "The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are."-C.S.Lewis

"A man of understanding will attain wise counsel" (Proverbs 1:5).

News:

• CNBC: Federal Reserve announces QE4 to start at $45 billion per month of Treasury Bond purchasing.
• Fox News Channel: EPA threatens Virginia homeowners with eviction, citing "rain as a pollutant". Homes would be raised and grass planted; Virginia Attorney General sues EPA over proposal.
• Reuters: NATO chief believes Syrian regime on verge of collapse.
• CNN: North Korea successfully launches long range missile capable of reaching U.S. West Coast; possible nuclear implications.
• CNBC: Congressman Paul Broun (R-GA) warns of "total economic collapse" due to runaway spending. 

"Is the U.N. Planning to Hijack the Internet?"

Rumors are flying as bureaucrats from around the globe hunker down for two weeks in Dubai to discuss...the Internet?

Yep. The World Wide Web.

It seems the fact that nobody is running it (at least no government) makes certain countries a little nervous. China, Russia, Iran and a slew of other nations believe somebody ought to be in charge. How 'bout the United Nations? Sounds fair, doesn't it? That way everyone gets a piece of the action.

Although many of the U.N.'s 193-member states oppose the uncontrolled nature of the Net, it doesn't necessarily mean they'll try to change anything, does it? Just because its interconnected networks ignore national boundaries and makes it hard for governments to censor, probably doesn't matter, right?

And taxes? Who would want to tax the Internet? And, c'mon--you really think the idea to apply the U.N.'s International Telecommunications Union (ITU) long distance telephone rules to the Internet will fly?

Google isn't waiting to find out. They've launched a petition drive asking supporters to sign this statement: "A free and open world depends on a free and open Internet. Governments alone working behind closed doors should not direct its future. The billions of people around the globe who use the Internet should have a voice."

Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) have no desire for the U.N. to take control, either. Both led a successful effort to pass a resolution against Internet regulation. Even Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform fame is jumping on the bandwagon. He's warning anyone willing to listen: " China, Russia, and Brazil will stop at nothing in their efforts to clamp down on the Internet."

Could he be right? These nations have lobbied hard for more than a year trying to get the United Nations in on the act. Kinda makes you think...

But again, no need to fret--the U.S. State Department is on top of this thing. Their number one delegate to the Dubai Internet Conference, Terry Kramer, has made a pledge: "The U.S. won't let the ITU expand its authority to the Internet." Well, that sounded reassuring...until he added, "(But) we don't want to come across like we're preaching to others."

Huh?

He'd better start preaching. He'd better start preaching his head off. Because as L. Gordon Crovity of the Wall Street Journal put it, "The top job for the U.S. delegation at the ITU Conference is to preach the virtues  of the open Internet as forcefully as possible. Billions of online users are counting on America to make sure that their Internet is never handed over to authoritarian governments or the U.N."

You said it, brother!

But really--why should we worry? Just because they're taking TWO WEEKS to talk behind CLOSED DOORS, probably doesn't mean they're planning to change anything, right?

A wise man once said: "I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God."
--Abraham Lincoln

"...Stop doubting and believe."  (John 20:27)

News

• CNBC: Citigroup slashes 11,000 jobs
• Fox News Channel: White House issues new warning to Syria after reports sarin gas shells are ready to be launched on Syrian rebels.
• USA Watchdog: Aircraft carrier, USS Eisenhower, arrives off Syrian coast, bringing U.S. presence to 10,000 fighting men, 70 fighter-bombers, and at least 17 warships in an attempt to discourage Syria from using WMDs.
• Fox News Channel: Verizon has filed a patent application for a system to enable them to monitor TV viewers response to commercials by filming them through their DVRs.

"God Has A Secret"

Students of Bible prophecy agree that the Jews back in the Land is the most significant fulfilled prophecy of our time. And though they've been attacked repeatedly throughout their 64-year history, the Bible makes it clear they will never again be uprooted from the Land (Amos 9:15).

In 1967, Egypt started the 6 Day War and Israel shocked the world with it's military superiority. Though grossly outnumbered, the Jews managed to conquer the Sinai, the city of Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. Since that time, in a quest for peace, Israel has forged formal treaties with Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan, withdrawn from Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Lebanon.

But major changes are underway in the Middle East. Arab rebels have overthrown the governments of Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia. Syria is enmeshed in a bloody power play. U.S. President Barack Obama, speaking of the revolutions, said: " Something is happening in our world. The way things have been is not the way they will be. The humiliating grip of corruption and tyranny is being pried open. Technology is putting power in the hand of the people." That may be true. However, power is a dangerous thing in the wrong hands. The Muslim Brotherhood is moving into the vacuum.

Oh yeah...stuff's happening, all right.

• Only days after the Gaza cease fire, 3 Iranian missile engineers managed to slip into the Gaza Strip--already rearming the terrorists.
• Billboards on 3 major roads in Gaza feature depictions of Fajar-5 missiles and express open gratitude to Iran in 4 languages.
• The Palestinian leadership is warning the U.S. that failure to support its bid for statehood at the United Nations this week will further strengthen Hamas after the Gaza fighting by suggesting that violence, rather than diplomacy, is the way to win concessions from Israel.
• Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, emboldened by his success last week in reaching a truce between Hamas and Israel, has made sweeping changes to the Egyptian Constitution. Morsi, in effect, has appointed himself as a dictator over the Egyptians. Cairo erupted in riots as more than 100,000 people took to the streets in violent protest.

While things may very well be happening in the Middle East, none of it is good.

Israel is in a precarious position: surrounded by hostile and increasingly unstable, unpredictable, and unscrupulous neighbors.

Yep--Obama is right. The way things have been is not the way they will be. "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). And guess what the prophets all agree on?

In the end, after many trials and tribulations...Israel wins!

"Sing, O daughter of Zion!

Shout, O Israel!

Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,

O daughter of Jerusalem!

He has cast out your enemy.

The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;

you shall see disaster no more"--Zephaniah 3:14&15.

Words to the wise: Jesus did not come to make bad men good; He came to make dead men live.

News:

• Reuters: Record breaking gun sales crash FBI computers on Black Friday
• CNBC: Fitch downgrades Argentina and predicts default
• The Wall Street Journal: U.N. to seek control of the Internet next week
• NBC: The U.N.approves Palestinian statehood resolution despite opposition from U.S. and Israel.

"Middle East Conspiracy"

To fight or not to fight. That's the question in Israel these days. Hamas, backed by Iran, is emboldened with new long-range Fajar-5 rockets that pack a 200 kilo warhead. They are able to reach Tel Aviv, something new for them and apparently, it's going to their heads.

There's a truce. Will it last long? Hopefully. But even if it does for a while, Scripture tells us it won't last. This most recent 'dust up' is just one in a never ending cycle of war and pseudo-peace between the Jews and all of their neighbors. Beginning with the War of Independence in 1948 (after the U.N. granted Israel statehood), the surrounding Islamic nations have been relentless in their determination to destroy Israel.

Although most prophecy teachers put the Ezekiel 38 conflict as the next war in Israel's future, some have a differing view. Psalm 83, involving all of Israel's immediate neighbors, describes a conspiracy to 'wipe out Israel as a nation'. With God's help, Israel manages to survive. Could this war precede Ez. 38? This seems to be the most likely scenario because of four often overlooked details in Ezekiel's prophecy.

Ez. 38:8 addresses the attacking armies, saying, "In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be laying in peace after her recovery from war and after the return of her people from many lands."

Ez. 38:11 says "...Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages." And the prophecy specifically names Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya along with a "mighty army from the North." How come Syria is missing? And what about Lebanon? Surely they'd jump at the chance to help annihilate the Jews...unless Israel had already taken them out.

So, according to Ez. 38 we have:

1. Israel living in peace
2. after her recovery from war,
3. unprotected and without walls,
4. attacked by "a mighty hoard" that doesn't included her unfriendly neighbors.

Israel hasn't been at peace since her return to the land. They always have their guard up in spite of the pseudo-peace agreement signed by Yasser Arafat in the 1990s. (By the way, Arafat, one of the world's worst terrorist, won the Nobel Peace Prize for this sham). And at this very moment, Israel is protected by a 430 mile long, 25-foot high wall.

These facts seem to indicate Psalm 83 is first and probably sets the stage for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38. Regardless of how this current flair-up ends, there is no question Israel will be called upon to defend herself again. There won't be peace until the Prince of Peace reigns from Jerusalem.

"These evil prophets deceive My people by saying, 'All is peaceful!' when there is no peace at all! It's as if the people have built a flimsy wall, and these prophets are trying to hold it together by covering it with whitewash! Tell these whitewashers that their wall will soon fall down" Ezekiel 13:10-11.

A wise man once said: "The only certain barrier to truth is the presumption you already have it". 

News:

• Reuters: International leaders failed to reach a deal to release emergency aid for Greece; will try again on Monday
• CNBC: Hostess Brands goes bankrupt after workers go on strike demanding more pay.
• Drudge Report: Medical officials say victims of Hurricane Sandy suffering from wide variety of physical ailments

"Red Alert"

The problems affecting the world right now are legion. Israel and Gaza are at it again; Europe is awash in turmoil; and Iran is busy planning the apocalypse. In America, it's all about the 'fiscal cliff'--so let's start there: In exactly 46 days, our leaders will either cut a deal regarding taxes and spending, or send the country careening over the infamous fiscal cliff.

In the meantime, it seems President Obama and Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner are busy playing chicken. While one waits for the other to blink, the rest of us are losing our shirts in the stock market. In the last 3 weeks the Dow has dropped 1,100 points. Many analysts speculate the stock dump will accelerate, as wealthy investors position themselves for a myriad of tax breaks to expire and automatic spending cuts to kick in that could hurl the country back into a recession. Swiss investor, Marc Faber told CNBC: "I think the whole global financial system will have to be reset and it won't be reset by central bankers but by imploding markets." Others play down the looming fiscal cliff and stare instead into a fiscal abyss: the country's 16 trillion dollar debt.

Peter Schiff, CEO and Chief Global Strategist of Euro Pacific Capital, believes it's the Federal Reserve policies like quantitative easing (QE1, QE2, and QE3) that will lead to catastrophe. He believes all this money printing will lead to QE3-fueled inflation. "The impact will hit Americans hard. Ultimately, I think we're going see prices skyrocketing."

We will know in a matter of weeks whether or not there are any grown-ups in the room. If not, it could cost the average family roughly 2-3 thousand in new taxes per year! We believe they will manage to co-operate with each other and avoid this fiasco. Maria Bartriromo, CNBC's 'money honey', isn't as optimistic. "Obama has dug in his heels, unwilling to compromise. He's asking for 1.6 trillion in new taxes, double what he asked for last year. If the stock market is a good predictor of what's ahead financially, we may be going off that fiscal cliff."

Meanwhile, life in Israel has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. They are in the midst of an escalation in the latest round of violence between Israel and the Palestinian organization, Hamas, based in the Gaza Strip. As of this writing, Israeli forces are pounding Gaza from the air after Hamas missiles killed three Israeli civilians and sent Tel Aviv residents scrambling for cover. The Israeli Defense Force is calling up reserves ahead of a possible Gaza ground operation. The Hebrew name of the campaign is Amud Anan, which means 'Pillar of Cloud'--a biblical reference to God's taking on the form of a Pillar of Cloud during the Exodus (Exodus 14:24).

Only time will tell how this current skirmish will end. We know from Psalm 83 that eventually Israel will be attacked from every bordering nation and win (with God's help), only to be attacked again by Iran, Russia, and an Islamic coalition. Speaking of Iran, a new IAEA report indicates Tehran is continuing to move its nuclear program deep underground, beyond Israel's ability to reach. The centrifuge count now stands at 2,700.

And then there's the Euro Zone. Hundreds of thousands of Europeans clashed with riot police, as they demanded that governments stop cutting benefits and create more jobs. The protests were met with tear gas.

Oh boy. The problems affecting the world right now are legion. Better start praying, people.

A wise man once said: "My hope despairs; but my despair keeps me hoping!"--Martin Luther

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." -- Matthew 21:22

"And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." --Isaiah 2:4

News:

• Drudge Report: Jobless claims up a staggering 78,000 in the first week after election.
• MSN: Rockets fired on Tel Aviv ramps up speculation of a full-scale war.
• Reuters: U.S. Postal Service has record loss of $15.9 billion; triple last year's loss.
• World News: Spain suspends home evictions for most needy in emergency response to economic crisis.
• Global Markets: Japan cuts economic view for 4th month as recession looms.

"Doomsday Scenario?"

This week the Discovery Channel is airing a special on America's 'doomsday' plans--kinda apropos, don't you think?

The re-election of Barack Obama, though not unexpected, still hit like a body blow. Both parties basically spent 6 billion dollars to get what we already had--a dysfunctional government that can't seem to get the job done. Most people get fired when they fail at their job. How is it we rehired the whole sorry bunch?

Did you know the President has a 'doomsday plane'? Yup. A jumbo jet worth an estimated $223 million, capable of withstanding a nuclear blast while staying airborne for days without refueling. Wow. And get this--the Federal Government has a top-secret underground complex...just in case. No kidding. It's located 64 miles from Washington D.C. in Virginia and it's buried 300 feet underground. We're not talkin' little bomb shelter, people. This place is humongous! It's 20 stories high and features water reservoirs, a sewage treatment plant, hospital, crematorium, and a TV studio (presumably to allow the Commander-in-Chief to address the nation). Yikes!

Our government seems prepared for just about everything except the stuff most likely to happen.Greg Hunter from USA Watchdog believes it will be an economic crisis. "The U.S. faces a financial storm of biblical proportions; I am talking Noah's Ark tsunami. The real fiscal cliff isn't what is coming at the end of the year. It is the debasement of the U.S. dollar at the hands of the Federal Reserve that is printing $85 billion every month in 'open-ended' currency creation"(QE3). You'd think the government would get ready for this, but have they? Nope.

According to Debka file's military and intelligence sources, a grimmer scenario is being discussed by Israeli leaders behind closed doors: "They fear that the second Obama term will usher in a nuclear-armed Shiite Iran which will quickly reach out to the Sunni Muslim Brothers, starting with Egypt, for a joint bid to terminate the life of the Jewish state."

H-m-m-m. Think they'd see that one coming--but again--no cigar.

Let's face it gang, the United States is staring down the barrel of a multitude of existential threats. From the global debt bomb to WW III. And while it would certainly be a bummer to find out we'd rehired a crew that wasn't up to the job, there is something much, much worse...and that, my friends, is to discover we have called God's judgment down on our own heads.

Ridiculous? Consider this: Starting in the early 60's, our nation began to openly reject God.

• We kicked prayer out of public schools
• Legalized abortions
• Celebrated alternative lifestyles
• Legitimized illegitimate behavior
• Made God politically-incorrect

Read 1 Samuel 8. The people did not want to follow God anymore. Instead, they demanded a king like all the other nations, in spite of the fact that God had given the people His word, the prophets and the judges to guide them. In the end, God allowed the Israelites to have what they wanted. He gave them a king like those of the other nations. The point is, God will give us leaders we want because the leaders we choose reflect the will (and the spiritual condition) of the people. Not convinced?

• Barack Obama is not only pro-choice, he is pro-partial birth abortion.
• He not only approves of homosexuality, he believes it's okay for them to enter into God's covenant of Holy matrimony.
• He not only has distanced the U.S. from our God-given responsibility to protect Israel, he has actively put them in danger.

These 3 points are God's litmus test. Barack Obama fails on each point and yet we not only elected him, we re-elected him. That means we have failed the test (as the church). Because, the fact of the matter is, statistically, there are more than enough Christians in this country to elect any one we want. 1 Peter 4:17 says, "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" The footnote in our Bible reads" "Judgment does not always imply condemnation in Scripture. When used in relation to Christians, it consistently refers to the evaluation of a believer's works for the purpose of reward." We don't think there will be many rewards given out for this. Especially when you consider this stunning fact: 6.4 million self-described evangelical Christians voted to re-elect President Obama. Roughly 15.5 million failed to vote at all. Obama won by only about 3 million votes (source: Washington Post).

Our government is ready for doomsday. Are we?

"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear them from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:17).

"And the Lord said to Samuel, 'Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me...'"(1 Samuel 8:7).

A wiseman once said: " We need pastors registering voters in their churches and teaching the people in their congregations the importance of the civic duty of voting."  author Joel C. Rosenburg

News:

• MSN: Wind, cold and snow batter devastated area hit by Sandy last week.
• Reuters: Dozens killed in Guatemala earthquake on Wednesday; many hundreds missing or hurt. 6.3 quake hits Canada.
• Fox News Channel: 55 days left to solve year old "fiscal cliff"
• CNN: Iran fired on U.S. drone flying in international air space on November 1
• Bloomberg: Firearm stocks soar on election news as most other stocks tank.

"Agenda 21: Worldwide Conspiracy OR Delusions of the Tin-Foil Hat Society?"

Agenda 21.

Has a ring to it, don't you think? To a globalist it has the ring of harmony, as in the idea that all humans 'are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature."

To those partial to wearing tin, it has the ring of danger. Conspiracy, even.

But what is Agenda 21 really?

According to Wikipedia Agenda 21 "is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of the United Nations with regards to sustainable development. It is a product of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. It is an action agenda for the UN, other multilateral organizations, and individual governments around the world that can be executed at local, national, and global levels. The "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century. It has been affirmed and modified at subsequent UN conferences."

Okay. So what's the big deal?

The real question is how to even begin to explain the scope of what these global elitists have in store for us, because Agenda 21 has such far-reaching tentacles. They're into everything. First of all, it's important to understand that Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global action plan implemented locally, that will span 50 years. We are now 20 years into it and according to our research, they have been implementing this thing with relentless determination. The Agenda for the 21st century includes:

• an end to national sovereignty
• elevating nature above man
• restructuring land use
• population 'control' (read: 'drastic reduction')
• an elevation of the 'collective above the individual (read: 'socialism')

If these elite, environmental activists have their way, they will institute "core wilderness areas surrounded by buffer zones". This means 50% of America will be devoted to wild lands with only 20% of the land mass left for humans. And it won't just be the U.S., folks. It will be global.

Crazy? Science fiction? Conspiracy theory? Sure sounds like it until you start taking a serious look. Please. Take a serious look for yourself. If we try to describe the staggering ramifications of this thing, you'll get the impression we're not only part of the Tin-Foil Hat Society, but charter members to boot.

The Bible predicts a time when the earth will be controlled by a one-world government, one-world economic system and a one-world  religion (Daniel 7:23; Revelation 13:5-8, 15-17; 17:16-17). This new system will gradually take over as the old collapses. We're in the midst of that collapse right now, in terms of:

• Third world debt default
• undervalued or overvalued currencies in Asia
• national insolvencies in EU member states
• U.S. debt crisis

All have global ramifications. Agenda 21 has global solutions that will be political as well as as economic. 

As of now, we're only 20 years in. Imagine what the world might look like in another 30 years...or better yet, ask author Suzanne Collins. Rumor has it she based her New York Times Bestseller, "The Hunger Games" on what the world will look like 100 years in. Although we could not verify this (and we tried), the book does bear an uncanny resemblance to the picture Agenda 21 paints, (tin foil hats not withstanding).

"The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces" --Daniel 7:23.

To see videos outlining Agenda 21 go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzEEgtOFFlM

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him" -- Daniel 2:20-22.

A wise man once said: "There is an eternal dispute between those who imagine the world to suit their policy and those who correct their policy to suit the realities of the world." --Albert Sorel

News:

• Reuters: At least 95 people died in Monday's superstorm. Officials predict the number will rise as rescuers search house-by-house.
• Jerusalem Post: Deputy Chief of Iranian Armed Forces warns Israeli strike could lead to the Jewish state's annihilation; claims Iranian missiles can penetrate Israel's rocket-defense system.
• Drudge Report: Widespread reports of violence in East coast gas lines as frustration grows over shortages.
• CDC: U.S. birthrate hits all-time low; 40.7% of babies born to unmarried women.

"Spy Drones Over America?"

They're he-r-r-r-e...and unless we wake up out of our stupor and do something about it--they're here to stay.

Back in February we wrote an article entitled "Kiss Your Privacy Goodbye!" about the FAA Reauthorization Act. The bill requires the FAA to open U.S. skies to unmanned drones--30,000 of them by the year 2020.

Civil liberties groups are going nuts and with good reason. This new legislation (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.658:) offers no restrictions! Says Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, "California is currently considering using surveillance drones as a means of proactively monitoring suspicious activity on the ground on the basis of (a) public safety issue." Public safety? Public surveillance, she means.

Think about it. This bill offers no clear restrictions. Do we want police and federal agencies breathing down our necks?

This month Predator drones started operations over North Dakota. These remote-controlled, unmanned military aircraft will use lasers to aim at ground targets from nearly two miles above the earth. They are capable of reading a milk carton from 60,000 feet off the ground and have strike-capability against stationary or moving targets, with a very low risk of collateral damage. Of course, they won't be using these drones against us. They're for the military or so they say.

And let's not forget the fact that drone technology is rapidly advancing. How long before they are literally "flies" on  our walls? Sound far-fetched? Perhaps. But remember police states don't happen overnight. They happen law by law; small incremental step by small incremental step.

We're not saying drone technology has no place in America. They have already proved invaluable in:

• border protection
• disaster relief
• fire fighting
• locating missing hikers, etc.

Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater. What is lacking are rules, limitations, and restrictions.

The ACLU put it this way: "Rules must be put in place to ensure we can enjoy the benefits of this new technology without bringing us closer to a 'surveillance society' in which our every move is monitored, tracked, recorded, and scrutinized by the authorities."

Freedom is synonymous with America. But, let's face it gang, we take it for granted. And that is so-o-o-o dangerous. If we don't guard what is committed to our trust, we are destined to lose it.

Something terrible is happening in this country. But like the frog in the slowly heated pot of water, we hardly notice. Let's connect the dots. Let's do our homework.

A wise man once said: "You have the God-given right to kick the government around--don't hesitate to do so."-- Senator Edmund S. Muskie 

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

News

• FoxNews.com: Number of Americans on Food Stamps hits another all-time record high: 46.68 million.
• Drudge Report: Hundreds pelt riot police with fire bombs as violence breaks out at Greek anti-austerity demonstration.
• Centers For Disease Control: Death toll in meningitis outbreak rises to 20 with 254 sick across 16 states.

"RFID Chips In Public School?!"

This month a school district in San Antonio, Texas became the latest to require students to wear microchip embedded ID cards on lanyards around their necks. Go to their website www.nisd.net/studentlocator and you will find this:

Northside ISD is harnessing the power of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) to make schools safer, know where our students are while at school, increase revenues, and provide a general purpose "smart" ID card. Parents entrust us with their children and expect that we always know where their children are; this technology will help us do that.

Wow. Sounds great. But what they don't tell you is that the kid will be persecuted if they try to opt out.

No 'smart' card =  no access to:

• the library
• cafeteria
• extracurricular activities
• voting rights for homecoming (you need an RFID to vote for homecoming, but no ID to vote for president???)

The student Locator Project is a pilot program involving two schools in Northside Independent School District, Jay High School and Jones Middle School with a combined enrollment of 4,200 students. The pilot program will be evaluated after one year, with further implementation becoming mandatory if deemed successful.

Though still uncommon, these aren't the only school kids being tagged. California began doing it in 2010 in a federally-funded preschool in Richmond and within the decade it is widely expected to spread across the nation to a school near you.

No big deal?

They are acclimating our youth:

• to be tracked
• to give up their privacy
• to give up their freedoms/civil rights
• to accept an implant

It doesn't take a lot of imagination to see where this might lead--in fact, it takes none at all. The Bible makes it clear.

A wise man once said: "All Americans have a huge stake in Christianity. Whether or not we are individually believers in Christ, we are beneficiaries of the moral doctrine that has curbed power and protected the weak...Power that is secularized and cut free of civilizing traditions is not limited by moral and religious scruples."--Paul Craig Roberts, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

"But you, brethren, are not in the darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are not of the night nor of the darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and Love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation."                   --1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

News:

• MSNBC: Spain's credit rating downgraded to Near Junk; triggers a spike in its borrowing costs.
• Reuters: CDC says 14,000 patients at risk of contracting meningitis in an unprecedented outbreak of the disease.
• DEBKAfile: Drone shot down over Israel last week came from Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah.

"Is Iran Imploding?" (Does U.S. have a hand in it?)

Hundreds of Iranian police in anti-riot gear clashed with protesters in Tehran's currency exchange district Wednesday.

Why? Their currency is collapsing.

The rial has hit record lows against the U.S. dollar, falling 40% in just one week. Panicked Iranians are scrambling to exchange their rials for dollars in hopes of salvaging at least some of their buying power.

Is this a sign that U.S. sanctions are beginning to work?

Back in January, the Washington Post reported a senior U.S. intelligence official told them that the "goal of Iran sanctions is regime collapse." The anonymous official also said the administration hopes that sanctions "create enough hate and discontent at the street level that Iranians will turn against their government." The White House denies the allegation, but wouldn't an internal overthrow of the mullahs and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad be a good thing?

All over the Middle East governments have been toppled as the Arab Spring swept through the region. Some, like Libya, have been aided by U.S. intervention. Why not Iran? We're not necessarily suggesting military intervention.

With a population of 78 million, if the Iranians themselves call en masse for regime change, the U.S. could help by:

• funding arms to opposition groups
• destabilizing the currency
• using media propaganda (websites, satellite TV, radio)

Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are not exactly the reasonable types. It's not likely they can be negotiated with or pressured into curbing their nuclear activities. Something needs to be done and regime change from the inside sounds a whole lot better than war.

"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9

A wise man once said: "In the end we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." --Martin Luther King

News:

• CNBC: Fed announced it is ready to bail out EU if things spiral out of control.
• U.S. Tax Policy Center: Average American tax increase in 2013: $3,446 per household if fiscal cliff is not averted.
• CNN: Romney wins big in first presidential debate; stocks rise on the hope.
• Fox News Channel: Extreme drought conditions worsen in many Midwest farming states; meanwhile Northern states get early snow.
• FNC: White House instructs businesses to violate the law and refrain from sending out layoff notices until after the election, pledging to pick up possible legal fees at taxpayer expense.

"2012: An Obamanation?"

Time is short. The wheels of our world are coming off and there doesn't seem to be anyone in charge. Is it time to run around in circles like chickens with our heads cut off?

Nope.

God is the ultimate Sovereign. He is in control. Does that mean the Christian has no obligation to be socially and politically involved?

We don't think so.

Statistically, only about one out of every four evangelical Christian votes, even though it is God who has established government and tells us to pray for "all who are in authority that we may live a quiet and peaceable life"
(1 Timothy 2:2). According to the Family Research Council: "Never before in the history of the United States has our nation faced so many threats to the institutions of faith, family and freedom that compose the heart of society."

The Bible tells us to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16).
The Leftist Agenda?

• National imposition of same-sex "marriage"
• Imposition of national health care that would include anti-Christian mandates
• Cementing of a secular-socialist style of government that would replace freedom and biblical values with government dependency.

Voting is an opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve godly government. In Romans 13, Paul urges us to obey the legal authorities. And again in Hebrews 13:17, we are told to submit to the rulers, who will have to give an account to God. In America, we are a government of the people. We are the government in the sense that we have the privilege to vote in the leaders who represent our views. God has established the United States of America to:

• protect the helpless
• spread the Gospel
• stand up for Israel

We will answer to God for our diligence in managing the responsibilities given to us.

A wise man once said: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." -Sir Edmund Burke

Two Thumbs Up: Went to see 2016: Obama's America, a documentary based on conservative author Dinesh D'Souza's book The Roots of Obama's Rage.

Far from a hit piece, the film documents President Obama's past and illuminates what motivates him using Obama's own biography Dreams From My Father. It is eye-opening and compelling. A must-see for anyone mystified by the actions taken by our President. Suddenly, everything he's doing makes sense, from the 16-trillion dollar debt to the global "apology tour." Sobering, chilling and oddly humanizing, we highly recommend this film for anyone hoping to make an informed choice this November.


"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Special event: Calvary Chapel Chino Hills will present a free viewing of 2016: Obama's America featuring a live appearance of Dinesh D'Souza for a Q&A after the film.

• Admission: one canned good for the church's Alms Ministry
• Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Place: Calvary Chapel Chino Hills
• website: www.calvarycch.org

News:

• NBC: Investment expert Jim Rogers on European version of QE3: "It affords the Western world unanimity towards mutual destruction. Any relief will be temporary. We're all going to pay a horrible price for this in a year or two or three."
• Newsmax: Former 4-Star General Wesley Clark: "Israel will not bomb Iran because sanctions will be enough to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions."
• Fox News Channel: Iran fires 4 missiles in the Strait of Hormuz during American war games.
• Reuters: Greek police clash with rioters as general strike rally turns violent.
• CNBC: "A-pork-alypse Now?" Drought related bacon shortage expected to hit globally next year.

"Will New QE3 Unleash Economic Monster?"

Last week the Fed promised to pump $40 billion a month into the economy. That's a good thing, right? Wrong!!! It's a show of desperation. It's a brutal attack on the dollar. QE1 + QE2 = 0. QE3 will be worse than zero. It will mean inflation. They are printing money out of thin air. Forty billion a month. That's more than a billion a day. Keep in mind, that's on top of the $16 trillion debt hole we're already in. And Fed Chief Ben Bernanke left it open-ended. That means the situation is dire; the Fed has taken this desperate measure because they have no other options.

• Money manager Peter Schiff says, "The stage has been set for a currency crisis and a sovereign debt crisis, and they're going to come relatively soon. Unlimited money printing by the Fed has only postponed the collapse."
• John Williams of shadowstats.com: "People should get prepared because we're facing a man-made disaster."
• Congressman Ron Paul: "It means we are weakening the dollar. We are trying to liquidate our debt through inflation."
• Wall Street insider Greg Mannarino: "We're in a transition period; Get out of debt and own hard assets. Be your own central bank--if you don't hold it, you don't own it. If the banks are insolvent, those with money in those banks are insolvent, too. They don't have a way out except to default and institute a new currency."
• Michael Pento of Pento Strategies: " This is the nuclear option for them. This is a never-ending weapon that is being fired on the middle class."
• Marc Faber of Marc Faber Ltd.: "I happen to believe that eventually we will have a systemic crisis and everything will collapse."

So why would the Fed do something that seems so insane? Some believe it's politically motivated. CNBC: "though the Fed is ostensibly politically independent, the decision comes at a ticklish time with the presidential election less than two months away."

In the short term, it keeps everything going. Think of it this way: It's very late at night. You've got a tire that's going flat, but you've got no spare and all the gas stations are closed. What are you going to do? Pump up the tire, of course, and you'll keep doing it for as long as you can. You've got no other option.

That's where we are.

Every Western government is buried in debt. The European Central Bank is as desperate as we are. Europe approved an unlimited, open-ended bond buying program on the same day the Fed announced QE3. The Fed and ECB are the lenders of last resort.

So what should we expect?

• The stock market to remain propped up (for a while)
• Interest rates to stay down (for a while)
• Everything to look pretty safe and secure (for a while)

The short term? Very good.

The long term? Very, very bad.

They've unleashed an economic monster and it's only a matter of time before it gets here. Until then, let's educate ourselves and find out what's really going on. Check out Greg Hunter's interviews with Greg Mannarino, Jeff Berwick and Peter Schiff, etc. at  http://usawatchdog.com/

A wise man once said: "We're on 0% interest rates and quantitative easing (money printing) until the system dies. We've never had a global system like this die before." - Jeff Berwick,  The Dollar Vigilante

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5

A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. - Proverbs 22:3

News:

• DEBKA File: Iran pours more troops into Syria, ready to target Israel from Syria and Lebanon.
• DEBKA File:  Tens of thousands of Israeli troops stage surprise war drill on borders. Meanwhile, in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. is leading 25 West European and Arab nations in a gigantic 12-day war game in the Straits of Hormuz.
• CNN: Murdered U.S. Ambassador to Libya said he was on an al-Qaida hit list and worried about security.
• Newsmax: Obamacare tax penalty to hit 6 million uninsured people with an average of $1,200,
• Drudge Report: Israel's defense establishment now considers it more likely they'll engage Syria before Iran.

"Why Is U.S. Groveling In Face of Violence?"

Four Americans were killed Tuesday, Sept. 11th after protesters stormed the U.S. embassies in Egypt and Libya. President Obama condemned the attacks.

Is that it?

Nope. First he apologized. Our guys get murdered and his initial reaction is to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.

How about we stop sending them financial aid to the tune of billions of dollars we don't have?

Secretary Hillary Clinton: "I ask myself, how could this happen? How could this happen in a country we helped liberate, in a city we helped save from destruction?"

Get a clue, Sherlock.

It happened because we are seen as the world's doormat. Why do we keep trying to be friends with people who hate us? And why on earth do we keep sending aid (while our own country must borrow $50,000 each second to keep above water) to nations with no American loyalties? Appeasement never works. These people see us as weaklings. Have we learned nothing from Jimmy Carter? There is a major transformation underway in the Middle East. They are becoming increasingly radicalized--and the U.S. is funding it!

Israel is in fear for its life. It is a tiny beacon of democracy in a sea of hostility.They don't have the same military capabilities the U.S. has. Past a certain point, they will be unable to stop Iran's nuclear program. The problem is the U.S. keeps telling Israel to wait, but will not promise to help if they do. Israel cannot afford to wait without a definite commitment from the United States to take care of Iran. Why should they have to beg for help? Instead of help, Israel is getting the cold shoulder. Netanyahu asked to meet with Obama--and waited and waited and waited. The U.S.-Israeli disagreement on how to approach Iran over the nukes exploded into the open on Tuesday. Clinton made a statement that the U.S. will not set deadlines for Iran. Netanyahu responded: "The world tells Israel 'wait, there's still time'. And I say, 'Wait for what? Wait until when?' Those in the international community who refuse to put red lines before Iran don't have a moral right to place a red light before Israel."

Apparently, that hit a nerve because word came shortly after that Obama couldn't fit Netanyahu into his schedule! Israel wants to talk to Obama about war with Iran, but Obama's too busy talking golf with David Letterman.

The Wall Street Journal summed it up this way: White House to Israel: "You're on your own, pal."

Remember Genesis 12:3? God promises to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel. Did Tuesday's terror attack on the two embassies have anything to do with Tuesday's blow-off of Israel?

Don't know, just asking...but it is kinda coincidental, don't you think?

Now the Lord had said to Abram:
"Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father's house, 
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth 
shall be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3)

A wise man once said: "Hey all you unbelievers out there...the Bible said there'd be a target on...Brazil? Jamaica? No. On Jerusalem. In the last days there will be a target on the city of Jerusalem and not one nation in the whole earth will help them. For some reason their ally, the United States either won't or can't help them. Does this sound familiar to you? Open your eyes. Open your Bible. Open your heart. It's time to believe." --Pastor Jack Hibbs, CCCH

News:

• CNN:  Embassies all over the world on high alert in the wake of attacks on Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia and Morocco; two U.S. warships deployed to the area as violent new protests erupt throughout the region.
• NBC News.com: IEAE official: While sanctions cause Iranian oil revenue to decline, there's been a simultaneous and dramatic increase in the number of centrifuges installed; asked to estimate the chances that sanctions will lead to Iran ending its uranium program, the (IEAE) official replied, "Zero."
• DEBKA File: In three weeks, Iran will have fissile fuel for its first nuclear bomb.
• Reuters: U.S. Navy successfully tests new anti-ballistic missile over the Pacific.
• NBC News: Tens of thousands of fish die in Lake Erie; lack of oxygen cited.
• MSN Money: Moody's set to downgrade U.S. debt rating if budget negotiations fail to stop the country from "going over the fiscal cliff".
• FNC:  Congress considers 7-week recess in spite of "fiscal cliff" hanging over their heads.
• CNBC: Stock market rallies on new QE3 Fed stimulus plan; Fed to spend billions to boost economy.
• Fox News Channel: Reports of panic in GOP over polls that show Obama ahead; others say still a "statistical dead heat".

"Who Can We Trust?"

This presidential election may be one of the most critical in U.S. history:

• The country is swimming in debt.
• There's a fiscal train wreck scheduled for January 2nd (barring a miracle).
• The Middle East is getting ready to explode
• and our closest ally, Israel, is getting thrown under the bus.

Both candidates claim to have the answers, but which one passes the Biblical litmus test?

That's right--as Christians, we must vote our values--sitting out is not an option. The stakes are too high. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee put it this way: "Of the four people on the two tickets, the only self-professed evangelical is Barack Obama." 

Governor Huckabee then added, "Mr. Obama supports changing the definition of marriage, belief that human life is disposable and expendable at any time in the womb, or even beyond the womb; and tells people of faith that they must bow their knees to the god of government and violate their faith and conscience in order to comply with what he calls healthcare. I care far less as to where Mitt Romney takes his family to church than I do about where he takes this country."

We believe that Mr. Huckabee has a point. While both political parties leave a lot to be desired, and frankly neither is conservative enough to suit our worldview, the Republican narrative comes closest. The 3 core principles that constitute the Biblical litmus test? The belief that:

• marriage = 1 man + 1 women (Genesis 2:18, 23, 24)
• life is sacred from the moment of conception (Psalm 139: 14-16)
• the Holy Land belongs to the Jews and must be defended (Ezekiel 36 & 37...in fact, read the entire book!)

In a nightmarish scenario, the DNC Wednesday blundered their way through an awkward and clearly unfair (illegal?) vote. After deleting pro-Israel language and passages referring to God from the Democratic Presidential Platform, a last-minute decision (amid Republican blow-back) brought it to a televised vote. The Convention Chairman, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, ruled in favor of re-instating the excised wordings, despite the fact there was no clear winner (2/3 in favor) after 3 attempts. The audience booed and many delegates protested, leaving the impression that both God and Israel were not welcome in their platform.

According to Michael Catt, Pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and Christian filmmaker (Fireproof and Courageous): "We aren't electing the Pastor of the USA, but we are electing a worldview."

Our choice is clear. 

If God is pro:

• -Life
• -Marriage
• -Israel

How can we vote differently?

Ezekiel 34:29-31: "And I will give them a land famous for its crops, so My people will never again go hungry or be shamed by the scorn of foreign nations. In this way, they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them. And they will know that they, the people of Israel, are My people, says the Sovereign Lord. You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture. You are My people, and I am your God, says the Sovereign Lord."

God to the Jews: "And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. you will be My people, and I will be your God" Ezekiel 36:28

A wise man once said: "A single cell is considered 'life' everywhere in the Universe...except in a woman's womb." S.Hofman

News:

• KFI: 7.6 magnitude earthquake rattles Costa Rica on Wednesday.
• Washington Free Beacon: Pro-Israel language removed from Democratic Party Platform; 2012 DNC platform deletes passages on God and Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, and Hamas.
• Drudge Report: Dems ram 'God' and 'Jerusalem' back into platform after furor.
• CNBC: Equity strategist from Goldman-Sachs is predicting a September sell-off (of stocks) that will happen so rapidly he is telling clients to protect themselves before 9/14.
• MSN Money: Stock market soars on news of the European Central Bank announcing its plans to start a government-bond buying program; opponents say it's only a stop-gap measure.
• Solari Report: U.S. companies prepare in case Greece exits Euro.
• CBN News: Brazil accepts 3-Person Civil union; one man with two women; sparks backlash.

"You Won't Believe What They've Done To Us Now!"

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize our world is in big trouble. Sometime the sheer magnitude of it all seems so overwhelming, we ignore it. In fact, just when we thought it was okay to get on with our lives and enjoy Labor Day weekend, the RNC Convention sticks that big fat U.S. National Debt Clock in our faces.

We're counting down to SIX TRILLION dollars folks!

A trillion is a big number. So big most of us don't have a clue as to what it means. A million? Sure. A million seconds = 12 days. Wow. We get that. But do we have any real understanding of just how much this country actually owes? Consider this: A trillion seconds = 32,000 years! To calculate how far and how wide and how deep our trouble is...well, let's just say a rocket scientist would sure come in handy.

And now this:

Under the Budget Control Act of 2011, if Congress can't produce deficit-reduction legislation by the end of the year, automatic spending cuts will kick in on January 2, 2013, split 50-50 between domestic and defense spending, in an attempt to reduce the deficit. This is called 'sequestration', a fancy word that means unless something is done before the end of the year, a long list of terrible budget cuts and tax hikes will automatically happen all at once and the country will barrel over that famous "fiscal cliff" everybody keeps talking about.

Our government is not doing its job. They're suppose to work together to find solutions. They haven't even come up with a basic budget in the last four years. What have they done instead? Spent away our future, that's what. They've gotten us so far in the hole we may never get out. They've even put our national security at risk.

• Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli called sequestration-related military cuts "thoughtless butcher-kniving with a blindfold on and it makes no sense to allow it to happen."
• J.P. Morgan: "Barring a miracle in Washington, America will fall head first into the fiscal meat grinder."
• Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke: "The paralysis is Washington will cause America to plunge off the fiscal cliff on January 1, 2013."
• Former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin: "The impact of the fiscal cliff could be worse than the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis, which resulted in the worst recession since the Great Depression."
• Dr. Martin Weiss, founder of Weiss Research, put it this way, " According to these insiders, this new crisis will vaporize millions more jobs in every sector of the economy, tear more than $1.6 trillion out of the hands of U.S. consumers and companies, bankrupt thousands of businesses and drive the unemployment rate to unimaginable levels."

It doesn't take rocket science to figure out we may not be in for a very happy New Year. Cheers, anyone?

A wise man once said: "Do you really want to live in a country where everything is free, except us?"--Paul Ryan @ RNC Convention

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).

News:

• Headline News: 1,600 people infected with West Nile virus; 66 dead
• DEBKA File: Russia suddenly disengaging from Syria; intelligence sources speculate it's to avoid escalating hostilities between U.S. and Syria.
• DEBKA File: U.S. Gen. Martin Dempsey distances himself from any Israeli plan to bomb Iran. "I don't want to be complicit if they choose to do it."
• Drudge Report: Hurricane Isaac stalls, dumps 25+ inches of rain; race to flee as waters rise amid fears of dam break.
• World Net Daily: Egypt begins to execute dissidents by crucifixion.
• CNBC: GOP calling for commission to examine a return to the gold standard.

"A Shocking Solution to Iranian Nukes?"

'How close is Iran to having nuclear weapons?' That is the question keeping world leaders up at night.

Israel believes diplomatic efforts were a complete bust, jeopardizing their right to exist, while western officials want to give sanctions more time.

Meanwhile back in Iran, the drumbeat for Israel's destruction beats louder everyday: Foolishly, Iran's top leaders keep threatening to obliterate the Jewish people from "off the face of the map" and only days ago declared Israel is "a cancerous tumor" that will soon "disappear from the landscape."

Complicating the situation is the fact that the Islamic Republic isn't sitting idle while the debate rages on. They are busy fortifying their nuclear facilities against a conventional military attack. Once Iran reaches the "zone of immunity", they will be beyond the reach of anything the world can throw at them.

Unless...Israel takes drastic measures.

According to World Net Daily: "Analysts say because Israel now believes diplomacy has failed to halt Iran's nuclear program and the Jewish state's very survival is at stake, Israelis have not ruled out a Jericho III missile launch to detonate a single electromagnetic pulse warhead at high altitude over central Iran."

Yep, you read that right--an EMP attack!

For those unfamiliar with the term, an electromagnetic pulse follows the explosion of a nuclear bomb detonated at a high altitude. The strong electrical pulse created by the blast effectively fries any and all electronic equipment, including computers, communication devices, electrical appliances, airplanes, cars--you name it. Though it would produce little radiation on the ground, anything containing electronics is toast.

The Pros?

• Iran's nuclear ambitions would be set back (wa-a-a-y back).
• Iran would be unable to launch ballistic missiles in retaliation.
• Iran would be unable to block the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran would be unable to target U.S. military facilities in the region.
• It would eliminate the logistical headaches Israel faces in a conventional attack (i.e. complex in-flight refueling of long-range aircraft, overflight permission from multiple hostile nations, lost element of surprise, etc).

The Cons?

• The possibility that Iranian sites may be "hardened" against such attacks
• The extreme hardship on the Iranian people
• The prospect that Israel will become an "international pariah" immediately following the attack

So will Israel take this doomsday approach?

Only if there is no other way.

Backed into a corner? 

Who knows?

Words to the Wise: "He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20

News:

• CNN: UN urges world community to adopt drought-management policies as worst drought in 50 years persists in parts of the world causing "ripple effect" in global food markets.
• FNC: Syrian Deputy P.M. warns U.S. against military intervention against his country; accusing U.S. of "looking for an excuse to act"
• CNBC: Congressional Budget Office warns of deep recession early next year.
• Fox News:  $500,000 of stimulus money spent on MSNBC to air pro-Obama ads.
• ABC News: Wildfires in Western U.S. burns nearly 7 million acres this year.
• Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton: U.N. chief visits Iran in spite of U.S. and Israeli objections.
• CNN: Emerging Church leader Rick Warren cancels meeting between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney over divisive rhetoric and negative tone of campaign.

"Are World Authorities Quietly Preparing For Perfect Storm?"

For anyone paying attention, the clues are everywhere; it's as if all the movers and shakers of the world are getting ready for the world to move and shake. For instance:

• For the past two years, the U.S. government has been secretly directing America's largest banks "to develop plans for staving off collapse" (Reuters, Aug.10 exclusive)
• All over the globe, banking executives have been resigning in record numbers. (http://americankabuki)
• The level of insider selling (of stocks) is the highest in nearly 10 years. (http://money.CNN.com)
• Global governments have been aggressively stockpiling food. (The Telegraph Online)
•  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ordered 450 million rounds of ammunition from one distributor, and more from others (Federal Business Opportunities Network)
• Over 900 Executive Orders have been offered by President Obama, many of them creating new government controls "in case of emergency" (EO 13603, 13617, 13618, etc.). Look them up at .http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-orders?page=1 for a real eye-opening power grab alert. These new laws give the government broad powers in the event of a "national emergency", but they never clearly define what actually constitutes a "national emergency". The way these EOs are written is (once again) extremely vague, all-encompassing and suggests they are expecting a societal meltdown of some kind, possibly economic.Former World Bank executive Richard Duncan put it like this: "America's $16 trillion federal debt has escalated into a death spiral, and it could result in a depression so severe our civilization couldn't survive it."

The situation in Europe is even worse. Nigel Farage of the European Parliament worries of "a really dramatic banking collapse." Speaking with King World News, he warned that certain central planners want to enslave and imprison people inside their new European order. He believes the people will "rebel against it with violence."

Examining the state of the global economic system recently, a team of scientists, economists, and geopolitical analysts summed up their conclusion: "We found an identical pattern in our debt, total credit market, and money supply that guarantees they're going to fail. This pattern is nearly the same in any pyramid scheme, one that escalates exponentially fast before it collapses. Governments around the globe are chiefly responsible. And what's really disturbing about these findings is that the pattern isn't limited to our economy. We found the same catastrophic pattern in our energy, food, and water systems, as well. These systems could all implode at the same time. Food, water, energy, money. Everything."

And that doesn't even address what's happening in the Middle East. 

So, are the world authorities preparing for the perfect storm? M-mmm, could be. We just wish they wouldn't be so quiet about it so the rest of us could prepare too.

A wise man once said: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

News:

• The Telegraph: Israeli minister warns of 30-day war with Iran
• FNC: Taxpayers to lose $25 billion in auto bailout
• NBC News: Rioters clash with police in northern France, burning buildings and torching cars, in a resurgence of urban unrest
• SYF News: Japan nuclear disaster caused mutant butterflies, sparking fears of what effect it will have on humans
• Fox News: Syrian refugees flood into Turkey after government air strikes. Meanwhile, Russia, China, and Iran work to keep power from shifting to rebels.
• CNN: No Protestant on GOP Ticket, 1st time in modern history
• DEBKA Files: U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes Israel will be unable to take out Iran's nuclear facilities and that an attack would only gain them a little time.

"Is War With Iran Inevitable?"

According to DEBKAfiles, an Iranian war has now become inevitable.

Why?

Because the international community fiddled while Iran’s nuclear bomb program went into overdrive.

Sanctions and diplomacy gave Iran the gift of time to:
• Fortify its nuclear facilities against bombardment
• Raise its level of uranium enrichment
• Develop dirty bombs to use in terror attacks abroad

On July 27th, Iran Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called a war council. Summoning top Iranian military chiefs, along with the commanders of the Air Force, Navy and ground forces, the Ayatollah announced, “We’ll be at war within weeks.” After each Iranian military branch reported on its readiness, Khamenei ordered a massive fortification project with the goal of saving its nuclear program. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force unveiled its new bunker-buster which tips the scales at 30,000 pounds and is able to penetrate 60 feet of reinforced concrete.

Maybe they should have kept that news to themselves; the Iranians are now busy making sure key nuclear installations are beyond the reach of even the mightiest of American super-weapons.

DEBKAfiles, a proven and reliable source of intelligence, also revealed that Iran plans to answer any U.S./Israeli pre-emptive strike by raining ballistic missiles, Shehab-3’s, on Israel, Saudi Arabia and American Middle East and Gulf military installations. Help in the form of Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Jihad Islami in Gaza, will attack Israel from the north and southwest. Saudi oil terminals would be blown up and mines would be placed in the strategic oil corridor, the Strait of Hormuz.

When does Khamenei see all this coming down?

September or October.

Of course that doesn’t mean he’s right—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists no decision on attacking Iran has been made.

Stay tuned…

A wise man once said: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven...A time to kill, and a time to heal, a time to break down, and a time to build up...A time to Love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1,3,8)

News:

• Jerusalem Post: Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak: "The latest U.S. estimate gives much more urgency to stopping Iranian nuclear proliferation."
• Drudge Report: Hezbollah MP: "Iran's nuclear program is designed to finish off Israel."
• Reuters: Obama's lead over Romney grows despite voters' pessimism
• ABC News: Extreme heat causes power outages; residents urged to reduce energy use.
• USA Today: Drought worsens in key farm states contributing to a surge in global food prices

"Extreme Weather = Food Crisis?"

Historic drought and scorching heat are making headlines in much of the food producing areas of the globe. Russia, the Ukraine, China, parts of Europe and over 50% of U.S. counties are now sweltering in the worst drought in nearly a half-century. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim warned of "a food crisis that could leave the world's poorest people unable to afford to purchase increasingly scarce and costly food."

Lack of rain and heat in the 115-degree range are not only killing the corn, soybeans, wheat, sugar beets and rye, it's rippling through the food chain. Breeders of livestock and poultry across the Midwestern United States are beginning to sell or liquidate animals they cannot feed. On August 1st, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack designated 218 additional counties in 12 states as disaster areas, bringing the total for the 2012 crop year to 1,584 counties across 32 states! Drought in other countries only compound growing worries over the world food supply.

And let's face it, folks: Hungry people = unhappy people. Ultimately, drought can have serious health, social, economic, and political impacts with far-reaching consequences. Food and water are two of the most essential commodities for human survival. Without enough of either, conditions can become dangerous very quickly. Remember the Arab Spring? Back in early 2011, countries like Tunisia and Yemen became politically destabilized when the governments couldn't afford to subsidize food supplies. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations fears that as the drought creates a rise in food prices, it will drive millions deeper into poverty, triggering revolts. The U.N. believes that third world nations should brace for riots.

While the overall impact for the West probably won't be as dramatic, it could spell additional turmoil for an already stressed economy.

Words to the Wise: "This is what the Lord Almighty says: Consider how things are going for you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild My house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because My house lies in ruins, says the Lord Almighty, while you are all busy building your own fine houses. That is why the heavens have withheld the dew and the earth has withheld its crops. I have called for a drought on your field and hills--a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olives and all your other crops, a drought to starve both you and your cattle and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get." (Haggai 1:7-11)

News:

• Fox News:  Homeland Security gearing up for civil unrest at party conventions.
• MSN.com:  Post Office defaults on $5 billion loan payment; USPS will be bankrupt by October, 2012.
• CNBC: Massive crowds flood Chick-fil-A in show of support across the nation.
• Fox News: Number of adult children in 20's and 30's moving back home in record numbers due to the "great recession"
• Debka File: Khomeini warns Iran's top leaders: "We'll be at war within weeks."
• USA Watchdog: Professional trader Rick Ackeman: "The next market meltdown is going to like the flash crash of a few years ago."
• Columbia University: FDA approves ingestible sensor, a "digital pill" the size of a grain of sand that sends health information to doctors.

"Mandated RFID Chips: Fact or Fiction?"

Last week we posted an alarming blog regarding RFID chip implants under Obamacare. We were overwhelmed by the response. Understandably, many of you were concerned and wanted more details. This week we will do our best to supply them.

Please keep in mind: These bills are complicated, vague and extremely lengthy (well over 2000 pages each). Both bills, HR 4872- The Reconciliation Act of 2010 and HR 3962- The Affordable Healthcare For America Act, have sections that deal with a National Medical Device Registry and implantable devices. Neither bill is technically a part of HR 3590, the bill known as "Obamacare". However, HR 4872 does contain the infamous Section 2521, seemingly 'cut & pasted' from the original bill known as "Obamacare", the unpassed HR 3200. To keep things as simple as possible, we will assume you have done your homework and printed out the following: HR 4872; Section 2521; Subtitle C-National Medical Device Registry-pg.1013 (www.housedocs.house.gov/rules/hr4872/111_hr4872_reported.pdf). The entire section must be read to make sense of it. Please take the time to do that before you continue. HR 3962, Section 2571, Section C begins on page 1501 and  can be obtained by going to:   www.housedocs.house.gov/rules/hr3962/111_hr3962_reported.pdf.

How did we come up with a "March 2013" implementation?

HR 4872, pg.1019; lines 4-12: "Effective date.- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish and begin implementation of the registry under section 519(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as added by paragraph (1), by not later than the date that is 36 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, without regard to whether or not final regulations to establish and operate the registry have been promulgated by such date." Exact same wording is found on page 1508, beginning on line 17 in HR 3962.

• This bill was signed into law on 3/29/2010
• 36 months later = March 2013

For those of you unwilling to do the detective work required, this bill creates a National Medical Device Registry. The stated purpose of the Registry is to collect safety data on post-market medical devices: "a class III"; or "a class II device that is implantable, life supporting or life-sustaining" (HR 4872, pg.1014, lines 15-17; similar language is found in HR 3962, pg.1502, lines 16-17), and to put the safety data into a publicly accessible electronic database..."the term 'data' refers to information respecting a device described in paragraph (1), including claims data, patient survey data, standardized analytic files that allow for the pooling and analysis of data from disparate data environments, electronic health records, and any other data deemed appropriate by the Secretary." (HR 4872, pg. 1017, line 3-9; HR 3962, pg. 1505, line 13-18).

The big question is: What exactly is "a class II device that is implantable, life supporting or life-sustaining? The innocuous definition is "pacemakers" and the like. If that's all they mean, then they will be tracking only devices and not patients. No problem. But the way these bills are written leaves another door open.

In 2004, the FDA approved "an implantable radiofrequency transponder system for patient identification and health information. A device intended to enable access to secure patient identification and corresponding health information. This system may include a passive implanted transponder, inserter, and scanner. The implanted transponder is used only to store a unique electronic identification code which is read by the scanner. The identification code is used to access patient identity and corresponding health information stored in a database." (www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance). The FDA goes on to say, "This guidance is issued in conjunction with a Federal Register notice announcing the classification (class II) of implantable radiofrequency transponder system for patient identification and health information."

Okay, back to the question of the day: Are the bills (HR 4872 & HR 3962) referring to pacemakers or RFID chips? There is a huge difference. One definition means they are collecting data about the device. The other means they are retrieving data accessible by the device. One is relatively harmless, while the other is an invasion of government into our private lives. We lay down our Christian (living-in-the-Last Days-bias) worldview with difficulty and do our best to read the bills as they are written. Verdict? You be the judge. Take the time to read them for yourselves. And then ask:

• Why remove the National Medical Device Registry from Obamacare when it came under scrutiny?
• Why not simply change the language of the bill (i.e. add words like: class II device NOT to include an implantable radiofrequency transponder for data collection)?
• Why did they feel it necessary to slip the Registry section into two separate bills and then pass them without fanfare, as is, despite the public's misgivings?

And while you're at it, read the February 2, 2012 post, "Power Grab Alert!" from our Archives for another example of a vague, but frightening bill.

Words to the Wise: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)

News:

• Reuters: Russia warns Syria against using chemical weapons.  
• Debka Files: Foreign forces pile up on Syrian borders in possible attempt to bring regime change. h
• CNSnews: Iran pledges to deploy warships in the Atlantic. 
• Express: Greece to run out of money by August 20th. 
• CNN: Dem.Sen.Diane Feinstein walks back W.H. Natl.Security leaks remark. 
• NBC News:  British hotel replaces Bibles with "Fifty Shades of Grey".  
• Fox News: Protest over California police shooting spark riots in Anaheim 

                                             

"Breaking News: RFID Chip Implants Mandatory Under Obamacare!"

You might remember back in '09 a flurry of protest when it was discovered Obamacare (HR3200) mandated we all get micro-chipped. That's right--implanted! The bill was tabled and a new version (HR3590) was passed without Section 2521 which deals with implantable microchips. Everyone (or at least those who were paying attention) breathed a sigh of relief. The nation had dodged a bullet. Or so we thought...

It seems Uncle Sam has more than one trick up his sleeve. While all eyes were on Obamacare (sans Section 2521), they slipped in not one, but TWO new bills BOTH containing mandatory RFID chip implants. How'd they get away with it?

Easy. They simply cut and pasted Section 2521 from Obamacare, and buried it deep within two separate bills and passed the suckers without anyone ever reading them. It took a total of 13 days (and people say we have a "do nothing Congress"!) to get the job done. These bills, HR 3962 and HR 4872, allow a National Medical Registry to be created and the population to be tagged with implantable medical Verichips the size of a grain of rice. The bill provides for a national database, a registry for collecting patient data, such as medical records, insurance claims, pharmacy accounts, along with instant debit from bank accounts to pay for co-pays, etc.

It's all very efficient and practical. And of course, they've made every provision for the interim use of "smart cards", presumably to cover the gap in time from when the process of chipping begins to when everyone has received a chip. The date for all this to get started? March 2013!

The wording in these bills is so vague and confusing and filled with intentional obfuscation, it seems they have left themselves an open door for future use in whatever they "deem appropriate" (their words). This could literally be anything, including surveillance data (the bill actually uses the term "surveillance efforts"--why?!)

Republican Congressman Ron Paul of Texas is the only public figure we could find who seems to know anything about this. On his website, he says: "The new law, when fully implemented, provides the framework for making the United States the first nation in the world to require each and everyone of its citizens to have implanted in them a radio-frequency identification microchip for the purpose of controlling who is, or isn't, allowed medical care in their country." Thank you, Ron Paul, but where is everyone else? This government has run amok.

And the fact that they had TWO back-up bills (that we know of) indicates how very important it is to them. It appears this government intends to track us. If that doesn't wake us up--what will?

It's time to pay attention, people. We can no longer allow the Nancy Pelosis of the world to convince us "we have to pass the bill so we can know what's in it." What an idiotic policy! This administration is passing unread bills left and right. Who knows what else they've passed under the radar?

For those of us who take the Bible seriously, the implications of these developments are unmistakable. We're not saying this is connected to Revelation 13:16--we are saying the technology described in that verse written almost 2000 years ago is here. The stage is being set:

• economically
• geo-politically
• spiritually

Every aspect of our world today matches precisely what the Bible predicts for this generation. What's next? Keep your eyes on Syria and Damascus. At least 3 scriptures predict the destruction of Syria's capital city, Damascus. Watch Iran and Russia, the entire Middle East, and of course, Israel. The Bible is clear there will be war involving all of these nations, and tiny, little Israel will be the victor through God's help. Jesus says in Matthew 24:33: "When you see all these things, know that it is near--at the doors!" 

Words to the Wise: "He (Antichrist) causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark..." (Revelation 13:16,17)

News:

• Fox News: Pentagon ramps up military presence in Persian Gulf as tensions mount
• CNN: U.S. consults with Israel on taking out Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons
• NBC News: Congress deadlocked in an election year; unable to head off massive tax increases
• Drudge Report: West Coast to receive dangerous levels of Fukushima radiation, NOAA predicts
• CNBC: Three California cities file for bankruptcy; there may be more to follow
• Debka File:  If Damascus falls, Israel and its gas fields might be threatened
• Reuters: Alleged Iranian terror attack kills 7 Israeli tourists; Netanyahu vows strong response