"2016: Future Trends"

"In December 2016, the U.S. President-elect will receive Global Trends 2035, the sixth edition in the National Intelligence Council (NIC) series aimed at providing a framework for thinking about the future," says the NIC.

Good to know someone is planning ahead--but how can they "look" two decades into the future?

"We identify global "drivers" and estimate their impact," says the NIC. They use worldwide meetings with a range of experts who put their heads together and gaze into the future based on present trends and what they see as possible "global trajectories".

Trends examined include:

• economics
• security
• geopolitics (among many others)

The experts from scores of countries and a variety of fields then put on their thinking caps and try to produce a comprehensive picture of the world in 2035 (with many "updates", of course).

Seem ambitious?

Not when compared to Bible prophecy.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is woven with  predictions. In fact, more than 1/4 of the Bible is prophecy. Most of them (roughly 80%) have already been fulfilled with 100% accuracy. (Remember, God uses prophecy to authenticate the Bible. If the prophetic scriptures prove true, and history tells us they do, then we can also trust what the Bible teaches about Jesus & the way of salvation.)

The remaining 20% of unfulfilled prophecy will probably be fulfilled in our lifetime as every major player and global trend continues to fall into place--exactly as the Bible predicts. So, if you want to know what the future holds, study the Bible. 

The NIC could save a lot of time and effort by simply handing the U.S. President-elect a copy of the Bible. At least they'd be sure of its accuracy.

A wise man once said: "When the number of factors coming into play in a phenomenological complex is too large, scientific method in most cases fails. One need only think of the weather, in which case the prediction even a few days ahead is impossible." --Albert Einstein

"However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries..." Daniel 2:28

"I am God, and there is no one else like Me. Only I can tell you what is going to happen even before it happens." Isaiah 46:9-10

News:

• Fox News Channel: Russia warns people to stay home New Year's Eve due to terror threat.
• Associated Press: Former Pentagon Chief Says Nuke Danger Is Growing; William J. Perry on a mission warning of nuclear terror attack in U.S.
• Express: ISIS plotting "to slaughter thousands" in 2016 in bid to spark huge final battle with West; plan to "activate 100's of sleeper cells in dozens of countries." 

First Amendment: Freedom FROM Speech?"

Satirist and documentary filmmaker Ami Horowitz did something last week that should horrify us all.

He went to Yale--the incubator for some of the best and brightest.

Yale--the alma mater of five U.S. Presidents and no less than ten U.S. Supreme Court Justices.

Yale--presumably the place from which we will get our next generation of leaders...(yes that Yale. Yale University).

Horowitz visited the campus and recorded the students doing something shocking.

With a hidden video camera, he secretly taped fifty students (in about an hour) jumping at the chance to sign away our First Amendment rights.

You remember the First Amendment: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom to assemble?

The filmmaker approached students (did we mention he was secretly recording them?) and said: "What we're calling for is an amendment to repeal the First Amendment, just get rid of it, blow it up."

Response from the students?

"I think this is fantastic. I absolutely agree," squeals one.

"Excellent. Love it," gushes another.

Over and over again, the Yale students eagerly signed the petition, practically begging to do away with our freedoms.

Why, you ask? According to the Washington Free Beacon:

"The video comes on the heels of several high-profile incidents on college campuses in which students and teachers have sought to censor reporters in a bid to foster what they call a safe space."

A safe space is a place where anything "deemed offensive" or politically incorrect is strictly off-limits, against the rules, verboten.

In other words, these Yale students would like to make their campus (along with all of America apparently) a safe space--where never is heard a discouraging word...and the skies are not cloudy all day.

A wise man once said: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."  -- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

"We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation." Romans 5:3-4

 News:

• The Daily Caller: Kentucky Grade School Scrubs All References To Christianity In "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Play. Meanwhile, Education Bureaucrats Fail To Spell 'Kentucky' Correctly.
• CNS News.com: Students Sign Petition To Ban "Racist" Song 'White Christmas'
• Fox News Channel: Kentucky School District Bans 'Silent Night'; Replaces It With A Christmas Version Of The 'Whip/Nae Nae' Song

"Terror By Any Other Name"

If you've ever wondered why some people say "ISIS" and some say "ISIL", while still others say "DA'ESH"--you're not alone.

In a nutshell: 'ISIS'= an acronym for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. 'ISIL' = an acronym for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The 'Levant' = Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and last but not least--Israel.

ISIS changed their name to ISIL because their ambition to establish a caliphate (Islamic state) grew beyond Iraq and Syria to include Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Israel.

In other words, this isn't just your typical "you say to-may-toe, I say to-mot-toe" scenario. Far from it.

To call ISIS "ISIL" = legitimizing their goal of wreaking havoc across the Middle East and wiping out Israel.

Given the expanded meaning of the term 'ISIL' (and the fact that most media outlets refuse to use it), why do the U.S. State Department, the U.N., and our current administration insist on using it?

Because it's a more accurate translation, they say.

Really? Not according to many Arabic-speaking media types who contend, "It is neither Islamic nor is it a state (discuss). The group has no standing with faithful Muslims, nor among the international community of nations.

They refer to the group as "'Da'esh", a pejorative term meaning "to tread underfoot or crush."

The French government took things a step further and officially changed the name of the group to "Da'esh Cutthroats".

We think it's time the U.S. government did the same. Let's re-brand ISIS with a new acronym that fully reflects what they are:

EVIL = Eradicate Vicious Ideological Losers

A wise man once said: "The evil of ISIS really shouldn't shock us--it is fully in keeping with their ultimate agenda of hastening a final apocalypse. God's Word tells us that there will be a final battle one day, but it will result in the defeat of Satan and all those allied with him. One thing is for sure--one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. --Franklin Graham

"Their feet run to do evil, and they hasten to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity. Devastation and destruction are in their paths. They do not know the way of peace, and there is no justice in their tracks; they have made their paths crooked. Who ever treads on them does not know peace"--Isaiah 59:7-8.

News:

• Fox News Channel: ISIS May Have Stolen Blank Passports In Syria; Syrian Immigration Quietly Tops 100,000 Since 2012.
• Breitbart: More Than 30 Immigrants Admitted To The U.S. Recently Implicated In Terrorism, warns Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
• DEBKAfile: ISIS Calls On Supporters In France To Kill Teachers; "Obligated to kill enemies of Allah," they claim.

 

"The Placebo Effect"

One of the most fascinating and least understood phenomena of the human brain is the Placebo Effect.

According to the American Cancer Society, a placebo (pluh-SEE-bo) is a substance or other kind of treatment that looks just like a regular treatment or medicine, but is not. It's actually an inactive "look-alike" treatment or substance.

Author and scientist Dr. Joe Dispenza discusses practical applications of the so-called Placebo Effect and how the "expectation of a particular outcome" can be harnessed. (In other words, we can essentially cure ourselves of maladies simply because we believe we are being cured of them, claims Dispenza in his new book titled--you guessed it--The Placebo Effect.

That's right gang, apparently, we can trick ourselves healthy!

And while the Placebo Effect may come in handy for making our body feel better, it can be deadly when applied to our spirit.

"There is a faith that has the appearance of genuine faith, but does not save," say Bible scholar John MacArthur.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).

2Corinthians 13:5 says: "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is in you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

Romans 8:9 says: "But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all."

Sometimes religion is like a placebo. It can be an inactive look-alike that actually inoculates us against the transforming power of the Holy Spirit (see 2Timothy 3:5). 


Authentic Christianity is not a religion, but a real and dynamic relationship with the living God.

 If His Spirit is not in you, you've been tricked with an inactive and powerless but spiritually-deadly placebo.

A wise man once said: "A Christian is so much more than someone who simply at one point in time believed the truth. A true believer has an ongoing love for God that holds fast even in trials. Love for God shows itself through obedience to His Word" (1John 2:5-6; 5:1-3). -- John MacArthur, author

"I will give you a new heart and put a new Spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" -- (Ezekiel 36:26).

God has promised the priceless gift of eternal life for all those who receive His Son. "Seek Him and you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart." How to go to Heaven

News:

• CCSB: Billy Graham Rapid Response Team mobilizes in San Bernardino to minister to terror victims.
• The Washington Post: Christian Liberty University to allow guns in residence halls "along with CCW classes to guard against attacks."
• Washington Examiner: Muslims 'fastest-growing religious group in the world' 100,000 Muslim immigrant granted permanent residency in the U.S. each year. 70% are democrats.

"San Bernardino Massacre"

The New York Daily News sparked controversy Thursday with their decision to run this jarring headline

"God Isn't Fixing This."

The front-page, mega-font screamer was in response to tweeted prayer requests for San Bernardino's mass shooting victims made by GOP presidential candidates.

"Meaningless platitudes" of "cowards" is how the newspaper characterized the prayers of Ted Cruz, Chris Christie, Jeb Bush and Rand Paul. Each candidate tweeted a slightly different version of this statement:

"Praying for the victims, their families and the first responders in the wake of this tragic shooting."

And for this they are called "cowards".

The massacre at the Inland Regional Center on Wednesday killed 14 innocent people and wounded 21 more.

SWAT teams swarmed neighborhoods, people cowered in closets and schools went on lock down, while a four-hour manhunt ended in a bloodbath on a residential street.

Meanwhile, authorities can't determine a motive: workplace violence or terrorism? (Not to mention the suspects had a garage full of explosives and were known Islamic extremists)

The New York Daily News, while wrong to call prayer "meaningless platitudes" and the candidates "cowards" for engaging in it, may actually be right about one thing:

We can't expect God to fix this if we, as a nation, aren't willing to return to Him.

A wise man once said: "We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them."  -- Charles C. West, author

"I open My arms to My own people all day long, but they have rebelled. They follow their own evil paths and thoughts. All day long they insult Me to My face..."  Isaiah 65:2-3

News:

• Associated Press: Putin calls for broad international anti-terror front; "One powerful fist" to fight terrorism. Accuses west of creating "zone of chaos".
• Reuters: Couple launched deadliest U.S. assault in years "they came prepared".
• DEBKAfile: "San Bernardino gunmen on U.S., Saudi and Pakistani terror watch lists,"American intelligence sources said.
• Fox News Channel: Couple had "virtual bomb making factory at home and contact with ISIS operatives". Police: "There was absolute carnage."

 

"ISIS: 'American Blood Tastes Best'"

The hacker group that calls itself "Anonymous" has declared war on ISIS in response to the recent terror attacks.

A video posted on YouTube last week was the official kick-off announcing Anonymous' intention to "launch the biggest operation ever" against the terrorist group.

"Anonymous from all over the world will hunt you down," said the French-speaking masked man in the video. "Expect massive cyber-attacks. War is declared. Get prepared."

Metro.co.uk reports that Anonymous published a list of 900 ISIS-related Twitter accounts that have subsequently been suspended by Twitter.

Good job Anonymous! Though only a first strike against ISIS, shutting down their Twitter accounts is a good start.

The terror group is known for its sophisticated use of social media as a recruitment and propaganda tool. Anything to slow these barbarians down is welcome.

ISIS' response? They called the Anonymous hacker collective "idiots".

"What are they gonna hack?" ISIS (sounding like idiots themselves) asked.

Twitter accounts and email addresses for a start. Next, Anonymous is planning to hack into ISIS bank accounts in an attempt to dry up their funding. Let's hope they succeed.

But the real question is:

If Anonymous is able to avenge Paris and launch the "biggest operation ever" against a terror group that dares to say "American blood tastes best"--why can't our government?

A wise man once said: "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." -- Albert Einstein

"The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked. But He blesses the home of the just" -- Proverbs 3:33

 News:

• Tucson News4: Volunteer group of United States military vets patrols AZ border for terrorists. "They're coming. Not a matter of if, but when."
• Associated Press: U.S. Issues Worldwide Travel Alert In Wake Of Terror Attacks
• Reuters: Mafia Offers Big Apple Protection From 'Psychopathic ISIS; Claims Better Able Than FBI Or DHS To Protect NY.
• CBS: ISIS Message Found On Ohio College Campus: "We Are Coming", "France Deserves Destruction", "YSU Supports ISIS".

"Syrian Refugee Crisis: WWJD?"

In the wake of a new propaganda video in which ISIS brags about the Paris terror attacks and threatens  both NYC and DC with  similar attacks, people are understandably wary about taking in Syrian refugees.

To make matters worse, Morten Storm, former jihadist turned CIA spy is warning that an attack during the holidays is likely. "These people are opportunists," he says.

And the New York Post reports:

"A leader of New York's Syrian community told The Post on Wednesday that ISIS terrorists have "absolutely" sneaked into America by posing as civil war refugees."

Aarafat "Ralph" Succar, a member of the Bay Ridge Community Council in Brooklyn, NY, went on to say corruption in his homeland is so rampant that anyone could easily pay bribes and obtain official identification papers bearing a fake name.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls agrees:

"Some of the suspects in the Paris attacks took advantage of Europe's migrant crisis to slip in unnoticed," he said, warning the EU needed to "take responsibility" over border controls.

Both the FBI Director and Homeland Security Chief say we can't properly vet these refugees because the Syrian infrastructure is in shambles.

And to top it off--ISIS has openly boasted they plan to use the refugee crisis as cover to sneak into the U.S.

As a result, 53% of Americans do not want to take any Syrian refugees.

Meanwhile, the House just overwhelmingly passed the American SAFE Act, a bipartisan bill that would require certification and background investigations before aliens from Syria or Iraq are admitted to the U.S. as refugees.

Which could take up to 2 years to complete.

The problem? Over 4 million people have been forced to run for their lives since the Syrian War began. Many of them are innocent families with children and elderly grandparents. Some of them are Christian.

There is a middle ground between doing nothing and allowing them to flood across our borders. 

Samaritan's Purse is helping them where they are--we can too.

A wise man once said: "As we pray for France we also need to pray for wisdom for the world's leaders and that radical Islam will be stopped in its tracks." --Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse

"Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing...? "

 "...when you did it to the least of these, My brothers, you were doing it to Me!" --Matthew 25: 37, 38, 40

News :

• Breitbart: DHA Confirms 8 Syrians Caught At Texas Border
• Gateway Pundit: Sixth Syrian With Fake Passport Captured In Honduras On Way To U.S.
• Associated Press: ISIS Determined To Produce Chemical Weapons, Officials say, determined to strike major cities

 

"Will America Self-Destruct?"

When nature is allowed to run its course, you'll end up with a certain balance, especially when it comes to gender.

For instance, 105 male babies are born for every 100 females.

By age 30, the numbers become equal. Why? Because the death rate for boys is slightly higher than girls.

In other words, there is roughly one male for every marriage-age female.

Not so in China. Abortion based on gender has unnaturally stacked the deck in favor of boys.

The result? 40 million Chinese men facing life without a mate.

The Chinese would call this cause-and-effect (the end result from a certain action).

The Bible calls it 'reaping what you've sown'.

David Kupelian, author of The Snapping of the American Mind, believes the U.S. is sowing the seeds of its own destruction. Kupelian contends:

"We have a culture and a bureaucracy in which basically we're taught there is no God, there is no right and wrong, and the biblical morals that this country did pretty well with for several centuries are oppressive and racist and we need to get rid of them."

China thought they needed draconian family planning rules (e.g. murdering lots of baby girls). Decades later they've got 40,000,000 frustrated and angry men on their hands and a demographic bent towards violence and an illicit sex trade.

Kupelian believes "America the Beautiful" will morph into "America the Bizarre" if our nation continues on its current path. Only it won't take decades. It seems our people have already lost the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, male and female, and what's good and what is evil.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life" Galatians 6:7-8.

A wise man once said: "It is a vain attempt to "mock" God for a Christian to think that if he sows to his flesh he can escape the harvest of destruction and judgment that comes upon those who participate in sin." -- Andrew Hill, Ph.D.

News:

• ACLJ: Green Beret War Hero Faces Expulsion For Saving a Child From Rape; claims military allows Afghanistan forces to sexually abuse children on U.S. bases
• WPTV News: Nine year old threatened with sexual harassment charges for writing love note to classmate.
• Daily Aztec: University Axes Homecoming 'King & Queen'; replaces with gender-neutral term 'Royals' 

"Proof of the Existence of God"

The percentage of U.S. adults who say they are "absolutely certain" God exists has slipped, according to  Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape Study.

No surprise there--anyone with half a functioning brain cell can see God is no longer at the top of our national priority list.

And for the college student, the downward trend has accelerated even more. Christians are being mocked and ridiculed by a university system that insists science and God are mutually exclusive.

Physicist Frank J. Tipler, an expert in the field of quantum cosmology, begs to differ.

In his book, "The Physics of Christianity", the scientist "demonstrates that the essential beliefs of Christianity are wholly consistent with the laws of physics."

Tipler even illustrates a scientific foundation for the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, and the Incarnation of Christ.

While interesting, scientific proof doesn't always result in saving faith.

Why? Because faith in Christ as Savior is not a head issue--it's a heart problem.

Simple belief in God will not get you into heaven. James 2:19 says: 

"You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror."

Saving faith takes God at His word. The Bible is His Word and it says every one of us is a sinner separated from God.

The Good News? "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried. He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." 1Corinthians 15:3-4

The Gospel is centered on the physical death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became human yet never sinned (see Galatians 1:6-10).

Christ died for our sins. He suffered in our place to endure the just wrath of God against us, according to the Scriptures.

What does according to the Scriptures mean? Jesus Christ lived and died in accordance with the prophecies about Him in the Old Testament (see Psalm 16:10, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:8-10). Thus, authenticating the Bible as God's inspired (read: God breathed) Word.

The Resurrection verifies the fact that Christ's death paid the full price for sin. The Greek term translated "rose" emphasizes the ongoing effects of this historical event.

In other words: Jesus Christ is alive and well today.

But only those who really believe this will turn away from their sin and be saved.

A wise man once said: "Here toward the end of the year, settle this issue in your heart once and for all. You can live with the full assurance of your salvation by surrendering your life to Christ--repenting of your sins and believing in His sacrifice on your behalf. Don't live another day unsure."  -- John MacArthur, pastor and author

"Don't be afraid, just believe" Matthew 5:36.

News:

• Fox News Channel: Life expectancy for Americans declines for first time due to drug and alcohol addiction; Drugs now top auto accidents and firearms as leading cause of death.
• CNN: Antarctic Ice Increasing Says NASA; Global warming theories thrown into doubt.
• Associated Press: NATO Chief Sounds Alarm Over Russian Build-up From Baltic Sea to Mediterranean; Calls on U.S. to respond.

"A Nation Unprepared"

Imagine, if you will, the power going down--not just at your house, but across several states. And not just for a few days, but for multiple weeks or even months.

In his hot-off-the-press, brand-spanking-new book, Lights Out, investigative reporter Ted Koppel lays out just such a scenario.

Only  according to Ted, it isn't just a scenario.

"A major cyberattack on America's power grid is not only possible, but likely."

The devastation would include:

• no running water
• no sewage
• no refrigeration or lights
• a lack of food/medical supplies
• no banks
• widespread looting and deteriorating law and order

 "A well-designed attack on just one of the nation's three electric power grids could cripple much of our infrastructure", says Koppel.

"And in the age of cyber-warfare, a laptop has become the only necessary weapon."

"Several nations hostile to the United States could launch such an assault at any time," he said.

"In fact, China and Russia have already penetrated the grid," according to a former Chief Scientist of the NSA. "They can take us down with a keystroke."

And then there's the independent actors like 'hacktivists' (not to mention terrorists!) that have the capability as well.

"It's not a question of if," says CentCom Commander General Lloyd Austin, "it's a question of when."

And yet, (surprise, surprise) the federal government HAS NO PLAN (unless you consider Homeland Security's warning to 'have xtra batteries and a transistor radio a 'plan').

"The United States is shockingly unprepared," Koppel laments.

"While well-prepared for natural disasters, (the government) has no plan for the aftermath of an attack on the power grid," he said, and wonders how (or if) "the civilian population will survive."

Koppel's advice? "Take matters into your own hands. Prepare now for a catastrophe that is all but inevitable."

A wise man once said: "I personally believe that the reason the U.S. is not mentioned in end time prophecy is because we will suddenly cease to be a world power and will therefore play no significant role in end time events." -- Dr. David R. Reagan

"This is what the LORD says: 'Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions. ' But they will reply, 'It's no use. We will continue with our own plans; we will follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts." Jeremiah 18:11-12

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

News:

• The Guardian: "Beijing 'Not Frightened To Fight A War' After U.S. Deploys Warship To South China Sea; Accuses U.S. of "Sowing Chaos."
• DEBKAfile: Tehran helping Damascus "Confront U.S., Israeli enemies," says Deputy Commander of Iranian Revolutionary Guard; Meanwhile, Iran to send 'fleet of warships' to Atlantic  Ocean.
• Breitbart: Texas Public School Apologizes For Pushing Atheism On Children In 'Critical Thinking Exercise'; teacher tells class "God is only a myth."

 

"War on Trump?"

Washington Examiner columnist Byron York believes the GOP establishment is "panicked" over the possibility that Donald Trump might actually get the Republican presidential nomination.

"Some are preparing to do whatever it takes to bring him down," he said.

According to York:

"Insiders have watched as Trump defied what many believed were immutable laws of the political universe.

"First they thought Trump wouldn't run. Then they thought voters wouldn't take a reality-TV star seriously. Then they thought gaffes would kill Trump as they had other candidates. None of that turned out as expected."

If the Trump-card continues to play, the anti-Trump operatives will resort to drastic measures.

The most likely scenario?

All out war on the New York billionaire through "a long and withering bombardment of negative ads."

So why is Trump so popular?

He's "pummeling political insiders at their own game," said radio talk-show host, Rush Limbaugh on Tuesday.

"What he's doing is bordering on political brilliance," Limbaugh gushed. "And he is far more adept at modern-day politics than anybody in either party realizes."

Long ago, French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville said, "In democracy people get the leaders they deserve."

And that, dear reader, is what we are afraid of.

A wise man once said: "If America ever turns away from God, if it ever disregards the Word and ways of God, then the smiles of heaven, the blessings of God, will be removed from this land." -- George Washington

"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, that I should not reign over them." 1Samuel 8:7

News:

• Fox News Channel: New California Law Requires Pro-life Pregnancy Centers To Post Abortion Info; Centers sue. 
• The Hill: Trump's 100 days On Top Ends As Carson Takes Lead In Iowa
• The Washington Post: Secret Service Officers Sleep On The Job; Formal warning coming

"The Prophetic Words of Paul Harvey: 'If I Were The Devil'"

Back in 1965, radio commentator Paul Harvey predicted with chilling accuracy the strategy the devil has used to drag America to the brink of destruction. Read carefully, Harvey's 50-year old blast from the past and recognize it for what it was: A warning from God.

“If I were the devil, I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree—Thee. So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States.

I’d subvert the churches first—I would begin with a campaign of whispers. 

With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: “Do as you please.” “Do as you please..do as you please.” 

To the young, I would whisper, “The Bible is a myth.” I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. 

I would confide that what is bad is good, and what is good is “square”. 

And the old, I would teach to pray. I would teach them to pray after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…’ 

And then I’d get organized.  I’d educate authors on how to make lurid literature exciting, so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. 

I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. 

I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills. 

If I were the devil I’d soon have families that war with themselves, churches that war with themselves, and nations that war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. 

And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames.  

If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, and neglect to discipline emotions—just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door. 

Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography. 

Soon I could evict God from the courthouse, and then the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. 

And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. 

I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money. 

If I were the devil I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle. 

If I were the devil I’d take from those who have and give to those who wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. 

What do you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich? 

I would question against extremes and hard work, and patriotism, and moral conduct. 

I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on the TV is the way to be. 

And thus I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. 

In other words, if I were the devil I’d keep right on doing what he’s doing." --Paul Harvey, 1965

 A wise man once said: "The devil wants your soul forever. If I'm the devil, I make you beg for things America once stood against." -- Glenn Beck

"Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path of evildoers." Proverbs 4:14 

"Trust the LORD with all your heart..." Proverbs 3:5

"...so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11

News:

• Daily Mail: Former Disney star Miley Cyrus planning nude concert in which 'naked audience will be doused with milk'.
• Time NewsFeed: Fmr. Chicago Schools Chief faces 7-1/2 yrs. in prison; pleads guilty to accepting $23 million in bribes; meanwhile 59% of Americans cite 'government corruption' as #1 fear.
• Fox News Channel: Planned Parenthood reverses policy of taking money for aborted baby parts, hoping to 'defang' right-to-life activists.

 

"Economic 'Danger Ahead'"

Legendary investor (and billionaire) Carl Icahn is so concerned about the U.S. economy he decided it was necessary to go public with a warning.

In a 15-minute video, the founder and chairman of Icahn Enterprises warns there is "Danger Ahead" that will make the last economic downturn "look good".

Oh, and guess who he thinks is the best presidential candidate to fix things?

You guessed it--Donald Trump.

"I don't think the other guys understand the major problems we face," Icahn said. "I grew up on the streets of Queens (N.Y.). I never could have been this successful in any other country in the world. I hate to see it go down the tubes and that's what's sort of happening. We're losing our hegemony (influence or authority). I really believe it.

Trump has expressed interest in Icahn as head of the U.S. Treasury or even recruiting him to negotiate with China should he be elected president.

Icahn already has "a day job" and isn't available to be Trump's Treasury Secretary, he claims. However, he is open to "helping" Trump in other ways.

Seems like he already has.

A wise man once said: "I've been disappointed in politicians, very disappointed in the Democratic Party, very disappointed in the Republican Party. I think Americans across the board are fed up with the shenanigans that go on, politicians who go to Washington to benefit themselves, who promise one thing and deliver another. Americans are ready for a change." -- Franklin Graham

"Then He will appoint children to rule over them, and anarchy will prevail. People will take advantage of each other--man against man, neighbor fighting neighbor. Young people will revolt against authority and nobodies will sneer at honorable people." Isaiah 3: 4-5

News:

• The Telegraph: A Poisonous "Triad" Of Global Risks Pushing World To Brink Of Financial Crisis Says IMF.
• CNBC: Recession Buzz Heating Up On Wall Street; Slowing Growth Cited.
• Fox News Channel: Fed Unsettled By Global Economic Slowdown; Hopes To Raise Rates By Year's End.

"Russian Airstrikes: What's the Big Deal?"

While the rest of us were still debating the meaning of the fourth (and final) Blood Moon over Jerusalem, Russia was busy sneaking fighter jets into Syria.

On Wednesday, "Russia stunned the U.S. by giving it just a one-hour heads-up that it was going to pummel ISIS targets," according to CNN's Holly Yan. 

The problem? Analysts say Russia is not pounding ISIS targets. In fact, they're no where near ISIS targets.

Instead, the Russian air strikes appear to be aimed at Syrian rebels and civilian dissidents, the very people the U.S. has been trying to help!

To make matters worse: "Lots of military jets from different countries flying in cramped airspace could be disastrous," said CNN military analyst, Rick Francona.

"This is going to get very dangerous," Francona warned. "Right now you've got the aircraft of the Syrian Air Force, the Russian Air Force and the U.S.-led coalition operating in a very confined area."

"These are high-performance aircraft--lots of weapons, lots of people on edge when they're flying these missions."

Francona cautioned, "Any mistake could result in an incident with fatalities on somebody's side."

The U.S. intelligence community has been caught flat-footed and are now scrambling to figure out Moscow's real motives.

"Ultimately, Russia's intervention is a game-changer in Syria (and the entire Middle East), the Institute for the Study of War says.

"It will alter the nature of international negotiations, compromise and weaken the cohesion and efforts of the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition and strengthen the Assad regime."

Meanwhile, the  Daily Mail.com is reporting:

• Putin has conscripted 150,000 new troops into the Russian Army
• Hundreds of Iranian troops have arrived in Syria over the last ten days, and the
• alliance is set to launch a ground offensive in Syria

Any student of Bible prophecy has to have Ezekiel 38 in mind right now because even though Israel is across the border, the players are the same.

A wise man once said: "The stage is being set for Ezekiel 37-38. However, I believe Isaiah 17:1-2 (the destruction of Damascus) could be on CNN next! Stay tuned everybody." -- Jack Hibbs, Senior Pastor Calvary Chapel Chino Hills

"Then He gave them this illustration: 'Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. Just so, when you see the events I've described taking place, you can be sure that the Kingdom of God is near. I assure you, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these events have taken place."  Luke 21:29-32

News:

• Fox News Channel: Gen. Petraeus calls meltdown in Syria. "Geopolitical Chernobyl" that will be felt for generations.
• New York Post: 10-13 Killed, at least 7 Wounded in College Shooting. Oregon gunmen singled-out Christians during rampage.
• DEBKA file: Netanyahu sounds alarm over growing Iranian threat; accused Iran of an aggressive build-up of weapon and terrorism.
• Associated Press: U.S. warns Russia against striking non-ISIS groups in Syria; development would cause U.S. "grave concern," says Kerry.

"Pope Francis" 'Obamified'?"

According to a CNN piece by John Blake, the Right-wingers are at it again. (Those dang Right-wingers!)

What have they done this time? The 'Obamification' of Pope Francis!

"The same political slurs and conspiracy theories that critics have used against President Obama are now being deployed against Pope Francis. One critic even says the two leaders have morphed into a sinister figure he calls 'Popama', " Blake laments.

And that ain't all folks...

"Conservative concerns over Pope Francis appear to be growing. A Gallup poll this summer showed that Pope Francis' support among American conservatives fell from 72% last year to 45% in July."

Blake cites three ways the Pope is being 'Obamified':

• He's a stealth socialist (Why? Just because he hates capitalism?)
• He's the Antichrist (we haven't heard that one--but apparently if you Google the phrase "Is Pope Francis Antichrist" you'll get 440,000 hits. Yikes!)
• He's on an 'Apology Tour' ( ala Obana?)  

"Just like President Obama loved apologizing for America, Pope Francis likes to apologize for the Catholic Church," says Fox News.com editor Adam Shaw.

Shaw contends the Pope believes "the church is at its best when it is passive and not offending any one's sensibilities."

According to the CNN piece, "Some have even suggested that Pope Francis' allegiance to the Catholic Church is so shaky that he has an Islamic agenda--an accusation similar to one directed at Obama." (Now that one takes the baklava! So he invited an imam to the Vatican to recite Muslim prayers and Quran readings--how is that Islamic?)

So, is the Pope being 'Obamified'?

Didn't see any ring kisses--but he did get an unprecedented welcome from (his BFF?) the President.

The First Family travelled all the way to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington to greet the pontiff on the tarmac, a rare (read: NEVER!) occurrence, a day ahead of Wednesday's official welcome at the White House. 

Popemania--maybe. But Obamified? Seriously?

A wise man once said: "If Pope Francis embraces the Climate Change agenda (along with President Obama), he will be aligning himself with enemies of the Church and moral principles." -- Marc Morano, Senate Environment Committee

"After this, I heard the sound of a vast crowd in heaven shouting, "Hallelujah! Salvation is from our God. Glory and power belong to Him alone." (Revelation 19:1)

News:

• Washington Examiner: White House Compares Obama to Pope Francis; "the values that both men live out have common ground," says W.H. spokesman
• Bloomberg Business: Pope Visit opportunity for President to showcase Pope's support for issues like income inequality, immigration, and climate change.
• Time: Pope Francis Blurs Political Lines in White House Speech; takes hard stance on climate change, "It represents one of the principal challenges of our time," he said.

"Hadron Collider = Accidental Armageddon?"

The 'God Particle' (aka The Higgs boson particle) has physicist Stephen Hawking worried.

In a new collection of essays and lectures titled "Starmus", the world's most famous theoretical physicist is warning that the God Particle could one day be responsible for the destruction of the universe.

And "we wouldn't see it coming," Hawking warns.

Discovered by CERN scientists in 2012 at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the elusive 'God Particle' gives size and shape to everything that exists.

A particle accelerator like the 17-mile circular Hadron Collider at Cern, Switzerland make subatomic particles travel in opposite directions at greater and greater speeds until they reach the speed of light. Then they smash (collide) them together in an attempt to re-create the 'Big Bang'.

Hawking, a self-described atheist, fears the 'God Particle' could become unstable at very high energy levels and lead to a "catastrophic vacuum decay", and added that "the armageddon scenario could happen at any time."

The good news? Although "the danger is too great to be ignored", Hawking believes the likelihood of such a disaster is unlikely to happen in the near future.

Meanwhile, the Hadron Collider will surpass the speed of light on September 23.

"Stephen Hawking warns of CERN.LHC..."

And for a look at the really freaky side of the Cern Hadron Collider...guaranteed to blow your mind, check out this video: C E R N the Opening of the Abyss?

A wise man once said: "When confronted with the order and beauty of the universe and the strange coincidences of nature, it's very tempting to take a leap of faith from science into religion. I am sure physicists want to. I only wish they would admit it." -- Tony Rothman, physicist

"Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night." Revelation 8:12

News:

• Associated Press: Powerful 8.3 Quake Shakes Chile's Capital Followed By Several Strong Aftershocks; Tsunami Alert Issued
• CBC: Sierra snow pack at lowest level in 500 years and the number of CA wildfires hits 5,225 so far this season after 4 yrs. of drought
• Reuters: Last bid to kill Iran nuclear deal blocked by Senate. "It will go into effect without the American people having their say," said Republican Senator John Cornys. 

"One Second After"

In his best-selling novel, William R. Forstchen paints a vivid picture of life in America One Second After an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack.

A sequel, One Year After, is scheduled for release on September 15th.

For those not up to speed, an EMP attack is a burst of electromagnetic radiation produced by a high-altitude nuclear detonation.

The result? Everything electronic gets fried, including the power grid.

A few months back, Arutz Sheva Israelnationalnews.com ran an op-ed by Dr. Peter Vincent Pry, Executive Director of the Task Force on National Security, describing a nuclear crisis caused by Iran: 

"One nuclear warhead detonated at high-altitude over the United States would blackout the national electric grid and other life sustaining critical infrastructures for months or years by means of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP).

"A nationwide blackout lasting one year, according to the Congressional EMP Commission, could cause chaos and starvation that leaves 90 percent of Americans dead."

The bad news?

"Iranian military documents describe such a scenario--including a recently translated Iranian military textbook that endorses (a) nuclear EMP attack against the United States."

Meanwhile, the Iran "Nuke Deal" is being voted on in Congress, even though just yesterday Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was busy posting threats to both Israel and the U.S. on his official twitter account. (Maybe he forgot the vote was still pending).

Oh--and for a sneak peak-preview of what life off the grid may look like, check out Forstchen's novel One Second After...while we still have lights!

A wise man once said: "Iran armed with nuclear missiles poses an unprecedented threat to global civilization." -- Dr. Peter Vincent Pry

"Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 97:10 (NIV)

News:

• Financial Times: World Bank chief economist warns Fed to delay rate hike fearing "panic and turmoil".
• Los Angeles Times: California Assembly approves right-to-die legislation; bill allows doctors to give patients suicide pills, making CA the 6th U.S. state to allow euthanasia.
• The Telegraph: China leading world towards global economic recession, warns Citibank. 

"Is the Church Full of Phonies?"

"Although large crowds followed Jesus wherever He went, Jesus knew that not all who followed Him were genuine disciples," says Sim Kay Tee, author of Can I Really Trust the Bible?

"Jesus taught often of the radical commitment needed if we want to follow Him," cautions Tee.

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me," Jesus said in Luke 9:23.

"Deny yourself?Take up a cross?

Who wants to do that?"

John MacArthur, one of today's foremost Bible teachers, dares to teach the hard facts: "The world is filled with millions of people who think they are headed for heaven--but they are deadly wrong.

"Probably most people think heaven awaits them, but it doesn't. But what is especially sad is that many of those people sit in evangelical churches misinformed," says MacArthur.

Why? Because many churches "adjust the message" fearing the truth will make us uncomfortable.

"It's not my truth," contends MacArthur. "I don't have any saving truth, neither does anyone else but God."  Jesus said, "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3). "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven" (John 3:6).

According to MacArthur (and the Bible): "The true gospel is a call to self-denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment.

"Salvation is giving up your life and embracing His. It is taking in Christ by faith, acknowledging the reality of who He is and what He did."

In other words, we need to understand that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh. He led a perfect, sinless life so He could die an agonizing death to pay the price for our sin. He rose again on the third day in a resurrected body to eternal life. All who receive His substitutionary death and turn away from their sin will also rise to eternal life. Simple, but not easy. Free, but not cheap.

The Gospel message is offensive and exclusive. It offends those who believe they're okay the way they are and it excludes all the offended.

So, is the church full of phonies? A more accurate description is: The modern church is full of unconverted people who don't know the Scripture. And if they don't know the Scriptures, they don't know Christ. They've been taught a watered-down, feel-good, anything-goes gospel. The Bible says "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

And let's face it gang-it's impossible to "do" the word if we don't know the word.

Solution? Read the word of God and just do it!

A wise man once said: "As a Christian, you are called to live like Jesus--a life of courage, joy, passion, and purpose. The same Jesus who walked with such resolve and determination throughout His own earthly life has a distinct and daily purpose for yours. God does not call us to happiness, but to holiness." --John MacArthur

"Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

How To Go To Heaven...

News:

• USA Today: County Clerk Jailed For Refusing to Issue Marriage Licenses to Same-sex Couples.
• The Jerusalem Post: Donald Trump: Nuclear deal calls for U.S. to defend Iran against Israeli attack; "...we have to fight with Iran against Israel."
• PJ Media: Iran Commander: "We're Getting Prepared to Overthrow Israel"; vows to block inspections.

"Is the Federal Reserve on a Kamikaze Mission?"

The wild stock market swings of recent days have left investors gasping and with good cause.

Does the age-old "Buy & Hold" mantra still apply?

Based on historical performance the answer is 'Yes'...however some see things differently:

Financial expert Bill Holter says the "ability to prevent a crash no longer exists."

"The system has gotten too big...there's too much debt. Too many sovereign governments have bumped up against debt saturation. In the U.S., we are over 100% debt to GDP."

Holter believes the credit bubble was "pricked" this week and no matter how things play out in the very short term, the September/October time-frame looks like a disaster.

"You can't fix debt with more debt--but that's what they keep trying to do," he said. "What we need is a complete reset."

Holter's advice? If we get a bounce in the market, use it to get out.

Chris Martenson, of Peak Prosperity, has these words of wisdom: "What goes up must come down--and that's especially true for the world's many poorly-constructed financial bubbles, built out of nothing more than gauzy narratives and inflated with "hopium"..August, it appears, is the new October."

"Markets are quite possibly in crash mode right now, although events are unfolding so quickly--currency spikes, equity sell-offs, emerging markets routs and dislocations and commodity declines--that it's hard to tell for sure. However, that's usually the case right before and during big market declines," say Martenson.

"Further, most of the gains in financial assets engineered by the central banks were false and destined to burst because the were based on bubble technology, not actual returns."

Jim Rickards, author of The Death of Money, explains why China was unable to keep their limited free market under control: "...markets have a mind of their own," he says. "But the 'Empire' will strike back, they have an enormous arsenal of tools they can use to try to fight the bubble."

Good to know somebody is trying to fight the bubble, because according to Rickards, the U.S. Federal Reserve is now out of ammo and on a "Kamikaze Mission."

So, should we 'buy & hold' or jump out & run? 

Your guess is as good as ours.

A wise(?) man once said: "This is a pre-crash, and we are not making it through September without the real thing." --Jim Sinclair, gold expert

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:36-38

News:

• The New York Times: Signs, Long Unheeded, Now Point to Risks in U.S. Economy; "Once you encourage an equity bubble, it will collapse--and then you're really in trouble," says financial strategist Albert Edwards of London. "This was utter madness."
• CNBC: The New York Stock Exchange invoked the little-used Rule 48 to pre-empt panic trading for three days in a row; move historic.
• The Washington Free Beacon: Iran Renews Support for Hamas and Other Anti-Israel Terrorists Groups. 

"The Significance of September"

There's a lot going down this September (and we're not talkin' blood moons or shemitah's).

It seems the internet is buzzing with chatter and speculation regarding the myriad of events slated for next month.

We want to zero in on only one: the 70th session of the UN General Assembly.

Why? Because it relates to a major Bible prophecy (sans all the hype and speculation).

On September 15th, France plans to introduce a resolution which will give formal UN Security Council recognition to a Palestinian state.

And no, this isn't the first time.

So what's new? In the past, the United States has always had Israel's back and blocked this from happening.

Now? Not so much. Barack Obama has hinted the U.S. may no longer be interested in playing the role of Israel's BFF.

Should it pass, this UN Resolution will invade Israel's sovereignty as a nation and establish a Palestinian state in the middle of Israel.

It would also divide Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and a Palestinian nation.

And most importantly, it would set the 1967 borders as the baseline for future negotiations.

Why does that matter? Because Israel becomes indefensible within the 1967 borders. It is simply too small.

In other words, the 1967 borders spells DEATH for the tiny nation of Israel.

And that ain't all folks!

A two-state solution = poking God in the eye. (see Zechariah 2:1-8).

God has made it abundantly clear throughout Scripture that whoever is foolish enough to attempt dividing His land for "peace" will not end well.

Don't believe it? We've got two words for you: Rabin & Sharon.

Both Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon (former Israeli Prime Ministers) found out the hard way not to ignore God's clear warnings about dividing the land of Israel.

Rabin took a bullet during the Oslo Accords and Sharon suffered a massive stroke (that eventually ended in death) after the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

If you haven't been praying for the current P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu--now might be a good time to start.

A wise woman once said: "The country exists as the fulfillment of a promise made by God Himself. It would be ridiculous to ask it to account for its legitimacy." -- Golda Meir, P.M. of Israel, 1969-1974.

 "And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land" (Joel 3:2).

News:

• Associated Press: UN to Let Iran Inspect Own 'Nuke Weapons Site' According to New Disclosure in secret 'Sidedeal'.
• Fox News Channel: Russia Arming Iran; Deal to Buy Missile System Going Through Despite Ban.
• Fox Business Network: Stocks Hard Hit on Economic Fears; DOW Plunges 357 Points