"Russian nationalist: 'Vote Trump or Risk War'"

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists his country is not trying to influence the U.S. presidential election.

Really? Well somebody better let his pal, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, know because according to Reuters,  Zhirinovsky said if Trump loses, it means war.

An ultra-nationalist and ally to President Putin, Zhirinovsky is " a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric," Reuters reporter Andrew Osborn said.

"Trump", claims Zhirinovsky, "is the only person to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington."

What about Hillary, you ask?

According to Zhirinovsky she could "spark World War Three. Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts. Americans voting for a president on November 8 must realize that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary, it's war."

With tensions between the U.S. and Russia already so strained over Syria, Ukraine and the Russian campaign of cyber-attacks, Zhirinovsky's statements seem especially jarring. If Russia is not trying to influence the U.S. election--what is it trying to do?

Meanwhile...

The Bible indicates Russia has a major role to play in the End-Times scenario. The U.S. does not.Why?

A wise man once said: "The Apostle Paul uses the image of labor pains to stress the suddenness of how quickly the world will be plunged into judgment." -- Barry Beitzel, Ph.D.

"For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security', destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief..." 1Thess.5:2-4.

News:

•  Associated Press: Russia accuses U.S. of conducting 'Scorched Earth' policy in relation to Russia during the final months of Obama's presidency; "This is very dangerous," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
• Reuters: Exclusive: Obama considers direct U.S. military action in Syria raising possibility of confrontation with Russia.
• DEBKAfile: Russia's embassy in Damascus hit with mortar fire for two hours, Russia's Foreign Ministry reported Thursday.

"Moscow Preparing For War"

While the American public is gearing up for the most vitriolic presidential campaign in modern history, the Russian people are preparing for war.

Former CNN Foreign Affairs correspondent Jill Dougherty spent the last 2 months traveling from "the Baltic region to Georgia and to Russia," and reported in an article for the  Wilson Center/ Keenan Institute: "Talk of war is everywhere."

The Baltics fear Russian invasion, while The Kremlin believes "NATO and the U.S. are the enemy and Russia must be ready for attack."

Working-class Russians are busy "stocking up on essentials in case of war because in Moscow 'warfever' is at fever pitch."

"The Kremlin," says Dougherty, "is frightened about its grip on the political situation at home--and the geopolitical situation abroad.

"Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev complains that NATO's rhetoric at its summit in Warsaw 'simply howls about the effort to almost announce war against Russia."

Gorbachev claims, "NATO talks about defense, but actually is preparing for offensive action."

Alexander Grushko, Russian's envoy to NATO, says that NATO's "confrontational policy" is being built on a "mythical threat" from Russia.

Maria Zakharova, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman believes Russia has been "demonized" and demands examples of how the nation "is undermining peace and order in Europe."

"Sweden claims that we are threatening them," she said. "The UK says we are a threat. What are the specific examples?"

Foreign affairs expert, Sergei Karaganov contends that "western propaganda against Russia is reminiscent of the period preceding a new war.

"The help offered by NATO is not symbolic help for the Baltic states," he said. "It is a provocation. If NATO initiates an encroachment against a nuclear power like ourselves, it will be punished."

"President Vladimir Putin himself plays both sides against the middle," Dougherty said. "Warning the West that Russia will have to 'strengthen its strategic nuclear forces' in order to counter the U.S. missile shield, while insisting it's the West, not Russia, that's destroying the balance that kept the world from nuclear conflict during the Cold War.

"Russia," says Dougherty, "is trying to deter the West in a very aggressive way because it realizes it is weaker--economically, militarily and in terms of soft power.

"The world, right now, is a very unstable place, for everyone, including Vladimir Putin."

A wise man once said: "Never underestimate the power of a cornered bear." -- Daniel Xu, outdoorhub

"There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

News:

• NBC News: China warns of new missile crisis in Asia if U.S. installs missile defense system in So. Korea.
• The Washington Post: Pentagon's secret new bomber sparks controversy over price tag sticker shock.
• Reuters: NATO: "It is an absolute commitment that we help each other if any one member of NATO is attacked," says UK. Trump not so sure.

"5 Signs of Coming War"

The  Department of Defense (DOD) believes China is upping the ante when it comes to war.

According to a recent Pentagon report, "The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in a massive, extensive modernization program. Upgrading and expanding all military branches and equipment."

The problem? "A lack of transparency regarding China's intentions," says the DOD.

Meanwhile, things are heating up in Ukraine.

"The upsurge in fighting in Ukraine with Russian troops and equipment pouring across the border, is a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to engage the West in a dangerous game of "chicken", says The Wall Street Journal in an opinion piece by David Satter.

Angered by economic sanctions and fearing "they could help lead to the destabilization of Russia," Satter writes that "Russia is shooting itself in the foot with its actions..." and "Putin could lash out with military action against the West."

"Russia is on a dangerous path," Satter concludes.

And what about those cagey Iranians? The Jerusalem Post reports Israel's Eros-B satellite, launched last April, revealed a "never seen before" Iranian launch pad with a new 27-meter long missile.

"The missile and the launch pad indicate Iran's ballistic missile program, which is an integral part of its nuclear weapons program, is moving forward full throttle."

This "expanded range" of Iran's ballistic missiles means its nuclear weapons program is not merely a threat to Israel and Europe. "It is a direct threat to the United States as well."

And then there's North Korea, who vowed on Wednesday to respond to any US aggression with nuclear strikes.

Oh, and let's not forget ISIS, (or ISIL or whatever they're calling themselves these days) who never seem to tire of thinking up sick new methods of execution.

Tuesday ISIS released video showing captured Jordanian pilot, Moaz al-Kasasben being burned alive before they ran him over with a bulldozer. Charming group. Their goal? More atrocities. And not just in the Mideast or Europe, either. FBI Director James Comey today issued a warning that "ISIS is already in 49 US states."

When Jesus was asked, "What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?" He answered, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8).

A wise man once said: "The primary purpose of prophetic teaching is not to satisfy our curiosity, but to motivate us to change our lives. Rather than working for things that will ultimately be destroyed, we should work for things that are eternal." --Len Woods, Th.M.

News:

• Newsmax: Experts: Iran Now a Nuclear-Ready State, Missiles Capable of Hitting U.S.
• Fox News Channel: Jordanian fighter jets carried out 'massive' air strikes today against ISIS, vowing: "Just the beginning and you shall know who the Jordanians are."
• The Drudge Report: Hollande & Merkel fly to Russia for crisis talks amid growing fears of 'total war.'

"The High Price of Cheap Oil"

The price of oil has cratered, and the cost to fill-up on gas has tanked as well. That's a good thing--right? Wrong--according to Bloomberg News, who's headline on Monday read:

      "Oil Shock Streaks Across Globe From Moscow to Tehran to Caracas.Ready for $40?"

Students of bible prophecy will recognize the significance right away. Moscow and Tehran are prophesied to form a military alliance and attack Israel. (see Ezekiel 38).

While Tehran makes no secret of its desire to annihilate the Jewish State, up until recently no one understood what would motivate Moscow to attack. Then in 2009, Israel discovered oil and is now in the process of becoming an energy superpower.

"Oil and gas provide 68% of Russia's exports and 50% of its federal budget. Russia has already lost almost $90 billion of its currency reserves this year, equal to 4.5 % of its economy, as it tried to prevent the ruble from tumbling after Western countries imposed sanctions to punish Russian meddling in Ukraine," reports Bloomberg News. "The ruble is down 35%* against the dollar since June. (* the ruble dropped another 5% on Wednesday).

Financial analyst, Allan von Mehren adds, "A big decline in the oil price in 1997-98 was one factor causing pressure that eventually led to Russian default in August, 1998."

Russia, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), needs $101 a barrel oil to break even, and has based its 2015 budget on the assumption oil prices would continue to top $100. Tuesday a barrel of oil dipped below $70.

Moscow blames the West. "Russia's partners should remember risks involved in disputes between nuclear powers. We hope that our partners will realize the futility of attempts to blackmail Russia and remember the consequences discord between major nuclear powers could bring for strategic stability," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a not-so-subtle threat.

A crash in oil prices will create economic and political instability across the globe:

• Venezuela, in panic mode, has called for an emergency OPEC strategy to halt the falling prices
• Iran's weakened economy has also been hard hit, and could collapse if prices don't recover soon
• And if you think the US is immune, think again. A prolonged decline in oil prices could cripple our economy too

All things considered, the high price of cheap oil is something none of us can afford.

A wise man once said: " A century ago, petroleum--what we call 'oil'--was just an obscure commodity; today it is almost as vital to human existence as water." -- James Buchan, British novelist

" I will turn you and drive you toward the mountains of Israel, bringing you from the distant north. I will knock your weapons from your hands and leave you helpless...That day of judgment will come, says the Sovereign Lord. Everything will happen just as I have declared it." --Ez. 39: 2, 3 & 8

News:

• Fiscal Times: Russian Leader Accuses Central Bank of Economic Sabotage Due to Its Gloomy Appraisal of Russian Economy
• Behold Israel News: Massive oil spill in Israel's Negev Desert "Worst Environmental Accident in Israel's History" 
• Jerusalem Post: UN General Assembly passes Arab-backed resolution pressing Israel to renounce possession of nuclear weapons and facilities

"Are We Witnessing the Rise of Magog?"

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States and the West of practicing "cold war tactics" in a vitriolic speech before a cheering Russian parliament.

Fresh from his victory in Crimea, the Russian leader openly mocked and ridiculed the US for the sanctions approved on Monday.

Commodities and foreign currency expert Jim Sinclair says:

"To sanction Russia is to forget that Russia supplies Europe with its gas supplies. To sanction Russia is to forget there are many US and European corporations operating within Russia right now. I honestly believe sanctioning Russia is the same as shooting yourself in the foot."

Sinclair goes on to say, "Anybody that is nuclear capable to the degree that Russia is with its delivery systems is a world power."

"We hear constantly Russia is only a regional power. We hear lies. We hear untruths. We don't have a clear picture to what is taking place."

Sinclair believes the Russian's have "the upper hand. They have it in their ability to turn the US economy upside down and into collapse."

Strong words. But Sinclair stands behind them: "There is no question whatsoever", he says, "Putin doesn't need a nuclear bomb. He has a nuclear economic bomb he can set off at any time."

How?

According to Sinclair,

"The real teeth of retaliation for sanctions being in the simple acceptance of any currency whatsoever for payment for gas to Europe. It makes energy cheaper. Why in the world would anyone pay in dollars if they can pay in their own currency?"

Sinclair added, "We're in a hell of a mess. If the world drops the 'Petrodollar', we'll have a hot war in a week. We will go to war over the Petrodollar."

While the Bible doesn't mention a war between the US and Russia, it does detail a war between Russia (Magog & friends) and Israel. (Ez. 38 and 39)

Where's the United States?

Apparently, on the sidelines wringing her hands.

Jim Sinclair on USA Watchdog.com

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army...'" Ez. 38:3-4

A wise man once said: "Many books can inform, but only the Bible can transform." - RBC

News:

• The Washington Post: Vice Pres. Biden: "US military well-prepared to defend NATO Allies from Russian aggression.
• Reuters: Russian forces storm Ukraine base in Crimea, US warned Moscow of 'dark path to isolation' on Wednesday.
• CBS: Family anger erupts in Malaysia, jet search enters 13th day; Israel on high alert

"Ukraine Crisis and Bible Prophecy"

How does what's happening in Ukraine factor into bible prophecy?

First, it's important to recognize that the fulfillment of bible prophecy does not happen out of the blue.

For example: Nobody is going to pull the Antichrist out of a hat one day. He will most likely rise to power in response to a global leadership vacuum.

Secondly, while bible prophecy gives us a complete overview of God's plan for mankind and this planet, it doesn't give us every detail. We must surmise the rest.

For example: Because the United States is not mentioned in the end-time scenario, we are left to guess (by watching events unfold) the reason why.

So how does Ukraine factor in?

If Russia is Magog (as detailed in Ezekiel 38), what is happening in Ukraine, and what happened in the former Soviet nation of Georgia in 2008, should come as no surprise. Whether Putin is Gog or not, it's way too early to tell.

But one thing is clear:

Vladimir Putin is taking Russia a giant step closer to fulfillment of Ez. 38 and the rise of the Antichrist.

How?

• His goal is to restore the power of the Soviet empire
• If Ukraine allies with Europe, it will be a huge blow to that goal. Putin will do everything in his power to stop that from happening.
• Russia, a major supplier of natural gas to Europe, uses it to manipulate and gain wealth and power (this will factor into their motivation to attack Israel, as Israel has recently discovered she is virtually swimming in oil).
• If the Ukraine situation ends up as the Georgia one did, Russia gains back a little more power, and will be emboldened to try for more.
• This will eventually cause Europe to seek a strong leader to counter Putin (and his like), and to unite into a much stronger union (as predicted in Revelation 17:12), going from 28 nations down to 10 regions.
• Meanwhile, Israel is on a collision course with Magog (Russia), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya (along with many others).

In other words: Nations from all directions will form a coalition against Israel. But it won't happen out of the blue.

Because the student of bible prophecy knows what to look for, we've been alerted to watch this prophecy progress toward fulfillment for years in terms of:

• the Arab Spring
• the recent military alliance between Russia, Iran and a number of countries in the region
• the gutting of the US military, economy and subsequent unwillingness to fight
• the increasing aggression of Russia
• the discovery of massive oil reserves in Israel
• the increasing isolation of Israel and the unreliability of her allies

The crisis in Ukraine is (as Pink Floyd once lamented) Just another brick in the wall...

"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. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish" - Isaiah 46:10.

A wise man once said: "As the Sovereign of the cosmos, God can do anything He desires. His pleasure (Ps. 147) includes the salvation of His people (Zeph. 3:17) and the worship of their hearts (John 4:23-24). - William Van Germeren, PhD.

News:

• Press Telegram: Hilary Clinton compares Putin's action in Ukraine to Hitler's run up to WWII
• NBC: US sends six fighter jets to Baltics, more airmen to Poland in response to crisis in Ukraine
• DEBKA File: Israel's navy seizes Iranian missile ship headed for Gaza
• Fox News Channel: Russia's Vladimir Putin nominated today for the Nobel Peace Prize

"Does America Suffer From Low Self- Esteem?"

Last week Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote a New York Times op-ed denouncing the concept of American exceptionalism as 'dangerous'.

Fine and dandy. He's entitled to his opinion.

The real issue is not what Putin thinks of us, but what we think of ourselves. Lately, it seems America has lost her mojo, or at the very least suffered a drop in her national self-esteem. Suddenly, American exceptionalism is being mistaken for conceit or arrogance--especially by those who have not been taught American history.

Our exceptionalism is not rooted (as so many seem to believe) in our military might, our standard of living or our superpower status (with the implication that the rules don't apply to us and we are therefore entitled to be the world's bullies).

We are exceptional because:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."--United States Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

We are exceptional because we are free.

If our national self-esteem has taken a nose dive, it's because many Americans have traded freedom for free stuff.

According to a Fox News poll, 74% think Americans rely too heavily on the government and not enough on themselves. According to CNNMoney: more than one in three Americans lived in households that received Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance last year and that number is even higher today.

And is it any wonder when we have House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) saying in regards to Obamacare:

"We see it as an entrepreneurial bill, a bill that says to someone, if you want to be creative and be a musician or whatever, you can leave your work, focus on your talent, your skill, your passion, your aspirations, because you will have health care. You don't have to be job-locked."

Really? (Let's forget we just read that, and move on, shall we?)

Is Vladimir Putin correct? Should we denounce the concept of American exceptionalism as dangerous? Only if we no longer hold:

"...these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." 

This is the foundation of our exceptionalism. If we want to keep it, we must remember, recite, repeat (as necessary). The real danger lies in forgetting.

We are exceptional because we are free. Period. End of story.

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."  -- Abraham Lincoln

"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires."  Psalm 37:3

News:

• Drudge Report: Dollar falls to 7 month low as Fed continues pumping money into the system.
• DEBKAfile: Obama softens on nuclear Iran: 'Keep components, just promise not to weaponize them.'
• FNC: US Post Office in "midst of disaster", expecting to lose an additional $6 billion this year after losing $16 billion last year.