The Gathering Storm
The clouds of war (Matthew 24:6) on our horizon became much darker today as nuclear powered North Korea fired off a few missiles, Iran continued to defy the global community, and Israel warned the if the Security Council fails to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions it will have to act unilaterally. Meanwhile, amidst those distractions, the real fuse burns slowly in Damascus (Isaiah 17:1).

Yahoo News - North Korea Test-Fires Two Missiles
AP reports, "North Korea test-fired two short-range missiles Wednesday, an unsettling reminder of the reclusive communist regime's ability to cause instability in the region where a standoff persists over its nuclear program."

Yahoo News - Iran Threatens U.S. Over Nuclear Program
AP reports, "Iran threatened the United States with 'harm and pain' Wednesday if the U.S. tries to use the U.N. Security Council - which has the power to impose sanctions - as a lever to punish Tehran for its suspect nuclear program. Washington warned that Tehran has enough nuclear material for up to 10 atomic bombs."

Yahoo News - Israel will have to act on Iran if UN can't
Reuters reports, "If the U.N. Security Council is incapable of taking action to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Israel will have no choice but to defend itself, Israel's defense minister said on Wednesday."