Merry Christmas

I'm off for my holiday break and wanted to wish you all a happy and joyous Christmas. I know that the news we link to here is often grim but I'm sure that most of you who visit this site are Christians who understand that beyond the headlines we know that God is sovereign and always in control. We know that this effort to be watchful has a purpose and a focus, and that focus is on Jesus Christ.

We watch the signs of His return, but this season is all about the First Coming and not the Second Coming, so as we turn to our families and friends to celebrate the holidays we offer thanks and praise to God and above all, celebrate Jesus as the reason for the season. I'd like to leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite holiday carols. I like this one because the words share the Good News of salvation.  Merry Christmas!

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
lyrics by Charles Wesley

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Earthquakes

6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes southern Philippines - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 6.8 magnitude earthquake occurred 3 miles to the south-southeast of Magsaysay, Philippines, on Sunday. The earthquake had a depth of 17.5 miles and struck at 12:11 p.m. Multiple aftershocks ranging in magnitudes from 4.8 to 5.7 have been reported in the area, according to the United States Geological Survey. CNN reported three people died."

Comment: The Ring of Fire continues to be very active. 

Pestilence

Samoan government extends state of emergency amid measles outbreak
UPI reports: "The Samoan government announced Saturday that it has extended a state of emergency meant to contain an active measles epidemic that has sickened 5,100 people and killed 72."

Comment: It's a tragedy when people die of an illness that is easily prevented.  If governments find it difficult to get people vaccinated for diseases we have known about for generations, how will they contain new and emerging diseases?

Covenant With Many

U.N. Security Council members rebuke U.S. policy shift on Israeli settlements - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The members of the U.N. Security Council strongly rebuked the United States for its announcement that it will no longer consider Israeli settlements to be illegal under international law. The members of the council Wednesday criticized the shift in U.S. policy as it threatens peace in the region by undermining the two-state solution at a time of recent hostility between Palestine and Israel."

Comment: To me it's a supernatural thing, how often the affairs of this small little country in the Middle East are the focus of the entire international community. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

Report: Chinese aircraft carrier could be deployed to 'protect' South China Sea 
UPI reports: "A Chinese aircraft carrier that recently entered the Taiwan Strait could be deployed to guard the South China Sea, Chinese state media said Monday. [...] Global Times said Monday the carrier is likely to be deployed to guard the South China Sea, where the country has been militarizing disputed islands."

Comment: The military progress China has made in just one generation is impressive.  I think they are on the verge of announcing their own Monroe Doctrine and declaring all of the South China Sea to be under their sovereign control. Will the U.S. risk WWIII to challenge that or accede to Chinese demands?

Nations in Distress - Roaring Seas

Venice declares emergency amid historic flood levels - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has declared a national state of emergency after flood levels in Venice reached six feet above sea level, its highest level in more than 50 years. [...] Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro blamed global warming for the rising water levels, which flooded the Veneto regional council chambers on Venice's Grand Canal during a meeting this week - incidentally, just after it rejected a measure to address climate change."

Comment: This is really a preview of what is to come for coastal cities all over the world. I don't think they are ready.

Wickedness Increases

At least 2 dead, 3 injured in shooting at Santa Clarita, Calif., high school
UPI reports: "A 16-year-old student opened fire at a Southern California high school Thursday, killing at least two students and injuring three others, local authorities said. The male suspect was hospitalized with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Kent Wegener said. Authorities said the shooting happened at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, about 40 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, shortly before classes began."

Comment: I wonder how many school shootings happened before they took God out of our schools? 

Pestilence

Outbreak of bubonic plague confirmed in China
UPI reports: "A deadly disease that once swept through Europe in the 14th century is being reported in rural north China. [...] Television networks KBS and JTBC reported Wednesday at least two patients with the bubonic plague have been hospitalized at Beijing's Chaoyang Hospital since Nov. 3. [...] Possible lack of government transparency has triggered rumors on Chinese social media that claim the patient count is higher, and some people are already dead, according to KBS."

Comment: Praying they will get this outbreak under control. It's pretty horrific to imagine the plague unrestrained in a country to size of China. 

Global Community

SpaceX faces competitors in race to build Internet-satellite constellation
UPI reports: "SpaceX isn't the only company trying to build a satellite constellation capable of providing global Internet coverage. Last winter, OneWeb launched six small satellites. Tests confirmed the mini constellation produces a serviceable signal, and the company expects to launch another 60 satellites in early 2020. OneWeb, which is targeting an initial constellation population of 650, and later 2,000, expects to begin offering service in the Arctic by the end of 2020 and global coverage in 2021."

Comment: The world is vastly more interconnected than at any time in history and that trend is only accelerating as internet access expands to include the most remote areas of the world.  The day when everyone on Earth can participate in a common culture is fast approaching.

Jerusalem Security

Islamic Jihad fires 50 rockets into Israel after senior leader killed
UPI reports: "Israeli security forces said Tuesday they killed a senior leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in a predawn attack on the Gaza Strip, inciting the militant group to fire about 50 rockets in retaliation. [...] Rocket alerts blared across southern and central Israel early Tuesday as the Islamic Jihad "indiscriminately" fired rockets at Israeli towns near Gaza in retaliation, the IDF said via Twitter."

Comment: It appears that the security situation in Israel is getting complicated as more pressure is brought to bear on the Islamic State. From what I've read, there is a huge arsenal of rockets under the control of Palestinian forces in Gaza and in Lebanon. Pray for Israel.

Gog Alliance - King of the North

In Libyan war, Russian mercenaries add deadlier firepower and modern tactics
The Washington Post reports: "Hundreds of Russian mercenaries, many highly trained and well-armed, are fighting alongside renegade Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter as he seeks to oust the country’s United Nations-backed government, according to Libyan military commanders and fighters, as well as U.S. military and other Western officials. [...] the arrival of these mercenaries comes at a time when Russia has been expanding its military and diplomatic reach across the Middle East, Africa and beyond, enjoying greater clout in places such as Syria where the United States is disengaging."

Comment: This news report reminds us of the ongoing and past involvement of Russia in Northern Africa. It's worth noting that the prophetic Gog Alliance includes Libya and North Africa and so it's very important to note those ongoing links with Russia.  We expect they will grow stronger over time.

Nations In Distress - Roaring Seas

Study: Rising sea levels could displace 300M people by 2050
UPI reports: "Rising sea levels could displace hundreds of millions of people before the end of this century, according to a new study. [...] If these new calculations prove true, 340 million people could be displaced by 2050 and 630 million could lose their homes by the end of this century, which is three times previous estimates."

Comment:  There's no doubt that island nations and countries with large coastal cities will be severely challenged in the next few decades as sea levels rise and coastal storms become more frequent and severe. I know there is large overlap between the Bible prophecy community and the modern conservative community and we know that many modern conservatives have doubts about global warming. The effort to manipulate public opinion to the view that global warming is a hoax and an ideological conspiracy has been well documented here (and here). So, it is my hope that those in the BP community will see that global warming fits within our expectations for near-future events and is solidly based on Bible prophecy. When countries all over the world are in distress because of rising seas and coastal flooding I will count it as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy, regardless of how pundits frame the debate about global warming.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia preparing new ballistic missiles -- including 'Satan-2'
UPI reports: "The Russian military is actively preparing and testing ballistic missiles in an effort to modernize its weapons arsenal -- including one that was fired for the first time Wednesday. [...] Russia is also planning at least five tests next year for its new liquid-fueled Sarmat, or Satan-2, nuclear missile -- which is equipped with multiple hypersonic warheads to evade defense systems."

Comment: The U.S. and Russia together account for most of the nuclear weapons in the world. Sure, other countries have them, but they might have a few hundred nuclear weapons. The superpowers have thousands. More than enough to wipe out all life on Earth many times over.  So, do they need more? Probably not, but they are getting more. This report offers details on the new weapons systems that Russia is fielding as they continue the nuclear arms race many thought ended with the Cold War.

Earthquakes

Strong quake jolts southern Philippines, 6 dead, scores hurt
The AP reports: "A powerful earthquake shook the southern Philippines on Tuesday, triggering landslides and loosening boulders that killed six people and injured more than 100 others in a region already damaged by a strong quake two weeks earlier, officials said. [...] The Philippines lies in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes occur. A magnitude 7.7 quake killed nearly 2,000 people in the northern Philippines in 1990."

Comment: Always worrisome when the "Ring of Fire" starts to act up.

Wars & Rumors of War

Trump says US forces cornered IS leader in dead-end tunnel
The AP reports: "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi , the shadowy leader of the Islamic State group who presided over its global jihad and became arguably the world’s most wanted man, died after U.S. special operators cornered him during a raid in Syria, President Donald Trump said Sunday. [...] The death of al-Baghdadi was a milestone in the fight against IS, which brutalized swaths of Syria and Iraq and sought to direct a global campaign from a self-declared “caliphate.” A yearslong campaign by American and allied forces led to the recapture of the group’s territorial holding, but its violent ideology has continued to inspire attacks."

Comment: This is a significant victory in the battle against Islamic terrorism. 

Nations In Distress

AP - From Beirut to Hong Kong, protests evoke global frustration
The AP reports: "Recent weeks have seen mass protests and clashes erupt in far-flung places triggered by seemingly minor actions that each came to be seen as the final straw. The demonstrations are fueled by local grievances, but reflect worldwide frustration at growing inequality, corrupt elites and broken promises. Where past waves of protests, like the 2011 Arab Spring or the rallies that accelerated the breakup of the Soviet Union, took aim at dictatorships, the latest demonstrations are rattling elected governments. The unrest on three continents, coupled with the toxic dysfunction in Washington and London, raises fresh concerns over whether the liberal international order, with free elections and free markets, can still deliver on its promises."

Comment: If we had not been paying attention, this would be surprising.  Breaking News: Civil unrest sweeps the globe!! Of course, we have all been paying attention and we know that things have been on a slow boil in many parts of the world for some time. From Asia and the Middle East to South America long suppressed frustrations are surfacing and resulting in mass protests in the streets of capital cities and running street battles with authorities. This above news report from the AP gives a good summary of the places and causes of protests sweeping the globe. Is the world getting ready to embrace a global peacemaker?

Gog Alliance

Turkey, Russia agree to terror-free zone in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Ankara and Moscow have reached a "historic" deal to create a terror-free zone in northern Syria, the Turkish government said Tuesday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the deal after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia's coastal city of Sochi to go over Turkey's Operation Peace Spring, state-Run Anadolu reported."

Comment: It appears that Russia and Turkey have agreed on how best to carve up Syria. The pieces are in place for Ezekiel's first battle of Gog & Magog. Most impressive. Where is the U.S. in all of this?

Earthquakes

Five dead, dozens injured after strong earthquake rocks Philippines - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The death toll climbed to five Thursday after a strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Philippines, damaging buildings and threatening landslides, officials. [...] At least 27 people were injured and 5 were killed by the earthquake, including a 5-year-old boy who died when his house collapsed on top of him in Magsaysay, Davao Del Sur, said Anthony Allada of the local government public information office."

Comment: This would appear to be a standard quake on the "ring of fire" and it has me wondering if there will soon be a ripple around the ring? 

Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus

VP Mike Pence: Turkey agrees to cease-fire in Syria, future 'safe zone' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. officials said Thursday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to stop his offensive in Syria, signaling an end to a military campaign that has so far killed dozens of Kurdish fighters and drawn international condemnation."

Comment: This is good news for a change. I'm wondering if Turkish troops will withdraw from Syria or will they stay to monitor the new "safe zone" and thus carve out a chunk of Syria as a permanent Turkish colony?

Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus

United States imposes sanctions on Turkey; Erdogan calls for NATO help in Syria
UPI reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions against Turkish officials for their role in the country's military operation in Syria. [...] Nations in the European Union agreed Monday to halt exporting weapons to Turkey, saying they undermine stability and security in the region and hinders the Syrian peace process."

Comment: I'm not sure what to make of this. Trump withdrew to allow an Turkish invasion and now seems angry that the invasion happened? He has zero credibility and his leverage looks like sour grapes.

Roaring Waves

At least 56 dead, several missing in Japan after Typhoon Hagibis - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Record-breaking rainfall, strong winds and severe flooding struck central to northern Japan on Saturday, as Hagibis made landfall on Shizuoka Prefecture's Izu Peninsula. Nagano, Niigata, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures were inundated by floodwaters after levees failed."

Comment: At some point it no longer matters if global warming is man-made or natural, it's real, it's happening, and we can see that coastal damage is increasing as storms increase in frequency and severity. 

Wickedness Increases

At least 2 dead in shooting attack near German synagogue - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A gunman shot at least two people dead near a synagogue in eastern Germany on Wednesday, authorities said. [...] Authorities later said they had arrested one suspect, but warned there could be others. The attack occurred in Halle's Humboldstrasse, which houses a Jewish cemetery and synagogue. The attack coincided with Yom Kippur, a religious festival during which members of the Jewish faith fast and pray."

Comment: Anti-Semitism is rising in Europe and I don't think laws will stop it because it's a spiritual malady and must be addressed with spiritual remedies.

Rumors of War - Gog Alliance

Turkey launches air, land operations against Kurds in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey launched air and land operations against Kurdish forces in northern Syria on Wednesday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said. On Wednesday afternoon, Turkey's Ministry of Defense announced the Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army launched a land operation east of the Euphrates River as part of the military operation."

Comment: I wonder if this is the start of a small incursion or a full-fledged invasion of northern Syria? the presence of Russia, Iranian and Turkish forces just across the border must be very disconcerting for Israel.

Gog Alliance

President Donald Trump draws backlash for move to withdraw U.S. troops in northern Syria
UPI reports: "In a highly controversial move, the White House has said it will remove U.S troops from northern Syria ahead of a Turkey military advance to expel Kurdish forces from the region."

Comment: If Trump draws down U.S. forces in the Middle East, who does that help? It does not help Israel. It helps Russia and Iran, who don't appear to be leaving Syria anytime soon. And now it helps the Turks, who are happy to help carve up Syria and get their piece of the pie. It's an odd situation. Plus, he is supposed to be a great negotiator, but I'm not sure what kind of deal this was in those terms. What did the U.S. get for betraying the Kurds? In prophetic terms, it looks to me that this betrayal has done something very important regarding Ezekiel 38:2-9.

I do think that even if this move in Turkey is ill-advised for U.S. interests, it can also be prophetically important in setting the stage for the strong alliance unfolding between Russia, Iran and Turkey. It's possible that this move will cause Turkey to have increased tension with Russia (because Russia backs Assad and Turkey does not), so we will have to watch out for that. In light of Bible prophecy, I suspect we will see this work out somehow to mean increased cooperation between Russia, Turkey and Iran and that the Turkish invasion of northern Syria will go well for them.

Wickedness Increases

Civilian employee kills 4 in knife attack at Paris police HQ
The AP reports: "A civilian employee raged through Paris police headquarters with a knife Thursday, stabbing four police colleagues to death before he was shot and killed, French authorities said. The man, a technology administrator in the police intelligence unit, launched the attack in his office then moved to other parts of the large 19th century building across the street from Notre Dame Cathedral. Three of the people he killed were police officers, the fourth an administrator, the Paris prosecutor said."

Comment: Another workplace incident in which people are forced to confront that harsh reality that we are not really safe anywhere anymore. Perilous times indeed. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China's 70-year parade shows global ambition as HK protests
The AP reports: "Trucks carrying nuclear missiles designed to evade U.S. defenses, a supersonic attack drone and other products of a two-decade-old weapons development effort rolled through Beijing as soldiers marched past President Xi Jinping and other leaders on Tiananmen Square. [...] The display highlighted Beijing’s ambition for strategic influence to match its status as the second-largest global economy [...] Those strategic goals include displacing the United States as the Pacific region’s dominant power and enforcing potentially volatile claims to Taiwan, the South China Sea and other disputed territories."

Comment: I believe that it is China's aim to force the United States and Western powers to confront a terrible choice:  defend Taiwan and Hong Kong and risk nuclear war or capitulate to Chinese hegemony over Asia.

Rumors of War

Pakistani leader Imran Khan warns U.N. of 'bloodbath' in India-controlled Kashmir
UPI reports: "In his address at the United Nations General Assembly Friday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned of a potential "bloodbath" in Kashmir -- when the curfew is lifted and millions of Muslims clash with hundreds of thousands of Indian troops."

Comment: When two nuclear neighbors who have already been at war three times in the past start to edge toward another conflict, the world should take notice.

Gospel Preached to All Nations

Church, synagogue, mosque planned together for Arabian Peninsula - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The three houses of worship, collectively known as the Abrahamic Family House, will stand together as a symbol of the kind of religious tolerance that the UAE wants to be known for and is meant to be seen as a sign of hope. [...] The church, the temple and the mosque are not going to be museum pieces or tourist attractions but are instead aimed at serving the religiously diverse population of the UAE, where the huge influx of migrant workers means there are hundreds of thousands of Christians -- mostly Catholics -- as well as members of other religions, including an active Jewish community that numbers about 3,000."

Comment: I think this is hugely significant. First, for the spread of the Gospel. As we know, the Arab world is not welcoming to the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Did you know that there is not a single church in Saudi Arabia? Not one. If one is caught with a Bible it will be confiscated. So, it is indeed significant the the UAE is not afraid to build a Christian house of worship on their soil.

Second, this report was also recommended to me as a sign of apostasy, of the kind of creeping relativism that suggests all religions are equally valid and all paths lead to God. I understand how this report could suggest that narrative and time will tell if this effort does indeed water down the three Abrahamic faiths into a kind of "Chrislam" as some have called it, but that is not where I would find fault. Rather than these three compromising their faiths, I see this more as a PR stunt, one that will not have wider implications for global religious culture. Note that this is to be built on an island, which is by definition remote and hard to access.

I suspect that is something designed to make a statement of toleration but will work out in practice to be nothing more than a PR stunt and not a living breathing site of worship that become a global movement. Time will tell and we will be watching.

Earthquakes

5.6-magnitude earthquake in Albania injures 68 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Albania on Saturday about 4 miles north of the city of Durres, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The temblor injured 68 people and damaged 46 buildings, Albanian Minister of Defense Olta Xhacka said. The quake struck around 4 p.m., followed by a weaker aftershock. It was the country's strongest earthquake in the past 30 years."

Comment: Note the location (not on the "ring of fire") and note as well that it was largest in that country in the past 30 years.

Signs and Wonders in the Heavens

AP - ‘What is that, man?’ Navy confirms videos of flying objects
The AP reports: "The Navy isn’t offering an explanation — at least not publicly — for exactly what that object was. But the service is confirming the authenticity of that video and two others taken from its planes in 2004 and 2015. The release of the videos, which have been circulating online and in news reports, was not authorized, Navy officials said. But the footage has prompted the Navy to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation into sightings by its pilots of what it describes as 'unidentified aerial phenomena' or UAPs in U.S. airspace on both coasts."

Comment: I remember the news reports about the videos from earlier this year, maybe in April or May? Interesting that they are back again. I can't help but wonder why, after all, it's old news. Note the new and apparently trendy designation (or re-definition) of UFOs as “unidentified aerial phenomena” or UAPs. I really like that because it ties in directly with scripture and Satan's title and description as the prince and power of the air (Eph. 2:2), ie. the aerial power. We have always speculated that the rapture will be attributed to a mass-abduction and I think this would be underscored if Satan and the fallen angels put on a light show in the air right after the rapture. Nothing physical, just some lights or UAPs (LOL) zipping around, just to be deceptive and lend credibility to the abduction narrative. I think the "UFO threat" idea has a tremendous propaganda value and will have a 9/11-size impact, it will unite the countries of the world to fight against this new ET threat, immediately giving momentum to the beast A/C and changing the entire tenor of world affairs.What do you think?

War

Saudi Arabia cuts oil output after Houthi drone attack; Pompeo blames Iran - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia cut its oil output in half Saturday after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a drone attack on two oil facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia. A Yemeni military spokesman told the Houthi-run Al-Masirah news agency it was a "large-scale" attack with 10 drones that hit its targeted Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais. [...] Though the rebels claimed responsibility, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo placed the blame squarely on Iran. "

Comment: The proxy war for regional dominance between Saudi Arabia and Iran is getting serious. Score one for Iran. 

Pestilence

WHO: Ebola funds not enough to fight virus through end of 2019 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization is running low on funding it needs to fight a deadly outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations health agency said Friday. [...] The money it has received so far is projected to run out by the start of October. [...] More than 3,100 people have contracted Ebola among three DRC provinces -- and about 2,100 have already died, the WHO said. "

Comment: Let's hope they secure the funding they need to contain the spread of this deadly virus. 

Covenant With Many

Trump Mideast envoy to leave job before peace plan released
The AP reports, "The architect of the Trump administration’s delayed Mideast peace plan is leaving the White House in the face of widespread skepticism about the viability of the as-yet unseen proposal and questions about whether the vision for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will ever be released."

Comment: This can either mean the plan is finished and he is handing it off to Trump to close the "deal of the century" or the plan is in such disarray that he is leaving to avoid the fallout of an epic failure. Time will tell.

Mark of the Beast

China says new digital currency will be similar to Facebook's Libra - Reuters
Reuters reports: "China’s proposed new digital currency would bear some similarities to Facebook’s Libra coin and would be able to be used across major payment platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, a senior central bank officer said. [...] Mu said China’s digital currency would strike a balance between allowing anonymous payments and preventing money-laundering. It would also bear some similarities to Libra in design but would not be a direct copy, he said without elaborating."

Comment: If half the world transitions to a digital currency, can the other half be far behind? 

Rumors of War - Persia

Rouhani: Iran will further pull out of nuclear deal Thursday unless Europe buys Persian oil - UPI.com
 UPI reports: "Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that if European nation signatories to an Obama-era multinational nuclear deal don't agree by Thursday to buy Persian oil, Iran would further separate itself from commitments aimed at preventing it from acquiring a nuclear weapon."

Comment: The situation with Iran  continues to remain on a slow boil even as if fades from the mainstream news radar.

Pestilence

WHO: Four European countries lose measles-eliminated status - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Four European countries previously declared to have eliminated measles have lost their coveted status as the highly contagious disease surges within their borders, a branch of the World Health Organization said. Albania, the Czech Republic, Greece and Britain all lost their measles-eliminated status for the first time since the verification process began in 2012, said the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination."

Comment: The world is going backwards in treating diseases previously eliminated. What does that suggest about the ability to treat new and emerging diseases? 

Gog Alliance

Russia offers Turkey Su-57 after failed F-35 deal with U.S. - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin is offering his military's new Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet to Turkey, since the nation is no longer allowed to buy the new U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II. Putin made the offer to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday at the MAKS-2019 International Air Show in Moscow."

Comment: It looks like the alliance is getting stronger. How much longer will Turkey remain in NATO?

Pestilence

Researchers hunt for next pandemic human flu virus in county fair pigs
UPI reports: "Scientists believe that all of the deadly influenza outbreaks in human history probably originated in domesticated pigs. But they don't understand exactly how the virus transforms from a swine disease into something that can infect humans. That makes it difficult to predict when it could happen again."

Comment: From what I've read, it's only a matter of time before a flu strain like the 1918 Spanish flu (H1N1) pandemic happens again. Anything they can do to get ahead of that is a good thing.

Ten Kings - Global Government

Trump arrives in France for G7 summit amid disputes, dines with Macron - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump arrived in France on Saturday ahead of the G7 summit amid global disputes and economic uncertainty over trade war with China. [...]The summit's host, French President Emmanuel Macron, said he wants to address raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest, but the slowing global economy appears to be the most pressing matter."

Comment: Without strong American leadership it's difficult to see how the Western powers will deal effectively with the many global problems on the agenda.  Perhaps the erosion of these institutions is a necessary precursor to establishing more effective mechanisms of global control?

Covenant With Many

President Donald Trump says Middle East peace plan will follow Israeli election
UPI reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump has said his Middle East peace plan will not be fully released until after Israeli elections next month. The peace plan is being finalized by White House adviser Jared Kushner and won't be made public before Israel's elections on Sept. 17, Trump said Sunday."

Comment: It will be interesting to see what the details of the political plan are. I suspect that nothing the Trump team puts forward will be accepted by the Palestinians leadership (both sides) but I'm guessing the hope is that the wider Arab world would accept it and then pressure the Palestinians to accept it. I think the region is ready to have this off the agenda. We need to keep in mind though the difference between elite opinion and public opinion. Although public opinion counts for little in monarchies and dictatorships, people can still express anger in rioting and strife, the kind that brings down regimes. It's not extreme to suggest that the closer Mideast peace comes to becoming a reality the more fragile those "moderate" governments will be. They've spent generations teaching their people to hate Israel and sadly, they did a good job of fostering that hatred. Arab leaders not have the luxury of turning on a dime without experiencing the irrational wrath of their people.

War - Doomed Damascus

Airstrikes hit near Turkish convoy in Syria, raising tension
The AP reports: "Airstrikes targeted a Turkish army convoy inside a rebel-held part of northwestern Syria on Monday, killing three civilians and wounding 12 others, the Turkish Defense Ministry said. Syria, however, said the Turkish convoy was carrying ammunition to rebels who have lost ground this month amid a government offensive to retake their last stronghold in the country. The incident ratcheted up tensions in the region, currently ground zero in Syria’s long-running civil war in which Turkish, Russian, U.S. and Iranian interests are fighting."

Comment: I find it interesting that Syria has largely dropped off our radar and yet, as the report makes clear, it remains a battlefield in which the armies of multiple countries (including the U.S.) are currently fighting. Do the American people realize they have soldiers fighting in Syria or is that lost amid reporting about Trump's latest Tweets?

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

Chinese military buildup near Hong Kong stokes fears of intrusion
UPI reports: "China has moved armored personnel carriers to a stadium in Shenzhen, near the border with Hong Kong. Troops were seen carrying riot shields, batons and other weapons as they gathered around the city's Bay Sports Center and satellite imagery showed military vehicles on the sidelines."

Comment: I respect the Hong Kong protesters but I also feel sorry for them. The fate of Hong Kong was sealed when Great Britain ended colonial rule in 1997. Hong Kong is part of China now and it was only a matter of time before China began chipping away at the special status long enjoyed by the former British colony. The protestors began in opposition to the extradition law, which is now shelved, but they continued to protest and in hindsight, I think we will see that was a major miscalculation. By rioting and destroying property, they are forcing China to intervene. I suspect that once PLA troops patrol the streets of Hong Kong, they will never leave.

Pestilence

Health officials say Ebola cure near with 2 new Congo treatments - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Medical officials believe they're so close to a cure for Ebola that they've stopped a random drug trial to give patients in the Congo two new treatments, which they say have so far shown remarkable effectiveness killing the virus. Researchers began trials with four treatments last fall. Monday, they said two had worked remarkably well for 500 patients who'd received them. [...] Nearly 2,000 people in the Congo have died of Ebola in the past year."

Comment: They are getting close to curing Ebola, this is very good news to share! 

Temple Mount

Seven Muslims arrested, 61 injured amid tensions at Temple Mount - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Officials initially barred non-Muslims from entering Temple Mount, but allowed a group of about 150 Jewish worshipers to enter after a subsequent security assessment. Police said Muslim worshipers began to riot, including throwing chairs and other objects at the Jewish visitors who entered with a police escort, and officers responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets to 'break up the rioters in order to restore public order.'"

Comment: As we know, the Temple Mount is both a political and spiritual flashpoint and we should take note when events take place there. In this case, there was a riot, an emotional and violent reaction by Islamics to the mere presence of Jews on the Temple Mount.  Their own behavior is not respectful of their own "holy place" but no doubt their bad actions will be blamed on Israel.

I commend UPI for using the term "Temple Mount" rather than the politically correct "holy place." Archeologist and historians have validated the existence of the two Jewish temples that predate the present mosque, and so "Temple Mount" remains an accurate description of the site, even if it is not popular with those who seek to minimize or erase the Jewish presence in the land.

Famine

UN climate report: Change land use to avoid a hungry future
AP reports: “Human-caused climate change is dramatically degrading the Earth’s land and the way people use the land is making global warming worse, a new United Nations scientific report says. [...] 'The stability of food supply is projected to decrease as the magnitude and frequency of extreme weather events that disrupt food chains increases,' the report said. In the worst-case scenario, food security problems change from moderate to high risk with just a few more tenths of a degree of warming from now. They go from high to 'very high' risk with just another 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) of warming from now."

Comment: A UN scientific panel is warning that climate change heightens the risk of famine.  The good news is that there are things that we can do to minimize the risk. The report highlights better farming practices, diet changes and reducing food waste as some things we can do to avoid the worst outcomes of climate change.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China, Pakistan slam India's move to change Kashmir's special status - Reuters
Reuters reports: "In a move to tighten its grip on Jammu and Kashmir, parts of which are claimed by Pakistan and China, India dropped a constitutional provision that allowed the country’s only Muslim-majority state to make its own laws. The changes imposed by Modi’s Hindu nationalist-led government are the most sweeping in the nearly 30 years that India has been battling a revolt in Kashmir. The government also broke up the state into two federally administered territories."

Comment: This is one of the most significant developments in quite some time. Kashmir is a flashpoint for conflict between nuclear powers and that kind of thing should always be on our radar. 

Gog Alliance

Iran announces upcoming joint military drills with Russia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran and Russia will hold joint military drills in the Persian Gulf later this year as part of a classified agreement to expand cooperation between the two nations. Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said Sunday the agreement with the Russian Defense Ministry was signed last week in Moscow, Iran's state-run PressTV reported."

Comment: According to this report, Russia and Iran have entered into a formal agreement for military cooperation, this is significant and very noteworthy. 

Wickedness Increases

2 mass shootings in less than 24 hours shock US
The AP reports: "Two mass shootings at crowded public places in Texas and Ohio claimed at least 29 lives in less than 24 hours and left scores of people wounded, a shocking carnage even in a country accustomed to gun violence. In the Texas border city of El Paso, a gunman opened fire Saturday morning in a shopping area packed with thousands of people during the busy back-to-school season. The attack killed 20 and wounded more than two dozen, many of them critically. Hours later in Dayton, Ohio, a gunman wearing body armor and carrying extra magazines opened fire in a popular nightlife area, killing nine and injuring at least 26 people. The suspected shooter was shot to death by responding officers."

Comment: When I went to sleep last night the El Paso shooting was on my mind. When I woke up this morning and checked my news feed I saw alerts about the shooting. I'm not a "morning person" and so I was not quick to realize the shooting they were talking about was a different shooting, one that happened overnight...another shooting.  I've come to the conclusion that gun laws will not change the evil and wickedness in the human heart (only God can do that), but they can change who has access to guns, and that may be a good place to start.

Wickedness Increases

At least 24 people shot, multiple dead at El Paso Walmart; suspect held
UPI reports: "At least 24 people were shot, several of them fatally, and one suspect was arrested at a Walmart Supercenter in El Paso, Texas, Saturday afternoon, authorities said. Police arrested a while male in his early 20s in connection with the mass shooting, spokesman Sgt. Robert Gomez said. Several media sources confirmed that the suspect lives in Allen, Texas, about 650 miles from El Paso."

Comment: Another mass shooting has occurred, this time in Texas.  People going about their business, enjoying the weekend and shopping at a local Walmart and then some crazy person starts shooting. Perilous times indeed (2 Timothy 3).

Persecution

Xi Jinping Ramps Up Religious Persecution - National Review 
The National Review reports: "Over the past decade, rash optimism that China was finally moving past the era of former Communist dictator Mao Tse-tung’s influence has given way to president Xi Jinping’s reconsolidating his power. One of the major ways he’s done that: persecuting religious believers. [...] Chinese policy dictates that anyone holding religious activities outside of a church will be arrested. That means no church camps, no Bible studies, no youth groups, no orphanages, no Church-run health clinics, and since 2017, police have begun disrupting funerals for any faith, including native Taoists, Catholic News Agency reported."

Comment: It's very hard to grasp the scale of repression that is possible in China. Modern technology has created the tools for massive surveillance and enforcement of a police state that we in the West can scarcely imagine.  Our notions of privacy, personal rights and freedom of religion simply don't exist. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China, that they will endure persecution with perseverance, faith and the kind of love that wins over their oppressors.

Wickedness Inceases

California police ID accused gunman in Bay Area shooting attack
UPI reports: "The gunfire erupted Sunday at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, an annual fixture on the city's summer calendar. The three dead were the boy, identified by his family as Steven Romero, a 13-year-old girl and a man in his 20s, neither of whom have been identified. Gilroy is located 30 miles southeast of San Jose and 70 miles southeast of San Francisco. Gilroy police Chief Scot Smithee identified the shooter as 19-year-old Santino William Legan, a native of Gilroy, during a news conference Monday."

Comment: It's only Monday and here's another mass shooting. The week is not off to a great start. I bet if you look at the life of the shooter you will find that he comes from a broken life. The only answer to the despair, anger and violence in the heart of people is Jesus. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China blames United States for escalating military competition
UPI reports: "China claimed in its defense white paper published Wednesday the United States is 'undermining global stability.' The criticism of U.S. policy comes at a time when China has stepped up drills in the Taiwan Strait and has slammed the United States for sending military ships to the South China Sea, a vast body of water Beijing has claimed as its own. [...] The paper is the first defense policy document of its kind that has been published since Chinese President Xi Jinping began to rule without term limits in 2017, according to CNN."

Comment: I've long maintained that the U.S. and China need not be enemies, but a belligerent attitude by both with guarantee conflict in the future.   

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran's poking at West heightens risks of military missteps
AP reports: "Rather than tangle with a stronger U.S. military, Iran is poking and prodding its Western antagonists in ways apparently designed to avoid triggering war but that nonetheless seem to heighten the risk of missteps and miscalculation that could lead to an armed conflict with global consequences."

Comment: I don't think anyone should underestimate the potential for this to spiral out of control.

Rumors of War - Persia

Trump says U.S. Navy 'destroyed' Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz - Reuters
Reuters reports: "President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a U.S. Navy ship had 'destroyed' an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the ship, in the latest incident in the Gulf. Trump told an event in the White House that the drone had flown to within 1,000 yards (meters) of the USS Boxer."

Comment: This is becoming a shooting war. Fortunately, this time it's just unmanned drones...so far. Pray for peace. 

Pestilence

Hundreds of people dead from dengue, Philippine authorities say:
UPI reports: "More than 450 people have died in the Philippines of dengue, a viral disease that has affected a region of more than 20 million people. Philippine health authorities this week issued a 'national dengue alert' as cases have nearly doubled from same time last year, CNN reported Tuesday. About 100,000 dengue cases have been reported in the Philippines in the first six months of 2019, up 85 percent from 2018, according to the report."

Comment: This is interesting as I don't think of the Philippines when I think of dengue outbreaks. I'm sure you agree, it's Africa that we tend to think of as the primary site of dengue outbreaks. I hope they get it under control.

Gospel Preached to All Nations

Bible shortage? Publishers say tariffs could cause it
The AP reports: "Religious publishers say President Donald Trump’s most recent proposed tariffs on Chinese imports could result in a Bible shortage. That’s because millions of Bibles — some estimates put it at 150 million or more — are printed in China each year. Critics of a proposed tariff say it would make the Bible more expensive for consumers and hurt the evangelism efforts [...] Biblica, the International Bible Society, is a charitable religious organization that gives away Bibles to people in 55 countries. China represents 72% of the group’s investment in Bible publishing, according to Biblica President and CEO Geof Morin. A Bible tariff would 'dramatically affect the number of Bibles we are able to print and give away, impacting the religious freedom of individuals in countries where Bible access is limited and often nonexistent,' Morin said in testimony to the Trade Representative, according to a transcript he provided."

Comment: This is an article that really surprised me.  I had no idea that the majority of Bibles were printed in China. Did no one ever stop to consider the notion that closing domestic printing houses and relocating to China, a country that is hostile to Christianity, would be a bad idea? Still, this report does have some good stats on Bible sales and if you ever need to back up an argument in which you say that Bible is still the bestselling book in the U.S., this report has some good stats for you.

Earthquakes

7.1-magnitude earthquake rattles southern California - UPI.com
UPI reports: " A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has hit Southern California, marking a second big quake since Thursday. [...] Similar to Thursday's quake, it was centered in the Mojave Desert near Ridgecrest, Calif., though it was a little bit farther away from Los Angeles, and it was the the largest to hit the area in 20 years."

Comment: Ok, this was a bit surreal. I was slow to realize that the news alerts I was receiving on my phone were about a second big earthquake. I would note that this is a holiday weekend in the States and I was more disconnected from the news than I normally would be.  So, I'm breaking my custom of stepping away from online news and social media on Sunday to take note (belatedly) of this second and very large earthquake in Southern California. Does it portend The Big One?

Earthquakes

6.4-magnitude earthquake shakes Southern California - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 6.4-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California on Thursday morning in the Mojave Desert about 120 miles from Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. [...] The earthquake was the largest to hit Southern California since 1999, when a 7.1-magnitude quake hit the Mojave Desert."

Comment: I've been reading reports that suggest this may be a precursor to the "big one" that is certain to hit sometime in the next 50-100 years.  I wonder if Californians are really prepared?

Rumors of War - King of the North

NATO gives Russia 5 weeks to destroy missiles violating INF Treaty
UPI reports: "NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday gave Russia five weeks to destroy ground-launched missiles that violate a treaty with the United States banning certain short- and intermediate-range missiles. [...] He said if Russia doesn't comply with the warning, NATO's response will be 'defensive, measured and coordinated.' [...] 'There are no new U.S. missiles in Europe, but there are new Russian missiles in Europe,' he said in December. [...] In April, the Russian government said it severed contact with NATO. The relationship has been strained since Russia forcibly annexed the Crimea peninsula in 2014. Tensions flared again last year when Russia captured Ukrainian soldiers and military ships in the Kerch Strait, a move Western governments said violated international law."

Comment: Russia is very good at spinning a counter-narrative to explain their actions. They say they are the aggrieved party, they are being merely defensive, reacting to actions from NATO and the United States. Yet the fact remains that NATO is a defensive alliance, it has not seized territory or expanded its arsenal, while Russia has done those things. Here we are in the 21st Century and European land has fallen to conquest and it is Russia that has done that, not NATO.  Crimea is now under Russian control and 20% of Georgia's internationally recognized territory is under Russian military occupation. If anything, the allied response to this territorial expansion in the heart of Europe has been extremely restrained, given the lessons of WWI and WWII. In fact, some might say that NATO has failed in performing its core mission of stopping Russian expansion. It is past time for NATO to assert itself.

Covenant With Many

Palestinians reject U.S. Mideast peace plan as 'snow job'
UPI reports: "About 2,000 protested in Ramallah, with one demonstrator holding a coffin to represent the chance the deal has in winning over Palestinians. The demonstrations are aimed to draw attention ahead of peace talks between U.S. and Middle East officials this week in Bahrain."

Comment: The U.S. is gathering moderate Arab nations to underwrite Palestinian economic development, the Palestinians reply that they don't want any of that kind of thing. No jobs, no infrastructure, no trade, nothing that might imply life can go on as usual if it means tolerating Israel.  How to make sense of such hatred?

Roaring Seas and Waves

Protecting U.S. coastal communities from sea level rise will cost $400 billion - UPI.com 
UPI reports: "Authors of the new report estimate 50,000 miles of coastal barriers will need to be built across 22 states over the next two decades. The report, compiled with the help of engineering firm Resilient Analytics, organizes the costs by city, county, congressional district and state. [...] researchers relied on moderate sea-level rise projections and expected yearly storm surge. Should sea levels rise more quickly than expected, governments will be forced to spend more and build more quickly."

Comment: This would be a good time to sell your coastal property. 

Mark of the Beast

Facebook plans its own currency for 2 billion-plus users
AP reports: "Facebook already rules daily communication for more than 2 billion people around the world. Now it wants its own currency, too. The social network unveiled an ambitious plan Tuesday to create a new digital currency similar to Bitcoin for global use, one that could drive more e-commerce on its services and boost ads on its platforms."

Comment:  Apparently Facebook is toying with the idea of creating a new digital currency for FB users. Since FB is a global social network, we could call it a new global digital currency. Pretty interesting, right? I'm thinking of the Biblical "money changers" at the temple, it's always been big business to "help" people exchange currency. This is one of the things a global currency would have to overcome, there are so many vested interests that would be threatened by making it so easy for people to use the same currency everywhere. On the other hand, it would make it easy for people to buy things in a truly global online marketplace and to send money internationally. It might put Western Union out of business! Still, the question remains, would you trust Facebook with your money?And if Facebook controls it, could they decide to restrict your access if you fall out of favor?

Rumors of War - Persia

Tensions rise as Iran speeds up enrichment, US sends troops
The AP reports: "Iran will surpass the uranium-stockpile limit set by its nuclear deal in the next 10 days, an official said Monday, raising pressure on Europeans trying to save the accord a year after the U.S. withdrawal lit the fuse for the heightened tensions now between Tehran and Washington. Hours later, the two countries appeared to approach a flashpoint when the Pentagon announced it was sending about 1,000 additional American troops to the Middle East to bolster security in the region in the face of what U.S. officials said is a growing threat from Iran."

Comment: Is this headed towards war? It's hard to imagine Iran suddenly returning to the table to negotiate a new deal with Trump. If that does not happen, then what is the alternative? 

Rumors of War - Persia

Stern words from Iran: US cannot 'expect to stay safe'
The AP reports: "Iran’s foreign minister warned the U.S. on Monday that it 'cannot expect to stay safe' after launching what he described as an economic war against Tehran, taking a hard-line stance amid a visit by Germany’s top diplomat seeking to defuse tensions. A stern-faced Mohammad Javad Zarif offered a series of threats over the ongoing tensions gripping the Persian Gulf. [...] Europe has yet to offer Iran a way to get around the newly imposed U.S. sanctions. Meanwhile, a July 7 deadline — imposed by Iran — looms for Europe to find a way to save the unraveling deal. Otherwise, Iran has warned it will resume enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels."

Comment: Although the subject of Iran has dropped off the radar for most Americans, it remains a flashpoint for those in the national security community, who continue to see it as a situation that could easily spiral out of control. 

Pestilence

CDC confirms 1,022 measles cases as outbreak reaches 28 states:
UPI reports: "Measles cases in the have hit a record number of 1,022, as outbreaks continue to plague patches of the United States. The updated number of cases, announced Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is 40 more than last Monday's official report and more than 20 more than last Thursday's report, when the number first crossed the 1,000 case mark."

Comment: I wonder at what point to they declare a public health emergency? 

Pestilence

U.S. measles cases hit 971, highest single-year total since 1994
UPI reports: "Measles cases in the United States have hit a high of 971, shattering the 943 cases in 1994 to be the highest number of cases in 25 years -- and it comes barely halfway into the year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the number on Thursday afternoon, the agency's second measles count released this week. Monday's report, of 940 cases reported through May 24, already was the second highest since 1994."

Comment: I'm not sure I have any more to say about this. I'm opposed to those "anti-vax" parents failing to understand the risk. Since we know there are many more potent diseases out there waiting in the wings it seems foolish to subject people to suffering from a curable disease. It's just a tragedy.

Earthquakes

Seismologists find possible early warning sign of a pending megaquake
UPI reports: "Geologists have found a possible early signature of massive earthquakes. New research suggests the telltale seismic pattern shows up between 10 seconds and 15 seconds into a seismic event. Scientists discovered the warning sign after analyzing GPS records of peak ground displacement during dozens of earthquakes."

Comment: It's time to start paying extra attention to the quake reports from USGS and other sources, a megaquake could be around the corner.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 8 earthquake strikes Amazon jungle in Peru
The AP reports: "A powerful magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck a remote part of the Amazon jungle in Peru early Sunday, collapsing buildings and knocking out power to some areas but causing only one reported death.

Comment: I don't usually check the headlines on Sunday. I follow that traditional approach of reserving Sunday for the things of God and for quiet time for reflection and fellowship with friends and family. However, today I received a breaking news alert and so I wanted to note this very large earthquake, perhaps one of the largest ever recorded, taking place today in Peru. Fortunately, the epicenter was not in a populated area otherwise there may have been massive damage and loss of life.

Rumors of War - Persia

U.S. sending 1,500 troops to Middle East over Iran tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Pentagon will send an additional 1,500 troops to the Middle East to counter Iranian influence in the region, President Donald Trump said Friday. [...] Officials said the deployment will largely involve engineering capabilities, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance units and those involved with Patriot defense missiles. Their comments might indicate that no immediate plans for a U.S. ground invasion are under consideration."

Comment: It looks like this is a relatively small increase in forces designed to boost capabilities and readiness. Hopefully it will serve as a deterrent to Iran.

Covenant With Many

Palestinians say US conference doomed without political plan
The AP reports: "The White House announced Sunday it will unveil the first phase of its long-awaited Mideast peace plan at the conference, saying it will focus on economic benefits that could be reaped if the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is resolved. The plan envisions large-scale investment and infrastructure work, much of it funded by wealthy Arab countries, in the Palestinian territories. But officials say the June 25-26 conference will not include the core political issues of the conflict: final borders, the status of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees or Israeli security demands. [...] The Palestinians have already said they would reject any peace plan offered by the U.S., saying Trump is unfairly biased toward Israel."

Comment: I think the Trump team is to be commended for trying a novel approach focused on economic development first and putting the political issues on the back burner.  They are wise to focus on things people can agree about (the need for jobs and investment) and delay discussion of the things they most likely will never agree about (Jerusalem and borders). Will it work? Stay tuned!

Rumors of War - Persia

US aircraft carrier seen as barometer of tensions with Iran
The AP reports: "So far, the Lincoln and its accompanying ships have yet to enter the gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. It has been filmed by the U.S. Navy on Friday carrying out exercises with other American warships in the Arabian Sea, which is over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away. [...] Iran has increasingly threatened to close the strait if it is unable to sell its own crude oil to the global market as a result of the U.S. pressure campaign following Washington’s withdrawal a year ago from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. Any transit through the strait also carries the risk of a catastrophic mistake by either side spinning out of control."

Comment: In other words, a window of time is approaching in which there will be maximum opportunity for  miscalculation or error leading to conflict.

Pestilence - Famine

New crop-destroying pest enters China amid devastating swine fever epidemic - UPI.com
 UPI reports: "A new pest that threatens key agricultural commodities is spreading through China as the nation is reeling from an African swine fever epidemic that may wipe out hundreds of millions of hogs. [...] The moth has arrived as China is losing a large percentage of its food supply to the rapid spread of African swine fever, which has spread to hogs throughout the country."

Comment: This could have serious implications for the global food supply. 

Rumors of War - Persia

Trump tells aides he does not want U.S. war with Iran - Reuters
Reuters reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a war with Iran, three U.S. officials said on Thursday. [...] But he has also made clear that he will protect U.S. interests in the region, one official said. U.S. intelligence showed heightened activity by Iran or its proxies that U.S. officials took as a threat against American targets in the region. "

Comment: It seems like the drumbeat of war had increased rather dramatically in the last week but now it seems like things may be cooling down. From a slow boil to a simmer perhaps? 

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran abandons parts of nuclear deal amid heightened Mideast tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran said Wednesday it will stop complying with parts of the 2015 nuclear deal by surpassing the cap on enriched uranium and heavy water production. [...] Threats against U.S. military forces prompted the Pentagon to send an aircraft carrier strike force, B-52 bombers and a Marine expeditionary force to the Middle East. [...] Tensions related to Iran are also impacting other neighboring countries. This week, Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked two oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia, prompting Riyadh to strike back with more than a dozen airstrikes against rebels in Yemen. The pipeline attacks occurred a day after two Saudi oil tankers were targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates."

Comment: The European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal criticized the U.S. for withdrawing, saying that Iran was indeed abiding by the deal.  That is apparently no longer the case. Will the EU, Russia and China now join in "snap-back" sanctions on Iran? I think the "Iranian Crisis" has only just begun.

Wickedness Increases

Man pleads guilty in mall attack against boy, faces 19 years
The AP reports: "A man who reportedly told investigators that he went to the Mall of America 'looking for someone to kill' pleaded guilty Tuesday to throwing a 5-year-old boy from a third-floor balcony and faces 19 years in prison.

Comment: Who goes to a shopping mall hoping to kill someone? Only a person with great evil in their heart could do such a thing.  It's cases like this that suggest we should bring back the death penalty...maybe public hangings or firing squads. The taxpayers should not have to pay to feed, cloth and house vicious murderers. Let's just send them on their way and let them meet their maker.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China could ‘mass produce’ guided missile destroyers, analyst says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China could be adding more guided missile destroyers to its fleet following the launch of two Type 052D guided missile destroyers on Friday. Chinese analysts told state tabloid Global Times on Sunday Beijing wants to add more destroyers at a time when friction between China and the United States is rising over trade and maritime security."

Comment: It now seems clear that China is intent on claiming all of Asia within their sphere of influence. The only real question is, will the rest of the great powers accede to this or will they fight for Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and the rest? This is a slow building crisis and the moment of decision nears.

Persecution

Asia Bibi, free from blasphemy charge, arrives in Canada - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row over blasphemy charges, has moved to Canada, her attorney said Wednesday. Bibi's charge was overturned by Pakistan's highest court last year, but she remained in jail and was moved to various safe houses for fear of reprisals. The former farm worker was convicted in 2010 of speaking against Islamic Prophet Muhammad during an argument with Muslim women."

Comment: Please join me in offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the safe arrival of Asia Bibi in Canada.  What a long ordeal she has been through. It is encouraging to know that her journey has ended safely. Let's pray for those Christians who remain in Pakistan, that they will have patient endurance and steadfast faith.

Future Fear

U.N.: 1M species threatened as global extinction rates speed up
UPI reports: "According to the new report, the planet's species extinction rate is accelerating. More than half a million species are currently without sufficient habitat for long-term survival. Several thousand are likely to disappear within a few decades."

Comment: This is a great tragedy. I believe we are called to be good stewards of God's creation. We should not callously destroy the abundant life He has created.  In the end, we will end up harming ourselves because so much of what we take for granted is dependent on the cycle of life that includes these animals threatened with extinction.

Rumors of War - Persia

U.S. deploying carrier, bombers to Middle East to deter Iran: Bolton - Reuters
Reuters reports: "The Trump administration is deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East in response to troubling 'indications and warnings' from Iran and to show the United States will retaliate with “unrelenting force” to any attack, national security adviser John Bolton said on Sunday. [...] a U.S. official said the deployment has been ordered 'as a deterrence to what has been seen as potential preparations by Iranian forces and its proxies that may indicate possible attacks on U.S. forces in the region.' [...] Though he cited no specific Iranian activities that have raised new concerns, Iran has recently warned it would block the Strait of Hormuz if it was barred from using the strategic waterway."

Comment: This could be a significant development. Trump's transition from a neo-isolationist to a neocon interventionist could be complete.  I can't help but think that Bolton has had a huge influence in that regard. I think we should follow these developments very carefully.

Pestilence - Famine

Pig 'ebola' virus sends shock waves through global food chain 
Bloomberg reports: "What started with a few dozen dead pigs in northeastern China is sending shock waves through the global food chain. Last August, a farm with fewer than 400 hogs on the outskirts of Shenyang was found to harbor African swine fever, the first ever occurrence of the contagious viral disease in the country with half the world’s pigs. [...] It was too late. By then, the disease had literally gone viral, dispersed across hundreds of miles in sickened animals, contaminated food, and in dirt and dust on truck tires and clothing. Nine months later, the contagion has spread nationwide, crossed borders to Mongolia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and bolstered meat markets globally. [...] The strain of African swine fever spreading in Asia is undeniably nasty, killing virtually every pig it infects by a hemorrhagic illness reminiscent of Ebola in humans. It’s not known to sicken people, however. [...] Increased Chinese meat imports will result in higher food costs that impact on economies across the globe. The extent of those ripple effects depends on how quickly the epidemic can be stopped."

Comment: As you know, there are many countries in the world whose food supply is always precarious. A shock in the supply chain can be weathered easily by many wealthy countries, but there are those that will tip quickly into famine if this epidemic is not quick contained. 

Pestilence

Congo Ebola deaths surpass 1,000 as attacks on treatment centers go on - Reuters
Reuters reports: "The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in Congo rose above 1,000 on Friday, with attacks on treatment centers continuing to hamper efforts to control the “intense transmission” of the second-worst epidemic of the virus on record. The World Health Organization said it expected the nine-month outbreak to continue spreading though the east of Democratic Republic of Congo, and announced plans to expand vaccinations in the coming weeks once a new treatment by Johnson & Johnson is approved. The WHO is already using another experimental vaccine made by Merck."

Comment: Wishing them luck with the experimental vaccine. What a terrible disease! 

Roaring Waves & Seas

Strong winds are supersizing the ocean's biggest waves
NBC News reports: "Strong winds are driving the ocean’s biggest waves to dizzying new heights. That’s the potentially ominous finding of new research that analyzed more than 30 years’ worth of global wind and wave measurements to see how they changed over time. The University of Melbourne researchers behind the work, published April 25 in the journal Science, say the supersized waves could compound the effects of rising sea levels, leading to more frequent flooding and accelerated coastal erosion."

More rain in Mozambique, deaths up to 38 after 2nd cyclone
The AP reports: "More rain is forecast for northern Mozambique, where the death toll from Cyclone Kenneth jumped to 38, as flooding and pounding rains hampered efforts to deliver aid to badly hit communities several days after the storm. [...] It was the first time in recorded history that two cyclones had targeted Mozambique in a single season."

Comment: I wanted to note that in case it is lost amid the day's other news.  The first report suggests that climate change will cause huge waves, rising sea levels, larger coastal storms and greater storm damage to the coasts. I see clearly the linkage with "nations in distress" as few countries are prepared to deal with catastrophic coastal damage in a yearly basis. The second report notes that this is the very first time in recorded history that two cyclones have hit Mozambique in the same season.

Persecution

Jihadists kill pastor, four others in Burkina church attack - AFP
AFP reports: "Gunmen killed four worshippers and a pastor in the first jihadist attack on a church in Burkina Faso, security and local sources said Monday. [...] 'Unidentified armed individuals have attacked the Protestant church in Silgadji, killing four members of the congregation and the main pastor,' a security source told AFP. [...] Burkina Faso has suffered from increasingly frequent and deadly attacks attributed to a number of jihadist groups, including the Ansarul Islam group, the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Burkina Faso, that they will be comforted by the Holy Spirit with perseverant faith to endure persecution with grace, practicing forgiveness and not seeking retribution. I wanted to be sure to note this report because I'm not sure you will hear about it in the mainstream news.

Pestilence

CDC: Measles cases in U.S. the most in 25 years - UPI.com
UPI reports: "There have been more than 700 reported measles cases in the United States this year -- the highest mark in a quarter-century, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. The CDC said there have been 704 cases between January and April, an increase of 74 over the previous week and the highest since 1994. The highly infectious disease was declared eliminated in 2000."

Comment: Another day, another report about how bad the measles outbreak is.  Get vaccinated. Enough said.

Pestilence

US measles cases hit highest mark in 25 years
The AP reports: "Measles in the U.S. has climbed to its highest level in 25 years, closing in on 700 cases this year in a resurgence largely attributed to misinformation that is turning parents against vaccines. [...] The vaccine, which became available in the 1960s, is considered safe and highly effective, and because of it, measles was declared all but eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. But it has made comebacks since then, including 667 cases in 2014.Public health experts say some U.S. communities have low vaccination rates because of the spread of bad information — especially the now-debunked notion that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is linked to autism — through social media, pamphlets, hotlines and other means."

Comment: I'm encouraging everyone I know to get vaccinated. There's no excuse for irresponsible behavior that threatens public health. There are enough contagious diseases without vaccines to worry about, let's not be foolish and bring back a disease once thought to be eliminated.

Signs & Wonders in the Heavens

U.S. Navy drafting new guidelines for reporting UFOs - POLITICO
Politico reports: "The U.S. Navy is drafting new guidelines for pilots and other personnel to report encounters with 'unidentified aircraft,' a significant new step in creating a formal process to collect and analyze the unexplained sightings — and destigmatize them. The previously unreported move is in response to a series of sightings of unknown, highly advanced aircraft intruding on Navy strike groups and other sensitive military formations and facilities, the service says."

Comment: So the Navy is not saying that UFOs exist, but if their aviators happen to see them, they can report them without harm to their reputations and careers.  It's an interesting development and one more point for those who argue for full disclosure.

Persecution

Sri Lanka bombings: Nearly 300 dead; FBI aiding investigation - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency Monday and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is aiding in the investigation of the suicide bomb attacks that killed nearly 300 people and injured hundreds more. Several bombers carried out six coordinated attacks at churches and hotels Sunday, killing at least 290 people. [...] More than 1,000 worshipers were packed inside the St. Sebastian church when explosions went off Sunday during the Easter service. There were nine total bomb blasts, officials said. The Cinnamon Grand, the Shangri-La Hotel and the Kingsbury Hotel, all in Colombo, were attacked, along with St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade and Zion Church in Batticaloa."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Sri Lanka, that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit to persevere in faith with compassion and forgiveness. 

Earthquakes

6.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Philippines capital - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A strong earthquake rattled the Philippines Monday, toppling electricity poles and damaging infrastructure, officials said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck near the Bodega sector of Manila, the nation's capital, on Luzon island. The agency said it had a preliminary magnitude of 6.1. The quake prompted many residents to flee their homes and interrupted Manila train service."

Comment: Is the "ring of fire" starting to get a bit more active? 

Pestilence

Attackers kill doctor at hospital in Congo's Ebola epicenter
The AP reports: "Attackers stormed a hospital at the epicenter of Congo’s Ebola outbreak and killed 'a dear colleague,' the head of the World Health Organization said Friday as he condemned the latest violence against health workers trying to contain the virus. [...] The world’s response to the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history has been hampered by a series of deadly attacks on health centers in Butembo and elsewhere that have disrupted medical care and vaccination efforts, leading to a rise in new Ebola cases in the sprawling African nation. [...] the militiamen erroneously believed that foreigners had brought the disease with them to Congo."

Comment: It's unfortunate that those who are bravely fighting this Ebola outbreak are being killed by those who have little understanding of the disease.  Hopefully, international efforts to fight the outbreak will continue even as local authorities hunt the culprits.

Rumors of War - Gog Alliance

In Libya, a rogues' gallery of militias prepare for war
The AP reports: "Libya is on the verge of an all-out war involving a rogues’ gallery of militias, many of which are little more than criminal gangs armed with heavy weapons. The country slid into chaos after the 2011 uprising, in which rebels overthrew and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi and looted his vast arsenal. Even more weapons have flowed in since then, despite a U.N. arms embargo, as Arab states have backed local allies and Western nations have partnered with militias to combat extremists and stem the flow of migrants."

Comment: What a mess! I'm noting this because North Africa is considered an important part of the Gog Alliance that invades Israel in the future. After a period of instability we should look for North African countries (including Libya) to be headed by leaders allied with the other Gog Alliance countries and displaying anti-Israel policies. I think it would be fitting and just if after having betrayed Gadhafi the West finds Libya in the hands of Islamic State sympathizers. 

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia cuts off contact with NATO over worsening relations - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Russian government said Monday it's severed contact with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, halting a relationship that's been deteriorating for years. [...] The relationship has been strained since Russia forcibly annexed the Crimea peninsula in 2014. Tensions flared again last year when Russia captured Ukrainian soldiers and military ships in the Kerch Strait, a move Western governments said violated international law."

Comment: This is the kind of thing that is usually below the radar, especially on days when major news events dominate the headlines. Still, it's the kind of thing we should pay attention to, the kind of thing that future historians may point to as a milestone on the path to war. 

Pestilence

CDC: Measles count up over 100, to 465 cases in U.S. since last week - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Reported cases of measles increased by nearly 100 last week, to 465 across 19 states, the Centers for Disease Control and prevention said on Monday. [...] The increase has been driven in part by groups who, largely for religious or anti-government reasons, choose not to receive anti-measles vaccinations. Most people who acquire the disease have not been vaccinated, the CDC said, although it noted that outbreaks have been linked to travelers who brought measles back from other countries dealing with outbreaks, including Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines."

Comment: It is so important for parents to vaccinate their children so a community can be protected by "herd immunity." Let's hope they get the message! 

Rumors of War - King of the North

There have been several reports of late about Russian activities all over the world (Africa and Venezuela, for example). Here is a report about Russian activities in the Arctic, from the AP:

Missile launchers ply icy roads and air defense systems point menacingly into the sky at this Arctic military outpost, a key vantage point for Russia to project its power over the resource-rich polar region. [...] Russia, however, has made reaffirming its presence in the Arctic a top goal, not the least because the region is believed to hold up to one-quarter of the Earth’s undiscovered oil and gas. Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited estimates that put the value of Arctic mineral riches at $30 trillion. The move has alarmed Russia’s neighbors, analysts say.

Personally, I think the report is a bit sensational and off the mark. It seems designed to make the reader think Russia is doing something new or menacing when in reality, all they are really doing is refurbishing their existing bases in the Arctic. They are, after all, an Arctic power and member of the Arctic Council, so they are well within their rights. Although I do think it's important to keep watch on competing world powers, I don't believe in sensationalism and fear-mongering.