tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9500662024-03-23T10:55:49.995-07:00Prophecy NewsReal news, real prophecy, in real time.Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.comBlogger12031125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-72773665936062606692021-05-12T13:26:00.005-07:002021-05-12T13:26:51.824-07:00Temple Mount<h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/clashes-break-out-on-the-temple-mount-report-667905"> JPost - Clashes break out on the Temple Mount, throughout West Bank</a><br /></h2><div style="text-align: left;">The Jerusalem Post reports: "Clashes broke out on the Temple Mount on Wednesday morning, after a night of violent clashes between Palestinians and Arab-Israelis and Israeli security forces throughout the West Bank and Israel, as well as barrages of rockets from Gaza."</div><p><b>Comment:</b> It's been some time since we've seen violence on the Temple Mount on this scale. Long-time prophecy watchers know to keep an eye on the Temple Mount as it figures prominently in the unfolding of Bible prophecy. </p><p>I think it is so obvious from our perspective that there is a spiritual blindness going on in the world that explains how the Palestinians have so much international support. There are millions who will always see the Palestinians as victims and basically they can do no wrong.<br /><br />We know from Bible prophecy that the entire world will turn against Israel and it is not hard to imagine. There is this delusion that if only Israel would give up more land (more than they have already given) to the Palestinians, then there would be peace. Questions about the Palestinians are not considered. Are their claims legitimate? After having rejected all past peace treaties, why is it Israel's responsibility to come back to the table? None of these questions matter, the world will say, just give them land.<br /><br />In the end, Israel will have nowhere to turn but to their own refuge, the God of Israel from the Old Testament. One of the most moving passages in the OT for me is from Ezekiel 38 that shows how God decisively destroys Israel's enemies in an overt way in front of the nations. He saves Israel as a demonstration of sovereign power. I love that, it's a real rebuke to the Israel-haters in the world. </p>Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-67412445531695841802021-02-18T14:03:00.003-08:002021-02-18T14:03:59.448-08:00False Prophets<p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/11/us/christian-prophets-predictions.html"> NYT - Christian Prophets Are on the Rise. What Happens When They’re Wrong?</a></span><br />The New York Times reports: "The desire to divine the future is a venerable one, fueling faith in figures from ancient Greek oracles to modern astrologists. Christianity in particular is a religion whose foundational text is filled with prophecies proven true by the end of the book. Whether the gift of prophecy continues into the present day has long been the subject of intense theological debate. But in recent years, self-described prophets have proliferated across the country, accelerating in stature over the course of the Trump era. They are stars within what is now one of the fastest-growing corners of Christianity: a loose but fervent movement led by hundreds of people who believe they can channel supernatural powers — and have special spiritual insights into world events."<br /></p><p><b>Comment:</b> This is an interesting news report that sheds light on the rise of a new class of prophets delving into the world of politics and getting it wrong. To most Christians, prophecy is not something to be made light of, it's serious business because of what it means. A prophet, in the Biblical sense, is someone who has been given a message from God about things that will come to pass. In this context, Bible prophecy is always correct. God knows that past, the present and the future. So when God reveals the "future" to us, it has already happened from the divine perspective. It is a message intended to remind us of the sovereign power of God as well as his mercy in preparing us for what will be. So, for a prophet to say, "hey, I just had an off day, got it wrong," just doesn't work. That's why in the Bible, the penalty for false prophets was execution. They didn't tolerate people running around saying God told them something and having it be wrong. It makes a mockery of God to tolerate that. I wonder if we should return to the Biblical standard for false prophets? <br /></p>Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-4560672448413765562021-02-12T12:35:00.001-08:002021-02-12T12:35:18.571-08:00Pestilence<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/11/966759228/second-victim-dies-of-ebola-in-congo-marking-viruss-return"> NPR - 2nd Person Dies Of Ebola In Congo, Marking Virus's Return</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">NPR reports: "A second person who had contracted the Ebola virus died this week in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking another outbreak just three months after the nation outlasted the virus's second-worst outbreak in history. [...] Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness, according to the WHO. It causes fever, fatigue and muscle pain at the start. Victims then suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and in some cases internal and external bleeding. [...] The resurgence of the illness now is not wholly unexpected, the WHO said on Feb. 7. Ebola is 'endemic' in Congo, and the virus remains in animal reservoirs in the region."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Comment</b>: How amazing that this fearsome disease is now considered a fact of life (like seasonal flu) in that region of the world. While we all worry about coronavirus, it's important to remember that these other viruses are still out there. </span><br /></p>Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-66487547277284694972021-02-09T09:25:00.001-08:002021-02-09T15:29:34.853-08:00Rumors of War<p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/hacker-modified-drinking-water-chemical-levels-in-a-us-city/">ZDNet - Hacker modified drinking water chemical levels in a US city</a></span><br /></p><p>ZDNet reports: "An unidentified hacker has accessed the computer systems for the water treatment facility in the city of Oldsmar, Florida, and has modified chemical levels to dangerous parameters. [...] Oldsmar city staff said that no tainted water was delivered to local residents as the attack was caught in time before any lye levels could be deployed. According to Sheriff Gualtieri, the hacker disconnected as soon as they modified the lye levels, and a human operator set the chemical level back to normal right away. Officials didn't attribute the attack to any specific hacker group or entity."</p><p> See also: <br />NYT - <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/08/us/oldsmar-florida-water-supply-hack.html">‘Dangerous Stuff’: Hackers Tried to Poison Water Supply of Florida Town</a><br />This report has a good summary of the international context with a focus on Iran. <br /></p><p><b>Comment:</b> Here we have a report of a confirmed cyberattack by an unknown actor. This attack is noteworthy for being an example of an attack that not only penetrated a protected system and accessed information, but also changed system controls that altered hardware settings and could have impacted the health and welfare of the citizens in the city. The attack was detected, not by an automated system, but by a human operator. The attacker's changes were corrected and no one was hurt in the incident.While media reports are emphasizing that this could have been a local hacker, it should also be noted that this could well have been a foreign hacker or a state-sponsored attack. A municipal utility is low-hanging fruit and represents an attractive target for a range of bad actors to test vulnerabilities and demonstrate proof-of-concept attacks. <br /></p>Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-34948031310442800332020-12-24T11:40:00.003-08:002020-12-28T11:48:48.898-08:00Merry Christmas<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXow8wK7D2AQENAoX6QafKMu8dAESoXfYeVM_fdN4mwb4PkH7Ewyuiav3v4xyox5m_7lId1DdeO445IOzAtJoq8G_WxGWQma3DL7a4PaWPXeKibB8EpfIyU1R1jpxsYJkbdA/s1600-h/kings-magi.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281721312357126610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXow8wK7D2AQENAoX6QafKMu8dAESoXfYeVM_fdN4mwb4PkH7Ewyuiav3v4xyox5m_7lId1DdeO445IOzAtJoq8G_WxGWQma3DL7a4PaWPXeKibB8EpfIyU1R1jpxsYJkbdA/s200/kings-magi.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 140px;" /></a><br />
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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.<br />
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We watch the signs of His return, but this <i>season</i> 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!<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Hark the Herald Angels Sing</span><br />
lyrics by Charles Wesley<br />
<br />
Hark the herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!<br />
Peace on earth and mercy mild<br />
God and sinners reconciled"<br />
Joyful, all ye nations rise<br />
Join the triumph of the skies<br />
With the angelic host proclaim:<br />
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"<br />
Hark! The herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!"<br />
<br />
Christ by highest heav'n adored<br />
Christ the everlasting Lord!<br />
Late in time behold Him come<br />
Offspring of a Virgin's womb<br />
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see<br />
Hail the incarnate Deity<br />
Pleased as man with man to dwell<br />
Jesus, our Emmanuel<br />
Hark! The herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!"<br />
<br />
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!<br />
Hail the Son of Righteousness!<br />
Light and life to all He brings<br />
Ris'n with healing in His wings<br />
Mild He lays His glory by<br />
Born that man no more may die<br />
Born to raise the sons of earth<br />
Born to give them second birth<br />
Hark! The herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!"Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-24531582790037017302020-12-17T11:04:00.001-08:002020-12-17T11:04:16.374-08:00Gog Alliance<h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-turkey-sanctions/turkey-says-will-not-reverse-russian-s-400s-purchase-despite-us-sanctions-idUSKBN28R0RB">Turkey says will not reverse Russian S-400S purchase despite US sanctions - Reuters</a></h2><p>Reuters reports: "Turkey will not reverse its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems and will take reciprocal steps after evaluating U.S. sanctions imposed over the acquisition, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. [...] The United States says the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO’s broader defence systems. Turkey rejects this and says S-400s will not be integrated into NATO."</p><p> </p><p>The long process of Turkey leaving the Western alliance and joining with Russia and Iran has been something we have been following for a long time. According to prophetic scripture, it is their destiny to join in an invasion of Israel in the future. Although that seems far off, the continued estrangement of Turkey from the rest of NATO is now starkly apparent. How much longer will the Western alliance allow Turkey to remain a member? <br /></p>Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-81874128137250494262020-09-08T12:46:00.001-07:002020-12-28T11:48:26.848-08:00Covenant With Many<p><a href="https://www.axios.com/israel-uae-washington-peace-treaty-e077b187-d9f3-42be-98cc-0243fd67674e.html">Israel and UAE agreement to be signed in Washington will be designated as "peace treaty" - Axios</a> <br /></p><p>Axios reports: "The agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, expected to be signed within the next two weeks in Washington, D.C., will be a "treaty of peace" with the same legal and diplomatic status as peace agreements Israel has previously signed with Egypt and Jordan, Israeli and U.S. officials tell me. [...] No date has been set for the signing ceremony in Washington, according to Israeli officials, but the event is expected to take place the week of Sept. 14. [...] The White House plans to invite ambassadors of Arab countries, including those who do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, officials say. In doing so, the White House hopes to show the U.S.-brokered Israel-UAE agreement has broad support in the Arab world."</p><p><b>Comment</b>: This is a bit of diplomatic slight of hand. To call this a "peace treaty" is intentionally deceptive, since these countries are not at war. I was pondering this when I went back to the prophetic scripture and realized that peace treaty is not explicitly stated nor implicitly implied in Daniel 9:27. Might this be (or perhaps become) the <i>Covenant with Many</i>? <br /></p>Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-26143576847361936452020-08-14T21:01:00.005-07:002020-08-15T14:54:51.003-07:00Covenant With Many - Gog Alliance<h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/08/14/Turkey-Iran-say-Israeli-UAE-deal-shameful-harmful-to-Palestinians/3341597402413/">Turkey, Iran say Israeli-UAE deal 'shameful,' harmful to Palestinians </a></h2><p>UPI reports: "NATO ally Turkey and U.S. foe Iran on Friday denounced the
normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, both
saying the Persian Gulf state has abandoned Palestinians in their fight
for a homeland. [...] As part of the agreement, Israel agreed to suspend
controversial and widely condemned plans to annex parts of West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had promised the annexation
against the wishes of the Palestinians and much of the West. The
annexation was also part of Trump's Middle East peace plan."</p><p><b>Comment:</b> Have you heard that a new Mideast peace plan has been approved by the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates? It happened this week and the enemies of Israel are not happy. The above linked news report explains that Turkey, Iran and the Palestinians are the big losers in this deal while Israel and moderate Arab states are winners. As we watch the members of the Gog Alliance fall into line according to the prophecy in Ezekiel we should note the absence of Russia. What role will Russia play in all of this? </p><p>Finally, is this development prophetically important? If we see it in light of an ascendant Israel making peace with moderate Arab states while avoiding the be-all-end-all pitfall of Palestinian peace, then yes, it is important. As one commentator put it, "The Palestinian veto power over Israel’s relationship with the Arab world has suffered a major blow." This portends an Israel growing in power and influence in the region, while malcontents like Turkey and Iran are further marginalized. In those countries, grudges will be nurtured, weapons will be purchased and peoples will be prepared for conflict down the road. <br /></p>Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-53588421392385852492020-06-16T20:36:00.000-07:002020-06-16T20:36:05.053-07:00Rumors of War - Kings of the East<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/06/16/At-least-20-killed-in-India-China-Himalayan-border-dispute/3891592304921/">At least 20 killed in India-China Himalayan border dispute - UPI.com</a></span><br />
UPI reports: "A decades-long border dispute between China and India in the Himalayas
has turned deadly for the first time in nearly a half-century.
[...] The western Himalayan border, where both countries fought the
Sino-Indian War in 1962, had not seen a deadly conflict there since
1975, 45 years ago. Indian officials said there were casualties on both
sides."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/06/16/North-Korea-to-deploy-troops-to-demilitarized-areas-restart-drills/8201592357287/">North Korea to deploy troops to demilitarized areas, restart drills in latest provocations - UPI.com</a></span><br />
UPI reports: "North Korea announced Wednesday it would deploy troops to the Kaesong
Industrial Zone and Mt. Kumgang tourist area, locations that were once
the sites of joint economic ventures with South Korea, as Pyongyang
continued to ratchet up tensions a day after it demolished an
inter-Korean liaison office. "<br />
<br />
<b>Comment</b>: Two news reports that suggest things area heating up in the East. First, when two nuclear powered countries start shooting at each other, we should take note. China and India have been at war in the past and both have nuclear weapons and now there are reports of deadly skirmishes along the Himalayan border. Although the circumstances are not clear, the bottom line is, Indian troops died, so some kind of counter-attack or revenge attack is expected. Second, North Korea is throwing a tantrum. Yes, this does happen from time to time, but that fact does nothing to diminish the danger. Keep watching! Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-4601787789151095372020-05-28T13:59:00.001-07:002020-05-28T14:49:37.427-07:00Pestilence<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2020/05/27/US-COVID-19-death-toll-surpasses-100000-milestone/5731590619820/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">U.S. COVID-19 death toll surpasses 100,000 milestone - UPI.com</a></span> <br />
UPI reports: "The death toll from COVID-19 in the United States surpassed 100,000
people as of Wednesday afternoon.
The United States has the world's highest death toll, with 100,271
connected to the virus and also has the greatest number of confirmed
cases at 1,697,459, according to figures by Johns Hopkins University."<br />
<br />
What about the rest of the world? The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/28/world/coronavirus-live.html#link-955e5ed" target="_blank">New York Times</a> reports: "Outbreaks have accelerated especially sharply in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, with caseloads doubling in some countries about every two weeks. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization said it considered the Americas to be the new epicenter of the pandemic.
And although much of the Middle East seemed to avert early catastrophe even as the virus ravaged Iran, case counts have lately been swelling in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> While there are those who seek to make this a political issue to divide people, this remains primarily a threat to public health and welfare. Most people I know take this seriously and are doing what they can to stop the spread of the virus. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-12621868316062952152020-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:002020-05-01T16:34:16.733-07:00Some Thoughts on the COVID-19 EraSorry for that lack of posts of late. Like many of you, I've just been overwhelmed with the pace of events. When I started this blog years ago I would carefully search the news of the day for reports that I considered to be of prophetic importance. It was like finding a needle in a haystack. Now, of course, we are living in a deluge and, I suppose, that's a sign in itself. So, this new coronavirus era, is it important from a BP-perspective? Here are my thoughts.<br />
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First, in very general terms, fearsome events and outbreaks tend to cause people to reflect on their own mortality. This means millions of people have been set on a spiritual path and perhaps on the road to salvation. It was documented that after 9/11 the churches in America were filled. I bet the same is true now for the virtual attendance of online church services.<br />
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Second, the outbreak may be causing a fundamental change in our use of mobile payments and other form of financial technology. There is now a great emphasis on paying with mobile apps rather than handling currency (that could be contaminated) and even though many countries in the world (particularly in Asia and Europe) are further along than we are in the States, we are quickly catching up. In my own life, I've been using Apple Pay now more than ever. We may be closer than ever to a cashless society. <br />
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Third, I think the outbreak has also revealed the emptiness of our fears of global government. It's just not there. As has been well documented, the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) had been co-opted by one member country (China) and failed in their obligation to the rest of the members. The UN has no coercive power and can't tell member countries what to do, so governments were left on their own decide how to fight the virus. Some did well and others did not. We are still learning the lessons that need to be learned from those experiments. As for the United States, under Trump's leadership, the U.S. dropped the ball. Not only could we not even care for our own citizens we could not offer the leadership the world expected from us. There were no grand plans from the U.S. for a coordinated global response to this virus. It was not a good showing for America. So, most countries of the world were left on their own and that lack of central authority and leadership is, I think, one of the big takeaways of this outbreak. There is a vacuum of leadership in the world right now and I can't help but wonder if that is because the AC is waiting in the wings?<br />
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Finally, there is one big trend I think we need to keep a close eye on, and that is how this outbreak has strengthened the powers of the surveillance state. People living in oppressive countries have been aware of this for some time, but we in the West are just starting to wake up to what it means to live in a tech powered surveillance state where our every move is monitored by computer networks and cameras. It's all in the name of health, of course, but still, it's real. Google and Apple are working on apps that will help in contact tracing (by using Bluetooth to monitor movement). Some places are installing infrared cameras to track temperature from a distance. Countries are talking about issuing "immunity passports" that would enable people to freely travel and get verified for work and public spaces. I think they are debating this in the UK and moving forward with it in Chile and now that it's on the international agenda, it's an idea that will never go away. Will the future be back to the past, "papers please," a demand from authorities at any time and any place?<br />
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<b>For Further Reading</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Washington Post - <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/04/30/coronavirus-deepening-more-religious-black-protestants/" target="_blank">A quarter of Americans, and a majority of black Protestants, say their religious faith has deepened because of the coronavirus</a></li>
<li>Stars & Stripes - <a href="https://www.stripes.com/the-world-embraces-contact-tracing-technology-to-fight-the-coronavirus-1.628091" target="_blank">The world embraces contact-tracing technology to fight the coronavirus </a> </li>
<li>Reuters - <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-guterres/u-n-chief-laments-lack-of-global-leadership-in-coronavirus-fight-idUSKBN22C3IS" target="_blank">U.N. chief laments lack of global leadership in coronavirus fight</a></li>
<li>AP - <a href="https://t.co/prKmeIYTVT?amp=1" target="_blank">America First meets global pandemic, testing Trump worldview</a> </li>
<li>The Wall Street Journal - <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-paves-way-for-new-age-of-digital-surveillance-11586963028" target="_blank">How Coronavirus Is Eroding Privacy</a></li>
<li>Reuters - <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-apple-alphabet-idUSKBN22B2S9?taid=5ea9d60bd9c55b000118191d&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter" target="_blank">Apple, Google to release early versions of contact tracing tool to developers</a> </li>
<li>UPI - <a href="https://upi.com/7001170" target="_blank">'Immunity passport' key to containing spread of coronavirus</a> </li>
<li>Reuters - <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-spy-specialreport-idUSKCN22A2G1?taid=5ea8926be21434000119f067&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter" target="_blank">Cyber-intel firms pitch governments on spy tools to trace coronavirus</a></li>
</ul>
Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-72942743536154307432020-03-17T20:49:00.003-07:002020-03-17T20:49:45.892-07:00Pestilence<a href="https://time.com/5774265/wuhan-china-virus-advances/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_term=world_&linkId=81813057">How Humans Will Fight Back After the Wuhan Virus Outbreak | Time</a> <br />
Time reports: "The emergence of a powerful new infectious virus for which there is (as yet) no vaccine should scare us, of course. But at the same time, humans are better equipped to fight these kinds of outbreaks than ever before. New technologies, specifically ones that make possible the sequencing of any living thing’s genetic blueprint, are finally giving us a meaningful advantage over microbes."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> Like most of you I've read a lot of news about the COVID-19 and I've been wondering what is appropriate to post here, since I'm sure not only are you reading most of the headlines as well but that the situation is so fluid that by the time I'm ready to make a blog post the headlines have moved on. So, here is something different. It's a more general look at how humans can adapt to cope with emerging diseases. <br />
<br />
In terms of Bible prophecy, the COVID-19 virus is an example of the normal course of history. Jesus said to expect wars, famines and pestilence in the course of history and not necessarily end-times prophetic. This new virus is certainly far less severe
than the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 or the plague in the Middle Ages,
so we can say with confidence that it could have been worse. I think
what is different now is global communications and social media
highlighting and amplifying fear. It becomes a cycle that feeds on
itself. Panic perpetuates panic.The once thing we can safely say is that this is not the last pandemic human society will have to deal with. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-61668228970473420402020-03-11T22:37:00.003-07:002020-03-11T22:37:52.908-07:00Pestilence<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/03/11/WHO-declares-COVID-19-pandemic-alarmed-by-inaction/5151583940182/?sl=7">WHO declares COVID-19 pandemic, alarmed by inaction - UPI.com</a></span><br />
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization characterized the coronavirus outbreak as
a global pandemic on Wednesday, as new cases spiked in Iran, Italy and
other locations. [...] There were more than 118,000 cases in 114
countries as of Wednesday, with near 4,300 deaths worldwide."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> It's taken a while to reach this milestone but here it is. The COVID-19 virus is now a pandemic. The medical community have tried and true methods for containing the virus but it's not clear if politicians can follow advice and act prudently to protect public health. Praying for wisdom and goodwill to prevail among leaders everywhere. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-31757146603936659442020-01-28T19:14:00.002-08:002020-01-28T19:14:59.372-08:00Covenant With Many<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-plan/trump-leaps-into-middle-east-fray-with-peace-plan-that-palestinians-denounce-idUSKBN1ZR1SR">Trump leaps into Middle East fray with peace plan that Palestinians denounce - Reuters</a></span><br />
Reuters reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday proposed creating a Palestinian
state as part of a Middle East peace plan, drawing Palestinian
condemnation for imposing strict conditions and agreeing to let Israel
maintain control of long-contested West Bank settlements."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment</b>: Before this peace plan was announced, the Palestinians rejected it. Can you imagine? I think it's pretty clear they are not interested in peace. I've actually been convinced of this for some time. When they rejected Bill Clinton's peace plan in 2000 (a very generous plan) it became clear that the Palestinians did not want peace with Israel, they wanted peace without Israel. Nothing has changed in the intervening years to convince me otherwise. Thank you President Trump, you tried. Now it's time for Mideast peace to return to the back burner and for life to go on as usual until the appointed time.Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-81654295977432199452020-01-25T22:55:00.003-08:002020-01-25T22:55:43.537-08:00Covenant With Many<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trumps-mideast-peace-plan-will-be-historic-netanyahu/ar-BBZkkwL">Trump's Mideast peace plan will be 'historic': Netanyahu</a></span><br />
AFP
reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said he
expected US President Donald Trump's peace plan for the Middle East to
be 'historic' ahead of a trip to Washington. [...] Trump on Thursday
said he will release his long-delayed plan before meeting Netanyahu in
Washington. 'It's a great plan. It's a plan that really would work,'
Trump said."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment</b>: Every American president in recent history has released a Mideast peace plan and now it's Trump's turn. What can Trump do that would be any different than his predecessors? Judging by his behavior, the answer would seem to be, a lot. Can't wait to read the details of this new plan for bringing peace to the Middle East. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-81323362861550685632020-01-25T21:32:00.000-08:002020-01-25T21:32:26.037-08:00Pestilence<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-virus-factbox-idUSKBN1ZO0AV?taid=5e2c5f3d0f91f60001a2406e&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter">Factbox: Latest on the coronavirus spreading in China and beyond - Reuters</a></span><br />
Reuters reports: "The coronavirus outbreak that began in the central Chinese city of
Wuhan has killed 42 people in China and infected more than 1,300
globally, most of them in China. The virus has caused alarm because it is still too early to know how
dangerous it is and how easily it spreads between people. And because it
is new, humans have not been able to build any immunity to it."]<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.livescience.com/unknown-viruses-discovered-tibetan-glacier.html">Ancient never-before-seen viruses discovered locked up in Tibetan glacier | Live Science</a>
</span>Live Science reports: "For the past 15,000 years, a glacier on the northwestern Tibetan
Plateau of China has hosted a party for some unusual guests: an ensemble
of frozen viruses, many of them unknown to modern science.
Scientists recently broke up this party after taking a look at two ice
cores from this Tibetan glacier, revealing the existence of 28
never-before-seen virus groups."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> Two reports that tell us something very important. New virus strains are dangerous because we don't have immunity to them. But there are also OLD viruses locked in the ice that we also don't have immunity to and those viruses may be released into the environment as the ice melts. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-27272340714970618132020-01-21T19:10:00.003-08:002020-01-21T19:10:46.477-08:00Pestilence<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2020/01/21/CDC-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-in-US/4941579634393/?sl=5">CDC confirms first case of coronavirus in Seattle - UPI.com</a></span> <br />
UPI reports: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday confirmed the
United States' first case of coronavirus in a traveler who returned
from China."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> This is a worrisome development. With modern travel it is likely that this outbreak could spread very quickly. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-19793391653096198622020-01-11T10:50:00.002-08:002020-01-11T10:50:33.376-08:00Earthquakes<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2020/01/11/6-magnitude-aftershock-rattles-Puerto-Rico/6331578750901/?sl=10">6-magnitude aftershock rattles Puerto Rico - UPI.com</a></span><br />
UPI reports: "A magnitude-6 aftershock rattled Puerto Rico on Saturday morning, days
after temblors caused widespread damage and power outages on the island,
the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The earthquake was one of dozens to shake the U.S. territory this week,
beginning with a 5.8-magnitude earthquake Monday and a stronger
6.4-magnitude one Tuesday."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> Praying for the people on the island, for their faith and resiliency. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-1022273801188381412019-12-24T20:01:00.002-08:002019-12-24T20:01:47.236-08:00Merry Christmas<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXow8wK7D2AQENAoX6QafKMu8dAESoXfYeVM_fdN4mwb4PkH7Ewyuiav3v4xyox5m_7lId1DdeO445IOzAtJoq8G_WxGWQma3DL7a4PaWPXeKibB8EpfIyU1R1jpxsYJkbdA/s1600-h/kings-magi.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281721312357126610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXow8wK7D2AQENAoX6QafKMu8dAESoXfYeVM_fdN4mwb4PkH7Ewyuiav3v4xyox5m_7lId1DdeO445IOzAtJoq8G_WxGWQma3DL7a4PaWPXeKibB8EpfIyU1R1jpxsYJkbdA/s200/kings-magi.bmp" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 140px;" /></a><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
We watch the signs of His return, but this <i>season</i> 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!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Hark the Herald Angels Sing</span><br />
lyrics by Charles Wesley<br />
<br />
Hark the herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!<br />
Peace on earth and mercy mild<br />
God and sinners reconciled"<br />
Joyful, all ye nations rise<br />
Join the triumph of the skies<br />
With the angelic host proclaim:<br />
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"<br />
Hark! The herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!"<br />
<br />
Christ by highest heav'n adored<br />
Christ the everlasting Lord!<br />
Late in time behold Him come<br />
Offspring of a Virgin's womb<br />
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see<br />
Hail the incarnate Deity<br />
Pleased as man with man to dwell<br />
Jesus, our Emmanuel<br />
Hark! The herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!"<br />
<br />
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!<br />
Hail the Son of Righteousness!<br />
Light and life to all He brings<br />
Ris'n with healing in His wings<br />
Mild He lays His glory by<br />
Born that man no more may die<br />
Born to raise the sons of earth<br />
Born to give them second birth<br />
Hark! The herald angels sing<br />
"Glory to the newborn King!"Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-20432732200009428822019-12-15T11:30:00.002-08:002019-12-15T11:30:29.804-08:00Earthquakes<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/12/15/68-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-southern-Philippines/3221576416927/?sl=4">6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes southern Philippines - UPI.com</a></span><br />
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."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment</b>: The Ring of Fire continues to be very active. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-24403117235530808072019-12-14T14:06:00.003-08:002019-12-14T14:06:45.215-08:00Pestilence<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/12/14/Samoan-government-extends-state-of-emergency-amid-measles-outbreak/8181576349402/?sl=1">Samoan government extends state of emergency amid measles outbreak </a></span><br />
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."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment</b>: 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? Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-20012125896348290282019-11-23T18:04:00.002-08:002019-11-23T18:04:35.484-08:00Covenant With Many<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/11/21/UN-Security-Council-members-rebuke-US-policy-shift-on-Israeli-settlements/3971574330191/?spt=su&or=btn_tw">U.N. Security Council members rebuke U.S. policy shift on Israeli settlements - UPI.com</a>
</span><br />
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."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment</b>: 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. Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-74731424942276019182019-11-19T18:21:00.000-08:002019-11-19T18:21:10.948-08:00Rumors of War - Kings of the East<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/11/18/Report-Chinese-aircraft-carrier-could-be-sent-to-protect-South-China-Sea/3711574095943/?sl=17">Report: Chinese aircraft carrier could be deployed to 'protect' South China Sea</a> </span><br />
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."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> 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? Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-28780396257200491752019-11-15T13:22:00.001-08:002019-11-15T13:22:22.407-08:00Nations in Distress - Roaring Seas<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/11/15/Venice-declares-emergency-amid-historic-flood-levels/4111573818924/?sl=16">Venice declares emergency amid historic flood levels - UPI.com</a></span><br />
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."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment:</b> This is really a preview of what is to come for coastal cities all over the world. I don't think they are ready.Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-950066.post-33991510248292475192019-11-14T16:00:00.002-08:002019-11-14T16:00:35.875-08:00Wickedness Increases<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/11/14/At-least-2-dead-3-injured-in-shooting-at-LA-area-high-school/4841573748472/?sl=10">At least 2 dead, 3 injured in shooting at Santa Clarita, Calif., high school</a></span> <br />
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."<br />
<br />
<b>Comment</b>: I wonder how many school shootings happened before they took God out of our schools? Portentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672962472126301517noreply@blogger.com0