ISRAEL VS IRAN: WHO WINS?

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cold (35 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk under clear skies, I saw: 4 deer, 3 robins, the big dipper and a huge, bright, orange moon! Thank You, Jesus!

This morning, I saw this recent (4/17) headline from FOX NEWS.com: “Netanyahu says 9 chilling words as Iran’s president vows to completely destroy Israel.”

In the article, Lawrence Richard reported: “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday left no doubt in a statement regarding what his Jewish country might do should current tensions with Iran escalate further, saying ‘Israel will do whatever it needs to defend itself,’ Netanyahu said in a statement. The comment came after separate meetings with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Israel on Wednesday, during which the ministers discussed actions Israel could pursue to retaliate for Iran’s unprecedented, direct attack on Israel over last weekend.” To which, Iran’s President replied: ‘Nothing would remain” (of Israel),’ vowing to “completely destroy Israel if it launches the ‘tiniest invasion.”

Question: “Who would win a war between Israel and Iran?” Answer: Israel, based on the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 where, just when it looks like Russia, Persia (Iran) and a host of other nations invade Israel to “capture a spoil,” the Lord God Himself comes to Israel’s defense and completely destroys the invaders. Glory to God! However, that doesn’t mean that all of Israel will be in the “good graces of God.” They won’t, based on the prophecy of Zechariah 13:7-9, where only 1/3rd of the Jews will accept Jesus as their Messiah and Savior and enter the kingdom of God on earth.

So, let me ask you: “What do you believe about Jesus?” Have you agreed with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believed He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16)? If so, you are on your way to heaven. Question: “Now what?” Answer: Watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Love, Doug (4/21/24)

WHERE’S the U.S.?

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cold (32 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer and another dog who was not happy to see me! Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me safe!

This morning-headline, from the Gatestone Institute, made me both sad and angry: “Israel Under Attack – U.S. Administration Abandoning Its Ally?”

In the article, one of my favorite reporters, Majid Rafizadeh, reported: “Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any member state, making Iran’s actions tantamount to an act of war. The U.S. Administration’s call for Israel to refrain from responding to attacks while facing aggression is deeply troubling and raises significant questions about the principles of sovereignty and self-defense.

The expectation that Israel should tolerate such attacks not only undermines the principles of self-defense and sovereignty, but also erodes the longstanding partnership between the United States and Israel, sending a disconcerting message to the world about the strength of any US alliance in the face of adversity.

Amid the relentless assaults from multiple adversaries – Iran’s regime, Qatar, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, Israel finds itself surrounded by Iran’s ‘ring of fire’ on all fronts. These coordinated attacks, originating from both neighboring states and non-state actors, pose, as clearly intended, a threat to Israel’s existence. In these dire circumstances, Israel looks to its long-standing ally, the United States, for crucial support and solidarity. However, the Biden administration’s approach has left Israel feeling isolated and abandoned at a time when it most needs unwavering backing.”

In Zechariah 2:8, 9, we read: “For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you (Israel), touches the apple of His eye.” Charles Ryrie comments: “These verses refer to the Messiah Who was sent to show God’s glory in judging the nations that plundered Israel. I suggest you read, if you dare, Matthew 25:31-46.

Sadly, many of the Jews, past and present, have rejected Jesus as their Messiah, even though He had all the credentials to be the One., as we see in passages like Isaiah 9:1-7, 35:1-6, Chapter 53. And so, I would say to any Jew or Gentile who is reading this article, please agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Then, you will not only go to heaven when you die, but also inherit your glorious kingdom on earth. Looking forward to both and praying I’ll see you there. Blessings, Doug (4/20/24)

ISRAEL’s REVENGE!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cool (37 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk under clear skies, I saw: 3 robins, a deer and a plane! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/date/2024/04/18, caught my eye this morning: “ISRAEL’S REVENGE: Explosions Reported in Iraq, Syria, and Iranian Cities With Nuclear Facilities across the Middle East late Thursday night, as Israel appears to have begun exacting revenge heard in multiple locations.”

The article stated: “Explosions were heard in multiple locations across the Middle East late Thursday night, as Israel appears to have begun exacting revenge for Iran’s unprecedented attack on the Jewish State which saw some 350 suicide drones and missiles fired at Israeli territory. Explosions have reportedly been heard in Isfahan and Natanz, both cities in Iran which have nuclear installations. Three explosions have been reported in Isfahan where Iran has its main nuclear research facility, though it has not been confirmed that a nuclear site has been struck.

One reports suggests that Israel has struck 7 Iranian cities in total: Tehran, Fordow, Arak, Natanz, Kharg, Bushehr and Bandar Abbas. This has not yet been widely confirmed.

Iranian media report that Hastam Shikari air force base was hit by a missile. The air base was among several from which Iran launched its direct attack against Israel last weekend. According to Iranian media, the IDF may have targeted the 8th Tactical Airbase of the Iranian Air Force which is near the airport in Ishafan, and which contains multiple squadrons of F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft.

ABC News says it has been in contact with an IDF official who has confirmed that tonight’s strikes are in response to Iran’s drone and missile barrage.”

All I (Doug) can say is: “Stay tuned and watch for more air strikes from both sides and a possible Israeli attack on Damascus, Syria which may result in her total destruction, as Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 17:1 and which we may just be alive to see. Exciting and scary! Question: “So, what are we to do if the drones and missiles keep flying all over the world and even here in the States?” The first and best thing we can do is to “fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)” while we watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Him until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, you can become one right now by simply agreeing with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven! Blessings, Doug (4/19/24)

THE “SHOW!”

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (44 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 7 robins, a plane and heard “Barkie” the dog telling me again I was still not welcome in his neighborhood! ! Thank You, Jesus, that his bark was not his bite!

This headline, from today’s Gatestone Institute, really made me mad: “This Was Not the Actual Iranian Attack!” In the article, Daniel Greenfield reported: “This was the ‘attack’ prearranged for show between Iran and the Biden Administration through backchannels. It’s an attack that allows Iran to show off that it can reach Israel while not inflicting any real damage. Had Iran actually been trying to launch a serious attack, it would have used its Hezbollah, Houthi, Iraqi and whatever is left of its Hamas proxies to saturate local air defenses.

Iran will do things beyond this light show, which was largely meant to reassure the Biden Administration that it ‘diplomatic tools’ have successfully solved the problem. That’s an illusion that Iran has used to allow it to build up its nuclear weapons program….

It also learned under President Obama that its greatest defense is convincing D.C. elites that diplomacy will successfully deescalate any conflicts with the regime.”

Now, let me tell you what I think will happen to Iran, based on what the Bible says. According to Ezekiel 38-39, Russia, Persia (modern-day Iran) and a host of other nations will, at a time when Israel is living in peace (not now or anytime soon), invade Israel to “seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil,” only to be destroyed by the Lord God Himself. Bye, bye, Iran and glory to God! So, stay tuned, as we may see this “show” develop or even take place in our lifetime.

Question: “Do you know where you will spend your eternity?” God’s Word, the Bible, tells us that we will either go to heaven or hell. My prayer is that you will go to heaven by agreeing with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven. Till then, let us watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Love in Him, Doug (4/16/24)

PROVERBS 16:19!

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cool (42 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 3 deer and 3 robins! Thank You, Jesus! And, a special “thank you” to all of you who have been reading my blogs and giving me your “creature count!” What a blessing!

This headline, from yesterday’s news, caused me great concern: “Israel ‘really came out far ahead,’ White House says following Iran’s attack.” In the article, Ashley Roque reported: “Over 300 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles were launched by Iran at Israel, but 99% were intercepted, US officials said. President Biden told the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: ‘The Israelis came out clearly, very much on top.”

Roque continued: “It is not yet clear if and when Israel will respond to Iran’s Saturday attack, and the official stopped short of disclosing if the administration has urged Israel no to. But, the official said the US does not “envision ourselves participating in such a thing” – a clear signal that the Biden administration wants Netanyahu to take the win and not escalate further.” We’ll see!

Sadly, it seems to me that there is a great sense of “pride” among the leaders of all three nations (Israel, Iran and the United States) which made me think of what King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 16:19: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.”

Personally, I believe, based on Ezekiel 38-39, the Lord Himself will, at sometime in the future, totally destroy Persia, aka, Iran, remove the United States as a “superpower” and, get this, according to Zechariah 14:8, 9, bring only one third of the Jews into HIs kingdom.

However, on top of all this bad news, there is “good news” – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus), that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16).”

And so, to all of you who do not believe in Jesus as your Savior, there is still time to become one: simply agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Then, simply, watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Blessings with love, Doug (4/15/24)

RUMORS to WAR AGAIN!

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and mild (57 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: a robin and a plane! Thank You, Jesus!

Yesterday, towards the end of the third round of the Masters Golf Tournament, I heard of “breaking news,” that Iran had attacked Israel with drones and missiles. Another case of a “rumor of war” turning into a “war,” just like Jesus said they would, leading up to His return (Matthew 24:6 & Mark 13:7).

And, in today’s Jerusalem Post, Tovah Lazaroff reported: “Iran warned the United States not to respond to its attack on Israel, as the confrontation between the two-arch foes spilled over into the region and US President Joe Biden held consultations in Washington. This is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY,” Iran’s mission to the UN in New York stated in a post on X early Sunday morning.” It (Iran) justified its launch of a drone and missile attack on Israel as an act of self-defense permissible under Article 51 of the UN Charter. According to Channel 12, an Israeli official has already said that there will be a significant response to Iran’s overnight attack on Israel.”

So, “stay tuned, dearly beloved in Christ, and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. Please know and believe He is coming! And, He will either be your Savior or Judge. Believe me He would rather be your Savior. So, please, agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings on your Sunday, Doug (4/14/24)

RETALIATION OPTIONS?

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (32 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 robins and got a wave from a truck driver! Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline, from Reuters, got my attention this morning: “Many Iranian options to retaliate against Israel, but all carry risk.

In the article, Idrees Ali and Arshad Mohammed reported: “Iran faces a dilemma following an Israeli attack on its embassy in Syria: how to retaliate without sparking a wider conflict that Middle East analysts said Tehran appear to want. Monday’s strike, which killed two Iranian and live military advisers at Iran’s embassy comes as Israel accelerates a long-running campaign against Iran and the armed groups it backs. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed revenge.

Tehran has options. It could unleash its proxies on U.S. forces, use them to strike Israel directly or ramp up its nuclear program which the United States and its allies have long sought to rein in (though I, Doug, might add: “the U.S. has poorly failed in its attempt to do so.”

So, stay tuned! Remember, as I have said before, according to the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39, at sometime in the future, Russia, Iran and a host of others nations will invade Israel when she has recovered from war and is living in peace (certainly not now) to “capture spoil and to seize plunder,” from the Israelis, only to be destroyed by the Lord God Himself, according to Ezekiel 38:18-39:29.

This certainly is an exciting and scary time in which to live. See what Jesus had to say about this in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. He even said, in Matthew 24:21, it would be the “worst time in human history!” Personally I believe (not all Christians do), we will not be here for this time.

Yes, dearly beloved in Christ, He is coming! Are you ready? Are you watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshipping Jesus? And, are you even a believer in Jesus? If not, here’s what you need to do: Agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven. Glory to God! Love and blessings, Doug (4/4/24)

THE PROPHECIES of RCI!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cold (21 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk after a 4-inch snowfall, I saw “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Snowdog” playing in the snow for the third time since Christmas! Thank You, Jesus!

Here are a couple of prophetic headlines that we ought to be concerned about as a nation:

#1. “Extremely concerned: American generals raise alarm over Iran’s tightening ties with Russia, China (Breaking Defense)

#2. Biden Administration’s Jitterbug with Iran’s Regime: When Crime Does Pay – Spectacularly (Gatestone Institute)

In the first article, Agnes Helou reported: “They’re trying to get what they want. They’re trying to replace the West and, moreover, the United States in our access and influence across this crucial continent,” U.S. Africa Command chief Gen. Michael Langley told lawmakers.”

As wars rage in Gaza and Ukraine, senior US military officials sounded the alarm to lawmakers about the renewed relationships between China, Russia and Iran in both the Middle East and Africa, suggesting alliances of geopolitical convenience intertwining the three could threaten America’s position in both regions.

“I’m very concerned about this renewed relationship between Russia, China and Iran,” US Central Command head Gen. Michael Kurilla told a House Armed Services hearing Thursday. What we’re seeing is Iran is reliant on China and Russia is reliant on Iran.”

In the second article, Majid Rafizadeh wrote: “The recent decision to shower Iran, the ‘leading state sponsor of global terrorism,’ with yet another $10 billion in sanctions wavers, ‘freeing up 10 billion elsewhere to spend on terrorism, missiles, nuclear weapons and the repression of Iranian women,’ defies logic and morality.”

And yet, despite all these scary headlines and alliances, the Word of God prophesies that Russia and Iran, at some time in the future, will join forces to attack Israel when she is living in peace (not now), only to be defeated and destroyed by the Lord God Himself, according to Ezekiel 38:18-39:29. Then, at a later time, the so-called “kings from the east” (Revelation 16:12) which will, most likely, include China and the other surviving nations who will be drawn into battle at Megiddo where they will be defeated by the Lord Jesus Christ Who will then set up His kingdom on earth where He will reign, along with the believers in Jesus, I believe (not all Christians do) for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-6). Then, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth” for the believers in Jesus for eternity (21:1-22:21). Glory to God! So, in the meantime, let us continue to watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. And, if you are still not a believer in Jesus, please agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings, Doug (3/23/24)

THREATS HERE and ABROAD!

Good morning, blog readers, from snowy and windy (27 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk in the snow, I saw: 5 deer and a crane! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from U.S. News, got my attention this morning: “FBI: Since October 7, ‘almost every major terrorist organization in the world’ has threatened the U.S.” In addition, Robert Wells, the assistant director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division, said: “We’ve also seen an uptick in threats against the Jewish community here in the United States and abroad.”

The JNS (Jewish News Syndicate) Staff reported: “The United States has been in a ‘heightened terrorism threat environment’ since Hamas’ October 7 terror attack on Israel, and ‘almost every major terrorist organization in the world, including Al Qaeda and ISIS, have called for terror attacks against the United States,” an FBI official testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security. We’ve also seen an uptick in threats against the Jewish community here in the United States and abroad,” said Wells, “and remain concerned about threats from lone actors or small cells radicalized to violence online. In addition, we are very focused on the threat posed by the more traditional foreign terrorist organizations and the state-sponsored terrorism threat from Iran,” added Wells, in his testimony on Wednesday.”

Let me remind you again that, according to the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39, I believe (and I could be wrong), at sometime in the future, Russia, Iran and a host of other countries will, at a time when Israel is living in peace (not now), invade Israel to “capture spoil” which includes silver, gold, cattle and goods (wealth).” And, just when it looks like Israel is doomed with no one to defend her, including the United States, the Lord God Himself comes to Israel’s defense and destroys this massive army (Ezekiel 38:14-39:29). Jesus told us, in Mark 13:33, 35, 37, to “stay on the alert” and be ready for tougher times while we watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes.

And, if you’re not a believer in Jesus, please know you may not have tomorrow. So, here’s what you need to do today: Simply agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven! Glory to God! Blessings with love, Doug (3/22/24)

A DEFENSELESS ISRAEL?

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cold (21 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I did not see any of God’s creatures, but had a nice walk. Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline, from The Jerusalem Post, caught my eye this morning: “IDF (Israeli Defense Force) admits Houthis penetrated Eilat missile defense for the first time.”

In the article, Yonah Jeremy Bob reported: “The IDF late Tuesday night admitted for the first time that the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have penetrated the country’s missile air defense. According to the IDF, reports of an unidentified object landing north of Eilat on Sunday night referred to a cruise missile which came from the direction of the Red Sea. Although the IDF did not specifically identify the Houthis, the Iranian-backed group in Yemen has tried to strike Israel numerous times for months. Until now, all of its missiles had been shot down, often by the Arrow 1 or 3 missile defense system. There was one case of a small drone fired from Syria penetrating into Eilat, but it did little damage and had little potential for damage.

In contrast, the cruise missile in question did not hit any structures and landed in an open area, but could have potentially done far more damage. The IDF said it was probing why the missile was not shot down. One possibility could be that it was a cruise missile that flies in a more line-drive fashion and which might have caught the air defense operators by surprise. Israel’s David Sling is also made to shoot down such cruise missiles, but it has not been used in Eilat to date.”

This made me (Doug) think of Deuteronomy 28 where the Lord spelled out for Israel His blessings for Israel’s obedience and curses for her disobedience. For example, we read in Deuteronomy 28:6, 7: “Blessed shall you (Israel) be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. The Lord will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they shall come out against you one way and shall flee before you seven ways.” On the other hand, in verse 15, He said to Israel: “But it shall come about, if you will not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses (verses 16-68.) shall come upon you and overtake you.”

Question: “Could it be that Israel’s humiliation on October 7, 2023, and the Houthi missile getting through Israel’s “defenses” came as a result of her disobeying the Lord’s commands?” If that is true, then I highly recommend to the people of Israel: “Believe in the Lord God and keep His commandments that it would go well for you not only in regards to war, but also in regards to salvation that you might be the “apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8),” as He intended you to be.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please know He is not only your long-awaited Messiah, but also your Savior Who died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Then, watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Blessings, Doug (3/21/24)