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)

WHAT IS BIBLICAL ZIONISM?

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (40 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer and a baby bunny! Thank You, Jesus!

This morning, I read this most interesting article by Olivier Melnick on “Biblical Zionism.” Olivier wrote: “There are many different ways to look at Zionism. It can be cultural, political, historical, and even Christian. Yet, the safest way to define Zionism is biblical if, of course, it can be done. If Zionism could be defined biblically, it would supersede all other definitions as long as those looking at that definition would believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God.

Let’s first look at the words themselves. The terms ‘Zionism’ and ‘Zionist’ were coined in 1890 by Jewish activist Nathan Birnbaum (1864-1937) who also played an important part in the first Zionist Congress held in 1897 (renamed the World Zionist Organization in 1960) alongside its first president Theodore Hetzl. The word ‘Zion’ comes from the Hebrew tzion, a reference to Jerusalem and often, by extension, to the Land of Israel itself (first mentioned in II Samuel 5:7) which reads: ‘Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is the city of David.’ According to scholar Mitchell Bard, Zionism is: ‘The national movement for the return of the Jewish people to their homeland and the resumption of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel.’

Many followers of Yeshua (Jesus) look at the Bible and clearly see that God is NOT done with Israel. They see a glorious future to the people and the Land. They understand that the promises of Genesis 12:3 still stand, and they want to be in the center of God’s will by blessing the people that He calls ‘the apple of His eye’ (Zechariah 2:8). Believers in Yeshua who recognize Israel’s biblical and historical right to the Land are often called Christian Zionists. God Himself declared this plan in His Word; thus, Christian Zionism is a noble cause and is part of what every Bible-believing Christian should promote.

Unfortunately, for those of us who are Bible-believing. modern-day disciples of Yeshua of Nazareth, the term Christian doesn’t help our cause. It has been overused and abused by friends and foes, and its etymology is now quite different from the simple definition it once carried. Not all people called ‘Christians’ have truly placed their trust in the finished work of Yeshua of Nazareth on their behalf. Additionally, among those who are Christian, not all of them espouse a positive, biblical view of Israel, its land and its people.” Just watch the news and you will see that is true.

So, the question is: “Is God done with Israel and the Jewish people?” Here’s what the apostle Paul had to say in Romans 11:1-5; “I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? ‘Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, they have torn down Thine altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.’ But what is the divine response to him? ‘I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.”

Yes, God is not done with Israel. However, she is now and will also in the future, go through more tragedy when she signs a “peace treaty” with the so-called “antichrist” for 7 years (Daniel 9:27), then breaks it halfway through, goes into the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, stops the sacrifices and declares to the world that he alone is God to be worshiped with the death penalty for those who oppose him. And yet, according to Zechariah 13:7-9, a third of the Jews will enter the kingdom and worship Jesus as their Messiah and Savior Who is coming. And so, let us watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. And, if you are 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 with love, Doug (3/5/24)

“WARNINGS?”

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cool (33 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline from Reuters made me laugh: “US Warns Iran against providing missiles to Russia.”

In the article, Humeyra Pamuk wrote: “The Biden administration on Thursday (yesterday) warned Iran of a ‘swift and severe’ response from the international community if Tehran provided ballistic missiles to Russia, after Reuters reported earlier this week that the Islamic Republic shipped the powerful weapons to Moscow. Speaking at a virtual briefing with reporters, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said Washington has yet to see confirmation that missiles have moved from Iran to Russia.

Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday that Iran has provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, citing six sources, a move that illustrated the deepening military cooperation between the two U. S.-sanctioned countries. “In this press reporting, the Iranians are clearly indicating that they will ship ballistic missiles to Russia, and we have no reason to believe they will not follow though,” Kirby said. “For our part, we will take this matter to the U.N. Security Council (what a joke!),! He added. “We will implement additional sanctions (another joke!) against Iran. And we will coordinate further response options with our allies and partners in Europe and elsewhere (Sheba, Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish who, according to Ezekiel 38:13, file only a “mild protest” against the invading Russians, Iranians and their allies. But, there’s good news: The Lord God Himself will come to Israel’s defense and destroy Russia, Iran and their allies. And, if you don’t believe me, read Ezekiel 38:13-39:29. Glory to God!

Yes, dearly beloved in Christ, these are exciting and scary times, as we watch Bible prophecy being fulfilled in our lifetime. So, here’s what we are to do: watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, 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! Blessings, Doug (2/23/24)

WWIII?

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and mild (33 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline, from Michael Snyder of the American Dream, really got my attention: “World War III!” Note: This article is definitely not for “little ears.”

In the article, Michael wrote: “Prominent leaders all over the globe are starting to publicly acknowledge that World War III is coming. In many cases they are expressing hope that it can still be avoided, but that becomes less likely with each passing day.

Multiple parties are escalating the conflict in the Middle East. The war in Ukraine has entered a dangerous new phase, and the election that just happened in Taiwan has made a Chinese invasion much more probable. So what is going to happen if major powers start tangling with one another all over the planet? We really are on the brink of the unthinkable, but most people in the general population (and I would add, the church), have no idea how dire things have become.

On Monday, British Defense Minister Grant Shapps warned that we are now in a ‘pre-war world’ and that western powers could soon find themselves fighting Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. We find ourselves at the dawn of this new era. The Berlin Wall is a distant memory, but we have come full circle, moving from a post-war to a pre-war world. An age of idealism has been replaced by a hard-headed realism. I was stunned that he was willing to give the public such an honest assessment. But, of course, he is right. Multiple wars are coming. U.S. officials are issuing similar warnings. Here is one example: A source within the Pentagon has warned Daily Express US that ‘we are on the brink of World War 3 amid surging conflict in the Middle East sparked largely by Iran . The source inside the Pentagon that issued this rather ominous warning is a man named Nicholas Drummond, and he claims that the current war in the Middle East could literally result in ‘the end of Iran.'”

Now, let me jump in and say that I believe, based on the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39, the Lord God Himself will destroy Russia, Iran and a host of other nations when they invade Israel “to capture a spoil.” Then, I believe, according to Revelation 16:12-16, the so-called “kings from the east” which, I believe, will include China, North Korea and the other remaining nations will march to Megiddo where they will be destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (Revelation 19:11-21).

And so, for the believer in Jesus, there is “good news” because the Bible tells us that not only is Jesus coming for His bride, the church, which is made up of all those who have agreed with God they are sinners who need a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believed He died on a cross for their sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all their sins and give them eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus said, in Matthew 24:6, “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of war; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.” Yes, wars are frightening. But, the Lord Jesus will be with us and fighting for us and give us the victory. So, “fix your eyes on Him” (Hebrews 12:2) and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Him until He comes. Blessings with love and prayers, Doug (1/24/24)