What's Edom Got To Do With It?

I did it, too...
Whenever I ran into a word in the Bible that I did not understand . . . then I just skipped over it.

About fifteen years ago I visited Israel because my daughter and my grandchildren lived in Jerusalem.

That was the last time I just "skipped" over things in the Bible that I did not understand.

Wow! That has made a huge difference in understanding the END TIME scenario.

Now, I purposefully look up these words and research them

I noticed something: every nation that Jesus will fight against when He returns is a Muslim nation.

Every country that surrounds Israel is a Muslim nation: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, not to mention Iraq and Iran.

Even Gog and Magog (that we were previously told by U.S. "scholars" was Russia) were regions in Eastern Turkey!

Forget about the European Union and the papacy being enemies of the Muslim nations.

If you really want to understand the END TIMES, then read Isaiah 63:1-6, Habakkuk 3:1-7, and Revelation 19. Just for your information: it is approximately 180 miles from Haifa to Petra!

Jesus is not coming back as the Sunday School Jesus, all meek and mild. The first time He came here He came as a baby in a manger.

The next time Jesus comes, He will be "The Lord of Heaven's Armies" (YHWH tseba' oth). And it is possible that many people sitting in the pews will not even know who He is. They are expecting Him to land on the Mt. of Olives. Oh, He will stand on the Mt. of Olives all right, but He is coming from Edom, and more specifically from Bozrah!

Where is Edom and Bozrah?

Edom is modern Jordan, and Bozrah is a city in that nation which is now named Bouseira, very near Petra (a well-visited tourist spot near Saudia Arabia), which is also in Jordan.

He will have blood spattered all over his white uniform (Rev. 19:13 and Isaiah 63:1). Why is He spattered with blood? Because He will be a Mighty Warrior (another truth the Sunday School crowd finds difficult to believe).

"Who is this who comes from Edom, from the city of Bozrah, with His clothing stained red? Who is this in ROYAL ROBES, marching in His great strength?"

Who wears ROYAL ROBES except the Lord Jesus Christ? Who MARCHES IN GREAT STRENGTH except Jesus?

Then He answers His rhetorical question: "It is I, THE LORD, announcing your salvation! It is I, THE LORD, who has the power to save."

This is not complicated, folks. He spells it out for us. There is only one person who has the power to save, and it is the Lord Jesus Christ!

"Why are your clothes (uniform) so red, as if you have been treading out grapes?"

Get the picture? A man in a white uniform in a pool of grapes. What would he look like after just the first few minutes squishing out the grapes? Now you have the picture in your mind of Jesus as He makes His way from Saudia Arabia and Jordan to the Mt. of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel.

"I have been treading the winepress alone; no one was there to help Me. In My anger I have trampled My enemies as if they were grapes. In My fury I have trampled My foes. Their blood has stained My clothes. For the time has come for Me to avenge My people (the Jews), and to ransom them from their oppressors (Arab Muslims). I was amazed (even Jesus is amazed by the cowardice of the Gentiles) to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So I Myself stepped in (from outer space: heaven) to save them with My strong arm, and My wrath sustained Me (an angry God? an angry Jesus?---and here all this time He was(like)Santa Clause). I crushed the nations in My anger and made them stagger and fall to the ground, spilling their blood upon the earth."

Why is God so angry? The answer is very simple:

Out of all the nations on the earth, He picked Israel as His prize possession. When nations of the world killed, attacked, kidnapped, tortured, and beheaded Jewish people for centuries . . . God finally blows His top.

Can you blame Him?

Oh, there is much, much more in Habakkuk chapter 3. Read it for yourself.

The King is actually coming . . . even if it is just a little different than what we learned in Sunday School. Too bad that we did not actually study our Bibles all those years. But the good news is that some of us are actually opening them now at the END OF TIME and learning something.

This is exciting news, folks, because those of us who are true believers will have indestructable bodies by then and we will be mighty warriors in an army led by Jesus Christ himself!

Israel means "God Prevails" and is mentioned 2,576 times in the Bible.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon have a combined population of 249 million. Israel's population is 7.5 million. These Muslim nations have 33 times more people than Israel. But somehow Israel continues to survive. God does "prevail"!

Wesley Smith
End Time Truth Blog:http://www.weseds.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.FLC7.com
asimplewitness.com

Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua

Temple Institute Publishes Blueprints for Third Temple

By Chris Perver
Prophecy in the News

The Temple Institute, an organization which has tasked itself with preparing for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, has published the first set of blueprints for a small part of the building. Architects have completed work on an area known as the 'Chamber of Hewn Stone', the place where the 71 members of the Sanhedrin are to sit.

The Sanhedrin is a religious council that is made up of 71 of the most learned Jewish scholars in the land of Israel. The Sanhedrin, which presided over the trial of the Lord Jesus Christ, was dissolved in the year 358 AD. The council was officially reconvened on the 13th of October, 2004. Often in direct opposition to government policy, they have taken on various projects, such as planning for the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple and anointing a king to replace the democratically elected Knesset. They have in the past attempted to reinstate the sacrificial system, which the Bible prophesies will recommence just prior to or during the tribulation period (Daniel 9:27).
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But as you can see from what is happening today, this rebuilding of the Temple is being done in unbelief. The very fact that the Sanhedrin have focused their attention on designing the building where they will sit, rather than on God's dwelling place, shows just how full of self-importance they are. It seems that even God Himself must take second place to them.
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The same mindset still exists in the Sanhedrin today. This is still very much 'their house', and it will remain desolate until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. This will be the house that the Antichrist will eventually defile during the tribulation period (2nd Thessalonians 2:4). Only when the Jewish people recognize the Lord Jesus as their Messiah, will the Lord return and set up His kingdom (Zechariah 12:10).

Praise God that we are alive to witness these events coming to pass. How close must be the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. At His first coming, John records that "He came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11). The Jewish Sanhedrin and the nation in general did not recognize Christ at His first coming. But the Bible says that "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). Have your sins been forgiven? Have you believed on Jesus Christ for salvation? He came into this world the first time that He might "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Hebrews 9:26). And Hebrews 9:28 promises that "unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation". Don't wait until it's too late. Turn away from your sin, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Read full article here

Are these the ten end-time world kingdoms spoken of by Daniel?

While most of us are sleeping (prophetically speaking) and not paying attention, the fulfillment of Bible prophecy is unfolding at a rapid and increasing rate. As prophesied by Daniel, a federation of ten world-wide kingdoms will be formed by a revived Roman Empire (Dan. 7:24), or known today as the European Union, and would be headed by Antichrist.

Centuries later the apostle John also referred to those ten kingdoms in Rev. 13:1 and Rev. 17:12.

The Antichrist will emerge from one of those kingdoms/regions. More specifically, he will come out of one of the nations that was a part of the original Roman Empire that destroyed the Temple and Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27) in 70 A.D. The old Roman Empire at that time covered a huge geographic area and included many nations.

A New World Order (NWO), which in part is a confederated ten-kingdom empire covering all nations of the earth, is being developed today and is referenced in the media daily.

The following link is a world map showing the ten world regions established by the EU. It's been revised recently with minor border changes, but is now reasonably accurate. Note that Israel is a part of the "Mediterrean and Middle-East Union", and the United States of America is a part of the "North America Union". Nations have little or no control/input as to their Union identification.

http://ec.europa.eu/world/where/index_en.htm

This next link is an excellent detailed article concerning the EU and the 10 kings/kingdoms.

http://prophecyupdate.blogspot.com/2009/12/eu-expansion-and-10-kings.html



The point I want to make is that we are much farther along in God's end-time plan than most people realize. Prophecy is being fulfilled almost daily. In my opinion we are on the very threshold of the rapture, the AC confirming a covenant with many, Daniel's 70th week, and the "time of Jacob's trouble".

So...are these the ten world kingdoms spoken of by Daniel? I believe they could be. We are truly living in exciting times!

Don

What is the time of Jacob’s trouble?

Question: "What is the time of Jacob’s trouble?"

Answer: The phrase "the time of Jacob's trouble" is a quote from Jeremiah 30:7 which says, "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it" (KJV).

In the previous verses of Jeremiah 30, we find that the Lord is speaking to Jeremiah the prophet about Judah and Israel (30:3-4). In 30:3, the Lord promises that one day in the future, He will bring both Judah and Israel back to the land that He had promised their forefathers. Verse 5 describes a time of great fear and trembling. Verse 6 describes this time in a way that pictures men going through the pains of childbirth, again indicating a time of fear and pain. But there is hope for Judah and Israel, for though this is called "the time of Jacob's distress" (NASB), the Lord promises He will save Jacob (referring to Judah and Israel) out of this time of great distress (30:7).

In Jeremiah 30:10-11 the Lord says, “‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. I am with you and will save you,’ declares the LORD.”

Also, the Lord says He will destroy the nations who held Judah and Israel in captivity, but will not destroy Jacob completely. However, it should be noted that the Lord describes that time as a time of discipline for Jacob. He says of Jacob, “Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.”

Jeremiah 30:7 says "that day is great, so that none is like it.” The only time period that fits this description is the period of the tribulation. This is an unparalleled time; there will never be another like it. Jeremiah 30:6 depicts a man going through the pains of childbirth. This is paralleled by other passages that liken the tribulation to birth pains.

Jesus similarly described the tribulation. In Matthew 24:6-8, He stated that the appearance of false christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes are "the beginning of birth pains." We know this will be during the first half of the tribulation because the appearance of the beast/antichrist occurs at the midpoint of the tribulation (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13).

Paul, too, described the tribulation as birth pains. First Thessalonians 5:3 says, "While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." This event follows the rapture and the removal of the Church, in 4:13-18. In 5:9, Paul reemphasizes the absence of the Church from this time period by saying, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." The wrath spoken of here is God's judgment on the unbelieving world and His discipline of Israel during the tribulation.

These birth pains are described in detail in Revelation 6-12, birth pains which are the Lord's discipline designed to bring Israel back to Him.

For those who have received Christ as Savior from sin, the time of Jacob's trouble is something for which we should praise the Lord, for it is His demonstrating that He keeps His promises. Just as He has promised us eternal life through Christ our Lord, He also will fulfill His promises of land, seed, and blessing that He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the form of covenants by giving those things to their physical descendants. But before He fulfills these promises, He will lovingly but firmly discipline the nation so that they return to Him.


Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/Jacobs-trouble.html


Don

Psalm 83, Isaiah 17, Ezekiel 38-39

Psalm 83 has been on my mind daily. Events in the Middle East are escalating and only a fool could say the region is headed for peace. Careful study of this Psalm will show you why it is constantly at the forefront of my thoughts.
To study this portion of Scripture, I researched online and found the following sites to contain valuable insights:

1. Israelestine
2. Psalm 83
   
3. World and Church Trends and Biblical Prophecy
   
4. Prophecy Puzzle
   
5. The Fatalities of Psalm 83
6. Rapture Ready
   
7. Prophecy Depot
   

What I found fascinating is the list of countries that correspond to the names found in Asaph's Psalm. From Psalm 83

The names in Psalm 83 include:

1. Assyria, joined with the sons of Lot; (Moab and Ammon)
2. Moab, and the descendants of Abraham and Hagar.
3. Ammon; Zebah, Zalmunna, Midianites.
4. Edom, and the Ishmaelites, descendants of Abraham and Hagar, of Ishmael.
5. Oreb, Zeeb, also Midianites; descendants of Abraham by Keturah. Midian allied with Amalek.
6. Gebal, a coastal city of Philistia; the ancient Byblos, about 75 miles north of Tyre, on the coast of Lebanon.
7. The Philistines, with Tyre; Sisera and Jabin; (Syro-Phoenician)
8. Amalek, the city of Amalek was the border-fort on the Wadi El Arish. Saul did not kill the Amalekite king, Agag, as the LORD had commanded -- see 1 Samuel 15. Amalek was the "chief of the nations" of the land, per Balaam's prophecy, Num. 24:7, 20. These hateful people also date from Abraham's time. "But his latter end shall be that he perish forever."

No confederation like this has formed to come against Israel... yet. But that fact is about to change, and soon. Will you be ready when it does?

Are you consumed with the cares of this world right now? Or are you sensing in your spirit that God is moving and that you need to stay in close relationship with Him. These are exciting times!! Don't miss them because you are caught up in the cares of your everyday life. I challenge you to take a deeper look into these End Times prophecies and compare them to Daniel and Revelation. We are in the LAST DAYS!!

Russian Roulette

Russian Roulette
from Jan Markell Olive Tree Ministries

Russia has an evil intent, and she is going to be seriously wounded when she perpetrates it. Russia is regaining her old aggressiveness and brutality. White House correspondent Bill Koenig and I discussed it on air Saturday, March 21, on my live broadcast. We know this for sure: The Russian invasion of Israel has not yet happened. It is a future event but we don't know how future. It is often called the Gog-Magog War. According to Josephus, the ancient Scythians inhabited the land of Magog that is now Russia.

Here's what else we know from Ezekiel 38. Many Islamic nations will participate (verse 5). It is in the "latter days" (verses 8 and 16). Israel is "living securely" (verse 8). A major motive will be to seize Israel's wealth (verse 12). Many nations will object but will not get involved (verse 13). God is angry because forces are invading His land (verse 16). God raises severe judgment on the invaders (verse 22). Many nations are awed at this and recognize that He is Lord (verse 23).

The scenario in chapter 39 states that the devastation of the enemy will be great (verse 4). God will send fire upon the lands of some of those involved in this invasion of Israel (verse 6). God's holy name is made known in Israel, and they will know He is the Holy One of Israel (verse 7). Israel will burn weapons for seven years, which may indicate this is a Tribulation war (verse 9). Russia and her allies will be buried in Israel for seven months (verse 12). Israel will know that the Lord God of Israel orchestrated this. His glory is set among the nations and in Israel (verse 21). Israel will have some kind of spiritual awakening (verse 22). God will not hide His face from them any longer for He will pour out His Spirit on the house of Israel (verse 29). This should not be confused with "all Israel saved" at the Second Coming.

Since Bible prophecy is in a fast-forward mode, we need to be paying attention to major events taking place. One of the issues that those with their eye on the sky have wondered about is what is the wealth Israel possesses that is so vital that Gog (Russia) and her allies are willing to invade Israel to seize it. A story many seem to think significant is the fact that Israel has just discovered five trillion feet of natural gas off the shore of Haifa. And that is just for starters. It is believed there is much more soon to be tapped into, as well as oil not yet discovered in various parts of the country. Oil may be a speculation but the natural gas is a reality.

Russia needs natural gas! That was, in part, her reason for invading the former Soviet state of Georgia. Additionally, Russia is building seaports in Syria and Libya. Libya is one of the participants in this forthcoming war. Another participant -- Turkey -- is now more aligned with Russia than ever before. A primary participant in the Gog-Magog war is Iran who is always strengthening her ties with Russia.

As for other items of wealth or a "spoil" in Israel, we should include her Dead Sea assets and technological wealth. But it is the natural gas find that everyone should keep an eye on. This was the missing piece of the puzzle! And hardly anyone is paying attention to it. The media just says this will be a great asset for Israel as they are clueless about the Ezekiel 38-39 passage and how this find might apply to biblical prophecy.

Returning to the theme of the rapid escalation of events today, Dr. Thomas Ice says, "Things are moving so fast in the last six months that stage-setting events are happening at a speed no one person can keep up with. Prophecy is on fast-forward!"

Dr. Ice also says, "God's plan for history always moves forward in relation to what He is doing with Israel. Thus, the fact that Israel has been and continues to be reconstituted as a nation is prophetically significant, so significant that it makes Israel God's 'super-sign' of the end-times. Were Israel not a nation again it would be impossible for events of the end-time to occur since so many of them take place in that tiny country or in reference to her. But she has returned and so it is that all other aspects of Bible prophecy are also being prepared for the grand finale of history."

Yes, it is a tragedy that the church today does not care about this topic, but the Bible predicted scoffers near the end (II Peter 3:4). Too bad much of the scoffing is coming from church pulpits. And it grieves many of us that once-solid denominations and churches now embrace Replacement Theology that says the church is the new Israel. Nonetheless, in this dark day, keep looking up -- even if you get a stiff neck. Keep listening for the sound of a glorious trumpet! Stage-setting signs have never been so prolific! Not everyone has this blessed hope!

To better understand this, visit our "Prophecy Watch" section at our Web site. Link in the Title.

Significant "Signs of the Times"...

The following are excerpts from Signs of the Times, by Gary Kah Hope for the World. I invite you to read all of his enlightening articles, but first read his profile, as he has significant credentials.

"Virtually all of our most powerful leaders, including Tony Blair and George Bush, appear to be falling for the lie that a one-world economic, political and spiritual system will somehow solve our most pressing problems and bring peace. Through their naivety, Satan is tightening his grip on the institutions of this world – including the compromised elements of the church."

..."While in Israel, President Bush also met with Arab leaders at a special summit to promote his Road Map for Peace. This plan, if it remains in tact, will force Israel to give up a large portion of Judea and Samaria, while dividing Jerusalem. The goal of the Bush Administration is to have the plan finalized by November 12th of this year.15 At this point, both Shimon Peres and Ehud Olmert are “on board.” It appears that Israeli citizens are being betrayed by their top two leaders who are prepared to surrender their country to international interests in exchange for a promise of peace."

..."A few weeks after Bush’s trip to Israel he traveled to Rome for what would be his third meeting with Pope Benedict. On Friday, June 13th, Benedict and Bush held 30 minutes of private talks inside a medieval watchtower on the Vatican grounds. ...“Several Italian newspapers cited Vatican sources suggesting that Mr. Bush may be prepared to convert…He has repeatedly made clear his admiration for Benedict and has even claimed to have read some of the pope’s theological books.”19 ...(Jeb Bush, the President’s brother, has already converted to Catholicism.)"

..."Where are all the disturbing events of our day leading us? Ultimately, we know from Scripture (Matt. 24, II Thess. 2, Rev. 19-22, etc.) that Jesus Christ will return in power and majesty to defeat the forces of Satan and establish His reign. What an incredible day that will be! However, I’m afraid that between now and then things are going to “get ugly.”

"I believe, based on Scripture and current world trends, that persecution against the followers of Jesus will soon increase."

..."Therefore, our sacred duty and calling in these last days as we recognize the signs of the times is to stand firm on behalf of the Lord. In I Corinthians 15:58, Paul urges, “…stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Again in I Corinthians 16:13, Paul emphatically states, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”

..."It is better to stand alone in the truth and remain obedient to the Lord than to fall with the majority for the lies of Satan and be subject to everlasting punishment. The prophet Daniel and the three Hebrews stood firm and would not compromise before the king of Babylon. They risked their very lives for the Lord, not knowing if they would be spared. Putting everything on the line in courageous obedience, they believed that no matter what happened their eternity would be secure in Him. They had an enduring trust in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God; and so must we!"

...“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
— James 1:12

Read the entire article: Signs of the Times

Ancient vs Modern Day Israel

I found the following information to be an amazing parallel between the Judges and Kings of ancient Israel vs the Prime Ministers and coming Kings of modern day Israel. Note the numbers in each period of history, the 4th entry in each period, and the final King entries in both periods.

The original source of the material could not located, nor has its accuracy been verified. Use for general informational purposes only.

Don


Beginning of the nation of Israel [1897 BC]

Abram… a great nation… Abraham; for a father of many nations

There were 13 judges:
1) Moses
2) Othniel
3) Ehud
4) Deborah – Only woman
5) Tola
6) Jair
7) Jephthah
8) Ibzan
9) Elon
10) Abdon
11) Samson
12) Eli
13) Samuel

Then came Kings. The first 2 were:
1) Saul (Was a type of anti-christ – did things not unto the Lord)
2) David (Was most after God’s heart – did things unto the Lord)


Modern Israel

First Zionist Congress – Theodore Herzl [1897 AD]

Who has been Prime Minister since then:
1) David Ben-Gurion (1948-1953, 1955-1963)
2) Moshe Sharett (1954-1955)
3) Levi Eshkol (1963-1969)
4) Golda Meir (1969-1974) – Only woman
5) Yitzak Rabin (1974-1977, 1992-1995)
6) Menachem Begin (1977-1983)
7) Yitzak Shamir (1983-1984, 1986-1992)
8) Shimon Perez (1984-1986, 1995-1996)
9) Benjamin Netanyahu (1996-1999)
10) Ehud Barak (1999-2001)
11) Ariel Sharon (2001-2006)
12) Ehud Olmert is acting PM until elections
13) Could this PM could be the one to sign the agreement with the AntiChrist?

The next 2 Kings?
1) The Antichrist (Saul like qualities)
2) Lord Jesus Christ

God Will Never Forget Thee, Zion!

(Isaiah 49:14-16)
But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me,
And my Lord has forgotten me."

"Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me."

The Lord has tatooed Zion/Jerusalem on the palms of His hands...
her walls are continually before Him. No matter what unbelieving, corrupt government tries to sell out Israel to her enemies, Israel/Jerusalem is ever before the Lord. He has wed Himself to her. He is her bridegroom. She will always be in His heart. The enemies of Israel have her destruction in mind, even those enemies within, whose hearts are not Jewish, those who call themselves Jews but are not and love not the land that was specifically given to them by the Creator of heaven and earth, but God says He will defend her.

We may yet have our faith tried in this respect, if the Lord allows the unthinkable to happen in order to bring Israel to her knees so that her people will acknowledge Yeshua as Messiah. We may think as others undoubtedly will, that God has forsaken His Beloved... but stand strong when these things happen, for God is not a man that He should lie... what He has said He will bring to pass.
Never doubt for a minute that God's Word is true, and that He is orchestrating all that is happening--for Israel's future benefit~never cease to pray for the peace of Jerusalem!!!

Galilee Arabs Could Declare A State Now

This, from: The Jerusalem Post

"If the Israeli government doesn't make sure there is a Jewish majority in the Galilee, the Arab majority could declare independence and [demand] international recognition based on the precedent of [breakaway Georgian provinces South] Ossetia and Abkhazia," Danny Ayalon, former ambassador to the US and current co-chairman of Nefesh B'Nefesh, said at a political gathering in Carmiel Sunday evening.

This, from: World Net Daily
By Aaron Klein
© 2008 WorldNetDaily





JERUSALEM – After months of denials the status of Jerusalem is on the table during negotiations, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office today confirmed to WND that a mechanism has been created to deal with the issue of the holy city in U.S.-backed Israeli-Palestinian talks aimed at creating a Palestinian state by the end of the year.

"Of all the final status core issues, the issue of Jerusalem is probably the most difficult and unlike some of the other issues, we have yet to start negotiating the future of Jerusalem. Therefore in order to not let the process fall victim to its weakest link, we have the establishment of an agreed upon mechanism that would continue to deal with Jerusalem. That mechanism was created in such a way that it would address the concern of both sides," Mark Regev, Olmert's spokesman, told WND.

Regev would not detail which mechanism had purportedly been created to discuss Jerusalem.

Confirmed: Jerusalem is on negotiating table

This is so sad. They are finally admitting that part of the city is for sale, and are looking for a peace deal by the end of the year. However, they are about to find out that God will have the last word.

Zech. 12:3
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Joel 3:2
I will gather all the nations
And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat
Then I will enter into judgment with them there
On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
And they have divided up My land.


Confirmed: Jerusalem is on negotiating table
After months of denials, Israel admits 'mechanism' for 'dealing with holy city'

August 31, 2008
1:35 pm Eastern

By Aaron Klein
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

JERUSALEM – After months of denials the status of Jerusalem is on the table during negotiations, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office today confirmed to WND that a mechanism has been created to deal with the issue of the holy city in U.S.-backed Israeli-Palestinian talks aimed at creating a Palestinian state by the end of the year.

"Of all the final status core issues, the issue of Jerusalem is probably the most difficult and unlike some of the other issues, we have yet to start negotiating the future of Jerusalem. Therefore in order to not let the process fall victim to its weakest link, we have the establishment of an agreed upon mechanism that would continue to deal with Jerusalem. That mechanism was created in such a way that it would address the concern of both sides," Mark Regev, Olmert's spokesman, told WND.

More of the story here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=73965

The Mediterranean along Israel's coastline

Judean Hills

Eilat Mountains

View of Jerusalem from Mount Scopus

Israel, O Israel, how I long for you. What I wouldn't give to traverse your land and breathe in the sacred air of your past, feel the sands of your present days, and weep at the wall for your immediate future. I long to sit on the Mount of Olives and listen to the ancient trees share about the life of Yeshua, watch the sunrise reverently kiss Jerusalem's walls. I know in my heart of hearts that there is a glorious awakening for you in the coming Messianic kingdom, but for now I close my eyes and reach across the miles in my spirit...knowing someday, when I open them, I will embrace your Holy Land and walk in the ways of the Righteous. Look for me, you who are beloved of the Father!

Someday Israel will trust in the Lord, not in the IDF

Read Isaiah 51 and 55 ~ Someday Israel will trust in the Lord for her deliverance and not in her own strength...



IDF Begins Major Move to the Negev
by Hillel Fendel

A Hercules jet will take off Monday afternoon from central Israel to the new Nevatim Israel Air Force base in the Negev, marking the start of the herculean IDF move to the Negev.

The move marks today's closing of the IAF's main transport base, in Lod, and its replacement in Nevatim. The new base will be formally dedicated later this week in the presence of President Shimon Peres and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi

At the same time, infrastructure work is beginning on the new army city in the Negev, to be called Ir HaBahadim, or City of the Training Bases. Construction was long delayed because of environmental concerns. Defense Minister Ehud Barak is in attendance for a ceremony marking the construction.

The new town is set to be built on an area of 1,065 dunams (263 acres, just over a square kilometer), and and will house the IDF's Armaments School, Logistics Training School, Military Police, and more. Ir HaBahadim will also include an inn for visitors, a shopping mall, a country club and theaters, and is expected to provide a welcome economic boon for the sparsely-populated area - as well as boost for the IDF, technologically and manpower-wise.

The move to the Negev, called "Project IDF Ascent to the Negev," is being termed by security network personnel "one of the largest and most important military projects in the history of the State of Israel." Some 11,000 soldiers, both in the standing army and career officers, will serve on the technological campus of the 4CI Branch - the army's Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Information Branch. Another 9,000 soldiers will serve in other branches there.

Ir HaBahadim (Bahad is an acronym for Bsis Hadrachah, or Training Base) has long been in the planning, and will feature state-of-the-art elements in the training and preparation spheres.

Promises

Isaiah 66:8-14

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed , she brought forth her children.
Shall I bring to the birth , and not cause to bring forth ? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth , and shut the womb? saith thy God.
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
That ye may suck , and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out , and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck , ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.
As one whom his mother comforteth , so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice , and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.

More promises for future Israel. Peace like a river with the Glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Those who align themselves with Israel will be comforted in Jerusalem. Right now there is fear and uncertainty but in that day, God says our hearts will rejoice, and our bones will flourish like a growing plant. We who love Israel and mourn for her will be glad and rejoice...we will know the hand of the Lord, not his judgment reserved for His enemies. Get rooted and grounded in the word now. Let the Lord open your eyes to the Truth about Israel. Beware of emergent church doctrine, replacement theology and those who would put God's promises in the past tense. There is much more to come!! Are you ready for it??

Under His Wings - entry #1

As the Lord leads, I will periodically write and post a series of short devotionals related to God's everlasting love for Israel, including the personal relationship we can have with Him as well. God bless!

Don


Jeremiah 31:35,36 NIV
This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD Almighty is his name: "Only if these decrees vanish from my sight," declares the LORD, "will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation before me."

Our awesome God of the universe, the One who created all things, the One who is in complete control, the One who never slumbers or sleeps, and the One who has numbered the hairs of our head will never allow Israel to cease from being a nation, nor will He ever turn away from them.

Israel is the apple of God's eye (Zech, 2:8). God will protect, deliver and rescue Israel (Is. 31:5). In Jerusalem, which He has chosen, His name will be there forever (2 Chr. 33:7).

Just as Almighty God cares for Israel, He also cares for you and me - for we are all precious in His sight. Just imagine! He holds the whole world in the palm of His hand, yet He can curl up inside our heart if we just let Him into our life.

Psalm 91:4 NIV
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Prodigal Son~Masab Yousef

This will encourage you like no other article... God is moving among the Muslims today. He is demonstrating His love to all who will abandon their rebellion against Him and believe in and accept His Son, Yeshua HaMashiach as their Lord and Savior. Our God is an Awesome God!!
Prodigal Son

Promises

(Zechariah 12:1,2, 9,10)

The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
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And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced , and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

This promise thrills me! It leaves no doubt as to God's heart towards His people. In that day when the world comes against Jerusalem to destroy the nation of Israel, God will turn the tables on them. Then He will remove the veil that has blinded Jews from receiving Jesus (Yeshua) as their messiah and pour out His grace upon them!!

War in Georgia: The Israeli connection

For past seven years, Israeli companies have been helping the Gerogian army prepare for war against Russia through arms deals, training of infantry units and security advice. Will Russia retaliate militarily against Israel for her involvement with Georgia? Israel must be alert for that possibility.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6)

Don


War in Georgia: The Israeli Connection
by Arie Egozi ~ ynet news

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3580136,00.html

(below are excerpts from that article)

The fighting which broke out over the weekend between Russia and Georgia has brought Israel's intensive involvement in the region into the limelight. This involvement includes the sale of advanced weapons to Georgia and the training of the Georgian army's infantry forces.
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It was clear that too many unmistakable Israeli systems in the possesion of the Georgian army would be like a red cloth in the face of a raging bull as far as Russia is concerned," explained a source in the defense establishment.
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It's important that the entire world understands that what is happening in Georgia now will affect the entire world order. It's not just Georgia's business, but the entire world's business.

Georgian Jews Flee from Russian Border

Geographically, Georgia separates Russia from Iran, the Middle East, and Israel. In my opinion, it would seem logical that Russia must have control of Georgia in order to pave a clear pathway when Russia, Iran and others come against Israel as recorded in Ezekiel 38 & 39.

The invasion of Israel will happen. Perhaps today we are beginning to see the removal of that 'Georgia obstacle' - preparing the way for Ezekiel's prophesy to be fulfilled very soon!

Don


Russia and Georgia at War
by Hana Levi Julian ~ Israel National News

(IsraelNN.com) As fierce battles that are rapidly developing into a war heat up between Russia and Georgia, approximately 200 Georgian Jews have fled their homes in the Gori area while the two forces lock horns over the separatist region of South Ossetia.

The new refugees, who fled the combat zone at the advice of the Jewish Agency, headed for the comparative safety of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after Russian jets bombed the city of Gori and oil pipelines in the area.

Georgian soldiers had reportedly retreated Sunday morning from South Ossetia following fierce fighting with Russian troops for control of the separatist region. The two forces had been fighting for control of the city of Tskhinvali, capital of the mountainous rebel region, according to Georgian Interior Ministry communications director Shota Utiashvili. “They have been withdrawn completely because of the heavy civilian casualties Georgia has suffered,” he told the Reuters news agency."

Full story at link...

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/127133

For Such A Time As This...

"The Israel Connection" is an exciting way to proclaim the Truth of God's Word and share concerning Israel's prophetic role in these endtimes. That tiny nation, the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants forever through His everlasting covenant, will be the center of the world (Ezek. 32:12). In Zech. 2:8 we find that she is the apple of God's eye and will be protected. We are told in 2 Chr. 33:7 that God has chosen Jerusalem and His Name will be there forever. As true believers we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6).

Events taking place today, not only in Israel, but throughout the whole world, are clear evidence of the unfolding of God's plan. It is truly an exciting time to be alive! Jesus, our Savior and Lord, is coming back soon just as He said He would. We must examine our hearts, and know we are ready to to see Him face to face on that great day. Oh, what a day that will be!