Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13

Will Iran Create More Hezbollahs Across the Middle East?
Oct 5th, 2019
CommentaryYAAKOV AMIDROR/JNS.ORG
Categories: The Nation Of Israel

Over the past several weeks, Israel and the Hezbollah terrorist group have been at daggers drawn in the Middle East. Israeli aircraft recently struck Iranian-backed forces in Syria that were plotting a major drone attack in Israel. 

Hezbollah responded by firing advanced anti-tank missiles into Israel, with the leader of the group pledging a "new phase" in which Hezbollah would no longer observe past "red lines."

Meanwhile, Israel disclosed sites in Lebanon where Iran and Hezbollah are working together to build precision-guided missiles that could hit sites throughout Israel during a war.

This dramatic escalation in tensions with Iran and its proxies is dangerous, but unsurprising. It should be understood as a warning that Iran's strategy of training and arming proxy terror groups throughout the Middle East is not being countered aggressively enough.

In the summer of 2006, at the conclusion of the month-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, few expected that the quiet between Israel and Lebanon would have lasted this long. But it is a deceptive quiet because the Israel-Hezbollah battlefield has moved to Syria and other locales. The Israeli Air Force has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Iranian-backed targets in recent years.

That war was a missed opportunity since it ended without a clear victory over Hezbollah, which at the time was a far less intimidating enemy. Since then, Hezbollah has grown in manpower and firepower to the extent that Israel is careful not to attack it inside of Lebanon. 

Today, there is mutual deterrence, which is a strategic accomplishment for Hezbollah, a terrorist group opposing one of the most capable militaries in the world. Thanks to massive Iranian investment, Hezbollah has now developed into a "hybrid organization," a terror organization with strong military components. Significantly, this success has made the frightening model on which Iran is basing its promotion of new terrorist militias in Yemen, Syria and Iraq.

Hezbollah has some 30,000 active-duty troops and an equivalent number in militia positions held in parallel to civilian occupations. The group has gained valuable combat experience in Syria (at the high cost of some 10,000 killed or wounded), and now holds a diverse arsenal of weaponry of a quantity and quality befitting a modern army: around 100,000 rockets and missiles, many of which can hit targets hundreds of kilometers away; a large number of advanced Kornet anti-tank missiles; anti-ship missiles; and sophisticated surface-to-air missiles supplied by Russia to Syria and then handed over to Hezbollah.

No terror organization in history has had as powerful an armament as the one Hezbollah currently stockpiles. It is no wonder, then, that the Iranians are very happy with their success and are attempting to replicate this model in Yemen, Iraq and Syria. What remains a wonder is why these attempts by Iran are not being fought more aggressively.

Iran is pursuing this effort with adaptations that take into account the different conditions in each place, but the principle is the same: set up a local organization aided by foreigners and supplied by Iran in order to create a militia that serves Iranian interests, but also benefits the local population. Iran's successful joint operations with its proxy forces often increase local support for the foreign involvement.

This was not supposed to happen. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 was passed at the end of the 2006 conflict to prevent precisely this situation. Western countries reinforced U.N. forces in Lebanon with troops that had a clear mandate to monitor and report on Hezbollah's activities. 

The resolution included a categorical statement banning the transfer of weaponry to Lebanon. These measures were supposed to ensure Lebanese sovereignty and prevent Hezbollah from growing stronger.

But the reality has been completely different. Lebanon today is completely dominated politically and militarily by Hezbollah, not the Lebanese government or army--so much so that Iran is moving to a new stage focused less on increasing the quantity of arms than on improving their quality. 

A sufficient quantity of precision-guided missiles could be a tiebreaker in the current stalemate, as they would allow Hezbollah to paralyze sensitive infrastructure and strike at strategically important targets in Israel, both military and civilian.

Israel's cautious approach to Lebanon has allowed Hezbollah and Iran to realize their vision there. Israel's more aggressive approach to Syria has so far prevented Iran from freely entrenching. Because Iran's military buildup in Lebanon is already too far advanced, eventually there is likely to be a terrible war between Israel and Hezbollah.

World powers should take heed. What Iran has accomplished in Lebanon with Hezbollah offers a clear vision of the future. The same thing will happen in the coming years in other parts of the region if the international community fails to stop Iran's development of proxy militaries across the Middle East.

Signs of the Times? Earthquake Swarms Hit Multiple Regions
Oct 5th, 2019
CommentaryMICHAEL SNYDER/END OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
Categories: Warning

There is a whole lotta shaking going on in America right now, and many people are concerned about what that could potentially mean. 

Could it be possible that the U.S. is entering a more seismically active time?  This week alone, we have seen earthquake swarms in Texas, Oklahoma, San Francisco and the New Madrid fault zone.  Of course earthquakes happen every day, but to see so many earthquake swarms happen in such diverse places within such a compressed period of time is definitely unusual.  

And what makes this even more unusual is the fact that Rosh Hashanah just ended.  In fact, the earthquake swarm that we just witnessed in Texas started on Rosh Hashanah with a magnitude 4.0 quake near the town of “Snyder”…

In just over 12 hours, Texas experienced not one earthquake, but four, experts say.

Three quakes were centered near the town of Snyder — just south of the Texas panhandle — with a fourth centered near the Fort Worth area, according to the United States Geological Survey. The first and strongest of the cluster hit just after 4:45 p.m. Monday about 12 miles north of Snyder and measured magnitude 4.0.

That was the strongest earthquake in Texas so far this year, and it was followed by a magnitude 3.8 earthquake near Snyder, a magnitude 3.2 earthquake just south of Fort Worth, and a magnitude 2.5 earthquake near Snyder.

Meanwhile, we have been witnessing unusual earthquake activity in Oklahoma as well.

Over the past 24 hours, the state has experienced 9 earthquakes of at least magnitude 1.5, and over the past 7 days there have been 40 such earthquakes.

Decades ago, Oklahoma was very quiet geologically, but things sure have changed over the past few years.  If you can believe it, there have already been more than 1,000 earthquakes of at least magnitude 1.5 in Oklahoma so far in 2019.

Meanwhile, we continue to see unusual seismic activity along the California coast.  This week, a swarm of five moderate earthquakes in the San Francisco area made headlines all over the nation…

A swarm of tiny temblors shook up California’s East Bay over the past 24 hours, the U.S. Geological Survey reports.

The agency reported at least five quakes registering from 2.0 to 2.9 magnitude, along with a slew of even smaller temblors registering below 2.0 magnitude.

The swarm centered on Dublin and San Ramon on the east side of San Francisco Bay.

Those earthquakes didn’t really cause any significant damage, but the concern is that all of this shaking could be leading up to something.  I wrote about this potential danger a few days ago, and scientists assure us that “the Big One” is way overdue and that at some point our time will run out.

Last but certainly not least, an earthquake swarm just hit the New Madrid fault zone as well.

In less than an hour on Monday morning, southeastern Missouri was hit by five significant earthquakes…

It started with a 2.6 magnitude temblor around 11:18 a.m. near Lilbourn, a small city just north of Missouri’s boot heel, according to the United States Geological Survey. A mere three minutes later, a 1.1 magnitude quake rumbled nearby.

Just before 11:30 a.m., a 2.7 magnitude quake rattled southwest of Lilbourn followed by a 1.8 magnitude quake only five minutes later, the USGS says.

It would be 23 minutes before the next quake, another magnitude 2.7, shook an area just west of Lilbourn, the USGS says.

For those that don’t know, southeastern Missouri sits right along the New Madrid fault zone, and in the early portion of the 19th century this part of the country was shaken by four of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history…

The New Madrid Seismic Zone is the most active earthquake zone east of the Rocky Mountains and spans southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois.

Between 1811 and 1812, the New Madrid Fault experienced some of the largest quakes in history. And although they originated in the Mississippi Valley, they rang church bells in Boston and shook New York City — over 1,000 miles away.

Even then-President James Madison and his wife Dolley reportedly felt shaking at the White House.

Scientists tell us that it is just a matter of time before earthquakes of that magnitude happen again, and this is something that I have been persistently warning about.

A number of years ago, the U.S. government conducted a major five day operation known as “National Level Exercise 11” in which they attempted to simulate what a major earthquake along the New Madrid fault zone would look like…

In May, the federal government simulated an earthquake so massive, it killed 100,000 Midwesterners instantly, and forced more than 7 million people out of their homes. At the time, National Level Exercise 11 went largely unnoticed; the scenario seemed too far-fetched — states like Illinois and Missouri are in the middle of a tectonic plate, not at the edge of one. A major quake happens there once every several generations.

Could you imagine what such a disaster would mean for our country?

Plus, it is important to note that there are 15 nuclear reactors operating within the New Madrid fault zone, and so in such a scenario we could potentially be facing the equivalent of 15 Fukushima nuclear disasters.

As long as the earthquakes rattling our nation remain small, they won’t be a problem.

But really big earthquakes are often preceded by smaller “foreshocks”, and scientists tell us that it is just a matter of time until the next great quake hits America.

So let us hope that all of this shaking settles down, because we want that day to be put off for as long as possible.

Let the Headlines Speak
Oct 5th, 2019
Daily NewsFrom the Internet
Categories: Today's Headlines

Pakistani Kashmir Chief: Standoff With India May Spark Nuclear Armageddon
The head of Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir said that a small-scale conflict between his country and India-rivals could ignite a nuclear war that would kill hundreds of millions. Kashmir made these comments just days after Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed India with similar rhetoric.

For First Time Iraq Points Finger of Blame at Israel
Iraq’s leadership rattles sabers against Israel, possibly giving green light to pro-Iran Shiite militias. “Nobody wants war except for Israel,” the Iraqi prime minister said in an interview Wednesday evening on the Al-Jazeera network.

Teen stuns court – forgives brother’s murderer: ‘Give your life to Christ’
Amber Guyger, a former Dallas police officer, received a 10-year sentence on Wednesday for fatally shooting Botham Jean in his home after mistaking it for her own apartment in September 2018. Brandt Jean, 18, spoke directly to the defendant when he took the stand Wednesday, and his emotional testimony left the courtroom stunned. “I hope you go to God with all the guilt,” he said. “If you truly are sorry, I know I can speak for myself — I forgive you. And I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you.” The teenager continued, acknowledging that he spoke only for himself and not for his family. “Give your life to Christ,” he added. “I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want you to do.”

Proposal for Netanyahu: Primaries in a year
The chairman of the Likud Central Committee, MK Haim Katz, on Thursday evening suggested to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that the Likud Central Committee be convened next week to announce that primaries will be held in about a year from now.

German Neo-Nazis Recruiting Palestinians to Implement Final Solution
Dozens of neo-Nazis marched in the western German city of Dortmund on Monday, calling for Palestinian assistance to destroy Israel .

Mysterious Poisonous Fish from Egypt Invading Israel’s Shores
A mysterious invasive, poisonous fish has invaded Israel’s sea coast, especially in the Haifa area reports 0404. In Hebrew, experts are saying that it is from the Abu Nachfa (fugu fish) family. The Fugu fish is poisonous and is not for fit for human consumption.

As Dems Investigate Trump, State Dept Hits 130 Hillary-Connected Officials with Security Violation Warning
Clinton’s use of an unsecured, private email server during her time as secretary of state was a hot-button issue during the 2016 election and played an undeniable role in her defeat. According to The Washington Post, some 130 government officials from the Obama era have now been contacted after it was discovered that they sent messages — some were sensitive or classified — to the infamous unsecured Clinton server. “Those targeted were notified that emails they sent years ago have been retroactively classified and now constitute potential security violations,” The Washington Post reported. “In virtually all of the cases, potentially sensitive information, now recategorized as ‘classified,’ was sent to Clinton’s unsecure inbox.”

After pressing Iran for answers, IAEA reports improved cooperation
Iran has improved its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the IAEA’s acting chief said on Friday, as it presses for answers to questions…that…include how uranium traces were found at an undeclared site. The International Atomic Energy Agency…told Tehran last month that “time is of the essence” in addressing…the completeness of Iran’s safeguards declarations to the agency.

U.S. gives cold shoulder to major Palestinian donor parley
The United States gave a cold shoulder last week to the major bi-annual meeting for donor aid to the Palestinian Authority, known as the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), which has operated for the last 25 years. “We limited our participation to working-level observers only,” US special envoy Jason Greenblatt told The Jerusalem Post this week as he described the downgrade.

Hong Kong bans face masks after months of protests
Hong Kong’s chief executive Carrie Lam has used a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks after months of angry protests. The measure was announced on Friday, following widespread violence on 1 October, the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule in China. Ms Lam said the violence was “destroying the city” and authorities could not “just leave the situation to get worse and worse.”

Ecuador protests: State of emergency declared as fuel subsidies end
Ecuador’s government has declared a state of emergency after protesters opposed to a fuel price hike disrupted transport nationwide. President Lenin Moreno said he imposed the measure to “ensure citizens’ security and avoid chaos”. Protesters were angered by Mr Moreno’s decision to end 40-year-old subsidies for fuel, which he said were no longer affordable.

North Korea, U.S. envoys to resume high-stakes nuclear talks over weekend
As negotiators for the United States and North Korea resume talks over Pyongyang’s nuclear program this weekend, analysts say that the leaders of both countries face increased incentives to strike a deal, but that it is far from clear they will find common ground after months of deadlock and increased tensions.

Saudi restores oil output after attacks, focused on IPO: Minister
Saudi Arabia has fully restored oil output after attacks on its facilities last month and is now focused on the listing of Saudi Aramco, its energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said. The kingdom’s oil production capacity now stands at 11.3 million barrels per day, he told an energy conference in Russia on Thursday, adding: “We all rose to the challenge.”

Vatican visit to Al-Aqsa celebrates religious coexistence
Palestinian and Jordanian officials praised the important visit on Thursday by the Vatican’s cardinal for eastern churches Leonardo Sandri and Francesco Patton to Al-Aqsa Mosque. The officials also praised the important position taken during the visit in support of coexistence and the Hashemite custodianship of Christian and Muslim holy places.

US sanctions squeezing Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon
The conflict between Iran and the U.S. that has created tensions throughout much of the Middle East is now also being felt in Lebanon, where Washington has slapped sanctions on the Iran-backed Hezbollah and warned they could soon expand to its allies, further deepening the tiny Arab country’s economic crisis.

US conducts new joint patrol with Turkey in northeast Syria
The U.S-led coalition says it’s conducted the third joint patrol with Turkey in northeastern Syria, part of a plan designed to defuse tensions between its NATO ally and Syrian Kurds. The coalition said the patrol went ahead as planned on Friday. Washington says the deal reached with Ankara in August aims to address Turkey’s security concerns.

What’s The Big Problem With Facial Recognition?
Facial recognition puts every person who crosses its path into a perpetual lineup without any probable cause…fundamentally undermining liberty…

Nearly 400 children rescued and 348 adults arrested in Canadian child pornography bust
Nearly 400 children have been rescued and 348 adults arrested following an expansive and “extraordinary” international child pornography investigation, Canadian police announced Thursday.

Tijuana Marks 1710 Homicides in 2019
Cartel-related violence in Tijuana continues with at least 1,709 homicides in 2019 at the close of September.

French Liberte Tested by Nationwide Facial Recognition ID Plan
France is poised to become the first European country to use facial recognition technology to give citizens a secure digital identity — whether they want it or not.

Lorenzo to make direct hit on Ireland and UK with hurricane-force winds
After Lorenzo lashed the Azores with fierce winds and pounding surf, residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland are the next in line to face significant impacts from the storm.

Judge hugs Amber Guyger, gives her a Bible after murder conviction, causing stir
The judge in the murder trial of Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer sentenced to 10 years for fatally shooting her neighbor, caused a stir Wednesday when she hugged the convicted killer after the sentencing.

Comprehensive List of LGBTQ Events Public Schools Will Be Celebrating
If you thought that LGBTQWTF indoctrination only happens in June, you would be very wrong. If you are a Christian or otherwise religious family who does not subscribe to pagan ideas of sexuality and gender and don’t want it pushed on your kids in school — where they should be learning math — then note the following dates on your calendar to either keep them home or make sure their school isn’t forcing kids to participate in this non-educational, politically-charged “celebrations.”

Planned Parenthood Admits It Controls Hollywood, Gets TV Shows and Movies to Promote Abortion
The pro-abortion bent of Hollywood celebrities is no secret. But Planned Parenthood’s extensive influence over them may be a surprise to many.

UPDATE: Muslim Convert Slaughters 4 Police Officers with a Knife Before Being Shot Dead in Paris
Four police officers were killed on Thursday at the Paris Police Headquarters across from Notre Dame Cathedral. Three men and one woman were killed in the attack.

A female doctor working in Germany warns the world about the dangers of Muslim refugees
…Many Muslims are refusing treatment by female staff here in Germany. The Muslim men make sick, crude comments and overtures to the female staff members, because to them any non-muslim woman is a whore or a future slave. After brief exposure to these cruel, sadistic, female hating beats, we, women, are refusing to go among those animals, especially the Muslim men from Africa.

Piparo mud volcano poses very serious threat, Trinidad and Tobago
Scientists observing the Piparo mud volcano in Trinidad and Tobago said the catastrophic 1997 explosion may occur again this year after continuous volcanic activity. Loud explosions and cracks were reported by residents near the area on September 21, 2019, and several days after the scare, the cracks appear to be widening, according to current reports. Seismologists warned of probable eruptions that may occur anytime.

IDF Soldiers Make Incredible Discovery Of Watchtower Dating Back To The First Temple Period In The 8th Century BC Under King Hezekiah In Judah
To find this watchtower dating back to the time of King Hezekiah is truly an amazing find, and yet another brick in the wall of solid, factual archaeological evidence showing both the historical connection of the Jews to the land, and to the accuracy of the Bible.

Deep Calleth Unto Deep - Psalm 42:7
Oct 5th, 2019
Morning MeditationF. B. Meyer
Categories: Meditation;Inspirational;Book Study

There are wonderful harmonies in nature. Voices call to one another across vast spaces. The depths below the firmament call to the heights above. The deep of the ocean calls to the deep of the azure sky. Listen, O my soul, to the mighty voices sounding ever through the universe of God.

The deep of Divine Redemption calls to the deep of human need. - It sometimes seems as though the opposite were true, and as though the cry originated in man; but it is not so. God is always first; and as He looks into hearts stricken and desperate, conscious of unfathomable yearnings, and infinite capacity, He calls aloud, and the depth of his heart appeals to the depth of the heart of man. Would that it might ever answer back!

The deep of Christ's wealth calls to the deep of the saint's poverty. - He looks down upon our attenuated and poverty-stricken experience with an infinite yearning. He cannot endure that we should go through life naked and miserable, poor and blind, when He has got gold, and precious stones, and white raiment. "Hearken, O daughter, and consider. Forsake thy father's house. Come unto Me, and receive from my fulness. Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."

The deep of the Holy Spirit's intercession calls to the deep of the Church's prayer. - He awakens in us groanings that cannot be uttered, and burdens us with the will of God.

Whatever depths there are in God, they appeal to corresponding depths in us. And whatever be the depths of our sorrow, desire, or necessity, there are correspondences in God from which full supplies may be obtained. Thou hast the pitcher of faith, and the well is deep.