Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13

Simon, Simon, Behold Satan Asked to Have You That He Might Sift You As Wheat - Luke 22:31
Nov 6th, 2019
Morning MeditationF.B. Meyer
Categories: Commentary;Inspirational;Book Study

The Master apparently did not pray that temptation should be withheld. The quick eye of His affection had discerned the tempter's approach. His quick ear had detected Satan's request of the Father; as though he said, "Let me have the chance for one brief hour, and I will show that these men, so far from being gold, silver, and precious stones, are only wood, hay, and stubble." But though He knew all this, the Master did not request that the winnowing wind should be withheld. Why? Because temptation is part of the present order of the world. Why it is so we cannot tell; that it is so we know assuredly. Why the Almighty permitted the evil one to intrude into paradise, and to assail every single soul of woman born, that has passed to years of consciousness, we shall probably never understand until mystery drops from our eyes in the meridian light of heaven. We only are sure that the permission of temptation is not inconsistent with His almightiness or beneficence.

Because temptation tests character and reveals us to ourselves and to one another. - Was it not well that Peter should know how weak he was; that he might become truly penitent and converted? Was it not befitting that Judas should be exposed before the day of Pentecost? Was it not best that the foundation stones of the Church should be well tested? It is better to learn our weakness now and here than at the Judgment seat.

But if Satan tempts, our Advocate pleads. He anticipates the advent of temptation by storing up His prayers. He warns the soul when the hawk begins to hover. If He may not arrest temptation, He will at least ask that our faith may not fail; and will seek us out as He did Peter.

Let the Headlines Speak
Nov 6th, 2019
CommentaryFrom the Internet
Categories: Today's Headlines

Trump Begins Formal Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
The Trump administration said Monday it has notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. “All I do is get applauded for that move so much,” President Trump said last month, referring to his 2017 pledge to remove the U.S. from the Paris cilmate agreement.

Sister of slain ISIS leader Baghdadi arrested in intelligence ‘gold mine,’ Turkey says
The older sister of the slain leader of Islamic State (ISIS), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi ,has been captured in northwestern Syria during a raid on Monday, according to a senior Turkish official who called the arrest an intelligence “gold mine.” Rasmiya Awad, 65, is suspected of being affiliated with the extremist group, the Turkish official said without elaboration.

Ilhan Omar’s anti-American rhetoric is the new normal for Democrats
The United States of America has been perhaps the greatest force for good that the world has ever seen, but many Democrats believe otherwise. Their blindness to America’s virtues makes it impossible for them to utilize those virtues …

‘The View’ Audience Applauds as Joy Behar Says Democrats Need To Lie To Get into Office
To Behar, O’Rourke’s problem was not his vow to confiscate weapons — that “hell, yes, we’re coming for your AR-15s” — it was that he was stupid enough to be honest with the American people about wanting to wipe out one of the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. “They should not tell everything they’re going to do,” she said. “If you are going to take people’s guns away, wait until you get elected and then take them away. Don’t tell them ahead of time.” And the worst part was, her audience applauded.

Israel Bans Importing Unholy Pig, the Most Deceptive of the Unclean Animals
The Economy Ministry has altered its regulations on pork and lard imports, saying that only “kosher” pig products can be imported into the Jewish State. Since this is impossible as all swine is by definition not kosher, it essentially means that pork and lard are no longer allowed to be imported into Israel reports TOI.

4.2-magnitude California quake rattles world’s largest geothermal field, USGS reports
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck the California coast north of San Francisco on Sunday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey reports. The 1.3-mile deep quake hit near The Geysers at 12:34 p.m. Pacific time, according to the USGS. Dozens of people from as far away as Santa Rosa reported feeling the tremor

Historical data confirms recent increase in West Texas earthquakes
A new analysis of historical seismic data led by The University of Texas at Austin has found that earthquake activity in West Texas near the city of Pecos has increased dramatically since 2009.

6.0 magnitude earthquake shakes Chile’s capital, causes buildings to sway
A strong earthquake has caused buildings to sway in Chile’s capital as thousands of people marched in the city’s center… .There were no immediate reports of damages from Monday’s earthquake. Authorities in Chile said the quake was felt in the country’s capital and central cities.

6.6 magnitude earthquake 133 km from Neiafu, Vava‘u, Tonga
This earthquake is close to these areas: Tonga, Fiji, Samoa Islands, South Of Fiji Islands, South Of Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, Southeast Of Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu, North Of New Zealand, South Of Kermadec Islands, Norfolk Island, Australia.

Russia Pulls Plug on Anti-Air System in Syria Opening Skies For Israeli Air Operations
Russia has reportedly deactivated the S-400 anti-air system stationed at the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria in a move that frees up the skies for other countries including Israel and the U.S. to run air-operations in the region.

Supreme Court rules to expel Human Rights Watch activist from Israel
The Supreme Court has ruled that Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, will be deported from Israel within 20 days for activities of boycotting Israel. The decision was taken unanimously. “For years, Shakir has been systematically, consistently and explicitly involved in promoting the BDS movement,” the Court’s decision reads.

Qatar may halt cash grants to Gaza – report
Qatar’s cash grants to the Gaza Strip may stop at the end of this year, the Hezbolah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported on Tuesday. According to the report, Qatari envoy Mohammed Elamadi, who recently visited the Gaza Strip, told the leaders of Haams and other Palestinian groups that it would be “very difficult to renew the cash grant, estimated at $30 million per month.”

Rouhani: Iran to continue scaling back commitments to nuclear deal
Iran will take a new step in reducing commitments to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal on Wednesday by injecting gas into 1,044 centrifuges at its Fordow plant, President Hassan Rouhani said…All of the steps Iran has taken to reduce its commitments to the nuclear deal are reversible and Iran will uphold all of its commitments under the deal when the remaining signatories do the same, Rouhani said.

Paris climate accords: US notifies UN of intention to withdraw
The US has begun the process of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, notifying the UN of its intention to leave, as other countries expressed regret and disappointment at the move. The notification begins a one-year process of exiting the global climate change accord, culminating the day after the 2020 US election. The US government says the deal puts an “unfair economic burden” on Americans.

The Coming Middle East Conflagration
The senior ministers of the Israeli government met twice last week to discuss the possibility of open war with Iran. They were mindful of the Iranian plan for a drone attack from Syria in August, aborted at the last minute by an Israeli air strike, as well as Iran’s need to deflect attention from the mass protests against Hezbollah’s rule in Lebanon.

North Korea criticizes ‘hostile policy’ as U.S. diplomat visits South Korea
A U.S. report calling North Korea a sponsor of terrorism shows a “hostile policy” that prevents progress in denuclearisation talks, the isolated nation said on Tuesday… North Korea accused the U.S. of failing to show flexibility after a breakdown last month in the first talks between their officials since President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed in June to reopen negotiations.

Ukraine moving quickly toward new IMF loan program: finance minister
Ukraine is moving quickly toward agreeing a new three-year loan program with the International Monetary Fund, Finance Minister Oksana Markarova told reporters on Tuesday, denying suggestions that talks for a new deal had stalled.

Hamas warns it has enough rockets to target Tel Aviv for ‘six months in a row’
Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, on Monday threatened to turn Israeli cities into “ghost towns” and warned the terror group has enough firepower to launch rockets into Tel Aviv “for six months in a row.” The remarks come just days after the latest cross-border flare-up between Israel and Palestinian factions in the coastal enclave, which saw at least 10 rockets being fired at Israeli communities near the Gaza border.

Jordan to return its ambassador to Israel after prisoner exchange deal
Israel says Jordan will return its ambassador to Israel in the coming days, after an agreement has been reached for the release of two Jordanian nationals currently held in adminstrative detention in Israel. Jordan recalled its ambassador on Tuesday over the refusal of the Israeli government to release Hiba Labadi and Abdul Rahman Miri, who Jordan said had been illegally arrested without charge a few months ago.

US puts new sanctions on Iranian supreme leader’s inner circle
The United States has imposed new sanctions on the inner circle of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including one of his sons. The announcement by the US Department of the Treasury on Monday…came as Iran announced it was taking another step away from the crumbling 2015 nuclear deal in the face of Washington’s withdrawal last year.

EU condemns new burst of Israeli settlement approvals
The EU has criticized Israel’s advancement of over 2,000 new homes in West Bank settlements. In a statement on Monday, the EU reiterated its longstanding position that all settlement activity on occupied land is illegal and “erodes the viability” of the establishment of a Palestinian state.

HIllsong Church Holding Christmas Show At The Mayan Theater In Los Angeles Whose Walls Are Adorned With Depictions Of Child Sacrifice To Molech
What can I say about Hillsong Church that we haven’t already covered? Perhaps we could talk about how Hillsong was started by pedophile Frank Houston whose son, Brian Houston, covered up for his father and tried to hide his vile crimes against children. We could discuss how Hillsong Church has affirmed a pro-LGBTQ+ position, and featured a Catholic Mass at last year’s Alpha Conference. Or, we could talk about their upcoming 2019 Christmas show they are planning on hold in a place called the Mayan Theater whose walls are adorned with depictions of child sacrifice to Molech. Yeah, let’s talk about that one today.

‘Not abandoned’: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Various groups and churches across the world are taking part in the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, overseen by the World Evangelical Alliance.

Patricia Heaton warns Kanye West of what’s to come for sharing Jesus in Hollywood
Actress Patricia Heaton says she’s praying for Kanye West because people want to see him fail at Christianity.

Google To Buy Fitbit For $2.1 Billion, What About Privacy Concerns?
Fitbit is getting Googled, in more ways than one. That’s because there was a Fitbit of news on Friday…According to a Fitbit press release, the deal will go down for $7.35 per Fitbit share, which amounts to about $2.1 billion.

Genetic Sequencing of Common Vaccine Finds Entire Male Genome from Aborted Baby: 560 Genes Linked to Cancer
Vaccines are routinely formulated with aborted human fetal cells known as MRC-5 and WI-38. The CDC openly lists some of the vaccines that use these “human diploid” cells, including Twinrix (Hep A / Hep B), ProQuad (MMRV) and Varivax (Varicella / chicken pox). FDA-published vaccine insert sheets such as this one for Varivax also openly admit to the use of aborted human fetal cell lines such as MRC-5:

“We have no better friends than the Christians,” says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Sunday, 3 November 2019, at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, attended the Christian Media Summit. An international media center was launched at the Friends of Zion Museum to strengthen Israel’s ties with the world and the struggle against pro-BDS organizations.

US Muslim Political Leader Sets Speech Rules For Americans To Comply With Islamic Values
Claims anyone who says ‘hate kills’ is ‘Islamophobic’ A key leader for advocacy group Muslims in America is setting a new speech standard, declaring that anyone who uses words such as “hate kills” and “violent jihad” is Islamophobic, reports Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin.

Storm Amelie hits France, Spain and Italy, leaving over 140 000 homes without electricity
Violent winds brought by Storm Amelie hit France’s Atlantic coast over the weekend, producing large waves, causing traffic chaos, uprooting trees, and leaving some 140 000 households without electricity.

Ferocious windstorm leaves over 900 000 without power in Quebec, Canada
Violent wind gusts with speeds as strong as 100 km/h (62 mph) battered areas across Quebec on Friday, November 1, 2019, leaving more than 900 000 customers without power. Electrical towers and trees were knocked out, and one fatality was reported.

In US Capitol Rotunda, Ex-LGBTs Pray, Repent on Behalf of Nation for Sin of Homosexuality
An extraordinary event took place beneath the magnificent rotunda of the United States Capitol Wednesday night: Former gay, lesbian, and transgender men and women repented and interceded on behalf the nation for the sins of homosexuality and transgenderism.

Theaters Ban Phrase ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ Under New ‘Gender Neutral’ Guidelines
The actors’ union Equity has issued new guidelines that ban gender-specific language, such as the phrase “ladies and gentlemen,” as it may be considered “offensive” to transgender and “gender-fluid” people.

China is reportedly sending men to sleep in the same beds as Uighur Muslim women while their husbands are in prison camps
China’s Communist Party is waging a hardline campaign against the Uighur ethnic minority, which has seen more than 1 million people detained in prison camps.

Britain, Brexit and the Ripple Effect on Identity Politics
Nov 6th, 2019
CommentaryMELANI PHILLIPS/JNS.ORG
Categories: Contemporary Issues

In Britain, the crisis so long dreaded by many British Jews is finally upon them. The general election that has been called for December raises the possibility that hard-left Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn might come to power.

The election was made inevitable by political paralysis over Brexit, with the Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson effectively held hostage by a parliament dominated by Remainer MPs determined to prevent the United Kingdom from making a clean break with the European Union.

This Brexit election is being described as the most important in Britain over the whole post-war period. Not only may it finally determine whether or not the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, but it may also usher in a revolutionary left-wing government that would change the country profoundly.

Many outside Britain have looked on with astonishment and perplexity as parliament tied itself and the government in knots rather than honoring the 2016 referendum result and taking the country out of the European Union.

This titanic three-year battle, however, is of critical importance far beyond British shores. It's the outrider of the fundamental issue splitting apart the Western world from the Beltway to Budapest to Berlin.

That issue is whether the independent Western nation-state based on democratic structures reflecting its own particular identity, history and cultural traditions deserves to survive. How this is finally resolved in Britain will affect the rest of the West.

For many British Jews, however, the most important consideration is whether they will wake up after the election to a Labour government led by a prime minister who is a friend of Islamic terrorists and extremists, and has refused to acknowledge, let alone address, his party's shocking descent into the sewer of institutional anti-Semitism.

They are right to be worried.

True, Labour is currently trailing dismally in the opinion polls. That's due to a widespread fear of Corbyn's extremism, confusion over the party's ambiguous position on Brexit and recoil from its epidemic anti-Semitism.

Nevertheless, in this unprecedentedly fractured and chaotic political scene, the election result is impossible to predict. For the Brexit issue means both Labour and Conservative parties face splits in their vote.

In its attempt to straddle the division between Brexiteers and Remainers, the Labour Party has fallen into the crevasse between them. As a result, Remainers who previously voted for it may defect en masse to the uncompromisingly Remainer Liberal Democrats, while Brexiteers who previously voted for it may migrate to Nigel Farage's uncompromising Brexit Party.

Any such Labour split, however, may be mirrored by an equivalent calamity for the Conservatives. Boris Johnson hopes to win an overwhelming victory on the basis that he's the leader who will "get Brexit done" in a heroic stand defending the sovereignty of the people against a Remainer establishment striving to reverse the referendum result.

Diaspora Jews don't like thinking of themselves as a nation, fearing it will provoke accusations of dual loyalty.

But he also runs the risk not only of losing Remainer votes to the LibDems, but Brexiteers to the Brexit Party. For Farage maintains, with good reason, that Johnson's E.U. deal isn't Brexit at all; it would leave the United Kingdom still tied to Brussels, crippled in any future trade deal by being forced to conform even then to the rules and regulations of the European Union from which it had just departed.

Given the extreme volatility of this political and cultural meltdown, a minority Labour government or a Labour-led coalition certainly cannot be ruled out.

For Brexit supporters, this threatens to present an agonizing dilemma. Those who believe the Johnson deal is BRINO--Brexit-in-name-only--may be tempted to vote for Farage's Brexit Party. But doing so may let in Corbyn by the back door.

Most British Jews, however, don't have this dilemma. Understandably, their first priority is to stop Corbyn. But they'll have no tactical problem voting for the LibDems because most British Jews also oppose Brexit.

They want the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union because they are frightened that restoring Britain's particular national identity will give rise to nationalism, which they believe spells fascism and anti-Semitism.

Like many Jews in America who are also fearful of national pride, they've got this issue the wrong way round. As Yoram Hazony has so powerfully explained in his book The Virtue of Nationalism, a strong national identity provides the single greatest protection against tyranny. Nationalists don't threaten other countries; they defend their own.

Nationalism became a dirty word after World War II, when it was blamed for the rise of Hitler. But Hitler despised nationalism. He was instead an imperialist; he wanted to invade other countries in order to recreate another Holy Roman Empire.

If Britain hadn't had a strong, indeed passionate attachment to the idea of itself as a nation standing for a particular and cherished set of values and traditions, it would never have fought Hitler so heroically, and freedom would have been extinguished on both sides of the English Channel.

Jews, above all, should understand the value of the nation. The ancient kingdom of Israel was in fact the template of the nation-state, composed of a particular people in their own land bound by their own laws which expressed the history, traditions and principles that formed their shared identity and purpose.

Diaspora Jews, however, don't like thinking of themselves as a nation. They fear this will provoke accusations of dual loyalty. So they tell themselves that their identity is formed by their host nation, whether Britain or America.

But the core of Jewish identity is membership of the Jewish people.

Moreover, the idea that dissolving national boundaries produces a decline in anti-Semitism is an illusion. Anti-Semitism gets out of control when a country loses pride in its identity or no longer even understands what has created that identity.

With the loss of a shared national project, it's everyone out for themselves. And in their fury and frustration, they turn on the weakest elements of their society, who are always the Jews.

This is one reason why in Britain and mainland Europe anti-Semitism is roaring out of control. It's one reason why tiny, permanently embattled Israel has become the Jew among nations, the unique target of a campaign of defamation and annihilation.

And it's one reason why, after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders falsely called Israel "racist" and proposed that some of the money the United States provides Israel to defend it against genocidal slaughter should be sent instead to those bent upon that genocidal slaughter, his fellow Democrats didn't denounce this moral bankruptcy and remained silent.

The terrible divisions now roiling Britain, America and mainland Europe take different forms but rest upon the same fault line. These are countries in which large sections of the population fear their shared national culture is being destroyed--and who now find themselves involved in a desperate struggle against those who have devoted the past half-century to achieving precisely that.

Which is why Brexit is so important.

If a true, clean-break Brexit actually happens, it will not only give Britain a chance to become itself again. It will be a shot in the arm for all who yearn for the freedom to decide their own fate as a community of shared values and historic traditions, and to express that culture through laws they make themselves in a land they call home.

If the battle for Brexit is lost, the result isn't likely to be the arrival of the brotherhood of man on earth. It will instead spell yet more division and tribalism and rancor--and much more danger for the Jews.