Could This Become Our Nightmare?

   

     No more excuses!  Everyone in this country should be fully awake now.  The horrendous massacre of innocent students in Peshawar, Pakistan is to be condemned by every human being on the planet.  But lest we think that this is a nightmare in some far-off land, we need to quit fooling ourselves and pretending that we are somehow exempt from such atrocities.
     We have a real enemy, people! It is an enemy that has broadcast their plans to strike us from within.  And from the 2004 Beslan school massacre, carried out by Islamic terrorists to this one in Pakistan, the surest way to devastate any nation is to harm its children.  So let's not be naive.  It is by the grace of God that we have yet to suffer such a tragedy.
    It is time the American people got real about what we are facing.  It is time we made plans to protect our most innocent citizens.  Read William Forstchen's Day of Wrath, and you will see how easily this threat could be carried out against our politically correct society.  Ignoring the extent of the depravity ... reports of headless children; teachers burned alive in front of students; suicide bombs placed amongst the children ... will not make it disappear, or less likely to occur again.  And we must not make it easy for the terrorists to commit such a horrendous campaign on our soil.
     Do you think they aren't aware that our schools are "gun-free zones"?  And do you think that well-armed and well-trained teachers just might be a deterrent to their evil plans?  When are we going to realize that the Western mindset of civilized and rational behavior is no defense against ancient cultures that celebrate cruel and savage attacks to demoralize their enemy?

      And for all those who, in recent days, have criticized the CIA and their advanced interrogation methods as "torture", I would ask you to consider this ... if you knew that your child was going to be in that Pakistani school this morning when the terrorists stormed through a cemetery to launch their attack, would you approve of a water boarding session -- or a few nights without sleep -- of one of the terrorists in order to gain information to stop the possibility of your child being shot, beheaded, or worse?
     I have heard people referring to the CIA methods as "barbaric" and "diabolical".  While, I absolutely hate the idea of war and what it makes men do to each other, I cannot equate interrogating a prisoner to the merciless and monstrous acts of these terrorists.  It is they, who are the barbarians.  And, unfortunately, what we may be called upon to do to stop Evil incarnate, goes against everything that our faith asks us to do in serving our fellow man.  While I never want to take another person's life, I have decided I must adopt the attitude of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor who faced the worst that the devil could throw at him, in the person of Adolph Hitler.
     Pastor Bonhoeffer made the difficult decision to become involved in an assassination plot against the Fuhrer.  As he struggled with his conscience, he came to the final conclusion that God would have to understand that his decision was based on the need to stop such heinous evil.  He would take his chances at the throne of God, instead of living one more day doing nothing to stop Hitler's atrocities.  Have you given thought to the idea that we, too, may soon be faced with similar dilemmas?
     It is time that we come out of our national fog.  It is time that we see our enemy for who he is.  It is time that each individual must decide what he is willing to do to protect himself, his family, and his nation.  And it is time that we turn back to our God in repentance and supplication to "Deliver us from Evil."
     This is more than a matter of law and order; Evil does not respect the rules of a society ... it demands chaos, ruin, and death.  Are we going to wait until it targets our children, or are we going to get mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually ready to defend what's ours?

Psalm 44:5    "Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever."     

Forstchen's "Day of Wrath": Are You Ready For ISIS At Your School?

     He's done it again.  Author William Forstchen is largely credited with spring-loading the "Prepper Movement."  He is certainly responsible for making me face the giant; in helping me to overcome my normalcy bias and confront my fears of what living in a world after an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) might be like.  His powerful book, One Second After, propelled individual citizens into action, and there are millions of us who are better prepared for this scenario, thanks to him.
    His latest book will take you to whole new heights of fear and panic ... but you must read it!  The scenario for this novella will affect every single American, and like the author, I fear we don't have much time to prepare for this course of events.  Day of Wrath, brings the terror of ISIS to every doorstep in America, and ... I warn you ... will pierce your very soul.
    This small paperback book may lack the polished appearance of One Second After, but Forstchen admits that he self-published this book in an attempt to get this information in the hands of the public as quickly as possible.  The subject matter does not allow for a second of delay.  However, Day of Wrath, is just as compelling as its predecessor.
     What is our most precious resource in this country?  Never mind our commerce, our technology, or the oil in the ground --- IT IS OUR CHILDREN!  Mr. Forstchen suggests, in riveting fictional form, that we could soon be facing our worst nightmare ... a coordinated terrorist attack by sleeper cells, launched against our nation's elementary and middle schools.  Think this is taking it a step too far?
    Stop for a minute and google "Beslan school hostage crisis".  In 2004, a group of Islamic (Chechyan) terrorists in Russia took a school hostage, and 777 children endured literal hell for three days.  Young children were systematically executed by throat-cutting or shots to the head; many of the girls raped before being savagely killed.  Forstchen chronicles how easily a similar event could happen here in America.  Our politically correct thinking has left our schools defenseless.  Teachers are not allowed to arm themselves, and are forced to rely on "lockdowns", where they and their students are sitting ducks as they huddle, terrified and vulnerable, in classrooms; locked doors providing no protection from AK-47-wielding barbarians.
     Forstchen is able to carry you into this horror-filled reality through the eyes of a teacher who uses his wits against a formidable enemy that is hell-bent on wreaking as much death and destruction as they can for the caliphate.  This book boldly and accurately portrays the grim determination in which ISIS terrorists have proclaimed their commitment to unleashing their "holy" war on "the infidels" and "the Great Satan".  Day of Wrath may be fictional, but it predicts our future.

Innocent victims in Beslan

     Without giving away the plot, it is not only the children who become victims in the book.  Just imagine it ... simultaneous attacks at schools across the country will find hundreds of thousands of parents scrambling to the schools to get to their children.  This will provide new opportunities to create mass chaos and death as interstate highways become clogged with traffic and additional teams of terrorists move in for the kill.
     And just as the real-life ISIS terrorists are making use of the internet and social media to broadcast their executions, crucifixions, and videos of infants being shot and decapitated; the book's fictional ISIS attackers make sure they film the horrors perpetuated against their young and innocent victims, so they can be broadcast all over America and around the globe, in order to demonstrate how impotent, weak and powerless we are against their just cause.
    I join William Forstchen in praying that this book will have the impact it deserves and needs to have.  As he points out in an interview, our nation's history proves that both national leaders and military experts discussed the possibilities of a carrier-based attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as fully laden commercial aircraft crashing into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the Capitol Building or the White House ... but that's all they did.  They discussed it, dismissed it and never acted to prevent it.
     Perhaps if enough people read this book and the horror of it forces us to face this very real possibility, we will enter into an honest national debate and take pre-emptive action to secure our schools and children from chaos and death.  Every scenario in the book has been taken from actual methods used by ISIS in their slaughterous rampage through Iraq.  Daily, you can find videos on social media in which ISIS enthusiastically boasts of attacking inside the U.S.  And they understand the psychological blow that would be generated to the heart of America, should such events play out at our schools.
     And in case you need further evidence that this book is timely and relevant, I want to share what is beginning to happen in schools around the country. Defense Training International recently posted an article titled Armed Schools! in which they applauded school districts who recognize that the scenario in Day of Wrath is a very real possibility.  School officials and teachers are getting pistol training because they've "decided to no longer wait around for someone else to “rescue” them".  They realize they will be "the first responders."  William Forstchen's excellent book backs up this wise decision.

Aftermath in Beslan

     It has been 10 years since the massacre in Beslan, Russia.  The enemy has had time to watch us and see how we react to various situations.   Day of Wrath does not present anything that they have not already thought of, and hopefully will raise a warning to schools all across the nation, and encourage them to take the necessary steps to prevent ISIS from securing a victory; and these steps need to be implemented quickly!   Because, should terrorists be successful in carrying out such a merciless operation, the inevitable consequences will not be good for our national freedoms.  Just imagine the executive orders that will roll out ... new gun laws; national curfews; suspension of the internet, and the near-certain martial law.
    Please, purchase this book and share it with friends, families, and local school boards.  Don't let political correctness deter you.  The lives of the nation's children may very well depend on us getting it right this time.  Thank you, Mr. Forstchen for being the point of the spear once again!

Isaiah 13:18   "Their bows will slaughter the young men; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; their eyes will not pity children."


   

"The Affleck Syndrome"

     It has certainly been interesting to watch uber-Liberal atheist Bill Maher and his atheist author buddy Sam Harris attempt to talk religion with Hollywood hothead Ben Affleck.  The subject was the Left's reaction to criticism of the violence committed by jihadists in the name of the Islamic religion.
     First of all, I found it amusing that Maher declared that Liberals have a claim on "the freedom of speech; the freedom to practice any religion you want without fear of violence; the freedom to leave a religion; equality for women, minorities, and homosexuals" ---- these are principles he called "Liberal Principles".  (Why is it that Liberals are the only ones who believe in these principles?  Don't all people want freedom and equality?)
     Sam Harris went on to say, "Liberals have failed on the topic of theocracy."  By this, I believe he is referring to a particular doctrine of a particular religion; in this case, Islam.  He goes on: "Liberals will criticize White theocracy and Christianity... they will become agitated about the abortion clinic bombing in 1984; but when you want to talk about treatment of homosexuals, women, and free-thinkers in the Muslim world, then you are called racist."  That automatically introduced the loathsome word (gasp!) ... Islamophobia!  

     That's when Affleck could contain himself no longer.  He almost came flying out of his seat as he tried to equate that kind of logic with disparaging comments about Jews and Blacks.  His argument was that Maher and Harris were conflating Islam with Muslims; they were painting a broad brush of doctrinal belief across all Muslim cultures and peoples.  Who is right?  Or are they both correct?  The problem is you have men -- two who have publicly stated they have no love of religion or faith; and one who shows no evidence that he knows what faith is -- trying to defend a religion that our culture cannot understand or equate.  So that makes them authorities, right? (Wink, Wink).
     From my decidedly (and unapologetically) Christian viewpoint, it looks to me that Mr. Affleck wants to argue this from a position of relativism.  In other words, I think he believes that no one can argue what Islam stands for, because Muslims are free to interpret Islam as they wish.  So those who interpret it violently are just "a few bad apples", so to speak.  And when you try to use "relativism" as an argument, you become less interested in defining the true nature of something, and no one is ever really to blame, are they?
     As Raymond Ibrahim, an award-winning journalist and Middle East and Islam specialist, points out in an article on PJ Media, "The fundamental mistake in the position of [Islam apologists such as Ben Affleck] is that it places Muslims on a higher pedestal of authority than Islam itself (even though Muslims are by definition “one’s who submit” to Islam, which is “submission” to Allah’s laws).  Islam is based on the law, or Sharia — “the way” prescribed by Allah and his prophet.  And Sharia most certainly does call for any number of things — subjugation of women and religious minorities, war on “infidels” and the enslavement of their women and children, bans on free speech and apostasy — that even Affleck would normally condemn."
     We, in the Western culture are simply unable to understand that this is not only a religious problem, but a cultural one.  Yes, not all Muslims are jihadists.  But, we must ask ourselves this:  "Are all Muslims Islamists?"  There are many that do not embrace violent jihad; they wish to work within the system, but if they are a true Islamist, then they still believe in the strict doctrine of Sharia Law, and that is where the danger lies.
     It is the foundation of Sharia Law that the jihadists want to impose on the world.  I will agree that it is wrong to say that "all Muslims" want to execute you if you leave the faith, or stone homosexuals; but to me, the fact that one would say it is a problem!  And how do apologists square the fact that a growing number of Muslims are flocking to ISIS, who loudly proclaim their goal of Sharia Law for the world?  This is the same Sharia Law that advocates stoning homosexuals and adulterers, or executing you if you leave the faith, remember? I would expect Liberals,who espouse a person's freedom of choice, to recognize that characteristic of the Islamic faith.  To which, the standard reply from apologists like Affleck, is that we are racists. In our culture, whenever you want to shut down any argument or logic, you simply invoke the "race card", and you are discredited.  But here's the problem, Ben --- a Muslim is not a race of people, but a follower of the religion of Islam.
     As Rich Lowry, of the National Review Online, wrote, all Bill Maher was trying to say "is that self-consciously tolerant liberals often look the other way when confronted with the intolerance of the Muslim world." But Ben Affleck just can't go there.  It feels too judgmental, and as any modern American Liberal must do, he cannot give any hint of American or Western "exceptionalism".
     So how does he explain away that Christians in Syria and Iraq are given three choices by Muslim Islamic believers -- convert to Islam, become enslaved to the system, or death?  Or does he simply ignore the difference in the way Christians and Islamists pray about their enemies?  There is a huge difference between loving your enemy and praying for those who persecute you, and praying for your god to cut out the tongues of your enemy, freeze their blood and inflict pain and misery on them.
     The sad truth of the controversial debate between these men is that they argued over the unfair criticism of Muslims and Islam, and found nothing good to say about our Christian Faith.  They are blind to the inherent sinful nature of all men, and that we are all in need of a Savior.  They just look down upon us misguided followers of Jesus, and refuse to look up for their redemption.  They're so smart, and compassionate, and they have no need of deliverance; they have all the answers.  Their arguments are just a symptom of the West's egocentricity and social relativism -- we are self-important, and there are no moral absolutes; our values and ways of interpreting the world can vary from society to society and even within different sections of societies.  So, how dare we question another person's actions, especially if they look different and act different than we do?
     The bottom line is this:  These men, who have no faith of their own, are incapable of understanding an extreme faith; and are only capable of projecting their own moral relativism on another culture's actions.  In the end, their opinions don't really matter; they are just an actor and talking heads.  But sadly, we have politicians who are responsible for our national safety who have no more faith, and their moral view is just as cloudy.  God have mercy on us!

Isaiah 5:20   "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"
   

   
   

Jihad From the Inside

   

     The recent beheading of an innocent woman in Oklahoma has us all unnerved.  The threat is no longer that someone waving the black flag of ISIS will travel to America and overtly commit this barbaric act.  It is becoming more apparent that the influence of this radical terrorism is being stealthily encouraged and incited right under our noses.
     News reports are now surfacing that the killer in Oklahoma attended a mosque which was led by an Imam with ties to known Al Qaeda mastermind Anwar al-Awlaki.  This same Imam has ties to the mosque attended by the Boston Marathon Bombers, the Tsarnaev brothers, and to Nidal Hassan, the murderer at Fort Hood in Texas.
     In case you're thinking that my thoughts are just an over-reaction to random relationships, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Mark Christian, an Egyptian Muslim by birth, and now a practicing obstetrician/gynocologist, who has stepped forward to sound the alarm about the Muslim Brotherhood's plan to infiltrate America through immigration and cultural reform.  Dr. Christian is the founder of the Global Faith Institute, which according to their website, is "a Christian platform dedicated to the proclamation and pursuit of truth as it relates Middle Eastern history and current happenings to the rapidly unfolding events in the US and around the world."  As the banner on the website proclaims, "Islam Isn't an "Over There" Problem... It's a Right Here, Right Now Problem."
     Dr. Christian is well-qualified to speak about "this problem".  His bio speaks for itself:  Groomed from boyhood to become an influential leader of the Muslim faith, Mark was afforded unparalleled exposure to the ideology and objectives of radical Islam, and the stringent creed of Sharia law.  This exposure was gained through his remarkable experiences as the constant companion and confidante of his father, a wealthy doctor, devout Imam, and persuasive advisor for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt – and through his uncle, who, during the massive imprisonment of the Muslim Brotherhood members in Egypt in 1965, shared a cell with Sayyid Qutb, the revered and infamous ideologue for the Brotherhood’s movement.  
      However, in 2003, Dr. Christian broke with his Islamic faith, converted to Christianity, moved to America and changed his name.  Now, in a very pointed article on FrontPageMag, Dr. Christian is warning his new country that "stealth jihad" is a very real and present danger.  He explains that “The Muslim Brotherhood is so big right now and so influential and so wealthy that they can do things on their own.  The only thing that is missing is the power of the U.S. military to be on their side.”  That is a very frightening scenario!
     Their plan is aligned with that of ISIS; to start a new Islamic empire, from which they can control the world.  As it relates to America, they are working through immigration and reforming our culture.   Dr. Christian shares statistics from the Pew Research Center, which state that prior to 1990, less than 5% of our nation's immigrants came from Muslim countries.  But the latest numbers show that "more than 1.7 million Muslim immigrants have come to the United States between 1992 and 2010."
     Temporary student visas and a return to their home countries used to be the procedure; but now permanent status can be gained "through an array of programs, including the U.N. refugee program, the annual diversity visa lottery and special programs for foreign religious leaders."  And here is where the threat to America becomes obvious:  according to Dr. Christian, these refugees and immigrants don't assimilate well to American culture, and often don't respect our values.  They can't identify with the American mindset that embraces individual liberty and personal responsibility.  They become easily disillusioned, suffer low-paying jobs, and "supplement their paychecks with food stamps, Medicaid and government-subsidized housing."  They are ripe for exploitation.

      Dr. Christian further warns that Europe's experience with their immigrant Muslim populations could soon become America's nightmare.  One just needs to look at the riots and problems that countries like Britain, France and Germany are experiencing, to see how quickly a nation's culture and laws can be impacted by a push for Sharia Law.
     And Dr. Christian points out that Islam is not just another religion.  It has a very deliberate political component.  And organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood are not afraid to take advantage of America's never-ending pursuit of Political Correctness, tolerance and diversity.  Because of his own family experience with the Muslim Brotherhood, Dr. Christian is trying to sound the alarm, pronouncing what he calls stealth or cultural jihad:  "The Brotherhood’s strategy is three-pronged. It uses its front group CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations) to influence the government and military life, while ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) works to foster “interfaith” dialogue with major Christian denominations and Jewish organizations. A third front group, the Muslim Student Association, or MSA, focuses on influencing K-12 and university education."
    What he says makes sense:  "They want to influence the whole United States,” Christian said. “They see the U.S. as three things – it’s a government, it’s a religious institution and it is colleges and education; so we have three organizations and all are designated to each one of those things."
     And what makes me sad, as well as disturbs me, is his accurate portrayal of this furtive influence in the churches of America.  “They say, ‘Oh we all worship the same God and we need to find common ground,’” Christian said. “It’s all about ‘respecting women, Islam is great,’ and it’s all a bunch of lies. Whenever you find those kinds of movements within the church, you always find a watered down, very liberal theology that is anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist. But there is money involved and influence involved.”  I experienced this at a mega-church I used to attend.  When an imam was invited to speak, red flags went off in my soul, and I began to see a steady decline in true Biblical principles.
     Ultimately, Dr. Christian's warnings seem frighteningly accurate.  If you are paying attention, you can see the influence within our government, our educational institutions, and our churches.  While the radical "overt" jihad is readily apparent through attacks like we witnessed at Fort Hood, and more recently, in Oklahoma, it is the "covert" jihad through political influence and money that we need to control.  We all know that such influence and money equals power.  This particular power is merging and inserting itself into the very foundations of our nation and culture.  If you are sufficiently alarmed, then perhaps these final words of Dr. Christian will wake you up:  "It is coming together even better, I think, than they planned."

1 Thessalonians 5:6     "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober."

ISIS Ups The Ante & The U.S. Courts Iran

     There are at least two new disturbing reports about the escalating threat to the world from the Islamic Caliphate known as ISIS.  On Thursday, The Telegraph ran a story that Australian authorities thwarted a plot by the jihadist group to target random civilians on the streets of South Wales, Australia's largest state.
     According to the article, "Pre-dawn raids across Sydney and Brisbane led to the arrest of fifteen people and the reported seizure of a scimitar, a gun, machetes, balaclavas and military fatigues which authorities said were to be used in a plot to “shock, horrify and terrorize” the community."
     Apparently, ISIS planned on kidnapping strangers right off the street, and then performing what they called "demonstration killings"; beheading them and then posting the grisly murders on social media.  By committing these random acts of violence (such as the similar murder of soldier Lee Rigby in London last year), the terrorist group clearly hoped to strike terror in the hearts of citizens.
     Intelligence sources were quick to react to reports that Australian Islamic extremists were soon to return home, after fighting side by side with ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and could possibly connect with domestic terrorist sympathizers in the homeland.  Obviously, the Caliphate is wasting no time in spreading their reign of terror outside the Middle East.
     There was also a report by Fox News that a bulletin from the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange warns "that Islamic State fighters have increased calls for "lone wolves" to attack U.S. soldiers in America ... a call for jihadists to find service members' addresses online and then 'show up and slaughter them'."  Furthermore, the agency warned, “These threats will most likely increase should the U.S. or its allies attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).”
     What is particularly frightening is that the jihadists instruct their fighters via Twitter to use Facebook, LinkedIn, or other social media sites to locate addresses and information on soldiers in order to locate their targets.  According to the bulletin, "Killing U.S. troops on American soil is an increasing focus of  jihadists", seemingly because it would be easier to accomplish their goal of global terror than luring Western fighters to come to the Middle East --- kind of a "just-stay-home-and-kill" policy, if you will.
     An interesting side note is the fact that these social media-savvy terrorists look to Nidal Hassan, the Fort Hood jihadist, as a role model for how to carry out an attack ... hmmm, apparently they don't agree with the White House that Fort Hood was "workplace violence."  And, by the way, Hassan recently indicated from his jail cell that he wants to join the Islamic State.  So, now, can we label it a terrorist attack and get some federal relief for the victims?
     Along with Australian officials, the Central Florida intelligence center likened the possibility of such attacks to the jihadi murder of the British soldier, Lee Rigby.  If you have family members that are military personnel, I would take this threat seriously.  Everyone should be mindful of posting personal information on social media sites.  But, it is now evident that members of the U.S. Military have been singled out as targets.  Stay Alert!
     To add even more alarm to this world situation, I have been hearing various news reporters disclosing that while our military policy regarding ISIS does not currently involve plans for "U.S. boots on the ground", the Administration is considering talks with Iran to be our proxy "boots".  I guess they think that Iran's Shia Muslims will be glad to fight the world's battle against the ISIS Sunni Muslims.  But what do you think the price will be?  And don't you think they see a way to take advantage of our unwillingness to follow through on our mission?
     If you were Iran, wouldn't your bargaining chip be their nuclear program?  It's a win/win situation for Iran, but I'm afraid this game of playing "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" will only serve to harm us in the end.  There is never any good that comes from bargaining with the devil.
     So the march of evil continues on ... it is growing louder and bolder, and coming closer to our shores.  I don't know what the immediate future brings, but I do know that there is a limit to the wickedness that God will allow.  Until that time, I will rely on Him to increase my faith and help me to stand boldly and resolutely for His kingdom.  He is our Fortress and our Refuge!

2 Peter 2:9    "These things show that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from their trials, and how to keep the unrighteous for punishment on the Judgment Day."

This Is No Time To Disagree

   

     It appears that the politicians and officials, whose job it is to protect the American people from harm, cannot agree upon whether the most dangerous jihadist group in the world is a danger to our homeland.
     Francis X. Taylor, the undersecretary for intelligence and analysis, said the Department of Homeland Security is "unaware of any specific credible threat to the U.S. homeland” from the Islamic State (IS).  Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Jonson said,  “We know of no credible information that ISIL is planning to attack the homeland at present.”  Then you have Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel being very vague at the Naval War College on exactly what he meant by saying "ISIS is an imminent threat to every interest we have."  They can't even agree on what to call this threat ... is it IS, ISIL or ISIS?
     Secretary of State John Kerry says we are not "at war" with ISIS, referring to call it "a counterterrorism operation of a significant order."  Yet Pentagon press secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said, "This is not the Iraq War of 2002, but make no mistake, we know we are at war with ISIL."  To add to the confusion, in late August, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey said he does believe that ISIS is currently plotting or planning attacks against the U.S. or Europe.
    Now, the latest coming from a CNN report, says that the CIA believes that ISIS "can muster between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters across Iraq and Syria", and they estimate that 2,000 of those fighters come from Western sympathizers.
     So, what exactly are we, the American people -- the homeland -- supposed to think?  Are we being  kept in a state of confusion or denial on purpose?  Does it keep us mindless, or indifferent, when it comes to protecting ourselves?  Will it make it that much easier for a terrorist attack to take place on our home soil, and perpetuate this endless military-industrial complex that has drained us for the last thirteen years?  All these are thoughts that I don't want to entertain, but it certainly makes me feel like the wolf is on our doorstep, and the three little pigs can't even agree on whether they heard a knock at the door.
     But, I'm here to tell you that we better start paying attention to the evidence that is before our eyes.  If you have not yet heard this story I'm about to tell you, I predict that it will soon be at the forefront of our national awareness.  In June of this year, 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin, of New Jersey, was killed in what appeared to be a random act of violence.   In fact, the Essex Country Prosecutor's Office initially characterized Brendan as "a target" of a random robbery attempt, in which he was shot 8 times by suspect Ali Muhammad Brown.  Just another unfortunate teen in the wrong place, at the wrong time, right?  Suspicions were hinted at ... could it have been a drug hit?  What might Brendan had been involved in that resulted in his death?

Brendan Tevlin

     Never mind that Brendan was, by all accounts, a remarkable kid who was a National Honor Society student, with no record of trouble; or that this was a black-on-white crime, which didn't receive the national attention that the Ferguson, Missouri shooting has garnered.  The real tragedy in this story is that the media and law enforcement both ignored, and attempted to misrepresent, the truth behind this murder.  And here it is:  Brown, who has since confessed to Brendan Tevlin's murder, along with three other murders in Washington state, says they were carried out as retribution for innocent lives lost in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the Islamic world.   “All these lives are taken every single day by America, by this government. So a life for a life,” Brown told detectives, according to the documents.   So, you see, folks; the terrorists are already here!
     According to NJ.com, Prosecutors say Brown is a devout Muslim who had become angered by U.S. military intervention in the Islamic world, which he referred to as “evil.” He also referred to drug use as inherently evil.  “During the interview Brown also stated that, as part of his beliefs, if a ‘man sees evil then he must take action against that evil’,” according to court papers.
     But here's the question we must ask ourselves:  How many others like Brown are being recruited for jihad?  Websites such as Breitbart.com and newspapers like The Houston Chronicle have written that U.S. Intelligence reports indicate that over 100 Americans have enlisted as Islamic State fighters, and it is readily accepted that ISIS has successfully recruited 2,000 Westerners via its sophisticated online recruitment methods.  The Daily Mail, out of London, reported last week that at least three Minnesota women have traveled to Syria to assist ISIS fighters. Two American ISIS members have already been killed, both from Minnesota.  And now we have Brendan Tevlin gunned down by an ISIS-sympathizer, on the streets of West Orange, New Jersey -- simply for being an American.
     And what did the Authorities do?  Instead of telling the truth, they attempted to give the public a false sense of security, by intimating that Brendan, an innocent and good kid, was "targeted".  That lie not only besmirched Brendan's reputation, but also served to encourage the public to let down their guard ... this couldn't possibly affect us; there must have been a connection between the killer and the victim.
     But here's the truth that should have been shouted from every media outlet across the country ... We are all potential terrorist victims in our own country!  Whether it is those crossing our unsecured southern border who wish us harm; or those who are seduced and recruited by slick social media productions; or those who simply hate us for our governments' policies ... the Enemy is here in the Homeland!  Why isn't this story at the forefront of the national media?  Why isn't it being talked about?  It needs to be a part of our national dialogue --- not in an effort to spread panic and/or bigotry; but to help make us aware of this very real threat, and in the hopes that Brendan's death would count for something.  How many more Brendan's will it take before our leaders not only agree upon the threat, but tell us the truth about the enemy?  It's time that we quit trying to downplay the seriousness of this evil --- it is not "workplace violence", and it is not "random targeting". A jihad has been declared against this country and the enemy is determined to execute their "holy war".  We must be just as determined in our resolve to be open and honest about what that threat looks like.  May God not turn His back on us, in this, our hour of need.

Job 5:12    "He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd, So that their hands cannot attain success. "
      
   

This September 11th ... What's Different?

   

     For some reason, this anniversary of 9-11 finds me being more cautious and alert.  Is it that overt threats against our homeland have been made by an Islamic terrorist army that makes Osama bin Laden look like Mr. Rogers?  Is it the missing Libyan jetliners?  Is it that there are credible reports that terrorists from the Middle East and Africa have easily entered the country through the porous southern border?  Or is it that I'm just more "edgy" because the enemy is no longer keeping its plans to attack us under wraps, but boldly proclaiming it from every online social networking service available?
     How about "all of the above"?  Plus, there is the book by the security contractors in Benghazi, who write they were told to "stand down" from rescuing their teammates.  How does that appear to those who wish to destroy us?  All these scenarios point to the likelihood that we are seen as a viable target.  These are the "facts on the ground", so to speak; what I can point to in support of my clear, sound reasoning.
     But then there is what my spirit senses.  There's no physical proof, no material witness, no concrete evidence.  I am simply unsettled in my soul, and aware that danger is in the air.  I also know that this particular day has become a symbol of victory over us, and the September 11th, 2012 attacks on the compound of the American consulate in Benghazi have emboldened our enemies.  And that enemy has coalesced into a murderous, barbarous horde that my spirit recognizes as pure Evil.  It is more than a religious ideology gone bad; it is dark, fiendish and diabolical.
     What's more, we are not the same country we were on September 11, 2001.  I'm sorry to say, but I think we are weaker, less secure, and less determined to defend our might as we were on that fall morning, thirteen years ago today.  Our military is exhausted and stretched too thin as they fight multiple battles on foreign fronts.   Add that to the lack of defense on our borders, and the growing division among the American people on issues such as immigration, racism, and social/moral values, and we are a country disunited and vulnerable.  In short, we are weary of our struggles, and perhaps have even become anesthetized; worn down to a state of desensitization.
     Also, our Western culture is practically incapable of sustaining a long-term state of readiness.  We are ingrained with a desire and demand for instant gratification ... we pay attention to the news for a period of time; gather our buckets of rice and beans; take a few self-defense classes; buy some ammo and extra food and supplies .... and go back to sleep.   "There, I've taken care of my emergency essentials; I'm prepared," we tell ourselves.  "Now, I want to go back to my fun, and my sports, and planning my next vacation."
     But our enemy doesn't think that way.  They've succeeded in attacking us on September 11th -- not once, but twice in the last thirteen years.  And each time they're thinking "bigger and better."  Not only that, but they have the patience to wait until the time is right and they can execute their plan, just the way they want it.  They don't get weary and they don't go back to sleep.
     But, this is the important factor that Americans don't understand --- September 11th is more than just the day planes flew into the World Trade Towers, or the day that America was attacked on foreign soil.  Radical Muslims look upon the attacks in 2001 as it pertains to their history over the last 330 years or so.  September 11th is a significant date to them because it represents the beginning of the defeat of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, (the last great Caliphate), at the battle of Vienna on September 11, 1683.  It represents the beginning of the decline of their Islamic culture and the rise of the Western culture.  Therefore, to the radical jihadists, September 11th has become symbolic of reversing that trend and re-establishing the superiority of Islam.  It only makes sense that with the rise of ISIS, and a new Caliphate, that they want to be able to create a new September 11th to celebrate victory, rather than the bitter taste of a centuries-old defeat.  They are on a roll right now, and this is why I am praying that with God's help, this day will be uneventful.
     And if He decides to bless us and protect us, my prayer is also that we would awaken to the growing peril that we face.  We cannot win this battle alone; we must ask God to go before us and protect our individual lives, our nation, and our way of life.  Keep on your knees, people!  And may there be a hedge of protection around you and your family today.

Deuteronomy 31:8      "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
   

Needed: Unwavering Hope and Steadfast Courage

   

     These days are difficult.  In the wake of a reported second beheading of an American journalist, how can we live our lives in a normal fashion?  A monstrous terror group holds the free world in a grip of horror and alarm, and the political machine in Washington wants to talk semantics.  Are we at war with the Islamic State, or not?  Because they sure appear to be at war with us!  But we have to play it smart!
     We can no longer avoid the taunting images of Americans in orange jumpsuits, with knives at their throats.  It all plays into the 20-year plan initiated by Al-Queda.  It all began with what radical Islamists called "the Awakening" in 2000.  That included the 9/11 attacks and the successful drawing of American troops into Afghanistan and Iraq, thereby "awakening" the Muslim world against the West.
     This was followed by the second stage of the Plan's timeframe, called "Opening Eyes."  The years between 2003-2006 saw an increase in the training of jihadists and a growing awareness among Western governments that radical Islam was busy at recruiting an army.  Our eyes were opening to the growing threat.
     Stage Three, from 2007-2010, was known as "Arising and Standing Up".  Radicalism spread to Syria and Turkey, with increased attacks on Israel and neighboring countries.  They were making their move.  Next, the focus was on governments that stood in their way.  Stage Four is called "Destroy Hated Arab Governments", and we saw this happening from 2010-2013.  The so-called Arab Spring saw Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Syria experience tremendous upheaval in their governments, and radicalism took control.
     We are now in full-blown Stage Five:  "Declare the Caliphate".  ISIS has surpassed Al-Queda in striving towards the 20-year goal, and they have achieved Stage Five in a rapid and terrifying fashion.  And they have made it clear they do not plan on backing down or away from achieving their plan.  They no longer fear Western intervention and truly believe that the new Islamic State will eventually bring about a new world order.
     If we are going to stop this march of evil, it needs to be now because Stage Six is on the horizon!  In this stage, which radical Islam calls "Total Confrontation", they are relying on the undeniable establishment of the Caliphate.  Once achieved, their plan is to instigate "the Great Battle" between their believers and the Infidels.  This aligns with their Armageddon, which they predict will happen between 2016-2020.  And it will not be limited to fighting in the Middle East.  Surely, you have heard reports of the slick YouTube videos in which ISIS boasts that they are in our states and our cities, and predict blood in our streets.  If not, you need to get in the game!
     The final stage, Stage Seven, is known as "Total Victory".  ISIS smells that victory in the air, and they do not intend to stop until it has been achieved.  What can we do to prevent this?  Obviously, get on our knees, ask for forgiveness and pray to Jehovah for protection.  ISIS may be a physical army from hell, but the power behind them is spiritual and Satanic.  That is the real battle, and it is in the spiritual realm.
     But there is still an earthly component to this reign of terror, and like I said at the beginning of this post, we have to "play it smart."  There is no time to ruminate over what to call this conflict, or how to approach the enemy.  We must not re-play Stages One and Two, by re-invading their homeland with infidel "boots on the ground".  That will only result in inspiring more radicalism and more recruitment material.  We must not allow the "Total Confrontation" to happen on earth.  We must do whatever it takes to stop the evil in its tracks, and completely defeat the advancing hordes.  Then we must let God and His heavenly army fight the battle in the Spiritual realm.  Let Him go before us and conquer the Enemy.  It is His battle to win!
     Until then, we must not waver; we must fight the enemy to win; and we must not denounce our Faith or our way of life.  We must return to a Godly form of living and turn from our destructive paths.  We can do it if we will embrace an unwavering Hope and a steadfast Courage.  We know to Whom we belong, and it is time to live like it!
     
Philippians 1:28:    "That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God."

A "Churchill" Moment?

     I happened to catch just a few moments of British Prime Minister David Cameron's press conference on Friday.  At first I couldn't believe my ears ... a world leader who actually perceives the very real threat of Evil that exists because of the Islamic State (ISIL), and is not afraid to propose a comprehensive plan to stop it.
     Noting that the barbaric murder of American journalist James Foley appears to have been committed by a British jihadist terrorist, Cameron took the lead in addressing what other leaders in the world are reticent to admit.  He was announcing that he had raised his nation’s threat assessment to its second-highest level, in the wake of reports that 500 British jihadists had fought with the Islamic State army, and now were on the verge of returning home.
     These threat assessments and levels have become almost common fare since the September 11th attacks, and we tend to hear the issuance of them with a somewhat cynical ear.  The rationale for their announcement is never straightforward nor transparent; we're always left wondering if it serves some political benefit.  Not so, with PM Cameron.
     “The root cause of this threat to our security is clear,” he said. “It is a poisonous ideology of Islamic extremism.”  Boy, he couldn't have been any more candid, if he tried.  Furthermore, he warned of the danger of a policy of continued concessions:  the problem of ISIS “cannot be solved simply by dealing with perceived grievances over Western foreign policy” and it cannot be “appeased.”

     It's no wonder that of all the former Prime Ministers, Winston Churchill is Cameron's favorite.  While Churchill's history is long, often contradictory and controversial, and even flawed, he was the leader Britain needed in her critical hour.  His courage, his persistence, and his dedication to the purpose of saving his homeland against the aggressive and evil Nazi regime proved that he was the right man for the right cause at the right time. He didn't hold anything back, nor make false promises. He knew the road to victory would be long, dark and bloody.
     While history has yet to record what impact Cameron's speech may have on the future of the Western world, he did his part in stating the obvious:  “We are in the midst of a generational struggle against a poisonous and extremist ideology that I believe we will be fighting for years, and even decades.”  Does he stand alone in his bold pronouncements?  We, here in the U.S. apparently "have no strategy" yet, and the rest of Europe seems impervious to the impending peril of a robust, confident and violent Caliphate.
     In light of Saudi King Abdullah's statement this weekend, other world leaders would serve their countries best by following Cameron's example.  King Abdullah warned, "If we ignore them (ISIL), I am sure they will reach Europe in a month and America in another month ... It is no secret to you, what they have done and what they have yet to do. I ask you to transmit this message to your leaders: 'Fight terrorism with force, reason and (necessary) speed'."
     Cameron made it clear that he intends to do just that: "We’ve already taken a whole range of measures to keep our people safe. We are stopping suspects from travelling by seizing passports. We’re barring foreign nationals from re-entering the UK. We’re depriving people of citizenship and we are legislating so we can prosecute people for all terrorist activity, even where that activity takes place overseas... We’ve taken down 28,000 pieces of extremist material off the internet this year alone, including 46 ISIL related videos. We have made clear that those who carry ISIL flags or seek to recruit to ISIL will be arrested and the material seized."  Are you listening in the halls of Congress and at the White House?
     Cameron also talked about shying away from sweeping new government powers that would hinder the freedom of British citizens, while strengthening the laws they do have.  I must admit that I have an aversion to anything that smacks of our own Patriot Act, and we will have to see if he is true to his word.  But I did like his remarks in which he stood up for, and championed, the British way of life: "Britain is an open, tolerant and free nation.  But we cannot stand by and allow our openness to be confused with a tolerance of extremism, or one that encourages different cultures to live separate lives and allows people to behave in ways that run completely counter to our values. Adhering to British values is not an option or a choice; it is a duty for those who live in these islands. And in the end it is only by standing up for these values that we will defeat the extremism, protect our way of life, and keep all our people safe."  A Leader of a country who extols its exceptionalism ... now that's a breath of fresh air!
     In the end, I don't really know if Prime Minister Cameron will follow through on the promises of his spirited rhetoric.  And I am no political scientist; I can only hope that he is what he appears to be --- and history demands he be --- a man with the moral obligation to stop Evil.  But I do think that Cameron at least recognizes the very real threat that faces not only his country, but Europe, the West, and ultimately, the whole world.  Once again, as in 1940, a British Prime Minister must take the reins and lead his nation against a formidable force hell-bent on dominating the world.  Will Cameron be this generation's Churchill?  He needs to be.
     The words of Churchill in his first speech as Prime Minister would serve Cameron just as well today:  "You ask what is our policy. I will say, it is to wage war with all our might, with all the strength that God can give us, to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime.  You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory however long and hard the road may be. For without victory there is no survival."  May God hold back His righteous judgment just a little longer.

Psalm 94:16     "Who will stand up for me against the wicked? Who will help me against evildoers?"
   

Is It All Smoke and Mirrors?

     There are so many things going on in this world that are all striving for our attention ... massive earthquakes; the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel; the uncertainty of an ebola outbreak; the illegal immigration debacle at our southern border; civil unrest in our heartland; and the growing persecution of Christians and the rise of IS (Islamic State) --- just to name the top contenders!
     I had determined that today I would write about the beheading of journalist James Foley and what this means for all Americans.  I bolstered my courage to watch the video; not really wanting to allow that image of evil to enter my mind, but feeling that, somehow, I owed it to this fellow American.  Perhaps I thought that by watching his death, it honored his life.  Plus, how could I possibly ignore this horrendous event, or take no notice of it, as if it never happened?  It is time we Americans face the fact that Evil is coming ever closer to our comfortable, secure lives.
     I said a silent prayer, asking God for some small semblance of courage as I witnessed Mr. Foley's extraordinary courage.  I braced myself and clicked on the button to start the video.  As the cowardly jihadist grabbed the back of Foley's head and placed his knife at the victim's throat, I braced myself.  And I was soon asking myself, what did I just see?  Certainly not the complete act of a head being cut off; yet at the end of the video, I'm pretty sure it is Foley's severed head lying on the back of a supposedly lifeless body.
     Before I go any further, let me say that I am not aligning myself with the myriad of conspiracy theorists or false flag proponents.  I am simply saying that yes, I believe James Foley was killed and most likely beheaded, but I do not believe that video is an accurate portrayal of this evil act.  So where does that lead me?  To be honest, I'm not really sure... anymore than I am sure of anything that I am being shown in this world.  

     More and more, I am becoming convinced that what is presented to us as facts may be a complex web of deception; designed to push us toward a preset and calculated response.  Can we believe anything based on outward appearances, or is it just a pretense; the invention of an imaginary situation to yield a desired result?  We all know that technology is so advanced that videotape of a purported event can be forged, doctored, or manipulated to look like anything the imagination can create.
     By now, you might be thinking I am a really skeptical and suspicious person; that I am seeing the bogeyman behind every incident or event.  It's not the bogeyman, my friends, for he is an imaginary evil spirit used to frighten children.  No, I'm beginning to think that the real deal, the Devil, is working his deception in, and around, and upon the earthly realm and its leaders, in efforts to instigate undesirable and violent actions that will move his agenda forward.
     I am not denying that actual warfare is going on in Gaza; or that the ebola virus is present and killing people; or that a young black male's death in Ferguson, Missouri has resulted in rioting and violent protests; or even that Christians (and journalists) are being beheaded.  I believe all this chaos is happening.  I'm just not sure that we are being told the truth about the origin, the cause, or the motive behind the event.
     Yes, I know that all evil doings come from Satan.  And I know that he schemes to keep us from a personal relationship with the God of the Universe.  But I also believe to the depths of my soul that he can manipulate the message we receive from these chaotic and lawless events by using men to control our perception and our response.
     I find myself no longer able to believe everything I see at face value.  I sense the Enemy's presence in every narrative and every image that is presented to us.  The more shocked and unsettled we become, the more receptive we are to his lying whispers.  His strategy is really very simple ... keep us from the peace that comes from trusting the Lord, and we take our eyes off our refuge in the coming storm.  Bombard our minds with visions of grisly death and social pandemonium, and we begin doubting God's ability to protect us.  And ultimately, if he can crack open the door of fear, he is home free and we will accept any counterfeit solution to guarantee our safety.
     In the final analysis, our focus should not be on whether these recent events are 100% bona fide or not.  The real take-away we should perceive are the attempts to achieve the pre-determined consequences planned by the Devil and those whom he influences.  In reality, we need to make absolutely sure that we know and discern the real Truth ... God's Truth.  When we resolve to dwell in the secret place of the Most High and under His sheltering shadow, we will not be moved by the turmoil or the lawlessness.
     Remember:  We are not designed for destruction nor deception.  Let the evil ones demonstrate their scheming tricks and strategies to those who would be fooled.  Let us keep our eyes, our minds, and our hearts on the One who is faithful to keep His promises... smoke and mirrors are not necessary to convince me of His Truth.

1 John 5:19   "We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one."

"The Battle For The Free World Is In Iraq"

     I believe there is a very important article on the Christian Broadcasting Network that deserves your attention.  It has been difficult for us Americans to know the truth of our involvement -- or of our planned participation -- in fighting ISIS in Iraq.  We receive confusing messages of "airstrikes" but "no boots on the ground"; of fighting this terrorist movement, yet letting the Iraqi forces defend themselves.  But this article will give you new insight to just how important how part could be.   
     This week, the formidable fighting force of the Kurdish Peshmerga (which means "Those who face death") were successful in seizing control of the strategic Mosul Dam from ISIS.  The terrorist army had threatened to destroy the dam, releasing a 30-foot wall of water upon downstream cities, including the heart of Baghdad.
     CBN News was able to interview one of the district commanders of the Peshmerga, who supplied some valuable information for us, as Americans:  "When they (ISIS) controlled this area, they started to kill people, kidnap women, and slay people in the streets.  This is the way they control other areas. They persecuted Yazidis and Christians and threatened the Christians to either convert to Islam, pay the tax, or be killed."

     While stressing that they are willing to fight the jihadist terrorists, the Commander underscored two very important facts:  ISIS is better armed than the Peshmerga forces.  Therefore, they need the West and the U.S. to 1) provide them with much-needed weapons and 2) they need training on how to effectively use these weapons.
     But perhaps the most important aspect of the Kurdish involvement is that they see themselves as the point of the spear in the battle against ISIS.  "Right now Kurdistan is fighting the terror on behalf of the whole free world," the Kurdish commander said. "The terrorists of ISIS have gathered here from everywhere in the world, and they pose a threat to countries all over the world, from Australia to Europe and other countries."
     "The battle of the whole world moved here to Kurdistan," he continued. "Because we are the people of this region, we know how to fight against ISIS. We know the area and we know what we need to do, so this is why we need the support of the world in order to stand against ISIS."
     It is quite apparent that they know what is at stake.  Fox News reports on just how passionate the Peshmerga are about their part in this battle against Evil.... old soldiers are coming out of retirement (from around the world!) to rejoin the ranks of Kurdistan’s legendary Peshmerga fighters.  They are hardened combatants; they have years of experience in fighting Saddam Hussein's formidable army, as well as their ancestral enemies, the Turks.  In addition, tribal battles have made them among the most fearsome fighters on the planet.
     Plus, there is the added dimension of the courage and strength that the older soldiers offer the Peshmerga.  The new, younger officers say "they are buoyed by the knowledge that their heroes are alongside them and that they will happily follow them into battle."  This unique trend personifies a deeply ingrained Kurdish tradition -- that of deep familial and inter-generational respect. In each unit, one retired soldier is assigned to ten younger ones.
     Then, as reported by Fox, there is the especially poignant story of Sherdyl Rwandzi, 49, a taxi driver from Bournmouth, England.  He moved back to Kurdistan six months ago at the urging of his wife and stepmother, so he could join the “battle for humanity.” He recalled his wife telling him, “If you don’t fight for your country, then the foreigners will take it -- and what will your children have left?”
     In truth, what will any of the world's children have left, if ISIS is not stopped?  They have have made their goals well-known, even announcing their presence in Ferguson, Missouri!  They intend to conquer the world in the name of their evil fanaticism.  We, in the United States, had better wake up to the realization that we are the end goal, and if they succeed in Iraq, they will be emboldened to continue their advancement of persecution and death.  The Kurds recognize what is at stake.  Do we?

Genesis 9:6    "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image."

Never Underestimate Evil!

     My mind and my soul are in turmoil.  Half a world away, children are beheaded; women are kidnapped, raped and subjected to sexual slavery; and men are being executed and their dead bodies hung on makeshift crucifixes.  The "soldiers" of ISIS have demanded conversion to Islam or death.  Their bold assault in Iraq amounts to a systemic slaughter of "infidels", and ultimate genocide.

     Just yesterday, an Iraqi government minister told Reuters, "Islamic State militants have killed at least 500 members of Iraq's Yazidi minority, burying some alive and taking hundreds of women as slaves."  The Yazidi are a Kurdish-speaking ethnic/religious group that predates Christianity.  Their faith is a combination of early Mesopotamian religions and Persian philosophies, dating back thousands of years.  They believe in a God who created the world, and the central figure of their faith is the Peacock Angel, who some argue shares the same narrative as Satan.  Regardless of the suspicions we Westerners might have about this ancient religion, the fact remains that they are in the path of pure Evil.
     Yet, our media is just now beginning to grasp the depth of this threat.  In reality, they are falling far short of reporting the full scope of ISIS's intent.  While the world is focused on the atrocities in Iraq, ISIS, (or IS -- Islamic State -- as it is now referring to itself), has turned its attention to gaining a foothold in nearby Lebanon.  Israel National News reports that ISIS began its campaign with car bombs and suicide bombers, and is now engaging in a full-on battle with the Lebanese Army.  For now, Hezbollah, the Shia Islamist militant group, has refused to get involved in fighting the Sunni jihadists of ISIS.  That may soon change with the recent ISIS announcement  “that the time had come to implement its plan and announce a vast Islamic emirate, imposing its emirs while sabotaging the Arab world and pushing it into the furnace of ignorance and backwardness in the name of Islam."
     And it's not only the Arab world that they plan on conquering.  Through a sophisticated social media blitz, the group leaves no doubt as to who their future target is .... US!  To show you just how twisted this world has become, terrorist groups now take to Twitter to foment their propaganda and threats.  They post cellphone images of their black flag of jihad with the White House in the background, and messages such as "We are here America, near our target... sooooon", and "We are in your states, we are in your cities, we are in your streets.  We are anywhere".  They make no bones about it ... they vow to one day “raise the flag of Muhammad in the White House.”
     How seriously do Americans take this threat?  How seriously does our government?  They roam the deserts and towns of Iraq in abandoned U.S. Humvees and upload their grisly brutality on social media videos.  The Daily Mail reports they have seized control of the vital Mosul Dam in Northern Iraq, which supplies water and power to millions of Iraqis. There are fears its destruction would unleash a 65-foot wave that could overwhelm Mosul and even cause flooding in Baghdad.  Furthermore, their medieval style of Islam has now been imposed on a portion of Iraq and Syria the size of Great Britain.  And they have no intentions of stopping there!  Even the fearsome Kurdish fighters are fleeing the advance of ISIS, along with 150,000 residents running for their lives.
     Yes, the US and Britain have dropped relief supplies to the Yazidis who are trapped on a mountaintop; and we have dropped strategic bombs in an attempt to stall the "caliphate".  But if we thought the Kurds could defeat the evil that is ISIS by themselves, we are being shown just how much we underestimate this group.  As one Kurdish fighter explained, "‘Everything they have is American – it is all the latest equipment with the big guns, the Humvees."  (And now we are bombing  our own equipment, left behind when we withdrew our troops!  Oh, the irony of it all!)
     I am hard-pressed to see where this all ends.  I believe this is an evil force like the world has not seen since Hitler.  It cannot be placated, and it will not be easily defeated.  Perhaps only God's heavenly army can destroy it; but it must be destroyed.  I urge you to take a look at the video series on the Islamic State by award-winning journalist and filmmaker Medyan Dairieh, who spent 10 days inside the Islamic State for Vice News. He is the first Western journalist to be embedded inside the world's most dangerous terrorist group, documenting its inner workings.

     I don't want to spoil his report, but suffice it to say he saw "a regime of absolute control which imposed its strict sharia laws ... a very organized army .... whose ruthless ambition is to take over the world."  What are we Bible-believing Christians to make of this?  How many of us know what the final book of the Bible, Revelation, tells us?  Sadly, I know of too many denominations who ignore this last book of the Bible, or flat out choose to negate it as "having already occurred".  That philosophy is embraced at great risk!
     We Christians like to think we know the complete story of the Bible ... but too many limit it to the New Testament only and Christ's First Coming, culminating in the glorious rapture of the Saints and His Second Appearance on Earth.  These Believers never look at the warnings issued by Jesus or Paul or Peter, and choose to concentrate on the message of Grace.  But God gave us the entire Bible for a reason!  There's a reason we are told of Satan's fall ... it is because he wants to usurp Yeshua's position at the right hand of God; he wants to dethrone Jesus and crown himself King.  The Old Testament is full of accounts of Satan's plan to accomplish this goal, and he continues into the New Testament; thinking that he has won when Jesus is crucified.  But the Resurrection showed the Devil that he was again defeated.  So do you really think that he is going to give up that easy?  Satan knows God's plan to send His Son back to rescue those He calls His own.  And he is well aware that this time, Jesus is coming to condemn the wicked and that He will finally, and once for all, deliver his [Satan's] final defeat in the lake of fire and sulphur.
     So can Believers envision how much Evil Satan is going to pour out on the earth in his final attempt to win over the inhabitants of the earth and spoil Jesus's victory?  Do they really think it is going to be smooth sailing out of this world?  It hasn't been for centuries of Christians who have been called to "suffer with Christ"!  Why should it be for us?
     Whether ISIS is the culmination of Satan's final evil plan, I cannot say with certainty.  But they sure show signs of his influence and his hatred of Christians and Jews.  I pray that we do not have to face this threat firsthand.  And I pray for the thousands of fellow Christians who are being tested and refuse to renounce our faith.  May they feel the presence of our Lord in this hour of their trials.

1 Peter 3:14    "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,"

Evil Is On the March

    As I write this, it is the afternoon of June 12th, 2014 and I am experiencing an overwhelming sense of futility and sadness as I reflect on the news coming out of Iraq.  The Daily Mail out of Britain has an in-depth article on the collapse of the city of Mosul. Combine that with the more recent fall of Tikrit, and the imminent assault on Baghdad, and it is quite clear that the war in Iraq is not over. While the photos show the heartbreak of families fleeing the brutal insurgency of a new terrorist group, ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), I cannot help but think about the tremendous cost in lives and treasure.
     Reuters has reported that the U.S. war in Iraq has cost $1.7 trillion with an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to war veterans; these are expenses that could grow to more than $6 trillion over the next four decades counting interest.  But worth more than these overwhelming figures is the cost in human lives.  A total of 4,486 U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2012.  University researchers in the U.S., Canada and Baghdad, along with the Iraqi Ministry of Health, have estimated that nearly half a million people in the country of Iraq have died since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.  These figures cover not only violent deaths, but other avoidable deaths linked to the invasion, insurgencies and subsequent social breakdown.
     So what happens now?  As trite as it sounds, only the Lord knows.  ISIS is not a name I was familiar with, but preliminary research has shown that they are so brutal, that even Al-Queda shuns them.  One headline announced the depth of their evil cruelty .... Marauding ISIS Militia Beheading Their Way to Baghdad.  What makes this group so frightening (and why Al-Queda has distanced themselves) is that these beheadings, crucifixions, and assassinations have been carried out against rival jihadist groups.  This all comes as the leader of this brutal group continues to attract hardline Islamic fighters from around the world.  Reports say that ISIS has in excess of 10,000 fighting men in its ranks. Many of its fighters are thought to be radicalized Western Muslims who have poured in from Europe and North America to join the fighting in Syria and elsewhere in the middle East.

     ISIS is being led by a shadowy figure known as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.  You can imagine my alarm when I heard retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Ralph Peters compare Osama bin Laden to John the Baptist, as the forerunner to this al-Baghdadi.  Are we looking at the emergence of an archetype of the Islamic Savior known as the Mahdi? Will he be able to unite the jihadists around the world and bring on another holocaust of God's people?  He has certainly manifested himself as a brutal power in a very rapid manner, and one cannot help but look back at history at the other representatives of Evil who appeared in similar circumstances.
     The news agencies spell out the danger that threatens to engulf the entire globe.  Reuters says, "Sunni rebels from an al Qaeda splinter group overran the Iraqi city of Tikrit on Wednesday and closed in on the biggest oil refinery in the country, making further gains in their rapid military advance against the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad."  Over half a million people fled the city of Mosul in the wake of that conquest.  And for those of us who see the headlines from a biblical perspective, we cannot dismiss the words of a police captain who fled the city of Tikrit, "We are fighting devils and not ordinary people".
     But I have to tell you that I think there is even more Biblical significance to what is happening.  The Christian Science Monitor reports that "It's well known that Mosul has been a target for ISIS... the city is the capital of northern Nineveh Province."  Now where have we heard that name Nineveh before?  Genesis 10:11 records that none other than Nimrod built the city of Nineveh.  And if you don't know who Nimrod is, well just suffice it to say that the root meaning of Nimrod in the Hebrew language is "the rebel".   And it is very possible that “Nimrod” may not be the name of an actual man, but is more likely a derisive term of a type, or a representative, of a system that is epitomized in rebellion against the Creator, the one true God.  We can identify his "type" throughout history in the personages of Antiochus Epiphanes, Gengis Khan, Stalin, and Hitler, amongst many others.
     It is also important that the city of Nineveh and the city of Babylon are closely tied together as Nimrod's power bases.  And would it surprise you to know that the ruins of ancient Babylon sit just 53 miles south of modern-day Baghdad?  There are those who will scoff at my implications, but the fact that the conquest of Iraq is happening so quickly in the wake of the more than $14 billion we spent in training Iraqi forces to defend themselves, cannot be easily dismissed.  I cannot disregard the ancient prophecy in Jeremiah 51:7-8:  "Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the LORD, intoxicating all the earth. The nations have drunk of her wine; Therefore the nations are going mad. Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken...".  This corresponds with the End Times prophecy in Revelation 18:10 that foretells the fall of Babylon in one hour.  For the skeptics that will tell me Baghdad is not Babylon, I would say, the spirit of ancient prophecies rest upon this land, as well as future pronouncements regarding the End Times.  We would do well to pray for our deliverance from the consequences.
     And to those of you who do not see these world events through the lens of the Bible, I must tell you that I cannot see them otherwise.  It is my hope that the urgency of what is being reported would cause you to check out my assumptions; to examine the Bible yourself to see if it bears witness to what I suggest.  These events could have immediate effect upon all our lives through the takeover of strategic oil fields in Iraq, along with the possibility that any number of the North America jihadists lining up with ISIS might hold U.S. passports.  At the very least your comfortable American life might be headed for some serious and far-reaching changes.  But at the heart of my post is the hope that you will recognize that, most importantly, it is your eternal life that is in jeopardy.  Evil is obviously sweeping the Middle East, and why would it stop its campaign for world dominance at the borders of Iraq?  Now is the time to make preparations for your soul.

I Thessalonians 5:3    While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.


     
   
   

Conspiracy or Coincidence?

     Oh, what a tangled web we weave

When first we practice to deceive!

     This prose from Sir Walter Scott instantly came to mind when I came across a most interesting connect-the-dot analysis.  While scouring some of the more "fringe" websites for information that would benefit my readers, I found Michael Kaplan, of Forward Observer Magazine, who wrote that sometimes "the most ominous secrets are those hidden in “plain view”."
     Remember when I told you last month about The Grid Attack You Never Knew Happened?  If you will remember, my post pointed out that there was an attack carried out by a group of people on a power station in California last spring, yet we heard practically nothing about it at the time.  In fact, officials at Pacific Gas & Electric Company tried to write it off as "vandalism".
     But Jon Wellinghoff, who was chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at the time of the attack, was not satisfied.  He resigned his post and undertook his own investigation.  Shortly thereafter he disclosed to the Wall Street Journal that it was a well-coordinated attack by unknown enemies of the United States.  (Read that post to see why he thinks so.) This has caused great concern among those who fear our grid system is extremely vulnerable.
     But now, thanks to the gutsy report by Michael Kaplan, I can reveal that this stealthy event has even more ramifications.  Are you aware that the attack on that power station in California happened only one day after the Boston Marathon Bombing?  That's right!  The bombing in Boston occurred on April 15, 2013, and the power grid attack slipped in under the radar just one day later.  So, what do you think?  Is it conspiracy --- or coincidence?

     What are the chances that it is coincidence when, as Mr. Kaplan points out: "While 9,000 law enforcement officers swarmed the city of Boston looking for two Russians from Dagestan, a commando team of terrorist snipers were attacking the US Power Grid in California. "  Do you think they just simultaneously occurred with no discernible connection?  Or are the puppet-masters keeping us focused on their right hand, while the left is maneuvering into position for a sneak attack?  And if they are connected, then can we believe anything we've been told (which is minimal) about the reasons behind the Boston Bombing?
     I have to take seriously the remarks by Jon Wellinghoff, when he told the Wall Street Journal, that the attack on the power grid in California was “the most significant incident of domestic terrorism involving the grid that has ever occurred.”   That statement would explain the under-reporting by the Media of the execution of Grid-Ex II.  What is that, you ask?
     As Kaplan points out, Government and utility industry officials are so concerned about a potential attack on our grid system that they staged a massive emergency drill mid-November 2013 (Grid-Ex II), in which they practiced responding to a simulated failure of large parts of the electrical system across North America.  It seems they can at least conceive of a nightmare scenario in which terrorists or an enemy country stages a combination of cyber-attacks and physical attacks that destroy, or render inoperable, crucial power facilities and take down large sections of the grid.  One has to wonder if this drill would have materialized had Wellinghoff not "gone off the reservation" with his own investigation and then took his story to the WSJ.  Would Government and Utility officials have continued to be complacent and accepting of the "vandalism" excuse?
     We hear an awful lot about "cyber-attacks against our infrastructure."  But as Mr. Wellinghoff points out, it takes a lot of sophistication to shut down an entire grid while sitting at your laptop in some Eastern bloc country.  But the incident in California proved that a handful of individuals with AK-47s were able to strike quickly and effectively to shut down power.  If they were able to take down multiple transformers across different grids, we would easily be without power for six months or more.  Just think what that would do to hospitals, emergency units and law enforcement!
     So that brings me back to my initial hypothesis ... was the Boston Bombing intended to be a smokescreen to cover the actions in California?  Was it just random luck that Wellinghoff wasn't willing to accept the softball "vandalism" pretense?  Would we have even known of this test run against our grid if he hadn't persisted in his investigation?  And if the two events are connected --- who is running the show?  
     I think that is what scares me the most.  Because if they are connected, then we are dealing with a highly secret and sinister force that is willing to sacrifice the lives of innocent victims and force a false scenario upon an exploitable public.  And as the Apostle Paul warned us, we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies per se, but individuals who have been compromised by the mighty, dark powers of this world.
     We would do well to acknowledge this warning.  Throughout the Bible, the prophets of old were shown that these powers existed.  Why would we think that don't exist today?  In fact, Isaiah points out in Chapter 24, verse 15:  Ah, you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark and who says, "Who sees us?  Who knows us?"  You turn things upside down.
     If things aren't upside down now, I don't know what is!  I just want you to keep your eyes and ears open; question everything!  Accept these tidbits of clues we are given as reasons to better prepare yourself physically and spiritually.  Discern for yourselves the significance of an event, or events.  If something doesn't meet the smell test, then in all likelihood, it's not the truth.
     But you can know this for a fact:  while forces may plot in darkness, and deceive us, they do not escape the attention of our God.  They can turn our world upside down, but they do not have control over our lives unless we surrender to them.  God is our Protector, our Provider, and our Comforter.  He  rules and reigns over the darkness and He is aware of everything!  There are no secrets in His kingdom and Evil will not win!

Jeremiah 16:17    "For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes."