No Panic in Heaven - Part II - Dec 30

This is a continuation of my previous post. As it was getting late and the post was getting a wee bit too long, I cut it short and published. This post will be the last one for 2007 so I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year in '08. Watch this space in January for more Biblical insight into today's news.

Being a Watchman Ain't Easy, but Somebody's Gotta Do It - Part II

Bloody 'ell, they're at it again. Shoddy, sounds-nice-feels-good theology divorced from Biblical truth is a constant thorn in the side for those who love Him. In Palestine, churches are resuscitating 'liberation theology', thereby reducing Christianity to some cheap political creed. The Biblical command to not forsake Israel should be in the heart of every Christian. By demonizing Israel as some kind of neo-Roman Empire is to stand on shaky ground. You'd also have to ignore half of the OT and much of the NT to come up with this wacky doctrine.

So are the Jews really that powerful? Yes they are. But not through deviousness or malice as the anti-semites love to tell it (or sell it if you prefer). All Jews with very few exceptions are literate and educated. Hard work and faith in a living God completes the three-legged stool of success.

You'd think this would somehow rub off on the Palestinians living beside the most dynamic people in the world. And of course you'd also be wrong in that assessment. The Palestinian economy is in shambles and human rights violations persist with the bloody infighting between Fatah and Hamas. This despite the fact that 'Palestine' is one of the biggest international welfare cases in the world.

Bono Vox, the Irish Idiot

I love Bono's voice and the music of U2. And there's nothing sexier than a woman's voice with an Irish accent. I'd be putty in her hands. So why am I harsh on Mr. Paul Hewens (his real name)? Two words: Foreign Aid. Understand I'm not against foreign aid per se, but it can also be a detriment. Without security, accountability and transparency, foreign aid is wasted and grossly distorts the local economy. Having good people in the right places is crucial as well. The problem is of course, the places where foreign aid goes to has little in the way of security, accountability, transparency and moral leaders in high places. Foreign aid minus the proper oversight entrenches the corrupt and decreases the chance for a lasting peace. The worst thing we can do for Israel is to give the Palestinians hope that victory is imminent. By denying them aid and defeating the intifadah, Palestinians will get down to the mundane business of building a peaceful state for themselves. So Bono, please think about the unintended consequences of your socialist policies. Sometimes the best aid is no aid at all.

The Last Odds and Ends for 2007

Here are two top ten lists, one from K-House and one from Rapture Ready on the prophetic trends that we saw this year. With the Bhutto assassination this week, 2008 looks like a year for accelerated progress for Bible prophecy.

From economics to politics, and from politics to military collaboration, China and India are putting aside past grievances in a dual security exercise. While the number of the troops is small, that's generally where large-scale military co-operation starts. With oil pipelines being laid east-west across Eurasia, the path of the Kings of the East is made clearer every day.

Lastly from the GFA, a photo show on the advances being made for the Kingdom of God and the everyday challenges that a growing church in India faces during the holiday season.

Johnny Cash

There's No Panic In Heaven - Dec 29

By now you've already heard the news out of Pakistan. As all the major news outlets have reported on the carnage, there's little point here in rehashing old news. Benazir Bhutto knew full well the dangers associated with her campaign. She also had many admirers as well. I sort of have to laugh at some of the over-the-top rhetoric being lauded on her. Bhutto was never going to be the 'bright shining light' of Pakistan, despite claims to the contrary. The Bhutto family was corrupt, made it policy to empower the Taliban and were key players in Pakistan's nuclear ambitions. She may have represented a new hope for Pakistan, but Benazir Bhutto was forever a flawed and imperfect ally.

Being a Watchman Ain't Easy, but Somebody's Gotta Do It

The pay stinks and the working conditions suck. So why do it? I suppose the answer is the eternal price of freedom is vigilance. The first group we have to watch for is the loony left. I've commented on their perfect record of failure before and it looks like there'll be no shorage of silliness to report on. As I see it, the left have two major talents that us conservative thinkers simply lack. Namely:

1) The uncanny ability to predict catastrophe after its already occurred and,

2) Giving a detailed, in-depth analysis of non-existent events.

Honestly, I'm jealous. Gifts like these aren't handed out like candy y'know. Take noted feminist and wild-eyed conspiracy theorist Naomi Wolf. The Bush years have not been good to Naomi I'm afraid.

As you may well know, I have a deep love for Israel and all those that choose to live peaceably within its borders. So when David Landau - the editor of Ha'aretz - told Condi Rice recently that he wanted to see Israel 'raped' for the cause of peace (at any cost apparently), I get a little worried. As Daniel Pipes notes:

(1) This appeal to an outside agency to pressure their own government is profoundly undemocratic.

(2) It is hard to imagine the intellectuals of any other state acting in like fashion.

When its Israel's sovereignty at stake, who cares right? It's all for the greater good we're told. Daniel (9:27) prophecied that Israel would make a covenant with death, an agreement with Hell (Isaiah 28:15). While the signatures on that future document will be distinctly Jewish, I doubt Israel will have a truly free choice in the matter.

Take a look at Mike Huckabee who was in Des Moines, Iowa recently:


A man of the people, even if Ann Coulter doesn't think so. Mike is a former pastor, and has used his easygoing oratory to charm friends and foes alike. Huckamania has caught on in Texas, earning the endorsement of the Dallas Morning News. Democracy in action, right? Well, not so fast. It appears that Huck is getting hostile attention from two groups, the godless secularists in the liberal media and the higher-ups in the Republican party. Both forces are anti-God and anti-America. Nor is there anything wrong with making the right kinds of enemies. Can a candidate who openly expresses his Christian faith and who's an outsider to Washington make it to the Oval Office? If Mike can't do it, John McCain is the next best choice. Both are mavericks in their own right and are bona fide threats to the establishment. Pray that God will protect these two men (along with all the other candidates) and guide America in its fateful decision.

Johnny Cash

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Dec 24

Bet you didn't know the Christian origins of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. Though there is some controversy within the church over this, at the very least I found it interesting.

The original link can be found here.

The First Day of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The partridge in question is none other than Jesus Christ.

The Second Day of Christmas: Two Turtledoves

Turtledoves were used as animal sacrifices for the Jewish Temple. They represent the Old and New Testaments.

The Third Day of Christmas: Three French Hens

The three virtues of faith, hope and love (1 Cor 13:13)

The Fourth Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the four gospels of the NT.

The Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Gold Rings

From the New Testament back to the Old, these are the first five books of the Bible, also referred to as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

The Sixth Day of Christmas: Six Geese A-laying

The first six days of Creation. (Gen 1)

The Seventh Day of Christmas: Seven Swans A-swimming

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion (Romans 12:6-8)

The Eighth Day of Christmas: Eight Maids A-milking

The eight beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)

The Ninth Day of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

The Tenth Day of Christmas: Ten Lords A-leaping

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)

The Eleventh Day of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven faithful apostles who loved Jesus.

The Twelveth Day of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming

These are the twelve points of doctrine found in the Apostles Creed.

Hope that enlightens you some. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Johnny Cash

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells - Dec 23

What's up with the superherophobia? I'd take the Batmobile Tumbler over Santa's sleigh any day. Anyhoo, here's a cool Christmas pic to add to your folder:


Actually, scratch that. Poor old St. Nick has collided with a PLA jet whilst over the South China Sea. As a result, Christmas is cancelled this year. Hope that doesn't inconvenience your family too much.

Gog and Magog

Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him. Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet. Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. (Ezekiel 38:2-6)

This has been a little nugget of Bible prophecy that continues to fascinate me. It tells of a war launched against Israel won by God Himself. Libya and Ethiopia are self-explanatory. Persia is modern-day Iran. But who is the 'house of Togarmah of the north quarters'? Turkey and Russia seem to be the most logical choices. With the recent National Intelligience Estimate (NIE), Bible prophecy has just taken a quantum leap.

Iran (Persia) and Iraq

Here's my pet theory: America has made its mind up that diplomacy with Iran is over. Knowing recent Iran-Iraq relations have not been stellar, especially in the 1980's, the Bush administration has cut a deal: Either co-operate with us on Iraq with the eventual U.S. troop withdrawal or we will arm Iraq (and possibly the KSA as well) to the teeth. An Iranian pledge of non-interference in Iraq's internal affairs gives them a reprieve wrt their nuclear ambitions. With a year left in power, Dubya wants his vindication and he wants it now. Determined to carve out a legacy at any price, the groundwork has been laid for a destructive confrontation, endangering both Jewish and Arab lives. Thus, whomever inherits the Oval Office in Jan '09 will have a ticking time bomb to deal with as soon as they assume command.

Israel: We Are Not Amused

Naturally, the Israelis are mortified. America, Israel's biggest ally and supporter, has abandoned the Jewish state. While that may or may not be the official case, I think the end result is still the same. It certainly has made for sober reading in the Israeli newspapers of late. Israel once more stands alone against its enemies.

The Russian Bear Awakes

There's no way to know for sure what role (if any) Russia will play in Ezekiel's prophecy. What we do know (and it ain't pretty) is this:

The precedent of Russian MiGs over Israeli airspace has already been set. Russian complicity in the Six-Day War of 1967 was much more significant (and sinister) than originally believed.

While the Yeltsin years hardly represented a nadir for Russia, things have deteriorated under Vladimir Putin. Vlad the Impaler has throttled the opposition and stifled what was left of a free press. Time magazine can call it 'stability' all it wants, but former chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov isn't fooled: It's the old reconstituted Soviet system in all its evil glory.

U.S-Russian foreign relations have taken a nosedive as well. The recent decision by the Bush administration to put a missile defence system in Poland has upped the ante. While the U.S. continues to engage Iran over Iraq (see above) the Americans fundamentally distrust the Iranians (with good reason) and Russian attempts to enable them.

Saving Man from the Wreckage of Civilization

The Gospel was never given to save civilization from wreckage. It was given to save man from the wreckage of civilization. Above all, there is a God who loves us very much. A man living in a cave in India was given a new life in Jesus Christ thanks to a GFA missionary. It is through faith, by receiving The One Who Was Sent, Jesus the Messiah, the same shall be saved. That to me is the heart and soul of the gospel message. If you understand that, then you've grasped the true meaning of Christianity.

Sultan Knish

Found this blog by glorious accident. You can check out this post about the self-defeating jihad that the West finds itself in. The link to his homepage can be found under 'Israeli Bloggers'.

Merry Freakin' Christmas!

I would like to take this time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. As I have this week off, I do intend to post again before the year is over. BTW, Santa is very much alive and in one piece, despite China's best military efforts. Stay safe, have fun and please don't drink and drive!

Johnny Cash

Faith, Family, Freedom - Dec 18

It's about time somebody unapologetically said 'Merry Christmas'! This is a wonderful little plug by Mike Huckabee. As I've stated previously, I've endorsed Huck to be America's new president in 2008. Mike's 'Fair Tax' plan will empower the poor and the middle class. As it turns out, even I made a mistake: This guy is for real. While Rudy is still the GOP frontrunner, Huck has surged forward by as much as 18 points! This is huge. Politics is really all about momentum. Who had it but lost it, who didn't have it before but do now and those who never had momentum in the first place. Rudy and Romney are in the first category whilst Huckabee is clearly in the second. Thompson, McCain and Ron Paul fall into that unfortunate third slot. Now we must remember that November '08 is still a ways off and a lot can happen between now and then.

The Great Communicator - Part II

Huckabee understands the American heart just like Ronald Reagan did. I believe it's that simple. Huck doesn't have secret mutant powers as some have tongue-in-cheek suggested. What he does have is an ability to engage men and women directly while putting them at ease. He's that 'family friend', someone who always gets an invite to Christmas dinner.

Capturing the Female Vote

Mike is not what you would call model material. Nor will he ever be mistaken for James Bond. As men tend to vote conservative irrespective of who's running, the ultimate swing vote ends up in the hands of women. It's the women in a democracy who are the king makers. So if good looks aren't the be all and end all (nor are they entirely irrelevant), what drives women away from a particular candidate? In a word: Anger. Women (and more than a few men) don't like angry candidates. Guys, listen to me: It's not just what you say, it's how you say it that matters to women. Overly aggressive body language turns women off. A masculine leader that is confident and self-assured with a hint of mischief in their eyes will melt most women's hearts. Huck has got that whole mojo thing going with his body language. How do you think Bill Clinton avoided impeachment? The worst twentieth century U.S. president who never 'got it' as far as body language was concerned has to be Richard Nixon. Look how history judges them now! Looking at the current GOP slate, Mitt looks stiff and Rudy looks like a deer caught in the headlights. Not good for them, that's for sure!

Haven't had a post in over a week so I'd like to thank you for your patience. I've also included Mike's own website for your leisure.

Johnny Cash

Living In Interesting Times - Dec 9

As the political picture here in Canada has cooled significantly we have to look south to get our political fix. Let's keep in mind that in the '08 election that neither a sitting president or vice-president is running. It certainly makes for a very topsy-turvy campaign. Despite the fact that there are only two established parties, there's no lack of characters dotting the political landscape.

The Republicans

I've already said my piece about Giuliani and have endorsed Mike Huckabee. Yet the GOP still intrigues me. In particular, Mormon Mitt Romney. As Jonah Goldberg notes, outside of the evangelicals, few Americans care that Mr. Romney is a Mormon. While his faith is obviously a big part of Mitt's life, what matters most to Americans in considering a president is someone who is good and has faith in something that is bigger than themselves. I am not endorsing Mormonism here. Indeed there are many valid theological questions swirling around Joseph Smith and Mormon doctrines. But as Mr. Goldberg opines, people will judge you by what you do, not by what you say.

The Democrats

Hillary is still 'The Man' (pardon the expression) as far as the Dems are concerned. I believe that the GOP want Mrs. Clinton to get the Democrat nomination. The Republicans are making a huge mistake in overlooking Barack Obama. Personable, handsome, charismatic and above all Obama's got Oprah Winfrey in his corner. All assets that Democrats secretly wish Hillary Clinton had. Which she doesn't.

Afghanistan

I think our boys are doing yeoman's work in Afghanistan. With that being said, things have deteriorated in the south since 2005. Since 2007, many aid workers have left. See the two maps below:

Afghanistan in 2005

Afghanistan in 2007


Obviously these are objective judgements being made but the negative trend is clear. The main culprit is the drug trade and widespread corruption. The Taliban, despite propaganda claims to the contrary, are heavily involved in the opium drug trade. It is truly disheartening that NATO soldiers are dying to defend drug routes for 'untouchable' drug lords. All failed states have one thing in common: corruption. It steals from the poor and gives to the rich. In Afghanistan the only thing they have in abundance is poor people. It's a crying shame and there seems to be little in the way of resolution.

With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?

Is Turkey still a reliable Western asset? I don't think so. While Turkey may have been a friend of the U.S. in the past, its current status is more like that of a rival. It isn't exactly friendly but it isn't hostile either. Given what is happening with the Kurds in northern Iraq, you get the impression that the Turks were quite happy with Saddam in power prior to his forceful removal in 2003. In the Daniel Pipes article it states:

Anti-Americanism has prospered exuberantly in the five years of AKP rule, to the point that Turks regularly poll as the population most hostile to America in the world. In 2000, polls show, 52 percent of them looking favorably on the United States; just 9 percent do so in 2007.

Naturally the leftists are rejoicing over this America (and Bush) hatred. I don't think these trends that we're seeing in Afghanistan and Turkey is due to American strength, I believe these are the results of American weakness. So while Mr. Bush does not escape the blame, the left-wing critics have got it bass-ackwards as usual.

Everybody's Favorite Fifth Column

The Council of American- Islamic Relations seems to have a serious problem. Many of the upper echelons of CAIR have a penchant for law-breaking and saying stupid things. To quote U.S. Rep Sue Myrick (D-NC),

"Groups like CAIR have a proven record of senior officials being indicted and either imprisoned or deported from the United States,"

Sue Myrick is also the co-founder of the House Anti-Terrorism/Jihad Caucus.

These malcontents also seem to suffer from foot-in-mouth disease:

"Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant,"

"The Koran, the Muslim book of scripture, should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth."

So said Omar Ahmad, the founder of CAIR to interviewer Lisa Gardiner. Naturally this weasel is denying he ever said such a thing. As of yet, no retraction has been offered by the Fremont Argus in California.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as my last one. I'm actually rather proud of my previous post. I must continually remind myself that there are many out there who are not familiar with these well-worn Biblical passages. Some who visit my blog may be reading these prophetic passages for the first time. Praise God!

Giving Him The Glory Always,
Johnny Cash

Proof Of A Living God - Dec 8

Here are three main points which for me prove God is still interested in our well-being and that He still loves us.

Answered Prayer

Many atheists scoff at this notion. Say a believer is sick and his (or her) church is praying for a healing. Later on however that person dies. 'See!', the scoffer would say, 'Your prayers weren't answered!'. That may be true if we rely on human experience to solve the problem. God doesn't answer prayer when, where, or how WE think He should answer our prayer. The death of a beloved member of a church will never be fully explainable using our fallible and mortal logic. So it is when we see little or no progress in a prayer that is consistent with God's will. God is just and forgiving and is sovereign above all. Just because it doesn't make sense to you does in no way imply God doesn't know or care. He DOES know and He DOES care!

Changed Lives

God is still in the business of reclaiming lost souls. Indeed, He has not changed one bit! This is wonderful news for those that knew Him when they were young but fell away or those that have never heard God's plan of salvation before. Whether it be daredevil Robert 'Evel' Knievel who came to faith late in life before passing away or Franklin Graham preaching in Hong Kong, people are coming to faith in Christ in record numbers. In the above article it states:

American evangelist Franklin Graham held his largest evangelistic event to date this past weekend with 423,335 people overflowing seven separate venues in Hong Kong and in neighboring Macau.

And ...

By the final night, 33,464 people had responded to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as their savior.

In one day nearly half a million people heard the message of salvation and some thirty-three thousand responded. Peter gave a sermon on Pentacost and 3,000 souls were added to the Book of Life. Mr. Graham has now superseded that miracle event eleven times over. Do not believe the secular humanist media who say that Islam is the world's fastest growing religion. It isn't. Muslim women may be winning the 'War of the Womb' but in terms of adult converts the contest isn't even close.

Fulfilled Prophecy

I could fill a hundred pages if I had the time and money to show you that God's plan of redemption is still on track. Fortunately for you I will not attempt to do this right now. Precept upon precept and line upon line is the only way to show the veracity of this position. Here are seven reasons why Christ's return is far closer than what we think:

The regathering of the Jews in Israel (Ezekiel 37): Despite the odds and its formidable foes (see below), Israel continues to flourish amidst a sea of hostility.


Israel is made a nation in one day (Isaiah 66:8):

Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labour than she gives birth to her children.

Yet the impossible happens and Israel is reborn on May 15, 1948. Is this a disaster or 'al-Naqba'? For Satan and all those who follow him it is!

Jerusalem Becomes The World's Burdensome Stone (Zechariah 12:2-3):

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. In that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Throw the Jews under the bus and peace will surely follow! What folly. Sadly we have learned NOTHING from history.

The Rise of Russia (Ezekiel 38-39):


The recent reversal by the Bush administration regarding Iranian nuke capabilities takes the heat off of Iran as far as the rest of the world (namely the EU and UN) is concerned. With Iran no longer under the microscope Israel is placed in even greater peril than before.

The Call For Global Gov't (Daniel 7:7):

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

I'm of the firm belief that along with the ME conflict and economic integration, climate change will be a big enabler of global government.

Increase in Knowledge, Power and Speed of Travel (Daniel 12:4):

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

This one is really personal. I cannot help but think of my two nephews Huey and Duey (not their real names obviously) who are growing up in this modern age. The technological gap between when my sister and I were born and when Huey and Duey were born is like none other. Thanks to air travel I've visited all four provinces of Western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB), as well as Quebec and the Maritimes (NS and NB). Mom and Dad visited England (again) this year and have journeyed as far as Australia! No other generation previous to this one is more travelled.

The Rise of Immorality (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

OK, so I know this sounds old. While every generation has had its share of cads and bounders, can any other generation boast of such sensuality as ours? I don't think so. We have forgotten how to blush. Shame is just another word in the dictionary. Know this: all this bad behaviour we see doesn't prove the Bible false, it proves it to be true.

So there you have it. You can argue if you wish but all my points are valid. It takes more faith to be an atheist than a Christian. Be one less of them and one more of us and join the adventure!

Johnny Cash

Deception (and Hope) In The Latter Days - Dec 1

It appears 2007 still has one month left to go. Time sure flies, does it not? Despite the passage of time however, there are more than a few things that remain constant. The battle for the hearts and minds of men and women are still being waged. The enemies of truth (and therefore God) are still active.

A Lump Of Coal To The Times

The New York Times has given up on any kind of credibility and have resorted to fairy tales. Most Americans are appalled at the amnesty that the Bush administration is offering to illegal immigrants. Yet to hear the liberal press caterwaul you'd think that this debate was very much touch and go. It isn't. Not even close. I'm not immigrant-bashing (though they don't get off scot free either) but the thing that should truly appall us how out of touch the Times have become. The MSM and the GOP may have stopped believing but most Americans still hold true to conservative principles.

Peace In Our Time? Not With These Jokers

Ah yes, the Annapolis conference. I mean, why do we bother? Only the naive and foolish place any hope in these confabs. I'm not referring to the average citizen. I'm referring to Condi Rice and a weak Ehud Olmert playing the fools. Islam cannot, nor will it ever accept a Jewish state in its midst. Israel is still allowed to exist mind you (no problem there), so long as its Jewish character is eliminated. Ooooh, how exciting! Throw the Jew under the bus and ME 'peace' will ensue! This will not do and should not be acceptable to any freedom-loving person.

Three Obstacles To Peace

The first casualty of war is truth. Indeed, making war whilst lying to the enemy go hand in hand. That principle has not changed today. The Islamic form of misinformation, called 'al-taqiyya', is still in tactical use. And make no mistake, WE are the enemy as far as Islam is concerned.

Too many useful idiots shilling for that 'Religion of Peace'. We need more apologists for terror like we need a knee to the groin. In other words, no thanks!

Upside-Down History Lessons: I wish that it was just the New York Times that was the only paper out of touch with the people and history. Sadly, that's not the case. Aren't you supposed to do some research or something before you write? Do you think I type out impulsively whatever pops into my head at any given moment? No! By my own admission I am a perfectionist. Links are read from top to bottom and all words are carefully considered. Yet these basic principles of journalism seem to evade us when dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The fact that deadlines have to be met is no excuse for shoddy reporting.

So much data yet so few facts. It is a supreme irony in this modern age. No wonder people have turned to the internet (and bloggers) for their daily dose of geopolitics!

Iran, Iran So Far Away!

Should it surprise you that I find the people and country of Iran fascinating? It is Iran, and not Iraq, which has the greatest potential for democracy in the region. A fact which no doubt has not escaped the attention of the mad mullahs who rule. Why is there so little compassion and intellectual advancement in totalitarian societies? Because the people are afraid. Remove that fear and compassion and freedom will flow like a river. One of the toughest jobs in Iran is to be a journalist or a blogger critical of the regime. And a regime it is in every sense of the word. Calling Iran's leaders a 'government' is being far too kind.

The Red Horse of the Apocalypse

Which nicely segues into the next question: What would happen in an Iran-Israeli nuclear exchange? It would likely be Iran, and not Israel, that would be the worst off in such a nightmare scenario. Consider the following:

1) Israeli first responders are second to none. They have a wealth of experience to draw from when dealing with mass casualty attacks. I doubt the Iranians have the same capabilities.

2) Iran's maximum yield would be 100 kilotons (possibly by 2010), whereas Israel's current yield is in the one megaton range. The radiation fallout from an airburst of a one megaton bomb can kill unsheltered people up to 80 miles within 18 hours from the radiation plume drifts.

3) Iran would have 30 nuclear warheads by 2010 and would aim for the main population centers of Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel has more than 200 warheads at its disposal and far better delivery systems, including cruise missiles launched from its 3 Dolphin-class submarines.

4) Iran's capital Tehran is home to 15 million people. Located in a topographic basin surrounded by mountain reflectors, it represents a nearly perfect nuclear killing ground.

5) Lastly, not only would Jordan receive fallout from a strike on Tel Aviv, the Israelis would also retain a reserve nuclear strike capability. Say goodbye to Syria and Egypt!

God: The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever

Yet there is still hope. I'm what you would call a cynical optimist. My cynicism is based on what Man can do. My optimism is based on what God can do. Seeing as God is greater, what have I to fear? Thankfully my optimism outweighs my cynicism. As I like to leave my post on a positive note, here are three items to lift the burdened soul:

On September the 11th, 2007 something miraculous happened in China. The Amity Printing Company in Nanjing printed its 50,000,000th Bible. You read correctly. FIFTY MILLION. And that's only since 1987. Six years after America's worst terrorist attack God is still in the business of changing lives.

Not only in China, but the ME as well. The number of new Christians in the world each year surpasses that of new Muslims, with the major growth for Protestants coming through conversion. It is Christianity, and not Islam, that is the world's fastest growing religion. The battle is surely being won. Praise God!

Let he who is thirsty come and drink freely the water of life: In India, a 'Jesus well' is bringing tremendous growth to a local ministry.

Johnny Cash