ISRAEL UPDATESeptember 22, 2002 - In regards to where we are in these last days, consider this information published in the past 30 days. Palestinian unemployment is now 50%, with a staggering 63% in Gaza. They have lost $3 billion in two years of the Intifadah - all of which according to the world is the fault of Israel, not Mr. Arafat.
Now it is believed that one in four Israelis will experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Meanwhile, their economy is suffering as much as the Palestinians.
The U.S. economy has lost over $8 trillion in market capitalization, along with many, many jobs. The Arab world continually calls for the death of Israel and America, as the nation of Afghanistan is pummeled to the tune of $10.7 billion.
Some of the same U.S. leadership that pushed for the first war against Saddam Hussein, such as Biden, Scowcroft and Schwarzkopf, now tell our President not to go to war.
The Saudis have moved $200 million in bonds out of America to be shifted to Europe and Japan. They have also sold $250 million of U.S. Treasury notes; all while the European Union is working on their version of a Mid East peace plan.
Now Lebanon's most influential Shiite cleric has urged Muslims and Arabs to withdraw their assets in America, after increased American scrutiny of Muslims since the horrific events of 9-11.
Chaos, upheaval, nations in financial disarray, and shifts of power all point to two major events - the Rapture of the Church and the coming of the Antichrist. This tells us we are exactly where G-d's word said we would be - keep looking up, for your redemption draweth nigh!
September 22, 2002 - Some people project dates of Christ's return, some tell us who the Antichrist is, and still others turn basic events of life into prophetic pieces of the puzzle.
But I still cannot grasp why people feel the need to help G-d to confirm His word with signs following….
It's true that Turkey has built a dam that has blocked the Euphrates River - and they have continued to build dams and power stations all along this massive waterway since the 1980's.
Now it is certainly true that this type of construction has given them the capability to literally dry up the river for Eastern armies to march to Armageddon - as found in Rev 16:12.
Surely this event will happen, but I find it very interesting that the water source of the Euphrates, located high in the Turkish mountains, is drying up as we write.
Apparently the intense heat from the sun, due to ozone deficiency, is melting the snowcap that feeds the huge water source.
Now, G-d can orchestrate man to do things like building dams that can dry up rivers, but our G-d's ability to do it on His own is being proven once again.
A heavenly disturbance to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, a wind that blew open the Red Sea, or an earthquake for Jericho. How G-d does it is not relevant, but He does use physical manifestations for finite man to comprehend. He does not need our help to confirm His word.
To be continued . . .