World News Through the Third Lens

REMAINS OF CHRISTIAN FILM-MAKER FOUND IN HAITI RUBBLE (Associated Press, Colorado Springs, Colorado 2/12/10)

The state department has confirmed that a body found in rubble from the earthquake in Haiti is that of David Hames, who had been working on a film project for the Christian children's ministry, Compassion International. Hames and colleague Dan Wooley were in the Hotel Montana when the earthquake hit Jan. 12. As the walls collapsed, Wooley made his way to an elevator shaft. He was rescued after spending 60 hours there. Family spokesperson, Melanie Dobson said, "We all know David loved Jesus, and we know that he is safe today, at home with our Heavenly Father. Now we will band together to care for his sweet wife and two adopted children.

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE: My wife and I have been involved with Compassion International for years, sponsoring children. Years ago we sponsored a child in Haiti but the instability in the Haitian government at the time force Compassion to back out for a while. Our sponsorship was switched to a 9-year old girl in Dominican Republic, named Lara. It was our privilege to go on a mission trip to DR in 1991 and actually spend a day with our sponsored child. We continued to sponsor her until she was 18, at which time she went off to nursing school. Lara, wherever you are today, God bless you. Concerning Compassion's work, Scripture says: "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" (Matthew 19:14) Concerning David Hames untimely death, comfort is drawn from these inspired words: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15) And for David's friends and family: "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep [believers who die and whose souls are in heaven] or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus [the souls] of those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and who are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

PRELIMINARY ALL-TIME SEASONAL SNOWFALL RECORDS SET AT THE THREE MAJOR CLIMATE SITES IN THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON AREA...(watch.org 2/12/10): In 5 days the Washington, D.C. area had many cities in the 40-inch-plus-range with a few areas in the 50-inch range. These are staggering amounts that all but shut down the region for the past week and dramatically affected the lives and work for millions of people. Schools in the Washington area have been out since last Thursday. Neighborhoods are lined with huge piles of snow from Wednesday's 25-40 MPH winds leafing gigantic snowdrifts. The three major airports have been closed a couple of times in the past week; much of the federal government has been closed, and Congress has put off all votes until early next week.

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE: Bill Koenig, of watch.org and Koenig's Eye View has been documenting for years how this country has been hit with natural disasters or financial disasters within days (sometimes hours) of every time the federal government does something to promote any of the following three: 1) abortion on demand, 2) gay rights, 3)Israel giving up land or other sovereign rights for peace. Well, the major Friday storm hit within 72 hours of Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullens, under pressure from President Barack Obama, said they were in favor of lifting the "don't ask, don't tell policy" pertaining to gays in the military. While Scripture makes it clear that from God's holy perspective, one sin is as bad as another, and that Jesus died for them all, the sin of homosexuality is of special concern because of the tendency of civilizations to legalize and normalize it. "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.....In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men...." (Romans 1:24-27) Concerning the land of Israel, God made covenant with Abraham and through him, all of his offspring (the Jews). "The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give to you as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you, and I will be your God." "I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse." (Genesis 17:8; 12:3)

World News Through the Third Lens

IRAN HEADS FOR "STUNNING PUNCH" AGAINST WEST (From INN, 2/11/10): Iran announced this week that it will more than quintuple its enrichment level of uranium for atomic weapons. Also, Islamic Iranian leader and Commander-In-Chief, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Monday Iran would deliver a "stunning blow" to the West during this weeks 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. On Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister announced his country would export its enriched uranium to the West, but two days later this plan was withdrawn. Instead,Iranian leader Ahmadinajad ordered a major step up in the processing of uranium, enriching it at a 20% level instead of the current 3.5% level.Speaking Tuesday, the head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Commission, Ali Akhbar Salihi, said it was Iran's right to enrich uranium up to 100%. [It is now February 12 in Iran, so apparently the stunning blow today was Ahmadinijad's announcement that Iran had already enriched uranium up to 20%. Nuclear scientists say that enrichment now becomes easier if in fact the 20% level has been reached.

A BIBLICAL (THIRD LENS) PERSPECTIVE: "They have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me," (Psalm 129:2)

PM NETANYAHU: IMPOSE CRIPPLING SANCTIONS ON IRAN, NOW: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the international community to act quickly against Iran as it continues to defy the West by augmenting uranium enrichment. He has also demanded that European Ambassadors condemn recent statements made in Tehran regarding the annihilation of Israel. "....The international community needs to protect peace and impose sanctions on Iran. Not partial and moderate sanctions. The duty is to impose paralyzing sanctions on Iran now," he said. (From Ynet)

A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE: "May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame." (Psalm 129:5)

HAITI JUDGE TO FREE US MISSIONARIES: Port-Au-Prince (Reuters) - A Haitian judge has decided to release 10 US Missionaries accused of kidnapping 33 children and trying to spirit them out of the earthquake-stricken country, a judicial source said on Wednesday. The source said that the missionaries, who have been in jail since they were stopped at Haiti's border with the Dominican Republic on January 29, could be released as early as Thursday.

A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress....." (James 1:27) "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." (Proverbs 25:25)

World News Through the Third Lens

NEW GLOBAL WARMING OFFICE: THANKS BUT SNOW THANKS! (From the Family Research Council, 2/9/10)

In what can only be described as bad timing, the administration announced yesterday it was creating a new agency to study global warming. Of course, no one was in town to hear the news since the federal government has been closed for two days following the worst blizzard in half a century. Interestingly enough, the President was careful not to use the words "global warming" in the title, and instead calls it the "NOAA Climate Service," which points to a major shift in environmental strategy. As the research loses its credibility, more scientists are trying to disassociate themselves from the "global warming" movement - which is growing more unpopular by the snow storm. Despite the controversy, President Obama still insists on chasing this phony science ---with your tax dollars. As more families struggle to make ends meet, I think we would all agree: the last thing America needs is another unnecessary government office.

THE THIRD LENS: Global warming is coming, but it is not the kind which phony science is predicting. Phony science lines up with phony religion and both are referred to in Scripture, right before we are told what will really happen to good old planet Earth.

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this coming he promised? [The Second Coming of Christ] Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. [Creation, not evolution!] By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. [The flood, which explains so many things we see in the natural world] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire [There's your global warming, which man can do nothing to stop], being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:3-7; I suggest reading the rest of the chapter)

SEX EDUCATION: IT'S ELEMENTARY (From the Family Research Council, 2/9/10)

Most third and fourth graders barely know what sex is, let alone have any desire to try it. Unfortunately, that's what the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is advocating in a new report, "Stand and Deliver." As part of a global push, IPPF "demands" that children 10 and older have access to "comprehensive sex education" that defines sexuality as a "positive force for change and development, as a source of pleasure, an embodiment of human rights, and an expression of self." Of course its no secret why IPPF would advocate for early sexual involvement. What better way to advertise for abortion than encourage young people to have sex? The most troubling part of the study is that it purposefully squeezes parents out of the equation. What children learn (or don't learn) about intimacy SHOULD be up to parents, not the government...and certainly not planned Parenthood.

THE THIRD LENS: Scripture makes it clear that the responsibility for a child's moral upbringing belongs to the parents. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) And Scripture, through the words of Jesus, gives a harsh warning to anyone who would lead children astray. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (Matthew 18:5-6) Let us be reminded that Planned Parenthood performs about 25% of all the abortions in this country, and receives about one third of it's annual budget of over a billion dollars from government sources. This has missed the attention of most of the Tea Parties.

World News Through the Third Lens

Presenting the world news through the third lens of Scripture is both a joy and a challenge for me. If the Lord should see fit to provide the necessary resources, I could spend more time at this endeavor, and perhaps even employ some research assistance. There are a number of Christian and/or conservative news sites out there which report events bypassed by the MSM (Main Stream Media), but precious few who put the headlines into a biblical perspective. In the meantime, I intend to enjoy doing what I can do, rather than complain about what I can't do.

EXPLOSION AT KLEEN ENERGY PLANT IN MIDDLETOWN KILLS FIVE, DOZENS INJURED. What could the Bible have to say about this event? Nothing, from a prophetic perspective. However, the Bible has plenty to say concerning our response to such an incident. Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Often these antithetical emotions will be connected to the same people and to the same location. Undoubtedly, on Sunday there were many workers who rejoiced at the prospect of working their trade and earning 1-1/2 or double time. Suddenly, in a second, things changed; able-bodied workers were now dead or seriously injured. People on scene, biblically literate or not, heard Cain's question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9) and answered with a resounding, "Yes!" Many from around the state gave the same answer, and rescue/recovery efforts continued throughout the night.

The needs resulting from this tragedy, just like the needs resulting from the tragedy in Haiti and countless other tragedies that happen every day, will continue on into a string of tomorrows. The symbolically place before us the needs of Christ, who expressed it this way. "For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison [like the 10 missionaries jailed in Haiti] and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:35-40) The initial responses to a tragedy are motivated by many different things, some good and some not so good. The long-term response to tragedy is usually born out of compassion and commitment.

HEALTHCARE REFORM UPDATE

Does anybody remember this? Congressman John Fleming, who is also an MD, representing Louisiana's 4th District, with co-sponsorship from 100 other representatives, introduced House Resolution 615: Call on Members of Congress to Enroll in the Public Option. This was nicknamed the "Put your money where your mouth is resolution." Rather than continue the debate about all of the ills of the government's intrusion into a vital 17% of our economy, this resolution would have said, "OK! Then if this is so good for the American people, all representatives and senators must take the lead by enrolling in the public option themselves." Today, Fleming reported on his web site, "Predictably my amendment was rejected out of hand by the Majority and was not given a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. Here's a biblical commentary on such activity: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified His as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:21-22)

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RADICAL EXTREMIST APPOINTED TO HEAD LEGAL COUNSEL - This from the Religious Freedom Coalition - President Obama has nominated a radical, baby-hating feminist to head the Office of Legal Counsel. The nominee, Dawn Johnsen, has filed legal briefs in which she compared pregnancy to slavery. She also called pregnant women "losers" and "fetal containers." Johnsen has compared those who oppose abortion to members of the Ku Klux Klan. Johnsen is so radical as a baby hater that she opposes Democratic plans to reduce the demand for abortion. As head of the Office of Legal Counsel, she will not represent all [or most] Americans, only a minority of baby hating feminists. Representatives of numerous organizations have written to Senators asking that her nomination be rejected. A biblical commentary: "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things, but they also approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1:32) It is common knowledge now that life and personhood begin at conception, and as such, babies in the womb should be afforded equal protection as per the 14th Amendment.

World News Through the Third Lens

News headlines are relentless; they just keep coming and coming and coming; day after day, they never stop. The Bible, on the other hand was written by 40+ authors, from various backgrounds, over a 1500 year period, and hasn't had one word added to its contents in about 1915 years; yet it is never outdated. It is as current as tomorrow's headlines, and much more accurate. It provides a crystal-clear lens through which we can view the things happening around us at breakneck speed. The Old Testament prophet described this time of the end with these words, "...many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:4) How's that for a description of the jet age and the information age?

Today we'll examine a few news items you may not have seen in the main-stream media (MSM), as reported by Koenig International News on www.watch.org. "The handling of foreign policy by the Obama Administration is showing various threadbare exposures from China to Afghanistan to Lebanon. It all seems to center around the lack of support for Israel - which has been the longstanding centerpiece of America's foreign policy that has affected trade relationships, military alliances, peace and war. Since the US has taken the strategy to pressure Israel to make nice with terrorists, the wheels have come off the economy, and the fuel tank appears to be empty with regard to longstanding relationships as well as those that are tenuous. There are various areas of foreign policy problems developing like a storm cloud on the horizon."

A Scriptural commentary on this is found in the opening words of a covenant made between God and the patriarch Abraham, over 4,000 years ago. "The Lord said to Abram, 'Leave your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples of the earth will be blessed through you.' " (Genesis 12:1-3) This writer believes that the USA's traditional support of Israel may be the only thing that has forestalled God's had of judgment against this nation for the daily shedding of innocent blood in the land (50 million abortions since 1973), among many other amoral atrocities.

Speaking of President Obama's precipitous slide in the polls over the past 4-5 months, Koenig states: "Obama reached out to the Islamic world in a TV interview with Al Arabyia 72 hours after taking office; he gave a speech to the Turkish Parliament on April 6; And spoke to the Islamic world from Cairo, Egypt on June 4. [I might add that in those speeches he was apologetic of US actions over the decades and embracing of Islam's contributions to the world]. The result: The Middle East is at one of the most dangerous times in its history. CIA Director, Leon Panetta, says he expects a major Al Quaeda terror event in the United States within the next three to six months. Obama's efforts to stop Iran's nuclear development [by negotiations] has not worked. The result: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he has a surprise for the world on February 12in honor of the 31st anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution.Efforts at meaningful sanctions have been stalled or blocked by China and Russia.

Scriptural commentary concerning President Obama, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases." (Proverbs 21:1) "....The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes." (Daniel 4:25) And concerning the saber-rattling of the deranged Iranian president, consider that in Ezekiel 38 it says that Iran, some of the North African countries, and former Soviet countries from around the Black Sea "...will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land..."(v. 16)

Fear not! Do not waver through unbelief regarding the promises of God, but be strengthened in faith and give glory to God, being fully persuaded that God has power to do what He has promised. (Romans 4:20-21 paraphrased)

World News Through the Third Lens

You may remember from an earlier blog that the "third lens" is Scripture, the Holy Bible, the Word of God. You may also remember that this is a blog, and therefore is similar to an op-ed. While this blogger will make every attempt to report events with truth and accuracy, he makes no attempt to maintain a lack of bias. I believe that current events flow out of Scripture and that the Bible gives us a macro-view of the future. Consequently, it is this blogger's opinion that current events are best understood in the light of Scripture. While it is impossible to retrofit every new item into a passage of Scripture, it is the big picture of biblical truth that helps us understand the news. With the Bible as our guide, there is no need to wring our hands in despair.

From the Jerusalem Post: Iran Launches Research Rocket Into Space. "Iran announced Wednesday that it had successfully launched a 10-foot long research rocket, carrying a mouse, two turtles and some worms into space - a feat President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said showed Iran could defeat the West in the battle of technology. Western powers fear the same technology used to launch satellites and research capsules could also deliver warheads." One biblical perspective is in Zechariah 9:16, "The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people."

From INN: Prime Minister: Jerusalem to Remain Undivided, No PA Offices to Open. According to a senior official in the office of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Israel has silently agreed to allow the PA to open official offices in the capital. The report claims the US has also been helping the PA develop infrastructures within the Jerusalem municipal boundaries. Dmitri Ziliani, a spokesman for Fatah, confirmed the PA holds regular official meetings in Jerusalem in anticipation of a future PA state that would encompass the eastern portion of the city. When asked about the PA's claims, PM Netanyahu's spokesman said, "The prime minister's position is clear - Jerusalem will remain the united capital of Israel." So far this is just a few of thousands of words exchanged in trying to establish a workable peace plan. The Bible makes it clear that ultimately, there will be a rebuilt Jewish temple on the Temple Mount, and there will be some sort of sharing of the city of Jerusalem with the Gentile world. Revelation 11:1-2, "I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, 'Go and measure the temple of God and the altar and count the worshipers there. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months."

Today the National Prayer Breakfast was observed in Washington, D.C., as it has been for the past 57 years. President Barak Obama was there and I have watched his speech on CNN. TVC Executive Director, Andrea Lafferty in a blog on worth-reading.com stated that she heard "was a lecture on how America needs to be more civil." She went on to say (and I agree with her) "President Obama argues for civility even as he pushes abortion and homosexuality with all of the muscle available to the federal government. While other presidents have talked about appointing 'the best and the brightest' to key posts, Mr Obama offers us the 'most extreme and the least talented." Three Scriptures will be cited as appropriate commentaries.

"I urge you first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all in authority..." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

"Remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness." (Proverbs 25:5)

And with respect to the "church" posturing on this stage, and not standing up for righteousness in the least, "...having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Timothy 3:5)

What on Earth is Happening: Wars and Rumors of Wars

War is not a subject most people like to talk about. Even though I was an Army volunteer during the Vietnam era, and my grandson has followed suit with the US Marines, it's not my favorite subject. Yet we cannot avoid the fact that wars are being fought all over the planet, and the intelligence community is abuzz with information concerning wars that might soon take place. Some will say that this has been the case for several millennia, giving little or no credibility to Jesus' prophetic words in Matthew 24:6, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." However, there has never been a time in history like now when we can be informed about war just about anywhere in an instant. Beginning with the Vietnam conflict and becoming more and more graphic with each passing decade, the actual battlefield can be beamed right into our living rooms.

Debka File (http://www.debka.com/) Feb. 1, 2010 reported "Exclusive: US Intelligence Finds 5,000 Hezbollah Trained To Seize Galilee Towns." The training came from Iran's Revolutionary Guard instructors. A second news article today in Press TV (http://www.presstv.ir/) headlines: "Iran will deliver telling blow to global powers February 11." The significance of the date is that it marks the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Couple this with the words of Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomeini, as reported last Wednesday by AFP, "Surely the day will come when the nations of the region will witness the destruction of the Zionist regime" and it certainly sounds like trouble is brewing. In Ezekiel's prophecy, chapters 38-39, we read about a great horde of troops coming against Israel, among them - Persia (present day Iran, Ch. 38:5). However, God declares that He will intervene, saying: "I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel." (Ezekiel 39:7)

You may remember that in a previous blog I referred to Jerusalem as the epicenter of end-times events, and that Jesus gives us a pretty detailed description of those events. In Luke's account of this prophecy from Jesus, an event with both near and long term implications is mentioned. "....Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." (Luke 21:24) "Gentiles" includes all of the non-Jewish people and nations. In AD 70, General Titus and the Roman Army laid siege to Jerusalem and ultimately conquered it, devastating the city and totally destroying the temple. Since that time, Jewish worship has not included any form of animal sacrifice. A new temple is needed for that, and the Bible states that in the last days, a third temple will be built. Revelation (the last book of the Bible), in the first two verses of Chapter 11 refer to this temple and the fact that the city of Jerusalem will be Gentile ruled for 3-1/2 years. The Temple mount is a point of volatile controversy and is a conundrum that that needs to be resolved if a Middle East peace treaty is going to be effected. Stay tuned.....