Hi friends!  Though current news has not made a big “splash,” there are several headlines from this week that go right along with our study!  We’re in the midst of studying Ezekiel 38-39 and the Northern Invasion that will take place in the last days.  Those chapters tell us that Russia and Iran will lead a coalition into an invasion of Israel.  Next week, we will study the Palestinian Problem and Terrorism, and in the weeks ahead we will look at the destruction of Damascus (Isaiah 17, Jeremiah 49:23-27).  With those subjects in mind, here are a few headlines taken directly from the Jerusalem Post:

• Kerry to meet Iranian minister in Geneva for nuclear talks – Despite Iran’s blatant disregard for the terms of agreement supposedly put in place in March, the US presses forward in an attempt to get a deal done with Iran by June 30.
• Iran, North Korea forging ballistic, nuclear ties – While the US lobbies other world powers to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran that will leave the door open for Iran to develop nuclear capability, Iran is negotiating with North Korea for nuclear warheads and the missiles to deliver them.
• “Renounce Assad, change your beliefs if you want to live” al-Qaeda tells Syrian Alawites – Granted, Bashar Assad is an evil ruler in Syria, but it is clear that rebel groups are tearing at the fabric of Syrian survival.  One can only imagine if a group more radical than Assad himself gets their hands on chemical weapons, and possibly other weapons of mass destruction in Syria.  Are we seeing the prologue to the destruction of Damascus?
• Leader of Syrian al-Qaeda wing says aiming to take Damascus – For years, Bible scholars have surmised about how Damascus will be destroyed in end times.  Judging from current news, it doesn’t at all seem unlikely that a Sunni-Shi’ite conflict may do the trick!  We’re seeing signs of that.
• US Republican Rick Santorum enters 2016 Presidential race – It’s a long time before elections in America, but candidates with conservative values and a strong stand for supporting Israel are emerging.  Rick Santorum is one of those, along with Mike Huckabee.  As I’ve stated before, the US is in too deep for Washington to save us.  It is our responsibility as Christians to pray and pursue revival until it comes.  However, having leaders with strong moral convictions will certainly help that cause.  Keep an eye on Rick Santorum and other candidates with moral values and a commitment to stand with Israel.  That’s the type of leadership we must have if our nation is ever to win back God’s hand of grace and blessing.

As we study Looking for the Blessed Hope, I pray God’s truth will become the filter through which you see world events.  Indeed, we are seeing prophecy line up as never before in the history of mankind.  Faithful followers (of Jesus!), are we awake….and are we ready?  Time is short, so let’s not waste it!

Have a blessed day!