As most readers are probably aware, the Syrian Ba’athist regime of Bashar al-Assad, which arose in a coup d’etat led by his father Hafez al-Assad in 1971, has fallen. Remnants of the Assad regime will disappear over the coming days, weeks, or months. The fractious conglomeration of rebellious militias — primarily Sunni — will see to it. They are already […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….LIGHTS IN A VERY DARK WORLD….11/14/2024
As I gathered my thoughts this week after hearing the latest news from the House of Blessing, I remembered something I had read in a devotional not long ago. A question was asked: “How does God accomplish salvation? Does He do it by removing all evil from the world?” No. Salvation came through His presence, by His coming into the […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…9/30/2024…”Imitators of the Father, as Beloved Children”
Just before sharing a fresh report on the latest from the House of Blessing, I’d like to share what I hope will be an encouragement for the reader. In today’s world in which “normal” is being turned on its head; right being considered wrong and wrong considered right, it is important for us to remember “who” we really are as […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…8/7/2024…”God Is Always In Control”
In light of world events that we see unfolding, especially at the epicenter of the world, we need to remember to pray earnestly for the entire House of Blessing community of believers, its leadership, and its missionaries and volunteers. These are especially turbulent times for them and things will not get easier. Soon the Lord will call His faithful ones […]
Impending Storm August 6, 2024
Famous scientist and mathematician, Isaac Newton (1642-1727), had many notable quotes attributed to him. One referred to this very time in history we find ourselves in today: “About the time of the End, a body of men will be raised up who will turn their attention to the prophecies, and insist upon their literal interpretation, in the midst of […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…7/18/2024…”What If?”
There are a number of Scriptures that remind us that we should be aware of the crucial nature of “time”: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV “Walk in wisdom […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…5/24/2024…”Comfort One Another With These Words”
Often when I make a quick rundown of the latest world news, I think of a passage of Isaiah 55: Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD. And He will have mercy on him; […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…5/2/2024…”Times and Seasons”
One of the disturbing facts that is becoming clearer by the day is that there are those in our world who, even though unelected by the populous, are in a position to make decisions according to their agenda that adversely affect everyone on the planet. A question that inevitably crosses our minds and sometimes plagues people is: Does God not […]
ISRAEL And The Coming Great Middle East War — Part Three
In light of current events in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, I am reprinting an article written in the fall of 2023. Could it be that this described scenario, or one similar to it, is imminent? It is worth a second look! Israel was heavily attacked two nights ago, and will respond — possibly with a devasting blow! […]
MIDEAST UPDATE … 4/8/2024 … JESUS — The LIGHT in a Very Dark World
A thought… Take a moment to contemplate contrasting characteristics of light and darkness. In the Bible, darkness is a symbol of evil. What is darkness? Darkness is an absence — the absence of light. It is the same with evil. Evil isn’t really a reality of its own, but rather an absence of a reality. Evil isn’t a part of […]