Many people today think that if they live a life of honesty and integrity by the golden rule, God will require nothing more of them. That is, however, untrue. The chasm between a Holy God and fallen man is infinite and cannot be bridged by good works. The separation between God and man does not stem from our individual acts […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 6/22/2026 …. “The People Have Seen A Great Light”
In Isaiah 9:1 we find the words: Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first he lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. Years before this was written, the […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 5/29/2026 …. “God Has All Things Under His Control”
As most readers are aware, a large gathering of the House of Blessing community of believers, including many leaders, elders, and teachers as well as students and new believers suffered a major mustard gas attack. Many civilians were also in the proximity. Dr. Bandis was one of the ones nearly killed, along with Pastor Abdelrahem, Hayel, and Arshid. Dr. Bandis […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 4/9/2026 …. “Lights in a Dark World”
In Isaiah 5, we find a description of a culture that sounds very much like our world today. The very things God was about to judge Judah for are overwhelmingly present in our own generation. In verses 8-23, we have a list of “excesses” that are very much present today. Verses 8-10 is a description of uncontrolled greed. In verses […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 4/6/2026 …. “What Other Explanation Is There?”
In John 6:35 we read these words of Jesus: “I am the bread of life, He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” In Matthew 5:6, He said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” How is this supposed to happen? He […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 3/21/2026 …. “The Clash Of Good And Evil”
Most of us know that we should pray for God’s will in all things, but, whether we admit it or not, many of us are afraid to do so. Why? Because we’re not sure that His will is the best thing for us. We are afraid that God’s will and ours are at times not in sync. If we, however, […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 3/14/2026 …. “How Long O Lord, Holy And True?”
In light of events of the last few days with the House of Blessing missionaries, I would like to share a quote from a devotional, dated March 11, 2003. “Jesus has no illusions about human nature. He who came to redeem a fallen race knows that race’s capabilities. He who set His mind on the Cross knows the violence men […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 3/6/2026 …. “Some Will Believe and Some Will Not”
Just a brief thought before today’s update. The parable of the talents reminds us of the need to be wise with the gifts we have been given. Whatever He has gifted us with, we are to do something with them. If it is much, much is expected. If little, He expects us to use the little we have. Whether it […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….2/9/2026….”A Final Rotation”
Today’s update is the second portion of what was sent out 2/7/2026. I have received an additional report just this morning but will include it in an additional newsletter. Today’s update is sharing Dr. Nibras’ personal reflections on the times we are living in and what part we, as believers and followers of Jesus, play. I hope you can take […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….1/29/2026….”Keep On Keeping On…”
In today’s update, I have commentary directly from the House of Blessing’s Dr. Nibras sent to me on three consecutive days. Rather than add commentary of my own in today’s update, I will let him speak for himself. Please hear the cry of his heart and that of all of the House of Blessing. His report below was sent on […]