AFP

Link from my friend Darrell. A new report, co-written by High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana and EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, warns that the European Union must prepare for the eventuality of future conflicts with Russia, as the nations compete for control over energy resources. The report, which has been forwarded to the 27 member states of the EU, warns that climate change could trigger conflicts between nations as they stake their claims on previously untapped oil and gas fields. One such area presently under dispute is the Arctic circle, which has up until recently been inaccessible for exploitation. New drilling technologies, along with an increased thaw due to a warming climate, are causing tension between nations that border the continent. Recently Russia staked its claim to the entire Arctic seabed, stating that the territory was just an extension of the continental shelf on which Russia lies. Russia's long running dispute with the Ukraine over gas prices have also erupted again this winter, prompting Russia to cut the supply to the former Soviet state in half. This time Europe's gas supplies have not been affected, but judging from today's report, that cannot be taken for granted in future.  

Quote: "The officials single out the impact of the thawing Arctic and its emergence as a potential flashpoint of rival claims, pointing to the Kremlin's grab for the Arctic last year when President Vladimir Putin hailed as heroes a team of scientists who planted a Russian flag on the Arctic seabed. Developments in the Arctic had "potential consequences for international stability and European security interests". "The rapid melting of the polar ice caps, in particular the Arctic, is opening up new waterways and international trade routes," the report notes. "The increased accessibility of the enormous hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic region is changing the geostrategic dynamics of the region."

As Solana's report states, climate change is not the sole cause of conflict, but it will serve to increase the threat of war in countries that are already experiencing political instability. The Middle East is also mentioned in the document. The problem here is less to do with climate change and more to do with economics, as growing populations and industries put further pressure on the region's limited water supply. There have already been disputes between Turkey, Israel and Syria over how much water is being siphoned off for agricultural use from an already low Euphrates river. The Scriptures indicate that environmental conditions may well play a part in the end time scenario leading up to the final battle. The Bible states that it will be the thought of gaining spoil that will bring Gog against the nation of Israel in the latter days (Ezekiel 38:13). And during the during the tribulation period the Euphrates river is to dry up completely, preparing the way for the kings of the east to march on the Middle East (Revelation 16:12). Mankind really has no long-term answers to the problems this planet faces. Even the unbelievers are saying that now. Mankind has the capability of destroying itself many times over, and the only thing that prevents it from doing so is the grace of God (Matthew 24:22). Piece by piece, the Lord will remove mankind's security from him until finally he realizes that he cannot live by bread alone, but only by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Jesus Christ was that bread from Heaven. He is the Bread of Life. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

John 6:51
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Source Guardian, China View, CNN

The presidency of the European Union has issued a statement today condemning the "disproportionate use of force" by Israel in Gaza in the wake of its recent campaign aimed at halting ongoing rocket attacks on Sderot and Ashkelon. There have been a high number of civilian casualties on both sides since Hamas stepped up its rocket attacks on Israel. Despite the incursion into Gaza, the IDF have not been able to halt the rocket attacks. At least three Grad missiles landed in Ashkelon today, one moderately wounding a young girl. Over thirty Kassam rockets have landed in the Sderot and Negev regions, wounding around a dozen people. Yesterday two Israeli soldiers were killed in gun battles with terrorists in Gaza, and an Arab teenager was killed after Palestinian protests in Judea and Samaria turned violent. The European Union has called for an immediate end to the rocket attacks on Israel, and has urged the Israeli government to exercise maximum restraint.

Quote: ""The (EU) presidency condemns the recent disproportionate use of force by the Israeli Defense Forces against (the) Palestinian population in Gaza and urges Israel to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from all activities that endanger civilians. Such activities are contrary to international law," said the statement issued by the Slovene government on behalf of the EU – Slovenia currently holds the EU's rotating presidency. The tough wording reflects shock at the high number of civilian casualties and frustration that the escalation of violence in the Middle East risks derailing peace efforts yet again.

This news comes as Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, arrives in the Middle East today, in an effort to encourage progress in the peace negotiations. On Monday he is to meet with representatives from the Israeli government, and on Tuesday he will meet with the Palestinian Authority leadership. He will stress the need for both sides to keep the Annapolis peace process on track. Meanwhile Arab leaders have continued to condemn Israel over its recent activities in Gaza, comparing them to that of Nazi Germany. Saudi Arabia issued a statement today condemning "the Israeli war crimes against the Palestinian people and the threats of Israeli officials to transform Gaza into an inferno", and that "Israel is simulating through these actions the Nazi war crimes". Hundreds of Hizbullah supporters also gathered at the southern border of Lebanon today to protest Israel's actions in Gaza, chanting "Death to Israel". Israel has also been denounced by the governments of Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. Ironically these self-same leaders that accuse Israel of behaving like the Nazis often themselves hold Hitler in high regard. Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' is still one of the best selling books in the Arab world. As we saw yesterday with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, many Arabs are taught to believe that either the Holocaust was a myth invented by Jews to blackmail the world, or they wish that Hitler had actually carried out his plans so they could be rid of this 'Zionist menace'.

It seems this conflict in the south has been brewing for some time. Ever since Operation Summer Rains in 2006, Hamas has been growing in strength and Israel has being doing little to prevent it. And shortly after Operation Summer Rains, the Second Lebanon War began in earnest. It wouldn't take much for this present conflict to grow into a wider conflagration if Hizbullah, aided by Syria and Iran, decided to join in the fray. As Christians, while we should favour Israel because they are God's earthly people, I do not feel we should get involved in these conflicts. Our kingdom is not of this world. Our goal is to reach the lost for Christ, whether they be Jew or Arab. Of course we believe that this is a very spiritual battle, and that Satan is bent on destroying Israel and the Jewish people and thus preventing Christ's return to earth to set up His kingdom. But a spiritual battle necessitates the use of spiritual weapons (2nd Corinthians 10:4). Those weapons are listed in Ephesians 6...

Ephesians 6:11-18
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

There is only one thing that can overcome radical Islam and that is radical Christianity. We need to get out there and start being salt and light so that people will see Jesus Christ in us. We need to be faithful witnesses for Him so that people will realize Jesus Christ is Lord and will turn to Him for salvation. The days are dark, so let your light shine before men (Matthew 5:16). I would also value your prayers also in regards to the current situation. I've a holiday booked for Israel at the beginning of April. Please pray for safe travelling, that I might be able to enjoy the trip to Holy Land in peace, and that it might give me a new desire to serve the risen Christ. 

Source YNet News, YNet News, Europa, Jerusalem Post

The Israeli Defence Force entered Gaza this morning in an operation aimed at bringing an end to the incessant rocket fire from the Palestinian territory that has so far resulted in the death of one man and the wounding of around a hundred others. The present crisis began when an eight year old child lost his leg after he was hit by shrapnel from a Kassam rocket. On Wednesday a father of four was killed when a Kassam landed near the Sapir College car park. On Friday Hamas announced they had fired over 80 rockets at Israel within the past few days. Another 50 were launched at Israel today. At least fifteen of these rockets have been advanced Katyusha missiles, manufactured in Iran and brought into Gaza through Egypt during last month's breach at the Rafah border. Several of these missiles landed as far north as Ashkelon, and Hamas representatives boasted that soon all of Israel would be within striking distance. In response to the rocket fire Israel cut fuel supplies to the Strip, and is mounting attacks on Kassam launch cells. Many civilians have been killed during Israel's strikes in Gaza, although it is important to note that Hamas often uses children to point their Kassam launchers, for they know it will put off the Israelis from targeting the launchers. And while Israel does everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties, Hamas actively seeks to kill as many civilians as possible. On Friday, Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Vilnai made a statement that Hamas' actions would bring about a "shoah" upon the Palestinian people. 'Shoah' is the Hebrew word for 'catastrophe', but it also the word used to describe the Holocaust. His words were misunderstood by the mainstream media, and used to infer that Israel would inflict suffering on the Palestinian people similar to that experienced by the Jews during the Second World War. Palestinian leaders have since jumped on the bandwagon, stating that Israel's attacks in Gaza are worse than a holocaust, and are threatening to suspend the peace talks.

Quote: ""I think it will be suspended," Qureia said. "What is happening in Gaza is a massacre of civilians, women and children, a collective killing, genocide," Qureia added. "We can't bear what the Israelis are doing, and what the Israelis are doing doesn't lend the peace process any credibility."

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal also slammed Israel for the escalation in Gaza, stating that the Jewish people exaggerated the Holocaust and are using it to blackmail the whole world. He said that Israel's actions in Gaza were the "real holocaust". Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also slammed Israel for what he said was "more than a holocaust", and asked that the world judge for themselves who it is that is committing international terrorism. Other states such as Libya are now becoming involved in the situation, calling on Arabs to end what they called a campaign aimed at "wiping out the Palestinian people".

Quote: ""Libya calls on Arabs to take an urgent position to stop the Zionist machine of mass killing and muster political and material support to rescue the sons of the Palestinian people from this Zionist shoah," the Libyan ministry said. "Libya also calls on the international community to shoulder their responsibility to halt this mass killing." 

It is plain to see where the policies of land for peace and President Bush's vision of two states are leading. The Jewish people suffered once before, and back then they didn't have any land. Not a single government in the world was willing to harbour those Jews fleeing from their Nazi persecutors. Are things really that much different, now the Jewish people have their own state? I don't think so. According to Scripture, things will continue to get worse for Israel. But there is hope. For following the greatest time of trouble the nation has ever experienced (Daniel 12:1), the Jewish people will turn to their Messiah for deliverance (Zechariah 12:10). And at that time Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) will return from Heaven to deliver His people, and to set up His everlasting kingdom which shall never be destroyed. Jesus Christ is coming back. He hasn't told us exactly when He will come, but He has promised He will come (John 14:3), and His promises are true and faithful (Revelation 19:11). Are you ready to meet Him? Have your sins been forgiven? Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Matthew 25:5-6
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Source Jewish Times, Arutz 7, YNet News, YNet News, YNet News, YNet News, Reuters