Russia and the North Pole

Russia to Plant Flag at North Pole

(Excerpts only, complete article here: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/01/arctic.grab.ap/)

An expedition aimed at strengthening Russia's claim to much of the oil and gas wealth beneath the Arctic Ocean reached the North Pole on Wednesday, and preparations immediately began for two mini-submarines to drop a capsule containing a Russian flag to the sea floor.

The voyage, led by noted polar explorer and Russian legislator Artur Chilingarov, has some scientific goals, including the study of Arctic plants and animals. But its chief goal appears to be advancing Russia's political and economic influence by strengthening its legal claims to the gas and oil deposits thought to lie beneath the Arctic sea floor.

The symbolic gesture, along with geologic data being gathered by expedition scientists, is intended to prop up Moscow's claims to more than 460,000 square miles of the Arctic shelf -- which by some estimates may contain 10 billion tons of oil and gas deposits.

About 100 scientists aboard the Akademik Fyodorov are looking for evidence that the Lomonosov Ridge -- a 1,240-mile underwater mountain range that crosses the polar region -- is a geologic extension of Russia, and therefore can be claimed by it under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Denmark hopes to prove that the Lomonosov Ridge is an extension of the Danish territory of Greenland, not Russia. Canada, meanwhile, plans to spend $7 billion to build and operate up to eight Arctic patrol ships in a bid to help protect its sovereignty.

The U.S. Congress is considering an $8.7 billion budget reauthorization bill for the U.S. Coast Guard that includes $72.96 million to operate and maintain the nation's three existing polar icebreakers. The bill also authorizes the Coast Guard to construct two new vessels.

Isaiah 40:8

Psalm 46:1

Dead Sea Rift

Earthquakes in Israel

The Middle-east is a land of fault lines and earthquakes. One of the most impressive fault lines lies directly in Israel in what is called called "The Dead Sea Rift", (some call it the Jordan Rift Valley.) Here is a picture of it by satellite.

Statistically, the Land of Israel has a history of a destructive earthquake once every 80 to 100 years. The last major quake was in 1927... 80 years ago. It is no wonder that scientists are keeping their eye on this region of the earth!

Geologist Dr. Ron Avni of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev notes that, "There's a very high probability that some time in the next two decades there will be a major earthquake."

Earthquakes in Scripture
There are many scriptures that speak of earthquakes. Several speak of a HUGE earthquake, such as never been experienced on the planet before... and it takes place right there in Israel! (Possibly in this very rift area that you see in the photo above!) Here are some passages that talk of earthquakes, specifically toward the time of the end.

Ezekiel 38:18-20 (nkjv)
“And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “that My fury will show in My face. For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: ‘Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.’

Zech 14:3,4
Then the LORD will go forth
And fight against those nations,
As He fights in the day of battle.
And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.

Matthew 24:7
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

Revelation 6:12
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.

Revelation 11:13
In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Revelation 16:18
And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.

Tish B' Av Prophecy

Messiah's Prophecy Concerning Tisha B' Av

Jesus Christ the suffering Messiah of Isaiah 53 spoke these words concerning the destruction of the Temple in 70AD, and also of his coming again to this earth!

Excerpts from Luke Chapter 21
"Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

The Destruction of Jerusalem

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Hail Photos

Incredible Summer Hail in Mexico!

Besides floods in London, China, and Texas... Mexico is now having huge amounts of hail... in July!
Amazing weather....... Bee

Hail storm buries Mexican town just over the border
July 20, 2007 05:40 PM

Here are pictures of an incredible hail storm that hit the town of Cananea Sonoroa, Mexico.




"I was talking with my mother this morning," writes international viewer Ing. Gardner, "and she says that in her whole life she didn't remember something like yesterday ever happening in Cananea, and she's almost 80 years old!!!" You can see, hail the size of golf balls and bigger fell upon the town, along wth flooding rain.

"There was a lot of damage caused by the hailstorm," writes Ing. Gardner. "It lasted more than one hour and it was really scary. Lots of cars got their windshields broken and many houses were flooded."
(Ing. Gardner provided these pictures.)
http://www.kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=6819837

Dramatic London Weather Photo

This is a "Must See"!

There are some incredible photos at the site link below of this odd London weather!
This photo was taken by Peter Gray from the 17th floor of the London Television Center.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=466009&in_page_id=1770

Happy 4th Graphic

Middle East Peacemaker?

"Tony Blair has given his strongest indication yet that he is ready to take up a role looking for peace in the Middle East when he retires as Prime Minister on Wednesday.

Widespread reports have suggested Mr Blair will soon be appointed the envoy for the so-called Quartet of the US, EU, UN and Russia which is seeking to establish peace in the region based on a "road map" towards two states of Israel and Palestine."
(rest of the story HERE)

Interesting development to keep our eyes on!!!
BEE

Hi All,
I will be out for a few days, but will return next week. While I am gone, I have a site recommendation for those who are interested in serious Bible Study. It is called Veritas Verbatim. At present, the study is looking at the character of God through the pages of Genesis. It moves fast with a lot of content, but it is a very rich study!
Till Later....... Bee

Jerusalem Day 2007 Flash Flood

I had debated whether or not to post on this topic lest someone think I was making "something out of nothing". But the fact of the matter is this was an unusual occurrence. This was not the "rainy season" for Jerusalem, this came upon them suddenly out of a clear sky. The weather men had no idea... and there was not only sudden heavy rain and flash flooding, but hail also! All of this on such an historic day... the 40th anniversary of when Israel took back Jerusalem and the Temple mount!! How could I ignore this? Especially, when I am keenly watching for signs of the Lord at work in our world today!

I am watching and waiting, listening and learning... I want to be ready when I hear Him whisper to me in a still small voice and I want to reply "here I am Lord"!

1Kings 19:11-13 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.

So, here is the "complete documentation" of the Jerusalem Day storm and flash flood. Including the radar sequence, news articles, blog links and pictures! I do not know if this was a warning of coming judgment or not. I will leave that for the Lord to make plain in His time. I will only report.. and let you decide.
Bee

Here is only one of many pictures of the flood:













There are many other amazing pictures at this site!!
Slide Show of the Storm
http://www.slideshare.net/GidonA/rain-on-jerusalem-day

Quotes from News Articles:

Rain on Jerusalem's parade
Unexpected storm disrupts celebrations for Jerusalem Day, causes massive flooding
(05.16.07, 17:33 / Israel News)
"The official ceremony to mark the 40 year anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem was canceled, Wednesday afternoon, due to an unexpected storm. City residents told Ynet of torrential downpours and heavy hail – definitely not summer weather in Israel."

"Natanel Feldman, who was in the Old City when the storm broke said, "the central street is totally flooded. Someone here told me that, even in the winter, he can't recall having seen a storm like this."

"It's hard to imagine that, only a few hours ago, it was warm and sunny. Now I hear thunder and lightning. It's like winter. These rains are bizarre."

"It began as an ordinary day. Warm, even," recounted Jerusalem resident Moshe Vilner. "All of a sudden, it began raining and hailing." Resident Dov Ayalon said that "cars got stuck in the gathering waters…In addition, sewage systems also overflowed."

"This is extremely heavy hail," said a resident named Liron. "It's accumulating on the ground. People in Jerusalem are in shock."

Headline News
Thursday, May 17, 2007 by Ryan Jones
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=12749
Heavy rains dampen Jerusalem Day

"It was the first time since Israel liberated the eastern half of Jerusalem from Jordanian occupation that Jerusalem Day events were affected by rain.

Those familiar with Israel will know that such heavy rain in mid-to-late May is rare, if not unprecedented.

Religious commentators provided a range of reasons for the extraordinary downpour on a day that was supposed to be filled with joyous outdoor celebration marking what many view as a divine restoration of Jerusalem to Israel.

On one side of the spectrum, some Israelis explained that even the heavens had opened up to bless Jerusalem on its special day. Rain is precious in this arid region that goes without precipitation for months during the summer.

Others opined that God was not going to allow Jerusalem to celebrate while the residents of the southern town of Sderot wept and fled their homes under a deluge of Palestinian rockets. Israel's leadership has been harshly criticized for effectively abandoning the defense of Sderot, while focusing such lavish attention on matters like Jerusalem Day."

Here is the actual radar sequence:
(notice date and time GMT on the top)






































































































From a Blog:
Touching account of an Israeli Policeman attending a ceremony in the rain:
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/05/16/152320.php

An interesting coincidence?
Just a few days before... this article was posted on INN. The head of a branch of the Islamic Movement wanted to "flood" the Temple Mount with Muslims during this time. Could it be that God was essentially saying "You want to see flood... I will show you a flood??!! (On that same day 40 years ago Moshe Dayan took the Temple Mount but then control was given up to the Muslims.)

Islamic Movement Initiates Effort to Flood Temple Mount
(http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/122410)
by Nissan Ratzlav-Katz
(IsraelNN.com) Sheikh Raad Salah, the head of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, has been working hard to ensure that thousands of Muslims will arrive in Jerusalem's Old City every day to pray in the Al-Aksa mosque, located on the Temple Mount. Salah has been talking with Arab clan leaders from Jerusalem and its environs in an effort to convince them to take turns bringing their entire extended families to the mosque.

"Salah expressed his conviction that Jerusalem will fall into Muslim hands by "Heavenly promise." He also said that in such a conquest, no sign of a Jewish presence will remain."

Muslim leader makes move on Jerusalem
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=12730

"Sheikh Raad Salah, leader of the northern Israel branch of the Islamic Movement, has launched an effort to ensure Muslim control over Jerusalem's Temple Mount, and eventually the entire city.

Salah, reported Israel National News, is urging Israeli Arab Muslims from around the country to come to Jerusalem on a rotating schedule so that mass Muslim prayers can be held at the Temple Mount on a daily basis.

Additionally, Salah wants all mosques in the Jerusalem area to be closed on Fridays so that local Muslims are forced to congregate at the Temple Mount to recite traditional Islamic prayers and hear what are typically venomous anti-Israel sermons."