Turkey Dries Up the Euphrates

Article Source: thetrumpet.com

(This article was emailed over to me by T.W.. Thank you T.W.!)

The Syrian civil war has once more taken a dire turn for the worse. Turkey has altered its strategy against its opponents, the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Instead of simply aiding the Syrian rebels, Turkey is now also killing them with dehydration. The problem is, this brutal act threatens the lives of millions of Syrian and Iraqi citizens.

The crisis revolves around the Euphrates River, which quickly became the Euphrates Creek when Turkey completely cut off the water flow upstream of Syria, reported Al Akhbar on May 30. The Euphrates originates in Turkey and passes through the Atatürk Dam before flowing into Syria and Iraq. By cutting off the flow and directing it into the reservoir, Turkey has lowered water levels downstream.

Water levels in Lake Assad, Syria’s largest body of water, have dropped by 20 feet since Turkey shut off the water supply. The Euphrates hydrates large parts of Syria.

Middle East expert Daniel Pipes explained the looming disaster as genocide by way of “terminal dehydration.” Cutting off a nation’s water supply is potentially fatal in its severity and indiscriminate in its victims. The dry and arid regions of northeastern Syria will quickly empty if one of the most basic necessities of human life dries up.

The problem extends beyond Syria. Much of Iraq’s freshwater supply originates in Turkey and flows through Syria before it is collected in dams in Iraq. If these dams experience a sharp drop in water and pressure, they could collapse. Daniel Pipes said that if one of these dams, the Mosul Dam, collapsed parts of Baghdad itself would be under water within a few hours. Within two hours, the city of Mosul, home to 1.7 million Iraqis, would be a Mideast Atlantis.

Shutting down the Euphrates and endangering the lives of millions testifies to the brutality of the Syrian civil war. Both sides continue to outdo one another in barbarity. The current death toll stands at well over 150,000, but that number could multiply if the two sides continue to invent new, indiscriminate, extreme ways of killing each other.

The Syrian civil war is engulfing more and more of the Middle East as time goes on. Turkey is supporting the rebels, as are the Sunni Arab nations; Lebanon is heavily involved through Hezbollah; Iran is funding Assad’s regime; and now Iraq may take greater action as its cities are threatened by more than just terrorists.

Can this be a preview to Revelation 16:12?

Revelation 16:12

English Standard Version (ESV)

12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.

Repost: 14 Principles of Fatherhood

Father’s Day is on Sunday June 15th. It’s a special day of the year that we celebrate fatherhood. In the Kingdom of God, Fatherhood is very important. In fact, the role of the father has been an important position since the days of ancient Israel. Fathers were highly regarded and were the primary dominant role in patriarch society. Today, despite carnal influences, the role of the father in the Kingdom of God continues to be a ministry and a privilege in which the father’s role is a leader, protector, provider, teacher, priest, and prophet.

Ancient Jewish Father Responsibility to His Children

In ancient Israel the father was primarily responsible for the four following things: 1. bringing his son into covenant relationship with God through circumcision on the eighth day after birth, 2. teaching his children the Word of God, 3. choosing a mate and 4, teaching his son a trade. It was said by Jewish fathers that a man that didn’t teach his son a trade was teaching him to be a thief. Jesus’ trade was carpentry. Paul’s trade was making tents. Each were trained by their earthly fathers to master a trade to help support themselves and possibly a family. The father played prominent role by establishing his family’s covenant relationship with God and establishing his family's identity. He also played a crucial role in teaching his daughter how a man must provide for her and treat her. He also taught his son how to be a godly example and man of God.

Fourteen Principles of Fatherhood in the Kingdom

Jacob/Israel Blessing His 12 Sons

1. The father is a priest of his home. and prays for his wife and children. He goes to God as an intercessor on behalf of his household (John 17:1, Ephesians 6:18). In Job 1:5, Job offered sacrifices in behalf of his sons and interceded for them in case they sinned against God.

2. A father must teach his family the difference between holy and the unholy, to not be conformed to ways of the world and to avoid ungodly influences (Leviticus 10:8-11; Judges 14:3; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 28:7; 1 John 2:15-17 ).

3. A father and grandfather should lay hands on his children or grandchildren and pray a blessing of the Lord over each child’s life (Genesis 48:11-22, Genesis 49).

4. As a teacher, a father must instill the Word of God inside the house and make sure his children are disciplined in the study of the Word and prayer as a vital part of their children’s spiritual training for the Kingdom ( Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Proverbs 22:6).

5. A father should teach his children to be obedient and know how to discipline his children when they do wrong. This ensures that bad behavior won’t be repeated or become a habit in the life of his children ( Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 23:14; Hebrews 12:5-10).

6. When a father corrects his children, it must be done in love and not with harshness and bitterness that would provoke his children to bitterness and hatred. A father should never show favoritism of one child over the other. This can cause possible division within the home. A father also needs to make sure that he spends quality time with his children so that they won’t resent him for not giving them some time ( Ephesians 6:4 ; Colossians 3:21).

7. A father should dedicate his children to the Lord at a early age( Luke 2:22).

8. A father should inquire of the Lord a prophetic word for all his children and then speak prophetically into their live. Without prophetic revelation our children will perish (Proverbs 29:18). A father is the prophet of his household. The father should speak into his children’s life concerning future occupation and ministry purpose in the Kingdom of God ( Genesis 49; Luke 1:10-17, Luke 1:59-79).

9. A father needs to teach his family to serve and love God as well as keep his commandments with their whole heart. He must teach his family that serving the Lord is trans-generational. Also, salvation is a trans-generational promise to all family members that continue in the Word and follow Jesus. A father needs to teach his children this. The blessings of the Lord can be trans-generational also to those that obey and keep the Word of God. They must stress to their children that they need to pass on the need of salvation from generation to generation ( Genesis 26:3-5; Exodus 6:3; Joshua 24:15; Acts 2:39).

10. A father who is just and walks integrity, his children are blessed after him (Proverbs 20:7).

11. Fathers should teach and steer his children away from all sexual immorality encouraging them to keep their chastity (Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 29:3).

12. A good father that gives his substance unto the Lord, works diligently, and invest and saves his money leaves an inheritance to his children’s children (Proverbs 13:22).

13. A father should teach his children that God loves them and has specific purpose for their life (Luke 1:13-17; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Peter 1:3-9).

14. Father should instruct his children the importance of being born again (John 3:5; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

When the hearts of men are turned towards their children and they walk in the divine calling and principles of fatherhood, they avoid being smitten with a curse upon the earth (Malachi 4:6). In today’s time much of the social ills of children could be avoided, if godly fatherhood/parenting was in place.

Russian Bombers Come Close to California Coast

Article Source: theweek.com

A spokesperson for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that two long-range Russian bomberscame within 50 miles of the Northern California coastline Monday, but didn't creep into United States airspace.

The American military deployed a pair of F-22 Raptor jets after noticing the Russian aircraft had entered the outer Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) near Alaska, a 200-miles large plot that is international airspace.

The nuclear-capable planes, as Russia Today calls them, then split into two groups: two headed west toward Russia and the other two sped south toward California. Those two planes "were picked up visually" by the American pilots.

The Americans didn't communicate with the Russian planes. A U.S. Navy official told theWashington Free Beacon that the incident appeared to be part of a training exercise and said the Russians "acted professionally."

This is the first time in two years that Russian bombers came this close to clipping the California coast.

Joel Osteen Visits Pope Francis: Joel Road to a One World Church or Not?

Pastor Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Mega- Church in Houston, Texas has exhibit qualities that he is heading down the ecumenical road of pantheism, and to partake in the One World Religion that Revelation 13 speaks about. We here at "End-Time Prophecy Watch," in times past have covered Osteen lack of sound Biblical doctrine of The Word of God.  Back in 2012 when Republican Presidential Candidate  Mitt Romney who is a Mormon, was running for office, Joel Osteen was interviewed by Fox News during this time about Romney being Christian or not. He was asked the question about Romney and the Mormon Church were Christians or not, in which he stated that Mormons are Christians(here). Mormons aren't Christians! They don't believe in the Jesus of the Bible! But old Joel thinks they do! Now Osteen has linked up with Pope Francis, which is another sign he is headed down the broad road of inclusive of all religions,  Jesus called this "the broad road of destruction" in Matthew 7:13-14. Following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is exclusive, and not inclusive. Jesus stated Himself, that He is the only way to Heaven.

Osteen on last week made a trip to Vatican to meet Pope Francis, where he stated the following about Pope Francis:

  “I love the fact that’s he’s made the Church more inclusive,” he said. “Not trying to make it smaller, but to try to make it larger—to take everybody in. So, that just resonates with me.” (here).

Is Joel Osteen headed down a wrong way street of a One World Church? Are the people following Osteen headed down the ecumenical road of a One World Religion?

Please takeout the time to do survey outside of this article!  

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Team Calls on Medicine Man 2 Break Slump

Article Source: Yahoo Sports

Some baseball teams find their winning mojo in cowboy boots. Some harness the power of banana and mayo sandwiches. In the Tampa Bay Rays' clubhouse, manager Joe Maddon has proven over the years to be one of baseball's top purveyors of wacky motivation.

He's brought in penguins and a DJ and organized themed road trips. These aren't so much about bringing his team "good luck" but building camaraderie and keeping his players loose. They sure need those right now. And, actually, some of that good luck wouldn't hurt either.

With his team mired in terrible slump, Maddon sought outside help yet again. This time, he didn't call on something cute or something loud. He called The Rainmaker.

The Rainmaker is Seminole Tribal elder Bobby Henry, a 77-year-old medicine man well known in the Tampa area. Legend says he once made it rain in Tampa (not Pacman Jones style either, we're talking water falling from the sky). The Rainmaker didn't prove immediately helpful, as the Rays lost again Monday. They were shutout even, making it 13 losses for the Rays in their last 14 games. Maybe supernatural powers take a while to get warmed up?

Here's the scene from Henry's arrival, according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune:

Henry arrived Monday morning and walked around the field. He spent time sitting in the Rays clubhouse and in the Rays dugout.

“That field, not so bad. I walked around. … I don’t think it’s real bad, you know? We just have to open, just key opening and let them (bad spirits) out,” Henry said.

When asked what he can do to help the Rays, losers of 12 of their last 13 games, Henry said he didn’t want to reveal his secrets.

“We’ll see what happens this time,” Henry said. “I told Joe I’ll come back Sunday.”

Sounds like The Rainmaker wasn't making too many promises about Monday's game. And that's good, because the 3-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners was the fourth time this month the Rays have been shutout. Look at the calendar. It's only June 9. Now the Rays are 24-41, the worst record in baseball by a widening gap.

That wouldn't be as astounding had the Rays not been viewed as a World Series contender at season's start. Instead they're 14 1/2 games out of first in the AL East. That's not going to change overnight. And, in reality, it's probably going to take more than The Rainmaker to change their fortunes.

But maybe if he stays around, sprinkling water on things, the Rays can also call on Jobu, eat funky sandwiches and rally together every baseball superstition out there.

It might seem like the circus is coming to town, but these are the Tampa Bay Rays, what else is new?

Is the Vatican Really Hoarding 2nd Temple Holy Vessels?

Article Source: israelnationalnews.com

The Vatican is evading questions on whether or not it is holding religious artifacts from the Second Temple, Rabbi Yonatan Shtenzel told Arutz Sheva correspondents Wednesday, in what he calls "diplomatic evasion." 

Talmudic sources, including passages from Rabbi Elazar and Rabbi Yossi, note that several of the holy vessels from the Second Temple ended up in the Vatican's hands, Rabbi Shtenzel said. Artifacts said to be transferred to the religious city-state via the Roman Emperor include the shulchan (Showbread table), the menorah (candelabra), several priestly garments, and others.

More than just an 1800 year-old report, there is recent evidence that the Vatican still has these vessels in its possession, he argued, citing the testimony of several 19th and twentieth century Rabbis. 

Rabbi Shtenzel spoke at length about the personal experiences of Rabbi Israel Miller, a Satmar Hasid from Jerusalem who visited the Vatican and stated that he had seen several of the Temple vessels in person, and of former Religious Affairs Minister Professor Shimon Shitrit, who stated several years ago that Italian academics had contacted him about the vessels. The information later led to a diplomatic falling-out between the Religious Affairs Ministry and Pope John Paul II; yet the Vatican still remains quiet over the fate of the vessels.

Rabbi Shtenzel argues that the Israeli government is too passive in its handling of the issue of the vessels, choosing to smooth over relations instead of demanding answers on the objects which could spark the building of a Third Temple. 

The Rabbi also turned to religious leaders, as well, noting that while meeting with the Pope - who, by traditional Jewish laws, represents an idolatrous sect - is problematic, the issue of the whereabouts of the Temple vessels is too urgent to overlook. He stated that if the Vatican continues to deny involvement with the Second Temple artifacts, Israel should turn to more meaningful channels to procure them. 

Pope Francis knows full well where the vessels are, the Rabbi claimed, lamenting that "diplomatic evasion" is the status quo. The Vatican is concerned, according to Shtenzel, that they will be brought to the Hague over the issue and be forced to give the artifacts back to the Jewish people. 

Pope Francis, Shimon Peres, Mahmoud Abbas June 8 Praying for Peace at Vatican

Article Source: uk.reuters.com

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet at the Vatican and pray for peace together at an unprecedented gathering on June 8, the Vatican said on Thursday.

In one of his boldest political gestures since his election in March, 2013, Pope Francis invited the two leaders to come to the Vatican and hold a joint prayer meeting with him during the pontiff's trip to the Holy Land last week.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the two had accepted that the meeting would take place on a Sunday afternoon. That morning the pope will be presiding at a Pentacost Sunday service in St Peter's Square.

The pope, who made the surprise invitation at the end of a Mass in Bethlehem last Saturday, told reporters on the plane returning to Rome that he was not getting directly involved in the stalled Mideast peace process, something he said would be "crazy on my part".

But he said he hoped the prayer meeting, which comes after flailing diplomatic efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, would help create an atmosphere that would help the eventual resumption of talks.

"Courage is needed to do this and I am praying to the Lord very much so that these two leaders, these two governments, have the courage to move forward. This is the only path for peace," Francis said on the plane.

The pope said a rabbi and an Islamic official would be present, without giving details. The meeting is expected to take place in either the guest house where the pope lives in the Vatican or part of the modern complex used for papal general audiences.

When he made the invitation in Bethlehem, the pope said he was offering his "home" for the meeting.

The offer came just a month after U.S.-led peace talks collapsed amid bitter, mutual recrimination.

It was not clear, however, how the unusual prayer encounter could break decades of mutual mistrust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the key Israeli decision-maker, will not be at the prayer meeting. Furthermore, Peres is due to leave office in July.

"We will work together, Jews, Christians and Muslims to bring an end to the conflicts," Peres said on Monday, speaking alongside the pope in Jerusalem.