The Bible gives a very clear and descriptive picture of what we shall see when the end of the age is to occur. Scripture tells us in the end times there will be scoffers and unbelievers. No matter what the signs tell us and what the conditions might be, most will not be able to believe that the end is nearing. Old Testament history tells us that the people of Israel were often warned and would not believe that God would do as He said He would do. False prophets were continually telling the people that things were only going to get better. But they didn’t!!! How many Americans or the world believe that we are getting near the end? Or, do they think things are getting better?

Luke 21:25– “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.” We have just witnessed the fourth time in 500 years that we have seen four blood moons fall on a Jewish religious holiday, the last on September 28, 2015. It could mean many things as I have previously expressed.

Throughout history God has forewarned His believers in advance of future events, He deems it of utmost importance. Any student of the Bible could give hundreds of illustrations where God has foretold the future. We read in Luke 12:54-56- “He said to the crowd: ‘when you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?'”

It is exciting to read Biblical prophecy and see it happening, as predicted, as we listen to the nightly news and read our newspaper. If you follow current events you may be aware that Moscow has aggressively pursued political, economic and military ties to Iran in defiance of U.S. and European protests. They have authorized the sale of nuclear technology to Iran. They are in the process of training approximately 1,000 Iranian nuclear scientists and approved a billion-dollar arms deal with the latest high-tech arms and air defense systems. Until March 21, 1935 Iran was called Persia. The Russians had always hated the Iranians and the Iranians hated the Russians. Many believed the Bible was full of errors, as the two would never form an alliance against Israel or anyone else as described in Ezekiel chapters 36–39.

According to Fox News, just recently since the blood moons, oil was discovered on the Golan Heights that is sufficient to last Israel for centuries and enough to be exported, competing with Russia and the Muslin oil producing nations. Fox News just reported that a coalition of Persian Gulf states is negotiating with Israel to build them the Iron Dome anti-missile systems to defend them against the possibility of foreign missiles. This could be worth perhaps hundreds of billions of dollars. This could be Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and others. Years ago this could never have happened. These nations would not have negotiated with Israel for anything. However, there is a real fear of war in the Middle-East.

Previously drilling deep below the seas off Israel’s coast, foreign energy companies are discovering gas estimated at five trillion cubic feet of proven reserves. They also believe to have found upward of a billion barrels of oil. Is Israel, like other Muslim oil producing nations, sitting on enormous oil reserves? Imagine the value of Israel as predicted in Isaiah 45:3– “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”

Just recently Bashar Assad, Syrian dictator went to Russia to talk with Vladimir Putin. We suppose it is to help recapture the Golan Heights, taken from Syria in the 1967 war, and have Russia take it back from Israel to obtain all of the oil and natural gas. It is oil and natural gas that provides income for both Russia and Iran. If Israel were to compete against them, Israel could put those two and many other Muslim nations into a state of economic depression. This would stop the flow of economic support to the terrorists.

Our president believes that Russia is doomed to fail in the Syrian quagmire. This verifies that he has no one that he listens to that understands what the Bible says Russia will do. Putin is not out to revive the old USSR. He and the Muslim’s goal are to control the Middle-East’s oil and natural gas production and destroy Israel. We determine this by Ezekiel 38:4–9– “I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you. “‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them. After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety. You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.”

Based on information from Ezekiel, Russia’s influence will continue to increase among the Islamic world as the war against Israel nears. Putin has been co-operating and supporting almost every middle-eastern Islamic nation to the detriment of the United Nations and the U.S.’s resolve to boycott Iran and force the closing of its nuclear facilities. Despite international efforts to isolate Palestine’s Hamas party, Putin is supporting them. Putin has aggressively and systematic built alliances with the countries specifically cited in Ezekiel 38 & 39. We need to watch as efforts intensify as to the time of Ezekiel’s vision comes to fulfillment.

This is not the first time Russia has tried to strike Israel. They were on the brink of war in 1973 when the U.S. mobilized forces to counteract any attack the Russians planned on Israel. It was well known that the Soviet Union had supplied all of the ammunition; intelligence and military training to help the Arab and Islamic coalition destroy Israel. It happened once before in the 1967 war. Under President Lyndon Johnson, we kept Russia from launching forces against Israel.

American intelligent sources state that Putin has ordered a 40% increase in Russia’s defense budget, including new fighter aircraft, new rockets and two new army divisions. Iranian’s past President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had stated that he believed the end of the world is only a few years away. He also said that he believes the way to hasten the arrival of the Islamic messiah is to unleash an apocalyptic holy war against Christians and Jews. Thus, he has vowed to annihilate the U.S. and Israel and was preparing their military to accomplish just that.

This month, according to the New York Times, “An imam in Gaza has been recorded on the pulpit brandishing a six-inch knife, urging his brothers to go out in the streets, find a Jew and stab!” President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine stated: “We welcome every drop of blood spilled in Jerusalem.” It has not been an idle threat when IS in its latest video, says: “We assure you that soon there will not be a single Jew left on Jerusalem and throughout the country.”

Ezekiel 39:7–8– “I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the LORD am the Holy One in Israel. It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD. This is the day I have spoken of.”

These blogs are written to make anyone reading them, understand they must be prepared for whatever happens and when it happens. The Bible tells us what to expect, but does not tell us exactly the time it will occur.

God provides, through the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts available to Christians that give them advantages in the workplace and everywhere else. Scripture states that everything starts with FAITH in God.

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Matthew 17:20 “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Many in the world are denying there is a God. This means that God is not pleased with many and the chaos in the world, at the present time, is a result. However, to believers, He rewards those who “earnestly” seek Him. So we need to know what earnestly seeking Him means if we wish to live a successful life.

When I was coaching in high school, if I had ten athletes that believed they could all play professional basketball in the NBA and they practiced most every day of the year in preparation, I believe we would never have lost a game. It would all start with faith and confidence that their goal was a possibility and they would do everything they could to reach that goal. Do Christians earnestly seek God? If not, have you ever wondered why God’s promises didn’t seem to bless you?

Radical Muslims teach their young children to hate Jews and be willing to sacrifice their lives if they must, to do their killing. Christian parents and grandparents we need to teach our young children that each one of them was created by God with a specific purpose. The only way they will find that purpose is if they have faith in God, seek wisdom and pray for a discerning spirit. Things will happen in their lives that will prepare them for that specific thing they were created to do.

I continually prayed that God would use me. I had different jobs, some problems and a normal life. However, each job prepared me for what I finally realized what God’s purpose was. As I look back, I can see how God moved me in many directions until I was where I was supposed to be, to do what I believe God wanted me to do. I believe everyone was created with a purpose. Most ignore God and do not choose to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. I never knew what my purpose was until I was in my 60’s. My advice is: Pray that God will give you His purpose and allow the Holy Spirit to give you the guidance we all need to fulfill that purpose. The greatest achievement in my life was discovering my purpose and realizing how many things God had done in my life to help me do it.

I had an aunt that was a prayer warrior and earnestly sought God. Her purpose was to raise two boys and help raise me. Two became Christian ministers and their families have raised Christians and more ministers. I believe this lady’s purpose was to see that hundreds were saved, through other’s ministry, because of her Christian leadership and prayers. She was created to witness and assist others in leading hundreds to salvation. She had tremendous faith, wisdom and a discerning spirit. She never finished high school yet, most every generation since, are college attenders or graduates.

God promises to provide wisdom to an earnestly seeking believer and that provides common sense. You would think that everyone, to some degree, has common sense. Those with common sense should know that more is accomplished by being friendly, pleasant, sociable, courteous and adaptable. One must know how to handle difficult problems when they happen. We must have common sense to understand how to motivate other people and one’s self. Common sense realizes the importance of building sound and lasting working relationships and friendships. This is a promise that God offers if you have faith and live according to His ways.

Scripture and common sense should tell a believer that hard work is important and that when we work, God is watching and we are to work to please Him. There is just too many who seem to believe that the world owes them a living. We are measured by the amount of work and the quality that we accomplish. You do not become a professional athlete without tremendous amounts of physical preparation. I believe faith and wisdom, that produces common sense, gave me an advantage. Pray for wisdom!

Proverbs 8:10–14 “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; have insight, I have power.”

If you are able to discern between those who are team players and those who are only concerned about themselves it can help you build a business or a career. Some individuals can hinder or build the morale of an organization. Some people seem to have human relation smarts and some do not. We hired hundreds of people based on what we believed were their potential. It is a real advantage if you can determine whether they are fulfilling the potential you believe they had. Many do not realize the effect a bad employee has on other employees. Almost everything we do has an effect on others good or bad. If a person has a good attitude it affects the productivity of others. Everyone’s productivity must be measured. Pray for a discerning spirit to make correct judgments.

Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith. Faith provides confidence and the willingness to take risks. So many people fear making decisions or trying new things. If a believer has a God-given faith, they believe that they could move mountains. It is so important to have the confidence and a positive mental attitude. Success comes when one can take a project and believe that they can do whatever it takes to get it done right. Too often, people are unwilling to take the responsibility without detailed instructions. Faith and confidence provides creativity. You do not find too many founders of companies unwilling to take risks. In fact, in most cases this is the difference between those who are successful and those who are not.

I Corinthians 13:2 “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

Have you ever heard that a Jewish Rabbi Judah ben Samuel who lived from 1140 to 1217 predicted the future? They asked him where he received his information and he said the Prophet Elijah, who will precede the return of the Messiah gave it to him. (Don’t stop here, read a little further!)

He predicted that the Ottoman’s (Turks) would take control of Jerusalem in 1517 and control it for 400 years. Afterwards, Jerusalem for fifty years would become a desolate area. After those fifty years it would go back to the Jews which would be 1967. Both of these prophecies happened as predicted. If you will remember in 1967 Israel was attacked by Egypt, Jordan, Syria and the United Arab Republic and a Six Day War allowed Israel to take over all of Jerusalem as foretold. They also increased their land by four times. He then says fifty years later, the year of Jubilee, the Messiah will return and fifty years is another year of Jubilee and 2017.

Leviticus 25:8–12 – “‘Count off seven Sabbath years—seven times seven years—so that the seven Sabbath years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields.”

I have previously written that the four blood moons could be the discovery of oil in Israel just two weeks after the last blood moon. According to Fox News, the quantity could be enough to last Israel for centuries. Isaiah 45:3 – “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”

I have been writing about the four blood moons with number four occurred on September 28, 2015 which was the Jewish religious holiday. This could also be a sign, to get ready, that the rapture is coming, it could be a sign that the disastrous Tribulation is nearing. The Tribulation will be a seven year peace made with Israel by a man-of-peace, known as the Antichrist. You can tell our present administration in Washington hasn’t read the Bible or they would realize they will not be able to make a peace treaty with Israel and Palestine, unless the one who does is the Antichrist, which I doubt.

The Bible tells us in the end times there will be scoffers and unbelievers. No matter what the signs tell us and what the conditions might be, most will not be able to believe that the end is nearing. Old Testament history tells us that the people of Israel were often warned and would not believe that God would do as He said He would do. False prophets were continually telling the people that things were only going to get better. But they didn’t!!!

John 14:1–3 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

If we believe in Jesus we can accept things that we cannot understand and the storms of life can become calm. Jesus is telling us, in Heaven there are many rooms and enough for everyone. Early Christians believed that the room one receives will be dependent on ones deeds and their holiness while on earth. Jesus completes the verse by saying He will come back and take us with Him to Heaven.

John 14:4–6 – “You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus had repeatedly told His disciples where He was going but they did not understand. He was returning to His Father who had sent Him. If we want to follow Jesus we must believe He is the only way. Jesus says if you want eternal life with God and me, there is no other way. No one else can get you there.

WE NEVER KNOW WHEN CHRIST RETURNS BUT WE MUST ALWAYS BE READY. Luke 12:40 – “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

II Thessalonians 2:3–5 – “ Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?”

There are those who believe the Lord will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed. The rebellion will be a massive rebellion against God. Some interpret this to mean at the time of the rapture. Most believe it means abandoning God or giving up one’s faith. During the rebellion a person will appear having considerably power from Satan and will personify evil. He will oppose all laws. He will promote immorality and anarchy. Revelation 13:5–8 describes him.

Whether the rapture takes place by 2017 or later makes no difference to those that have accepted Christ as their Savior. My belief is all the signs and world conditions that the Bible prophesies are to happen for the rapture to occur have been met. It is a time that spreading the gospel could not be more necessary. People who want to live with God and Christ in eternity must be ready. I fear there are still too many who call themselves Christians who may not qualify because of how they are living and their hearts are still hard.

When the rapture occurs, we believe children under the age of accountability will be raptured. Will they go to Heaven as orphans? Will their grandparents be there to care for them?

This is what I am looking forward to: Micah 4:1–5 – “In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all—the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise!” Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the LORD our God forever and ever.” NLT – Christ will rule on earth for 1000 years.

I write this blog, not because I believe the rapture will occur by 2017, but to encourage anyone that has not accepted Christ as their Savior to make that commitment. Scripture tells us to read the signs and be prepared because there will be a rapture. God does not want anyone to perish.

You may think selling one’s soul to the devil is not possible. If you believe the Bible you know it is possible. We know most people would never believe it, but the Bible says it could happen. The Bible says that God will send a powerful delusion and they will believe the devil and his lies. Therefore, I ask the question: Is it possible for a politician, or anyone, to sell their soul to the devil? If so, what are the possibilities?

2 Thessalonians 2:5–12 – “Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”

If we know that Satan can enter a person and control them, should we not be concerned who we vote in office as our political representatives? What if we voted into office a person that was possessed? Do you think that person would do what is best for America or what Satan directed them to do?

John 13:27 – “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” It is very possible that a number of well-known people could be demon possessed. We know that some are Satan or Lucifer worshippers. In fact, in Washington, D. C. there are a fairly large number that worship Satan, possibly more than any other city.

If that person were elected, they could become powerful and attain such notoriety and loyalty from the masses that they could do about anything they wanted. As a tool of Satan they could be given all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders in order to deceive all. It could be their power that could deceive and cause unbelievers to perish who refuse to love the truth or gospel message and be saved. Those that chose to follow, God could send a powerful delusion so that they will believe their lies and thus be condemned for not accepting Christ as their Savior. The Bible says that God could allow an evil person to act without restraint. He will do it to allow people to be shown their own sinfulness and to see what happens when they rebel against God and refuse the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 29:1 – “explains that rejecting God’s gift makes our neck stiff and our heart hard. As God hardened the heart of the Pharaoh, He could also do the same to all who rebel against Him. Their hearts will no longer respond to the truth. Can we not see this happening in our world today? We know people who will no longer respond to the truth.

The Bible further tells us if we are totally saved and are believers, we have a fantastic future ahead of us. As believers we must stand firm regardless of what we may have to go through. God can be trusted to bring us to heaven. That means we must accept the gospel message of salvation through Christ. We then go through a process of sanctification learning to become more and more like Christ. This is a major reason God placed His Spirit in us so we could be guided along the way.

We see Cuba now entering the war in Syria along with Russia. The rumor from experts is that we will give up Guantanamo so that Russia can take over. They want to be closer to the United States. Russia has recently forgiven Cuba of 90% of a $350 billion loan they have given them in order to bail them out.

We see the unrest in Israel from the Palestinians. We are living in very precarious times. Should we not be praying for our political leaders and get out the vote?

The fourth blood moon that fell on a Jewish religious holiday occurred on September 28th, 2015. We have told you what happened when this occurred previous. In 1492, 1948 and 1967, Israel was alerted to fantastic events occurring that we believe was God inspired and the moons were a sign from God.

When we saw the blood moon this past September, we wondered what we might expect God would do. We saw a statue of Satan being placed in Detroit. We learned that Oklahoma made all the plagues holding the Ten Commandments were removed from public places. We wondered if something terrible would happen to America and God was using the moons to warn us. If it was, it has not happened yet.

It appears that the moons may have been again for Israel. We knew that something great would be found some day in Israel. Isaiah 45:3 – “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”

According to Fox News, just recently since the blood moons, oil was discovered on the Golan Heights that is sufficient to last Israel for centuries and enough to be exported, competing with Russia and the Muslin oil producing nations. Fox News just reported that a coalition of Persian Gulf states is negotiating with Israel to build them the Iron Dome anti-missile systems to defend them against the possibility of foreign missiles. This could be worth perhaps hundreds of billions of dollars. This could be Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and others.

Years ago this could never have happened. These nations would not have negotiated with Israel for anything. However, there is real fear in the Middle-East.

Ezekiel 38:3 – 6 – “and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.”

We believe the hook that God is describing is the oil that Israel just discovered. The Golan Heights belonged to Syria and during the Six Day War in 1967 it was captured by Israel. We believe that Russia entering Syria presently, is getting Syria’s support to recapture the Golan Heights and take the oil.

Approximately 70% of Russia’s income is a result of exporting oil and natural gas to Eastern Europe and other nations. With the price of oil being reduced by over 50% Russia is in an economic recession. Iran and Russia cannot afford to allow Israel to produce oil and natural gas and compete against them keeping the price low and the countries in a recession.

Assuming the news about the oil and the missile defensive is correct; it could make Israel one of the richest nations in the Middle-East. Greed and envy could be another hook that would pull the nations to attack Israel.

If you read the Old Testament prophets, especially the Books of Daniel, Ezekiel, Matthew chapter 24 and Revelation, you have to believe that the prophecy given, sounds like today’s news. I believe the devil is deceiving many that man is responsible for global climate change. Satan knows what is predicted and He wants to discourage every single person into believing there is not a God. He does not want anyone to believe that God can control the weather and everything that happens, if He chooses. Read the Bible and history. There have always been times of famine, when God has kept it from raining. When the Jews were driven out of Israel, the land became desolate and hardly anything would grow. Today, they are exporting food to many nations and it’s a beautiful country. At least it was when we visited Israel.

Can we not see how many people do not believe in God? It was not that way 65 years ago. Farmers counted on God to give them a prosperous crop every year. Satan even has many Christians convinced that there is no hell and some Christians believe God will take you to heaven if you are a good person. As a result, they live no differently from how the world lives.

According to Investor’s Business Daily: “At a news conference last week in Brussels, Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of U.N.’s Framework Convention on Climate Change, admitted that the goal of environmental activists is not to save the world from ecological calamity but to destroy capitalism.

Satan must destroy capitalism in order to have a one-world government. We have members of congress that want the democrats to make laws that would prosecute, under RICO rules deniers of man-made global warming. That was a bill passed to prosecute the mob for corruption and racketeering.

Are we seeing Satan preparing the world for his Antichrist to take over? Does this have anything to do with the four blood moons? It may take time before we really know.

For years I have wondered what Scripture meant when it says God will put a hook in Russia and have them with other nations attack Israel. This second week of October, 2015 Israel announced a massive oil reserve has been located in the Golan Heights. This is the land that they captured from Syria in the war of 1967. At this time they do not know the total amount of oil or the quality. Scripture says it will be huge. There is also a massive natural gas reserve off the coast of Israel in the Mediterranean Sea.

Isaiah 45:3 – “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”

Approximately 70% of Russia’s income comes from oil and natural gas exports. They supply a large part of oil and natural gas to Eastern Europe and others. What if Israel were to compete with Russia and Muslim’s oil producing nations? Russia, Iran and Syria would claim that the Golan Heights rightfully belonged to Syria. I assume the United Nations would agree. They believe they have every right to attack Israel to recapture lost land. It is not Syria’s land; the Bible says it is God’s land given to Israel.

Ezekiel 38:1–10 – “The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you. ‘‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them. After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety. You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land. ‘‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme.”

Magog is identified as Russia and Meshech is Moscow and Tubal is Tubalsk. We must keep in mind that this is Biblical interpretation and not everyone agrees. In fact most of the world would not agree. Otherwise, nations would leave Israel alone. It is very clear that God is going to protect Israel and nations are going to try to destroy them. If this does not happen then the Bible has been very misleading and I can’t accept that. We also know this all happens after Israel becomes a nation as it did in 1948, over 1800 years without being a nation.

During this war, God will make Himself known. Ezekiel 38:23 – “And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” It is starting to make sense. Oil and natural gas, which is the hook that God describes, that is the resources that will start the war against Israel. This is not something that might happen; it is what God says He will make happen. As a result, He will make Himself known and His holiness and greatness will be seen.

God waits until the Armies led by Russia touch covenant land before He stops them. That is when prophecy states He must stop them to keep His promise to Israel. The destruction takes place on the Mountains of Israel, we assume the Golan Heights. Ezekiel 38:21–22 – “I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.” This almost sounds like a nuclear attack.

Damascus is the capital of Syria. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It reads like Israel will defeat both Syria and Egypt. Damascus will become a heap of ruins indicating that it could also be destroyed by use of nuclear weapons.

Russia has hugely increased their defense budget, including new aircraft, rockets and the size of their army. The Iranian believes it is their duty to prepare the way for the Islamic messiah by destroying the Jews and Christians. Thus, they have vowed to annihilate the US and Israel and are preparing their military and nuclear weapons to accomplish that.

We learn in Ezekiel 39:1 – 6 – “Son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel. Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals. You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coast-lands, and they will know that I am the LORD.”

These attacks on Israel will prove that God protects Israel because they come out victorious. You would think that these nations would read the Bible and realize the outcome. Remember how hard the heart of the Pharaoh was in his confrontation with Moses? God did everything to prove Himself but Pharaoh rejected all evidence. The Radical Muslims do not believe in the Judeo-Christian’s God or His Word and also reject all evidence.

If you read and believe the Bible, you must see that things are in place to fulfill prophecy. No one knows the day or the hour. However, the discovery of oil in the Golan Heights draws the warring parties closer to attacking. Since God will cause it, as the Bible states, it all depends on His timing for the Rapture of Christians and the 1000 years of Christ’s rule on earth. The churches’ mission is to spread the Gospel as God does not wish that any should perish. All Christians have a responsibility to witness to their relatives, friends and neighbors. You need not share the above information: Just tell them what Christ has done in your life. Don’t be one of those Christians that Christ says: “I never knew you.” Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal provided information about how to have a happy marriage. When we were married 60 years ago, we decided to make our marriage based on Scripture. During those years, we have never had a major argument or disagreement. I point this out to confirm what Scripture teaches. If you were to ask how that is possible, my reply would be the discipline and control over one’s pride and self-centeredness.

Ephesians 5:21 – 29 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”

Having worked with thousands of employees and being a high school coach, everyone wants to know: “How am I doing?” You may remember Ed Koch, the mayor of New York City, asked everyone: “How am I doing?” I have given many appraisals telling an athlete their strengths and weaknesses and the areas they needed to work on. In management I have given possibly a thousand appraisals to employees explaining how they were doing. I believe everyone needs to know how they are doing and especially married couples. How often have you heard, she left me and I have no reason why she did? In many cases it was a lack of communications.

The WSJ paper gave an example of an appraisal that married couples should give to each other on a regular basis. A question one might ask: Is there anything I do that annoys you? Each is asked the question. Next, do I fulfill your needs? You could come up with ten questions that you could ask each other every three months or as needed. Remember that pride; “I am always right” can put stress on a marriage. Or self-centeredness, you are not giving me what I need.

It didn’t take long in our marriage to realize that we think differently. However, I realized that my role as husband was to let my wife know how much I loved her and showed it and told her every day. That love had to be as similar as I could get to Christ loving the church. As a result, my wife was extremely supportive and submissive allowing me to lead spiritually and assume the role as head of the household. That is a leadership role and not, I am the boss. Above all, I was extremely proud of my wife as she was unusually talented, having been a school teacher and a choir director in practically every church we have attended. I point this out because respect and being proud of your spouse is a must. If there is a problem here, it needs to be one of the questions on your marriage appraisal that needs to be pointed out. If your husband eats like a slob in public, it needs to be covered. If he loves you as Christ loves the church, he will not accept it as criticism and make a change. As a Christian, it is his obligation to change if it annoys you. His and her job is to make each other proud of their spouse. This is one purpose of the appraisal.

How important is a peaceful home for your children? I believe, to some degree, one can measure the success of their marriage by how their children behave. There are always exceptions. Some children are born being bipolar, medically impaired, etc. We are extremely proud of our adult children and our grandchildren. How can a couple not get along if they are praying together and reading their Bibles daily? If you are praying daily, from the time your children are born, that God will give them purpose and direction in their life, you will see your prayers answered. Pray that they make the correct spiritual decisions and put God first in their lives and others as themselves. Pray that they meet the right mate in marriage. Of course, parents must set a Christian example for children to believe in God’s promises. Parents must teach loyalty, accountability, respect for authority and the Golden Rule.

If children see prayers answer and supernatural events occur, it gives them the basis to be believers. One of our children was saved at the age of eight. Remember, the Bible says that our legacy can be carried on to fourth and fifth generation. How important is it to follow the Bible in being married? If you do, it is everything God promises.

May I stress to Christian parents with children, pray “together” daily, aloud for their children. It may be best the first thing each morning or the last thing prior to going to bed. Then years later see if God doesn’t keep His promises. It will give your marriage a peace like nothing else.

P.S. Mons and dads are you praying together for your children? Matthew 18:19 – “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Do you want them to be adult believers? God promises your prayers will be answered. Try doing this every morning or before going to bed at night.

Have you notice that some believers are truly devoted followers of Christ and others seem to be very shallow and not totally committed? Some Christians live no differently than unbelievers. Others serve in the church but outside the church, they have little witness as a Christian. Christ describes different types of Christians.

Mark 4:14 – 20 – “The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

Jesus is the farmer and anyone who comes after, who teaches the Word of God. The seed is the Word of God. The path was a hard surface. Some are impressed by the Word and emotionally accept Christ and the Word. However, as soon as they hear it, Satan deceives them into believing that they really don’t need surrendering their self-centeredness. Their stability and commitment was stolen. They were unwilling to make a commitment and continue to live as they always have. They spent no time in prayer and Bible study.

Some seed was placed on rocky soil. There was enough soil to grow but they had no roots or depth. They were like a tree with no roots in a strong wind. Temporarily they may have been enthused but the world easily leads them away. They decide not to believe in Scripture and its promises and they fall away. James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Still others are like a seed that is sown among thistles and thorns. These people hear and accept the Word and it begins to grow. Thorns and thistles stand for the world’s distractions such as the deceitfulness of riches, material things and the lusts for other things. This seed was choked out. They allow their security to come from the world and not from God. They have a tendency to believe they can become prosperous or meet their needs without anyone’s help. They believe the Word but they just never get around to living it. They lacked the discipline and the tenaciousness to stick to it.

The final illustration is the seed that is sown in good soil. We may be amazed at how few Christians are in this category. They hear the Word and become committed and accepting. They are true Disciples of Christ who surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They accept Christ and the Holy Spirit into their spirit. It is not an emotional response but a spiritual one. They see the value and change in their life and want to witness to others, so they too may receive the promises of God. These believers produce a crop. These believers not only hear with their ears but with their hearts and minds.

These are people who learn to trust God. Proverbs 3:5 – 6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This may be the hardest task, particularly for new Christians. It may be easy to believe in God. However, it is difficult to believe God wants what is best for us. Do you believe that God is working His plan in our lives? What about when we are faced with problems and trials? Trusting God must be completely and irrevocable. Most of us have the problem that if our prayers do not get answered immediately and the way we think they should be, we act on our own, not trusting God to fulfill what we need. Remember Abraham and Sarah was promised a child. When it didn’t happen, they made a plan to have a child by Hagar. As a result, Abraham and Hagar had Ishmael, whose descendants have been enemies of Israel ever since. When Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, they received the son that God had promised, Isaac. It takes a Christian who is planted in good soil to trust God.

It is estimated that about 250,000 people, in the world, die every day. Some have estimated that about 1% or approximately 2,500 will enter heaven. If that is true, that would mean the rest will end up in hell. Whether you believe there isn’t a hell or heaven doesn’t mean there is not one. You may not believe the Bible is the Word of God, if you do not believe there is a God. Or, you may believe there is a God, who loves everyone, and He would never send any to a place called hell, a place of torment. Therefore, you probably are willing to gamble that there is not a hell. What if you are wrong? Let’s learn what the Bible says happens to a person after they die. You do believe, someday you will die, right? No matter what you believe about what happens after death, you could be wrong. THE BIG GAMBLE!

Matthew 7:13 – 15 – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

Luke 16:19 – 26 – “Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’”

If you believe there is a God and if you believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, you must believe that there is a place of torment. Prior to Christ’s resurrection, those who were God fearing, their souls went to Paradise. Those who were not God fearing went to Hades a place of torment. Scripture says as the poor man died, angels brought him to Abraham’s bosom or Paradise. We are then told they can remember what transpired while they were on earth. We have learned that those in Hades are tormented by flames.

When Christ was crucified He went from the cross to Sheol or Paradise. Matthew 12:40 – “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Those who died under the Old Covenant could not enter Heaven because the sacrificed blood of animals could not forgive their sins. Sinners, not having been forgiven, could not enter the presence of God. Christ, taking the thief on the cross beside Him, went to Paradise where God’s people were being held. All those who had been waiting temporarily in Paradise were forgiven of their sins by Christ and then ascended to Heaven with Him.

Acts 2:34 – “For David did not ascend to heaven” John 3:13 – “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” Ephesians 4:8 and 9 – “This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men. (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?)”

Paradise is no longer in Hell. We believe Scripture says that Jesus descended into Paradise to release those saints who were waiting to enter God’s presence and that He also gave the gift of salvation to those still alive by grace through faith. After Pentecost those having received the Holy Spirit, at death, go to join those Old Testament saints in Heaven where Christ remains until His second coming.

Revelation 6:9 – “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony.” Many Christians will be martyred as the Antichrist comes to power and their souls will go to Heaven.

Those in hell and those who will go to Hell will be there until the Day of Judgment when they will be cast into the eternal Lake of Fire.

Revelation 20:14 – 15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

2 Thessalonians 1:8 – 9 – “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

Revelation 14:10 – 12 – “they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.”

Revelation 20:15 – “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

In many churches today, ministers do not preach about hell. I heard a number of sermons, but it was the one preached about hell that led me to my conversion. If the Bible is God’s Word and He tells us there are two places we will go after death, I was not willing to gamble with where I would spend eternity. I have seen enough supernatural things happen in my life to confirm that I made the right decision. How about you? Do you profess to be a Christian but live as the world lives, uncommitted to the gospel of Jesus Christ living a holy life? If you are still very self-centered, you probably have not totally surrendered and have allowed the Holy Spirit to guide you daily. However, if you have, this is what God promises:

I Peter 1:4 – “and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,” Hebrews 13:5 – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Matthew 6:31 tells us God will meet our needs. 1 John 5:14–15– “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Philippians 4:7 – God will give us peace and guard our hearts. Romans 8:39 No one can separate us from the love of God. John 14:1 – 3 Christ promises, He will take us to heaven with Him. Is eternity worth living for Christ?

Success results from one’s character and knowing one’s purpose. It is also making a commitment to excellence and having the discipline to achieve. Most successful people need core values as to what they believe in order to make correct decisions consistently. The Bible tells the importance of being truthful; being decisive and honorable will lead to success. I have had the privilege of having attended many leadership seminars. I have read many, many books on successful leadership and rules of becoming successful. I have studied Scripture almost daily, for more than fifty years. My background is a high school coach, a production foreman for Birds Eye Frozen Foods, 23 years as a store manager for Montgomery Ward and 28 years as a business consultant and financial advisor. Following is what I have been taught:

Successful people are usually early risers. They are people who prepare and are organized. Their confidence comes from their accomplishments and achievements. They are ones who believe they can be successful and expect to be. Let me stress, success starts with knowing your purpose in life. Scripture tells us, God’s purpose for us is never an afterthought; it was planned prior to our birth. The Bible is very clear that God has a purpose for us and he created us with the abilities to fulfill whatever that purpose might be.

Satan has an agenda to keep us from performing what God had intended for us. Satan plants the seeds of insecurity, low self-esteem, unworthiness and even fear to stop us from completing what God intended. He may use parents, siblings, teachers or employers to put us down. It seems he finds ways to discourage and defeat us, but only if we allow it. Most people live lives with God-given gifts that they have never developed or used. Successful people overcome the negative thinking that we confront daily. What would the world be like if we all sought God’s intended purpose and we used our talents to go with it? There is a time coming when that will happen, it is called the Millennium or a 1000 years when Christ rules.

Confidence is an area that many people feel inadequate. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Confidence can result from believing God, through the Holy Spirit, He wants us to be successful and prosperous. We are told He will meet our needs. God wants to use our competitive spirit to be flexible, be a risk taker and to increase our faith and courage. Confidence often comes from adequate preparation, repetition and experience. When favorable results occur, give God the credit as He is the one who will help you become successful. We must have a humble spirit. The Bible teaches to be meek. That does not mean weak. There are times that require sternness.

Here are a number of things the Bible teaches a successful person to do: You must have a vision, goal or purpose in whatever you are doing. There must be clarity of purpose. Too often, people have too many uncertainties and their purpose is not transparent.

The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:7 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” and “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” . I Corinthians 10:31b

Too many Christians believe that unless they live and work as the world does, they will be at a disadvantage. Some claim that instead of using biblical principles and standards, they have no choice but to be aggressive and to do whatever it takes to survive in today’s workplace. As far as they are concerned, survival in the workplace jungle demands that successful people must be both ruthless and aggressive. Christians who separate their spiritual lives from the workplace must address the question of ruthlessness from a “bottom line” perspective or doing whatever is necessary to become a success. We believe that you must never be aggressive; you can do better by being assertive.

Is there a difference between being aggressive and assertive? Let me interject a fine distinction between being aggressive and assertive. Aggressiveness employs a combative attitude. Its means are severe and intense. The goal is the all in all. The aggressive person mows down anyone or anything that gets in the way of reaching the goal. Assertiveness, however, is boldness or confidence. The way one reaches the goal is as important as reaching the goal, but not at the expense of hurting others or utilizing questionable tactics. An example of success, with an aggressive behavior, is Mr. Trump running for president. My recommendation is to be more assertive and humble. That example is more Carly Fiorina, also running for president. Can you see aggressiveness is the world’s way and assertiveness is God’s way?

So I ask the question: How important is success to you? You must first define what success means to you. Is it living and working to please God, or to please others? What is more important: accumulating a lot of stuff, or seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Is wealth and material goods your goal, or are they the by-product of serving God and putting Him first? Christ was the most powerful person ever to live. What was most important to Him? Was it His mission to gain fame and notoriety, or to set an example that others could follow? He is our example! We were placed on this earth to live by that example and to lead in changing the hearts of others that they too might be Christian examples. Success is also determining one’s purpose and pursuing it with all the passion one has and doing whatever you have chosen; do it to please God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in making every major decision.

The more we study the Bible and become more spiritual and Christ-like the greater is our motivation, we are more energized, enthused and it usually raises our productivity. We have a greater commitment to following the teachings of Christ. We become more trusting and obedient to the commandments of God. As our attitudes change, we learn to love rather than hate, to forgive rather than be unforgiving. As our spiritual condition gradually changes, our perspectives on life should change. We can overcome the hindrances of being critical, jealous, greedy, prideful, having unbelief or lustful. There is a worldly success and a spiritual success. We want to be successful in the eyes of God and not necessarily in the world’s eyes.