Pray for Peace in the Middle East

Is Bible prophesy regarding the return of Jesus to judge the earth about to happen? Even Jesus says no one knows when that will happen except God the Father: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:36). Watch for involvement in the war from Russia and China as many believe ancient documents like the Bible reference these two countries as getting involved and descending on Israel to destroy it- just before Jesus returns. 

The war in Iran could be just the beginning as we see things in the Middle East heat up. So, stop, pray, and pray for peace in the region. Mourn for those in battle and those who have lost their lives. And go before God in prayer that He and He alone would stop the war. 

In ancient times, when someone was mourning, the men would tear their clothes and switch to clothing of sackcloth garments and place ashes on their heads. I'm not ready to go back to those activities, but my heart is certainly concerned about current events- and I am praying for peace- and for all those that don't know Jesus Christ and his gift of eternal life for all who would believe wholeheartedly in Him!

Disney Abu Dhabi: The Company's First Park in the Middle East

A Wednesday morning surprise announcement! Disney announced its plan to build its first park in the Middle East. Disneyland Abu Dhabi! Now, United Arab Emirates has the distinction of hosting the first Disney branded themed destination in the region. Boasting a Yas Island waterfront location, Disney Imagineers are hot on the plans creating something very unique for this market. What will the park look like? What will be in it? 

In Disney's official press release, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, states “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development". 

The concept art by Imagineering is intentionally vague. But you can bet it will be bigger and more elaborate than what was once planned for Dubai Disneyland!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

War and the Prophets

War shouldn't be chased after, but be assured, it is inevitable. Are you ready? The Greatest Prophet spoke of this 2,000 years ago:

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come.  For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these things are the beginning of birth pains.

 “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name. Then many will be led into sin, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will appear and deceive many, and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole inhabited earth as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Jesus' words recorded in the Bible's book of Matthew 24:6-14 include warnings for those who follow Him and warnings for those who don't. Want to see how it all ends? Read the Biblical book of Revelation...

(Photo copyright AP/Laura Rauch.)

This Image Haunts

Haunting image indeed. The man on the left, Kenji Goto Jogo, was back in the Middle East searching for his friend, Haruna Yukawa. As you know, these men were executed at the hands of ISIS. What most of us did not know was that Kenji Goto Jogo was a Christian. The tale of his search for his friend takes on an entirely different significance after reading this fascinating article. So worth your time.