Prophecy Update Newsletter
February 28, 2017
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Why Bible Prophecy Matters - By Britt Gillette - http://www.raptureready.com/2017/02/16/why-bible-prophecy-matters-by-britt-gillette/
Why does bible prophecy matter? As a Christian, why should you spend any time studying it? It's sad to say, but many Christians (including many church leaders) say Bible prophecy doesn't matter. And they say you shouldn't spend any time studying it. Why? Some of the stated reasons are "Study of Bible prophecy is a waste of time" or "it's a distraction." Another common criticism is "Bible prophecy so negative!" Negative? How is the return of Jesus to establish everlasting peace on earth with no more death, crying, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4) negative? It's not. In fact, it's our Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)! No. There's something else going on here, and I think I know what it is. The real reason so many church leaders ignore Bible prophecy is because they care more about what the world thinks than what God thinks. They associate the study of Bible prophecy with date setters and "kooks." And they don't want others to think they're like that. It's much easier (and a lot less controversial) to cover topics like "Seven Ways to a Better Marriage" or "Five Ways to Live a Better Life Today" or "How to Be Happy All the Time." Now, I'm not saying these topics don't matter. They definitely do. God wants us all to live a full and blessed life here on earth. But to ignore Bible prophecy is to ignore anywhere from 25% to 33% of the Bible. If God didn't want us to study it, why would He reveal it? The Bible says all of God's Word is useful for teaching and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and that includes prophecy. The Power of Prophecy The prophetic passages in the Bible are just as important as all the others. And God promises wherever He sends His Word, it will prosper (Isaiah 55:11). This includes all of His Word, not just those verses self-appointed Christian leaders deem "okay." If you have any doubt about the importance of Bible prophecy when it comes to living the Christian life, here's what the Bible itself says about God's prophetic Word: 1) Prophecy Points to Jesus - All prophecy points to Jesus (Revelation 19:10). In fact, Jesus Himself said He came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). What if the magi (Matthew 2:1-2) had ignored Bible prophecy? What if they thought the study of prophecy was "a waste of time?" Then they would have missed out on one of the greatest honors of all time - seeing the baby Jesus. What if Simeon (Luke 2:25-35) had the attitude Bible prophecy is irrelevant? Then he would have missed out on the greatest blessing of his life. What if Anna (Luke 2:36-40) had ignored Bible prophecy? Then she too would have missed out on Jesus. 2) Jesus Demands We Watch - Still think study of Bible prophecy is "a distraction" from God's work? Then how come Jesus demands it? That's right. Jesus doesn't simply suggest the study of prophecy. He commands us to study it. He commands us to "stay alert" and to "keep watch" (Mark 13:33,35). That begs the question - watch for what? The answer is clear. Watch for His return. Otherwise, He'll find us sleeping when He arrives without warning (Mark 13:36). If you don't study Bible prophecy and the signs of His coming, how will you ever know what to watch for? And if you don't know what to watch for, how can you obey Jesus? 3) Prophecy Proves the Bible Is God's Word - Long ago, God issued a challenge. He said, "Who else can tell the beginning from the end" (Isaiah 41:21-24)? God proclaims He alone can do so. Only God can reveal what is going to happen before it happens (Isaiah 46:10). The hundreds and hundreds of specific and detailed prophecies found in the Bible prove its divine authority. What other book on earth can match the Bible in predictive power? None. But if you fail to study Bible prophecy, that fact will pass you by. 4) Prophecy Is a Powerful Tool for Evangelism - In the first century, Bible prophecy was the primary tool for spreading the gospel. Peter cited the Messianic prophecies as clear proof Jesus was the long awaited Messiah (Acts 2:14-42). His speech led three thousand people to give their lives to Jesus. He also said the life of Jesus fulfilled what the prophets had written about the Messiah (Acts 3:18-24). Philip used a fulfilled prophecy to explain the gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). And Paul's primary method of spreading the gospel was to reason from the scriptures (Acts 17:2-3). He explained how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Messiah. And he explained all that the prophets said about Him (Acts 13:27-31). If you don't study Bible prophecy, you're missing one of the greatest tools for spreading the gospel. What better way to respond to those who demand evidence Jesus is the Messiah than to tell them about fulfilled Bible prophecy? 5) Prophecy Encourages Holy Living - If you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, you know He could return at any moment. And if you know He can return at any moment, it encourages holy living. In the story of the evil servant, Jesus warned us about a danger. What danger? The danger of thinking He'll delay His return. Jesus said the evil servant thinks, "My master won't be back for a while," and he goes on sinning (Matthew 24:48-49). Instead, you should live your life as if He could come at any moment. This mindset leads to patience (James 5:8), disciplined prayers (1 Peter 4:7), love (1 Peter 4:8), and an eagerness to use your gifts for the glory of God (1 Peter 4:10-11). While we wait for the return of Jesus, we should live peaceful, pure, and blameless lives (2 Peter 3:11-14). 6) Prophecy Gives Specific Blessings - Some Christians avoid reading the Book of Revelation. They might find it frightening or difficult to understand. Book remember, it's the revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1). It's not the revelation of John. It's not the creation of ancient men. It's a message from Jesus. It's so important, God says He'll bless anyone who reads it to the church! And He'll bless anyone who listens to it and obeys what it says (Revelation 1:3). In heaven, some will wear "a crown of righteousness." And who gets this crown? All who eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:8). 7) Prophecy Reveals the Season of the Lord's Return - Jesus says the world will be caught unaware when He suddenly returns (Luke 12:40). It will be like in the days of Noah and Lot. People will go on living their daily lives as normal right up until the moment of their destruction (Luke 17:30). But those who study Bible prophecy won't be surprised by His return (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6). Why? Because they'll understand the signs. While we can't know the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36), we can know the season of His return. Jesus, Moses, and the prophets told us what signs to look for. And Jesus says when see all those signs coming together you can know His return is very near (Matthew 24:33). Conclusion Don't ignore Bible prophecy. Don't poke fun of it or laugh at it (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22). Prophecy is behind almost every promise Christians hold near and dear. The promise of heaven...The hope of salvation...The joy of eternity with Jesus. Each is a promise from God guaranteeing our future. And what is prophecy if not a guarantee of future events? So don't let what others think discourage you from studying Bible prophecy. Remember, the world mocked and ridiculed Jesus. If you follow Him, He says you will be mocked and ridiculed as well (Matthew 10:22-25). Bible prophecy is the message of Jesus. And if you're a Christian, you must be willing to endure persecution for it. Jesus said if anyone is ashamed of Him and His message, He will be ashamed of that person when He returns (Luke 9:23-26). Don't be ashamed. Study Bible prophecy. Let it enrich your life. For the whole purpose of prophecy is to glorify Jesus (Revelation 19:10). Britt Gillette is author of the free ebook Coming to Jesus: One Man's Search for Truth and Life Purpose as well as Signs of the Second Coming: 11 Reasons Jesus Will Return in Our Lifetime. Receive his book 7 Signs of the End Times for free when you sign up for his monthly newsletter. 
Netanyahu: Israel will not allow 'drizzle' of rocket fire from enemies - http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Netanyahu-Israel-will-not-allow-drizzle-of-rocket-fire-from-enemies-482735
Liberman says Israel has no intention of initiating any military action in Gaza, but urges Hamas to "take responsibility, impose order and calm down." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday reiterated his warning that Israel will not allow any "drizzle" of rocket fire on its territory from enemy entities. "We respond to all fire at our territory; thus we did today and as such we will do in the future," the premier underscored hours after a projectile launched by terrorists exploded in an open field in southern Israel overnight. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman stated that while Israel has no intention of initiating any military action in Gaza, "we have no intention to continue to absorb drizzles (of rockets out of the Strip)." "We will not get into a ping-pong situation of fire and counter-fire. I suggest Hamas take responsibility, impose order and calm down," Lieberman said in public remarks to legislators of his Yisrael Beytenu party in Jerusalem. No group immediately laid claim to the rocket attack. However, in retaliation to the strike, the IDF struck multiple Hamas terror targets in Gaza as the military holds the Palestinian terror group responsible for any fire originating from the Strip. Taking to Twitter, Hamas evaded responsibility for the rocket launching and accused the IDF of escalating tensions with Gaza. There were no injuries or damage in Sunday's rocket attack on Israel. There have been several rockets launched at southern Israel in February, including two incidents in which the Islamic State group in the Sinai fired a barrage of rockets towards the southern city of Eilat. Three of the projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile system while a fourth landed in open territory. Two weeks ago, following a previous rocket attack, Netanyahu told reporters in London that his directives are to respond with force to every missile attack. "The two-and-a-half years since Operation Protective Edge were the two quietest years since the Six Day War," he said, adding that Israel will be steadfast in responding to every attack, and not permit a "drizzle" of missile attacks that go without a response. 
War On ISIS: Israel Bombs Hamas In Gaza, Hezbollah In Syria As Palestinians Join Fight - By Tom O'Connor - http://www.ibtimes.com/war-isis-israel-bombs-hamas-gaza-hezbollah-syria-palestinians-join-fight-2498471
Israeli jets conducted airstrikes Monday in the Gaza Strip, responding to rockets fired by Palestinian Sunni militant group Hamas into southern Israel earlier in the day, Reuters reported. The airstrikes, which hit five positions in the coastal Palestinian territory, according to an Israeli defense official, reportedly wounded four bystanders while no casualties were reported from Hamas' rocket attack. Israel's bombing Monday followed an airstrike Wednesday on Syrian army positions moving munitions for Tel Aviv's enemy, Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah, near Damascus. While Israel has maintained public neutrality over the war in neighboring Syria, it has previously struck positions held by Hezbollah, which, like Hamas, Israel has labeled a terrorist group. Israel has also labeled the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, a terrorist group, but has only bombed its positions once, despite the jihadists having taken territory near the Syrian-Israel border region of the Golan Heights. Tel Aviv's targeting of Hamas and Hezbollah has frustrated their efforts to battle ISIS' regional influence. While ISIS has not gained a significant foothold in the Palestinian territories, Hamas has reportedly struggled to control the actions of more radical, jihadist groups, especially those allied to ISIS operating in the neighboring Sinai Peninsula region of Egypt. In Syria, Hezbollah, along with Russia, has established itself as one of the primary forces backing President Bashar Assad in Damascus' war against ISIS and various opposition groups, which have taken large swathes of land in Syria. Israel has offered medical support to militants of some of these Syrian opposition groups. Tel Aviv's assistance has further split the loyalties of Palestinian militant groups in Syria, some of which have been sympathetic to the opposition and others who have fought alongside pro-government forces. Hamas was once an ally of the Syrian government, but endorsed the opposition in 2013, putting aid from pro-Assad Iran at risk. One Palestinian militia called the Galilee Forces joined the Syrian army and allies Thursday in fighting ISIS near the historic city of Palmyra in central Syria, according to pro-government news outlet al Masdar News. 
Iran says it test-fired missile from submarine - http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-says-it-test-fired-missile-from-submarine/
In latest series of launches, laser-guided missile also fired; US reimposed some sanctions after January tests Amid tensions with the United States, Iran announced on Monday that it tested two missiles during a series of naval drills in the Persian Gulf. One was fired from a submarine, it said. Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan said the Nasir missile, which he described as Iran's latest submarine launched cruise missile, "successfully hit its target" during its test launch, the official IRNA news agency reported. Tasnim news agency said the Dehlaviyeh, a laser-guided missile, had also been successfully tested. It was reported back in 2012 that Iran had based the Dehlaviyeh on a Russian anti-tank missile. The ranges of the two missiles were not given. The most recent Iranian missile firings follow the launches of a ballistic missile and cruise missile in late January - both of which are nuclear capable - with the former resulting in new US sanctions on a number of entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and a warning from US President Donald Trump that the Islamic Republic had been "put on notice" and that "nothing is off the table" in terms of a military response to perceived Iranian provocations. Cruise missiles - such as the Nasir fired in the most recent missile launches - are not covered by UN Resolution 2231, which was passed shortly after the nuclear deal with Iran was signed in July 2015 and calls on Tehran "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology." Iran argues that its ballistic missile program is also not covered by the resolution because it does not have a nuclear weapons program. However, the test is likely to be viewed in Israel and the US as another aggressive maneuver by Tehran to expand its missile program. Since Trump's inauguration in January, there has been a marked increase in tensions between the the US and Iran, with a number of senior Iranian military officials issuing pointed warnings to the US if it takes military action over the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. 
Nearing Midnight: The Departure - Terry James - http://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/
Author's note: This week, I'm doing something I've done only once before during the course of writing for this Nearing Midnight column. I'm repeating a commentary I wrote previously -this one on January 16, 2006. I am doing so because I believe the Lord Impressed upon my spirit that the Departure is so very near, and our minds and spiritual hearts are too often far from that stunning event that can take place at any given second. It's time to "look up" is the exhortation of the hour. The Scripture is haunting. It echoes and reverberates throughout the spiritual hallways of the Church with each passing hour. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1). This forewarning fits into the last-days pattern, also given by the Apostle Paul, in the familiar prophetic passage: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of Perdition..." (2 Thes. 2:3). The "falling away," apostasia in Greek, means a "departure from." Paul prophesied in the 2 Timothy 4:1 passage that there will come a time at the end of the Church Age when people will depart from the "faith." He foretells in 2 Thessalonians that this will be a general "falling away," the apostasy of the endtime. What is this "faith" from which people will fall away, and who are the "people" who will fall away? Another crucial question is: Can the departure that God, through Paul, forewarned about be recognized when it occurs? "Faith," as here defined, must, by context, be the faith in the One who is at the heart of the Gospel-faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, chosen from the foundation of the world to be the propitiation for the sin that separates fallen man from God. It is the faith you and I must have in order to confess with our mouths that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and to believe in the deepest part of our spirits that God raised Him from the dead. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Rom. 10:9). A person can't fall from a position (doctrinally speaking in this case) he never has attained. The "people," then, whom Paul the apostle is writing about in his prophecies of 1 Timothy 4:1 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3 are those who have believed in Jesus Christ for salvation of their souls. This brings us to the question: Can the departure God, through Paul, forewarned about be recognized when it occurs? To recognize that "falling away"-that apostasia, or apostasy- when it begins to happen, will almost certainly give the Christian attuned to God's will a heads-up on the nearness of the Tribulation era, thus to the nearness of the rapture of the Church. We have looked at the "faith" as faith in Jesus for salvation, and at the "people"who will "depart" from the faith as being the Church-that is, the true Christians who are alive at the time of the end, when the apostasy takes place. Although there are those who think this departure includes the possibility of one losing one's salvation, the "falling away" of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 cannot include that meaning. A quick look at Romans 8:38 and 39, to name just one security-of-the-believer passage, shows that God's Word teaches that the believer can't depart from the Heavenly Father to the point of losing his or her family status. Jesus, in John chapter 17, makes that absolutely clear. I suggest that if you have questions about this, read the Scriptures I just mentioned. What, then, is meant by "departing from the "faith"? Glad you asked. The "faith" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians and 1 Timothy 2:3 is a collection of faith principles wrapped up in the Lord Jesus Christ. These principles are doctrines put forth by the Word of God. The Word of God is none other than the Lord Jesus: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). "People" at the time of the "falling away" will "depart" from the "faith" -the doctrines put forth by the Word of God, who is Jesus Christ. This departure will mark the generation of Christians at the very end of the Church Age. The question that applies most relevantly to us today is: Are we seeing signals of the departure about which Paul forewarned? We have analyzed, dissected, examined, and inspected every end-time signal found in God's Word many times in these raptureready.com webpages: Israel again in the land of promise; the EU looking to be the reviving Roman Empire; Russia, Persia (modern Iran) and other nations looking to be a nucleus that will one day form the Gog-Magog force of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. These, plus, all of the other end-time characteristics of this generation. However, I believe the most insidious of all the things taking place under the clever, devious hand of the devil -Satan-is the falling away, the departure from the faith being currently orchestrated by Lucifer, the fallen one. This departure is evident to the spiritually discerning when looking at the church growth movement. This "seeker friendly" approach to both the saved and the lost (all who don't know Christ) through New Age, corporation-type seminar seductiveness and brainwashing techniques that water down or completely eliminate true Bible doctrine is leading in a profound departure from the "faith once delivered" (see Jude 1: 3). The new paradigm instituted by the champions of the church growth movement is the shift from New Testament Christianity to "New Spirituality-Driven Christianity." Like in the modern corporate organization, invented in large part by German economic guru Peter Drucker, who mentored some of the leading designers of the church growth movement, the system is more an organism than an organization -adopting Drucker's model based upon Freudian psychology and Darwinian evolutionary principles. The individual is assigned a value, and he must fit in, or be removed from the system. To put it as I heard one person of the movement say: "Pillars just hold things up. So, they need to be moved out of the way." So, those who hold to doctrine must get out of the way so no one will have their feelings hurt by talk of sin, and blood atonement, and eternal punishment in the place called Hell, if repentance is not forthcoming. Again, the Apostle Paul wrote God's view of this watering down of doctrine: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8). Are we at the point of departure from the faith that is prophesied for the very end of the Church Age? Maybe we can get a better sense by looking at one more area of Scripture pertaining to the matter: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Tim. 4:1-4). There is another prophetically scheduled departure to consider. It's the one we should be looking forward to. It is a God-ordained departure that will remove every child of God of the Church Age -living and dead-from Planet Earth in one millisecond of time: "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit. 2:13). 
My Review of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Over the last 35 years, I have literally read hundreds of books on Bible Prophecy and End Time signs. I especially enjoy books on the Rapture, and I have read almost every Rapture-related book published. In all those years, devouring thousands of pages, and millions of words, I have not read a better book on the Rapture than, Rapture Ready...Or Not? Terry James might be physically blind, but he is spiritually sharp and well discerning beyond most authors. In "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" Terry has nailed the pre-trib Rapture, and removed any doubt what so ever about the Church going through the Tribulation. With great insight and Godly discernment, Terry explains with simple, yet profound words, why and how that he has come to believe the ways he does about the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the End Times scenario. I think after reading "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" you too will believe as Terry does, and be Ready for the Rapture like never before! - Randy Thomas - Publisher / Editor - Prophecy Update For more information and or to get your copy of "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" use this link: http://www.raptureready.com/terry/book35.html 
ISIS Destruction of Jonah's Tomb Incredibly Reveals Ancient Palace of Biblical King Sennacherib - By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/84367/palace-biblical-king-sennacherib-discovered-beneath-isis-destruction-jonahs-tomb/#HSAQqcAdG5gTr285.99
"Should not I have pity on Ninveh that great city wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand and also much cattle?'" Jonah 4:11 (The Israel Bible™) The palace of the Biblical King Sennacherib, long buried underneath the tomb of the prophet Jonah in the Biblical city of Nineveh, has incredibly been discovered by Iraqi archaeologists as a result of efforts by the Islamic State (ISIS) to destroy the site and loot its priceless antiquities. The shrine is, according to tradition, built on the burial site of Jonah, known as Nabi Yunis in the Koran. Located in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, the structure was destroyed by ISIS in July 2014. When the city was liberated by Iraqi troops a few weeks ago, archaeologist were dismayed to find that not only had ISIS used dynamite to destroy the shrine, but the terror group had tunneled underneath and carried away hundreds of artifacts to sell on the black market. However, the tunnels revealed a completely unexpected treasure: the 2,300-year-old palace of King Sennacherib, mentioned in the Bible. During Sennacherib's reign, Nineveh was one of the richest cities in the world. His military campaign against the Kingdom of Judah is described in the Bible. After these things, and this faithfulness, Sancheriv king of Ashur came, and entered into Yehudah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to make a breach therein for himself. II Chronicles 32:1 The palace, built by Sennacherib, who ruled Assyria from 705 BCE to 681 BCE, was later expanded by his son, Esarhaddon (681-669 BC). The palace was partly destroyed during the Sack of Nineveh in 612 BCE. Archaeologists are working desperately to save whatever they can, as the tunnels are unstable. "I can only imagine how much Daesh (ISIS) discovered down there before we got here," Iraqi archaeologist Layla Salih, who is supervising the team carrying out the emergency exploration, told the Telegraph. "We believe they took many of the artifacts, such as pottery and smaller pieces, away to sell. But what they left will be studied and will add a lot to our knowledge of the period." The destructive efforts did bring some benefit to archaeologists. The site was largely unexplored, and though two previous efforts at excavation were carried out, the most recently in the 1950s, archaeologists had never reached as far as the palace. "The objects don't match descriptions of what we thought was down there, so [ISIS's] destruction has actually led us to a fantastic find," Salih said. Archaeologists have discovered in the palace a rare cuneiform slab they believe was made during Sennacherib's reign. In another part of the tunnel they discovered Assyrian stone sculptures of an Assyrian demi-goddess, depicted sprinkling the "water of life" to protect humans in her care. "There's a huge amount of history down there, not just ornamental stones," Salih said. "It is an opportunity to finally map the treasure-house of the world's first great empire, from the period of its greatest success." After ISIS destroyed the structure, archaeologists discovered the Muslim shrine had been built on the ruins of a church, originally called The Monastery of Jonah, dating back from the fourth century Christian Syriac denomination. According to tradition, the church contained a piece of Noah's Ark. The Shrine of Jonah was closed to Christians in 1902. It is unclear why ISIS destroyed the mosque of a prophet venerated by Islam. It is believed that ISIS, as part of the Salafi movement, rejects the concept of worshipping at shrines and therefore destroyed it to prevent Muslims from worshipping there. Some have speculated that the destruction of the site was intended to wipe out vestiges of Christianity and Judaism, even those connected to Islam. Even within Islam, the site is not universally accepted as the Biblical prophet's burial place. In the Jewish tradition, Jonah returned to his hometown of Gath-Hepher in the Galilee after his mission to Nineveh and was buried there. Another Islamic shrine in Halhul near Hebron is claimed by the Muslims to be the Jewish prophet's burial site. 
Daily Jot: The rancid press and the void of truth - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com
A wise man once told me to never pick a fight with a man who buys his ink by the barrel, yet this is exactly what President Donald Trump has done, or has he? In reality, it was the press that picked a fight with the American people and Trump is standard-bearer for those who have been lied to, massaged, brainwashed by a decided socialist news media against all things American. From the news media's viewpoint, unless it's socially just, it's wrong, and all things are socially unjust, especially if they have anything to do with common sense and traditional values. Think of the foul-mouthed, bombastic approach that has been taken. Yet, Trump is being blamed openly by the media for what they call self-inflicted wounds. At CPAC, Trump explained: "A few days ago I called the fake news the enemy of the people. And they are. They are the enemy of the people. Because they have no sources, they just make 'em up when there are none. I saw one story recently where they said, "Nine people have confirmed." There're no nine people. I don't believe there was one or two people...I know who they talk to. There were no nine people... They make up sources. They're very dishonest people. In fact, in covering my comments, the dishonest media did not explain that I called the fake news the enemy of the people. The fake news. They dropped off the word "fake." And all of a sudden, the story became the media is the enemy." During the very early days of the Reagan Administration, I was a Washington, DC correspondent for a major newswire. I shared office space with many other news entities. Often at the end of the day, the correspondents would sit around the office having a drink and talk about their news stories, essentially comparing notes. I learned from listening to those discussions that unnamed sources were sometimes, if not often, the journalists themselves speculating on various news events. One time, I spoke up about a story they knew I was working on exclusively. I purposely misled them. The next day, it showed up on the front page of the Washington Post, quoting me as a "source close to the story." Of course, it was totally wrong information and these old salts were quite surprised when my story broke with the real news. Fake news is not new to this generation. It is a staple of lazy reporters with agendas. They have been doing it for generations. The problem we have today is that reporters have been trained to believe that their leftist beliefs are the truth and all things must be measured against their particular truth. We therefore have a media that just writes stories from the lens of socialism. It's generally fake news. Most of what you read and see is twisted. When a free press is dedicated to an agenda, it is part of the problem, not the solution. Trump is right to try to hold accountability. We as citizens must also hold accountability. How? Measure it against the Holy Scriptures. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed the Father to "Sanctify them through thy word; thy word is truth." Find the baseline of events in the word and discern truth properly. It will set you free. 
Daily Devotion: A Hindrance to Prayer - Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. -Isaiah 59:2 The promise of answered prayer isn't given to every human being. Rather, it is a unique promise for those who have a relationship with God. In fact, the very reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth and died on the cross is so that we might come into a relationship and a friendship with our Creator. But we all have a disease called sin that we can't get rid of. Thus, when Christ died on the cross, He took our sins upon Himself. Until you come into a relationship with God, you cannot really see your prayers answered. As Isaiah 59:2 says, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." We have often heard it said that we are all the children of God, that we are all brothers and sisters. In reality, we aren't all God's children. The Bible says that we are God's offspring, meaning that we are humans who were created in His image. (That isn't true, of course, of the animal kingdom.) We were made in God's image, but we are not automatically the children of God. That only takes place when we come to Him, turn from our sin, and ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord. The Bible says, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12). God must adopt you. You cannot automatically be His child. There has to come a moment in your life when you ask Him for His forgiveness, and He will adopt you as His son or daughter. And because of what Jesus did, you can have access to the throne of God. 
FROM THE HEART
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED THROUGH THIS MINISTRY, THEN WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD PLEASE REMEMBER PROPHECY UPDATE IN YOUR GIVING - WE ARE TRULY, TRULY, THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT Prophecy Update has no corporate sponsors. This ministry is paid for and prayed for by readers and supporters. Without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update, Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter - thanks! If ever there was a time to invest in God's Kingdom, it's now! What on earth are you doing for Heaven's Sake? "Share in the Blessings and Rewards that will last Forever!" "Folks, it's all beginning to unravel. America is in more danger of falling than at any time in its history. But I believe Bible prophecy predicts this very decline. From this point on, we believers have to get serious. We are going to face discouragement, disillusionment and, most certainly, persecution in the time between now and the Rapture. But don't be discouraged or disillusioned. The coming turmoil will provide us unrivaled opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel. So be ready to share your faith and your hope with those who need Christ. We still have time to reap a great harvest of souls for God's kingdom!" - Hal Lindsey 1) We need your prayers!- We proclaim the Truth of the Word of God and we are under constant spiritual and sometimes even physical attack. 2) We need your encouragement!- We need to hear from you, let us know how the Lord is blessing you through this ministry so that we can share it with others. 3) We need your input! - If you have a prophetic article or story or if there is a news related item we missed, let us know. 4) We need your financial support!- To put it quite simply, without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update. I ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to get the Word out and keep the world informed. Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! You will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to the internet your generosity carries a global impact! - Thanks! Our Prayer for You- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Prophecy Update is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt - non-profit organization, and all your donations are tax deductible. If you have been blessed by Prophecy Update and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to: DONATE NOW Or Visit our website: http://prophecyupdate.com/donations/ Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 
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