Church of God News

COGwriter

The United Church of God (UCG) sent out the following a few hours ago:

Feel Better – Quit Lying!…

[Steve Myers] There’s a new research study that is just out from the University of Notre Dame. I ran across an interesting article that talked about the “science of honesty” – that’s the name of the study. So, can you imagine that? The science of honesty. And so it involves lying, imagine this. Here’s what the researchers found at Notre Dame. They found that when people manage to reduce their lies – this is over a 10 week period – they reported significantly improved physical and mental health in those same weeks. So they found there’s a direct correlation between not telling lies and feeling better. And it’s an interesting study when you begin to look at the details of this and the effects of lying on our mental and physical health. There is a connection.

[Darris McNeely] And that shouldn’t be surprising to us because lying is certainly something forbidden by one of God’s Ten Commandments “Thou shalt not lie” (Exodus 20: 16 and Deuteronomy 5:20). He put that in there as a very important spiritual principle. And all of God’s law has certain physical connections to our well-being as well as certainly our spiritual relationship with God. So, from a scriptural perspective, that shouldn’t be surprising.

Lying causes lots of problems.  Often for those lied to and always for those doing the lying.  The Bible teaches “love truth” (Zechariah 8:19) and that those who do not have the “love of the truth” will perish (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Those of us who believe the Bible, have read the Bible, and believe in keeping the Ten Commandments have long realized that telling the truth contributes to happiness.  Notice the following:

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;  But happy is he who keeps the law.  (Proverbs 29:18)

14 Happy is the man who is always reverent (Proverbs 28:14).

And since lying is a violation of the law, logic dictates that those who lie are less happy than those who do not.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Lies Where did they originate? What was really the first lie? What happens for lies?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?

Damascus, Capital of Syria

COGwriter

Marc Arseneault had the following in an LCG commentary today:

“Damascus will cease…”

Over the past several months, the nation of Syria—especially its capital, Damascus—has come to the forefront of the news. For many of us, “Syria” is just another name of another place in the Middle East that is going through upheaval. So, what can we learn if we look more closely at conflict in Syria, its place in history and what the Bible says about it?

Last month, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking of a “sweeping new international agreement” to bring the Syrian conflict to a peaceful close, said, “There is no guarantee that we are going to be successful. I just hate to say that.” What is behind her statement? Is she right?

Syria’s future—and that of Damascus, its capitol—may be in doubt. But the history is long and complex. Notice: “Founded in the 3rd millennium B.C., Damascus was an important cultural and commercial centre, by virtue of its geographical position at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident, between Africa and Asia. The old city of Damascus is considered to be among the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.”

The Bible supports this account, for we are told very early in Scripture that Damascus was already established. You may recall Abram coming into the land of Canaan with Lot. Strife arose between them, resulting in the separation of their families. Time passed, and Lot was taken captive. Abram gave chase and attacked by night, and we read that he pursued his attackers “as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus” (Genesis 14:15). In the next chapter, we are told that Abram had family in that area. In fact, he was Abram’s only heir before the birth of Isaac: “The heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus” (Genesis 15:2). We can determine from Scripture that Abram was alive around 2000bc, which is consistent with accounts of Damascus having been founded ca. 3000bc-2500bc.

The historical record reveals that, although Damascus was attacked many times by many different enemies, this city that is now “among the oldest continually inhabited” was never abandoned. And it is mentioned 60 times in the pages of your Bible.. Starting with Abram’s account, we can find the city mentioned again and again throughout history. David, who lived between 1010-970bc, encountered Syrians from Damascus (2 Samuel 8:5-6). Solomon, Amos, Isaiah, Ezekiel and Zechariah all mention Damascus as being inhabited and doing well.

The New Testament shows that Damascus was thriving in the time of Jesus Christ and the apostles. In the book of Acts we find Saul (who would later become Paul) asking for “letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (Acts 9:2). Later, the governor of Damascus wanted to arrest the converted Paul, who was lowered in a basket to escape (2 Corinthians 11:32) ca. 56ad.

But what should this matter to us today? Damascus was inhabited since the third millennium before Christ—but, “So what?” Consider that the same Bible that recounts the past, corroborated by history, also contains prophecy that reveals the future! We read: “The burden against Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap” (Isaiah 17:1).

Damascus has never been destroyed, so we know this is a prophecy for the future. So, how will its destruction come about? To learn more about end-time prophecy and how it will affect not just those in Syria but indeed all those alive at the end of this age, read our powerful booklets, The Middle East in Prophecy and The Bible: Fact or Fiction? They will help you see more clearly than ever that the Bible is not just a verifiable account of the past—it is a sure and accurate warning of our future!

Interestingly, I also received the following in an email yesterday:

One reason Damascus will be destroyed?…

Fate of Syrian Chemical Weapons May Trigger War

The chemical-weapons depots are among the best-secured locations in all of Syria. One of the facilities lies northeast of Damascus, another near Homs, and a third — where the nerve agents VX, sarin and tabun are allegedly manufactured — is located near Hama.

Military leaders are even more concerned about the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons. They could be slipped into Lebanon by Hezbollah or fall into the hands of terrorists in Syria. Or, as a last resort, Assad could launch missiles armed with poison gas at Israel, as well as at Jordan and Turkey.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/israel-prepares-plans-to-neutralize-syrian-chemical-weapons-a-847203.html

More on Syria’s chemical weapons is included in the articles Israel Declares Another “Red Line” That Would Cause it to Take Military Action Against Syria and Syrian Official Acknowledges Having Chemical Weapons and Declares Syria Will Use Them If Attacked.

Partially because of the internal civil war, Syria’s President may decide that attacking Israel, probably in conjunction with support from Iran, is his best option. It will not be, though he may do that.  The Bible suggests that Syria will support the coming final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8) and a change in or from the Assad regime will be necessary for this to happen–and it will come to pass.

Whether or not it will be related to its chemical weapons, Syria’s capital Damascus will become a ruinous heap (Isaiah 17:1).

France apparently believes that war in the Middle East is coming and it is evacuating its citizens:

France Prepares For An Evacuation Of Its Nationals Living In Israel

Aug 9, 2012

JERUSALEM – France has prepared a contingency plan to evacuate its citizens from Israel, La Tribune has learned.

According to diplomatic sources, a plan to evacuate the 200,000 French nationals living in Israel has been drafted to prepare for the eventuality of conflict between Iran and Israel.  http://www.worldcrunch.com/france-prepares-evacuation-its-nationals-living-israel/6084?

Trouble is coming to Damascus.

“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

COGwriter

Tony Blair is concerned that the UK may decide to vote to leave the European Union:

Tony Blair Is ‘Deeply Worried’ That Britain Will Leave The EU

Business Insider – ‎9 August 2012‎

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he is “deeply worried” that Britain will leave the European Union via a referendum.

Mr Blair also told a German newspaper that the UK’s exit from the EU could be sparked by too much power being transferred to Brussels…

Mr Blair told Die Zeit it was clear that the ongoing eurozone debt crisis would lead to a “powerful political change of the EU”, adding: “And on this point, I am deeply worried that Britain could decide by referendum to leave the whole process.”

Tony Blair ‘deeply worried’ Britain will leave EU via referendum

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he is “deeply worried” that Britain will leave the European Union via a referendum.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/9463519/Tony-Blair-deeply-worried-Britain-will-leave-EU-via-referendum.html

Tony Blair became a Roman Catholic (see also Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader?) in June 2007–and I have wondered if he partially did this to increase his influence in the EU.  His name was promoted, three or four years ago, by some who wanted to see him become the first “permanent” President of the European Union (the job instead went to Herman Van Rompuy, who still holds it).

Last year, Tony Blair called for the top leader of the EU to have more power (see Tony Blair Calls for a Strong, Elected, EU President).

Europe will end up with a powerful leader. One that the Bible refers to as the Beast (Revelation 13:1-9) and the final King of the North, and the UK will not be an equal part of it.

Of course, Tony Blair is not the only one to consider that the UK may leave.  Notice the following:

A ‘Brixit‘ Could Be Next Problem for Europe: Nomura

CNBC.com – ‎Aug 8, 2012‎  http://www.cnbc.com/id/48565818

It starts: first Asian bank mulls British exit from the EU

Aug 9, 2012

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ambroseevans-pritchard/100019397/asian-banks-prepare-for-british-exit-from-the-eu/

The term “Brixit” means the British exit from the European Union.

Over five years ago, on June 26, 2007 to be precise (see Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader?), I posted the following:

We in the COGs tend to believe that the final beast power will be nominally Catholic (see Europa and the Beast of Revelation).  It is interesting that Tony Blair intends to become Catholic, meet the Pope, and has recently been proposed as a potential EU president.  And while this suggests Catholic influence within in the EU, it also seems to suggest that Tony Blair’s actions will cause many within Britain to wonder about Britain’s EU involvement.

…we in the COGs do believe that Britain will pull out of the EU…

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will not be an equal part of the European Union.  Britain will either pull out or be forced out or at least truly lose its sovereignty.  Many of the Anglo-peoples of the UK, USA, etc. that are not killed will to be scattered and many will be made slaves (Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).  That is what the Bible shows will happen during the Great Tribulation.

As far as this “Beast King” goes, he could possibly be the next EU president, but a restructure ultimately will be needed in Europe for the King of the North to have the type of power that the Bible indicate he will have (Revelation 17:12-13). The EU is not ready for that yet.

However, Tony Blair’s statements today are pointing to one more step towards certain biblical prophesies being fulfilled as he is realizing that the UK wants to pull out of the UK–and that is something will happen (directly or indirectly).

The final King of the North (Daniel 11:27-40) will take over the UK, USA, and their Anglo-allies according to Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:39).  While more people in the UK are starting to realize that the EU poses dangers to it, most have no idea how dangerous the rising Beast power in Europe will become (cf. Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39).  Britain will ultimately NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 20113 Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Gerat Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. It also explains who is 666.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?

Aftermath of Typhoon Ketsana in Manila, 2009

COGwriter

There has been more flooding in the Philippines:

‘Like a water world’: Torrential rains submerge half of Philippine capital

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/torrential-rains-paralyze-philippine-capital-shut-offices-schools-trigger-evacuations/2012/08/06/66787f3e-e02c-11e1-8d48-2b1243f34c85_story.html

Rains return to flooded Manila

Aug 9, 2012

The rains, after a brief respite, returned with vengeance to savage the Philippine capital of Manila, causing more deadly flooding and other destruction.

As of Thursday, flooding, landslides and related incidents blamed on torrential rains of several days had killed at least 19 people in the densely populated capital area and elsewhere and affecting about 2 million of its residents, CNN reported quoting disaster officials…http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2012/08/09/Rains-return-to-flooded-Manila/UPI-67241344492317/

Weather-related problems can greatly disrupt many lives, and as the above shows, even loss of lives.

Jesus foretold on a time of natural disasters as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8)–and the sorrows seem to have begun (see also yesterday’s post Earthquakes, South African Snow, Heat Record, Drought, and Food Prices).  Yet the Book of Revelation (16:8-11) tells of a time of even greater disturbances during “the Day of the Lord.”

The affected areas are in my prayers.

Now, ultimately of course, there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, Japanese, and others of Asia? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

Both the expected US Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney and Barack Obama agree on homosexuals being “Boy Scouts”:

8 August 2012

President Obama and Mitt Romney have found some new common ground -surprisingly – on an issue of gay rights.

Obama today joined Romney in publicly disagreeing with a controversial ban on gay members of the Boy Scouts of America, one of the nation’s largest and most well-known youth development groups.

“The president believes the Boy Scouts is a valuable organization that has helped educate and build character in American boys for more than a century. He also opposes discrimination in all forms, and as such opposes this policy that discriminates on basis of sexual orientation,” said White House spokesman Shin Inouye in a statement to the Washington Blade, a LGBT newspaper

It’s the first time Obama, who was named honorary president of the Boy Scouts of America in 2009, has publicly taken a position on the issue.

Romney first voiced support for gay scouts back in 1994 — a position that his campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said remains his position today.  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/president-obama-mitt-romney-agree-gay-boy-scouts-ok/

Mitt Romney’s church, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” has been one of the strongest voices against homosexual Boy Scouts, but Mitt Romney has taken a different stance (the Boy Scouts, for those unfamiliar with that organization, are a private club where pre-teen and teenage boys develop skills and often camp and hike).  Unmarried teens should not be engaging in sex of any kind and Boy Scouts are supposed to be “morally straight” as that is part of the Boy Scout oath.

Truly, from a Christian perspective Jesus could not support either of the US presidential candidates for president.

Notice what happened in a couple of such towns between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Why mention this in the 21st century? Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6, NKJV)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did. The USA, which has lots of Bibles, should know this–but refuses to wish to truly retain God in its knowledge.

Both major US presidential hopefuls claim to be “Christian” but have made public statements that are not consistent with truly believing what the Bible teaches.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine.  What does the Bible really teach?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?  Can homosexuals change?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Unlike some of the odd stories about Barack Obama, this one is apparently true.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) and the Real Church of God The genuine Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities. Also, might certain LDS prophecies apply to Mitt Romney.

Earthquake in Northridge California, January 17, 1994

COGwriter

Southern California earthquakes made the news today, shortly after a Scottish scientist in Australia warned of the risks that big earthquakes pose to large cities:

About 30 earthquakes strike in Southern California ‘sequence’

Los Angeles Times – ‎8 August 2012‎

A cluster of earthquakes that began Tuesday night continued Wednesday in northern Orange County, keeping residents on edge but causing little significant damage…(The Wednesday morning quake was initially downgraded to 4.1 but then upgraded back to 4.5.)

.

Earthquake near a major city with death toll “unprecedented in human history” a matter of time: Professor Iain Stewart

Courier-Mail – Aug 8, 2012

Well-known Scottish scientist Iain Stewart delivered that grim prediction yesterday in Brisbane during an address to a global geology conference…

While earthquakes today were often less destructive because of improved building codes, more people were affected because cities were larger, Prof Stewart told delegates at the 34th International Geological Congress.

Despite the danger of such hazards, people were still drawn to earthquake-prone California and the US gulf states, which were routinely hit by hurricanes.  http://www.news.com.au/national/earthquake-near-a-major-city-with-death-toll-unprecedented-in-human-history-a-matter-of-time-professor-iain-stewart/story-fncynjr2-1226446246156

Of course, as I wrote last week about earthquakes, “the big one” is coming (Scientists Say 40% Chance of Megaquake Hitting Oregon & California; COGwriter Says 100%) and will be much worse than anything that has been reported so far.

South Africa has had some unusually odd weather:

Rare snowfall stuns much of South Africa

http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/rare-snowfall-stuns-much-of-south-africa-1.906032

In the USA, July 2012 was the hottest ever month since records were started to be kept in the late 1800s:

July Was Hottest Month Ever Recorded in US

New York Times – ‎8 August 2012‎

It may come as little surprise to the nation’s corn farmers or resort operators, but the official statistics are in: July was the hottest month in the lower 48 states since the government began keeping temperature records in 1895.

The unusual drought in the USA is starting to put pressure on food prices:

8 August 2012

US Drought Impacts Global Food Security

.

The United States is the leading producer of corn and soybeans – two commodities that developing countries rely on. However, over the past two months, prices have risen sharply…

.

More than half the United States is experiencing the dual problems of too little rain and temperatures that are too high. Shenggen Fan, head of the International Food Policy Research Institute, said that’s not only driving up prices, but contributing to price volatility as well.

“The U.S. plays a huge role in global food security. The U.S. is the largest food exporter – soybeans, maize and many other food commodities. So anything [that] happens in the U.S. will have global significance,” he said.

The decline in maize production has boosted prices by 30 percent in the past two months. Soybean prices are up 19 percent…

The price rises for corn and soybeans have a major negative effect on another important commodity – wheat.

“Wheat prices have followed maize price very closely, and that will have more impact [on] some poorer countries in the Middle East. Many countries do import wheat not only from [the] U.S., but also from other countries,” he said.

Fan said that droughts in the United States and other countries are not the result of occasional variations in seasonal weather patterns, but rather climate change.

“It is clear that extreme weather events have come to hit us more often. So we have seen frequency as well as intensity increase over the last several decades. And it’s not only here in the U.S., but also in other parts of the world. More drought and heat in Russia, more floods in China. India is experiencing a very weak monsoon that will also affect their rice production. So definitely climate change is affecting global food production,” he said.

China is the world’s largest importer of soybeans, and much comes from the U.S. China uses soybeans for animal feed. So a rise in soybean prices could lead to higher meat prices. Latin American countries are in a similar situation.

http://www.voanews.com/content/us-drought-food-security-8aug12/1475641.html

And of course, in 2012, weather problems, including flooding, drought, and heat have affected other areas as well (see, for example, Flooding in North Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and China, TW: Drought USA and Flooding UK; Russia Having Both, Quarter Million Affected by Flooding in Japan, Severely Cold Weather in South Africa and Australia, Drought in Mid-USA Affecting Grain, 2012 Drought Declared USA’s Largest Ever Natural Disaster, Drought Affecting India and Its Food Supply; Europe too, Drought Reducing Wheat Yields in US, Australia, Russia, and Ukraine, and Weather Extremes in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK).

Flood, droughts, and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines. Food inflation seems to be occurring.

Back in 2009, my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows

Matthew 24:8

Droughts, earthquakes, and odd weather problems should serve as a wake-up call. Weather-related troubles with their related food issues, of course, have been biblically expected:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8).

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Those who think that the Anglo-descended nations will always have plenty of affordable food will be shocked as that changes. Droughts, floods, earthquakes, weather issues, pestilences, and a reliance on more and more engineered and hybridized foods are putting the USA, as well as its other Anglo-descended allies, at severe risk of food problems. Risks that are going to result in food problems. And the drought and rises in the price of chicken is only a part of that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy Contains a cool up-to-the-hour update of earthquakes around the world from USGS. It also explains what did Jesus teach about earthquakes and how the Bible describes “the big one” (as well as when it is expected).
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 23 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition). This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 23 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 23 já começaram a acontecer.

Crown of the “Holy Roman Empire”

COGwriter

The EU Observer had an article about religious perceptions and Europe:

‘Everybody thinks Europe is a Christian continent’

EUobserver – Aug 6, 2012

EU institutions avoid God. But for some religious leaders in EU-aspirant countries, member states’ Christian origins are still politicaly important….the Blue Mosque in Istanbul means different things…The voice among the Blue Mosque minarets often belongs to Metin Balci.

When EUobserver spoke to the muezzin and imam at the famous site in a recent interview, he said what some Turkish diplomats privately believe: EU opposition to Turkish membership is based, in part, on Islamophobia.

“What we hear and what they are telling us is that they are not a Christian club. But if you look at their approach to us, then we see and we feel that it is such a club,” Balci said.

The imam’s view of EU-Turkish relations is of two competing civilisations trying to come together…

Balci’s idea of a “Christian club” is anathema to EU policy.Despite Vatican lobbying, the EU Treaty does not mention the word “Christian” on any of its 403 pages.

It begins by saying the Union “[draws] inspiration from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe.” Later on, it says that any “European state” can join…

The EU is already home to 13 million Muslims, over 1 million Jews and 370 million people who tell polsters they are Christian. Apart from Turkey, two other majority Muslim places – Albania and Kosovo – are in line to join.  http://euobserver.com/enlargement/117155

The religious “inheritance” of Europe is the form of “Christianity” that the old Roman Emperor Constantine endorsed in the fourth century.  Of course, Islam, having dealt with the later Crusaders (cross-bearers) associated with the old “Holy Roman Empire” considers them to represent Christianity.   And what now is in the process of forming in modern Europe, the opposing comments from the EU Observer not-with-standing, is going to be essentially the final “resurrection,” if you will, of that Empire (Revelation 13:1-8).

While the EU Observer does seem to believe that the Vatican will get its way, various Catholic prophecies tell of a leader, who will (for a while) claim to be promoting the Catholic faith, who will re-establish the “Holy Roman Empire.”  Here are a few comments from one Catholic writer:

Several private prophecies of canonized Saints specifically state that there will be a latter restoration of the Holy Roman Empire and that there will be at least one last Holy Roman Emperor. The authenticity of the authorship of such prophecies of canonized Saints (e.g., St. Hildegard, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis of Paula, and St. John Vianney) at least over the last eight hundred years is scholastically unquestionable…The Great King will be crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the reigning Pope (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996pp. 281, 555).

Notice the following from three Catholic seers/mystics:

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (died 1658):..The reign of the Great Ruler may be compared with that of Caesar Augustus, who became Emperor after his victory over his enemies, thereby giving peace to the world–also with the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, who was sent by God, after severe persecutions, to deliver both the Church and State. By his victories on water and land he brought the Roman empire under subjection, which he then ruled in peace…This Sixth Epoch of the Church–‘the time of consolation’–begins with the Holy Pope and the Powerful Emperor, and terminates with the reign of Antichrist. This will be an age of solace, wherein God will console His church after the many mortifications and afflictions she had endured in the Fifth period, for all nations will be brought to the unity of the true Catholic Faith.” (Connor, pp.35-36)

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser: All heresies shall be banished…the Turkish Empire shall be broken up, and all nations shall come to and worship their God in the true Catholic and Roman faith (Rossi G. THE CHRISTIAN TRUMPET, OR, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment, and The End of the World. Compiled by PELLEGRINO [Gaudentius Rossi], A Missionary Priest with Superior’s permission. Boston, THOS. B. NOONAND & CO., 1873, p. 121)

Venerable Magdalene Porzat (died 1850) (Great Monarch)…shall…restore to their dominions the legitimate kings. A just and pious man born in Galacia shall be the Supreme Pontiff: then the whole world will be united and prosperous. One faith only and one emperor shall reign over the whole earth (Connor Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 38).

St. Francis of Paola (Born in Italy, 15th century). “By the grace of the Almighty, the Great Monarch will annihilate heretics and unbelievers. He will have a great army, and angels will fight at his side. He will be like the sun among the stars. His influence will spread over the whole earth. All in all, there will be on earth twelve Kings, one Emperor, one Pope and a few Princes. They will all lead holy lives.” (Dupont Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.38)

St. Francis de Paul (1470):…From your lordship shall be born the great leader of the holy militia…These devout men shall wear on their breasts, and much more in their hearts, the sign of the living God, namely the cross..God Almighty will exalt a very poor man of the blood of Emperor Constantine…who shall on his breast wear a sign which you have seen at the beginning of this letter (a red Cross)…He shall be the great founder of a new religious order different from all the others…By force of arms he shall take possession of a great kingdom. He shall destroy the sect of Mahomet…There will be one fold, one shepherd. He shall reign until the end of time. On the whole earth there will be twelve kings, one emperor and one pope. (Culleton RG.  The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL),p. 157-161).

Despite the fact that most Europeans are quite secular, the reality is that once signs and lying wonder come on the scene and accompany (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12) a coming European (Daniel 9:26-27) leader, Europe will be considered to be highly “Christian” by those who consider that the faith of the old Roman Emperor Constantine (who remained a follower of the sun god Mithras until his death) to best represent the “Christian” religion.  But instead, it will be a compromised faith (other biblical and Catholic prophecies warn about that).

It should also be noted that many Orthodox and Roman Catholics expect signs and wonders will announce the Great Monarch, as he will be a lesser known leader before coming into power. Here is one from an Orthodox source and two from Catholic sources:

Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King…is destined to become manifest [be revealed]…by means…of signs… The King will hear the voice and instructions by an Angel appearing to him…he has foresight and is cognizant of the text of the prophecies…the name of the King is hidden [concealed] among the nations…And the particular manner of the king’s manifestation to the public [to the world] will take place as follows: A star will appear for three days…And a herald speaking with a very loud voice in the course of the three days will summon and unveil the hoped for one…There will become visible in the sky a ‘nebulous firmament of the sun’…under that image will be suspended a cross…And the invisible herald from Heaven with his thunderous voice will say to the people: Is this man agreeable to you? At that moment everybody will be taken by fear and terror (Tzima-Otto, pp. 30, 31, 32, 50-51,52).

R. Gerald Culleton (20th century): During the reign of the Great Monarch and the Angelic Pastor the Catholic Church will spread throughout the world, conversions will be innumerable…The Blessed Virgin will be the chief one in gaining victory over all heresy…(Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 50)

Pope Pius IX (died 1878): We expect that the Immaculate Virgin…will gain in influence from day to day among all nations and in all places, prosper and rule from ocean to ocean…to the ends of the earth…there will be one fold and one shepherd. (Connor, p. 31)

But signs accompanying a coming leader is something that the Bible repeatedly warns against (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; Revelation 13:11-14, 16:13-14, 18:21-24; cf. Matthew 24:24-25); as are signs related to a “Lady” (Isaiah 47:1, 5, 7,8, 12; cf.  Revelation 17:1, 18; 18:7-8, 11, 21-24 ).  Thus, the fact that those type of signs are expected to announce the “Great Monarch” should warn Catholics and everyone else not to follow such a leader.  And while secular Europe does not think it will change to become a religious and warring power, the Bible shows that it will (Isaiah 10:5-12; Revelation 13:1-8).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! is a highly documented book by Bob Thiel for those interested in the real truth about Fatima and how future apparitions may affect the future.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a verdadeira igreja do deus? Tambien Español: ¿Que es fiel: La Iglesia Católica Romana o la Iglesia verdadera de Dios? Auch: Deutsch: Welches ist treu: Die römisch-katholische Kirche oder die Kirche Gottes Original?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?

VS.

COGwriter

A “senior elder” from Ronald Weinland’s CGPFK/CGPKG posted something that is at an rcg site:

Senior Elder (New Zealand Church Pastor) Resigns from Ron Weinland’s COG – PKG

An Open Letter to PKG Members and Ministers from Adrian Gray

.

Dear Brethren,

.

I am a senior elder in The Church of God – Preparing for the Kingdom of God (PKG). Both my wife and I have been deeply troubled over the last number of years with the teachings of Mr. Weinland…

False Teaching: There is no literal place of safety—but rather God is our Rock and can protect us anywhere...

False Teaching: The first 4 seals of Revelation are spiritual, relate to the Church and have already taken place…

False Teaching: The Philadelphian and Laodicean eras of the Church are finished and the Church is in a time of transition…

False Teaching: The Work was finished at Mr. Armstrong’s death...

False Teaching: Women may be ordained as elders...

False Teaching: Mr. Ron Weinland and his wife are the Two Witnesses and they have finished their job…

False Teaching: Ronald Weinland says he is a Prophet, an Apostle, a Witness, and the Elijah to come...

False Teachings: 2^nd Tithe can be used for purposes other than God’s Holy Days. The Feast of Tabernacles does not need to be kept…

May you all come to the same decision as my wife and I—and recapture the full truth of God, found only in The Restored Church of God! Your eternal life depends upon it.

Adrian Gray
New Zealand

Ronald Weinland was a PROVEN false prophet many times and it is surprising that those following him did not figure that out until later.  People like Adrian Gray should have known enough to stand up sooner and not wait until months after Jesus did not come in May 2012 as Weinland insisted or until after Ron Weinland was convicted of tax fraud the following month.  Sadly, Adrian Gray has now decided to follow the false and self-anointed, apostle David Pack (see also Why Not the Restored Church of God?)–a group that does not have “the full truth” (it has trouble with many issues, including the gospel).

It is a bit astounding that the letter from Adrian Gray does not mention the Ron Weinland’s unitarian teaching as one of the false teachings (see also Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church?).  But it was.

Of course, Ronald Weinland had, and still has, other false teachings.

For those unfamiliar with him, Ronald Weinland was a former WCG then UCG minister who falsely claimed to be one of the two witnesses, Elijah, etc. He was again proven wrong last month when Jesus did not return as he has claimed He would. And he will be proven wrong again when Jesus does not return on Pentecost in 2013.

The main point of COGwriter posts about him is to warn all not to let false prophets and false apostles like Ron Weinland (and David Pack) turn people away from the God of the Bible. Jesus will not return in 2013.  And salvation is not something that one would go to RCG to really expect to find as it does not even have the “full truth” about the gospel (see What is the Gospel? and Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

Some articles of possible interest related to prophecy may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What is the Book of Revelation trying to tell us about them? Does the first one deceive many?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)

COGwriter

The Telegraph reported the following:

7 August 2012

Syria: Iran vows it will not allow Assad to fall

Iran pledged that its “axis” with Syria will “never” be allowed to break when Tehran sought to bolster President Bashar al-Assad by sending a senior envoy to Damascus.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9459321/Syria-Iran-vows-it-will-not-allow-Assad-to-fall.html

I have been warning for some time that because Iran and Syria are close allies that they will likely stick together for a while, and also may end up fighting with Israel and/or the USA.  The statement from Iran today is intended to reassure Syria’s Assad of Iran’s support.  I remain of the opinion that Iran wants Syria to cooperate with it in the event of a regional conflict involving Israel and/or the USA.

Since Iran will not be the King of the South and Syria apparently will support the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43), the situation in those countries will change–and this certainly could happen from civil unrest and/or a regional conflict.

“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?

(Photo by Andrei Niemimäki)

COGwriter

The drought in the USA is starting to put pressure on chicken prices and shortages:

Drought may lead to chicken shortage

The ongoing drought devastating crops in the Midwest might lead to a shortage of chicken for consumers.

If the drought continues, demand could surpass the supply of chickens, that could lead to fewer chickens in stores. But some consumers say nothing will keep them from one of their favorite foods, even if that shortage means higher prices.

“It wont affect us at all because we all love chicken, we have to eat so we have to pay for it,” says Lamanda Hall, Chicken Consumer. Chicken feed is composed mostly of corn, which has been devastated by the Midwest drought.

http://www.walb.com/story/19209580/drought-may-lead-to-chicken-shortage

Drought could affect North Ga. poultry industry

The drought could take its toll on North Georgia’s poultry industry.

Michael Welch, president and CEO of Harrison Poultry in Bethlehem, said the ongoing drought affecting the Midwest corn crop could lead to a shortage of chickens for consumers.

He said the poultry industry already experienced problems due to the economy and high corn prices last year.

“Thousands of jobs were lost, hundreds of farmers were not able to grow chickens,” Welch said. “A repeat scenario could be repeated in 2013.”

Chicken feed is composed mostly of corn, which has been devastated by the Midwest drought.

“Very short corn crop will undoubtedly prove to be devastating to the animal agriculture industry, food manufacturers, food service providers and consumers, not just in the United States, but in the entire world.”

Poultry is a major industry in North Georgia.

http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=251501

Australia: Chicken set to soar by 40%

THE cost of Australia’s favourite meat, chicken, is about to rise by up to 40% – and could continue to rocket into next year, major producers have warned.

The reason? The cost of feed grain is soaring, affected by drought in the United States.

http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/story/2012/08/01/its-not-chicken-feed-price-rise-meat/

Britain: Record US drought drives up chicken and egg prices

A two-month drought across America’s heartland has sent corn and soybean prices to record highs, while wheat prices have surged 40pc.

The UK’s poultry industry has been hit particularly hard because wheat and soybean make up the bulk of what chickens are fed, and feed accounts for about 60pc of farmers’ total costs.

The British Poultry Council estimates that if prices stay close to current levels, the amount the industry spends a year on feed could jump by about 35pc to £1.9bn.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9453629/Record-US-drought-drives-up-chicken-and-egg-prices.html

American grain crops, such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, are being affected by the drought. And corn, is not only eaten by humans, in the USA, a lot of it goes to cattle (which is having problems, see Droughts, Cattle, and Grain) and chickens.

And of course, in 2012, weather problems, including flooding, drought, and heat have affected other areas as well (see, for example, Flooding in North Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and China, TW: Drought USA and Flooding UK; Russia Having Both, Quarter Million Affected by Flooding in Japan, Severely Cold Weather in South Africa and Australia, Drought in Mid-USA Affecting Grain, 2012 Drought Declared USA’s Largest Ever Natural Disaster, Drought Affecting India and Its Food Supply; Europe too, Drought Reducing Wheat Yields in US, Australia, Russia, and Ukraine, and Weather Extremes in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK).

Flood, droughts, and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices (Heat Affecting USA Wheat Crop), and sometimes famines.  Food inflation seems to be occurring.

Back in 2009, my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows

Matthew 24:8

Speaking of odd “weather” patterns, notice the following from New Zealand:

First Tongariro eruption in over 100 years

Aug 7, 2012

A larger, molten eruption is possible if volcanic activity continues at Mt Tongariro.

The volcano rumbled into life at 11.50pm last night, sending ash and rock a kilometre into the air, prompting a potential threat warning for central North Island regions.

The “small scale” eruption was a total surprise, with the volcano last erupting in 1897, GNS Science said.

If the eruption develops, ash from Mt Tongariro could reach Auckland, disrupting domestic and international flights, University of Auckland vulcanologist Dr Jan Lindsay said….

“We have to expect the unexpected. We really can’t predict what this will lead to.”  http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7426862/Mt-Tongariro-erupts-warning-for-central-NI

Droughts and odd weather problems should serve as a wake-up call. Weather-related troubles with their related food issues, of course, have been biblically expected:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8).

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Those who think that the Anglo-descended nations will always have plenty of affordable food will be shocked as that changes. Droughts, floods, weather issues, pestilences, and a reliance on more and more engineered and hybridized foods are putting the USA, as well as its other Anglo-descended allies, at severe risk of food problems. Risks that are going to result in food problems. And the drought and rises in the price of chicken is only a part of that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 23 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition). This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 23 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 23 já começaram a acontecer.