Analysis: Terror threat remains global

Is the US winning its "war on terror"? As it enters into its fifth year, trying to measure success, failure or even just progress remains stubbornly difficult. And the record for 2005 provides few easy answers.

The US administration used to talk about how it had killed or captured two-thirds of al-Qaeda's pre-9/11 leaders.


But that statistic looks increasingly irrelevant when al-Qaeda has itself evolved and mutated, with a new generation of militants and leaders over the past few years - as well as the problem that the best known al-Qaeda leaders remain at large.
The battle is now increasingly being recognised as an ideological one rather than a manhunt.

But if that is true, how do you measure recruitment, radicalisation and the broader factors which might help judge the state of play in the ideological struggle?

Some of the brutal tactics from al-Qaeda-related groups in Iraq, as well as the body count of innocent Muslims in attacks in places like Amman, may have dented some of the appeal of al-Qaeda's ideology to moderate Muslims.

However, reports of US abuses of detainees in Iraq and elsewhere have done the US no favours in trying to win people to its cause.

The furore over the alleged "rendition" and torture of suspects that has arisen in Europe at the end of 2005 also risks undermining the kind of international co-operation that is vital in defeating terrorism and fracturing crucial alliances.

Differing strategies

European governments are also looking inwards at their own problems in trying to work out how to increase security whilst not alienating their own Muslim communities, who are often angry over what is happening in Iraq.


Different strategies between Europe and the US are becoming increasingly evident, although it is not clear which strategies are more effective. Differences in approach are growing even between the closest of allies.
Parts of the UK government are thought to be quite uncomfortable with some aspects of US counter-terrorist strategy, including the widespread use of mass detention as a policy in Iraq, as well as the use of so-called "extraordinary rendition" in individual cases which the UK has tried to keep at arms length from.

From al-Qaeda's side, Osama Bin Laden has not been heard from since a broadcast on the eve of the US elections in November 2004, and in the eyes of many observers, the past year has seen him eclipsed by the rise of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

Although Zarqawi officially put himself under al-Qaeda's banner, his precise relationship with the al-Qaeda leadership is the subject of considerable debate, with many analysts believing that relations are as much competitive as they are co-operative.


Zarqawi's rise to prominence is an indication of just how central Iraq has become to the war on terror. It may not have been before the war, but it is certainly now the central front.
It is also a "black hole" in the words of French anti-terrorism Judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, drawing in jihadists from around the world to fight, including increasing numbers from Europe - December saw the first female European Muslim convert take part in a suicide attack.

The question will be: what happens next? How many of these people will take the skills, militancy and networks of relationships they have developed in Iraq back to their home countries?

Will Iraq thereby play the same role that Afghanistan did in the 1980s as the breeding ground for a new generation of militants? Iraq's neighbours are likely to be the first to see any signs of this, and Saudi Arabia will be especially closely watched for signs of Iraq returnees causing trouble.

Future threat


Al-Qaeda may have evolved, but the ability of the core leadership to plan and direct attacks remains a fundamental unanswered question.
The investigation continues into London's 7 July bombings, with the trail still leading into Pakistan.

Here it is suspected - but not yet confirmed - that evidence will be found to show that there was some form of international direction or support for the attacks.

But whether such attacks are planned directly by al-Qaeda's leadership or not, 2005 has shown that the danger from terrorism remains global, with serious attacks across a wide geographical spread from London to Amman to Bali.

Next year is unlikely to be any different.

By Gordon Corera
BBC security correspondent

"The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of

If the disposal of the lot is the Lord's whose is the arrangement of
our whole life? If the a simple casting of a lot is guided by Him, how
much more the events of our entire life-especially when we are told by
our blessed Saviour: "The very hairs of your head are all numbered: not a
sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father." It would bring a
holy calm over your mind, dear friend, if you were always to remember
this. It would so relieve your mind from anxiety, that you would be the
better able to walk in patience, quiet, and cheerfulness as a Christian
should. When a man is anxious he cannot pray with faith; when he is
troubled about the world, he cannot serve his Master, his thoughts are
serving himself. If you would "seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness," all things would then be added unto you. You are meddling
with Christ's business, and neglecting your own when you fret about your
lot and circumstances. You have been trying "providing" work and f!
orgetting that it is yours to obey. Be wise and attend to the obeying,
and let Christ manage the providing. Come and survey your Father's
storehouse, and ask whether He will let you starve while He has laid up so
great an abundance in His garner? Look at His heart of mercy; see if
that can ever prove unkind! Look at His inscrutable wisdom; see if that
will ever be at fault. Above all, look up to Jesus Christ your
Intercessor, and ask yourself, while He pleads, can your Father deal
ungraciously with you? If He remembers even sparrows, will He forget one of the
least of His poor children? "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He will
sustain thee. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved."

My soul, rest happy in thy low estate,
Nor hope nor wish to be esteem'd or great;
To take the impress of the Will Divine,
Be that thy glory, and those riches thine.

RIP Bimbo Odukoya!

Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, icon of singles/marriage visioning and co-Pastor of Fountain of Life Church was laid to rest today, after a grand celebration of life at the TBS, by hundreds of thousands of Nigerians and foreigners, all who had taken time off to travel for this great erstwhile young woman's funeral ceremonies following her tragic demise along with 112 others in a plane crash.

The Governor of Lagos State, a muslim, was so carried away by his emotions that he was spontaneously praising God a la Christians! And many sounded a wake-up call to Nigerians to wake up to our collective responsibility to move this nation forward.

R.I.P. Bimbo...you lived, you served, and (now) you rest.SHALOM!!!

AT LAST, THE SOUTH POSITIVELY UNITED!

The Southern states of Nigeria have done, at last, what should have been done years ago...to bring some sanity to this nation...which is to stand up for themselves and resolve NEVER AGAIN to participate in any charades that are intended to perpetuate the myth that some people are destined to RULE this potentially great giant of Africa!

The message has been clearly transmitted, viz. "2007 SOUTHERN PRESIDENCY, OR ELSE SOUTH WILL BOYCOTT THE ELECTIONS" which translates as "SOUTHERNER-PRESIDENT FOR POST-OBJ-2007 OR REARRANGE THE NATION!!!" Also, the 2006 Census must denote ethnic and religious data, or the South will also boycott the census!

Now, this truly is revolutionary progress for a change...and we await the reactions of both the Northern leaders and normally "sell-out" Southerners. Whichever which way, though, this is one positive and proactive decision that must not, and cannot, be mutable under any circumstances.

One seizes this opprtunity to warn all politically ambitious soldiers that their place remains in the barracks, and the barracks under a civilian democtratic government...they will NEVER be welcomed back as dictators in Nigeria; and we'd rather die than ever condone their corrupt greed that never justified their pontifical rationales for taking power...it is bad enough that we have to contend with their seniors who won power with bullets, converted power to bullion, and have since been seizing power with ballots bought with this bullion!

ARISE O COMPATRIOTS!!

SHALOM!!!

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR SPOUSE TO COME HOME? -

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's
hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I
will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I
have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy
to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he
got up and went to his father." Luke 15:17-20

Our ministry has been praying for spouses and prodigal children to
come home for Christmas. We are praying for a mighty harvest right
into the new year.

Are you ready for your spouse to come home? Are you really ready to
accept them in any condition, or do you have conditions to their
homecoming?

Monday Night at Bible study we had four standers who have had their
spouses come home in the last six weeks. A couple of the returned
prodigals left for a few days and then came back, saying they knew
they were supposed to be at home. Are you ready to fight the enemy
in another arena?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not
boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it
is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not
delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects,
always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never
fails.... And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But
the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:4-8,13

We know of many spouses who have become standers, and are now living
at home with their mates. The spouse at home may even be speaking
separation or divorce.

Your prodigal may be stopping by, even though you are divorced. They
may have married the another person in a futile attempt to legaliz
their adultery. (The pastor who married them probably did not know
that there is a spouse, you, standing strong with God on their side,
holding to their wedding vows and promises from God for marriage
restoration.)

Your spouse may be calling you or stopping by, realizing they have
have made the biggest mistake in their life. They do not know what to
do or say, so they just visit or check in with you, feeling trapped
in a hopeless situation. They do not know that Jesus Christ has all
the answers and the way of escape. Along the way to finding Him, you
can become their best friend.

There is another group of standers who have had their spouses home as
returned prodigals. They are coming home dirty, wounded, scared,
guilt-ridden, and have yet to humble themselves before the Lord for
repentance. Many have "come to their senses", but do not yet realize
that it was the Holy Spirit wooing them to come home all the time.

We praise the Lord that many people have found our devotional who are
living with unsaved mates, and are now praying for their salvation.

May you continue to learn and grow in the Lord, becoming a powerful
prayer warrior. If you spouse has not come home yet, pray for their
salvation and for a Damascus Road experience. (Read Act, Chapter 9)

Women, I challenge you to become a I Peter 3 wife. Men, I pray that
you will love your wife as Christ loved the church as in Ephesians,
Chapter 5.

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that,
if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over
without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the
purity and reverence of your lives Your beauty should not come
from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of
gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your
inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the
holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make
themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands,
like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are
her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to f
fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with
your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and
as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing
will hinder your prayers." I Peter 3:1-7

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and
gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the
washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself
as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other
blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought
to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife
loves himself." Ephesians 5:25-28

What powerful scriptures from the Word of God. I remind you that you
are loved by your Lord God, even though you may not feel any love
from your spouse at this moment, but only hearing anger and insults.
You may be walking on egg shells, fearful that your spouse will leave
at any moment, or that your spouse will not come home tonight. Do not
walk in fear, but walk in faith. Learn to trust in your Lord God.

Let your Lord become your spouse for this season in your life,
especially if your spouse is not meeting all your physical, emotional
or spiritual needs. Allow your Lord God to supply them all. Read
Isaiah 54:4-17.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and
falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice
and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the
same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12

"I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and
have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not
be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help
you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 'All who
rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced.'" Isaiah 41:9-11

Many of you write that you have been abused during your marriage.
Allow your Lord to heal your wounded spirit. Bob and I understand.
As we share in books and on tapes, Bob was abusive, so there is hope
and healing. Your spouse may be addicted to drugs or alcohol, but
know that your Lord can heal and deliver your spouse.

The Lord has a promise for every stander. You just have to ask, seek
and knock until the Lord gives you your "rhema word." One of mine
was:

"Although you have been forsaken and hated, with no one traveling
through, I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all
generations.... No longer will violence be heard in your land,
nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call
your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. The sun will no more
be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine
on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your
God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your
moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end." Isaiah 60:15,18-20

I pray that as your spouse is getting ready to come home, you are
ready to love them unconditionally, just as Jesus Christ loves you.
Allow your light to shine in your home and on your returned spouse.
They will notice the change in your heart, your actions, your
lifestyle and your words.

First, you need to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You need
the power of the Holy Spirit to walk through these adjustment days.
You cannot push your Lord Jesus Christ or the Bible on your spouse.
That is why I Peter Chapter 3 is so important. The Word teaches us
how we can make an impact in a spouse's life without the words.

Have you been saying too much? Are you preaching at them? Allow the
Holy Spirit to do that work. Start renewing your relationship as
friends. Give your beloved time to adjust to their new home--and the
new mate that God has created in you.

Your children may be used to your rules, or used to no rules. You
may have always been available for them. Ask the Holy Spirit to show
you how and when to make transitions. At first, your children may
not like two parents again in matters of discipline, but this is
God's blueprint.


"Why didn't she write a Christmas message today?" you may be asking.
We are praying for spouses to come home during Christmas. If God is
preparing that gift for you, I pray that you will be ready to receive
it this Christmas season. Now go get ready for your spouse to come
home--suddenly!

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you
may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And
over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together
in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be
thankful." Colossians 3:12-15

God bless,
Charlyne Steinkamp
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.®

Its really sad how some people still see the ugly war in Iraq as liberty or bringing democracy. In fact this just proves how media has the power of brainwashing the audiance with lies. That war is plain invalid and illegitmate, it probably was based on a hidden agenda..

The real war should be fought against poverty, diseases, drugs, and of course terrorism but this one will not be accomplished when a whole country get bombarded, if anything it widens the "fan-base" of terrorists and attract more sympatheizers.

The international community cares about third-world citizens?? dont think so, more than 100,000 civilians died in US/UK-led war in Iraq what did UN do about it? How is Iraq's tragedy is different from Darfur's?? Drafur is another tragedy, it isnt the first nor will it be the last. Only people from that region can help themselves, i pray for that day to come that without the interferance of outsiders who often do more damage than good.

FreedomRythem
Dec 9 2005,

"Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her."-Ruth 1:14

Both of them had an affection for Naomi, and therefore set out with her
upon her return to the land of Judah. But the hour of test came; Naomi
most unselfishly set before each of them the trials which awaited them,
and bade them if they cared for ease and comfort to return to their
Moabitish friends. At first both of them declared that they would cast in
their lot with the Lord's people; but upon still further consideration
Orpah with much grief and a respectful kiss left her mother in law, and
her people, and her God, and went back to her idolatrous friends, while
Ruth with all her heart gave herself up to the God of her mother in
law. It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair, and
quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and
difficulties. The kiss of outward profession is very cheap and easy, but the
practical cleaving to the Lord, which must show itself in holy decision for
truth and holiness, is not so small a matter. How stands the c!
ase with us, is our heart fixed upon Jesus, is the sacrifice bound with
cords to the horns of the altar? Have we counted the cost, and are we
solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master's sake? The
after gain will be an abundant recompense, for Egypt's treasures are not
to be compared with the glory to be revealed. Orpah is heard of no more;
in glorious ease and idolatrous pleasure her life melts into the gloom
of death; but Ruth lives in history and in heaven, for grace has placed
her in the noble line whence sprung the King of kings. Blessed among
women shall those be who for Christ's sake can renounce all; but
forgotten and worse than forgotten shall those be who in the hour of temptation
do violence to conscience and turn back unto the world. O that this
morning we may not be content with the form of devotion, which may be no
better than Orpah's kiss, but may the Holy Spirit work in us a cleaving
of our whole heart to our Lord Jesus.

SHALOM!!!

"Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her."-Ruth 1:14

Both of them had an affection for Naomi, and therefore set out with her
upon her return to the land of Judah. But the hour of test came; Naomi
most unselfishly set before each of them the trials which awaited them,
and bade them if they cared for ease and comfort to return to their
Moabitish friends. At first both of them declared that they would cast in
their lot with the Lord's people; but upon still further consideration
Orpah with much grief and a respectful kiss left her mother in law, and
her people, and her God, and went back to her idolatrous friends, while
Ruth with all her heart gave herself up to the God of her mother in
law. It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair, and
quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and
difficulties. The kiss of outward profession is very cheap and easy, but the
practical cleaving to the Lord, which must show itself in holy decision for
truth and holiness, is not so small a matter. How stands the c!
ase with us, is our heart fixed upon Jesus, is the sacrifice bound with
cords to the horns of the altar? Have we counted the cost, and are we
solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master's sake? The
after gain will be an abundant recompense, for Egypt's treasures are not
to be compared with the glory to be revealed. Orpah is heard of no more;
in glorious ease and idolatrous pleasure her life melts into the gloom
of death; but Ruth lives in history and in heaven, for grace has placed
her in the noble line whence sprung the King of kings. Blessed among
women shall those be who for Christ's sake can renounce all; but
forgotten and worse than forgotten shall those be who in the hour of temptation
do violence to conscience and turn back unto the world. O that this
morning we may not be content with the form of devotion, which may be no
better than Orpah's kiss, but may the Holy Spirit work in us a cleaving
of our whole heart to our Lord Jesus.

SHALOM!!!

Rich nations criticised on trade!

Developing countries have urged the US and European Union (EU) to offer fresh concessions on agriculture to break a logjam in the trade talks. The G20 grouping of middle-sized economies said the EU must set a date for ending its farm export subsidies.

Poorer countries have attacked new EU tariffs on bananas while criticising the US's stance on cotton subsidies.

Squabbling between the US and EU over support for farmers has dominated the talks in Hong Kong so far. The US has urged the EU to go further in cutting food import tariffs, but the EU has reiterated that farming is just one factor in the negotiations. Talks have not moved forward as there has been no movement in agriculture Speaking on the third day of talks, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson launched an attack on US subsidies for cotton farmers. He accused US negotiators of "using a general smokescreen to dodge a specific commitment" to curb the annual $4bn in aid given to cotton farmers. He also criticised the negotiating tactics being used by some other nations as "reckless and unrealistic".

The impasse between EU and US negotiators has prevented progress being made in other areas such as opening up trade in manufactured goods and services. Celso Amorim, Brazil's foreign minister, said the EU and US must both make concessions, over farm export subsidies and support for cotton farmers respectively.

African farmers have criticised the US for not curbing its own cotton subsidies, threatening to leave the meeting unless progress is made. They argue that US support for its farmers distorts global markets, making it difficult for them to get a fair price for their goods.

"We came here to get concrete results not to hear more proposals that will never be respected," said Ibrahim Malloum, head of the African Cotton Producers Association.

Meanwhile, Latin American countries have condemned a new EU tariff system on imports of bananas due to come into force on 1 January.

With talks into their third day, negotiators have admitted that little progress has been made so far.

"Talks have not moved forward as there has been no movement in agriculture which is the make-or-break issue in the talks," India's Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said on Wednesday.

The EU has agreed in principle to end farm export subsidies but wants concessions from the US in return, particularly on food aid.

The EU says this scheme, which guarantees farmers a market for their crops at times of emergency, is a subsidy and distorts the market.

Little movement

US Trade Representative Rob Portman said movement on reducing EU import tariffs on agriculture was central to breaking the logjam.


KEY TRADE FLASHPOINTS
Cotton : African cotton producers say huge US subsidies distort trade but the US says it will only agree a deal on cotton as part of wider settlement on agriculture
Bananas : EU preferences to banana producers in former Caribbean colonies were ruled illegal by the WTO and Latin American countries say tariffs are too high
Food Aid : The EU says that all food aid should be given in cash and that US grain shipments to developing countries distort the market. The US believes food aid in kind is vital in famine relief
"We will not succeed, in Hong Kong or after, if we continue to focus on only one part of the round," Mr Mandelson said.

The talks are being held against a backdrop of violent clashes between police and anti-globalisation protesters.

THE NORTHERN RICH COUNTRIES ARE BEING, AS ALWAYS, SELFISH & SHORTSIGHTED, BUT NOW THEY ARE QUARELLING MORE AND MORE WITH ONE ANOTHER & WILL SOON SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT...WILL THEY, NIL THEY!

Shalom!!!

Rich nations criticised on trade!

Developing countries have urged the US and European Union (EU) to offer fresh concessions on agriculture to break a logjam in the trade talks. The G20 grouping of middle-sized economies said the EU must set a date for ending its farm export subsidies.

Poorer countries have attacked new EU tariffs on bananas while criticising the US's stance on cotton subsidies.

Squabbling between the US and EU over support for farmers has dominated the talks in Hong Kong so far. The US has urged the EU to go further in cutting food import tariffs, but the EU has reiterated that farming is just one factor in the negotiations. Talks have not moved forward as there has been no movement in agriculture Speaking on the third day of talks, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson launched an attack on US subsidies for cotton farmers. He accused US negotiators of "using a general smokescreen to dodge a specific commitment" to curb the annual $4bn in aid given to cotton farmers. He also criticised the negotiating tactics being used by some other nations as "reckless and unrealistic".

The impasse between EU and US negotiators has prevented progress being made in other areas such as opening up trade in manufactured goods and services. Celso Amorim, Brazil's foreign minister, said the EU and US must both make concessions, over farm export subsidies and support for cotton farmers respectively.

African farmers have criticised the US for not curbing its own cotton subsidies, threatening to leave the meeting unless progress is made. They argue that US support for its farmers distorts global markets, making it difficult for them to get a fair price for their goods.

"We came here to get concrete results not to hear more proposals that will never be respected," said Ibrahim Malloum, head of the African Cotton Producers Association.

Meanwhile, Latin American countries have condemned a new EU tariff system on imports of bananas due to come into force on 1 January.

With talks into their third day, negotiators have admitted that little progress has been made so far.

"Talks have not moved forward as there has been no movement in agriculture which is the make-or-break issue in the talks," India's Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said on Wednesday.

The EU has agreed in principle to end farm export subsidies but wants concessions from the US in return, particularly on food aid.

The EU says this scheme, which guarantees farmers a market for their crops at times of emergency, is a subsidy and distorts the market.

Little movement

US Trade Representative Rob Portman said movement on reducing EU import tariffs on agriculture was central to breaking the logjam.


KEY TRADE FLASHPOINTS
Cotton : African cotton producers say huge US subsidies distort trade but the US says it will only agree a deal on cotton as part of wider settlement on agriculture
Bananas : EU preferences to banana producers in former Caribbean colonies were ruled illegal by the WTO and Latin American countries say tariffs are too high
Food Aid : The EU says that all food aid should be given in cash and that US grain shipments to developing countries distort the market. The US believes food aid in kind is vital in famine relief
"We will not succeed, in Hong Kong or after, if we continue to focus on only one part of the round," Mr Mandelson said.

The talks are being held against a backdrop of violent clashes between police and anti-globalisation protesters.

THE NORTHERN RICH COUNTRIES ARE BEING, AS ALWAYS, SELFISH & SHORTSIGHTED, BUT NOW THEY ARE QUARELLING MORE AND MORE WITH ONE ANOTHER & WILL SOON SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT...WILL THEY, NIL THEY!

Shalom!!!

"Base things of the world hath God chosen."-1 Corinthians 1:28

Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners
then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the
picklock is grating in the door, and you will see sinners then. Go to yon
jail, and walk through the wards, and mark the men with heavy
over-hanging brows, men whom you would not like to meet at night, and there are
sinners there. Go to the Reformatories, and note those who have betrayed
a rampant juvenile depravity, and you will see sinners there. Go across
the seas to the place where a man will gnaw a bone upon which is
reeking human flesh, and there is a sinner there. Go where you will, you need
not ransack earth to find sinners, for they are common enough; you may
find them in every lane and street of every city, and town, and
village, and hamlet. It is for such that Jesus died. If you will select me the
grossest specimen of humanity, if he be but born of woman, I will have
hope of him yet, because Jesus Christ is come to seek and to s!
ave sinners. Electing love has selected some of the worst to be made
the best. Pebbles of the brook grace turns into jewels for the
crown-royal. Worthless dross He transforms into pure gold. Redeeming love has set
apart many of the worst of mankind to be the reward of the Saviour's
passion. Effectual grace calls forth many of the vilest of the vile to
sit at the table of mercy, and therefore let none despair.

Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus' tearful eyes, by that love
streaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that strong
love, that pure, disinterested, and abiding love; by the heart and by
the bowels of the Saviour's compassion, we conjure you turn not away as
though it were nothing to you; but believe on Him and you shall be
saved. Trust your soul with Him and He will bring you to His Father's right
hand in glory everlasting.

"I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save
some."-1 Corinthians 9:22

Paul's great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to
save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have
men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our
Christian labours been aimed at anything below this great point? Then let
us amend our ways, for of what avail will it be at the last great day
to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved?
Blood-red will our skirts be if through life we have sought inferior
objects, and forgotten that men needed to be saved. Paul knew the ruin of
man's natural state, and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he
saw men sinking to hell, and did not talk of refining them, but of
saving from the wrath to come. To compass their salvation, he gave himself
up with untiring zeal to telling abroad the gospel, to warning and
beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were importunate and his
labours incessant. To save souls was his consuming passion, his
ambition, his calling. He became a servant to all men, toiling for his
race, feeling a woe within him if he preached not the gospel. He laid
aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in
things indifferent, and if men would but receive the gospel, he raised no
questions about forms or ceremonies: the gospel was the one
all-important business with him. If he might save some he would be content. This
was the crown for which he strove, the sole and sufficient reward of all
his labours and self-denials. Dear reader, have you and I lived to win
souls at this noble rate? Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing
desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners, cannot we live for
them? Where is our compassion? Where is our tenderness? Where our love to Christ, if we seek not
His honour in the salvation of men? O that the Lord would saturate us
through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.

What Next, Nigeria?!

The Vice President of Nigeria alleges that there's a conspiracy to frame him on treason charges!
Very interesting. Was he party to such frame-ups in the past?

Shalom!!!

"Ask, and it shall be given you."-Matthew 7:7

"Ask, and it shall be given you."-Matthew 7:7

We know of a place in England still existing, where a dole of bread is
served to every passerby who chooses to ask for it. Whoever the
traveller may be, he has but to knock at the door of St. Cross Hospital, and
there is the dole of bread for him. Jesus Christ so loveth sinners that
He has built a St. Cross Hospital, so that whenever a sinner is hungry,
he has but to knock and have his wants supplied. Nay, He has done
better; He has attached to this Hospital of the Cross a bath; and whenever a
soul is black and filthy, it has but to go there and be washed. The
fountain is always full, always efficacious. No sinner ever went into it
and found that it could not wash away his stains. Sins which were
scarlet and crimson have all disappeared, and the sinner has been whiter than
snow. As if this were not enough, there is attached to this Hospital of
the Cross a wardrobe, and a sinner making application simply as a
sinner, may be clothed from head to foot; and if he wishes to be a !
soldier, he may not merely have a garment for ordinary wear, but armour
which shall cover him from the sole of his foot to the crown of his
head. If he asks for a sword, he shall have that given to him, and a
shield too. Nothing that is good for him shall be denied him. He shall have
spending-money so long as he lives, and he shall have an eternal
heritage of glorious treasure when he enters into the joy of his Lord.

If all these things are to be had by merely knocking at mercy's door, O
my soul, knock hard this morning, and ask large things of thy generous
Lord. Leave not the throne of grace till all thy wants have been spread
before the Lord, and until by faith thou hast a comfortable prospect
that they shall be all supplied. No bashfulness need retard when Jesus
invites. No unbelief should hinder when Jesus promises. No
cold-heartedness should restrain when such blessings are to be obtained.

"And the Lord shewed me four carpenters."-Zechariah 1:20

In the vision described in this chapter, the prophet saw four terrible
horns. They were pushing this way and that way, dashing down the
strongest and the mightiest; and the prophet asked, "What are these?" The
answer was, "These are the horns which have scattered Israel." He saw
before him a representation of those powers which had oppressed the church
of God. There were four horns; for the church is attacked from all
quarters. Well might the prophet have felt dismayed; but on a sudden there
appeared before him four carpenters. He asked, "What shall these do?"
These are the men whom God hath found to break those horns in pieces.
God will always find men for His work, and He will find them at the right
time. The prophet did not see the carpenters first, when there was
nothing to do, but first the "horns," and then the "carpenters." Moreover,
the Lord finds enough men. He did not find three carpenters, but four;
there were four horns, and there must be four workmen. God finds !
the right men; not four men with pens to write; not four architects to
draw plans; but four carpenters to do rough work. Rest assured, you who
tremble for the ark of God, that when the "horns" grow troublesome, the
"carpenters" will be found. You need not fret concerning the weakness
of the church of God at any moment; there may be growing up in obscurity
the valiant reformer who will shake the nations: Chrysostoms may come
forth from our Ragged Schools, and Augustines from the thickest darkness
of London's poverty. The Lord knows where to find His servants. He hath
in ambush a multitude of mighty men, and at His word they shall start
up to the battle; "for the battle is the Lord's," and He shall get to
Himself the victory. Let us abide faithful to Christ, and He, in the
right time, will raise up for us a defence, whether it be in the day of our
personal need, or in the season of peril to His Church.

THE STORM'S CLEARING...

Very soon, this blog will take on the real life it was apparently created for...as it brings a divinely-inspired helping hand to the world's afflicted... Hallelujah!

WATCH OUT WORLD!!

Shalom!!!

Recyclers' rubbish dumped abroad!

Councils are investigating what happens to their recycled rubbish after the BBC revealed 500 tonnes of rubbish had been shipped unsorted to Indonesia, where Customs, at Jakarta, impounded containers holding mixed up paper, cardboard, plastics and cans from UK households. The rubbish was clearly British and falsely described as waste paper. Documents linked it to a company contracted to process recycling by councils in the South of England. According to the British Environment Agency, about half of the 8m tons of green bin material thrown out each year in the UK ends up overseas.

Contractors who export waste instead of processing it in the UK are not breaking any UK law - as long as it is properly sorted and cleaned so that foreign mills and factories can recycle it. But the Indonesian authorities classified the 80,000 green bins worth of material as hazardous waste.

After checking the containers held up at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok docks, the BBC Real Story team went to the address given on the shipping documents as the waste's final destination. It led them to a closed down Japanese restaurant on the outskirts of the city.

According to Indonesia's environment minister, the only possible consequence of such a trail was that the rubbish from England would end up dumped on his country. The one recycling plant in Jakarta did not receive foreign rubbish and was struggling to cope with the waste produced locally.

"It's against international law. They should be aware of that."

The Real Story team who looked through the containers also found mail addressed to residents in Essex and London. They returned some of this to the original recipients. "It's absolutely outrageous," said Jill Grace when reunited with a TV magazine sent to her home in Islington and subsequently put in her green bin. "What's the point? Why are we recycling?"

Islington and Essex councils said they were carrying out thorough investigations into Real Story's findings and taking action to ensure that waste sent for recycling was being properly processed.

The Environment Agency said recent national inspections of green bin material being exported showed there was a problem.

"We found something in the region of 75% of the waste containers were not satisfactory. They were not in accordance with the requirements for export and they were stopped."