It is commonly conceded that 70 years represents a full generation.
This being the case a generation has now passed since the momentous month of June 1942.
It was at this precise point that Germany was at the Zenith of its power. The battle of Russia was into its second year and the conflict in the desert had put Rommel firmly in charge of most of North Africa. Hitler ruled from Central Russia to the Mediterranean.
The megalomaniac was basking in limelight as leaders of nations courted him for mercy and the most favourable terms for their people.
This week Angela Merkel, chancellor of the German Federation, was also in the spotlight as leaders of beleaguered European nations asked her for favorable terms in financial assistance.
At Los Cabos in Mexico where the G8 leaders were meeting, the U.S. President, no less, personally requested that Merkel ease the restrictions of austerity on Greece, Spain and Italy and thus make things easier for the world economy. In other words he was asking for mercy from Germany, the most powerful nation in Europe.
Just when you think you have seen it all something proves that you haven't.
Any comments?
Jubilate.
Ian
Hosni Mubarak has gone (or he will be when they pull the life-support). Who then will take his place?
I had an illuminating talk with my friend Doug Ferris this week. He is an expert on Egypt having worked there and has a keen sense of what is going on.
A year ago Doug said: " Don't get too excited about democracy in Egypt. The army will only let things go so far before they play their hand.They are the ones who will manage the stage, write the script, make the rules and define the Presidency; Muslim Brotherhood or no Muslim Brotherhood."
Doug you were right.
What I would now ask is why the House of Islam cannot take care of itself?
Throughout the Middle East, Syria,Yemen, Egypt, Iraq, Libya there is riot, revolution and bloodshed.
The House of Islam at war with itself in seeming fulfilment of the Bible prophecy that :
"Ishmael shall be a wild man. His hand shall be against everyman and everyman's hand against himself."
If that is a predetermined outcome, would it not make sense to leave these folks alone to sort it out for themselves, while we take care of the problems nearer home?
Over to you Doug.
Ian
Two hundred years ago today America declared war upon Great Britain and her northern colony of Canada. It was a bloody and often desperate struggle.
During the next two years the British burned the White House, the Americans thrashed the British in the Battle of New Orleans and the Canadians, with Indian auxilliaries repulsed the U.S. invaders from the Niagara Peninsular.
By December 1814 the treaty of Ghent was signed and everybody became friends again.
The Canadian borders were agreed upon, which still hold good to this day.
The British gave up trying, once and for all, to bring their rambunctious American child back into the Empire.
The "Star Spangled Banner" was written and later adopted as the U.S. National Anthem.
The three nations formed one of the most powerful alliances known in history.
Prosperity and peace have flourished between them up till this present day.
Tomorrow a billion dollars worth of goods will flow South across the Canadian border to the States.
Finally we all speak ENGLISH.
Maybe a little war isn't bad from time to time!
The sight of thousands of fans sporting their national colours is enough to bring pride to patriotic hearts across the Euro zone.
They pack the soccer stadiums not only decked in their nation's flags but also with faces and bodies painted with tribal wode.
Well of course it's to be expected . It's soccer, stupid.
But just a moment. With the climax of all this hysteria taking place a week on Sunday, why the derision and mockery of Christians, meeting on the same day, when they are equally effusive in their worship of God?
Why is it if I lift my hands, clap and shout 'Hallelujah in church I am deemed to be a 'Holy Roller' but in a soccer stadium stamping, howling, gurgling, screaming, roaring, foaming, singing, jumping and capering is normal behaviour and an acceptable offering to the 'god of the golden boots'?
Give me a break!
Guaranteed, my team, England, will come home early from Europe empty handed and trailing a retinue of suicidal fans.
But next Sunday Christians everywhere will still be celebrating the Victory of their team, won 2000 years ago.
Jubilate.
Ian
The very same day that Nick Wallenda walked across the Niagara Falls on a wire the Canadian Government announced the construction of a billion dollar bridge across the Detroit River.
Therein lies a profound lesson.
Do you want to travel the hazardous journey of life by a high wire act or would you prefer to use a well constructed bridge?
I applaud Wallenda's feat (following in the delicate footsteps of the Great Blondin who crossed the gorge in 1896 on a tight rope), but for the final divide between Earth and Eternity give me the well constructed, wooden bridge of the Cross of Christ.
It has been good for 2000 years, never has it needed repair and has safely supported billions on their last steps to Heaven.
At one point in Blondin's escapades on the tight-rope, he asked the crowd if they believed he could carry a man on his back across the gorge. Everybody believed he could but nobody would volunteer. (Eventually he carried his manager over).
Do you believe that Jesus can take you to Heaven? You do?
Well don't just stand there. Put your full trust in Him and let Him take you there.
Jubilate.
Ian
