Battle above the Clouds-Pt 13 - Only the Lord

April 1, 2013

Battle above the Clouds – Pt 13 – Only the Lord

The mainstream preachers, teachers and prophets (and ‘whosoever’s’) are not about to exhort you to forget about attending upcoming seminars and conferences that pertain to finding out ‘What on earth is God doing?’ (prophetic conference); they say "praise God" if you're going to one of several Christian happenings in your area, and plan to buy up DVD sets of past seminars to Financial Freedom God’s Way - and on and on and on it goes...The truth is that it is all about the money, NOT about Jesus or God, or even you, for that matter.

Those who know Christ Jesus (Y’shua), know that we can pray to Him and praise Him anywhere. We know that our walk requires sacrifice and sometimes that may mean going without. If one is poor, it does NOT mean they lack faith or are doing something wrong. God will provide in ways we cannot even imagine. There may also be times we do go without, but God will see us through. Yet, right now, we must do what it takes to hear clearly from Him – fasting, praying, waiting upon Him.

To those who do not know Jesus, I would urge you to consider carefully what your future holds when you die.  There is a true, living God, our Creator (and no, He is not an ingenious alien(s) who scientifically created us, or come here to rescue us to show us how to live peaceably etc.).  God is Spirit, holy and righteous, slow to anger…but He told us His plan for all of mankind in what we call the word of God (Bible), and in what we call prophecies.

Explaining it here is not the purpose of this article, so please feel free to email me and ask any questions you may have.  There are also solid believers, true disciples of Jesus (Y’shua) the Christ, likely living near you that you may not know, but a true and living God can make your paths cross.  He can do all things.  There is no way that any of us, believer or unbeliever, are going to know the proper course of action to take in the dangerous days ahead, either individually (personally) or corporately, without the instructions and direction of the Lord. And NONE of us has all the answers.

We cannot go into denial about the prophecies that are being fulfilled right before our eyes.  Nor can we say, ‘I’ll deal with it when it happens.  I’ve got to live life while I still can.’  We need to hear from the Lord.  We do not need a conference, seminar, DVD, video, blog, books or anything else in order to reach God or to hear from Him. He is waiting and has His hand extended out. He will gladly speak with you, in His way and in His timing.

Every single person who seeks God with all their heart, understanding that through the sacrifice and pouring out of the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Y’shua Ha’Mashiach), we can confess our sins to God (Yhwh) and repent (change our minds about sins), He will forgive us and hear us. He will meet with us when we genuinely seek Him and cry out to Him.

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  [2Pet 3:3-4; 8-9]

Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.  [Jam 4:8-10]

When the untimely death of people occurs, whether they are believers or unbelievers, there are people who say that those who died must have been sinners, even if they were believers.  That is no new thought and Jesus addressed that very thought back in the days He walked the earth.

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose you that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish. [Lk 13:1-5]

One more verse:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  [1Jn 1:9]

With that being said, let’s continue on to the heart of situation at hand.

North Korea’s Threat of War

In order to establish a clear picture on the tense situation with North Korea and its threats to the United States, I was led to go back into news archives. With so much happening on U.S. territory, particularly with the attention being given to gun control since the Sandy Hook school shooting, as well as other pressing matters that threaten the Constitution of the American people, it is easy to forget past news.

After all, we are only capable of focusing on so much at a time.  When I urge readers to truly be pressing into the Lord at this time, fighting against all the distractions that are vying for our attention, I am speaking to myself as well.  

We will become overwhelmed and fearful otherwise, unless we seek God and remain abiding in Him.  Some have become completely desensitized, programmed and mind-controlled, something that has been the main goal of Satan (Lucifer) and the powers that be (global elite). Those who are will shirk off the news; those who are alert and watching will press in even closer to the Lord, waiting on Him for direction.  I continue to repeat certain verses from Proverbs (amongst many other scriptures) these days.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.  [Prov 3:5, 6]

The word is our sword and we must guard our hearts and particularly, we must guard the words we speak forth.  Stand on God’s word.  He is our sure foundation, our fortress, our strong tower into which we run.  We must be hidden in Christ. After prayer this morning, what came to me were all the events happening in the U.S., coupled with the threats of North Korea.  The Declaration of War, along with the actions and words of other countries, should alert us to how close WWIII is.   

As with the previous two world wars, the governments, who are controlled by the global elite, are making sure the news media downplays the concern on one hand, and give conflicting information on the other hand.  Bring confusion and the majority will shut their ears.

When I spoke to people in bygone days about the world wars they were involved in (many of whom have now passed on), every one of them stated that the radio (TV was not in homes) did not forewarn them.  The radio broadcasts spoke of mounting tensions and threats, just as we are being forewarned today.

But the general population did not know the war was on until their government (each country involved) began to draft the people into the military, once the country needed more soldiers/warriors than those who were already enlisted and in active duty.

The Lord reminded me (as I write) of the warning in the book of Daniel about the ‘wearing down of the saints’.  It is true.  Not only do we have our personal battles with health, finances, relationships etc, but the onslaught of major events that line up with the prophetic warnings in the Bible, as well as other considerable events dominating the headlines.

This ‘wearing down of the saints’ is a precursor to what is to come because the one who will wear down the saints is not yet visibly on the scene.  For this reason, I do believe we are being tried as never before out of love, so that we can see where our weaknesses are, where sin may be hiding and to ultimately purge (purify) us and prepare us for that which is straight ahead.

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.  [Dan 7:25]

Official Declaration of War

Full war declaration statement from DPRK (via KCNA)

(the acronym DPRK means North Korea – BP)

The moves of the U.S. imperialists to violate the sovereignty of the DPRK and encroach upon its supreme interests have entered an extremely grave phase. Under this situation, the dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un, brilliant commander of Mt. Paektu, convened an urgent operation meeting on the performance of duty of the Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army for firepower strike and finally examined and ratified a plan for firepower strike.

The important decision made by him is the declaration of a do-or-die battle to provide an epochal occasion for putting an end to the history of the long-standing showdown with the U.S. and opening a new era. It is also a last warning of justice served to the U.S., south Korean group and other anti-reunification hostile forces. The decision reflects the strong will of the army and people of the DPRK to annihilate the enemies.

Now the heroic service personnel and all other people of the DPRK are full of surging anger at the U.S. imperialists' reckless war provocation moves, and the strong will to turn out as one in the death-defying battle with the enemies and achieve a final victory of the great war for national reunification true to the important decision made by Kim Jong Un.

The Supreme Command of the KPA in its previous statement solemnly declared at home and abroad the will of the army and people of the DPRK to take decisive military counteraction to defend the sovereignty of the country and the dignity of its supreme leadership as regards the war moves of the U.S. and south Korean puppets that have reached the most extreme phase.

Not content with letting B-52 make sorties into the sky over south Korea in succession despite the repeated warnings of the DPRK, the U.S. made B-2A stealth strategic bomber and other ultra-modern strategic strike means fly from the U.S. mainland to south Korea to stage a bombing drill targeting the DPRK. This is an unpardonable and heinous provocation and an open challenge.

By taking advantage of the U.S. reckless campaign for a nuclear war against the DPRK, the south Korean puppets vociferated about "preemptive attack" and "strong counteraction" and even "strike at the commanding forces", openly revealing the attempt to destroy monuments symbolic of the dignity of the DPRK's supreme leadership.

This clearly shows that the U.S. brigandish ambition for aggression and the puppets' attempt to invade the DPRK have gone beyond the limit and their threats have entered the reckless phase of an actual war from the phase of threat and blackmail.

The prevailing grim situation more clearly proves that the Supreme Command of the KPA was just when it made the judgment and decision to decisively settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists and south Korean puppets by dint of the arms of Songun, because time when words could work has passed.

Now they are openly claiming that the B-2A stealth strategic bombers' drill of dropping nuclear bombs was "not to irritate the north" but "the defensive one". The U.S. also says the drill is "to defend the interests of its ally". However, it is nothing but a lame pretext to cover up its aggressive nature, evade the denunciation at home and abroad and escape from the DPRK's retaliatory blows.

The era when the U.S. resorted to the policy of strength by brandishing nuclear weapons has gone.

It is the resolute answer of the DPRK and its steadfast stand to counter the nuclear blackmail of the U.S. imperialists with merciless nuclear attack and their war of aggression with just all-out war.

They should clearly know that in the era of Marshal Kim Jong Un, the greatest-ever commander, all things are different from what they used to be in the past.

The hostile forces will clearly realize the iron will, matchless grit and extraordinary mettle of the brilliant commander of Mt. Paektu that the earth cannot exist without Songun Korea.

Time has come to stage a do-or-die final battle.

The government, political parties and organizations of the DPRK solemnly declare as follows reflecting the final decision made by Kim Jong Un at the operation meeting of the KPA Supreme Command and the unanimous will of all service personnel and people of the DPRK who are waiting for a final order from him.

1.From this moment, the north-south relations will be put at the state of war and all the issues arousing between the north and the south will be dealt with according to the wartime regulations.

The state of neither peace nor war has ended on the Korean Peninsula.

Now that the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK have entered into an actual military action, the inter-Korean relations have naturally entered the state of war. Accordingly, the DPRK will immediately punish any slightest provocation hurting its dignity and sovereignty with resolute and merciless physical actions without any prior notice.

2. If the U.S. and the south Korean puppet group perpetrate a military provocation for igniting a war against the DPRK in any area including the five islands in the West Sea of Korea or in the area along the Military Demarcation Line, it will not be limited to a local war, but develop into an all-out war, a nuclear war.

It is self-evident that any military conflict on the Korean Peninsula is bound to lead to an all-out war, a nuclear war now that even U.S. nuclear strategic bombers in its military bases in the Pacific including Hawaii and Guam and in its mainland are flying into the sky above south Korea to participate in the madcap DPRK-targeted nuclear war moves.

The first strike of the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK will blow up the U.S. bases for aggression in its mainland and in the Pacific operational theatres including Hawaii and Guam and reduce not only its military bases in south Korea but the puppets' ruling institutions including Chongwadae and puppet army's bases to ashes at once, to say nothing of the aggressors and the provokers.

3. The DPRK will never miss the golden chance to win a final victory in a great war for national reunification.

This war will not be a three day-war but it will be a blitz war through which the KPA will occupy all areas of south Korea including Jeju Island at one strike, not giving the U.S. and the puppet warmongers time to come to their senses, and a three-dimensional war to be fought in the air, land and seas and on the front line and in the rear.

This sacred war of justice will be a nation-wide, all-people resistance involving all Koreans in the north and the south and overseas in which the traitors to the nation including heinous confrontation maniacs, warmongers and human scum will be mercilessly swept away.

No force on earth can break the will of the service personnel and people of the DPRK all out in the just great war for national reunification and of all other Koreans and overpower their might.

Holding in high esteem the peerlessly great men of Mt. Paektu, the Korean people will give vent to the pent-up grudge and realize their cherished desire and thus bring a bright day of national reunification and build the best power on this land without fail. 

Originally posted by Anthony DeRosa on Reuters March 29, 2013

Declaration is a Mistranslation 

Two days after North Korea’s Declaration of War went viral and was broadcast publicly by all major news outlets, a Russian paper (RBTH – Russia Beyond The Headlines).  (I am unsure how something so long could be mistranslated, but be that as it may, it is being called error.)

A recent article titled ‘North Korea’s Harsh Rhetoric Fuels Further Tensions on the Peninsula’ is misleading, as the article actually refuted the translation of the declaration of war, deeming it a ‘faulty mistranslation’.  They said nothing of their previous reporting of North Korea’s ‘state of war’. 

Other Russian media channels that are equally influential, such as Ria Novostia (RIA) likewise reported the declaration a ‘simple faulty mistranslation.

“MOSCOW, March 30 (RIA Novosti) – Recent media reports that North Korea had declared a “state of war” with South Korea might have been based on a mistranslation, Russian media reported on Saturday.  

International media reported the North Korean statement, published on the country's state news agency KCNA, as reading that North Korea “is entering a state of war” with South Korea, and that all issues between the neighboring countries will be handled in accordance with wartime protocol.”

Further on:

 “Later on Saturday, however, Russian media reported that a faulty translation might have been to blame for this apparent uptick in bellicose rhetoric.”

The North Korean original statement apparently stressed that the country would act “in accordance with wartime laws” if attacked, and that “from that time, North-South relations will enter a state of war.”

North and South Korea are not technically “at peace” since no peace treaty was signed following the Korean War in 1953. The Demilitarized Zone between the countries is the most heavily armed border in the world.”

Further on:

 “Russian media reported that South Korean news agency Yonhap had cited unnamed military sources as saying that “no special deployments of North Korean forces had been observed, despite this threatening rhetoric.”

There has been no further clarification from North Korea.”

Deception by Means of Photoshop?

I first came across an article by NK News, where a reporter analyzed the war room picture of Kim Jong-un, along with his generals.  The consensus is that Photoshop was used on the pictures. Photoshop is a computer software program that can alter photographs, among other features.

NK News writes and provides pictures:

"In the below photos, Kim Jong Un can be seen in what appears to be a military command room, signing the ready order."

"In the version enlarged by NK NEWS (below), the text reads “U.S. Mainland Strike Plan” [미본토타격계획], and a larger map towards the back of the command center appears to show the Western coast of the United States."

"A composite overlay appears to show San Diego, Washington D.C., Hawaii and possibly Austin as being primary targets in a North Korean attack plan"

"In a second picture Korean People’s Air Force (KPAF) air wing numbers are visible, as is what appears to be the location of the U.S. 7th fleet on the side of the large map on the wall. A 21.5 inch aluminum unibody iMac is on Kim Jong Un’s desk, confirming long-held rumors of the Kim family’s passion for Apple Macs."

Given that the photo will have primarily been intended for a domestic audience, it will most likely have already served its purpose of demonstrating North Korean military capabilities internally. Most analysts agree North Korea would not be able to hit any U.S. mainland targets.

A composite of the two photos gives a better idea of the scene, although the different focal lengths distort the image slightly"

“All the available technical evidence suggests that the North’s claims to be able to hit (let alone target precisely) geographical sites in the United States are highly implausible,” John Swenson-Wright, senior lecturer in East Asian International Relations at the University of Cambridge told NK NEWS.

“It seems reasonable to suppose that the target map is designed for home consumption and to create an impression of war-readiness for DPRK-citizens that is part of a wider policy of strengthening national resolve,” Swenson-Wright added. If the marks on the map are intended to demonstrate the flight path of a missile, they would most likely not be straight.

The development appears to be a tit-for-tat response to a U.S. stealth bomber training run Thursday that saw two B-2’s fly from Missouri to drop ordinance on an island in the southern half of the Korean peninsula. U.S. officials said the flights were not designed to raise tensions, but reduce them by bolstering deterrence in face of North Korea’s recent vitriolic provocations.”

Apparently, it is not the first time that North Korea has used PhotoShop to enhance their power, using the multifaceted computer software.  Yet, one thing I noticed that NK News (or any other sites) did not mention is the fact that the gray chair is different.

If you look carefully at the two chairs, one on the right has several buttons and the other on left does not.  (For closer look, just click on pictures to enlarge.) The two chairs are completely different patterns.  Why would the chairs be different?  Very interesting...

Three days ago, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) published an article that revealed PhotoShop had been used to ‘increase’ the number of hovercraft in North Korea’s naval fleet.

Petapixel not only reveals the same hovercraft faked images, but further down in the short article is a link to Iran also taking advantage of technology and computer software.  Click on the blue link on Petapixel to see the page where the images below were taken from. (picture from Petapixel of Iran’s photoshopped jet below)

USA Retaliates

Despite downplaying Kim II Jong’s ‘Declaration of War’ throughout the news media, the United States President Obama has deployed F-22’s, which are stealth fighter jets, to South Korea.  This is supposedly joint military exercises (drills); however, see what various reports below have to say about the matter. 

Given that the news of North Korea’s Declaration of War was a ‘mistranslation’, and given the fact that North Korea used Photoshop to manipulate (alter) photos it released to the media, why are countries concerned?  Why is the United States sending out their most ‘potent weaponry’?

(Reuters) - The United States sent F-22 stealth fighter jets to South Korea on Sunday to join military drills aimed at underscoring the U.S. commitment to defend Seoul in the face of an intensifying campaign of threats from North Korea.

The Wall Street Journal reports with statements that indicate that the United States is taking the threat seriously, as F-22’s are the country’s ‘potent weaponry’.

“The F-22s, among the most expensive and advanced weapons in the Air Force's arsenal, are capable of evading radar and air-defense systems. The U.S. hasn't used them in combat but has deployed them in the United Arab Emirates and Japan as a deterrent against Iran and North Korea.

In a conflict with North Korea, F-22s would likely be the first aircraft used. The hard-to-detect fighters could be sent in to take out air defense missiles and radars in advance of bombers aimed at missile launch sites or other targets. They also could be used to escort nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers, should these be used in a strike.

The use of F-22s in the training exercise with South Korea, which the military calls the Republic of Korea or ROK, is a signal the U.S. is eager to showcase its most potent weaponry to North Korea.”

“The U.S. military did not say how many of the planes were flown to South Korea from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. The statement described Sunday's deployment as part of routine shifts of air power among bases in the Western Pacific that U.S. forces have been conducting since 2004.

Japan's Kyodo news agency quoted the top Japanese government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, as condemning Pyongyang for "aggressive provocation" after Kim's ruling party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, identified U.S. military bases in Japan as targets for attack.

The two Koreas have been technically in a state of war since a truce that ended their 1950-53 conflict. Despite its threats, few people see any indication Pyongyang will risk a near-certain defeat by re-starting full-scale war.” (Reporting by Paul Eckert; Editing by Eric Beech)

Now I ask readers to carefully read the words that I am posting here, as you will see the ‘doublespeak’ that reporters are publishing in their articles, as well as the government officials.  

The above article from Reuters states that the deployment of the F-22’s stealth jet fighters are all part of the routine shifts of air power [among bases], which have been going on since 2004.  Key word is ‘routine’.

Just as they do with all major events, such as 9/11, Waco, Oklahoma City bombing, the Aurora Colorado shooting, the Gifford shooting and the Sandy Hook massacre, the news media, along with government officials, are giving the public conflicting reports.   Is the purpose of these reports to confuse people, or wear them down?  

As believers, we know who the author of confusion is (Satan) [1Cor14:33], and that we are not warring against flesh and blood [Eph 6:12].  Watch how officials bring confusion and doublespeak to the ears of the public. (Any emphasis in underlining or bold lettering in any news reports is mine, unless otherwise indicated.)

“Caitlin Hayden, a spokeswoman for the U.S. National Security Council, called the tough statements out of Pyongyang "unconstructive." She said the U.S. remains prepared to defend its allies and is taking additional measures against the threat from North Korea.

"We take these threats seriously and remain in close contact with our South Korean allies," she said. "But, we would also note that North Korea has a long history of bellicose rhetoric and threats."

The word ‘rhetoric’, as I’m sure readers are aware, means ‘art of language designed to have a persuasive or effective on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity and exaggerated’ and ‘bellicose’ means ‘aggressively hostile; pugnacious, willingness to fight’.  

It is true that North Korea has a long history of threats, but a formal Declaration of War, which was issued in a Korean newspaper to the people of North Korea and then translated into English, is not part of their history.  

So, are Kim Jong-lu’s Declaration of War rhetoric (exaggerated and insincere), or is it serious?   Right, now it is ‘declared’ a ‘simple mistranslation’.  Yet, is the threat being taken seriously, I again ask?

The answer is that his declaration of war is being taken very seriously, despite the conflicting reports.   At least, the news media and the government are issuing statements and reports that express concern, while also using ‘rhetoric’ a lot. 

Wall Street Journal further writes:

“U.S. officials have said long-range North Korean missiles are capable of hitting Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories in the Pacific.

Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican who heads the House Homeland Security Committee and sits on the intelligence panel, said Sunday the greatest threat remains an attack by the North on South Korea or U.S. bases in the Pacific. He said Mr. Kim could be trapped by his own rhetoric into thinking he needs to attempt a strike.”

“The U.S. also is speeding deployment of additional advanced-warning radar in Japan and has drafted an extensive framework of possible responses for South Korea should its neighbor mount an attack or provocation.

Some administration officials have voiced reservations about the deployments of advanced U.S. bombers and fighters, arguing they risk further escalating the situation. But the South Korean government, U.S. officials have said, has asked for demonstrations of America's nuclear deterrence.” 

If the U.S. is convinced that North Korea’s missiles can reach Alaska, are they equally convinced that the missiles cannot reach Washington State?  Since it is only 1,436 miles from Anchorage Alaska to Seattle Washington, is it possible for North Korea to go as far as they can by sea to launch a nuclear weapon?  

Personally, I always find it amazing how high-level officials and the media often use the same words when describing a major event.  However, as far as conflicting reports go, remember David Chance’s (Reuters Korea Bureau Chief) statements? 

“This is a continuation of the rhetoric (there’s that word again – BP) that North Korea has been putting out over the past month or so, ever since it was threatened with sanctions for its nuclear tests.  They have missiles which have the requisite range to be able to reach Japan and some American bases in the Pacific, unlike the threat of nuclear attack on the United States, which is pure fantasy.”

Are the countries and their governments really seeing North Korea’s declaration of war as rhetoric?  If so, why is the U.S. ‘speedily deploying’ additional advanced-warning radar to Japan?  There seems to be concern from the White House, Russia, France and China, with all of them according to each countries’ spokespersons.

(Reuters) - CALLS FOR RESTRAINT

White House National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said North Korea's announcement followed a "familiar pattern" of rhetoric.

White House  - North Korea said Saturday that the peninsula it shares with South Korea is entering a "state of war" -- a threat the White House is taking seriously despite the totalitarian country’s history of such “bellicose rhetoric.”

Russia, which has often balanced criticism of North Korea, a Soviet-era client state, with calls on the United States and South Korea to refrain from belligerent actions, said a recurrence of war was unacceptable.

"We hope that all parties will exercise maximum responsibility and restraint and no one will cross the point of no return," Grigory Logvinov, a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official, told Interfax news agency.

France said it was deeply worried about the situation on the Korean peninsula while NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow said the alliance hoped "that this is more posturing than a prelude to any armed hostilities."

China has repeatedly called for restraint on the peninsula.

Yes, it does not take a genius to see that there are many countries that not only understand, but are quite concerned about Kim Jong-un may well carry out its threats and do not see it as ‘rhetoric’.

The Australian news reports:

“The United States and other nations worry that North Korea's third nuclear test pushed it closer to its goal of gaining nuclear missiles that can reach the US.”

“The international community has condemned the regime's nuclear and missile efforts as threats to regional security and a drain on the resources that could go to North Korea's largely destitute people.

The UN resolution identifies three individuals, one corporation and one organisation that will be added to the UN sanctions list. The targets include top officials at a company that is the country's primary arms dealer and main exporter of ballistic missile-related equipment, and a national organisation responsible for research and development of missiles and probably nuclear weapons.”

It is obvious that North Korea’s threats and formal Declaration of War are indeed being taken seriously, despite the Photoshopped pictures and despite the ‘mistranslation’ of the ‘state of war’ or declaration of war.  Again, who is the master of illusion and deception, and the author of confusion? 

Strategic Placement of Defense Systems and Increased Weaponry

The following statement was reported on February, 2013 by DW (Deutsche Welle), a German/English website.

“South Korean and US warships have begun three days of naval exercises off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast. The maneuvers come amid rising tensions over North Korea’s reported plans to conduct a third nuclear test.”    

Although the statement above was written in February of this year, stating the exercises are for three days, the ‘regular’ military exercise that is going on will continue until the end of April. North Korea’s threats are ‘bellicose’ ‘rhetoric’ (words that constantly are popping up in my research from countless reports globally from various countries and news agencies), then why has the U.S. sent over F-22’s?

Why did the U.S. send over B-52 nuclear capable planes a mere 10 days (March 18) before North Korea released its declaration?   

 

B-2 stealth bombers moved into South Korean territory March 28, the day of the news release about Kim Jong-un’s statement.  F-22 Raptor fighter jets (world’s most advanced warplanes) have been deployed to South Korea. 

If that is not enough artillery, the U.S. has now moved the USS McCain warship and a sea-based radar platform from Japan to the South Korean peninsula.  

 

But all of the above is simply part of the yearly Foal Eagle military exercise, isn’t it?  According to the Pentagon Press Secretary George Little, in a (Pentagon) press release today (good timing), the deployment of the above aircraft has been planned ‘for some time’, as part of the yearly exercise.

4/1/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The U.S. will continue to conduct military exercises such as Foal Eagle 2013 with South Korea as part of its commitment to that nation and its desire to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said April 1.  Speaking to reporters, Little emphasized the United States' commitment to peace and stability in the region, and discussed North Korea's recent provocations.

"The focus of our military exercises, and what we've been saying publicly, is all about alliance assurance," he said.  "It's about showing the South Koreans that we are deeply committed to our alliance with them," Little said. "We're committed to their defense, committed to the defense of our forces in South Korea and we're also committed to peace and stability in the region."

Little noted that two F-22 Raptors, as previously planned, have deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to Osan Air Base, South Korea, to participate in the two-month-long Foal Eagle exercise which began March 1.  "This exercise has been planned for some time and is part of the air component of the Foal Eagle exercise," he said.

And as part of U.S. Pacific Command's theater security package, Little said, deployments of Air Force fighter jets to the Pacific region have occurred since March 2004, allowing for a more "prudent deterrent capability and combat-ready forces."

 
And the dispatch of F-22 Raptors to participate in this year's Foal Eagle exercise in South Korea "strengthens the Pacific Command's military interoperability with the Republic of Korea," he said.

"We believe that this exercise has been extremely successful in shoring up our cooperation with our South Korean allies," Little said, "And we'll continue to engage with them closely."  Little said exercises in South Korea "send an important signal, not only to South Korea, but to friends like Japan. So that is the focus of our recent efforts."

Little said North Korea has a choice of continuing to "engage in provocations with bellicose, over-heated, irresponsible rhetoric," or choosing a path of peace.”

The Pentagon’s press release today has been carefully worded to ‘downplay’ any concern people may have over the deployment of so much war craft into the region of South Korea, particularly after North Korea’s threats. New York Times backs up what Pentagon’s George Little stated.

The deployment came after the United States publicized a rare training flight by two B-2 bombers over South Korea, where they carried out a mock bombing run, and pledged to spend $1 billion to expand ballistic missile-defense systems along the Pacific Coast. 

Having taken these unusually public steps to demonstrate its commitment to defend itself and protect South Korea and Japan, the Obama administration appeared to be trying to defuse a situation that many analysts say has gone beyond previous cycles of provocation by North Korea, and raised genuine fears of war.”

Still, on Monday, South Korea’s new president, Park Geun-hye, ordered her country’s military to deliver a strong and immediate response to any North Korean provocation. 

“I consider the current North Korean threats very serious,” Ms. Park told the South’s generals. “If the North attempts any provocation against our people and country, you must respond strongly at the first contact with them without any political consideration.”

Yet, a Fox News report contradicts the report on the military site that quoted the Pentagon’s Press Secretary’s statements.  George Little, spokesperson for the Pentagon said the deployment of the aircraft had been pre-planned for ‘some time’. Fox News says nearly the opposite.  The White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said today (Monday, April 1, 2013) that the deployment of the B-2 bombers was ‘rare’, but was a ‘prudent measure’ that had to be taken, due to the ‘steadily escalating threats’ of Kim Jong-un.

“White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Monday that Kim Jong Un's steadily escalating threats follow a "pattern," but one that must be taken seriously. He said the U.S. is now taking "prudent" measures to "reassure our allies, demonstrate our resolve to the North and reduce pressure on Seoul to take unilateral action." 

This would include efforts to boost missile defense, last week's rare flight of B-2 bombers to South Korea and likely the decision Sunday to deploy F-22 Raptors to Osan Air Base in South Korea. With analysts warning that the biggest threat from North Korea is that it could start a war by going too far and provoking South Korea, Carney suggested the shows of strength are aimed at deterring the North from crossing that line.” 

The White House and the Pentagon really should pick up the phone and call each other and discuss what they are going to say, if they plan to give press releases about the same situation on the same day. 

And we thought that the reporting about the Sandy Hook tragedy was confusing.  Well, the ‘pattern’ of the U.S. government and the news media is as regular as North Korea’s ‘pattern’ of threats; bellicose or rhetoric or not.   

It was only two days ago that Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister told the press that Russia was concerned over the threats.   

EuroNews reports:

“Soldiers have joined a mass rally in the North Korean capital Pyongyang, after leader Kim Jong-un stepped up threats against the US.  He has signed off an order, putting missile units on standby to attack American bases in neighbouring South Korea and the Pacific.

Russia says it is worried about increased military activity near North Korea, an apparent reference to joint drills being run by Washington and Seoul. (I interject here to remind readers that China carried out drills in the South China Sea and Russia carried theirs out in the Black Sea.)

 “We are concerned that, along with this adequate reaction of the Security Council, along with the collective reaction of the world community, unilateral actions are being taken around North Korea, which are manifested in the build-up of military activity,” said Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, at a news conference in Moscow. “The situation may slip out of control and fall into a vicious circle.”

South Korea is taking the threats seriously, as seen in pictures below.

Another fact that is not circulating around is the news that Taiwan is also holding their own military exercise.

With the situation regarding North and South Korea and the recent threats, the recent visit to Israel, reassuring ‘peace and security’ by President Obama, in regards to Iran, plus the push for gun control in the U.S., we are beginning to see a panoramic view of the days we are in, as far as ‘nation rising up against nation’ and ‘kingdom against kingdom’ that Jesus/Y’shua forewarned about.

The Lord is the one who will guide us and the only way we can keep from becoming overwhelmed and fearful.  The deception that goes on just in the news media and the governments alone is evidence enough that this world is in serious trouble, as well as evidence that we are truly in the last days.

Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

The LORD brings the counsel of the heathen to nought (nothing): He makes the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.  [Ps 33:8-11]

We know the counsel of His heart by reading His word and by abiding in Christ.  Time in prayer and waiting on the Lord will bring us further counsel of the Sovereign King and Lord, Creator of all things.  We know what to expect for it is written.

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with My eye.  Be you not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto you. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusts in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.  [Ps 32:7-10]

for His glory

Bonita                      dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com