IRANIAN COMMANDER SAYS WE MUST DESTROY AMERICA

* Obama warns Tehran to cut deal or "face the consequences."
* Latest update on rocket fire from Gaza.
* TJF team meets to review war preparations.
Joel C. Rosenberg
(Washington, DC, March 15, 2012) -- A senior Iranian commander this week is calling for the destruction not just of Israel but of the United States of America, as well. "As long as America exists, we will not rest," said Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi, head of the Basij paramilitary force. "In revealing the truth about America and the Zionists, we must raise public hate against the despotic powers and create the environment for the destruction of America." Such language is consistent with the Twelver eschatology held by the senior Iranian leadership that says Iran must seek to annihilate Israel (the "Little Satan" in their view) and the U.S. (which they call the "Great Satan") in order to hasten the coming of the Twelfth Imam and the establishment of a global Islamic kingdom or Caliphate.

Yesterday, President Obama issued his strongest warning to Iran yet, saying Tehran must cut a deal soon or "face the consequences." He and Israeli PM Netanyahu are clearly preparing their own countries and the world for war. More details on this are on the blog. Also on the blog is the latest update on rocket fire from Gaza. There is a truce in place, but it hasn't stopped all the incoming attacks by the Palestinians.

In this context, The Joshua Fund board and staff are gathering for the next few days to review our war preparations and pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for wisdom for all the leaders in the region. We would be grateful for your prayers as we seek the Lord's guidance to how we can be better prepared when this larger regional war comes, as well as how to be a blessing to those caught in the crossfire from more than 225 rockets fired from Gaza over the past week.

Next week, Lord willing, I'm heading to southern California to speak at a conference on "Israel, The Church and the Mideast Crisis" on the campus of Biola University and Talbot Seminary. We will look at the latest developments through geopolitical and economic lenses, as well as through the "third lens" of Bible prophecy. We'll also discuss how the Church can do a better job blessing Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus in real and practical ways, and how best to strengthen the believers in the region. I hope you will register and join us. The event will not be webcast so you'll need to be there in person. Please also keep us in your prayers. Thanks and God bless you.