What made the "Wise Men" so wise?

Why do we call the three Magi that visited Jesus as a child, "The 3 Wise Men"? 
After reading Daniel chapter 9 today, I decided to investigate, knowing that a "week" is 7 years, whether or not the wise men could know from this passage when the messiah would come. These verses specifically got my attention: "Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time.

And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. 

After a little research online I found a very interesting piece on the subject that outlines exactly the number of days between the decree for the Jews to return to Jerusalem from exile and the day that The Anointed One (Jesus) rode in on Palm Sunday. What do you know, exactly 69 weeks!  

The "Wise Men", from the vicinity of Persia (where Daniel ruled and wrote these words while the Jews were held captive),  were obviously aware of Daniel's prophetic words and were not going to miss the time of His coming. How did God's people miss it? They had neglected the study of prophecy concerning His coming! They failed to recognize that God's word is true and that scripture can be trusted, even to the smallest detail. Let us not make the same mistake in regards to His second coming. He says to watch, be ready, and understand the times in which we live. Let us all be "wise men" and heed this call. 

Obama Seeks $500 Million for Syrian Rebels

The BBC is reporting that President Obama is seeking for congress to approve $500 million for arming and supporting Syrian rebel forces aligned with ISIS.  Let us hope this is not approved. These weapons will inevitably fall into the wrong hands! 
Story

Both sides being armed in Iraq

Iran is arming the Iraqi government and the Saudis are arming a resistance faction aligned with ISIS. The US is allied with Saudi and opposed to Iran, but is supporting Iraq alongside Iran. Confusing? Yes. Read this Debka File article. 

http://app.debka.com/n/article/24034/As-first-US-advisers-reach-Baghdad-Iranians-and-Saudis-airlift-weapons-to-opposing-sides-in-Iraq

Middle East Made Easy

This newspaper clipping is certainly dated now and is thus far too simple. None the less, it is still entertaining and shows the insanity of the mid-east political scene. The complications that ISIS brings to the region is very disturbing. Though I know not all of the middle eastern nations descended from Ishmael, these verses from Genesis Ch 16 seem to be fulfilled today. 
10 The angel of the LORD also said to her, "I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude."
11 And the angel of the LORD said to her, "Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has listened to your affliction. 
12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen." 
Pray for peace in the mid-east!
(Can't view image? Click here)

Ukraine Will be Russia

The Russian Senate has approved Putin's plan to intervene in the Ukraine. I can't help but feel this is both a power grab from a newly strengthened Russia, as well as a testing of the waters with regards to foreign reaction. With its down-sizing military and floundering economy, Putin knows the US will not stop him. But now it looks as if he may not even have to lift a finger with civil war beginning to erupt within Ukraine. Putin may be able to allow the pro-Russian militias to do his dirty work. 
If things begin to shift out if his favor though, be ready for overt Russian action. One way or another, Ukraine will be Russia.
If he does move on Ukraine, what are the political and economic repercussions Russia will face for invading a sovereign nation? I don't believe there will be much of an outcry, and Putin will be further emboldened. 

Russian armor builds up for Ukraine (Debka image) 

Putin wants to restore Russia to its previous power and is trying to do so without raising "red flags". Russia continues to arm Middle Eastern nations and strengthen ties with them, wisely gaining allies and resources without hostilities. In Ezekiel 38-39, there is much talk of what many believe to be a strengthened Russia (Gog and Magog) leading Middle Eastern nations in a massive invasion of Israel in the last days. It is very interesting to observe the Geo-political landscape in that region as it lines up exactly how the Bible says it will in the end.
Pray for the safety of the innocents, and keep an eye on what unfolds in Russia's latest power grab and test of the international community.   

Article on Gog and Magog Bible Passage
Joel C. Rosenberg's Blog 
CNN Article
Debka File Article

Ukraine Slides into Civil War

Interesting article on Debka.com:

Ukraine slides into civil war amid Merkel’s bid to bridge US-Russian differences. Putin resigns responsibility

Why should Russia invade if the Russians inside can take care of things themselves. I'm sure they are still getting plenty of help from Putin, however. 

Failed Peace Talks in the Holy Land

We should not be surprised when peace talks fail in Israel. Peace (and a false peace at that) will only come to Israel when the antichrist sets it up in the last days (Daniel 9:27). 

Debka File artical on the most recent failed peace talks.