PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7!

Good morning, blog readers, from mostly sunny and warm (77 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 40 robins, 6 crows, 6 doves, 4 grackles, 2 bunnies, cranes, 2 dogs, 2 red-winged blackbirds and heard a bullfrog croaking!

This headline, from the June 13th Boston Globe really got my attention this morning: “On and off the court, the Celtics indispensable Jrue Holiday is guided by his faith.” In the article, I read: “Tattooed on Jrue Holiday’s forearm is Philippians 4:6-7, a Bible passage that says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'”

It’s a piece of scripture Holiday can recite on demand, because it’s a belief that has guided his life as more than just a professional basketball player, one of the NBA’s top defenders, and one of the league’s best teammates. He is also a man who seems to have no enemies or adversaries, only family, friends and admirers.” Wow! Talk about being a bold witness for Jesus. Drue is true to Him! This Scripture also made me think of Hebrews 12:2 where the writer proclaims: “Therefore since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us (WM: unbelief) , and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God.”

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, why not become one today by agreeing with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven! Blessings, Doug 6/14/24)

THE CONTINUING RUMORS!

Good morning, blog readers, from mostly sunny and warm (85 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 13 robins, a deer, some lightning off in the distance and heard two bullfrogs!

This morning-headline from Fox News.com, once again, got my attention: “Putin’s fleet of warships is direct warning to Biden, experts say.”

In the article, Anders Hagstrom reported: “A fleet of Russian warships entered Cuban waters on Wednesday as they prepare to hold military drills in the Caribbean. The deployment is likely a warning to President Biden after he gave approval for Ukrainian forces to strike some targets within Russia using U.S. weaponry, according to Rebekah Koffler, strategic intelligence analyst and author of ‘Putin’s Playbook.’ Russian President Vladimir Putin is telling Washington, ‘we can touch you,’ Koffler said.” She also said: “Putin wants to be close to the U.S. homeland at this time when the Russian-Ukraine crisis is on a highly escalatory trajectory – given Biden’s authorization to Ukraine. If something goes wrong and Ukraine strikes critical targets close to major cities, the Russian military can enable the Cubans to strike targets inside the U. S. or strike U.S. interests,” she said. Three Russian warships arrived at Cuba’s Havana Bay on Wednesday, greeted by a 21-cannon salute. A nuclear-powered submarine was expected to arrive after them.”

Let me remind you that, according to Bible prophecy, particularly Ezekiel 38-39, at some time in the future when Israel is living in peace (certainly not now), Russia, Iran and a host of other nations will invade Israel to “capture a spoil of goods” from the Israelis, only to have the Lord God Himself intervene and destroy this massive army. I can’t wait. But, wait I must and so must you, until the God-appointed time. And, let me add that no country, including the USA, goes to Israel’s defense when Russia and her allies invade Israel which says to me either the USA has been destroyed or weakened which is certainly what we are seeing now.

Yes, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, He is coming! Are you ready? If you are, then keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the Dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings and prayers with love in Christ, Doug (6/13/24)

RUSSIA to FLORIDA to CUBA!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and warm (62 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 46 robins, 18 grackles, 6 deer, 5 cardinals, 4 red-winged blackbirds, 2 dogs, 2 doves, a bunny and a seagull! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from yesterday’s Miami Herald, really got my attention this morning: “U.S. deploys warships as Russian fleet makes close pass to Florida in approach to Cuba!”

In the article, Michael Wilner and Nora Gamez Torres reported: “The U.S. Navy has deployed warships and aircraft to track a Russian naval flotilla after the Russian vessels sailed less than 30 miles off South Florida’s coast on Tuesday, U.S. officials told McClatchy (?) and the Miami Herald.

Last week, Moscow sent three ships and a nuclear-powered submarine to the Caribbean for what U.S. officials say will be a set of extensive military, air and naval exercises – the first of their kind in at least five years. The drills began on Tuesday in the Atlantic, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement, with its hypersonic-capable frigate and nuclear-capable submarine simulating a strike on a group of enemy ships. It is unclear whether the frigate is armed with hypersonic missiles, but the U.S. intelligence community has assessed that none of the Russian vessels are carrying nuclear weapons.”

Certainly this could be a “rumor of war” which Jesus spoke about with His disciples in Matthew 24:6 and Mark 13:7 and, like Russia and Ukraine, easily turn into a war. Stay tuned! And, if you are a believer in Jesus, keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please, I beg of you, agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings with love in Christ, Doug (6/12/24)

PEMATANGSIANTAR!

Good morning, blog readers, from partly sunny/cloudy and cool (54 degrees) Wisconsin where on my morning walk, I saw: 42 robins, 9 crows, 4 deer, 4 grackles, 4 red-winged blackbirds, 3 doves and 2 bunnies! Thank You, Jesus!

Now, I don’t know about you, but I had never heard of the above name before. But, thanks to the USGS, I learned that, over the last 24 hours, there was a “light”(4.4) earthquake in Pematangsiantar, Indonesia which made me think of Jesus telling His disciples in Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8, that, one of the “signs” leading up to His return would be earthquakes in different places.” Case in point, in addition to the Indonesian quake, there were also quakes in Afghanistan, the California-Nevada Border Region, Chile, China, the Central East Pacific Rise, the Fiji Islands, Hawaii, the Kuril Islands, the Leeward Islands, the Loyalty Islands, Puerto Rico, the South Sandwich Islands Region, the Afghanistan-Tajikistan Border Region, Off the Coast of Northern Chile, the Sulu Sea, Western Texas and near the West Coast of Honshu, Japan! Wow! That certainly is a lot of “earthquakes in a lot of different places,” all in the same day. All I can say is “stay tuned” and keep watching for these to increase in frequency and intensity like “birth pains (Matthew 24:8), increasing in frequency and intensity, as we get closer to the Lord’s return.

So, if you haven’t already done so, please agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Then, simply and joyfully, watch, watch, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Praying I’ll see you in heaven. Love in Christ, Doug (6/11/24)

SHAME on the UN & ISRAEL!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and warm (71 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 36 robins, 6 doves, 5 red-winged blackbirds, 3 bunnies, 3 deer, 3 grackles, 2 crows, a crane, a squirrel and a woodpecker! Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline really got my attention: “Israel livid as it’s added to UN ‘list of shame’ for wartime children’s rights violations.”

In the article, Jacob Magid wrote: “Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have been added to the United Nation’s’ so-called ‘list of shame,’ which is attached to an annual report released by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s office that documents alleged rights violations against children in armed conflict, sparking outrage in Jerusalem.”

Magid continued: “This is the first time that Israel and Hamas have been included on this list, joining the ranks of Russia, the Islamic State, al Qaeda, Boko Haram, Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Israel is believed to be the first democratic country included on the list.”

Now, correct me if I am wrong but, based on my research, I believe Israel is the only country in the world which often warns its enemies of where its bombs are going to go to preserve life. And, let me remind you, from the Hebrew Scriptures, what God said about Israel in Zechariah 2:8, “For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you (Israel) touches the apple of His (God’s) eye.”

Now granted, the Lord God is also not pleased with Israel’s rejection of His Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, as we read in Zechariah 13:8, 9, “And it will come about in all the land (Israel), declares the Lord, that two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it. And I will bring the third part through the fire, refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people, and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.'” Sadly, this means only a third of the Jews will recognize Jesus as their Messiah when He returns to the earth to set up His kingdom; the other two thirds will be lost forever.

So, let me ask you (Jew and Gentile alike), “Have you agreed with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believed He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). If you have, you are on your way to heaven. If not, you are on your way to hell. Please know I am praying for your salvation and sanctification (Christlikeness). Love, Doug (6/10/24)

IS THE BIG ONE COMING?

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cool (52 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 36 robins, 2 deer and a big hawk! Thank You, Jesus!

About two weeks ago, I saw this headline from Michael Snyder of Prophecy News Watch: “Scientists have warned us that California is way overdue for a major earthquake and that the ‘Big One’ could literally strike at anytime. That is why I was so alarmed when the Los Angeles Times reported that ‘two sets of earthquake swarms had just hit the state. After seeing the story, I went over to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center to check how many earthquakes have shaken the region during the past week. As I write this article, the total number of earthquakes in California and Nevada in the last 7 days is sitting at a grand total of 1010.”

Note: According to the USGS, over the last 24 hours, there were only 3 “minor” (2.7, 3.2 and 3.4) quakes in California. By contrast, there was a “strong” (6.2) and 3 “moderate” (5.0, 5.1 and 5.3) quakes in the Pacific Antarctic Ridge region.

Let me remind you that Jesus told us, in Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8, that one of the “signs,” leading up to His return, would be “earthquakes in various places.” He also said that the “signs of His return” would come upon us like “birth pains,” (Matthew 24:8), meaning they would increase in frequency and intensity” as we get closer to His return. And, in Luke 21:11, notice that the good doctor added the word “great” to the earthquakes of the end times which, according to the USGS, would be quakes (8.0+ on the Richter Scale). And, if you dare, check out Revelation 6:12, 11:13 and 16:18 to see what a “great earthquake” will look like in the “end times.” Personally, I believe (and I could be wrong) we will not be here when God’s wrath and judgment strikes big time.

And so, we should be thankful every day for the Lord’s patience and use every opportunity we still have to share Christ with the lost, as one day, His patience will end and His wrath will be poured out upon the earth and those who have rejected Him as their Savior and Lord. So, please, if you haven’t already done so, agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Then, join with me and all the saints in watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. Believe me, you will be eternally grateful. Blessings with love & prayers, Doug (6/9/24)

CAN YOU SAY: “EZEKIEL 38-39?”

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (58 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 44 robins, 14 grackles, 8 doves, 6 geese, 4 crows, 4 red-winged blackbirds, 3 cardinals, 2 cranes, 2 deer and 2 dogs! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from the June 5 Jerusalem Post, caught my eye this morning: “IAEA’s condemns Iran over lack of nuclear cooperation, Tehran expected to retaliate.” In the article, Yonah Jeremy Bob reported: “The IAEA’s-35 nation Board of Governors passed a resolution on Wednesday condemning Iran for its lack of cooperation with the watchdog agency and for its barring of some top inspectors. The resolution, proposed by Britain, France and Germany and initially resisted by the US, which feared Iran would respond as it has to previous resolutions by escalating its nuclear activities, was passed with 20 countries in favor, two against, and 12 abstentions (Reuters).”

Note: Let me remind you again, from the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 that, at some time in the future, the Lord God Himself will intervene and destroy not only Iran (Persia), but also Russia and a host of other nations when they invade Israel, at a time when she is “living in peace” (38:11) to “take a spoil” which the prophet identifies, in 38:13 as “plunder, silver, gold, cattle and goods.”

Yes, dearly beloved in Christ, these are exciting and scary times with the threat of nuclear war upon us. And yet, Jesus reminded us, in Matthew 24:6: “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of war; see that you are not frightened, for those things (all the things He listed in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21) must take place, but that is not yet the end.” And, with all this talk about “wars and rumors of war,” we need to remember that Jesus is “our blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) and is coming for us, I believe, before the “worst of the worst” to take us to our Father’s house (John 14:1-3) where all will be well for eternity. Glory to God! So, let me ask you: “Have you agreed with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believed He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). If you have, you are on your way to heaven, your eternal home. Please know I love you and am praying for your salvation and sanctification (becoming more like Christ) that, together, we might shine brightly for Him until He comes. Love and prayers, Doug (6/8/24)

FALSE HOPE: PART TWO!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and warm (66 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 35 robins, 6 grackles, 5 crows, 2 deer, a bunny, a cardinal, a dove, and a red-winged blackbird! Thank You, Jesus!

Yesterday, I wrote about Pope Francis’ belief that ‘people are basically good,’ despite what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23, 24: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24).

The staff at Lamb and Lion Ministries believe, as I do, in agreement with the Word of God, the Bible, that we are all lost sinners, on our way to hell, without the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died on a cross for our sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all our sins and give us eternal life (John 3:16).

Interestingly enough, whenever I have asked Catholic friends, “If you were to die today, would you be 100% sure you are going to heaven?” Their response is always, “I hope so” which means they are not sure and hope they have done enough “good works” to maybe get in. Thus, no assurance of their salvation. Paul calls Jesus our “blessed hope” in Titus 2:13.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I am thankful I have a “blessed hope in Jesus” for eternal life. How about you? If not, simply agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16).” Then, watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Love, Doug (6/7/24)

FALSE HOPE: PART ONE!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and warm (73 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 31 robins, 4 grackles, 3 red-winged blackbirds, 2 bunnies, 2 doves, a crow and a deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from Lamb and Lion Ministries, really got my attention this morning: “The False Hope of Pope Francis.”

In the article, the Lion and Lamb Ministries’ Staff wrote: “Pope Francis was asked the question, ‘What gives you hope?’ in a recent interview that aired May 19th on the CBS news program 60 Minutes. His answer was as short as it is unbiblical: “Everything.” Speaking of heroic men who have hopes and dreams speaking of heroic mothers and heroic men who have hopes and dreams,’ Pope Francis summed up his assessment of the human condition: ‘And people are basically good.”

All I can say is: “How sad?” Why,” you might ask? Because he said nothing of our “blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).” And, by saying “people are basically good,” he contradicted the Bible where the apostle Paul wrote, in Romans 3:23, 24: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Lord willing tomorrow, I will give you Part II of “False Hope.”

In the meantime, if you haven’t already done so, please agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Then, join with me in watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. Blessings and prayers with love, Doug (6/6/24)

MORE RUMORS!

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy, rainy and warm (67 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, in a sudden downpour, I still managed to see: 25 robins, 8 geese, 2 doves, 2 red-winged blackbirds, a bunny, a deer and a grackle! Thank You, Jesus!

Here are a couple of recent headlines about China which caught my eye this morning:

#1. In a surprise Singapore visit, Zelensky accuses China of disrupting peace talks, asks for Asian support.”

#2. China’s defense minister hammers away on Taiwan, says peaceful unification chances ‘eroded.'”

In the first article, Colin Clark and Lee Ferran reported: “This is unfortunate that such a big, independent, powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin,” the Ukrainian President said at the Shangri-la. Dialogue.”

In the second article, Colin Clark also reported: “Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction,’ Admiral Dong Jun, China’s defense minister, said here in remarks liberally sprinkled with aggressive imagery and threats.”

Let me remind you that both Russia and China, according to God’s Word, the Bible, play a part in prophecy. In Ezekiel 38-39, ‘Gog of Magog,’ perhaps Vladimir Putin of Russia, along with Iran, Libya, Turkey and a host of other nations will, at a future time when Israel is living in peace (not now), invade Israel to take a “spoil” of some kind from the Israelis, only to be destroyed by the Lord God Himself. Note: I would encourage you to read all of Ezekiel 38-39.

Breaking News: A deer just walked by my window! How cool!

Then, there is China which, I believe, will be among the so-called “kings from the east” (Revelation 16:12-16) who will march to Megiddo, along with the other surviving nations which, I believe (and I could be wrong), does not include the United States of America, only to be destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (Revelation 19:11-21).

Question: “What do we, as Christians, do in light of Bible prophecy?” I call it the “six ws” – watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please, I beg of you, agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven! Glory to God! Blessings with love, Doug (6/5/24)