LOST in SPACE!

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cool (39 degrees) Wisconsin where, as I was finishing my morning walk, there were 2 deer right outside of our condo to greet me. Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from The Hill, really got my attention this morning: “China space threat growing at ‘breathtaking pace’: Space Command chief.”

In the article, Brad Dress reported: “U.S. Space Command head Gen. Stephen Whiting said Thursday (2/29/24) that space has become an ‘expanding security challenge’ and warned that China is growing its military space abilities at a ‘breathtaking pace.” Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Whiting told lawmakers that space is ‘now central to all-domain security activities.’ He said the U.S. Space Command is not only focused on security in Earth’s orbit, but also looking for ‘potential threats’ beyond it. He outlined China as a major expanding threat in the space domain, saying Beijing was focused on advancing its military strength across all domains to become a major world power and world military power. By 2030, he said, China will have reached ‘world class status in all but a few space technology areas.”

Let me remind you of what John wrote, in Revelation 16:12, “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east (most likely China, North Korea and other communist nations) on their way to Megiddo (verses 13-16).

I am thinking (and I could be wrong), at sometime in the future, the USA will be defeated or diminished on the world stage, Russia and her allies, including Iran, will be defeated by the Lord God Himself (Ezekiel 38-39) which will then open the door for China and the other “kings from the east” to become the next world superpower until they are defeated by the Lord Jesus Himself when He returns to the earth to set up His kingdom (Revelation 19:11-21). Glory to God!

Scary and exciting at the same time. So, what are we, as Christians, to do until Jesus comes? The usual: watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, here’s what you need to do: 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! Blessings with love and prayers, Doug (3/3/24)

THE END of AMERICA?

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and clear (33 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 5 deer, 4 bunnies and the big dog with the flashing red lights! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from today’s Gatestone Institute, sadly caught my eye and may just lead to the downfall of America: “Biden Administration Not Stopping Iran, Russia, China and the Houthis!”

In the article, Majid Rafizadeh wrote: “What is essential to remember is that the Houthis and other proxies of Iran are in all likelihood deeply apprehensive about the prospect of their senior leadership being targeted. By refraining from targeting Houthi leaders, the United States has inadvertently emboldened the group and allowed them to act with impunity.

In recent months, the Red Sea has become a battleground for attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen, with the Biden administration facing mounting criticism for its failure to quell the escalating violence. As the Houthi group continues to build its weapons stockpile in Yemen, supported by the Iranian regime, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. It is critical that the United States reevaluate its military strategy to effectively address this growing threat.”

Let me remind you, from Bible prophecy (Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 16:12-16), and, in my opinion (and I could be wrong) that Russia, Iran and China are all mentioned in Scripture as “end times” players, but the U.S. is not, unless you take the prophecy of “Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish (Spain) with all her villages (Ezekiel 38:13) or “young lions,” (KJV), as referring to Europe and her descendants which could include the U.S. Regardless of who that is, they cannot do anything to stop the invasion of Russia and her allies to “take a spoil from Israel.” Thankfully, the Lord God Himself will come to Israel’s defense and destroy all her invaders (Ezekiel 38:18-39:29). Then, the Lord Jesus will return to the earth to set up His kingdom with a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem which you can read about in Ezekiel 40-48. Glory to God!

The bottom line: Jesus is coming! And, when He comes, He will either be your Savior or Judge. And, while it is true, He died for all, He will only be the Savior of those who have agreed with God they are sinners who need a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) and believed He died on a cross for their sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all their sins and give them eternal life (John 3:16). And, if you are already a believer in Jesus, continue to watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Love in Him, Doug (3/2/24)

PSALM 148

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cold (31 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 1 deer!

These two headlines caught my prophetical eye this morning:

#1. Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas explodes to become second-largest wildfire in U.S. history after burning 1.1 million acres (CBS News)

#2. Massive blizzard set to slam west coast: California could get 10 feet of snow as Sierra Nevada braces for blizzard with up to 100 mph winds (NBC News)

Psalm 148 begins and ends with the expression: “Praise the Lord!” And, in verses 1-4, the psalmist praises the Lord from the heavens, in the heights, for His angels, His hosts, the sun, the moon and the stars of light, the highest heavens and the waters above the heavens. Then, in verses 5-8, he wrote: “Let them praise the name of the Lord for He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, sea monsters and all deeps; fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word.” In other words, the Lord God is responsible for all the weather, like it or not. And, if you think the extreme weather in the above headlines is frightening, check out Luke 21:25- 26 to see what is yet to come.

Personally, I believe (not all Christians do) that the believers in Jesus will be “raptured” before the “worst of the worst” conditions on earth take place which Jesus told us about in Matthew 24:21-28. Yes, Jesus is coming (Matthew 24:29-31)! And, He will either be your Savior or Judge. Please know and believe He doesn’t want to send anyone to hell. But, you need to believe Jesus 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! Then watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Blessings with love, Doug (3/1/24)

COUNTDOWN to ISAIAH 17:1?

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cold (14 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: a shooting star! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline from The Times of Israel got my attention this morning: “Israeli Strikes in Damascus Cause ‘Material Losses’ Syrian State Media”

In the article, Emanuel Fabian reported: “Syria’s state-run SANA news agency says Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes against several sites near the capital (Damascus), causing ‘material losses.’ which may ultimately lead to the fulfillment of Isaiah 17:1. Stay tuned!

I don’t have a lot of time, as I am working this morning. So, please, if you are not a believer in Jesus, 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 till we meet again. Love, Doug (2/29/24)

REVELATION 8:5-9!

Good morning, blog readers, from cold (24 degrees), icy and windy (31 mph) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk which I cut short because of the wind and ice, I saw: a deer! Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me safe!

In Revelation 8:5-9, the apostle John wrote: “Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them. The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up and all the green grass was burned up. The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.”

So, you might wonder, “How is this relevant for today or the future?” Dr. Henry M. Morris, in his book, “The Revelation Record,” comments on verse 7: “The inhabitants of the earth had just experienced an amazing electrical storm plus a violent earthquake, and now followed a mighty storm of hail. Accompanying the pelting hailstones were balls of fire and drops of blood (possibly blood-covered water – blood itself is over 90% water). Such a phenomenon had never been seen by them before, and it will be terrifying.”

Dr. Morris has offered several possibilities for this, including “St. Elmo’s fire” and “worldwide volcanic explosions,” two of which are erupting, even as I write: the Popocatepl volcano in Mexico and the Grindavik volcano in Iceland. Stay tuned!

And so, while the wind is whipping around on the outside, I am enjoying being warm on the inside and waiting to see what surprises or judgments the Lord has in store for the world, America and Israel in particular. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please know He is coming and will be either your Savior or Judge and sentence you to heaven or hell. Please no that He “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and admonishes the unbeliever “to turn from his wicked ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11).” 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).

And, if you are a believer in Jesus, “fix your eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2)” and keep them there while watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. Love and prayers, Doug (2/28/24)

SMITHS FERRY!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and balmy (45 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer and a bunny! Thank You, Jesus!

This morning, as I usually do, I took a look at the USGS website to see what had transpired as far as earthquakes over the last 24 hours. And, much to my surprise, I saw there had been a “light” (4.9) earthquake, 10 km north of Smiths Ferry, Idaho (population: 75, as of 2010) which is about 25 miles northeast of Boise (population: 235,684, as of 2010). Note: You and I just never know where these are going to occur. And Jesus said, in Matthew 24:7: “For nation will rise against nation (check), and kingdom against kingdom (check), and in various places there will be famines (check) and earthquakes (check).”

And, in the next verse (Matthew 24:8), Jesus also said: “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs (pains).” Now, I am thinking (and I could be wrong), we are still in the “first trimester of the birth pains.” As I have said numerous times before, as believers in Jesus, we are to watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please become one today by simply 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 (2/27/24)

VANCOUVER ISLAND!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cool (34 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I did not see any of God’s creatures, but had a nice walk. Thank You, Jesus!

As those of you know, I have been studying earthquakes for some time because of what Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 24: 7, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.”

And, you may also know, I have been watching several areas in the United States and Canada for potentially devastating earthquakes in or near Alaska, Hawaii, New Madrid, Missouri, Yellowstone National Park, and the Vancouver Island Region where, I just learned, back on Monday, January 1/29/24, there was a “light” (4.5) quake.

Keep in mind, Jesus also gave us another clue in Matthew 24:8 where He said to His disciples: “But all these things (verses 3-14) are merely the beginning of birth pangs (pains).” Now I could be wrong, but I still believe we are in the “first trimester of the birth pains.” And, if you want to see what the “third trimester of pains” looks like, check out Revelation 6:12-14, 11:13 and 16:18 where the apostle John describes three “great” (8.0+) earthquakes which will cause massive destruction.

Yes, dearly beloved in Christ, He is coming! And, even though we will not know the “day or the hour” (Mark 13:32), I believe we will know the “season of His return,” based on the “signs” Jesus gave us in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. So, stay tuned and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, you can become one today, right now, 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 (2/26/24)

MORE RUMORS of WAR!

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cool (29 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 4 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This morning-headline from Breitbart was chilling: “Nuclear Threat: Russia Will Drop ‘Entire Arsenal’ On London, Washington If It Doesn’t Win Ukraine War!”

In the 2/19/24 article by Oliver JJ Lane, he wrote: “Top Putin Ally warns West of striving for a Ukrainian victory, warning that would lead to nuclear strikes on Kiev, Berlin, London, Washington, as well as an apocalyptic civil war in Russia with ‘tens of millions’ dead.”

Deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who was also formerly the Prime Minister and President of Russia in service to Vladimir Putin, has threatened western capitals with the ‘entire strategic arsenal’ of Russian nuclear weapons. Medvedev, for whom absolutely no slight is too small to necessitate a nuclear response, was speaking of Ukraine’s hope to retake its U.N.-recognized national territory which in some cases have been occupied by Russia for very close to ten years.”

Then, there was this headline from today’s Times of Israel staff: “Israel Air Force drilled ‘massive attack’ on Iran’ in presence of US officer.” In the article, the TOI staff reported: “A US official attended a classified Israel Air Force drill simulating a ‘massive attack’ on Iran’s nuclear program that was held two weeks ago, according to a Tuesday report. The drill involved dozens of jets and included various scenarios, including mid-air refueling, long range strikes and responses to anti-aircraft missiles.”

I find it interesting, but not surprising, that Russia, Iran and Israel are all mentioned in these stories, much like what has been prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39. It is also interesting to note that, in Revelation 6:7, 8, John prophesied: “When the Lamb (Jesus) broke the fourth seal, I head the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come.; I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.”

Let’s just say there are 8 billion people in the world. The first battle would kill a fourth of the population or 2 billion people., leaving 6 billion people on earth. Then, in Revelation 9:13-18, John saw another judgment of God which killed another third of mankind which would be another 2 billion, leaving 4 billion people on the earth which would please those who believe we need to shrink or cull the population for it to be more livable and enjoyable. Scary stuff!

Personally I believe (not all Christians do) in a pre-trib “rapture of the church” and that we will not be around for these judgments. But, let us not forget that, as believers in Jesus, He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). 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 are a believer in Jesus: Watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Love in Christ, Doug (2/25/24)

THE RETURN of CHRIST!

God morning, blog readers, from clear and cold (11 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw the heavens declaring the glory of God ((Psalm 19:1)! Thank You, Jesus!

For some 35 years, I have been writing about the Lord’s return. And, He still hasn’t come. So, why hasn’t the Lord returned? Answer: “Because it is not the time.” I like what Dr. Luke wrote, in Acts 17:30, 31, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men (women) that all everywhere should repent, because God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man (the Lord Jesus Christ) whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men (women) by raising Him from the dead.” Jesus then told His disciples in Mark 13:32, “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

So, we know that Jesus is coming! We just don’t know the exact time. However, we do know that Jesus gave His disciples then and now some “clues” or “signs” in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 which would lead up to His return. And, I also believe He gave us a “hint” of His return by telling us that these “signs” would come like “birth pains (Matthew 24:8),” increasing in frequency and intensity, as we get closer to His return. For example, He told us that one of the signs of His return would be: “And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. Bingo!

Personally I believe (and I could be wrong), we could be in what I like to call the “first trimester” of the signs. So, in light of these “signs” of Jesus’ return, what are we to do? I like to call them: the “six ws” – watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, you can become one right now 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). Blessings with love, Doug (2/24/24)

“WARNINGS?”

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cool (33 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline from Reuters made me laugh: “US Warns Iran against providing missiles to Russia.”

In the article, Humeyra Pamuk wrote: “The Biden administration on Thursday (yesterday) warned Iran of a ‘swift and severe’ response from the international community if Tehran provided ballistic missiles to Russia, after Reuters reported earlier this week that the Islamic Republic shipped the powerful weapons to Moscow. Speaking at a virtual briefing with reporters, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said Washington has yet to see confirmation that missiles have moved from Iran to Russia.

Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday that Iran has provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, citing six sources, a move that illustrated the deepening military cooperation between the two U. S.-sanctioned countries. “In this press reporting, the Iranians are clearly indicating that they will ship ballistic missiles to Russia, and we have no reason to believe they will not follow though,” Kirby said. “For our part, we will take this matter to the U.N. Security Council (what a joke!),! He added. “We will implement additional sanctions (another joke!) against Iran. And we will coordinate further response options with our allies and partners in Europe and elsewhere (Sheba, Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish who, according to Ezekiel 38:13, file only a “mild protest” against the invading Russians, Iranians and their allies. But, there’s good news: The Lord God Himself will come to Israel’s defense and destroy Russia, Iran and their allies. And, if you don’t believe me, read Ezekiel 38:13-39:29. Glory to God!

Yes, dearly beloved in Christ, these are exciting and scary times, as we watch Bible prophecy being fulfilled in our lifetime. So, here’s what we are to do: watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, 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). And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven! Blessings, Doug (2/23/24)