ANTISEMITISM and GOD!

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (43 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 5 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline, from The Jerusalem Post, got my attention this morning: “Hamas’ antisemitic influence is even bigger than the Nazis!”

In the article, Richard Kemp reported: “Hamas is by far the most successful antisemitic entity in the world today. Beyond all competition, it has mobilized Jew-hatred around the world, using the State of Israel both as its target and its primary weapon. By waging war against Israel over many years, Hamas has inspired and energized international organizations such as the UN and the EU, governments and parliaments, the Western media, university authorities, professors , students, human rights groups, businesses and large sectors of the general population.

All dance to its pernicious tune: some out of malevolence, and others blindly jumping on the virtues-gushing, some out of ignorance, and others blindly jumping on the virtue-signaling woke bandwagon. Consequently, the global scope and scale of Hamas’ antisemitic influence dramatically exceeds even the Nazis from whom it takes much of its own inspiration.”

So, you might ask or wonder, “What does the Bible say about antisemitism?” First of all, in Genesis 14:13, Abraham (Abram) is called “the Hebrew” or “Jew.” Then, in Genesis 15:5, the Lord appeared to Abraham and, when He had taken him outside, He said to him, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them. And He (the Lord) said to him (Abraham), “So shall your descendants be. Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.” In other words, Abraham was saved from his sins by his faith in the Lord.

As we continue to read through the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly Deuteronomy 28, we learn of how the Lord would bless Abraham (Israel) for his obedience to the Lord and curse him for his disobedience. And, even though the Lord would often curse the Jews for their disobedience, He would always preserve a “remnant” who would remain faithful to Him.

In the Hebrew Scriptures (aka, the Old Testament), we also learn of a coming Messiah for not only the Jews, but also for the whole world who would, one day, save His people from their sins and usher in a glorious kingdom on earth. And yet, when Jesus came as their Messiah, most of the Jews rejected Him, even voted to kill Him, and are still looking for another. In fact, the Hebrew Scriptures tell us, in Zechariah 12:7-14:21, that, when the Messiah (Jesus) comes again, only one third of them will enter His kingdom with two thirds of them cut off. How sad!

So, you can also see that many of the Jews are experiencing antisemitism as a result of their own disobedience and lack of faith in their Messiah Jesus. And so, whether you are Jewish or not, the Scriptures are clear, we are all sinners who need a Savior Who is Jesus (Romans 3:23, 24) 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). Please know I am praying for you for your salvation or sanctification, whichever you need. Have a blessed Sunday! Love in Christ, Doug (12/24/23)

STOPPING IRAN!

Good morning, blog readers, from foggy and cool (40 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 8 deer and 2 bunnies! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from today’s Gatestone Institute, caught my eye: “Three Things the Biden Administration Must Do Now to Stop Iran’s Mullahs!”

In the article, Majid Rafizadeh wrote: “If the Biden administration thought that by rescuing Iran’s economy, which had hit bottom, and removing the Houthis from the list of Foreign Terror Organizations would make both Iran into an ally, the generosity appears to have backfired.

If the Iran regime is allowed to advance to nuclear weapons capability, it will be on course to drive the U. S. out of the region, threaten its oil-rich neighbors, destabilize Europe, deploy military assets in Venezuela and Cuba and, at last, come for the ‘Great Satan,’ the United States.

It must be made unmistakably clear to Iran that the United States will not allow the Iran’s current regime, a designated state sponsor of terrorism, to arm itself with nuclear weapons and emerge as yet another global nuclear threat in the Middle East, Europe and South America.”

And, while Iran continues to threaten Israel, the United States and other nations in the free world, I am banking on the Word of God, particularly Ezekiel 38-39, where God reminds us that, at sometime in the future, perhaps even in our lifetime, the Lord God Himself will destroy Russia, Iran and a host of other nations without the help of the United States which I believe (and I could be wrong) may be either destroyed or weakened when this occurs. Stay tuned!

And, in case you were wondering, here’s my latest weekly update on 5.0+ earthquakes from around the world: 28 moderate (5.0-5.9) and 4 strong (6.1, 6.1, 6.1 and 6.2) quakes in Alaska, Peru and South of Africa (2).

All this to remind you that Jesus is coming! Are you ready? Do you know Him as your Savior Who 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 do, I’ll see you in heaven. Blessings, Doug (12/23/23)

UKRAINE WAR: WHAT’S NEXT?

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and warm (39 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer! Thank You, Jesus!

Dr. Joseph Mercola, in today’s article, posed the question: “Ukraine War: What Happens Next?”

In the article, Dr. Mercola wrote: “Lex Friedman interviews John Mearsheimer, an international relations scholar at the University of Chicago, about how the war in Ukraine will end. In the best case scenario, Mearsheimer predicts a ceasefire leading to a frozen conflict.

In the event of a frozen conflict, Mearsheimer believes it will be unstable, with Ukrainians attempting to weaken Russia’s position and Russians ‘going to great lengths’ to damage Ukraine and sow dissension within the alliance.

Mearsheimer states that if the U.S. continues to interfere in the war, the answer to whether the conflict will be solved is ‘definitely no … You have to get the Americans out. Mearsheimer believes there’s a ‘sliver of a chance’ to work out the war, but to get there Ukraine has to become neutral and completely sever all security ties with the West.'”

Now that I have given you Dr. Mercola’s and Dr. Mearsheimer’s ideas, let me give you a different idea of the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war, based on Ezekiel 38-39 in the Bible where a “Gog of Magog,” that is a Russian leader, will, at some time in the future, perhaps even in our lifetime, be drawn away by God from one conflict (Ukraine?) to go to Israel to “seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods and to capture great spoil (Ezekiel 38:10-17).” And, just when it looks like Israel is doomed to be ravaged by this massive army, the Lord God Himself comes to her defense and destroys Russia and her allies (Ezekiel 38:18-39:29). Glory to God!

All of this to set the stage for the return of Christ to the earth to set up His kingdom. As someone once said: “God said it; I believe it; that settles it; let’s get on with it!” So, 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, keep: watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes whenever that is. Blessings and prayers, Doug (12/22/23)

O Canada!

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (33 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: a deer and got a “beep and a wave” from two truck drivers! Thank You, Jesus!

As many of you know, I have been studying earthquakes from all over the world for some time. This morning, I did something I haven’t done for, at least, a couple of years: I took a look at quakes in British Columbia, Canada and found that, in October of this year (2023), there had been a “minor” (3.9) quake and 2 “light” (4.3, 4.9) quakes in Port Hardy, British Columbia (population: 4,008). Now, you might not think these quakes were significant. However, they were on Vancouver Island where the threat of a “real Big One” (7.0) with an epicenter close to Victoria and Vancouver “keeps engineers awake at night.

Daniel Stevens, Vancouver’s director of emergency management, said “it would be a bad scenario if a shallow earthquake were to happen near Vancouver. We would see damage to our bridges, damage to our roads, our telecommunications systems will be damaged. There may be fires that break out in some areas. And the biggest impact is going to be the buildings,” he said.

As I have said before, “stay tuned and remember,” Jesus said, in Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8 and Luke 21:11 that, before His return, “there will be earthquakes in various places.” Oh, and one more thing: Dr. Luke, in his gospel, wrote, “there will be great earthquakes” which the USGS has listed as 8.0+ on the Richter Scale. And, if you dare, check out Revelation 16:17-21 to see what this will look like.

Yes, dearly beloved in Christ, He is coming! The “signs” of His return are increasing in frequency and intensity like “birth pains,” as He said they would. (Matthew 24:8). So, “stay on the alert” (Mark 13:33, 35, 37) and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping 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). Praying I will see you all in heaven. Love, Doug (12/21/23)

JESUS, CASPER & CORRIE!

Good morning, blog readers, from mostly cloudy and cold (26 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 4 deer and got a “beep” from a truck driver! Thank You, Jesus!

During my morning devotions, I have been reading through the gospel of John and Corrie Ten Boom’s book, “The End Battle.” And, I might add, I have been blessed by both.

First, I was blessed to read again of Jesus’ healing of the the man who was blind from birth which, sadly, many of the religious leaders of the Jews, did not believe He could do.

Then, I read a chapter in Corrie Ten Boom’s book, “The End Battle,” on “Martyrdom.” One of my favorite passages was where Corrie said to her father, Casper, a man of strong faith in Jesus, “I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to die as a martyr.” To which, her father said: “When you have to go on a journey, when do I give you the money for the fare – two weeks before?” Corrie replied: “No, Daddy, on the day I am leaving.” Her father then said: “Precisely, and that is what the Savior does also. He does not give us grace now for something we may have to pass through later on. If He thinks we are worthy to die as a martyr, He gives us the strength for it at that moment.”

I have never forgotten that, a reminder that God will always give us grace and mercy to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). And so, as I get ready for work, please pray for me that the Lord would use me to bless others and glorify Him. And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please don’t put it off for another minute because you may not have another minute. 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 (12/20/23)

HERE COME the HOUTHIS!

Good morning, blog readers, from partly cloudy/sunny and cold (13 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 3 deer, a dog & Venus shining brightly! Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline got my attention this morning: “US mulls military action against Houthis amid Red Sea blockade.”

In the article, the Politico staff reported: ” According to Washington officials, the Pentagon moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Gulf of Aden off the Yemen shore after escalation in attacks against ships in the Red Sea.

The U.S. is considering an attack on the Houthis in Yemen after the spike in attacks meant to impose a ‘naval blockade’ on Israel and disrupt maritime trade routes that are critical for the world economy, Politico reported on Saturday, citing two Biden officials.

One-tenth of the world’s oil and an estimated trillion dollars in goods pass through the Bab El-Mandeb Strait each year, a strategic chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and all maritime traffic heading to Egypt’s Suez Canal must pass through there.

The report comes on the heels of of an escalation of Houthi attacks in recent days and after the Pentagon said 14 attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen were shot down by the USS Carney, and an additional drone was shot down by a British destroyer, the HMS Diamond. There are currently 19 American warships in the area, 7 in the Mediterranean Sea and 12 in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf.”

Now, let me remind you, from the Scriptures, that the U.S. is nowhere to be found in prophecy , other than perhaps as one of “the merchants of Tarshish (Spain) with all its villages” (“young lions” in the KJV) who very weakly protest Russia’s invasion of Israel to “take a spoil (Ezekiel 38:13).” And, just when it looks like Israel is doomed for sure, the Lord God Himself comes to her rescue and destroys Russia, Iran and their allies. And, if you don’t believe me, read Ezekiel 38:18-39:29.

Remember, Jesus told His disciples, in Matthew 24:6, Mark 13:7 and Luke 21:9, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of war.” There is no question about it: we are in a battle for “truth” against the “father of lies (John 8:44).” So, let’s put our armor on (Ephesians 6), get ready for war and fight for Jesus with the “sword of the Spirit, the Word of God,” until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, you can sign up today and become one 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 in Christ, Doug (12/19/23)

FAKE FOODS & LEADERS!

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy, windy and cold (25 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk in a 25-35 MPH wind, I saw Venus, the bright morning star (Revelation 22:16) which is also a picture of Jesus Who, according to William MacDonald, “appears in the sky before the sun rises and will first come to the church at the Rapture.”

Question: “Did you know that “up to 70% of all honey in the United States is fake, testing reveals?” According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, “Honey can be faked and adulterated in many different ways ‘to fraudulently control the market. Common strategies include diluting the honey with sugars or syrups, or feeding corn syrup to bees rather than allowing them to forage for pollen. Honey is the third most-faked food in the world. Tests have revealed 50% to 70% of all U.S. honey is fake or adulterated.

True Source Honey, a honey certification group, was created by the businesses it certifies. According to a class action complaint, True Source Honey is being used by these businesses ‘to fraudulently control the market, sell fake honey at substantially lower prices than honest beekeepers, and divert sales, revenue, and profits to themselves.”

Dr. Mercola recommends: “To ensure authenticity, buy honey from a local beekeeper. You’ll typically find them at farmer’s markets. Also, use your senses. Many adulterated honeys will lack the floral notes found in pure honey. Adulterated honey may also have a lingering aftertaste, or will simply taste too surgery, and is far stickier and transparent than real honey. … Tests have also revealed anywhere from 60% to 90% of the olive oils you find in grocery stores and restaurants are adulterated with cheap linoleic acid-rich seed oils that are pernicious to health in several ways.”

Note: Perhaps you may have heard of the move to “fake meat.” Or, how about the “experimental gene therapies” which are being sold and promoted as “vaccines” which they aren’t. Jesus even said , in Matthew 24:24, that, at some time in the future, there will be “false Christs, false prophets and false signs and wonders, so as to mislead if possible, even the elect.” And, then there will be the ultimate “fake of all,” the coming world leader, aka, the Antichrist, who will appear on the world scene in the future to usher in a time of “peace and safety,” then declare to the world he alone is God to be worshipped with the death penalty for all who resist him.

Remember, Jesus said, in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father (goes to heaven), but through Me.” So, don’t let the devil fool you into thinking there are many different ways to God; there is only one way: Jesus Who 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 already a believer in Jesus, simply watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Blessings with love in Christ, Doug (12/18/23)

ANOTHER RUMOR of WAR!

Good morning, blog readers, from misty and cool (40 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I did not see any of God’s creatures, but was able to walk 2.1 miles! Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline, from Reuters, got my attention this morning: “Iran warns against proposed U.S.-backed Red Sea force.”

In the article, the Reuters staff reported: “Iran’s Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani warned that a proposed U.S.-backed multinational task force to protect shipping in the Red Sea would face ‘extraordinary problems,’ official Iranian media reported on Thursday. Ashtiani’s comments came after the United States said last week it was in talks with other countries to set up a task force following a spate of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on ships in the Red Sea. “If they make such an irrational move, they will be faced with extraordinary problems,” Ashtiani told the official Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) in comments it published on Thursday. “Nobody can make a move in a region where we have predominance,” he said referring to the Red Sea.”

Note: I am thinking that Iran cannot make these remarks unless she is backed by other larger, more powerful, countries like Russia (Ezekiel 38:1-5). Remember, Vladimir Putin threatened war with Ukraine, then started a war with Ukraine. Now, Iran is threatening a war with the USA. Stay tuned! Or, as Jesus said, in Mark 13:33, 35, 37, “Be on the alert!”

One more sign that Jesus’ coming for His bride, the church, could be sooner rather than later. Question: “Are you ready for His coming?” If you are, then you have been watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. If you are not ready for His coming, then make sure you have agreed 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 in Christ, Doug (12/17/23)

ZUBENELGENUBI!

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (40 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning, walk, I saw: a deer! Thank You, Jesus!

Now, if you’re like me, you have never heard of the above word before. According to EarthSky.org, Zubenelgenubi is “the little star near the blazing planet Venus now, in the east before sunup. This star whose name rhymes with Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Star Wars franchise. Zubenelgenubi means Southern Claw in Arabic. And, at one time this star was seen as part of Scorpius the Scorpion.”

And, speaking of the stars, EarthSKy also reports, in relation to the Sun, that “a cascade of CME’s is coming!” CME stands for “coronal mass ejections” which are now headed toward Earth. On Thursday, we saw the biggest X flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far. Modeling and analysis showed that these events are coming our way. They’ll hit the earth with a glancing blow starting mid-to-late day today, with activity ramping up even more tomorrow). There’s no danger to Earth (that is, Lord willing), except for the risk of being wowed by beautiful auroras.”

But, remember, Jesus said, in Luke 21:25-27: “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves. men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see The Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” I can’t wait. But, wait I must and watch, 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. Love, Doug (12/16/23)

PROPHETIC HEADLINES!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cool (37 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 7 deer and another dog who was not happy to see me! Go figure! Thank You, Jesus!

Here are some interesting and, perhaps prophetic, headlines, from the recent news:

#1. The Satanic Temple to Launch ‘After School Satan Club’ at Memphis Elementary School (The Hill)

#2. AI-generated anchors to debut on Channel 1 in 2024 (The Hill)

#3. Sun news update December 14, 2023: Bam! X flare! (EarthSky)

#4. Putin says there will be no peace in Ukraine until goals are achieved, while offering rare details (AP)

Hmmmmm: A Satanic Club in an elementary school, an X-flare from the sun! AI-generated news anchors and Vladimir Putin vowing to continue the war in Ukraine.

And so, you might ask, How are these headlines prophetic?”

Well, let’s see: First of all, Satan is called the “god of this world who blinds the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (II Corinthians 4:4).” Secondly, Artificial Intelligence is man-created and, therefore deceptive. Thirdly, Dr. Luke records Jesus as saying, in Luke 21:25, “there will be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars” before He returns to the earth. And fourthly, Russia continues its war with Ukraine and, according to Ezekiel 38-39, will continue it until the Lord draws him, his troops and other allies to Israel to “capture spoil.” And, if you don’t believe me, read all the Scriptures I have listed and see for yourself. “

All of this leads me to believe Jesus’ coming may just be sooner than we might all think. So, let us, as believers in Jesus, stay on the alert (Mark 13:33, 35, 37) and 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). Please pray for me as I work at Goodwill and teach a class on Luke later. Thanks! Love and blessings, Doug (12/15/23)