QUAKES in DIFFERENT STATES!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cool (44 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 12 robins, 2 planes, a beautiful sliver of the moon, a cardinal, a dove and “Barkie” the dog! Thank You, Jesus for all the different animals and birds You have created!

As many of you know, I like to study earthquakes primarily because of what Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 24:8: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places” which He told them would be one of the “signs” leading up to HIs return. Then, He continued: “These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs (pains).”

In other words, these “signs” of the Lord’s return will increase in “frequency and intensity,” as we get closer to His return. Question: “Does this mean we will be seeing an increase in the frequency and intensity of “earthquakes around the world and in the USA?” I believe so. For instance, over the last 24 hours, according to the USGS, there have been 15 “very minor” (2.6-2.7) quakes in 6 different states (Alaska, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oklahoma, off the coast of Oregon and a “moderate” (5.2) quake in Alaska. So, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us heed His words in Mark 13:33, 35, 37 to “stay on the alert,” as we watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes.

And, if you are still not a believer in Jesus, please become one today because there is no guarantee you will have a tomorrow. So, “here’s the drill,” as Judy Dalton used to say: 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 in Christ, Doug (5/5/24)

TAIWAN QUAKES!

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and mild (51 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: a bunny, a neighbor, a robin, a shooting star and heard the horn of a freight train! Thank You, Jesus, for all the different sights and sounds!

In case you hadn’t heard, there was this morning-headline from Reuters: “Taiwan rattled by more than 200 quakes, but no major damage.”

The Reuters staff reported: “Largely rural and sparsely populated Hualien was hit by a “major” (7.2) earthquake on April 3 that killed at least 17 people, and there have been more than 1,000 aftershocks since, including two “strong” (6.0 and 6.1) quakes. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said the spate of earthquakes starting Monday afternoon were aftershocks from the large April 3 quake.”

Jesus said to His disciples, 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). Then, He added in verse 8, “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs (pains).” In other words, as we get closer to the Lord’s return, the “signs” of HIs return will increase in frequency and intensity.” So, if you are a believer in Jesus, then 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). Blessings with love, Doug (4/23/24)

WHERE’S the U.S.?

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cold (32 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 2 deer and another dog who was not happy to see me! Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me safe!

This morning-headline, from the Gatestone Institute, made me both sad and angry: “Israel Under Attack – U.S. Administration Abandoning Its Ally?”

In the article, one of my favorite reporters, Majid Rafizadeh, reported: “Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any member state, making Iran’s actions tantamount to an act of war. The U.S. Administration’s call for Israel to refrain from responding to attacks while facing aggression is deeply troubling and raises significant questions about the principles of sovereignty and self-defense.

The expectation that Israel should tolerate such attacks not only undermines the principles of self-defense and sovereignty, but also erodes the longstanding partnership between the United States and Israel, sending a disconcerting message to the world about the strength of any US alliance in the face of adversity.

Amid the relentless assaults from multiple adversaries – Iran’s regime, Qatar, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, Israel finds itself surrounded by Iran’s ‘ring of fire’ on all fronts. These coordinated attacks, originating from both neighboring states and non-state actors, pose, as clearly intended, a threat to Israel’s existence. In these dire circumstances, Israel looks to its long-standing ally, the United States, for crucial support and solidarity. However, the Biden administration’s approach has left Israel feeling isolated and abandoned at a time when it most needs unwavering backing.”

In Zechariah 2:8, 9, we read: “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 eye.” Charles Ryrie comments: “These verses refer to the Messiah Who was sent to show God’s glory in judging the nations that plundered Israel. I suggest you read, if you dare, Matthew 25:31-46.

Sadly, many of the Jews, past and present, have rejected Jesus as their Messiah, even though He had all the credentials to be the One., as we see in passages like Isaiah 9:1-7, 35:1-6, Chapter 53. And so, I would say to any Jew or Gentile who is reading this article, please agree with God you are a sinner who needs a Savior Who is Jesus and believe He died on a cross for your sins, was buried and raised from the dead to forgive all your sins and give you eternal life (John 3:16). Then, you will not only go to heaven when you die, but also inherit your glorious kingdom on earth. Looking forward to both and praying I’ll see you there. Blessings, Doug (4/20/24)

ISRAEL’s REVENGE!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cool (37 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk under clear skies, I saw: 3 robins, a deer and a plane! Thank You, Jesus!

This headline, from http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/date/2024/04/18, caught my eye this morning: “ISRAEL’S REVENGE: Explosions Reported in Iraq, Syria, and Iranian Cities With Nuclear Facilities across the Middle East late Thursday night, as Israel appears to have begun exacting revenge heard in multiple locations.”

The article stated: “Explosions were heard in multiple locations across the Middle East late Thursday night, as Israel appears to have begun exacting revenge for Iran’s unprecedented attack on the Jewish State which saw some 350 suicide drones and missiles fired at Israeli territory. Explosions have reportedly been heard in Isfahan and Natanz, both cities in Iran which have nuclear installations. Three explosions have been reported in Isfahan where Iran has its main nuclear research facility, though it has not been confirmed that a nuclear site has been struck.

One reports suggests that Israel has struck 7 Iranian cities in total: Tehran, Fordow, Arak, Natanz, Kharg, Bushehr and Bandar Abbas. This has not yet been widely confirmed.

Iranian media report that Hastam Shikari air force base was hit by a missile. The air base was among several from which Iran launched its direct attack against Israel last weekend. According to Iranian media, the IDF may have targeted the 8th Tactical Airbase of the Iranian Air Force which is near the airport in Ishafan, and which contains multiple squadrons of F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft.

ABC News says it has been in contact with an IDF official who has confirmed that tonight’s strikes are in response to Iran’s drone and missile barrage.”

All I (Doug) can say is: “Stay tuned and watch for more air strikes from both sides and a possible Israeli attack on Damascus, Syria which may result in her total destruction, as Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 17:1 and which we may just be alive to see. Exciting and scary! Question: “So, what are we to do if the drones and missiles keep flying all over the world and even here in the States?” The first and best thing we can do is to “fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)” while we watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Him until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, you can become one right now 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 (4/19/24)

RUMORS to WAR AGAIN!

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and mild (57 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: a robin and a plane! Thank You, Jesus!

Yesterday, towards the end of the third round of the Masters Golf Tournament, I heard of “breaking news,” that Iran had attacked Israel with drones and missiles. Another case of a “rumor of war” turning into a “war,” just like Jesus said they would, leading up to His return (Matthew 24:6 & Mark 13:7).

And, in today’s Jerusalem Post, Tovah Lazaroff reported: “Iran warned the United States not to respond to its attack on Israel, as the confrontation between the two-arch foes spilled over into the region and US President Joe Biden held consultations in Washington. This is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY,” Iran’s mission to the UN in New York stated in a post on X early Sunday morning.” It (Iran) justified its launch of a drone and missile attack on Israel as an act of self-defense permissible under Article 51 of the UN Charter. According to Channel 12, an Israeli official has already said that there will be a significant response to Iran’s overnight attack on Israel.”

So, “stay tuned, dearly beloved in Christ, and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. Please know and believe He is coming! And, He will either be your Savior or Judge. Believe me He would rather be your Savior. 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). Blessings on your Sunday, Doug (4/14/24)

TRAINS, PLANES & QUAKES!

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cool (44 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: a plane and heard the horn of a freight train! Thank You, Jesus, for the various modes of transportation we have!

Yesterday, I wrote about one of my favorite subjects: earthquakes. Today, I would like to continue on that subject and give you some information on the frequency of earthquakes, based on estimated observations since 1900: Great quakes (8.0+): 1 per year; Major quakes (7.0-7.9), based on observations since 1990: 17 per year. Strong quakes: (6.0-6.9): 134 per year; Moderate quakes (5.0-5.9): 1,319 per year; Light (4.0-4.9) quakes: 13,000 per year; Minor (3.0-3.9): 130,000 per year; and Very Minor (2.0-2.9): 1,300,000 per year.

And, just this morning, according to the USGS (United States Geological Survey), there were two “strong” (6.6 and 6.0 quakes in Indonesia, two “moderate” (5.2 and 5.0) quakes in Japan and Tonga, two “very minor” (2.5, 2.6) quakes in Alaska, a very minor (2.8 quake in New Mexico, a very minor (2.8) quake in Hawaii and 2 very minor (2.8, 2.6) quakes in Nevada. Remember, Jesus said, in Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8 that, before His return,” there will be earthquakes in various places.”

So, stay tuned, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and keep watching, waiting, working, witnessing for, walking with and worshiping Jesus until He comes. And, if you are still 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). See you in heaven! Love, Doug (4/9/24)

QUAKES & RUMORS!

Good morning, blog readers, from snowy, windy and cool (31 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 4 robins, well below my high of 80+, some years ago in the summer! Thank You, Jesus, for the robins and the different kinds of birds You created!

Here are a couple of headlines which got my attention this morning:

#1. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in 25 years kills at least 9 (NBC News)

#2. Many Iranian options to retaliate against Israel, but all carry risk (Reuters)

Most of the earthquakes I have been monitoring of late have been in the “moderate” (5.0-5.9) category. This morning’s quake in Taiwan was a “major” (7.4) quake which was then followed by a “strong” (6.4) quake and some 14 “moderate” (5.0-5.7) aftershocks. According to Reuters, the “major” (7.4) quake has killed nine and injured hundreds.” Stay tuned for more aftershocks in or near Taiwan. And, by the way, there were also “moderate” quakes in Ecuador, the Mid-Indian Ridge, the Northern Mariana Islands Region, the Philippines and Vanuatu.

In the second article, Idrees Ali and Arshad Mohammed reported: “Iran faces a dilemma following an Israeli attack on its embassy in Syria: how to retaliate without sparking a wider conflict that Middle East analysts said Tehran doesn’t appear to want. Monday’s strike, which killed two Iranian generals and five military advisers at Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus comes as Israel accelerates a long-running campaign against Iran and the armed groups it backs. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed revenge.” Stay tuned!

Got to go for now. Lord willing, I will write tomorrow, as I am led by the Holy Spirit, keeping you updated on the “signs” Jesus gave us to watch for in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. And, if you are still not a believer in Jesus, why not become one right now 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! Love, Doug (4/3/24)

MANDATORY VACCINATIONS!

Good morning, blog readers, from sunny and cool (32 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, under clear skies, I saw: a deer and half of the moon!

The following headline, from Dr. Joseph Mercola, came as no surprise to me: “US Rolls Out Mandatory Adult Vaccination and Tracking Program.”

In the article, Dr. Mercola wrote: “This month, federal health officials are rolling out an adult immunization plan that contains a new Mandatory Adult Vaccination and Electronic Tracking Program. Public health officials will monitor Twitter and Facebook posts for anti-vaccine chatter that may indicate noncompliance with federal vaccine recommendations and state vaccine mandates. Public health agencies are urging Americans to fulfill their obligation to support and comply with the anti-choice requirement to relinquish responsibility for personal health and well-being to federally appointed health officials. The BioSafety (BS) Alert system will send out text message alerts to any cellphone within a 500-foot radius of one or more suspected individuals.”

“The measles outbreak in Disneyland is a prime example of how Americans are incapable of protecting their own health and making wise choices,” said a spokesman for the federally sponsored Anti-Choicers United Campaign. We are delighted that every state has pledged to move forward on bills to eliminate vaccine exemptions and support mandatory vaccine compliance, and we remind Americans that failure to vaccinate is a serious biothreat that simply will no longer be tolerated.”

Wow! Wow! Wow and Wow! Can you believe this is happening here in America? I thought we were, as Francis Scott Key wrote: “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Not anymore. Now, I am being labeled “a serious biothreat” because I won’t submit to the government’s authority. All I can say is, “Come, Lord Jesus (I Corinthians 16:22)!” This reminded me of what Jesus said, in Luke 9:23, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Sounds like we (I) might be put to the test real soon. This also reminded me of Hebrews 4:16 where the author prayed: “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

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) And, if you do, I’ll see you in heaven. Glory to God! Blessings with love, Doug (4/1/24).

TAIWAN RUMORS!

Good morning, blog readers, from clear and cold (27 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw Venus and a plane!

This headline, from Bill Koenig, caught my eye this morning: “Taiwan sounds alarm as 20 Chinese fighter jets and eight warships circle island.”

In the article, Koenig reported: “China has deployed more than 20 fighter jets and eight warships toward Taiwan, the self-ruled island’s defense ministry announced on Wednesday. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army sent 20 military aircraft and eight navy vessels around Taiwan in a 24-hour-window leading up to 6am local time Wednesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said. Of these, 14 fighter jets crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait – an unofficial boundary that spans over 90 miles wide and is regarded a buffer zone between the island and China.”

And Jesus said to His disciples, in Matthew 24:6, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of war.” See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.”

You may remember, a while back, I wrote about Russia threatening Ukraine with war and then going to war with Ukraine: a “rumor of war becoming a war.” Could it be we will see history repeating itself between China and Taiwan? I certainly hope not. But, with the world the way it is right now, I wouldn’t be surprised. So, stay tuned, dearly beloved in Christ, and fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and keep them there that “whatever may come,” a beautiful song by Jeremy and Adrienne Camp, you and I will report for duty and serve Jesus until He comes.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please don’t delay, 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. Glory to God! Love, Doug (3/28/24)

A DEFENSELESS ISRAEL?

Good morning, blog readers, from cloudy and cold (21 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I did not see any of God’s creatures, but had a nice walk. Thank You, Jesus!

This recent headline, from The Jerusalem Post, caught my eye this morning: “IDF (Israeli Defense Force) admits Houthis penetrated Eilat missile defense for the first time.”

In the article, Yonah Jeremy Bob reported: “The IDF late Tuesday night admitted for the first time that the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have penetrated the country’s missile air defense. According to the IDF, reports of an unidentified object landing north of Eilat on Sunday night referred to a cruise missile which came from the direction of the Red Sea. Although the IDF did not specifically identify the Houthis, the Iranian-backed group in Yemen has tried to strike Israel numerous times for months. Until now, all of its missiles had been shot down, often by the Arrow 1 or 3 missile defense system. There was one case of a small drone fired from Syria penetrating into Eilat, but it did little damage and had little potential for damage.

In contrast, the cruise missile in question did not hit any structures and landed in an open area, but could have potentially done far more damage. The IDF said it was probing why the missile was not shot down. One possibility could be that it was a cruise missile that flies in a more line-drive fashion and which might have caught the air defense operators by surprise. Israel’s David Sling is also made to shoot down such cruise missiles, but it has not been used in Eilat to date.”

This made me (Doug) think of Deuteronomy 28 where the Lord spelled out for Israel His blessings for Israel’s obedience and curses for her disobedience. For example, we read in Deuteronomy 28:6, 7: “Blessed shall you (Israel) be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. The Lord will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they shall come out against you one way and shall flee before you seven ways.” On the other hand, in verse 15, He said to Israel: “But it shall come about, if you will not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses (verses 16-68.) shall come upon you and overtake you.”

Question: “Could it be that Israel’s humiliation on October 7, 2023, and the Houthi missile getting through Israel’s “defenses” came as a result of her disobeying the Lord’s commands?” If that is true, then I highly recommend to the people of Israel: “Believe in the Lord God and keep His commandments that it would go well for you not only in regards to war, but also in regards to salvation that you might be the “apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8),” as He intended you to be.

And, if you are not a believer in Jesus, please know He is not only your long-awaited Messiah, but also 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). Then, watch, wait, work, witness for, walk with and worship Jesus until He comes. Blessings, Doug (3/21/24)