As an optometric physician, I practiced eye care for several years.  I always enjoyed improving people’s blurry vision with glasses or contact lenses.

For many of my patients, the visual acuity chart across the room would appear blurry like the one below on the left.  In most cases, after adjusting the lenses they were looking through in my phoropter, I could enable them to see the visual acuity chart clearly like the one on the right.

 

Jesus made a prophecy about a time of great distress that would take place near the end of the age.  It will involve a very destructive attack on the land of Israel, including Jerusalem and Judea (commonly referred to as the “West Bank”):

When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.  Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.  For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.  How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!  There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.  They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations.  Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:20-24).

For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has directed its proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza to make attacks on Israel.  Yet for the first time, on Apr. 14, Iran made a direct attack on Israel that included numerous drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missles, all coming from Iran.  Fortunately, 99% of the deadly weapons were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and by a few other nations allied with Israel.  This attack was not a fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy, as there was very little damage and only a few injuries.

Although the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel (on Oct. 7, 2023) began with the deaths of about 1,200 people and the removal of about 250 hostages into Gaza, there was not a great deal of damage in Israel.  Certainly, the ongoing Israel–Hamas war has not resulted in the desolation of Israel.  Israel’s government announced today (Apr. 16) that they have decided on a response to Iran’s recent attack.  So far, however, no details about this have been revealed.

Jesus prophesied that in the final attack on Israel, near the end of the age, there would be many in Israel who would fall (be killed) by the sword and who would be taken as prisoners to other nations.  This will result in the desolation (destruction and emptiness) of Israel.  Ultimately, though, the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) will return, annihilate all of Israel’s enemies and bring back all of those who were removed from Israel by its enemies.  From that day forward, everyone in Israel will know their Lord and God (Ezekiel 39:22) and will have an ongoing relationship with Him.  The Messiah will set up the Kingdom of God on the earth and will rule and reign over the whole world from His throne in Jerusalem.  The world will be a utopia, with Israel being God’s primary chosen and favored nation.

There is virtually no doubt that there will be more attacks on Israel by Iran and its allies.  It is possible that the devastating Gog and Magog attack on Israel, described by the prophet Ezekiel, will begin soon.  (A man referred to as Gog will be the leader of the Magog armies from various nations.)  The details of this battle are explained in Ezekiel 38 and Ezekiel 39.  Note that Persia, which is Iran, is included as one of the Magog nations in Ezekiel 38:5.  My response to an email I received about the timing of the Gog/Magog battle is here:

This is tax day in the USA.  Sometimes it is difficult to justify paying taxes to a government that has mismanaged its revenue so colossally.  For example, the U.S. national debt now is approaching $35 trillion.  Yet, the apostle Paul stated,

Give everyone what you owe him:  If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7)

As noted on Apr. 12, Iran had indicated that it was planning to attack Israel.  Many people thought it was possible that such an attack might happen this weekend.

Indeed, that did happen yesterday and overnight.  According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Iran launched 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missles into Israel.  Fortunately, about 99% of them were intercepted.  Analysts have said that the attack marked the first time that Iran had directly attacked Israel.  These attacks are expected to continue.

Authorities in Tel Aviv are expected to announce soon what Israel’s response will be to the significant attack by Iran.  The decision will be made by a three-person war cabinet authorized by the Israeli security cabinet.  The war cabinet, formed this weekend, named Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and opposition politician Benny Gantz as its members.

Netanyahu stated earlier in a speech that Israel is prepared for any direct attack by Iran and will retaliate.  He declared, “Whoever hurts us, we will hurt them.”  President Biden has informed Netanyahu that the U.S. will not participate in a counter-strike against Iran.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Christian researcher Carl Teichrib.  There are shadows of a one-world religion today in Parliament of the World’s Religions, Paganicon, and Burning Man.

Jan and Carl have attended one or all and report how desperate people are trying to be “as gods” while looking inward.  They worship the creation rather than the Creator.  This is the new global spirituality.

You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8-10)

         

         
30-second slideshow

Today’s program, lasting 55 minutes, can be heard here:

Earlier this month, an airstrike greatly damaged the Iranian consulate building, adjacent to the Iranian embassy, in Damascus, Syria.  This was the 2024 Iranian consulate airstrike in Damascus.  Sixteen people were killed, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) brigadier general.

Iran and several other nations are assuming that the assault was made by Israel.  Israel has neither confirmed nor denied making the attack.  Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that Israel “must be punished and will be punished” for the attack.  The U.S. White House emphasized today that Iran’s threats are “real and credible.”  However, the timing and the course of action of a possible counterstrike by Iran have not been revealed.

Western officials have indicated that certain intelligence shows that Iran is preparing for an attack on Israel at any time.  Many feel that this could occur as soon as this weekend.  If an attack of retribution by Iran is made on Israel, it very well could escalate the tensions and violence in the region significantly.

Today, there was a considerable stock market sell-off.  Major stock indices were in negative territory for the entire trading day, and they closed with large to very large losses.  This appears to be a response to reports that Israel is bracing for an imminent attack by Iran.

Since the beginning of the year, the Federal Reserve has been hoping to see signs of decreasing inflation before deciding to reduce interest rates.  However, prices have steadily increased in January, February and March.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics today reported that prices rose 3.5% from March 2023 to March 2024.  In addition, prices rose 0.4% from February to March this year.  There also are early signs that the labor market is weakening.  These were just a few indications that interest rates very likely will not be coming down anytime soon.

There had been expectations of an interest rate cut in June.  That most likely will not happen, though.  There still is some hope that rates could be cut in July, September or November.  However, it will not be surprising if interest rates are not decreased for the remainder of 2024.

All months on the Hebraic calendar begin with a new moon.  As the Israelites were about to leave Egypt, God spoke to Moses and Aaron on the first day of the month.  He said that month would be the first month of their year:

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.” (Exodus 12:1,2)

In the middle of the month of Nisan is Pesach or Passover (this year on Apr. 23), which always takes place on a full moon.  That is the day on which Jesus Christ (Yeshua Hamachiach, the Jewish Messiah) was crucified and died.

The following Sunday (this year on Apr. 28) is the Feast of Firstfruits.  It was the day that Jesus rose from the dead:

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

A total eclipse of the sun is moving over parts of North America today.  After beginning in the southern Pacific Ocean, it will come onto Mexico’s Pacific coast at about 11:07 a.m. PDT.

After it moves northeast across Mexico, the totality of the eclipse will continue moving northeast through the United States.  These are the states that will see short to lengthy portions of the total solar eclipse: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Then the total eclipse will enter Ontario, Canada, and continue moving northeast through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton and Newfoundland.  It will exit Canada into the Atlantic Ocean at about 5:16 p.m. NDT.

It is not safe to look directly at any portion of the sun during the eclipse without special protective solar viewing glasses.  Otherwise, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation coming around the edge of the moon and entering the eye can cause permanent damage to the retina and to the macula inside of the eye.

It was exactly six months ago, on Oct. 7, 2023, that the violent Hamas attack on Israel took place.  The Israel–Hamas war has been ongoing since then.

Last week, an airstrike destroyed the Iranian consulate building, adjacent to the Iranian embassy, in Damascus, Syria.  This was the 2024 Iranian consulate airstrike in Damascus.  Sixteen people were killed, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) brigadier general. 

The United States is anticipating a significant Iranian attack on U.S. or Israeli assets as soon as this week.  Israel has told the U.S. that if Iran were to launch an attack from its territory against Israel in retaliation, it would prompt a robust response from Israel, potentially escalating the current conflict to a higher intensity.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari has stated, “We are in a multi-front war.  We are looking not only at Hamas but all our enemies.  We look at all fronts and all threats in order to be ready for any scenario.”

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Alex Newman and Pastor Billy Crone.  They reported that the New World Order crowd is busy, in part, worshipping the creation rather than the Creator.

Their 2030 agenda is racing towards reality as they prepare for heaven on earth.  The coming Central bank digital currency (CBDC) system will ensure that we cannot buy or sell without using a non-cash currency.  All transactions will be tracked by the government.

Global problems need global solutions.  Many feel that a man-made global government is the solution to everything.

However, the ultimate global system to come will be the Kingdom of God on earth.  The government will be upon the shoulders of Jesus when He will rule and reign during the Millennium.

         

         
30-second slideshow

Today’s program, lasting 57 minutes, can be heard here:

A 4.8 earthquake hit New Jersey at 10:23 a.m. this morning.  It was centered near Lebanon, NJ, about 30 miles west of Newark.

On the Earthquake Magnitude Scale, it was rated as a light quake.  Yet, it was felt throughout much of New York state, including all of New York City.  It also was felt all the way up to Maine and down to Virginia.

No major disruptions or damage were reported due to the quake.  Aftershocks have been felt, and more are expected to occur.

Taiwan was struck this morning (7:58 a.m. Taiwan time) by its most powerful earthquake in a quarter century.  That huge quake, almost 25 years ago in September 1999, had a magnitude of 7.7.  It caused over 2,400 deaths, over 11,000 injuries and the destruction of thousands of buildings.

The strength of today’s quake, centered about 15 miles southwest of Hualien, measured 7.2 according to Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency.  The U.S. Geological Survey rated the strength at 7.4.  On the Earthquake Magnitude Scale, either of those magnitudes qualifies as a major quake.  Several aftershocks have been felt, with many more expected to occur over the next few weeks.

So far after today’s strong temblor, nine people have lost their lives, hundreds were injured, highways were damaged, train service was interrupted and several landslides have taken place.  Many people are trapped in tunnels and beneath collapsed buildings.  A tsunami warning went out to Japan and the Philippines, but it later was removed.

The damage in Taiwan could have been much worse.  However, their levels of earthquake planning and readiness continually are improving.  According to seismologist and professor Stephen Gao at Missouri University of Science and Technology, “Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness is among the most advanced in the world.  The island has implemented strict building codes, a world-class seismological network, and widespread public education campaigns on earthquake safety.”

Yesterday, I purchased 82.90 oz. (5.18 lb.) of 50%-off Easter candy.  Most of the candy that I preferred (especially dark chocolate) already had been removed from the shelves.  I probably won’t eat too much of what I got.

Happy April Fool’s Day.  Don’t play too many pranks unless you like to get pranked back. 

       
13-second slideshow