Today, former president Donald Trump and Texas governer Greg Abbott visted the US-Mexico border together.  This was in Hidalgo County, which is on the border and very near the southern tip of Texas.

Trump blamed the crisis of the huge migrant surge, coming north over the border for many months, on Biden administration’s easing of Trumps “tough but fair” policies aimed at deterring new arrivals.  According to Trump, “Now we have an open, really dangerous border, more dangerous than it’s ever been in the history of our country—and we better go back fast.”

Last week, Biden dispatched Vice President Harris, whom he has tasked with overseeing efforts to stem migration, to the border region.  She highlighted the administration’s commitment to “orderly and humane” immigration policies.  However, El Paso is hundreds of miles from the epicenter of the migration surge.

Both Abbott and Trump spoke for almost 32 minutes at the event today:

In December 2020, the Pentagon and the office of the Director of National Intelligence were asked to investigate the mysterious cluster of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the past few years.  A report was requested within six months.

The unclassified 9-page report came out at the end of last week.  It is described as a “preliminary assessment” that focuses on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings by Navy pilots from November 2004 and March 2021.  Most of the investigated phenomena took place in the last two years.

One statement in the report reads, “UAP pose a hazard to safety of flight and could pose a broader danger if some instances represent sophisticated collection against U.S. military activities by a foreign government or demonstrate a breakthrough aerospace technology by a potential adversary.”  The report also states, “Most of the UAP reported probably do represent physical objects given that a majority of UAP were registered across multiple sensors, to include radar, infrared, electro-optical, weapon seekers, and visual observation.”

In addition, “Some UAP appeared to remain stationary in winds aloft, move against the wind, maneuver abruptly, or move at considerable speed, without discernable means of propulsion.” In the Bible’s book of Revelation, there are two places describing how satanic evil angels (sometimes referred to as “stars”) will be flung or hurled out the sky and onto the earth:

Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads.  His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. (Revelation 12:3,4a)

The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.  He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. (Revelation 12:9)

Some have suggested that this could explain the UAP phenomena.  If so, presumably these supernatural beings will be creating a great deal of havoc in the world, as well as a great deal of deception.  Perhaps, by possessing certain people, they will deceive others by performing great signs and wonders:

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. (Matthew 24:24)

Reportedly, on June 9, Gosiame Sithole in South Africa claimed to have given birth to 10 babies at once.  If true, they would be classified as decuplets.

Recently, though, the notion that this actually happened has come into question.  Last week, Gosiame was taken to the psychiatric ward at Tembisa Hospital in Johannesburg and examined by a medical team.

A medical evaluation evidently showed that she had not been pregnant.  Also, reportedly there were no physical scars that would have indicated a recent C-section.

Furthermore, her boyfriend and alleged father of the babies, Tebogo Tsotetsi, has said that he does not believe the decuplets exist.  In a statement released by his family, they said that they do not believe there are decuplets until proven otherwise.

The extreme heat wave in the western U.S. that began in the late Spring is continuing in the early Summer.  Some places that virtually never experience tremendous heat are setting record heat temperatures this weekend.

A stalled high pressure system, causing a “heat dome,” is responsible for the extreme heat in the region.  High temperatures are expected for the rest of the week, especially tomorrow.

Portland, OR, reached 108° yesterday.  This broke the previous all-time record of 107° set in 1965 and in 1981.  This afternoon, the temperature appeared to reach an amazing 110°, which would be another record high.

Seattle, WA, reached 101° yesterday, which was its hottest June day ever.  That was second only to its record high temperature ever of 103°.  Today, the high was 93°.  Although this was not a record high, it was higher than usual for June.  Some weather media have reported that Seattle’s actual high today was 104°; if true, that would be an all-time record high.

 

It has been two days since the partial collapse of the south Champlain Towers condominium building in Surfside, Florida, located in Miami-Dade County.  Four people have been confirmed dead, and at least 159 people remain unaccounted for.

Search-and-rescue operations are continuing to search for any survivors who may be trapped beneath the wreckage.  Crews are using an array of techniques and technology to find hints of any people who still might be alive.  Issues complicating the search include a great deal of rain water and also fires burning beneath the rubble.

There have been several reports of what sounds to be tapping and other noises.  It is unknown if the sounds are human-made or simply the sounds of the rubble shifting.

The cause of the collapse is not yet certain.  However, one possibility is structural damage taking place over decades of time, particularly due to water decay and the settling of ground that is very near the Pacific coast in a tropical environment.

The nearby north Champlain Towers building might be evacuated soon.  It was built at the same time forty years ago, as well as designed by the same designer and built by the same builder, as the partially-collapsed south Champlain Towers building.  So there is some concern that the north building also could experience some amount of collapse.

A newly discovered report, from 2018, notes that there was a lack of proper drainage on the pool deck outside of the building.  This had severely damaged the concrete structural slabs underneath.

There also were other signs of potential damage that should have been dealt with in a timely manner.  There was no clear indication whether or not the Condominium Association had addressed the issues pointed out in the report.

The jury in the Minneapolis trial of Derek Chauvin made its decisions over two months ago on Apr. 20, convicting him on all charges.  Today, Judge Peter Cahill, in Hennepin County Court, announced Chauvin’s sentence.

The judge announced that Chauvin has been sentenced to 22½ years in prison.  Chauvin expressed his condolences to the Floyd family.  He also noted that there will be some other information in the future that will be of interest.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that famine, already present in several countries, could become a reality for many millions of people around the world.  This will happen without urgent funding to stave off a catastrophe and without access to families cut off by various types of conflicts.

The WFP’s Executive Director, David Beasley, Addressed WFP’s Executive Board earlier this week.  He said, “I am heartbroken at what we’re facing in 2021.”  He warned that “41 million people are literally knocking on famine’s door.  If you look at the numbers, it’s just tragic — these are real people with real names.  I am extremely concerned.”

He said that the price tag to help decrease the possibility of famine is $6 billion.  About 0.5% of the global population is on the brink of famine this year due to conflict, economic shock and soaring food costs.  The number of undernourished people across the world is estimated, by the UN, to be more than 690 million.

Prophetically, severe famines, pestilences, plagues and other unpleasant things will take place at the end of the age:

There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:11)

I looked, and there before me was a pale horse!  Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him.  They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:8)

A couple of nights ago in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, Palestinian protestors and Jewish residents had a violent clash.  Police moved in to disperse the Palestinians, wounding at least 20.

Jewish residents said that protestors threw stones and Molotov cocktails at Jewish homes.  A pregnant woman was injured after being hit in the back with a stone.

The neighborhood has been the scene of frequent clashes in recent weeks over the impending eviction of Palestinian families.  The violence also has spilled over into a wider conflict in Jerusalem and beyond.

Last month, the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip used the clashes as a pretext to fire rockets at Jerusalem, with defensive attacks by Israel on the Gaza Strip.  After 11 days of violent conflict, a cease-fire went into effect on May 21.  However, it is unknown how long the cease-fire will last.

The new president-elect of Iran is Ebrahim Raisi, who won the election last week.  He is scheduled to assume office on August 3.

Raisi is a devout follower of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  The president-elect already has demanded that the U.S. “lift all oppressive sanctions against Iran.”  He also said that he refuses to negotiate over Tehran’s ballistic missile program and will not meet with President Biden.

Talks are continuing in Vienna among diplomats from some nations pertaining to Iran nuclear deal, which began in 2015 but has had some changes.  Raisi has said that the U.S. violated the deal and and the European Union failed to fulfill its commitments.

Naftali Bennett, Israel’s new prime minister, said yesterday, “Raisi’s election is, I would say, the last chance for world powers to wake up before returning to the nuclear agreement, and understand who they are dealing with.”

       
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The Summer Solstice happened last night in North America at 11:32 p.m. EDT (= 8:32 p.m. PDT).  That is when Summer officially began.

My dad is in heaven, and I look forward with great anticipation to seeing him again one day.  He was the best role model that I could have had.  For all of you other dads:  HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, and God bless you for doing all the great and wonderful things that you do for your families. 

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell noted how many churches teach that the Millennium, described in Revelation 20, is not a literal amount of time.  Instead, they claim that this term is figurative and symbolic; that teaching is called “amillennialism.”

She presented a message by Dr. David Jeremiah on this topic.  He is the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, CA.  Dr. Jeremiah described the theories of amillennialism and postmillennialism, which some churches teach.  However, he explained how and why premillenialism is the correct view that clearly is taught in the Bible.

The thousand-year, literal reign of Christ on the earth has yet to take place in the future.  This will be after the physical return of Jesus back to earth, as the Rider on a white horse, which is yet to happen.

A one-world government, composed of leaders from many nations, cannot and will not bring peace and prosperity to the world.  Only Jesus, the Son of God, can and will do that.

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 49 minutes, can be heard here:

In many states, Juneteenth has been observed as a holiday on June 19 since 1866, one year after it initially was observed in Texas.  It also has been referred to as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day and Liberation Day.

The date first was commemorated in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.  On that date, a proclamation was made by Union Army Major General Gordon Granger that all slaves in Texas were free.  However, it was not until the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865, and then proclaimed as law on December 18, 1865, that slavery officially was abolished in all states.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed an act establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.  The next day, the House of Representatives passed the act by a vote of 415 to 14.  Yesterday, the act was signed by President Joe Biden, adding Juneteenth to the list of federal holidays in the United States.

It will be known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.  Some feel that it should be called Juneteenth National Emancipation Day, since July 4 is the nation’s official Independence Day.

The new Juneteenth federal holiday is being observed today by most federal employees, who will be paid for their day off.  That is because this year June 19 falls on a Saturday, which is tomorrow.

In other news, the heatwave is still severe in the western U.S. and will continue at least into next week.  An excessive heat warning is in place for much of Arizona and California and for southern areas of Nevada and Utah.

In California, a state of emergency has been declared.  Californians are being urged to conserve energy during peak times of the day, at least for the next few days.

One of the hottest places in the world is Death Valley.  There is an extreme heat danger warning there right now.

Yesterday, at Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center, a thermometer displayed 130° F.  The forecast chart below shows expected high temperatures there through next week, with a high today of 123° F.  I’m tempted to zip over there to see what that’s like. 

So far this month, over 180,000 immigrants have been stopped after crossing over the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.  This is the first time that the monthly number has exceeded 180K since April 2000—over 21 years ago.  Along with other very high numbers, this is indicative that the border crisis is ongoing and becoming increasingly unmanageable.

All border wall construction was halted by President Biden in January.  Since March, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has talked increasingly about the necessity of building a wall along the Texas-Mexico border.  Last week, he announced actual plans to build the wall.

Abbot also said that he and Arizona’s Governor Doug Ducey are planning to ask other states to send law enforcement officials to Texas and Arizona.  The purpose would be to assist their states in arresting and jailing the enormous number of people continuing to cross the southern border illegally.

Yesterday, Governor Abbott gave a press conference from the Capitol in Austin about his plans to build a Texas border wall.  There will be a $250 million down-payment to begin the project.  Donations from around the country are being requested.

The press conference, lasting about 39 minutes, can be seen and heard below:

For three days in a row, passengers scheduled to fly on Southwest Airlines flights have experienced extreme delays and flight cancellations.  The crowd size in many airports has been enormous.

Night before last, Southwest’s third-party weather provider experienced intermittent performance issues.  This vital information is needed to safely operate flights, so Southwest had to ground all of its flights.

Yesterday, Southwest was hit with a system-wide computer outage.  The airline asked the Federal Aviation Administration to ground all of its flights in the contiguous US airspace over computer technology issues.  Over 500 flights were canceled, and more than 1,200 flights experienced delays.

Again today, there has been continuing Southwest passenger frustration, due to more flight cancellations and delays.  The airline is working hard to resume normal operations.

Southwest Airlines is celebrating its 50th year in business this week.  It is offering 50% off of base fares for 50 days, from September 15 to November 3, if scheduled and purchased by tomorrow (June 17).  To get the discount, promo code SAVE50 must be used when booking flights.  Hopefully, their computer difficulties will not resurface during that time.

Most people today were alive when Lake Pinatubo was formed.  That happened exactly 30 years ago today on June 15, 1991.

On that day, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines had a cataclysmic eruption.  It was the second-largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century (after the eruption of Novarupta in Alaska in 1912).

Following the eruption, the summit of the Pinatubo volcano collapsed, and annual monsoon rains brought water into the new caldera.  Soon thereafter, Lake Pinatubo formed in the crater.

       
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Happy Flag Day, fellow Americans!  This commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777.

Proudly display a flag on your house or on your desk at work today.  Here are places where the U.S. flag can be flown 24 hours a day, every day of the year:

• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
  Baltimore, Maryland (Presidential Proclamation No.2795, July 2, 1948)
• Flag House Square (Mary Pickersgill's "Star Spangled" House)
  Baltimore Maryland (Public Law 83-319, approved March 26, 1954)
• United States Marine Corp Memorial (Iwo Jima)
  Arlington, Virginia (Presidential Proclamation No.3418, June 12, 1961)
• On the Green of the Town of Lexington
  Massachusetts (Public Law 89-335, approved November 8, 1965)
• The White House
  Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation No.4000, September 4. 1970)
• Washington Monument
  Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation No.4064, July 6,1971, effective July 4, 1971)
• United States Customs Ports of Entry
  which are continually open (Presidential Proclamation No.4131, May 5, 1972)
• Grounds of the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge State Park
  Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Public Law 94-53, approved July 4, 1975)

In Israel this evening, MKs (members of the Knesset) voted for a new government.  The next government was approved by a vote of 60 MKs in favor and 59 MKs opposed.  There was one abstention.

Benjamin Netanyahu has served as Israel’s longest serving prime minister: 1996 to 1999 and 2009 to 2021.  Now, he has been voted out by the narrrowest possible margin: 1 vote.

There now is a new rotation government in Israel (see Characteristics of Israel government).  Now, Israel will be governed by an eight-party coalition—the largest in Israeli history.

Yemina party leader, Naftali Bennett, has been elected as prime minister of Israel; while Yesh Atid party chairman, Yair Lapid, has been elected as foreign minister and alternate prime minister of Israel.  In two years, assuming the government lasts, Bennett and Lapid will switch posts.

In other news, a major heat wave is hitting states in the western U.S. this weekend.  In some places, record temperatures for June may be matched or exceeded.

Many locations will be having temperatures over 100°, which may continue for a few days.  Today, some places in southeastern California and southern Arizona may have temperatures exceeding 110°.  The temperature in Death Valley, CA, could go above 120°.

Also, there are wildfires in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.  Bad drought conditions and gusty winds in many areas will raise wildfire concerns in many areas this week.

Heat is the #1 weather-related killer.  Excessive heat in late Spring can be especially dangerous, since it typically is not expected this time of year.

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with author and associate pastor David Fiorazo.  The “cancel culture” is trying to delete God, and those who believe in Him, from society.  They want to divide our culture.

They do not merely want unity; they demand submission and will attempt to “cancel” those who oppose them.  They feel it is necessary to “deprogram” those who do not agree with them politically.  It no longer is okay to be a Christian, a conservative or even a patriot.  Many Christians are not engaging in the battle and are staying silent.

Sins cannot be assigned to people according to their skin color.  All people are sinners, and each person is responsible for acknowledging his or her own sins and turning to Jesus for forgiveness.  Churches need to reject the notion of critical race theory and other things that are completely unbiblical.

Jesus is Lord, His Word endures forever and He cannot be canceled.  However, we are in a worldview war between those who trust in God, who is sovereign and all-powerful, and those who trust in government, man and moral relativism.

Thanks be to God who, in Christ, always leads us in triumphal procession and spreads through us the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:14,15)

         

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

Some people have side effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.  Probably the most common are headaches, fatigue and fever, which usually are temporary.  These are relatively normal reactions to people’s immune systems detecting a foreign substance in their bodies, although some reactions are more serious and require medical intervention.

Occasionally, someone who has received a vaccination will have a serious allergic reaction to it.  Because of this possibility, it is recommended that people remain in the office after being vaccinated for about 15 minutes, in case an allergic reaction occurs and needs to be treated.

Another uncommon side effect is heart inflammation, either myocarditis or pericarditis.  Most people have recovered from this, but a few have not.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will be convening an “emergency meeting” of its advisers on June 18 to discuss the higher-than-expected reports of heart inflammation.

An annular or “ring of fire” solar eclipse will be seen today in northern portions of the earth.  It is an eclipse in which the curved edge of the sun sppears as a bright ring around the moon.

The moon begins to cross in front of the sun at 4:12 a.m. EDT and ends its entire transit approximately five hours later.  Special eclipse glasses should be used to view the eclipse safely without damaging the retinas of the eyes.

The path of the eclipse will be north through Canada and Greenland, over the North Pole and then south into Russia.  Areas outside the path of annularity, such as portions of the northern and eastern USA, will see only a partial solar eclipse.

   
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A South African woman, Gosiame Thamara Sithole, 37, claims that she has given birth to 10 babies at once.  There are 7 boys and 3 girls.  She also has six-year-old twins.

She said she was pregnant for only 7 months and 7 days.  According to her, some of the babies were delivered naturally and some by Caesarean section.

Gosiame also said she thought she was going to have 8 babies (octuplets) and was surprised when 10 babies (decuplets) emerged.  So far, this is thought to be a world record, breaking the previous record of 9 babies (nonuplets).

The Associated Press (AP) has been questioning Israel about the destruction of the building, where its Gaza headquarters were located, on May 15 (see the May 16 entry).  Al Jazeera and other news outlets were in the building as well.

Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. and the UN, met yesterday in New York with Gary Pruitt, CEO of AP.  Erdan said that in the same building, Hamas was developing an electronic jamming system to be used against Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, which helped protect Israelis from over 4,000 rockets launched from Gaza by terrorist groups.

Hamas also was using the building for other endeavors, including targeting both IDF operational activity and civilian systems in Israel.  This is why the building was demolished.

According to Ergan, Israel does not think that AP workers were aware of the Hamas activities in the building.  He also offered Israel’s help in rebuilding the bureau of the Associated Press in Gaza.

The AP said that Erdan explained why Israel saw an “urgent threat” from the building.  They called the conversation “positive and constructive.”

Sometimes I look at U.S. state maps to see the locations of cities, highways, rivers, lakes, and other things.  Recently, I ran across a site with a page that has links to pages that include large state maps, as well as interesting information about the states:

Click on these state flags to see maps of the 5 largest U.S. states, in order of size:

Swarms of earthquakes in Imperial County, CA, seem to have increased in the past few years.  The San Andreas Fault, Imperial Fault and Westmoreland Fault pass through this area.

Yesterday there was another swarm near Calipatria, near the southeastern tip of the Salton Sea.  More than 150 quakes were recorded, with the largest being a magnitude 5.3 on the Westmoreland Fault.

Much of southern California and western Arizona felt the shaking.  Not much shaking was felt in Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

There always is a concern that a big cluster of temblors will precede a very large quake of 7.0 or greater.  Hopefully, that will not be the case with this recent swarm.

This is the 77th anniversary of the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.  Often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a 6½-minute prayer for those involved in the invasion:

On Sep. 15, 2020, representatives from Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords.  Since then Sudan and Morocco also normalized their relations with Israel.

The Palestinians opposed the accords, seeing them as a “betrayal” of decades of Arab policy against Israel.  It would seem that the the attack last month by the terrorist organization Hamas, with over 4,000 rockets being fired into Israel, were an unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the Abraham Accords and Arab-Israel agreements.

So far, none of those Arab nations have severed their agreements or downgraded their relations with Israel.  Most likely, this is due to their opposition to Iran, who supports and finances Hamas and Hezbollah.  However, the nations of Iran, Turkey and Qatar remain adamantly opposed to Israel.

Lately, there have been investigations into the origin of the COVID-19 virus.  Increasing evidence seems to support the possibility that the coronavirus originated within a lab in Wuhan, China, rather than naturally in a food market.

Most media outlets have referred to this view as a “conspiracy theory” for well over a year.  However, over the past couple of weeks, several of them have published stories confirming the legitimacy of the COVID-19 lab-leak theory.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Dr. Anthony Fauci has indicated his belief that features of the novel coronavirus are consistent with an animal-to-human transmission.  He publicly has rejected the notion that the virus might have come from a lab, specifically the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Earlier this week, an email exchange between Dr. Peter Daszak and Dr. Fauci, in April 2020, was discovered.  Daszak is the president of EcoHealth Alliance.

In Daszak’s email, he thanked Fauci for “publicly standing up and stating that the scientific evidence supports a natural origin for COVID-19 from a bat-to-human spillover, not a lab release from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.”  A sizeable section of Daszak’s email was redacted from public view with a “(7)(A)” notation.  According to the Homeland Security FOIZ Exemptions page, this means the following:

This indicates that a law enforcement investigation is taking place, and certain information is protected.  The release of such information could interfere with enforcement proceedings.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Daszak had directed the EcoHealth Alliance alliance to provide the Wuhan Institute of Virology with over $600,000 to conduct experiments on bat-based coronaviruses.  This money came from U.S. taxpayers and was halted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), at the direction of President Trump, in April 2020.

On May 7, the DarkSide ransomware crime group in Russia cyber-attacked the Colonial Pipeline system (as explained in the May 11 entry).  This led to fuel shortages long the U.S. East Coast for several days.  The company paid the $4.4 million ransom, and operations were restored on May 13.

Then, this past weekend, the REvil (also known as Sodinokibi) ransomware crime group, presumably also in Russia, cyber-attacked JBS S.A., which is the largest meat processing company in the world.  It has 150 plants in 15 countries.

Facilities in Australia, Canada and the U.S. were shut down, but operations were restored in most of the meatpacking plants yesterday.  However, some plants have not yet fully reopened.  Furthermore, meat prices are increasing, and some of this evidently is due to the JBS cyber attack.

A 41-year-old man in Zhenjiang, China, has been infected with the H10N3 strain of bird flu.  It is the first case of this flu in a human.

He was hospitalized on April 28 after having an increasing fever for several days.  On May 28, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) was able to determine that he had been infected with H10N3.

It is unclear how the man became infected with the virus.  The virus has not been found in any of his close contacts.  Health officials have said it was a case of “accidental cross-species transmission.”

A large asteroid, 2021 KT1, is passing by the earth today at about 10:24 a.m. EDT = 7:24 a.m. PDT.  At its closest point, it will be about 4.5 million miles away from Earth, which is almost 19 times the distance between the earth and the moon.

NASA considers any asteroid “potentially hazardous” if it comes within 4.6 millions miles from Earth.  However, 2021 KT1 is extremely unlikely to hit the earth.

2021 KT1 is about the size of the Eiffel Tower or double the size of the Statue of Liberty.  The gigantic rock will be traveling at about 40,000 miles per hour, which is nearly 20 times as fast as a rifle bullet.

Although its collision with the earth is highly improbable, scientists believe that the chance of a Near Earth Object (NEO) impacting the earth, over time, is “not negligible.”  Therefore, NASA and other space agencies around the world actively monitor asteroids and comets that are approaching us.

       
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Happy Memorial Day!  I have a great deal of respect, admiration and appreciation for all of those who have fought, and often paid the ultimate sacrifice, for our independence and freedom in the U.S.

Military Women’s Memorial, Gateway to
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

On June 6, 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave an important address at the ceremony commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings or D-Day.  He had flown to Normandy to gave his outstanding speech.  It lasted almost 13½ minutes and can be seen and heard below.

During the first half of yesterday’s Olive Tree Ministries video (What in the World is Happening?), one topic that Jan Markell and Chad Thomas talked about was the World Economic Forum (WEF).  The founder and executive chairman of the WEF is Klaus Schwab.

Evidently, for many years, the WEF has been on a timeline to reach its agenda.  The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be the crisis that they needed to begin implementing their “Great Reset,” which they continue to advocate.

Interestingly, in a video by Sky News (shown below), it is described how the WEF gave a “Live Simulation Exercise to Prepare Public and Private Leaders for Pandemic Response.”  However, this was not done recently by the WEF; it was released back on Oct. 15, 2019, which was months before the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread throughout the world.

The simulation, called “Event 201,” was about a fictional coronavirus pandemic.  Yet, it was claimed later that they had “modelled a fictional coronovirus pandemic” and “stated that it was not a prediction.”  Essentially, they were saying that it was a mere coincidence that the COVID-19 virus appeared and began to spread after the WEF developed a simulation of it.

Now, according to the video, it seems that the WEF is conducting a new simulation about a cyber attack that would shut down the world economy.  We can only imagine how quickly society would break down if water, electricity, fuel and other essentials suddenly came to a halt.  It would seem very feasible for this to happen if we have entered the dreaded Great Tribulation.

Information about the WEF can be seen and heard in the following video.  It is suggested that you fast-forward to the 1:13 point, where he begins talking about the WEF, and play it to the end (5:53).  Also, an article from The Weekend Australian provides quotations from the video speaker.

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with Chad Thomas and Todd Hampson discussed the convergence of the signs, the UFO deception, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the conditioning for the Antichrist.  We have a front row seat to staggering world events.

Many things in human history and in Bible prophecy appear to be converging right now.  The COVID-19 virus has affected the whole world and paved the way for the rise of a new world order, a one world government, a one world currency and the mark of the beast system that will be implemented during the tribulation period.  People want their normal lives back, and they’ll do almost anything the government tells them to do in the hopes of getting things back to normal.

Just over the past couple of years, there have been marked increases in severe weather, disease, violence and many other things around the world.  Also, the center of God’s attention always has been Israel and Jerusalem.  Recently, with the weeks of recent violence there, Israel is becoming the center of the world’s attention.  It could be that Isaiah 17 is about to be fulfilled.

         

         
30-second slideshow

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

During and following the recent 11-day clashes between Jerusalem and Gaza, an anti-Israel and anti-Zionist sentiment has increased in many parts of the world.  Initially, these were negative verbal expressions against Israel.  However, they have evolved into violent attacks on Jews in many nations, including in Canada, UK and US.

A special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) took place today.  During the session, a vote was taken on Resolution A/HRC/S-30/L.1.  The resolution is described as follows: “Ensuring respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel.”

One claim is that Israel may have committed war crimes against Gaza.  A further claim is that the Hamas terror group violated international law in their 11-day attacks on Israel this month.

The resolution was adopted with the following votes: 24 In Favour, 9 Against and 14 Abstained.  The nations voting are shown below (click on the chart to see a larger view):

The decision was made to have a permanent investigation of Israel.  It is the first time that the UNHRC has created an ongoing fact-finding mandate with respect to any UN member state.

Israel Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi indicated that Israel has no intention of cooperating with the probe.  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Today’s shameful decision is yet another example of the UN Human RIghts Council’s blatant anti-Israel obsession.  Once again, an immoral automatic majority at the Council whitewashes a genocidal terrorist organization that deliberately targets Israeli citizens while turning Gaza’s civilians into human shields.”

Early this morning, a total lunar eclipse could be seen in many parts of the world.  The totality phase lasted about 14 minutes.  It was the first total lunar eclipse in over two years, since Jan. 20, 2019.

The moon was classified as a “super moon” because it was at its closest point to the Earth in 2021.  It also was called the “full flower moon” due to the abundance of spring-time flowers in the Northern Hemisphere.

The reddish-orange moon could be seen over the skies of the Pacific, as well as in much of the western half of North America, parts of South America and southeastern Asia.  The next total lunar eclipse will take place in less than a year on May 16, 2022.

I think I’m the least “picky eater” of all my family members and friends.  The only food I will not eat is liver.  If it is served with onions, I will eat the onions but not the liver.  I’ve been that way all my life.

I definitely do like fish, but I prefer that it is cooked rather than raw.  The main exceptions are sashimi and sushi, which I love, especially when there is a big variety at a seafood buffet.  I also like them at Ichiban in San Diego, although I don’t eat there as much as I used to because their prices have climbed quite a bit.

Other than liver, I will eat everything else on the Picky Eater Test list below.  There are some things that I do not eat very often at all; but if they are served to me, I probably will eat them.  So my picky eater score is 1.

A couple of days ago, we drove along Wardlow Rd. in Long Beach to see many purple/blue blooming Jacaranda trees.  I was in the passenger seat and the car was moving constantly, so it was a little difficult to quickly shoot some of the photos.

We drove west and then turned around and drove east.  It was a cloudy day, so the sun wasn’t shining directly on many of the trees, although the colors were brighter when driving east.

Yesterday, we went to El Dorado Park.  Although it is a huge park, we walked around only a small portion of it because we had other things to do.  Unlike the day before, we did not see a cloud in the sky yesterday.  There were more Jacarandas driving back to Orange County.  I really like those trees.

Today is the Christian celebration of Pentecost, exactly seven weeks following Jesus’ Resurrection Day (Easter Sunday).  At the first Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), Jesus’ disciples were filled, supernaturally, with the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) and spoke in other “tongues.”  Other God-fearing Jews, who had gathered there from many other nations, heard these men declaring the wonders of God in their own languages (2:5,6,11).

The first Pentecost corresponded to the Jewish celebration of Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22).  On this day, a firstfruits of the wheat harvest was offered to God.

In most years (with last year and this year being exceptions), most calendars usually list Shavuot a few days before Pentecost due to the way the fifty days are counted from Passover week, referred to as the “counting of the Omer.”  I believe the fifty-day calculation is made erroneously by most, as explained in this email response:

• How do you calculate the timing of Shavuot or Pentecost?

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell and Michele Bachmann discussed how life in 2021 is what strong delusion looks like.  Many things are the opposite of what they should be; things that are good are called evil, and things that are evil are called good.  Globalism and a strong impact with the World Economic Forum (WEC) are near.

The leadership and many representatives in the present U.S. government are attempting to transform this nation into something that they want it to be.  They are regressing (not progressing) it away from the Constitutional Republic that it always has been since its founding.  There also are trillions of dollars of new debt, with more to come, which is putting the nation deeper and deeper into bankruptcy.  It is impossible to pay it off; and, inevitably, this will lead to out-of-control nationwide inflation.

In essence, the WEC won the U.S. presidential election in 2020.  That has enabled them to move forward with their plans for global domination.  Eventually, once they are in control after the “great reset” takes place, everyone will have to answer to them.  This will replace the government’s having to answer to the people, which has been a basic tenet of liberty in the U.S. since its foundation.

God is infinitely more powerful than any politician and anyone in government.  However, an increasing number of those in the politically unstable federal government do not acknowledge the one true God.  Americans need to cry out to God, not to politicians and government officials, for our deliverance.  With God’s direction, we need to be aware of the evil that is around us, and we need to push back against the evil rather than fear it.

We can look forward to the time when Jesus returns and will be the Head of the global government.  The government will be upon His shoulder (Isaiah 9:6), and of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end (9:7).  He will rule and reign over the world in perfect righteousness, fairness, justice, peace and love, which no mortal leader has ever been able to do successfully.

         

         
30-second slideshow

Today’s program, lasting 54 minutes, can be heard here:

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip, was agreed upon last night.  It went into effect at 2:00 a.m. this morning.  The ceasefire was brokered by Egypt and followed mounting international pressure to stem the mutual bloodshed.

Operation Guardian of the Walls was the 11-day campaign of Israel’s defensive attacks in the Gaza Strip, beginning on May 10, due to rockets being fired from Gaza into Israel.  Hopes are that the ceasefire will continue, but it is quite possible that they will flare up again at some point.

There have been pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations in various nations during the past few days.  In the U.S., some cities where these have taken place are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Austin, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix and Detroit.

Here in Anaheim, the largest city in Orange County, a rally took place yesterday, and a protest took place this evening.  The latter was followed by a march north on Brookhurst St., during which traffic in both directions was significantly slowed down and, in some places, was stopped.

At a friend’s place, I looked over the fence and took some photos.  There were many Palestinian flags being waved.  These messages were on some of the signs:

• Solidarity with the Palestinian People’s Struggle
• Free Palestine
• End All U.S. Aid to Israel
• U.S. Aid Kills Palestinian Children
• U.S. Stop Financing Israeli Terrorists
• Long Live Palestine
• Defund Israel Defend Palestine

My friend JoAnne’s three dogs–Dozer, Coco and Rocky—hadn’t been to the Huntington Beach dog beach in awhile.  It’s probably their most favorite place, since they like the water and they can “socialize” with other dogs there.  All the dogs are friendly.

It is best to go there on a weekday because there are less dogs running around to play with, so the walk doesn’t take nearly as long as it does on weekends.  Jo had the day off of work today, so she asked me to go with her there to walk the boys.  They know what the words “dog beach” mean and bark like crazy when they know they’re going there. 

In a phone call today, U.S. President Joe Biden told Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he expects Israel to move towards a ceasefire with Hamas.  However, Netanyahu said that Operation Guardian of the Walls—dubbed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as the name of the campaign of Israel’s defensive attacks in the Gaza Strip—will continue until Israel citizens are secure.

Following the phone call, the White House said that Biden “expected a significant de-escalation today on the path to a ceasefire.”  Netanyahu’s response to this was that he is “determined to continue in this operation until its objective is achieved — to bring back the quiet and security to...citizens of Israel.”

Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel does not have a set time by which it seeks to finish Operation Guardian of the Walls.  He considers Israel’s right to defend itself “a natural right.”  So, for now, the 2021 Israel—Palestine crisis will continue.

I haven’t been to Modjeska Park in Anaheim in over a year, so I went there one day last week and again this afternoon.  I wanted to go on weekdays when there are less people than on weekends.  The weather was nice both days.

The size of the park is about 23½ acres.  There are widespread areas of grass to walk on, which I like, along with the chipmunks that I spot along the way.

I also like the abundant variety of trees, especially Jacaranda trees with purple/blue blooms.  In So. CA, they are on those trees for only a few weeks in Spring, mainly in May, before falling all over the ground.

The Miss Universe 2020 pageant took place in Hollywood, Florida, USA last night.  There were 74 contestants from around the world who participated.

The pageant originally was scheduled to take place in December 2020.  However, it was delayed several months due to COVID-19 complications.  It was the third time in the history of the competition that the event was held after the calendar year had ended.  Miss Universe 2014 was held in January 2015, and Miss Universe 2016 was held in January 2017.

Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo were the pageant’s hosts.  The final 5 contestants were Andrea Meza (Miss Mexico), Adline Castelino (Miss India), Julia Gama (Miss Brazil), Kimberly Jimenez (Miss Domincan Republic) and Janick Macets (Miss Peru).

At the end, the judges chose Miss Peru as second runner-up, Miss Brazil as first runner-up and Miss Mexico as Miss Universe.

Following numerous destructive attacks this week from Gaza into Israel and from Israel into Gaza, the missiles and bombs continued this weekend.  Perhaps the incident that received the most global news yesterday was the destruction of a 12-storey highrise building in Gaza by the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

In the building were offices of foreign media affiliates, including the Associated Press (AP), Al Jazeera and other news outlets, as well as some residential apartments.  A spokesman for the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) said that also inside the building were “military assets of the military intelligence” of the terrorist organization, Hamas.

Almost an hour prior to the attack, a warning was given to the civilians in the building so that they would have sufficient time to evacuate.  There were no deaths in the building’s destruction, but a Palestinian journalist was wounded in the strike.

The IDF claimed that the target of the missile attack was Hamas, not the media or anyone else occupying the building.  In response to the airstrike, Hamas struck back with dozens of missiles on Tel Aviv and central Israel.

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with Twila Brase, president and co-founder of the Citizen’s Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).  They discussed vaccine passports, forced vaccines and related loss-of-freedom issues.

It may be the end of human liberty if vaccine passports become mandatory.  A vaccine passport is a paper or digital proof that a person has received a COVID-19 vaccine.  With the passport, the person can go to a concert fly on a plane, or do other activities where many other people are present.

However, the passport is about more than the virus or the vaccine.  It is about obtaining a great deal of personal data and information about people that can be included on the passport.  Furthermore, people can be tracked and located wherever they go, via geolocation.  It is very similar to the social credit system that Communist China uses.

Furthermore, it easily could get to the point where people cannot buy or sell without a COVID vaccine and the passport to prove that they’ve gotten it.  This very well could become a reality, although vaccine skeptics are said to be into “conspiracies.”  However, there are legitimate reasons not to get the vaccination.

         

         
30-second slideshow

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

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has come out with a new mask-wearing policy for people who have received COVID-19 vaccinations.  The CDC has announced that people no longer need to wear masks, indoors or outdoors, if they have been fully vaccinated.  Exceptions include crowded indoor places where people are close together, like airplanes, buses and health care facilities.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, indicated that the vaccines have been extremely effective in protecting more than 90% of recipients from any COVID-19 symptoms, as well as serious disease and death, and in blocking most symptomatic cases.  The implication is that the vast majority of people who have been vaccinated are safe to be around, so it is unnecessary for them to wear masks in public places.

However, some feel that this may cause unintended consequences.  Many people who have not been vaccinated may see it as an opportunity not to wear masks.  If asked, they simply can claim that they have been vaccinated, even when that is not the case.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting from dawn to sunset each day, is over.  This year, it also was a month of increasing violence and destruction in Israel.

Today is the annual Islamic feast day, Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.  There continued to be many deadly riots and attacks between Jews and Arabs at several places in Israel.

At least 1,750 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel this week, with about 90% of them being intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system.  The Israel military has responded with heavy bombardment of Gaza; in some cases, entire blocks of towers were brought down.

There have been many deaths on both sides.  The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has ordered everyone within 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of the Gaza border to enter bomb shelters and remain there until further notice.

In the Gaza Strip, the Islamic terrorist group Hamas fired rockets at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv and also at the airport in Ramon.  Their goal is to stop all air traffic to Israel, and many international airlines have cancelled their flights to Israel.

There have been a few reports of people, afraid of losing their lives from attacks, escaping out of East Jerusalem and other places in Israel.  Where they have gone is unknown, but at some point that information may become known.  If this is happening, it may be the fulfillment of Jesus’ earnest directive, to those in Judea (West Bank) and Jerusalem, to flee:

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.  Then let those in Judea flee to mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. (Luke 21:20,21)

If so, we appear to be on the verge of entering the dreaded period of Great Tribulation.  Jesus indicated that this would begin a time of tribulation worse than any time since the world began and never would be that bad again:

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)

For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. (Mark 13:19)

A good friend found my website online in 2009.  We have very similar views about most Bible topics.  I last saw him when I visited Hawaii for two weeks, beginning on Aug. 25, 2019.  He has been in Orange County visiting me and another friend for a few days.

The three of us drove south on Pacific Coast Highway, with a great view the whole way.  It was a nice warm day with alternating clear and cloudy skies.  The ocean was on one side, and lots of greenery was on the other side.  Some of my photos, taken from the moving car, are a little blurry.

In Laguna Beach, we had lunch at GG’s Bistro.  Then we headed further south to Dana Point.  The beach was great, as always, and the whole day was fun.  It was nice to be on the beach without having to wear a mask, for a change. 

Colonial Pipeline company in Texas supplies the largest fuel pipeline in the U.S.  It transports gasoline and other fuel from Texas to the Northeast and supplies about 45% of the fuel that the East Coast uses for driving and flying.

On May 7, a ransomware attack by computer hackers took place.  The DarkSide, a professional criminal group based in Russia, invaded the company’s computer system, encrypted data and freezed operations.  Then they demanded payment to release control back to Colonial Pipeline.  The amount of money demanded was not immediately disclosed but later was discovered to be $4.4 million

The company is hoping to substantially resume operations by the end of the week.  If it remains closed for awhile, thereby limiting fuel availability, gasoline and jet fuel prices will rise.  The Department of Transportation announced yesterday that it temporarily was easing rules on the transport of fuel by trucks, allowing drivers in 18 states to work more hours.

Today is Jerusalem Day in Israel.  It commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem and Israeli control over East Jerusalem (the Old City).  This occurred in the June 1967 Six-Day War.

On the other hand, Palestinians lament the day as the occasion of a seizure of land where they hope, one day, will be the capital city of the Palestinian State.  The annexation of East Jerusalem has not been recognized by most of the international community.

Since the beginning of Ramadan last month, violence has escalated in East Jerusalem and other places in Israel.  Israeli police imposed a 10,000-person limit on those praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque.  This has resulted in regular Palestinian protests and serious violence since then, along with crackdowns by Israeli police.

Reports indicate that at least 331 Palestinians and 30 Israeli police officers were injured today alone.  Also today, the militant Palestinian group, Hamas, fired at least 160 rockets from Gaza City deep into Israel.  The rocket fire came after a 6:00 p.m. deadline, issued by Hamas to Israel, to withdraw police from the mosque compound, which did not happen.

Most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defense system.  Then the Israeli military responded with air strikes in the Gaza Strip.  As of yet, there is no end in sight to all of the violence, and an even wider conflict may still happen.

For all of you moms out there:  HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, and God bless you for doing all the great and wonderful things that you do for your families. 

       
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My mom is in heaven, and I look forward with great anticipation to seeing her again one day.  There could not have been a better mom for me than the one I had.

Today I took my friends JoAnne and Linda for a great breakfast at Omelette House in Garden Grove.  We were in line outside before it opened at 8:00 a.m.  I got the Early Bird #1 Special.

We had a great time talking about fun things we’ve done over the years in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, including taking very long walks around our favorite parks and on various beaches.

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with author Jeff Kinley.  They talked about how Christians are enduring one global crisis after another.  We are in the prophetic season of global change.

Thanks to the pandemic, we have entered rough waters and winds, now at gale force.  It is imperative for us as Christians to comprehend the perilous times in which we live and to know that we live courageously going forward.  Until we are removed, we will experience several aftershocks.

There has been a renewed call for a global convergence of world citizens for a one world government and a global leader.  Ultimately, this is what will happen, as described in Revelation 13.  Christians understand that this is not the right way to go, so Christianity must be dismantled.

The world will begin crying out for a time of peace and safety.  The Antichrist will pretend to bring it, but this will be a great deception.  It will require a surrendering of our God-given rights and liberties.  Satan will be controlling this lying world leader, who will exercise his authority for 42 months (Revelation 13:5).

         

         
30-second slideshow

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

I came over to Anaheim to visit my friend, JoAnne.  I hadn’t seen her in quite awhile because I haven’t gotten out too much in over a year.  We’ve known each other for decades and have a great brother/sister type of relationship.  We also have the same crazy sense of humor and laugh a lot at silly things.

Neither of us has eaten very many sweets for awhile.  After lunch yesterday, she suggested that we get some chocolate candy from See’s Candy (which she bought) and some ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery (which I bought).  They’re both in Garden Grove.  My portions definitely will last me quite awhile. 

There continues to be increasing turbulent and unmanageable violence in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem.  Earlier today, the last Friday of Ramadan, Palestinian gunmen fired on Israeli Border Police troops in the northern West Bank.  Two of the gunmen were killed, and a third was critically injured.  Military police said the three attackers were on their way to carry out a major terrorist attack on civilians inside Israel.

Tonight in East Jerusalem, after Palestinians threw rocks and bottles at Israeli police, the police went into the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount.  They attempted to disperse worshippers inside the mosque, using stun grenades and gas bombs.

In response, Palestinians threw chairs, shoes, rocks and bottles at the police.  The police responded with stun grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets.  At least six officers were wounded.

Across Jerusalem, 205 Palestinians were wounded and 88 were hospitalized, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.  Most of the injuries were due to rubber-tipped bullets.

In two more days is Laylat al-Qadr, the most sacred day and night in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.  Many fear that the intensity of the violence and attacks in Israel could reach a crisis level on that day and night.

For two nights in a row, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have attacked two locations in Syria.  Last night, the IDF carried out bombing attacks against Hezbollah outposts near Quneitra, located in the Syrian Golan Heights.  No damage or injuries were reported.

The previous night, an airstrike targeted a site near Latakia and Tartus, along Syria’s Mediterranean coast.  In that attack, a civilian was killed and six people were injured, including a child, according to Syrian media.  Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the attacks.

       
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Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  However, this was not Mexico’s Independence Day.

Mexico’s independence from Spain was an armed conflict that lasted from 1808 to 1821.  On September 16, 1810, Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidaldo y Costilla rang the church bell in Dolores, Mexico.  That gave the call to arms that triggered the war of independence.

The massive surge of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants across the southern U.S. border is an ongoing and escalating crisis.  This isn’t true only for the four border states (CA, AZ, NM and TX).  Undocumented immigrants are leaving the border states and going to numerous other states as well, which is resulting in problematic and dangerous situations in countless cities in those states.

This also is adding to the difficulties of police, sheriffs and other law enforcement individuals across the nation.  Moreover, this is happening when there already is a major increase in violence in many cities, counties and states.

Furthermore, the Department of Defense has announced that it is canceling further construction of the border wall in the border states.  It seems doubtful that President Biden will declare this situation a national emergency, even though that is what it is.

In the West Bank town of Nablus yesterday, a drive-by shooting took place.  The Palestinian driver shot and gravely wounded two Israeli teenagers, and a third was mildly injured.

In response, Israeli soldiers returned fire at the vehicle.  The car was hit by at least two bullets, shattering the back windshield and hitting the trunk door.

Also, Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Jaloud.  It was an apparent revenge attack for the wounding of the Israeli teenagers.  Israeli and Palestinian civilians hurled rocks at each other, and a number of locations were ignited with fire.

Later, the Israeli militay entered the village of Beita, located in the northern West Bank.  They were searching for the suspected attacker in the Nablus shooting.  Palestinians hurled rocks and firebombs at the soldiers, who responded by opening fire.  Five people were wounded.

In addition, at least 20 Palestinians were arrested overnight, including several in East Jerusalem.  Ten of them were connected to the violence in Jaloud.  It is looking increasingly likely that May will be an extremely violent month in Israel, especially in the West Bank (Judea) and in Jerusalem.

The 147th running of the 2021 Kentucky Derby took place yesterday afternoon.  As always, it happened at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

The winning horse of the 1¼-mile (2.012-kilometer) race was Medina Spirit.   He ran the race in a fraction over 2 minutes and 1 second.  The horse’s rider was John Velazquez, and his trainer was Bob Baffert.  The second-place horse was Mandaloun, and third place went to Hot Rod Charlie.

Although Media had a slim 12-to-1 odds of winning, he led the $3 million race from start to finish.  John Velazquez is a 4-time Kentucky Derby winner.  Bob Haffert is a record 7-time Derby winner, as well as a 2-time Triple Crown winner.

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with Dr. David Reagan of Lamb & Lion Ministries.  They talked about how we clearly appear to be in the season of Christ’s return.  There are signs in nature, society’s decline, world politics, advanced technology and Israel’s rebirth.

We are living on borrowed time.  Just as there were signs of Jesus’ first coming, there are signs of His return.  Some of these signs include things in nature, such as an increase in earthquakes, famines and pandemics.  Others include things in human society, such as an increase in humanism, materialism and hedonism.  Results of these societal flaws tend to be nihilism and despair.

In many places, violence and civil unrest are the new “normal.”  In the U.S., from coast to coast, major cities are being transformed into war zones.  There is a shocking deterioration of society as a whole.  Politicians seem powerless to stop the carnage.

Dr. Reagan also talked about how many Christians feel that God has permanently rejected Israel and, instead, has embraced only the Church.  That is, they feel that Christendom has “superseded” or “replaced” Israel as the chosen people of God.  This point of view is known as “replacement theology” or “supersessionism,” both of which are fallacious and anti-Semitic.

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 56 minutes, can be heard here:

Beginning at sunset yesterday evening, and continuing through today, is the Jewish religious holiday called Lag BaOmer (or Lag B’Omer).  It takes place each year on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, following Passover.

Last night, about 100,000 people gathered at Mount Meron, located in northern Galilee in northern Israel, to celebrate the holiday.  It was the largest public gathering in Israel since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  A top Health Ministry official had urged Israelis not to travel to Mount Meron, worrying that the festivities could lead to a mass coronavirus contagion.  Virtually no one wearing a mask was seen at the event.

Massive numbers of people were compressed together when suddenly a stampede broke out.  The exact cause of the stampede is still uncertain.  Police officials reported that dozens of people evidently had slipped on a walkway and down a flight of stairs on the people below them them, causing a crushing domino effect.  Another report said that a roof may have collapsed.

Dozens of people who were crushed were killed or lost consciousness.  Emergency services deployed six helicopters to evacuate the injured people.  The event was shut down by police, and all the partipants were evacuated.

So far, Hebrew media reports put the death toll at 45 or higher.  Paramedics were treating at least 150 injured people, and many were evacuated to hospitals.  It appears to be one of the worst peacetime tragedies in Israel’s history.  There will be a national day of mourning on Sunday, May 2.

One of the biggest incitements of division in the U.S. today is the frequent accusation of “systemic racism.”  It often is a politically motivated and emotionally charged notion, insisting that racist policies and practices exist throughout the entire American society.

However, this simply is not the case.  Unfortunately, an increasing number of people are being persuaded, propagandized and pressured into believing that it is.

Indeed, racism is present more in some places than in others, but it certainly does not exist everywhere.  Where it does, it is important to enlighten people with the following concept, stated by Jesus:

Today is the 99th day of President Joe Biden’s term in office.  Tonight, he gave an address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress.  Behind the president, for the first time in history, sat two females: Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.  The address was about 1 hour 5 minutes in length.

U.S. Senator Tim Scott, of South Carolina, gave a response to President Biden’s address to Congress.  It lasted 14½ minutes.

The “American Rescue Plan” ($1.9 trillion) was passed and enacted by Congress earlier this year.  In Biden’s address, he proposed the “American Families Plan” ($1.8 trillion) and the “American Jobs Plan” ($2.3 trillion).

Today, the gigantic national debt is over $28.2 trillion.  If the latter two plans are passed and enacted by Congress, that will add an enormous $4.1 trillion to the U.S. national debt.  It will not be long before the national debt is pushed over the extreme and colossal amount of $30.0 trillion.  Unfortunately, immense hyperinflation and a major decline or complete collapse of the economy are inevitable, perhaps sooner rather than later.

   
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Recently, at the U.S. Open of bowling, Anthony Neuer (age 18) converted the dreaded 7-10 split.  That's only the 4th time ever and the last time since 1991 (30 years ago) that the conversion of that split has been seen on live TV.  Although Neuer lost the match, he did get 3rd place and $12,000...not bad.

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony took place last night at the Union Station in Los Angeles, although it usually is broadcast from the Dolby Theater.  The ceremony originally was scheduled to take place on Feb. 28, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

I did not watch the Oscars program myself.  However, I will list a few of the Oscar winners below.

• Best Picture: Nomadland
• Best Actor: Anthony Hopkins in The Father
• Best Actress: Frances McDormand in Nomadland
• Best Supporting Actor: Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah
• Best Supporting Actress: Yuh-Jung Youn in Minari
• Best Director: Chloé Zhao for Nomadland

Earlier this weekend, there was more violence in Jerusalem and attacks elsewhere in Israel.  Tensions were soaring in East Jerusalem for two nights, where Palestinians were gathering in large numbers in observance of Ramadan.  The Islamic holy month of Ramadan runs from April 12 to May 12 this year.

Israeli police barred Palestinians from entering some of the popular areas in Jerusalem.  Palestinians hurled stones and water bottles at police, who responded by using water cannons and stun grenades to disperse the large crowds.  Arrests of 44 people were made.  The violence was the worst in years between Israeli police and Palestinians in the disputed Holy City.

Following the unrest in Jerusalem, 36 rockets were fired into Israel from inside the Gaza Strip.  Although there were no fatalities, there was damage in several communities.  This was the worst attack on Israel from Gaza in many months.

In response, the Israeli military struck several Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.  Some of the targets were rocket launchers and underground infrastructure, but no casualties were reported.

The rockets were fired by two Gazan terror groups: Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades.  However, Israel holds the militant Hamas organization responsible for all violence originating from Gaza.  In a message to Israel, a spokesman for the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade stated, “We will burn the occupation’s settlements for you, O Jerusalem.  The greatest has yet to come.”

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with Jill Martin Rische (daughter of Dr. Walter Martin) and Ken Mikle, a retired law enforcement officer and security director for Olive Tree Ministries.

Jan and Jill talked about how much of the world has has fallen for a troubling obsession: social media.  Big tech tracks us, data mines us, addicts us and stalks us.  This includes our children and grandchildren, many of whom turn to social media because they are struggling with severe depression, loneliness and anxiety.  There are things that parents should consider before posting photos and information about their children online.

Also, Jan and Ken talked about today’s lawlessness, violence and anarchy and their connection to the Bible.  In the U.S., violent riots are being called “peaceful protests.”  These are being done mostly by anarchists who are being paid to produce chaos.  An agenda is being pushed to defund the police and to dismantle our historic form of government, with the objective of replacing it with Marxism and/or Socialism and with Communism being the predominant goal.  The stage is being set for the Antichrist’s ultimate condition of lawlessness.  At some point, all of this will become part of the end-time beast system.

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 56 minutes, can be heard here:

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on H.R.51 – Washington, D.C. Admission Act.  It is an effort to admit the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth (named after Frederick Douglass), as the 51st state of the United States.  If admitted, it would not contain any federal buildings or monuments.

The House approved the legislation along party lines, with a vote of 216 Democrats to 208 Republicans.  If passed in the Senate, the new state would have two members in the Senate and one representative in the House (most likely all Democrats).

However, due to the filibuster rule, there would need to be at least 60 votes in the Senate to bring the legislation to the floor for a vote.  This is unlikely to happen, and it also is unlikely that there would be enough votes in the Senate to eliminate the filibuster.

       
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Today is the 71st anniversary of “Earth Day.”  It was founded, in 1970, by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin).  In school at the time, I remember the first Earth Day well.  We had a big rally, and then we were released from classes early and encouraged to clean up the school grounds.  I picked up a few pieces of trash, threw them away, and went home.

Back then, “global cooling,” rather than “global warming,” was the concern.  Not only was Senator Nelson an environmentalist, he also believed that population growth was ultimately detrimental to the environment.  I recall how unsettling that view was to me, even back then.

No one rightfully can accuse me of being “environmentally unfriendly.”  I bet that I am much more conscious about saving energy, and about not polluting the environment, than most people.  For me, though, these things are a lifestyle; I am not out to “save the planet.”  Here are just a few things that I do, on a small scale, to be “good to the environment” and to leave behind only a small “carbon footprint”:

• filling up my car with gas no more often than once a month;
• turning up my water heater only before a shower or before washing clothes, and only by the amount necessary to “get the job done,” and then turning it back down to the lowest setting when the heater turns off;
• turning on lights only in the room I am in at the time, and off as soon as I leave the room, causing the average standard light bulb where I live to need to be replaced every 5+ years (and never using compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, because they contain mercury, are hazardous, and are ridiculously difficult to clean up if broken);
• taking my own bag(s) to put groceries in, or telling store cashiers and baggers to place as many items as possible in one bag, to reduce the number of bags that I take home;
• reusing things such as plastic and paper bags, aluminum foil, and paper (making it into notepads);
• taking several months to go through one tube of toothpaste, even though I brush my teeth twice a day (and have not had a new cavity for over 30 years); and
• making a roll of toilet paper last a few weeks (which is not difficult to do if one eats healthfully).

The Islamic Republic of Iran appears to be “on a fence” as to what it may do in the near future.  On the one hand, with international talks continuing in Vienna, Iran is hoping that sanctions on them ultimately will be lifted.  As such, they seem to be reluctant to do anything that will derail these negotiations.

On the other hand, Iran is outraged at attacks on its Natanz atomic facility and assassinations of some of its leaders and administrators.  There have been retaliatory strikes on Israel, but so far these have fallen short of a direct and destructive military attack.

Also, a missile was fired from Syria into southern Israel.  The distance was about 300 kilometers or 185 miles south of Damascus.  In response, Israel attacked the missile launcher and air-defense systems in Syria.

Most likely, there was Iranian involvement.  It probably was revenge for Israel’s attack on the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on April 11.

Iran has militia members in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.  Essentially, Israel is surrounded by armies whose primary desire is the destruction and desolation of Israel.

The jury in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, 45, conducted their deliberations yesterday and today.  That lasted about 10 hours and 20 minutes.  This afternoon, the jury made its decisions, and the judge read the results publicly.

Chauvin had been accused of the murder of George Floyd, 46, whose death took place on May 25, 2020.  There were three charges against Chauvin, with varying maximum sentences if conviction(s) took place:

• second-degree unintentional murder (40-year maximum sentence),
• third-degree murder (25-year maximum sentence), and
• second-degree manslaughter (10-year maximum sentence).

He was found guilty on all three counts, and his bail was revoked.  However, with no criminal history, there is a presumptive sentence of 12.5 years for each murder conviction and 4 years for the manslaughter conviction.  The sentencing of Chauvin should take place in eight or more weeks.

For a couple of weeks, there have been ongoing talks in Vienna about the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.  Former President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the accord in May of 2018.

The U.S. is indirectly involved in the recent talks.  With European mediation, the U.S. and Iran have been hearing each others views.  It seems that there is a goal for both sides to return to compliance with the JCPOA.

Recently, it became known that Iran had increased its uranium enrichment from 20% to 60%, which is approaching weapons grade enrichment of 90%.  Yet, the maximum purity of uranium allowed in the JCPOA is no more than 5%.

However, an attack on the Namatz centrifuge facility in Iran, on April 11, damaged or destroyed thousands centrifuges there.  It may take about nine months for them to be returned to normal function.  Iran has avowed revenge against Israel for the attack.

Israel’s diplomatic-security cabinet met yesterday, as tensions with Iran are escalating.  It was the cabinet’s first meeting in over two months, since February 7.

During the meeting, there were discussions about the nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran.  Officials raised concerns that the U.S. and other world powers would sign a deal with Iran within weeks.  An official indicated that, in the long term, such a deal “will restrict Israel’s freedom of movement.  It’s very troubling.”

At Olive Tree Ministries yesterday, Jan Markell spent the hour with Curtis Bowers.  They talked about how Satan, along with the World Economic Forun, are blinding many on the political left as they rush to tyranny.

They discussed how the woke movement as entered the church, Christian colleges and even seminaries.  Bowers concludes that if Vladimir Lenin were in the White House today, he would be doing what the current administration is doing.

A perfect world government will arrive only when Jesus returns to rule and reign, and the government will be upon His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).  Until then, human efforts to craft a successful and effective world government will fail.

Today’s program, lasting 57 minutes with a commercial break, can be heard here:

I last organized my vitamins and supplements into individual compartments on Oct. 31.  Each day, I have taken the following: a daily multiple; vitamins A, B complex, C, D3 and E; calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, fish oil, saw palmetto, glucosamine/chondroitin, glucosamine sulfate, iron, turmeric curcumin, probiotic acidophilus, olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, fish peptides, hyaluronic acid and biotin.

   
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Last night in Israel, terrorists in Gaza launched a rocket attack on southern Israel.  This was just a few hours after the close of the nation’s celebrations of its 73rd Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut).

No Palestinian group claimed responsibility for the rocket fire from the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave.  However, Israel typically puts the blame on the militant Hamas group for any violence emanating from Gaza.

In response, not long after midnight, Israel bombed several locations inside the Palestinian enclave.  The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that the bombing was in “response to the rocket fired from Gaza at Israel earlier tonight.”

Israel used fighter jets and helicopters to strike “a Hamas weapons manufacturing site, a weapon smuggling tunnel and a military post,” according to the IDF.  Many times in the past, Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned that Israel will not hesitate to launch an offensive against those who attack Israel.

Normally, today would be the final day to file federal taxes in the U.S.  However, last month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that people would have until May 17 to file their federal taxes.

In addition, May 17 is a new deadline for people to make IRA contributions and to file certain claims for refund.  The postponement is because of difficulties due to the COVID pandemic.

The deferral date would have been May 15, except that date is on a Saturday this year, and May 16 is on a Sunday.  So the new date is Monday, May 17.  Yet today, April 15, still is the deadline for estimated tax payments, as it is every year.

The state tax deadlines also have been postponed for some states but not for all of them.

It has been reported that the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has been connected to six cases of a “rare and severe” type of blood clot.  Of 6.8 million doses of the vaccine given in the U.S., so far these six people are the only ones who have exhibited the blood clot problem.

Of the six who got the blood clots, a woman, 45, has died and another person currently is in critical condition.  As such, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recommended that, for now, further dispensing of the J&J vaccine be put on hold.

Last night, for the second night in a row, there were protests and riots in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis, MN.  This followed the death of Daunte Wright, 20, caused by police officer Kimberly Potter, a 26-year veteran of the department.

Evidently, Officer Potter meant to fire her taser at Daunte Wright after yelling, “I’ll tase you! I’ll tase you! Taser! Taser! Taser!”  Instead, she accidentally grabbed her gun and fired one shot at Daunte.  This can be seen in a short video.

Following the first night of protests and violence on Sunday, a 7:00 p.m. curfew was declared in Hennepin County for Monday night.  However, hundreds demonstrators ignored the curfew and chanted protests outside of police headquarters.  State troopers and Minnesota National Guard members joined police officers to patrol the streets in the metro-area until the curfew expired at 6:00 a.m. this morning.

About 40 people were arrested overnight in the Twin Cities for breaking curfew, fighting with police, attempted burglary and looting businesses.  Some officers sustained minor injuries.  Several of those arrested were cited, while others were booked into jail.

         
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A blackout occurred at the underground Natanz atomic facility in Iran yesterday.  It appears to have been caused by a devastating cyberattack.  There were no casualties or damage to the facility.

Iran is calling the incident “nuclear terrorism” and probable “sabotage.”  Suspicion fell immediately on Israel.

Iran and Israel already are engaged in a shadow conflict across the wider Middle East.  If Israel is responsible for the cyberattack, it further heightens tensions between the two nations.

Tehran is in the process of negotiating its tattered nuclear deal with world powers.  These talks are taking place in Vienna, Austria.  The Islamic Republic of Iran wants all international sanctions, including those imposed by the U.S., to be removed so the nation can work to increase its nuclear technology, which it insists is for peaceful purposes.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell’s guest was Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, CA.  They talked about how the World Economic Forum (WEC) feels that there is an urgent need to improve the state of the world, especially following the COVID-19 crisis.  Therefore, the WEC has started The Great Reset initiative.

This appears to be the beginning of a world economic reset.  The stated goal is to make all nations equal.  An increasing number of nations are calling for a one-world globalist system.  Bible prophecy has predicted this, and now it is in the process of happening.

Many feel that some things in the U.S. are diametrically opposed to a one-world government, such as the Constitution and faith in God.  There now is a push to “cancel” these and other things so that people will trust in a new governmental system.  At some point, Satan’s “man in the shadows”—the Antichrist, a “mister fixit”—will arise out of the pandemic crisis and become a world leader.

         

         
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In today’s video, from 10:07 to 11:07 (one minute), Pastor Hibbs talks about the prophetic period of 1,260 days (Revelation 11:3 and 12:6).  He believes this time span is the first 3½ years of the final 7 years (the 70th Week).  Generally, those who embrace the notion of a Pre-tribulation Rapture believe this.  (I hold to a Pre-Wrath Rapture.)

I am convinced, instead, that the 1,260 days is the last 3½ years of the final 7 years.  This is explained in my timing of the 1,260 days section.

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

For awhile, Israel and Iran have been blaming each other for attacks on each other’s merchant and cargo ships.  Explosives have done significant damage on various vessels.

Most recently, there was an attack on an Iranian ship in the Red Sea.  If Israel was behind the attack, it most likely was in response to recent attacks on Israeli-owned shipping vessels.  An Iranian spokesman has said that after an investigation is completed, Iran intends to retaliate against the attacker.

There also have been attacks on locations in Syria.  Most recently, there was an attack on a weapons depot near Damascus, for which Israel is being blamed.  The site most likely has been used by Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away today.  He was 99 years old, only 2 months and a day short of what would have been his 100th birthday on June 10.

He was the husband of Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, for over 73 years.  They were married on November 20, 1947.  Now she is the first British monarch since Queen Victoria to reign as a widow.

This year, from February 16 to March 16, Prince Philip spent time in two hospitals for various health issues, including heart surgery.  The day of his release was the last time he was seen publicly.

It was his wish to die peacefully in his own bed at home, Windsor Castle.  That wish was fulfilled today.  He will be buried in Frogmore Gardens on the grounds of Windsor Castle.  According to The Telegram, this is where the queen walks her corgis.

In a public address today, President Biden said he feels that gun violence in the U.S. is a “public health crisis.”  He announced a series of executive actions aimed at reducing violence.  He also urged Congress to pass broader gun-control legislation.

The president’s executive actions direct the Justice Department to craft a rule addressing untraceable “ghost guns” (privately made firearms) and to publish an example of “red flag” legislation for states.  He also called for a national red flag law.

Responsible gun owners believe strongly in the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which was ratified in 1791.  Many of them are concerned that governmental actions on this issue eventually may cause this constitutional amendment to be modified or even canceled, even though Biden stated, “Nothing I’m about to recommend in any way impinges on the Second Amendment.”

President Biden has said that the U.S. is in a “life and death race” with the coronavirus pandemic.  Cases and deaths continue to increase in many places.

Originally, every adult in the U.S. was going to be eligible for a vaccination on May 1.  However, yesterday Biden announced from the White House that he was changing that date to April 19.

He also tried to allay fears about new strains that are driving an increase in COVID cases.  “All these strains you’re hearing about.  You should not worry,” he said.  “They are more virulent.  They are ... more dangerous, but the vaccines work on all of them.”

An early April heat wave has been passing through the Southwest U.S. for a few days.  Record high temperatures have been hit in many areas.  This does not mean all-time record highs; it means record highs for those specific dates.

The heatwave has been taking place over an extensive area in parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.  The two main reasons for the increased heat are a high pressure system and also a minimum amount of clouds in the sky, allowing the full sun to hit the ground.

Presently, much of this area has been experiencing an extreme to exceptional drought.  Increased winds also are expected soon.  Unfortunately, all of this will significantly increase the wildfire danger in many areas.

This morning, I went to Walmart and to a couple of Dollar stores and got 55.60 oz. (3.48 lb.) of 50%-off Easter candy.  Similar to the day after Valentine’s Day at Walmart, almost all of the Easter candy already had been removed, although it had not been replaced with anything else.  It was very unusual.

This is the Feast of Firstfruits or Resurrection Day.  It is the day that Jesus rose from the dead.  Eventually, all who believe in His blood atonement for their sins will do the same.

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.  But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

The majority of these resurrections, I believe, will take place at the main Rapture event.  These glorified saints never will need to fear God’s severe judgment, and they will be exempt from His righteous wrath.

Today also is the first day of a 50-day count, the counting of the Omer, culminating on Shavuot, Feast of Weeks, or Feast of Harvest.  For Christians, that is the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).  This year, that is on June 9.

During the week of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the Feast of Firstfruits fell on the date of Aviv 17 on the Hebraic calendar (as described in the prophecy fulfillment section of my Good Thursday commentary).  It was the same date that Noah’s ark landed and rested on Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4).  On that day, Noah and his family were safe and secure from harm, with no further chance of sinking or drowning.

Someone looking at my Holy Week chart questioned me about this.  Here is my response:

• How can the day Noah's ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, the 17th day of the seventh month (Genesis 8:4), be the same date that Jesus rose from the dead if the latter was the 17th day of the first month?

At Olive Tree Ministries today, Jan Markell spent the hour with Dr. Ed Hindson at The King is Coming.  They talked about some things to come that are prominent happenings predicted in the Bible.

We are in desperate times, and a spirit of antichrist in the world (1 John 4:3) is intensifying.  Dark days are approaching, and they will be followed by very apocalyptic times.  A vast majority of pastors see signs of the end times in current events.

It seems that the Satanic Trinity, which counterfeits the Trinity of God, will be coming on the world scene soon.  The Satanic Trinity will be composed of these three individuals:

• Satan the Dragon (Revelation 12:7-17), who will be anti-God;
• the Beast (Revelation 13:1-10), who will be anti-Christ; and
• the False Prophet (Revelation 13:11-17), who will be anti-Spirit.

As world conditions grow worse, most people will panic and will be deceived by evil spirits and demonic beings (1 Timothy 4:1).  They will give their allegiance and devotion to a world government and leader in hopes that they will make things better; however, things will become profoundly and horrendously worse.

Many will receive the “mark of the beast” in their right hand or forehead, without which people will be unable to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16,17).  Unfortunately, this will lead to God’s wrath being poured out upon them.

Fortunately, uplifting things are ahead as well for those who continue to have a fervent and zealous belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  These include the Rapture, the Millennium, the New Heaven and New Earth and more.

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 56 minutes, can be heard here:

Personally, I agree with most of the points made by Jan Markell and Ed Hindson.  This includes their views on the Millennium and the New Heaven and New Earth (see old and new Creations).

I definitely do believe in a main Rapture event, but I see it as a Pre-wrath Rapture rather than as a Pre-tribulation Rapture, with which I disagree:

Is the Pre-tribulation view of the Rapture the correct view?

In Israel, the National Security Agency (NSA) has issued an advisory to its citizens against traveling to several countries in the Middle East.  The countries on the travel advisory list include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt as places to avoid.

The advisory warns of possible threats of attack by Israel’s arch-enemy, Iran.  A statement from the NSA said, “We estimate that Iran will continue to operate in the near future to harm Israeli targets.”

For decades, Iran has called for the complete destruction of Israel.  Israel considers Iran to be its top threat.  Each of these nations has claimed attacks by the other nation for years.

In Washington, DC, the Biden administration does not appear to be nearly as supportive of Israel as the Trump administration was.  This raises some fear that, potentially, the U.S. might not be as supportive of Israel in an attack by its enemies as it has been in the past.

Furthermore, following the recent Israeli election on March 23, Israel’s difficulties are increasing due to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s inability to put together a stable government.  With possibly another election to take place before the end of the year—which would be the fifth election in less than three years—the continuance of Netanyahu’s leadership in Israel is in question.

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

       
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