Ted’s Remarks About Stuff
April thru June, 2009


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June 30, 2009

Consider this scenario.  There are two global companies, and the second one is considerably more widespread than the first one.  Yet, the first one out-does the second one in almost all ways.  Thus, the first company is the biggest competitor of the second company, which could “have it all” if it weren’t for the first company.  The only way that the second company can become #1 in the world is to "neutralize" the first company, in some way, to render it unproductive and ineffective.

So a smart man from company #2 craftily acquires a job with company #1, then cleverly pretends to “help” that company attain greater heights, yet all the while acting as an extremely corrosive and destructive agent to bring down that company, in any way and as quickly as he possibly can.  Once company #1 has gone “belly up,” then company #2 will buy it out and resurrect it in another form, under its complete and tenacious control.  And the smart man who infiltrated and brought down company #1 will be given the position of second in control of company #2.

I feel that the USA is “company #1”, and a comprehensive “selling out” of it is taking place now.  If so, the presidency of the United States is merely a convenient stepping-stone for Barack Obama to force the USA to submit to a global government, economic system, and perhaps religious system, which is “company #2.”  (The game “BAMOPOLY” comes to mind.)  As such, he potentially will attain the status of being second in command over the world.  (See Barack Obama: False Prophet?)

Today, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of Democrat and so-called “comedian,” Al Franken, so it seems inevitable that he will be declared the next U. S. Senator from Minnesota—almost 8 months after the election of November 4, 2008, the same day that Barack Obummer (I mean Obama) won.  Franken may take his seat in Washington, DC, as early as next week.  I will be watching for him, most likely, to rant and rave (off the decibel scale) about various and sundry issues.

After Franken goes to Washington, the U.S. Senate will have a filibuster-proof Democratic majority whenever they vote.  That means that there will not be even any discussion about many extremely important and vital issues.  Basically, anything Barack Obama wants, he will receive, even faster than he already has been both attaining and obtaining it since January 20, which has been very rapidly.

As such, I will be watching for Obama’s “leap” to the next level of world domination.  This could come as soon as April 4, 2010—Easter Sunday during Passover Week 2010, and the midpoint of my proposed 70th Week time period.  Frankly, if the seven-year European Neighbourhood Policy is not the prophetic fulfillment of the seven-year agreement of Daniel 9:27, then I will be very surprised.

We will know if I am right or wrong by the day of Passover of 2010, March 30, exactly 9 months from today.  If the Third Temple is standing in Jerusalem by then, my proposals have been right.  Even if there is some type of sacrifice and offering taking place somewhere on the Temple Mount, though not inside of a standing structure (which, presumably, would stand soon thereafter), then my projected time line probably is correct.

However, if no animals have been sacrificed, nor offerings made by Israeli rabbis or priests, to God, somewhere on the Temple Mount, then my proposals and time line have been wrong; and you will see that reflected at my website soon thereafter.  Part of me hopes that my timing is wrong, because otherwise the worst destruction of land and people on earth, in all of human history, will take place within the next 4+ years.

On the other hand, what I feel is coming very soon is not a bottomless pit; it merely is a tunnel, which will seem quite long for those who enter it and emerge, still alive, from the other end.  Multitudes, both unbelievers and believers, will lose their lives in the tunnel.  Although the tunnel will be very dark, even pitch black at times, everyone can rest assured that the bright and shining face of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus, the Christ) will meet us at the other end.  Many will be utterly terrified when they see Him; whereas, others will rejoice with great gladness.  I hope that you will be in the latter group.

As for myself, I would feel infinitely fortunate (though completely unworthy) to be a participant in a Mid-tribulation Rapture, removing me from the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord to take place thereafter.  Yet, if I remain, then I will look forward, with great anticipation, to the Pre-wrath Rapture, to take place after the opening of the Sixth Seal.  The prospect of spending 1,000 years (the Millennium), with Jesus sitting on His throne in Jerusalem as King of the earth, thrills me immensely.  Finally, righteousness and truth will reign on the earth.  I believe that this is where our focus should be, and on getting others to see and understand that this time is very near. 


June 29, 2009

Sometimes I get asked about Javier Solana.  Well, I think that people should be able to formulate their opinions about things, and people, apart from whatever my opinion is about them.  Who am I?  Nobody.  My opinions and conjecture about anything should be irrelevant, on their own.

Most often, I try to point people to the primary sources of information about anything or anyone.  For instance, the Bible is the primary source of Ultimate Reality, about the God and Source of all creation and how He acts and works.  Therefore, I have several thousand references to biblical verses and passages at my website.

Now, you can get some basic information about Javier Solana at my website.  But, really, I recommend that you visit his You Tube page and the Home page of his website.  Watch videos of him, meeting with numerous other very powerful people in the world, and listen to the things he has been saying.

Another source, that I have liked and respected for several years, is Constance Cumbey’s Blogspot.  I find her to be a bright and shining beacon about many important topics.  She has archived every month of her blog, for a few years (since April 2005), in her Archives section.  There is a great deal of information about Javier Solana there.

To find it, go to her home page.  While looking at the right side of the page, scroll a little ways down.  You will see the Archives section, underneath the Links section.  Click on virtually any month, and you will find out particulars about Solana.  Just do a search (as in Edit > Find on this Page) for Solana on any page.

I think that, right now, Javier Solana is liked, or at least respected, by most of the world.  One thing is certain—he is an extremely powerful, authoritative, and influential man.  And I have a feeling that he may become exceedingly more so, in the very near future.


June 27, 2009

Typically, I go to church on Sunday.  But, technically, my Sabbath is Saturday, the seventh day of the week.  As such, I try to focus on communing with the Lord more between sunset Friday and sunset Saturday than any other time of the week, even though I think about Him and talk to Him everyday.

Today I have thought a lot about how our Messiah and King will be appearing sooner than most people think, first in the clouds (at the Rapture), then back to earth to rule and reign.  The vast majority of the world will be utterly terrified when He makes a global appearance in the clouds, after the opening of the Sixth Seal, and following a great shaking of the entire earth and a significant dimming of the sun and moon (Isaiah 13:9,10; Revelation 6:12-14).  They will run and hide in caves and under rocks, wishing to be out of His view (6:15,16), knowing that His dreadful vengeance and wrath is near (6:17).

However, we who still are around at that time will rejoice and jump for joy, knowing that our eternal redemption is imminent.  We now have bodies that are mortal and corruptible, which are destined to perish.  But then, this flesh will be shed (tossed out like an old, worn-out garment) and replaced by immortal, incorruptible, imperishable bodies.  For us, there will be no more tears, sadness, pain, suffering, infirmities, or tribulation.  Isn’t that a great and blessed hope that we have?  With all of my heart, I absolutely do believe that it is.

I also feel, very strongly, that God is developing more and more of a “zero tolerance” attitude, toward people, in their disobedience and noncompliance to His Word.  This will be especially true as we approach the midpoint of the 70th Week (which, on my proposed time scale, is the Feast of Firstfruits 2010: April 4), and to a very heightened degree after the Seventh Seal is opened.

As such, I try to think more and more about avoiding actions that satisfy the world and gratify my selfish flesh (which often is difficult), replacing them with activities that I know will please our coming King, Yeshua (Jesus).  I encourage others to do the same.  In doing so, I believe that we will experience less distress, anguish, and grief in the difficult, dark times soon to come, because His Light will be more likely to shine on our paths and help us not to stumble and fall.

The things of this fallen world are becoming less and less important to me—other than the many tormented souls remaining to get saved out of it.nbsp; Instead, I am focusing, increasingly, on the Lord’s bright and shining face and the glorious changes He will make.  Our great and wonderful King is coming relatively soon.  Imagine that!


June 26, 2009

I think I crave Thai food almost as much as I crave my raw oats and fruit.  I rarely go out to eat (too expensive); but when I do, it often is to Thai Time II in San Diego.  I still had my camera in my car when I went there today, so I took some pics.

   

I almost always get a red curry vegetarian lunch special there, including Saturdays, for only $4.95.  That dish contains coconut milk with bamboo shoots, basil, peas and carrots, eggplant, and green & red bell papper.  It is served with a small bowl of soup, salad with peanut dressing, fried wonton, and fried vegetable roll.

The best part is that they will make my red curry extra, extra, extra spicy/hot for me.  Yummy!!!  Most places will not make it hot enough, even if I ask them to, I suspect because they are afraid I will return it.

I scoop the red curry and vegetables onto the rice.  Then, to make it even spicier than they’ve already prepared it, I spoon scorching Thai peppers and jalapeño peppers, which are in containers on the table, on top of everything.

     
18-second slideshow

When I leave that place, my mouth is on fire and my nose is running.  I love it.  For the rest of the day, all that capsaicin causes tons of my endorphins to be released into my blood stream.  It makes me feel like I can jump over the moon—way better than any drug high!


June 23, 2009

I was in Orange County for a few days; now I am back in San Diego.  On the way down, I happened to have my camera in the front seat, so I snapped a couple of shots of the San Onofre nuclear plant.  There are signs on the highway indicating that you are not supposed to stop there, but sometimes I don’t follow rules.  There have been times when the facility has been closed down for a few hours when there was a mild earthquake nearby, usually centered out in the ocean.

 
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Back in San Diego, since my camera was handy, I took pictures of the front yard of an apartment house in which there are models of animals, made of iron.  I’ve always thought they were pretty cool, but I never had photographed them before.

     

            

Finally, the purple (or maybe it’s lavendar) Jacaranda trees have been in full bloom for a few weeks.  They bloom only in the spring and are pretty awesome.

     
30-second slideshow

Maybe you can tell that I was standing in the middle of the street to get that last picture.  Like I said, sometimes I’m not very good at following rules. 


June 20, 2009

Someone asked me if I was aware of the pressure that is being put on Benjamin Netanyahu to carve up Jerusalem.  Yes, my June 14, 2009 entry describes that.

I want my readers to note that, sometimes, I date an entry in the past.  For instance, I wrote the June 14 entry on June 16.  That is because I had not heard about what had happened on June 14 until two days later.  Also, the article I link to, in the June 14 entry, was written on June 14.  Thus, in the future, it will be easier for me (and others) to find that article if we want to know the date on which that event happened.

Oh yeah, a couple more things.  Sometimes I think of something I want to add to an entry, at a later time, so I will made the changes or additions accordingly.  The June 14 entry is a good example.  It did not start off that lengthy; but I have added more to it, including additional links, in case new readers want to research the evidence further.  It is possible that my June 14 entry will experience even further modifications.  That way, I can just refer people to the June 14, 2009 entry when they ask me many of the questions that I frequently get asked.

Also, sometimes I catch and correct punctuation and grammatical errors, after re-reading past entries.  I figure that the more clear my writing is (including good punctuation and grammar), the better chance that people who read what I write will understand what I am trying to say.  I feel that punctuation is so important that I created Ted’s Punctuation Guide, which many people continue to find helpful (at least, that is what they tell me).  If you find punctuation or grammatical errors anywhere at my website, please inform me of their location.


June 19, 2009

Some of my friends have vegetable gardens.  I think that growing vegetables is an excellent idea, especially as the economy worsens.  I believe that it’s only a matter of time before the source of our food becomes very uncertain.

             

     
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Uh oh, I guess that oranges aren’t vegetables.  But they certainly are tasty and healthful.  I try to eat one everyday.


June 16, 2009

A friend took off work, yesterday and today, and got me a free pass to her gym (24 Hour Fitness).  So we went both days.  I go to my own gym (Bally Total Fitness), but I enjoyed hanging out with her at hers.

I thought that one machine was an elliptical machine, but it was not.  It was a Precor 100i machine, and it looked like a monster (see picture at right).  It was kind of a combination elliptical machine and stairmaster machine.  I didn’t like it and got off after 5 minutes to find a real elliptical machine to use for 30 minutes.  I found the Precor EFX576i to be very satisfactory.

After that, I found this one set of machines (see www.hoistfitness.com) where the back of each seat would go back and forth as the weights were lifted and released.  It was kind of like being on a ride at Disneyland.  I also did the elliptical machine for 30 minutes, as I do at my own gym.  The elliptical is less stress on my hips and knees than a treadmill or a lifecycle is.

The steam room was co-ed, so my friend and I sat in there for about 15 minutes.  I think that two other people may have left the steam room because we were disturbing their peace and quiet.  They departed after we had been yapping for about 5 minutes.  It really bugs me when other people yap like that in a silent steam room.  Whoops.


June 14, 2009

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, &
Javier Solana, European Union Policy Chief
 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being pressured, from all sides, to cave on the issue of a two-state solution in Israel.  The main pressure seems to be coming from Barack Obama (see May 18, 2009) and Javier Solana.

A few days ago, Netanyahu had told Solana that Israel would not allow the establishment of a Hamas state in the West Bank.  More about this can be read in this article today at Haaretz.com:

Netanyahu Faces "Yes or No" Decision on Peace

In the European Neighbourhood Policy and Partnership Instrument for Israel, it states that the main objective of the EU “is a two-State solution leading to a final and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict...with Israel and a democratic, viable, peaceful and sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace....”  When Israel became a member of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)—as the first non-European nation to sign on—it had to be clear to Israeli leaders that this “hurdle” inevitably would have to be jumped, at some point, during the scheduled seven-year time period (2007-13).

Unfortunately, it is not possible to have a “peaceful” co-existence between Israel and a Palestinian State, side-by-side.  Such a notion is completely idealistic and unrealistic, in this present-day world.  Newly re-elected Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, of Iran, along with all other radical Islamists (including the majority of Palestinians), wish for nothing more than the utter destruction of Israel, and this is not going to change.  Most likely, a false messiah and a false prophet will insist that Israel must forfeit “land for peace” (probably including East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital)—land that God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, millennia ago, would belong only to Israel, permanently.

This does not mean that the final seven years, prophesied in Daniel 9:27, will begin at that time.  Presently, I feel about 93% confident that the European Neighbourhood Policy is the seven-year agreement that confirmed a prior agreement (the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership or EuroMed).  If that hypothesis is correct, then we now (June 14, 2009) are about 77% of the way through the first half of the seven years.

On my proposed time scale, the first half should end at some point during Passover week 2010, at which time the Third Temple should be standing (against all odds, I have to assume).  On that time scale, the midpoint of the seven-year period (using Hebraic months of 30 days each = 2,520 days) will be April 4, 2010, which happens to be the Feast of Firstfruits (Resurrection Day = Easter Sunday).  Perhaps a Mid-tribulation Rapture of “firstfruits” believers will take place then.

I strongly suspect that the European Neighbourhood Policy is the “covenant with death” described by the ancient prophet Isaiah:

Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem.  You boast, “We have entered into a covenant with death, with the grave we have made an agreement.  When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by, it cannot touch us, for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” ... [But the Sovereign Lord says:] “Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the grave will not stand.  When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be beaten down by it.  As often as it comes it will carry you away; morning after morning, by day and by night, it will sweep through.”  The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. (Isaiah 28:14,15,18,19)

If Israel goes along with a two-state solution, with a radical Islamic state controlled by Iran adjacent to it, it will be a death sentence for Israel.  Benjamin Netanyahu knows this.  That is why he is completely against this option; yet, due to the legal terms of the ENP, he may have no choice but to agree to a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.  Of course, if the Temple Mount also is divided, this may lead the way to the building of the Third Temple.

Incidentally, Netanyahu was not the prime minister when Israel joined the ENP.  He is an exceptionally brilliant, rational man and probably would have had a big problem with Israel’s signing onto a seven-year agreement with anyone.  Multitudes of prayers need to rise up to the Lord God, on behalf of this great man—perhaps the final prime minister of Israel, before the Messiah comes.  I always have respected Netanyahu very highly because he is a staunch realist.

No doubt, many of those who embrace the notion of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture are eagerly anticipating a seven-year “peace treaty” between Israel and the Palestinians.  Firstly, however, the idea of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture is a wishful, pipe-dream fantasy.  Secondly, the idea that there will be an agreement that brings any significant peace to the region, for up to 3½ years, is a very simplistic, naïve notion.  It also is unscriptural, as one merely needs to read the Daniel 9:27 prophecy to see that there is no direct stipulation of a solid, secure “peace” (as specified by a seven-year “peace treaty”) in connection with the agreement that commences the seven-year period (70th Week).

At the same time, it certainly is plausible to expect for “peace” to be an objective and a goal of the prophesied seven-year agreement, as is the case of the European Neighbourhood Policy.  So for all of those with their “spiritual bags” packed, who are ready to “cruise on out of here” at any moment, I have to burst your happy bubble.  There will be no Rapture event until, perhaps, midway thorough the 70th Week, at the earliest (see Mid-Tribulation Rapture).  Even if the latter takes place, the main catching away of believers, dead and alive, will not happen until the Pre-Wrath Rapture occurs.  This will follow the opening of the phenomenal Sixth Seal, and just prior to the opening of the dreaded Seventh Seal, probably about one year before the return of Jesus back to earth to rule and reign.


June 12, 2009

I needed a Seaport Village “fix” today, and I took my camera, which I usually do not do.  I don’t go there to buy anything; I just enjoy walking along the bay and around the surrounding area.  View my Seaport Village photos, or watch a 1¼-minute slideshow.

After Seaport Village, I came to my favorite coffee shop, Peet’s, for a cup of coffee.  I always park on the street, a couple of blocks away, because there is a charge for parking nearby.  Plus, I enjoy the walk.

   
8-second slideshow

I like this coffee shop because they offer free wireless internet (unlike Starbucks, which used to).  Furthermore, the classical music they play here always is at the perfect volume.  I am not even a big classical music fan; however, I enjoy it here because it is not distracting and I can focus on what I am doing (mainly, responding to emails and adding to my website).

Overall, this place has a very pleasant atmosphere.  Oh, and their coffee is good, too.


June 11, 2009

Today, the World Health Organization raised the H1N1 pandemic alert level from 5 to 6.  It was raised from 4 to 5 on April 29.  Level 6 is the highest level, and it means that a global epidemic is underway.

I have a suspicion that this may be a Fourth Seal (Revelation 6:7,8) plague, especially since it is global.  If so, it fits exactly into my proposed seven-year hypothesis, as explained in my European Neighbourhood Policy and Daniel 9:27 commentary.  Also, I would expect for more plagues to break out over the next year or so—either from other viruses or from alleged “vaccinations” to “cure” those viruses.


June 9, 2009

Today, Chrysler was closed down.  General Motors was closed down on June 1.  Now, they are under the control of the federal government, which has gained control of many things since Inauguration Day in January.  Thousands of car dealerships across America have been adversely affected by this.  It isn’t right.

California is bankrupt.  I am wondering when this state is going to be “bailed out” by the federal government.  If and when that happens, I suspect that other states will follow suit, like dominoes falling.  Is the USA becoming the USSA (United Socialist States of America)?  It looks like it to me.


May 31, 2009

Today is Shavuot, although traditionally it was observed last week (beginning at sunset on Thursday, May 28, and continuing through Friday, May 29).  Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, is the fourth Spring Jewish feast/festival.

On God’s prophetic time table, Shavuot was the timing of the first Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:1-12.  On that day, the Holy Spirit came upon God-fearing Jews from every nation, all gathered together in Jerusalem, and caused them to speak in other tongues.

Pentecost means “fiftieth day.”  Counting Jesus’ resurrection day as day #1, then adding seven weeks (49 more days), we arrive at day #50, which was Pentecost.  This follows with what the Lord commanded Moses to write in Leviticus 23:15,16.

On the day after the regular weekly Sabbath, following Passover (during the Feast of Unleavened Bread), a “firstfruits” offering of the first grain harvested was presented to God (Leviticus 23:10-13).  This was the Feast of Firstfruits.  Then, considering that day as the first day, fifty days were be counted, to the day after the seventh weekly Sabbath, at which time another “firstfruits” grain offering to God was to be made (23:15-17).

Jesus rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits—the “firstfruit” of those who have “fallen asleep” or died (1 Corinthians 15:20).  Exactly seven weeks later, those who were congregated in a house in Jerusalem were the “firstfruits” of those experiencing spiritual birth, via Spirit baptism, into a new, eternal life.  As such, many consider that to be the day that the Christian Church was born.


May 30, 2009

I woke up thinking about my dad today.  He passed away in 1976, when he was 64.  I was 21, a few months after I had graduated from university.  He had retired less than a year before, looking forward to years, or decades, of freedom from work and doing fun stuff.

He was an excellent photographer and had sold many of his photos to magazine, calendar, and postcard companies.  So he wanted to spend time traveling and taking scenic pictures.  He even was in the process of creating miniature landscapes—of mountains, forests, lakes, and animals—to photograph.  Then he got cancer, and all those dreams vanished quickly.

I was looking at photos of some of his paintings.  They all were paint-by-number, not from scratch.  Here are a couple of them, I think his first two, both painted in 1961:

 
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I think he wanted to photograph landscapes and then learn to paint them the way he saw them.  I liked that he preferred realistic art (both photography and painting), which also matched his character.  I also liked his attention to detail.  He loved God, and he enjoyed replicating His creation.  I wish that I were as talented.  At least I inherited his sense of realism, though I certainly am no artist.

Anyway, in a moment of time, something flashed through my mind.  I believe the Lord placed it there, because I never had thought about it before, although I didn’t hear a voice or see a vision or anything.  My dad died before he had a chance to enjoy his retirement.  On the other hand, I retired early and have thoroughly enjoyed my freedom from work and doing things that I’ve wanted to do, including studying God’s Word and writing for Him for almost two decades.

I think that God took my dad’s time and gave it to me, and that thought suddenly made me very happy and grateful—especially since I have no doubt that my dad willingly would have sacrificed decades of his life and given them to me, if he had been given the choice.  I love both my earthly dad and my heavenly Dad, and I hope to see both of them before too long—perhaps as soon as next year (see Mid-Tribulation Rapture). 


May 28, 2009

Someone, in a set of emails, has been asking me about water baptism and trying to convince me that it is essential for eternal salvation.  I do not believe that it is.  For anyone interested in seeing why I believe this, I have written an email response to someone about it here:

Others have asked me about the seals of the heavenly scroll, described in Revelation 6:1-17, 8:1-5.  Generally, I have been asked when I believe some of the seal events have taken place, if we have entered the 70th Week.  Here is an email response I have written to somebody about that:

With the establishment of the seven-year European Neighbourhood Policy in October 2006, we now may be over 2½ years into the final seven years of this age.  Yet, only the construction of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, prior to Passover Week 2010, will cause me to be essentially 100% certain that we are there.


May 24, 2009

After reading my Idealism vs. Realism commentary, someone asked me if I feel that some Christians are idealistic.  Actually, I do.

Firstly, I think that Christians who think that Jesus merely was a “good man,” whose primary goal was to bring “peace on earth,” are idealistic.  If there ever was a realist, it was Jesus, which is just one reason why I respect and admire Him so much.

Hopefully, the following passage, spoken by Jesus (Who, incidentally, was/is God), should jolt some idealists into a realistic understanding of one of Jesus’ main missions:

I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ... Do you think I came to bring peace on earth?  No, I tell you, but division.  From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.  They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. (Luke 12:49,51-53)

Secondly, Christians who view end-time prophecy, especially in the Book of Revelation, as mostly symbollic and figurative, rather than as literal and factual, are idealistic.  Many of them think that the people of the world, somehow, will become “kinder and gentler,” and then we all will usher in the second coming of Jesus.  They are in for an enormously rude awakening, in case they happen to be around when the Great Tribulation begins (which, if my hypothesized time frame is correct, will be during Passover week 2010).

Thirdly, too many Christians have not taken the time to do their homework on issues such as the Rapture and Creation.  I find it curious that, from what I have observed, there seems to be a very high correlation between those who are anticipating a pre-tribulation rapture and those who embrace the notion of a young-earth creation.  Personally, I consider both views to be very idealistic.  Here are two recent email responses I have written on these two topics:

I hope that these two email responses will get people who embrace what I consider to be idealistic viewpoints, about both of these topics, to think more carefully and objectively about their positions.


May 19, 2009

I like Michael Steele, RNC National Chairman, and his conservative principles.  I wish that people would get off his back and let him do his job.


May 18, 2009

Barack Obama & Benjamin Netanyahu
 
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Barack Obama met today at the White House.  They discussed the Iranian nuclear weapons program and the Israeli-Palestinian “peace process.”

Obama said that he wants Iran to be a “full-fledged member of the international community.”  He indicated that sanctions are still possible against Iran, if it continues its nuclear program.

Netanyahu stressed that Iran’s obtaining nuclear weapons would be a threat not only to Israel but to the rest of the world.  He added that Iran might give nuclear weapons to terrorists.  Prior to the meeting, Israel’s national security adviser, Uzi Arad, hinted that Israel might consider military action against Iran, saying there was a “sense of urgency” in Israel over the Iranian nuclear threat.

       

       
25-second slideshow

Plainly and simply, Benjamin Netanyahu understands the threat of radical Islam.  He is a realist who knows how vitally important it is for Iran—whose leadership has been very outspoken against Israelnot to build or obtain nuclear weaponry.  On the other hand, Barack Obama is an idealist who seems to think that we can reason with radical Islamists who, logically and rationally, will see our point of view.  Either that or Obama has a secret, hidden agenda which has not yet been revealed.  Perhaps it is a combination of both.

Obama called for a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians.  However, Netanyahu differed in his view.  He said that as long as the Palestinians will recognize the Jewish state immediately, he is ready to restart Mideast peace talks right away.  I think that there is virtually no chance that any Islamic group or nation will recognize Israel’s right to exist—until the Messiah comes and forces them to, that is.

By the way, I suppose that those who believe in a Pre-tribulation Rapture are anticipating that a seven-year “peace” agreement is imminent.  Yet, the Daniel 9:27 prophecy indicates that the confirmation of a covenant will involve many, not merely two parties (that is, the Israelis and the Palestinians).  The European Neighbourhood Policy does seem to qualify, in every way.


May 17, 2009

An online buddy, Frank, has been visiting Israel.  He was in Jerusalem all last week and still is, I believe.  I asked him to report to me anything interesting that happened to him or that he saw or heard that seemed noteworthy.

The day Pope Benedict arrived, Frank tried to get into a service to see the pope.  However, not only was he not allowed in, he was searched for over an hour.  Perhaps this was because of the Bible he was carrying.  He said he felt as though he were in Nazi Germany.

He said he has heard that the pope and V. P. Biden are pressing for the setting up of a Palestinian state.  He also heard that the Temple Mount may be divided, part remaining under Islamic control and part coming under Israeli control.  This interested me very much.  If this were to happen, this could provide the means by which the Temple Institute would be able to build the Third Temple.

Tomorrow, Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Barack Obama.  There is talk that Netanyahu might endorse a Palestinian state, although in the past he has emphasized that he believes the Palestinians are not ready to rule themselves.  I expect that he is leaving open all of his options.  We’ll see what happens; it should be interesting, whatever the outcome.


May 16, 2009

A group known as the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement plans to bring a thirteen-ton cornerstone, to be used in the construction of the Third Temple, into Jerusalem.  This is scheduled to take place on Jerusalem Day this year: May 21, 2009.  To read more, go here:

Thirteen Ton Temple Corner Stone
to Be Presented to the People of Israel

Perhaps this is an indication that the beginning of construction of the next temple, in Jerusalem, is relatively soon.  I do not believe anything until I see it.  However, if my hypothesized seven-year time scale is correct, the Third Temple must be standing by Passover Week 2010.


May 13, 2009

Someone pointed out an article to me today.  The article truly is appalling and deplorable:

All Pigs Must Die Because They Descend From Jews

The authors of the article, themselves, do not believe what the title implies.  Rather, they are quoting a senior Egyptian Islamic leader, Sheikh Ahmed Ali Othman.  He actually believes that present-day monkeys and pigs somehow came from ancient Jews, whom Allah turned into these animals because he was displeased with them.

In case you think this is just the delusional thinking of a madman, think again.  This is right out of the Qur´an (Koran), the “holy” book of Islam (see Sura 5: al-Mâ´idah, verse 60).  My commentary “The End-Times” shows more about why Islam hates Jewish Israel, and will continue doing so until Israel’s true Messiah returns.

Islam teaches that Jesus will return again with the coming redeemer of Islam, Muhammad al-Mahdi.  It also teaches that, according to Jesus, anyone who does not worship Allah will not be in Paradise but, rather, will find his abode in the Fire (Sura 5: al-Mâ´idah, verse 72).  Of course, Jesus never said anything of the sort.

There are many idealists who believe that appeasing, or even “making friends” with, Islamic nations (as Mr. Obama seems to want to do) will cause them to leave Israel and the USA alone.  I think that people who believe this are about as deluded as Sheikh Ahmed Ali Othman.


May 11, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI is visiting Israel this week.  He has an itinerary of things to do for five days, in and around Jerusalem.

Although I am not Catholic, I generally have respect for this pope, although I do have a problem with his reversal of the excommunication of Bishop Richard Williamson, a Holocaust denier, a few months ago.  I suspect that this will make the pope’s visit to Israel more tense than it otherwise would be.

In an unscheduled speech, Sheikh Tayseer Tamimi, chief Islamic judge in the Palestinian Authority, launched a 10-minute tirade against the State of Israel for confiscating Palestinians’ land and carrying out war crimes against the residents of Gaza.  He also called for the immediate return of all Palestinian refugees, and called on Christians and Muslims to unite against Israel.

Following the diatribe but before the meeting was officially over, Pope Benedict exited the premises.  I was very disappointed, however, that the pope shook Tamimi’s hand before walking out.

Earlier today, the pope had called for a just and lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.  I bet there are those who now are anticipating the imminent signing of a seven-year “peace” agreement, in fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel 9:27.  Of course, I suspect that the European Neighbourhood Policy already may be that agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the welcoming ceremony for Pope Benedict.  Netanyahu stated that talk of a two-state solution is premature.  Thus, in my opinion, there is, essentially, zero chance that the pope will do anything to further the cause of peace in Israel, especially since there will not be peace until the Messiah returns.


May 10, 2009

I like this passage about “a wife with noble character”: Proverbs 31:10-31.  To all of you moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day. 


May 7, 2009

Today is the National Day of Prayer.  It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.  It was not observed publicly by Barack Obama, though, which was not at all surprising to me.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Personally, I am looking forward, more than anything, for the kingdom of God on earth.  I believe that it will be soon, certainly much sooner than most people anticipate.


May 6, 2009

For the most part, I am a realist.  I know how the world should be; but I have no illusions, even with our best and most sincere efforts, that humankind can make it that way.  Earth’s inhabitants cannot be happy and well-fed, the world cannot be at peace, and the pollution of our planet and its atmosphere cannot stop, and be reversed, without the direct intervention of Jesus/God into world affairs.

I think that most idealists would disagree with my point of view.  In general, they seem to believe that a coordinated and collective effort of humankind can “fix” all of the world’s colossal problems, which are mounting daily.  They put an immense amount of hope and faith in the prospect that human ingenuity and resourcefulness can accomplish this.  Personally, I feel that this way of thinking is c**p.  As such, I have written the following commentary:

Idealism vs. Realism

Apr. 29, 2009

H1N1 Virus Stats as of April 29, 2009
States in
the USA
No. of Laboratory
Confirmed Cases
Deaths
Arizona
California
Indiana
Kansas
Massachusetts
Michigan
Nevada
New York
Ohio
Texas
1
14
1
2
2
2
1
51
1
16
1
Totals 91 Cases 1 Death
Dr. Margaret Chan is the director of the World Health Organization (WHO).  Today, at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, she raised the swine flu (H1N1) pandemic alert level from 4 to 5.

The level had been at 4 for two days, which was the highest it had ever been, prior to that point.  Dr. Chan urged for all countries to remain on “high alert.”

   
8-second slideshow

The Influenza A H1N1 virus is spread from person to person.  Level 5 is an indication that a pandemic is imminent.  The pandemic alert may yet rise another level, to 6, which is the highest possible alert.  This would mean that a global epidemic was underway.

In Mexico, there have been up to 2,498 cases of H1N1 infection, with as many as 160 deaths.  In addition, the following countries, so far, have reported confirmed cases of the virus: Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) the United Kingdom (5), and the United States (91).


Apr. 28, 2009

Here is an interesting update of my Apr. 25 entry.  Dr. Leonard Horowitz explains, in the following video, how he believes that the flu virus spreading through Mexico is a recombinant form of evian, swine, Spanish flu viruses.

Mexican Flu Outbreak 2009:
Special Report by Dr. Leonard Horowitz

He says that “the outbreak was precisely timed to promote the company’s [Novavax Inc.] new research and huge vaccine stockpiling contracts.”  He believes that it is part of a “network of genetic engineers in a conspiracy to commit genocide.”  Perhaps this flu will become a pandemic.


Apr. 27, 2009

In case you haven’t seen the Google search page today, it has Morse Code on it.  That is because it is the birthday of Samuel Morse, who was born 218 years ago today.

You can go to my Morse Code page to see if Google posted the correct symbols.  (They did.)  I’m sure glad that we don’t have to type in Morse Code.

By the way, today Glenn Beck, commenting on the swine flu pandemic, jokingly said, “We don’t know if this is going to be comparable to a small earthquake or hurricane, or if it is one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.”  Well, if you read my Apr. 25, 2009 entry, you know I think it’s possible that it could be part of the fourth horseman’s activities (Revelation 6:7,8).  Somehow, I suspect that Glenn Beck, in reality, would be one of the last people to consider that to be the case.


Apr. 25, 2009

Several students in New York City have tested positive today for what, most likely, is a potentially deadly influenza (H1N1), with swine (pig) flu, avian (bird) flu, and human flu components.  So far, in the United States, it also has shown up in California, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio.

This flu, which is a strain that has not been seen before, already has infected hundreds, and killed dozens, in Mexico.  Even more people in Mexico City now are at high risk of being infected.  Thousands are wearing face masks, similar to those on the right, in an attempt to curb the spread of infection.  The infection is spread from person-to-person.

At an emergency meeting today, the World Health Organization has warned that the virus already is widespread and, very likely, cannot be contained.  In addition, it has announced that this outbreak could become a pandemic.  A pandemic means that the disease can spread rapidly through populations across a large region, for instance a continent, or even worldwide.  Interestingly, look at my Apr. 13 entry.

I have indicated, in writings at my website, how I believe that the Fifth Seal of the heavenly scroll (Revelation 6:9-11), beginning the Great Tribulation, will be opened at the midpoint of the 70th Week.  On my proposed time scale, this would be during Passover Week 2010.

If this is going to happen—which, of course, I cannot prove at this time—then we would expect the Fourth Seal (Revelation 6:7,8) to be opened before that point.  This is what is to take place during that period:

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)

In my Natural Disasters and Socio-Economic Collapse commentary, about halfway down the page, I talked about how I suspected that the Fourth Seal would be opened in 2009.  Notice that one of the processes by which death will come to a large segment of the world is plague, of which a pandemic would be one example.  Thus, if my proposed time frame is correct, then a pandemic of the swine/avian/human flu could indicate that the Fourth Seal has been, or is about to be, opened.

Of course, great and deadly plagues, pestilences, and pandemics have occurred throughout history.  The difference this time, however, is that this one would be taking place following the implementation of a seven-year agreement, the European Neighbourhood Policy, in October 2006, perhaps fulfilling Daniel 9:27.


Apr. 24, 2009

Pertaining to my Apr. 19, 2009 entry, I have been asked a few questions:

  • What education did I get to qualify me to make my human eye site?
  • Why don’t I charge for anything at my website?
  • Did somebody offend me with something said in an email?

Well, I never liked school, even though I always did well (As and Bs).  Therefore, I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.  I graduated from college in 3 years, with a B.S. in Math and a minor in Combined Sciences, at age 20.  I graduated from optometry school, with a Doctor of Optometry degree, at age 24.  I also gained a B.S. in Visual Science along the way.  Soon after graduation, I went to work, saved my money, stayed out of debt, and made some reasonable investments.

I worked for 11¼ years and then retired, at 36, to pursue other interests.  While I was working, I also took classes to gain an Optometric Physician’s license, enabling me to prescribe medications.  My last day of work, officially, was 1/11/91; but, technically, it was 1/10/91, since I called in sick my last day (as a final act of protest against my immediate supervisor).

The Holy Spirit had impressed upon me to quit my job.  I had felt very strongly, for many months, that the Lord wanted me to study the Bible, carefully and thoroughly, and get to know a great deal more about Him.  I’ve always been a believer, but I’d never read the Bible from cover to cover.  Since 1991, I have read it through several times, most recently in 2008.

It is amazing to me how God chose special people, over several centuries, to write what He directed them to write, and how He systematically cross-referenced important topics among the writers (such as between Daniel, an ancient Israeli prophet greatly esteemed by God, and John, a disciple and close friend of Jesus, who wrote Revelation).  God never ceases to amaze me, and I am looking forward to being continually enthralled by Him throughout eternity.

In 1996, I taught myself HTML from online tutorials.  I made Ted’s HTML Tutorial to help others learn it, too.  Besides my HTML Tutorial, the Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology of the Human Eye section of my website was my first attempt at writing HTML.

The Lord impressed upon me to keep everything at my website free and to charge for nothing.  I knew that with Him taking care of me, which He always has, I’d never need to earn any profit from my website.  That has worked out just fine.  Also, I like free things myself.  Plus, I believe that the best things in life—such as eternal salvation through the Lord, Jesus Christ—are free.  I have given freely, and God has given freely to me.  That is “God’s economy.”

The vast majority of emails that I get are positive and supportive, which is nice.  Occasionally, I get emails from people who are argumentative, even confrontational at times.  Fortunately, it is difficult to offend me.  My beliefs and faith are very solid, and it is not easy for someone to change them, although occasionally I can be influenced.

Frankly, whatever other people believe is fine with me.  I do not email people at other websites to challenge them and attempt to compel them to believe the way I do.  I also do not have an email list of people to whom I send out regular emails, as I prefer not to be on such email lists myself.  People will believe whatever they want to believe, and there is nothing I can do to change that.  I simply present my views at my website, and then readers can formulate their own opinions.

There have been plenty of people who have told me that they came to know the Lord after visiting my website, or who have changed their views or doctrines after reading scripturally-based things I have written.  Many have entered my website through one random gateway, then looked around and found my Bible and prophecy commentaries.  This is what I had in mind to happen, over a decade ago, when I began creating my website: use several other types of information as “bait” to bring some people into the Bible and prophecy section of my website.  The Lord knew what He was doing when He orchestrated that.

God is very personal and personable.  He cares about what happens to us, and He always forewarns people of major events before they occur, whether in His Word or in the things they see around them.  He always knows what He is doing, from the Creation of all things to the fulfillment of the Chronology of Revelation, in perfect order.  And we may be seeing the latter taking place, before our very eyes, right now.


Apr. 22, 2009

Unofficial Earth Day Flag
 
Today is “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.

Today, Barack Obama indicated that the USA should lead the world in the creation of new sources of clean energy.

   
8-second slideshow

This is at a time when both Republicans and Democrats, alike, have slowed down associated legislation in Congress.  They know that it will cause more jobs to go overseas, will hurt small businesses, and will increase consumer costs.  Obama’s proposed energy plan could cost upwards of $2 trillion.  Inevitably, it will lead to much higher taxes (such as the “carbon tax”), a required monitoring of how much we drive and how warm we keep our homes, and a 50-100% increase in our energy costs.

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 if one eats healthfully).

I think anybody who knows me reasonably well could predict how I view “Earth Day.”  I feel that it has metastasized into a politically-correct monster.  I also think that too many people have placed “Mother Earth” at the center of their collective universes and made “her” their primary “goddess.”

Furthermore, I believe it is highly likely that human history—and the earth as we know it—will be radically changed, just before and after the return of Jesus Christ back to earth to rule and reign, which plausibly could be as soon as Yom Kippur 2013 but, more likely, a few years later.  Soon thereafter, there no longer will be anything to be concerned about—environmentally, socially, financially, or economically.  Everything will be under the Lord’s direct control and management (Zechariah 14:9).

Just prior to Jesus’ return, there will be a colossal, supernatural destruction of much of the earth’s surface (look at just the first three Trumpet Judgments: Revelation 8:6-11).  This will render the present anxiety, apprehension, and hand-wringing about “long-term” environmental and global climate change (whether man-made or otherwise), to be pointless if not senseless.


Apr. 19, 2009

I receive emails from all over the world, with comments and questions about my website.  Most people think that my website consists of only one section, or even one page, which is whatever they may have stumbled upon after searching the web for something.  Actually, though, my website consists of numerous sections, including (but not limited to) the following (click here to see the entire list):

  • Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology of the Human Eye
  • Ted’s Comprehensive HTML Tutorial
  • Ted’s Punctuation Guide
  •  
  • Measurements & Conversions
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Special ALT Characters
  • Ted’s Bible Commentaries
  • Because I am contacted about so many topics, I do not have the time to respond to all of the emails.  For the emails to which I do reply, it often takes several days before I do so.  Sometimes, because I am battling relapsing polychondritis, I simply do not feel like doing anything for a day or two.

    Even though I may take the time to give detailed explanations and responses, in some cases with multiple email exchanges, some people never are satisfied.  For people who enjoy arguing and quarreling over what I consider to be “irrelevant points,” or who cannot be satisfied unless I change my viewpoint about something to whatever they believe, several exchanges usually are never enough.

    When I have the time and interest, which is not always the case, I do not mind having a logical, rational discussion with somebody about something.  At times, I have changed my thinking about certain matters and have modified the text at my website to reflect my new position(s).

    However, I wish that people would read the following page before bombarding me with their views and opinions about various things (usually about the Bible and prophecy), trying to convince me to adopt their perspectives instead, especially when they do not provide valid Scripture references to back them up:

    Attempts to Persuade Me to Believe Things

    Typically, my advice to such people is to take the time to create their own websites and then to place their views there for the world to see.  That way, they can attract people who will bicker and squabble with them, to their heart’s content.  I think some people forget that they haven’t paid 1¢ to read any of the information at my website; therefore, I owe them absolutely nothing in return.

    I am not trying to start a “cult,” nor am I looking for “followers” to “revere” me and my beliefs.  I do not want to be anybody’s “guru.”  In fact, I do not want any these things at all.  Personally, I have zero interest in attempting to convince anyone of my views.

    For those who do not like the things that I say at my website, there are hundreds of millions of other websites on the web to visit.  I urge these people to exit mine, go elsewhere, and not return.  However, if they like my website, I hope they will stay and find more things that will interest and be beneficial to them.


    Apr. 17, 2009

    Some have asked me if I am aware of this report, put out by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.”  Yes I am.  Look at my entry for Apr. 7, 2009.


    Apr. 15, 2009

    I watched the major “tea party” protests on Fox News Channel today.  I even found them to be quite interesting.  I saw that there are multitudes of people who believe, as I do, that the USA, and the world at large, are headed for utter disaster, on our present course.  I agree with Glenn Beck’s views, that Democrats and Republicans, alike, are to blame for the dismal situation in which Americans now find themselves.

    On the other hand, Mr. Beck does not seem to recognize that, prophetically speaking, we probably are very near the end of the age.  If that is so, there is absolutely nothing anyone can do to change what is predestined to happen.  Yet he seems to believe that, on a human level, if enough people “rise up,” we can cause a change in our direction and save ourselves.  This is why he was the leader of one of the biggest “tea parties” in the country today (at the Alamo).

    However, I do not accept his presumed premise at all: that a change in direction will save us.  That is why I did not even leave my house to attend a “tea party” demonstration.  I would not have made a difference.  This does not mean, of course, that we should not be appalled at, nor speak out against, the atrocities we see happening around us.  It certainly is appropriate to warn others to be aware of what is unfolding and to take any precautions that they can, if possible.  We also need to pray that as many people as possible will be saved from the impending “tsunami” before it hits.

    My foundation is the Word of God, the Bible.  Thus, I accept all of the end-time prophecies made by Isaiah, Daniel, Paul, John, and many others.  I do not doubt, one bit, that all of their predictions are true.  All of their prophecies are dovetailing and fitting “like a glove,” not only with each other but also with the events we see taking place around us.

    In the time of Jesus’ earthly life, the vast majority of people did not understand or believe that He was the Messiah, even though there was more than adequate evidence, in fulfillment of Scripture, that He was the Anointed One (see Jesus: Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies).  When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He wept over it because most of the people in the city had failed to recognize the time of His coming (Luke 19:41-44)—even though that exact day had been prophesied for centuries (Daniel 9:25).

    Likewise, I believe that, at the end of the age, even a great many of those who believe in Jesus will fail to recognize the timing of His second appearance.  I feel that, in combination with the seven-year prophecy (Daniel 9:27), there is enough evidence to make it be extremely likely that we have experienced nearly 2½ years of the “birth pains” spoken about by Jesus (Matthew 24:4-8), as being part of the first half of the 70th Week.

    Believing, as I do, that the probability of this is exceptionally high (see the European Neighbourhood Policy and Daniel 9:27), I am compelled to accept that we are living in the final seven-year period of this age, barring something that might lead me to a contrary view.  As such, I feel that, for the most part, it is a waste of time to attempt to change the inevitable direction in which the USA, along with the rest of the world, are headed.

    If, indeed, we are near the very end of the age, a gigantic “earthquake” has taken place, in the form of so-called “bailouts” and “stimulus packages” by President Obama and the U.S. Congress, combined with other socio-economic failures and natural adversities around the globe.  Now, the resultant, colossal “tsunami” ahead is inevitable and unstoppable.  Rather than rally everybody we know to help us build up a massive number of “sand bags” to reduce the torrent of severe “flooding” and destruction to come, we need to realize that there are no human solutions to the upcoming deluge of tribulations and disasters.

    Instead, what we need to do is to look to the firmest Rock we can find to “cling” to, for protection against the onslaught of calamities before us.  We also need to encourage as many others, as possible, to do the same.  That perfect, faithful Rock is the Lord our God (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:31; Isaiah 44:8).  My hope no longer is in anything that rulers or governments can do; my hope is in Jehovah-Elohay, the Lord my God, and in He alone.

    The time is over for “wishful thinking” that, somehow, some way, man-made policies and plans—or even a great “revival” of believers—will cause everything to be okay again.  It is not going to happen.  Rather, the time is here for us to look forward, earnestly and intently, for a “crown of righteousness,” which will be awarded to all who long for the second appearance of the Lord, Jesus, to rule and reign in absolute righteousness.  He is the light at the end of the dark tunnel ahead.  Only He can, and will, save humanity from itself; and only He will turn the darkest time in human history (Matthew 24:21) into the dawning of a glorious new Day: the Millennium.


    Apr. 13, 2009

    A woman, Jane Burgermeister, in Austria, has filed charges against Baxter and Avir pharmaceutical companies, insisting that they started a bird flu pandemic this past winter, on purpose, so that they could “profit from the pandemic”:

    http://theflucase.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109&Itemid=81&lang=en

    I feel that, if this is true, it potentially could lead to a global pandemic, perhaps even later this year.


    Apr. 12, 2009

    Christ is risen!  This is the assurance that believers, around the world, have in their Savior, Jesus the Messiah (Christ).  According to the Apostle Paul,

    If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.  But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.  For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.  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 15:13-23)

    Isaac was a “type” of Jesus.  In the eyes of God, Isaac was Abraham’s only legitimate son (Genesis 22:16); and Abraham was willing to offer him as a sacrifice.  God told Abraham to go to Moriah and sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a burnt offering (22:2).  At that point, Isaac’s fate was sealed; for all intents and purposes, he was dead.

    The next morning (the first day after the commandment for Isaac to die), Abraham saddled his donkey and left with Isaac and two servants (Genesis 22:3).  On the third day, after they had reached their destination, Abraham told his servants to stay where they were while he and Isaac went to worship (at which time Isaac’s sacrifice would take place), after which they would return (22:4).  Abraham believed that if he were to follow through with sacrificing Isaac, God would resurrect him (Hebrews 11:19), and the two of them would return together.

    We do not know on which day of the week God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac; but, for a moment, let us assume that it was a Thursday.  Essentially, that was the day of Isaac’s sacrifice, because God had commanded it, and only God can rescind His own command.

    It was the next day—the first day after the command to sacrifice Isaac—that Abraham and Isaac set out for Moriah.  On our proposed time line, this would have been Friday.  It was on the third day that Isaac’s reprieve from God came; and Isaac, in effect, was raised from death (Hebrews 11:19) on that day.  If Friday had been the first day after Isaac’s “sacrifice,” Saturday would have been the second day, and Sunday (Isaac’s “resurrection day”) would have been the third day.  (For more about why Jesus was crucified on Thursday and was raised on Sunday, see Good Thursday.)

    Jesus was raised from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9-14).  He was the “firstfruit” from the dead of all who will be raised and who never will die again.

    Anyone can have the same assurance that death will not have a permanent victory over them (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).  The key is to confess Jesus as Lord and believe that He was raised from the dead (Romans 9:9,10).  He has risen, indeed; and you can be, too, at the Rapture


    Apr. 10, 2009

    The first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6-8) began last night, at sunset.  Today is the anniversary of the exodus of the ancient Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 12:17).  I ate unleavened bread last night and am eating it today as well (12:18), just as the ancient Israelites did.  I hope it is “kosher” to put peanut butter on matzo. 

    At a traditional Passover Seder, three pieces of unleavened bread (matzos) are placed into a white linen envelope with three adjacent compartments.  Later, the middle matzo, known as the afikomen, is taken from its compartment and broken in two.  One part is hidden (“buried”), and the other part is placed back into its compartment.

    The children will search for the afokimen until one of them finds it.  That child will hold the afokimen for “ransom” until the father pays him/her, traditionally with silver, to get it back.  The afikomen is a picture of Jesus (see the afikomen and Jesus, the Passover Afikomen), who is a member of the Trinity of God (see Father and Son).


    Apr. 9, 2009

    Today is “Preparation Day,” and Passover begins mid-afternoon (see yesterday’s entry: Apr. 8, 2009).  I actually got motivated and made some matzo balls, some potato latkes, and a red velvet birthday cake, with cream cheese frosting, for my friend.  (I wish she preferred chocolate, as I do, but oh well.)  Her birthday isn’t until tomorrow, but I don’t like to cook or bake two days in a row.  Oh, and I can’t give her age.  I don’t want to take a chance of getting waterboarded.

             

             
    30-second slideshow

    It is not too often that the days of Holy Week line up as they did during the week that Jesus died, was buried, and was resurrected.  This year, they do.  It was on this day, at the ninth hour of daylight (that is, at “twilight”), that Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:45-50; Mark 15:33-37; Luke 23:44-46).

    In ancient times, the Passover lamb was to be taken in on the 10th of the month (Exodus 12:3).  This was in the month of Aviv.  Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-11), was the 10th of Aviv.

    The ancient Passover lambs had to be free of defects (Exodus 12:5).  Similarly, Jesus was interrogated for four days, up through His appearance before Pilate, the governor, and found to be faultless and perfect (Matthew 21:12 to 27:26).

    On the 14th of Aviv, the ancient Passover lambs were slain, and their blood was brushed onto the tops and sides of the doorframes of the people’s homes (Exodus 12:6,7).  That prevented anyone in those homes to be harmed when the Lord passed over them (12:23,27).  It can be assumed that at least a few drops of the blood, brushed onto the top of the doorframe, would drop down to the floor.  So the arrangement of the four points of blood on the doorframe was a cross ().

    Jesus, the Lamb of God who died on a cross, had

    • a crown of thorns,
    • nails driven into each stretched-out wrist/hand, and
    • nails driven into his ankles/feet.

    Thus, the blood stains on the cross were in the identical configuration as the blood of the lambs on the doorframes of the ancient Hebrew families.  That is because Jesus was the Passover Lamb for humanity, who took away the sins of the world (1 Corinthians 5:7b), and who will protect those who believe in Him (Romans 10:9,10) from the ultimate wrath of God, yet to come.

    Jewish law dictated that bodies could not be buried on a Sabbath, because no regular work could be done on that day (Leviticus 23:3).  Jesus died on the cross late in the day; and, after removing Him from the cross, there was only a short time before the Sabbath began (Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54).  So Jesus was placed in the tomb, just before sunset of Preparation Day (John 19:42).

    In this case, however, the next day was not the regular weekly Sabbath.  Rather, it was a special Sabbath (John 19:31), on which no regular work could be done (such as burying the dead).  It was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6,7).  In that particular year, that special Sabbath took place on Friday, with the regular weekly Sabbath occurring the following day, Saturday.  Thus, there were two Sabbath days in a row: a special Sabbath and then the regular, weekly Sabbath.  The same is true this year.

    Incidentally, on the day Jesus was crucified, there was darkness over all the land, from the sixth hour to the ninth hour of daylight (Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44), or from about noon until 3:00 p.m.  Some have attributed this darkness, simply, to a solar eclipse.  However, this is impossible.  On Passover, there always is a full moon; whereas, a solar eclipse only can occur during a new moon.  Thus, God supernaturally darkened the sun, on that particular day, to demonstrate that it was the Son of God who was hanging on the cross.

    When Jesus, the Anointed One, made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, this completed the 69 weeks of years (7 + 62 = 69), according to the prophecy in Daniel 9:25.  Very soon, thereafter, the Anointed One was crucified or “cut off” (9:26).  Jesus wept over Jerusalem, as He approached it (Luke 19:41), saying,

    If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.  The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.  They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls.  They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you. (Luke 19:42-44)

    They should have been aware of how the Scriptures clearly had informed them that their Lord and Messiah, Jesus, would be coming to them on that exact day.  Because they failed to recognize the arrival of their God and King, Jesus, then He would have to be crucified; and eventually (in 70 A.D.) the Romans would wreak havoc on them and destroy their temple and city, not leaving one stone on another.

    Likewise, if the 7-year European Neighbourhood Policy agreement has commenced the 70th Week of Daniel 9:27, present-day believers who do not recognize this are in similar danger.  They are failing to understand the timing of Jesus’ second coming, initially in the clouds, at the Pre-Wrath Rapture (with, perhaps, a prior catching-up event to take place at a Mid-Tribulation Rapture, possibly as soon as next year, during Passover week 2010).

    Jesus entered Jerusalem on Aviv 10, Palm Sunday.  He was crucified and died at mid-afternoon on Aviv 14, Good Thursday (not on Good Friday, as has been assumed traditionally).  He was placed into a tomb prior to sunset (Matthew 27:57-60), where He lay for portions of three days and three nights (12:40).  And He rose from the dead on Aviv 17, the Feast of Firstfruits, commonly known as “Easter.”  I prefer to call it Resurrection Day, for “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).


    Apr. 8, 2009

    Tonight, at sunset, Preparation Day began.  Preparation Day (Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54) is the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Aviv or Nisan.  Preparation Day and Passover are directly connected, but they are not exactly the same.

    In ancient Israel, the Passover lamb was slaughtered at “twilight” on the 14th day of Aviv (Exodus 12:6), which was Preparation Day.  “Twilight” did not have the same connotation as it does now.  Back then, “twilight” occurred in the middle of the afternoon—about 3:00 p.m.—not just after sunset, as we think of it now.  Passover officially began at “twilight” (Leviticus 23:5) on Preparation Day.

    Tonight, almost two millennia ago, Jesus and His disciples celebrated their Passover meal or Seder.  Normally, that meal was eaten the following night, after sunset, when the 15th of Aviv and the Feast of Unleavened Bread began (Exodus 12:8; Leviticus 23:6).  However, Jesus knew that He would be dying on the cross the following afternoon (see tomorrow’s entry: Apr. 9, 2009), so He had to eat the Passover meal one night early.

    A friend and I commemorated the Last Supper together tonight.  We both broke matzo (unleavened bread) in remembrance of Jesus’ body broken for us:

    This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:23,24)
    Then she drank grape juice, while I drank wine, in remembrance of Jesus’ blood shed for us:
    This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:25)

    Notice the piercings and the stripes in the matzo.  Jesus, the Bread of life, was pierced for our transgressions; and the stripes on His back, from being flogged severely, bring us peace (Isaiah 53:5).  He took all of that punishment, and then died, for us.

    Tomorrow, if I get motivated enough, I want to make matzo balls and potato latkes (pancakes).  Yummy. 


    Apr. 7, 2009

    A report came out today from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  The report is entitled “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment” (click on the link to see a 10-page PDF copy of it, although the file size is almost 2 megabytes and may take awhile to load).

    I find this report to be appalling and offensive, if not sinister and foreboding.  Personally, I believe that Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of Homeland Security, should resign for allowing the report to be published.

    I feel that this paragraph is particularly outrageous:

    Historically, domestic rightwing extremists have feared, predicted, and anticipated a cataclysmic economic collapse in the United States.  Prominent antigovernment conspiracy theorists have incorporated aspects of an impending economic collapse to intensify fear and paranoia among like-minded individuals and to attract recruits during times of economic uncertainty.  Conspiracy theories involving declarations of martial law, impending civil strife or racial conflict, suspension of the U.S. Constitution, and the creation of citizen detention camps often incorporate aspects of a failed economy.  Antigovernment conspiracy theories and “end times” prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons.  These teachings also have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist individuals and groups in the past, such as violent Christian Identity organizations and extremist members of the militia movement.

    I have done the following:

    • “feared, predicted, and anticipated a cataclysmic economic collapse in the United States”;
    • suspected that there will be “declarations of martial law, impending civil strife or racial conflict, [and] suspension of the U.S. Constitution”;
    • written about “‘end times’ prophecies”; and
    • urged people to “stockpile food” and other supplies, although not ammunition and weapons, specifically.

    However, I am neither dangerous nor racist.  I am not a “domestic terrorist,” nor do I see listed in the report those who have been: Islamic radicals and al-Qaeda.

    I do not wish Barack Obama harm.  It is not his skin color that I dislike but, rather, his radically extreme policies, which I believe are irreparably harming the USA.

    I am urging people to read all of this outlandish Homeland Security report, as I did.  Those who wrote and approved this report need a firm application of the Board of Education.  Uh oh...is my advocating the use of that “weapon” too “violent”? 


    Apr. 2, 2009

    At the Group of 20 (G-20) Summit meeting in London today, the leaders of the world pledged to provide $1.1 trillion in loans and guarantees to “underdeveloped” nations in the world.  Obama called the summit a “turning point in our pursuit of global economic recovery.”  I’m sure.

    Of course, the USA, with its failing economy, will supply the vast majority of the money that has been pledged, which we will have to borrow from China—who already is calling for the establishment of a global currency other than the dollar.  They are afraid that we will default on the trillions of dollars that they already have loaned us.  And it is appropriate for them to be concerned.

    It is only a matter of time before the USA absolutely will default on its loans—not just to China, but also to everyone else in the world.  This is partly because the Federal Reserve has been very effective in bankrupting the USA, and most recently Barack Obama and the incompetent U. S. Congress have spent the USA into debtor hell.

    I have little doubt that, behind the scenes at the G20 summit, there was a more sinister goal.  I believe that we are headed toward the creation of a new global financial system, based on new currencies, in an attempt to wipe out the gargantuan debt of nations around the world.  The USA is the world’s biggest debtor nation, especially since Obama has been in the White House.  I feel it is inevitable for the U. S. dollar to be devalued significantly and, probably, to be transformed into another denomination.

    For 45 minutes today, I watched and heard President Obama answering questions at an important news conference.  He was not looking at teleprompters, because he was forced to come up with answers spontaneously.  Not surprisingly, among the multitude of “uhs” and lengthy pauses, I heard essentially nothing of any substance or significance come out of his mouth.  It was almost like watching a college student stumble through questions about a topic about which he had not yet learned about all the essentials.

    Much of the American public (at least, among those who voted for him) has been deluded into believing that Barack Obama is an exceptionally smart man who understands the intricacies of the economy and our financial system.  I am convinced that he is not and that he does not.  Overall, I saw Obama as being weak and conciliatory, if not pacifying, at the G-20 Summit.  I feel that this very well could encourage, even invite, future aggression—including, but not limited to, terrorism—on the USA and Western nations.

    Earlier in the day, Obama did something else that disappointed and dismayed me.  While shaking hands with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Obama bowed all the way down to him.  A hand grasp or shake between world leaders is not at all uncommon.  In fact, it is the rule, rather than the exception.  Even hand-holding between two leaders—such as President Bush and King Abdullah in 2005—is acceptable in traditional Arab society.  It is a sign of friendship and respect.  The two people are on an equal level; neither one is seen to be dominant.

    On the other hand, bowing all the way down before someone is something completely different.  It is not a part of normal protocol, especially for world leaders.  I feel it is unwarranted unless, perhaps, it is part of his/her nation’s culture and standard customs.

           
    13-second slideshow

    It makes me wonder why Obama did this, since it clearly was not standard protocol.  I doubt that it bothered most Americans, but it did bother me.  Maybe he was showing respect to one of the chief world leaders who shares his faith in Islam.  (I definitely have not been persuaded that Obama truly is a Christian, as he claims to be.)

    It could be that Obama was demonstrating his great appreciation to the king for the many millions of dollars that he contributed to Obama’s campaign last year.  Or perhaps he wanted to exhibit honor to the king, in hopes that Saudi Arabia will think twice about severing our oil supply in the future.  Basically, I see three possibilities, although there could be others:

    • deference, if not high esteem;
    • gratitude, if not indebtedness;
    • acquiescence, if not submission.

    Saudi Arabia is not a true, steadfast friend and ally of the USA.  (Remember, Osama bin Laden was born in Saudi Arabia.)  Furthermore, the Saudis cut way back on oil production in 2008, which was a key reason that gasoline prices soared so high last year.  Saudi Arabia is the biggest supplier of oil to the USA.

    Do I believe that Obama’s clear display of “esteem” for King Abdullah will cause the Saudis to think twice about lowering oil production and escalating oil prices again?  Absolutely not.  I think that, in less than a handful of years, we will see oil and gas prices equaling, or surpassing, the highest prices of 2008.  Decreased oil production by Saudi Arabia will not be the sole reason, but it will be a major factor.


    Apr. 1, 2009

    The sales tax in California increased today a whopping 1%.  For as long as I can remember, the sales tax in San Diego County has been 7.75%; now it will be 8.75%.  I realize there are other places that have higher sales taxes.  But the point is that the increments usually are gradual: 0.25% here, 0.25% there, and over an extended period of time.

    Increasing a state’s sales tax one full percentage point overnight, especially during a deep recession, is crazy.  The economy is supposed to be stimulated, not depressed.  Oh, I forgot...the president’s so-called stimulus package is stimulating us.  Sure it is.  How ludicrous.

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