This is the first full day of the week-long Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot.  It always occurs during a full moon.  It also is a special Sabbath when no regular work is to be done (Leviticus 23:33-35).  This year, it happens to take place on the regular weekly Sabbath.

       
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All native-born Israelites are to construct and to dwell in booths or “sukkot” (which is the plural of booth or “sukkah”) for a week.  This is a reminder to them of the temporary tabernacles in which their Israelite ancestors lived for 40 years after leaving ancient Egypt (Leviticus 23:42,43).

Jesus, whose birth was in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1), most likely was born in a sukkah during Sukkot, not in a stable in December.  The word “tabernacle,” used as a verb, means “to take up temporary residence, especially to inhabit a physical body” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the Only Begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The words in that verse translated as “made his dwelling” among us are more accurately translated as “did tabernacle” among us.  So Jesus tabernacled with mankind for a few decades while He was here the first time.

Being a Jew, Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles and even taught in the temple courts during the days of this feast (John 7:1-44).  In the future Messianic era, during the Millennium, Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah will return to tabernacle with us again.  Representatives from the nations of the world will go to Jerusalem, where King Yeshua will be sitting on His throne, to observe the Feast of Tabernacles—essentially, a giant birthday celebration for Jesus:

At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD.  No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. (Jeremiah 3:17)

The LORD will be king over the whole earth.  On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. ... Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:9,16)

More information can be found here: Do you think that Jesus was born on December 25 of the Gregorian calendar, or could He have been born at a time that aligned with the Hebraic calendar of feasts and festivals?

The deadline for the U.S. Congress to reach an agreement to fund the government was just after midnight tonight, at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1.  Had an agreement not been reached before then, the government would have been shut down for an indeterminate period of time.

Tonight, only about three hours before the deadline, Congress approved a temporary funding bill.  It was approved in the House by a vote of 335-91.  It was approved in the Senate by a vote of 88-9.

Federal disaster assistance will be increased by $16 billion.  Government agencies will remain open, but there will be no aid to Ukraine in their defense against Russian attacks.  The government will be funded only until Nov. 17.

Last night, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein from California died in her home in Washington, D.C.  At age 90, she was the oldest female U.S. senator in American history.  Today, flags atop the U.S. Capitol Building were lowered to half mast in her memory.

In 1978, while serving as the president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk took place.  Feinstein succeeded Moscone, becoming the first female mayor of San Francisco, where she was born, and serving until 1988.

In a special election in 1992, Feinstein became California’s first female U.S. senator.  Since then, she was reelected to that office five times.  This year, after sustaining various illnesses and health complications over several months, she had decided not to run again in 2024 for the U.S. Senate.

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom will be naming a temporary replacement for Feinstein.  That person will hold the office until the winner of the November 2024 senate election becomes the next U.S. senator from the state in January 2025.  As of yet, the person that Newsom will select is unknown.

Feinstein’s last vote in the senate was yesterday on legislation to prevent a government shutdown.  Unless a bill is passed successfully today or tomorrow to fund the federal government, it will shut down at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday, October 1.  So far, it does not seem likely that a government funding bill will be passed, by both the House and the Senate, prior to midnight tomorrow night.

The second Republican (GOP) candidate debate took place last night in Simi Valley, California.  Seven candidates participated in the debate.  The debate moderators were Stuart Varney with Fox Business, Dana Perino with Fox News and Ilia Calderon with Univision.  Donald Trump was not present.

The debate lasted a little over 2 hours.  It can be watched at the address below.  You can fast-forward about 36 minutes 40 seconds to get to the beginning of the debate.

The first Republican (GOP) presidential debate this year took place on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The second debate will be taking place tonight.

Donald Trump, who continues to be the front-runner in the race, is not planning to attend tonight’s debate, nor did he attend the previous debate.  The debate moderators will be Stuart Varney with Fox Business, Dana Perino with Fox News and Ilia Calderon with Univision.

So far, these seven contenders are preparing to face off against each other over key economic and social issues:  

Ron DeSantis Vivek Ramaswamy Mike Pence Nikki Haley

Chris Christie Tim Scott Doug Burgum

This debate is scheduled to air live on Fox News and on Fox Business Network from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. PDT = 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. EDT.  It will take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

The four Hebraic Spring Festivals/Holy Days were fulfilled during Jesus’ first advent.  Likewise, the three Hebraic Fall Festivals/Holy Days will be fulfilled upon His second advent.

In particular, His physical descent to earth, to rule and reign, will take place on a future Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), in conjunction with the blowing of the Seventh Trumpet of Revelation 11:15-17.  Here is an email response in which I explain why:

• Why do you think that Jesus will return to earth on a Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement and in conjunction with the blowing of the Seventh Trumpet?

Today is the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.  It is the highest holy day and special Sabbath during the Hebraic year.  Today also is the final day of the 40-day season of Teshuvah, a major period of repentance, asking God for forgiveness and returning to a meaningful relationship with Him.

       
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God ordained this day in ancient Israel for the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, and later in the temple.  He was to make atonement for his sins and for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:1-34).

Later, God also told Moses that this Day of Atonement was to be a special day of commemoration.  It was to be a day of sacred assembly, a day to deny oneself (for instance, to abstain from eating), and a day to refrain from work (Leviticus 23:26-32).

I have been abstaining from food and liquid since sunset last evening, which is when Yom Kippur began.  I will be fasting for 25 hours.  I have no work to do today (unless typing with my fingertips is considered to be work).

I believe that Yeshua/Jesus will return to earth, to begin to rule and reign, on a future Yom Kippur, at the end of the 70th Week.  Here are two email responses I have written in the past having to do with Yom Kippur:

• Why do you think that Jesus will return to earth on a Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement and in conjunction with the blowing of the Seventh Trumpet?
• How does the blood atonement of Passover differ from the blood atonement of Yom Kippur?

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Trevor Rubenstein and Olivier Melnick of Chosen People Ministries.  God’s plan of the ages involves Jesus, the Jews and Jerusalem; yet many hate all three.  Satan hates what God loves, so it is no wonder that Jews always have been on the run.  Perhaps Satan believes that if he could annihilate the Jews, then he might be able to change God’s end-time plan.  Then, ultimately, he might not get thrown into the lake of fire for eternity.

Some faith leaders hold to what is known as Replacement Theology.  It teaches that the Church is the New Israel and that there is no relevance or importance to Israel and the Jews today.  They acknowledge that Israel’s rebirth in 1948 was notable, bit it does not convince them that the nation is special today.

How do we understand the fact that the Bible teaches that 2/3 of the Jews will be cut off during a time called the Tribulation?  Why will they face this future slaughter?  Why would God choose a people to bring forth the Messiah, Jesus, but then allow so many of them to be slaughtered at the end of the age?

“And it shall come to pass in all the land,” says the Lord, “that two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one-third shall be left in it.  I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested.  They will call on My name, and I will answer them.  I will say, ‘This is My people’; and each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” (Zechariah 13:8,9)

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord.  But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord.  For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

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

       
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Today is Shabbat Shuvah, which means “Sabbath of Return.”  It always is the weekly Sabbath/Shabbat between Rosh haShanah (the Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).  Shabbat Shuvah also is a play on the phrase “Shabbat Teshuvah” or Sabbath of Repentance.

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9)

Typically in most parts of the northern hemisphere, Autumn/Fall begins on Sep. 22.  In the U.S. this year, in California and other nearby western states, the Autumnal Equinox happens late tonight at 11:50 p.m. PDT.  In most of the U.S., Autumn begins tomorrow morning on Sep. 23 at 12:50 a.m. MDT = 2:50 a.m. EDT.  During the first day of Fall, the hours of daylight and darkness will be virtually equal.

       
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The storms of life, both literal and figurative, are increasing.  That why it is vitally important to have a close and coactive relationship with God the Father and with His only begotten Son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Triune God will carry us through life’s difficulties and troubles.

The last time the Federal Reserve raised the interest rate was on July 26.  The rate was hiked by 0.25% point.  At last month’s meeting on August 21, the vote was to hold the rate steady with no increase.

Again today, on the second day of this month’s Fed meeting, the vote was to hold the interest rate steady and not to raise it.  The rate will remain in the 5.25% to 5.50% range.

This rate range, along with borrowing costs, are at their highest levels in 22 years.  This makes it more expensive for Americans to take out mortgage and other loans and to deal with credit card debt.

The Fed did indicate that another rate hike is likely this year, raising the rate range to 5.50% to 5.75%.  It also forecast fewer rate cuts next year than previously expected.  There are two more Fed meetings scheduled this year, with the next one to take place on October 31 & November 1.

Yesterday, five Americans were released from Iran after years of imprisonment.  The wife of one and the mother of another also were released; although these two had not been imprisoned, they had been barred from leaving Iran.  Today, their plane arrived back in the U.S. at Fort Belvoit, Virginia.

Their release from Iran was part of a swap deal between the U.S. and Iran.  Five Iranians being held in the U.S. also were released.  The deal included the gradual unfreezing of about $6 billion in Iranian funds to be used, specifically, for humanitarian aid.

The U.S. and Iran have been at odds with each other for over 40 years.  It is unknown whether or not the prisoner swap will bring the two nations closer on any other issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program and its backing for regional militias, the U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf, and U.S. sanctions.

       
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Today in the U.S. is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.  It is observed each year on Sep. 17 because that is the date in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution of the United States in Philadelphia.  It also is a day that we recognize those who have gone through the process of becoming legal citizens of the U.S.

In 2004, this day was established as a holiday.  An act mandated that all publicly funded educational institutions, and all federal agencies, provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on this day.

       
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Today is the Feast of Trumpets, which actually began yesterday evening at sunset.  It also is the Jewish New Year or Rosh haShanah, which means “head of the year.”  Furthermore, it is the first sliver of a new moon (see September 2023 Moon Phases), which takes place on the first day of every Hebrew month.  This is the month of Tishrei or Tishri, the first month on the Jewish secular calendar and the seventh month on the Jewish religious calendar.

Say to the Israelites: “On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.  Do no regular work, but present an offering made to the LORD by fire.” (Leviticus 23:24,25)

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Alex Newman.  They discussed how questionable figures really are creating a deep state and a shadow government.

The shadow government is an invisible government behind the scenes.  A global government is a major biblical theme, and the deep staters are the globalists of today.  This can fit into an end-time biblical scenario.  They have a plan with a target date of 2030.

Many nations are paving the way for a global leader, the Antichrist, to come onto the scene.  They think that a global one-world system is the answer for mankind and that nation states must cease to exist.  It will be a system at war with God.

However, a man-made global system will be short-lived.  Jesus Christ will return and put an end to it, and then He will rule and reign over the whole world with perfect righteousness, justice, lawfullness, peace and love for 1,000 years.

Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take council together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”  He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.  Then He will speak to them in His wrath and terrify them in His fury, saying, “As for Me, I have set my King in Zion on My holy hill.” (Psalm 2:1-6)

         

         

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

I like to take long walks, especially in places with trails.  Usually once a year, I walk around the Bahia Wildlife Habitat and Marsh area in Marin County.  I walk slowly and look around a lot, so it is about a 2-hour walk.  I did the walk a couple of days ago and enjoyed it as always.

In Israel, the first portion of the controversial judicial reform legislation was passed on July 24 by the Israeli Knesset.  This followed a pause in the legislation on March 27.

Yesterday, for over 13 hours, Israel’s Supreme Court listened to appeals challenging measures by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government to limit the power of judges.  It was the first time in Israeli history that all 15 judges sat together to hear petitions.

Two more appeals are scheduled this month.  A ruling by the court is not expected for weeks or months, possibly as late as January 2024.

I’ve been visiting a friend in Marin County, CA, for almost two weeks.  He has a garden that “explodes” with a considerable variety of vegetables most of the Summer and into the Fall.  He cooks, bakes or barbecues some of the vegetables almost everyday.  He also will leave boxes of fresh veggies outside on a structure near the street for neighbors or people driving by to take.

The most common garden vegetables are tomatoes.  He likes to make huge amounts of tomato sauce, much of which he puts into plastic containers and stores in the freezer.  Then he’ll eat that during late Fall and all Winter and Spring.

Below are a few pics of a tiny fraction of the vegetables that he’s brought inside since I’ve been here.  I often go out to the garden, collect some of the veggies and snack on them during the day.  Although I like cooked vegetables, I also like many of them raw and sliced up.

       
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Recently, I took a couple of friends to Saigon Village Restaurant in San Rafael.  I usually like to go there once whenever I’m here.  The food’s always good.

       
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Today is the twenty-second anniversary of the horrific and ghastly September 11 attacks by radical Islam on the USA.  Let us keep in our minds and hearts the great sacrifice that thousands of people made with their lives on that day.

Many in the past have claimed that America is not at war with Islam and have insisted that “a religion did not attack us.”  The problem is that true, Qur’an-believing Muslims are at war with the USA, with Israel, and frankly with everyone in the world who does not embrace Allah as “God” and Muhammad as “his Prophet.”

Thus, the idea that we are “not at war with Islam” is merely a “politically correct” notion accepted by those who are asleep and who have chosen not to perceive the obvious because they do not want to acknowledge it.  Just as most Christians have not read the Bible from cover to cover, most Muslims have not read through the Qur’an.

Muslims and non-Muslims, alike, have been told that the Qur’an complements and sychronizes with the Bible.  Yet, those who have read both books all the way through, which I strongly recommend doing, have seen that this is an erroneous assumption; the two books are incompatible in countless ways.  Some ways are demonstrated in this section: Gabriel’s messages.

Here is an email response I wrote about some of Islam’s beliefs, mostly pertaining to Christians and their beliefs, included in the Qur’an:

• What are some of Islam's beliefs, including about Jesus, and what does their holy book say about Christians and those who do not embrace Islam?

My friend in Marin County sometimes throws a party for friends on Labor Day.  However, he was too busy last week to do that.  Instead, he had a party yesterday afternoon.  It was a clear day with perfect weather.

There wasn’t a huge variety of food, but I liked everything that was served.  I took a few quick snapshots of some of the food.  I’m not much of a party person, but I had a good time.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Tim Moore and Nathan Jones.  They talked about the convergence of signs of the times.

The huge Maui wildfire was a preview of things to come in the Tribulation.  The Rapture is the ultimate apocalyptic event.

Why is a prominent art center teaching kids how to summon demons?  We know the hour is late by watching these warnings.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11-13)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

         

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

Credit fraud involves stealing someone else’s identity to perform illegal activities.  It usually includes borrowing money in the victim’s name or using his or her credit card or cards to purchase goods or services, without the person’s knowledge or consent, with no intention of repaying the debt.

Credit card fraud is the most prevalent type of identity theft.  Someone whose credit has been misappropriated typically ends up with unpaid debt, which he or she did not bring about, that has been made in that person’s name.

After this has been done, the person’s credit scores can decline temporarily.  The person’s ability to obtain new credit also can be hindered for awhile.

To prevent this fraud from occurring to you, you can place a freeze on your credit report, which restricts creditors from accessing it.  Therefore, they cannot approve any new credit card accounts in your name, whether by a fraudster or by you.

The freeze has no effect on the credit cards you already own.  You can continue using the credit cards as usual.  If you later want a lender or a company to be able to access your credit files again, for instance if you want to open up a new credit card account, you can do so by reversing your credit freeze, either temporarily or permanently.

There is no charge to freeze or unfreeze a credit report.  The three major credit reporting agencies must be contacted to do this.  It can be done online, by phone, or by mail.  If it is done online, you first need to create an account with each agency.

Yesterday afternoon, my friend drove us south 60 miles to Menlo Park, not far from San Jose.  We attended a birthday party of the twin grandkids of his brother and wife.  They were born a little over a year ago.

San Francisco was quite foggy, including the Golden Gate Bridge.  Fortunately, the traffic was less crazy than usual, and the food at the party was very tasty.

     

     

     
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Today is Labor Day in the United States.  It always is the first Monday in September, and it is the last national holiday during the summer season.  In Canada, Labour Day also is celebrated on the first Monday in September.

The New York legislature was the first state legislature to introduce a Labor Day bill.  However, Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official public holiday in 1887.

By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty U.S. states observed Labor Day.  More information about this day can be found at the United States Department of Labor website here:

Sin is a breaking of God’s eternal Law.  Thus, sin equates with lawlessness, which is rampant throughout the world today and continues to increase in every nation.

Most of the world does not know the one, true God.  Even for those who do, it is human nature to do things the ways that we want to do them, even when we know they are wrong.  Even the apostle Paul struggled with sin (Romans 7:7-25).

Sin has its penalties, and the ultimate penalty is death.  Therefore, it is advantageous to do the following:

• recognize the sin in our lives and get serious about eliminating as much of it as we can, and
• realize that sin is a “thief” and robs us of many things that are beneficial to us.

 

All of us sin, and all of us will die (unless we are removed first by the Rapture), since the ultimate penalty of sin is death.  But Jesus, the only person who was sinless, came to atone for our sins and remove their penalty of eternal death so, in Him, we may have eternal life.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8,9)

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1,2)

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.  But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins.  And in him is no sin. (1 John 3:4,5)

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:10,11)

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Pastor Mark Henry sat in for Jan Markell.  He spent the hour with Ken Mikle, Josh Schwartz, and Jill Martin Rische.  They talked about how hacking humans, removing free will and tracking mankind are part of an unbelievable drama that is taking place.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to a fusion of physical, digital and biological world.  Humanity itself will be changed by this super intelligence.  Humans and machines will be linked to satellite systems and to a global data base.  It will be used to gain power and control over the world’s population.  Most likely, these are some of the things that will be used to run the one-world government under the Antichrist, who will be given power to come against Christian saints and given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation (Revelation 13:7).  He will be controlled by Satan.

After School Satan clubs are being implemented at schools in the U.S. and in other nations.  The project was created as an alternative to Christian-based after school programs.  Movements like this may be part of the process that will lead to a global religion.  We all are seeing things transpire that we never thought we’d see.  The hour must be late.

         

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

I have flown Southwest Airlines for over 50 years, but I have not flown anywhere in almost a year.  I always sit in a window seat so I can take photos outside the plane.  I definitely like the details of clouds.

When I fly up to northern California, a friend usually picks me up at the San Francisco airport.  Then we cross over the Golden Bay Bridge into Marin County.

However, yesterday I flew up to Oakland Airport instead.  We drove up the east side of the San Francisco Bay and crossed over the San Rafael Bridge into Marin County.  That bridge is 5 miles long.  The traffic much of the way there was extremely slow, often stop-and-go, just as it often is on Los Angeles and Orange County freeways.

Dinner was a mixture of red curry, different vegetables and rice.  As usual, it was outstandingly tasty.  The curry wasn’t too spicy, but it still was excellent.

The Bay Area has been very smokey.  Smoke is blowing in, but I’m not sure where it is from.  It might be coming from the ongoing fires in Canada.

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (Israel) was greatly blessed by God.  He even became the ruler of Eyppt, second only to Pharoah.  Furthermore, the legal birthright inheritance of Jacob was transferred from Jacob’s first son, Reuben, to Joseph (see birthrights).

When there was a great famine in Israel, and while Joseph was in his high position in Egypt, the other sons of Jacob went to Egypt to obtain food.  Some have been puzzled that Joseph treated his brothers callously and severely when they appeared before him.  I explain why I feel this happened here:

• Why did Joseph deceive and intimidate his brothers when they came to Egypt?

Hurricane Idalia is the first hurricane to threaten Florida since Hurricane Ian 11 months ago.  At least 22 counties in the state have been on some kind of evacuation order as of yesterday afternoon.

The storm made landfall today on Florida’s northwest coast this morning near Keaton Beach in Taylor County.  It was a dangerous Category 3 hurricane but soon weakened to a Category 2 storm.

Over 250,000 homes and businesses in Florida have lost power.  Coastal flooding up to 16 feet is expected.  Millions of residents of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina are under hurricane warnings and other storm-related advisories.

Many people have told me that the visual therapy page at my eye site has been beneficial to them.  I hope this continues to be the case.

I cut back on my regular vitamin intake for awhile, but now I’m starting it up again.  Each day I will be taking the following: a daily multiple; vitamins A, B complex, C, D3 and E; magnesium, saw palmetto, turmeric curcumin, glucosamine sulfate, iron and olive leaf extract.

   
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At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Pastor Mark Henry sat in for Jan Markell.  He spent the hour with Mondo Gonzales.  They defended the Pre-tribulation Rapture.  They also described and discussed other Rapture views: Mid-tribulation, Pre-wrath and Post-tribulation.

Why is there a tremendous attack on the pre-Tribulation Rapture?  What makes it theologically accurate?

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2,3)

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17)

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9,10)

         

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

Mark and Mondo, who believe in a pre-Tribulation Rapture, did a good job discussing the different Rapture views.  I used to accept a pre-Tribulation Rapture view myself.  However, I had problems with some of the foundational tenets on which that view was built.  No one could satisfactorily explain away these issues for me.

Then, in 1990, I read Marvin Rosenthal’s book The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church.  Although I did not agree with every single point in the book, the majority of it made so much sense to me that I actually was depressed for over a month.  I realized that Christian believers, who are alive at the time and do not lose their lives, will have to endure most of the so-called “Tribulation” period.

Since then, I have read the entire Bible over 25 times.  I have connected countless “dots” in the Old and New Testaments and am more convinced than ever before that the pre-Wrath Rapture view is correct.  My two-part commentary, The Rapture, explains my views about that topic.

Marvin Rosenthal’s son, David, has a video that I feel is well-done and contains many good points.  Mark and Mondo played a short segment from it in their discussion.  There are only a few concepts in the video that I question.  The video, a little over an hour in length, can be seen below.

Yesterday in Fulton County, Georgia, Donald Trump turned himself in.  He was booked at a jail in Atlanta, surrendering on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

This is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted.  Unlike his bookings for the three other charges, this time a mug shot of Trump was taken.  He was released from the jail after paying a $200,000 bond.

Last week, Trump and 18 others were indicted in Georgia.  They all are accused of participating in a conspiracy to overturn his election loss to Joe Biden in November, 2020.

At the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after being booked, Trump spoke to the press who had gathered there.  He said, “I really believe this is a sad day for America.  This should never happen.  If you challenge an election, you should be able to challenge an election.  I thought the election was a rigged election, a stolen election, and I should have every right to do that.”

The first Republican (GOP) candidate debate took place last night in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Eight candidates participated in the debate.  The debate moderators were Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum of Fox News.  Donald Trump was not present.

The debate lasted a little over 2 hours.  It can be watched below.  You can fast-forward about 16 minutes 40 seconds to get to the beginning of the debate.

The 60th U.S. presidential election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2024.  There will be several Republican and Democratic debates before then.  The primary elections will begin in February 2024.

Tonight, the first Republican (GOP) candidate debate will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the race so far, has indicated that he probably will not attend the debate.  The debate moderators will be Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum of Fox News.  The following eight candidates are expected to participate in the debate:  

Ron DeSantis Vivek Ramaswamy Mike Pence Nikki Haley

Chris Christie Tim Scott Asa Hutchinson Doug Burgum

The debate is expected to begin tonight at 8:00 p.m. CDT.  It will air live on Fox News and on Fox Business Network.  It should last about 2 hours.

Following Tropical Storm Hilary on Aug. 21, Tropical Storm Harold has become the second oceanic storm this year to make landfall in the U.S.  Orginating in the Gulf of Mexico, it made landfall this morning on Padre Island, Texas, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.

Throughout the day, there was flash flooding in some areas.  Power outages affected about 20,000 customers, mostly on Padre Island.  Although there were a few tornado warnings, no tornadoes were reported.

Later today, Harold moved east-northeast of Laredo, Texas.  It had weakened to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and had gusts up to 45 mph.  It was moving west-northwest at 23 mph.

Remnants of Harold will be passing across southwest Texas and a small section of northern Mexico tonight.  It is forecast to drop 1-3 inches of rain in most areas and 4-6 inches in a few areas.  Tomorrow, it mostly will dissipate as it travels northwest in the state of New Mexico, dropping 1-2 inches of rain in a few locations.  Over the next couple of days, the risk of flash flooding in southwestern Texas and New Mexico is only about 5-15%.

Tropical Storm Hilary, which had been a Category 4 powerful Hurricane Hilary three days ago on Aug. 18, made landfall with torrential rain in southern California yesterday.  Many parts of a very large area across the southern part of the state—and into Nevada, Utah and Arizona—remain under a state of emergency, with the potential of serious flooding.  Hilary is the first tropical storm to hit California since the 1939 California tropical storm, almost 84 years ago.

From San Diego to Los Angeles, mud and boulders slid down onto roads and highways.  Also, drainage systems were overwhelmed with water, and many neighborhoods were filled with fallen tree branches.  Further east, in desert areas of California, dozens of cars were caught in floodwaters.  Schools in Los Angeles and San Diego are closed today.

Also, yesterday afternoon as the rain was falling, a 5.1 earhquake occurred near Ojai in Ventura County.  That is considered moderate on the Earthquake Magnitude Scale.  The epicenter was about 60 miles northwest of the city of Los Angeles.

Some stores and homes in Ojai reported minor damage, and there were no serious injuries.  The shaking was felt over a large area, though, including in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange and Riverside Counties.  The quake was followed by a series of minor aftershocks.  Seismologists always consider the possibility that such a quake could be a foreshock of a much larger temblor.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with authors Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett.  They talked about the troubling angle of the New Apostolic Reformation.

This movement is an offshoot of the 1940s Latter Reign movement, and it separated from the Assemblies of God in the 1990s.  Those within the church rely on signs, wonders, miracles and feelings.  NAR encourages the leadership of apostles and prophets within the church, says that they can bring heaven to earth, and promotes extra-biblical revelation.

All true prophecy comes from God.  If a specific prophecy does not come to pass, then the person who prophesied it is not a true prophet.

When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:22)

Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21)

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. (Hebrews 1:1,2)

         

         
30-second slideshow

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

Hurricane Hilary, located in the eastern Atlantic Ocean west of Mexico, became a Category 1 hurricane yesterday morning.  It has continued to intensify and has reached a powerful Category 4 strength today.

As Hurricane Hilary continues to move north by northwest, it will enter cooler ocean waters and may interact with the mountainous terrain of Baja California later this weekend.  As it approaches the Mexico-California border, it will weaken into a tropical storm and then, over the following few days, a subtropical system.

Hilary may make landfall in California as a tropical storm.  If so, it would be the first tropical storm to hit California since the 1939 California tropical storm.

It is likely that the moisture from Hilary will bring a flood threat to Southern California.  Rough surf will be an issue on SoCal beaches, which could lead to beach erosion.  Areas in the low dessert, especially around Palm Springs, could see several inches of rain leading to flash flooding.

       
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This is the first full day of the season of Teshuvah, which began yesterday at sunset.  It is a 40-day season each year, with the first 30 days (the “days of repentance”) extending to Rosh haShanah = Feast of Trumpets and the final 10 days (the “days of awe”) ending on Yom Kippur = Day of Atonement.

The season of Teshuvah always begins on a new moon.  This is an example of how God uses lights in the sky (particularly the sun and the moon) as “signs to mark seasons and days and years” (Genesis 1:14).

Most likely, it was during this 40-day period that Jesus was fasting in the desert, after which He was being tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).  Yet, He resisted all of Satan’s temptations, which was an example to all who believe in Him and follow Him: Yeshua Messiah.

During this time, we mortal people are to examine our lives, repent of our sins and transgressions, turn back to God in revival and with refreshing and be restored back to an active relationship with God and with other people, with whom relationships may have been damaged.  A common chapter in the Bible to read during this time is Psalm 51:1-19.

We all have times of personal rebellion against God.  This is a time to ask Him to show us favor, according to His faithful love and vast compassion, to wipe out our manifold rebellions.  In Hebrew (translated into English), the following is read each day (from right to left):

Former President Donald Trump received a fourth criminal indictment yesterday evening in Fulton County, Georgia.  There also were 18 others who were indited by a grand jury there.

The grand jury laid out a racketeering case related to efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 presidential election.  Trump presently is seeking the GOP nomination for re-election in 2024.

The lengthy indictment document (with the Table of Content beginning on page 10) lists 41 charges against Trump and 18 other defendants.  There are 13 counts against Trump.  It also notes 30 unindicted co-conspirators.

A low energy level and chronic fatigue often are related to common lifestyle behaviors.  Here are six common daily habits that can cause serious fatigue:

• Unmanaged Sleep Apnea
• High Food Sugar and Ultra-Processed Foods
• Dehydration
• Nutrient Deficiencies
• Sitting Too Long
• Chronic Stress

For many people, feeling stressed can promote other unhealthy habits such as overeating and making poor food choices.  This pattern can then lead to weight gain, which can cause more fatigue.  This can cycle into feelings of guilt, depression, and more stress.

This cycle begins and ends with stress.  Stress inhibits the rational thinking process.  As emotions and fatigue take over, the best of healthy intentions can quickly be derailed.

       
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This weekend has been the best time this summer to view the annual Perseids meteor shower.  It spans the time period from July 14 to September 1, but the nights just prior to mid-August typically have the most meteor sightings.  The Perseid meteors, which are debris from the 109P/Swift-Tuttle comet, are best seen in the Northern Hemisphere.

We are approaching a new moon on Aug. 16.  Therefore, the night skies will get darker until then, with streaking meteors easier to see.  However, the small sliver of the moon will be above the horizon during prime viewing hours, so that will make the sky a bit brighter and make dim meteors harder to see.  A cloudless sky and a location far from city lights will provide the best view of a dark sky.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell plays a conference message by Amir Tsarfati.  He speaks about the preparation Europe is making for the Antichrist.

He says that Scripture indicates this man of lawlessness will come from the Revived Roman Empire.  How are all things lining up?  The world awaits a “Mr. Fix-it,” the “man with a plan.”  Has Europe been paving the way for him to appear?

         

         

         
45-second slideshow

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

Wildfires began two days ago (Aug. 8) on the island of Maui in Hawaii.  As of yet, it is unknown how the fires began.  However, the initial fire was fueled by powerful wind gusts from Hurricane Dora, with Category 4 strength, passing hundreds of miles south of Hawaii and moving westward.

Many communities have been destroyed.  At least 36 people have died, thousands of residents have been displaced, and thousands of visitors have been evacuated.  An increase in casualties is expected.  Officials are highly discouraging any nonessential travel to the island.

Emergency responders have been overwhelmed by the devastation.  There have been numerous power outages, emergency service outages and downed cell phone towers.  Downed trees trees and other burned debris on streets and roads have caused major transportation difficulties.

Hospitals and other emergency providers currently are overwhelmed with the number of people coming in with burns and health complications from smoke inhalation.  Many Maui residents have jumped off the coast into the Pacific Ocean to escape the spreading fire and smoke.

Yesterday, Moody’s Investors Service cut the ratings of ten small and midsized banks.  It also placed six big lenders on notice for a possible future downgrade.

Pertaining to bank’a second-quarter earnings this year, the agency cited higher funding costs, profitability pressures and slowing loan growth as a common theme among all of them.  It also said that the Federal Reserve’a numerous interest rate hikes will lower profitability as consumers take out few loans.

These are the ten banks which had their credit ratings downgraded by one notch:

M&T Bank Webster Bank Pinnacle Financial Partners BOK Financial Corp. Associated Banc Corp.

Old National Bancorp Amarillo National Bank Commerce Bancshares Prosperity Bank Fulton Financial Corp.

Bank of New York Mellon U.S. Bancorp State Street Corp. Truist Financial Corp.

Northern Trust Corp. Cullen/Frost Bankders Inc. Capital One Fifth Third Bancorp.

       
13-second slideshow

Today is Universal & International Infinity Day.  It occurs every year on the 8th day of the 8th month (August).  If an 8 is turned on its side (a “lazy 8”), it becomes the infinity symbol.

 
6-second slideshow

School was not like this when I was growing up.  That probably is why I received an outstanding education, and I’m very glad that I did. 

The storms of life, both literal and figurative, are increasing.  That why it is vitally important to have a close and coactive relationship with God the Father and with His only begotten Son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Triune God will carry us through life’s difficulties and troubles.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Michele Bachmann.  They believe that a form of global government is here now.  The centerpiece of this is healthcare.

Digital currency must be preceded by a digital identity.  Both are not just on the horizon but now are implemented in parts of the world.  A one-world society is being formulated today that leaps from the pages of the Bible.

A digital gulag now exists in Europe, but the goal is America and the rest of the West.  A global health emergency could make this system functional tomorrow.  COVID set the stage for this to happen.  They question whether the coming digital society will be a blessing or a curse.

         

         

         
45-second slideshow

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

Each year, a number of states participate in sales tax holidays.  These holidays are designed to increase sales by providing the incentive of tax-free purchasing for a specific amount of time.  Not every store or retailer in each of the states will sell tax-free items.

Below is a list of states where various items can be purchased this weekend without paying a sales tax.  In a store where you are shopping, if you are not sure if a specific item will be tax-free, it would be a good idea to ask an employee if the item will be taxed or not before you go check out.

• Arkansas: August 5-6
• Iowa: August 4-5
• Missouri: August 4-6
• New Mexico: August 4-6
• Ohio: August 4-6
• Oklahoma: August 4-6
• South Carolina: August 4-6
• West Virginia: August 4-7

Earlier this week, the Fitch Ratings agency downgraded the U.S. government’s credit rating.  It was brought down a notch from AAA to AA+.  The agency also indicated that it expects the U.S. economy to slip into a mild recession in the fourth quarter of this year.

The downgrade occurred a little over two months after Fitch warned that the credit rating was under threat.  The warning was made as lawmakers were battling over raising the nation’s debt limit to prevent a default.  Congressional legislation raised the debt ceiling on June 2.

Yesterday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen issued statements pushing back on Fitch’s credit rating decrease.  Referring to Fitch’s move, she said, “I believe it is entirely unwarranted.  Its flawed assessment is based on outdated data and fails to reflect improvements across a range of indicators including those related to governance we’ve seen over the past two-and-a-half years.”

Late yesterday afternoon, another indictment came out against Donald Trump.  He was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

Four new charges were revealed.  They include conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.

This is the third time that Trump has been indicted.  He has pleaded not guilty to all charged in the first two cases.  He has described the investigations as “political witch hunts,” a “pile-on” and “election interference.”

Today, Trump said that he’s “never had so much support.”  He also wrote, “This unprecedented indictment of a former (highly successful) president, & the leading candidate, by far, in both the Republican Party and the 2024 general election, has awoken the world to the corruption, scandal & failure that has taken place in the United States for the past three years.”

The Mega Millions (MM) jackpot tonight is predicted to be about $1.05 billion, the fifth largest MM jackpot ever.  The odds of matching the five white balls and Mega Ball to win the MM jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.

The last MM jackpot to be won, $20 million, was just over three months ago on Apri 18.  This is why the jackpot has increased to such a gigantic amount.

I can understand how winning such a colossal amount of money could put a big smile on someone’s face.  However, that will be followed by a complicated and time-consuming process to be able to claim the money and then decide what to do with it.  Also, presumably, there will be a large number of family members and friends wanting big slices of that huge piece of pie.  I don’t think I would want to deal with all of those hassles.

The Lord Jesus, who was and is God incarnate, is the only One who can govern and judge humanity with perfect righteousness, justice, lawfulness, peace and love.  Although God has dominion over everything, He is in heaven where His sovereign will is done faithfully, but His will constantly is being disobeyed on the earth.

Ultimately, the Kingdom of God will be on the earth, with Jesus being in direct control of everything.  He will rule and reign over the entire world for a literal (not a figurative) period of 1,000 years: the Millennium.  It will be a wonderful utopia that never has existed before in the entire history of mankind.  Whatever God wills to be done on earth will be as it is done in heaven.

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. (Psalm 45:6)

He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)

The LORD will be king over the whole earth.  On that day there will be one LORD, and His name the only name. (Zechariah 14:9)

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end. (Luke 1:32,33)

This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9,10)

Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach) performed countless miracles while in the world.  One of these was raising the young daughter of a synagogue leader, Jairus, from the dead (Luke 8:49-56).  No miracle was or is too difficult for God.  An even greater miracle was that Jesus Himself rose from the dead.

For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted. (Psalm 9:12)

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you. (Jeremiah 32:17)

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Dr. David Reagan, founder of Lamb & Lion Ministries.  They talked about how the Bible speaks much about peace and war.

Not until the New Heavens and New Earth come about will we be finished with war.  Will believers witness any of the nine end-time wars, and which one is next?  Most of the wars are debatable in their timings and locations.

However, there will be no war during the Millennium, which will be a time of utopia with Jesus ruling over the world, from Jerusalem, in perfect righteousness, justice, lawfulness, peace and love.  The final war will be at the end of the Millennium.

At the end of the 1,000-year period, Satan will be released from the Abyss.  Mortal human beings will still have a sin nature, and Satan will know that.  In his final act of rebellion against God, Satan will go out and deceive the nations and gather them for battle against the city that God loves, Jerusalem.  However, fire will come down from heaven and devour them, and Satan will be thrown into the lake of burning sulphur, forevermore.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

         

         
30-second slideshow

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

Jan and David talked about the Gog/Magog invasion of Israel, described in Ezekiel 38 & 39.  A mutual view seems to be that Gog, “prince of Rosh” seen in many translations of Ezekiel 38:2,3 and 39:1, is an indication that Gog will come out of Russia.

However, the critical phrase in those three verses is “nasi rosh Meshech and Tuval” in the Orthodox Jewish Bible.  The literal translations of the Hebrew words “nasi” and “rosh” are prince and chief.  So the correct translation into English, describing the identity of Gog, is “chief [rosh] prince of Meshech and Tubal.”  The Hebrew word “Rosh,” which should not be in English translations of the Bible, has no connection to Russia.

It is true, though, that there is a growing alliance between Iran and Russia.  Iran is modern-day Persia, which is included as one of the nations in Ezekiel 38:5.  Therefore, it is quite possible that Russia could be part of the Gog/Magog alliance, although it seems unlikely that Gog will originate from Russia.  More information about these and related points can be found in these sections:

• Gog/Magog attack
• Gog and Magog
• Final Battles Questions & Responses

Hunter Biden, son of President Biden, made a federal court appearance this week in Wilmington, Delaware.  District Judge Maryellen Noreika presided over the hearing.

Hunter had been charged with two federal misdemeanor counts, which he incurred regarding his failure to pay taxes in 2017 and 2018.  There also was a felony charge of purchasing a gun while being addicted to illegal drugs.

Weeks ago, an original plea deal had been struck with U.S. Attorney David Weiss of Delaware.  The deal said that prosecuters would recommend probation for the tax violations, while a separate felony gun charge would require that Biden enter a diversion program to avoid the felony gun charge.

During the complex court hearing, which included multiple recesses, Judge Noreika asked if more serious charges might be brought against Biden.  Weiss confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and further charges may be brought.  This resulted in a protest from Biden’s attorneys, who said they had believed that he would be given immunity.

Biden had been expected to plead guilty to the charges and agree to all of the terms.  However, in the court hearing that was lengthier than expected, he pled not guilty.  A new deal does not protect Hunter from potential future charges, and the investigation will be continuing indefinitely.

The last time the Federal Reserve raised the interest rate was on May 3.  The rate was hiked by 0.25% point.  At last month’s meeting on June 14, the vote was to hold the rate steady with no increase.

Today, on the second day of this month’s Fed meeting, the interest rate was raised another 0.25% point.  The decision was unanimous.  This is the 11th rate increase since March 2022.  The rate now is in the 5.25% to 5.50% range, which is the highest level in 22 years.

The Fed did not indicate whether or not further rate hikes are likely this year.  There are three more Fed meetings scheduled this year, with the next one to take place in September.

We should be loyal to others, but our main loyalty needs to be to God.  We can do this by thanking Him regularly for our numerous blessings, doing things we know He would want us to do, refraining from doing things we know He dislikes, and revering Him more highly than anyone else in our lives.

Also, loyalty is more than words; true loyalty will result in actions.  Being loyal is committing our thoughts and actions to God first.  He values loyalty in His followers and is strong in showing His appreciation for it.

This morning, the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem voted to pass the first portion of the controversial judicial reform legislation.  It took place while widespread public protests against the planned changes were taking place, including near the Knesset.  These protests have been ongoing for several months, including during the last few days.

The judicial overhaul legislation was paused on Mar. 27.  This followed the protests of tens of thousands of people around the country, including outside the Knesset.  At that time, it was decided to delay a vote on the legislation until the summer session.

The first portion of the legislation was passed today by a majority vote of 64.  The 56 lawmakes opposing the legislation left the chamber before the vote took place.  They called out “shame” and “government of distruction” as they departed.  It is unknown when voting on the remaining sections of the legislation will take place.

Tropical Storm Don, far off the northeastern U.S. coast, was upgraded to Hurricane Don yesterday.  It became the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2023 season.

The storm was a Category 1 hurricane yesterday afternoon and last night, with sustained winds of 75 mph.  Early this morning, it was downgraded back down to Tropical Storm Don.

The storm is located a few hundred miles south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  It will continue moving northeastward and has virtually no chance of attaining hurricane strength again or of becoming a threat to land.

There also is a subtropical storm located a few hundred miles east of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea.  It is possible that the storm could become a tropical depression during the next few days.  If so, it would become Tropical Storm Emily.  It is highly unlikely that it will become a hurricane.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Jeff Kinley and Pastor Mark Henry.  They focus on the book of Revelation, which is God’s grand finale.  A blessing is promised to those who read and heed Revelation.

This future time will find God literally shaking the planet.  The chaos will result in the return of Jesus Christ in his Second Coming to put an end to the chaos and establish his Kingdom.

The book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ as Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14).  The book anticipates the day He takes His rightful place as Ruler of all the earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2,3,4,5,6,7): the Millennium.  It reveals how Satan will be confined to an abyss for a thousand years, after which Satan and death will be thrown into the lake of fire forevermore.  Suffering is abolished, and it is the only book in the Bible that offers a blessing to those who read it and heed it (Revelation 1:3).  It reveals that we are to reign with Him in glory, forever and forever.

         

         
30-second slideshow

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

Jan and her guests believe in a Pre-tribulation Rapture, which they feel will take place prior to the final seven years of this age (the 70th Week of Daniel 9:27).  Interestingly, in the first image above, which they did not discuss, is a question asking why the church is not mentioned in Revelation 4-22.  That refers to the following commentary by Rev. Charles Cooper, highlighting reasons why there will not be a Pre-tribulation Rapture:

Jeff said he believes the “twenty-four elders” in Revelation 4:4,10 represent all of the raptured saints in heaven.  In my heavenly vision section, I explain that I believe the twenty-four elders are not symbolic of raptured saints.  I suggest that they may be the first twenty-four men in the geneology of Jesus, of the tribe of Judah (Luke 3:33-38):

Adam Seth Enosh Kenan Mahalalel Jared

Enoch Methuselah Lamech Noah Shem Arphaxad

Cainan Shelah Eber Peleg Reu Serug

Nahor Terah Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah

They believe that God’s wrath is contained in most of the book of Revelation, including in the first six seals.  The fact that as Jesus opens the seals of the scroll in heaven (Revelation 5:1-9), this does not indicate that God is pouring out His wrath upon the earth every time a seal of the scroll is opened.  God’s horrendous and destructive wrath occurs only after angels become involved, blowing the seven trumpets and pouring out the seven bowls (Revelation 8:2,6 and 16:1).

In fact, the word “wrath” does not even appear until Revelation 6:16,17 after the Sixth Seal is opened.  At this point, the indication is that God’s wrath is imminent.  I am convinced that God’s wrath and vengeance on the world will not commence until after the ominous warnings by the huge shakings on the earth and the cosmic disturbances in the sky take place, after the removal of the Sixth Seal.  God’s wrath and vengeance will erupt after the Seventh Seal is opened; they will be encompassed in the seven Trumpet Judgments and in the seven Bowl Judgments.  The Rapture event, which will remove believers before God’s wrath begins, will be the Pre-Wrath Rapture.

A brief discussion took place about the significance of the silence in heaven, for about half an hour, after the Seventh Seal is opened (Revelation 8:1).  I feel that this unusual, noteworthy and soundless gap will act as a momentous warning to the world.  It will take place between God’s forewarnings to the world (via the six seal events) and His ultimate wrath and vengeance (via the seven trumpet and bowl judgments and punishments) for the world’s sins.

Jeff talked about what he described as the “outpouring of a massive revival” in Revelation 7:9-12.  He noted that “people from every tribe, nation, tongue and language are going to be a part of coming to Jesus.”  However, the people described in that passage are not on the earth.  Rather, John was viewing this great multitude of saints in heaven after they have been caught up in the Rapture, which will take place soon after the opening of the Sixth Seal.  Along with all of the angels, the elders and the four living creatures, these raptured followers of Jesus will be in the presence of God the Father and Jesus the Lamb, in heaven, before the opening of the Seventh Seal, which will be comprised of God’s dreadful and frightening wrath and vengeance.

Furthermore, while in God’s presence, they all will fall down and worship Him.  Moreover, these saints never again will be hungry, thirsty, scorched by the heat of the sun, nor will they shed anymore tears, showing that they no longer are mortal people.  These definitely are not events that will take place on the earth.

Many more details about these and other topics can be found in two of my lengthy commentaries here:

• The Chronology of Revelation
• The Rapture

My responses to people’s email question about the Rapture can be found here:

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog gave an address to the U.S. Congress yesterday.  It was a joint congressional session; both House and Senate members were present.  He noted that his father Chaim Herzog, who was Israel’s president in 1987, also spoke before Congress at that time.

Herzog emphasized the greatest mutual challenge that Israel and the United States face together is the Iranian nuclear program.  He stated, “Let there be no doubt: Iran does not strive to attain nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.  Iran is building nuclear capabilities that pose a threat to the stability of the Middle East and beyond.”

Pertaining to the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians, Herzog expressed a desire for there be peace between the two.  However, he pointed out that this can happen only if the ongoing terrorism against Israeli citizens ceases.

Herzog also talked about judicial reform and ongoing protests against this in Israel.  He emphasized the importance of a strong and independent judiciary, which protects civil liberties and minority rights.

The 46-minute speech, along with reactions from members of Congress, can be heard here:

We exist on a one-dimensional time line.  From our perspective, time constantly is moving forward into the future.  We can think about things that have happened to us in the past, but we are unable to move even a microsecond into the past.  Thus, it is not possible for us to experience, again, anything that we have done in the past.  Likewise, we cannot travel even a microsecond into the future and experience anything that has yet to happen to us until it actually takes place.

Many believers in God mistakenly place Him on our one-dimensional, uni-directional time line.  They feel that He is able to “look down the corridor of time” and see events that have yet to take place.  By doing this, He can “see” and “know” what is going to happen in the future.

In reality, though, Psalm 90:2 reveals that God exists from everlasting (past) to everlasting (future).  He exists in every dimension of time—past, present, and future—all at once.  He knows everything that ever has happened in the past, that is happening now, and that has yet to happen in the future—to us and to everything within the entire universe—all at the same time.

There is a deep and profound relationship between the Father and Son.  Jesus the Son—who always was, is, and will be God—referred to Himself as the Alpha and the Omega.  This was an indication that He exists from everlasting to everlasting, which is true only of God.  Jesus stated this three times to the apostle John, as he was writing the book of Revelation:

• “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
• “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6).
• “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13).

Reports of three solar flares two days ago signaled that geometric disturbances would happen on Earth yesterday.  That did happen, and moderate radio blackouts took place in various places.  Also, a solar radiation storm was observed at the GOES16 satellite.

It also has been reported that a “cannibal” coronal mass ejection (CME) is headed toward the earth.  When one CME combines with or engulfs another CME, it is referred to as a CME–CME interaction or CME cannibalism.

One CME was launched from a small sunspot on July 14.  A second CME was launched from a much larger sunspot on July 15.  By now, the second one has overtaken the first one, and that giant conglomerate is headed toward Earth.  There is a strong likelihood that it will hit our planet today, July 18.

Three solar flares were observed yesterday at a geophysics institute in Russia.  One flare lasted 14 minutes, which signaled abnormally large geomagnetic disturbances occurring on Earth. 

The institute forecasted the possible arrival of X-class flares today or tomorrow.  That class of flares are the most energetic type of solar radiation, capable of damaging electronics.

Earlier this month, a giant sunspot named AR3354 grew to a size of about 10 times larger than Earth.  It unleashed an X-class flare, aimed directly at Earth, that triggered radio blackouts in some parts of the U.S.

Increasing solar storm activity in recent years, including this year, has caused fears of an impending solar superstorm.  Some astronomers warn that this could lead to an internet apocalypse, widespread electrical distuptions, persistent blackouts and interruptions to global communications.

The temperatures in the western U.S. this weekend were very high, including in Death Valley, CA.  There was some expectation that a record-breaking temperature might be reached there.

In July 1913 (110 years ago), the U.S. Weather Bureau recorded a temperature of 134° Farenheit in Death Valley.  Since then, that temperature generally has been accepted to have been the highest ambient air temperature ever recorded on the surface of the Earth.

However, many weather experts have pointed out that a dust storm occuring at that time, with many extremely hot particles, caused the temperature to be recorded as 134° Farenheit when it probably was only 130° F.  That temperature was reached there on Aug. 16, 2020, and on July 10, 2021.

Today, the recorded temperature in Furnace Creek in Death Valley was 128° Farenheit.  Whatever the actual record-high temperature is, it was not reached or exceeded there today.

The last time a friend and I were in Death Valley was on Apr. 2, 2012.  We passed through there on our way from Reno to Las Vegas, NV.  I remember that it was warm there in early spring that year but not extremely hot like it has been this weekend.  As summer continues and temperatures increase, it still is possible that a new record high might be reached in Death Valley.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Pastor Billy Crone.  This is the second of a two-part series.  Today, they considered the prophetic angle of the war in Ukraine, Artificial Intelligence, UFOs, the World Economic Forum, and outfits like BlackRock that rules from the shadows.

What does it mean that UFOs are coming from inner space?  Could their prominence today be tied to the rapture?  Nothing is out of control because the Lord has everything in control.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, oh Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalms 9:9,10)

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”  My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. (Psalms 31:14,15)

         

         

         
45-second slideshow

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

Hollywood actors and screenwriters joined together in a historic strike after contract talks collapsed yesterday.  It is the first strike for actors from film and television shows since 1980.  Also, it is the first time the two major Hollywood unions have been on strike at the same time since 1960.

The 75th Emmy Awards nominations were announced earlier this week.  The Emmy Awards event is scheduled to take place in a couple of months, on Sep. 18.  However, the looming strike may put a damper on that event.

The walkout will include about 65,000 actors and 11,500 screenwriters.  So far, there are no foreseeable signs of a solution or planned negotiations.

On June 30, it was noted that the maximum solar activity of our present Solar cycle initially was expected to occur in 2025.  However, observations last year and this year indicate that maximum solar activity during this cycle could occur in 2024 or even before the end of this year, 2023.

A solar storm is anticipated to happen this week.  This could cause the Aurora Borealis, a brilliant and colorful light display in the northern hemisphere sky, to be seen in Canada and in as many as 18 or more U.S. states:

The number of colors in the light displays can vary, but they commonly include green, red, pink, blue and purple.  The further south the Northern Lights are seen, the closer to the horizon they will appear.

They should be visible from sunset tonight to sunrise tomorrow.  The best time should be between 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., local time.  The darker and clearer the sky, the better the chances of seeing the amazing light show should be.

Today is July 11 or Seven Eleven.  It is the 96th anniversary of 7-Eleven convenience stores.  They are headquartered in Irving, Texas, but have locations nationwide.

At many 7-Eleven convenience stores today, small Slurpee drinks are free.  This is the 21st anniversary of Slurpee giveaways.

 
5-second slideshow

In Orange County, there are numerous 7-Eleven stores.  They can be found here:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He [Jesus, the Word] was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1-3)

For since the creation of the world, His [God’s] invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they [unbelievers] are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:15,16)

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son [Jesus], whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:1,2)

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Pastor Billy Crone.  This is the first of a two-part series.  Today, they talked about how the infrastructure of the Antichrist is being built.

The mindset of every global leader, starting with Klaus Schwab, is the New World Order.  Every one of them targets 2030, but why?  Is this tied to the Tribulation outlined in the Bible?

         

         

         
45-second slideshow

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

People who are most likely to become severely ill are those with certain medical conditions.  These include cancer, heart disease, digestive disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes and other conditions.  Obesity may increase the risk for these conditions.

   

It is a good idea to know what your Body Mass Index (BMI) is.  It is easy to calculate your BMI.  All you need to know is your height (in feet and inches) and your weight (in pounds).  Adults can use the calculator below.

In case the BMI calculator does not appear above, you can see it here:

Yesterday on Coney Island, New York, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest took place.  It has been an annual event there every Independence Day since 1916.

The winners always are the woman and man who can eat the most hot dogs, including the buns, in 10 minutes.  The all-time women’s record is held by Miki Sudo for eating 48.5 hotdogs in 10 minutes in 2020.  The all-time men’s record is held by Joey Chestnut for eating 76 hotdogs in 10 minutes in 2021.

The women’s competition was scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m., and it began on-time.  The men’s competition was scheduled to start at at 12:00 p.m.; however, it was delayed for 2 hours due to very bad weather.

In this year’s competition, both Miki and Joey did not come close to their records, but they both won again.  In 10 minutes, Miki ate 39.5 hot dogs and Joey ate 62 hot dogs.

Israeli forces have raided a Palestinian refugee camp in the city of Jenin, located in the West Bank region of Israel.  Drone strikes were carried out and hundreds of troops were deployed.  According to Palestinian health officials, at least eight to nine people were killed and fifty were wounded.  Until June 21, when it carried out a strike near Jenin, the Israeli military had not used drone strikes in the West Bank since 2006.

The Israeli military described it as an extensive counterterrorism effort in the region.  According to Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, a spokesman for the Israeli army, the goal of the operation was to confiscate or destroy weapons belonging to Palestinian militants.  Hecht said that the raid began with an airstrike on a building in Jenin that was being used by militants to plan attacks on Israel.

Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen indicated that the raids were targeting specific “proxies of Iran,” including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah.  Due to receiving funds from Iran, the Jenin camp has become a center for terrorist activity.  He added that Israel was “not planning to hold ground” in the West Bank.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell spent the hour with Scott Schara.  He says that some doctors are breaking their oath and encouraging the deaths of many since COVID.  A whistleblower nurse fully exposes this evil.

ObamaCare opened this door.  Clips are played from the new film, “Breaking the Oath” found on Rumble and produced by Scott.

Scott lost his Down syndrome daughter Grace to hospital recklessness.  Learn more at OurAmazinGrace.net.

         

         

         
45-second slideshow

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