Habakkuk 1:5 Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. -LORD God
Russia and Ukraine, February 27, 2022, Operational Update & News
Overview of Ukraine and location of Russian involvement from the UK Ministry of Defence
Israeli Prime Minister Bennett offers to mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid takes a tougher tone and stance against Russia.
Numbers are emerging regarding the damage sustained by the Russian armed forces. Data is provided by All Israel News and Russian News Agency Tass.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed nuclear armed forces on alert. Video has emerged from Moscow indicating and confirming the movement of ICBM mobile launchers.
Europe and Canada has closed air space to Russian commercial flights.
Turkey appears to be riding the fence in regards to allowing passage of Russian Naval vessels in the Dardanelle and Bosphorus Straits. It depends on the meaning of a “declaration of war”…
According to Reuters, Germany, the United States, France, Canada, Italy, Great Britain and the European Commission agreed to cut Russia out of the SWIFT global payment system.
Luke 21:28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Russian airline Aeroflot to cancel all flights to European destinations until further notice after the decision by many countries to close their airspace in protest at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Germany, the United States, France, Canada, Italy, Great Britain and the European Commission agreed to cut Russia out of the SWIFT global payment system and include limiting the ability of Russia's central bank to support the rouble https://t.co/m2tkvpMT9vpic.twitter.com/iwmE14XxmB
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Sin is staining and it’s color is blood red. Sin stains what is pure and clean. Without the cleansing soap of the blood of Christ, we are powerless to clean our clothing of our issues. No matter how many times we wash our clothes, no matter what we use, we cannot clear up our mess.
Job 9:30-31 If I wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye, then You would plunge me into the pit, and my own clothes would loathe me.
~
photo: iStock
Isaiah 64:6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Note the company of this verse, “we” and “all“. This is the Hebrew word “kol“. There are no exceptions save One. We all sin. None of us are perfect in thought or deed. We are all dirty.
…and all our righteous deeds…
What and who motivates our actions? Be careful, this is a slippery slope. Do we do “the right thing” as we see it? What is our motive for serving others? Are we doing something to look good as our fellow man sees it? Are we looking to draw attention to ourselves? Or are we doing these good works for the glory of God?
This verse could also be translated as “self righteous deeds”. The problem is we may not realize our deeds are “self righteous”. We may be blinded to our own selfishness, pride, and arrogance.
…are like a polluted garment.
Translators have done us no favor with this particular portion of the verse. The “polluted garment” happens to be menstrual flow, flux and soiling. There is an implication of deceit and treachery. Our works on our merits are like a nasty, bloody rag apart from God.
We all fade like a leaf…
Like a leaf, we lose our color. As a leaf turns color from health, lush green with moisture, our skin dries and itches. Lotions try to replenish but to no avail. As a leaf dries, crumbles and becomes mulch, our skin shrinks, wrinkles and hangs off of our bones. We bruise, tear, and break with greater ease.
…and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
We are guilty and deserving of just punishment. Because of our sin, we are blown away by the wind (Spirit?).
Of note, the translated Hebrew word for “wind” is ruach. This word is also translated as “spirit”, as in the Holy Spirit.
Authentic good works are noted below. True good works were created by God before our time.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
The reality of our heart and attitude in whatever we do should be as stated by the Apostle Paul. Imagine taking the time before doing and talking and considering how speech and actions would reflect on God’s character. Are we respectfully representing the Creator?
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
What are the ripple effects of Russia invading Ukraine?
photo: Wikipedia
Finland and Sweden are discussing NATO membership. Russia’s response is a threat of military and political consequences.
Syria’s President Assad is supportive of Russian intervention in Ukraine. Assad sees this as a “correction of history.”
As a reminder, Ezekiel 38-39, Jeremiah 49, and the Burden of Damascus from Isaiah 17 are looming and appear to be coming into focus with each passing day.
A significant consequence of Russia’s actions will be the inflation of grain prices throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt will bear the brunt with 80% of grain imports coming from Russia and Ukraine.
Revelation 6 instructs there will be hyperinflation at the onset of the tribulation. Wheat is specifically mentioned in verse 6.
Lastly, Kyiv has spiritual significance in Putin’s grand plan for what he sees as Russia. What role does spirituality play in the conflict? Putin states he wants to rebuild Christendom.
#Polyanskiy: We're concerned over Tel Aviv’s announced plans for expanding settlement activity in the occupied #GolanHeights, which contradicts the provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Russia doesn't recognize Israel's sovereignty over Golan Heights that are part of #Syria. pic.twitter.com/slHQSefJp5
Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered an emergency speech to the people of Russia.
Putin has said the following:
Operation is aimed to protect people.
Ukrainian servicemen who lay down their arms will be able to return to their families.
Goal is to “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.”
“A couple of words for those who would be tempted to intervene. Russia will respond immediately and you will have consequences that you never have had before in your history.” -Russian President Vladimir Putin
Multiple sources are reporting explosions in the capital of Kyiv and throughout Ukraine.
Oil prices are going straight up… The price of oil has eclipsed $100 a barrel.
We welcome Germany's action today to halt certification of Nord Stream 2. We will continue close consultation with Germany and our other Allies and partners on the next steps in response to Russian aggression.
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency for 30 days from midnight tonight. The Ukrainian Parliament adopted the relevant presidential decree this evening, with 335 MPs voting in favor in the 450-seat house. #StateOfEmergency#UkraineRussiaCrisishttps://t.co/yAm7Ewbgwn
Cabinet of Ministers MFA Security Service Ministry of Education Ministry of Infrastructure Ministry of Strategic Industries Ministry of Agricultural Policy
In the opening remarks, Dr. Nenner mentions the Equity Market is heading for a ‘Situation’ similar to Bonds. Both Markets are heading into turmoil.
Charles and I speak about Bitcoin, Interest rates, commodities, Housing, lumber, Bonds, Gold, the Dow, and the S&P.
Charts further indicate the Equity Market may be heading into trouble. Commodities appear to be in a very favorable trend. Dr. Nenner also mentions Inflation could be 12 or 13%.
Charles Nenner displayed a Sunspot Chart that correlated amazingly well with the Stock markets and the Economy; when there is intense Sunspot activity, Stocks and the Economy do very well. Unfortunately, we are heading into a timeframe of reduced Electromagnetic intensity.
Charles Nenner is often seen on Bloomberg, CNBC, and Fox News. He has been interviewed by Forbes and The Financial Times.
When Charles Nenner speaks, it pays to listen. Click on the video below for the details.
Dr. Nenner offers a free trial subscription for a few weeks. Please mention you watched this video. https://www.charlesnenner.com/
If you are interested in a consultation for placing Cash Flowing rental properties in your portfolio, reach me at michael@michaeldouville.com
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic as independent countries with the stroke of his pen.
Putin has authorized the movement of Russian troops as “peace keepers” into eastern Ukraine.
Russian troop movements into Ukraine have been confirmed by multiple sources.
Russian naval resources have sealed off the Sea of Azov east of the Crimean Peninsula. War ships are also spotted west of Crimea near Odessa, Ukraine.
Additional Russian military hardware continues to move into Syria.
President Biden, the EU, France, Germany, and Great Britain have expressed their disapproval. Economic sanctions appear to be on the near horizon.
Magog is on the move…
Ezekiel 38:4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords.
For details, analysis, and commentary, click on the link below.
Czekmate and Paul discuss Iran in relation to the Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy… Just a couple of dudes sittin’ on the wall having a discussion.
Iran and Russia recently signed an economic agreement in relation to natural gas from the Chalous Field in the Caspian Sea. The Russian company Gazprom appears to be the primary benefactor. The easiest distribution of natural gas goes through Ukraine.
What role do Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah play in current affairs? Iran is supporting multiple groups around the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. The goal is the direct flow of energy resources from Iran to western Europe.
Talks continue in Vienna with Iran and the west regarding the Nuclear Deal initially approved by President Obama and ultimately rejected by President Trump. Where do the negotiations currently stand?
Click on the video below for analysis and commentary.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What is sin? How do we know what sin is?
iStock
The New Testament word for sin is ἁμαρτία/hamartia. Here is how the word is defined: failure; missing the mark; guilt, sin, a fault, failure, sinful deed.
The first time the term “sin” is used in the Old Testament is Genesis 4:7.
Genesis 4:7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.
The Hebrew word translated as sin is chatta’ah. Within in the context of the passage of Genesis 4:7, sin is simply not doing the right thing. One did not achieve the set standard.
A person can do their best with the best of intentions and fail to meet the standard. It is still a sin. Clearly, people can willingly choose to disobey God’s statute. This is a sin.
We stand before the dart board of life. The bullseye is the standard. The intent is a perfect shot. The stance is good. The technique has been mentally rehearsed. Confidence reigns supreme. The bullseye is coming. With all your heart, the dart flies. Woops… missed. We are all sinners.
Which leads to another question, how do we know what is the right thing? Who sets the standard for what is right and what is wrong?
Sin is rebellion against God’s righteous and just character. Sin has its roots in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded him, “You may eat freely from every tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.”
Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it.
We are all sinners. How are we going to manage our sinful ways? What is our response going to be to sin? God knows we are all sinners.
Cain’s response to his sin was to murder his brother Abel. Adam and Eve tried to cover and hide from their sin in the Garden. Judas hung himself. At Golgatha, one thief next to Jesus lashed out at Christ.
David turned from adultery, lies, deception and murder and moved his heart towards God. Saul was killing Christians until he was blinded and became the Apostle Paul. Matthew was a corrupt tax collector swindling his fellow Jew. Matthew was upholding the “laws” until he answered the call of Jesus. At the The Skull, one thief on the cross revered God the Man and admitted his guilt and understood his consequence. And today, that thief is in Paradise.
Psalm 51:4-5 Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be justified in Your words and blameless in Your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
