Archive for Independence Day

Independence Day, July 4th, 2023

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Culture, Freedom in Christ, Jubilee, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 4, 2023 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 25:10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan.

Our foundation as a country in the United States draws its concept of freedom and liberty from Leviticus 25:10. The verse is written on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Abolitionists during the Civil War turned to the Liberty Bell and the verse from Leviticus 25 as a reason to end slavery. Cultures and societies can change when people take God’s word to heart and decide to follow His statutes.

The State House bell became a herald of liberty in the 19th century. “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof,” the bell’s inscription, provided a rallying cry for abolitionists wishing to end slavery. The Anti-Slavery Record, an abolitionist publication, first referred to the bell as the Liberty Bell in 1835, but that name was not widely adopted until years later. Millions of Americans became familiar with the bell in popular culture through George Lippard’s 1847 fictional story “Ring, Grandfather, Ring”, when the bell came to symbolize pride in a new nation. Beginning in the late 1800s, the Liberty Bell traveled across the country for display at expositions and fairs, stopping in towns small and large along the way. For a nation recovering from wounds of the Civil War, the bell served to remind Americans of a time when they fought together for independence. Movements from Women’s Suffrage to Civil Rights embraced the Liberty Bell for both protest and celebration. Pennsylvania suffragists commissioned a replica of the Liberty Bell. Their “Justice Bell” traveled across Pennsylvania in 1915 to encourage support for women’s voting rights legislation. It then sat chained in silence until the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Now a worldwide symbol, the bell’s message of liberty remains just as relevant and powerful today: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”

https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm

Can you believe it? The ideas of freedom and liberty come from the Old Testament Mosaic Law!

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This passage and context in Leviticus 25 are loaded with prophetic implications regarding Christ’s first and second coming. Click on the link below if interested in the prophecy related to the concept of Jubilee.

https://paulthepoke.com/category/jubilee/

Isaiah 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn…

The concepts of freedom and liberty are captured by the prophet Isaiah as it is reflected in the Mosaic Law and the Jubilee. All three persons of the Trinity are involved in this communication. The “Me” is the Son. The Spirit is upon Him (the Son). The Father is represented by the title Lord GOD or Adonai Yahweh in the original Hebrew.

Jesus read and spoke these words in the synagogue of His home town Nazareth (Luke 4:16). Jesus is reading from Isaiah 61:1-2a. He reads verse 1 completely.

Jesus then stops reading in the middle of Isaiah 61:2. By reading these words, He was claiming to be the Messiah. In other words, “Here I am!!” Jesus is also arguably proclaiming a Jubilee year. This has significant prophetic implications in regards to the timing of His second coming.

Take a look at Isaiah 61:2. To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD (Jesus stops here.) and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn…

The stoppage of reading in the verse has lasted close to 2,000 years. At His first coming, Jesus was a suffering servant who died for our sins. His sacrificial death on the cross freed humanity from the bondage of sin.

Christ did not come in vengeance and judgment the first time, hence the pause. And we wait for the remainder of Isaiah 61:2b-11. It describes the future conditions of the nation Israel under the leadership of the Messiah, Jesus.

Jesus returns the second time in wrath and judgment to set the stage for an everlasting peace…

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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Independence Day, July 4th, 2022

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Culture, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , on July 4, 2022 by paulthepoke

As a reminder, the United States of America was founded on a principle of freedom of religion. These religious freedoms continue to be under attack with increasing frequency as the days pass. Granted, we need to continue to debate a sincere, moral application of this freedom.

Our American Founding Fathers thought so much of our religious freedoms, look at the first thing mentioned in the United States Constitution.

First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Translation, no government sanctioned religion. And big brother, get out of the people’s right to exercise their freedom of the religion they choose.

As a sidebar, it is the Second Amendment that enforces the First.

Second Amendment: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

“Nothing is more dreaded than the national government meddling with religion.” John Adams, letter to Benjamin Rush, 1812.

2 Corinthians 2:12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

“While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautious not to violate the conscience of others, ever considering that God alone is the judge of the hearts of men, and to Him only in this case are they answerable.” —George Washington, letter to Benedict Arnold.

James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Psalm 96:13 Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness.

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Generally speaking, I understand liberal politicians, atheists, liberal academia, anti-Christ, anti-God and other like minded individuals reject the notion of God, Biblical morality, spiritual beings and their interaction with our world in the here and now. This crew would like to remove “religion” from our culture and world. They think “religion” is the problem.

The irony is these folks utilize political and legal freedom to impose their will upon others for “the greater good”. They are also the same people who will remove a multitude of freedoms from society if they obtain political power and authority as they see fit.

The end result is secular humanism. Often simply called humanism, is a philosophy, belief system or life stance that embraces human reason, secular ethics, and philosophical naturalism while specifically rejecting religious dogma, supernaturalism, and superstition as the basis of morality and decision making. -Wikipedia

Look around the globe where God has been kicked out of culture. Every place the Triune God of the Bible is removed, a vacuum is created by the absence of Judeo Christian values. Something is going to take its place. To the critic, like it or not, humanity is created to worship.

Be careful what you ask for…

Matt 12:43-45 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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July 4th, 2021

Posted in #PaulthePoke with tags , , , , , , on July 4, 2021 by paulthepoke
soldier statue
Photo by Scott Platt on Pexels.com

Happy Birthday America!!! It is our 245th Independence Day. Today we find ourselves at a crossroads. We are divided politically, socially, and morally. What direction is this country going to take?

I am going to leave it to the talking heads and pundits to discuss politically and socially.

What does God’s word say about freedom? I promise you it is not what you see and hear in today’s media.

At the core of American, western culture is a “me first” attitude. People are out to get theirs and often at the expense of others. The media glorifies and worships these champions of success.

As you read these verses, think about the cultural stance on the following issues.

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Sexual immorality: The culture says, “If it feels good, do it!”… among many other things.

1 Corinthians 6:12-13 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

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Neighbors: Do we even know our neighbors any more? God’s word is calling us to put the needs of others above our needs.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

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Do Good and Respect Authority

1 Peter 2:16-17 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Unfortunately, those who are acting out in violence against authority and others garner a significant portion of attention in the news. Yes, they are free to act this way. But this does not mean they are free from the consequences of their actions. Who are they serving? Are they honorable? Their actions are hardly loving.

There will be plenty of who disagree with what God has to say. Take it up with Him. He will listen. He is a big boy, He can handle it.

God’s word calls for a society where we look after others as a priority instead of ourselves. Respect, serve, love others… even the one’s we disagree with.

Do not underestimate the power of good…

1 Peter 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

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Israel & Iran Continue to Escalate, Israel’s Independence Day 5781/2021

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 14, 2021 by paulthepoke

April 14, 2021: Today is Israel’s 73rd year of rebirth of being a state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu marked the occasion with remarks regarding the handling of the Corona Virus. His statements included commentary of the previous year’s Abraham Accords with Arab neighbors in the “Circle of Peace”. For complete comments, see the video provided via Twitter.

Today also marked a missile attack on an Israeli commercial ship, the Hyperion Ray. The ship is reported to transport cars. Multiple news outlets around the world are reporting Iran likely carried out the attack. The incident occurred off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf of Oman. Injuries are not reported at the time of this post. Damage to the ship is reported to be light.

The attack comes on the heels of Iran’s nuclear facility at Natanz being struck. Two days ago Iran’s nuclear site was struck by a cyber attack which resulted in an explosion. Thousands of centrifuges, which were reported to be at least 150 feet underground, were destroyed.

Israeli press referred to the event as an “accident”. Iranian press referred to the event as “terrorism”. Initially it was reported as an electrical “black out”.

This is the same facility in Natanz that was struck in July of 2020. This time a different part of the plant was affected.

The BBC has provided a comprehensive look at the attack, the scientific process of how centrifuges work, and the geo-political situation surrounding recent events. Click on the link below.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56734657

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The same day the “accident” occurred in Natanz, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Netanyahu stated he will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. See the video link below for Netanyahu’s comments.

Ezekiel 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet…

At some point in the future, the prophet Ezekiel tells us Iran will join forces with Russia and look to invade Israel from the north. Russia and its allies will receive a Divine whipping. See Ezekiel 38-39 for the details.

Iranian assets have been exploding throughout the country and at sea for the last year.

https://paulthepoke.com/category/persiaelamiran/

In the mean time, the shadow war continues…

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Israel Independence Day, Yom Ha’Atzmaut 5780

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Prophecy, Temple with tags , , , , on April 28, 2020 by paulthepoke

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Make no mistake, Israel’s future includes a third Temple…

The following is a recent post on YouTube from the Temple Institute out of Jerusalem.

Today is Israel’s 72nd Independence Day! The fulfillment of the words of the Hebrew prophets spoken thousands of years ago, and the answer to the prayers and tears of our ancestors over countless generations, the modern state of Israel is a blessing for all who live within it, and for the world at large.

Join us in celebrating G-d’s blessing!

http://www.templeinstitute.org/

Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!”

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If You Can… Thoughts from an American Soldier

Posted in American soldier with tags , , on July 4, 2018 by paulthepoke

Luke 12:4 I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. -Jesus

july4th

If you can… save a place within your heart for the tired souls of war and conflict.

If you can… take one last backward glance at the places they can no longer go.

If you can… remember what they have taught you. Take their knowledge and wisdom with you. Their deaths were not in vain. One day we all look back and realize what they sacrificed.

If you can… take a moment to embrace in your heart all those gentle heroes that were left behind on the battlefields fighting for their country.

If you can… let them know that you have always loved them even though you may not have. Forever save a place in your hearts for them.

A young soldier once remarked, “We did not go because we are soldiers. We went because we are AMERICANS.”

I am an #Oathkeeper, Foreign or Domestic.

American-flag

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Israel’s 70th Anniversary, Independence Day

Posted in Pentecost/Shavuot/Feast of Weeks, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2018 by paulthepoke

Psalm 90:10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.

The nation of Israel will turn 70 years old on their birthday, May 14, 2018. The Jewish nation was replanted on May 14, 1948. The verse above details the life of Israel since it was reborn. Their time as a country has been nothing but toil and trouble. Their time can also be translated as labor, sorrow, and wickedness. Israel is surrounded by people who want to destroy her and push her into the Mediterranean Sea. Today at 70, Israel has never been stronger. And she is gaining economic and military strength.

Big news making events are scheduled around the week of Israel’s birthday. Here is a list of what’s on tap.

May 12, 2018: President Donald Trump will decide the fate and direction of the Iran Nuclear Deal. The Iranians entered the agreement with six countries (United States, Russia, China, the UK, France and Germany) to monitor their nuclear program and aspirations. For specific details of the program, see the link below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_nuclear_deal_framework

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently exposed the deception of the Iranians and their nuclear program. Israeli intelligence recently obtained hundreds of thousands of pieces of information detailing Iranian intentions.

https://paulthepoke.com/2018/04/30/trend-update-iran-lied-big-time-april-2018/

 

May 14, 2018: Israel will celebrate their 70th year as a country. Festivities for the event started on April 18. 2018. See the link below for a list of the celebratory events that kicked off the Independence Day.

https://www.jpost.com/Israels-70th-anniversary/Israels-70th-birthday-celebrations-549815

 

trump israelUS flags

Photo: Jerusalem Post

May 14, 2018: The United States will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The event recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel to the world. The move has caused an international uproar. President Trump looks to deliver on a campaign promise for this historic day. Israel appreciated the gesture so much, the Sanhedrin has minted a half shekel Temple coin with his likeness on the coin.

https://paulthepoke.com/2018/03/08/trend-update-temple-coin-with-trump-likeness-in-high-demand-march-2018/

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/u-s-to-open-jerusalem-embassy-in-may-white-house-official-says-1.5845868

Ron Dermer is the Israeli Ambassador to the United States.

 

nakba

Photo: Jerusalem Post

May 15, 2018: Nakba Day. The Palestinians refer to Israeli Independence as Nakba Day. Nakba is the Arabic word for “catastrophe”. They acknowledge Nakba Day the day after Israel’s declaration on May 15. Nakba day was initiated on Israel’s 50th Independence Day by Yasser Arafat.

Palestinians traditionally recognize the day with rocks and slingshots, Molotov cocktails, burning tires, IED’s, and violent protests. There may be special plans for this year’s events in light of the significance of Israel’s 70th anniversary and other surrounding events.

 

2000px-Flag_of_Guatemala.svg

May 16, 2018: Since the decision was made, other countries are following suit. Other countries have pledged to move their embassies to Jerusalem. Guatemala has taken the lead and already completed the transition. Guatemala will open their Jerusalem embassy on this date.

 

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Sunset May 19, 2018: God’s appointed Feast of Weeks or Shavuot is scheduled to begin. Christians refer to this day as Pentecost. Shavuot is one of the three holidays where Jewish men are required to come to Jerusalem (Exodus 23:14-17). The men were to make their presentation and sacrifice before God at the Temple.

As stated in the Leviticus passage, it is seven weeks after Passover. It is a celebration of the completed grain harvest. The holiday is also a celebration of God giving the Torah (instruction or law) to nation Israel. Because of this, Shavuot is considered as the beginning or birth of Judaism.

https://paulthepoke.com/2015/05/17/shavuotpentecost-part-1/

https://paulthepoke.com/category/pentecostshavuotfeast-of-weeks/

 

Despite the deadly intentions of their neighbors, settle in. Israel is not going anywhere. The Jewish nation is here to stay.

Amos 9:15 I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.

 

Happy Independence Day to Israel on its 70th birthday.

PrayforJerusalem5-900x450

 

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Trend Update: UNESCO Votes Against Israeli Ties to Jerusalem

Posted in Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , on May 2, 2017 by paulthepoke

Zechariah 12:3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.

May 2, 2017: The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voted that Israel has no legal or historical rights to Jerusalem. The vote was cast on Israel’s Independence Day.

The resolution was called “Occupied Palestine”. The measure was brought forth by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Sudan. The vote breakdown was as follows: 22 countries passed, 23 countries abstained, 10 countries opposed, and 3 countries were absent.

The 10 countries opposed: United States, UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Greece, Paraguay, Ukraine, Togo, and Germany.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/on-independence-day-unesco-okays-resolution-ignoring-jewish-links-to-jerusalem/

This vote appears to be on a collision course with President Trump and his trip to Israel later in the month of May. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on May 22, 2017. Jerusalem Day begins on May 23. This year is the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem being reunified.

Speculation is Trump will make a major announcement in Jerusalem during the trip.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-us-eyeing-trump-visit-on-may-22-23/

Recent comments by Florida Congressman Ron DeSantis are most interesting. Keep in mind, DeSantis recently traveled to Jerusalem to assess real estate locations for a possible US Embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“We have the chance to see a very important announcement very soon. What better time would there be to announce the relocation of the embassy than when you’re over there as president, celebrating alongside our Israeli friends this very important 50th anniversary? The announcement of that trip is a signal that it is more likely to happen than not. We are assuming that that is going to happen.” -Florida Congressman Ron DeSantis

http://www.weeklystandard.com/lawmaker-were-betting-trump-will-announce-embassy-move-during-israel-trip/article/2007827

Speculation is all over the map…

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