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ZECHARIAH: GOD REMEMBERS -Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 11, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

A figure dressed in biblical attire stands on a rocky ledge, overlooking a city with ancient architecture under a dramatic sky filled with rays of sunlight and clouds.

Zechariah is one of the most breathtaking books in all of Scripture.

Its name means “YHWH remembers,” and that truth runs through the entire book.

God remembers His covenant.
The LORD remembers Jerusalem.
The Holy One of Israel remembers His people.
The King remembers every promise He has spoken.

Zechariah begins with a returned remnant, a damaged city, and a Temple being rebuilt. But the prophecy quickly moves far beyond Zechariah’s own generation.

The horizon expands to Israel’s future, Messiah’s coming, Jerusalem’s central role, Israel’s repentance, the judgment of the nations, and the establishment of the Kingdom.

Zechariah is a prophetic mountain range.

GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN JERUSALEM

The LORD declares: “I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion.” Zechariah 1:14

And again: “I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.” Zechariah 8:3

Then comes one of the most beautiful pictures of restoration: “Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem… and the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing.” Zechariah 8:4–5

Jeremiah gives the same assurance: “If this fixed order departs from before Me… then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation before Me forever.” Jeremiah 31:35–36

And in that same chapter: “I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” Jeremiah 31:31

Ezekiel adds: “I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.” Ezekiel 36:24

Then comes spiritual renewal: “I will sprinkle clean water on you… and I will give you a new heart.” Ezekiel 36:25–26

Zechariah is not standing alone. He is part of a much larger prophetic chorus.

THE KING CAME HUMBLE

Zechariah foretold the arrival of Israel’s King: “Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

Yeshua fulfilled that prophecy literally. But the next verse looks beyond His humble arrival: “His rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Zechariah 9:10

The same Messiah who came in humility will rule in glory. First the suffering. Then the crown.

THE SHEPHERD WOULD BE STRUCK

Zechariah also foretold Messiah’s rejection: “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” Zechariah 13:7

Yeshua Himself applied this passage to what was about to happen to Him. But Zechariah never leaves the story at rejection. The Shepherd who was struck will return as King.

ISRAEL WILL LOOK UPON THE ONE THEY PIERCED

Zechariah 12 is one of the most remarkable passages in the Tanakh. The LORD says: “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy.” Zechariah 12:10

Then comes the stunning line: “They will look on Me, on Him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him.”

Recognition. Repentance. Grace. Restoration.

And the next chapter follows with cleansing: “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.” Zechariah 13:1

Yeshua later spoke of a future day when Jerusalem would welcome Him: “You will not see Me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Matthew 23:39

Paul says the same storyline continues in Romans 11: “A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Romans 11:25

Then: “And in this way all Israel will be saved.” Romans 11:26

And why can we trust that promise? “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29

Israel’s story is not finished.

JERUSALEM WILL STAND AT THE CENTER OF WORLD EVENTS

Zechariah says: “I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples.” Zechariah 12:3

The nations gather against the city.

But Jerusalem is not only the center of conflict. It is also the center of the coming Kingdom.

Isaiah saw the same future: “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established.” Isaiah 2:2

And: “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3

Jerusalem is not erased from the prophetic story. It becomes central to it.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL WILL INTERVENE

Zechariah describes a future moment when the nations gather against Jerusalem. Then: “The LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when He fights on a day of battle.” Zechariah 14:3

And then comes one of the most dramatic prophecies in Scripture: “On that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east.” Zechariah 14:4

The mountain splits. The geography is specific. Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives. A real city. A real mountain. A real intervention.

Revelation 19 describes Messiah’s triumphant return as heaven opens and the King comes in righteousness and judgment.

Then Revelation 20 follows with His thousand-year reign.

The sequence is powerful: The King returns. His enemies are judged. Israel is restored. The nations come under His rule. The Kingdom is established.

THE KING WILL REIGN OVER ALL THE EARTH

Zechariah reaches its climax here: “The LORD will be King over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9

That is where history is heading. Not toward the failure of God’s promises. Not toward the abandonment of Israel. Not toward the disappearance of Jerusalem from the prophetic plan.

But toward the reign of the King.

Living waters will flow from Jerusalem. The nations will come to worship. The city will be holy.

And: “Everyone who survives of all the nations… shall go up year after year to worship the King.” Zechariah 14:16

That is the breathtaking message of Zechariah.

The God of Israel remembers. The Shepherd was struck. The King is coming. Jerusalem will see Him. Israel will be restored. The nations will worship.

And one day: “The LORD will be King over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9

Every promise will stand.

~

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

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This Week in Prophecy: Fly Dubai; Nepal Mudslides; Russian Plague?; Israel into Isolation

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Prophecy, Temple, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 6, 2026 by paulthepoke

Psalm 27:2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

Flooding in Nepal

Micah 1:4 And the mountains will melt under Him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place.

Psalm 97:5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

Geography’s destiny at the end of the tribulation in Revelation.

Revelation 16:20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.

Revelation 20:9 And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.

…the broad plain of the earth…Notice the term is singular, one land mass. Mountains and islands are not mentioned. They have been removed. The Greek word for “broad plain” is platos (πλάτος). Per Strong’s Concordance, the term suggests great extent. The Greek word for “earth” is ge (γῆ). The term is defined as: arable land; the ground, the earth as a standing place.

This appears to be a huge land mass or a super continent.

In the beginning, God created a single land mass on planet earth.

Genesis 1:9-10 Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good.

Some would argue the land was divided during Noah’s flood. There is one verse that is very clear when the continents emerged.

Genesis 10:25 Two sons were born to Eber; the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.

Peleg’s life and times are noted after the Tower of Babel. Babel is where God scattered the peoples and changed their language from one to multiple languages. After Babel, God broke up the single land mass as well.

…the earth was divided… The Hebrew word for “earth” is `erets. This is the same term used in Genesis 1:9-10. It means: land or earth. The Hebrew word for “divided” is palag. It means: to be split or divided. Stated plainly, the land/earth was split/divided.

It appears, God will put His creation back in the order as He intended, one land mass, no mountains, no islands.

Revelation 21:5 And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

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Plagues in various places: Russia Pneumonic Plague???

Map of Irkutsk, Russia, showing locations of three hospitals under quarantine: City Clinical Hospital No. 1 on Baykalskaya Street, City Clinical Hospital No. 3 on Timiryazeva Street, and City Clinical Hospital No. 10 on Ryabikova Boulevard. Also includes the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute.

A mysterious death at Russia’s Anti Plague Institute in Siberia has triggered mass quarantines, conflicting official accounts and apparent efforts to restrict information.

Infographic comparing Pneumonic Plague and COVID-19, highlighting differences in cause, transmission, onset, symptoms, treatment, and current status. Pneumonic Plague is caused by bacteria, whereas COVID-19 is caused by a virus.

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Zechariah 12:3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.

Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks at the United Nations assembly… sort of.

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Third Temple Preparation

Exodus 28:1-3 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest.

~

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

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Debunking Replacement Theology: Location, Location, Location

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Prophecy, Replacement Theology, Revelation with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on September 30, 2026 by paulthepoke

Welcome to the last edition of the part 12 of the series, Debunking Replacement Theology.

One last time… the nation of Israel and the church or the bride of Jesus Christ, are two separate entities. God has not changed His mind. The church has not replaced Israel. God has a unique plan for both.

And by the way critic, if God can break His covenant and replace His people Israel with the church as you have suggested, then He can change His mind about your personal salvation too… But fear not!

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

And another thought for the critic… if the church replaces Israel, then the church will go through God’s wrath and judgment on earth.

Christ has already paid the price and taken His Bride’s place. Do you, self proclaimed believer in Christ, want to bring judgment upon yourself? Did Jesus die in vain on the cross?

The church replacing Israel makes no logical sense for many reasons as demonstrated during this series.

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Location, Location, Location

Revelation chapter 6 introduces judgment on Earth with the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. It is not until chapter 7 that Israel is mentioned. Israel is located on Earth where and while judgment is taking place. The twelve tribes of Israel are reintroduced in sets of 12,000 for a total of 144,000.

At the same time, it would appear the church and elders remain in Heaven.

Saints, who likely converted to Jesus after the resurrection and rapture, on Earth are present and dying. Note the saints who die on Earth join the God the Father, God the Son, the elders and angels in Heaven.

Revelation 7:9-11 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God…

Judgment continues on Earth with the introduction of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 in Jerusalem. Satan is thrown out of Heaven and down to Earth by the angel Michael in chapter 12. The antichrist and the false prophet enter the scene on Earth in Revelation 13.

In Revelation 14, Jesus the Lamb has moved from Heaven to Earth. His location is Mount Zion, a specific location in Jerusalem. 144,000 Israelis have joined Him for choir practice.

Meanwhile back in Heaven, the elders or the church are singing before the throne of God the Father. Israel is on Earth. The church is in Heaven.

The two entities, Israel and the church, are different in name and physical location in the context of the chapters in Revelation 7-14.

The text could not be any clearer. Replacement Theology or Supersessionism is a myth.

Judgment continues on Earth through Revelation 18 then the setting changes to Heaven in chapter 19. The Lamb and His bride the church are married in Heaven. Then Christ and His army descend to Earth. The beast and his troops decide to engage the King of Kings on Earth. The result of the antichrist and the false prophet is the lake of fire on Earth. Satan has a 1,000 year time out chained up in the abyss.

Israel has remained a country on Earth during this period of time. Israel is on Earth and ready to usher in the kingdom.

The church is destined for resurrection and rapture before Israel has a seven year period of judgment. The church returns to earth to rule and reign with the King of Kings over the world through nation Israel for 1,000 years and into eternity.

~

This series is an excerpt from the book, Rapture the Bride Redeemed. 

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

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Feast of Tabernacles 5787/5951/2026

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Fall Feasts with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 24, 2026 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 23:33-36 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘On the fifteenth of this seventh month is the Feast of Booths for seven days to the LORD. On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to the LORD; it is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work.’”

On our western Gregorian calendar in 2026, the Feast of Tabernacles will be observed from about Friday, September 25th to Friday, October 2th (Great Day). Or pending the new moon confirmed at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Tishri.

This year, the Essenes mark the beginning of Tabernacles on Wednesday, September 30th and runs through Tuesday, October 6th. The last and Great Day occurs on Wednesday, October 7th.

The third and last fall holiday on God’s calendar is Tabernacles. It is also called Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, the Festival of Tents, or the Feast of the Harvest because it was after the harvest in the fall. Simply put, it was also called “the Feast” or “the Festival”. This festival is a week-long festival from Tishri 15 to 21 on a Hebrew calendar.

Jews sing Isaiah 12:3 Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation, during the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot.

The Jewish holiday is a reminder to the Jewish people they lived in tents after the Exodus from Egypt.

In addition, the Feast of Tabernacles requires sacrifices of sin offerings and burnt offerings. At the time of preparation for the morning sacrifice, a priest descends to the Pool of Siloam amidst great music, celebration, and singing of Isaiah 12:3, and fills a golden pitcher with water. After dipping his pitcher in Siloam’s water, the priest returns to the Temple and pours the water into one of the silver basins by the altar (Wayne Stiles, Insight for Living).

Jesus connects the dots for us in the Book of John. He is promising those who believe in Him the Holy Spirit. Jesus is making this proclamation on the last day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

John 7:37-39 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

This chapter of Isaiah is a universal promise to the entire world. The Holy One, Jesus is our salvation. Isaiah 12 refers to the promise of the Holy Spirit and the reign of Jesus. And He is going to live and dwell with us.

John 4:14 “…but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”-Jesus

~

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

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Yom Kippur 5787/5951/2026

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Fall Feasts with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 20, 2026 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 16 provides complete details for Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement.

Numbers 29:7-11 focuses on the sacrificial aspects of Yom Kippur.

Numbers 29:7-11 On the tenth day of this seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you shall humble yourselves; you must not do any work. Present as a pleasing aroma to the LORD a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, together with their grain offerings of fine flour mixed with oil—three-tenths of an ephah with the bull, two-tenths of an ephah with the ram, and a tenth of an ephah with each of the seven lambs. Include one male goat for a sin offering, in addition to the sin offering of atonement and the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offerings.

Leviticus 23:26-32 addresses the concept of Sabbatical rest.

Leviticus 23:26-32 Again the LORD said to Moses, “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You shall hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present a food offering to the LORD. On this day you are not to do any work, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God. If anyone does not humble himself on this day, he must be cut off from his people. I will destroy from among his people anyone who does any work on this day. You are not to do any work at all. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live. It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to keep your Sabbath.”

Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is celebrated on Tishri 10th. It is the last day of the 40 day period of Teshuvah or repent in the Hebrew.

This holiday is viewed at the holiest day of Judaism. The day is a Sabbath day of rest. Yom Kippur is the only day a fast is required. The day begins at sun down.

This is the busiest day of the year for the high priest with multiple animal sacrifices. Sacrifices of a bull, ram, and a goat occur.

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was kept awake during the dark of the night. The high priest was dressed in a white robe. The priest makes a sacrifice for himself and for the nation of Israel. Yom Kippur is the day the high priest came into the inner sanctuary of the temple to make sacrifices on behalf of the nation of Israel. He is the only person allowed into the inner sanctuary. This day is the only day the high priest is allowed in the inner sanctuary. He entered the highest holy place with incense and coals. The incense was burned. Next, the recovered blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat, the top of the Ark of the Covenant.

The beginning for the Day of Atonement in 2026 is calculated at sundown Sunday, September 20th and ends the next day, Monday evening, September 21st. This date could be determined by the confirmation of the new moon 10 days earlier. The Essenes mark the date as Friday, September 25th through the next day.

A serene figure in a white robe stands in an ornate temple setting, holding a incense burner with smoke rising. The temple features tall golden pillars and intricate decorations, with a backdrop of a cityscape visible through large windows.
Image: Grok

As of today, who is our High Priest? The book of Hebrews connects the dots.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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

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The Imminent Rapture Should Change How We Live – Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson, Rapture with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 9, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

A dramatic cityscape under a cloudy sky, with beams of light shining down on a crowd of people on a reflective surface. The text overlay includes religious references about the imminent rapture and instructions to be ready.

Prophecy was never given merely to satisfy our curiosity about what happens next.

It was given to make us ready.

Jesus promised: “I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world…” Revelation 3:10

And Paul described the glorious gathering:

“We who are still alive…will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17

If the Rapture is truly imminent, the Church should live with expectancy.
But expectancy without accountability is incomplete.

Because after the gathering comes the Bema Seat.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:10

This is not judgment for salvation. Christ already bore our condemnation.

But grace does not erase accountability.
Our works will be examined.

Our motives will be exposed.

Our stewardship will matter.

Scripture does not give us a transcript of the questions Jesus will ask, but it tells us clearly what will matter.

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💡 HOW WERE YOU LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS?

“You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

Did your life point people toward Christ? Did you shine when darkness increased? Or did you hide the lamp because shining became uncomfortable?

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🧂 HOW WERE YOU SALT IN A DECAYING CULTURE?

“You are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13

When truth became unpopular, did you preserve it, speak it, and live it? Or did you slowly become indistinguishable from the world?

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📣 WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE GOSPEL?

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” Mark 16:15

Who heard about Jesus because you were here? Who did you pray for? Who did you tell? Who might be in eternity because you refused to remain silent?

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📖 WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE TRUTH I GAVE YOU?

“Correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Did you contend for truth when compromise was easier? Did you handle Scripture faithfully? Or reshape it to fit the culture?

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⏳ WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE TIME I GAVE YOU?

“Making the most of every opportunity…” Ephesians 5:16

Your days were numbered. Your conversations were numbered. Your opportunities were numbered. Did you redeem them?

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❤️ WHY DID YOU SERVE ME?

The Lord: “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” 1 Corinthians 4:5

Did you serve Christ for His glory? Or for recognition, applause, influence, and reputation? Was it really about Him?

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🔥 WHAT DID YOU BUILD THAT WILL SURVIVE?

Paul says every believer’s work will be tested. Gold. Silver. Precious stones. Wood. Hay. Straw.

“The fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” 1 Corinthians 3:13

Some things that look enormous on earth may disappear at the Bema. Some quiet acts of obedience nobody noticed may shine forever.

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🛡️ WHEN FOLLOWING ME COST YOU SOMETHING, WERE YOU FAITHFUL?

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial…” James 1:12

Did you stand when standing became costly? Did you love Christ more than comfort?

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🌿 WHAT DID YOU DO WITH ISRAEL?

Paul says salvation came to the Gentiles: “to make Israel envious.” Romans 11:11

So ask it plainly: Did my life provoke the Jewish people to jealousy for their own Messiah? Did I show them love? Did I pray for their salvation? Did I honor the people through whom came the covenants, the Scriptures, the patriarchs, and Messiah according to the flesh?

Or did I boast against the branches?

“Do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches.” Romans 11:18

Gentile believers were called to gratitude, humility, mercy, prayer, and Gospel witness.

Did Israel see something in us that made them long for their Messiah?

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👀 DID KNOWING PROPHECY ACTUALLY CHANGE YOU?

Did prophecy make us more holy? More urgent? More compassionate? More evangelistic? More focused on eternity? Or merely more informed?

“All who have this hope in him purify themselves…” 1 John 3:3

If prophetic knowledge never changes how we live, something is wrong.

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👑 DID YOU OCCUPY UNTIL I CAME?

Jesus said: “Put this money to work… until I come back.” Luke 19:13

Then the nobleman returned and called his servants to account for what they had done with what he entrusted to them. That is the force of the Parable of the Minas.

The issue was not merely: “Did you know I was coming back?”

It was: “What did you do while I was gone?”

And for us: “What did you do because you believed I was coming?”

Not speculate until I come. Not retreat until I come. Occupy. Serve. Witness. Pray. Stand. Love. Work. Watch.

Because the Jesus who promised: “I will come back and take you to be with me…” John 14:3

also said: “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me…” Revelation 22:12

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IMMINENCE → EXPECTANCY → HOLINESS → SERVICE → ACCOUNTABILITY → REWARD

One day the trumpet will sound. The dead in Christ will rise. We who remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

Then every earthly opportunity will be over. No more darkness in which to shine. No more culture in which to be salt. No more person to evangelize. No more Jewish friend to love and provoke to jealousy for Messiah. No more assignment to finish.

And the question will no longer be: “When was the Rapture going to happen?”

It will be: “What did you do while you were waiting for Me?”

“Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Romans 14:12

And even the crowns we receive will ultimately return to Him.

The elders cast their crowns before the throne: “You are worthy, our Lord and God…” Revelation 4:10–11

That is the destination. Not merely receiving a crown. Having something to lay at His feet.

Prophecy should not produce spectators. It should produce servants.

The imminent Rapture is not permission to abandon the world. It is a reason to spend ourselves for Christ while there is still time.

He is coming.

Be watching.

Be working.

Be witnessing.

Be faithful.

Be ready.

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

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This Week in Prophecy: Mecca Agreement; Syria; Quake in Colombia; Mass Abort; Dead Sea

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Burden of Damascus, Culture, Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Ezekiel 38-39, Fake News???, Prophecy, Saudi Arabia/Sheba/Dedan, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 13, 2026 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 38-39 Ancient Sheba and Dedan or modern day Saudi Arabia.

Ancient Beth Togarmah, Gomer, Meshech or modern day Turkey.

Image created by Grok.

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement (also called the Mecca/Makkah Pact or Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement) is a trilateral collective-defense pact signed on August 7, 2026, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The three countries bring complementary strengths: Saudi Arabia’s financial resources and strategic position, Turkey’s conventional military capabilities and defense industry (as a NATO member), and Pakistan’s large armed forces and status as the sole nuclear-armed Muslim-majority state. The pact has been described as a strategic hedge and framework for deeper cooperation rather than a fully integrated military alliance with standing forces or detailed automatic response mechanisms. It has been noted as potentially open to future expansion.

https://twitter.com/i/grok?conversation=2087689513732567446

The 3 countries surround ancient Persia or modern day Iran.

Will Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords with Israel?

Prophecy tells us where this is going. The plot thickens…

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Isaiah 17:1 This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins.

Recent history lesson, President Trump lifted economic sanctions earlier in 2025 against Syria and newly appointed leader and President Abu Mohammed al Jolani (formerly of ISIS), he is aka Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa. He also has ties to Al Qaeda. He is former commander of Al-Qaeda al-Jolani. He also has ties to the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Al Sharaa founded the al-Nusra Front in Syria. This is the same person. He has ties to multiple terrorist organizations.

Gog of Magog or modern day Russia

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Quakes in various places… -Jesus

On August 10, 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, the strongest recorded in the country in the 21st century.

Key Details

  • Time and location: It occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time (12:34 UTC), with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department (about 400 km / 250 miles west of Bogotá). Depth estimates ranged from roughly 96–110 km (intermediate depth). It was a strike-slip event related to the subduction of the Nazca Plate. en.wikipedia.org
  • Intensity and reach: Shaking lasted up to about 2 minutes and was felt widely across western and central Colombia (including Bogotá, Cali, Pereira, Medellín, Manizales, and Quibdó), as well as in neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and parts of Venezuela. Maximum intensity reached MMI VIII (Severe) in some areas. en.wikipedia.org

Casualties and Damage

As of reports around August 11–12, 2026:

  • Deaths: At least 239–254 confirmed. Hardest-hit areas included Pereira (coffee-growing region) and Cali. reuters.com
  • Injuries: More than 2,500–3,700.
  • Missing: Hundreds officially, with crowdsourced figures exceeding 4,000 in some reports.
  • Infrastructure: Hundreds of buildings collapsed or were heavily damaged (including homes, schools, health centers, and parts of hospitals); thousands more structures were affected. Airports (e.g., Pereira) faced closures or suspensions; roads, bridges, and utilities were disrupted. Landslides were a concern in the mountainous terrain. miamiherald.com

Summary provided by Grok.

~

Genesis 5:2 Male and female He created them, and He blessed them and called their name “Man,” in the day they were created.

The WNBA held a meeting on the definition of a woman. They were unable to reach a conclusion.

What does the “W” stand for in the name of your league?


Meeting over with definition. Here to help!

~

Amos 1:13 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory.

By the way, judgment was pronounced by the LORD in verse 14.

Look at the joy as signed bill becomes law in Massachusetts.

We will close with life…

Future River emerges from the Temple in Jerusalem

Ezekiel 47:7-12 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

https://allisraelnews.com/life-found-in-sinkholes-beside-israels-dead-sea-stir-excitement-about-biblical-prophecy

~

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

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Was Jonah’s Greatest Sign Really the Fish? -Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 5, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

Most people remember Jonah as the prophet swallowed by a great fish.

But Yeshua saw something greater.

When the religious leaders demanded a sign, He pointed them back to Israel’s Scriptures:

“No sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
Matthew 12:39

Jonah’s descent, return to life, and mission to the nations formed a divinely woven pattern of Messiah’s death, resurrection, and worldwide call to repentance.

~

❖ A Galilean prophet of Israel’s restoration

Before Nineveh, Jonah had already prophesied Israel’s restoration:

“According to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He spoke through His servant Jonah.” 2 Kings 14:25

God had seen Israel’s affliction and had not forgotten His people (2 Kings 14:25–27).

Jonah was also from Gath-hepher in Galilee. That makes the later claim, “No prophet arises from Galilee,” deeply ironic (John 7:52). Jonah had arisen from Galilee, and now the greater Jonah stood among them.

~

❖ Jonah’s journey is a repeated descent

The Hebrew narrative emphasizes Jonah’s downward movement.

He goes down to Joppa, down into the ship, down into its innermost parts, and finally down into the sea.

From the depths he cries: “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried.” Jonah 2:2

“I went down to the foundations of the mountains.” Jonah 2:6

Jonah speaks in the language of death, Sheol, the pit, and burial.

Then God reverses the descent: “Yet You brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God.” Jonah 2:6

The pattern is clear: descent, apparent death, divine deliverance, restored life.

Yeshua identified this as the sign of His own death and resurrection:

“Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40

Jonah descended because he fled from God’s will.

Yeshua descended because He obeyed it.

~

❖ One man is handed over and others are spared

Jonah tells the sailors: “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you.” Jonah 1:12

They plead, “Do not charge us with innocent blood” (Jonah 1:14).

When Jonah is handed over, the storm ceases and everyone aboard is spared. Jonah suffered because of his own disobedience, so the comparison is not perfect.

But Yeshua, the truly innocent One, willingly gave Himself for others: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” John 10:18

Jonah’s surrender calmed a temporary storm.

Messiah’s sacrifice brings peace with God (Isaiah 53:5).

Jonah slept while sailors feared for their lives. Yeshua also slept during a storm and was awakened by terrified disciples (Mark 4:38).

But Jonah could not command the sea.

Yeshua rebuked it: “Peace! Be still!” Mark 4:39

Jonah was powerless before the waters.

The greater Jonah ruled them.

~

❖ The suffering prophet prayed Israel’s Scriptures

Jonah’s prayer echoes Psalms 18, 42, 69, 116, and 120, and concludes: “Salvation belongs to the LORD.” Jonah 2:9; Psalm 3:8

Yeshua likewise prayed Israel’s Psalms in His suffering (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46; Psalm 31:5; Luke 23:46).

The suffering prophet prayed Israel’s songs.

The suffering Messiah fulfilled them.

~

❖ Life from death leads to Gentile repentance

After Jonah is brought up from the depths, the word of the LORD comes again: “Arise, go to Nineveh.” Jonah 3:2

The prophet who had descended into Sheol now rises and carries God’s message to the Gentiles.

Nineveh believes God, turns from violence, and receives mercy: “God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way.” Jonah 3:10

Following Messiah’s resurrection, repentance and forgiveness likewise go from Jerusalem to the nations: “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47

The pattern is striking: death, return to life, renewed commission, Gentile repentance.

Yet God had not abandoned Israel.

Jonah was an Israelite prophet, and the nations received mercy through Israel’s messenger.

“In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

“I will also make You a light to the nations.” Isaiah 49:6

God’s mercy reaches the nations through Israel, not by erasing Israel.

~

❖ Jewish commentary sharpens Yeshua’s warning

Rashi explained that Jonah resisted Nineveh because he expected the Gentiles to repent quickly, exposing Israel’s failure to heed her prophets.

This highlighted Yeshua’s warning: “The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” Matthew 12:41

Nineveh repented at the preaching of a reluctant prophet.

Israel’s leaders stood before the obedient Messiah.

Jonah performed no signs in Nineveh.

Yeshua healed the sick, opened blind eyes, taught Torah with authority, and proclaimed the Kingdom. Something greater than Jonah had come.

~

❖ Jonah knew mercy but struggled to reflect it

Jonah admits why he fled: “I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in mercy.” Jonah 4:2

He was echoing Exodus 34:6.

Jonah understood God’s mercy, but resented seeing it extended to Nineveh. Jonah sat outside the city hoping judgment would fall.

Yeshua approached Jerusalem knowing judgment was coming and wept over it (Luke 19:41–44).

Jonah was angry that sinners might live.

Yeshua gave His life so sinners could live.

Jonah descended unwillingly because of disobedience.

Yeshua descended willingly in perfect obedience.

Jonah emerged from the depths and preached repentance to one Gentile city.

Yeshua rose from the dead and sent repentance to every nation.

Jonah was a sign.

Yeshua was its fulfillment.

The sign had been embedded in Israel’s Scriptures all along.

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

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This Week in Prophecy: Gaza Peace; Saudis; Boy George; Spanish Immigration; Japanese Quake; Ebola DRC; Fauci

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Culture, Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Gaza Strip/Philistia, Pestilence, Prophecy, Saudi Arabia/Sheba/Dedan, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 1, 2026 by paulthepoke

1 Thessalonians 5:3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

As readers of the Bible, we know there is a period of false peace and security coming before all hell breaks loose.

Trump’s Board of Peace has released a 15 point memorandum outlining peace in Gaza.

Ezekiel 38-39 Ancient Sheba and Dedan or modern day Saudi Arabia.

It stands to reason President Trump is going to want something in return for all of these economic and energy benefits. I suspect the Saudi’s are being encouraged to join the Abraham Accords behind the curtain.

~

Boy George of Culture Club fame from back in the 80’s has released a new single supporting the people of Israel.

We Will Dance Again is the title of the song.

Lyrics:

You say genocide, I say war
When you’re attacked, that’s what the army’s for
Does it get ugly? You bet it does
When I know you wanna kill
Every last one of us
Every last one of us
Every last one of us
You never mention October 7
Young girls raped against trees
Murdered brutally
For the crime of dancing
You condemn the Jews, with selective memory
Musicians holding flags, mouthing like sheep
Propaganda fueled by the Internet feels so weak

(Chorus) But trust me, we will dancе again
We will dance again
We will dancе again
And there will be no war
But if you’re ever confused
I stand with the Jews
I don’t feel brave, I just need to behave like a human
But trust me, we will dance again
We will dance again
We will dance again
And there will be no war
But if you’re ever confused
I stand with the Jews
I don’t feel brave, I just need to behave like a human

(Repeat Chorus)

~

Nehemiah 2:17-18 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me.

Nehemiah 4:15-18 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall. And from that day on, half of my servants did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.

God sanctioned the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem. Walls were and are built for defensive purposes of cities and nations. This precept is still true today in the 21st century.

Launched by Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on June 30, 2026 with an initial budget of over €500 million (some reports cite ~€505 million). It frames migration management as “orderly, fair and intelligent,” with four pillars, 16 measures, and 10 objectives for 2030. Key elements include:

  • The regularization process itself as a starting point.
  • Creation of a future State Agency for Human Mobility to coordinate procedures (keeping international protection and residence separate while preserving border/security roles).
  • Support for employment in high-demand sectors (construction, hospitality, care), entrepreneurship, and rural areas (over €35 million allocated).
  • Expanded vocational training (over 100,000 places, significant funding).
  • Language learning (including co-official languages), education on Spanish laws/values, social cohesion, and efforts against hate speech.
  • Improved access to housing, healthcare, registration, and bank accounts.
  • Strengthening legal/safe labor migration routes via origin-country hiring. surinenglish.com

Main eligibility criteria:

  • Presence in Spain before 1 January 2026 (or asylum/international protection application filed before that date).
  • At least five consecutive months of continuous stay (lighter requirements for asylum seekers).
  • No criminal record.
  • Minors and dependents of eligible applicants could also regularize.

Sánchez emphasized that irregular arrivals had fallen (by about one-third overall and over 70% in the Canary Islands earlier in 2026) and rejected claims of a strong “pull factor.”

Summary above provided by Grok.

~

Quakes in various places… -Jesus

A magnitude 7.1 (JMA; USGS Mww 6.8) earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on July 28, 2026, at 4:27 p.m. local time (07:27 UTC).

Key Details

  • Epicenter: Near Uki/Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture, at a shallow depth of about 10 km (6.2 miles). It occurred on a strike-slip fault in the Hinagu Fault system (related to the same zone as the destructive 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes).
  • Intensity: Reached the maximum level of 7 on Japan’s seismic intensity (shindo) scale in areas including Uki and Hikawa—the strongest intensity recorded in the region since 2016. Strong shaking (5–6+) was felt across much of Kyushu (including Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Ōita, and Miyazaki prefectures).
  • Duration: Approximately 16 seconds.

Immediate Impacts

  • Casualties: At least 36 people killed and dozens injured. People were trapped in collapsed structures, including a shopping mall.
  • Damage: Partial collapse of the second floor of the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town (with reports of an associated blast/explosion and people trapped or missing); collapse of a chimney and damage at a Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro (people trapped); damage to stone walls at Kumamoto Castle; ruptured roads and bridges; house collapses; and fires in some areas. A freight train derailed/overturned at Yatsushiro Station.
  • Infrastructure: Power outages affected around 40,000–48,000 households in Kumamoto Prefecture. JR Kyushu suspended Shinkansen bullet trains and local rail services. Aso Kumamoto Airport runway was closed. No abnormalities were reported at nearby nuclear power plants.
  • Tsunami: A tsunami advisory (waves up to about 1 meter) was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas but lifted within about two hours; no significant tsunami occurred.
  • Aftershocks: Multiple aftershocks followed (including one around magnitude 6.1); authorities warned of possible strong quakes (up to intensity 7) for several days to a week, plus landslide risks, especially with rain.

Campi Flegrei, Naples Italy

The volcano is located approximately 11 miles southwest of Naples, Italy. 500,000 people live in the Naples area. The local area is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

The area is across the bay from Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. History records the big eruption in 79 AD which resulted in the destruction of Pompeii and nearby villages.

~

Plagues and pestilence…

In 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing a major outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus (a rarer species of Ebola virus). nytimes.com

Outbreak Overview

  • Declaration: Officially declared by DRC health authorities on 15 May 2026, following alerts of unusual deaths in early May in areas northwest of Bunia (capital of Ituri Province in the northeast). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026. Africa CDC also classified it as a public health emergency of continental security. msf.org
  • Virus details: Bundibugyo ebolavirus (first identified in Uganda in 2007). There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for this strain (unlike Zaire ebolavirus). Clinical trials of candidate therapies (e.g., monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral remdesivir) began in early July 2026. Diagnostic testing capacity has been scaled up significantly. allafrica.com
  • Scale (as of late July 2026): Approximately 3,442–3,532 confirmed cases and 1,521–1,556 deaths in the DRC (case fatality rate around 40–44%). Hundreds more remain hospitalized or in isolation. It has become the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak on record (after the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic that killed over 11,000) and the fastest-spreading to date. The outbreak is believed to have started circulating as early as January 2026 (or earlier) based on retrospective investigations. nytimes.com
  • Geographic spread: Epicenter in Ituri Province (accounting for the vast majority of cases, around 90%). It has expanded to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo provinces, affecting dozens of health zones (reports of 36–49 zones). Cases have occurred in displacement camps. ecdc.europa.eu

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Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.

Self proclaimed Dr. Science, Tony Fauci went to D.C. and pleaded the 5th at least 111 times in matters related to the COVID 19 Global Pandemic.

What Fauci said publicly was not the same as what he wrote in his diary he kept on US Government servers.

The Reading Room

~

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

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Tisha B`Av/9th of Av, 5786/2026/5951; Red Sea Blockade; Iraqi Pipeline Deal; Iran

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Iraq/Babylon/Shinar, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 21, 2026 by paulthepoke

Tisha b’Av:  to the Jew, this is a date, the 9th of the Hebrew month Av. It is the 11th month of the civil calendar or the 5th month of the religious calendar. The month is not named in the Bible. Av usually occurs during July or August on the Gregorian calendar.

Historically, the date has resulted in heartache and pain for the Jewish people. Bad things have happened to nation Israel.

On the traditional Hebrew lunar calendar, In 2026, Tisha b’Av begins at sunset on Wednesday, July 22 and ends at sunset on Thursday, July 23.

On the Dead Sea Scroll solar calendar or the Essene calendar, Tisha b’Av begins at sunset on Saturday, July 25 and ends at sunset on Sunday, July 26.

https://dsscalendar.org/DSS-Greg.php?Y=2026

For more information on Tisha b`Av, click on the link below.

https://paulthepoke.com/?s=9th+av

As usual, the Temple Institute chooses the somber occasion to look forward to a brighter day and the building of the 3rd Temple.

One G-d, acknowledged by all: that is the one plan in heaven and on earth that can bring lasting peace to mankind. And the one place on earth for all mankind to gather as one and witness the awesome presence of G-d is the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. For 2,000 years we have mourned the tragedies of the past on Tisha b’Av. While we must never forget the destruction of the past, on this Tisha b’Av the time has come to build for the future!

“And in this place I will grant peace!” Chaggai 2:9

Haggai 2:9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.

By the way, still looking for the red heifer…

~

Exodus 15:4 Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

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Jeremiah 51:7 Babylon was a gold cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore the nations have gone mad.

Are we watching the end times economic re emergence of ancient Babylon???

During Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington in mid-July 2026, Iraq signed around 48 deals with U.S. companies, totaling roughly $60 billion in agreements and partnerships. These focus on energy, oil production, infrastructure, and alternative export routes. apnews.com

https://twitter.com/i/grok?conversation=2079698322780987469

~

Ezekiel 38/39 and Jeremiah 49: Ancient Persia/Elam or modern day Iran

~

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

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