January Prophetic News Highlights
- January 1st – Trump wishes for ‘Peace on Earth’
- January 2nd – Trump threatens Iran with military action if they kill protestors
- January 3rd – President of Venezuela captured by the US and taken into custody
- January 6th – Trumps says the US ‘needs’ Greenland, threatens to take over the country
- January 7th – American citizen shot and killed in Minneapolis by US immigration security forces
- January 8th – Internet and telecommunications are shut off in Iran to suppress country-wide protests
- January 9th – Pope delivers ‘State of the World’ speech, highlights increased nationalistic aggression
- January 18th-20th – X1.9 Class Solar Flare and resulting G4 geomagnetic storms
- January 19th-23rd – Davos Switzerland gathering of world leaders at World Economic Forum
- January 22nd – President Trump signs charter for the ‘Board of Peace’
- January 23rd – Department of War publishes 2026 National Defense Strategy promoting ‘peace through strength’
- January 24th – Second US citizen shot and killed in Minneapolis by US immigration security forces
- January 24th-27th – Massive US Winter storm kills over 150 people, over 1 million lose power
- January 27th: Doomsday Clock moves to 85 seconds to midnight
“For then (at the end of the age) shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
Matthew 24:21-22
Dividing the Land for Gain – Profit
Venezuela
A new year, a new conquest. The US has been destroying boats and their occupants for several months now in the waters around Venezuela as well as the Pacific coast of South America. The military action has been justified as an expanded war on drugs. In a major escalation against the country of Venezuela, the US captured President Maduro in an overnight raid. At least thirty Cubans, part of the Venezuelan defense forces, were killed in the process. Following the raid, Trump and his advisors held a news conference and spoke about the ‘major strike,’ which can be watched in full here. Trump said 97% of the drugs coming from sea have been stopped, the US would now ‘run’ Venezuela and US oil companies will now go into Venezuela to repair and run the oil industry.
International Response
The international response has been one of disbelief and alarm. Several world leaders identified this move as a major disruption to the order established by international laws. With all of the international condemnation and even an emergency UN meeting, the only clear consequence has been increased awareness of the ‘might makes right’ mentality that dominates the US government.
Amazingly, a few weeks later, Trump was applauded as he walked out onto the world stage in Davos, Switzerland in front of those same world leaders. Trump captured and detained the leader of Venezuela and took over the countries oil reserves. Those oil reserves happen to be the worlds largest. This was nothing more than a coup in plain sight. A countries military is the strong arm used by governments and their corporations to dominate lands and resources. Take it from this US Major General. War is a racket! This is a dividing of the world’s lands for resources and profits.
“But in his estate/place shall he honor the god of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.”
Daniel 11:38-39
Greenland
Why stop at Venezuela? Trump immediately turned his attention to Greenland, a militarily strategically located piece of land that is also rich in minerals. The US government has been eyeing Greenland for some time, but following Trump’s capture of Venezuela, he quickly turned up the rhetoric.
The world sat up and paid much more attention this time around. NATO quickly assembled a small contingency of solders from Germany, France and and Sweden to participate in joint military exercises with Denmark in Greenland. Denmark declared NATO would end if the US attacked Greenland. In a text message from Trump regarding Greenland, he told the Prime Minister of Norway he no longer felt ‘an obligation to think purely of Peace’ after he was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize. Anyone see the hypocrisy here? The posturing continued until the meeting of world leaders in Davos, Switzerland, when Trump backed down and said a framework for a ‘deal’ was in the works.
Cuba
In conjunction with the oil embargo on Venezuela, Cuba’s oil supply has also been cut off. It’s not just the US preventing oil tankers from getting to Cuba. After threats from Trump, Mexico also canceled an oil shipment to Cuba. Oil and related products are the source of 84% of Cuba’s energy. Mexico said the decision was not in response to threats from Trump, but the decision did happen shortly after Trump posted to social media, ‘THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!’
The US is forcing a sovereign nation into darkness. Why? Trump has also threatened consequences if Cuba doesn’t make a deal. But what deal?? From this article, it appears the Trump administration is looking for a regime change in Cuba. One can only speculate because there are no specifics from the White House. Will this be the next coup carried out by the US government in 2026?
Davos Double-Speak
Davos, the annual gathering of world leaders, is where the world’s economy is the primary focus. The World Economic Forum hosts this event to bring together the heads of governments, corporations and non-government organizations. Unsurprisingly, President Trump was a highlight of the gathering and his full speech can be watched here. The speech was a split between praising himself for ending wars countered with a demand for Greenland. He said he won’t use force to take Greenland, although confidence is low following the forceful capture of Venezuela and ongoing threats of attacks on Iran.
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:8
‘Board of Peace’ Founded
Davos was the chosen venue for the grand debut of Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ organization. Initially portrayed as the future governing body to oversee Gaza following the war, this new organization has now been defined as a group of countries coming together to manage the aftermath of all global wars. Gaza will become the model from which lessons will be learned and applied worldwide. This is a case of world powers creating the catastrophe, i.e. wars, then providing the solution and means of repair from which they greatly profit. This hypocrisy is carried out under the facade of peace and security.
Want to get a lifetime membership to this new club? Fork over the $1Billion entrance fee and Donald Trump will forever be your leader. Watch a short clip of the rollout here and the full presentation by Kushner here. President Trump made this presentation on the board of Peace while in Davos. The unlimited scope of the new Board of Peace is leading many to question, Will Trump’s board of peace replace the UN? Trump himself was asked if the ‘Board of Peace’ should replace the UN, to which he replied, ‘It might.’
Who has joined the ‘Board of Peace’ so far? Israel’s Netanyahu, the UK’s Tony Blair, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan and Argentina. A total of 60 countries have so far been invited including Russia and the Vatican. This spoof video clip more accurately describes this new Board of ‘Peace.’
“…they have seduced My people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace…”
Ezekiel 13:10
“Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goes therein shall not know peace.”
Isaiah 59:7-8
A ‘Planned’ Community
Speaking of Gaza, the United Arab Emirates has graciously volunteered to fund a completely new ‘planned city’ for Palestinians in the Israeli controlled section of Gaza. The post war construction project envisions housing, schools and hospitals serving 25,000 people. The catch? All residents must be vetted for security concerns and submit to biometric data collection. They will be allowed to traverse in and out of the planned community with their biometric identification. Financial transaction in the planned city will be with electronic shekel wallets provided by the United Arab emirates.
Peace Through Strength
The Department of War published the 2026 National Defense Strategy in January. This 34-page document outlines the path forward for ‘Restoring peace through strength for a new golden age of America.’ For an in-depth look at the origins of the ‘peace through strength’ theory read this article.
“There is no king (ruler/government) saved by the multitude of an host (army/military): a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse (armored for war) is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. …Our soul waits for the LORD: He is our help and our shield.”
Psalm 33:16-20
No Peace in the Middle East
Iran
Iran, a country with the worlds 3rd largest oil reserves, is slowly turning the internet back on after weeks of protests. Sanctions against Iran, led by the US and Europe, have been credited with causing the plummeting value of their currency, one of the triggers for the citizens unrest. At the start of the new year, Trump threatened to attack Iran if protestors were killed, and encouraged Iranians to ‘keep protesting.’ Reportedly 5,000 protestors were killed in Iran this January before the unrest subsided.
The US continued expanding sanctions against the country including against nine tankers and their owners accused of transporting Iranian oil. A full ‘armada’ of US ships headed towards the region ‘just in case’ a wider conflict with Iran starts if they don’t accept Trumps nuclear arms ‘deal.’ How confusing! According to Trump, last June the US military ‘annihilated’ Iran’s nuclear capabilities and set it back decades. Yet, now nuclear capabilities are once again the trigger for military action against Iran.
Another trigger for the protests in Iran is a dwindling water supply. The country is in it’s sixth year of drought conditions. Water supply dams to the nations capital, Tehran, are only 11% full. The country’s president stated that the capital may have to be emptied of people if the drought continues.
“And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you are not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Matthew 24:6-8
Israel Wars
Gaza has supposedly moved from Phase 1 of the ceasefire to Phase 2 which is disarming Hamas. Under this phase of the ceasefire, bombs continue to fall. In one day, 11 Palestinians were killed including three journalists and two 13-year olds. On another day in January, 13 people were killed. Over 400 deaths have occurred since the start of the so-called ceasefire. Regarding Phase 2 of the ceasefire plan, Hamas has refused to give up their weapons.
Under the ceasefires Israel has with Hamas and Lebanon, airstrikes from Israel continue. If these were true ceasefires, Israel wouldn’t need anymore ballistics. Yet, that is not the case. At the end of January, the US approved $6.67 Billion in arms sales to Israel and $9 Billion to Saudi Arabia. Israel is ordering attack helicopters with related weapons and over 3,000 light tactical vehicles.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days… many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the Mountain of the LORD, to the House of the God of Jacob and He will teach us of His ways, … and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
Isaiah 2:2-4
Ukraine – Russia War
Peace talks? Meh. Ceasefires? No Way! The fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues into the third full winter. Both countries are continuing to target energy infrastructure such as refineries, oil tankers and power plants. At one point in January half of the capital of Ukraine was without power while the temperature outside dipped below zero Fahrenheit. At the start of the war in 2022 and 2023, fighting died down somewhat during the winter, but now, with drones dominating the attacks on both sides, seasonal changes do nothing to slow down the fighting. In fact, Russia started using new high-speed drones in 2026 making it even more difficult to shoot them down.
The European Union deployed 447 emergency generators to Ukraine because ‘the EU will not let Russia freeze Ukraine into submission’ said the EU commissioner for preparedness and crises management.
Two Million Lives lost
One study out of Washington DC has determined over two million lives have been lost in the war. Very little dependable information on casualties has come out of either side, but after three years of fighting and the need for ongoing recruitment on both sides, the loss of lives has been significant.
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”
Genesis 6:11-13
Idol Worship
Feast Day in Mourning, Feast of the Black Nazarene
In the Philippines, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is held every January 9th. A wooden statue of Jesus believed to have come from Mexico in 1606 by Spanish missionaries is carried along a route while devotees venerate the statue. This year it took over 30 hours for the statue to be carried along the 3.7 mile long procession route jam packed with people. Some news outlets reported over 9 million people attended this year’s processional. Over 400 people were treated for injuries and at least four people died during the 2026 event. Many attendees told reporters they were praying for their country and specifically for corrupt politicians to leave office after a kickback scandal between construction companies and politicians became public .
The statue of Jesus is believed to be black from the wood it was carved from unlike the Black Madonna, another idol worshiped by Catholics, which stems from a black meteorite and the worship of Diana of Ephesus, also known as Artemis.
“And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God… I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.”
Amos 8:9-10
Venezuelans Turn to the Virgin Mary
Another annual Catholic procession occurs in Barquisimeto Venezuela. Held every year on January 14th, this year’s procession drew in over 2 million attendees. Similar to the procession in the Philippines, many prayed to the Virgin Mary idol for peace and stability for the country of Venezuela
Cubans Ask Deities for Peace
Likewise, many Cubans are turning to their deities during this time of uncertainty. The Afro-Cuban religion called Santeria held ceremonies which included making offerings to their deities as a way of asking for peace.
“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them (dead); so is every one that trusts in them.”
Psalms 115:4-8
Hypocrisy on a Pedestal
In January, Pope Leo delivered his ‘State of the World’ speech to representatives from over 184 countries. The speech, which can be read here or watched here, was essentially a look back at the last Jubilee year for the Roman Catholic Church and observations on current events. He addressed the current ‘diplomacy based on force’ where ‘peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion’ without naming any specific nations. Here in lies one of the major hypocrisies of the papacy. The Romans and Roman Catholic Church have a long history of violence as a means to peace and ‘using force to assert dominion‘ such as in the crusades and inquisitions. They are where the ‘peace through strength‘ mindset and ‘the ends justify the means’ idea comes from.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
Matthew 23:27-28
Tribulation
Doomsday Clock
Three more seconds closer to midnight. That is how much the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist board moved the ‘Doomsday’ clock in January of 2026. The symbolic clock now set at 85 seconds to midnight is how the scientists raise awareness to existential threats to the planet. This year they cited countries that have become ‘increasingly aggressive, adversarial, and nationalistic,’ such as Russia, China and the US. They pointed to increased nuclear risks specifically with ‘Russian allusions to nuclear weapons use’ and the aerial attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by Israel and the US.
In addition, they pointed to major world powers competing in a full-blown arms race. They raised concern regarding the about-to-expire New START agreement. This agreement between the US and Russia limits the number of nuclear weapons each county can deploy. Lastly, the atomic scientists also highlighted ‘adverse trends’ in climate changes and the accelerating use of artificial intelligence. These are certainly existential threats, ones that are mostly man-made by mad men who have failed to recognize that they will answer to God for their actions.
“Behold, the day of the LORD comes, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it… And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible… Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of His fierce anger.”
Isaiah 13:9-13
Economic Divide Widens
The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. A study in the UK found the number of people living in ‘very deep poverty’ is at a record high. Very deep poverty is defined as earning an income that does not cover food, energy bills and clothing. This now includes 6.8 million people in the UK. Oxfam, an anti-poverty group, reported billionaires wealth grew 16% in 2025 alone to $18.3 Trillion. This is an 81% increase since 2020. They also point out that half of the global population lives in poverty. There are 3,000 billionaires in the world compared to a world population of 8.3 billion people.
One way the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer is the obscene debt traps. For example one nurse in the UK has had her nursing school loan repayment amount increase by over 30% in five years because of a monthly interest rate that has been as high as 8%. Her monthly payments are dwarfed by the monthly added interest. The banks get richer on loan interest while borrowers will forever remain in debt.
Some take on debt for school, while other take on debt for holiday spending. A look back in the UK found borrowing ‘rose at the fastest annual rate for almost two years in November’ of 2025. In the US, the average American is over $60,000 in debt. One way to stop giving the banks your hard-earned money is to stop borrowing it in the first place!
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7
Shootings
Two US citizens were shot to death in Minneapolis by US security agents. Both incidents are under investigation. One criticism of the ICE agents and border control members is training. Training’ of ICE agents in regards to crowd control, protestors and general interactions with citizens is new for some agents. First off, many agents are new to the organization themselves, and secondly, dealing with US citizens is not necessarily something they deal with on the border of the US when handling border control.
Carrying out deportations in a city of US citizens requires different training. But guess what? The Trump administration is fully aware of this. Back in September Trump made a speech to military leaders regarding the use of the military and national guard in cities. Trump said, ‘… I told Pete [Hegseth] we should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military, national guard…” Trump is getting exactly what he asked for. The training of armed security forces in US cities. To compound the issue, we covered the militarization of police in this article last September.
Abductions
Three more church abduction events took place in Nigeria. This was just a few weeks after the US attacked ISIS rebels accused of targeting Christian worshipers in the country. Rebels abducted over 150 people. They were taken from an Evangelical Church, a Catholic Church and a church associated with a denomination called Cherubim and Seraphim.
Turf Wars
Eleven people died following a mass-shooting at a football game in Mexico. Five additional people were killed in two additional incidents. The ‘wave of violence’ is attributed to ‘turf wars’ between ‘drug cartels.’
Meanwhile, Guatemala declared a ‘state of emergency’ after gang members took 46 people hostage and killed eight police officers. Much of the violence was in and around prisons.
Transportation, Infrastructure and Industrial Failures
A ferry in the Philippines experienced technical problems while making a trip between islands. The boat tilted to one side, took on water and sank. Over 300 passengers were rescued, but at least 18 perished in the incident.
In Taiwan, 32 people were killed when a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train.
A high speed train in Spain appears to have derailed, leading to a collision with a second high speed train. Forty-five people died in the accident and dozens more were injured. The incident took place in the middle of the night on a straight stretch of rail. Two days later, a train operator was killed and dozens of passengers were injured when another train derailed. In this second incident, the train hit a retaining wall that had collapsed after heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan a fire at a shopping mall caused a significant portion of the structure to collapse. The incident killed at least 12 with 60 still missing.
Lastly, at least 200 people were killed when a mine in the Dominican Republic of Congo had a significant collapse following heavy rains. The mine is where 15% of the world’s coltan is sourced. This material, after processing, is used in mobile phones, computers and industrial equipment.
“For then (at the end) shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
Matthew 24:21-22
Protests
Iran Protests
Iranian protests escalated in January as covered above. For about two weeks the government shut down the internet blaming outside foreign entities for the uprising. A reportedly 5,000 Iranians were killed during the uprising. When the protests started, Trump urged the Iranians to keep on protesting and told them ‘help is on its way,’ The protests now appear to be over, yet the US is still building up an armada to attack Iran. The reason for continued US threats against Iran has now morphed into the issue of nuclear disarmament.
ICE Protests
Following the two January shootings of US citizens during ICE related activities, protests erupted around the US. January 30th was designated for a ‘blackout’ day or a general strike. Activist groups encouraged citizens to not attend schools, some businesses closed and citizens were encourage to avoid shopping in an effort to ‘shut down the economy.’ Saturday, the 31st was designated as a day of protests with events in all 50 states.
Protestors have taken particular issue with the use of facial recognition software by ICE agents. A mobile app called Mobile Fortify scan’s a persons face and searches federal and state databases for arrest warrants. It has been used at least 100,000 times by Homeland Security. Facial recognition and biometric data has been approved for use at points of entry into the US, but it’s use in American cities is seen as above and beyond the approved scope. Lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban the use of Mobile Fortify by Homeland Security.
While Trump rails against Iran and threatens military action, his own country is protesting over shootings by US security forces.
Protests against Military Draft
Protests continue in Israel against proposed changes to military draft requirements. Ultra-orthodox Jews have long had an exemption to Israel’s military draft. With ongoing wars between Israel and just about every nearby country, Netanyahu has pushed for an end to this exemption. Demonstrations by the Ultra-Orthodox Jews have been going on for months, and this last month, one such demonstration turned deadly. A 14-year old boy was killed by a bus during the ‘violent’ protests.
Protests for Improved Safety and Health
Following the train collisions in Spain, train drivers went on a three-day strike. They demanded improved safety standards for both rail-workers and passengers.
Nurses in New York city have been on strike for over 17 days. The 15,000 nurses who started the strike on January 12th are demanding secure health care benefits, appropriate staffing levels and safety against workplace violence.
“And there shall be… upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring (protests).”
Luke 21:25
Extreme Weather
Snow, Ice and Extreme Cold
Fern, the sixth named winter storm for the season in the US was a biggie! Snow, ice and extreme cold temperatures blanketed much of the country. From New Mexico all the way up to Maine, the winter weather brought life to a standstill. Over six inches of snow fell in 26 US states with many regions recording over a foot of snow. Layers of ice led to power outages leaving over 1 million people in the dark. At least 150 people died from the weather event. The storm continued up into Canada leading to a record-breaking 22 inches of snow falling on Toronto.
Twenty-four US states declared a ‘state of emergency’ to free up funding and resources to help citizens manage the weather event.
Europe also felt the effects of snow, ice and freezing cold temperatures. Six people perished during the first week of January from the extreme weather.
The Far East including Japan and Russia also dealt with major snowfall. Kamchatka Russia had a ‘snow apocalypse’ in January with some areas recording over 6 feet of snow!
Heat and Fire
In the Southern Hemisphere, wildfires have ravaged parts of Chile. At least 50,000 fled from fires fueled by high winds and hot temperatures. A state of catastrophe was declared by the president.
Rain and Wind
Cyclone Harry swept through the Mediterranean causing widespread flooding and destruction in Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia. One dramatic impact was to a hilltop town in Sicily. A 2.5 mile long landslide left homes dangling on the edge of a cliff.
In Other News…
New Year’s at Mar-a-Lago included an auction of a painting of Jesus. It went for $2.75 million with the money going to a Roman Catholic children’s hospital and the local sheriff’s department. As far as new year’s resolutions, Trump said his wish was for ‘peace on earth.’ How’s that going so far?
Look Up!
In January, a significant X1.9 solar flare led to a beautiful display of auroras around the world. The resulting solar storm reached a G-4 ranking, making it one of the strongest solar storms of this solar cycle. Aurora’s were visible in many southern US states including Arizona and Georgia!
Caught in Unawares
“And take heed to yourself, lest at any time your hearts are overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness1“The serpents are the leaders of the peoples and their wine is their ways.” DD 3:19, and cares of this life, and so that day comes upon you in unawareness. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. You watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be able to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Adam.”
Luke 21:34-36
Next Month…
The 2026 State of the Union (SOTU) address is scheduled for February 24th. Look back at our previous coverage in 2023 and 2024. Bingo cards will be posted for download the week before the address.