“…they have seduced My People, saying, Peace; and there was no peace;…”
Ezekiel 13:10
Ceasefires, Peace Deals and Summits
Ninety-nine years ago in 1926 August was declared ‘International Peace Month’ at a Conference in Germany. History reveals the extent to which that intention held. Just a little over ten years later the second World War broke out with Germany at the center of the conflict.
This year, August was a month of peace summits. The words ‘ceasefire’ and ‘peace deal’ were heard over and over again. Trump, the self-proclaimed ‘prince president of peace’, even made the claim that he has already ended six (or seven) wars. Yes, Trump has been credited by some of those countries with bringing disagreements to a close. But not all of those countries were actually at war or the fighting came to a temporary pause as opposed to an actual cessation.
Trump has been using his trade war as a primary negotiation tool and according to the White House ‘With every one of these peace agreements, there has been some economic benefit to America.’
“Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.”
Psalm 73:12
With all this peace talk, the world must be at peace?! Right? Wrong.
“…they have seduced My People, saying, Peace; and there was no peace;…”
Ezekiel 13:10
Alaska Peace Summit
On the world stage, Trump strutted over to Alaska for a face-to face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They were there to negotiate peace in Ukraine, yet representatives from Ukraine were not present for the gathering. Nor were any members of NATO invited as this was strictly a meeting at the ‘big boys table.’
All attention was turned to this grand Alaska Peace Summit! Putin was welcomed with a red carpet, a flyover by US military jets and a ride to the negotiating table in Trump’s presidential limousine. But the summit turned out to be a bust. No deals were finalized, no ceasefire followed and even the concluding news conference was cut short to a few complimentary comments to and from the leaders. In summary, ‘No Deal!’ Time for Trump to head off to the next summit table to meet up with the rest of the kids!
White House Peace Summit
Three days after the Alaska Peace Summit, the White House hosted a gathering of EU leaders along with Ukraine President Zelensky. This time Putin was absent. The White House reported the peace summit as a ‘game-changer’ with a long list of accolades from all involved for Trump the ‘prince president of peace.’ See all the quotes listed here by the White House.
One interesting part of the discussion in both of these summits is whether there would be a peace deal first and then a ceasefire or a ceasefire first and then a peace deal. Trump is a deal maker and doesn’t need a ceasefire to make a peace deal as he articulates below. This discussion point sounds absurd to the many individuals around the world crying out for the fighting to just stop. Isn’t the deal to be made a ceasefire? Actually no.
There is more on the negotiating table than just a ceasefire, such as the rare minerals deal Trump previously negotiated with Ukraine. More ‘economic benefits’ must be in play just like with those other six (or seven) wars Trump has already brought to a close. This clip from the White House gathering sounds like everyone is ready for peace, heading towards peace, and yet, there is still no peace.
Essentially, the conclusion from the first summit was to have the second summit. The conclusion, as you will see below, from the second summit is to schedule a third summit. Remember, the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over again and expecting a different result!
“I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”
Isaiah 57:19-21
Ukraine – Russia War Continues
After all the talks of peace, ceasefires and deals, the war in Ukraine continued. Russia accused Ukraine of firing on one of their nuclear power facilities and Russia continued to make advances along the front-lines. Some have described the war as a robot war due to the number of drones and rockets flying from both sides. Civilian deaths were reported in Kyiv and border regions. Meanwhile, a pipeline supplying Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia was hit by Ukrainian drones prompting Hungry to accuse Ukraine of trying to drag them into the war.
The US, UK and other countries continue to supply Ukraine with weapons. At the end of August, shortly after all the peace summits, Trump approved another $825 million arms sale to Ukraine. The ‘President of Peace’ continues to sell weapons and divide the lands for his economic gains.
“And the king/ruler shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things
Daniel 11:36-39against/about the God of gods, and shall prosper until the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate/place shall he honor the god of forces/weapons: 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.”
Israel-Hamas War
The Israel-Hamas war continued on in August with, like Ukraine, another bout of ceasefire talks. This time, Hamas agreed to the terms and Israel said it was reviewing the proposal. But at the same time, Netanyahu announced that Israel will further expand the war and take complete control of Gaza. With the proclamation, plans were put in place to mobilize tens of thousands of more reservists. The additional troops include Orthodox Jews and Jews from other countries such as the US and France. Israel is facing a troop shortage while at the same time expanding their war goals and dealing with deserters who no longer support the war.
Israel may say they are reviewing a peace proposal, but their actions make clear, they are marching towards the continuation of war.
Shooting the Messenger
Israel’s AI supported approach to hitting targets has once again taken the lives of not just Hamas fighters but also many civilians and journalists. In August eleven journalists were killed in Gaza while reporting on the war. Many were freelance journalists who were Gaza residents working for Reuters, the AP or Al Jazeera providing limited internal reporting. Israel has put significant restrictions on press access to Gaza prompting twenty-seven countries to demand the press is given access to the region.
The Guardian was able to join a recent food air-drop mission on a Jordanian plane. They made a ‘before-and-after’ compilation showing parts of the Gaza strip.
West Bank & Jerusalem
The West Bank, while receiving much less attention than Gaza, is also in a state of conflict as Israel continues to expand its occupation. The US’s administration continues to show support for Israel through military support and supply of weapons, but also by making face-to-face visits.
In August, Speaker Mike Johnson and several other lawmakers visited Israel and the West Bank. Johnson told settlers in the West Bank that ‘the mountains of Judea and Samaria are the rightful property of the Jewish people…’ referring to the West Bank. While there he also visited Shiloh, which is where the red heifers, destined for sacrifice, are being kept. We covered the red heifers here in October of 2023 following the start of the Israel-Hamas War.
Did Johnson visit the red heifers? We don’t know, but he has been associated with those pushing for the red heifer sacrifice and the rebuilding of a third temple. During his visit he also stopped at the Wailing Wall where Johnson commented on his support for Israel as being founded in scripture. See video below. The State of Israel in the Middle East is not the Israel God speaks of!
“These twelve (Apostles) Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter you not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 10:5-6
Who are The Lost Tribes of the House of Israel? Read this article and this article to learn more.
“I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”
Revelation 2:9
“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
Syria, Iran and Yemen
Israel did not limit their airstrikes to Gaza. In August they also hit Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. In Yemen, they killed the Houthi prime minister and in Syria they raided a former defense base. Is this what peace looks like?
“Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbors, but mischief/evil is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. Because they do not regard the works of the LORD, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them, and not build them up.”
Psalm 28:3-5
“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
Madness of Mind
Sacred Underwear
One of the most blatant examples of a fleshly understanding of God’s Word is the belief in ‘sacred clothing’ within different so-called Christian denominations. The Mormon Church really took their fleshly understanding to the extreme with their underwear. Yes, Mormons wear ‘sacred’ underwear and just this August they started allowing women to wear tank tops instead of sleeved undergarments under their clothes.
Many followers were ecstatic, especially those in warm climates, while others asked ‘Why now?’ in regards to the change? Instead of worrying about their underwear, Mormons should be looking into God’s Word in order to understand the garments worn by those in the Kingdom of Heaven. This is not a reference to physical garments!
“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.”
Isaiah 9:16
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh[ly mindset] cannot please God.”
Romans 8:5-8
“…In this world those who put on garments are better than the garments. In the kingdom of heaven the garments are better than those who have put them on.”
Gospel of Philip: 17
You are to be clothed in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10) and the whole armor of God.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith/Truth, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:”
Ephesians 6:11-17
Tribulation
Air, Water & Soil Pollution
Every month more and more reports cover pollution in the air, water and soil. A new study concluded there are over 90,000 premature deaths associated due to air pollution from the oil and gas industry. Those living and working near these facilities are at greater exposure to this industrial pollution. The oil industry has impacted wetlands around the world and now some of Iraq’s ancient wetland have gone dry. Water is pumped into the oil wells to improve extraction, but in the process the nearby wetlands, which provide water and food, are sucked dry.
Forever Chemicals or PFAS are in the News again in the United States. An alliance has formed between farmers, truckers and scientists all against the use of sludge containing forever chemicals as fertilizer on farmland. They are working to educate the American people on the health risks as well as putting pressure on the current administration to ‘reign in’ the use of toxic sludge.
Meanwhile, three US chemical companies, Chemours, DuPont and Corteva have agreed to pay $875M to the state of New Jersey to settle claims relating to pollution from forever chemicals.
School Starts…and so do the shootings
School’s back in session and at the same time, the school shootings have started up again. A twenty-three year old former student and trans patient took the lives of two children at a Roman Catholic School in Minnesota. Eighteen additional adults and students were injured. The shooter took his/her own life before the shooting was over.
Three other school shootings took place in August. One in Plano, Texas, another in Raleigh, North Carolina and a third in Frankfort, Kentucky. These did not make the national news as no deaths occurred, only injuries. There is clearly an epidemic of school shootings in the US.
Extreme Weather
Water
Heavy rains and flooding impacted parts of Pakistan, India and the US. One dramatic flash flood and mud slide was caught on camera in India. There are still hundreds missing following the event shown below and from the monsoons that took at least 300 lives in Pakistan.
Fire, Heat & Dust
Wildfires are burning in Canada, Europe and the US. Spain had the ‘most intense’ wildfires on record and Colorado had one of their largest wildfires calling up more than 1,000 firefighters to help tackle the blaze.
Record temperatures in the high 80’s were reached in some of the Nordic countries, which is a ‘truly unprecedented’ temperature, at least for this part of the world. Many in the rest of the world would welcome an 80 degree day, especially in Hungary when they broke a daily maximum temperature record at almost 104F. Iraq was even hotter when a nationwide blackout occurred. Iraq broke temperature records reaching 122F in some parts of the country!
Haboob Alert!
Here’s another weather term for you, a Haboob! It’s not just a fun word for kids to say, but an intense dust storm. A Haboob took over Phoenix, Arizona in August closing down the airport and stopping traffic on the streets for an hour or two until it passed through. Phoenix has been having record breaking weather reaching 118F, the hottest temperature of the year.
Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Following July’s major earthquake in Russia, at least six volcanoes in the region have been erupting. The ‘parade’ of eruptions is an event last recorded 300 years ago. Although the earthquakes were not as strong, the damage was actually worse! In Afghanistan over 2200 people died when a shallow 6.0 earthquake took down at least 5,000 homes. The region, which is near the border of Pakistan is in the mountains making it difficult to access.
There were swarms of minor earthquakes in South Carolina and Los Angeles while a minor but rare 2.7 magnitude earthquake shook New York and New Jersey. In addition, there were13 earthquakes with a 6.0 magnitude or greater, including a 7.5 magnitude quake between South America and Antarctica. The planet is shaking!
“For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Haggai 2:6-7
“For now disasters have come upon the whole world, and you will stay among them, for God will not deliver you because you have sinned against Him.”
2 Esdras 15:27
Protests
Protests once again erupted around the world with some of the largest gatherings occurring in Israel. Following Netanyahu’s decision to take over Gaza, people in Israel took to the streets to denounce the ongoing war. Many protestors were arrested and a nationwide strike was held for one day.
In London there were also large demonstrations against the Gaza War. The UK initiated a ban on an organization called Palestine Action and deemed them a terrorist organization. This step prompted a protest against the banning of the organization in which over 450 people were arrested. So a protest against the banning of protestors led to the arrest of protestors which led to more protests!
“And there shall be… upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring (protests).”
Luke 21:25
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