Yesterday I mentioned that I read a book a few years ago called the Dying of Money by Jens O. Parsson. I mentioned Parsson’s case study of Weimar Germany’s hyperinflation and related that to some noticeable similarities that exist between Weimar Germany and the U.S. currently. Today I want to discuss a couple of important things that Parsson observed and relate that to Quantitative Easing 2.0 (QE2) which should be announced next Wednesday.
Quantitative Easing and the Potential, Adverse Redirection of Money from the Bubbling Bond Market
The Dying of Money and Quantitative Easing 2.0 (QE2)
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to borrow an original copy of Jens O. Parsson’s book Dying of Money: Lessons of the Great German and American Inflations from a local university library a few years ago during my summer vacation (the book is out of print today and usually sells for several hundreds of dollars at used book stores that have a copy). Parsson’s book essentially used Weimar Germany’s devastating hyperinflation in the early 1920s as a case study to analyze how paper money loses its value. It’s a must read book if you can get your hands on a copy…
I took copious notes when I read Parsson’s book because the feeling I had at the time was that the United States and perhaps the globe could eventually face a Weimar-style hyperinflation. Fortunately, I have my notes transcribed on my computer so I can easily reference them anytime I want to. After reviewing my notes last night and thinking about Quantitative Easing 2.0 (QE2) a few things have crossed my mind. I’ll share my thoughts with you in this blog post…
Two Key Financial/Economic Articles from Today
One week from today the Federal Reserve is very likely going to announce the start of a new round of money printing known as Quantitative Easing 2.0. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of quantitative easing, the process involves the Federal Reserve crediting itself money (“printing money”) and then using that money to buy up financial assets, including debt. The Fed’s goal with quantitative easing is to increase inflation/inflation expectations to overcome what it perceives to be a deflationary mindset in the mind of companies and consumers. The Fed is attempting to justify this new round of money printing by claiming that inflation is too low and that action is needed to improve the employment situation in the U.S.
The Wall Street Journal had an excellent article today describing the context that the Federal Reserve finds itself in as it prepares to embark on a new round of money printing and how there is doubt that a new round of money printing is the right move. Link
Even though the Wall Street Journal article was great, the article of the day is a commentary by Bill Gross, Managing Director at PIMCO. Gross is perhaps the most high-profiled bond investor in America and often appears as a special guest on financial news programs. Gross typically does not rock the boat when he is on television, so it was a complete shock today to discover that Gross wrote a commentary on PIMCO’s website that would probably get him banned from television if he dare repeat some of the items he wrote in his commentary live on television. Gross’s full commentary can be read here: Link
I actually had a complete article written about Gross’s commentary but I came to the conclusion moments before publishing the article that quoting from Gross’s commentary may not be the wisest thing to do.... However, the writers at ZeroHedge have decided to quote and highlight key points of Gross’s commentary so I’ll refer you to their website for an in-depth analysis of Gross’s comments. You can read their analysis of Gross’s comments at the following Link
Why Barack Obama Overcompensates When He is Questioned on the Issue of Religion
A few weeks ago a poll found that many Americans were unsure about Barack Obama’s religious beliefs. Coincidentally, Barack Obama suddenly began talking openly about his religious beliefs to the point that some media outlets reported about his sudden openness. Some believe, including me, suspect that Obama’s sudden openness was a direct reaction to the poll…
Last week there were news reports about Obama’s strange omission of the word “Creator” when he recited the Declaration of Independence at multiple speaking engagements. Since the criticism Obama has made sure that he’s mentioned the word “Creator” when he recites the Declaration of Independence. The sudden use of the word “Creator” has not gone unnoticed. One of the most read stories today is about how Obama is suddenly using the term “Creator” in his speeches.
More on the One Year Day of the Lord Theory (With Charts)
In my last blog post concerning the length of the Day of the Lord I discussed the possibility that the Day of the Lord could last for a single day, one year, or potentially both. I argued that Isaiah 34:8 was compelling evidence to argue that the Day of the Lord will last one year and suggested that the reason why the Day of the Lord is referred to as a “day” is that it's a special prophetic day in the same manner that a prophetic week is seven years long.
- There are seven days in a week, so one “day” in a prophetic week (seven years) is one year in length.
In this blog post I seek to provide more clarification about the Day of the Lord theory I currently support and discuss some of the implications associated with this theory.
Understanding the Enemy: The Difference between Fallen Angels and Demons
I’m having some major issues with my laptop’s screen that has really slowed me down. I’m in the process of finding a new laptop so I have had less time to write unfortunately. Nevertheless, I managed to find enough time over the past couple of days to put something together before the weekend.
I sometimes throw around the terms “fallen angel” and “demon” without actually defining what the difference is between them (as I did a few days ago with my post about an Alien/UFO interview). Some people believe there is no difference between the two terms and thus use the terms interchangeably. I believe fallen angels and demons are different spiritual entities and I’ll show you why I feel this way in this blog post.
Is the Day of the Lord a Single Day, A Year, or Both? (Please Have an Open Mind)
Over the past several days I’ve evaluated several arguments concerning the length of the Day of the Lord. I provided evidence that the Day of the Lord is likely going to begin following the opening of the sixth seal and is likely going to end after the pouring of the final seven plagues referenced in Revelation 15 and Revelation 16. In addition, I’ve shown why it is unlikely that the Day of the Lord is going to last for seven years, why it is unlikely going to last for one thousand years, and discussed what the Bible likely means when it says the Day of the Lord shall come as a “thief in the night”. Today I evaluate whether the Day of the Lord can be a single day, a year, or perhaps both.
An Interesting Alien & UFO Interview I Found
I have an appointment to go shortly which is why the next part about the Day of the Lord is delayed for a bit. However, I don't want to leave you empty-handed...
UFO sightings have garnered a lot of media attention recently. Last week a potential UFO sighting over New York City made global news headlines while similar sightings in El Paso, Texas and Richmond, Virginia have made national headlines in the U.S. over the past two days.
Last night I stumbled upon a Christian radio broadcast featuring an expert on UFOs named William M Alnor. Alnor views UFOs from a Christian-perspective, rightly identifies the UFO phenomenon with the spiritual forces of darkness (the difference between Alnor and I is that he sees aliens as demonic while I see them as fallen angels…small difference), and rightly sees a connection between the UFO phenomenon and the New Age Movement. The interview is available here:
This is a good interview if you want to hear more about the UFO phenomenon from a Christian perspective. Alnor even cites non-Christian researchers who also conclude that the UFO phenomenon is an evil phenomenon. The only disappointment in the interview is that the interviewers did not ask Alnor enough about the connection between UFOs and the New Age Movement…they only asked that at the end.
Enjoy, I'm running late for my appointment so I better go!
Why the Day of the Lord is Not 1000 Years Long (Please Have An Open Mind)
Today continues an ongoing series of writings about the potential length of the Day of the Lord, the time period when God will punish the wicked and refine Israel so there is a remnant for the Messiah (Jesus Christ). In the previous two posts I explained why the Day of the Lord is highly unlikely going to be seven years long and analyzed what the phrase: “the Day of the Lord will come as a ‘thief in the night’” likely means.
There is a group of people who believe that the Day of the Lord will last one thousand years. Some within this group believe the Day of the Lord will coincide with the Millennium while others believe it’ll start at the end of the Millennium. The main passage people who believe the Day of the Lord will last for a thousand years is 2 Peter 3:3-13, which includes the statement: “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years”.[1]
- 2Pe 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
- 2Pe 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
- 2Pe 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
- 2Pe 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
- 2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
- 2Pe 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
- 2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- 2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
- 2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
- 2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
- 2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
I briefly argue why the Day of the Lord is unlikely going to be a thousand years in length in this blog post.
The Meaning of the Day of the Lord Coming as a “Thief in the Night”
Yesterday I wrote about why the Day of the Lord is unlikely going to be a seven year time period corresponding to the seventieth week of Daniel. However, there is still a significant issue that needs to be addressed with regards to yesterday’s argument before I can go on to analyze other potential ideas that relate to the Day of the Lord’s length.
Many people characterize the Day of the Lord’s coming as a “thief in the night” by citing the following Bible verses:
- 1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
- 2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
The common interpretation people have towards the statement the Day of the Lord will come as a “thief in the night” is that the Day of the Lord will come when everyone is not expecting it to arrive. Some people take the interpretation further by stating that the Day of the Lord can occur at anytime because it sneaks up on us like a thief.
In this blog post I’ll give you my interpretation of what the term “a thief in the night” means when it is used to characterize the Day of the Lord.
Why the Day of the Lord is Not Seven Years Long (Please Have An Open Mind)
Yesterday I wrote that I am currently trying to find out how long the Day of the Lord is going to last. I mentioned that there is a wide range of views regarding the length of the Day of the Lord-ranging from one year all the way up to one thousand years.
My plan at this point is to address each viewpoint regarding the Day of the Lord’s length. First I address the idea that the Day of the Lord is seven years in length, which some believe equates with the seventieth week of Daniel. I disagree with this belief, and I will show you why I disagree by showing you when I believe the Day of the Lord will begin in this blog post.
- I assume there are some people out there with their own biases regarding the Day of the Lord's length, when the Rapture will begin, etc. I ask that you please read what I am going to say with an open mind.
What I'm Researching Now: Finding the Day of the Lord’s Length
The Day of the Lord is one of the key time periods in Bible prophecy. During the Day of the Lord God will punish the wicked and refine Israel so there is a remnant left for the coming Messiah (Jesus Christ) to redeem.
There are a variety of views about how long the Day of the Lord will last.
- Some people believe that the Day of the Lord will last for only one 24 hour period (citing all the references to “day”)
- Some people believe the Day of the Lord will last for one year (citing Isaiah 34:8)
- Some people believe the Day of the Lord cannot last for more than three and one-half years.
- Some people believe the Day of the Lord will last for seven years.
- Some people believe the Day of the Lord will last for one thousand years (citing 2 Peter 3:8).
My study efforts are currently devoted to attempting to find how long the Day of the Lord will last. Finding how long the Day of the Lord will last is very important because it’ll give a good idea of how fast events may take place during the End Times and help us put some “unaccounted for” Bible prophecy verses and details into proper perspective. When I find some potential “answers” I’ll share them with you.
Note: I do not believe Christians will have to endure the Day of the Lord because God has not appointed us to His wrath:
- 1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
In terms of other news, I found an interesting article about the potential impact an asteroid crashing into a body of water could have on Earth's atmosphere. Link Revelation 8:10 suggests that something from space may crash into a body of water on Earth (albeit a fresh water one). This article may shed some additional light in understanding what could be some of the potential consequences of such a strike.
The Paradox of Building a New World Order
This past weekend a major International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting occurred in Washington D.C. The reported main goal for the participants of this meeting was to coordinate global currency actions to stem a fledgling global currency war. Reports following the meeting suggested that the participants failed to make any progress.
When I read about this meeting late last week I had an epiphany about why we have been seeing so many major meetings involving global leaders recently. Today I share my “epiphany” with you.
An Interesting Interview with Richard Russell
I’m working on studying more Bible prophecy and working on an article which I hope to post later this week about an "epiphany" I had last week about current events.
In the meantime, I want to share an interview I listened to this past weekend for those of you who did not see me post the link to it in my “Latest Headlines and Commentary” section of the blog.
The interview is with a man named Richard Russell. Russell is one of the most respected men in the investment industry and is a man who has rare perspective about ongoing financial and economic events because he has literally seen it all. Russell (age 86) grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War 2, and has lived through every troubling event since then.
Psalms 89: Spotlight on the Davidic Covenant
Yesterday I wrote some about the Davidic Covenant and about how the Bible indicates that David may return to be ruler of Israel in the future (under the direction of God/Christ, who will rule the world). Today I focus on Psalms 89, which is an interesting chapter because it focuses on the Davidic Covenant and is a chapter that some wonder if it has relevance in helping us understand Israel’s future attack on its neighbors (Post 1, Post 2, Post 3).
The Return of King David?
The Lord made several promises to David (through the prophet Nathan). Some of these promises include: David's name would be made great, Israel would have a permanent home, the Messiah would come from David's seed, and that his throne and kingdom would eventually be established forever.
- 2Sa 7:9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.
- 2Sa 7:10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,
- 2Sa 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
- 2Sa 7:12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
- 2Sa 7:13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
- 2Sa 7:14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
- 2Sa 7:15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.
- 2Sa 7:16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
- 2Sa 7:17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
I’m not sure how many people are aware of this, but the Bible suggests that David himself may return to rule Israel in the future. Here is the evidence for David’s potential return.
More on the Fed’s Permanent Open Market Operations & How they May Affect the Stock Market
I’m currently working on a Bible prophecy piece for an upcoming post, but I’ll leave you my thoughts on a headline that really stood out today...
Last week I covered a topic that a lot of people in the media have not been talking about: the Federal Reserve’s apparent intervention into the stock market via its Permanent Open Market Operations (POMO). Recall that I mentioned that some people believe the stock market is artificially inflated as a result of the Fed’s POMO activities.
This morning I encountered a really good article published by Zero Hedge that analyzed the rates of return on days when the Fed conducts POMO activities versus days when the Fed does not conduct POMO activities. The article can be found at the following link
Some Perspective on the Report that Europe Will Experience the Coldest Winter in 1000 Years
I learned about the Gulf Stream’s impact on global climate when I began my undergraduate education as an Atmospheric Science major. My professors spoke about how the Gulf Stream was the main reason why Europe experiences relatively warm temperatures given its high latitude. My professors also spoke about several times in history when the planet entered into mini-ice ages after the Gulf Stream slowed down or stopped transporting its heat to Europe. Since I learned about the importance of the Gulf Stream I have periodically monitored its strength because a major slowdown or a complete disruption of the Gulf Stream would have dramatic consequences on the planet.
A Russia Today (RT) report is attracting a lot of attention on the Internet. The report cites scientists who are boldly predicting that Europe will experience the coldest winter in a 1000 years. The report claims that the forecast is connected with a startling finding made by Polish scientists. Polish scientists reportedly claim that the Gulf Stream’s speed has slowed by 50% within the last couple of years.
Some Examples of Men Being Literally Worshiped by Millions
Many people have heard about a future figure called “the Antichrist” and heard that the Antichrist is going to demand the world to worship him. Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who do not believe the world will see the Antichrist or see a similar type of figure. One point of contention skeptics may have is that it’s seemingly impossible for one man to command the worship of a large number of people.
For the skeptics out there, I have a historical example and a modern day example illustrating that it is possible for a man to garner the worship of an entire country. My examples aren’t Ancient Rome (where Caesar worship was required) or pre-1946 Japan (where the Emperor was considered a divine being). The historical example I‘m going to cite is probably far less known, but perhaps is far more interesting than the historical examples I’ve just mentioned while my modern day example is something that I don’t think a lot of people are aware of.
China’s “Rescue” of Greece Is Not a Rescue
Today Wen Jiabao, the Premier of China, announced that China has offered to buy embattled Greece’s debt. Media outlets (like CNBC) are already portraying China’s offer as China coming to the rescue of Greece. However, some details emerging after Jiabao’s announcement suggest this potential arrangement between China and Greece is nothing resembling a rescue…
A Reminder: God Is In Control of Everything (with a Personal Story)
I received an email earlier this week from someone who implied that I should remind people that God is in control of everything. I’ve stated this before in past writings, but after writing about a lot of “bad news” this week I think it is a good idea to remind people that God is in control of everything again. I’ll share with you a story of how a seemingly bad event in my dad’s life turned into a major blessing in disguise for us to illustrate to you that God has a plan.
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