The Feast of Tabernacles has passed, but its influence still lingers and speaks words of wisdom to those who have ears to hear. During this appointed time, a clear message penetrated my spirit that I want to share with you. But before doing this, it’s important that you understand what the Feast of Tabernacles is, and what it represents. This is an essential part of the message as everything about this amazing appointed time points to Jesus and his provision.
The Feast of Tabernacles (also known as Sukkoth/Feast of Booths) is the last of the Fall Feasts celebrated in the month of Tishrei on the biblical calendar (generally October on the Gregorian calendar). This fun, joyous holiday, which features singing, dancing and lots of eating, began this year on October 9 and ended on October 16, 2022. This is the time of year when people give thanks for God’s provision of food and shelter, as well as the fruit of their labors. God made it a lasting ordinance because he did not want his people to forget that it is HE who allows them to prosper, and it is HE who brings in the harvest. This holiday is so important that it will even be celebrated in the Millennial Kingdom, as noted in Zechariah 14.
People around the world celebrate this holiday/Feast/appointed time by eating their meals inside of shelters called tabernacles. These temporary shelters, also known as sukkahs, are used as “dwellings” for the seven-day festival. Actually, there’s also an eighth day observed called Shemini Atzeret, which signifies a time of rest and a new beginning.
The tabernacles (booths) are a reminder of the shelters the Israelites dwelled in while wandering the desert after the Exodus. During this time, they had to fully rely on God for their food, shelter and protection. Their booths/shelters were simply crafted, using branches and palms from leafy trees. Below is a picture of a chuppah that I use as a tabernacle. All I have to do is move it outside, add some leafy branches, and I’m good to go. Truly, most tabernacles (sukkahs) look like this (click on link), but you can change it up if you want.
Leviticus 23:39-43 describes the Feast of Tabernacles and how it is celebrated:
“‘So beginning with the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the crops of the land, celebrate the festival to the Lord for seven days; the first day is a day of sabbath rest, and the eighth day also is a day of sabbath rest. On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month. Live in temporary shelters for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in such shelters so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’”
Other verses that describe Tabernacles are:
"You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates. Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice. Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed."
Numbers 29:12-13 "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month (Tabernacles) you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work, and you shall keep a feast to the LORD seven days. You shall present a burnt offering, an offering made by fire as a sweet aroma to the LORD: thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs in their first year. They shall be without blemish.”
Nowadays when people decorate their booths/tabernacles, they display hanging fruit to signify God’s provision. Meals can be lavish, with a grand assortment of choice meats, bread, vegetables and desserts. Families congregate together, sharing food and laughter.
Though traditions vary from one region to another, Tabernacles is a festival (feast/holiday) celebrated by Jews around the world, but some Christians also celebrate it because this holiday is in the Bible and points to the future Messianic Kingdom where Jesus will tabernacle with his followers on earth. Interestingly enough, the American holiday known as Thanksgiving bears some resemblance to Tabernacles and some scholars believe the idea came from the Pilgrim’s knowledge of the feast. This feast/holiday (appointed time) is a picture of Jesus in many ways because God uses these holidays to show us who Jesus is, what he has done already, and what he will do in the future.
Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles as shown in John 7:37-39.
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
This is really amazing because during the Feast of Tabernacles a water libation ceremony was performed. The website, Jews for Jesus, explains:
“On the first morning of Sukkot, a procession of priests went down to the pool of Siloam to bring up to the Temple a golden container of water sufficient to last throughout the seven days of the feast. The water was brought up with great ceremony. The shofar was blown and the pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem for the feast waved their lulavs as the priests carried the water around the altar. The great Hallel (Psalms 113-118) were recited. Then the priest on duty poured out the contents of two silver bowls: one held water and the other held wine. This was an act of prayer and an expression of dependence upon God to pour out his blessing of rain upon the earth.
On the last or “great” day of the feast, the water libation rite reached its climax. The priests circled the altar seven times and then poured out the water with great pomp and ceremony. This was Hoshana Rabbah, the great “HOSHIANA,” (which translated is “save now”).”
Isn’t that amazing?
Of course, Jesus is called the Living Water who gives us new life! Water is essential for all life to function. What’s even more amazing is that Jesus was declaring that he is the Living Water on the last day of this feast/holiday which is called HOSHIANA, which is translated as SAVE NOW. Scripture shows that Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (approximately a week before his resurrection) and those who saw him shouted, “Hosanna” which means SAVE NOW! Jesus’ name in Hebrew is Yeshua which literally means salvation! The people threw down palm branches on the road as Jesus rode through Jerusalem and this is a direct connection to the branches used at Tabernacles to decorate the booths/sukkahs. Those branches are a reminder to believers in Jesus that one day, THE BRANCH (JESUS) will tabernacle on earth with us at the Millennial Kingdom, as well as in the new heaven and earth!!!
The other ceremony that was performed happened at night and involved four huge menorahs. They were so large and bright that they illuminated the entire Temple area. Each stem/branch of the menorah was a torch and the wicks were made of the worn-out linen garments of the priests. Worshippers carried smaller torches as people danced, played harps, cymbals and other musical instruments. The Psalms of Ascent (120-134) were chanted and a spirit of joy pervaded the night.
The beautiful shining menorahs point directly to Jesus because he is the light of the world. The wicks that were from the robes of the Temple priests illustrates the truth that Jesus became our High Priest who forgives sins. The seven branches point to perfection and completeness which reminds believers that we are made perfect and complete through the shedding of Jesus’ blood. Each branch of the menorah points to one of the seven appointments (feasts) of the Lord mentioned in Leviticus 23. (My menorah below is a Hannukiah so it has more branches, but traditional menorahs have 7 branches)
The celebration of Tabernacles serves many purposes which are:
· To remember that God provides the harvest (food, necessities, etc). It is he alone that sustains his people
· To remember that in hard times God will provide what is needed (for example, when the Israelites wandered the desert…God provided manna, shelter and his presence in this harsh environment. Even though these provisions weren’t luxurious, they were enough.)
· To understand that reliance on the outside world isn’t sufficient. Ultimately, the world cannot fill the needs of humanity.
· To fill each person of God with the great hope that one day he will tabernacle on earth with his people. This happens first at the Millennial Kingdom, then eventually the New Heavens and New Earth will be established. Though Old Testament believers hadn’t been introduced to Jesus, the Savior of the World, they experienced a foreshadowing of him through Tabernacles. God sent his Son Jesus to earth to tabernacle with humanity and die on the cross for their sins. After Jesus died and resurrected, he eventually ascended back to heaven where he is preparing a place for his beloved Bride. But one day Jesus will come back to fetch his Bride at the Rapture. After the Seven-Year Tribulation, He will return with his Bride to earth at the Second Coming. Then, he will permanently tabernacle with his people on earth.
I gave you all those details because they will form the backbone for how you respond to future crises. Most people have no clue there are any problems. They think Covid is over and all is well. I wish that were true, but we are still in for a bumpy ride. But like a pilot told my friend recently,
“Turbulence is scary and uncomfortable, but it won’t kill you.”
Nonetheless, it’s important that as Christians, we understand the times we are in and be prepared for what could be coming. With that said, I will try to tie some things together to give you a clear picture. By the way, I don’t claim to know the timing or how it will all play out. I’m just doing research, listening to the Holy Spirit and putting pieces together….
As a historical researcher and writer, I stumble upon lots of historical facts and dates. Over time, dates and information often converge together in ways I don’t anticipate. One date in particular continues to jump out with red flashing lights. As history hurls forward, I see more and more connections to this date.
Recently, a new connection came to my attention that I want to share which is tied to the supply chain problems we are experiencing right now, as well as the ones that may be coming in the future. But I will go over the dates and their events first…..
The date I will be referencing is APRIL 30. Here are a few historical connections connected to the April 30 date:
- APRIL 30, 1789–George Washington takes the oath of office in New York City–our nation’s first capital. He makes a speech reminding our nation to honor God and remember his blessings. Then, he goes to St. Paul’s chapel to pray for our nation. All this took place very close to where the 9-11 attacks occurred 212 years later.
- APRIL 30, 1803–The Louisiana Purchase is made–the United States buys 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River from France. This purchase doubled the size of the United States, launching our small nation to super power status overnight. It’s been called the purchase that put America on the map.
- APRIL 30, 1863–In the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Prayer and Fasting. The resolution was adopted on March 3 and signed by Lincoln on March 30. But the Day of Prayer and Fasting was observed by the nation on April 30, 1863. This day was set aside for the nation to repent and turn to God. It was a day to appeal to heaven for help in a time of great division, suffering and war.
- April 30, 1879–Sarah Josepha Hale dies- She is responsible for urging Abraham Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. She had urged other presidents by sending letters, but was largely ignored. With Lincoln, however, it was different. He read her letter, dated September 28, 1863, with great interest. It urged him to make this holiday a day of giving thanks to God and to make it nationally celebrated and recognized. Her letter worked and Lincoln issued a proclamation, making the last Thursday of November Thanksgiving Day. On a side note, back in 2014/2015 we had a series of four blood moons that occurred on the Feasts of the Lord. One of these blood moons in 2015 happened on September 28 (the same date as Hale’s letter). This blood moon occurred on the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a “Feast Day” to the Lord where believers are commanded to celebrate and give thanks to the Lord!
- APRIL 30, 1907–The idea to build Titanic was conceived and discussed over dinner between J. Bruce Ismay and William James Pirrie at Lord Pirrie’s mansion. The discussion was about building a class of ships that would rival the Cunard line of luxury passenger ships. This is the date Titanic was birthed.
- APRIL 30, 1945–Ravensbruck concentration camp is liberated. This is the camp that imprisoned Corrie ten Boom. She was released because of a clerical error, just before all the women of her age range were killed. Her life was a testament to living out the promises of Psalm 91 and she died on her 91st birthday. Corrie’s best-selling book the Hiding Place, is a reminder that even in the darkest conditions, we have a hiding place in God.
- APRIL 30, 1945–Adolf Hitler commits suicide in his command bunker, along with his wife Eva Braun. He is considered one of the worst dictators in world history. Interestingly enough, since the Covid PLANdemic, we have seen the shadows of Hitler and his Nazi regime casting darkness over our world through the use of emergency powers which have sought to remove our God-given freedoms.
- APRIL 30, 1949–the birthday of the current United Nations Secretary General- Antonio Manuel de Oliveria Guterres, who is a member of the Socialist party. The United Nations is part of the One World Government System that seeks to consolidate power and remove individual rights. United Nations Agenda 2030 is the diabolical plan being forced upon the entire world and its goals include digital IDs, ESG monitoring and population control. Guterres and the UN continue to push for a one world basic income for every person on the planet. This would require the elimination of capitalism and “sharing wealth” (equity) around the globe. The current goal is to force the United States to comply. There is a push to topple the economies of the world so this system can take over. It would be known as a One World Economic System.
- APRIL 30, 2012–One World Trade Center once again becomes New York’s tallest tower. On this date in 2012 it had not reached the height of 1776 feet yet, but had become taller than the Empire State Building, which held the title since the Twin Towers fell in 2001. The Twin Towers collapsed and a new tower rose–this time, taller than before. This is the date it reclaimed its title as tallest in New York. New York City is the financial capital of the United States.
- 4:30 a.m. (note how the date April 30 is 430 as a number)–The Civil War began at 4:30 a.m. on April 12, 1861 at Ft Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. A united nation now became divided, as it officially plunged into war. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. Also, in 2017 there was a total solar eclipse that touched only U.S. soil–it was called The Great American Eclipse. The eclipse bisected the nation and the last state it touched was South Carolina. The eclipse’s shadow left the last piece of American soil at 2:40 p.m., which was located at Cape Romain, South Carolina (approximately 30 minutes from Charleston, which is where the Civil War began). Just a little side note: Titanic sank in 2 hours 40 minutes.
If you pay attention to what happened on this April 30 date/time you can see some themes/ideas.
The dates are tied to:
- · Oaths to God
- · Remembering God (giving thanks and glory to him)
- · Towers that man builds
- · The Titanic
- · Land
- · The rise and fall of kingdoms
- · Globalism (One World Government)
- · Pride
- · War
- · Redemption and liberation
Here are some things the Holy Spirit laid on my heart about these connections:
The United States pledged its allegiance to God on April 30, 1789. From that point on there has been a war on Christianity, and evil forces have tried to take America away from its roots. Towers and “unsinkable” ships have been built. Land has been gained and superpower status obtained. But wars continue to be fought. The forces of evil rise as the nation turns to towers and idols rather than God. Like One World Trade Center, which became the tallest on April 30, our nation has become reliant on man and his agendas rather than God. The love of self and sin has escalated to the point that many believe God is no longer necessary.
Leaders like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln called out to our nation–one gave a speech on April 30, while the other called for a national fast on this date. Washington reminded us to cling to God, while Lincoln implored us to return. Thanksgiving’s tie to the April 30th date reminds us that as a nation, and as individuals, we must give thanks to the one who provides and blesses. On April 30, 1803 our nation was blessed beyond measure when a land deal that doubled our land mass overnight was made. Yet, we have forgotten that it’s God who brought us superpower status and provision.
We find ourselves now at the helm of the return. But most leaders and citizens refuse to participate in this return to God. Through policies that support abortion, gay marriage and earth worship (climate agenda) (to name just three) we have set our course. The boat has sailed far away from God and we’ve slammed into a massive iceberg like the Titanic, whose existence came about that April 30th night. The iceberg looms as the sky becomes darker. This leaves the people of God in great distress as they see these forces of darkness, civil war and spiritual slavery taking over. The shadows of the Civil War which began at 4:30 a.m. are ravaging our nation through great division and propaganda that seeks to destroy us from within.
The globalists of this world took center stage when the Covid pandemic hit. The United Nations, the WHO, World Economic Forum and others continue pushing digital IDs, war and climate agendas on us. The 2030 Sustainable Goals of the United Nations (whose Secretary General was born on April 30) are forcing this plan on every country that will blindly comply. To make matters worse, genetic therapies called vaccines were unleashed upon humanity and transhumanism was given a gigantic push forward. In all this, a One World Government is setting the stage.
Kingdoms are falling and new ones rising, but nonetheless, a rescue is coming. Jesus sees the fires blazing and he’s going into the building for us. He’s ready to make the rescue. The question is–are we ready? Have we given our lives to him?
Interestingly enough, my friend painted this picture for me a few years ago (before the pandemic and before looming shortages). One of the first things I noticed was the 430 written on the fire engine (April 30 is 4-30 as a number!) My friend did not know all the connections to the 4-30 date that I had been putting together. For me, it was just an amazing reminder that in all this tower-building and globalist madness, JESUS IS THE ONE WHO WILL RESCUE US.
Looking closer at the picture, you’ll notice that the firetruck’s number is 7, but the front plate on the truck has the numbers 430 on it. Near the firetruck there is a large hose which is labeled with the words “PLACE YOUR WORSHIP.”
Coming out from the hose is a large splash of water with these words written on the water: WORTH, ORDER, REALITY, SECURITY, HOPE IDENTITY, PROVISION. These words form an acrostic for the word WORSHIP. The water is being sprayed at a burning building and the building is labeled, IN JESUS. If you put the words together on the hose, the spray of water and the building you get: PLACE YOUR WORSHIP IN JESUS.
Using the acrostic, this means to put your worth, order, reality, security, hope, identity, and provision in Jesus. He is all these things to us. When he is not all these things, this is when we start to build our own towers. We build our own idols and kingdoms–and at some point those towers, idols and kingdoms fall or catch on fire. I am so thankful that my friend was able to paint such a wonderful visual reminder of this truth! It has helped me tremendously.
The 430 on the truck reminds me of April 30, 1789- (4-30). This is the date George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. It’s also the date One World Trade Center became the tallest tower in 2012. The point here is that we cannot put our worth in anything but Jesus. Our nation’s foundation must also be Jesus–not a tower. My friend also painted a beautiful sunflower picture with the same concept illustrated (See below- I put it in a frame so I can see it everyday)
The WORSHIP acrostic is used and the message remains the same–We must place our worth, order, reality, security, hope, identity and provision in Jesus and nothing else. All manmade kingdoms, towers and riches will fall.
Ultimately, this is what tabernacling is all about. Until Jesus is here on earth in the flesh, we must tabernacle with him spiritually and trust that he has our back. In the worst of times and the best of times he will provide!
With all this said, I am going to show you some things that will affect the food supply chain. As you read these, I want you to remember what the Feast of Tabernacles teaches us as believers. WE MUST FULLY RELY ON GOD (have you seen the FROG acronym?). He will provide and protect us, even if shortages occur.
I’ll begin by sharing some information about what’s going on with barges on the Mississippi River. An article posted by Intercessors for America via Freight Waves says:
“The barge industry is quite important. It’s crucial for moving aluminum, petroleum, fertilizer and coal, particularly on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. About 60% of the grain and 54% of the soybeans for U.S. export are moved via the noble barge. Barges touch more than a third of our exported coal as well."
"Right now, the barge industry — and all of us who depend on its wares — is mired in a crisis. Water levels on the Mississippi River Basin are at its lowest point in more than a decade.
The timing for such a drought is pretty bad. Right now, is harvest season, so farmers are looking to move their wares. Ongoing labor strife on the nation’s railways also renders that backup network uncertain.
Halted or slowed barge traffic is worrisome for the world at large too. American exports of coal are key right now as Europe faces a massive energy crisis heading into winter. 'Any snags threaten to disrupt trade at a time when coal demand is soaring as Europe weathers an energy crisis exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine,' as Bloomberg reported on Oct. 6.
Exports of grain and soybeans are also important right now, because we’re facing a shortage of those commodities amid the war in Ukraine.
Low water levels and dredging shuttered barge traffic heading north and south on the Mississippi last week. At one point, more than 100 towboats and 2,000 barges were stuck waiting. The blocked-off section of the river, between Louisiana and Mississippi, reopened Monday. Traffic is limited to one way, according to Petty Officer Jose Hernandez of the U.S. Coast Guard.”
An article in Zero Hedge reports:
“A stretch of the Mississippi River just northeast of Memphis, near Hickman, Kentucky, was closed on Monday because water levels reached record low levels. This caused a logjam of vessels and barges. And it's the third time a portion of the river has been shuttered in weeks.
We've reported dangerously low water levels have left farmers with a barge shortage as freight rates hyperinflate. Some farmers have piled up beans and other crops as logistical pipelines to transport farm goods from the Heartland by barge to export terminals in the US Gulf Coast are paralyzed due to extraordinary conditions on the Mississippi.
Ag blog Delta Farm Press' senior staff writer Ginger Rowsey spoke with barge captain Eric Badeaux who said it usually takes him 1-2 days to move barges from Morris, Illinois, down the Illinois River to the Mississippi River and on to New Orleans. He's got over four decades of navigating cargo on the waterways and said because of drought and obstacles, it now takes 8-10 days for the same distance.
'We had been on the boat two weeks and had not even made it to Memphis yet,' Badeaux said. At one point, Badeaux and his crew only traveled 60 miles in four days. They typically average 200 miles per day when heading south.
'In one day, we burned 2,367 gallons of diesel fuel, just sitting here fighting the current,' Badeaux said. 'That comes out to about $10,000 in fuel for one day, and we barely moved. Multiply the fuel costs for all of the boats just sitting here, plus all the other costs involved in boat maintenance and you can see why transportation costs are through the roof. It's disastrous.'"
Another Zero Hedge article says:
"Beans and other farm goods are piling up at farms up and down the Mississippi River as barges can't be fully loaded due to dangerously low water levels. Barges have reduced weight to improve the draft, which means less availability and inability to meet harvest demand.
Due to a barge shortage, some farmers have no choice but to store beans and other farm goods outside in massive piles. Twitter user "Will Nicholson" captured footage of an enormous bean pile west of Memphis, Tennessee."
For background, about 92 % of the nation’s agricultural output comes from the Mississippi River Basin. Some of that is consumed domestically and some is exported to places like China, South Korea and Mexico. Additionally, barges can carry a lot of agricultural goods and supplies. One 15 tow barge can carry the same amount of freight as two 108 car freight trains or over 1,000 semi-trucks!
As you can see, these back-ups could cause serious problems! All I can say is that I’m glad I’ve stocked up on dry beans!
As I read about these issues on the Mississippi River my mind goes to the Louisiana Purchase, which happened on April 30, 1803 (as mentioned in the April 30 dates list earlier)–this is the new connection I made recently. Initially when this land deal happened back in 1803, the goal was just to buy New Orleans–as its port along the Mississippi was essential for shipping agricultural goods to and from the areas of the United States west of the Appalachian Mountains. In fact, the Mississippi was key because it provided access to the Gulf of Mexico. By God’s grace, Napoleon sold not only New Orleans to the United States, but 530,000,000 acres of land! That’s equal to about 14 states! The price of 15 million dollars meant the U.S. got each acre for a meager three cents. American land doubled overnight and expansion began right away. The United States became a superpower.
Since the Louisiana Purchase, our country has taken that superpower status and given the reigns to the enemy. Also, our current administration has turned its back on Israel and is calling for the division of God’s land–Jerusalem. Like the corrupt United Nations, Biden propagates the lie that dividing Jerusalem is the only way to achieve peace. Doing this will only bring God’s judgment on our land! In fact, when George Bush helped broker the land deal where Israel gave away the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in 2005, our nation was struck with the costliest disaster up to that date! Hurricane Katrina struck….guess where?….. New Orleans. Sounds familiar right? God blessed us with the land of the Louisiana Purchase and where did our land get struck after we dared mess with God’s land (Israel)? The same place–New Orleans was hit the worst, along with Louisiana! When we mess with God’s land, then our own land will bear the repercussions. These consequences of judgement can affect our land, economy and yes, our food supply! On October 26, Biden met with the President of Israel and reiterated his goal of a two-state solution. This is a recipe for disaster. What will this affect? Well, it’s possible it’s hitting us right where we gained land over two hundred years ago- the Mississippi River.
Another issue affecting supply chains are the rail companies and labor unions. The Southeast Farm Press warns:
“Rail companies and labor unions have reached stalemate over paid sick leave, raising the prospects of a worker strike in coming months. With harvest just over halfway complete, the threat of a rail strike could not come at a worse time.
Railroads transport 1.5 million carloads of grain each year according to the Association of American Railroads. These carloads account for 25% of all U.S. grain transport, and the rail share for grain export movements is closer to 40%.
Other transport sources could pick up some slack, but with low water levels on the Mississippi already significantly slowing barge movement, and both rail and truck transportation already at full capacity, there’s little margin for error.
‘If the rail strike becomes a reality, there is simply not enough capacity in the system to pick up the slack,’ says Daren Coppock, president and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association.
A strike could happen as soon as Nov. 19 unless all 12 rail unions approve contracts or Congress steps in. Six railroad unions have ratified the agreement, and four others are still pending ratification with decisions expected by mid-November.
BMWED and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen will now need to negotiate new deals with railroad companies as the remaining unions vote on their proposed contracts.
If a settlement isn’t reached, the rail strike will take a direct hit on supply chain efficiency. In turn, it will take a direct hit on the pocketbooks of farmers.”
These are just two problems that can affect our supply chain, but there’s more.
Droughts have been a persistent problem this past year, especially in California which produces over a third of the vegetables in the United States and three quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts. They also produce lots of dairy, cattle, rice and other varied food products. But what many people don’t know is that California has been in drought mode for a while.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, "most of California remains in severe or worse drought conditions with no immediate relief in sight. About 17 percent of the state, mostly in the Central Valley region, is classified as being under ‘exceptional drought conditions,' indicating a very high risk of fire and water shortages."
That’s going to mean less water available for agriculture in certain parts of the state and some reductions in land use. Likely there will be less alfalfa, rice, cotton and wheat as these crops were declining already.
A Bloomberg article added:
"The soaring prices are a reflection of how quickly California’s water crisis is escalating, with dire implications for food crops that are almost entirely reliant on irrigation. Historic drought has cut off surface water to even those with the most seniority under California’s complex water-rights system, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, ordering water-use restrictions and some curtailments for irrigation districts and farmers."
“Prices have never before been so consistently high,”said SarahWoolf, head of Water Wise, a water brokerage and consultancy firm in Fresno, California. “From the agriculture front it’s just not sustainable.”
Aside from barges, crops and droughts, there’s the problem of the natural gas shortage which affects fertilizers that farmers need to grow food.
Natural News explains:
“Through the Haber chemical process, natural gas is combined with atmospheric nitrogen (N2) to create ammonia (NH3), the key molecule for creating nitrogen-based fertilizers that grow the crops necessary to feed an estimated 4 billion people across the planet.”
In the last year we have seen more and more fertilizer companies struggling to produce or transport fertilizers around the world. Some of this is due to the war in Ukraine, as 40% of the world’s potash (a key component in fertilizers which contains soluble potassium) comes from Belarus and Russia. The second part of the equation is that globalist leaders are forcing their climate change lies on everyone! Net Zero and “sustainable development” is nothing more than a plan to squash independent farmers and allow food to be weaponized by governments.
Crop nutrient prices continue to climb as fertilizers become harder to obtain. The United Nations recently warned there could be a future crisis of availability. In Europe some fertilizer plants have closed because of high prices.
Iowa farmer Dave Nelson told Reuters that his fertilizer costs have gone from $350 per ton two years ago to $1,280 a ton this year. He said he decided to lock in that price this fall to facilitate his budget calculations for next year.
Even if countries are able to obtain fertilizer for their farmers, the price is putting a huge strain on the entire economy.
Even more concerning is the latest news about BASF, which is one of the top ten fertilizer companies in the world. They recently announced that the current shortage of natural gas will force the company to permanently downsize.
An article in the Financial Times says:
"BASF has said it will have to downsize 'permanently' in Europe, with high energy costs making the region increasingly uncompetitive.
'The European chemical market has been growing only weakly for about a decade and the significant increase in natural gas and power prices over the course of this year is putting pressure on chemical value chains,' chief executive Martin Brudermüller said on Wednesday.
Brudermüller said the European gas crisis, coupled with stricter industry regulations in the EU, was forcing the company to cut costs in the region “as quickly as possible and also permanently.'"
The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, as well as the crippling economic sanctions against Russia have doomed this company that provides critical supplies of fertilizer and agricultural products to farmers. The climate czars in Europe have contributed to this mess as well because they, along with other nations in the world, worship the climate agenda and pledge their allegiance to Net Zero.
War correspondent and former Green Beret Michael Yon was interviewed by Health Ranger Mike Adams recently and he says that Western Europe is destroying itself with green energy policies. Also, BASF will now move its operation to China! Yon, who has studied the history of famines for years, says that Europe is going to have serious problems providing heat this winter and possibly massive food shortages in the future.
This will cause a ripple effect that can extend into the United States and the entire world. He also says that when hunger hits certain nations, this will cause mass migration as people move to places where they can find food. Many of these people may come to the United States or countries that are still able to produce food.
Additionally, the farmers of the Netherlands, Canada and Ireland are fighting to keep their farms running as the dictators of the Green Agenda continue trying to kill their livestock and shut down their ability to use fertilizer.
Fertilizer is usually made 365 days a year and it gets shipped out to various countries. Farmers order fertilizer to use at certain times of the year, but many are saying they aren’t receiving those shipments. Keep in mind that much of the food you see on the shelves now are from last year’s harvest and plantings. When farmers do not receive fertilizer for future plantings, it will affect those harvests. At some point, the repercussions of smaller harvests will be felt by American families.
Inflation is another thing that causes famine as people cannot afford food. Most of us are paying twice the cost for groceries and other supplies right now, but imagine the price going up even more! I am already not buying certain items because they are too expensive. Come on–my favorite tortilla chips are five dollars!
France and other countries in Europe are seeing the price of bread raised by as much as 30% because the electricity to run wheat mills is getting more and more expensive. You know how the French love their baguettes!!! This kind of thing is what started the French Revolution.
History.com says, “The storming of the medieval fortress of Bastille on July 14, 1789 began as a hunt for arms—and grains to make bread.” Of course, the elites had plenty of bread while the peasants struggled to eat. Times do not change and tyrants do not change their methods. Make no mistake, this food and fuel crisis is meant to cause strife and civil uprising. And when things get really bad, the government comes in to “save the day.” Unfortunately, the price to be paid is freedom.
And since we are so close to Thanksgiving, what about turkeys? Well, an article in Yahoo Money says:
"Cooking Thanksgiving dinner will be more expensive this year thanks to inflation — but the traditional main course has soared in price for another reason.
Turkey production is down significantly in 2022 because the industry is dealing with what could soon become the worst year ever of avian flu outbreaks for poultry. When cases of the virus are detected, whole flocks have to be culled.
The disruption to turkey production is driving wholesale prices higher, which typically means higher prices for consumers.
Wholesale turkey prices reached $1.79 per pound in October. That’s more than 40 cents higher than last year’s peak price, according to an analysis from Texas A&M University.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, reports that the outbreaks of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in 2022 have been significant. In total, more than 7 million turkeys have been killed this year due to avian flu, according to the USDA. The most recent wave of infections has impacted Minnesota, California and Utah farms."
Well, I guess we better enjoy each bite of turkey a little more this year since it may be more expensive than prime rib!
The Bible gives us a clear picture of the severe inflation that will come during the Tribulation when it says,
“When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!’”
This means food will be so expensive that it will take an entire day’s wage to buy bread. The rich will not be affected like the poor and middle class. At this point, people will be very desperate and it will look a lot like an apocalyptic movie. The Tribulation is not here yet, but we are seeing the shadows of it spreading through the world.
Historically during bad famines, the government has seized crops from farmers. Additionally, farmers have been robbed by hungry people as they desperately look for food to eat. Both these things can cause the farmers to go out of business, putting food and power into the hands of the government. Unfortunately, however, people will often trade their liberty for food.
Should I continue?
Well, I’m going to add a few more details, so stick with me if you can…if you’ve read enough, you can also skip to the end and I will be giving you some good news about all of this!!!
The next thing to understand is the diesel shortage. According to news outlets, we have 25 days of diesel supply left (as of late October) and it’s at its lowest since 2008. Biden has drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserve by 40% in the last 20 months–more than all other U.S. Presidents combined. This is a national security reserve and it’s not supposed to be wasted. Neil Chatterjee, former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says, “If the Biden administration actually focused on developing energy here at home and not relying on foreign sources from our adversaries, not only would it be better for our security, for our economy, but also for the environment.”
The problem is that Biden doesn’t care if he drains our supply or tanks our economy because he’s part of the Build Back Better Tower of Babel crowd who want to knock down our infrastructure so a new, communist, globalist one can be built in its place. Even though Biden has promised to refill what is taken, who would trust a guy who falls asleep during his own interview or mumbles incoherently?
A Fox News article reported this on October 31:
"Fuel supplier Mansfield Energy is taking steps to prepare for a diesel shortage on the East Coast of the United States, issuing an advisory to businesses that rely on the fuel to plan rather than panic.
Last week, Mansfield Energy raised a red flag on the upcoming diesel fuel shortage in the southeastern region of the U.S., speculating it could be from 'poor pipeline shipping economies' and a historically low supply of reserves.
On a normal day, the East Coast markets have 50 million barrels in storage, but right now, there are less than 25 million barrels available.
'A tight diesel supply will force prices to go up, which will eventually make it too expensive for some people,' the company said in a press release on Monday. 'High prices will bring demand back down enough that it balances with limited supply.'"
Diesel is a crucial rung of the food supply ladder because it’s needed for 18-wheelers, cargo ships, barges, farm equipment and trains. If food, fertilizer and coal cannot be transported, then there’s a real problem. This problem could be solved in the short run by some rationing, but for how long? In the meantime, prices will continue to go up.
Agenda Weekly reported: “Energy consultant Amrita Sen predicts that oil prices per barrel ‘are going to be headed well over $100’ going into December.”
Can anyone say more inflation and surging costs?
” Experts warn that Germany will run out of gas by February unless it cuts consumption by 30%. British protestors are demanding a basic energy allowance, as rising energy prices could throw 26 million Brits into fuel poverty.”
The United States may or may not be affected as early as these other nations when it comes to any food shortages. But sooner or later we will feel it. As we move into 2023, the impact of lower harvests around the world will eventually hit us square in the face. Rising energy costs have affected the price of diesel and fertilizer which has in turn increased the price of food production. Feed for pigs, chickens, cattle, turkeys and other animals has increased. But the real kicker is that we are about to see how the increased price and shortages of fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides have affected the total amount of crops that were grown in the current season–this will affect how much gets to your local market or grocery stores in the near future.
When and if food shortages begin to happen, many governments will try to act quickly. Wealthier nations will fare better since they can buy up any extra supplies. Poor countries like those in the Middle East, Africa and Central America won’t fare well. But no matter where you are, you will feel it whether by increased prices, being unable to buy certain products, or perhaps even food rationing like during World War 2.
I cannot say for sure what will happen because only God knows what the future holds. But I do know one thing…….and that’s where the Feast of Tabernacles comes in.
Whether we see food shortages or not, we must always remember that our Great Provider is more than able to see us through.
After Hurricane Ian plowed through the area in late September, my son found a beautiful cockatiel in a tree. He was all alone sitting on a branch. He immediately flew to my son when he whistled for him. I could tell he was someone’s pet because he was so friendly and sweet. The poor little guy was famished and quickly ate and drank the food and water we provided. We tried to locate his owner but unfortunately, we weren’t able. To our surprise, we found a new owner–it was a man who had just lost his own birds. He had been very distraught at the recent loss, so it relieved his heartache when he was given a chance to provide a home for this sweet bird.
I couldn’t help but think about what would have happened to the cockatiel if my son hadn’t found him, giving him food and shelter. At the time I was pondering this, the bird was perched on my head. Suddenly he stretched his wings over me. See picture below.
His little wings stretched over my head and covered me! My thoughts went to Tabernacles because this holiday is all about dwelling with God. The Jewish prayer shawl is a picture of a tabernacle because you are supposed to stretch the corners of it over your head. This provides a covering over you–kind of like a bird’s wings. Specifically, it’s a reminder that Jesus is the believer’s shelter and covering. In times of plenty and times of shortage, he wraps his mighty arms of provision around us. He provides a way. The way could be different than we imagine. It may require something from us we don’t want to give up. We may feel all alone like the little bird my son found on the branch.
But like the branches and leafy boughs that covered the tabernacles of the wilderness, we have the Branch himself, Jesus Christ, to give us shelter.
I don’t know how this will all play out. I’m just reporting trends and information that I have gathered. We should be praying for all the nations of the world right now. Some countries are going to be hit harder than others. Unfortunately, these globalist climate czars don’t care about anyone except themselves. The greater goal is population control.
But no matter what these people try to plan and execute, Jesus is in complete control. We can trust his mighty hand of provision, as well as his sovereignty over our lives and the world.
STAY STRONG AND REMEMBER TO PLACE YOUR WORSHIP IN JESUS!
Copyright for painting below: Karen Quiroz
The Trumpet Blast 