Happy Pentecost/Shavuot 2020

29 05 2020

Dry Bones Shavuot 2020

Today Jews celebrate Shavuot, which is celebrated by Christians as Pentecost this Sunday. What is the meaning of this holiday? Jews observe it to honor the giving of the Torah and Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. Written by the hand of Yehovah, Moses introduced them to the people. The laws became the basic legal code of modern civilization in the Western world. Shavuot means weeks. Seven weeks were counted from Passover to the wheat harvest in Israel, followed by a Sabbath rest. Shavuot is also called “first fruits” because of the first harvest.

Christians use the Greek word Pentecost, which means fifty days after Passover. Recorded in Acts 2, it was the day that the Holy Spirit was poured out in fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32. Christians consider the 3,000 Jews filled with the Holy Spirit that day as the “first fruit” of the church.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 

“​And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; ​​Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, ​​Your young men shall see visions, ​​Your old men shall dream dreams. ​​And on My menservants and on My maidservants ​​I will pour out My Spirit in those days; ​​And they shall prophesy. ​​I will show wonders in heaven above ​​And signs in the earth beneath: ​​Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. ​​The sun shall be turned into darkness, ​​And the moon into blood, ​​Before the coming of the great and awesome day of Yehovah. ​​And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of Yehovah shall be saved. Acts 2:14-21

We pray that there is a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these days of great trials in the whole world. May it be the beginning of the great last days harvest of souls for the Kingdom of Yeshua, the Messiah.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists

Here is an internet event with Lance Wallnau, you may like this Sunday night…


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Can’t Make This Up Dept. – Grand Prize

26 05 2020
Iran Israel US Palestinians

An Iranian protester holds an anti-Israeli placard during an annual anti-Israeli Al-Quds Day rally in Tehran, Iran, June 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Today’s report is not made up. The Iranian Parliament has voted (seriously) to ban all Israeli tech. Therefore, I have awarded Iran the 2020 Grand Prize in the “You can’t make this up Department,” even though it is only May 26. The Ayatollah, the Parliament, and the President all agree. The legislation passed by parliament brands any cooperation with Israel as an “act against God.” (Of course, they did not say “God,” they said “Allah.”)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday issued an executive order requiring the implementation of a law passed last week that bars any cooperation with Israel, including the use of Israeli software and hardware. Times of Israel

Iran’s president orders implementation of law banning all use of Israeli tech – Legislation bars any cooperation, including ‘activities of the Israeli software platforms in Iran and using its hardware and software products’

Iran has banned all use of Israeli tech. Really? That would set it back 50 years – New law bars cooperation with Zionists, including ‘hardware and software,’ as crime against God. So, no computers, internet, cellphones; healthcare ravaged; and no BMW for Khamenei.

An Iran without “Israel inside,” Singer said, “would make North Korea look advanced and cosmopolitan. Essentially, Iran would go back to the world of 50 years ago, maybe more. It would look like a huge Amish colony in Muslim garb.” Saul Singer

For a list of all the technology that would be banned in this ridiculous legislation, please click on the above link.

The fear of Yehovah is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit. Proverbs 14:8

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:2 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools. Romans 1:18-22

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for seasonal rains and pray for the people of Iran.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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This is Jerusalem!

23 05 2020

Today I share a one minute video of video in honor of Jerusalem Day, which was celebrated this week. I also urge you to consider subscribing to Israel Today, the best Messianic site from Israel. I have met the editor, Aviel Schneider, an Israeli believer born in Israel. Israel Today was founded by his father. Please enjoy this link and consider a subscription.

The 2,000-Year Jewish Love Affair – Has any people ever had such a deep connection to their capital as the Jewish people? It was in the year 70 CE that we lost her, but we never forgot her. Foreign armies pillaged, slaughtered and raped her, yet her name has remained on our lips three times a day in our prayers. With hope and faith of a day when she would come back to us, we could not give her up. Israel Today 

The restoration of Jerusalem is not happening by the will of man, but by the eternal purpose of God Himself. The nations will rage. Politicians will oppose Him, but Yehovah God of Israel will certainly keep His word to His beloved people, Israel.

This is what Yehovah says: “You have said, ‘This is a desolate land where people and animals have all disappeared.’ Yet in the empty streets of Jerusalem and Judah’s other towns, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to Yehovah. They will sing, ‘Give thanks to Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies, for Yehovah is good. His faithful love endures forever!’ For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past,” says Yehovah. Jeremiah 33:10-11 NLT

Pray for the restoration and peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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The Bible is not Ancient

19 05 2020

radioTo most modern Americans, the Bible is an ancient collection of out of date stories. But that is wrong. The Bible is more current than today’s newspaper headlines, because God sees the end from the beginning. The word of God is living energy, transforming everything it touches. Consider this verse.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The phrase “living and powerful” comes from Greek words that mean “alive” and “energy.” God’s word is alive! God’s word is energy! Think about it. His words are not lying around in some dead letter office. His message is throbbing with life, imparting life, breathing His very being into ours as we listen to Him.

When He speaks it is far more than inspiration. Powerful energy is released into our spirit, soul, and body. You need to understand that literally. When you are feeling blah, and listless, hearing the voice of God fires you up. I am not talking about the Bible as opinions of various writers, but as the Holy Spirit breathing out the very voice of the living Yehovah God, King of Creation.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

God lives outside of the human time/space continuum. When He speaks into our human condition, there is a supernatural effect. It is beyond natural. He speaks through the Bible, through visions and dreams, through prophesies, and even through circumstances. The key for us is to see what He is saying, to listen expectantly, ready to receive.

Most people think God never speaks to them. That is dead wrong. God speaks to every person on this planet. The problem is that we are not listening, or don’t want to listen, or are just too busy with our own selfish pursuits. The problem is that there are too many voices. Think of it as a radio with hundreds of stations with every imaginable programming. But, you hear every station, every frequency all at once, at the same time. Somewhere in the cacophony of sounds assailing your senses, there is one clear channel with the voice of God. How do you tune Him in, and tune the others out? The others are louder and demanding, and yet God is speaking. Can you hear Him? Try it.

Pastor John Thrift preached Sunday at Grace Assembly in Wake Forest, NC. He talked about a great commandment that is rarely preached. When Jesus appeared on the mountain with Moses and Elijah, who represented the Law and the Prophets, God gave a clear command. When Peter started talking, God interrupted Peter. Think of that. Even Peter was talking when he should have been listening. Whew!

Yehovah directed Peter to Jesus, His “beloved Son,” and commanded: “Hear Him!”

He (Peter) was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5 ESV

Have you ever considered that commandment? Are you talking, instead of listening? Maybe it is time pay attention to His voice? Consider what I say. Try praying this simple prayer: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for the restoration of rains in Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Trump Ziklag Prophecy

16 05 2020

The National Day of Prayer prophecy over President Donald Trump was overlooked by many, but has great significance. The President’s personal pastor, Paula White, spoke a powerful prophetic word that he and our nation would “recover all.” This was taken from King David’s heart-cry to God at a time of desperation. When David returned from battle, his camp at Ziklag had been overrun by the enemy who had taken captive the wives and children. David wept and sought God for an answer and guidance. Paula White prophetically applied this same counsel to President Trump, based on this text.

So David inquired of  YEHOVAH, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” 1 Samuel 30:8

Here is the text of Paula White’s May 7, 2020 word to the President in the Rose Garden at the National Day of Prayer. Several spiritual leaders prayed, but I believe this prayer and prophecy was from God.

“President, one last word,” she said, turning to Trump. “Like David, who had had victory after victory after victory after victory, would face his biggest battle—it was called Ziklag—and they would take his wives and his children and the city would be burned down. And he cried and he wept, and he began to pray out to God, and God gave him a word. And through fasting and praying, I believe this is the word for you and for this nation. The Lord spoke to him and said, ‘Pursue and go after them, and you shall, without fail, recover all.’ Sir, the word of the Lord, I believe, for this nation and this administration is: ‘You will recover all.'” Charisma Magazine

I believe we are at a turning point in the virus/economy crisis. A number of leaders, such as Lance Wallnau, are pointing toward Pentecost on May 31. We need to be in serious intercession for our President, our country, and also for Israel. We are joined with Israel because our President stands with Israel. Pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has now been sworn in for his fifth term as Prime Minister. He now faces old legal charges, with the trial starting next week. Pray for his exoneration. Yehovah has the final say!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and continue to faithfully pray for seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Are You a Watcher?

12 05 2020

shofar-

Can you “see” something when someone is speaking words? There are degrees of seeing and hearing from God, that most never realize. Yet, we are called to “see” what God is saying. My friend, Sharon Sanders, of Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem, recently shared a profound truth. Her prophetic intercessors prayer letter referenced a Hebrew scholar with great insight, which I quote in this excerpt:

According to Chaim Bentorah, a Biblical Hebrew Studies teacher, we can “see” what someone “says.” He states that the word ra’ah means a physical and spiritual seeing… This takes a close guarding according to Chaim, something like a bodyguard or secret service agent whose entire attention and focus are on observing things that everyone around him are not observing. It’s like looking for any subtle hint or movement, which may signal a threat to his mission of protection. 

Our goals in prayer are to discern the situation before us, through prayer and to determine whether Israel might be in danger. We need to be focused in our watch time when praying for Israel. … We need to watch to see if God is saying something specific to our hearts. Sharon Sanders, CFI Jerusalem (March 2020)

When we use the phrase “God’s word,” we usually mean Scripture, but every Bible verse was first spoken by God. The power of words is in the speaking, or the saying of what is on God’s heart. Do you “see” what He is saying? There is way more in His words than the simple grammar. What is God saying to you, to us? Can you see it, and really hear it?

I will stand my watch
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected. Habakkuk 2:1

Dear Heavenly Father, Yehovah God, please give us ears to hear and eyes to see what you are showing us when you speak.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for seasonal rains for Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Learning to Listen in Lock-down

8 05 2020

LOL

What did you learn during the global pandemic lock-down? Let’s get personal. I hope you slowed down enough to listen to God. Today I am sharing life lessons from two friends, Hannah Bochert and Bob Mumford. I don’t think they know each other, but each heard from God and encouraged me to slow down and listen to the voice of God during this present crises.

Doreen and I enjoyed getting to know Hannah on our Israel tour last June. She is Youth Pastor at Grace Assembly in Wake Forest, NC.  She is a young lady who loves Jesus with all her heart.

Bob Mumford, on the other hand, is approaching ninety years with a lifetime of pursuing intimacy with Father God. I first met Bob in June 1968. It has been my honor to fellowship with him in recent years in a small accountability group of brothers in Raleigh, NC.

Hear from two disparate believers by age and gender, hearing the same cry of the Lord Jesus: “Listen to me.” I am blessed to have each as my friend. This week Bob posted a video titled, “The Skill of Still.” We need to learn to intentionally listen to God. Here is his text and the 7 minute video link.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

Hannah shared an excellent analogy of how we react when someone whispers to us. We lean in to catch every word. We lean in close. That is what we need to do with God. She also pointed out that we are not willing to let a stranger whisper in our ear. It requires an intimacy that is not appropriate. Whispering is an intimacy reserved for close friends. What a treasure that Jesus is our friend. Let’s listen to him. Here is Hannah’s text and her 9 minute video link  from Grace Assembly.

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before YEHOVAH.” And behold, YEHOVAH passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before YEHOVAH, but YEHOVAH was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but YEHOVAH was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:12

You may have complained about the forced lock-down at first, but I trust you also found a new intimacy with our Heavenly Father through the voice of the Holy Spirit. The good news is that we can continue a new level of “leaning in,” even as we again ramp up our busy lives. Don’t leave home without it!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation  in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.) and here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.


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Categories : Israel Commentary

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