There are those who warn about a romanticized view of Jerusalem, yet, it is possible to face the real threats of our day and still have a palpable love for this eternal capital.
Doreen and I have been here for almost three weeks celebrating our 50th anniversary, along with Jerusalem’s 50th. We love this city of God. We were wed one day after the Six Day War in 1967. We have been exceptionally blessed and are the first to admit it is far more than we deserve. Yet, we have tried to live with a measure of humility while setting an example of relational love. This is most obvious in a loving marriage, but it also available in all of our relationships.
The Kingdom of God is relational. This world keeps trying to make it religious and political. But Jesus warned quite sternly:
Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Mark 8:15 NKJV
As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” Mark 8:15 NLT
The religious spirit is SELF-righteousness. The political spirit is SELF-interest. We certainly must beware of both.
Doreen and I have been living a dream of a marriage. Sometimes we are tempted to feel guilty for this blessing. Yet, we have learned one thing that may be an encouragement to those who have not been blessed with 50 years. We live each day and each year as if it was our last. We have always had a sense of the imminence of the Second Coming of Messiah Yeshua. But also, we have always been thankful for every single blessing in the present tense. From that we have reaped wonderful memories.
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. Romans 1:20:21
Treasure your memories. This is our exhortation to those who feel you were slighted when God was blessing others. You have great memories of your own. Treasure them. Your memories may not be 50 years, but whatever the length, they are real. Remember them. Be thankful for them. If you have had a wonderful spouse, even for a short time, be thankful.
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists
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Elisha Vision - Commentary 
Romancing Jerusalem
4 07 2017There are those who warn about a romanticized view of Jerusalem, yet, it is possible to face the real threats of our day and still have a palpable love for this eternal capital.
Doreen and I have been here for almost three weeks celebrating our 50th anniversary, along with Jerusalem’s 50th. We love this city of God. We were wed one day after the Six Day War in 1967. We have been exceptionally blessed and are the first to admit it is far more than we deserve. Yet, we have tried to live with a measure of humility while setting an example of relational love. This is most obvious in a loving marriage, but it also available in all of our relationships.
The Kingdom of God is relational. This world keeps trying to make it religious and political. But Jesus warned quite sternly:
Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Mark 8:15 NKJV
As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” Mark 8:15 NLT
The religious spirit is SELF-righteousness. The political spirit is SELF-interest. We certainly must beware of both.
Doreen and I have been living a dream of a marriage. Sometimes we are tempted to feel guilty for this blessing. Yet, we have learned one thing that may be an encouragement to those who have not been blessed with 50 years. We live each day and each year as if it was our last. We have always had a sense of the imminence of the Second Coming of Messiah Yeshua. But also, we have always been thankful for every single blessing in the present tense. From that we have reaped wonderful memories.
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. Romans 1:20:21
Treasure your memories. This is our exhortation to those who feel you were slighted when God was blessing others. You have great memories of your own. Treasure them. Your memories may not be 50 years, but whatever the length, they are real. Remember them. Be thankful for them. If you have had a wonderful spouse, even for a short time, be thankful.
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists
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