Iron Sharpens Iron

26 02 2021

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Would like to know three secrets of our happy and blessed marriage of 53+ years? There are more reasons, but these three are non-negotiable: Faith, Equality, and Honesty. This post came out of a discussion Doreen and I had this Wednesday about this verse.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”  Proverbs 27:17

I always thought of that verse as “brother to brother” in a spiritual sense, which is true. But now I have seen a deeper meaning when it applies to the relationship of husband and wife. On the “brother” level, it certainly describes the value of  rubbing or sharpening off the rough edges between two believers. But, when applied to marriage, it is life and death. A blessed and successful marriage must embrace the “iron.” Doreen and I rejoiced to see this new understanding from the Lord on Wednesday. And just to make sure we “heard” the Holy Spirit, Doreen’s verse for the day popped up Thursday morning with Proverbs 27:17. How cool is that?

When we first started dating in October of 1964, at Berkshire Christian College, we sort of “stumbled” into three personal commitments that we now know were straight from the Throne of Heaven. We were married June 11, 1967 at the end of Israel’s Six Day War. These three foundation stones of our now nearly 56 years of friendship were laid during a few walks together in 1964.

  1. FAITH – Somehow, I am not even sure how it started, we began to say often: “You and me and Jesus.” We still say that in words and/or action virtually ever day since. We also say “I love you!” multiple times a day. We chose to make Jesus the most important One in our relationship, more important than each other.
  2. EQUALITY – From the beginning we saw the Ephesians order of relationships. Many study husband and wife starting with  Ephesians 5:23 about wives submitting to their husbands. However, to start there is a colossal error. The previous verse is the start point of our marriage: “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” We are equal before God. Jesus speaking through her has more authority than my own opinion, and Him speaking through me has more than hers. Once that is clear, we can proceed to the hierarchy of family structure that follows. It is in this functional equality that “iron sharpens iron.”  One of the first things that attracted me to Doreen was her strength of character and confidence is her beliefs. When we “discussed” anything it was with 100% conviction both ways and we still enjoy these free “discussions” today. We have never shrunk back from standing strong for our opinions. I value that highly in a person. How we reconcile the times we disagree is another story, but we started by agreeing to never go to bed mad.  “Be angry, and do not sin” Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.  Ephesians 4:26
  3. HONESTY – We had a third revelation on our walks. The armor of God in Ephesians 6 starts with: “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,” Ephesians 6:14  We mistakenly thought that referred to true doctrine, but it instead means honesty. Be honest. Tell the truth to one another. That is the preeminent piece of armor. If you don’t have truth, you are completely vulnerable to the enemy. On our second walk we vowed to be honest with each other. We even share our thoughts with each other when asked. Wow! That has been pure gold for a living relationship. Thank you, Jesus!

These three accidental vows have guided our marriage consistently. It helps that we had the godly examples of our own parents. My folks dated four years and were married 68 years. When Doreen and I celebrated 34 years, I turned to her and said: “Well, we are half way!” That long view is part of what I hope you get from these musings. One of my biggest heartbreaks is that we have not been better at helping others to find what we have found in our Jesus marriage. It is never too late. Follow Jesus!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for Israel rain (and the March 23 election).

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                      (Read more)


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If I Perish, I Perish

23 02 2021

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Purim around the world this year is sundown Thursday to sundown Friday. Jews and Christians remember the great courage of Esther, Queen of Persia, who laid it all on the line to stand for the Jews. Her Jewish family and all the Jews of the Persian Empire were to be killed. That included twenty provinces, the whole know world at the time. That genocide was stopped by Esther’s great personal risk. The King did not even know she was Jewish. She was only one person, but was placed in position to save a nation. Please read the Book of Esther this week. It is one of the greatest stories of the Bible. Here is the short passage telling of her decision.

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:13-16

Four Take-aways From Esther’s Courage:

  1. She came to the kingdom for “such a time as this.”
  2. The Jews fasted three days and nights.
  3. It was against the law for her to approach the king.
  4. Esther was willing to die if necessary.

What is the timing of your life right now? Is there a cause greater than your appetite? Is your obedience to Yehovah God higher than all else? Are you willing to lay down your life, if necessary, for God’s purpose? We are living in grand and awful times. We must listen to the Holy Spirit now more than ever. The Messiah Yeshua is asking us for full attention and obedience in these perilous times. As for me and my house, we will serve Yehovah.

Esther’s enemy was Haman, an Amalekite, a people who were perennial enemies of God’s people. The demonic spirit of  Amalek is still after the Jews today. But, that is a story for another time. Read Esther this week for a word for our times.

Finally, I noticed that the great movie about Esther, ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING, is on TBN television this Friday night at both 8pm and 10pm Eastern. Enjoy! It is well worth a couple hours. ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING is also available on livestream from PureFlix.

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                          (Read more)


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Yes Virginia, It Snows in Jerusalem

20 02 2021

Israel Snow Part 2: So many people think of Israel as a desert, but this week they enjoyed a beautiful snowfall. From two feet on Mt. Hermon, to several inches in Jerusalem, Israelis rejoiced and played in the snow. It was a welcome break from the virus lockdowns, which are finally being lifted. Here is a link to some great snow pictures from this week. There was also abundant rain and another rise in the level of the Sea of Galilee. (Previous post: Snow in Israel?)

Yehovah gave specific instructions for us in the 21st Century to pray for rain. That is why I always include it as I close my posts. Zechariah 10 is a powerful declaration of His Plan to restore and save Israel and Judah! Here is the Biblical command:

“Ask Yehovah for rain In the time of the latter rain. Yehovah will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.”  Zechariah 10:1

The context of this verse is amazing. When you read the rest of the chapter, you will find at least 12 references to saving them and “bringing them back” from having been scattered among the nations. We are living in the historic prophetic fulfillment of the great restoration of Israel! Here is a list of the promises:

  1. Save them, bring back, have mercy, and heal them. v. 6
  2. Gather them, redeem them, and they shall increase. v. 8
  3. They shall return. v. 9
  4. Bring them back, gather them, and bring them in. v. 10
  5. Strengthen them. v. 12

“So I will strengthen them in Yehovah, and they shall walk up and down in His name,” Says Yehovah. Zechariah 10:12

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.
Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                            (Read more)

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Arab Mayor Endorses Netanyahu

16 02 2021

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This is no small story. Nazareth Mayor Ali Salam represents a breakout trend in Israel. Since the “circle of peace” normalization with Israel by several Arab/Muslim states, a new openness is emerging internally in Israel. Arab Palestinians have long secretly preferred being citizens of Israel but now they are free to be public about it. Nazareth, a city of 110,000 people, is the largest Arab city in Israel. Israel’s population is nearly 9 million, of which almost 2 million are Arab citizens. Pray for the March 23 Israel election.

Recently, an Arab member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) came out in favor of Netanyahu and his conservative Zionist Likud party. That was a break from the anti-Israel Arab block in the Knesset. Netanyahu has even promised a ministerial post to an Arab member of Likud. Bloggers in Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have spoken out for Israel. This trend will continue and expand as the Gulf states and other Muslim countries open embassies in Israel. Kosovo, a Muslim state in Europe has already announced  it will open its embassy in Jerusalem. This is truly historic. Even Indonesia may normalize with Israel.

How does this fit with prophecy? For years now I have been quoting Psalm 83 regarding the Arab states around the Israel borders. I used to think the Psalm 83 War would end a victorious military victory for Israel, but I was wrong. It has ended with the circle of peace. The Arab “cousins” of the Jews will eventually be joined with Israel, some even by converting to Jesus (Yeshua ben Yehovah), the Jewish Messiah.

In that day there will be an altar to Yehovah in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to Yehovah at its border. And it will be for a sign and for a witness to Yehovah of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to Yehovah because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. Then Yehovah will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know Yehovah in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to Yehovah and perform it.And Yehovah will strike Egypt, He will strike and healit; they will return to Yehovah, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom Yehovah of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” Isaiah 19:19-25

Really? Yes, really! God has spoken it and He will do it. Yehovah does not lie or fail to keep any of His promises. Wow! Stay tuned. It is going to get better. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and thank Him for this week’s big snow storm in Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)

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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Five Mistakes Caused by FEAR

11 02 2021

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Fear has torment. Many people today live in fear. The worst fears include the Covid pandemic, politics (like the impeachment fiasco), fear of financial ruin, and finally, the fear of death. Yet, to fear is a huge mistake, a major miscalculation of relative threats. Here is a simple chart revealing the five errors made by those who live in fear.

FIVE ERRORS OF FEAR:

  1. Overestimating the power of evil.
  2. Looking at the giants through natural eyes.
  3. Underestimating the power of Yehovah God.
  4. Forgetting our past deliverance.
  5. Forgetting our future reward.

Now, let us look at the five corrections of faith. Reject the mistakes of fear. Look instead to Jesus and to Yehovah God for overcoming faith. Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts. Most people make the mistake of believing their doubts and doubting their beliefs. Have faith in God! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

FIVE CORRECTIONS OF FAITH:

  1. God is greater than evil. Yes, evil exists, but God has the final victory. Fear overestimates evil. If we are with Him, we win. “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!” 1 John 4:4
  2. Don’t look at the “giants,” as the evil report of the spies sent by Moses, but look instead at God’s power. Elijah prayed and his servant saw the spiritual angel victory. “Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw.” 2 Kings 6:17
  3. Overestimate what God can do and underestimate Satan. Believe that nothing is beyond God’s ability to heal, provide, save, and deliver. He is able to save utterly. “For with God nothing will be impossible!”  Luke 1:37 
  4. Remember all that God has already done in your life, and give thanks. “Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,” Isaiah 46:9
  5. When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future! Jesus paid for our total life eternal. Our future is settled in Heaven. JESUS is the Author and Finisher of our FAITH! “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                         (Read more)


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Spiritual Gut Check Time

6 02 2021

Jonah in whale

DO YOUR WORDS and YOUR CHARACTER AGREE? How are you doing, as we navigate these troubled waters of 2021? Is there a difference between the words that you speak and your real character? Spiritual maturity is when your WORDS and your CHARACTER AGREE. Words are cheap; or so the saying goes. How do you do when you compare yourself to the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Have politics and the pandemic provoked you to release words and attitude that don’t compare well with the Holy Spirit?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Do you have loose lips? Or worse, are you a phoney Christian?  Check your heart. It may be that the real you is a lover of God with a genuine sweet spirit. But have you let your guard down? You may have indulged in harsh words that are only of your flesh and not of your true spirit in Jesus. Which is the real you? It is time for that spiritual gut check. You can actually choose your ultimate character. If you choose the flesh, selfish human nature, you will surely go off the rails. But, if you choose to live in the Holy Spirit, He will grow the kind of character above. Character is not a gift; it is a fruit. It is not immediate. It takes time. The choice is yours as to how you will live. Live by the Holy Spirit and walk by the Holy Spirit. Then your words and character will agree. I pray that the gap both for you and for me will continue to narrow until we are one with God’s character.

Here is a great blog post about Jonah’s attitude against Nineveh that illustrates my point. Please read: When God Doesn’t Burn it All Down by Paige Puckett.

Now finish this little time of reflection by reading the full context of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:19-25

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)


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Muslim Nation Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

2 02 2021

Kosovo flag

Big Muslim/Israel News You Missed: Kosovo, a Muslim majority nation in Europe, is the first Muslim nation to have their embassy in Jerusalem. Thanks to the Trump peace negotiations, both Kosovo and Serbia (majority Christian) have agreed to recognition and relationship with the Jewish state.

Israel, Kosovo establish diplomatic ties; Pristina to open embassy in Jerusalem – Israel and Kosovo officially cemented their agreement to normalize ties on Monday, with the European state to become the first Muslim-majority nation to establish an embassy in Jerusalem.

These two European countries are technically not part of the Circle of Peace, but are certainly caught up in Yehovah’s plan to bless Israel with an expanding time of peace leading up to the Gog and Magog War of Ezekiel 38. A defining characteristic  of that war is that Israel will be dwelling in such peace that they will tear down the miles of walls and fencing that now separate them from the Palestinian areas. This is such a profound declaration that we cannot ignore it, especially as we see it coming to fulfillment. Israel dwelling safely is mentioned in verses 8 and 14, but the clearest is verse 11.

“You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’—” Ezekiel 38:11

This is certainly NOT the case in 2021. Israel still has walls all over the place, which have kept them safe from suicide bombers for 15 years. Because of the Circle of Peace that PM Netanyahu proclaimed, we are seeing this right before our eyes!

Another profound revelation from this chapter is the coalition of nations against Israel. They are led by Turkey, Iran, Sudan, and Libya. This is a totally different list than the Psalm 83 War, which has ended not in a final battle, but in the circle of peace process. Those Psalm 83 nations have fought Israel since 1948. They will be joined to Israel producing new borders reaching to the Ezekiel coalition. What an amazing day to be alive! Fasten your seat belts.

Keeping tabs on another potential participant in the circle, here is a new story from Indonesia.

“It’s time to make peace with Israel,” says vocal Muslim –  exclusive with a very special Muslim woman who is inspiring others: “Glory be to Israel!” Israel Today

Pray for the growing circle of peace for Jerusalem and pray for seasonal rain and snow.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)

 


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