Equality vs Equity

29 07 2021

Dry Bones Woke

You need to know the difference between these two words. I like to talk about “fun with words,” but this issue is not fun. America is under assault from a Marxist “cultural revolution” much like the terrible China revolution under Mao. Manipulation of words through redefinition and confusion is typical. As in the cartoon, there are many new issues being used by the “Woke” culture to divide Americans. I am focusing on just one of those issues.

Equality and equity come from the same root word, equal. But, they have opposite meanings. Today’s Marxists use “equity” because it conflates and confuses the two words. They sound to most hearers like they both mean equal, but here is the difference. Equal refers to “equal opportunity.” Equity refers to “equal outcomes.”

America has always stood for equality. The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal.” All should have equal opportunity for the American dream. That used to be out of reach for many, but through the years this equal opportunity has expanded exponentially as our nation has matured. New laws freed the slaves, gave them the right to vote and much more. Women who were denied voting rights finally gained that right. My point is that we continue to correct past wrongs, and although we have more to do, we still “have come a long way, baby,” as the saying goes.

Equity, on the other hand, demands (even by force) that all have equal outcomes. All people should have equal shares of wealth, regardless of their effort. This is unbiblical. The Bible teaches personal responsibility and accountability. No wonder rejection of God goes with this “cultural revolution.” Marxism has always been characterized by godless atheism.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

Free stuff from the government is not Biblical. With the requirement of responsibility comes the ability to respond. Our laws should be sure to protect everyone’s opportunity for advancement. History is full of rags to riches stories of those from humble beginnings who achieved great things. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is a great current example. He was on the verge of a life of drugs and rebellion when a Christian owner of a Chick-fil-A restaurant helped him change his life through opportunity to know Jesus and the opportunity to advance at work. In fact, prosperity and liberty are connected to the blessing of God. Faith in the Messiah Yeshua changes all lives for the better beyond color, gender, or other differences.

So, when you encounter the propaganda about equality and equity, remember the distinction between opportunity and outcome.

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

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)





How Long Will Israel’s Government Last?

24 07 2021

There have already been at least three votes of “no-confidence” in the new coalition Israeli government. One was 59-59 with two abstentions. If just one abstention had voted against the coalition there would be new elections. Yesterday, Ayelet Shaked, a top member of the Prime Minister’s Yamina party said she would bring the coalition down if they submit to Biden’s pressure to freeze “settlements.” 

I will quit govt if it agrees to settlement freeze, Shaked says“If the government does something fraught with what I believe are grave ideological implications, I won’t be a part of it. For example, if the US demands a freeze on building in Judea and Samaria — then there will be no government,” she said. 

Her statement came hours after PM Bennett apparently indicated a move toward a freeze. This is the same old playbook from the Obama/Biden years which never accomplished any progress because of the refusal of the Palestinian Authority to negotiate. They always insisted on pre-conditions before sitting down to talk. The same old pattern is accepted again by the Biden Administration.

ANALYSIS: Biden’s Attempt to Revive Peace Process Seems Dead in Its TracksThe Biden administration is working hard to get Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, but is making all of Obama’s mistakes. More than a week after the Palestinian Authority (PA) presented a grocery list of preconditions for new peace talks with Israel to the US administration of President Joe Biden, it appears that the United States has accepted at least one of these conditions.

On Wednesday, July 21, it was announced that the Americans are demanding that Israel stop all construction activities in the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and that the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett apparently has given in to this demand. Israel Today

Notice that the issue is land again. Every time the anti-Israel left gains power, they immediately move to block Yehovah God’s purpose to restore Israel to its Biblical mandate for all of the land. God seems to be using the same pattern as when Israel originally took possession of the land city by city. But, make no mistake, His Biblical promise will be fulfilled because of His faithful character.

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19

Whenever man finds himself blocking the path of God’s plan, he loses. God curses those who curse Israel. It is Yehovah who sets the boundaries of nations and He has chosen Israel and the exact boundaries of her habitation.

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,” Acts17:26 

…Yehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—” Genesis 15:18

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)





No More Chunky Monkey

20 07 2021

Dry Bones Ben & Jerry hate

The big story in Israel this week is about ice cream. Yes, really. Ben & Jerry’s, an extreme left-wing company owned by anti-Israel Jews, has joined the BDS movement to boycott Israel. (BDS means: boycott, divest, and sanction). What it means for me is no more Chunky Monkey, my fave B&J flavor. The reaction is all over the place. Leftists rejoice and pro-Israel folks are disgusted. Does it matter in the big scheme of things? I think it does. It is nothing for me to give up Chunky Monkey, but if we ignore each incremental economic attack on Israel, the anti-Israel crowd will win.

The good news is that BDS is not winning and even this latest attempt will backfire. The Israeli company making Ben & Jerry’s has the license until the end of 2022 and will continue to sell it till then. Their sales in Israel have jumped by 21%. However, in the U.S, we need to show the mistake the global company is making, thus, no Chunky Monkey for me, until I visit Israel next year!

Statement from Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in response to the decision by Ben & Jerry’s: “There are many ice cream brands, but only one Jewish state. Ben & Jerry’s has decided to brand itself as the anti-Israel ice cream. This decision is morally wrong and I believe that it will become clear that it is also commercially wrong. The boycott against Israel – a democracy surrounded by islands of terrorism – reflects a total loss of way. The boycott does not work and will not work, and we will fight it with full force.”

Ben & Jerry’s: We will not sell our products in the “Occupied Palestinian Territories” – Popular ice cream company to continue doing business within pre-’67 borders, but ends services in Judea and Samaria in BDS win.

Watch: Israeli minister throws her Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in the garbage – Economy Minister Orna Barbivai throws out her Ben & Jerry’s ice cream following its decision to boycott Judea and Samaria.

Ben & Jerry’s Israel sales jump 21% – Israelis show support for Israeli company which manufactures popular ice cream in Israel after global corporation announces boycott. 

This is a good time to remember my favorite verse regarding prayer for our city or nation. It speaks of the authority of our voices. We must speak up. The authority of a believer has direct results. Doreen and I use the reference number to remind us to pray each day at 11:11, both A.M and P.M.

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 11:11

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rain.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)





Messiah and the 9th of Av

17 07 2021

nineth of Av 1200px-Francesco_Hayez_017

The day of mourning for the destruction of the first and second Biblical Temples began at sundown July 17, 2021. For Jews it is a day of fasting and remembrance, not only that the temples were destroyed on the exact day over 650 years apart, but also many other Jewish tragedies were on the 9th of Av. We need to intentionally pray and stand with Israel this weekend. But, beyond the mourning is the belief that only the Messiah coming will end Jewish persecution. Here is a quote from a Jewish website making this very point.

Mourning the Temple: Tisha B’av at the Western WallOn Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, the First and Second Jerusalem Temples were destroyed. Jews from all sectors mourn the Holy Temples at the Western Wall, with prayers and lamentations.  The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, sending the Jewish into a 70-year exile. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, and Judean independence was lost following the fall of the city of the city of Beitar, the last stronghold of the Bar Kochba revolt. After the destruction of the Temple, the Jews lost their spiritual center and were exiled from their homeland. This is the exile which the Jewish People suffer from to this day, and it will be resolved only with the coming of the Messiah.

Days of mourning for Jews usually brings up the long awaited arrival of the Messiah. Anti-Semitism also reminds of the hope of the Messiah. My observation from a distance is that there is a notable increase of interest in the Messiah almost year by year. When I first visited Israel in 1984 more than 50% of Israeli Jews were atheists. Even though there is a strong secular segment in Israel, more Israelis are softening toward God. There is a growing number who now believe in Yeshua haMashiach. Jesus the Messiah. It is still only a remnant, but Yehovah God is turning hearts toward Him. Pray for hungry seeking hearts for Jews everywhere.

For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:24-26

Notice this is the re-gathering after being exiled to all the nations, which we now see in current events. God will give them a new heart and a new spirit after they return to their “own land.” Christians who have received the Messiah have had this very same experience of a new heart and a new spirit. I long for the glorious day when His chosen ones recognize Messiah and enter the joy and true Shabbat rest of the God of Israel. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rain.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)

 





Remarkable Secrets of Things to Come

14 07 2021

nebuchadnezzars-image

The prophet Jeremiah prophesied judgement on Jerusalem before, during, and after Babylon conquered the great city of God. But, the most amazing part is found in chapter 33 where God reveals the great forgiveness, healing, and restoration of Jerusalem. Most of Jeremiah’s contemporaries hated him because of his “doom and gloom” words. Check out this prophecy from Yehovah through Jeremiah:

“You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness.” Jeremiah 33:5 NLT

Yet, this word came immediately after Yehovah made His promise of secrets to Jeremiah.

“This is what Yehovah says—Yehovah who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is Yehovah: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 NLT

You might expect the secrets would be all good news, but the first prophecy was very bad news for Jerusalem during its three-year siege by Nebuchadnezzar. The corrupt false prophets of Jerusalem, who had sacrificed to the gods of Baal, were certain that God would never destroy the city. But they were “dead” wrong! I think it should sober us today about our own nation. Yehovah has the final say!

However, the prophecy does not end in gloom, but in great joy and mercy by Yehovah, for His name’s sake, because of His promises to their fathers. He did indeed abandon the godless ones in Jeremiah’s day, but revealed the greatest secret of the last day restoration of all that Yehovah had promised.

“Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns. I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion. Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.” Jeremiah 33:6-9 NLT

Notice that the “people of the world” will see all the good and tremble with awe! Wow! Did this happen at the return from Babylon? Did it happen when Jesus came? No, and it did not happen for nearly two thousand years after. But in 1948, Israel became a resurrected nation miraculously and is clearly experiencing the promised restoration and favor of Yehovah. Psalm 102 details the last horrible destruction of the Holocaust followed by the “time to favor Zion, yes, the set time has come.” God has certainly turned the page from judgement to mercy! Now we are seeing with our own eyes the fulfillment in process of Jeremiah’s “remarkable secrets.”

“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

Hallelujah! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, a 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.





“No Fear” Rally in DC Sunday

7 07 2021

No Fear DC Rally

This Sunday July 11 will see a DC rally to stand with American Jews who have experienced a dramatic rise in antisemitism.

American Jews Still Reeling From Rise In Anti-Semitism After Israel-Hamas Conflict, Survey Shows305. That’s how many anti-Semitic incidents the ADL recorded in May 2021, a 115% increase from the same period last year. This included 190 cases of harassment, 50 cases of vandalism and 11 assaults. 

Hundreds to rally outside US Capitol to protest antisemitism – Titled “NO FEAR: A rally in solidarity with the Jewish people,” the rally will feature prominent activists, leaders, elected officials and victims of antisemitic attacks. “It is time for the Jewish people and our allies to speak out against antisemitism with the many voices in our resilient community,” the rally’s website states. “Our tent is big. We welcome all Zionist, Jewish organizations, and allies. If you believe we have a right to exist in peace and security as a Jewish people both here in the United States and in Israel, then you belong with us.” Among the speakers attending will be Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.

This current explosion of Jew hatred may have been sparked by the May Gaza war, but is part of a larger trend toward more serious incidents of antisemitism globally against Jews and Israel itself. The Bible warns of this and it points to timing of end-time prophecy.

There is also an historical pattern repeating. Each major persecution of Jews follows a particular Biblical prophecy of Jeremiah of first fishers and then hunters, which I covered in my June 27 blog post. It is important for us as Biblical Zionists to stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers. On the surface it is attacking Jews, but the real hatred is of Yehovah God Himself. Notice the clear target in this passage is Israel, as a way to attack God:

Do not keep silent, O God! ​​Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! ​​For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; ​​and those who hate You have lifted up their head. ​​They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. ​​They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” ​​For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You:  Psalm 83:1-5

They are His enemies, they hate Him, and the confederacy is against Him! And also remember that the last days persecution in not only aimed at Israel and the Jews, but also against Bible believing Christians. This is more and more evident even from our own government. Choose this day Who you will serve and where you will take your stand. As for me and my house, we stand with Israel and the God of Israel. We may not be able to attend the rally, but we can pray.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)