Is God’s Wrath Good News?

25 10 2023

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A word about God’s wrath is quite timely with the Hamas massacre of Israeli civilians. We know that God is love and believers are to model His love. However, do you know there are some things God hates? It is a mistake to ignore His anger and hatred of evil. You know His opinion of idol worship, which included evil acts.

“You shall not worship Yehovah your God in that way; for every abomination to Yehovah which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.”   Deuteronomy 12:31

This sounds a lot like the abomination of Hamas on October 7. Hamas terrorists: We were told “whoever brings a hostage gets $10,000. and an apartment.” Jerusalem Post

So, how is the wrath of God good news? Consider this foundational concept found in Romans. Apostle Paul is clearly embracing the Gospel, also translated “good news” and “glad tidings.” Many fail, however, to connect the two aspects of this “good news.” It is certainly good news for salvation, although it is limited to those who believe. But Paul continues to explain the other half of the good news. God intends to ultimately deal with the problem of evil. It will end. Two things are revealed in this good news.

  1. “For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed.”
  2. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”

Unfortunately, many translations insert a break between these two thoughts. Now read these in context and see if you get my point. This is not at all about human payback or revenge. It is about Divine judgement. In the end evil is defeated by God Himself. Finally, even death itself is defeated. Hallelujah!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,”  Romans 1:16-18

God has many ways to dispense His wrath. Sometimes He uses man or nations. They may be either righteous or not, but either way God punishes the wicked. We pray for Yehovah’s righteous judgement in the present Gaza war. We pray for God’s wisdom and direction for Israel’s leaders, and courage to obey His commands.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in the exact timing of God’s purposes.

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


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No Pleasure in Death

18 10 2023

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You have seen the videos of people rejoicing over the October 7 massacre. Two points need to be understood from the Bible. First, judgement is coming on the wicked according to Obadiah. Second, the rest of us should check our attitude when the judgement comes. My Kenyan friend, Michael Masambu, made a great point on his Facebook post:

“Woe unto those that rejoice over the misfortunes of the Jewish Nation. October the 7th, 2023 will go down in the books of history as the worst day in Israel after the Holocaust. On this day the murderous gangs of Hamas sponsored by bloody thirst Iran infiltrated Israel and murdered in the most brutal way the innocent children, grandparents, the lame and the blind in the Israel territory. When this news was aired, the streets of Tehran were filled with people rejoicing and the government spokesperson praising the murder of the Israelites. As I was thinking about this, these Bible verses came to my spirit. This prophecy is powerful. Tell the enemies of Israel the pain they celebrated has become their portion.”  Michael K. Masambu

As we spoke this morning (before I saw his post) I was reading Obadiah myself. I believe the Lord wants me to confirm his comments with these two Scripture portions. The first was used by Michael in his post.

​“But you should not have gazed on the day of your brother in the day of his captivity; nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah ​​in the day of their destruction; nor should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress. ​​You should not have entered the gate of My people in the day of their calamity.  ​​Indeed, you should not have gazed on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity. ​​You should not have stood at the crossroads to cut off those among them who escaped; nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained in the day of distress. For the day of Yehovah upon all the nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head.”  Obadiah 12-15

“For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord Yehovah. Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:32

These two points may seem contradictory, but both reveal the nature of God. Both are true. Death is the ultimate result of our rebellion against God, but what is our attitude when we see the resulting death of the wicked? Do we rejoice? Do we take pleasure in their death? Certainly, we are glad that the evil is ended. Yet, what is God’s response? No pleasure. He grieves. He would rather they would repent and choose life. That should be our attitude as well. Make no mistake, I do believe Israel must eliminate the Hamas death cult in Israel’s own existential self defense. But, even though we thank Jesus for victory, we take no pleasure in the deaths, even of the wicked. They are eternally lost. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Maranatha! I believe many who are grieving in Israel at this time will turn to Yehovah God, their only true salvation through the Messiah Yeshua. That is my prayer for Jews and Arabs alike.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and timely rains.

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


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Let God Arise!

14 10 2023

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This week has been a time of deep intercession for Israel. This is what I have heard from the Holy Spirit. Please join me in praying for God’s supernatural protection and purpose for Israel as they deal with the demonic Hamas terrorist scourge.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: … a time of war, and a time of peace.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 8

“Let God arise,
​​Let His enemies be scattered;
​​Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.
As smoke is driven away,
​​So drive them away;
​​As wax melts before the fire,
​​So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad;
​​Let them rejoice before God;
​​Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.
​
Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
​​Extol Him who rides on the clouds,
​​By His name YAH,
​​And rejoice before Him.
​
A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
​​Is God in His holy habitation.
God sets the solitary in families;
​​He brings out those who are bound into prosperity;
​​But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.”  Psalm 68:1-6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in the timing appropriate for battle.
Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)

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No More Strength to Weep

12 10 2023

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Gaza invaded Israel to execute and assassinate ordinary civilians. Their purpose was not military. They intentionally murdered, raped, and beheaded elderly, women, children, and even babies. You know the news, but do you have the Biblical context and parallels? Consider the story of David before he became king. 

“And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep.” 1 Samuel 30:3-4 ESV

I see a parallel between David and Bibi Netanyahu. Bibi’s detractors accuse him of being king, but I believe he is God’s man of this hour for Israel. Captives were taken and pursued in both cases. Already, there are those who blame Bibi for the evil invasion of Hamas from Gaza into Israel. My prayer is that Bibi will do what David did. Pray that Bibi Netanyahu is seeking counsel from the living God regarding Gaza and the captives. 

“And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in Yehovah his God. — And David inquired of Yehovah, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”  1 Samuel 30:6 & 8 ESV

“For Gaza Shall Be Forsaken.” There is another parallel with ancient and modern Gaza. The Bible clearly says that Gaza will belong to Israel. Her judgement is prophesied in Zephaniah. Gaza today is a spiritual remnant of the Canaanite demonic principality. You need to understand that the word “Cherethites” literally means “executioners” or “assassins.” That demonic spirit clearly motivates the Hamas invaders today.

“Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! ​​The word of Yehovah is against you, ​​O Canaan, land of the Philistines: ​​“I will destroy you; ​​So there shall be no inhabitant.” ​​The seacoast shall be pastures, with shelters for shepherds and folds for flocks. ​​The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed their flocks there; in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. ​​For Yehovah their God will intervene for them, and return their captives.”  Zephaniah 2:5-7

Zephaniah 2 starts with three mentions of the anger or wrath of God. I have often proposed a response to the New Age bumper sticker: “Visualize World Peace.” My alternative bumper sticker is: “Visualize the Wrath of God!” This is not a mean spirited or fleshly idea, but rather the real order of things. Before we will see true world peace, we will see the judgment of God against violence and evil. Israel will only know true peace when they recognize that Jesus (Yeshua Sar Shalom) is the real prince of peace. This is also true for the Arabs/Palestinians. We all need Jesus! Pray that this horrible Hamas massacre will turn the hearts of the people to Yehovah, God of Salvation and to His Son, Yeshua ben Yehovah the Savior.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for rain, both natural rain and the rain of the Holy Spirit.

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

 


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Today’s Gaza Attack in the Bible

7 10 2023

Israel at war: At least 300 killed, dozens kidnapped, over 1,500 injured – Over 3,000 rockets fired towards Israel; Hamas kidnaps dozens of hostages in Be’eri and Ofakim. (Update Sunday: over 600 killed!)

This is a Saturday evening report, Eastern Time. You have probably heard of the terror invasion of Israel from Gaza, but there is a relevant Scripture that I want you to consider and pray over from the prophet Amos.

“Thus says Yehovah: 
​​“For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, ​​I will not turn away its punishment, because they took captive the whole captivity to deliver them up to Edom. ​​But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, which shall devour its palaces.”  Amos 1:6-7
I see four distinct aspects in this prophecy.
1. “I will not turn away its punishment.” (after the fourth transgression.) There have been four Gaza wars since the ill-advised withdrawal of Israeli rule (for Peace!) in 2005. The above text may indicate that this new attack will involve the destruction of Gaza as a walled-off separate entity.
2. “took captive the whole captivity.” A unique feature today is the taking of many captive hostages (over a hundred?)
3. “But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza,” This speaks of the destruction of Hamas and possible re-introduction of Israeli rule, thus needing no wall.
4. “​​which shall devour its palaces.” This speaks not only of the defeat of Hamas rule, but specifically eliminating Hamas leaders. The only people in Gaza with palaces are the evil terrorist leaders.
You may recall that the very name “Hamas” chosen by the terrorists themselves, comes directly from the Hebrew language and the Hebrew Bible and is translated “violence”. It is an Arabic acronym forming the Hebrew and English word Hamas which means : VIOLENCE! as a means of invoking terror by simply saying their name. The Hebrew word hamas is found in such passages as this from the days of Noah:
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.”  Genesis 6:11-12
The heinous machine gun slaughter of civilians on the streets of Israel, including women and children, is the same demonic spirit of violence (hamas). There is nothing new; this is the battle of the ages. The ancient principalities are still trying to overthrow the Kingdom of God and His salvation for sinful man. But we have read the end of the Book and we win. Israel wins. Because Yehovah God and the Messiah Yeshua are alive to keep every promise. Not one promise of God will fail. Satan has been stripped of his authority. Jesus has all authority!
Therefore we pray that God will finish the work in Gaza. We have reached the “four war limit” prophesied by Amos over 2,700 ears ago. Let’s agree together that this will be the last war with Gaza!
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for sweet abundant rains in Israel this year.
Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)

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Announcing June 2024 Israel Tour

4 10 2023

Sea of Galilee 2023

Having just returned from Israel with 35 happy travelers from six states, plus two from Kenya, I am excited to release the details of our next tour, June 17-27, 2024. Please pray about joining us in June. It was such a joy to bring 30 first timers in our group. Your life changes forever after witnessing with your own eyes the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus, the Messiah Yeshua as we walk His glorious land.

“For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, ​​And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, ​​Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, ​​And her salvation as a lamp that burns. The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, ​​And all kings your glory. ​​You shall be called by a new name, ​​Which the mouth of Yehovah will name. You shall also be a crown of glory ​​In the hand of Yehovah, ​​And a royal diadem ​​In the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, ​​Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; ​​But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; ​​For Yehovah delights in you, ​​And your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, ​​So shall your sons marry you; ​​And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, ​​So shall your God rejoice over you. ​​I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; ​​They shall never hold their peace day or night. ​​You who make mention of Yehovah, do not keep silent, ​​And give Him no rest till He establishes ​​And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”  Isaiah 62:1-7

Here is a thank you note from two of our new friends from our Sept 2023 tour, to give you an idea of our Israel experiences.

“We really liked taking a boat ride/sailing on the Sea of Galilee, floating in the Dead Sea, seeing the Temple Mount, the waterfall at Ein Gedi, and Hezekiah’s tunnel! (Just to name a few). It was truly a great trip and it was wonderful to meet new people and make new friends! 🙂 We truly are Blessed by God to have had this opportunity! 🙂 (and grateful for all the traveling mercies along the way).”  Nick & Sarah Wiseman, Florida

Please let me know if you are interested in our June ’24 Elisha Vision Israel tour. (Click here for itinerary.)

“I was glad when they said to me, ​​“Let us go into the house of Yehovah.” ​​Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! ​​Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together, where the tribes go up, the tribes of Yehovah, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of Yehovah.” Psalm 122:1-4

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain as we enter the rainy season.

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


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