Priesthood of Believers: OT Concept

24 08 2019

LOLMy last commentary explained that being “grafted in” was an Old Testament concept. Today I will show how the “priesthood of all believers” is also an Old Testament concept. Most modern Christians have replacement theology in their spiritual DNA and mistakenly think everything we need to know is only in the New Testament. The benefit of discovering our Jewish roots deepens our intimacy with God the Father through Yeshua. He came to show us the Father. Understanding Yehovah God’s restoration of Israel is necessary for the fulfillment of “one new man.” Jewish and non-Jewish believers are joined into one through the Messiah. Jesus is not an end in Himself, but the way to the Father:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

The Messiah comes to complete the Father’s will. If you miss this truth you miss intimacy with the Father. Some Christians read the Old Testament to see Jesus there, but my hope is that you see the Father in the New Testament because you know Him in the Old. Most Bible believing Christians know about Peter’s declaration of our priestly calling, which agrees with John in Revelation:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5-6 (also Rev. 5:10)

But, here is the “shocker” for most Christians. Yehovah tried to institute the priesthood of all believers in Exodus. When Moses first went up the mountain, God told Moses what He wanted to do with Israel:

“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” Exodus 19:6

However, when Yehovah God came down upon the mountain in all His Glory, the people were so terrified that they refused God’s intention to speak directly to them in intimacy.

Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”Exodus 20:18-19

Even today most Christians believe God does not speak to them. Yet, He has always wanted to speak intimately to us, but we refuse. Through Jesus, our Messiah, we once again are invited to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Are you ready? Are you willing?

One final thought. The idea that Moses was to hear God for them and then tell them what God said led to a great judgement. It was the beginning of religious hierarchy that still prevails today in both Judaism and Christendom. It is not His will. He wants us all to be priests, not  a special class of just a few leaders of pastors and priests. We are all His ministers, no exceptions! He desires intimacy which each one of His children. He desires to speak to us and with us, so we can speak to the lost world. Now is the time to listen to His voice. Go to Him yourself. Go directly to Him through the blood of the Lamb. Sit with Him. Enjoy Him. He is still waiting… Enjoy this great Chris Tomlin song.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in the time of latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Grafted In: an Old Testament Concept

20 08 2019
Grafted in MessianicSealAnim

This is an actual symbol of First Century Jewish believers in Yeshua as the Messiah

Christian believers rejoice in the “grafted in” verse in Romans 11, but what if I told you it comes from God’s prophetic promise to Isaiah? This is developed in depth by Nehemiah Gordon in his video teaching: Minding My Own Business. Seriously, you should watch it. Let’s compare the verses.

But Yehovah will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob. He will choose Israel as his special people once again. He will bring them back to settle once again in their own land. And people from many different nations will come and JOIN them there and unite with the people of Israel. Isaiah 14:1 NLT

The King James says: “strangers will be joined with them”. Nehemiah explains that the Hebrew text comes from a root that literally means “grafted” to Israel. Wow! Here is what Paul says in Romans.

And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. Romans 11:17-18

Romans 11 is a major hinge of history explaining the breaking off of Jewish branches in judgement. That opened the door for the nations to come in, but don’t forget the ultimate event of the Jews being grafted back into their own tree! Hallelujah!

For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? Romans 11:24

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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Thieves and Robbers

16 08 2019

550_We-The-People

Please permit just a few simple thoughts about the U.S. southern border issue. Since today’s candidates seem to dabble in Bible references (mostly inaccurately), consider this.

  1. Borders have legal crossings or gates. Anyone coming another way is illegal. Jesus Himself said:

    “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!”  John 10:1

  2. The accusation against the United States of a “lack of compassion for the needy refugees” is a lie against the total history of this country. There has never been such a charitable country in the history of the world. So the condemnation is more like the time that disciples complained about the lavish gift by Mary that “should have been given to the poor.” Sometimes there are higher priorities.

    Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”  Matthew 26:7-8 NLT

  3. Finally, the Bible is quite specific about borders of nations. Who knew that God was interested in such things?

    From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.  Acts 17:26

Politicians should not misuse the Bible, but we all must recognize that the Bible is God’s direct guidance to us about His priorities. All of our “rights” come from our merciful and gracious heavenly Father. It is concisely stated in the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain. Also, pray for the United States of America, for God’s grace to shower down on us.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


Comments : 2 Comments »

Categories : Israel Commentary

God is Faithful

13 08 2019
FB_IMG_1467741358835

Yeshua Lives! Israel Lives!

The eternal promises of Yehovah God are based entirely on His character of faithfulness. He does not lie, and He keeps His word, even to a thousand generations. I want to look at one promise in Jeremiah that illustrates God’s faithful character. Jeremiah 29 has one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. Yet, it is greatly misunderstood. Christians are quick to jump on verse 11:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yehovah, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

This text is not a blanket promise that things will always get better for everybody. History and life certainly contradicts that interpretation. So what is the message here that is so encouraging to believers? I see three distinct messages in the context of Jeremiah 29.

  1. First, this is written historically to the specific Jews who were taken away from Jerusalem and Judah in the 70 year-long Babylonian captivity. In verse 11, Jeremiah speaks a literal promise that Yehovah God has not forgotten them. They are to live and thrive in that strange land. Notice this verse:

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yehovah for it; for in its peace you will have peace. Jeremiah 29:7

So verse 11 is a literal promise that God will restore them after 70 years.

  1. Secondly, this promise applies as a general principle of God’s covenant faithfulness, but only to those who believe and follow His ways. In that sense, it applies to us today who love Yehovah and walk in His pathway. However, it cannot be taken as a blanket promise for all people. There is still reaping and sowing and accountability. Judah’s physical and spiritual adultery is why they ended up in Babylon. If you want to claim the promise, you also sign on for the accountability part. So remember that there is a future and a hope….in God!

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

  1. Thirdly, there is a literal application for Israel today! Yes, it applied to historical Judah. Yes, it applies to believers everywhere who call on Him from the heart. They will find Him. But almost like a verse that doesn’t fit, verse 14 speaks of a different historical period that is way in the future.

I will be found by you, says Yehovah, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says Yehovah, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. Jeremiah 29:14

This does not refer to Egypt or Babylon or any limited captivity in a single nation, but to the future great Diaspora (dispersion). It foretells a time when Israel will have been scattered to all the nations of the world. This has been their condition for nearly 2,000 years since the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. BUT GOD! But, Yehovah does not leave them scattered. He has planned one last great regathering of His chosen ones to the PLACE from which they were scattered. We are now eyewitnesses of this great miracle that proves Yehovah’s covenant faithfulness. He is the promise keeping God!

I wrote in my book, Speak To The Dirt!, that God has no Plan B. The church did not replace Israel, we were adopted by the Father and added to the family. If God broke His promise to Israel then we have no logical basis to trust Him to keep His promises to Christians. Ah, but He has kept His Israel promise. He is restoring them to their land, their language, their scriptures, their God and their Messiah. Therefore we trust His promises to us.

Yay God! We are with you. Count us in. We rejoice in the true peace of Jerusalem. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists.     (READ MORE)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Ninth of Av Explained

7 08 2019

Nazi Arabs boycott

Today’s BDS (boycott, sanction, divest) movement against Israel is nothing new. Here is a news article from 1937 in the build up to WWII. The same tactics are rising today from the same hateful demonic spirit against Jews and against God. This is not about “the West Bank, it is about the Jews and all of Israel. The Palestinian’s main goal is not a state, but the end of the Jewish state. Will the world allow history to repeat itself?

This coming Saturday evening in the Jewish calendar is the start of the ninth of Av, the date in Jewish history that many terrible events took place. Here is just a partial list:

  1. The ten spies with the evil report of the Land to Moses.
  2. Destruction of Solomon’s Temple 587 BC.
  3. Destruction of the Second Temple 70 AD.
  4. Romans crushing of the last Jewish revolt in 135 AD.
  5. Jews expelled from England 1290 AD
  6. Jews expelled from France 1306 AD.
  7. Jews expelled from Spain 1492 AD.
  8. Germany  entered WWI 1914 AD.
  9. Holocaust began (Final Solution) 1941 AD.
  10. Argentina Hezbollah bombing killed 85 in 1994 AD.
  11. Israel withdrawal from Gaza (and Hurricane Katrina began) 2005 AD.
  12. BDS movement (close to that date) in 2005 AD.

COINCIDENCE? Is that enough motivation for us to pray hard this weekend?

Pray especially this week for protection and peace for Jerusalem and for Jews everywhere, because the ninth of Av coincides with a Muslim holiday which often means trouble. Also, please continue to pray for rain in the time of latter rain. The verses below apply to this essay, as well as the terrible shooting in the U.S. recently.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. ​​He only is my rock and my salvation; ​​He is my defense; ​​I shall not be moved. ​​In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. ​​Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; ​​God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:5-8

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists          (Read more)

 

 


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

“Spontaneous” Gaza riots cancelled for this week

5 08 2019

Gaza riots

This is a true story from our “You can’t make this stuff up” department.

The “spontaneous” Friday riots, where we are told that ordinary Gazans just go on their own to protest (usually) Israeli policies, are being cancelled this week.

The reason given by the National Authority for Return and Breaking the Siege, which was published in Hamas newspapers, is because it is the day before Eid al Adha and they wanted their rioters to have a chance to prepare for the holiday.

These riots have been going on every Friday for over a year with casualties on both sides. They are not spontaneous in any way. “Demonstrators” are brought to the area on busses. Even more horrible is the following United Nations finding:

United Nations: Hamas recruits children for terror activity – Special UN report states “children who work for terrorist organizations are exposed to high-level violence and exploitation.” The report detailed the various terrorist organizations which recruit children, including Hamas and Hezbollah. The report confirmed that children in Gaza and Judea and Samaria have been recruited by Islamic Jihad, Hamas and other terrorist groups.

Finally, last Friday a Nazi flag was raised at the Gaza riots. It was not the first time.

Hama swastikaFlag-1

At the weekly Hamas-led March of Return riots, protesters displayed their true nature when they unfurled a large flag with a Nazi Swastika. 

On Friday, approximately 6,000 angry rioters challenged the security fence protecting Israel’s southern border. The rioters used slings to hurl stones at IDF troops as well as firebombs and improvised explosive devices. The soldiers responded with non-lethal riot-dispersal means. the Algemeiner

Ironically, Hamas issued an English language statement opposing the flags. However, their reason was that it hurt their cause, not that they rejected Nazism. Also, that it was “exploited by the Israeli occupation to distort our struggle for freedom and independence.” Right. Hamas is in complete independent control of Gaza and they are responsible for the lack of freedom of their people. Their “struggle” for freedom refers to taking over all of Israel and the genocide of the Jews. It’s in the Hamas Charter.

For more on the Palestinian connection to Hitler, click on this picture.

Grand mufti mufti-SS

Haj Amin el-Husseini, better known as the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, with Nazi SS officers in November 1943. (Credit: German Federal Archives/JNS.)

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.” Psalm 83:4-5

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in the right timing.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Israel Defends America

29 07 2019

Dry Bones Israel in Alaska

This cartoon reminds me of a T-shirt I purchased on my first trip to Israel in 1984. It pictured an Israeli fighter jet with the caption: “Don’t worry America, Israel is behind you!”

Of course the U.S. is much more powerful than Israel’s military, but there is a real connection here that must not be overlooked. Even with our mighty power, we will fall as all the other world empires have fallen, if we ever turn our back on Israel.

The cartoon refers to last week’s successful test of the Arrow 3 missile system developed jointly by Israel and the U.S.

Netanyahu lauds joint operation, saying system successfully intercepted ballistic missiles in space “at unprecedented altitudes and speeds. … They were successful beyond any imagination. The Arrow 3 – with complete success – intercepted ballistic missiles beyond the atmosphere at unprecedented altitudes and speeds,” the premier said. Times of Israel

The back story to the name, Arrow, for the new system is interesting. When Eliezer ben Yehuda was resurrecting the Hebrew language in the last century, he was particularly challenged to find Biblical roots for modern words. So for “missile” he chose the Biblical root of the Hebrew word for “arrow.” Now it has come full circle that Israel’s newest missile is named “Arrow.” How cool is that?

There is a great book about the rebirth of Hebrew available free on the internet. It is call Tongue of the Prophets by Robert St. John. It is a biography of Eliezer ben Yehuda (1858-1922).

For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of Yehovah, to serve Him with one accord.

Sing, O daughter of Zion! ​​Shout, O Israel! ​​Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, ​​O daughter of Jerusalem! Yehovah has taken away your judgments, ​​He has cast out your enemy. ​​The King of Israel, Yehovah, is in your midst; ​​You shall see disaster no more. ​​In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: ​​“Do not fear; ​​Zion, let not your hands be weak. ​​Yehovah your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; ​​He will rejoice over you with gladness, ​​He will quiet you with His love, ​​He will rejoice over you with singing. I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, who are among you, ​​To whom its reproach is a burden. ​​Behold, at that time ​​I will deal with all who afflict you; ​​I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; ​​I will appoint them for praise and fame ​​in every land where they were put to shame. ​​At that time I will bring you back, even at the time I gather you; for I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes,” says Yehovah. Zephaniah 3:9 & 14-20

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in the time of latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, here is a link to my book which explains it in detail, The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Moses, Netanyahu, and the Rebellion of Korah

25 07 2019

MosesIs there a similarity between Moses and Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for that matter also President Trump? There is an intriguing article in this month’s Israel Today Magazine, an Israeli Messianic based publication.

Korah and his clan recently made headlines in the Israeli media, and not just because of the weekly Torah portion. Korah’s rebellion against Moses is regarded as the first political opposition in the Bible. It is now being compared with the almost obsessive opposition to Israel’s current national leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. “Anyone but Moses” was the rallying cry at that time. Today, it’s “Anyone but Bibi.” Israel Today

The conflict in politics today in the U.S. and in Israel is closer than you may think to the rebellion in Moses’ day. First, a disclaimer: We do not agree with every decision of the PM or of Israel. They make wrong-headed decisions just like anyone else. However, let’s look at the real issue of Korah’s objection to the leadership of Moses.

Korah made a simple “democratic” point. To paraphrase verse 13: “Who died and made you king?” His contention was that everybody is equal and he accused Moses of exalting himself above the people. Was Korah correct?

Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men; and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown. They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and Yehovah is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of Yehovah?” Numbers 16:1-3

Notice that the 250 leaders were “representatives of the congregation,” sort of like Congress? But the point is that they rejected the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron. So the only question is simple. Did Moses exalt himself or was he placed there by the Almighty Yehovah God? In their case it was settled overnight. Unfortunately, today it takes accusation, litigation, investigation and then it is finally settled by an election. Here is the rest of the story.

And Moses said: “By this you shall know that Yehovah has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will. If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then Yehovah has not sent me. But if Yehovah creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected Yehovah.”

Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly. Numbers 16:28-33

I dare you to read all of Numbers 16 with a heart open to the Holy Spirit and open to the God who is holy.

Are Netanyahu and Trump better than other men? NO! Are they raised up to their places by the hand of Yehovah? Yes. If true, then watch God defend them and deal with their enemies.

One more disclaimer: I could be wrong. But it will become clear soon. In the meantime, I pray for both leaders and both nations that evil principalities will be bound and their evil plots be exposed for all to see. I pray this in the mighty name of Yeshua ben Yehovah, Jesus, the Son of God.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)

 

 


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Netanyahu Makes History

20 07 2019

Netanyahu Time-Magazine

Look Who’s on the Cover of TIME Magazine:  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now surpassed David Ben-Gurion to become the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel’s modern history. Netanyahu has already won five elections, and, facing a sixth, finds himself on the cover of the upcoming TIME Magazine.

“Bibi is preparing for yet another campaign, a September do-over election that will test yet again whether the Israel that has grown to resemble its Prime Minister—prosperous, powerful and resilient, yet insecure—still wants him,” reads the TIME article about Israel’s Prime Minister. Israel Today

Netanyahu officially makes Israeli history as longest-serving prime minister: As of Saturday, 69-year-old premier has served as nation’s leader for a total of 4,876 days. Times of Israel

Doreen and I were watching TV in 1982 when I first saw PM Netanyahu as a 33 year old young political attache at the Israeli Embassy interviewed by Ted Koppel of ABC’s Nightline. I told Doreen: “That man is going to be the Prime Minister of Israel.” He has now made history as the longest serving PM, surpassing founding father David ben Gurion, Israel’s first PM.

Two months from now he faces a new election that threatens Israel’s future. Every liberal opponent, media and massive money is set to defeat him. Will he win again? In my view, yes. Here is why. I simply believe he is God’s choice for Israel at this prophetic juncture of history. This is not a time for liberal political mush. He first gained attention in Israel for his strong opposition to the Oslo Accords that have proven to be a disaster. They were based on the failed concept of “land for peace” that only brought more Israeli deaths from terrorism that moved closer with every new concession of land.

netanyahu-seal

A Hebrew seal found in Jerusalem from the First Temple bearing the name “Netanyahu”

 

 

The name Benjamin Netanyahu is a Biblical name. Benjamin means “son of my right hand” was the only son of Jacob named by his father. Netanyahu means “gift of Yehovah” and so he is to modern Israel.

We must continue to pray for him to fulfill God’s purpose. I do not believe God is done with him. The same applies to President Trump. If either man turns away from God’s plan, God will remove him.

Daniel answered and said: ​​“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, ​​For wisdom and might are His. ​​And He changes the times and the seasons; ​​He removes kings and raises up kings; ​​He gives wisdom to the wise ​​And knowledge to those who have understanding. ​​He reveals deep and secret things; ​​He knows what is in the darkness, ​​And light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2:20-22

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

 

 

 


Comments : 1 Comment »

Categories : Israel Commentary

Biased Much?

15 07 2019

Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Lobbying for Israel

11 07 2019
Israel lives

Christians United for Israel 2019 Summit

Doreen and I just returned from 4 days in Washington, DC with Christians United for Israel. CUFI is the largest Christian pro-Israel group in the world at 7.1 million members! We heard an amazing array of speakers gathered together in one place by Pastor John Hagee, the founder of CUFI.

Speakers included VP Mike Pence, Sec. of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor John Bolton, US Ambassador David Friedman, Holocaust survivor Irving Roth, National Jewish leader Malcolm Hoenlein,Watchman Host Erick Stakelbeck, 2 IDF Commanders, 4 Senators, several Congressmen and many others. Their college outreach, CUFI on Campus, now has chapters on some 300+ universities. What an inspirational experience! Here is a YouTube link to the videos of the speakers. Enjoy!

Yet, the goal of the Summit was for the 5,000 people from all 50 states to lobby our representatives for pro-Israel legislation. It was our privilege to meet with staff of Senator Thom Tillis, and then four of us in a personal meeting with our Congressman, George Holding of NC District 2. He was totally willing to stand with Israel regarding the three bills we shared.

On a personal note, we enjoyed taking the train from Raleigh to DC and also took time the last day to visit the new Bible Museum near the National Mall. It was an outstanding experience and you could spend days researching the massive treasure trove of material, interactive displays, videos and ancient archaeological artifacts.

Keep praying and acting for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in the time of latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

5 07 2019
Amy Israel 1

Sea of Galilee Sunrise June 2019 (Amy Wolf)

THE GOOD NEWS is that Yehovah is on the job. He never slumbers or sleeps. He is not away in some far off galaxy on official business. He is right here, right now finishing what He started. And the finished product will be perfect. Remember that He created the universe when the earth was “without form and void”, or in Hebrew “chaos and an empty void”. If He created this beautiful planet out of that, we can expect His crowning achievement to be glorious.

Walk about Zion, and go all around her. ​​Count her towers; ​​Mark well her bulwarks; consider her palaces; ​​that you may tell it to the generation following. ​​For this God, is our God forever and ever; ​​He will be our guide even to death. Psalm 48:12-14

The above phrase “generation following” in Hebrew is “dor acharon” just like in Psalm 102:18, and it means “generation last.” Tell about Zion to the Last Generation! That’s us folks; time to saddle up!

God created Israel and Mount Zion as a place to write His name. He planned for Israel to bless the nations and the best is yet to come! For us who have become believers in His promised Messiah, especially when we realize we are Zionists, there is an unspeakable joy, just to be included. Thank you Father God. How about you? I am a Zionist!

THE BAD NEWS is that evil is still here for a short time, although even that has a hint of the end.

“Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:12

“Don’t you realize that from the beginning of time, ever since people were first placed on the earth, the triumph of the wicked has been short lived and the joy of the godless has been only temporary? Though the pride of the godless reaches to the heavens and their heads touch the clouds, yet they will vanish forever, thrown away like their own dung. Those who knew them will ask, ‘Where are they?’ Job 20:4-7 NLT

THE BEAUTIFUL NEWS is the wonderful restoration we see with our own eyes. Israel is blooming in the Middle Eastern deserts. She is blossoming as a beautiful rose, or like a sabra, as they say in Israel. The sabra is a flowering cactus plant that blooms even in the harshest environment. It is a nickname for native born Israelis who have risen on the shoulders of their persecuted ancestors. Even more than 70 years since the Auschwitz death camp, today Israel says: “NEVER AGAIN!”

Bless Yehovah, O house of Israel! ​​Bless Yehovah, O house of Aaron! ​​Bless Yehovah, O house of Levi! ​You who fear Yehovah, bless Yehovah!  ​​Blessed be Yehovah out of Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem! ​​Praise Yehovah! Psalm 135:18:21

Yet, Israel in all her glory cannot win alone. She must turn to the God of her Fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Only Yehovah, God of Heaven’s Armies, can win this last great battle. The Messiah will come and He will win, either with us or without us. As for me, count me in. I am a Zionist. (Today’s blog is from my Epilogue of Blessing Israel)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in the time of latter rain. Also, please pray for Doreen and I as we attend the Summit of Christians United for Israel in Washington, DC.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, here is a link to my book which explains it in detail, The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)


Comments : 1 Comment »

Categories : Israel Commentary

Fresh Israel Photos

1 07 2019
20190620_101135

Amy, Angie & Doreen at Caesaria on the Mediterranean

Please indulge me one more look back on our blessed Israel tour last week, before I get back to my regular commentary. Thanks.

Remember me, Yehovah, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. Psalm 106:4-5 NLT

From left to right: Roman aqueduct, En Gedi Spring (where David hid from Saul), Mosaic in Magdala 1rst Cent. synagogue, source of the Jordan River at Caesaria Philippi, Western Wall prayer, Jordan River baptism, View of Jezreel Valley from Mt Carmel, Old City Restaurant, and a word from the Lord from Jerusalem.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in the time of latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Back from Israel with Overwhelming Gratitude

28 06 2019

Land

Arriving home from Israel is always mixed emotions. The stirring of my spirit by tasting of the “Good Land” moves me to worship the one and only true God. Yehovah is the faithful one who keeps His promises. “Promises made, promises kept” is the perfect description of the unchangeable nature of God. He is the God who keeps His word. Yehovah is not a man that He should lie.

Modern Israel is such a miracle fulfillment that your life is changed forever when you see it with your own eyes. The impossible restoration of Israel shattered the predictions of its total destruction. Those who even now continue to work for the genocide of the Jews are doomed to failure, not because Israel is worthy, but because God swore an oath. Have you ever pictured Him literally raising His hand and swearing an oath?

…that you may enter into covenant with Yehovah your God, and into His oath, which Yehovah your God makes with you today, that He may establish you today as a people for Himself, and that He may be God to you, just as He has spoken to you, and just as He has sworn to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 29:12-13

Thus says the Lord Yehovah: “Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations,
And set up My standard for the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms,
And your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders; Isaiah 49:42

“Say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord Yehovah: “On the day when I chose Israel and raised My hand in an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob, and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt, I raised My hand in an oath to them, saying, ‘I am Yehovah your God.’ Ezekiel 20:5

“Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, Acts 2:30

Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:17

This is the hope derived from seeing Israel raised from the dead, back in their Land, waiting for the Messiah. He, Yeshua, will surely come and save those whose hearts are completely His.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and pray for rain in the time of latter rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, here is a link to my book which explains it in detail, The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Last day in Israel

25 06 2019

20190625_143720

Today we prayed for Prime Minister Netanyahu at his Jerusalem residence from our bus. We then prayed for President Trump at the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem!
Tomorrow we visit the City of David, Yad Vashem, and the Garden Tomb, before boarding our plane for the trip home. Thank you for your prayers.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and for rain.
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


Comments : 2 Comments »

Categories : Israel Commentary

First to Visit Trump Heights

21 06 2019

IMG_7093.jpg

According to our guide, we were the first group to visit Trump Heights on a tour. What a glorious day we enjoyed on the Golan Heights. It ended with a wonderful Jesus boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee. Tomorrow we have baptisms in the Jordan River and our entry into Jerusalem, the glorious city of Yehovah God.

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


Comments : Leave a Comment »

Categories : Israel Commentary

Abraham the Believer

17 06 2019

Talit

As we leave for our 2019 Elisha Vision “Speak to the Dirt” Israel tour, my thoughts turn to Abraham. Most translations of Genesis 15:6 say that he believed in the LORD. However there are several like this from the New Living Translation:

And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6

This is a better translation, that he believed the LORD (Yehovah). Even though many don’t believe in God, believing in God is a no-brainer.

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. James 2:19 NLT

So as you continue reading in James 2 you will find that the New Testament leaves out the word “in” for all translations.

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.  James 2:23 NLT

That means the New Testament leaders understood that Abraham did not just believe “in” God, he believed God. What a totally transformative meaning. He was a believer in the Messiah! You see, that is the promise that Yehovah made to Abraham. He would have a son who would be the line of ancestry from which the Messiah would come. That is why he was not afraid to offer Isaac. He believed God’s promise!

May we walk in the faith of Abraham and be counted righteous through the promised Messiah. Abraham believed, long before Yeshua appeared on this earth. How much more should we believe, who know the many fulfilled promises evident in the birth, death, and resurrection of Yeshua haMashiach, Jesus the Messiah!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Trump Heights/Ramat Trump

14 06 2019

Trump-Israel

The Golan Heights in Israel will soon  have a new town named after President Trump.(This Sunday, June 16, 2019)

A new community planned for the Golan Heights in honor of US President Donald Trump will be named Ramat Trump, literally translatable as “Trump Heights,” and will be approved at the next cabinet meeting on Sunday.

The cabinet secretary on Thursday sent to ministers details of the cabinet resolution for approving Ramat Trump, stating that the community will be located close to the existing village of Kela Alon and will be under the jurisdiction of the Golan Regional Council. Times of Israel

This is after the decision to name the new train station in the Old City: Donald J Trump Station. The U.S. President has made several momentous decisions that bless Israel. Here is a partial list:

  1. Stopped the Iran deal.
  2. Moved our Embassy to Jerusalem.
  3. Defunded Palestinian Authority because they pay salaries to terrorists (pay to slay).
  4. Defunded UNRWA, the UN propaganda arm in Gaza.
  5. Recognized Israel’s control of the Golan Heights (annexed by Israel in 1981).
  6. Considering allowing Israel sovereignty in part of Judea & Samaria (West Bank).
  7. Close/positive relationship with PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

The current United States Administration is blessing Israel, the seed of Abraham.  Therefore, on the basis of Genesis 15, we can expect Yehovah God’s blessing on America as a matter of principle and the faithfulness of God’s promise.

I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Genesis 15:3

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

52 Years of Love and Friendship

11 06 2019

 

20190611_152834

1967 Maine to 2019 North Carolina with A&W Mug

Today Doreen and I are celebrating our wonderful marriage of 52 years! Please indulge me a few comments on our extraordinary life-long love. We have certainly been blessed more than we deserve, by the favor and blessing of Yehovah God through His Son, Yeshua.

The top picture is from the week before our wedding on June 11, 1967. This was the precise time Israel was fighting the miraculous Six Day War. Our wedding day was the first day after the war. You can understand our attachment to Israel. We have stood with Israel for 52 years and counting. Our calling in ministry is eternally connected to our love for Israel. Our ministry name “Elisha Vision” reflects our prayer, that God would use us to open the eyes of His servants to see His surrounding warrior angels and know that “more are they that are with us, than they that are with them” (the enemies of Israel).

Our love for each other has always been defined by the most blessed intimate friendship two people could possibly enjoy. When we were dating at Berkshire Christian College in Lenox, MA, we discovered a secret to success in our future marriage:

Transparent Honesty – There are other important keys, but this is the first practical priority. Of course, the first priority was to put Jesus first, ahead of each other. But we discovered transparent honesty almost by accident. Now, we know it was God setting us on the right track, without us realizing it was Him.

On our very first date, we were on a Bible college hayride that had many funny moments. A friend and I decided to wear matching ponchos just to be silly, only to pick up our dates and find that they had heard of our plan and did the same thing. So four of us climbed into the station wagon with three more friends to travel two hours across the state to the hayride at which our men’s quartet was the entertainment. October in Massachusetts is a great time for a hayride unless the overloaded wagons are being pulled by sweaty horses at a temperature of 35 degrees with a steady drizzle. Ah! The steam generated by those horses created a cloud which of course the wagons passed through. It was a memorable evening in many ways. When we stopped on the way home at an A&W Root Beer drive-in, Doreen and I had the biggest order, so the proprietor gave us a slightly chipped mug which we treasure to this day! Our first brush with what we later came to recognize as transparent honesty was to occur on the way home after the hayride, the refreshments, the joke and story telling. Things had quieted down and no one was talking. I happened to have my arm on the back of the seat, not with romantic intent, but because of the fact that four of us were crowded into it. About this time I took my glasses off noticing the interesting effect of the stars changing from brilliant pinpoints of light to little blurry suns and back again as I switched back and forth. In the midst of this private reverie, I realized that Doreen was questioning me as to what I was thinking, since I was so quiet. Well, I immediately recognized an opportunity to come up with one of the most romantic lines of all times, but I liked her already too much to fake romance, so I just declined to answer. But she was not about to give up, and she kept teasing me till I finally reluctantly admitted: “The stars are pretty when I take my glasses on and off.”  Of course she was impressed with this surprising glimpse of depth and sensitivity and we laughed and enjoyed the whole evening. Yet, our great discovery did not happen that night, but about a week later. 

We were walking into town one afternoon when I noticed that Doreen was unusually quiet and pensive. She was a million miles away. So I asked her what she was thinking with a note of teasing in my voice. She was very embarrassed and did not want to answer. Never one to back off, I kept teasing and chiding her that I had told her what I was thinking the night of the hayride. Finally, she soberly agreed to tell me with the disclaimer that she would not at all have dared mention it under any other circumstances. Her honest thoughts were about whether I might be the one God intended to be her husband some day. Well I joined her in the embarrassment and we agreed that it was certainly too soon to tell, but that it was in the Lord’s hands. Having quickly settled that point we went on to discuss the amazing concept of being so honest with someone that you would even tell them what you were thinking! It was a great revelation that we would only later discover was in the Bible. It was so good, we agreed to be that honest with one another from then on, and we still are! (Excerpt from our little marriage booklet: 7 Keys to a Happy Marriage)

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:13-14 NLT

“Truth” in this verse is not doctrinal purity, but simple honesty. It is the first piece of the famous armor for our spiritual warfare. Honesty is non-negotiable in human relations, especially marriage.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                       (Read more)


Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Bye Bye Avigdor Liberman

6 06 2019

Liberman2

“We won’t allow Israel to return to how it was under King David” This statement is from Avigdor Liberman, after blowing up the Israeli election process by refusing a compromise to form a conservative government under Prime Minister Netanyahu. (Excellent analysis of his personal vendetta against Netanyahu in this Caroline Glick column.)

My Prediction: Let me go out on a limb here. Bye-bye Liberman. He will not prosper politically. His party won five seats in the April election, and some polls suggest he will win nine in the September election. However, I believe Netanyahu was selected by God to lead Israel and therefore Liberman is fighting against Yehovah God. Let me explain his most egregious violation.

Liberman is strongly secular and he opposed the religious parties on the military draft controversy. However, with the above declaration rejecting King David, he has stepped away from the favor of God. He accused the orthodox of wanting to establish a theocracy, which may or may not be true. In fact, I have my own reservations about the motives of the religious orthodox parties. Yet the issue is above politics or religion.

King David did not rule over a theocracy. It was a monarchy, led by a fallible man, but who was a man after God’s own heart. We also should seek God’s heart.

But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do. Acts 13:22 NLT

David’s government was not a theocracy. It prospered when he listened to God and it faltered when he did not listen. The point is the amazing liberty that God gave David, a man, to rule as a king, under God. Israel will have no king until the Messiah. But any leader who listens to God’s voice will prosper. King Saul would not listen:

“How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command Yehovah your God gave you. Had you kept it, Yehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom must end, for Yehovah has sought out a man after his own heart. Yehovah has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept Yehovah’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:13-14

I have made clear my opinion about Pres. Trump and PM Netanyahu being chosen by God. This does not speak to their character any more than King David. But as long as they manage to walk in God’s purpose for their nation, they will prosper in their governing. That is why I have faith to pray for them. It is so important that they listen to God, and to godly counsel surrounding them both. 

If you doubt my reasoning, just remember the name on the eternal throne from which Jesus, the King of Kings, will rule. It is not Jesus. It is not Yehovah. It is the name of a man: David. The mystery of intimacy with God is the secret key that every believer should desire. Seek first…the Kingdom and His righteousness.

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and Yehovah God will give Him the throne of His father David. Luke 1:32

We will never have a better idea than God’s plan. Let us seek His face, His intimacy, so we can walk, and yes govern, the way He chooses for us.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Ready for our Israel Tour!

4 06 2019

Joy

Two weeks from today we fly to Israel with 30 folks for the experience of a lifetime. Doreen and I are honored to lead the group who are mostly first-timers. Even though this is my fifteenth time, I still feel just like this sweet little girl. I always feel like a salmon returning to its spawning grounds. Jerusalem is the center of the earth and the center of God’s redemptive purpose. When the Messiah comes, He is not coming to Washington, DC or New York or London or Rome or Mecca or anywhere else. He is coming to Jerusalem.

I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,’ says Yehovah your God.  Amos 9:14-15 ESV

We are now praying about a 2020 Elisha Vision Israel Tour. If you would be interested, please let us know, here.

Prayer Points: Here is a current list of prayer points for Israel and the Jewish people:

  1. Psalm 102:13 Now is the time! (The Holocaust Psalm)
  2. Psalm 83:9 Pray that Yehovah will deal with Israel’s enemies as he did with Midian when they turned on each other in Gideon’s day.
  3. Psalm 122 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
  4. Zechariah 10:1 Pray for rain in the time of latter rain.
  5. Romans 11:23-24 Pray for Israel to grafted in again.
  6. Ezekiel 36 Pray through the whole chapter as a literal prophecy.
  7. Isaiah 62:6 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
    They shall never hold their peace day or night.
    You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent,

If you want your prayers answered, pray what Yehovah has already said He will do.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Israel & U.S. Prayer Call

30 05 2019

Pray for President

Israel is going into unprecedented new elections this September, for failure to form a governing coalition. In America, calls for impeachment are rapidly increasing. We join with Franklin Graham’s call for prayer and include Israel in our petition before Yehovah. Both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are under spiritual attack as I have been saying for months now by the evil spirit of Haman (see here).

Here is Franklin Graham’s call to national prayer:

Along with 250+ Christian leaders, I am asking followers of Christ across our nation to set aside next Sunday, June 2, as a special day of prayer for the President, Donald J. Trump.

President Trump’s enemies continue to try everything to destroy him, his family, and the presidency. In the history of our country, no president has been attacked as he has. I believe the only hope for him, and this nation, is God.

This is a critical time for America. We’re on the edge of a precipice. Time is short. We need to pray for God to intervene. We need to ask God to protect, strengthen, encourage, and guide the President.

We know that God hears and answers prayer. He can soften hearts and change minds. He is all-powerful, and He rules over the affairs of nations. The Bible instructs us to pray for those in authority, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”               1 Timothy 2:2–3

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Haman and Global Jihad

28 05 2019
Bullseye

Here is our prayer target for this week.

Israel may have to have another round of elections. There is a major battle in the spiritual realm that requires our sincere and sober intercession in prophetic prayer. Early this year I heard a new emphasis of this clear word from the Lord about Haman in the Book of Esther. I declared a warning about the genocidal spirit of Haman in March of 2016, and several blogs since then. It was immediately apparent that the devious spirit was arrayed against Israel and the U.S. to oppose Donald Trump. It is still true, and also applies to PM Netanyahu of Israel. We must bind the spirit of Haman and pray that the evil plot will be exposed.

The Esther Solution: Jews all over the world celebrate Purim, the great victory over their enemies in the Book of Esther. The basis of their win was simple: self-defense. The King had issued a law allowing the execution of all Jews. Esther’s famous story “for such a time as this” and “if I perish, I perish,” resulted not in reversing the law, but in a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. What a concept!

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. Esther 9:1-3 (You should read this short Book of Esther)

What does this have to do with global jihad?  Europe is one big “gun-free zone.” Citizens are not allowed to defend themselves. Believe it or not, the solution is not simply a 2nd Amendment argument. This Esther principle is the global solution for nations. Israel (as usual) is the classic example. Their correct justification for military action is that they have a national right and a personal right to defend themselves. Their enemies also attack civilian soft targets. Israel is different because they fight back. In the United States, we still have the 2nd Amendment, although it is seriously undermined, but Europe is defenseless.

The goal of Haman in Esther was the death of every Jew. That is the same demonic principality unleashed today. Only now, it includes Christians, and by extension, the Western free world. Are you willing to stand up for Israel today? We are in this together, make no mistake. President Trump is known for “punching back” whenever he is attacked, and is often criticized for his undiplomatic attitude. However, this is a time in history when we need to wake up, stand up, and speak up for God’s purpose.

Here is the warning that Mordecai gave 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?” Esther 4:13-14

Pray for courage for our leaders in America and Israel. And keep praying for the peace of Jerusalem and for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

The Monkey Trap and the Arab World

23 05 2019

Dry Bones monkey trap

The Arab world just won’t let go of the apple of antisemitism, so they can’t slide their hand out of the trap. If they would just drop the apple, they could then easily slide their hand out of the trap and be free. But, apparently, like the monkey, they can’t bring themselves to let go. (Dry Bones Israeli cartoonist Yaakov Kirschen.)

Golda Meir, one of Israel’s greatest Prime Ministers, is often quoted as having said:

  • Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.

So, why do the Arabs hate the Jews so much? Antisemitism is certainly rampant, but the true source is the spirit of anti-Christ. Right from the beginning, Satan has been trying to kill Yehovah’s plan of a Messiah to save the world. From the garden of Eden, to Herod killing the babies of Bethlehem, to the Holocaust; Satan has been killing God’s people in His coup effort to overthrow God Himself.

The Messiah Yeshua came, but Satan is still trying to kill all of the spiritual sons and daughters of God who believe in the Messiah. Even after the Holocaust, Satan is trying to destroy Israel because her miracle resurrection again defeats the devil’s intentions.

I keep coming back to those who love truth and those who don’t. God made it quite clear in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians.

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

Make no mistake, only those who love the truth will live forever in God’s glorious Kingdom. We must humble ourselves before the revealed truth that comes to us from the Holy Spirit in direct witness to the spoken truth and to Scripture.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for rain and pray for the glorious light of truth to be seen and embraced by all truth lovers.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Is Israel the Garden of Eden?

20 05 2019
Yad Vashem view today

View from Yad Vashem today

“So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden;” Ezekiel 36:35

Doreen and I first visited Israel 35 years ago in 1984. My memory of the Jerusalem hills is that they were rocky and quite barren. The picture below is from that trip. You can see the horizon, beyond the sculpture. It is clear that there are relatively few trees. The above picture is close to the same area today! (Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center)

1984 at Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem view in 1984

Am I saying that Israel is the garden of Eden? I really don’t know where it was, but the promise is clear. People will “say” that it is like the garden of Eden. That is my point. The contrast from just the last 35 years is stark. Imagine the changes since Jew first started returning to the land 150 years ago! More than 250 million trees have been planted since 1900. The Jewish National Fund plants 3 million trees as year!

Thus says the Lord Yehovah: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, Yehovah, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, Yehovah, have spoken it, and I will do it.” Ezekiel 36:33-36

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Abortion Constitutional Right?

16 05 2019

bernie-sandersBernie Sanders tweeted this week that abortion is a constitutional right. Really? … Only in a bizzaro, upside-down world. Have you ever heard of the “right to life” movement? Where did they get their catchy slogan? Oh wait, the constitution, or more specifically the Declaration of Independence!

 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (Declaration of Independence 2nd paragraph)

There are greatly profound words here. These truths are undeniable rights.

  1. They are obvious (self-evident). An earlier draft said “sacred and undeniable!
  2. These truths are equally granted to everyone (no caste system here).
  3. These rights come from the CREATOR (the living God who is the source).
  4. These truths belong to everyone and cannot be taken away or transferred (unalienable).

Then the three classic examples are given in ascending order. Life itself is first (obviously!) or the other two don’t exist. Life is granted by the CREATOR and it is guaranteed by the good government constituted by the founders and expressed in the Declaration. Government exists to preserve this most basic right: to LIFE. 

It is only in life that liberty and happiness may result. For Bernie Sanders to brazenly contradict the specific words of the Declaration of Independence is nothing short of political blasphemy. Abortion has taken the LIFE of 60 million babies since 1973 in America. Talk about genocide!

For years we have talked about Psalm 83 in this blog in the context of Israel’s current threat of war from the bordering nations. But it starts with a transcendent revelation explaining why they attack Israel. They hate God! They only attack Israel because they can’t reach God, so they go after those He loves. Notice the underlined words:

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

Therefore, I submit that abortion is the ultimate rebellion against God, against LIFE itself. May Yehovah God our Father, and His Son Yeshua, have mercy on our land and give us His Holy Spirit!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Trump Supports Settlement Sovereignty

13 05 2019

Annex Judea & Samria

Report: Trump won’t oppose applying Israeli law to settlements – American peace plan reportedly includes provision for all Israeli towns over Green Line to remain under Israeli control.

President Trump keeps upping the ante in the peace process. Israeli TV reports that the “Deal of the century” peace plan will allow Israel to extend sovereignty over the cities and towns of the so-called West Bank which includes over 400,000 Israelis. This is big. It’s like moving the Embassy and recognizing Israel’s control of the Golan Heights.

Miracle of Christian support for Israel – More and more Israelis are recognizing the amazing rising tide of pro-Israel Christians. The above video shows Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria thanking Christians for our support. I spoke at an event in Wake Forest, headlined by Sondra Baras, the spokeswoman in the video from CFOIC.com and I totally endorse their ministry.

Settlers hail ‘historic opportunity’ after report Trump won’t oppose annexation – Channel 12 news says imminent US peace plan will recognize that all Israeli-settled areas in West Bank ‘will remain in Israeli hands under a permanent accord’ “We have to take advantage of this window of opportunity during the Trump administration in the wake of the transfer of the embassy to Jerusalem and the recognition of the Golan Heights. Now it is time for sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” he said, referring to the West Bank by its biblical name.

Consider this Ezekiel passage addressed not to the people, but to the LAND of Israel:

But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to My people Israel, for they are about to come. For indeed I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown. I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bear young; I will make you inhabited as in former times, and do better for you than at your beginnings. Then you shall know that I am Yehovah. Ezekiel 36:8-11

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Stay In Your Lane

7 05 2019

 

L & D Gulf Coast 2019 cropped 2

We rarely talk about ourselves, but today it is time to explain our calling. Doreen and I have a “niche” ministry. By that, I mean we have a unique calling to a singular lane of ministry. I see my assignment as a “voice of Christian Zionists.” My hope is that my blog and my YouTube videos will supply you with seed about God’s faithful promises made and promises kept in the restoration of Israel today. You may not have time to spend 40+ hours a week keeping up with prophetic developments, but that is my calling, to sum it up for you. We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Does that diminish other callings? Of Course not! No one person does everything, we each have special giftings for our specific task. The Holy Spirit in us can allow us to rise to the occasion for any need, but we still have a normal focus on our lane.

When Doreen and I ministered in Kenya recently, our message was still Israel. God gave us a word that we were to take “seed for the sowers.” That was quite specific. The result was that several pastors (from at least five nations) along with more than two thousand young future leaders of Kenya “caught it.” They caught the revelation of blessing Israel and standing with Yehovah God’s purpose of Israel’s restoration in these last days.

Here is a statement of our vision. (More details are available anytime, by clicking the ABOUT tab on the Menu bar at the top of this blog.)

Les and Doreen Lawrence have a specific ministry to connect Jewish and Christian believers. We see a prophetic timing in God’s last generation which brings Jews and Christians together as “One New Man” in Jesus (Yeshua). This prophetic merger explains many of the geo-political events of this day, especially in contrast to the rise of radical Islam.

Our task is to help others see this and understand what believers ought to do, thus participating in the fulfillment of His plan.

Our method is by following the example of Elisha who could “see” the spiritual dimension when others could not. We endeavor to open eyes to the fact that “more are they that are with us than they that are with them.” This is primarily working with leaders to provide “seed to the sowers” regarding our critical union with Israel in God’s final purpose of restoration.

Our support for Israel is first and foremost for the eternal purpose of God for His people and His Land through many unconditional promises. Our support begins by standing with the believers in the Land. Many Israelis have come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. We choose to stand foursquare beside them in these difficult days. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, knowing that the only true peace is in Yeshua ben Yehovah. We pray for the government, knowing that many of its leaders do not know God, but we believe that God is the one who removes and sets up kings. Jesus died for all men, and we therefore pray for the salvation of all the neighbors of Israel as well, while still recognizing God’s unique prophetic relationship to Israel.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. Ephesians 2:14-16

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

One Million Migrants

3 05 2019

Dry Bones America

There is a big difference between immigration and migration. Since I have written eight books and hundreds of blogs, I pay attention to words. Immigration is a legal process of a nation allowing people to move in and become citizens. Migration is an illegal swarming of people across the border uninvited.

Imagine if you had a guest room and invited someone to come live with you. You would explain the rules of the house: mealtimes, rest rooms, bedtime, shared costs, etc. That’s immigration.

Then imagine that 50 other people climb in the windows and just eat your food, trash your house and expect you to provide healthcare and give them money. That’s migration.

It is so wrong to call the illegal migrants on our southern border “immigrants.” Immigration is a legal process with predefined requirements that lead to the priceless reward of citizenship. It is hard and takes a long time. Those who steal across the border are defrauding the true immigrants.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!” John 10:1 NLT

Are we generous or stingy with our citizenship? Well, each year we welcome one million legal immigrants! That is the very same number of illegal migrants coming through the windows. Yet, American patriots are accused of a lack of compassion. We simple want to establish and enforce some basic “house rules.”

Europe believes in open borders. How is that working out for them? Finally, let me remind you that national borders was actually God’s idea in the first place. He is a God of order and peace. Remember when the police used to be called “peace” officers? Their job was to maintain the civil order of our society and the rules of the house. Now they are cursed and threatened continually by the most violent of illegal migrants. Pray for good government.

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. Romans 13:1-4a NLT

Pray for the United States. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists            (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Holocaust!

1 05 2019

 

Holocaust day 2018

POWERFUL: Holocaust Remembrance Day Siren Sounds Throughout Israel People stand still on the Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv as a two-minute siren is sounded across Israel to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Seventy-four years ago the world began waking up to the hints of the Nazi genocide of six million Jews and five million Christians and others. Only in the following years after World War II  was the full magnitude of horror exposed. Yet, today two-thirds of millennials don’t know what Auschwitz was. (It was the largest Nazi concentration camp that killed over 1.1 million Jews.) Twenty-two per cent said they never heard of the Holocaust! No wonder America is losing control of our youth.

The other problem is that few actual survivors of the Holocaust are still alive to tell about it. The ignorance of such a cataclysmic event will catch up with us sooner or later. There is a resonance to the saying: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana

My attempt today is to connect prophecy with history. Please take a few minutes and just read Psalm 102, which I call “The Holocaust Psalm.” Just read, at least the first ten verses, the graphic portrayal of that horrible tragedy.

But do not despair, because only three years later, Yehovah God resurrected Israel. He began the regathering of the people to the land with blessing, restoration and favor. This is exactly what was prophesied in verse 13:

You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come. Psalm 102:13

Continue reading to verse 18 which is miss-translated. The Hebrew text is not “a generation to come,” as though it was some nebulous future time. The literal rendering is “the last generation,” Wow! What a difference that makes. The whole prophetic Psalm was written, and expected to be understood, only after the Holocaust!

“This will be written for the last generation, that a people yet to be created may praise Yehovah. ​​For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven Yehovah viewed the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed to death, ​​to declare the name of Yehovah in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem, when the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve Yehovah.” Psalm 102:18-22

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, here is a link to my book which explains it in detail, The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

America in Scripture

27 04 2019

flags2

Is the Western Hemisphere even in the Bible? Others have offered their thoughts, but I have never heard anyone mention Ezekiel 20. The key is synching history and geography with the text. Let me give it a shot. First the background passage of Ezekiel 20.

The Sin: Yehovah God is pronouncing judgment on Israel for Baal worship that included human sacrifice of their own children. The pagan deity demanded they kill their firstborn by throwing them in a fire through the mouth of the stone idol. Loud drums were used to drown out the crying infant. That’s what this verse means:

“For when you offer your gifts and make your sons pass through the fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols, even to this day.” Ezekiel 20:31

The Timing: When does this prophecy occur in history? Verse 34 reveals the time Israel is regathered from being scattered to “all the countries.” It is not Egypt or Babylon, which were to a single country, so it must refer to the great Diaspora (or dispersion) to the whole world by the Romans. This has lasted nearly 2,000 years, and is only now ending with the supernatural restoration of the nation and land of Israel.

“I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered, with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out.”  Ezekiel 20:34

The Geography: When God gathers them, where are they gathered? This is an important historical point not to be missed. After the Holocaust most of the surviving Jews did not go to Israel as you may think. They went West. Until recently there were more Jews in America alone than in Israel, not even counting Canada and South America. In the total span of history, America is relatively new and had even been considered an uncharted  wilderness for much of our existence. I submit that the U.S. is “the wilderness of the peoples.”

“And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will plead My case with you face to face. Just as I pleaded My case with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will plead My case with you,” says the Lord Yehovah.” Ezekiel 20:35-36

The Judgment: If you are still with me, you see they have a very specific purpose in this “wilderness of the people” stage. God will cause them to “pass under the rod”, a reference to the way the shepherds counted and separated sheep. (Remember the story of Jacob and Laban.) God will “purge the rebels”, who will not be allowed to go to Israel because of their rebellion against Yehovah. Not all Jews love God. Some hate Him and are leading purveyors of evil (such as pornography and atheistic Marxism).

“I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; I will purge the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am Yehovah.” Ezekiel 20:37-38

The Promise: The implication is clear. Since the rebels cannot make “aliyah” (immigrate to Israel), the Jews who are not rebels will ultimately go to Israel. This separation is taking place as we speak in 2019. You can see it happening even in the political realm. As the Democrat party becomes less and less Biblical, and more and more rebellious, God-fearing Jews are forced to choose. Of course this applies to Christians as well. Both parties used to be pro-Israel, but no more. There is even a youth movement called “Exodus”, of Jews leaving the Democrat party.

“For on My holy mountain, on the mountain height of Israel,” says the Lord Yehovah, “there all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, shall serve Me; there I will accept them, and there I will require your offerings and the firstfruits of your sacrifices, together with all your holy things. I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles.” Ezekiel 20:40-41

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, here is a link to my book which explains it in detail, The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Shroud of Turin Online!

23 04 2019

Have you ever checked out the photos of Jesus preserved by the Shroud of Turin? My good friend and brother, Tom D’Muhala, has just announced an amazing free opportunity to view photographs of the burial cloth that was used by Jesus. I am devoting my blog today to this Press Release:

A Magnificent Collection of Photographs of the Shroud of Turin, Believed by Many to be the Burial Cloth of Jesus, can now be Seen for the First Time in over 40 Years on www.shroudphotos.com

‘Worldwide interest in the Shroud of Turin was stimulated by the first photographs of it in 1898 when photography was in its infancy. Up to that time, people who looked at the cloth found it faint. It took the camera, with its negative image [of the man], to appreciate it.’ Vernon D. Miller

Raleigh, North Carolina, April 9, 2019  Shroudphotos.com welcomes you to the beautiful large collection of photographs of the Shroud of Turin by Vernon D. Miller, a world-renowned scientific photographer of the historic Brooks Institute of Photography of Santa Barbara, CA. One of the finest photographers of his time, Vernon Miller was designated as the official scientific photographer as part of the team of scientists (1978 Shroud of Turin Research Project, Inc.-STURP) who spent more than 120 hours conducting tests on the Shroud. On shroudphotos.com the user can magnify his photos allowing excellent visualization of the Shroud image of the man. It also provides free downloads that produce such high-resolution prints of fine quality that you can print and frame one to place in your home.

In this collection you will find exquisite black and white, and color photographs of the Shroud. Most important, because of Vernon Miller’s expertise you will see very fine black and white negative photos of high contrast that result in the clearest features of the Man of the Shroud. 

Also included are color micrographs of blood marks, body image, scorch marks, clear cloth, etc. of the Shroud ranging in magnification from 6 times to 64 times. It is these microscopic views that allow you to see the Shroud image at its fiber depth. From a scientific perspective, Vernon Miller also captured many color transparencies under ultraviolet light for the purpose of further studying the Shroud’s cloth, blood, image, and more.

This collection is available for all who want to conduct research on the cloth’s mysterious image, explore its genesis and meaning, contemplate its beauty and reflect upon it. This project has preserved what Vernon Miller’s camera captured; it enables worldwide access via the internet to Shroud photos of exceptional quality. We hope that these photos will cause you to sense what Vernon Miller exclaimed in a moment of awe, “What do you do with images like these?”

Personally, I am convinced that the cloth is the actual one used for Jesus’ burial. Dr. Tom D’Muhala has worked on this project for over 40 years. This site is only the beginning of a future repository of Shroud information. Enjoy the photos. 

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain, and thank God for the snow on Mt. Hermon on April 21.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)

 


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Pass – over Easter?

19 04 2019

Passover Lamb

Do Passover and Easter conflict with each other? As a Christian Zionist, this is important to me. There are three reasons they agree and one huge reason they conflict. It’s really not that complicated. The original events commemorated are in total agreement. It is only the later traditions added that confuse the issue.

So let me explain. Have you heard of this saying about the Old and New Testaments? “The Old is in the New revealed and the New is in the Old concealed.” This is a summary of the concept that, as Yehovah God was revealing His purpose, first with Israel and then all the nations, it was a progressive revelation.

Passover, and the other feasts of Yehovah in Leviticus 23, are the pattern for the entire Bible/human history. Before the Messiah came, the possibility of relationship with God was primarily national. After He came it was revealed to be intimately personal. This was not a new plan, but was hidden in the Torah, or Old Testament, all along. Abraham was saved not for who he was, but because he believed God. For example, here is a paragraph I recently wrote for a small group in my home town:

Celebrating the resurrection is certainly Biblical because it is the fulfillment of First Fruits, the third feast of Yehovah on the morning after the Sabbath. See Leviticus 23.  Yeshua (Jesus) is the Passover Lamb. He is also the Unleavened (by sin) Bread, and then the first fruit from the dead. Hallelujah! (FYI – I personally do not use the name “Easter” because it comes from the name of the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, goddess of fertility, and thus the rabbits and eggs.)

So, the three feasts of Passover week are fulfilled in Jesus with perfect symmetry. The same is true for Shavuot/Pentecost, and the Fall Feasts. (I gave a ten-minute summary of each Feast in this radio interview. Listen to the first part about Passover.)

The big deal about the clash between Passover and Easter, is certainly not about Scripture, it is about tradition. As I said in the above quote, Easter is a name traced back to the top Babylonian goddess, a pagan deity of fertility that appears by many names throughout history. This was never originally associated with the resurrection of Yeshua. It was later added intentionally to divert from Jesus.

The crazy fact is that even though the name Easter came into use many hundreds of years after Jesus, the name actually appears in the King James Bible in a mega translation error:

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Acts 12:4 KJV

This is terribly unfortunate because virtually all other translations make the correction. The Greek word is “Pesach” which literally means “Passover.” If you look at the preceding verses in the New King James you see a direct reference to Passover (Unleavened Bread) in verse 3.

Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Acts 12:1-4 NKJV

As for me and my house, we will celebrate two glorious historic days of deliverance this weekend. We will thank our Father God for the fabulous night almost 4,000 years ago that the death Angel passed over every house, which had the blood of a spotless lamb on the doorpost. We will also celebrate and worship the living Lamb of God who died and rose from the dead after three days; whose blood has washed over us who believe, so that we are clean before God. Death has passed over us by the gracious unmerited favor of God over all who believe in Him, who is the Living Passover Lamb.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Understanding Hamas?

16 04 2019

Hamas

What is Hamas? Hamas is the acronym of al-Harakat al-Muqawwama al-Islamiyya—the name of the Islamic Resistance Movement, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist terror organization that is legally banned by the United States, Canada, the EU and Israel. CUFI

 

The above definition of Hamas by Christians United For Israel rightly explains that Hamas is an acronym for the terror movement’s Arabic name. Why did they specifically choose to end up with Hamas as their name? The answer is in the Bible. The five letter name has a subtle message to Israelis. Even though it is an acronym in Arabic, it forms a real word in Hebrew. What is the word? It is “violence”. Here are a few examples of “hamas” in the Hebrew text. Each use of “violence” is the Hebrew word “hamas”. Try changing “violence” to “hamas” as you read.

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. … And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Genesis 6:11 & 13

The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation,
My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3

Yehovah tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Psalm 11:5

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. Proverbs 4:17

The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice. Proverbs 21:7

Over fifty more verses in the Bible use this Hebrew word and the Hamas terrorists know it well and intended it to intimidate Israel. (Read the list of uses of “violence”.) However, they fail because Yehovah God fights for Israel. When you scan down the list, you see that God will settle accounts with all men who use violence in such a way.

Remember that Yehovah judged the entire planet in Noah’s day. You can be sure that he will judge this present day terror group, and all the terror clones that rule and intimidate with violence.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                        (Read more)

In an unprecedented event, hundreds from San Antonio’s Jewish community, joined by Jewish leaders from throughout the US and Israel, celebrated and expressed appreciation for the past four decades of Pastor John and Diana Hagee’s ardent support for the state of Israel, through CUFI, which now has over 5.6 million members.


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Not Flesh and Blood

11 04 2019

Younger Israelis

For several months now, I have heard that we are to bind the spirit of Haman (from the Book of Esther)  in the U.S. and Israel. The same spirit attacks both Trump and Netanyahu. We will see victory when we carry the fight into Satan’s realm. I believe the strong victory of Netanyahu in this week’s election is one such win.

Do you think we can take this phrase literally? “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood,” Until we do, we will keep losing our spiritual battles.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

The word for “wrestle” is from a Greek root that means to “vibrate”. Maybe that is the source of the slang: “bad vibes”. We indeed are in a cosmic battle for this planet. But it is not about human enemies (flesh & blood), but real living beings (spiritual hosts of wickedness) in heavenly places. These are real demonic forces in another dimension, who are principalities and rulers. There is no battleground in which to engage them. They occupy “heavenly places.” How can this be? There are three heavens in the Bible. One is the physical canopy of the clouds, sun, moon, and stars. Then there is the Heaven of God’s residence, the third heaven. But, in between, is the second heaven, the sphere where Satan holds limited authority over the earthly realm of unbelievers.

The apostle Paul spoke of a “third heaven.” He also spoke of “the prince of the power of the air,”

Satan’s power is less than the authority given to believers, in and through the Messiah, Jesus. Therefore, we must learn to wrestle and triumph over the enemy, through spiritual means. That is why Jesus gave us His power and authority in the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in us is greater than the devil or his demons. The problem is that many believers are unaware of our authority, and thus try to fight against flesh and blood humans. It is time for us to rise up in the Holy Spirit and carry the battle to the real enemy.

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Jesus: Luke 10:19-20

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 to get the full picture of the armor of God. It is time go to war in the second heaven, and to wake up, stand up, and speak up, for the Kingdom of Yehovah God and King Jesus.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Israel Election!

8 04 2019

Israel votes

Please pray for God’s purpose and blessing for Israel’s elections tomorrow (midnight tonight Eastern Daylight time). I still believe Prime Minister Netanyahu is chosen to lead Israel at this time. He has been under accusations at home similar to President Trump in America.

Our intercession has been based on the Book of Esther. Pray that the spirit of Haman (which is the spirit of Amalek) would be bound, and pray that the evil plot would be revealed. I am praying this way for both countries, and both leaders.

For Israel, it is about dividing the land. For the U.S it is about blessing and standing with Israel. President Trump has been the most pro-Israel president in history.

Great news announced yesterday by PM Netanyahu! He declared that he will extend sovereignty over the West Bank (Biblical Judea and Samaria). He is the first Prime Minister in Israel’s modern history to say there will be no Palestinian state between the Jordan River and the Sea. That is really big! It is the end of the “two state” fantasy.

“Sovereignty over Judea and Samaria – with US support” – Netanyahu in special interview: ‘There will be no Palestinian state – I am making sure of it.’ Watch: (The most important part in the video starts at about 4:20.)

​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 62:6-7

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Palestine-O-Phobia?

3 04 2019

palestinemapjan082019

We have a new phobia used to attack Jews and Christians. It has been confirmed by none other than the Mayor of New York City. Before I start, let me share my opinion about “Islamophobia,” which has been quite useful in intimidating just about everybody from uttering even the slightest criticism of Islam. Now to be sure, a proper attitude should be maintained in all civil discourse, but disagreement and even criticism is a necessary component of a free society (freedom of speech).

Islamophobia by definition means being afraid of Islam. I am not afraid of Islam, I just disagree with its basic tenets of religion and its political form of Sharia. Conflating fear, with a difference of opinion, is a propaganda coup. Again, I. Am. Not. Afraid. In fact, I love muslim people and praise God for the millions who are finding Jesus as the Son of God, and becoming ex-muslims. (My book, Simple Islam, is available on Kindle for a modest price.)

As a Christian (Zionist) I believe that the Messiah came to save all people and loves all people including Muslims. Yet, according to basic Biblical revelation, it requires our assent and embracing of the aforementioned Savior as sent by Yehovah God to provide the salvation the world so desperately needs.

So, back to Palestine-O-Phobia. A New York City Councilman lost his seat on an immigration committee this week because he stated the fact that there is no country of Palestine and never has been one. The mayor demanded that he apologize. Can you take back a true statement?

De Blasio demands apology for ‘there is no Palestine’ statement – “There is no state by that name; there is no place by that name. That’s a fact. I did not make it up,” says New York City councilman. (Israel National News)

Where exactly is your ‘Palestine,’ Mayor de Blasio? – He did not play by the rules, as dictated by the Democrats, so New York City Councilman Kalman Yeger has been bounced off the council’s immigration committee. That’s his punishment for saying “there is no Palestine,” and then refusing to apologize, and if they could send him to a Soviet-Mao style “re-education camp,” they would. We don’t have reorientation gulags here yet, but it’s coming, and already exists on campus. Free speech for me, but not for thee. One man speaks up and it’s like he disturbed a wasps-nest.

…since 1964…the ‘Palestinians’ have been the world’s number one concern, even though they have been nothing but a headache and exist in no history books. Nothing to be found about them before June 2, 1964. That’s when the Arab League certified them as the PLO. That’s when they became a ‘people’ — a people still in search of an ancestry. So far, no luck.” (Jack Engelhard Israel National News)

Is It Islamophobic To Deny That ‘Palestine’ Exists? – Prior to 1948 and the birth of Israel, the only group that answered to the name “Palestinians” were Jewish residents of the British Mandate for Palestine. Non-Jews who lived there considered themselves Arabs, not Palestinians, because there had never in history been a separate Palestinian Arab political entity or, prior to the birth of modern Zionism, a national movement that represented the ambitions of such a group. (Prophecy News Watch)

Yet, even on the lie that “there is a country called Palestine”, some accuse of Islamophobia. There seems to be no limit on the outlandish claims. Let’s pray that cooler heads prevail, or better yet, pray that the revealed truth of the Bible will be received by all who love the truth.

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain. (Thank God for this week’s rain!)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Jewish “Deal of the Century”

28 03 2019

SovereigntySince President Trump recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel (including redrawing the map), many Israeli’s are moving on to recognizing the West Bank as Israel. The Bible refers to that area as Judea and Samaria. From a trickle just a few years ago, it is now a flood of calls to annex or at least extend sovereignty over the West Bank.

A survey conducted by the Sovereignty Journal suggests that a large majority of Israeli Jews now oppose the two-state solution, with growing support for the application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Also in the journal: There has been significant progress in the first and only Outline Plan (TAMA) to include Judea and Samaria as part of the State of Israel. ‘The Jewish Deal of the Century’ – INN

So what is the Bible context of such a goal? God’s original promise to Abraham clearly defined the final borders of Israel. The question is only: When will this happen?

So Yehovah made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River… Genesis 15:18 NLT

US Recognition of the Golan Paves Way for Other Biblical Lands – An Israeli official pointed to US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty on the Golan Heights as an opportunity to officially reclaim other biblical lands captured during the Six Day War. (Israel Today)

Mr. President, let’s repeat Golan Heights in Judea and Samaria – Trump could well turn his attention now to recognising the legal right of Jews to live in Judea and Samaria. (INN)

US redrawing official maps to include Golan as part of Israel – State Department official says maps will be updated to reflect change in policy and Israel’s need for ‘secure and defensible borders’ (Times of Israel)

At the time of those events,” says Yehovah, “when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, my special possession, for scattering my people among the nations, and for dividing up my land. Joel 3:1-2 NLT

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)

Sovereignty2

Author’s note: The cartoon — commissioned exclusively for this article — is by Yaakov Kirschen aka “Dry Bones”- one of Israel’s foremost political and social commentators — whose cartoons have graced the columns of Israeli and international media publications for decades. His cartoons can be viewed at Drybonesblog


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

You Said It, You Did It.

25 03 2019

Prime Minister Netanyahu made another of his excellent speeches today in the White House with President Trump. The occasion was the Declaration of the US recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in northern Israel. This one-minute clip highlights the fact that President Trump does what he says he will do. The PM mentions four times that the President said he would do something for Israel and each time he did. Therefore, he is Israel’s best friend. (Click here for the full fourteen-minute video.)

During my recent Florida ministry, I declared everywhere that we should pray for the spirit of Haman (from the Book of Esther) to be bound and the evil plot exposed. Today we see that happening in the news, with the Mueller Report finding no collusion. Also, one of Trump’s worst critics, Michael Avenatti, was arrested for multiple criminal acts. The Golan decision is part of allowing the Jews to defend themselves.

Now we wait for the results of two more reports that will likely be shocking to the Haman plotters.

Trump allies await results of two internal probes  – Trump allies are now awaiting the results of two long-running internal probes that could expose the back story behind the Russia probe’s beginnings — and provide more detail on already-documented misconduct among top FBI and DOJ officials.

  1. DOJ Inspector General (IG) Michael Horowitz confirmed at a panel discussion last week that his office is continuing to review potential surveillance abuses by the FBI, a review that began last March and that Fox News is told is nearing completion.

  2. Republicans, meanwhile, are increasingly looking for answers from U.S. Attorney for Utah John Huber, who was appointed a year ago by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to review not only surveillance abuses by the FBI and DOJ, but also authorities’ handling of the probe into the Clinton Foundation. 

The attempted genocide of the Jews has been repeated throughout history, yet Yehovah God has preserved them to this very day.

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes. Esther 3:5-6 NLT

We must continue to intercede for our nation and for Israel, where Netanyahu is under similar accusations from the same spirit of Haman. God is moving, but we must keep praying.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)

 


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Israel’s Golan: A Purim Miracle

21 03 2019

Golan-US-Israel-21.3.19

BREAKING: Great news! President Trump has just recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights which Israel annexed in 1981. This is a similar bombshell recognition as the US declaring Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and moving our Embassy there.

“After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!,” Tweeted 12:50 PM (on Purim) by President Trump, Thursday March 21, 2-19.

Netanyahu to Trump: You performed a Purim miracle – In a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Netanyahu called Trump’s announcement a “Purim miracle.” “President Trump has just made history,” Netanyahu said. “I called him. I thanked him on behalf of the people of Israel. He did it again,” Netanyahu observed. “First he recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved the embassy here. Then he pulled out of the disastrous Iran treaty and reimposed sanctions. But now he did something of equal historic importance: he recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.” (INN)

Trump recognizes Golan to counter Iran’s first steps for annexing Lebanon to Syria – US President Donald Trump’s declared recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan on Thursday, March 21, had a time-sensitive object, unconnected to the Israeli election or Binyamin Netanyahu’s run for reelection, as his rivals contended. DEBKAfile’s military and intelligence sources reveal that it was an arrow aimed by the US president at Iran, Syria, Iraq and Hizballah, (Debka file)

Trump: Time for U.S. to ‘Fully Recognize’ Israel’s Sovereignty over Golan Heights – TEL AVIV — Marking a monumental shift in U.S. policy that would help ensure Israel’s security into the future, President Donald Trump on Thursday declared that the time has come for America to “fully recognize” Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. (Brietbart Jerusalem)

Israel: Trump’s announcement ‘brave and historic‘ – PM, Ministers, and political parties praise US President for calling for recognition of Israel’s sovereignty on the Golan Heights. (INN)

What a great day for Israel. Hallelujah! I believe this verse is true about President Donald J. Trump: “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?” Esther 4:14

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)

 


Comments : 2 Comments »

Categories : Israel Commentary

« Previous Entries Next Entries »