Simeon the Prophet

21 12 2018

SimeonOne of the best parts of Messiah’s birth story is often overlooked. The story of Simeon holds EIGHT amazing prophesies about the purpose of Jesus, in just one short passage in the Gospel of Luke.

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ​​“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; ​​For my eyes have seen Your salvation ​​which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, ​​a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, ​​and the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35

  1. Holy Spirit was on Simeon, leading him to the Temple at the precise moment.
  2. Holy Spirit revealed that he would live to see the Messiah.
  3. Simeon held baby Jesus and saw salvation (Hebrew “yeshua”). There would be a dozen or so babies at any given time. And, no; baby Jesus did not have a halo. Simeon recognized Him by the supernatural revelation of the Holy Spirit.
  4. He amazingly prophesied that Jesus would bring His light to the Gentiles!
  5. His salvation would also be the glory of Israel.
  6. Jesus was destined to preside or the fall and then the rise of Israel. Nations normally rise and fall, but Israel was about to fall (rejecting the Messiah) and then rise in the last days. We see this now in our generation.
  7. The sign (of Jesus’ death) would be spoken against (even piercing Mary’s soul).
  8. The very method of His death would expose the hearts of every person.

As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:33

The baby in Simeon’s arms was indeed the SALVATION of all who believe on Him.

Yeshua ha Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah. Yeshua ben Yehovah, Jesus Son of Yehovah! Remember the reason for the season and have a blessed Christmas honoring Him.

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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


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Most Important Prayer Meeting in the History of the World

17 12 2018

Four people attended this prayer meeting, and three fell asleep. Yet, history was made in the outcome! Eight words were spoken that changed the course of humanity. The curse of Satan was reversed by these eight words: “Not MY will, but THY will be done!”

My devotional of Thursday morning last week in Kenya, to 2,600 young people and pastors, was a challenge to join with Jesus in making the same declaration in our own lives. Satan had set the tone in his rebellion in Heaven by insisting on his own will over Yehovah’s will five times, as revealed in Isaiah’s prophecy:

​“How you are fallen from heaven, ​​O Lucifer, son of the morning! ​​How you are cut down to the ground, ​​you who weakened the nations! ​​For you have said in your heart: ​​

‘I will ascend into heaven, ​​

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; ​​

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; ​​

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, ​​

I will be like the Most High.’ ​​

Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Isaiah 14:12-15

Three times Jesus asked the Father for another way, but each time concluded with His passionate confession in eight words that reversed history: “Not MY will, but THY will be done!”

Jesus was tempted to not go through with the Plan, but did not yield to that temptation, even resisting the temptation to the point of blood. The stress resulted in the bursting of capillaries in His skin releasing blood through His sweat glands.

As we remember the birth of Jesus this year, take note that God became flesh and dwelt among us. He was clothed with our human flesh and weakness, but overcame it!

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

If you would like to watch the full 27-minute video message from Kenya, click here.

Merry Christmas! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Categories : Israel Commentary

Kenya Final Update

14 12 2018

20181203_083855

It is great to be home again after wonderful ministry in Kenya to 2,600 young people at the 18th annual PDA Conference in Kimilili, Kenya near the Uganda border in western Kenya. PDA stand for Purpose-Destiny-Achievement. (Click here for videos.)

I spoke ten times, six at the conference and four in local churches. Future leaders of Kenya and missionaries to the nations were called from the youth there from high school, college and young professional. Many pastors also attended. Although most were committed believers, there were over 100 born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.

My goal of providing seed for the sowers, regarding God’s restoration of Israel and our call to stand with Israel as a blessing to the nations, was exceeded. Doreen and I were particularly blessed to connect and impart our Israel vision to three specific leaders from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda, who vowed to take the Israel “seed” to their respective nations. Several Kenyan pastors were inspired to visit Israel as soon as possible.

Psalm 102 (which I call the “Holocaust Psalm”), was the core of much of my teaching. Verse 13 was key as the point Yehovah turned the page for Israel from judgement to favor after 1,878 years from 70 AD to 1948. I pointed out that Israel never won a war during that severe period of judgement and scattering among the nations. But since 1948 they have not lost a war because God turned the page to restoration, blessing, regathering, rebuilding, and favor.

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

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:19-21

Thank you for all who prayed for us and supported us for this amazing two weeks in Africa. May Yehovah God’s plan and purpose be fulfilled for each one of the blessed participants. Special thanks and honor to our host, Pastor Michael Masambu.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Link to My Kenya Message

4 12 2018

Kenya banner

I have very spotty wifi,  but wanted to send you the link below. Hope you can access it. Thanks, Les

Les in Kenya

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Les & Doreen in Kenya

28 11 2018

Kenya banner

We leave tomorrow, Nov 29 for two weeks ministering in Kenya. You may be able to make out our picture on the left side of the above banner. Pastor Michael Masambu specifically requested that I speak in seven sessions on the covenant with Israel for all believers. There are expected to be 2,000 young future leaders of Africa at this conference. The ages include high school, college and young professionals from Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.

We covet your prayerful intercession as we speak the heart of God for His beloved Israel. I will also be speaking in churches in Nairobi and elsewhere. If you are on Facebook, I hope to post updates on our Elisha Vision page. When you visit, please like the page. Thank you.

 “This is what Yehovah says: You have said, ‘This is a desolate land where people and animals have all disappeared.’ Yet in the empty streets of Jerusalem and Judah’s other towns, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to Yehovah. They will sing, ‘Give thanks to Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies, for Yehovah is good. His faithful love endures forever!’ For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says Yehovah. Jeremiah 33:10-11 NLT

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.)


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Will Israel Reoccupy Gaza?

24 11 2018

Gaza pic 2018

Israel Ready to Reoccupy Gaza, Warns Minister The latest round of fighting in Gaza might be over, for now, but Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan warned that Israel is prepared to recapture and reoccupy the coastal enclave in order to root out Hamas and its terrorist allies should the situation escalate again. Israel Today

About 15 years ago my friend, John Fisk, and I compiled a teaching about Gaza which is being fulfilled year by year since then. We saw pertinent Scripture promises that applied then, and even more so now. The fifth stage may be imminent. Here are the five stages and the text from Zephaniah that applies to the last stage when Judah returns to Gaza. It seems to be taken right out of today’s (and tomorrow’s) headlines.

The Five Stages of Gaza’s Judgment

  1. A Wall is Built around Gaza.
  2. Judah (Israel) withdraws.
  3. Chaos overtakes Gaza.
  4. Gaza is destroyed by fire.
  5. Judah (Israel) returns to Gaza.

The seacoast shall be pastures, with shelters for shepherds and folds for flocks. ​​The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed their flocks there; in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For Yehovah their God will intervene for them, and return their captives. Zephaniah 2:6-7

The final stage of Gaza is that it belongs to Israel. Through the centuries the Philistine strongholds on the coast are conquered, with only Gaza now still in the hands of Palestinians. The Palestinians are not descended from the Philistines physically, but they have the same demonic terrorist spirit.

​For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon desolate; ​​they shall drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron shall be uprooted. ​​Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! ​​The word of Yehovah is against you, ​​O Canaan, land of the Philistines: ​​“I will destroy you; so there shall be no inhabitant.” Zephaniah 2:4-5

This verse identifies Gazans, as “Cherethites” or literally: ASSASSINS! It would seem to be a  simple step to understanding this reference as an ancient way of describing the suicide/homicide bombers of today, Hamas in Gaza, Why is there anarchy under Hamas?

There will be no king or authority in Gaza! Ashkelon shall see it and fear; Gaza also shall be very sorrowful; and Ekron, for He dried up her expectation. The king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. Zechariah 9:5

This has all been fulfilled including anarchy in Gaza. The only thing remaining is for Israel to return and establish order in Gaza. Stay tuned!

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.)


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Categories : Israel Commentary

Breaking Israel News X2

16 11 2018

Israel elections 2019

Two big stories from Israel today deserve your prayerful consideration.

  1. Reports: Israel Slated for Early Elections as Netanyahu Coalition Breaks Up – Netanyahu had met the education minister, Naftali Bennett, who wanted the defence ministry post in the right-wing government, but the meeting ended with a decision by cabinet members to hold national polls, which were previously due in November 2019.

  2. Trump Admin Moves Toward Recognizing Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights – For the first time ever, the United States on Friday intended to vote against an annual UN resolution condemning Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. Ever since Israel seized control of the strategic plateau on the 1967 Six Day War, the US has abstained when the resolution titled “The Occupied Syrian Golan” was brought to a vote. (Also see: In first, US votes against UN resolution condemning Israeli presence in Golan)

We rejoice that the US finally took a stand for the Golan in the UN. Pray that we will openly declare our acceptance of Israel’s 1980’s annexation of the Golan Heights. The Golan has been at peace since the 1967 Six Day War. However, every peace agreement leads to violence and war, whereas Israel’s wars end in peace. Remember this when Israel finally decides to re-enter Gaza and establish peace through Israeli control.

On the looming election in the Spring, pray that Yehovah God of Israel will strengthen Netanyahu to hear and do God’s will.

My help comes from Yehovah, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. Yehovah himself watches over you! Yehovah stands beside you as your protective shade. Psalm 121:2-5

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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