Link to Netanyahu DC Speech

8 03 2014

D14309_1Just a quick post from Florida…I just listened to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech this week in Washington, DC. It is really worthwhile to take a few minutes and read or listen to it. Blessings!

http://www.pmo.gov.il/English/MediaCenter/Speeches/Pages/speechaipac040314.aspx

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





The Israeli Solution

4 03 2014

Caroline Glick bookMy last blog was on this same subject, but today I want you to hear directly from Caroline Glick, my favorite Israeli columnist. She has just published the best answer to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Please read her reasons for writing and then order the book by clicking on the picture.

“In its annual survey of American Jewry published last October, the American Jewish Committee found that 75 percent of American Jews agree with the statement, “The goal of the Arabs is not a peaceful two-state agreement with Israel, but rather the destruction of Israel.”

And yet, American Jews supported the establishment of a Palestinian state 50% to 47%.

Next week over 10,000 predominantly Jewish American supporters of Israel will gather in Washington at AIPAC’s annual policy conference. Given their high commitment to Israel, probably most of those gathered belong to the 47% of American Jews who opposed Palestinian statehood.

Yet at the conference they will embrace the two-state formula. And on March 4 they will go up to Capitol Hill and tell their representatives that they support it.

They will do so not because they are addled. They will do so because for the past 20 years all they have heard is that Israel has no alternative to the two-state plan.

Israel’s fervent and committed supporters at AIPAC have been told that Israel needs a Palestinian state more than the PLO does. Only by bringing such a state into existence in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem can Israel get the Palestinian demographic albatross off its neck.

These committed supporters of the Jewish state have been sternly lectured that Israel is doomed if it doesn’t give the Palestinians an outlet for their political impulses outside of Israel, because within a year or two there will be more Palestinians than Israelis west of the Jordan.

The same day AIPAC’s delegates meet with members of both houses of Congress, my new book, The Israeli Solution: A One-State Plan for Peace in the Middle East will be released by Crown Forum, a division of Random House.

In my book, I show that the demographic time bomb is a dud, and a malicious one at that.

In 1997, the head of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics Hassan Abu Libdeh told The New York Times that he was carrying out a census which would serve as a “civil intifada,” that is, as a statistical terror assault.

And he was right. The goal of terrorism is to force a target population to take actions it otherwise would not have taken. The goal of statistical warfare is to manipulate numbers to coerce a target society into taking actions that it would otherwise not take.

The Palestinian census claimed that by 2015, Arabs would be the majority west of the Jordan River. And once Jews were the minority, the Arabs could destroy Israel just by demanding the vote.

The Clinton administration, the US Jewish leadership and the Israeli Left rushed to embrace the findings, even though they were totally inconsistent with annual Palestinian population surveys the Israeli military government conducted from 1967 through 1996.

All crowed that true, the PLO still supports terrorism, but if Israel didn’t cough up the territories, it would be demographically overwhelmed.

It took seven years until an independent group of Israeli and American researchers studied the PLO data and exposed the fraud at their foundation. The American- Israeli Demographic Research Group showed that the Palestinian data inflated the Arab population by a whopping 50 percent.

The news for Israel has only gotten better in the intervening years. The Jewish fertility rate has increased as the Palestinian rates have collapsed along with those of the Muslim world as a whole. Israeli Jews now have higher fertility rates than the Arabs of Judea and Samaria, (3.04 vs. 2.91 children per woman). Israel’s immigration rate is high and rising. Palestinian emigration rates have skyrocketed over the past decade.

The demographic good news has percolated throughout Israeli society. And with the news, more and more Israeli politicians have come to favor applying Israeli law to all or parts of Judea and Samaria, just as Israel successfully applied its laws to united Jerusalem and the Golan Heights in the past.

Most Likud members of Knesset and all members of the Bayit Yehudi party support partial or full implementation of Israeli law in the areas. 59% of Israeli Jews support such action as well and support doing so unilaterally.

Indeed, even leftist Israelis support Israel’s unilateral application of its laws to parts of Judea and Samaria. For instance, former ambassador to the US Michael Oren supports the unilateral withdrawal from parts of Judea and Samaria. But Oren foresees the retention of the major Israeli settlement blocs under Israeli law. In the absence of a peace deal, such a step can only be taken through the unilateral application of Israeli law to those areas.

In the current Knesset session, members have submitted two bills calling for the application of Israeli law to the large Israeli population centers in Judea and Samaria and to the Jordan Valley, respectively.

But while all of this is going on in Israel, Israel’s supporters in the US remain in the dark about the existence of a better – facts based – alternative path for Israel.

In The Israeli Solution, I fill in the blanks that plague the American discourse on Israel and the Palestinians.

I provide a 360-degree analysis of a policy that I call The Israeli One-State Plan. That plan involves applying Israeli law – and through it Israeli sovereignty – throughout all of Judea and Samaria.

I divide the discussion into three parts. Part One provides the 90-year history of failure that has attended the two-state model, from the end of World War I through the present day. I also show how the US’s embrace of the two-state model has worked to blind US policymakers from both parties to the realities of the region and so guaranteed the failure of US Middle East policies.

Part Two presents the case for Israeli sovereignty from the perspectives of demography, international law, history and civil liberties.

Far from transforming the areas into a race-based state, as Israel’s opponents threaten, such a move by Israel will free the Palestinians from life under the PLO’s terror supporting kleptocracy and provide them with full civil and legal rights as permanent residents of Israel.

They will also have the right to apply for Israeli citizenship.

Even if all the Arabs of Judea and Samaria were to become Israeli citizens, Israel would retain a strong two-thirds Jewish majority. And it would avert the only real demographic threat. That is the threat posed by a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria which would permit millions of hostile, foreign-born Arabs from Lebanon, Jordan and Syria to immigrate to its territory.

In Part Three, I discuss the probable responses of the Palestinians, the larger Arab world and the EU to a decision by Israel to apply its laws to Judea and Samaria and abandon the two-state policy model.

I also discuss how such a move will impact Israel and the United States.

Most delegates at AIPAC do not realize that Israelis have moved on from the failed two-state formula. It is my hope that in the year between this AIPAC conference and next year’s conference, they will read my book, and understand that they needn’t support the establishment of a Palestinian terror state. There is a better option. It is better for Israel. It is better for the Palestinians. And it is better for America.

If they do read my book, I hope it will open a long-belated discussion about Israel’s true options. If they do, I can assure them that next year’s AIPAC conference will be more realistic, and more optimistic than next week’s conclave.” Caroline Glick 2-25-14

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

Thanks for your continued prayers for my Florida ministry tour.





One State Solution

28 02 2014

Unjust Land(As I write this commentary, I am enjoying the beautiful sunshine of Naples, Florida. I have already had one great meeting in Jacksonville on this ministry trip. Wednesday night I speak at Gulf Coast Church in Indian Rocks. I am at Flowing River Church (my home church) Sunday March 9 and then Shepherd’s Heart in Dunedin on March 16. I hope to see many of my old friends while in the area.)

ONE STATE SOLUTION

There is one great article you need to read in Israel Today Magazine. Calev Meyers, a leading Israeli lawyer from the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, offers the best plan yet for solving the “peace process” dilemma. Instead of the two-state idea, he suggests Israel annex Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and give them full citizenship in Israel. The main objection to this idea has been worry that Israel would become majority Arab. However, this is solved by simply not including the one and a half million Gazans since there are no Jews there anyway. The result would leave Israel as a Jewish state with a 30% Arab minority. This plan definitely makes the most sense to me. Please check out the article and video interview here.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

First notice! I am beginning to plan an Israel Tour for next February. Details later. I hope to take just 20 to 25 folks, so pray about your participation.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)





Israeli Air Raid

24 02 2014
An Israeli F-16I fighter plane takes off from Ramon Air Base in southern Israel. (File photo: Reuters)

An Israeli F-16I fighter plane takes off from Ramon Air Base in southern Israel. (File photo: Reuters)

Monday night Israel’s Air Force attacked a Hezbollah base in Lebanon on the Syrian border in two waves, killing a number of Hezbollah terrorists. The target was Syrian missiles smuggled over the border to Lebanon’s Bekka Valley.

Israel bombarded a Hezbollah stronghold on the Lebanon Syria border twice on Monday night, killing several Hezbollah operatives, Lebanese and other Arab media reported. Times of Israel

As usual, Israel neither confirmed or denied the reports. However, the facts are appearing in a wide variety of news outlets in the Middle East. It seems as though the world has been on “pause” during the Olympics from the American perspective. But, unfortunately, the contrary is the case. Ukraine is on fire. Venezuela is on fire. Syria is exploding, and Iran is steadily advancing toward nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia is even trying to buy black market nukes from Pakistan to defend themselves from Iran. Egypt’s interim government resigned today clearing the way for General al-Sissi to win the coming Presidential election in a landslide.

Believers know that Yehovah God is in control and is actually arranging the stage for the Second Coming of His Son, Yeshua (Jesus). We do not fear. His promises are sure.

“Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure. Daniel 2:45

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. Romans 4:16

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)





God is Faithful!

19 02 2014

Here is a little worship break in your busy day today to rest in God’s unfailing love.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)





Seeing Peace Talks as Adultery

13 02 2014

MothersIsrael is looking for a “peace partner” to make a covenant with the Palestinians. This would divide the Land God gave to Israel, and grant sovereignty allowing the Palestinian flag to legally fly over Biblical Judea and Samaria. This is adultery. Israel is married to Yehovah God. And He is a jealous God.  Jeremiah 3 talks of the historic spiritual adultery of Israel and Judah “playing the harlot” by worshiping idols on the mountains. Entertaining the idea of the “two state solution” is an adulterous temptation. We must pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu to stand strong against the temptation for this adultery.

Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills,  and from the multitude of mountains; Truly, in Yehovah our God is the salvation of Israel. Jeremiah 3:23

Praise God for mothers in Israel who recently appealed to PM Netanyahu:

LIKE A MOTHER FOR HER CHILD, WE WILL NOT GIVE UP ON OUR LAND: A week-long vigil in front of the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem, calling for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, wound to a close on Sunday. Dozens of mothers were present at the vigil tent from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in a strong showing of support. Nadia Matar, co-director of Women in Green which organized the event, emphasized the rally’s message to PM Netanyahu. “We know there is a lot of international pressure and pressure from the left against you,” said Matar to Netanyahu, “but we are here to remind you that the land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel, and there exists a plan that you should implement: the application of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.” In addition to the many MKs, rabbis and other public figures who showed up to express support for the vigil, a special guest arrived at the tent – a bride, Efrat Leshem, who showed up on her wedding day. Leshem said at the vigil “before I build my private home, I must also do something for my nation and for my land.” Summarizing the reason why so many mothers came out to support the event, Matar stated “in the same way a mother would never give up on a child that is the same way we the people of Israel will not give up on the land of Israel.” (Arutz-7 Click for video)

“Can a woman forget her nursing child and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.” Isaiah 49:15-16

At that time Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of Yehovah, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of Yehovah, to Jerusalem. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts. In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given as an inheritance to your fathers. Jeremiah 3:17-18

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





Itching Ears: Iran at 35

11 02 2014
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani waves as he delivers a speech during a rally in Tehran's Azadi Square (Freedom Square) to mark the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 11, 2014. (photo credit: AFP/ATTA KENARE)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani waves as he delivers a speech during a rally in Tehran’s Azadi Square (Freedom Square) to mark the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 11, 2014. (photo credit: AFP/ATTA KENARE)

The following is an excerpt from Joel Rosenberg’s Blog:

(Washington, D.C., February 11, 2014) — Today marks the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians turned out on the streets to mark the occasion. Many denounced America as the “Great Satan.” Many also shouted, “Death to Israel,” which they believe is the “Little Satan.”

The fall of the Shah in 1979 and the rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini was a game-changing moment in the modern history of the Middle East. Iran suddenly shifted from a friend and ally of the United States (and even quietly allied with Israel), to a serious enemy. It started with the seizure of our Embassy and taking our diplomats hostage for 444 days.

But it has gone much worse over time. Iran has been implicated in killing Americans in the Beirut bombing of our Marine barracks, and at the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. They have funded, trained and armed terror groups around the world. Now they are actively developing a nuclear weapons program even as the world refuses to take decisive action to stop them. (Joel Rosenberg)

In addition to “Death to Israel” and “Down with Israel” signs, were many saying “Death to the USA” and “We are eager for the options on the table.” The last one refers to the Obama Administration’s lame warning: “All options are on the table” which weakly suggests the military option. Check out this excellent video interview with K T McFarland this morning on Fox News. She believes we can beat Iran economically if we keep up the pressure: “They would be so busy worrying about their NECKS, they wouldn’t have time to worry about their NUKES.” K T McFarland worked for President Ronald Reagan and wrote the first draft of his famous “Star Wars” speech.

ITCHING EARSFor the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2 Timothy 4:3

The real problem is not with Iran, it is with the Western nations. President Obama is so averse to force and so subservient to Islam, that he insists on a diplomacy that has emboldened Iran. The Iran “negotiations” are only to determine how much we will give up to Iran for this round of talks, allowing them to continue their march toward nukes.

I know that this “itching ears” verse is usually applied to Christians, but it certainly describes the present Iranian threat. Their new president is an expert at tickling itching ears. We need to pray for our leaders to stand up to Islam. Pray especially for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is a Bible believer. Pray that he will first hear the voice of Yehovah God, and then that he will have courage to stand for God’s purposes for Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





Zealous for Jerusalem

7 02 2014

Flag at WallThen the angel said to me, “Shout this message for all to hear: ‘This is what Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong. Zechariah 1:14 NLT

When the Lord speaks to me from three different sources, I pay attention. This week I shared this verse in our home group. After seeing the verse in Barry Segal’s newsletter from Israel, the Holy Spirit stirred my heart. The next day it came to me from a local friend in an American newsletter.

Yehovah is fully emotional. In addition to all of His other characteristics and power and love, God is emotional. He is passionate. Let that sink in. He has love. He has anger. He feels grief for sinful man. And profoundly, in this verse, He is zealous! What is so important to Him that stirs his passion to jealousy?

So the angel who spoke with me said to me, “Proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says Yehovah of hosts: “I am zealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with great zeal. ​I am exceedingly angry with the nations at ease; for I was a little angry, and they helped—but with evil intent. ‘Therefore thus says Yehovah: ​​“I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; ​​My house shall be built in it,” says Yehovah of hosts, ​​“And a surveyor’s line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.  Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says Yehovah of hosts: ​​“My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; ​​Yehovah will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.” ’ ” Zechariah 1:14-6 NKJV

The Hebrew word qin’ah means ardour, zeal, jealousy. I represent myself as a voice of Christian Zionists. This is what I mean. I have ardour/love for Jerusalem, the city of God. I have zeal to see His purpose restored in Zion. And I am jealous for her because of the advance of the nations against Jerusalem. I hope my zeal is an extension of His love. Most of all, I believe His Son Jesus/Yeshua is the Heavenly bridegroom coming to claim His bride. He will be welcomed by all who truly believe in the Messiah of Israel. We will all say as one:

Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yehovah! We have blessed you from the house of Yehovah. Psalm 118:26

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

New radio interview posted 2-8-14 click on audio in above menu bar.

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Pray for Rain!

4 02 2014

Dry wheat fieldIsrael sees driest January on record Capital experiences lowest rainfall in 150 years; only 64% of annual winter average has fallen so far across the country (The Times of Israel)

We have regularly emphasized God’s two Israel prayer requests.

1. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
May they prosper who love you. Psalm 122:6

2. Pray for rain in the time of latter rain. Ask Yehovah for rain in the time of the latter rain. Yehovah will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone. Zechariah 10:1

Today I am issuing an emergency prayer alert, because of the above report. Let us all agree together for the winter rains to return. I was so excited for the great snowfall in Jerusalem in December that I slacked off on my prayers for rain. Let’s get back to prayer!

Finally, we should also pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu. He is under unprecedented pressure to capitulate to the Kerry Framework Peace Plan that I wrote about last Saturday. Please pray for him to hear from God and stand firm. Otherwise, January’s record dryness could lead to a severe drought. As I reported about former PM Ariel Sharon, not even the Prime Minister of Israel is above God’s judgments. This is especially true of dividing the land!

Pray! Pray! Pray!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





Kerry’s Plan: Rock or Sand?

1 02 2014

Protesting peace plan 1-20-141. Kerry’s Framework Plan gives half of Jerusalem to Palestine state as their capital. Israel cannot agree. SAND!

2. Kerry’s Framework Plan gives the Jordan Valley to Palestine. Israel cannot agree. SAND!

3. Kerry’s Framework Plan declares Israel as a Jewish state. Palestinians will not agree. SAND!

4. Kerry’s Framework Plan leaves 20-25% of Jews in Palestine. Palestinians will not agree. SAND!

5. Kerry’s Framework Plan allows no right of return for Arabs to Israel. Palestinians will not agree. SAND!

6. Kerry’s Framework Plan makes land swaps that leaves Israeli Arab citizens in Palestine. They will not agree. SAND!

7. Kerry’s Framework Plan will lead to a new Intifada and war. SAND!

SAND

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:24-29

ROCK

Thus says Yehovah, ​​Who gives the sun for a light by day, ​​The ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, ​​Who disturbs the sea, and its waves roar ​​(Yehovah of hosts is His name): ​​“If those ordinances depart from before Me, says Yehovah, ​​Then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nation before Me forever.” Thus says Yehovah: ​ ​“If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, ​​I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says Yehovah. Jeremiah 31:35-37

This is the most important year in prophecy since 1967. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Truth in Humor

29 01 2014

Dry Bones 3am callLes Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)





A Time for Pruning

27 01 2014

hayovelharvest

MY DAD’S LIFE VERSE: I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

From my earliest childhood I remember my Dad quoting this verse whenever he was asked his favorite Bible verse. Our church in rural Prophetstown, Illinois, often asked folks to share their favorite verse and Dad would always quote this verse. Even if he was at camp-meeting or a one-on-one conversation, that was his LIFE verse. I must admit, having a LIFE verse has taken on a whole new meaning for me, as I have been writing this book. My LIFE verse will be shared in a later chapter. But suffice it to say that Dad’s verse was not just the one he carried all through his life, but he LIVED it. It has now become the outline for this book dedicated in his honor. The greatest honor and accomplishment of his life, was the fact that his two sons were both in the ministry of the Gospel. He spoke often of his great joy in that solitary blessing. He lived to be ninety and was faithful to his love of Jesus and to his faithful love of my mother.

(A personal note to my grandchildren: If you want to know what your grandfather was like, watch the movie Fiddler On The Roof. Study Tevye, the milkman. Your great grandfather was a lot like him. Dad had that rare balanced personality embracing humor, sober reflection, hard work and family. But most of all, he loved God and talked to Him in his everyday life like a friend; because God was his friend, and he was God’s friend. Amazing, and it took me way too long to realize that I did not deserve that living example of fatherhood.)

I prayed much about the outline for this book on Jesus LIFE. It is all in Dad’s verse. First, Jesus is the VINE. Second, we are the BRANCHES. Finally, we will bear much FRUIT. I hope you see what I mean by the time we are finished with this book. (Excerpt from the third book in my GENERATION Series: Generation LIFE, introduction to Chapter One.)

A friend sent a transcription of several prophetic words for 2014-15 from Rabbi Jonathan Kahn’s New Jersey Messianic congregation. I believe this quote really hits the nail on the head for 2014.

This is a year of preparation and readiness for the time of what is ahead, for the greater things to come, for us, but linked to the world, preparing as a vessel, to ready ourselves for the use of the Lord, as the Scriptures says:

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

This is also a year to prune.  The purpose of pruning a tree is to cut off the branches that are not bearing fruit that are wasting the tree’s energy, resources, and time.  We are to prune our own lives, prune off those things that are not bearing fruit for God.  Of course, sins, but other things as well, that wastes time and does not bear fruit, and also, those things you do to bear fruit and it hasn’t bore fruit for a while (not something that God says to wait on that).  The purpose is not to stop bearing fruit; the purpose is to bear more fruit.  Thus, the tree will stop wasting energy into the unfruitful branches, and put more energy into the fruitful branches.  We must spend time in God’s ministry.  There is no such thing as a congregation with ministers; we are a congregation of ministers.  Start serving in the Lord if you haven’t done so, in every area of our lives.  If we are already ministering in the Lord and it does not bear fruit, and we have prayed about it and God had not said to wait on this, then we need to serve God in another way, in new ways, seek Him for what He wants, praising God in new ways, walking, overcoming in new ways, get out of the rut, God does not want us to waste the time we have, be fruitful in everything.

As we enter a profound prophetic time zone of the next eighteen months of the blood moons, these words are timely reminders from our loving Heavenly Father: It is time to prune!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





The View From Israel

23 01 2014

etinger‘Don’t Make Us America’s Next Mistake’ Expert warns America: before pushing peace deal, remember Iraq, Iran, Libya and Egypt. The U.S. needs to take a serious look at history before continuing on its current path, former ambassador and Mideast expert Yoram Ettinger has warned. Speaking to Arutz Sheva, Ettinger recalled a long string of American diplomatic and military failures in the Middle East – and warned that current U.S. policy could make Israel the latest in a chain of mistakes.

Several years ago, there was a great point made by Lance Lambert, a Jewish believer in Yeshua as the Messiah. He is a well-respected senior Bible teacher in the Land. His declaration was simple:Israel looks pitifully to America for her salvation.” However, that is beginning to change dramatically, as this article reveals. Israel is waking up to a new reality. They cannot trust America. That is a good thing for Israel, because she must look to Yehovah for survival, not to any man. On the other hand, it is bad for America. We have documented many times the Genesis principle that those who bless Israel are blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed.

I am glad to say that millions of Americans including Congress are still pro-Israel. It is the Administration that has turned away from blessing. It has consequences for our country, and it should motivate us at the polls. My household rates support of Israel as one of our highest priorities when choosing our elected officials. Please pray about your support of Israel in this US election year.

Here is another quote from the article linked above: The U.S. also supported the Islamic revolution in Iran, then supported Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein until his invasion of Kuwait, Ettinger said. PLO head Yasser Arafat was welcome in the White House, and American leaders – including Kerry – treated Syrian dictator Bashar Assad as a peace-seeking leader with whom Israel should negotiate, until the bloody Syrian civil war ended their support.

Ettinger listed other failures of American policy as well, including Hamas’ ascent to power in Gaza – which followed American pressure to include the terrorist group in PA elections – the Muslim Brotherhood’s status in Egypt, and the violence in Libya following the American-backed overthrow of the previous government in that country.

“Whoever is impressed by the opinions given by American Secretaries of State and Presidents should look at their track records,” Ettinger urged. Doing so “will make him think twice about following their recommendations,” he concluded. ‘Don’t Make Us America’s Next Mistake’

Israel must transition from trusting in the United States, and for that matter, even from the Israel Defense Forces, to totally trust in the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

Now I know that Yehovah saves His anointed; ​​He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.  ​​Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of Yehovah our God. ​​They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright. Save, Yehovah! ​​May the King answer us when we call. Psalm 20:6-9

When you pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for rain in abundance, remember to pray for wisdom from above for her leaders and her people. We do not blindly support every decision of the Israeli government, but we do support the eternal purpose of the God of Israel to bless and restore and protect her in these last days of the age. Finally, we pray for the day when they will recognize Jesus as their Messiah and the Son of God.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Israel News Update

20 01 2014
Barry Segal JNN JNN News Update January 20th 2014

(The following quoted news updates are from Barry Segal, a Jerusalem friend who has a dynamic service to the needy along with his newsletters. Subscribe below.)

NETANYAHU: A JEW-FREE PALESTINIAN STATE WOULD BE ETHNIC CLEANSING: A “Jew-free” Palestinian state, now being contemplated in peace talks, would be tantamount to ethnic cleansing, Israeli PM Netanyahu told Canada’s CTV. While Arabs in Israel have full civic rights, “in the Palestinian state, the way it’s being contemplated, no Jew can live there, it has to be Jew-free, ethnic cleansing. Well, what is that? There are Arabs who live here, but they can’t contemplate Jews living there. It’s absurd that we’re willing to recognize, that I’m willing to recognize the Palestinians, but in exchange, they’re not willing to recognize the Jewish state, the nation state of the Jewish people. There’s something wrong there.” (Algemeiner)

UK PARLIAMENT LAUNCHES INQUIRY INTO FUNDING FOR UNRWA, PALESTINIANS: The British parliament has formed a committee of inquiry to probe the flow of funds used by the international refugee agency UNRWA to support the Palestinians. According to the report, disclosed Saturday, the British government contributes 90 million pounds annually in aid to the Palestinians. A third of that sum is earmarked for UNRWA – the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees. The parliamentary committee, with the encouragement of former Israeli Labor MK Einat Wilf, is due to submit its recommendations soon. “UNRWA is perpetuating the notion that descendants of refugees are themselves refugees, and it is based on this principle that the Palestinians are demanding the right of return, something that will not happen in any future agreement,” Wilf said. “The main point is that UNRWA is entirely supported by Western countries whose official policy is to aim for a two-state solution,” Wilf continued. “This is completely in contradiction to the idea of a right of return for 5 million refugees and their descendants to Israel.” (J.Post)

WHOSE TAXPAYERS FUND UNRWA?: With a total of $644,701,999 in contributions, the US, EU, UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, The Netherlands and Japan pay 71% of the annual UNRWA budget. The United Nations Relief and Work Agency is the only UN refugee agency dedicated to a single group of people. It is the only agency that designates individuals as original refugees if they lived in the area for a minimum of two years, that acknowledges the descendants of original refugees as refugees as well, and the only one that actively encourages its clients to act on their “right of return.”  The total UNRWA budget for 2012 was $907,907,371. The permanent and hysterically supportive rhetoric for the “Palestinian cause” from the Muslim world might lead one to expect that UNWRA is mainly funded by Muslim countries. The truth, however, is that UNRWA is almost entirely funded by Western taxpayers. With a total of $644,701,999 in contributions, the US, EU, UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, The Netherlands and Japan pay 71% of the annual UNRWAbudget. So where do the Muslim states rank? First in, at No. 15, is Saudi Arabia. The country with palaces for every prince and gold-plated Boeing 747s on the royal runways chipped in $12,030,540, less than half the contribution of a tiny country like The Netherlands. Second, at No.18, is Turkey. Qatar, which spent millions on obtaining the 2022 soccer World cup, contributed exactly $0 to their Palestinian brothers. These figures reflect the nature of the role Muslim countries play in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In their rhetoric they are permanently hostile toward Israel and very sympathetic to the Palestinians. Yet, Muslim states do not deliver when it comes to the material needs of the Palestinians. One more fact: The personal wealth of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is estimated at $100 million. Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) reported UNRWA actually helps promotes terrorism and holds Palestinians back from rebuilding their lives. It charged UNRWA schools with becoming hotbeds of anti-Western, anti-American, and antisemitic indoctrination and recruiting offices for terrorist groups. It said also UNWRA facilities are used to store and transport weapons, actually serving as terrorist military bases. When the current conflict is the only reason for the annual welfare check that pays PA leaders, there isn’t much incentive for ending the conflict, either. (J.Post) Pray the truth about the taxpayers funds from Western nations being used to support and further terrorism as well as padding the pockets of PA leaders will come to light. Pray UNRWA will be dismantled and any legitimate needs and responsibilities will be transferred to individuals and committees that can be trusted to carry them out.

CANADIAN MP COTLER CALLS TO DISMANTLE UNRWA: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency should be disbanded, MP and former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler demanded last week. “Jurisdiction over the Palestinian refugees should be transferred from UNWRA, which, frankly, continues to engage patterns of incitement against Israel and in misrepresentation of the truth,” Cotler said. He added that the “Arab League should incorporate the question of Jewish refugees as part of its framework for an Israeli- Arab peace in the same way that the Jewish narrative incorporates the Palestinian refugees,” and that the government of Israel insist that in “any and all discussions between the negotiating parties, any reference to Palestinian refugees must also include express reference to Jewish refugees.” It is “high time that the forced exodus of Jews from Arab lands be introduced to the international agenda after the unconscionable neglect of the issue for six decades,” he declared. Cotler called for the end of UNRWA and for recognition and redress for the 850,000 Jewish refugees of the Israeli-Arab conflict. (J.Post)

Keep informed on breaking Israel-related and Middle East news. To subscribe, at no cost, to twice weekly mailings of JNN News go to: www.jnnnews.com

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)





Anti-Semitism Defined

17 01 2014

hair on fire img472473 INNDoor #1 – “Let’s Burn the Jew” Canada Court: ‘Let’s Burn the Jew’ Not Racist Judge rules high school student who lit Jewish girl’s hair on fire saying ‘let’s burn the Jew’ did not commit hate crime.

Door #2 – “Jews to Gas Chambers” Poland: ‘Jews to Gas Chambers’ Not Racist Municipal prosecutor rules anti-Semitic chants by Polish League soccer fans were not a racist criminal offense.

If these two examples are not considered anti-semitism, what is? Today let me offer two articles this week. Here is a quote from each article followed by a link to each article. What do you think?

Kerry is not rushing into Damascus to stop the bloodletting that has claimed far more lives than all the Palestinians lost in 70 years of conflict with Israel. Syrian President Bashar Assad, Shiite terrorists and al Qaeda would not listen politely to Kerry’s pontificating sermons. The cowardly new anti-semitism

“My mother used to say to me that ‘life and death is on the tip of the tongue.’ While I was getting this at home, I would be going to school where the refrain was ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,’” the former Canadian justice minister and attorney general told The Times of Israel during a visit to Jerusalem. I learned that wasn’t true; that words can hurt.” PA state-sponsored hate speech must stop, human rights expert says

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

Definition: Antisemitism (also spelled anti-semitism or anti-Semitism) is prejudice, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews for reasons connected to their Jewish heritage.[1] A person who holds such positions is called an “antisemite”. Although Jews are generally considered an ethnoreligious group and not a race,[2] antisemitism is nevertheless regarded as a form of racism. Wikipedia

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)





World Surrenders to Iran

14 01 2014
FILE- In this Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006 file photo, an aerial view of a heavy-water production plant in the central Iranian town of Arak.  (AP Photo/ ISNA, Arash Khamoushi, File) The Associated Press

FILE- In this Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006 file photo, an aerial view of a heavy-water production plant in the central Iranian town of Arak. (AP Photo/ ISNA, Arash Khamoushi, File) The Associated Press

TODAY’S IRAN HEADLINES + Links

Iran’s Rouhani: ‘WorldPowers Surrendered to Iranian Nation’s Will’ the weekly Standard

Iran’s Rouhani casts nuke deal as win for nation U-T San Diego

New Iran agreement includes secret side deal, Tehran official says LA Times

What could possible go wrong? President Obama leads the surrender using the old Viet Nam War era slogan: Give Peace A Chance.

Meanwhile, guess what Iran’s Foreign Minister and Chief Negotiator did on his way home from the Geneva signing ceremony today? He stopped off in Beirut, Lebanon to lay a wreath on the grave of the terrorist mastermind behind the 1983 massacre of 241 American servicemen: 220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers. (see: “Search for perpetrators” halfway down this article). How can we be so blind?

All along, of course, Iran has just been stalling and stonewalling to simply buy more time in their relentless quest for nuclear weapons. They have been caught lying many times. Iran’s President Rouhani even bragged about his prowess in deceiving the West in a video tape released in 2013, and an interview in 2006: How we duped the West.

TAQIYYA: The Islamic Doctrine of Lying

The fact that they say what we want to hear is actually a doctrine of lying called taqiyya. They are instructed that lying is a righteous way to achieve a desired effect for the advance of Islam and they will be rewarded for their “successful” lie. If you understand that this is true, it is a lot easier to understand their love of the Western media. They just tell us what we want to hear while going about their secretive purposes. Exerpt from Chapter Two of my newest book: SIMPLE ISLAM

Contrast this with Jesus’ words: 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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)





Ariel Sharon 1928-2014

11 01 2014

Ariel Sharon Times of Israel Arik2-635x357

How the Mighty Have Fallen!

With the news of Ariel Sharon’s death, we must consider the proper attitude for Christians to express toward his memory. My first thought was “How the mighty have fallen!” My commentary of January 6, 2014, Ariel Sharon and Judgment, documented his worst mistake. However, this is the time to honor his memory, not celebrate his passing. Here is a quote from that posting.

“Please know that I take no joy in these facts, but they show an aspect of God that we must embrace if we live by the Bible. Even God Himself takes no pleasure in anyone’s death.”

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:30-32

So, for an example of our proper response, I see two important points drawing on God’s revealed character and the example of King David.  Look at King David’s cry over the death of King Saul and Jonathan.

Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, and he told them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is written in the Book of Jasher: ​​“The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! ​​How the mighty have fallen! ​​Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon—​​Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.” 2 Samuel 1:17-20

1. Honor the anointing: Remember David’s refusal to kill Saul earlier because Saul was “God’s anointed.” David understood that God does not rejoice in the death of a man. He honored the anointing of Saul even to his death. Saul tried to kill David, yet he never wavered from respecting the anointing.

Ariel Sharon was chosen by God to be Prime Minister of Israel, his failures and critical mistakes notwithstanding. The Hebrew meaning of the name “Ariel” means “lion of God.” May Yehovah have mercy on his soul.

2. Don’t gloat about it: David warned about the response of the Philistines. Even today, we know the Palestinians will celebrate Sharon’s death. We must watch what spirit we have. It is a time to grieve not a time rejoice. If you read the full account in 2 Samuel 1, you will see that David ordered the execution of the young Amalekite who bragged that he killed Saul.

Finally, we have the controversial story of the Rabbi who claimed Jesus appeared to him. (See my 1-9-14 blog.) The Rabbi said the Messiah would come after Ariel Sharon died. I pray that the controversy will cause many to seriously consider the claims of Jesus of Nazareth. With the passing of Ariel Sharon (reported this morning) it is a very potent time for the Holy Spirit to reveal the true Messiah, Yeshua, to many. I pray it is so.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





Rabbi Says Yeshua is Messiah

9 01 2014

Rabbi KaduriI almost named this post: Ariel Sharon Part Two. His soon death has shone a spotlight on a remarkable story, buried at the time, but will now surface with a bang. One of the most respected orthodox Israeli Rabbis, who died January 28, 2006 at 108 years, named Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah. Based on the Messiah appearing to Him in visions, he revealed the name in a coded message held back until a year after his death. Some estimated there were 300,000 people in his funeral procession.

After my last commentary about former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, I was asked about Rabbi Kaduri. I then added a couple of links to the story. However, it deserves wider attention, thus this posting. The convergence in 2014 of the blood-red moons and Ariel Sharon’s death adds credibility to Rabbi Kaduri’s report. Here again are the two important links. The first is a short video outlining the facts. The second is and article in Israel Today written at the time they opened the coded message. What do you think about it?

The most intriguing part is the prediction that the Messiah would come soon after Ariel Sharon’s death. Who knew he would live in a coma for over seven years? The Rabbi was a Kabbalist, a Jewish mystic. Does that discount the report? Either way, the focus in Israel is still on Jesus being named the Messiah of Israel. Let the debate begin!

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the hearts of many and reveal the truth.

When is the last time you read Isaiah 53? Jews say it refers to the nation of Israel, not a person. We see it as a clear description of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel.

The Sin-Bearing Messiah Who has believed our report? ​​And to whom has the arm of Yehovah been revealed? ​​For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. ​​He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, ​​There is no beauty that we should desire Him. ​​He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; ​He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. ​​Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. ​​But He was wounded for our transgressions, ​​He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ​​All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and Yehovah has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
​​​He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; ​​He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. ​​He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? ​​For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. ​​And they made His grave with the wicked—​​But with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.​​
Yet it pleased Yehovah to bruise Him; ​​He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, ​​He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of Yehovah shall prosper in His hand. ​​He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. ​​By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. ​​Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, ​​Because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)




Ariel Sharon & Judgment

6 01 2014
Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon went into a coma in 2006, some three years into his second term

Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon went into a coma in 2006, some three years into his second term

A Sober Word

The nature of God is a much debated subject. Many in today’s Western decadent culture choose to believe in a god who would never hurt a flea. Really. Just think of PETA. Yet there are two facts about the God of the Bible that one must accept.

1. Yehovah is the God who is unchangeable. “For I am Yehovah, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. Malachi 3:6 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

The point of the first verse is that if God would change, He would have destroyed Jacob (Israel). But He had made certain unconditional promises to Abraham, Issac and Jacob that are eternal.

2. God has in fact consumed/destroyed wicked people including entire cities such as Sodom and Gomorrah in the past. And He will do it in the future…The burden against Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap. Isaiah 17:1

I say this is future because Damascus, Syria is the only Middle Eastern capital city that has never been destroyed in over 5,000 years. Jerusalem on the other hand, has been destroyed at least eleven times.

These two facts about the nature of Yehovah God are the foundation of this post about Ariel Sharon, former Prime Minister of Israel who is on his death-bed. He has been in a coma for seven years, but is now near death.

Much will be written in his honor in the coming days, so I need to make this point now. Even the Prime Minister of Israel is not above God’s judgments. Lionized as a great General in earlier years, his last terrible decision to withdraw all Jews from the Gaza area was his final act and his worst mistake. He found himself on the opposite end of one of God’s most unchangeable declarations.

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, ​​I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; ​​They have also divided up My land.” Joel 3:1-2

Ariel Sharon divided God’s land and fell into the judgment. He was so blinded by the US pressure, he even scheduled the withdrawal from Gaza on the 9th of Av, which is the worst historical date in Jewish history. It was the date of the destruction of both the first and second temples, expulsion from Spain, and even the Holocaust. He immediately postponed it but the damage was done. Within days he suffered the tragic brain hemorrhage. The withdrawal date is also connected to US judgment because that is the day Katrina formed off the African coast. Please know that I take no joy in these facts, but they show an aspect of God that we must embrace if we live by the Bible. Even God Himself takes no pleasure in anyone’s death.

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:30-32

UPDATE: Check out the story of the famous Israeli Rabbi who met the Messiah and told His name. He also said the death of Ariel Sharon would be followed by the coming of the Messiah. Click here and here.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





2014 Prophetic Signs

1 01 2014

Blood moons 3This is a monumental year  of Bible prophecy fulfillment. Fasten your seat belt for a fast and bumpy ride. I base my analysis on the exact science of the rare tetrad of blood-red moons which occur on Passover this year and 2015 and during the Feast of Tabernacles this Fall and in 2015. (For background please click here and here.)

The “signs in the heavens” prediction declared by Jesus Himself. I submit that we will see more of these physically fulfilled in 2014 than any year since Jesus spoke His prophecy. There are five clear parts to this text, four signs for unbelievers and one instruction to believers.

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:25-28

1. Signs in the heavens: This refers to the extraordinary blood-red moons, eclipses as well as comets and meteorites in the next two years.

2. Perplexing distress of nations: The futility of the “peace talks” with Israel, Iran, Syria and several others in the Muslim East and in Africa is exposed. We continue to see the precise build-up to the Psalm 83 War climax as events unfold in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

3. Seas and waves roaring: This suggests a season of gigantic storms and tsunamis.

4. Hearts failing from fear: This the human reaction to a deep visceral terror, not of man, but of God. Seeing all these signs makes people “expect” things to get much worse. Humanity without faith in Yehovah God and His Son Jesus, will see much gloom and doom. However, as I have said many times, we do not believe in doom and gloom, but gloom and va-voom! Yes, the coming events are scary, but there is a word for believers.

5. Lift up your head: When a believer views the same signs, he is not to cast down his gaze. Jesus said that observing these terrible events is exactly the time to look up, lift your head and stand, secure in the certain redemption signaled by those very indicators.

I pray favor and blessing for you and your family in this New Year. May you find you faith and security in the only One who can guarantee it. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)





Mountain Holy Days

27 12 2013

Roan Mt 2013A Personal Note: Our family has been greatly blessed with our family vacation in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. We had one light snowfall and loads of laughter and yummy food. What a joy it is to have all our meals together with our three daughters and their families, now including seven grandchildren.

The highlight for me was Christmas Eve after we read the story of Jesus’ birth. I prayed for each of our families and then laid hands on each grandchild with the patriarchal blessing passed on to us from thousands of years of believers. I spoke the name of Yehovah over each one placing it on them with the blessing of Numbers 6. It has truly been a holy week. Thank you Jesus!

And Yehovah spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: ​​“Yehovah bless you and keep you; ​​Yehovah make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; ​​Yehovah lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Middle East Christmas

21 12 2013

Dry Bones persecution(I especially appreciate Yaachov Kirchen, the Israeli Jewish cartoonist, who has been drawing Dry Bones since 1973. Thank you Mr. Kirchen for your sensitivity to the crisis facing Christians in the Middle East.)

Christians persecuted by Islamists, says Prince Charles

“For 20 years I have tried to build bridges between Islam and Christianity to dispel ignorance and misunderstanding,” he told the audience. The point though, surely, is that we have now reached a crisis where bridges are rapidly being deliberately destroyed by those with a vested interest in doing so. This is achieved through intimidation, false accusation and organised persecution including to the Christian communities in the Middle East at the present time.”

Prince Charles was very tolerant and embracing of Islam in the past, but I appreciate his new statement. Perhaps he is waking up to the threat. I pray that he will be blessed with “eyes to see and ears to hear.”

It is time for the Western world to recognize the terrible persecution of Christians. It is not that we are surprised. Jesus predicted it. Yet we must pray and sound the alarm. We need to resist the propaganda that says Islam is a peaceful religion. Christians are not second class citizens in one Muslim country, but virtually every Muslim country. It is in the DNA of the religion. It is in the sacred texts of Islam.

Of course, it is not only Islam, but Hollywood and many media outlets also denigrate Christians. This is a sign of the times. We must be willing to embrace persecution. We don’t need to provoke it unnecessarily, but accept it when it comes. That does not mean we hide or hold back our confession of faith, but just don’t be surprised when persecution comes.

Jesus said: Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:11-12, 43-44

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 15:20

During this season of the Messiah’s birth, let us remember and pray for Christians suffering real tribulation even as we celebrate the great joy of our salvation: Immanuel, God with us!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists         (READ MORE)





Jesus is Salvation

17 12 2013

j0384849You will call Him Yeshua because He will Yasha His people from their sins.

You will call Him Salvation because He will save His people from their sins.

You will call Him Savior because He will save His people from their sins.

You will call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.

She shall bring forth a son. You shall call his name Yeshua, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 HNV

Most Bible translations of Jesus’ name manage to completely obscure the root meaning. Names always carried real meaning in Israel’s culture. Language translations have “dumbed down” the name of Jesus. Most Christians and all unsaved people think it is only a name. Yet, there is a great revelation in the etymology of the name. It comes directly from the Hebrew word for salvation: Yeshua or Yehoshua. Early manuscripts of Matthew were written in Hebrew where the logic of calling Him Yeshua is immediately clear in the context: “for He will Yasha (save) His people from their sins.” Yeshua and Yasha are from the same Hebrew root “to save.” Jesus is “salvation” because He will “save!”

Finally, there is one more profound point here. Those of us who were born as unsaved Gentiles are so grateful that the previously limited national promise to Israel came to us through Jesus. But we must not forget that the original promise to Israel is eternal. Yeshua is His name because He will save HIS PEOPLE from their sins. They will turn back to Yehovah God and see that Yeshua is indeed Yeshua ben Yehovah, Jesus, Son of God! God will save them, not because they deserve salvation, any more than we do, but because God is faithful! He made unconditional promises to the forefathers of Israel and He will keep those promises.

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord Yehovah: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am Yehovah,” says the Lord Yehovah, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:22-28

During this Christmas season may Jesus the Light of the World, become the Salvation of Israel! Pray for the real peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Unprecedented Snow in Jerusalem: Over 3 Feet!

13 12 2013

Jerusalem snow jam 2013It is time to pray. This storm has stranded thousands of people. Jerusalem has already had over a foot with two more expected tonight. They are not prepared for the unexpectedly extreme conditions. As I write this, it is sundown Friday there. The worst is yet to come. Pray!

Here are several links to this developing story:

Unprecedented Snowfall Continues

Jerusalem braces for storm ‘three times worse’ than what has been seen so far

Jerusalem covered in snow, rest of the country flooded with rains

Roads to Jerusalem closed as huge storm batters Israel

Jerusalem: Drivers stranded in snow

Praise Yehovah, O Jerusalem! ​​Praise your God, O Zion! ​​For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; ​​He has blessed your children within you. ​​He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat. ​​He sends out His command to the earth; ​​His word runs very swiftly. ​​He gives snow like wool; ​​He scatters the frost like ashes; ​​He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold? ​​He sends out His word and melts them; ​​He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. Psalm 147:12-18

Also, please read all of Job 37 for more insight.

Dry Bones snowFinally, there is a prophetic context to the fact that John Kerry is presently in Jerusalem imposing the US Administrations will. It is the eleventh time this year. Amazingly, there is a prophetic pronouncement in the two preceding verses to the above quote that gives context. It is not man who brings peace to Jerusalem, it is Yehovah God! Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Yeshua Sar Shalom!

He does not delight in the strength of the horse; ​​He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. Yehovah takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 147:10-11

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Islamists in Proverbs

9 12 2013

Today I submit four remarkably descriptive verses from Proverbs exposing the character of radical Islam. Do you agree? Of course this section is a warning for all of us, but seems so accurate of the demonic spirit that threatens the world.

The only hope for Muslims and for all of us is the Messiah Jesus. He is the only one who can deliver us from evil. He is the Son of God, our Savior: Yeshua ben Yehovah!

These six things Yehovah hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: ​​A proud look, ​​A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, ​​A heart that devises wicked plans, ​​Feet that are swift in running to evil, ​​A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

Simple Islam front coverRather than condemning these traits, Islamists praise and honor their “martyrs” who succeed in killing infidels using these very methods. Think about the seven abominations one by one. Do they not coincide with radical Islam?

Again I say, the only hope for Muslims and for all of us is the Messiah Jesus. He is the only one who can deliver us from evil. He is the Son of God, our Savior: Yeshua ben Yehovah!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Israel: God’s Glory

4 12 2013

I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. Isaiah 46:13

What a wonderful way for God to display His power and glory, by redeeming banished Israel back to their land and their God! Embracing the literal restoration of Israel is pivotal to understanding God’s glory. My first book, Prophesy To the Land! was a literal reading of Ezekiel 36. Since then I have proven over and over the maxim learned from several mentors: “If you can possibly take a passage literally, do so.”

GloryOverIsraelGod’s glory is revealed in the awesome story of Israel. After the leaders of Israel refused Jesus as Messiah, and were banished from the land to wander the world, many concluded that Israel was replaced by the church in God’s salvation plan. However, that mistake (seemingly confirmed by the Holocaust) was blown away when God began to favor Israel on God’s own timetable:

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

I love to preach Psalm 102 which I call the “Holocaust Psalm.” Before Israel became a nation, one could claim that her judgment was permanent. However, since 1948, God has poured out blessing and favor for 65 years. The exiles have returned (and are returning), Jerusalem is back under Israeli sovereignty, God has miraculously protected and delivered them in multiple wars, and He has blessed them with massive newly discovered natural resources and technology. ​Trillions of cubic feet of natural gas are now flowing into Israel from vast fields offshore in the Mediterranean Sea.

Then you shall see and become radiant,​​ and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. Isaiah 60:5

Also consider that “Approximately 20 percent or 1 in 5 of Nobel Prize laureates are Jews, yet Jews make up less than 0.2 percent of the world’s population.” (Israel Today) FAVOR!

Finally, consider this recent headline: Netanyahu: Iran is the Darkness, We’re the Light: “We have come to banish the darkness and the greatest darkness that threatens the world today is that of a nuclear Iran,” he said. “We are committed to doing whatever we can to prevent this darkness. If possible, it would be preferable to do so by diplomatic means and if not we will serve as a light to the nations.”

While the world succumbs to the dark scourge of radical Islam, Israel is shining brighter and brighter. And as I said in my previous blog, “Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed.” As for me and my house, we will serve Yehovah, God of Israel, and His eternal covenant purpose to bless Israel.

Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; ​​I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. ​​Indeed I have spoken it; ​​I will also bring it to pass. ​​I have purposed it; ​​I will also do it. ​​Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness: ​​I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; ​​My salvation shall not linger. ​​And I will place salvation in Zion, for Israel My glory. Isaiah 46:9-13

Don’t forget that the word salvation in verse 13 above is Yeshua, the Hebrew word for Jesus. Jesus is the “salvation” placed in Zion for Israel.

And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





Genocide

30 11 2013

kill-jewsRead this slowly so you understand exactly what I believe. Those who side with the Palestinian leaders against Israel are supporting genocide. For 65+ years, not a week has passed without a call for Israel’s destruction. There was war several times, suicide campaigns at other times, plus boycotts and devious political moves. All these attempts ultimately have the same goal: genocide of all Jews. Check out this story: Favorite Course of Terrorists in Israeli Jails – Genocide

There is no peace partner. Some Westerners are willing to admit that Hamas has that goal, since it is clearly in their Charter. However, the West ignores that the Palestinian Authority still has never officially removed similar statements from their Charter. Consider this quotation from the news this week.

PA Sheikh: Only Solution for Jews is the Sword  “For Jews, we do not have but the sword and by extension we need to hold an all-out war against them and not talk with them,” declared Abu Sara’a. Quoted a few days ago in his sermon  at the Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount, he declared the following in the same sermon:

He stressed that “Palestine” is holy Islamic land and should not be given up under any circumstances. The solution, said Abu Sara’a, is in the words of the prophet of Islam Muhammad, who said, “Fight them” and did not say that Jews should be negotiated with. In this context he mentioned the tradition quoted by the prophet Muhammad, where a tree and a stone call a Muslim and tell him, “A Jew is hiding behind me, come and kill him.”

What hope is there for peace when that attitude is normal for Palestinian leaders? The Palestinian flag (of a non-nation) is flying all over the Middle East and in pro-Palestinian demonstrations around the world. It is the flag of genocide. Does Israel promote genocide of the Palestinians? No, except in the fantasy of propaganda. As is often repeated… “If the Arabs laid down their weapons there would be peace, but if Israel laid down her weapons Israel would cease to exist.” That defines “an existential threat.”

Israel’s hope is only in Yehovah God.

“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: ​​Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. ​​The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of Yehovah. and it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of  Yehovah shall be saved. ​​For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as Yehovah has said, among the remnant whom Yehovah calls.  For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, ​​I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there​​ on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land.” Joel 2:30-32 & 3:1-2

Pray for the coming of Messiah Jesus, the real peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Happy Thanksgivukkah!

26 11 2013

HanukkahSo, Hanukkah 2013 begins at sundown this Wednesday and will still be the first day of Hanukkah when our family and friends sit down to our sumptuous Thanksgiving turkey Turkey 02_small about 1 pm Thursday. This coincidence last happened in 1888 and will not occur again for over 70,000 years. Thus my greeting: Happy Thanksgivukkah! We plan to give thanks around the table on Thursday for our blessings and also discuss the glorious hope of the Messiah, the Light of the World!

… TO … all my Jewish friends and to all my Christian friends. So, why should Christians celebrate this Jewish holiday? Is it given to us like all the Biblical feasts of Yehovah in Leviticus 23? No, actually it is not. Why then, should we celebrate?

I know two good reasons. First, it has genuine historic significance that changed the course of nations and fulfilled prophecy. My wife, Doreen, wrote a children’s story book called How Hanukkah saved Christmas. Had the Greeks under Antiochus succeeded in killing all the Jews and destroying the temple, Jesus could not have come. You see, He must be born a Jew, a descendant of King David. No Jews left; no Messiah. He also had to come into the temple. No temple; no fulfilled prophecy.

The second reason to celebrate has to do with the traditional miracle oil that was enough to light the temple menorah for one day, but lasted eight days, allowing time to sanctify (or dedicate) new oil. Thus the references to Hanukkah as the Festival of Lights, and Feast of Dedication.

Now it was the Feast of Dedication, and it was winter   (John 10:22).

At Jesus’ last visit to Jerusalem before His death He announced several times, leading up to the Festival of Lights, that He was the Light of the World. That generation and that Jewish culture could make no mistake about what He claimed. That is one reason He was charged with blasphemy. They knew exactly what He meant. He claimed to be the Son of God, Yeshua ben Yehovah!

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

Finally, today’s Israelis celebrate Hanukkah with nine candles instead of  a regular seven candle menorah. Why nine? Eight makes sense because of the eight-day miracle. But why nine? The ninth one is usually offset a bit and is called the shamash, or, servant/attendant candle. Its purpose is to light the other candles. What a great object lesson for the purpose of Jesus as the Light of the World. He brings the Light of His Father, Yehovah to all who receive Him.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Happy Thanksgivukkah!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists        (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





Theoretically

23 11 2013

BZsBGfuCQAA_ibF.jpg large(Catherine Ashton represents the European Union and Ban Ki Moon the United Nations.)

If you like this, you may also like his “Apartheid Week” cartoons here.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)




Noun: SKULLDUGGERY

19 11 2013

Clinton-Benghazi-G1-620x362Noun: SKULLDUGGERY – underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; trickery.

Synonyms:  fraudulence, underhandedness, chicanery;

Informal:  shenanigans, funny business, monkey business, monkeyshines

“Yvonne found herself entangled in the skullduggery of Gregory’s private business deals”

Here is a partial list of Administration items that might qualify for skullduggery. Did I leave anything out? Do any of these not qualify as skullduggery?

The disastrous failure to support Iran’s dissidents, mishandling Egypt, promoting of the Arab Spring and Morsi, promoting the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria and other countries including the US, lying about radical Islam’s connections to Ft. Hood and multiple other terrorist attacks, the ban on Islam references in government documents, Benghazi lies, the Syrian zig-zag,  botched drone attacks, snooping and spying on Allies, politicizing the IRS tax authority, the NSA affair, the multiple betrayals of Israel and the ongoing persecution of her imprisoned agent, Jonathan Pollard, lying about the secret year-long Iran negotiations, lying about Palestinian “peace” talks, threatening Israel with a new intifada, regularly dis-respecting Israel’s Prime Minister, using executive orders to bypass Congress, lying about Obama-care promises to keep your doctor and your plan, the healthcare website screw-up, and finally: DENYING RESPONSIBILITY for ANY of the above. Skullduggery.

Remember the infamous comment by Hillary Clinton when asked about Bengazi? “What difference does it make?” That callous disinterest in finding the truth exposes a poisoned political culture that believes the end justifies the means. I conclude that the above list of skullduggery is not naïve or mistakes or ignorance or misguided. It is intentional. There is an agenda that is driving the decisions and wordplay. It is not accidental. We must wake up and stand for truth. We must speak up before it is too late. We must hold all of our elected leaders accountable to the foundational constitution of this blessed country.

It is not too late. I believe we will see the greatest revival of history here in the coming years. But, just as with the anti-agenda, we must be intentional. We will not keep silent. We must not be distracted by the cares of life. It is now time for every good man to come to the aid of his country. I am calling for believers to rise to the day. It is time to shine with the glory of Yehovah God. I’m not talking about guns, but the glory of Jesus. I am not preaching politics, but the Kingdom of God.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of Yehovah is risen upon you. For behold, at a time when darkness covers the earth, My glory cloud will cover My people. But Yehovah will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. Isaiah 60:1-2 (my paraphrase based on Chapter 14 in my book: Generation LAST.)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists    (READ MORE)





Voting Bias?

15 11 2013

Dry Bones voting biasThis has always been true in the United Nations where there are 57 Muslim nations’ votes against Israel on every issue, before even counting the other nations. Then of course many other nations are intimidated or bribed to oppose Israel. I just thought it would be good to remind you of the odds stacked against Israel. Only Yehovah God can defend this tiny nation of His Promise.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)





Like a Bird Protecting its Nest

11 11 2013

eagleYehovah of Heaven’s Armies will hover over Jerusalem and protect it like a bird protecting its nest. He will defend and save the city; he will pass over it and rescue it. Isaiah 31:5 NLT

What an amazing picture of God’s love and protection of Jerusalem! In these times of great peril for Israel’s very existence, this is a wonderfully comforting promise. It speaks of the faithfulness of the God of Israel to watch over His people. We can pray for the peace of Jerusalem with real faith when we have such an unconditional covenant. This is not an isolated verse out of context, because Jesus Himself echoed the same heart for Jerusalem when they refused Him:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Matthew 23:37 KJV

Here is the New King James version of the same Isaiah verse. It gives a little different slant, possibly bringing to mind the Israel Air Force as a means of God’s protection over Jerusalem. Either way, God is totally committed to protecting Israel.

Eagle 2f15overcoast

Like birds flying about, so will Yehovah of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, He will preserve it. Isaiah 31:5 NKJV

If Jerusalem means so much to God and is so much on His mind, we must be much more mindful ourselves of all that threatens the holy city where Yehovah placed His name.

PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)





American Jews: Wake Up!

5 11 2013

CFI  So Abraham prayed to God   Genesis 20.17This is one of those rare occasions when I reprint an entire article. This is the experience of a young Israeli, Hen Mazzig, as reported by the Times of Israel. Please take 5 minutes to understand this “first hand” antisemitism right here in America.

An Israeli Soldier to American Jews: Wake up!

As a young Israeli who had just completed five years of service in the IDF, I looked forward to my new job educating people in the Pacific Northwest about Israel. I was shocked, however, by the anti-Israel bigotry and hostility I encountered, especially in the greater Seattle area, Oregon, and Berkeley. I had been very liberal, a member of the leftist Zionist party, Meretz, but the anti-Semitism and hatred for Israel that I have seen in the U.S. has changed my outlook personally and politically.

As part of my work as an educator at StandWithUs, between January and May of this year, I  traveled to college campuses, high schools and churches, sharing the history of modern Israel.  I also shared personal stories about growing up in the Jewish state, and about my family. I always spoke about my military service as an officer in an IDF COGAT unit that attends to the needs of Palestinian civilians who are not involved in the conflict and promotes Palestinian civil society. Each time I would speak and take questions for an hour or more. I have shared my personal story with over 16,000 people at many, many college campuses and high schools, including UC Berkeley, Stanford, the University of Washington, Seattle University and many others. Many of those to whom I spoke were supportive, friendly, and open to hearing about my Israel. But, sadly, far too many were not.

When I served as a soldier in the West Bank, I got used to having ugly things said to me, but nothing prepared me for the misinformation, demonization of Israel, and the gut-wrenching, anti-Israel, anti-Semitic hostility expressed by many students, professors, church members, and even some high school students right here in the Pacific Northwest.

I was further shocked by how unaware the organized Jewish community is and how little they are actually doing to counter this rising anti-Semitism, which motivated me to write this article.

This new form of bigotry against Israel has been called the “new anti-Semitism,” with “Israel” replacing “Jew” in traditional anti-Semitic imagery and canards, singling out and discriminating against the Jewish state, and denying the Jewish people alone the right to self-determination. The new anti-Semitism is packaged in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign (BDS), which claims to champion Palestinian rights though its real goal is to erode American support for Israel, discredit Jews who support Israel, and pave the way for eliminating the Jewish state. One of BDS’ central demands is the “complete right of return” for all the descendants of the original Palestinian refugees, subtle language that means the end of Israel as the Jewish homeland because it would turn Israel into a Palestinian-Arab majority state.

It is surprising that an extremist group like BDS is ever taken seriously, but BDS advocates have found receptive audiences in some circles. Their campaigns are well organized and in many cases, well financed. They have lobbied universities, corporations, food co-ops, churches, performing artists, labor unions, and other organizations to boycott Israel and companies that do business with Israel. But even if these groups don’t agree to treat Israel as a pariah state, the BDS activists manage to spread their anti-Israel misinformation, lies and prejudice simply by forcing a debate based on their false claims about Israel.

To give you a taste of the viciousness of the BDS attacks, let me cite just a few of the many shocking experiences I have had. At a BDS event in Portland, a professor from a Seattle university told the assembled crowd that the Jews of Israel have no national rights and should be forced out of the country. When I asked, “Where do you want them to go?” she calmly answered, “I don’t care. I don’t care if they don’t have any place else to go. They should not be there.” When I responded that she was calling for ethnic cleansing, both she and her supporters denied it. And during a presentation in Seattle, I spoke about my longing for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. When I was done, a woman in her 60’s stood up and yelled at me, “You are worse than the Nazis. You are just like the Nazi youth!” A number of times I was repeatedly accused of being a killer, though I have never hurt anyone in my life. On other occasions, anti-Israel activists called me a rapist. The claims go beyond being absurd – in one case, a professor asked me if I knew how many Palestinians have been raped by IDF forces. I answered that as far as I knew, none. She triumphantly responded that I was right, because, she said, “You IDF soldiers don’t rape Palestinians because Israelis are so racist and disgusted by them that you won’t touch them.”

Such irrational accusations are symptomatic of dangerous anti-Semitism. Yet, alarmingly, most mainstream American Jews are completely oblivious to this ugly movement and the threat it poses. They seem to be asleep, unaware that this anti-Jewish bigotry is peddled on campuses, by speakers in high schools, churches, and communities, and is often deceptively camouflaged in the rhetoric of human rights.

The American Jewish community and its leaders are not providing a united front to combat this latest threat. Unfortunately, this repeats a pattern of Jewish communal groups failing to unite in a timely way to counter threats against us individually and as a community.

Shockingly, a small but very vocal number of Jews actively support BDS. They often belong to organizations that prominently include “Jewish” in their names, like Jewish Voice for Peace, to give cover to BDS and the anti-Semitism that animates it. A question that we, as a Jewish community must ask ourselves, is whether it is ever appropriate to include and accept Jews who support BDS and directly or indirectly advocate the ultimate elimination of the Jewish State of Israel.

I think it is not.

My experiences in America have changed me. I never expected to encounter such hatred and lies. I never believed that such anti-Semitism still existed, especially in the U.S. I never knew that the battlefield was not just Gaza, the West Bank, and hostile Middle Eastern countries wanting to destroy Israel and kill our citizens and soldiers. It is also here in America, where a battle must be waged against prejudice and lies.

I implore American Jews: do more.

Israel cannot fight this big battle alone. If you are affiliated with a Jewish organization, let it know you want it to actively, openly and unequivocally oppose the BDS campaign and those who support it. Inform yourself, your friends and families, by visiting websites of organizations like StandWithUs, Jewish Virtual Library, AIPAC, AJC and others that will update you and provide information about BDS and anti-Semitism.

I urge the organized Jewish community and its members to wake up and stand up for the Jewish state of Israel, and for all it represents, and for all it works to achieve.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)





No Big Deal

31 10 2013

Dry Bones No Big Deal D10801_3Here is another great cartoon commentary from Israel. It is so true. And yes, rockets are falling again. Things are heating up.

Breaking News: Today, five Israeli soldiers were attacked and injured by Hamas terrorists, while trying to destroy a major tunnel from Gaza into Israel. It was a mile and a half long and ended near an Israeli village. It was sixty feet deep at one point (details here).

Breaking news: Israel has bombed two more Syrian missile sites yesterday and today. As usual, Israel does not confirm that they did it. However, also as usual, the White House can be counted on to “leak” that Israel did it. Israel Furious with White House.

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said to them, “If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look and bring judgment.” I Chronicles 12:17

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)





Release Terrorists, Get Rocket Fire

28 10 2013

MK RegevMK Regev: We Release Terrorists, Get Rocket Fire The Chairwoman of the Knesset’s Internal Affairs Committee, MK Miri Regev (Likud), said Monday that Israel “releases terrorists and receives missile fire, murder and terror.” She joined a relatively long list of Likud MKs who came out strongly against the decision to free terrorists as a “gesture” to the Palestinian Authority in exchange for “peace talks.”

The standard reason for Israel releasing terrorists is that Israel must provide a “gesture” to prove they want peace. The Palestinian Authority is not required a similar gesture. Israel has followed this foolish path for years and it only leads to more violence. Since the first release of 26 terrorists in August, terror attacks have increased in the West Bank and Israel with several Israelis killed.

Yesterday Israel announced the release of 26 more and immediately saw two rockets land in Israel fired from Gaza. Today saw four more fired with one intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. There are mounting calls for a new intifada against Israel. An Arab member of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) has praised the Hamas leader’s recent call for a new intifada.

Praise Yehovah, O my soul! ​​While I live I will praise Yehovah; ​​I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. ​​Do not put your trust in princes, ​​nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. ​​His spirit departs, he returns to his earth. ​​In that very day his plans perish. ​​Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, ​​whose hope is in Yehovah his God. Psalm 146:1-5

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)
 
(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)




More Israel Good News

24 10 2013

Fgallery1-33But 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. Ezekiel 36:8-10

The Israelis Are At It Again!

1. Scientists in Israel found that the brackish water, drilled from underground desert aquifers hundreds of feet deep, could be used to raise warm-water fish. The geothermal water, less than one-tenth as saline as sea water, free of pollutants, and a toasty 98 degrees on average, proves an ideal environment..

2. Israeli-developed designer-eyeglasses, promise mobile phone and iPod users, a personalized, high-tech video display. Available to US consumers next year, Lumus-Optical’s lightweight and fashionable video eyeglasses, feature a large transparent screen, floating in front of the viewer’s face that projects their choice of movie, TV show, or video game.

3. When Stephen Hawkings recently visited Israel , he shared his wisdom with scientists, students, and even the Prime Minister. But the world’s most renowned victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, also learned something, due to the Israeli Association for ALS’ advanced work in both embryonic and adult stem cell research, as well as its proven track record with neurodegenerative diseases. The Israeli research community is well on its way to finding a treatment for this fatal disease, which affects 30,000 Americans.

4. Israeli start -up, Veterix, has developed an innovative new electronic capsule that sits in the stomach of a cow, sheep, or goat, sending out real-time information on the health of the herd, to the farmer via email or cell phone. The e-capsule, which also sends out alerts if animals are distressed, injured, or lost is now being tested on a herd of cows, in the hopes that the device will lead to tastier and healthier meat and milk supplies.

5. The millions of Skype users worldwide will soon have access to the newly developed KishKish lie-detector. This free Internet service, based on voice stress analysis (a technique, commonly used in criminal investigations) will be able to measure just how truthful that person on the other end of the line, really is.

6. Beating cardiac tissue has been created in a lab from human embryonic stem cells by researchers at the Rappaport Medical Faculty and the Technion – Israeli institute of Technology ‘s biomedical Engineering facility. The work of Dr. Shulamit Levenberg and Prof. Lior Gepstein, has also led to the creation of tiny blood vessels within the tissue, making possible its implantation in a human heart.

7. Israel’s Magal Security Systems, is a worldwide leader in computerized security systems, with products used in more than 70 countries around the world, protecting anything from national borders, to nuclear facilities, refineries, and airports. The company’s latest Product, DreamBox, a state-of-the-art security system that includes Intelligent video, audio and sensor management, is now being used by a major water authority on the US east coast to safeguard the utility’s sites.

8. It is common knowledge that dogs have better night vision than humans and a vastly superior sense of smell and hearing. Israel ‘s Bio-Sense Technologies recently delved further and electronically analyzed 350 different barks. Finding that dogs of all breeds and sizes, bark the same alarm when they sense a threat, the firm has designed the dog bark-reader, a sensor that can pick up a dog’s alarm bark, and alert the human operators. This is just one of a batch of innovative security systems to emerge from Israel which Forbes calls ‘the go-to country for anti-terrorism technologies.’

9. Israeli company, BioControl Medical, sold its first electrical stimulator to treat urinary incontinence to a US company for $50 Million. Now, it is working on CardioFit, which uses electrical nerve stimulation to treat congestive heart failure. With nearly five million Americans presently affected by heart failure, and more than 400,000 new cases diagnosed yearly, the CardioFit is already generating a great deal of excitement as the first device with the potential to halt this deadly disease.

10. One year after Norway’s Socialist Left Party launched its Boycott Israel campaign, the importing of Israeli goods has increased by 15%, the strongest increase in many years, statistics Norway reports. (author unknown)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)




Really Good Israel News

22 10 2013

fig“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 36:35-36

ISRAEL – THE FUTURE

a) Gas – Israel’s recent discovery of mega gas fields titled Tamar and Leviathan are located off the Israeli coast from Haifa. These massive discoveries will soon transform Israel as they will adequately look after Israel’s domestic needs forever and thereafter to supply foreign markets. A number of countries are pursuing involvement in these finds. Among them are Russia, China, Europe and South Korea. Putin was in Israel two months ago pursuing a contractual relationship with Israel on its gas development projects. Nothing has been signed yet.

Tamar is came online sometime in 2013 and Leviathan to follow in early 2014.

Additional target areas are being explored all the way down the Mediterranean coast of Israel.

The likelihood is that a pipeline from the gas discovery area will be built to Cyprus and on to Greece. This will help Greece with some of its financial troubles. It is expected there will be a plant built to liquefy the gas at the Greek end of the underwater pipeline.

b) Oil – geologists have recently completed a large mapping of most of southern Israel and preliminary findings indicate there are vast amounts of oil trapped in rock layers under about 15% of the State of Israel. This shale oil is technically difficult to extract but Israel and the companies involved are becoming very familiar with the methodology to extract this oil called ‘fracking’. Retired Canadian experts in this system are now resident in Israel working on this huge project.

The World Energy Council and Israel Energy Initiatives have completed a detailed study and presented it to the government on their estimates of Israel’s shale oil potential. They estimate that Israel’s shale reserves could contain as much as 250 billion barrels of potentially recoverable oil.

This would be putting Israel on a par with Saudi Arabia in terms of its oil reserves!

Israeli planners believe that if the gas and oil finds reach the levels that the potential indicates, Israel’s current group of allies, trading partners and opponents could drastically change. Israel’s geo-political standing in the world will also change. It’s amazing what friends can be made when you have oil and gas to export!

MED-RED RAILWAY – China is in very serious negotiation (contracts have been exchanged) – the Chinese will build and finance most of a high speed railway from Eilat to Ashdod. This would allow tankers and freighters to avoid the Suez Canal as well as cut the time frame from canal usage in half, by using the railway. This is a huge development for Israel as it will open up the Negev , which was always the dream of David Ben Gurion. It would not be surprising that a major announcement on this development with all its details should be expected by mid 2013.

CHINESE INVESTMENT IN ISRAEL

The Chinese Government, while they are negotiating the Med-Red Railway, have made it clear to Israel that they have a multi-billion dollar fund that they would put to use, to fund Israeli hi-tech start-ups and companies needing mezzanine financing. The Israeli Government is very amenable to this opportunity, and the Chinese have already agreed to the stringent conditions that Israel wants to apply on any of the investments. Look for an announcement on this in 2013.

You should be aware that the Israeli Government and various Agrarian companies are extremely busy today in China – assisting the Chinese with their need to get much more production out of their land, while following the Israeli system of water economy. Further, the Chinese are learning every possible method Israel has on how to maximize milk production, and other elements necessary for the Chinese to raise the level of feeding their huge population. This relationship is being very well received by the Chinese and its government.

ALIYAH – Numerous European countries are seeing their Jewish populations diminishing because of a resurgence of anti-Semitism and violence against their Jewish communities. Islam is on the march in many of the European countries. In particular, sizable numbers of French, British and smaller numbers of Jews from other EU countries have left or are in the process of going to Israel. The Jewish Agency for Israel is planning for a significant aliyah to continue as well as increase over time with Jews leaving Ukraine and Russia.

Again the planning of the Jewish Agency indicates that Ben Gurion’s dream of large communities in the Negev is now nearer to realization than ever before. Hi-tech companies are being offered significant inducements by the government to establish their campuses and their R&D facilities in communities being formed in the Negev. Currently the hi-tech campuses are extremely crowded in an area south of Tel Aviv. Bear in mind that nothing is far in Israel.

CONCLUSION

Assuming all of the things described previously like oil, gas, Chinese investment, Med-Red Railway, as well as things still to be developed, the future for Israel is extremely bright.

The IDF, the IAF, the MOSSAD, the SHIN-BET, the AMAN, are amongst the best of their kind in the world and will do their utmost to safeguard the State of Israel and the Jewish people wherever they are to be found. (author unknown)

Thank you Jesus!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)





In Wrath, Remember Mercy

16 10 2013
Cowboy Church, Cocolalla, Idaho

Cowboy Church, Cocolalla, Idaho

About three weeks ago, I spoke on a Sunday morning at the Cocolalla Cowboy Church. At 7 am that morning the Lord changed my message from Psalm 83 to Habakkuk 3. It was mainly about verse 2 and then the end of the chapter. There was a deep stirring in my spirit, and when I delivered the word at the meeting, the Holy Spirit touched the people. It encouraged the people of God that He will be with us no matter what the future brings.

O Yehovah, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Yehovah, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2

Please click on the video to hear the song written by Brian Doerksen from this verse. (Or for those having trouble, Here is a hot link. )

Habakkuk ends with this glorious promise:

Though the fig tree may not blossom, ​​nor fruit be on the vines; ​​Though the labor of the olive may fail, ​​and the fields yield no food; ​​Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, ​​and there be no herd in the stalls— ​​Yet I will rejoice in Yehovah, ​​I will joy in the God of my salvation. Yehovah God is my strength; ​​He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. Habukkuk 3:17-19

What a wonderful covenant with the living God, no matter what comes. Thank you Jesus!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)





Is Israel Alone?

11 10 2013

The obvious answer is no, because we know that Yehovah God will defend her. But I am referring to the practical question of Israel taking out Iran’s nuclear bomb program. It appears more and more that the US Administration is willing to accept a nuclear Iran. Israel cannot allow it because of Iran’s continued threats to destroy the Jewish nation.

So who will stand with Israel? Ironically, Saudi Arabia is the one who will help Israel because they fear Iran’s Ayatollahs more than Israel does. Check out this Reuters story: Israel and Saudi Arabia: Best frenemies forever?

This Dry Bones cartoon makes a serious point.

Dry Bones Saudi Arabia and IsraelThe Saudi fear of Shia Islam trumps their hatred of Israel for the present time. Also, as I have said before, Iran will be diminished before the Psalm 83 War and will not take part. This is confirmed by Ezekiel 38 where Iran is still around for the Gog/Magog War when the Psalm 83 nations are no longer a threat to Israel.

On a personal note, I have returned from a wonderful ministry trip to Idaho and the Global Transform Our World Conference in Hawaii. I was really blessed by a word from Ed Silvoso that when we think of thankfulness it is always us thanking God, but God also thanks us, His servants, for our labor in the Kingdom. Amen.

Please forgive me for slacking off on my blogs and YouTube videos. They will resume now. Israeli PM Netanyahu made his important speech at the UN (transcript here) on October 1 (video here). Yet, while I was traveling, most of the US news has been endless coverage of the government financial mess. However God is still on the throne and He is doing mighty things in the earth. We continue to focus on His view of events.

Praise the Lord we are not limited to humanistic atheism on one hand or the demonic death cult of Islamism on the other hand. We choose the higher way. We believe the Lord’s prayer for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth just as it is in Heaven!

For King Jesus and for His Kingdom,

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)





Seeking Peace

4 10 2013

IMG_20131001_140659_924This week while Washington, DC is rocking with political chaos, I have had the honor to be just about as far away from the tumult as one could imagine. My brother Ken (Idaho pastor) joined me at the Transform Our World Conference in Hawaii. It is glorious worshiping with 800 believers from six continents in this incredible island paradise.

Yet, we are on Kingdom business. Ed Silvoso continues to proclaim God’s message to disciple nations. The testimonies of cities transformed is inspiring and challenging. I have been praying for my city for about eight years. His emphasis of Luke 10 has been my pattern: Speak peace, fellowship, pray for needs and proclaim the Kingdom.

Ed and his Transformation Team quote this verse from Jeremiah that was God’s instruction for Israel regarding their looming defeat and captivity in Babylon. It applies to all of us and the city where we dwell. Notice the two phrases I have underlined.

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

We are not to bad-mouth or curse our city, but seek peace. We need to proclaim the Kingdom of God over our cities, speak peace, and invite Jesus to rule and reign over our city. We will live in peace when our city is at peace. If believers are silent or negative, then the city will be turned over to the wicked, whose mouths are full of evil curses. Check out this profound verse:

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

Bless your city! A great way to remember to pray for your city is the 11:11 reminder. Why is that number important? Twice a day, our digital clocks have that number. Every time you notice 11:11, pray for your city and speak blessing over it.

Thank you Lord Jesus. You are Yeshua Sar Shalom, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We invite you into our city with open hearts.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists        (READ MORE)