Elisha Vision – Commentary

ISRAEL E-CARD    Volume 3 Issue 8  April 15, 2009

Topic # 1   Last Day of Passover

Today, Passover week ends, on the 3,721st anniversary of Joshua and Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. In Israel today descendants of those very Israelites gathered at Joshua’s altar set up near Shechem in Samaria. They rejoiced at the promise of Yahweh fulfilled. However, today the area is disputed by Palestinians and the UN claiming it for the “two state solution”. We know how this will end. We have read the Book! Israel will have the entire land of Israel and the nations who attempt to divide the land will be judged severely. (See Joel 3)

The irony of history is that the UN engraved “swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4) at its New York headquarters. But Joel 3:10 says just the opposite: “plowshares into swords”. The UN peace is the prophesied false peace. First will come the judgment of God, then real peace in Jesus.

Topic # 2   A Timely Comment on the Economic Crises

“The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.” Cicero—55 B.C.

Sound familiar? Another cliché comes to mind. Those who do not learn the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them. One phrase in the Cicero quote stands out to me: “the arrogance of officialdom”. Every great empire falls the same way, yet we insist on the same mistakes.

The lesson is that God is in control. Man in his pride will always fall before the purpose of God. Pray for His will to be done in our personal lives and especially in our nation. Get ready. Jesus (Yeshua Ben Yahweh) is coming soon!

“Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war!Wake up the mighty men,Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up.Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.'”Assemble and come, all you nations, And gather together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Yahweh.” Joel 3:9-11

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 3 Issue 7  April 1, 2009

The day has finally arrived for a new government in Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in March 31, 2009. He will be widely quoted for his cryptic description of his plan for peace with the Palestinians: “No shortcuts.” This is sure to lead to consternation among the nations who demand an immediate “two state solution”. However, Bibi (Netanyahu’s nick-name) knows what the Bible says about dividing the land of Israel. “I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat.* There I will judge them for harming my people, for scattering my inheritance among the nations, and for dividing up my land. Joel 3:2   Jehoshaphat means: “Yahweh judges.”

While Bibi will not always make the right decisions, we are confident that he knows the God of Israel and fears Him. This in our opinion is a direct difference with the outgoing Prime Minister. Pray for courageous Biblical leadership.

Topic # 2   A Rare Story of Eliezer Ben Yehuda

I won’t identify my source for sensitive reasons, but this report is on good authority. Eliezer Ben Yehuda is the father of modern Hebrew, after 1,700 years as a dead language.

Little known is the fact that from the beginning, he was opposed by fellow Jews in Europe and the Holy Land due to their preference for Yiddish, a German/Hebrew mixture. Over the years since his death in 1922, vandals have defaced his grave with graffiti curses against him in Yiddish. Even this year there are still curses sprayed on his grave. However, the curses now are written in Hebrew. Eliezer Ben Yehuda finally gets the “last laugh” In the words of the late Paul Harvey, “So now you know the rest of the story.”

Thank you Eliezer Ben Yehuda. Thank you Yahweh!

“Therefore wait for Me,” says Yahweh, “Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations to My assembly of kingdoms, To pour on them My indignation, All My fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy. For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the name of Yahweh, To serve Him with one accord.”              Zephaniah 3:8-9

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 3 Issue 6  March 15, 2009

Topic # 1   The Day of Yahweh?

Joel 1:15: The day of Yahweh is on the way, the day when destruction comes from the Almighty. How terrible that day will be! There are over thirty scripture verses speaking of “the day of the LORD.” Every man and every nation will one day give account to God. We don’t like to think about it. A famous sermon title was: “Payday, Someday!”

Most people and even most Christians think everything will continue on indefinitely. This is wrong. There is a day of recompense. History is not an endless cycle of repetition. History is linear. There is a beginning and an end. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7 The new age bumper sticker says: “Visualize World Peace” but a more timely one would be: “Visualize the Wrath of God.” Do you pray that God will give you exactly what you deserve? Or do you cry out for mercy in the day of judgment?

For prophecy students, Israel is the canary in the mine. The world is getting harsher and heavier in condemnation of Israel. As Islam figures stronger in the mix, the attacks will be extended to Christians and all other religions. Wake up and smell the coffee! Pray for the real peace of Jerusalem and for Yahweh’s purpose to be fulfilled in the whole earth!

Topic # 2   Heavy Rain Helps To Stop Drought!

“An Israeli expert says that several days of heavy rainfall earlier this month may have been just enough to stave off what officials were warning was going to be an extremely severe summer drought. Ahikam Barlevy, CEO of the Hatzbani-Dan water company, told HA’ARETZ that thunderstorms at the end of February and beginning of March had dumped about 4 inches of rain on northern Israel.” [Israel Today]

“Fear not, Jacob, my servant,” says Yahweh, “for I am with you. I will destroy the nations to which I have exiled you, but I will not destroy you. But I must discipline you; I cannot let you go unpunished.”       Jeremiah 46:28

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 3 Issue 5  March 1, 2009

Topic # 1   Why Not G—D?

We have a calling from the God of the Bible to make His name known. Orthodox Jews will not say His name. They substitute Adonai which means Lord; or HaShem which means “the Name”. They believe Yahweh’s actual personal name is too holy to utter. Even when they write the word “God” they insert a dash in place of the vowel.  (Yahweh and Jehovah are different spellings of His name.) See Ex. 6:2-3

Christians make a similar error. Our Bibles mostly all substitute LORD (IN ALL CAPS) every time the real Hebrew text says Yahweh. He has allowed these two peoples to hide His name for 2,000 years, but the time has come to restore His name in usage and worship. The false pagan baal god allah is rising to usurp the highest place. The very phrase: “allah akbar” means “allah is greater”. Yet the scriptures are full of verses declaring Yahweh will make His name known both in blessing and in judgment in all the earth.

“Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name–and his son’s name? Tell me if you know!” Proverbs 30:4. This text is the key to unlock and restore a great revelation. The Koran repeatedly says allah has no son. Yahweh is our Father’s name and Yeshua (Jesus) is His son’s name. It is time to make His name known!

Topic # 2   Israel Election Results: Snow!

Mt Hermon was brown before the Israeli election on Feb. 10. They have had over six feet of snow since. The Sea of Galilee is up a foot in the last few days. The worst drought in 80 years is breaking. May Yahweh’s name be exalted! Pray that his  favor will continue to fall on Israel and the new government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu.

And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am Yahweh. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Yahweh I was not known to them.”     Exodus 6:2-3

I also withheld rain from you, when there were still three months to the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, and where it did not rain the part withered. So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water, but they were not satisfied; Yet you have not returned to Me, says Yahweh.      Amos 4:7-8

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 3 Issue 4  February 15, 2009

Topic # 1   Pres. Obama OKs $20.3 Million Migration

The State Department is now authorized to pay the bill to transplant tens of thousands of Gazans to America as “emergency refugees” from the recent Gaza war. The trouble is that 70% of Gaza voted for Hamas and 60% favor suicide bombing of civilians as “legitimate”. How do we avoid bringing in actual suicide bombers to set up business inside our borders? This Presidential order is at the web address at right. MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE #2009-15 SUBJECT: Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration. Pray for Divine wisdom from above for our government.

Topic # 2   Israel Election Results: Wind & Rain!

Zechariah 10:1 “Ask Yahweh for rain In the time of the latter rain. Yahweh will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.” Election day and the next had wind and rain with two more days of rain next week! “You, O God, sent a plentiful rain. Whereby You confirmed Your inheritance When it was weary.” Psalm 68:9

Topic # 3   Australia: Fire and Death Jihad?

I am enjoying the indescribable beauty and hospitality of snowy Sandpoint, Idaho on a ministry trip. Yet I spoke with  a fire official here regarding the devastating forest fires a world away in Australia. “As more than 31 major fires continued to rage in the Australian state of Victoria and the death toll approached 200, there is speculation some of the blazes may have been set by Islamists waging a “holy war,” or jihad. Investigators have determined some of the fires were deliberately set by arsonists. A recent report warned Australia had been singled out as a target for a “forest jihad” by a group urging Muslims to deliberately light bushfires as a weapon of terror.” (INN) Pray for the firefighters in that region.

Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God. Who covers the heavens with clouds. Who prepares rain for the earth. Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.      Psalm 147:7-8

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 3 Issue 3  February 1, 2009

Topic # 1   Benjamin = “son of the right hand”

The Israeli election is February 10. Having just elected “the leader of the free world” in President Obama, we could easily miss the importance of Israel’s vote. I submit that it could be more eternally significant than the U.S. election.

Israel has experienced severe judgment under its current leadership who has not listened to God. One sure sign of His displeasure with any nation is withholding of rain. Israel is in perhaps the worst drought of her modern history. My prayer for Israel is according to Zechariah 10:1 “Ask Yahweh for rain In the time of the latter rain. Yahweh will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.”

My personal opinion is that Benjamin Netanyahu is God’s man for this hour. His name means: Son of my right hand, gift of God. I pray for God’s choice.

PREDICTION: If Netanyahu wins, then I predict an unusually heavy amount of spring rains in Israel after almost nothing during the winter rainy season. PRAY and stay tuned! (I say this from Biblical deduction, not claiming it to be prophetic, just logical from God’s nature.)

Topic # 2   George Mitchell and Humanism

The trouble with humanism is pride. Senator Mitchell properly deserves some of the credit for peace in N. Ireland. However, he is now extending what worked there to Israel. He now says: “Conflicts are created, conducted and sustained by human beings. They can be ended by human beings.” Sorry George, NOT THIS TIME! This one is cosmic: angels and demons, God and satan, heaven and hell, Yahweh and allah. This is a fight to the end for the King! And for His Kingdom!

I will turn My hand against you, And thoroughly purge away your dross, And take away all your alloy. I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with justice, And her penitents with righteousness.               Isaiah 1:25-27

ISRAEL E-CARD  Volume 3 Issue 2  January 15, 2009

Topic # 1   “Those who hate me love death!” – Prov. 8:36

Please, please visit the website Dry Bones featured in the blue box at right. The cartoon and video of Monday January 12 (scroll down to find the proper date) are the clearest I have seen to prove my point. It contains the following quote from a Hamas leader, Fathi Hammad, in this recent speech:

“The [enemies of Allah] do not know that the Palestinian people has developed its [methods] of death and death-seeking. For the Palestinian people, death has become an industry, at which women excel, and so do all the people living on this land. The elderly excel at this, and so do the mujahideen and the children. This is why they have formed human shields of the women, the children, the elderly, and the mujahideen, in order to challenge the Zionist bombing machine. It is as if they were saying to the Zionist enemy: “We desire death like you desire life.”

This is the product of the Hamas culture of death. It is the opposite of the heart of the God of Israel. For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!”  Ezekiel 18:32

Topic # 2   “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life!” Jesus

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! that you may love Yahweh your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.        Deut. 30:19-20

LOVE LIFE!

For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.           1Peter 3:10

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.                                                   1Jn 3:14

ISRAEL E-CARD  Volume 3 Issue 1  January 1, 2009

Topic # 1   Am Israel Chai—The People of Israel Live!

Gaza is aflame! “But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza,” Perhaps Amos 1:7 could be translated “a wall of fire”. Have you seen the news videos of walls of fire in Gaza? It only reminds me of Amos 1. This fire will devour the palaces or exalted places. The mocking arrogance of Hamas exalts itself against the purpose of the God of Israel. Hamas will fall. May it be soon and may the collapse be complete. Hamas is the actual word for “violence” in Genesis. This is an age old problem of man in rebellion against God. All the demons of hell itself will not block the purpose of God to favor Israel with His mercy in the last days. Am Israel Chai—The People of Israel Live!

Disclaimer: We pray for the salvation of the Gazans and do not rejoice in the death of even one. We pray that they will choose the God of Israel and choose life.  For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!”  Ezekiel 18:32

Topic # 2   The Pro-Israel Two State Oxymoron

Last Friday I preached on the above concept. It is a major contradiction of terms to claim to be a Christian and support the two state solution in Israel. There is no wiggle room in Joel 3:2. The great last day judgment of God will be to gather the nations to the valley of Jehoshaphat because    they scattered Israel and “they have also divided up My land.”

Many true Christians are genuinely confused on this point. Clarity comes from letting the scriptures settle it. This is not about tolerance or sympathy, but God’s voice. Yahweh has spoken and He will do it! Amos 1:8 ends with: “And the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,” says Adonai Yahweh.”

Thus says Yahweh:”For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment,

Because they took captive the whole captivity To deliver them up to Edom. But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, Which shall devour its palaces.

Amos 1:6-7

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 2 Issue 4 February 15, 2008

Topic #1  Where is the media coverage?

Last Sunday an 8 year old Israeli boy was hit by a Kassam rocket fired from Gaza into Israel. He lost one leg and has been in an induced coma all week while doctors try to save his other leg. This is an unspeakable atrocity! Where is the UN condemnation of this crime? Where is the TV coverage? Have you heard about it in the news? No. It is not a story to the world’s media. Their storyline is only about “the poor youth in Gaza who dies at the oppressive hand of the Israeli occupiers”, (even though they have not occupied Gaza for several years now since the withdrawal).

There is an indisputable fact in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Palestinian terrorists intentionally target civilians for maximum terror effect. That’s why they are called terror—ists! It is their stated cowardly policy. Yet Israel never purposely tries to kill civilians. They only die because of proximity to terrorists. Of course, even this is intentional by the terrorists, since they use children to retrieve rocket launchers and hide their bombs in civilian areas and homes. This, too, is tragedy.

Topic #2   Do Islamists Kill Innocent babies and children?

Islamic spokesmen deny with mock indignation when asked if they target innocents.  What they don’t tell you is their definition of innocents. No infidel (non-Muslim or apostate Muslim) is ever innocent! Even the youngest baby will grow up to be a warrior against Islam and is therefore a valid target of holy jihad. They rejoice and hand out candy!

Yesterday, AP News carried a nine paragraph story about a disabled Arab man who was shot as Israel was attempting to arrest a terrorist in Jenin. This is always news.

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

ISRAEL E-CARD  Volume 2 Issue 3 February 1, 2008

Topic #1  35% of Gaza Residents Spill Into Egypt

Over 500,000 Gazans, (half a million people!), poured through their border with Egypt after Hamas blew up several miles of border wall. According to Debkafile, Egyptian intelligence sources have discovered that, far from being chaotic, the surge of humanity from Gaza into the Sinai was minutely planned by Hamas (Debkafile, January 29). Each Gazan was given $300 by Hamas. Some of this cash was reported to be counterfeit shekels and dollars.

Hamas was elected to rule Gaza a few years ago by 70% of Gaza voters! This, despite the open Hamas goal of driving Israel into the Sea! Hamas shared power with the Palestinian Authority until they tossed them out of Gaza in a bloody coup. Now this massive breakout into Egypt threatens not only Egypt, but Israel also, because there is no fence between Israel and Egypt. This now allows terrorists to circle the border checkpoints and walk right into Israel proper. We are fast approaching the final judgment of Gaza. (Read and download our Gaza brochure on http://www.Shalompeniel.com.

Topic #2   To See Or Not To See? That Is the Question

The United Nations continues to find ways to blame Israel for this mess! Hamas fired an average of six rockets a day into Israel last year! President Bush tells Israel they can defend themselves against Hamas, but don’t kill civilians while Hamas uses young boys to retrieve the fired launchers! Applied Scripture! “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened his servant’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” 2 Kings 6:16-17

“The Lord roars from Zion and thunders from Jerusalem… For three transgressions of Gaza, even for four, I will not turn back my judgment” Amos 1:2,6

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 2 Issue 2 January 15, 2008

Topic #1  God’s Identity Theft Problem

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob wants to reveal His name, Yahweh. It has been cloaked for literally thousands of years. From the mouths of Jews, to the pages of scripture, the name of God has been eradicated. No one except the readers of the Hebrew Torah ever sees the written name of God and no one, certainly not the Jews, speaks it. This must change. God wants to have His identity known.

Satan is an identity thief, and the identity he intends to steal is Yahweh’s. The most serious case is between the names Yahweh and Allah. These names do not refer to the same god. If you think they do, then you are a victim of the satanic identity thief. My God’s name is defiantly not Allah! When President Bush says we all worship the same god, he is at best confused. This is because satan has stolen the name of Yahweh from God’s people. (John Fisk)

“From the rising of the sun to its going down Yaweh’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3

(John Fisk and Les Lawrence are leaders of Shalom Peniel Congregation in Raleigh, North Carolina)

Topic #2   Generic Religion

Every believer must inevitably face the life or death choice of faith. Jesus made an undeniably exclusive claim that He is the only way to the Father. Likewise, Yahweh is the only god who claims to be a Father. This is no generic “we all worship the same god” kind of religion. Jesus is the only way as the unique Son of Yahweh to lead us into an intimate relationship with Yahweh, the Father God. The full personal name of Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua ben Yahweh!

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 2 Issue 1 January 1, 2008

Topic #1   Osama Bin Laden Changes Course

Once again, the media misses the story. Historically, the most important day of 2007 may prove to be Osama’s last tape in which he radically changes his position. “We will not recognize even one inch for Jews in the land of Palestine as other Muslim leaders have,” says Bin Laden. ”I would like to assure our people in Palestine that we will expand our jihad there.” ”We intend to liberate Palestine, the whole of Palestine from the (Jordan) river to the sea,” he said, threatening ”blood for blood, destruction for destruction.”

He is now trying to curry favor among radicals. His influence seems to be waning somewhat and he hopes to fire up his supporters. Israel has not been his main goal. However God is drawing him to focus on Jerusalem to call him to the same judgment as the nations. His voice is just one more  opposing Zion. All who are against God’s purpose will be gathered together at Jerusalem for Jesus’  final battle.

Topic #2   What is the big deal?

Background and context are needed to properly get the complication caused by bin Laden’s change. He first became a hero by defeating Russia in Afghanistan. He then accomplished the mind-numbing destruction of the twin towers. He became an almost messianic cult hero to Islamists. Lately, however Ayman Zawahiri, his number two, has begun to eclipse him. Al Qaida Iraq has lost 75% of its influence according to some estimates. There now appears to be an inner power struggle in Al Qaida. But the real action is in the spiritual dimension, where the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is preparing for the final battles! Jerusalem is not the target, it is the prize, according to my friend John Fisk.

“How Hanukkah Saved Christmas”

John Fisk inspired Doreen to write a children’s book. It is how the Maccabees saved the Jewish Temple and Jewish rule in Jerusalem in 165 BC. Thus all the prophesies of Jesus could literally occur. E-Mail us to Order. $7.00 LesLawrence@live.com

ISRAEL E-CARD   Volume 1 Issue 1 April 15, 2007

Topic #1  Welcome to the first issue of Israel E-News Card

It is our opinion that most newsletters are never read in full because of their length. Therefore, we are offering a free update through this Israel E-News Card with a very short emphasis of our top choice or two of important prophetic/news events.

For three years we have been talking prophecy in a weekly local Raleigh, NC group called “The Issachar Forum, A Prophetic Think Tank”. The top subject has been the prophetic developments in Gaza. We are now in stage three of prophetic fulfillment. Chaos reigns in Gaza, but Judah will return! A downloadable brochure in PDF full color printable format is available free.

Gaza Prophetic Brochure – Go to http://www.shalompeniel.com

Topic #2   Jerusalem’s 40th Anniversary

This June, Doreen and I are rejoicing to celebrate our own 40th Anniversary in Jerusalem with the city’s 40th! Bob Jones, a widely accepted prophetic voice, said in January that June 2007 would be a major change in Israel. For 40 years they have based their decisions on humanism. This June God will start making decisions for Israel.