Evidence of the Maccabees for Hanukkah

16 12 2022

Coins

These coins are 2,200 years old, from the time of the Jewish revolt against the Greeks. (link to 2min. video) The coins were discovered in a desert cave near the Dead Sea. The Greek King Antiochos IV Epiphanes (known as “the Wicked”) ruled the Seleucid Empire at that time. Epiphanes means: “God manifest”, which tells us he was worshipped as a god. No wonder the Jewish Maccabees would not submit to him. He had already defiled the Jewish Temple and would have destroyed it. When he was defeated in the revolt of the Jews, the Temple was saved. My wife, Doreen, wrote a children’s book explaining How Hanukkah Saved Christmas. The Messiah was prophesied to enter the Temple. If the Greeks had destroyed it, the prophecy could not have been fulfilled.

Archaeologists Find Silver Coins in Judean Desert; Evidence from Maccabean Revolt Era Coincides with Hanukkah Celebration – The Jewish Maccabean revolt against the Greek Seleucid Kingdom more than two thousand years ago is one of the most stirring events in Jewish history. The revolt and the miracle of the provision of oil in the Temple led to the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, which is the festival celebrating the uprising against the Greek Seleucid kings and the restoration of the Jewish Temple. Last May, archaeologists discovered a wooden box containing 15 silver coins dating back 2,200 years to the time of the Hellenistic ruler Antiochus IV, who desecrated the Temple and persecuted the Jews.

The blasphemy of the Greek King, claiming to be a god, was a typical copycat example of Satan co-opting Yehovah’s plan for Jesus, who really was God in human form. The incarnation of Jesus was the real fulfillment of the prophecy of Immanuel, God with us! Isaiah saw it and Matthew reported it.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet,  saying:  “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:18-23

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas, overlapping this year. Hanukkah starts at sundown Sunday.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

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


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Israel Safe for Tourism

7 12 2022

Fam by Old City Jerusalem

Contrary to public opinion, Israel is #5 in Safe Nations for Tourism. Israel is #5 safest out of the 50 top tourism nations. When someone plans a trip to Israel they are inevitably asked or warned about safety. However, actual statistics in the Jerusalem Post contradict the propaganda narrative. As antisemitism rises in all western countries, Israel’s tourism is expanding.

Israel is 5th safest country in the world for tourists – study – According to this study, Israel is the fifth safest among the 50 countries in the world most widely visited by tourists. No, you didn’t read that wrong. The fifth safest, not the fifth most unsafe country to visit. Turns out that the question that many first-time visitors to Israel are asked by friends and relatives when they reveal their plans to visit – “Are you sure it’s safe?” – is misplaced. Not only is it safe, but it is very safe; safer, in fact, than visiting the US (ranked 30), Canada (21), Australia (18), France (15) and the United Kingdom (10). Israel’s overall safety index was -60.22, giving it a grade of A. Only Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark and Singapore were considered safer, with the last two countries earning an A+ grade.

One explanation for the confusion is the media propaganda against Israel, a sort of soft anti-Semitism. The narrative in U.S. universities is overwhelmingly pro-Palestinian. The most common slogan heard is “From river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” This literally means the end of Israel. They demand that all of Israel, not just the “West Bank”, be given to Arab Palestinians. A second heavy influence on the narrative is the continual resolutions streaming out of the UN against Israel. Keep in mind that there are 56 Muslim nations to one Israel. Anytime there is a vote in the UN General Assembly it is stacked against Israel. These resolutions are picked up by the media supporting the anti-Israel narrative. Thirdly, anti-Semitism is blowing up around the world as the anti-Christ, and anti-God demonic spirit is spreading exponentially. 

In light of this, what should we do? Where are we to stand? Once again we conclude that we will stand with Israel. Praise God for the occasional good report. So visit Israel when you can, but especially pray for the peace of Jerusalem and bless Israel. Pray that our nation will bless Israel. Remember the boomerang effect: Those who bless Israel will be blessed. No wonder Israel is the 5th safest country for tourists to visit. We live and stand in victory in the Holy Spirit realm!

The Whole Armor of God – “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”  Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

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


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70,000 New Israelis

1 12 2022

Today is ALIYAH DAY in Israel, celebrating 70,000 new immigrants in the past year! That is the most in twenty years. Aliyah means “ascent” or the act of going up. It is used in the Bible in reference to going up to Jerusalem for the Feasts of Yehovah, three times a year for Passover, Pentecost (Shavuot), and for Tabernacles (Sukkot). No matter where you live in Israel you have to go up to get to Jerusalem on the mountain ridge.

Aliyah (Hebrew: עֲלִיָּה ʿălīyyā, lit. ’ascent’) is the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to, historically, the geographical Land of Israel, which is in the modern era chiefly represented by the State of Israel. Traditionally described as “the act of going up” (towards the Jewish holy city of Jerusalem), moving to the Land of Israel or “making aliyah” is one of the most basic tenets of Zionism. Wikipedia

This year approximately 35,000 Russian Jews and 20,000 Ukrainian Jews made aliyah. This is an example of how God advances his purpose even in war times. He is calling His people back to Israel from all over the world. It is one of the great miracles of our day! After 1800 years of scattering among the nations we are now seeing the regathering. “Hear the word of Yehovah, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ “ Jeremiah 31:10

Yom Ha’aliyah: Israel welcomes over 70 thousand immigrants since November 2021 – Over the past decade 6,440 physicians, 2,552 nurses, and 22,400 engineers moved to Israel and 22,000 immigrants enlisted in the IDF. In honor of the holiday, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption released some interesting data about immigration to Israel. Over the past decade, over 22 thousand immigrants enlisted in the IDF; 15 thousand of them were considered lone soldiers whose parents are not in the country. In the past decade 6,440 physicians, 1,448 dentists, and 2,552 nurses made aliyah. In addition, around 22,400 engineers immigrated to Israel and 2,140 workers joined Israeli hi-tech with the Ministry’s help. 11,537 teachers immigrated to Israel.

“Fear not, for I am with you; ​​I will bring your descendants from the east, ​​ and gather you from the west; ​​I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ ​​and to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ ​​Bring My sons from afar, ​​ and My daughters from the ends of the earth—”  Isaiah 43:5-6

Hallelujah! God is keeping His word to His people in this time of restoration. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rains this season.

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

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Two Plus Two Equals Five

17 11 2022

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Our culture is on a rampage rejecting absolute truth. Instead of searching for the truth, now everybody get to have their “own truth.” This is the direct result of rejecting Yehovah God and His guidebook, the Bible. Christians know that truth is a person, the Messiah and Son of God, Jesus. Destroying truth is just another way of crucifying Jesus.

“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

There is an old joke about defining someone who is neurotic: “A normal person knows 2+2=4. A crazy person says 2+2=5. A neurotic person knows that 2+2=4, but it bothers him.” However, in our post-Biblical culture, no one knows what is true. By rebelling from God’s truth, our “enlightened” age reverses and redefines reality to our great eternal loss. This is particularly evident in politics. Here are just three examples of reversing reality in rebellion to God’s truth.

  1. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – It is all about spending for climate change and actually increases inflation.

  2. Vice President Harris: ‘The Border Is Secure’ – Over two million illegal crossings this year! FBI Director Contradicts Mayorkas’ Claim That Border Is ‘Secure’

  3. The Respect for Marriage Act Is a Win for Equality – This bill rejects God’s definition of marriage and should be called the Disrespect for Marriage Act.  

Perverting truth creates a lie. The reason it is so difficult to prove lies today is that we live in an altered reality where truth has been reversed. We have abandoned absolute truth from God. Therefore we live in darkness and confusion. As this verse concludes, we end up with bitterness. 

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”  Isaiah 5:20

Our nation needs to repent to Yehovah God. We need to pray for the third Great Awakening. We need to invite Messiah Jesus into the hearts of our nation and beg for His forgiveness. He died for us all and loves the whole world. Invite Him in!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for abundant rain this season. Also, pray for the new Netanyahu government to be sworn in next week.

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


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Remember or Mention God’s Mighty Deliverance?

12 11 2022

Michael Masambu of Kenya has blessed us this week in the Raleigh area concluding tomorrow (11-13-22) at Grace Assembly of God Wake Forest at 11am and again at Issachar Forum at Milton’s Restaurant Wake Forest at 6pm.

“How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, ​​And grieved Him in the desert! ​​Yes, again and again they tempted God,  and LIMITED the Holy One of Israel. ​​They did not REMEMBER His power: ​​The day when He redeemed them from the enemy,”  Psalm 78:40-42

Michael taught that Israel failed because they limited God. Psalm 78:40-72 tells of God’s judgement against Israel because they did not “remember” His great deliverances from Egypt, the wilderness and the Red Sea. But, more than memory, the Hebrew meaning includes “to mention” or “give witness” of His mighty acts. They certainly had the memory of His acts, but failed to connect His past power to His present or future deliverance. They limited God to the past! We make the same mistake. We must speak of His past works with the belief that He will do the same now. The Bible is full of teaching about the power of the tongue, confessing our faith verbally. Memory is only helpful if it informs our present faith. The purpose of memory is far more than history. It is the foundation of our present and future confidence in Yehovah God.

Let us not only remember His glory, but declare, proclaim, give witness, and testify of our mighty miracle working God.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

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


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Blood Moon, Israel, and the U.S.

4 11 2022

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Election day morning in the U.S. is a blood moon total eclipse. Does this mean anything prophetically? The next total eclipse is not until March 14, 2025. Israel has just elected a new solid conservative Zionist government with Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister. Israel will not see the eclipse, but we will. I believe Israel has come out of the shadow of the moon which symbolically refers to the influence of Islam, which worships the moon god. A Muslim Brotherhood party was part of the failed “unity” government of the past year and a half, for the first time in modern Israel. This is over.

TWO TRENDS

I see two trends in the election victory for Biblical Zionists who believe the Land of Israel was given to the Jews by Yehovah God Himself. First, it fits with the global trend toward conservative values, and nationalism versus globalism. Second, young people voting conservative was a big part of the victory.

Israel election 2022

Both of these trends apply to the United States as well. I hope that the blood moon eclipse indicates that we are also coming out of the darkness and depression of the pandemic, corruption, and political strife. Does the timing of the blood red moon coincide with a red wave election here? Conservative family and national values are certainly the platform of one party. The divide between Republican and Democrat policy vision has never been more stark and clear. I am encouraging and urging everyone I know to get out and vote. It is our Biblical duty, as I shared last week.

“He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck Will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; But when the wicked rule, the people groan. … The king by justice makes the land stable, But he who takes bribes tears it down.”  Proverbs 29:1-2, 4 HNV

A few months ago I heard the Lord say He was raising up Samsons, who had been removed from their position by judgement, but through repentance and heart change were being restored. Netanyahu was one of those and I believe Trump is another, pending his response to the deep work of God in his heart. Pray for them both. They each have a place in God’s last day’s purpose.

Oh, and one more thing. Please listen to the Holy Spirit and then VOTE!

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


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The God Who Raises Up Kings

28 10 2022

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Yehovah is the God who not only raises up kings but also removes kings. Israel will elect a new government in four days. America will do the same on November 8. It is our privilege and sacred duty to vote. Yet, even in our system, God is the One who decides who rules over us. He uses our votes or lack of voting in giving us the government He chooses. It is not fatalism, but Divine Providence. The mystery is that God’s will is somehow interlaced with our choice of who we vote for and indeed whether or not we vote at all.

“And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”  Daniel 2:21

For Bible believers, it is shameful to not vote. Every cycle there are millions of believers who fail to vote. It would literally turn the tide for righteousness if we would seek God and vote accordingly. It is higher than politics. It is our obedience to God. We know to pray for our leaders, but after prayer we must walk out our faith with the courage of our convictions. We do not live in a monarchy or dictatorship. Praise God! But, since we carry the power of the vote, we also carry the responsibility of the results. Here is the Scripture principle.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”  Proverbs 29:2

The choice has never been more stark between light and darkness, between righteousness and evil. One stands for death, child sacrifice, perversion, and licentiousness. The other, although not perfect, at least stands for family, God, and country. Furthermore one party is rapidly turning against Israel while the other has taken the lead in supporting Israel.

“Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on Yehovah’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.”  Exodus 32:25-26

Please vote!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rain.

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


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Israel Election Zionist Wave in One Week?

24 10 2022

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Israel will form a new government after November 1, possibly with Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister. We pray for a Biblical Zionist wave in Israel. As we watch the U.S. midterm elections in two weeks, there seems to be a red wave building for the Republicans. There is a somewhat global trend of conservative victories and potential ones. Italy is one of most recent victories, along with the conservative Bolsonaro of Brazil who made it the final election, scheduled for October 30. The global trend is about God and country, family and nationalism. The call for “America First” applies in other countries as well. There is a recoil from globalism and the push for one-world governance. As I have said before: God is a nationalist, not a globalist. Nations are His idea. He sets the times for their existence and even their national boundaries.

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,”  Acts 17:26

I pray that this trend will appear in Israel also. Netanyahu and the right wing are not simply conservative, but they are Zionists. They believe God has given them the Promised Land with the boundaries defined by Him. Shockingly, and surprising to many Christians, the liberal left in Israel does not believe God is doing it. They are perfectly okay with dividing up the land for “peace” with the Palestinians. This is wrong on two counts. Historically, every time they have given up land they get more rockets, not peace. Secondly, God Himself will judge those who divide the land.

“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 3:2

The latest new poll in Israel from Channel 14 News shows the right with 62 seats of the 120 members of the Knesset (parliament). Another new poll shows exactly 60. That is why we pray for a Zionist wave election. Please pray, only one week!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and plentiful rains this season.

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


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What is Jesus’ Last Name?

15 10 2022

 

 

Hebrew God cover photo

This is not a trick question. I challenge you to give this some thought based on the Bible. Most people would probably say His last name is Christ, and they would be wrong. Christ means Messiah, the anointed, promised One. It describes His calling, His qualification to be our Savior. The name Jesus means salvation, but it is still His actual name.

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Do you know His last name? Did you know He has a last name? Do you know the Father’s name? Is it possible there is a “family name”? Here is the verse that changed my whole perspective.

“Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know?”  Proverbs 30:4

Most people know the name of the Son, Jesus, but relatively few people know the Father’s name. I have taught much on the subject and wrote a book about the name of God, The Hebrew God Who Has No Name. Here is the optimum verse declaring His name. Note that I have changed the mistranslation of “LORD” to Yehovah. Jews traditionally do not pronounce His name, and Bible translators yield to that custom. But, the actual word in Hebrew is His name, Yehovah. That name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text. Wow! We have really missed something critically important.

Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘Yehovah God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’”  Exodus 3:15

Do you realize that the name Johnson came from a man named John who had a son who came to be called John’s son? Thus, the family surname was passed to their descendants. Let me suggest that the same is true with Yehovah. His Son, Jesus, has a first name and a last if you follow me. You might say His name is Jesus Yehovahson. Or, in Hebrew: Yeshua ben Yehovah, which is Yeshua, Son of Yehovah. Jesus carries “the family name.” He had laid it is aside, with His deity, according to Philippians 2. 

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Yehovah, to the glory of God the Father.“  Philippians 2:9-11

Again, I have changed Lord to Yehovah. I believe this verse is connected to Isaiah 45:23 where the exact phrase is used by Yehovah concerning Himself. After Jesus had obeyed His Father to the extreme point of His death on the cross, Yehovah then exalted Jesus back to His place in the family. The name of Jesus is exalted because the Father restored Jesus to the family name, Yehovah. Pray about this and see if the Holy Spirit (of Yehovah) confirms it your own heart.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain on the land of Israel.

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

Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name. And here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.


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Feasting, Celebration, and Hope

9 10 2022

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The Biblical Feast of Tabernacles starts at sundown tonight, October 9th. Jews all over the world remember the sojourn in the wilderness after deliverance from Egypt. Even in 2022 many Jews will sleep outside tonight in little makeshift tabernacles, called sukkahs in Hebrew, as a reminder. But, is there a future meaning? Yes. Are Christians obligated to keep this feast? No, we observe it in solidarity with the Jews voluntarily, rejoicing that we have been grafted in to the commonwealth of Israel. We are not required to keep the Mosaic law, (see Acts 15).

Christians believe Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts of Passover and the summer feast of Pentecost (Shavuot). The fall feasts will also be fulfilled by His Second Coming. How specifically does He fulfill Tabernacles? Since it is the harvest feast, it speaks of the great end-time harvest of souls. But, it also speaks of the marriage supper of the Lamb. The most wonderful feast of all history is when we sit down with Him after He establishes His Kingdom on earth. The book of Hebrews calls this the “blessed hope.”

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”  Titus 2:11-14

Tabernacles is a seven day feast ending next Sunday at sundown. Let your week be filled with hope of the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Yeshua the Messiah! Celebrate the coming Kingdom!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for the watering of the Land of Israel.

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


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The Lamb on the Mercy Seat

2 10 2022

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The Day of Atonement begins this year on Tuesday October 4, at sundown, and ends Wednesday at sundown. After the sounding of trumpets, we are now in the ten days of awe, which is a time of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur or Atonement. It is the time of the sacrifice for the nation of Israel. I would also like to think it can apply to the U.S. as well. As we approach the November 1 Israeli election, it is quickly followed by the mid-term election here. Repentance is in order for both nations. Two thoughts are stirring in my heart regarding the prophetic timing of these events.

  1. Passover was fulfilled by Yeshua as the Passover Lamb, but Atonement, Yom Kippur, is fulfilled by Yeshua as the Great High Priest. He was the Lamb on earth, but in Heaven He is the priest who approaches the Mercy Seat and presents the blood of the Lamb, His own blood, as the eternal payment for our sins and the sins of the world. Yehovah God has provided the Lamb and the Mercy Seat as the righteous resolution to the sin problem for all who look on the Messiah with acceptance.
  2. Yom Kippur occurring right before the election emphasizes the need for national humility and national repentance. This is a sober time indeed, as we face daunting threats from every side. Remember that the battle is not on the human level, but spiritual wickedness in high places.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”  Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT

Pray for a great harvest of souls in both nations and around the world. Also, pray for humble repentance for all leaders and the people, that Yehovah would show His mercy and turn our lands from evil. He is always looking for any opportunity to extend His mercy and forgiveness to all who ask. Pray for a visitation of God of epic Biblical proportions!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in the new rainy season.

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


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Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil?

24 09 2022

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Sundown tomorrow is the feast of Trumpets, Yom Teruah, the beginning of the final feasts. The last feast is Tabernacles, a seven day feast beginning on October 9th this year. The whole world is shaking right now with the birth pangs of a new Kingdom. Wake up and prepare for the coming of the Lord! There are many Bible scholars who believe that the Messiah will come on the Day of Trumpets. So, the question of the day is: Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil? Here are the words of Jesus the Son of God, Yeshua ben Yehovah:

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”  Matthew 25:1-13 NLT

Will you be celebrating the final feast, the marriage feast? It is the marriage supper of the Lamb of God. Not all will be admitted. Of course, the unrepentant will not enter, but even many who claim to serve Him will not enter. This is consistent in Jesus’ teaching as recorded earlier in Matthew.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? ’And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  Matthew 7:21-23

The Ultimate Preppers – There are many preppers around the world today who are saving up food and water and more. Some have bomb shelters or they move into the wilderness because of the things that are about to come on the earth. Preparedness is wise, but the question remains: Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil? This oil is the Holy Spirit, and the lamp is your life. Are you full of the Holy Spirit? Do you know His voice? His assignment from Yehovah is to prepare the bride for the Heavenly Bridegroom and the great wedding feast of eternity. As Abraham sent his servant to find a bride for Isaac, so God sent the Holy Spirit to prepare a bride for the Messiah. I am glad you have plenty of freeze-dried food for the next hurricane, but, Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil?

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rains for the land.

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


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Never Able to Know Truth

15 09 2022

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What a concept! There are some people who are unable to grasp truth, even if it is right in front of them.  It is a condition that predictably results from a certain lifestyle. Those who practice specific behaviors will inevitably be blinded to truth. Have you been frustrated by people who see current events but draw completely illogical conclusions bearing no resemblance to the truth? It seems common sense to understand, but they have really weird interpretations of what should be obvious.

“always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  2 Timothy 3:7

This is a condition that is the end result of resisting God, resisting truth. Rebellion from God is resisting truth since He is truth. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” The way of rebellion leads to a total inability to recognize truth. Someone who has reached that condition simply cannot know truth. What a terrible place to be! Here are a few of the behaviors that lead to that blind condition. These are drawn from the larger context of 2 Timothy 3.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”  2 Timothy 3:1-5.

You do not want to see yourself in that list! Lord help us to love truth!

“these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all,”  2 Timothy 3:8-9.

Yes, those who are deceived will be exposed, but those who love the truth will be established in God and His righteousness through the Messiah Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Hang in there in faith. Don’t give up. Stay true to the Person who is truth. All of this faith walk is on the sure foundation of the Bible revelation of who Yehovah God is and who the Messiah is. Keep the faith!

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 316-17.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain as Israel enters the rainy season.

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

This is a link to my YouTube prophecy update, new every Tuesday.


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Categories : Israel Commentary

Casting Crowns

10 09 2022
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“Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ​​“You are worthy, O Lord, ​​To receive glory and honor and power; ​​For You created all things, ​​And by Your will they exist and were created.”  Revelation 4:9-11
One of the chaplains of her Majesty, had been preaching on the Second Coming of the Lord, and afterward, in conversation with the chaplain, the Queen exclaimed: ” Oh! how I wish that the Lord would come in my lifetime! ” ” Why,” asked the chaplain, ” does your Majesty feel this very earnest desire? The Queen replied with quivering lips, and her whole countenance lighted up by deep emotion- ” I should so love to lay my crown at His feet.” – Queen Victoria
Queen Elizabeth placed her crown there this week. Giving thanks. (Copied from Facebook, Tom Melzoni)
“We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NLT
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Pray for rain in the time of latter rain.
Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists                         (Read more)

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Vote for Anyone You Choose

1 09 2022

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This is not an endorsement of any one person or party. It is a challenge to you to vote responsibly. If you are uninformed, please don’t vote. If you do your own research. then vote for whoever you think is best. But, please do your due diligence. Today I am quoting a list from A to Z of actual accomplishments of President Trump. Please compare these to the current president’s list. Really. The media talks a lot about him. If anyone can create a similar list to Trump’s, please do. Here is the A to Z list for President Trump from American Spectator.

a) The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — a massive tax reduction that largely remains in place

b) A 21 percent top-corporate tax rate, down from 35 percent

c) Eight regulations erased for every new one imposed

d) School voucher program for Washington, D.C., reauthorized and funded

e) Three constitutionalist justices added to the U.S. Supreme Court

f) Some 200 conservative judges placed in lower federal courts

g) Keystone XL Pipeline approved

h) Oil drilling in a small, specific portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge authorized

i) U.S. energy independence achieved

j) Critical race theory in federal programs dumped

k) Paris Climate Agreement abandoned

l) Iran Nuclear Deal ditched

m) Chinese Communist Party confronted and discredited

n) Islamic State group caliphate obliterated

o) U.S. embassy in Israel moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

p) Four Middle Eastern peace deals with Israel and its neighbors signed

q) About 500 miles of southern-border wall constructed

r) Some 8,000 Opportunity Zones to revitalize low-income areas through market incentives activated

s) Planned Parenthood partially defunded

t) National Right to Life March addressed in person — a presidential first

u) Executive order requiring that new federal buildings be designed in classical Greco-Roman style

v) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) replaced with the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement — a new-and-improved free-trade pact

w) Free trade agreement with South Korea launched

x) Right to Try law allowing terminally ill patients access to experimental drugs signed

y) American military prowess restored and funded

z) Operation Warp Speed’s three COVID-19 vaccines delivered in record time via White House collaboration with the private sector

Donald J. Trump enjoyed enough victories to match the number of letters in the English alphabet. These 26 policies and achievements are all conservative. And there are many more (Space Force! Record-low black and Hispanic unemployment!).

Americans are free to vote their choice. My advice is to seriously compare party platforms in light of the Bible. There are major differences on issues such as support for Israel, Biblical marriage, sanctity of life, Biblical gender truth, Biblical sexual standards, parental rights in schools, free speech, and even such things as nationalism vs. globalism. These are all only favored by one party. Please study the issues and listen to the Holy Spirit before you vote.

Finally, please vote! Many Christians stay home every election. Get out and vote. It is the American system of choosing our leaders. Do not shirk your privilege and duty. VOTE! Only two months to go.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

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

 This is a link to my YouTube prophecy update, new every Tuesday.


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Categories : Israel Commentary

Hypocrisy, Coffee, and My Life Verse

26 08 2022

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Quoted from Twitter

This is from our “You can’t make this up” Department. Starbucks promoted mail-in ballots for politics, but view them as untrustworthy for their own union elections. Starbucks is not even faithful to their own stance, but two-faced when it affects the bottom line. What hypocrisy! My emphasis for decades has been the faithfulness of God. He is always the same, immutable, unchangeable. You cannot separate faith from faithfulness. If you truly believe God, you will live like you believe; that is faithfulness.

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

He cannot deny Himself! He is always faithful no matter what we do. He does not follow us, He leads us by example. He is the model; we are not. This brings me to my main point of my life verse.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

There are two requirements of faith here. First, we must believe God exists. That’s easy. Even the demons know He exists, and they tremble. That is not enough!

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:19-20

My life verse has guided me for over sixty years. God is a rewarder! He who comes to God must believe that He exists AND secondly; we must believe that He is a REWARDER of those who really seek Him. Have you ever accused God of letting you down? Are you tempted to believe the fault for your failures lies with Him? Do you project your own unfaithfulness onto God?

The wonderful news is that He is always faithful, even when we are not! If you keep seeking Him, He will never let you down. He is faithful. Yehovah God is faithful. Jesus is faithful. Holy Spirit is faithful! Repent. Trust Him. Believe that He will absolutely reward your seeking of Him. Live for Him!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rain.

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


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Pay to Slay Still in Force

13 08 2022

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The Palestinian Authority has paid nearly $1.5 million to terrorist murderers in the “pay to slay” scheme of rewarding terrorists for murdering Jews. Most of this comes from western nations grants for the “two-state” idea, which is a complete non-starter because both sides claim the entire land of Israel. Trump stopped the U.S. payments but Biden restored the money pipeline. The truth must prevail. God Himself has already spoken about who owns the land. The following is an excerpt from several news accounts.

The PA Has Already Paid $1,421,940 to the Terrorists Who Blew Up the Sbarro Pizza Shop – August 9, 2022, marked 21 years since the attack on the Sbarro pizza restaurant in Jerusalem. Fifteen people were murdered, including five members of one family, and 130 people were injured.

As a reward for carrying out the attack, the Palestinian Authority (PA) pays a total of $8,937 (27,800 shekels) each month to the five imprisoned terrorists and the families of the three dead terrorists who were involved in the attack. The current total paid to the terrorists is $1,421,940. The monthly payment to each terrorist will continue to rise the longer the terrorists are in prison.

Every month, the PA pays terrorist Abdallah Barghouti 7,300 shekels ($2,347).Every month, the PA pays terroristJamal Abu Al-Hija 8,300 shekels ($2,668). Having now completed 20 years in prison, this month Abu Al-Hija’s will rise to 8,300 shekels from 7,300 shekels. More details at:  “the Algemeiner”

The evil unrighteousness of that system must be exposed and stopped. It is the sin of Judas who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.

The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.” After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood. This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says,

“They took the thirty pieces of silver—the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel, and purchased the potter’s field, as Yehovah directed.”  Matthew 27:5-10 NLT

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

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


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Terrorism on the Ninth of Av

6 08 2022

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361 rockets fired from Gaza since Friday. 70 of them fell in Gaza. (Now 936 rockets, 160 landed in Gaza – updated Sunday 5pm Eastern) Tonight Jews in Jerusalem are mourning in observance of the Ninth of Av (Tisha B’Av), which remembers the destruction of both Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples. Many other Jewish catastrophes occurred on the same date. But this day is a new attack from the age-old enemy.

One of the misfired rockets landed in a Gaza refugee camp, killing at least four children. When 20% of Gaza rockets never get out of Gaza it is bound to happen. Israel has released video proof. This also reveals the priority of the terrorists. There “calling” to kill Jews and destroy Israel is more important than civilian deaths. They intentionally target civilians. In fact, that is the very definition of terrorism. By terrifying civilians they accomplish more than engaging in a military against military attack which they will lose. They count killing civilians as “courageous” victories, and those who die trying our “holy martyrs.”

The Temple and Terrorism – A Dangerous Mix – Conditions are ripe, on the eve of a Temple-centred Jewish commemorative day, for an eruption of violence from Islamist terrorist groups, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Israel strikes and kills another top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza – After assassination of terror group’s north Gaza commander, IDF kills southern counterpart Khaled Mansour; senior officer says Israel believes it has taken out entire PIJ top brass.

IDF: All senior Islamic Jihad officials in Gaza eliminated – The IDF confirmed on Saturday night that senior Islamic Jihad operative Khaled Mansour had been eliminated by an IDF airstrike and that to the best of their knowledge, all senior Islamic Jihad officials in Gaza had been taken down as well.

This would be a good time to pray the Psalm 83 prayer that I explained in my recent post, Pray Psalm 83 For God’s Victory

“Do to them as you did to the Midianites and as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River.”  Psalm 83:9

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

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

Here is the link to my YouTube: 


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Parent and Senior Adult Challenge

29 07 2022

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If you use a computer or a smartphone you can have a blessing ministry to your children. When Michael Masambu was with us a month ago, he challenged us to speak God’s words into our children and grandchildren with God’s blessing. We can all do that.

Well, today I began my blessing project for my own family. It is just a simple group text with a short word of wisdom, a Bible verse, or even just a “Grampa joke.” I won’t do it so often that it gets old for them, but try to keep it interesting. Even though I have authored eight books, they may not read them. But a sentence or two is enough to sow a seed. Here is the link to “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes.

Here is the first one I sent today: This text is GT#1 of random Grampa texts of wisdom and humor that I will be sending just to family. I hope you like them, but even if you don’t, I am still “the Grampa!” (sung like “Tra-di-tion!” from Fiddler on the Roof.) There is no set order or timing. You will get one when you least expect. Here is the first one, a very important truth. – If you want to understand God, you need to learn to “stand-under” God.

This affords us the opportunity to share a legacy with our posterity. Anyone can do it. You may not have great financial wealth to leave, but what is greater than the wisdom of Yehovah from many years? Why not start your own legacy blessing for your family?

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”  Proverbs 13:22

“Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”  Proverbs 17:6

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,”  Deuteronomy 4:9

“But the mercy of Yehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;”  Psalm 103:17

“All your children shall be taught by Yehovah, And great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for your children!

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


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Pray Psalm 83 For God’s Victory

23 07 2022

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THE PSALM 83 PRAYER – Over the years I have often referenced “The Psalm 83 War.” But today let us look at the specific prayer of that prophetic Psalm. It shows us how to pray in light of today’s headlines. The war prophesied is now clear in modern Israel’s history where the nations listed have been at war since 1948. But the specific prayer request of Psalm 83 is that Yehovah would defeat their enemies through confusion and panic.

Do to them as you did to the Midianites and as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River. Psalm 83:9

This verse refers to two victories of Israel. One was with Gideon over the Midianites and the other was of Deborah and Barak over Canaanite kings. Both instances involve the enemy in panic and confusion. In Gideon’s case the Midianites rose up and killed each other in the confusion. I believe this is the prayer we should use today for Israel’s enemies and for our own enemies.

This even applies politically. As we pray for mercy on our nation, God is bringing panic and confusion to the enemies of truth and justice. Biblical morality is rejected by our cultural elites. But it’s not over. I pray for a great awakening of the Holy Spirit of God. Those who love the truth will awake and see God’s plan. Those who lie will be consumed in their lies.

“And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.“  2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

NOW THE GOOD NEWS

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

For several years I taught that it would end in a final victorious battle for Israel. However, I now see that I was wrong. It is ending with the Abraham Accords. Peace is coming through mutual interests of Israel and their Arab neighbors for self defense and for economic reasons. As Arab leaders make peace for their countries with Israel, pray that the terrorists will meet the same fate prophesied in Psalm 83.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rains.

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


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You Are Not Good, You Are Stubborn

18 07 2022

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Why did Yehovah God give the land of Canaan to Israel? Was Israel righteous? As a matter of fact, they were not. There are two reasons Yehovah blessed Israel with the Holy Land. He revealed these reasons just as Joshua led them across the Jordan River into the glorious land! 1. The previous inhabitants were so wicked they lost their right to the land. 2. God had made an unconditional promise, an oath, to their ancestors and He does not lie. Therefore they would receive the promised Land.

“After Yehovah your God has done this for you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘Yehovah has given us this land because we are such good people!’ No, it is because of the wickedness of the other nations that he is pushing them out of your way. It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. Yehovah your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You must recognize that Yehovah your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not—you are a stubborn people.”  Deuteronomy 9:4-6 NLT

You Are Not Good. – Have you notice the popularity of the phrase: “I’m good?” We say it all the time when a waiter asks if we want anything else. I like to good naturedly contradict my friends once in awhile when they say it. “Only God is good!”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. “Mark 10:18 NLT

You Are Stubborn. – Why do we fight so hard against yielding to Jesus? It is because we are born with the sin nature of selfishness. We are naturally stubborn. Only by being born again in Jesus by the Holy Spirit are we empowered to overcome our old nature. This verse is more profound than we realize:

“Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of Yehovah, he has rejected you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:23 NLT

This judgement was spoken to King Saul, but it applies to all of us about our own rebellion and stubbornness. Here is the profound revelation. How is stubbornness like idol worship? It is because we worship our own will and opinion above God’s. We make ourselves the idol in place of Yehovah God! Praise Yeshua our Messiah that we are forgiven and given new life through Him!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for seasonal rains.

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

Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name. And here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.


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3 Quick Updates

14 07 2022

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  1. My first reaction to President Biden’s Israel visit is good. He generally said the right things other than still holding out for the “two state” idea, which is virtually dead by all accounts. His joint Jerusalem Declaration with Interim Prime Minister Lapid confirmed Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and neglected any idea of dividing the city. He even said his visit to a Palestinian hospital did not indicate any change of status for the U.S. position on Jerusalem. He had a very warm handshake with Netanyahu and a short meeting. We pray now for good news tomorrow in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps against his personal wishes, President Biden is clearly promoting the Abraham Accords. I have stated all along that God is in these Accords and man cannot block what Yehovah is doing.

    “We made a mistake walking away from US influence in the Middle East” – “No change in policy implied” by American-only visit to eastern Jerusalem, says Biden.

  2. I was recently interviewed on a popular podcast by my friend and Messianic leader Myles Weiss. We spoke of the Abraham Accords and other prophetic fulfillments. You can listen Here: To Life! The Hope Behind the Headlines 
  3. I apologize, but we have to change Issachar Forum: A Prophetic Think Tank back to Tuesday nights. Milton’s Restaurant reversed their announced plan to open Sunday nights. Therefore we will convene at 6pm each Tuesday beginning July 19th. The YouTube version will also be uploaded on Tuesdays from that date. You can always click on the YouTube logo for the link.

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Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem, especially this week!

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


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In the End, It is About Character

6 07 2022

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I believe in the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, but they are His means to an end. The end is reproducing in us the nature and character of God Himself. Jesus came to show us the Father.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

If this character of God is not happening in your life, you are missing the boat. (And, yes, that is a reference to Noah and the Flood.) Love is not an act, it is His nature, and our character conforming to His. Divine love is not a gift, it is a process. The Holy Spirit is here to enable that transformation. Don’t diminish the power of the Holy Spirit. Move in the gifts and listen to His voice. He is changing us from selfishness to selflessness. Jesus had this same love, and He gave us the Holy Spirit to finish the work in us!

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:25-26

BECOME LOVE.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in season.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists.               (Read: “Gog and Magog? …Nope.”)


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Gog and Magog? …Nope.

2 07 2022

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This picture is a new 28 mile long wall (27 feet tall) being built right now, in Israel, to keep out terrorists from the West Bank. It is not on the border, but within Israel. This is proof that the Gog & Magog War of Ezekiel 38 cannot happen at this time. It is impossible, even though many prophetic buffs are excited that Gog & Magog is about to start. In addition to this wall, there are many other walls, fences, barriers, and checkpoints controlling access to Israel. Those who ignore the literal language of Ezekiel’s prophecy are making a mistake.

“After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely. You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.”

‘Thus says the Lord Yehovah: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan: You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’—” Ezekiel 38:8-11

Seven different phrases that do not apply in 2022. During Ramadan six weeks ago, five terrorist attacks murdered 19 Israelis. Is that the peace of the above verses? I think not.

The error of overlooking this extraordinary time of peace leads to other errors of prophetic interpretation. Some are missing the significance of the Abraham Accords because they are looking for imminent war. On the contrary, they should expect imminent peace. Even next week when President Biden is in Israel and Saudi Arabia there will be new announcements of agreements between Israel and the Saudis. I don’t believe the Saudi’s can join the accords until the expected passing of King Salman. But after that expect MBS (the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman) to fast track many different reconciliations with Israel. Tourism and mutual defense against Iran are the main drivers of this unfolding peace. MBS is making massive investments in tourism, especially in ancient Midian on the Red Sea. This is the most compelling location of Mt. Sinai. Talk about a tourism magnet!

Mt. Sinai in Saudi Arabia | FULL EPISODE – Enjoy!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, rain, and a Yehovah fearing new Prime Minister after the election November 1.

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

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Israel Government Falls

27 06 2022

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My prediction was off by one week. The coalition has decided to disband and go to new elections in Israel, which will be around November 1. Even today they are debating how to proceed. The opposition led by Netanyahu are attempting to form a new government from the current Knesset. They only have a day or so to before the final vote to dissolve the Knesset and go to elections.

It is changing hour by hour. My prayer is that God will raise up His leader for Israel. I still favor Netanyahu, but we will see if God favors him. The Lord recently spoke to me that He is raising up Sampson’s in these days to fulfill their original callings that were short circuited by sin and disobedience. Samson did not deserve to be restored for his final victory, but God’s word had to be vindicated because God does not lie.

“Then Samson called to Yehovah, saying, “O Lord Yehovah, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!” And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left. Then Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life.” Judges 16:28-30

Some “Samsons” are unrepentant, but for those who repent, God is able to raise them up once again to fulfill their purpose. We need to pray for God to restore the Samsons in our nations. We need all hands on deck for the spiritual warfare of these momentous days of shaking. Perhaps even now the house of God’s enemies will fall in a mighty deliverance. It may be that both Trump and Netanyahu were set aside by God for personal reasons. But He is able to raise them up again if they deal with the issues of their own hearts. We pray for Yehovah God’s divine purpose to be accomplished above all.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of Yehovah our God.” Psalm 20:7

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and timely rain in Israel.

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


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I Was Wrong; But it’s Inevitable

17 06 2022

So, Israel’s coalition government is still standing after one year. I was wrong. I was wrong. I was wrong. A mishmash collection of conflicting parties beat my prediction. A year ago I predicted it would collapse in the first year (not “thus says the Lord”). But even now its end is near. Even the Prime Minister says it will probably not last two weeks.

Bennett warns coalition will collapse within a week or two unless MKs end rebellion – On 1st anniversary of taking power, PM says ruling bloc members ‘haven’t internalized’ importance of the hour; Netanyahu claims premier fighting for his job, not the country.

Shaked pressuring Bennett: Agree to right-wing government in the current Knesset – If his government disintegrates, Bennett will consider joining a right-wing government led by Netanyahu.

The current eight member coalition includes a Communist party, a Muslim Brotherhood party, other liberals, and a couple conservative parties who betrayed their own voters by linking with the extremists. Therefore its collapse is still inevitable. We pray for a new government that will listen to the God of Israel in all of its decisions. It’s not over. Yehovah has the final say!

Why did I stand on a chair? As a young father (and rookie Pastor) of three young girls, God spoke to me very clearly one evening as I was washing my hands before supper. It was not audible, but nevertheless quite clear in my spirit. He said I was to stop burping at meals with my family. He pointed out that I would never do that at a dinner with the Mayor. He said I was dishonoring and disrespecting my wife and girls with the nasty habit. He said I should tell them what He had spoken. He then told me I was to stand on a chair and say: “I was wrong.” Three times! To say they were shocked is an understatement, but I have obeyed that instruction ever since.

I later realized how important it is for fathers to own up to their mistakes and failures. The example for my girls 40 years ago has born life-long fruit. Even today, in family gatherings, if I say something wrong, they will say: “On the chair, Dad!” It is now a warm memory and occasion for laughter and love. But, this is important for any leader. Don’t be so full of yourself. Walk in proper humility before all. We have the privilege of showing Jesus to the world. When some people see Jesus in us, it may be the first time they ever see Him.

“I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. — Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 and 1 Corinthians 11:1

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”  James 4:10

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for abundant seasonal rains.

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


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War Zone!

10 06 2022

J 6 war zone carnage

Give me a break. Does this picture look like a war zone? A witness at the January 6th “insurrection” hearing yesterday testified that she thought the Capital riot was “a war zone” with “carnage.” Coming four days after D-Day, I wonder how WW2 vets would compare what they witnessed in the actual war with the “carnage” of Jan. 6. Also, how many residents of Uvalde, Texas would agree that “carnage” or “war zone” was an apt description of the Capital riot.

The only death that day was an unarmed young female protester who was shot by a Capital policeman. No guns were seen among the 2,000 rioters. Not. A. War Zone.

Yes, it was a riot. It was illegal. It was wrong. In fact, it actually stopped the legal proceedings of Congress which were attempting to challenge the certifications of a few specific electors. The riot was counter productive to the Republican legal challenges. But still, it was not a war zone. That description is terribly dishonoring to the life sacrifices of our heroes of real war zones. I don’t like the cheap words.

My lane is Israel and prophecy. So, why am I bringing this up? Because lying and exaggerating for political propaganda has been used against Israel and the Jews throughout history. Even now, Israel fights lies and propaganda every day. Where are the reporters who only speak the truth? The Bible explains the age we are now experiencing.

We know we have rebelled and have denied Yehovah. We have turned our backs on our God. We know how unfair and oppressive we have been, carefully planning our deceitful lies. Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. Yehovah looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.” Isaiah 59:13-15 NLT

The best way to defeat lies is to speak truth. In fact, truth is a person. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in season.

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


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Upward in Idaho

30 05 2022

Living Waters Ranch from above

Michael Masambu of Kenya, my brother Ken, and I just arrived in Sandpoint, Idaho. which is 60 miles from Canada, thus “upward.” The ministry at Living Waters Ranch in Challis, Idaho was powerful and anointed. Many thanks and blessings to Christopher and Debbie James who hosted with godly love and hospitality. It was a great honor to share in the ministry.

Our 400 mile drive to Sandpoint was some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet and the fellowship was rich. Tomorrow, Michael will join the pastor’s lunch and then preach at a joint meeting at New Life Church (formerly Christian Center) at 7pm. All are welcome. Wednesday Michael moves on to the Tri-Cities in Washington.

Friday night at 7pm I will be ministering at River of Life Church in Sandpoint, concluding with Cocolalla Cowboy Church Sunday morning. Hope to see you there.

“This is what Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west. I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.” Zechariah 8:7-8 NLT

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

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


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God is with Israel

21 05 2022

Aliyah 2019

The time is coming when ten people will grab the sleeve of one Jew and beg them to walk together with Yehovah God. Is this a proportional (10 to 1?) prophecy? I don’t know about that, but it tells a lot about the future of Israel. We know that He was with them in the past, but He is also with them in the future.

“This is what Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies says: In those days ten men from different nations and languages of the world will clutch at the sleeve of one Jew. And they will say, ‘Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:23 NLT

Remember what Rahab, the prostitute, said when Joshua was entering the Promised Land? She immediately knew that God was with them and it was wise to join them in order to be blessed by their God.

and (Rahab) said to the men: “I know that Yehovah has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how Yehovah dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for Yehovah your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Joshua 2:8-11

These are two examples the fame of God reaching the ears of unbelievers. The literal “fear of the Lord” brought wisdom to Rahab. In the end times people will clamor for God’s blessing by physically traveling to Israel. In order for this prophecy to be fulfilled, the world will need to see and acknowledge that God is truly with Israel. This has begun with the miracle rebirth of the nation in 1948 and the reclaiming of Jerusalem in 1967. Millions of Jews are returning to their roots in Israel. From 600,000 Jews there in 1948 to over seven million in 2022. Israeli tourism is amazing, fulfilling God’s promises.

“This is what Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies says: People from nations and cities around the world will travel to Jerusalem. The people of one city will say to the people of another, ‘Come with us to Jerusalem to ask Yehovah to bless us. Let’s worship Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go.’ Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing.” Zechariah 8:20-22

Even if you cannot travel to Israel, you can seek the blessing of the God of Israel. He has made it personal for each of us by offering the Messiah, His Son Yeshua. He loves us and wants to have a relationship with us that includes all His blessings. As the world watches God’s increasing favor on Israel and the Jewish people, they must recognize that God is with them.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rain in God’s timing. Also, please pray for my ministry in Idaho for the next two weeks.

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

Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name. And here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.


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What Time Is It?

14 05 2022

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Timing is everything. What time is it now? Bible prophecy is always dependent on timing. Everything does not happen at once. Sequences of events lead chronologically step by step. Contrary to popular opinion, history is not circular, it is linear. Genesis is the account of “the beginning.” God has a purpose that has a beginning and ending. The end is His perfect Kingdom of righteousness with no sin, sickness, sorrow, or death. Consider these examples.

  1. Biblical Esther came for “such a time as this.” For her, it was a critical role in the literal saving of the Jewish race. She was willing to die, “to perish,” if necessary. As I prepare to speak in two weeks at the Arise and Shine Conference at Living Waters Ranch in Challis, Idaho, this theme is on my heart. “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NLT
  2. The tribe of Issachar “understood the times” and knew what Israel ought to do. How many Christians today know what time it is? Are Christians like the Pharisees?
    “One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times!” Matthew 16:1-3 NLT
  3. Jesus Himself even had to wait for the timing of His death. He is also waiting for the timing of His return, known only to the Father. He often said His time was not yet, until it became “the time.” “You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.” John 7:8-9 But then later… Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” John 12:23-24 NLT
  4. It is high time to wake up! “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:11-14

So, where are we on this timeline? I believe we are at a crossroads for our nation. It is time to wake up, stand up, and speak up for the Kingdom of Yehovah God and His Messiah. He is our only hope. But through Him we are “more than conquerors.” More are they that are with us than they that are with the enemy, as Elisha told his servant when surrounded by the Syrian army.

It is time to open our eyes to the eternal purpose of God. You may feel surrounded, or even hopeless, but God is in control. Jesus is on the throne! His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Don’t give up!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain for Israel.

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


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Sound the Shofar for Israel and America

7 05 2022

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It was my honor to blow the shofar at the National Day of Prayer here in Wake Forest at the Town Hall. I also prayed, not only for the peace of Jerusalem, but for mercy for the United States. The Bible is absolutely clear that those who bless Israel will be blessed and cursed if we curse Israel. Our government is hanging in the balance on the verge of cursing Israel with the new Iran Deal. God forbid!

We are also being measured by Yehovah God because of the MURDER of 62 million babies since the 1973 court decision. People are now demanding abortion with the twisted slogan: “Abortion is healthcare!” Pray, pray, pray, and speak up! This is a time of history that we, like Esther of old, have come for “a time such as this.”

Make no mistake. This is not about politics. It is genocide; and more black babies are murdered per capita than any other group. This is a boldfaced defiance of the living Creator God who instructed His creation to “Be fruitful and multiply.” Wickedness is fast reaching a “full cup.” There is a tipping point where God steps in to end the abominations. He will “not always strive with man”.

“For in the hand of Yehovah there is a cup, and the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth drain and drink down.”  Psalm 75:8

“And Yehovah said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”  Genesis 6:3

“Yehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.” Psalm 103:8-9

Some may think that sounds harsh, and so, they deny that God is Who He says He is. They reject Him because He does not give them permission for evil. Because He is longsuffering, they think He approves. But after many opportunities for them to turn around, God concludes they are incorrigible. You do not want to cross that line. Pray for mercy. Pray for forgiveness.

Our nation is RIGHT. AT. THAT. LINE.

Pray that we will turn back to God, support Israel, and follow the Good Shepherd.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for Israel rain. (There were a few more showers this week!)

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


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Worshipers Throw Rocks

29 04 2022

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The title of this post is a real headline. The Temple Mount/Ramadan annual oxymoron played out again this week. Does anybody notice that worship and throwing rocks sounds like a contradiction? Headlines in the Middle East and especially Israel often make no sense. 

Worshipers throw rocks at security forces – Defense establishment preparing for further clashes on the last Friday of the month of Ramadan. Arab rioters threw rocks and shot fireworks at security forces, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. “Violent clashes broke out on the holy site.”

Clashes erupt at Jerusalem holy site – Palestinians clashed with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem before dawn on Friday as thousands gathered for prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.

It is so ridiculous to state clashes “erupt” or “broke out,” as if it was just a beautiful sunny morning and suddenly, completely unprovoked, a “CLASH” erupted like some mysterious volcano with no warning. It is planned. It is funded. It is as predictable as the sunrise. It is AS IF there are extra points for riots and terrorism during Ramadan. Oh, wait, the Koran does mention something like that.

Ramadan: ‘A Month of Jihad, Conquest, and Victory’ – By Raymond Ibrahim – Speaking on the first day of Ramadan, April 1, 2022, Mahmoud al-Habbash, the Supreme Sharia Judge of the Palestinian Authority, extolled the jihads waged by the prophet of Islam, Muhammad, during Ramadan:

How was this month [of Ramadan] in the life of Prophet [Muhammad]? …Did the Prophet spend Ramadan in calmness, serenity, laziness, and sleepiness? Far be it from him… The Prophet entered the great Battle of Badr [624] during Ramadan… Also in the month of Ramadan, in the 8th year of the Hijra [629-630], the Prophet and the Muslims conquered Mecca… Ramadan is … a month of Jihad, conquest, and victory.

There are videos of the rioters INSIDE the Al Aksa mosque with their shoes on, which is forbidden. They are even seen kicking a soccer ball around INSIDE THE MOSQUE!

Are these worshippers? Give me a break! Only the blinded ones refuse to see the obvious. (There is a lot of that going around these days.) However, this is not a new phenomena. This spiritual blindness is revealed throughout the Bible.

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”  2 Corinthians 4:4

“But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”  1 John 2:11

So I (Isaiah) said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, YEHOVAH of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain, and especially pray for the salvation of all who are willing.

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


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Elisha Vision Update

23 04 2022

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Much appreciation and thanks to you who read my blog posts and watch my YouTube videos. It is encouraging to me that many benefit from this ministry. My goal is to speak what I hear from the Holy Spirit. We have had over 212 thousand views of this blog. Some are not aware that in addition to this Elisha Vision blog, I also have two video channels on YouTube.

One is my weekly update on the news from God’s perspective. I like to say His plans are not “doom and gloom,” but rather “doom and va-voom!” Here is the link for that weekly video. Please subscribe and share with your friends.

My other YouTube channel is for my teaching videos. For example, this week (through four new 30 minute teachings) I was able to speak at the Kenya PDA Youth Conference. Michael Masambu is the leader and my friend. Those four teachings are available on my “Les Lawrence” channel at this link. I invite you to view the other twelve teaching videos as well. Also, please subscribe and you will be notified whenever I publish a new teaching video. Thank you.

Elisha Vision Ministries includes my traveling schedule in the U.S., Israel, Canada, Kenya, and other countries. I will be in Idaho in late May and early June. At home in North Carolina, I lead two home Bible studies and Issachar Forum: A Prophetic Think Tank, which is a 90 minute live version of the weekly videos. I also have a close association with New Path Church in Raleigh and Grace Assembly in Wake Forest.

Elisha Vision Publishing has published my eight books, four by my wife Doreen, and several by John Fisk. I have also edited a few books for friends. My “lane” or main emphasis is clearly Israel and God’s prophetic purpose for the last days.

You notice I always sign off my blog as “a voice of Christian Zionists.” My desire is that I may in some small way influence you to count yourself as a Christian Zionist.

“And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” Isaiah 11:12

“Hear the word of Yehovah, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ​‘​He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ ​​For Yehovah has redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he.” Jeremiah 31:10-11

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in season.

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


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Do THIS! – Remember Ishtar?

16 04 2022

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The most glorious sunrise in 6,000 years of history on earth revealed that the tomb was empty. Jesus was raised from the dead! He is alive! Just hours before his execution He led His last Passover meal with His disciples. There are three keys from that dinner that guide our relationship with Him today.

  1. Jesus said at that moment: “For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.” Luke 22:18 The next meal will be the marriage supper of the Lamb!
  2. Do THIS! – He gave a most significant instruction at that Passover which is minimized by many of today’s Christians. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you: THIS DO in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19 The “THIS” that He was referring to, is the Passover meal which Christians call the Last Supper. It has been shrunk down from a full meal with four meaningful cups, to a thimble of juice and bit of bread. We can all reap the rich importance of Passover, not only the Jews.
  3. The third key is found in the same verse: And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you: this do IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.” Luke 22:19 Somehow, we have managed to replace Jesus in the name of the resurrection celebration with the name of the Babylonian pagan goddess of fertility. Known as “the queen of heaven,” this pagan goddess has been called by various names such as: Ishtar, Astarte, Diana of the Ephesians, and Venus, from which we now have “Easter,” (from Ishtar). This is most unfortunate because most Christians don’t have a clue that our most glorious season does not “remember” Jesus, but rather carries the name of a demonic goddess. I would love to see the church move away from the pagan name and call the glorious morning “Resurrection Day!”

Finally, notice I said these verses guide our “relationship” with Jesus. I am not talking about religious duty, but rather knowing Him as a friend. The Kingdom of God is relational. It is not “what” you know, but “Who” you know. After training His disciples for several years as “disciplined followers,” Jesus promoted them to the highest honor:

“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you FRIENDS, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rains.

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

For further background on our use of pagan god’s names, you may like a post I did twelve years ago, April 15, 2010: The Ban On Baals


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Four Headlines – Twisted Truth

8 04 2022

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HEADLINES MATTER – If you did not know the real story you would not get it from these headlines. A terrorist walked into a restaurant in Tel Aviv, Israel and started murdering Jews. Three died and a dozen more were injured. His motive was to please the god of Islam as a special offering during Ramadan. Gaza and other Palestinian cities celebrated three innocent civilian Jewish deaths with fireworks and handing out candies to honor their “sweet victory.” The father of the terrorist even celebrated his own son’s death.

Tel Aviv attack: Father of assailant praises son’s actions – ‘Victory will come soon, in the coming days you will see the change. You will be free and independent.’ He is reportedly a former senior officer in the Palestinian national security establishment.

Three of these headlines do not mention Jewish victims and do not use the term: “terrorist.” The fourth is the worst. It makes it sound like Israel murdered a Palestinian during a manhunt. Israeli headlines say something more like this: “Terrorist Eliminated After Murdering Civilians in a Restaurant.”

These new deaths now make fourteen Israelis murdered in four different Israeli cities in the last two weeks. There is a major rise in terrorist attacks. It is worse this year because of the convergence of Ramadan, Passover, and Resurrection Day all at the same time. Pray seriously for Divine protection for Israel in the next two weeks. Pray that these threats will turn the hearts of many to the living God of the Bible.

“The name of Yehovah is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“Yehovah’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. Therefore, Yehovah, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land.”  Psalm 12:6-8 NLT

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

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


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God is Surrounded by His Faithfulness

1 04 2022

My good friend, Michael Masambu, of Kenya recently posted a three minute devotional about God’s faithfulness that stirred my heart. The nature of God manifests His faithfulness. It is critical to our peace and even our faith. He based his comments on a description of God regarding His promise to King David in Psalm 89. Faithfulness is mentioned four times in the first eight verses, but the most profound is in the eighth verse.

“O Yehovah God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Yehovah? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.” Psalm 89:8

There is no way to approach Him without encountering His faithfulness. It literally defines Yehovah God. His faithfulness defines His very essence of being. It is not what He does, it is who He is. He cannot deny His eternal nature. He is faithful. That attribute of God is why Sarah received the faith to supernaturally birth Isaac in her old age.

“By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 11:11

Sarah judged God “FAITHFUL” to keep His promise! So, His faithfulness is revealed through His character, but also through His promised word. Yehovah God always does what He says. He cannot lie! Do you see it? When He speaks, the words emanate from His surrounding faithfulness. It will be done. He said it. That settles it! Hear His word, judge Him faithful, and then fasten your seatbelt! Our faith is embedded in His faithfulness!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for Israel’s seasonal rains.

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

Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name. And here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.


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Why Pray for Israel Rain?

26 03 2022

Sea of Galilee 2

Just so you know, it is commanded by God to pray for rain in Israel. There is even a specific prophetic timing to do it. There are four related prophetic reasons, but here is the first and most direct command.

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

  1. Command to pray for rain.
  2. Specific timing to pray for rain.
  3. Desert will blossom “like a rose.”
  4. We are living in the time of restoration of Israel.

The second reason is the timing mentioned in that verse, “the time of the latter rain.” This refers to Joel’s prophecy of the last days outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the start of the “church age” and the end. Peter identified the early rain on the day of Pentecost. We are now seeing the last great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our generation. This is precisely the prophesied “time of the latter rain.”

Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in Yehovah your God; for He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, and the latter rain.

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Joel 2:23 & 28

Third, there is a specific promise of the Negev, Israel’s southern desert. Where it was once a forest, it is now desert because of God’s judgement. Yet the promise remains that it will blossom again!

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; Isaiah 35:1

Those who come He shall cause to take root in Jacob; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. Isaiah 27:6

The fourth reason to pray for Israel rain is that we are living in the time of Israel’s restoration. After 1,800 years of judgement, God turned the page after the Holocaust and Israel as a nation was reborn. The exiles are retuning from all the countries where they were scattered. Yehovah has restored the land, the people, the language, the capital city, and most importantly, His favor. Since 70 A.D. the Jews never won a war. From 1948 they never lost a war. What changed? God turned the page from judgement to restoration, favor, and blessing. Hallelujah!

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

Israel faces very cold, wet weekend as Kinneret continues to rise – With rain expected to continue over the weekend, the Kinneret is set to rise to just half a meter below maximum capacity. March 25, 2022

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain!

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


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Functioning in a Dysfunctional World

19 03 2022

Lions

The prophet Daniel revealed an amazing principle right in the middle of his last days prophesies, a revelation for us today. Most Bible students are aware of this phrase from the King James: “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” We love to focus on doing great exploits, but here is the amazing truth. The word “exploits” is not in the Hebrew. Look at it in the New King James and the King James translation. Notice that “great exploits” and “exploits” are in italics in each case.

“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32 NKJV

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32 KJV

When you see words in italics in our English translations, it means the words are not in the Hebrew, but are added as what the translators deemed was the intention. In this case I believe it actually takes away from Daniel’s and the Holy Spirit’s intent. The Hebrew word for “do” literally means to act and make things happen when others are not able to function, by implication. Still being functional in the middle of a crises is, in itself, the great exploit.

My research indicates that his real point was that when people all around are dysfunctional, those who know Yehovah God will be functional! This is our time to shine, to stand firm in the power of the living God.

The world is surrendering to fear, to panic, to depression, and hopelessness. But, we know God. He is with us. Jesus will never leave or forsake us. Yet, this is not only for us to survive the trouble, but that we will rise up and lead the hopeless ones to hope in God. We are to speak peace to panic, faith to fear, and LIFE to the depressed. This is not a time to hide or escape, it is time to function! We have read the end of the Book, Jesus wins!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

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


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Listen to Your Heart? …or the Holy Spirit?

12 03 2022

heart gettyimages-1010275634-612x612

Sorry to all you Hallmark movie fans, but “listening to your heart” is a bad idea. There is a much safer option. Try learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. I confess that a good romantic comedy is refreshing, but it is not the place to get life counsel. The Hallmark “mantra” is inevitably: “Listen to your heart.” But the Bible reveals a shocking truth about the heart, that should make you stop and think.

​“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?  ​​I, Yehovah, search the heart, ​​I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9-10

Jesus, our Messiah, was very clear instructing us to heed the Holy Spirit.

“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:25-27

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. John 16:12-14

The good news is that Jesus can change our heart! Thanks to my friend, Nolan Owens, for this reminder:

“Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:9-10

Do you believe the Holy Spirit speaks to you? Jesus said He does. Do you know that God speaks to us all the time? That is the precise mission of the Holy Spirt. My best example is to think about the fact that the airwaves are full of voices and vides being broadcast continuously all around us. But, you never hear or see them without a receiver like a TV, or cellphone, or computer that captures the signal and converts it to voice and video. You have to tune in, to the frequency to receive you chosen program.

Among the millions of signals transmitted is one specific voice of the Holy Spirit. It is never that God is not speaking, but that we are not tuning in, to His frequency. In fact, we are so overwhelmed with the many voices that we don’t even recognize His voice.

I encourage you to devote yourself to learning to hear His voice. It is not rocket science. It is a simple choice to make that you top priority. What could be more important than hearing what God says about any decision we make?

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Yehovah of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46:10-11

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

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


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​​I will say to the North, ‘Give them up!’

3 03 2022

Shaked

Fear Not, for I Am With You! One of the greatest promises of God is connected to the regathering of the world’s scattered Jews back to their promised land. How many Jews will escape from Ukraine?

Interior Minister Shaked: Hundreds of thousands of immigrants expected from Ukraine – Government soon to decide on up to 12 new towns in Negev to cater to influx & housing shortage.

Christians treasure the promise of Jesus in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Yet the root of this promise is found in Yehovah’s regathering of the exiles.

“Fear not, for I am with you; ​​I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; ​​I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ ​​Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth— ​​Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; ​​I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:5-7

Ukraine: 400 Aliyah requests made in 24 hours – Israeli prime minister reiterates call for nationals to leave country under Russian military invasion. In Lviv in western Ukraine, around 400 people applied for Aliyah (on the first day of the invasion.)

Making Aliyah – The word Aliyah means “the act of going up,” which refers to the immigration of Jews from the nations to the Land of Israel (going up towards Jerusalem). “Making Aliyah” is part of a national Zionist ideology of the return of the Jewish people to their homeland.

Remember, God is always looking at Israel and His eternal promises to them. We look at Ukraine and see God’s hand at work. Continue to pray for His covenant people, both Jews and Christians. May His will be done!

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

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

Emotional reception for immigrants from Ukraine – A United Hatzalah rescue flight arrives in Israel, bearing with it the Chief Rabbi of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

The dangerous journey from Ukraine to Israel – Jews from all parts of Ukraine came to United Hatzalah’s rescue flight.


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