Elisha Vision | Elisha Vision - Commentary

I Joined the Dry Bones Family

17 11 2014

I just joined the Dry Bones family and you can, too. This has been my favorite Israeli political cartoon since my first visit to Israel in 1984. It was in the Jerusalem Post daily paper. Yaakov Kirschen makes a compelling case for fighting antisemitism with cartoons in what he describes as “a post literate world.” (Click here to join!)

The Problem: Israel is being boycotted, delegitimized, and defamed!! There is now a massive rise in antisemitism world-wide. Support for Christians and Jews in the Middle East has collapsed. Western campuses are hostile to our younger generation. We are shocked and frustrated. The situation is dire, urgent, and obvious, but an effective response seems to elude us.

Let’s Begin:The beginning of an effective response needs to be an understanding of “post literacy”. This was once a bi-polar world. People were either literate (they could read and write) or they were illiterate (they were unable to read or write). That world is gone. The targets of our messages are now post literate. (they can read and write but they prefer not to). Letter writing has disappeared. Emails beyond a few lines are ignored. Texting, tweeting, and the rise of the Instagram are the evolutionary result of this post literacy.

Dry Bones:The increase in importance of the cartoon is yet another step in this evolution. . . . And, in part, explains the wild popularity of Dry Bones cartoons in the digital world. If you are a Zionist you have probably shared or received Dry Bones cartoons.

We Are The Answer:The time has come to organize and expand the Dry Bones response. We want you to join and support us. Whether you are a young student or a concerned retiree, join us. Whether you are Jewish or not we offer you a way to fight back. Join us. We are the answer. Yaakov Kirschen, Dry Bones

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)

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Tags: Attack, Dry Bones, Elisha Vision, Hamas, Israel, Middle East, Palestinian Flag, post literate world, Prophecy, Radical Islam
Categories : Israel Commentary

Never underestimate the power of your voice

4 11 2014

Never underestimate the power of your voice

November 4, 2014 by Andrea Updyke (from her blog: Just is a four letter word)

I stood in line at my local polling place this morning. In North Carolina, there is a strict no cell phones rule when inside the voting area, even if you are just standing in line. As such, I had the rare opportunity to look around and even communicated with some of the other voters in line. The volunteers were clearly anxious that there were such long lines, but to me it was thrilling.

Look at all these people here to vote! I just wanted to thank them all for showing up. And even though I don’t know every single detail of every single candidate on my ballot, I was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude that I showed up and would have my vote counted.

After a few minutes, a soldier in full uniform stood in the A-K line. I was in L-Z so we inched up at about the same pace. For a few minutes I let my mind wander throughout history, remembering those who fought for my freedom to use my voice, for those who continue to fight and for those who support them. I looked at his boots. They looked new. Had he been deployed yet? Would he be off somewhere soon? Is the woman with him his wife? Or his mother? I felt my cheeks start to warm and my eyes began to water. What a privilege. What a glorious freedom this man is giving to me. Me! That I get to have a job where I can work from home and care for my family. That I can own a home and learn about many other cultures just from my neighbors alone. That I get to have an impact on the leadership of this amazing country is just stunning when I sit back and consider the depth of what that means.

As a writer, I often use my words to express my feelings, my excitement and my random thoughts. For me, words tend to come naturally. Sometimes they touch others and sometimes they provide a needed release for me. Sometimes I stay quiet because I begin to wonder if my words are just noise. Sometimes I wonder if my voice matters.

Standing in that place today, I was reminded of true freedom. Freedom to think, freedom to act and freedom to disagree. It is an honor to cast my vote. It is my joy to use this voice.

As I left, the frazzled volunteer apologized again for the long wait. I simply said, “not a problem at all. It was worth it.” She replied, “I’m glad you feel that way. See you next time.”

And she will.

Don’t miss out on the chance to use your voice. You have all day!

(Okay, so I am a little biased. This article is from my youngest daughter’s blog. But I could not have said it better myself.)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)

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Tags: Elisha Vision, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, Just is a four letter word, politics, Vote!
Categories : Israel Commentary

The Second Blood Moon

6 10 2014

Blood Moon (Holy Tetrad)

As many of you are aware, we are in the middle of what I call a Holy Tetrad. A tetrad is defined by NASA as when four consecutive total lunar eclipses occur (see http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/27mar_tetrad/). When all of the total lunar eclipses fall on the High Holy Days (as defined by YHWH in Leviticus 23 & Deuteronomy 16), I call it a Holy Tetrad.

During a total lunar eclipse, the moon will turn dark red and it is often described as a “blood moon”. This terminology is used in Scripture (Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20, & Rev 6:12).

The four blood moons of the 2014-2015 Holy Tetrad are 04/15/2014 (Pesach/Passover), 10/08/2014 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot), 04/04/2015 (Pesach/Passover), and 09/28/2015 (Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot). So far, we had the first blood moon of the Holy Tetrad on the most recent Pesach/Passover and will have a second blood moon coming up this Wednesday. (Quoted from a report by George Pappas)

I like the phrase George used: “Holy Tetrad.” The timing of these eclipses on holy feast days cannot be understated. God is definitely telling us something. Signs in the heavens point us to the coming of the Messiah. We are in a season of accelerating signs. Even the world events are centered on the geographical center of the earth: Jerusalem, Israel and the Middle East.

We must not continue with business as usual. The winds of change are blowing. There is a stirring in the air and a feeling deep in the inner man confirming cosmic change of Biblical proportions. This is not a time for burying your head in the sand or sleeping on your watch. Wake up! Be alert, discern the times. Be ready to act for God’s purposes.

Two verses mean a lot to me right now. One describes our readiness and the other our action.

the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; 1 Chronicles 12:32

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

Get ready now because there won’t be time when the trumpet sounds. It is better to be ready than to have to get ready at that time.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)

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Tags: blood moon, Christian Zionist, Elisha Vision, Jerusalem, Les Lawrence, Prophecy
Categories : Israel Commentary

Days of Elijah – There is Hope!

19 09 2014

America’s wonderful men and women in uniform participating in worship, lifting their voices to Almighty God as they sing “Days of Elijah.” Love the energy and camaraderie as they praise the God of Psalm 91.

Lord we pray that You continue to protect each and every one of our men and women on the front lines, and You bring comfort and peace to their families.

CLICK HERE IF THE VIDEO DOES NOT APPEAR

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)

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Tags: Christian Zionist, Elisha Vision, freedom of religion, Psalm 83 War, Yehovah
Categories : Israel Commentary

Israel Benghazi Cartoon

31 05 2014

The United States is deploying an amphibious assault ship with about 1000 marines off the coast of Libya in case the US embassy has to be evacuated, a US defence official says.

The USS Bataan was to be in the area “in a matter of days,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, on Tuesday (local time).

The move was described as “precautionary” in case conditions in Libya, where militia battles have plunged the country into anarchy, worsen and require the embassy’s evacuation. The State Department said last week the embassy in Tripoli was operating normally despite an offensive launched against Islamist militias by a dissident general, Khalifa Haftar. (more)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)

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Tags: Benghazi, Elisha Vision, Israel, Libya, Radical Islam
Categories : Israel Commentary

News Harvester

28 04 2014

This is my full time job. Today I want to give you a glimpse into what I do. Each week my consumption of news is easily 30-40 hours. I read and watch domestic news, but especially Israel and Mid-east news sources, intelligence reports and briefs. My goal is to “harvest” from hundreds of sources each week and reduce it down to a few stories and events that are singled out by the Holy Spirit to share with you. You see, I pray constantly while reading and make it my assignment to “see and hear” what the Spirit says.

Not everyone needs this service, but many of you are very busy with your own calling in life and can greatly benefit from this simple service. My calling is to simplify. This is not my ability, but a gift from God to see the irreducible minimum message from the Lord in prophetic news. A mentor once told me this guidance to which I am committed: “Don’t be a preacher who has to say something, be a preacher who has something to say.”

Watching world events, Israel events and church events as a prophetic intercessor is a wonderful calling. One must learn to see by the Holy Spirit and hear by the Holy Spirit. The pen is mightier than the sword. In this day of world-wide Internet and social media, the opportunity is great. Please pray for me when the Lord brings me to your mind, and thank you for following my updates here on Elisha Vision Commentary and my weekly YouTube prophetic updates: The Issachar Forum-A Prophetic Think Tank.

(Added 4-30-14: My weekly meetings when I am home include a Thursday night home group, two regular meetings with brothers for prayer, Sunday Bible class in a local church, video recording each Sunday afternoon, and the public Issachar Forum each Sunday night at a local restaurant. There are also several monthly meetings.)

For any who are curious about our financial support, we live by Social Security, regular offerings from friends, and occasional gifts from individuals and speaking engagements. Offerings received for my five books and Doreen’s books usually pay for themselves and give us the freedom to give them away as the Lord leads. We are deeply grateful for each of you who pray and/or contribute to this ministry.

O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest (Hebrew: chashah – to be silent, quiet, still, inactive), all you who pray to Yehovah. Isaiah 62:6

We pray the blessing of Yehovah, God of Heaven’s Armies on you and your loved ones! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)

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Tags: Biblical Zionist, Christian Zionist, Elisha Vision, Israel, Les Lawrence, Prophecy
Categories : Israel Commentary

Messiah Lives!

17 04 2014

HE IS NOT HERE. HE IS RISEN!

While enjoying our Passover seder this week we rejoiced that the death angel passed over every home with lamb’s blood on the door posts. We used unleavened bread which pointed to the lamb without spot or blemish. Jesus explained the analogy later in history with these words:

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. Mark 8:15

The leaven of the Pharisees is the religious spirit: self-righteousness.

The leaven of Herod is the political spirit: self-interest.

In either case, the core of all sin and wickedness is SELF. Satan’s way is self-will. The national anthem of hell is “I did it my way!” But Jesus the Messiah (Yeshua haMashiach) reversed the curse of sin and satan when He won the victory in the Garden of Gethsemane over satan with the reverberating declaration three times: “Not my will, but Your will be done!”

Later, the Apostle Paul (while affirming the Feast) spoke of the new leaven that comes from living in Jesus:

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:8

Therefore, Jesus fulfilled the third part of Passover week, firstfruits, when He rose from the dead. Others had been raised to life only to die again, but Jesus defeated death itself. He is alive! And all who live in Him have everlasting life. We know that if we die, we will be raised to eternal life and fellowship with God the Father.

Let’s celebrate Resurrection Day with joyful worship and gratitude to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Son of God, Yeshua ben Yehovah. Hallelujah!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)

Please Notice the new tab for our Elisha Vision 2015 Israel Tour, on the Menu bar (above).

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Tags: Christian Zionist, Elisha Vision, Israel, Jesus, Les Lawrence, Yeshua ben Yehovah
Categories : Israel Commentary

Free Speech Lite

1 10 2012

Who said the following?: “The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam.”

Iran’s Ahmadinejad? Egypt’s Morsi? Some little-known, fatwa-flinging cleric increasing the bounty on Salman Rushdie’s head?

None of the above. The words are President Obama’s, and he spoke them this week to the U.N. General Assembly. (So begins commentary by Diana West)

I agree with her conclusion that the President of the United States (in his UN speech) was defending Muslim sensibilities more than defending the American vision of free speech. One word stands out to me in his speech: blasphemy. Our vision of free speech permits blasphemy. Consider another quote and comment from Diana West:

…the president also said: “The strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression; it is more speech — the voices of tolerance that rally against bigotry and blasphemy, and lift up the values of understanding and mutual respect.” Let’s crack that code. “More speech” as a weapon sounds perfectly fine until the president defines it. What does he mean by “voices of tolerance” rallying against “blasphemy”? (Since when does a supposedly secular politician decry “blasphemy”?)

It is time to wake up, friends. There really is an international plan fully underway to criminalize free speech. Consider the following headlines and links.

Islamic states to reopen quest for global blasphemy law

UN Preview: Islamic States Will Push for US Free Speech Restriction

Islamic Leaders in Dearborn Mich. Plan Rally to Support Speech Prohibition

The Freedom to be Silenced

I hope you take the time to view these reports. It is now time to get serious. As we pray over the presidential election next month, we must be fully informed of the consequences of our votes.

It is my firm conviction that American Christians have the duty to vote. This falls in the same category as paying taxes. The principle Jesus applied to taxation is equally true for voting, under our US system of government. Notice the context of Luke 20. They wanted to arrest Jesus for speech against Caesar. This is not a new problem!

Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” He saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent. Luke 20:20-26 NLT

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists (READ MORE)