Heavens Declare the Glory of God

5 06 2015

Sandpoint viewThis the Scripture the Lord gave me today on a glorious walk along the shore of spectacular Lake Pend Oreille at Sandpoint, Idaho. Thank you Father, for your wonderful voice heard in your creation!

The Perfect Revelation of Yehovah
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
​​And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 ​​Day unto day utters speech,
​​And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 ​​There is no speech nor language
​​Where their voice is not heard.
4 ​​Their line has gone out through all the earth,
​​And their words to the end of the world.
​
​​In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 ​​Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
​​And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 ​​Its rising is from one end of heaven,
​​And its circuit to the other end;
​​And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
​
7 ​​The law of Yehovah is perfect, converting the soul;
​​The testimony of Yehovah is sure, making wise the simple;
8 ​​The statutes of Yehovah are right, rejoicing the heart;
​​The commandment of Yehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 ​​The fear of Yehovah is clean, enduring forever;
​​The judgments of Yehovah are true and righteous altogether.
10 ​​More to be desired are they than gold,
​​Yea, than much fine gold;
​​Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 ​​Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
​​And in keeping them there is great reward.
​
12 ​​Who can understand his errors?
​​Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 ​​Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
​​Let them not have dominion over me.
​​Then I shall be blameless,
​​And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
​
14 ​​Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
​​Be acceptable in Your sight,
​​O Yehovah, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19
20150605_102751

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists           (READ MORE)

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


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Daniel Tragerman – 4 years old

23 08 2014

daniel-3Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight. This precious little boy, Daniel Tragerman, was murdered intentionally by Hamas Friday afternoon while at home with his Israeli parents. He was playing in a tent inside his living room when a mortar exploded outside. It was shrapnel from the blast that took his life. I don’t have many words right now.

But it must be understood that Hamas fires their rockets at kindergartens and homes with the goal of killing Jewish children. That is never true of Israel’s Defense Forces. Many precious Palestinian children have also died, as human shields for Hamas, because it needs high death numbers to influence world opinion. Shame on them. Yehovah God will judge!

As we tuck in our little ones tonight, say a prayer for all the little ones on both sides of the clash of civilizations. Yes, it is also a clash of religions, one views life as sanctified by a loving God, and the other worships death as the “highest good”.

Hamas has now admitted that it was their group that kidnapped and murdered the three Israeli teens in June that caused the present escalation of thousands of Hamas rockets fired at Israel’s civilians.

​“Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
​​For blessed are those who keep my ways.
​​Hear instruction and be wise,
​​And do not disdain it.
​​Blessed is the man who listens to me,
​​Watching daily at my gates,
​​Waiting at the posts of my doors.
​​For whoever finds me finds life,
​​And obtains favor from Yehovah;
​​But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;
​​All those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)
(I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)

Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

White Mountain Ministry

11 06 2014

20140607_144539One could get used to ministry in this land of spectacular views. Doreen and I are celebrating our 47th Anniversary today in one of our favorite places. The Conway, NH area is not only beautiful, but we are blessed with wonderful friends and fellowship in Jesus. Pastor Henry and Sherry Snyder have been gracious hosts as usual. Thank you Henry & Sherry.

Sunday we began our ministry here with a great service Sunday morning at the River Church and we end tonight with a modified Issachar Forum with Q & A. The folks here are so receptive and eager to hear prophetic updates. The worship was in the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. We have also had sweet fellowship over several meals and in various homes.

20140609_175202Tomorrow we head down to Wells, Maine for more ministry over the weekend at an Assembly of God in Milton, NH. We will be staying with our life long friends, Rob & Ruth Brown.

Your continued prayers are deeply appreciated. Thank you so much!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)


Comments : 6 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

New England Ministry

4 06 2014

AlyssaDoreen and I are excited to leave tomorrow for a 2-3 week ministry trip to New England. Your prayers would be appreciated. But first, we have the privilege of attending the High School graduation of our first grandchild, Alyssa Doreen, in South Carolina. We are so blessed, and we declare the blessings of God’s favor and purpose over her life.

Blessed is every one who fears Yehovah, ​​when you eat the labor of your hands, ​​you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. ​​Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, ​​your children like olive plants all around your table. ​​Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears Yehovah. ​​Yehovah bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. ​​Yes, may you see your children’s children. ​​​Peace be upon Israel! Psalm 128
All your children shall be taught by Yehovah, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 
Our particular prayer request for our New England ministry is Paul’s request in Ephesians:
“and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:19 
He asks for utterance from God. Many think he asked for boldness, but that is a matter of will and choice within our control. What we desperately need is that utterance from above by the Holy Spirit. That is what makes us able to be confidently bold to speak God’s word. That is my prayer request.
Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)
(As is my custom, I have taken the liberty to change the word “LORD” to Yehovah. Every single time you see LORD or GOD in all capital letters in the Old Testament, the actual Hebrew word is Yehovah. This name occurs 6,828 times in the Hebrew text, yet remains untranslated in most Bibles. His name, obscured for 2,500 years, is now being revealed. It is TIME to restore the name of Yehovah!) (for deeper study click here.)

Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Dis-Honor Killings

1 04 2014

GAza-Women-300x199“Honor Killings and honor violence” are the dirty secret of the Muslim world. I can’t think of a more hypocritical concept. Your daughter is raped, so you kill her to save your family’s honor? Really?!! This is not an isolated problem. Consider the following statistics from the United Nations on The Kelly File, Fox News March 31, 2012. (Click on the date to view the 10 minute video clip from her show last night.)

  • 125 million women and girls suffered female genital mutilation in Africa and Middle East since 1989
  • Over 60 million girls worldwide are child brides, married before age 18
  • Est: Annual worldwide number of “honor killing” victims may be as high as 5,000 women                                                                                                                                                                                    Source: United Nations (via Fox News, The Kelly File)

Narrow down the field to the Palestinian Territories and consider the multiplied millions of Western dollars propping up Mahmoud Abbas and his demand for a state. Especially notice the headline of the following article:

Palestinian Honor Killings Skyrocket, Israel Blamed: Two teenage Palestinian girls were killed in separate incidents last month in so-called “honour killings”, revenge attacks carried out most often by family members against women suspected of “immoral sexual conduct”.
The deaths sparked protests with more than 100 people assembling outside the general attorney’s office in Gaza on March 3, demanding violence against Palestinian women come to a halt. Five women died in honour killings in the Palestinian territories in 2011. That number rose to 13 in 2012 and doubled to 26 last year. (Eight killed in first three months of 2014 would project to 32 this year.)

…A survey by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics from 2011 showed that 35 percent of married women in Gaza had been exposed to physical violence by their husband within the past year, and that 40 percent of unmarried women had been physically abused by a household member.(Click here for full article.)

Wake up, folks! It matters what you believe. The Bible is the foundation of the Judeo/Christian culture of life. Islam is the religion of the sword, a culture of death. Violence is the solution in such a culture. Just Google this phrase and you will see countless reports of Muslims saying these very words: “We love death more than you love life.”

All I am saying is summed up perfectly in this Bible quote from the God of Israel:

​“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. ​​Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. ​​Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates,​​ waiting at the posts of my doors. ​​For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from Yehovah; ​​But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists         (READ MORE)

 


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

A Time for Pruning

27 01 2014

hayovelharvest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Seeking Peace

4 10 2013

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

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

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

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yehovah for it; for in its peace you will have peace. Jeremiah 29:7

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

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

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

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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists        (READ MORE)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Why Elisha Beyond Elijah?

13 06 2013

SukkotWhat comes after the “days of Elijah?” There has been a great song around for the last decade celebrating Elijah, but he was the forerunner of something greater. We have been in the season of an Elijah anointing, but are now entering the season of Elisha. What do I mean by this? It is obviously important to me, since we call our ministry: Elisha Vision Ministries. But the revelation is in the name, Elisha, and his extraordinary ability to “see” in the supernatural dimension. What did he see that Elijah missed? Why was Elijah depressed after defeating the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel? And why is it so critical for us in 2013? Here is a little background.

Bible readers are familiar with the basic story of Elijah and Elisha, but there is much more revealed, simply from their Hebrew names. Elijah literally means “God is Yehovah.” El, or Elohim, is a somewhat generic reference to God and is sometimes used for other gods. Jah, or Yah (no “j” in Hebrew), is the short form of Yehovah, the personal name of the God of Israel, the God of the Bible. Elisha literally means “God is Yeshua.” The word is “salvation” but also just happens to be the name of the Son of God.

Here is an excerpt from my book, Generation LIFE.

“Elisha caught the mantle falling down as Elijah departed. Elisha returned to the banks of the Jordan River they had crossed just a little earlier. When Elijah had swung his mantle, the river stopped flowing, and they crossed on dry ground. Now Elisha was back at the River when he swung the mantle and cried out loud:

Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is Yehovah God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. 2 Kings 2:13-14

Elisha would not be satisfied with Elijah’s mantle as some relic or memory. It never was about Elijah, it was about Yehovah. The mantle was the connection, like the branch connects to the vine. But Elisha wanted the LIFE! He wanted the relationship Elijah had with Yehovah. He did not cry out for Elijah. He called for the God of Elijah. There was much work ahead and Elisha knew it was beyond his ability. He must connect to the Source! That is where we are today. This last section of the book is about being fruitful in the worst season this planet will ever see. We will never be functional without the Father’s faithful covenant love, the High Priestly intercession of Yeshua, and the authority and power of the Holy Spirit within us to literally manifest the God of Elijah.” (End excerpt)

We discover Elijah again in the New Testament when Jesus identifies John the Baptist as Elijah.

And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist . Matthew 17:10-13

If John fulfilled Elijah, then we again see Jesus as Elisha. So back to my headline today. Why Elisha beyond Elijah? We are no longer in the preparation stage of Elijah and John. All my life the people of God have been “preparing.” That was good, but that season is over! It is now time to function. To rephrase a cliché: Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the KINGDOM! Or, to put it another way: Game on!

The scandals in Washington these days only confirm how late the hour. Make sure you have plenty of oil (Holy Spirit) in your lamp. Make sure the wick is trimmed. This is not a call to hunker down and hide, but rather the opposite. It is time wake up, stand up and speak up for righteousness.

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

What great exploits has God assigned to you?

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

Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

I Am Israeli

14 12 2012

On rare occasions I find a way to express my love for and identification to the Israeli people. Today I share a video that does just that. This young lady reminds me of another one that Doreen and I met, in Samaria (West Bank) five years ago, who was amazed and moved to tears by the simple fact that we came… and cared…and loved.

This Hanukkah video is the true report of a real person, Einat Bloch Yefet, a young mother whose brother was murdered by terrorists in Gush Katif. She lived in Gush Katif in Gaza before the “disengagement” when all Jews were removed as a “gesture of Peace”. You know the rest of the story: Hamas took over and now fire rockets into Israel at civilians from closer range with no conscience. So, how do every day Israeli’s deal with it?

It is at times like this that I know that I am Israeli, not by genetics, but by the blood of Yeshua ben Yehovah. We “celebrate” Hanukkah and also Christmas, the birth of the Messiah, not with tinsel and glitter, but with a deep love for God. Yet our celebration is tempered with the sober joy of appreciation for life itself, given to all of us by the ONE Who is the Life-Giver! He is indeed inside of us. He will never leave us or forsake us, even to the end. Thank you Jesus!

“Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace—and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar — say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall.” Ezekiel 13:10

I AM ISRAELI

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 NLT


Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Face to Face

1 12 2012

Jacob & EsauThis morning I was reading the Times of Israel website and found an article about this week’s reading from the Torah, being read in Jewish congregations today. The writer’s favorite verse has a hidden meaning that does not come through in most English translations. It is in the story of Jacob and Esau, ending with Jacob wrestling with the angel of God (or even God Himself). The particular verse reveals Jacob’s plan to smooth his precarious reunion with Esau after many years and much antipathy. Jacob sends presents on ahead to indicated his positive intentions toward Esau. Here it is in New King James English.

For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” Genesis 32:20b

What intrigues me is the fact that in the Hebrew text the word “face” is used four times. The author of the article describes it as alliteration. So, the use of the word “face” is the key.

Here is an English translation (YLT – Youngs Literal Translation) that comes close, using “face” three times. (I have used bold emphasis for the fourth.)

`I pacify his face with the present which is going before me, and afterwards I see his face; it may be he lifteth up my face;’ Genesis 32:20 YLT

Now here is what I am getting out of all this (if you are still with me). Jacob’s desire to be reconciled with Esau is understandable. He is seeking a sort of relational intimacy that was lost, which was not to be. Instead, Yehovah met Jacob that night and changed his name to Israel. The intimacy Jacob sought from Esau was instead provided by God Himself. Jacob’s name meant “supplanter”, one who took another’s place. But God gave him a new name, Israel, that means “prince with God”.

The key revelation is in verse 30. We need intimacy with God first and foremost. A human will never fulfill that deep inner need for fellowship with our Heavenly Father. Even politically, Israel is still trying to give “gifts” to placate “Esau” when what they really need is to walk with God.

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Genesis 32:30

Peniel means “facing God”. Jacob named the spot Peniel because he had seen God “face to face”.

Each one of us is changed forever by the same experience. When we embrace Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah, the Saviour and the Promised One of Israel, we are saved. But more than being saved from Hell (fire insurance) we enter into that glorious intimacy of knowing God “face to face”. Jesus’ reason for coming was that we could know the Father. We are now part of God’s “forever family”. We are part of Israel by faith. Thank you Jesus for showing us your Father.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” John 14:6-7

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (READ MORE)


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Southern Decadence

29 08 2012

Seven years ago to the day, August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hammered aNew Orleans. Today it is Hurricane Issac. Does the Biblical name and the number 7 suggest a possible connection to the amazing timing? Following are two quotes. One is from the event organizers. The second is from a Christian description of the event.

There is a New Orleans event every year since 1972 called Southern Decadence. This “celebration” of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) culture has begun attracting as many as 125,000-135,000 participants from all over the world in recent years.

This is a homosexual event known to be one of the most vile, perverse and ungodly events in our nation. Its 5 days of public display of sexual acts, ludeness, debauchery, drugs and drunkenness. Most of these things take place out in the streets during this festival, and are so debase they cannot even be mentioned, and are also illegal. Shekinah Today – Cindy deVille

Now before you jump to the wrong conclusion, this is not about condemning homosexuals. Jesus died for homosexuals, just as he died for murderers, adulterers, thieves, liars, and drunkards. Oh, and He also died for the proud, the selfish, the arrogant. He died for Muslims, Jews, whites, blacks, old and young.  In other words He died for all of us. It is not about the type of sin, but sin itself. God could destroy New Orleans in an instant. This storm’s lesson is not about the wrath of God, but the mercy of God. It is another wake-up call. We have all had events intersect our lives that caused a change of direction. This is a call of mercy. There is still time to turn to Jesus. Heterosexual immorality is more widespread. Heterosexuals Repent!

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:23-25 NLT

So, does God care that people flaunt being opposite to His way? Sure He does. Could He send a storm to get our attention? You betcha! Does that mean he hates us? No, but He does hate our attitude. Christians have failed to convince folks that God hates the sin, but loves the sinner.

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living. Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:15:23 NLT

As I have often declared of Muslims: “When a Muslim finds the real Jesus, he becomes an ex-Muslim.” This is true for any pagan religion. It is also true of sexual sin of any variety. When you find the real Jesus, you become an ex-whatever you were. It is not that you never sin, but that you stop “practicing” sin, getting better and better at it. You start practicing “righteousness”, and believe it or not, you actually start getting better and better at it! Here is one more verse to my point that we are all sinners, saved by the blood of Jesus.

Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NLT

What a great church with a list of sinners like that! But it is past tense. They were “cleansed”, “made holy”, and “made right with God.” How? by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

I rest my case. A sinner can become: an ex-sinner!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Voting for Israel

18 08 2012

Many believers manage to suspend their principles when they step into the voting booth. This is wrong. We must vote the Bible. I vote pro-life. I vote pro Biblical marriage. And an uppermost criteria…I vote Israel. It must be stated that many Democrats are pro-Israel, but in this year’s presidential ballot there is a stark contrast.

President Obama speaks some good things about Israel, but his actions have been the opposite. We cannot judge by words. He has alienated our best friends in the Middle East, while directly encouraging the Muslim Brotherhood, who are sweeping into power throughout the region.

Meanwhile, a highly respected annual list in Israel names the most pro-Israel non-Jewish leaders in the world. Topping the 2012 listing was Mitt Romney, the US Presidential Candidate:

Love or hate his politics, Romney’s vocal support for Israel as a contender for the world’s top job, has challenged the incumbent and many Americans to rediscover their own understanding of the United States’ special relationship with the Jewish state.

His tough stance on Iran has put the Ayatollahs on notice.  In his recent trip to the Holy Land, he acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and cited the historic connection of the Jewish people with the land, which has gone a long way in underlining the Jewish narrative regarding Israel on the world stage, thereby earning him the top spot this year.  the algemeiner

Following Romney on the list are Rupert Murdoch, CEO of News Corp, Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India.

Romney’s declaration of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital challenged the diplomatic world which refuses to recognize the obvious. This weekend Romney again spoke against the diplomatic tide: U.S. presidential hopeful Mitt Romney blasts Obama on Iran, says America must lead the world in stopping ‘genocidal regime.’ Speaking after Ahmadinejad called Israel a “cancerous tumor that must be excised,” he said Obama had failed to prevent Iran from moving forward with its nuclear program. “America must lead the world in stopping Iran’s genocidal regime from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability,” he declared. His running mate Congressman Ryan said, “Under President Romney our adversaries will think twice about challenging America and our allies because we believe in peace through strength. There will be no daylight between America and our friends around the world.”

Vice Presidential Candidate, Paul Ryan, has long been considered pro-Israel:  America has no better friend in the Middle East than the nation of Israel. Not only is Israel the region’s only fully functioning democracy, with a government based on popular consent and the rule of law, but it is also a valuable ally against Islamic extremism and terrorism. He’s been the co-sponsor of no less than 5 pro-Israel bills and resolutions, and puts the issue “Israel” under the category “Homeland Security” on his Congressional website.

If you still struggle to justify voting please consider the Biblical counsel to “give unto Caesar” and to act on our faith. This is not a time to vote “present”, it is time to wake up, stand up, speak up and vote the Bible!

And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  James 2:18

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists     (READ MORE)

 


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Peace That Doesn’t Make Sense

26 07 2012

For decades we have made deposits in our “faith account” We believe in storing up faith more than anything else for future times of need. There will be times for all of us when we need to “withdraw from our faith account.” April 11, 2001 Doreen and I had finished preparations to travel in a motor home, and preach in support of God’s purposes for Israel. It was the final day of our rental house and we would drive away the next morning. As I positioned the motor home for the last minute loading, it caught fire which jumped to the wooden porch of the home and within minutes the whole house was burning. It was a total loss. As the firemen fought the 40 foot flames, Doreen and I watched (with a hundred of our closest friends and neighbors). Doreen leaned over to me and said: “I’m sure glad I wore my comfortable shoes.” And I was just thinking to myself: “Wow Lord! I didn’t see that coming. What are You going to do now?” Honestly, we had some sort of real supernatural faith withdrawal from the transcendent grace and peace of the Holy Spirit of God.

Some of our friends said we were in shock and it would hit us the next day. When it didn’t, they said it would be the next week or month. Well, it has now been over 11 years and it still hasn’t hit us. Yes I boast, but not in our faith, but in God’s faithfulness. We actually experienced what I call “peace that doesn’t make sense.” We should have been in shock. We should have panicked or collapsed or had any other normal reaction. But we did not. We had peace. Thank you Jesus! The Apostle Paul said it another way:

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Last year, my good friend Doug Walton, shared a gem from the Hebrew text of this verse:

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

One would be right to assume that “peace” here is the Hebrew word “shalom”. What I did not know before Doug shared, was that the word “perfect” is also “shalom” in the Hebrew text. The concept of perfect peace is really shalom-shalom, or shalom squared! So the perfect peace (that doesn’t make sense in the human circumstance) is really a double shalom from our loving Heavenly Father, right at the time we need it most. Hallelujah!

When we face tragedy, reversal, uncertainty or anything unexpected, we stand at that choice again of two roads as mentioned in the introduction of this book. Do we choose LIFE in Jesus or self-will? Do we stick with Him or deny Him in blasphemous rebellion? Joshua said it best for all generations:

And if it seems evil unto you to serve Yehovah, choose for yourselves this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yehovah. Joshua 24:15

So then, we will walk by faith, live by faith and stand in faith. It takes courage to stand in faith in the face of insurmountable odds. Yet, as someone said: “You and God are not a majority, you have a monopoly.” Paul reminded the Romans that if God was for them, no one could stand against them. I do not diversify my Heavenly hope; my total trust is invested in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of Israel. All my eggs are in one basket. (This post is an excerpt from my newest book, Generation LIFE, available soon.)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Plowman Overtakes Reaper

14 07 2012

One of the surest signs that we are in the last generation is the fulfillment of Amos 9:13-15. We can now see the plowman overtaking the reaper with our own eyes. After pronouncing severe judgment on Israel, he turns to the time of restoration. Some would say this was fulfilled in the past, but that is not possible due to the last sentence of verse 15. Today is the hour that the prophet foretold. Only today can we see history lining up with prophecy.

“Behold, the days are coming,” says Yehovah, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,” Says Yehovah your God. Amos 9:14-15.

“No longer” removed from the land can only apply to these last days. Every previous time, Israel was scattered again. In the end, Israel will reach the point where it is never uprooted again. The final condition of Israel is supported by multiple prophecies.

The main point in this quote is the phrase: “the plowman shall overtake the reaper.” This promise indicates a time of such fruitfulness (as in Vine, Branches, Fruit) that the crops will be so plentiful and the soil so fertile that they don’t wait till next year to plant another crop. They plow right behind the reapers. When Doreen and I and our daughter, Andrea, lived in Israel for three months in the mid-nineties, we visited a valley near Mt Hermon in the Golan Heights called the Hula Valley. Doreen is from Maine where they get one and a half cuttings of hay a year. In Georgia, they can get three or four cuttings of hay in a year. But in the Hula Valley of northern Israel they get eighteen cuttings of hay per year. That is fertile land with Yehovah’s blessing of abundance.

The text continues to say that “the mountains will drip with sweet wine”. Grapevines are not usually grown in the rocky soil of Israel’s mountains. But this era of Israel’s resurrection will see miraculous conditions allowing grape vines in the mountains. It goes on to describe gardens with fruit that they plant and enjoy for themselves, no need of imports. Again, finally, no longer will they be removed from the land. Just like they plant and reap the fruit, God will plant them again in their own land, never again to be pulled up. Thank you Father, for allowing us to live in this day of favor and restoration of your covenant people Israel. (An excerpt from my newest book, Generation LIFE, available in August, Lord willing.)

Will the Palestinian flag ever fly over a legitimate state within the Biblical boundaries of Israel? No, it will never happen because God is faithful to keep His covenant with His Land and His people Israel. Will there be more war in Israel? Yes, sadly, Psalm 83 (my 9 minute YouTube video) describes today’s buildup to a regional war. We stand on the threshold of that war, but Israel will triumph through Yehovah God’s faithfulness.

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

Please continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the return of abundant rains that will cause the earth to bring forth fruitfulness. We now see the plowman overtaking the reaper! Thank you, Jesus.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)


Comments : 13 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

Hollyhocks

7 07 2012

Around 1935 my Dad and Mom took a trip from Illinois to the West Coast to visit friends and it may have been to celebrate their fifth anniversary. It was about that time in their marriage. While on the coast, Dad contracted a life-threatening case of typhoid fever. It appeared to all that he would die a young man without any children.

He told me the story himself many times as I was growing up. He faced the end of his life lying in a hospital bed in a strange land far away from all but his loving wife. That last night he said goodbye to her, and made His peace with God. He said he faced the reality that he would probably not wake up the next morning. He was ready to “give up the ghost” as they say. Just before he closed his eyes for what he expected to be the last time in this life, his eye caught a slight movement outside the open window near his hospital bed. He saw the wind gently moving some hollyhock buds growing right outside his window. At that moment, he thought: “I wonder if those buds will open and bloom in the morning? Maybe I will just wake up early and see if they bloom.” With that he fell asleep. During the night, his typhoid fever broke and he woke up to the morning light and fully blooming hollyhocks. He was a new man. He was healed and lived a happy, blessed and thankful ninety years; with two sons, seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and still counting great-great-grandchildren! Oh! And guess what became his favorite flower?

Just a twinkling moment, frozen in time, bought fifty-five more years. Would the hollyhocks bloom?  LIFE seduced my Dad. What wondrous ways are the works of Yehovah! Dad knew something about abiding in the vine. After you face death and win, there is nothing else that can threaten you. Your life is in God, it is His call. So you live LIFE. You serve Him, not to obtain anything, but out of gratitude. Thank you Jesus!

(An excerpt from my newest book, Generation LIFE, available in August, Lord willing.)

Dad’s favorite verse:

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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary

FAVOR – 7

11 05 2012

Three years ago, Doreen and were driving back from a quick trip to Florida. However, the timing was tight because our good friend Anna May Hoffman was enduring an operation the next day back in Raleigh. Hurrying back before she came out of recovery Monday night, I was stopped on I-95 in South Carolina for speeding at 85 MPH, which was 15 over the posted limit. We still made it back in time, which proves my speeding was unnecessary. So, I faced the options of paying a large fine of nearly $200.00 and four points on my license, or going back three months later to appear in court, three hours south of my home. My hope was that by appearing I might find mercy and have the charge reduced to $100.00 and two points. I chose the latter option. When the time for court came, I was so blessed to have my dear friend and brother, Rob Brown, visiting us from Maine.

On the appointed day Rob and I headed back to South Carolina, (driving the speed limit). We had wonderful fellowship and were enjoying some great worship CD’s. In fact, we were really getting caught up in the Holy Spirit so deeply that we considered pulling over for a while. But as we continued Rob noticed a car that just passed us with a New York license plate that simply said: FAVOR – 7. Rob pronounced that the Lord was giving us favor, to which I heartily agreed. As we drove and talked and worshipped, we kept passing the FAVOR – 7 car; and he passed us, back and forth for an hour, till we were quite convinced that the Father was encouraging us with His favor. Just before our exit in rural South Carolina, FAVOR – 7 passed us one more time and then actually got off the same exit, going the other way at the end of the ramp. We knew God’s favor was with us, but never dreamed of what was about to happen in court.

When we arrived at the little simple court there must have been 160 other speeders, three months’ worth, I guess. The judge was an elderly black Southern gentleman who was alternately stern and understanding. He would lecture a reckless driver with attitude, and a young mother who he warned how she could have killed her dear children at that speed. All but one pled guilty and were fined accordingly. The one who claimed innocence was forwarded on to trial. When called before the judge, I also pled guilty. I told him I definitely was going 85 and had no excuse. He then asked me why and I told him the truth about the ministry in Florida and the hospital in Raleigh. He then paused a long moment and leaning forward said this: “Well, I want everyone to know that there are still a few folks in South Carolina who love Jesus.” He then pronounced the judgment:  “NOT GUILTY!” he said, with some force. I could not believe what had just happened. Not guilty, no fine, no points! If you thought we had worshipped on the way to court, you should have heard Rob and me on the way home.

FAVOR – 7 is the story of unmerited, undeserved favor. It was more than mercy. It was grace. Whatever word you choose, my sin of speeding was cancelled! What a great microcosm of standing before Jesus at that great day of eternal judgment. Because Jesus died for us and was then raised from the dead, our sins are forgiven. Jesus judges us Not Guilty! Not reduced or covered over for another year, our sins are gone! That’s a pretty good reason to follow Jesus, if you ask me.

This true story is an excerpt from my latest book Generation LIFE (just finished and available soon).

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says Yehovah. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Isaiah 1:18

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)


Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Israel Commentary


%d bloggers like this: