Netanyahu Lives Again

6 04 2021

Reuven-Rivlin-Benjamin-Netanyahu-book-afp-640x480

Israeli parliamentary politics lurches into the next phase with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu charged with forming the new government.

President “fears for Israel” as he taps Netanyahu to lead government – 24 hours of high political drama once again leaves Netanyahu king of the hill. But can he form a coalition?

Israel: President Rivlin formally nominates Netanyahu with task to form gov’t 

I know it is confusing for Americans to follow, but I will try to explain as clearly as possible. The election ended in a virtual draw again. Even though the conservatives have more than the 61 seats needed, they are fighting among themselves with some wishing to dump Netanyahu. Yet, because he has more seats in his own Likud Party, he is the one to try to “herd the cats” into agreement for a right-wing government. He has 28 days to do it with a possible extension of another 14 days after that. If he fails, another (probably from the left) will be given the same opportunity.

Here is a little inside glimpse into the dilemma from a conversation I had a few years ago with an lsraeli editor who shall remain nameless. He stated that Netanyahu was corrupt. I then assumed he would not vote for Netanyahu, but he said: “No, I will vote for him because he is not as corrupt as the rest.” 

This is the fourth election in two years. One major reason for that is that Netanyahu is on trial (literally), facing three different indictments which are relatively minor in my opinion. They are based on dubious testimony and bear a striking resemblance to American politics. Netanyahu even condemns his accusers of being on a witch hunt. The trial has moved into a new phase with Netanyahu appearing in court just this week. However, the trial may take another three years! The accusations have been hovering around for three years already. It is mainly an excuse to bring him down from Prime Minister. The tactics of the Israeli left look a lot like the American left.

So, how does this all fit with Biblical prophecy? Yehovah, God of Israel, is right on schedule advancing His divine plan of restoration. He will do it with or without Netanyahu, but I still think God is using Netanyahu. God’s purpose is to expand Israel’s sovreignty over more of the Promised Land. The left wants to give half of it to a “Palestinian” state which divides the Land and directly violates God’s will.

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

Yehovah will judge the nations AFTER He brings back the scattered exiles of Judah and Jerusalem. The judgment is because they DIVIDED THE LAND! That has already occurred in the last one hundred years. We are now in the phase of regathering and restoration. Since 1948 (Israel’s rebirth as a nation), Yehovah has been extending Israel’s territory. The Abraham Accords have further solidified this direction by removing the Palestinian two-state option from being a necessity for peace. The Arab states are choosing peace and normalization. This fits into God’s actions. The Biden Administration is desperately trying to roll back the clock, but it is too late. God is moving His purpose of favor, blessing, and restoration of Israel. He will accomplish every promise He gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yehovah God is faithful to His word!

​“God is not a man, that He should lie, ​​nor a son of man, that He should repent. ​​Has He said, and will He not do? ​​Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?  ​​Behold, I have received a command to bless; ​​He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.” Numbers 23:19-20

Pray for the next few weeks for God’s choice to be raised up as Prime Minister of Israel. Pray for the real peace of Jerusalem which will be only when the Messiah Yeshua comes. And pray for seasonal rains in the time of restoration.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


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Arab Mayor Endorses Netanyahu

16 02 2021

Nazareth Mayor ali-salam-crop-750x402

This is no small story. Nazareth Mayor Ali Salam represents a breakout trend in Israel. Since the “circle of peace” normalization with Israel by several Arab/Muslim states, a new openness is emerging internally in Israel. Arab Palestinians have long secretly preferred being citizens of Israel but now they are free to be public about it. Nazareth, a city of 110,000 people, is the largest Arab city in Israel. Israel’s population is nearly 9 million, of which almost 2 million are Arab citizens. Pray for the March 23 Israel election.

Recently, an Arab member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) came out in favor of Netanyahu and his conservative Zionist Likud party. That was a break from the anti-Israel Arab block in the Knesset. Netanyahu has even promised a ministerial post to an Arab member of Likud. Bloggers in Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have spoken out for Israel. This trend will continue and expand as the Gulf states and other Muslim countries open embassies in Israel. Kosovo, a Muslim state in Europe has already announced  it will open its embassy in Jerusalem. This is truly historic. Even Indonesia may normalize with Israel.

How does this fit with prophecy? For years now I have been quoting Psalm 83 regarding the Arab states around the Israel borders. I used to think the Psalm 83 War would end a victorious military victory for Israel, but I was wrong. It has ended with the circle of peace. The Arab “cousins” of the Jews will eventually be joined with Israel, some even by converting to Jesus (Yeshua ben Yehovah), the Jewish Messiah.

In that day there will be an altar to Yehovah in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to Yehovah at its border. And it will be for a sign and for a witness to Yehovah of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to Yehovah because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. Then Yehovah will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know Yehovah in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to Yehovah and perform it.And Yehovah will strike Egypt, He will strike and healit; they will return to Yehovah, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom Yehovah of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” Isaiah 19:19-25

Really? Yes, really! God has spoken it and He will do it. Yehovah does not lie or fail to keep any of His promises. Wow! Stay tuned. It is going to get better. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and thank Him for this week’s big snow storm in Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, 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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Israel Election SHOCK!

27 03 2020

Gantz

Breakthrough! Shock, bombshell, and earthquake are all words that describe the miracle turn of events ending the Israel political deadlock. The leader of the opposition, Benny Gantz, has agreed to join with Netanyahu in an emergency unity government because of the coronavirus. This is good news.

We have prayed for a more than a year against the spirit of Haman and for the rising of an Esther who would courageously declare: “If I perish, I perish.” This is what Gantz has done. His slogan has always been: “Israel, above all else.” By choosing to be a statesman and put country first, he has completely cut off his political future in the left wing. They are already turning on him like vultures, but Netanyahu lives on as Prime Minister. The agreement has Gantz sharing the PM role after Netanyahu serves the first 18 months.

I have always seen Avigdor Lieberman as a Haman. He is now relegated to irrelevance in the opposition. His political coup gambit has failed. In addition Yair Lapid, Gantz’ former partner in the Blue & White party, has been exposed also as a Haman. The road ahead may be rocky, but now Israel can have a fully operating government with PM Netanyahu for the next 18 months. Continue to pray for Yehovah’s blessing on His chosen people.

Here are several insightful articles for more analysis:

Defying ruthless, deadlocked politics, Gantz sacrifices everything for stability – With Lapid continuing to maneuver despite the national emergency, Gantz willingly gave up on his political career to ally with Netanyahu in hopes of helping his beleaguered nation.

To place ‘Israel before all else,’ Gantz threw away his insurance policy – Blue and White head no longer has centrist alliance to return to if unity talks with Netanyahu go south, and most of his former Knesset supporters have turned on him.

The Gantz must be crazy: 6 things to know for March 27 – Benny Gantz joins Netanyahu, eliciting indignant anger from his former boosters, and a whole lot of questions from everyone else.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 1:1-2

Notice that we are to pray not only for the leaders, but for all who are in authority. We pray for Netanyahu and for Gantz. We pray for Trump and Pelosi. God can do His work in the heart of anybody that the Holy Spirit chooses. Pray for ALL.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray and thank God for His rain. (Sea of Galilee levels reach 16 year high.)

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                      (Read more)


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Israel Election Update

4 03 2020

Israel election 2020The good news is a landslide victory for Netanyahu’s right wind/nationalist block. The bad news is that they are three seats short of the 61 necessary to form a government. However, there is real hope that several will flip from the other side because everyone wants to avoid a fourth election.

Israel Election Results are Not as Close as They Appear 

Netanyahu: Personal Victory, Political Uncertainty 

Netanyahu’s personal victory proved that the people want him to continue as Prime Minister even though he is facing trial in two weeks on trumped up charges pushed by his political opponents. He completely denies any wrong doing and declares he will be vindicated. This is so much like the impeachment hoax against President Trump. It seems obvious to me that it is far beyond politics. It is spiritual war in the heavenlies.

Our prayers are required more than ever for Yehovah God’s will to be seen. He is the defender of the falsely accused. It is the time of Israel’s favor, not curse. America will share in the favor because we are blessing Israel through the Trump Administration. This is not politics as usual, it is spiritual.

As we enter the Purim season once again (sundown March 9), we renew our petitions to our Father God. “Bind the deceitful spirit of Haman in both countries, and expose his evil plots!” 

The so-called “priestly blessing” is quite appropriate. God speaks directly to Moses as to how to bless Israel. The last verse explains the specific transaction intended by God. Speaking these specific words have the effect of placing God’s name, Yehovah, on His people as the means of blessing them! It is clear that His purpose was not accomplished with the generic word, “‘Lord,” but His name in itself conveys the blessing, protection, and favor.

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

It is critical to use the actual name of Yehovah, rather than the generic term which could refer to any random god or human. Please check out my explanation below.

Pray for the elections, abundant rain, and the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                      (Read more)

(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to a simple explanation, from my friend, Keith Johnson. Also, I explain it in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)


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Cool Israeli Election Ad

24 02 2020

This is he best Netanyahu Israeli election campaign ad yet! Only eight days until the third election in a year demands this change of pace ad. In Israel he is widely known by his nickname, Bibi, which is used in this video. Humor, positivity and truth always works best (with a nod to the Beatles). I am praying for a miraculous victory for a strong conservative and godly  government for Israel.

Seriously, we need to pray for Israeli election coming just next week (Monday March 2). I favor Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu, but my prayer is for Yehovah God’s choice.

Daniel answered and said: ​​“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. ​​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 2:20-21

Pray for peace, pray for the election and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


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Israel Election Deadlock Dilemma

20 09 2019

Netanyahu and Gantz

Benny Gantz and Bibi Netanyahu

Let me make this simple. No party has enough seats in the 120 seat Knesset (parliament) to form a government (61 needed). The Gantz Blue & White Party had 33 seats, with Netanyahu’s Likud Party only earning 31 seats. However, when you factor in the other parties, the Left (Gantz) has only 44 total seats. The Right has 55. Therefore, either a unity government is formed combining the two blocs or there will be new elections. Whew!

To be sure, there are two other factors, but they will not change the above facts. The Arab bloc has 13 seats but will not join the government. Avigdor Lieberman’s party has eight seats but refuses to join the Right bloc with Netanyahu. Therefore we are stuck at 44 and 55. Netanyahu tried to pursuade a small left party of six to join the Right, but failed. So, a combination unity or new elections in four or five months. Deadlock Delimma! 

We need to pray for God’s answer. Yehovah has the final say!

Here is analysis from Caroline Glick, my favorite Israeli columnist: I need to point out a basic fact about the election results which the US media, in particular, is missing. Benjamin Netanyahu did not lose and Benny Gantz didn’t win. Gantz cannot form a government under any circumstances. He cannot build a majority coalition.

By forming a unified political bloc of 55 Knesset members with the Likud’s satellite parties, Netanyahu has created a situation where he is the only possible prime minister. Either the Blue and White Party — or one of its factions — joins him, or Amir Peretz and Orly Levy bring the Labor party in, or Israel goes to new elections. Those are the only options. In other words, it’s either going to be Netanyahu or elections. It’s up to Gantz, and Peretz.

I’ll say more. The balance of power is still very much on the Right. The Right has 55 seats. The Left has 44. Liberman is nothing but a Bibi hater. And the Arab parties are so extreme that they cannot be considered for any governing coalition. Netanyahu is the only person capable of forming a government. It remains to be seen if that will happen, but Gantz cannot form a government. And he is slowly coming to terms with this unalterable reality.

We need to pray faithfully that God will bring wisdom and unity in the midst of this dilemma. Only He knows His purpose. Pray that He will reveal to the leaders of Israel the “one heart and one way” of this promise:

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries where I have driven them in My anger, in My fury, and in great wrath; I will bring them back to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul. Jeremiah 32:37-41

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and thank God for the beginning of the seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Discerning Israel Sept 17 Elections

16 09 2019

OmarToday I urge prayer and discernment for Israel as they go to the polls. I will add an update in two days with results. But right now we pray for Yehovah God’s purpose be fulfilled. If you want your prayers answered, pray what God has already said He will do. If you pray for a Palestinian state in the God-given territory allotted to Israel, your prayer will not be answered. He is opposed to dividing the land (Joel 3:2). The land-for-peace idea and the two-state idea have both failed miserably. Yet the mantra goes on. Consider this example of “election interference” on CBS Face the Nation Sunday by US Rep. Ilhan Omar.

Ilhan Omar: Netanyahu’s ‘existence’ a problem – Controversial congresswoman says “existence” of PM is “contradictory” to peace, reiterates support for BDS. Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s “existence” a problem in an interview with CBS’ Face the Nation program.

“I certainly hope that the people of Israel make a different decision. And my hope is that they recognize that his existence, his policies, his rhetoric really is contradictory to the peace that we are all hoping that that region receives and receives soon,” Omar told host Margaret Brennan. INN

Aside from the fact that the two-state idea is dead, do you know the Muslim concept of peace? There will be peace when all the world either joins Islam or is defeated by Islam. For Omar to state that Netanyahu’s “existence” is the problem, says all you need to know about her bias. He has been freely elected Prime Minister  multiple times by the democratic will of the Israeli citizens, both Jew and Arab.

The polls open in Israel in about nine hours, about midnight East Coast time. Please pray tonight and all day tomorrow as Israel votes. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move on the voters to choose wisely and hear God’s voice. I do not support every idea of the Israeli government, just as I do not believe every US Administration decision is right. But I am convinced that God is working in both leaders for His purpose. Pray, pray, pray!

Check back here Wednesday for the update.

Wednesday Update: The election gave no clear winner, so a unity of several factions is likely with or without PM Netanyahu. We wait and pray. Here is good analysis from the Editor-in-Chief of Jerusalem Post, Yaachov Katz: Four scenarios I see moving forward:   1. Gantz goes first, fails to form gov’t. Then Bibi tries & public pressure pushes Gantz (w/o Lapid) into Likud’s arms.   2. Bibi goes first & fails. Gantz begins & offers Likud rotation as PM w/o Bibi. Likud cuts off head & joins Gantz.   3. Bibi offers Liberman rotation as PM. Serves 1-2 years, passes immunity-related bills and then Liberman takes over.   4. After 12 weeks, no one succeeds in forming gov’t and we head to round three (ex-PM Olmert predicted next election in February).

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

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for the rainy season to begin.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)

 


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Bye Bye Avigdor Liberman

6 06 2019

Liberman2

“We won’t allow Israel to return to how it was under King David” This statement is from Avigdor Liberman, after blowing up the Israeli election process by refusing a compromise to form a conservative government under Prime Minister Netanyahu. (Excellent analysis of his personal vendetta against Netanyahu in this Caroline Glick column.)

My Prediction: Let me go out on a limb here. Bye-bye Liberman. He will not prosper politically. His party won five seats in the April election, and some polls suggest he will win nine in the September election. However, I believe Netanyahu was selected by God to lead Israel and therefore Liberman is fighting against Yehovah God. Let me explain his most egregious violation.

Liberman is strongly secular and he opposed the religious parties on the military draft controversy. However, with the above declaration rejecting King David, he has stepped away from the favor of God. He accused the orthodox of wanting to establish a theocracy, which may or may not be true. In fact, I have my own reservations about the motives of the religious orthodox parties. Yet the issue is above politics or religion.

King David did not rule over a theocracy. It was a monarchy, led by a fallible man, but who was a man after God’s own heart. We also should seek God’s heart.

But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do. Acts 13:22 NLT

David’s government was not a theocracy. It prospered when he listened to God and it faltered when he did not listen. The point is the amazing liberty that God gave David, a man, to rule as a king, under God. Israel will have no king until the Messiah. But any leader who listens to God’s voice will prosper. King Saul would not listen:

“How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command Yehovah your God gave you. Had you kept it, Yehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom must end, for Yehovah has sought out a man after his own heart. Yehovah has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept Yehovah’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:13-14

I have made clear my opinion about Pres. Trump and PM Netanyahu being chosen by God. This does not speak to their character any more than King David. But as long as they manage to walk in God’s purpose for their nation, they will prosper in their governing. That is why I have faith to pray for them. It is so important that they listen to God, and to godly counsel surrounding them both. 

If you doubt my reasoning, just remember the name on the eternal throne from which Jesus, the King of Kings, will rule. It is not Jesus. It is not Yehovah. It is the name of a man: David. The mystery of intimacy with God is the secret key that every believer should desire. Seek first…the Kingdom and His righteousness.

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and Yehovah God will give Him the throne of His father David. Luke 1:32

We will never have a better idea than God’s plan. Let us seek His face, His intimacy, so we can walk, and yes govern, the way He chooses for us.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


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Israel & U.S. Prayer Call

30 05 2019

Pray for President

Israel is going into unprecedented new elections this September, for failure to form a governing coalition. In America, calls for impeachment are rapidly increasing. We join with Franklin Graham’s call for prayer and include Israel in our petition before Yehovah. Both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are under spiritual attack as I have been saying for months now by the evil spirit of Haman (see here).

Here is Franklin Graham’s call to national prayer:

Along with 250+ Christian leaders, I am asking followers of Christ across our nation to set aside next Sunday, June 2, as a special day of prayer for the President, Donald J. Trump.

President Trump’s enemies continue to try everything to destroy him, his family, and the presidency. In the history of our country, no president has been attacked as he has. I believe the only hope for him, and this nation, is God.

This is a critical time for America. We’re on the edge of a precipice. Time is short. We need to pray for God to intervene. We need to ask God to protect, strengthen, encourage, and guide the President.

We know that God hears and answers prayer. He can soften hearts and change minds. He is all-powerful, and He rules over the affairs of nations. The Bible instructs us to pray for those in authority, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”               1 Timothy 2:2–3

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)


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Our 2019 Purim Prayer!

10 03 2019

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As Doreen and I travel on our Florida ministry tour, a strong prophetic word has emerged at each event. “Pray for the spirit of Haman to be exposed!” This Wednesday at sunset is the beginning of Purim, the Jewish observance of the great victory in the Book of Esther. Haman plotted the total genocide of all Jews in his day. Only the courageous intervention of Esther reversed the plot, after it was exposed.

Today we see the same evil spirit of Haman plotting the overthrow of God’s purpose to bless Israel in political attacks on both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Both men are being used by Yehovah God in His restoration and favor of Israel. We must pray for them both as never before.

Israel elections are April 9th and could swing Israel to the left, but for God. Media has proclaimed a lie that Netanyahu has been indicted, but he has not. It was announced that there may be enough to indict, but the next legal proceeding is a hearing where he can defend himself with witnesses. Only then will the decision be made whether to indict. The catch is that the hearing cannot take place till after the election. Is it a coincidence that this confusion will taint the election? Pray that Haman’s evil plan will backfire.

Personal Update: We have enjoyed wonderful ministry at each stop with numerous personal ministry appoints, reunions (Happy anniversary Kevin & Roseanne), and four public meetings with one more to go. We managed to enjoy our favorite pizza place on Clearwater Beach and several long beach walks (see sunset photo above). We always love our time at “the Raymond resort” with our dear friends. Thanks to Gulf Coast Church for their hospitality and lodging, and the bonus Lee University Campus Choir concert. The next few day are in Ft. Meyers and Naples (thanks Duane).Please continue your prayer support for our last meeting Thursday night with Fred & Tracy Norris in Charleston, SC.

“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Time to wake up, stand up, and speak up for Israel and the purpose of God! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)

 


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