Why Rest One Day out of Seven?

23 08 2021

One of seven

My view of resting may shock you. The Bible clearly says to rest one day a week (a sabbath to be exact). For Jews it is sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, or in Bible terms, the seventh day. Many Christians observe Sunday and even call it their “sabbath day”. Either way it is one day out seven, and it is a commandment. As a pastor for many years Sunday was my busiest day, so my “sabbath” was Monday. But that is not my shocking statement.

“Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of Yehovah in all your dwellings.” Leviticus 23:3

Six days work, one day no work. But what if I told you that God wants you to rest every day? And if you work all seven days each week, you will not be able to rest any day? Let me mention this great verse and tell you what I believe it means for our earthly lives, not our eternal lives.

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:9-10

I wish we could go through all of Hebrews 9, but let me simply state that there is a kind of rest promised beyond one day a week, but also, before eternity. God has provided by His Holy Spirit the ability to “be at rest” in our reborn spiritual nature. We can live at rest even while doing very intense work and other activities. However, if we do not take that one day of physical rest, ceasing from our normal labors, then we cannot be at rest during the week.

Do you get it? We are commanded to unplug one day for our own good. We recharge our spiritual batteries and can then focus clearly the rest of the week. It is not about finding the right doctrine about “which” day, but actually doing it. Jesus was quite clear, yet many did not understand what He meant.

And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27

After God made creation in six days. He sat back and appreciated how beautiful and how good it was. We also need to stop and “smell the roses”. What Jesus was explaining was that the sabbath idea was not a command to observe a rest day to make us religious. Rather, we are commanded to rest one out seven because we get tired! It is for us; we need it. Many, both Jews and Christians have turned it into self-righteous day of proving we deserve His love, which is forever impossible.

SHOCKER! But, wait! What if it really is possible to be at peace (shalom) and rest every day? Yes, we can be at rest even at work. It is because we rest in Him. When we get that straight, we will be anxious for nothing, He’s got this! By taking that one day to unplug, we learn (eventually) to rest with Him every day. A sabbath day is for us, not a trial. It was made for us. It is good.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain for Israel.

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

 


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What is “Pay to Slay?”

9 08 2021

Sbarro Pizza

Million dollar murders, paid by the Palestinian Authority. This is the 20th anniversary of the 2001 Sbarro Pizzeria bombing in central Jerusalem. It was one of the most tragic terrorist attacks during the second Palestinian Intifada (uprising). Over 150 were injured and 15 were murdered, including 7 children and a pregnant woman.

The murderers in Israeli prison are still being paid monthly for their “heroic operation.” The suicide bomber is considered a martyr and to this day his family is being paid monthly for a total (so far) of nearly $70,000.00.

Blood money: The PA has already paid $1,183,257 to the terrorists who blew up the Sbarro pizza shop – Planner of the attack: “If time could go backwards, I would carry out what I did, in the same manner.” By now, the PA has paid Abdullah Barghouti, the terrorist who built the bomb and is responsible for the murder of 67 people in various attacks, a cumulative sum of US$285,571 (921,500 shekels). Every month, the PA pays him a salary of US$2,255 (7,300 shekels). In addition, the PA has paid the family of the suicide bomber US$68,498 (221,400 shekels). Every month the PA continues to pay his family an allowance of US$432 (1,400 shekels). The minimum wage in the PA is 1,450 shekels/month (US$44).

The Lucrative Business of Blowing Up Jews – Figures show Palestinian terrorists involved in 2001 bombing have to date been paid millions. Jerusalem has long complained that one of the main obstacles to peace is the Palestinians’ so-called policy of “pay-for-slay.” In short, the Palestinian Authority offers generous compensation to Palestinians jailed or the families of those killed as a result of attacking Israelis. The money to do this comes primarily from foreign aid.

Zephaniah identifies certain Palestinians, as “Cherethites” or literally: ASSASSINS or EXECUTIONERS! It would seem to be a simple step to understanding this reference as an ancient way of describing the suicide/homicide bombers of today.

Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, The nation of the Cherethites! The word of Yehovah is against you,
O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you; so there shall be no inhabitant.” Zephaniah 2:5

After this last days judgement God will allow His people to return to the coastland which not only includes Ashkelon (which Israel now has) but also refers to Gaza. I believe Gaza is soon to be given back to Israel, likely with a final battle after four previous Gaza wars in the last twenty years.

The seacoast shall be pastures, with shelters for shepherds and folds for flocks. The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed their flocks there; in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For Yehovah their God will intervene for them, and return their captives. Zephaniah 2:6-7

This “pay for slay” system of the Palestinian Authority must stop. We need to pray for righteous leaders who will take a stand against “pay for slay” and stop giving millions of dollars to the corrupt Palestinian Authority.

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

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


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Has God’s Law Ended?

2 08 2021

10 commands

Israel is not removed from God’s plan, but is restored after great judgement. Romans Chapters 9-11 clearly define Israel’s place in the eternal purpose of God. Most of this passage is clear. However, the section at the start of Chapter 10 has been wildly misunderstood.

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4

This verse confuses those who miss the context. It is often only partially quoted: “Christ is the end of the law.” That is not what it says. What has ended is the idea that righteousness can be earned by keeping God’s law. Jesus ended that once and for all by providing our salvation as an absolute gift of God’s grace. This is consistent with the Old Testament, for example:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and Yehovah has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Isaiah and Jeremiah understood that man was incorrigibly corrupted by sin in his very nature. Only when Yehovah laid all of our iniquity on the Messiah, could there ever be deliverance from that nature. Now let us look at the context of Romans 10 and feel the heart of Apostle Paul. He previously had been at the top of the Pharisee food chain. If anyone could have earned righteousness it was Paul.

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:1-4

Paul clearly explains in Chapter 11 that Israel will be saved in the end, but here he charges them with ignorance of “God’s righteousness.” He contrasts His great revelation of salvation by faith without works of any kind, to our human attempts to establish what he calls “their own righteousness” by keeping the law, which is impossible. God meant for us to recognize the impossibility and throw ourselves on His mercy. But instead, they (and we) go about trying to “be righteous.” We can only be free when we give up, and receive the free gift of salvation through the transaction of the blood of the Lamb and Messiah. What a relief, when we realize He does not expect us to “get righteous” by perfectly keeping the law and never sin in any way!

The Law has not ended. The wicked will be judged by the Law. What ended was revealed in the last, often skipped, phrase: “end of the law for righteousness.” In their zeal they tried to keep the law, ignorantly thinking it was possible. But now we are believing by faith in the finished work of the resurrected Messiah. They also will be saved by having faith in the Jewish Messiah. Thank you, Yeshua ben Yehovah!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rains.

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


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How Long Will Israel’s Government Last?

24 07 2021

MK Ayelet Shaked

There have already been at least three votes of “no-confidence” in the new coalition Israeli government. One was 59-59 with two abstentions. If just one abstention had voted against the coalition there would be new elections. Yesterday, Ayelet Shaked, a top member of the Prime Minister’s Yamina party said she would bring the coalition down if they submit to Biden’s pressure to freeze “settlements.” 

I will quit govt if it agrees to settlement freeze, Shaked says – “If the government does something fraught with what I believe are grave ideological implications, I won’t be a part of it. For example, if the US demands a freeze on building in Judea and Samaria — then there will be no government,” she said. 

Her statement came hours after PM Bennett apparently indicated a move toward a freeze. This is the same old playbook from the Obama/Biden years which never accomplished any progress because of the refusal of the Palestinian Authority to negotiate. They always insisted on pre-conditions before sitting down to talk. The same old pattern is accepted again by the Biden Administration.

ANALYSIS: Biden’s Attempt to Revive Peace Process Seems Dead in Its Tracks – The Biden administration is working hard to get Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, but is making all of Obama’s mistakes. More than a week after the Palestinian Authority (PA) presented a grocery list of preconditions for new peace talks with Israel to the US administration of President Joe Biden, it appears that the United States has accepted at least one of these conditions.

On Wednesday, July 21, it was announced that the Americans are demanding that Israel stop all construction activities in the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and that the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett apparently has given in to this demand. Israel Today

Notice that the issue is land again. Every time the anti-Israel left gains power, they immediately move to block Yehovah God’s purpose to restore Israel to its Biblical mandate for all of the land. God seems to be using the same pattern as when Israel originally took possession of the land city by city. But, make no mistake, His Biblical promise will be fulfilled because of His faithful character.

“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?” Numbers 23:19

Whenever man finds himself blocking the path of God’s plan, he loses. God curses those who curse Israel. It is Yehovah who sets the boundaries of nations and He has chosen Israel and the exact boundaries of her habitation.

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,” Acts17:26 

…Yehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—” Genesis 15:18

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

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


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Messiah and the 9th of Av

17 07 2021

nineth of Av 1200px-Francesco_Hayez_017

The day of mourning for the destruction of the first and second Biblical Temples began at sundown July 17, 2021. For Jews it is a day of fasting and remembrance, not only that the temples were destroyed on the exact day over 650 years apart, but also many other Jewish tragedies were on the 9th of Av. We need to intentionally pray and stand with Israel this weekend. But, beyond the mourning is the belief that only the Messiah coming will end Jewish persecution. Here is a quote from a Jewish website making this very point.

Mourning the Temple: Tisha B’av at the Western Wall – On Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, the First and Second Jerusalem Temples were destroyed. Jews from all sectors mourn the Holy Temples at the Western Wall, with prayers and lamentations.  The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, sending the Jewish into a 70-year exile. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, and Judean independence was lost following the fall of the city of the city of Beitar, the last stronghold of the Bar Kochba revolt. After the destruction of the Temple, the Jews lost their spiritual center and were exiled from their homeland. This is the exile which the Jewish People suffer from to this day, and it will be resolved only with the coming of the Messiah.

Days of mourning for Jews usually brings up the long awaited arrival of the Messiah. Anti-Semitism also reminds of the hope of the Messiah. My observation from a distance is that there is a notable increase of interest in the Messiah almost year by year. When I first visited Israel in 1984 more than 50% of Israeli Jews were atheists. Even though there is a strong secular segment in Israel, more Israelis are softening toward God. There is a growing number who now believe in Yeshua haMashiach. Jesus the Messiah. It is still only a remnant, but Yehovah God is turning hearts toward Him. Pray for hungry seeking hearts for Jews everywhere.

For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:24-26

Notice this is the re-gathering after being exiled to all the nations, which we now see in current events. God will give them a new heart and a new spirit after they return to their “own land.” Christians who have received the Messiah have had this very same experience of a new heart and a new spirit. I long for the glorious day when His chosen ones recognize Messiah and enter the joy and true Shabbat rest of the God of Israel. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rain.

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

 


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Remarkable Secrets of Things to Come

14 07 2021

nebuchadnezzars-image

The prophet Jeremiah prophesied judgement on Jerusalem before, during, and after Babylon conquered the great city of God. But, the most amazing part is found in chapter 33 where God reveals the great forgiveness, healing, and restoration of Jerusalem. Most of Jeremiah’s contemporaries hated him because of his “doom and gloom” words. Check out this prophecy from Yehovah through Jeremiah:

“You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness.” Jeremiah 33:5 NLT

Yet, this word came immediately after Yehovah made His promise of secrets to Jeremiah.

“This is what Yehovah says—Yehovah who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is Yehovah: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 NLT

You might expect the secrets would be all good news, but the first prophecy was very bad news for Jerusalem during its three-year siege by Nebuchadnezzar. The corrupt false prophets of Jerusalem, who had sacrificed to the gods of Baal, were certain that God would never destroy the city. But they were “dead” wrong! I think it should sober us today about our own nation. Yehovah has the final say!

However, the prophecy does not end in gloom, but in great joy and mercy by Yehovah, for His name’s sake, because of His promises to their fathers. He did indeed abandon the godless ones in Jeremiah’s day, but revealed the greatest secret of the last day restoration of all that Yehovah had promised.

“Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns. I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion. Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.” Jeremiah 33:6-9 NLT

Notice that the “people of the world” will see all the good and tremble with awe! Wow! Did this happen at the return from Babylon? Did it happen when Jesus came? No, and it did not happen for nearly two thousand years after. But in 1948, Israel became a resurrected nation miraculously and is clearly experiencing the promised restoration and favor of Yehovah. Psalm 102 details the last horrible destruction of the Holocaust followed by the “time to favor Zion, yes, the set time has come.” God has certainly turned the page from judgement to mercy! Now we are seeing with our own eyes the fulfillment in process of Jeremiah’s “remarkable secrets.”

“This is what Yehovah says: You have said, ‘This is a desolate land where people and animals have all disappeared.’ Yet in the empty streets of Jerusalem and Judah’s other towns, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to Yehovah. They will sing, ‘Give thanks to Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies, for Yehovah is good. His faithful love endures forever!’ For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says Yehovah.” Jeremiah 33:10-11 NLT

Hallelujah! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rains.

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

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


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“No Fear” Rally in DC Sunday

7 07 2021

No Fear DC Rally

This Sunday July 11 will see a DC rally to stand with American Jews who have experienced a dramatic rise in antisemitism.

American Jews Still Reeling From Rise In Anti-Semitism After Israel-Hamas Conflict, Survey Shows – 305. That’s how many anti-Semitic incidents the ADL recorded in May 2021, a 115% increase from the same period last year. This included 190 cases of harassment, 50 cases of vandalism and 11 assaults. 

Hundreds to rally outside US Capitol to protest antisemitism – Titled “NO FEAR: A rally in solidarity with the Jewish people,” the rally will feature prominent activists, leaders, elected officials and victims of antisemitic attacks. “It is time for the Jewish people and our allies to speak out against antisemitism with the many voices in our resilient community,” the rally’s website states. “Our tent is big. We welcome all Zionist, Jewish organizations, and allies. If you believe we have a right to exist in peace and security as a Jewish people both here in the United States and in Israel, then you belong with us.” Among the speakers attending will be Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.

This current explosion of Jew hatred may have been sparked by the May Gaza war, but is part of a larger trend toward more serious incidents of antisemitism globally against Jews and Israel itself. The Bible warns of this and it points to timing of end-time prophecy.

There is also an historical pattern repeating. Each major persecution of Jews follows a particular Biblical prophecy of Jeremiah of first fishers and then hunters, which I covered in my June 27 blog post. It is important for us as Biblical Zionists to stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers. On the surface it is attacking Jews, but the real hatred is of Yehovah God Himself. Notice the clear target in this passage is Israel, as a way to attack God:

Do not keep silent, O God! ​​Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! ​​For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; ​​and those who hate You have lifted up their head. ​​They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. ​​They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” ​​For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You:  Psalm 83:1-5

They are His enemies, they hate Him, and the confederacy is against Him! And also remember that the last days persecution in not only aimed at Israel and the Jews, but also against Bible believing Christians. This is more and more evident even from our own government. Choose this day Who you will serve and where you will take your stand. As for me and my house, we stand with Israel and the God of Israel. We may not be able to attend the rally, but we can pray.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

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

 


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54 Years of Love

11 06 2021

PICT0567PICT0604

Doreen and I have been married 54 years. Is it okay that I feature our anniversary in my blog post today? We are getting ready for a private anniversary lunch at a favorite restaurant. We always say that we are blessed more than we deserve and we mean it. We fell in love at Berkshire Christian College in October 1964 and were married June 11, 1967. Throughout the years our love has been constant because it was based from the beginning on a simple covenant: “You and me and Jesus!” He has been the center all the way.

“submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:21

We follow this verse in Ephesians to submit to each other before ever getting to the structural order of husband-wife-children. We submit to Jesus in each other. If Doreen hears from the Lord, that totally trumps my opinion on any matter, and vice versa. We chose over 56 years ago, on our third date, to live by that concept and we have been so blessed beyond words. Many start their teaching about marriage with the next verse about wife submitting to husband, but that will not work unless they previously submit to each other in Jesus.

Our ministry has taken us to ten countries and many states. We have “family” all over the world, especially Kenya and Israel. We have been abundantly blessed with the treasure of three beautiful daughters who love Jesus. They have given us seven wonderful grandchildren who also follow Jesus. We thank God for our godly sons-in-law also.

This is not to say we have not had trials and some hard times, but that our heavenly Father has always been with us. One of our biggest regrets is that we have not been able to impart this marriage key to everyone more effectively. We certainly give Yehovah God all the glory for our love, and we look forward to the years ahead. Our times are in His hands.

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


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Masambu Biography Launched!

6 06 2021

MKM Book launch 6-5-21

Living Water Ranch in Challis, Idaho was the location of our book launch for THE SWAHILI MAN, a Village Boy Who Became a Man of God for Kenya and the World. Michael Masambu appeared in live video on Saturday morning at the Arise and Shine Conference. He was not able to get his visa in time. He emphasized Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 60 that “Arise and shine” was not a suggestion, but a command.

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of Yehovah is risen upon you… Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; Isaiah 60:1,5a

It was my honor speak several times and to launch the book. The proceeds from the book will go to Michael’s ministry in Kenya. You may now order it directly in the U.S. The suggested donation is $15.00 per book. The simplest way to order is to send a check, payable to Elisha Vision, to this address: Elisha Vision P.O. Box 1601 Wake Forest, NC 27588. Bulk orders are encouraged. A full case is 68 copies.

Please pray for Michael Masambu’s vision to reach 300,000 young people this Fall in every school in three counties (states) of Kenya. He is also committed to pay school fees for 65 orphans for the entire school year at $200.00 each. Thank you for your prayers and contributions.

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Misfires and Irony

27 05 2021

Publication1

MISFIRES – This is a chart of the 680 misfired rockets from Gaza that landed in Gaza, no doubt killing their own civilians.

Israel Defense Forces @IDF –  Fact: Of the 4,300+ rockets that Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired at Israel during Operation Guardian of the Walls, 680 misfired and exploded inside Gaza, killing and injuring their own civilians.

IRONY – Hamas leader’s daughter has been in a Tel Aviv hospital for a month. She is being given life-saving health care the entire time of the Gaza war started by Hamas. Is Israel apartheid? You decide.

Daughter of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh being treated in Israel – Hamas launched 4,000 missiles at Israel, including Tel Aviv, while its leader’s daughter was being treated at a Tel Aviv hospital. The hospital said that she “is one in more than a thousand patients from Gaza and the territories, children and adults, who come for treatment every year at Ichilov Hospital.”

We must continue to pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize the lies and propaganda coming from terrorist groups. Consider the source. The murderous genocidal spirit of Satan is evident in the Hamas Charter which states: “ISRAEL WILL EXIST AND WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST UNTIL ISLAM WILL OBLITERATE IT.”

For your hands are defiled with blood, ​​and your fingers with iniquity; ​​Your lips have spoken lies, ​​Your tongue has muttered perversity. ​​No one calls for justice, ​​nor does any plead for truth. ​​They trust in empty words and speak lies; ​​They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity. Isaiah 59:3-4

Pray for truth along with peace for Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                      (Read more)


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Friday Prayers = Riots… WHAT?

22 05 2021

May 7 riot on Temple Mt

Cognitive Dissonance – Conflicting illogical thoughts and conclusions is a good definition. The case in point is the typical reaction on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount after “Friday prayers,” when youth pour out of the al Aqsa mosque and commence rioting. Notice the Hamas flags. This was after the ceasefire following eleven days of 4,360 rockets fired at Israeli civilians. Doesn’t anyone notice the contradiction of the headlines such as this one from yesterday, after the Gaza ceasefire:

Palestinians riot on Temple Mount after Friday prayers – Hundreds of people threw rocks and petrol bombs at police officers who responded at the scene. …Days of unrest at Al-Aqsa during Islam’s holy fasting month of Ramadan…

Yes, it happened also during the entire “holy fasting month of Ramadan.” Does anybody have a problem with the words “prayers” and “holy” being used preceding riots? I don’t think that word means what they think it means. My point is that there is a spiritual source even beyond the political goals. There are those who choose violence and destruction as their way of expressing themselves. We see it in the BLM and Antifa riots in the U.S. also. The real source is Satan himself. When his nature takes over human nature the result always leads to death.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

One more point – Don’t forget that the number one terror supporting nation is Iran, and they are behind the latest Gaza war. Yes, this is the same Iran that is about to receive boatloads of cash and have all sanctions lifted by the Biden administration.

Iran hails Palestinian ‘victory’, warns of ‘deadly blows’ against Israel – Iran, which does not recognize Israel, supports and arms the Islamist militants of Hamas, who rule the Gaza Strip.

Hamas’ Haniyeh vows to destabilize Jerusalem, thanks Iran for support – Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh suggested that Hamas’s current objective is to continue fueling the ongoing violence in Jerusalem, just hours after the ceasefire came into effect.

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”  John 10:7-9

Pray for the Messiah Yeshua to bring His peace to Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                         (Read more)


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Now Over 3,500 Rockets from Gaza

16 05 2021

netanyahu-gpo

Hamas rockets from Gaza continue to fall on Israel for one week. This update features excerpts from last night’s Netanyahu speech, courtesy of allIsraelnews.com. Please refer to my last blog post for context. (This is the fourth Gaza war which fulfills Amos 1:6-7.)

Netanyahu vows Israel will respond “until the security of our people is restored” – It has been five days since Hamas brazenly fired rockets at Jerusalem and other Israeli cities in a totally unprovoked attack.

This past week, millions of Israelis were forced into bomb shelters as missiles rained down on our cities. Several Israelis have been killed. Many more have been wounded. You know and I know, no country would tolerate this. Israel will not tolerate this.

Israel has responded forcefully to these attacks and we will continue to respond forcefully until the security of our people is reinstated and restored. We’ve eliminated dozens of Hamas terrorists and taken out hundreds of terrorist sites, including missile launchers and buildings that Hamas used to plan and perpetrate these attacks.

Two nights ago, Israel also seriously degraded the terror infrastructure of Hamas. We knocked out part of the vast subterranean tunnel network that Hamas uses to attack Israel. I want to remind the world that in firing on our cities, Hamas is committing a double war crime. They’re targeting our civilians and hiding behind Palestinian civilians, effectively using them as human shields.

As always, Israel is doing everything possible to protect our civilians and keep Palestinian civilians out of harm’s way. We demonstrated this yet again today when we warned civilians to vacate the building used by the Hamas terror intelligence. They vacated the premises before the target was destroyed and that’s why you don’t hear of casualties from these collapsing terror towers because we take special care to avoid these civilian casualties, exactly the opposite of Hamas. 

SOLIDARITY SUNDAY: As terrorists in Gaza fire 3,000 rockets, tens of millions of Evangelicals heed call to pray for Israelis and Palestinians – I’ve been so encouraged hearing from Christians around the world who are mobilizing others to pray for Jews and Arabs, and to focus on the promises of Psalm 91. As Israel heads into the biblical holiday of Shavuot (Pentecost) this evening, tens of millions of Evangelical Christians are gathering in churches today in the U.S. and around the globe to obey Psalm 122:6 which commands believers to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” and all the people of the Land. Shavuot (Pentecost), also known as the “Feast of Weeks” or “Holiday of First Fruits” commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

How Israel moves Gazan civilians out of the way of attacks on Hamas – Israel uses phone calls and roof-knock munitions to evacuate Gazans ahead of airstrikes. “We select warheads with the necessary lethality to hit those who need to be hit and to reduce the impact on others,” Israeli official explains.

Please read the entire article above (click the blue link) about how Israel systematically avoids civilians as much as possible. Hamas uses civilians as human shields and targets civilians indiscriminately in Israel. The media building also housed Hamas intelligence offices. Hamas uses homes, schools, mosques, and even media locations as human shields. They know that Israel intentionally avoids civilian targets. Pray especially for the poor Gazans who are the first victims of Hamas. This is not about Arabs and Jews. It is about jihad or peace.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ​​“May they prosper who love you. ​​Peace be within your walls, ​​Prosperity within your palaces.” ​​For the sake of my brethren and companions, ​​I will now say, “Peace be within you.” ​​Because of the house of Yehovah our God ​​I will seek your good. Psalm 122:6-9

Pray fervently particularly right now for Jerusalem peace and for seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)


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1,200 Rockets from Gaza War #4

12 05 2021

THIS. MUST. STOP.

1,050 rockets in 38 hours.

137 rockets in 5 minutes.

At least six Israelis dead. (Two were Israeli Muslim citizens, a father and sixteen year old daughter.)

Over 200 Israelis wounded.

Intentional rocket fire from Gaza is directed at Israeli civilians and cities. When Israel retaliates they carefully seek only military terrorist targets. Yet, the world media describes it as “violence on both sides” as if the motives are equal. Gaza is a terrorist dictatorship targeting civilians who live in the strongest democracy in the Middle East. Israel must defend itself. It is the right of every sovereign nation. Many of the deaths in Gaza resulted from their own rockets (200+) that fell in Gaza, short of their targets in Israel.

We must pray for wisdom for Prime Minister Netanyahu. Pray that he will hear from God. Although the government is in transition, Netanyahu is still PM. If there could be a poll today who do you think Israelis would prefer as PM to handle this crisis? I believe it would be overwhelming for Netanyahu.

“The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), has claimed that 53 Palestinians have been killed, including more than a dozen minors, with more than 320 wounded. Those numbers should be met with skepticism because Hamas is a terrorist organization, and thus not credible. Also, many of those who have been killed are terrorists and Israel has cautioned that some of the Palestinians that have been killed lost their lives because they were hit by rockets fired by Hamas.” The Daily Wire

FOUR STRIKES AND YOU’RE OUT!

Prophetically, It is profound that this is the fourth Gaza war. This present Gaza war is called “Operation Guardian of the Walls” by Israel,, and “Sword of Jerusalem” by Hamas. Remember that “Hamas” is an acronym in Arabic, but is an actual Hebrew word that means: “Violence.” It is now in the prophetic timing for the destruction of Hamas and Gaza according to the prophet Amos.

Thus says Yehovah: “For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they took captive the whole captivity To deliver them up to Edom. But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, Which shall devour its palaces.” Amos 1:6-7

We are in a very serious prophetic window. Now more than ever we need to listen to the Holy Spirit and know the Scripture prophesies. We are close to the coming of the Messiah Yeshua. A season of peace should come before the Ezekiel 38 War, as I have been saying for quite awhile. Stay tuned! And PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                      (Read more)


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Abraham Accords Institute of Peace

9 05 2021

Dry Bones Abraham Accords Institute of Peace

While there has been unrest and riots (see below) in Jerusalem this week, the Abraham Accords are full speed ahead. While many pundits thought the Accords would disappear with the new Administration in DC, the opposite is the case. The Accords have a life of their own, which I believe is from God Himself. While the world careens ominously toward war because of Iran, God is doing something different. He will expand Israel’s land and also bring a season of peace. I have talked much about the necessary peace between the two wars described in Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38. Most prophecy teachers jump ahead to the anti-Christ peace and miss this interim peace that is required before the Gog and Magog war of Ezekiel 38:11. Meanwhile, Jared Kushner is working on that interim peace.

Scoop: Jared Kushner founds “Abraham Accords Institute” – Jared Kushner is founding an organization called the Abraham Accords Institute for Peace, to work on deepening the normalization agreements he helped strike between Israel and Arab countries.

The big picture: The Abraham Accords, signed in September 2020, were arguably Trump’s biggest foreign policy achievement and the biggest breakthrough for relations between Israel and the Arab world for 25 years.

Details: The non-partisan, non-profit organization will have a five-year mandate and be funded through private donations.

  • According to a statement, it will focus on increasing trade and tourism between the five signatory countries — Israel, Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco and Sudan — and developing programs to foster people-to-people connections between the countries.

  • It will also “provide analysis of the benefits of normalization and the potential benefits additional Arab countries can receive if they join the Abraham Accords.” Axios

The riots have been fomented by Hamas and the PLO to take advantage of the convergence of the end of Ramadan and Jerusalem Day in which Israel celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. The trigger for the violence is a relatively minor property dispute between Jews and Arabs explained in the following story.

Sheikh Jarrah: What’s All the Hubbub?– Only the Palestinians could convince the world to see a property ownership dispute as an existential crisis. It’s everywhere you look. People around the world who previously had no idea what Sheikh Jarrah even was are now treating the East Jerusalem neighborhood as a cause célèbre. It’s the kind of public relations coup that’s the Palestinians’ forte. No one has died, despite the constant use of the word “bloodshed,” and this isn’t some mass expulsion event, even though it’s being portrayed as such. Israel Today

Iran, Turkey, Hamas, and Hezbollah will diminish leading into this interim season of peace. Yes, Iran and Turkey will lead the Ezekiel war, but not before a very secure peace that allows Israel to feel so secure that they tear down the walls that mar the landscape of the Holy Land. That is the reason the Abraham Accords will succeed. Stay tuned.

On the same day Yehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates. Genesis 15:18

Pray for the Messianic Peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rains.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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The SHIELD of Yehovah

26 04 2021

Idf shields Muslim woman

A viral photo of an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldier shielding a Muslim woman reveals the nature of our God.

An Egyptian, Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, posted this picture and statement on Twitter: “God bless Israel! God bless the IDF! This Ramadan I pray that God opens the eyes or more Muslims to what is really happening there.”

Viral Photo Shows IDF Officer Protecting Palestinian Woman – “As violent clashes again break out across Israel, IDF soldiers are being maligned in the media. But what’s the real picture?

A photo from Hebron has gone viral on social media among both pro- and anti-Israel crowds. It shows a fully-armored Israeli soldier protecting a Palestinian woman with a shield as she crosses the street.

The photo was taken amid Palestinian riots that began last week in Jerusalem and have since spread to Hebron, Gaza and other parts of the country.

It is yet another stark reminder that Israeli soldiers do not hate Palestinian Arabs, nor are they trained to do them harm. Rather, Israeli soldiers are trained to protect life from any and all who would do harm, as demonstrated by this officer.” Israel Today April 26, 2021

Yehovah God Himself is accused of evil, yet He is the Most Holy One. Of course, His enemies would accuse His chosen people of all manner of evil. The truth is seen on the ground in the midst of trouble. Praise God for that soldier showing the real protection of God toward that woman crossing the street. Sometimes the most profound truth is revealed in the most ordinary actions. Propaganda says Israel hates Arabs. The truth is manifest in this simply gesture by an anonymous IDF soldier just doing his job.

“But You, O Yehovah, are a shield for me, ​​My glory and the One who lifts up my head. ​​I cried to Yehovah with my voice, ​​and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah.” Psalm 3:3-4

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists             (Read more)


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“The Chosen” is Relational

21 04 2021

the chosen title

The Kingdom of God is relational. The world system is transactional. This clear contrast is the simplest way I know to express the character of God’s Kingdom purpose in the earth. Now, I want to encourage you to watch “The Chosen” series about Jesus calling His disciples. It is an outstanding portrayal of the RELATIONSHIPS of the disciples with each other and with Jesus. The casting of each disciple and their character development in the story is superb. Most stories of Jesus focus on doctrines and textual faithfulness and are written for Christians. This endeavor is what is called historical fiction. The Biblical facts are the base, but then the back stories of each character are developed with historical context. When I watch it, I am able to vicariously put myself in the accurate context of First Century life.

The Chosen is relational. This is a multi-season series with season one (8 episodes) now available on the internet, with season two being released every few weeks. Season Two, episodes 1-3 are now online. The best way to view these is to download the special FREE app they have offered. You can watch on your phone or computer and even cast it to your smart TV.  Also, DVDs are available. Just go to you App store, search The Chosen, and download. You will thank me! As I write this blog, The Chosen, has been viewed over 131 million times! Here is a link to get you started. THE CHOSEN

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


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Bible Prophecy Interpretation Tip

16 04 2021

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Most Christians avoid Bible prophecy because it gets so confusing due to all the conflicting interpretations of symbols and spiritualizing. This is unfortunate. The most important predictions in the Bible are quite literal and easy to grasp by seeing their context in actual world history and current events.

Three of my most trusted mentors have believed a simple tip or rule of interpreting scripture: “If you can possibly take a verse or passage literally, do so.” This has been the key for me over many years now. Bible prophecy buffs tend to enjoy elaborate theories of last day scenarios that tantalize the reader or “tickle the ears” of their followers. It may be fun, but serves to draw attention away from actual predictions that edify and instruct us for daily living in a changing world.

My journey in literal prophecy began with Ezekiel 36 which is most often applied to the spiritual experience of Christians, but is a literal prophecy for the 21st century. It reveals Yehovah’s plan to restore both the land and the people of Israel, literally, in a real modern miracle. We have seen it fulfilled with our own eyes. Other examples can be found by taking literally Psalm 102, Psalm 83, Isaiah 17 and 19, Isaiah 60, and Ezekiel 38 and 39. 

What we have here is a definite pattern. Take the Bible literally. Only launch into symbolic meaning as a last resort if it simply cannot be taken literally. The extreme of this problem is seen in the ultimate rejection of the Bible itself. That is the trend as denominations turn away from God.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)


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Iran Nuke “Accident”

12 04 2021

Dry Bones Accident in Iranian Nuke Site

A major event happened in Iran yesterday. A large explosion completely destroyed the internal power system at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and caused further fire damage. Iran initially claimed it was an accident before admitting it was “a terrorist enemy.” This will set Iran’s illegal nuclear program back at least nine months.

There are two parts to this story, the physical facts and the Bible prophecy implications. First, here are links to the facts. Then I will share the prophetic.

Iran says electrical ‘incident’ reported at Natanz nuclear facility

Iran says ‘terrorist act’ behind power cut at Natanz nuclear facility – Israeli outlets claim that a Mossad cyberattack is likely behind the incident.

‘Mossad behind cyberattack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility’ – Security cabinet set to meet next week amid growing tensions between Israel and Iran.

Officials: It will take Iran 9 months to fix damage at Natanz – Intelligence officials tell New York Times that the fire at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility was caused by a large explosion that completely destroyed its internal power system.

New fire breaks out in Iranian nuclear facility – Senior Iranian official says additional fire has broken out at Natanz uranium enrichment plant, which was earlier hit by sabotage.

What does this mean for Bible prophecy? Iran is viewed as the biggest threat to Israel at the present time. However, timing is the real question. Is this Iran’s hour of power? I don’t think so. As I have been teaching, there has to be a time of very secure peace for Israel before Iran, Turkey and others invade Israel in the Gog and Magog War of Ezekiel 38. We are now between the Psalm 83 War and Ezekiel 38. Therefore, I see Iran continuing to diminish in their influence. I know this goes against the tide of predictions, but I would rather base my view on solid scriptural foundations.

The Abraham Accords, which led to normalization between Israel and Arab Gulf states, are still expanding. Even Saudi Arabia is closer to open normalization with Israel. Some pundits predicted the end of the Accords with the new U.S. administration. But, the Accords have a life of their own from Yehovah God. He is moving all the players in the direction of His purpose, to expand the territory of Israel to their ultimate boundaries.

On the same day Yehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.” Genesis 15:18

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                          (Read more)


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All Words Matter

1 04 2021

Yemin Moshe

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY! As an author and a blogger, I have always had a love for words. Taking a cue from the current culture’s obsession with defining which LIVES matter, let me explain why WORDS matter. But first, a comment on WHY lives matter: Every human being was created by Yehovah God for His love and salvation. God loves each one uniquely and offers deliverance from sin and death, through belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus, Yehovah’s Son (Yeshua ben Yehovah). If Jesus had only died, we would still be in our sin, but the fact that He rose from dead ended death’s control over us. The question is not WHICH lives matter but WHY each life matters.

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

Here are two critical examples of why words matter.

  1. The Creator God has a specific name, Yehovah. But in today’s loose vernacular His name has been substituted with the generic “god.” As soon as you untether from His actual name, you are vulnerable to myriad redefinitions of “god.” It matters that we use His covenant name, Yehovah. (For more on this check out my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.)
  2. The most important celebration for all Christians is Resurrection Sunday. It signifies the day that death and hell were defeated by the supernatural resurrection of the Messiah. The world and many churches wrongly call that day “Easter” after the Babylonian pagan goddess, Ishtar or Astarte, the queen of heaven. Are you comfortable with using the wrong word for the greatest celebration of LIFE in all of history? (For more on this check out my earlier blog post: The Ultimate Antidote:
    The Hinge of History.)

And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.  1 Corinthians 15:17 NLT

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.       1 John 2:1-2 NLT

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and thank God for this week’s rain in Israel.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)

Notice I do not use the name: Easter. That is the name of a pagan goddess, and should have no association whatsoever to the resurrection of Jesus. The season is called Passover and is rich with deep meaning that ultimately connects believing Jews and Christians as one new man through the Messiah.


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Never Again Uprooted

2 03 2021

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Israel is a nation raised from the dead. This great prophecy from Amos 9 applies to today’s restoration of Israel. Millions of Jews have returned, from nearly every nation on earth, as a stirring testimony to the faithfulness of Yehovah God. Every word He has spoken will be fulfilled. What a joy and privilege to live in this great day.

“I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says Yehovah your God.”  Amos 9:15 NLT

  1. Yehovah is the One who is doing it.
  2. They are back in their own land, ancient Israel, not any other location.
  3. It is permanent, never to be removed again from their land.

This is not new to us. We have witnessed it with our own eyes for over seventy years. Israel was in Egypt for over 400 years, Babylon for over 70, and the dispersion to all countries for over 1,800 years! The Bible revealed each of those sojourns, but no more! No more will they ever be uprooted from the Land Yehovah gave them. Hallelujah!

No matter how hard the nations rage and try to block Him, Yehovah wins. They will fail. All the demons of hell, the fallen angels and the devil himself will utterly fail. It might be a good time to step back and remember the immutable, unchangeable promises of God. When you are tempted to slump down under the many pressures of life. Remember what God has done. Remember what He is doing now. And remember His promised victory yet to come. Remember also to guard your faith.

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:12

I was blessed by Pastor John Thrift’s word Sunday morning at Grace Assembly. He reminded us of the cause of many Christians who grow cold, allowing the fire of their faith to go out. The great time of lawlessness in the earth is now upon us. If we focus on the abominations and rebellion around us, we risk the cold heart of unbelief. This is the time to look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is seated at the right hand of Yehovah God in Heaven; and He is right on time; and He is in control of our eternal destiny if we allow Him. As the wise virgins, we must keep our lamps trimmed and filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit.

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”  Matthew 24:11:14

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for and give thanks for the seasonal rains of restoration!

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


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Iron Sharpens Iron

26 02 2021

Prov_27-17_Horizontal_Web1_600x

Would like to know three secrets of our happy and blessed marriage of 53+ years? There are more reasons, but these three are non-negotiable: Faith, Equality, and Honesty. This post came out of a discussion Doreen and I had this Wednesday about this verse.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”  Proverbs 27:17

I always thought of that verse as “brother to brother” in a spiritual sense, which is true. But now I have seen a deeper meaning when it applies to the relationship of husband and wife. On the “brother” level, it certainly describes the value of  rubbing or sharpening off the rough edges between two believers. But, when applied to marriage, it is life and death. A blessed and successful marriage must embrace the “iron.” Doreen and I rejoiced to see this new understanding from the Lord on Wednesday. And just to make sure we “heard” the Holy Spirit, Doreen’s verse for the day popped up Thursday morning with Proverbs 27:17. How cool is that?

When we first started dating in October of 1964, at Berkshire Christian College, we sort of “stumbled” into three personal commitments that we now know were straight from the Throne of Heaven. We were married June 11, 1967 at the end of Israel’s Six Day War. These three foundation stones of our now nearly 56 years of friendship were laid during a few walks together in 1964.

  1. FAITH – Somehow, I am not even sure how it started, we began to say often: “You and me and Jesus.” We still say that in words and/or action virtually ever day since. We also say “I love you!” multiple times a day. We chose to make Jesus the most important One in our relationship, more important than each other.
  2. EQUALITY – From the beginning we saw the Ephesians order of relationships. Many study husband and wife starting with  Ephesians 5:23 about wives submitting to their husbands. However, to start there is a colossal error. The previous verse is the start point of our marriage: “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” We are equal before God. Jesus speaking through her has more authority than my own opinion, and Him speaking through me has more than hers. Once that is clear, we can proceed to the hierarchy of family structure that follows. It is in this functional equality that “iron sharpens iron.”  One of the first things that attracted me to Doreen was her strength of character and confidence is her beliefs. When we “discussed” anything it was with 100% conviction both ways and we still enjoy these free “discussions” today. We have never shrunk back from standing strong for our opinions. I value that highly in a person. How we reconcile the times we disagree is another story, but we started by agreeing to never go to bed mad.  “Be angry, and do not sin” Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.  Ephesians 4:26
  3. HONESTY – We had a third revelation on our walks. The armor of God in Ephesians 6 starts with: “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,” Ephesians 6:14  We mistakenly thought that referred to true doctrine, but it instead means honesty. Be honest. Tell the truth to one another. That is the preeminent piece of armor. If you don’t have truth, you are completely vulnerable to the enemy. On our second walk we vowed to be honest with each other. We even share our thoughts with each other when asked. Wow! That has been pure gold for a living relationship. Thank you, Jesus!

These three accidental vows have guided our marriage consistently. It helps that we had the godly examples of our own parents. My folks dated four years and were married 68 years. When Doreen and I celebrated 34 years, I turned to her and said: “Well, we are half way!” That long view is part of what I hope you get from these musings. One of my biggest heartbreaks is that we have not been better at helping others to find what we have found in our Jesus marriage. It is never too late. Follow Jesus!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for Israel rain (and the March 23 election).

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                      (Read more)


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If I Perish, I Perish

23 02 2021

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Purim around the world this year is sundown Thursday to sundown Friday. Jews and Christians remember the great courage of Esther, Queen of Persia, who laid it all on the line to stand for the Jews. Her Jewish family and all the Jews of the Persian Empire were to be killed. That included twenty provinces, the whole know world at the time. That genocide was stopped by Esther’s great personal risk. The King did not even know she was Jewish. She was only one person, but was placed in position to save a nation. Please read the Book of Esther this week. It is one of the greatest stories of the Bible. Here is the short passage telling of her decision.

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 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?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:13-16

Four Take-aways From Esther’s Courage:

  1. She came to the kingdom for “such a time as this.”
  2. The Jews fasted three days and nights.
  3. It was against the law for her to approach the king.
  4. Esther was willing to die if necessary.

What is the timing of your life right now? Is there a cause greater than your appetite? Is your obedience to Yehovah God higher than all else? Are you willing to lay down your life, if necessary, for God’s purpose? We are living in grand and awful times. We must listen to the Holy Spirit now more than ever. The Messiah Yeshua is asking us for full attention and obedience in these perilous times. As for me and my house, we will serve Yehovah.

Esther’s enemy was Haman, an Amalekite, a people who were perennial enemies of God’s people. The demonic spirit of  Amalek is still after the Jews today. But, that is a story for another time. Read Esther this week for a word for our times.

Finally, I noticed that the great movie about Esther, ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING, is on TBN television this Friday night at both 8pm and 10pm Eastern. Enjoy! It is well worth a couple hours. ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING is also available on livestream from PureFlix.

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                          (Read more)


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Muslim Nation Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

2 02 2021

Kosovo flag

Big Muslim/Israel News You Missed: Kosovo, a Muslim majority nation in Europe, is the first Muslim nation to have their embassy in Jerusalem. Thanks to the Trump peace negotiations, both Kosovo and Serbia (majority Christian) have agreed to recognition and relationship with the Jewish state.

Israel, Kosovo establish diplomatic ties; Pristina to open embassy in Jerusalem – Israel and Kosovo officially cemented their agreement to normalize ties on Monday, with the European state to become the first Muslim-majority nation to establish an embassy in Jerusalem.

These two European countries are technically not part of the Circle of Peace, but are certainly caught up in Yehovah’s plan to bless Israel with an expanding time of peace leading up to the Gog and Magog War of Ezekiel 38. A defining characteristic  of that war is that Israel will be dwelling in such peace that they will tear down the miles of walls and fencing that now separate them from the Palestinian areas. This is such a profound declaration that we cannot ignore it, especially as we see it coming to fulfillment. Israel dwelling safely is mentioned in verses 8 and 14, but the clearest is verse 11.

“You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’—” Ezekiel 38:11

This is certainly NOT the case in 2021. Israel still has walls all over the place, which have kept them safe from suicide bombers for 15 years. Because of the Circle of Peace that PM Netanyahu proclaimed, we are seeing this right before our eyes!

Another profound revelation from this chapter is the coalition of nations against Israel. They are led by Turkey, Iran, Sudan, and Libya. This is a totally different list than the Psalm 83 War, which has ended not in a final battle, but in the circle of peace process. Those Psalm 83 nations have fought Israel since 1948. They will be joined to Israel producing new borders reaching to the Ezekiel coalition. What an amazing day to be alive! Fasten your seat belts.

Keeping tabs on another potential participant in the circle, here is a new story from Indonesia.

“It’s time to make peace with Israel,” says vocal Muslim –  exclusive with a very special Muslim woman who is inspiring others: “Glory be to Israel!” Israel Today

Pray for the growing circle of peace for Jerusalem and pray for seasonal rain and snow.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)

 


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The Misty Flats – A Choice

28 12 2020

Fear not

As we wait between the holidays and the new year we face a choice, as always. Do not succumb to the doldrums of “the misty flats.” We must choose the heights of God’s purpose. The temptation is to surrender to mild or even serious depression as we view our world. But God is in control! Look to the Rock from which you were hewn. We are not meaningless blobs slogging through a meager existence, but beings created in the image of Yehovah God. Rise up! Follow the higher path upward to find your place in God’s Plan.

I was inspired by this early 20th century poem by John Oxenham. Consider the message and choose wisely.

THE WAY

To every man there openeth
A Way, and Ways, and a Way.
And the High Soul climbs the High way,
And the Low Soul gropes the Low,
And in between, on the misty flats,
The rest drift to and fro.
But to every man there openeth
A High Way, and a Low.
And every man decideth
The Way his soul shall go.
If you feel like you are in the misty flats during the holidays, it is time to stir up the Holy Spirit in your heart and trust Him completely. Here is an anchor scripture from Isaiah 51, to encourage you. I pray that the Lord Jesus will strengthen you with might in the inner man. Read the end of the book, we win!
A Call to Trust Yehovah
“Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance—
all who seek Yehovah!
Consider the rock from which you were cut,
the quarry from which you were mined.
Yes, think about Abraham, your ancestor,
and Sarah, who gave birth to your nation.
Abraham was only one man when I called him.
But when I blessed him, he became a great nation.”
Yehovah will comfort Israel again
and have pity on her ruins.
Her desert will blossom like Eden,
her barren wilderness like the garden of Yehovah.
Joy and gladness will be found there.
Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air. Isaiah 51:1-3 NLT
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for winter rains in Israel.
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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Merry Christmas, Timing is Everything

25 12 2020

Christmas 2020

Monday’s big event was the close view of Saturn and Jupiter forming “the Christmas Star,” for the first time in 800 years. Even though the wise men visited two years later; and Messiah’s birth was probably a different month; still, there was a message from God on Monday.

The astronomical oddity was exactly on December 21, the shortest day of the year. How appropriate that the day with the most darkness was visited by the heavenly sign of the star. The Messiah indeed came into Israel at one of its darkest hours to proclaim Himself as the LIGHT of the world!

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:9-14 NLT

Doreen and I, and our entire family, bless you this wonderful season. May you day be full of joy, blessing and giving of thanks for Yeshua, the Messiah. He is the real reason to celebrate.

Also, please prayerfully consider an end of year donation to Elisha Vision Ministries. We so appreciate your prayers and support throughout the year. Shalom!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain!

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


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2020 Zionist Story – Kissing the Ground!

4 12 2020

Ethiopian Jews

The mother descending from the plane “kisses the ground and carries a baby named Yerushalayim, and another baby named Esther. Esther and Yerushalayim, come to Jerusalem – this is the essence of the Jewish story, this is the essence of the Zionist story,” – Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomes Ethiopian Jews to Israel as newest Israeli citizens. Israel Today

Operation Tsur Israel: First 316 Ethiopian Jews Arrive Home – By February 2021, over 2,000 members of the Falash Mura are expected in Israel. Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that “we are realizing the Zionist vision in its purest sense – Kibbutz Galuyot [the reconvening of the diaspora]. You, who stand at the gates of this country, carry on your backs a wonderful tradition of thousands of years,” 

Kissing the ground, hundreds of Ethiopian immigrants welcomed to Israel – Ethiopia-born Absorption Minister Pnina Tamano-Shato arrives with flight, greeted with fanfare at airport, as plan to bring 2,000 kicks off, with thousands more still waiting. Waving Israeli flags as they came down the steps of the aircraft, over 300 members of Ethiopia’s Jewish community arrived in Israel on Thursday in a special airlift from Gondar. Times of Israel December 3, 2020

“I will be found by you, says Yehovah, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says Yehovah, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:14

“Listen to this message from Yehovah, you nations of the world; proclaim it in distant coastlands: Yehovah, who scattered his people, will gather them and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock.” Jeremiah 31:10 NLT

“Therefore say, ‘Thus says Yehovah: “I will gather you from the peoples, assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.” Ezekiel 11:17

“This is what the Sovereign Yehovah says: The people of Israel will again live in their own land, the land I gave my servant Jacob. For I will gather them from the distant lands where I have scattered them. I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people.” Ezekiel 28:25-26 NLT

These Ethiopian Israelis believe they are from the tribe of Dan. Also, there are immigrants from India from the lost tribe of Mannaseh, and immigrants from Nigeria who believe they are descendants of Ephraim.

God is certainly regathering His people from the far corners of the world. Hallelujah! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain in Israel.

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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The Epic Spiritual Battle

1 12 2020

animals_hero_spider_web

Lies and mixture confuse the news reports from major media. We are undoubtedly now engaged in spiritual warfare such as described in Ephesians 6. One such example is censorship of conservative voices as revealed in a legal win for Candace Owens. She was censored by Facebook’s “independent” fact-checker Politifact. She simply stated that Joe Biden is not the President-Elect, even though it is all over media. The truth is that a candidate does not legally have that designation until the Electoral College votes (Dec. 14).

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”  Ephesians 6:12

Last week, Rick Ridings, an Israeli Messianic leader, posted a vision he received on November 22. It involved a demonic spider queen spinning her web over the whole world, but which was defeated by the Lion of Judah. I quote the verses he used here because they accurately speak to the current confusion over the U.S. election. The overriding importance is how our government will treat Israel. This is so much bigger than our nation, but touches the eternal purpose of Yehovah to bless Israel.

“He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away.” Job 5:12-13 NIV

“Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. What they trust in is fragile; what they rely on is a spider’s web. They lean on the web, but it gives way; they cling to it, but it does not hold.” Job 8:13-15 NIV

“They hatch harmful plots like snake’s eggs and spin their lies like a spider spins its web.  Whoever eats their ‘eggs’ dies and a poisonous snake gets hatched! Their ‘webs’ cannot substitute as clothing, they cannot cover themselves with the lies they spin, nor can their works cover themselves adequately. Their actions are evil, and the wages of violence is in their hands.” Isaiah 59:5-6 TPT

“As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey – and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against him, he is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor – so the Lord Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights. Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem.” Isaiah 31:4-5 NIV

We must continue to pray and stand for truth and victory in the U.S. election for Israel’s sake. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                            (Read more)

 

 


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Israel + Saudi Arabia = Peace?

23 11 2020

Neom meeting

Breaking News Today! – Dramatic secret meeting between Israel and Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed, Prime Minister Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. This just happened last night. It has been officially confirmed by Israel that the meeting took place. This is very clear evidence of a brewing peace deal. Here are fresh reports:

‘Huge Drama:’ Israelis Excited Over Netanyahu Meeting in Saudi Arabia – Saudi officials confirm secret meeting, sparking new hopes of peace

Netanyahu discussed normalization with Saudi Crown Prince – Senior Saudi official says Israeli PM and Saudi Crown Prince discussed normalization but did not reach any agreement in last night’s meeting

PM secretly meets with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, Pompeo in Saudi Arabia – Mossad Director Yossi Cohen said to accompany Netanyahu on trip focused on Jerusalem-Riyadh ties, and possibly the signing of a peace accord with the Gulf power in the near future.

This major meeting has Israel and Saudi Arabia buzzing, as well as the rest of the Middle East. The possibilities are amazing as the Arab states choose to align with Israel to jointly resist Iran’s terror threats. The Iranian Shia Ayatollahs and Mullahs are sworn to the destruction of the Arab monarchies because of the ancient divisions of Islam between Shias and Sunnis. Naturally, there is opposition to the talks from Hamas in Gaza. Even the Arab members of Israel’s Knesset (Parliament) are exposed, as against peace.

Arab MKs condemn Netanyahu’s Saudi visit, warn it could spark war – Joint List lawmakers, who also opposed normalization with UAE and Bahrain, claim Trump and PM have ‘nothing to lose’; Hamas demands explanation from Riyadh

One final aspect is fascinating on a different level. This surprise talks were held in the new Saudi city of Neom on the Red Sea. This is a $500 BILLION project by MBS (Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman). But it happens to be right where Mt. Sinai is located. My theory is that MBS plans to use Mt. Sinai as the crown tourist attraction for his Neom project, and for this he needs peace and normal relations with Israel.

NEOM – AN ACCELERATOR OF HUMAN PROGRESS

For all of this we must be in much prayer. Remember what I have been saying about the future of Saudi Arabia according Isaiah 60. All the places in these two verses are in Saudi Arabia.

“The multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; ​​All those from Sheba shall come; ​​They shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of Yehovah. ​​All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, and I will glorify the house of My glory.” Isaiah 60:6-7

If you can believe the Bible, it says they will be accepted on Yehovah’s altar! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray and thank God for Israel’s rain.

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)

 


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The God Who Reveals Secrets

30 10 2020

Talit

TOP BUTTON? My priority in this election is Israel. If you get the top button on your shirt in the wrong buttonhole, each succeeding button will be wrong. Israel is the top button.

Today’s pundits always start at the bottom or randomly in the middle. No wonder they usually get it wrong. Yehovah God is working in this world (and in this election) from the top down. He is working to reveal the Messiah of Israel as the Savior of the world. Israel is the key. 

Is Trump counting on God to put him back in the White House? – Trump’s recent moves are seen by Evangelicals as manifestations of the Bible.

We are in a day where Yehovah is revealing hidden secrets, which will turn the course of history as it did in Daniel’s day:

Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.”  Daniel 2:27-29

Confused, broken-hearted, lost people find it difficult to believe in God, let alone believe His promises. Israel, resurrected and restored against all odds, is proof of God’s faithfulness. His word and His character are unchangeable, immutable. (Some of you may recall my illustration of the mute button on a remote control: “You can’t mute God, He is immutable!”

For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:13-20

The two immutable things are God’s word and His character. What He promises cannot fail because His character is perfect. 

​“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

Therefore, because God is blessing, favoring, and restoring Israel, I believe the most pro-Israel President in U.S. history will be re-elected. Israel is the top button and that is why I voted for Donald J. Trump.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for Israel rain. Pray for our elections.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)

 


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Circle of Peace

24 10 2020

Netanyahu and Sudan peace

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu refers to the snowballing Arab peace agreements as the “circle of peace.” Yesterday Sudan was added to the growing list, soon to be followed by Oman, Morocco, and even Saudi Arabia, as well as others. There are now five Arab nations at peace with Israel. Don’t forget that Serbia and Kosovo also agree to recognize Israel and open embassies in Israel. Kosovo is the first non-Arab Muslim nation to do so. This is truly historic.

Sudan is especially interesting because they are still technically at war with Israel from 1948, which is not true of the UAE and Bahrain. Sudan’s capitol, Khartoum, was the location of the infamous Arab League meeting after the 1967 Six Day War. That is where they adopted “the three No’s”: “No to peace with Israel, no to recognition of Israel and no to negotiations with Israel.” Also, please note that Sudan will end up against Israel in the Ezekiel 38 Gog & Magog War. But first, Israel must enter a period of total peace, such complete peace that they tear down their walls and bars and gates. They would have to have immense confidence in their security, which brings me back to the circle of peace.

“After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely. — You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’“ Ezekiel 38:8 & 11

Notice that the nations that now encircle Israel are not mentioned in Ezekiel 38. Those are the nations that will create the circle of peace, along with others (Gulf states, North African states and a few other Muslim states). We may also see agreements with other African states who want to get in on the economic benefits that are about to explode in this Middle East circle of peace. According to Isaiah 19, even Syria and Lebanon will join! Here is just one example of the economic opportunity.

Israeli firm signs deal to pipe UAE oil to Europe – State-owned Europe-Asia Pipeline Co. says agreement, reached as part of normalization pact, will see much more oil pumped through major link between East Asia and Europe

To be sure, this peace may not last more than a decade or so, but in the meantime it is an earth shaking realignment of loyalties in the Middle East. Shifting sands will see the Arab nations working with Israel in unprecedented ways. This is right in line with our studies of Psalm 83, Isaiah 19 and Isaiah 60. Wow! What a time to be alive.

MY TAKE: What about the Palestinian Arabs? The people will be included, not with a new state, but in an option to become citizens of Israel. The PA (Palestinian Authority) and PLO will certainly reject every offer for peace, so there will come a separation between the people and their terrorist leaders. The land was given by Yehovah God to Israel and He has the final say. Therefore, Israel will ultimately prevail.

“On the same day Yehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.” Genesis 15:18

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for rain, and pray for the U.S. election.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)


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What are you voting for?

21 10 2020

I Voted With Stars Clipart

I voted for the First Amendment and freedom of speech.

I voted for the Second Amendment and my right to defend my life and my family.

I voted for the next Supreme Court Justice to protect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I voted for the continued growth of my retirement 401K and the stock market.

I voted for a return of our troops from foreign countries and the end to America’s involvement in foreign conflicts.

I voted for the Electoral College & the Republic in which we live.

I voted for the Police to be respected and to ensure Law & Order.

I voted for the continued appointment of Federal Judges who respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I voted for our jobs to remain in America and not be outsourced all over again to China, Mexico and other foreign countries.

I voted for secure borders and legal immigration.

I voted for the Military & the Veterans who fought for this Country who gave the American people their freedoms.

I voted for the unborn babies that have a right to live.

I voted for continued peace progress in the middle east and in support of Israel.

I voted to fight against human/child trafficking.

I voted for Freedom of Religion.

I voted for the American Flag that is disrespected by the Democratic Party.

I voted for the right to speak my opinion & not be censored.

I voted not just voting for one person. I’m voting for the future of my Country.

I voted for my children and my grandchildren to ensure their freedoms and their future.

What are you voting for?

(Source unknown, but it makes sense to me.)

Today I voted for policies that continue this great American experiment of representative government with checks and balances that control to some extent the natural sinful nature and rebellion of humans. Our republic is based on the Bible, without which we are doomed to fall.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 NLT

Pray for the United States election. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rains to begin Israel’s rainy season.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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Kenya for Israel 2020

21 08 2020

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My third year speaking at the Kenya PDA (Purpose, Destiny, Achievement) Conference was virtual this year. Last year Doreen and I were honored to speak to nearly 5,000 young Kenyans in Bungoma County. It was limited to 100 in person this year because of the China virus. Yet, several speakers from the U.S. and India were able to speak on video in addition to Kenya church leaders in person, along with the founder, Michael Masambu.

Pastor Masambu started 20 years ago with 17 youth. The future is bright for Kenya with all the leaders that have been raised up already, and the best is yet to come. Please Pray for Michael as he continues to expand his vision for Jesus and the Kingdom of God for Kenya and the world. Michael and I are nearly finished with his biography that will be printed, Lord willing, in Kenya and in the States. Here is the title: The Swahili Man – A Village Boy Who Became A Man of God for Kenya

My two sessions are now available on my YouTube channel by simply searching my name, Les Lawrence, on YouTube. But, here are links if you are interested in my requested subjects:

WHY Pray for Israel?

HOW to Pray for Israel

“For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?”  Romans 11:24

Israel is rising. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for Kenya!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)


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Turkey and the New Ottoman Empire

8 08 2020

Heroic_Turkish_Flag-615x345

Today I am featuring excerpts from an article in Israel Today by David Lazarus: Underground Pastor Reveals: Turkey Becoming Another Iran – In exclusive interview, Turkish Christian leader says, “We have learned that democracy is not our savior” (This is from a Members Only section, but is a great example of the value of becoming a member.) Notice the rising opposition to Israel and the God of Israel.

Turkey is tilting towards the East, and its growing relationship with China and Russia bode a major increase in the minefield of enemy warmongers along Israel’s northern border. In the meantime, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s strong-arm president, has undermined NATO by installing Russian S-400 anti-aircraft batteries pointed towards Israel and Europe, and is ramping up his support for terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah while allowing other jihadist groups like ISIS to launch terror attacks unhindered in the region.

Mustafa, who cannot reveal his real name for fear of violent retribution against his wife and three children … explained that just having contact with someone from Israel is now considered an act of treason as Erdogan continues to push the once secular democracy towards a regional caliphate, or Islamic State. “The government is constantly trying to frame local believers as spies, which is evidence that they deserved to die,” he said.

“Somehow Turkey is still seen as a moderate Muslim country by the US and Europe,” Mustafa said. “But Turkey failed to join the Western alliance because it is in the country’s DNA to return to the Islamic State dreams of the Ottoman Empire.”

Turning the Hagia Sofia, one of the world’s most distinguished historical churches, into an Islamic mosque is indicative of what’s happening in Turkey today. “Erdogan sees himself as ‘Conqueror of Christianity’ and restorer of Islam,” Mustafa revealed. “He wants to rebuild a new Ottoman Empire and declare himself Caliph (supreme leader of the Islamic State). The Hagia Sofia was an ace card he’s been holding and now he needs it to fill the ballot boxes. The entire country is moving towards radical Islam.”

I hope you will consider becoming a member of Israel Today, published in Israel by Messianic believers in Yeshua as Son of God and Messiah of Israel.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship Yehovah in the holy mount at Jerusalem.” Isaiah 27:13

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                (Read more)


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The Disappearing Palestinians

28 04 2020

Arab-Israeli identity

This week Israel is celebrating it 72nd Independence Day. The population has reached 9.2 million citizens. Jews are nearly seven million and Arabs nearly two million. But an amazing phenomena was identified in a major annual survey just release by The Jewish People Policy Institute. There is a major shift occurring in the Arab/Palestinian community. Palestinians are “disappearing.” Look at the changes in just one year in the above identity chart of non-Jew residents of Israel. 

A dramatic increase, compared with last year, in the percentage of non-Jews who consider their primary identity to be “Israeli,” and a concurrent sharp decline in the percentage of those who define their identity as “Palestinian.” JPPI

Notice the decrease in the “Palestinian” category from 18% to just 7% in one year. Also notice the big increase in the “Israeli” category from 5% to 23%. These are non-Jews! So, what can we see prophetically from these trends?

First, the world media is way off. They repeat the narrative that Palestinian Arabs hate Israel, are terribly oppressed, and live in an “apartheid” state. Yet this and many other surveys on the ground tell a completely different story.

Second, this is evidence to me that God is working in the Arabs as well as the Jews to move toward the “one new man,” that Paul prophesies in Ephesians.

For we are his workmanship, created in Messiah Yeshua for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. Therefore remember that once you, the Goyim in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision,” (in the flesh, made by hands); that you were at that time separate from Messiah, alienated from the commonwealth of Yisra’el, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Messiah. For he is our shalom, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of mitzvot contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making shalom; Ephesians 2:10-15 Hebrew Names Version

Pray for all the residents of land of Israel for their salvation and unity. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Israel Election SUCCESS!

20 04 2020

Gantz and Netanyahu agreeWe now have a government! After three elections and a year-long stalemate, Israel finally has a unity governing agreement. Prime Minister Netanyahu will be the PM for a year and a half, followed by Gantz, also for 18 months. This is a win-win for Netanyahu and the conservative Zionist parties. Here is a countdown of the top five most important aspects of the agreement.

5. Netanyahu’s Likud Party will have the Knesset Speakership.

4. There will be a record 36 Ministers and 16 Deputy Ministers, split equally between the Center-Right and Center Left.

3. The orthodox religious parties won a victory in that the cabinet would set quotas for religious military drafts, rather than the Knesset, and thus better for orthodox males.

2. Likud won veto power in the Judicial Committee which would help turn the Supreme Court in a more conservative direction. Gantz’s former allies fume over coalition deal with Netanyahu – Lapid slams Blue and White for agreeing to allow PM ‘to appoint the judges that will adjudicate his affairs’;

And the number one victory in the agreement?

1. ANNEXATION! Netanyahu and Gantz agreed to officially begin extending Israel sovereignty into areas of Judea and Samaria (West Bank), especially the Jordan Valley. This would begin as soon as July 1, and would be in cooperation with the U.S. Deal of the Century peace plan. Unity deal allows Netanyahu to begin advancing annexation from July 1 – Move must be carried out in full cooperation with US, which has all but given its blessing already; can be advanced through cabinet or Knesset, where right enjoys clear majority.

So, how does this fulfill Bible prophecy? Well, first, it finally ends the impotent Oslo Peace Plan of 1993 that has only led to bloodshed because of the Palestinian false hope. They wrongly call it “occupied territory” when the legal term is “disputed territory.”

Second, it allows Israel to legally expand to more of the Biblical Promised Land. This is as big or bigger than President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital, moving the U.S. Embassy, and Trump’s recognition of Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. Even though the Trump plan still talks about two states, I believe this signals the end of that false hope as well. God gave the land to Israel according to Scripture and it will be Israel’s land!

Here are related stories:

Rotation, annexation et al: Key elements of the Netanyahu-Gantz coalition deal – Agreement envisages vote on West Bank annexation in July, gives right-wing veto power on panel that chooses judges, provides for new elections if High Court bars Netanyahu as PM

The deal is done: Netanyahu, Gantz ink coalition pact – Deal ends 17-month political crisis * Plan calls for annexation in July

PLO official blasts new Israeli government – Saeb Erekat says Netanyahu-Gantz government is a threat to peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

Naturally, there will be great vocal (and potentially violent) opposition, but the bottom line is that the prophetic arrow is pointing in the right direction. Yehovah God will bless Israel and the United States as this is accomplished. Those who would divide the land are on the wrong side of history as the saying goes.

At the time of those events,” says Yehovah, “when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, my special possession, for scattering my people among the nations, and for dividing up my land. Joel 3:1-2 NLT

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Sea of Galilee Nearly Full

14 04 2020

Sea of Galilee full

The last time the floodgates were opened was 1992. The lowest level, recorded in 2001, was 19 feet below what it is today! The Sea of Galilee (also called Kinnert) is only seven inches from full, and is gaining an inch a day. More rain is forecast for this week and the Spring runoff from Mt Hermon is continuing. It is likely water will be released into the Jordan River soon. Our prayers are answered. Praise the Lord! This is a Biblical sign of God’s blessing. It reminds us that even in the time of great testing from the virus pandemic and economic doomsayers, Yehovah God is accumulating His blessing to be poured out on those who wait for Him. Let the sea roar!

Please read and meditate on this great Scripture from the dedication of David’s Tabernacle when the Ark of the Covenant was placed in an open tent for all to gather for worship. Notice I intentionally use the accurate translation of God’s name rather than the generic “LORD,” which is wrongly used in English translations throughout the Old Testament. This passage is so much stronger using God’s real name!

Sing to YEHOVAH , all the earth; ​​Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. ​​Declare His glory among the nations, ​​His wonders among all peoples.​

​​For YEHOVAH is great and greatly to be praised; ​​He is also to be feared above all gods. ​​For all the gods of the peoples are idols, ​​But YEHOVAH  made the heavens. ​​Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and gladness are in His place.

​​Give to YEHOVAH , O families of the peoples, ​​Give to YEHOVAH  glory and strength. ​​Give to YEHOVAH  the glory due His name; ​​Bring an offering, and come before Him. ​​Oh, worship YEHOVAH  in the beauty of holiness!

​​Tremble before Him, all the earth. ​​The world also is firmly established, ​​It shall not be moved. ​​Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; ​​And let them say among the nations, “YEHOVAH  reigns.”

​​Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; ​​Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it. ​​Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before YEHOVAH , ​​For He is coming to judge the earth. ​​Oh, give thanks to YEHOVAH , for He is good! ​​For His mercy endures forever. ​​And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation; ​​Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.”

​​Blessed be YEHOVAH  God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised YEHOVAH.  1 Chronicles 16:23-36

Does that bring into focus what David was really doing? He had a personal relationship of intimacy with the God of Israel that he wanted to introduce to everyone in Israel. It was too bad God was again shut up in the inner confines of the temple of Solomon.

Thank Yehovah God for rain, and pray for 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 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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Bible Voting + Israel Virus Vaccine!

29 02 2020

vote 1

ISRAEL NEWS FLASH! Before my thoughts on voting, there is great news from Israel. Scientists have been working for four years on a vaccine for coronavirus in chickens that can be adapted for humans, and they are only weeks away. Praise the Lord! Pray for a total breakthrough. Israel continues to be a blessing for the nations. 

Israeli scientists: ‘In a few weeks, we will have coronavirus vaccine’ – JPost

About Voting: My plan was to prepare a Biblical voting guide for this year, but I found a list already completed that works. Thank you, Linda, for sending it to me. The irony is that it was already attacked online before I used it. That’s good, because now I can refute the accusation that “the Bible verses were cherry-picked to confirm my own bias.”

About Bias: It is accepted truth that everyone is biased. The key is to know the bias of your source. My bias is not Republican or Democrat, but the Bible. I don’t start with my party and then “cherry-pick” verses. My Bible knowledge informs my choices. Therefore the above positions flow from the Bible and not vice versa. I could add a number of other issues, and I will this summer when the party platforms are released. For instance, “national borders”  was God’s idea (Acts 17:26), not globalism.

What I asks is that you pray about your choices, but especially that you be sure to vote! There were 20 million evangelical Christians who did not vote last time! Imagine the results if we all voted this time. Please pray and vote!

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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,  1 Timothy 2:1-3

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain,

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)


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Israel’s Future is Now

14 02 2020

Land promise

Much remains of the promises to Israel, but much is now happening. Some Christians have been tainted by replacement theology, that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan. That is a grave error. The future promises to Israel are seen in the present. Just consider this one passage (of many):

“Therefore thus says the Lord Yehovah: ‘Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name— after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid. When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations, then they shall know that I am Yehovah their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord Yehovah.” Ezekiel 39:25-29

Look at what God will do for them AFTER He brings them back from among the nations. Notice that Yehovah uses both terms, Jacob and Israel. He clearly did not mean the church. We may call ourselves “spiritual Israel,” but not “spiritual Jacob.” He clearly means physical Israel that was scattered to the nations.

  1. They will hallow Him, see Him as Holy, once again.
  2. They will know Him as Yehovah.
  3. They will realize He is the one who sent them into captivity.
  4. They will also know that He is the one who brought them back.
  5. He will leave none of them captive.
  6. He will not hide His face from them anymore.
  7. He will pour out His Spirit on them.

Hallelujah to the faithful God who keeps His covenants even to a thousand generations!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and thank Him for continuing snow and rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)


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Palestinian Confusion

8 02 2020

Dry Bones curiouser

The Trump peace deal has exposed deep differences among Palestinian Arabs in Israel. My last post exposed the lie about “Palestinians.” The above cartoon from my friend Yaakov Kirschen points out the dilemma facing Arab Palestinians in the West Bank. The Bible calls this area Judea and Samaria. Here is more from a recent article.

The Real Reason Arabs In Israel Do Not Want to Live In ‘Palestine’ – The main reason Arabs in Israel are afraid of becoming Palestinian citizens is because they know that the Palestinian state will be anything but democratic. Many Arab citizens of Israel see how Palestinians living under the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip are subject to human rights violations on a daily basis. In Israel, Arab citizens participate in the general elections and have their own representatives in the Knesset. In the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Palestinians have been deprived of free and fair elections since January 2006.

President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority is now in the 16th year of his four year term. I’m not kidding. He is 84, in failing health, and has named no successor. He has said he will die before giving up any part of “Palestine” which he says is “from the river to the sea.” This is the chant heard on college campuses around the world. Don’t hold your breath waiting for him to make peace with Israel.

We need to pray for the helpless Palestinian people. They need the Messiah Yeshua as much as the rest of us. God is blessing Israel and will increase favor. The best hope for Palestinians is to be granted Israeli citizenship and to worship Yehovah, God of Israel.

“Thus you shall divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. It shall be that you will divide it by lot as an inheritance for yourselves, and for the strangers who dwell among you and who bear children among you. They shall be to you as native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And it shall be that in whatever tribe the stranger dwells, there you shall give him his inheritance,” says the Lord Yehovah. Ezekiel 47:21-23

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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                         (Read more)


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