What is Shavuot?

25 05 2023

Fifty days after Passover is the Biblical Feast of Shavuot, or Weeks. It starts at sundown tonight 5-25-23. Three times a year Israel gathers to Jerusalem according to Leviticus 23 to observe the feasts of Yehovah. “It was originally an agricultural festival, marking the beginning of the wheat harvest. During the Temple period, the first fruits of the harvest were brought to the Temple, and two loaves of bread made from the new wheat were offered.” This feast is lessor know but has great importance and Biblical meaning. The Jews believe it was the time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Christians celebrate it as Pentecost which also means “fiftieth day.” The Holy Spirit was poured on the early Jewish believers as described in the second chapter of Acts. This was the first fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.

​“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; ​​Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, ​​Your old men shall dream dreams, ​​Your young men shall see visions. ​And also on My menservants and on My maidservants ​​I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”  Joel 2:28-29

Both of these shared events (Shavuot and Pentecost) are fulfilled for believers. The Commandments engraved in stone represent the written word. The gift of the Holy Spirit represents the power and presence of God in our lives. The Holy Spirit provided to us  is the only way we can walk in His word. Notice both word and Spirit are included in this next verse.

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”  Ephesians 1:13-14

We trusted YEHOVAH GOD after we heard the WORD of truth. Then we were sealed with the promised HOLY SPIRIT. We now can recognize Father, Son, and Holy Spirit coming together to allow us access to the presence of God the Father in the very throne room of heaven.  Jesus is the living Word and the Holy Spirit is the Seal of our relationship. These three working in perfect unity usher us into intimacy with Yehovah God. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

We celebrate Shavuot/Pentecost beginning at sundown tonight in the Jewish calendar and this Sunday in the Christian calendar.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, wisdom for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for rain in season.

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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Jerusalem Day!

18 05 2023

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Today, Israel and Jews everywhere, along with Christian Zionists are celebrating 56 years since the liberation of Jerusalem in the miracle Six Day War of 1967. Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem in Gentile hands which happened in 70AD. But He also prophesied the liberation of Jerusalem from Gentiles that happened in 1967. Jerusalem is the eternal undivided capital of Israel. It has never been the capital of any other nation. Yehovah God is faithful to keep His promises!

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

“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not!” and “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”   Romans 11:1&29

Jerusalem back in the hands of Israel is as important as the rebirth of Israel in 1948. Israeli sovereignty over the entire city is extraordinary given the nearly 2,000 years of persecution and wandering among the nations. Only God could have performed the miracle redemption of Jerusalem. And the best news is that He is working in their hearts so they will never depart from Him again! Wow! It is an everlasting covenant with them based not on their behavior, but His will and His grace. He will rejoice over them to do them good and plant them in His Land! We see this with our own eyes. Hallelujah! God is faithful.

“At that time Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of Yehovah, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of Yehovah, to Jerusalem. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts.”  Jeremiah3:17

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

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


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Israel Clarity after 600 Rockets

11 05 2023

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“My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. ​​I am for peace; ​​But when I speak, they are for war.” Psalm 120:6-7

600 rockets fired from Gaza in two days this week. We need to pray that people will have clear vision of the truth about Israel. Propaganda lies always cloud the view. A few weeks ago, an Israeli mother and her two daughters were killed in an execution style terrorist attack as they were driving for a vacation. Here is how it was covered on CNN: “Three members of the Dee family ‘were killed in a shootout.’ “ (Christiane Amanpour – view video) There was no shootout. It was cold-blooded murder. How wicked and twisted is it to pervert the truth of the attack?

“My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. ​​I am for peace; ​​But when I speak, they are for war.” Psalm 120:6-7

Here are four statements that bring clarity and expose the media bias against Israel.

  1. “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more ‎violence. If the Jews put ‎down their weapons ‎today, there would be no ‎more Israel’‎” (Golda Meir, paraphrased by Benjamin Netanyahu)

  2. “Peace will come to the Middle East when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us” (Golda Meir)
  3. “The Islamic Jihad terror organization in Gaza is committing double war crimes! Launching rockets on civilians in Israel, fired from civilians areas in Gaza. 25% of its rockets land inside Gaza, some killing Palestinians.” (Eli Cohen) 
  4. “Yehovah has the final say!” Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ “ Genesis 48:3-4

Israel goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties. TERRORISTS TARGET CIVILIANS. Please watch this video where Israel aborted an attack because they see children in the area.

“There Are Children Here! Abort!” Israel Air Force heard calling off Gaza airstrikes to avoid harming innocent bystanders. Israel often drops leaflets or texts cellphones to warn civilians. They even fire a dud missile on a building before the real one. Pray for eyes to see the truth.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem as we continue in 21 days of prayer and fasting for Israel. There are now 5 million Christians praying in the Isaiah 62 fast. Here is an update.

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


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21 Days Praying & Fasting for Israel – 1 Million +

4 05 2023

2023 Wall

Isaiah 62 Fast for Israel

God is calling His Believers who Love Israel and the Jews to pray for them from May 7- 28.
Here is what Mike Bickle says about this:

“Join over 1 million believers who will engage in prayer for Israel for at least one hour a day for 21 days (May 7-28) for the increase of God’s salvation promises and plans for Jerusalem and Israel. Some will pray alone and others will pray with 2 or more (Mt. 18:20)—virtually or in-person—in their home, office, dorm, or at their church, etc.

A collaboration of several thousand ministries —including Lou Engle, Jason Hubbard, Mike Bickle—are calling 1 million believers to participate in a global solemn assembly (May 7-28)to fast in various ways and to pray for the Lord’s purposes for Israel AND to ask Him to raise up 100 million intercessors for Israel according to His promise in Isaiah 62:6 to sovereignly “set,” “appoint,” or “mark” intercessors who will remind the Lord of His promises for Jerusalem until Jesus returns. Isaiah 62:6 is an end-time promise that is now escalating across the earth.”

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed [set, KJV] watchmen; all day and all night they will never keep silent. You [intercessors] who remind the Lord, take no rest for yourselves; 7And give Him no rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth [at Jesus’ return]. (Isa. 62:6-7, NAS

Link to the Isaiah 62 Fast website:  https://isaiah62fast.com/

Elisha Vision Ministries has joined this call and encourages you participate with your whole heart for His people and His Land!

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

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


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Jerusalem’s Ultimate Glory

28 04 2023

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Isaiah 60 has been a favorite of mine for many years. But, it is usually applied to individual believers. Yet, the literal city of Jerusalem, (often called Zion), is the subject of Isaiah’s prophecy. Without dissecting every verse, let me emphasize a few points for your encouragement.

  1. The timing is the regathering of Jews from all countries as mentioned in verse 4.
  2. The wealth of the world will come to Israel because Yehovah has glorified Israel. verse 9.
  3. Jerusalem will be called: “the city of Yehovah, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” verse 14.
  4. She will be changed from forsaken and hated to: “eternal excellence and a joy of many generations.” verse 15.
  5. Salvation will prevail and even the land promise is fulfilled: “Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified.” verse 21.
  6. Finally: “A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, Yehovah, will hasten it in its time.” verse 22.

The conclusion of this prophecy is that the glory of Yehovah God is revealed because he shares His glory with His chosen ones of Israel and especially Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

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


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75 Years! From Mourning to Gladness

25 04 2023

Watch just the first minute of this video. Israel has just observed its very sober memorial day where everything stops for two minutes of silent prayer, even every car on the highways. This is followed the next day by their independence day celebrations. This is rather unique to Israel and reminds me of the days of Queen Esther after the defeat of the Jews enemies in Persia.

“as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.”  Esther 9:22 ESV

Here are just a few of the great stories from Israel’s 75th Anniversary as the miracle nation of Yehovah God’s promises fulfilled. Enjoy each story and pray for God’s continuing restoration and favor of His beloved land. Please click each link for the full story.

The Country Comes Alive When the People Are at Home – Seventy-five years have passed and the State of Israel has almost 10 million people. In 25 years, when Israel celebrates its 100th anniversary, there will be around 17 million people. Tiny Israel is a phenomenon in the 21st century demographic landscape.

75 Years of the Biblical Economic Miracle – In a very short time, Israel has developed from a barren desert to a high-tech oasis. Israel’s economy is a true miracle. A country is still young at 75 years of age. But the direction is clearly emerging: blessings are pouring down on the Jewish nation, not only, but also in economic terms. Little Israel is truly a land of plenty.

Israeli-Made High-Energy Laser Makes Debut – Called the Iron Beam, the system is designed to neutralize a range of incoming targets — including unmanned aerial systems, rockets, artillery and mortar rounds — using a 100-kilowatt or more directed energy weapon. “We actually can focus the beam to the diameter of a coin in a 10-kilometer range.”

Please pray for this demonstration in Israel this Thursday of a million people in support of Supreme Court reform in Israel.

Campaign in US in support of the Million-Person March – Just before the opening of the Knesset’s summer session of the Knesset, there will be a historic million-person demonstration in history in support of the reform of the justice system.

Finally, here is a link to my Palm Sunday message at Grace Assembly of God in Wake Forest, NC. I am also sharing this word in New Hampshire this week. The title is: “The Most Important Prayer Meeting in the History of the World.”

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in season.

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


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God Breathed Words

19 04 2023

Every Scripture Jesus ever quoted was from the Hebrew Old Testament. The same is true of the writers of the New Testament. This is critical for every believer to understand, to submit to. Many Christians use only the New, thinking it is better or has replaced the Old. That is a serious error. The Apostle Paul was as clear and as strong as could be when he insisted this to Timothy, his protégé.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

When Paul said “All Scripture” he meant all. Most of the New had not even been written yet. There are 283 direct quotes from the Old Testament in the New. I like to put it like this: “Jesus quoted the Old Testament like it was Scripture!” Who knew? He did not diminish it, but rather confirmed it. He quoted it as Bible truth.

Notice the next phrase revealing that is was “breathed out by God” or God breathed. It is often translated “inspired by God.” That is the same thing. Here is further confirmation.

“knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV

Finally, look at what the Holy Spirit through Paul emphasized in the rest of the verse to Timothy. Every bit of Scripture is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. What is the purpose, the end result that we should expect? “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 

So, when you read the Bible (All of it!), read it not as man’s experiences, but as Yehovah God Himself speaking His words to us. He spoke these words by the breath of His mouth (the Holy Spirit) directly to men to write down for the rest of us for our profit. Hallelujah! Thank you Father God.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for life giving rains.

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


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Delivered From Darkness to Kingdom Light

12 04 2023

bright-light

Here are a couple of thoughts today about the nature of Yehovah God contrasted to the empty despair of Satan’s domain. God and Satan are not equal but opposite adversaries. The devil was originally an angel created by God, but he wanted to be God. His selfish ambition brought him down, literally. So, I have two points.

  1.  Satan is not a king; he is a dictator. God is not a dictator; He is a benevolent King!
  2.  God is also light. There is no darkness in Him.

“Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:12-13

Notice that Satan has authority in the “domain of darkness,” but he does not have a kingdom. The word domain is related to dominion and domination. He rules by fear, force, and intimidation. Our Father God, on the other hand, has delivered us from that domination to the beautiful Kingdom of His beloved Son, Jesus. His is a voluntary Kingdom. He is a servant King. He rules by love and forgiveness and acceptance.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  James 1:17

You may not have thought about this, but why is there no shadow of turning with God? A shadow is caused by something blocking a light source. However, God Himself is Light. He is the light source! He will never cast a shadow because He is light Himself.

Now go back to the first verse above. He has “qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” He has delivered us, from the crushing domination of Satan to the shining Kingdom of His Son. We have moved from darkness to His Light. Hallelujah!

“And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”  Revelation 22:3-5

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and wisdom from above for Prime Minister Netanyahu. Also, pray for rain and thank Him for the late Spring rains the last few days.

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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Do THIS!

6 04 2023

Messiah is our Passover

Do you know why Jesus was in Jerusalem this particular week? He came to Jerusalem virtually every year of His life to celebrate Passover. He was not there for Palm Sunday. He was there for the eternal purpose of fulfilling the original Passover in the deliverance from Egypt and the slavery of the wicked Pharaoh. The first Passover was symbolic. The Lamb’s blood on the doorpost did nothing about their sinfulness. It was a mark to spare the Israelites from the death of the firstborn, which was God’s judgement on Egypt.

When Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples, He was to become the ACTUAL LAMB OF GOD to take away the sins of the world for all who would believe in Him.

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”  John 1:29-33

Of course Christians call it the Last Supper, but it was actually a regular Passover under extraordinary circumstances. The first Passover in Egypt was to be remembered for all generations. But, when Jesus led this Passover He made a profound point which would change the future observance of Passover. He boldly charged the disciple to specifically remember Him from now on, every time they held a Passover meal.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  Luke 22:19

and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  1 Corinthians 11:24

Oddly, most churches use Paul’s quotation rather than Luke’s. This has the subtle (unintentional) effect of slightly separating communion from the Passover. When Jesus said: “Do this…” He was referring to Passover. He is the Passover Lamb of God! We most certainly should have communion, but remember the Lamb. Remember the rest of the story. It is not about instituting a new religious sacrament. It is identifying Yeshua, our Messiah, as the Lamb slain for us! His blood is not symbolic; it is effectual in paying the price for our sin through His death. The eternal justice of Yehovah God is satisfied, that Jesus die in our place. God has closed the books on our sin for all who simply believe in Him who died. Hallelujah!

Christians should continue sharing communion, but we are also blessed to participate in the 3,500 year history of Passover. This is even more true once we reconnect to our Jewish roots through the Jewish Messiah.

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

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


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What Do Israel and Salmon Have in Common?

29 03 2023

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It is so exciting to plan this year’s Israel tour. I have always felt that a visit to Israel is like a salmon returning to it spawning grounds. The Bible clearly declares that “this one and that one were born in her”. You really feel like you were born there:

“HIS foundation is in the holy mountains. Yehovah loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God!      Selah

“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia:

‘This one was born there.'” And of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her;

And the Most High Himself shall establish her.” Yehovah will record, When He registers the peoples:

“This one was born there.”      Selah

Both the singers and the players on instruments say, “All my springs are in you.”  Psalm 87

You are literally returning “to the rock from which you were hewn:”

“LISTEN to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek Yehovah: Look to the rock from which you were hewn,

And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you;

For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.”

For Yehovah will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden,

And her desert like the garden of Yehovah; Joy and gladness will be found in it, 

Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.”  Isaiah 51:1-3

As a non-Jewish believer in Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel, I am so humbled to be included in the patriarchal blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I am grafted into the commonwealth of Israel. Much remains to be fulfilled in the future, but I rejoice now in the covenant promises fulfilled in Jesus. The restoration of the land and the regathering of the people is a miracle before our eyes. I stand with Israel as they celebrate 75 years as a modern nation this May.

God has turned the page from judgement to restoration, blessing, and favor for Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and wisdom for her leaders, especially Prime Minister Netanyahu. Pray that he can steer the ship of state through the rocky waters of internal politics at this time. Also, please continue to pray for rain for the land that the promise will be fulfilled that “the desert will blossom as a rose.”

This year in Jerusalem! September 5-15

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


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Forget All That

21 03 2023

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The Exodus and deliverance of Israel from Egypt was one of the greatest acts of God in history. Yet, He says to “Forget all that. It is nothing compared to what I am going to do!” The Exodus was nothing by contrast? Wow! Something great is happening with Israel.

“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed. I have made Israel for myself, and they will someday honor me before the whole world.”  Isaiah 43:18-21 NLT

Isaiah 43 is revealing Yehovah God’s promise and plan to restore His people in the end and forgive their sins. This is the restoration of Israel that we have seen for the last 75 years. His plan is that they will honor Him before the whole world. They have become one of the most powerful nations on earth. They have recently been recognized as the fourth happiest people on the planet! They were 12th two years ago, 9th last year, and fourth this year!

Of course this means that they will experience a great returning, not just to the land, but to Yehovah. They will come to see that Yeshua really is the Messiah and Son of Yehovah. Today, many in Israel are extremely secular, immoral, and many in unbelief. But this will change as God turns their hearts to Him. I pray for them and I pray for us as well. The refreshing of the Lord’s presence comes from repentance.

“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”  Isaiah 43:25 NLT

“But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,whom heaven must receive until the times of RESTORATION of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”  Acts 3:18-21

We are indeed living in the time of restoration. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for waters in the desert, and for rivers in the dry wasteland.

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


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Lowest Point On Earth

14 03 2023

Float-in-the-Dead-Sea

Did you know the lowest place on earth is in Israel? Here is a brief description from my friend Barry Perez. I am excited to take a tour group in September and we will have a chance to float in the Dead Sea!

The Dead Sea is both the lowest point on earth at over 1,400 ft. below sea level, and the deepest hypersaline lake in the world at a depth of 2,600 ft. below sea level. It is also one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, with a salinity of about 37%. It is twice as salty as the Great Salt Lake in Utah and 8.6 times as salty as the Atlantic Ocean. The high salinity prevents macroscopic aquatic organisms such as fish and aquatic plants from living in it.

Ezekiel prophesied that the Dead Sea would one day be teaming with life. There are recent reports of fish swimming in sinkholes of fresh water which have formed on the shores of the sea. These large freshwater sinkholes were discovered in 2011, are a result of dropping water levels. The Sinkholes are caused by fresh water running under the ground from nearby mountains are meeting the sediment layers and melting them. As a result, the sinkholes are teaming with fish and algae. The water has a salinity level less than 1.5% and is water you could drink. This is the beginning of the FULFILLMENT of Ezekiel’s PROPHECY:

“There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows. Fishermen will stand along the shores of the Dead Sea. All the way from En-gedi to En-eglaim, the shores will be covered with nets drying in the sun. Fish of every kind will fill the Dead Sea, just as they fill the Mediterranean.”  Ezekiel 47:9-10 NLT

We will also visit En-gedi, where David hid from Saul in the caves near the waterfalls! Yehovah God is restoring both the land and the people of Israel.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rains in season.

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


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No Preconditions!

7 03 2023

Lapid and Gantz

This year Israel celebrates 75 years as a sovereign, democratic nation. For 75 years they have consistently professed the willingness to negotiate with the Palestinians with no preconditions. However, the Palestinians just as consistently demand preconditions before they will negotiate, such as Israeli concessions prior to even sitting down to talk. This pattern is not contested. But, now there is an internal debate in Israel about judicial reforms and the left wing opposition (Lapid and Gantz pictured above) are borrowing from the Palestinian playbook. As the reforms are proceeding through the Knesset, they demand talks and negotiations about the various reforms. Netanyahu’s government agrees to talks with no preconditions, but the left refuses to meet unless the Knesset freezes the process during the talks. They seem to forget that Israel just held an election where the right had a resounding victory by the democratic vote of the people and the left lost. They do not get to set conditions. Netanyahu won. They lost.

Lapid & Gantz: Israel stands at brink of emergency and Netanyahu presses on – Opposition leaders respond to President’s call for dialogue by saying they will only agree to talk if the judicial reform bills are frozen.

This is the same pattern not only of the Palestinians and the Israeli left, but we have seen the same pressure tactics for years in the United States. Don’t be deceived by the rhetoric. This is a spiritual war. You can never satisfy a demanding spirit. If you start giving in to the demands they only demand more. As we remember Esther and Mordecai this Purim, I see the spirit of Haman in the demanding spirit of the left wing protestors.

“Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.”  Proverbs 27:20 NLT

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  1 Corinthians  2:13 

We seek Yehovah God and His righteousness. Only His truth will stand. When the enemy perverts the will of God, destruction follows. Pray for wisdom from above for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and pray for a steady hand as he steers his nation through this crisis. I believe God has restored him to power for “such a time as this.” Today is Purim in Israel so we pray for Esthers and Mordecais to be raised up in Israel to stand for the eternal purpose of God against all the evil demands of the spirit of Haman and Amelek.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in season.

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


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U.S. Not Involved, But…

1 03 2023

Arrogance is one of the most frustrating contradictions Israel faces. The Biden administration views Israel as a vassal state subject to the direction of the all wise U.S. State Department. After 3,000 years of history (about 2,750 more than America), who do we think we are to order Israel to conform to our demands? Israel is an independent and sovereign nation raised from the dead by the miraculous faithfulness of Yehovah God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is now rising among the sea of nations by His almighty hand. As we look at these recent headlines, consider the arrogance of the Biden position.

US Ambassador Nides: We aren’t getting involved but Netanyahu has to slow things down – US Ambassador Thomas Nides discussed Israel’s judicial reform bill saying the only thing that connects Israel and the US is democracy.

First, he is wrong about democracy being the only connection. Far more critical is our mutual Judeo-Christian moral values derived from the Bible. Second, he is wrong to oppose Israeli government directives regarding court reform and settlements. That is Israel’s internal business.

EU blasts Shechem operation: Use of force must be in full respect of international law – EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs calls on both sides to restore calm following IDF counterterrorism operation in Shechem.

First, Israel’s ongoing battle against terrorism is defending Israel’s very existence. The terrorists sware to kill all the Jews and drive Israel into the sea. Israel’s response is not subject to “international law,” when life and death issues are at stake. Second, he uses the ridiculous charge that “both sides” should restore calm. This suggests that both are equally to blame. Remember the famous quote from the late Golda Meir – Israel’s prime minister 49 years ago – who famously said, “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.” JPost

Israel constantly faces the temptation to be “a nation like the other nations,” but God has made them unique, with a sovereign purpose in the earth. Again and again Israel fell to the temptation. One major mistake was demanding a king like other nations that led to the disaster of King Saul who was removed by God. The fact was that they already had a king, Yehovah God Himself! Samuel pleaded with them to no avail.

Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”  1 Samuel 8:19-20

I often say that Saul was not the first king of Israel, God was! Once God allowed a king, He showed the character difference by following Saul with King David. What was the difference? When Saul was king, man was king. When David was king, Yehovah God was king. Saul did what he wanted. David always checked with God to do His will and God honored David.

“He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus.”  Acts 13:22-23

Pray that Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu will not give in to ungodly demands of the U.S., the EU, the UN, or any other nation.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, seasonal rains. and the rain of the Holy Spirit especially on the youth!

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

 

 

 


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Walk About Zion

25 02 2023

Prayer at the Wall

Since I am taking a tour group to Israel this year, you may think this post is about visiting Israel, but it is not. This is about Zion as evidence of God’s faithfulness. When we see the towers, the bulwarks, the palaces of Israel, we recognize that our God keeps every promise He has ever spoken. It is about our eternal relationship with Him. His character can be trusted. That is the bottom line. We either trust Him or not. It is a life and death conclusion.

“Walk about Zion, and go all around her. ​​Count her towers; ​​Mark well her bulwarks; ​​Consider her palaces; that you may tell it to the generation following. ​​For this is God, our God forever and ever; ​​He will be our guide even to death.”  Psalm 48:12-14

The miracle existence of Israel as a vibrant modern nation is proof of God’s faithfulness. Just as Satan has always tried to block the Messiah and eventually kill Him; Satan has also always tried to kill Israel. If he could eliminate the Jews, and now the nation of Israel, he thinks he could win over Yehovah God. However, his success in crucifying the Messiah was reversed and cancelled by the resurrection. In exactly the same way, the resurrection of Israel from being a dead nation was a colossal defeat of Satan.

Therefore, we walk about Zion and worship the God who keeps His word. He is alive and He is the source of life. His life is eternal and available to all who follow the One whom He has provided. This is Yeshua, Jesus in His own words:

“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

Now having said all that, it is still a great idea to visit Israel and see for yourself. So, if you are interested, take a peek at our September itinerary for our 2023 Elisha Vision Speak to the Dirt! Israel Tour.

Pray for peace of Jerusalem and increasing abundant rains for Israel.

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


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Asylum for Iran in Venezuela + Big Bucks?

21 02 2023

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Iran is arranging sanctuary for the regime’s leaders and even transferring billions to Venezuelan banks. While I am ministering in Florida, you may like to consider two stories about Iran that have not made headline news reports, yet. The “scarf revolution” is going strong after five months and the Ayatollah and the Mullahs are preparing for exile.

Exclusive: Iranian Regime Eying Venezuela As Sanctuary For Leaders – Dead worried about their fate in case of a revolution in Iran, the Islamic Republic’s officials have started looking for safe havens, especially Venezuela, their close ally. Western diplomatic sources told Iran International that the Islamic Republic has started negotiations with its Venezuelan allies to ensure they’d offer asylum to regime officials and their families should the situation worsen, and the possibility of a regime change increases.

Iran’s supreme leader sent $4b. to son’s account in Venezuela – report – The money was reportedly transferred by the regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to his son Mojtaba, who many anticipate will succeed his father.

This agrees with prophecy we have studied for the last few years. Iran is certainly part of the Gog and Magog coalition of Ezekiel 38, but it is not time for that invasion which clearly occurs only when Israel takes down their walls and dwells in security with no fear of invasion. Notice these particular verses:

“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.”  Ezekiel 38:8

“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

Therefore, I expect a time of unprecedented peace for Israel to emerge, although it will obviously take awhile. The Abraham Accords are part of the pathway to that period of peace, especially after Saudi Arabia joins. I also expect a great salvation among the Arabs as they accept that Yeshua is the Messiah. This directly leads to a total change from hating Israel to seeing their place in Yehovah’s plan. Arabs who leave Islam will become Christian Zionists. Watch and pray! (See Isaiah 19:22-25 and Isaiah 60:6-7).

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in this season.

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

Please pray about joining us in Israel September 5-15. Details here.  Limited space still available, first come, first served.


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Asbury Revival and Israel

15 02 2023

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The Holy Spirit visitation at Asbury University in Kentucky is spreading to many other colleges. We could be seeing the beginning of the long anticipated third great awakening in America. Many have said it would begin among the youth. We have never seen such depression and fear crushing our young people. Intercessors are arising to agree with God’s intervention. But, what does this mean for Israel? We are in the age of Israel’s restoration. Make no mistake. God will not move without including Israel. In the following verse notice that the refreshing comes from the Lord’s presence. I used to think it meant it came from His presence in Heaven, but rather the refreshing comes from the Lord present with us here on earth! He is not isolated in Heaven, He is here among us!

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”  Acts 3:19

Sovereign, Spontaneous, Sobering, HOLY: The nature of this visitation is sovereign and spontaneous. The Holy Spirit is speaking directly to hearts. There is a soberness evident in each person touched by this move. Israeli youth are in a similar place. It is my belief that God Himself is stirring the hearts of Israelis as well. Israel is always under threat from outside, but now is also experiencing the inner political, moral, and spiritual fears that we see in our American culture. A common denominator in every visitation of the living God is an acute awareness of how Holy God is. This is not first to make us live more holy, although that does result, but it is to encounter His holiness.

There is a desperation in our modern culture. The hopes of many have been crushed by life circumstances and fear of what is to come. WOKE IS BROKE! The woke movement has failed to produce real results in hearts. It was a false hope. This is the perfect time for the great awakening move of the Holy Spirit God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Rise up in prayer agreement for open hearts.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and a move of the Holy Spirit in Israel. Also continue praying for rain there.

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


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Do You Have Something to Say?

10 02 2023

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When I was in training for the Christian ministry nearly 60 years ago, a wise pastor charged me with a profound directive. “Don’t be a preacher who has to say something, be a preacher who has something to say.” This charge truly has directed my life. But, it is not only for pastors or speakers, everyone should take those words to heart. Have something to say. Take life seriously. Live with a purpose; stake your place on solid ground. Know what you believe. Be ready with an answer to the foolishness that has exploded around us in these days. There are answers; God has a Plan. For too long believers have chosen to remain silent. When people speak up things begin to change. It is time to say something! Don’t wait for the big meeting. Do it one-to-one, now.

“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.”  James 5:12

This is not complicated. Yes or no? Are you with Jesus or against Him? Be ready to explain why you stand for God. Be prepared with “something to say.” The last word in this verse is a little unclear. The actual Greek word in the text is “hypokrisis,” from which we get our English word: hypocrite. An inability to take a clear position leads directly to hypocrisy. Be clear, consistent, and certain. Don’t speak foolishness, say something! Live your life with content. Words matter. Here is a great quote from Ben Franklin:

“If you would not be forgotten, either write something worth reading, or do things worth the writing.” Ben Franklin

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”  1 Peter 3:15-17

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

We still have openings on our Speak to the Dirt! Israel Tour. Just click on the menu tab: 2023 Israel Tour.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for abundant rains on the Glorious Land!

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


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The Royal Law of the Bible

27 01 2023

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Do you know the royal law of Scripture? Did you know there is such a thing? I did not realize how important it is, that it is called “the royal law.” I have been thinking a lot about mercy and judgement which I will share with you today. But first let’s start with this:

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well;  James 2:8

This is the context of judgement. We judge others harsher than we judge ourselves. This is wrong. What if you thought of it like this: Judge your neighbor as you judge yourself. We tend to be pretty lenient with ourselves until we are genuinely convicted of our sin by the Holy Spirit. Then we get it!

Judgement Is Mercy – Do you know there are times when judgement is actually merciful? Sometimes judgement saves us from going over edge. It may even be painful. If we are already in the fire of the consequences of our bad choices and sins, it may hurt to be yanked back to safety. It may hurt but we are thankful for the mercy.

And Yehovah said to Satan, “Yehovah rebuke you, Satan! Yehovah who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”  Zechariah 3:2

Many Christians know the promise that mercy triumphs over judgement, but it is not true for everybody. Someone who has no mercy, and shows no mercy will be judged without mercy. Mercy wins only for those who show mercy themselves.

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”  James 2:13

A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet – At a time of great judgement and even the wrath of Yehovah God, Habakkuk prayed a critical request to God. He knew two things. He saw the severity of God’s judgements on the wicked. But, he also knew of the mighty works of God on behalf of Israel over many years. He prayed that Yehovah would revive His mercy shown in the past show it again in the present day!

“O Yehovah, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Yehovah, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.”  Habakkuk 3:2

In wrath remember mercy! Rather than jumping on the judgement train, perhaps it would be better to remember mercy and judge our neighbors as we judge ourselves. Thus we will keep the Royal Law: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,”

Pray for peace (and mercy) over Jerusalem; and pray for rain.

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


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Jesus Touched People’s Feet

20 01 2023

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The famous story in John 13, of Jesus washing His disciples feet at the Passover (Last Supper), was an awesome example of humility and a servant’s heart. How many times have you washed someone’s feet? My most precious time was washing my Dad’s feet when he was around 65. We both wept and were healed of past issues. Here is another example from our family that I remembered recently from my book: Generation Life.

Oscar’s Story – Our Passover in 2012 was an intimate dinner with family and friends. My second youngest grandson, Oscar, was three and a half. He was beginning to pick up words in church. During the evening I explained that the time of Ur’chatz or washing of the hands was probably the time in the Last Supper (Passover) that Jesus washed the disciple’s feet. Oscar picked up on that thought and asked his Daddy Jerry why Jesus did that. Jerry explained that Jesus loved them and wanted to serve them. About 10 days later his Mommy (my youngest daughter, Andrea) had this conversation with him:

Oscar always makes me smell his feet when we take off his shoes. He played in the sand box so I decided to wipe them off with a wipe. Then I got curious and asked if he remembered something he heard at Passover.

Me – Do you remember who washes feet?

Oscar – (hmmm) Jesus!

Me – Yeah! That’s right! Jesus washed Peter’s feet!

Oscar – Why did Jesus wash Peter’s feet?

Me – Because when you wash someone’s feet it means that you love them and you want to take care of them.

Oscar – Oh! I need to wash your feet! …And then he did.  🙂

As the Grandpa, it overwhelms me to realize the precious little lives that our daughters and sons-in-law are raising (and have raised) to know Jesus, the perfect lover and friend. I am reminded of Jesus’ words of warning to his ambitious disciples.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:1-4

On another occasion Jesus emphasized it again, which motivates me to bless my children and grandchildren and the whole family. Lord, help us not to be childish, but to be childlike in our faith toward God. Amen!

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it?” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”  Mark 10:13-16

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rain.

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


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Get Over It! Calm Down

13 01 2023

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My title comes from the new Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu. There is a lot of noise since the new government was sworn in. The opposition, now led by Yair Lapid, is accusing the new government of ridiculous things such as “the end of democracy!” Where have we heard that before? The left in Israel and the U.S. use the same playbook, same slogans, and same methods of public protests. They even suggest “civil war!” is possible. The truth is that a conservative government will bring stability, security, and prosperity. The left does not fight fair, but they will lose. Israel is not in the hands of man’s arrogance, but in the hand of Yehovah God. For instance, will Bibi extend sovereignty to areas of Judea and Samaria (West Bank)? Yes, because God is doing it. He promised the land to Israel. We are in the prophetic time of favor and restoration. The arrow is pointing in only one direction. There may be small setbacks along the path, but end is certain. Israel will control the land from the Nile to the Euphrates.

And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 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 15:17-18

Here are several current headlines making the point of my title. The Biden White House is pressuring Israel to freeze the settlements again, just like Obama did. They also oppose reforms of the judiciary which presently can independently cancel laws enacted by the Knesset. The reforms will bring needed balance to the branches of government in Israel. (Remember to click on the blue links to read the full article.)

Get Over It: Israel Tells US That Jewish Settlement Will Continue – New Netanyahu gov’t informs American ambassador it will push forward with “necessary” building in biblical heartland. Israel’s new government has openly rejected the Biden administration’s demand that it refrain from expanding Jewish settlements and extending Israeli sovereignty over the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria.

Likud MK drafting plan to apply Israeli sovereignty to Jordan Valley – Opposition parties Yisrael Beytenu and National Camp considering backing bid by MK Danny Danon to extend sovereignty over Jordan Valley. MK Danny Danon is drafting a plan to apply Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, a move which would become the first move by Israel to extend its laws over parts of Judea and Samaria since the expansion of Jerusalem’s boundaries shortly after the Six Day War in 1967.

PM defends judicial overhaul: Amendments will be made responsibly, everyone calm down – Netanyahu says when opponents ‘say the smallest reform is the destruction of democracy, this is not only false but also doesn’t allow the possibility of reaching understandings’ The premier said, “When they say that the smallest reform is the destruction of democracy, this is not only a false claim, but it also does not allow for the possibility of reaching understandings… through substantive dialogue in the Knesset.”

“But You, O Yehovah, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. ​​You will arise and have mercy on Zion; ​​for the time to favor her, ​​Yes, the set time, has come.” Psalm 102:12-13

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in season.

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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More Fruit of Abraham Accords

10 01 2023

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We wait for the inevitable  joining of Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords, but even now there is much fruit. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) are one of the original signers to the Accords, and have just made a truly remarkable announcement. They will begin teaching the Holocaust in both elementary schools and high schools. This follows the first Holocaust Museum in an Arab country in 2021 in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capitol.

United Arab Emirates to Become First Arab Country to Teach Holocaust History in Schools – Holocaust history will be added to the UAE school curriculum — making it the first Arab country to offer such an education. The UAE embassy in Washington credited these developments to the Abraham Accords, the landmark agreement negotiated by the Trump administration and signed by Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE in September 2020. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Israel increased tremendously after the Abraham Accords, building strong economic ties on top of normalized diplomatic relations. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan visited the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem in September with three other Emirati ministers. Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan called it a “momentous occasion.” The Times of Israel (TOI) reported in November that work on a Holocaust curriculum for Emirati primary and secondary schools was underway after bin Zayed’s visit to Yad Vashem, completing a remarkable evolution for a country that once “blacked out Israel from world maps and globes.”  

More than all the immediate benefits and accomplishments of the Accords, ultimately I believe this is part of Yehovah’s plan to include Arabs in the salvation of Yeshua, our Messiah. When Arabs get saved they usually recognize God’s favor in the restoration of Israel. They are so blessed to find that they are “grafted in” to Israel. This is exactly Yehovah’s plan.

“Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves.”  Romans 11:11 NLT

This effect is seen world wide, but is most provocative when Israelis see their own neighbors entering into the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Jesus. Ultimately its leads to the salvation of the Jews themselves. This is the “one new man” of Ephesians 2:11-18. Hallelujah!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for abundant rain.

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


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Female. Muslim. Arab. IDF Major.

3 01 2023

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This story may surprise you. A Major in the Israel Defense Forces who is a female Muslim Arab. Major Ella Waweya has an amazing story growing up in central Israel and transforming from living in a propaganda bubble to world famous spokesperson for the IDF. I encourage you to click on the headline below and enjoy the heartwarming true story (a two-minute read).

The Trailblazing Female Muslim Arab IDF Major – Known as “Captain Ella,” Ella Waweya from Qalansawe had to conceal her service from her family when she joined the military. An army officer who has received both the President’s Award of Excellence and that of the minister of defense, she is the first Muslim Arab woman to publicly become a major in the IDF. Meet Ella Waweya, 33, internationally known as “Captain Ella” (even after her promotion), the IDF’s deputy spokesperson for the Arabic media.

“Until I turned 16, I was in sort of dilemma as to what was my identity. It was as if I was in a type of bubble and I was coming out of a cave to a different, very strange world.” A clarity of sorts came at age 16 when Waweya received her own Israeli ID card and with it felt that she got an answer to her question: You are Israeli.

Please read the short account of her keeping it secret from her family until much later. After her family and her village accepted her choice, everything changed; and she is now viewed as a hero. Her mother’s acceptance of her choice is especially moving. My view is that she is a precursor to the coming phenomena of what the Bible calls: “ONE NEW MAN.” She is still a Muslim as far as I know, but I believe she is on a trajectory to recognize and accept the Messiah Yeshua. I believe many Arabs will leave Islam and follow Jesus. Pray for her and others who will have open hearts to Yehovah, the God of Israel. Isaiah 19:19-25 and Isaiah 60:6-7 are just two prophecies which indicate Arab salvation. The middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile is coming down!

“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself ONE NEW MAN from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:11-18

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for rain, and for the ONE NEW MAN!

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


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Netanyahu Sworn in as Israel’s Prime Minister

30 12 2022

Benjamin Netanyahu at the swearing in ceremony of the new Israeli government at the israeli parliament on December 29, 2022. photo by Yonatan Sindel/FLASH90

Finally, Bibi is back! After 18 months of the cobbled coalition of the left, Israel welcomes back a stable Zionist government. The world is in a panic because this government intends to restore Biblical principles and extend Israeli sovereignty to parts of Judea and Samaria (West Bank). Don’t be deceived by the media propaganda against Yehovah’s revealed purpose. He will complete the restoration of Israel and Jerusalem, either with us or without us. Who is on Yehovah’s side? The battle is spiritual.

Prime Minister Netanyahu to Make Bible Priority – Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is back and eager to lead Israel including making the Bible a central part of Israeli society. Included in the list of subjects to be integrated in public school curriculum is the Bible, the history of Zionism and the history of all of the Jewish communities. 

BIBI IS BACK – Congrats to Netanyahu for his dramatic return to power – now, how will he handle these 3 enormous challenges? Never before has an Israeli prime minister come back from the political wilderness – not just once but twice.

“Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, and the valleys, ‘Thus says the Lord Yehovah: “Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and My fury, because you have borne the shame of the nations.” Therefore thus says the Lord Yehovah: “I have raised My hand in an oath that surely the nations that are around you shall bear their own shame. But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to My people Israel, for they are about to come. For indeed I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown. I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bear young; I will make you inhabited as in former times, and do better for you than at your beginnings. Then you shall know that I am Yehovah.”  Ezekiel 36:6-11

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rains during this rainy season.

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


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Big Jerusalem Tourist Site to Open

27 12 2022

Pool of Siloam

My recent tours to Israel have included the City of David, south of the Temple Mount and the Pool of Siloam. Only a small part was excavated. You can see the steps in this picture, but notice the wall of dirt. It has been that way for years. However, Israel has just announced the intent to finish uncovering the pool. The visible part is only a few square yards, but the full pool will be one and a quarter acre. This is great news. Future visitors will start at the pool and walk up newly discovered road to the Mount. This pool was built by King Hezekiah 2,700 years ago!

“Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah—all his might, and how he made a pool and a tunnel and brought water into the city—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?”  2 Kings 20:20

First Temple-era Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem to be excavated, opened to the public – “2,700-year-old water system built during reign of King Hezekiah to be excavated and opened up to the public. The Pool of Siloam served as the reservoir for the waters of the Gihon Spring, which were diverted through an underground water tunnel, and it was thus already considered one of the most important areas in Jerusalem in the First Temple period. Due to its location and importance, the Pool of Siloam was renovated and expanded some 2,000 years ago at the end of the Second Temple period. It is believed that the Pool was used during this time as a ritual bath (‘mikveh’) by millions of pilgrims who converged at the Pool of Siloam before ascending through the City of David to the Temple. In 1880, the Siloam Inscription was uncovered in the water tunnel, just a few dozen meters from the Pool. The Inscription, currently located at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, is written in ancient Hebrew script and records how the Gihon Spring’s water was diverted to the Pool during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Pool of Siloam went through multiple stages of development, and at the height of its glory, was approximately the size of 5 dunams (1¼ acres), and inlaid with impressive flagstones. For the first time in modern history, the excavation by the IAA will enable the complete exposure of the Pool of Siloam, within the context of an official archeological excavation.”

What a wonderful spot to visit on your next tour to Israel. Jesus once mentioned stones talking and I think this is a good example. The people were praising Him and then rebuke came from the Pharisees.

“But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”  Luke 19:38

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in season.

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


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Israel’s Flying Car

22 12 2022

An employee of Israeli startup AIR sits in a prototype of AIR ONE, an electric vehicle designed to fly commuters on short trips far above streets overcrowded with cars in Beersheba

Here is a fun story over the holidays. It is another example of God’s blessing on Israeli innovation. May you and your family be blessed and prosper as you celebrate Hanukkah and the birth of our Messiah! Shalom, shalom.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Israeli startup’s ‘flying car’ – What was once considered a futuristic science fiction concept might soon be commonplace as an Israeli-made vehicle designed to fly commuters on short trips far above the traffic-laden streets has made its maiden crewless flight. It may look like simply another drone takeoff featuring a propellered aircraft rising vertically off the ground and then thrusting forward high in the sky. But soon, this one – made by Israeli startup AIR – will be able to carry two people.

Israeli Startup Makes Inroads With Personal Flying Vehicle – Beersheva, Israel (Reuters) – An Israeli-made electric vehicle designed to fly commuters on short trips far above streets overcrowded with cars has made its maiden unmanned flight, a milestone the developer says will help it reach the market in the next two years.

God has promised Israel that He would bring favor to them at an appointed time. We now see that it is our generation. For eighteen hundred years Israel suffered the judgement of God. But, in 1948 after the Holocaust, God turned the page from judgement to favor and blessing. We have seen the miraculous rebirth of a nation and a people. Israel is enjoying unprecedented blessing and growth. And it is because of the faithfulness of Yehovah God.

“You will arise and have mercy on Zion; ​​For the time to favor her, ​​Yes, the set time, has come. ​​For Your servants take pleasure in her stones and show favor to her dust. ​​So the nations shall fear the name of Yehovah, and all the kings of the earth Your glory. ​​For Yehovah shall build up Zion; ​​He shall appear in His glory.”  Psalm 102:13-16

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

Les


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Evidence of the Maccabees for Hanukkah

16 12 2022

Coins

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

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


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Israel Safe for Tourism

7 12 2022

Fam by Old City Jerusalem

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rains.

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


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70,000 New Israelis

1 12 2022

Aliyah Day 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Two Plus Two Equals Five

17 11 2022

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

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  John 14:6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Remember or Mention God’s Mighty Deliverance?

12 11 2022

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

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

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

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

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

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


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Blood Moon, Israel, and the U.S.

4 11 2022

blood-moon-eclipse-gary-brainard

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

TWO TRENDS

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

Israel election 2022

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

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

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

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

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


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The God Who Raises Up Kings

28 10 2022

toda-vote-dayENG

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please vote!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and abundant rain.

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


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Israel Election Zionist Wave in One Week?

24 10 2022

נתניהו-לפיד-1200x675

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

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

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

“I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.”  Joel 3:2

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

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

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


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What is Jesus’ Last Name?

15 10 2022

 

 

Hebrew God cover photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Feasting, Celebration, and Hope

9 10 2022

marriage_supper_cover

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

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

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

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

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

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


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The Lamb on the Mercy Seat

2 10 2022

Happy-Yom-Kippur-Images-1024x712

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Is Your Lamp Filled With Oil?

24 09 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Casting Crowns

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

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Hypocrisy, Coffee, and My Life Verse

26 08 2022

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Quoted from Twitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rain.

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


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