Invisible Enemy or Test?

20 03 2020

Test 327301 2President Trump calls this virus pandemic the “invisible enemy.” But is it? Or, is it a test? The virus is indeed invisible, but is there a spiritual component?  The familiar message of Ephesians 6:10 NLT declares:

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.

That text reminds us of spiritual warfare. Indeed, Satan is certainly out to kill us, and there are specific tactics for our response. If we are attacked by a demonic spirit, we bind and loose in Jesus’ name. Derek Prince used to say: “You can cast out a demon and you can crucify the flesh, but you can’t crucify a demon or cast out the flesh.” So, we first must diagnose the problem.

Is this virus an attack of the devil or is it a test of our flesh from God? Could it be both? How are you responding? If we are rebuking the devil and it doesn’t stop, maybe we should examine our own hearts. This quarantine is the perfect time for having our own little “listening meeting” with the Father. Recently I  heard the Lord emphasize Revelation 3:10:

“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.”

You may say “My God would never do that.” Well maybe you need to grasp how Yehovah works with His people through even bad circumstances. Here is a verse that may shake your world. It the one before that famous one that we are already hearing for this present virus crises.

At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT

According to this verse, God Himself may send terrible circumstances our way. It is not my place to argue whether or not God is doing it, but to focus on my response. It is not about accusing God of unrighteousness in the sending, it is about my wickedness that must stop. So how should we behave in quarantine? Is it time to seek our Heavenly Father? Humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and repent; then He will hear, forgive, and restore!

Hallelujah! He is faithful. Call on Him first. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

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

Remember to click on the YouTube box at the right on this page for my weekly video.


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

All Christians Pray for Israel’s Return

7 11 2019

Aliyah 19Every time you pray the Lord’s Prayer you are praying for the regathering of the Jewish exiles from all the countries of the world. The first line implores our heavenly Father to “hallow” or “sanctify” His name. There is only one Bible passage that explains how this can be done.

It has long been understood from the Scriptures that Christian support for Jewish Aliyah (immigration to Israel) is expected, but in the opinion of esteemed theologian Dr Fred Wright, it is absolutely fundamental.

Dr Wright points out that there is only one portion of Scripture that explains how the Lord’s name may be sanctified, and it is found in a passage from Ezekiel chapter 36 (beginning at verse 16) that, in the Hebrew Bible, is headed Kidush ha Shem (The Sanctification of God’s Holy Name).

Jewish exile is a consequence of their rebellion against God whose holy name is constantly profaned while they remain in foreign lands, “for it was said of them, ‘These are the Lord’s people, and yet they had to leave his land’.” (v20)

So it is out of concern for his holy name, which they have profaned (a word used five times in this short passage) by their exile, that the Lord will bring them back (vv24-26). Israel Today 11-3-19

My book, Speak To the Dirt! explains in detail that Israel’s exile was judgement that contradicted God’s promise to the land and people of Israel. Only their return to the land will hallow or sanctify His name according to Ezekiel. The nations shall know His name at that time. Also remember that His name is not “LORD” but is Yehovah!

And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am Yehovah,” says the Lord Yehovah, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Ezekiel 36:23-24

As Israel celebrates Aliyah Day, 2019 figures point to a peak year – According to official statistics, 28,629 olim arrived in Israel between January and October 2019. Only a decade ago, the number of olim for roughly the same period stood at 17,179. Israel Hayom

Personal note: We are back from New England after seven meetings and wonderful fellowship and hospitality. Thank you Jim & Donna Weeden and Henry & Sherry Snyder (& Ava) for your kindness and love. Thanks also to all who prayed for us. The Holy Spirit confirmed the message in every heart. In just three weeks Doreen and I (and Patrick Kennedy) will be in Kenya with Michael Masambu’s 3,000 future leaders of Kenya and also 200 pastors in separate meetings. Please continue to pray for us.

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

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                   (Read more)

Aliyah Day


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

Will the Nile River Run Dry?

24 10 2019
nile-reut- Oct 9-2019

Nile River over Luxor, Egypt 10-9-19

Does the Bible prophesy the Nile River will dry up? Among certain unfulfilled prophesies this one about the Nile is quite troubling. How could such a devastating thing even happen? Is it real? The prediction is found in the prophecy of Isaiah, chapter 19.

The waters of the Nile will fail to rise and flood the fields. The riverbed will be parched and dry. The canals of the Nile will dry up, and the streams of Egypt will stink with rotting reeds and rushes. All the greenery along the riverbank and all the crops along the river will dry up and blow away. Isaiah 19:5-7 NLT

Could this really happen? It is as real as today’s headlines.

Egypt’s options dry up as Nile dam talks break down – Egypt has been holding talks for years with Ethiopia and Sudan, which have long complained about Cairo’s overwhelming share of the river. The Nile supplies more than 90% of Egypt’s fresh water, although Egyptians have one of the lowest per capita shares of water in the world. The latest breakdown in talks with Ethiopia over its construction of a massive upstream Nile dam has left Egypt with dwindling options as it seeks to protect the main source of fresh water for its large and growing population.

Talks collapsed earlier this month over the construction of the $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is around 70% complete and promises to provide much-needed electricity to Ethiopia’s 100 million people. But Egypt, with a population of around the same size, fears that the process of filling the reservoir behind the dam could slice into its share of the river, with catastrophic consequences. Pro-government media have cast it as a national security threat that could warrant military action. Israel Hayom

We have been looking at Isaiah 19 for awhile now, and it is a severe judgment in verse 12: “what God plans, what Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies is going to do to Egypt.” Yet, the chapter does not end there, but with great news. The resulting repentance of Egyptians causes them to cry out to the God of Israel!

In that day five of Egypt’s cities will follow Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies. They will even begin to speak Hebrew, the language of Canaan. One of these cities will be Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. In that day there will be an altar to Yehovah in the heart of Egypt, and there will be a monument to Yehovah at its border. It will be a sign and a witness that Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies is worshiped in the land of Egypt. When the people cry to Yehovah for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them.Yehovah will make himself known to the Egyptians. Yes, they will know Yehovah and will give their sacrifices and offerings to him. They will make a vow to Yehovah and will keep it.Yehovah will strike Egypt, and then he will bring healing. For the Egyptians will turn to Yehovah, and he will listen to their pleas and heal them. Isaiah 19:18-22 NLT

Wow! Can you believe it? What a wonderful salvation in the end. Finally, there will also be something similar happening in the area of ancient Assyria which is now Syria and the area where the Kurds now live.

In that day Egypt and Assyria will be connected by a highway. The Egyptians and Assyrians will move freely between their lands, and they will both worship God. And Israel will be their ally. The three will be together, and Israel will be a blessing to them. For Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies will say, “Blessed be Egypt, my people. Blessed be Assyria, the land I have made. Blessed be Israel, my special possession!” Isaiah 19:23-25 NLT

Wow again! Fasten your seat belts, the ride may get a little bumpy in the near future. This is a literal prophecy for our day, soon to be fulfilled. Watch and pray.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray and thank Him for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)

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


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

LORD or YEHOVAH?

6 10 2018
Yehovah

YEHOVAH

One of the most profound prayers in the Bible for both Jews and Christians is the high priestly prayer, benediction, and blessing in Number 6. Today I want to share the simple but critical necessity of using God’s name in the prayer. Custom dictates using the generic LORD (in all caps), instead of His actual name, Yehovah, which is clear in the Hebrew text. But, does it matter? Yes indeed! The necessity of using His name is revealed in the last verse of Numbers 6, which is never quoted along with the prayer. Notice first, both the added intimacy and power of using the name of Yehovah. Secondly, notice the virtually unknown intent of Yehovah Himself for declaring the blessing and protection of placing His name over us.

And YEHOVAH spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

​​​“YEHOVAH bless you and keep you; ​​YEHOVAH make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

​​YEHOVAH lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ’ ​

“So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27

Don’t you think it is time to invoke His real name over His people and receive His promised blessing?

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                      (Read more)

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


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

God Will Bless the U.S. x3

8 08 2018

 

flags2

  1. Cast your bread
  2. Yet 7,000
  3. Trump/Israel

Some things are so obvious, so simple, that most people can’t see it right in front of their eyes. Here are three foundational reasons that Yehovah God will bless America. Many naysayers see terrible judgement coming for the United States. They are wrong. We have been talking about sheep and goat nations and we are choosing the righteous path of a sheep nation. I know we are not righteous, but we are on the right path. Here’s why.

  • Cast your bread – God is faithful to reward the sending forth of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth from this nation. There has never been a country or a people who have sent “the bread of life” out to nations (the waters) as the U.S. has. It is impossible to calculate the money, the missionaries, the equipment, the medicine and doctors that have been cast on the waters. They have sown the love of Yehovah even at the cost of their lives.

Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1

  • Yet 7,000 – We underestimate the power of God in the remnant of believers who have stayed faithful to Yeshua even in the overwhelming evil darkness around us. Yehovah is never concerned about numbers, but faithfulness to Him. If you have one room filled with darkness and the next with just one candle, what happens when you open the door between the rooms? Does the darkness flood in and block out the candle? No, just the opposite, the light floods the room that was dark. It only takes one person of light to challenge the darkness. Yehovah will always use those who are true to Him, and He knows who they are.

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18

  • Trump/Israel – The third reason that God will bless the United States is for our standing with Israel. We have a strong leader as President who is determined to help support, defend, and bless the nation and the people and the holy land of Israel.

    “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you;and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

“Certainly Yehovah does not forsake his people; he does not abandon the nation that belongs to him. Psalm 94: 14-15 NET

“Yehovah loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.” Psalm 37:28

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)

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


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

Yehovah God: #1 Zionist

18 07 2018

Zionist 2.jpg

Let’s start with the heart. God loves Israel and we are in a new day prophetically regarding Israel as a nation. Later I will explain more about the Holocaust, but three years after that horrific event, God turned a page of history from judging Israel to blessing, favoring and restoring Israel. Understanding why He did this is to understand His love for Zion. Most people, even Christians, don’t have a clue about Zion. It has been obscured and maligned. Yet, Zion is a key to grasping God’s choice of Israel.

A hundred years ago, the word Zion was a positive word sung in many of our hymns, like: “We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion; we’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.” They named churches, schools, towns, and even a national park after Zion, but not so much anymore. The meaning of the word has been sullied and made into a curse word. Anti-Israel propaganda has changed the public perception of the word. No wonder, when it is now used like this: Dirty Zionist, Zionist pigs, Zionist apes, Zionist liars, Zionist occupiers, imperialist Zionists, and racist Zionists. Whew! With this avalanche of epithets, no wonder the average person is confused. Even within Israel there is confusion. In the 2015 election two liberal parties joined together with a new name: The Zionist Camp. The problem is that they were the party in favor of dividing the land and giving it to Palestinians.  A true Zionist knows the land cannot be divided. What a shame that they twisted the meaning of Zionist to gain votes. Fortunately, the Israeli people were not fooled and the real Zionists won in a landslide. We really need to know God’s definition.

Yehovah also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; ​​the heavens and earth will shake; ​​But Yehovah will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. ​​“So you shall know that I am Yehovah your God, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain.” Joel 3:16-17a

Here are the topics of a few of the 150 verses about Zion in the Bible: King on Zion – God dwells in Zion – Captives return to Zion – Zion joy of whole earth – Born in Zion – Favor Zion – Rule from Zion – God rests in Zion – ​Salvation in Zion – Ransomed return to Zion – ​Ask way to Zion – Trumpet in Zion – Law and word from Zion – Zeal for Zion – Cornerstone in Zion. (Today’s blog is an excerpt from my book Blessing Israel.)

Therefore thus says the Lord Yehovah: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily. Isaiah 28:16

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)


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

Who is Fair?

22 06 2018

Fairness

Here is a little something to ponder as you unplug from work this weekend.

While raising our three daughters, the question of fairness came up occasionally. Children can be quick to conclude they are being treated unfairly, usually because they don’t get their way. But fairness is not so much a question of what, but of who.

When a parent defends his judgement “…because I say so!” it can fall short, because we are imperfect and can be wrong. However when God defines fairness, He is 100% right, since it issues out from His perfect character of righteousness and truth. If you have an argument with God, the solution is simple; admit that you are wrong and He is right. Turn from you wrong-doing and line up with His will. “Turn (repent) and Live!” is His advice.

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair? When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies. Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair?

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:25-32

God has no pleasure in death. Many will die in sin, but it grieves the Father God. He has given us the choice to turn to Him or refuse. He does not force us to repent. That is on us. He provided the way out for us by sacrificing His Son, the Messiah Yeshua to die for us and thus satisfy Yehovah’s righteousness. Therefore turn and live!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists              (Read more)

 


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

« Previous Entries


%d bloggers like this: