Indispensable Hope for 2022

2 01 2022

Anchor

Did you know there are only two kinds of hope? One type is superficial, nothing more than wishful thinking. It is a false hope which includes delusion, fantasy, mistaken belief, and self-deception.  It is believing or imagining something that you desire, but with the very slim probability that it will ever happen. Winning the lottery is the classic example. Millions of people hope to win but the odds are astronomical. The real kicker is that most winners find their lives ruined by the sudden influx that overwhelms and confuses their real priorities of life. This is the wrong hope, completely undependable. It is based on nothing sure. All hope that is not based on something immovable, unchangeable, is just wishful thinking.

But there is a solid hope available to live by. It involves investing your belief, your faith, into the Person who cannot ever let you down. This hope is described as an anchor for the soul.

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

Notice that the anchor is for our soul, not our body or our spirit. Our body will age and die. And our spirit is already in the Presence of God, the inner sanctuary through eternal life granted by the blood of the Lamb, the Messiah Yeshua. It is our soul that waffles and fails and falls into hopelessness. We need to grab the anchor. So what exactly is this hope? Hebrews 6 is a worthwhile read. It explains that eternal hope is not based on any of our desires, but on the faithful God who gave promises that cannot fail.

His promises are sure because His very nature is truth. He literally cannot lie. Therefore His words are true because His character is true. Our hope is based on these two facts of His spoken promises which issue from His true character. There is a saying that has gone out of vogue lately that “a man’s word is his bond.” Yet man lies and breaks his word. Only the living God Yehovah perfectly and perpetually keeps His word. This is the the anchor for our soul.

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. …Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:1, 5 & 11 NLT (also Psalm 43:5)

“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.” Acts 24:14-16 NLT (Paul before Felix)

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 1 Peter 1:18-21 NLT

As we embark on this new year, let this hope guide us. 2022 will be blessed whatever happens if we put our hope and trust in God. Shalom! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and than God for the rainy season.

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


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My Half-Shekel’s Worth, by Simeon of Jerusalem

13 12 2021

simeon-holding-baby-jesus-against-260nw-1946368546

I have not gone up to the Temple as often since I have gotten older, but today I just had to go. There was a sound inside of me as clear as a shofar calling to worship. Even though it was shoulder to shoulder because of children’s dedication day, the Holy Spirit compelled me to go today.

I am trembling with joy and can hardly see through my tears to write down what happened. For so long I have waited to see the Messiah as we all have, but God had spoken so clearly that I would live to see Messiah myself. It was really exciting for me as a young man when He spoke that promise to me. I believed Him with all my heart.

But I must admit I sometimes doubted that promise I heard from Yehovah many years ago, especially with my advancing age, but I could not give up on it. It was so clear. He spoke to my heart that I would live to see the promised Messiah of Israel with my own eyes! After nearly four thousand years it was nearly impossible to believe that one of such minor value as me would have such an extraordinary privilege.

There had to be several hundred dedications there today, but when I came up it was like the Red Sea parted and the Holy Spirit led me right to one particular mother holding her child. They were not different from the others; I just knew they were the ones I was supposed to see. She did not know me, but somehow trusted me to hold Him in my arms.

As soon as I did, my heart was on fire. It was from the inside, but even my body was shaking as I realized instantly that we had all been wrong expecting the Messiah to be a grown man, a conquering King. This child was the Messiah! My head was spinning, but my heart was sure. This little one is the Promise! My theology fell away. It doesn’t matter how to explain it. I know.

Immediately, words came out of my mouth like I was Elijah, or Isaiah, or Zechariah. I have never known anything like I know this. I had to write this down, now, before I forget a single word. I spoke the words, but the Ruach HaKodesh, the Spirit of the Holy One, was revealing everything to me as I declared the truth! This is what I said to her and her husband, but especially to her.

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace (shalom), according to Your word; ​​For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

I really am ready to die now in perfect shalom. God kept His word to me! Yehovah’s salvation has come in human form! I saw Him! I don’t understand how, but He is the Messiah. He is going to be seen somehow by the whole world, not only Israel. How can it happen? I don’t know; but He will be revealed as Savior to everyone in the world and yet will glorify Israel more than ever. I stopped speaking for a moment as we sort of took it all in. The father, Joseph, and his wife, Mary, were as astounded as I was at the words I had spoken.

Then I felt led to speak a blessing over them and Mary specifically. Yet, it turned out to be more than a blessing, it was a prophecy. I am not sure I understand. But it was clearly supernatural, and I don’t question it. The Spirt seemed to indicate that unlike most nations that rise and fall and then disappear, Israel is soon to fall but will then rise again later! We were all so amazed! Also, the Child will be a sign that will create strong opposition that will personally bring pain to Mary. It is a mystery to me, but I know what I heard. There was a third effect as well. The coming revelation of this Child will expose the secret thoughts of people’s hearts! The Messiah will break through everyone’s hard heart so that nothing will be hidden from Yehovah. Here are the exact words He gave me.

“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35

I don’t know if anyone will ever read this, but I just had to get it recorded for a testimony to the truth I saw and heard today. The Messiah has come!

Signed as my true witness,

SIMEON of Jerusalem (This is my interpretation of how Simeon must have felt. L.L.)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

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


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Which Word Does Not Apply Today?

16 08 2021

Fear not

The whole world is shaking. Time for a reality check. Should we be surprised to see the “perilous times” predicted by Paul the apostle? Consider the contrast between believers and unbelievers. Whether we are thinking of the Taliban or Antifa, or BLM rioters, this is the day Paul saw. In the following list, which does not apply to our culture today?

Men will be lovers of themselves,

lovers of money,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

unloving,

unforgiving,

slanderers,

without self-control,

brutal,

despisers of good,

traitors,

headstrong,

haughty,

lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

2 Timothy 3:2-5

On the other hand, this is the day for believers to stand up for God’s Kingdom no matter the personal cost. Jesus said He will never leave us or forsake us. We have a living hope of eternal life with Him and all who love the glorious appearing of the Messiah Yeshua. Come quickly Lord Jesus! But in the meantime, we have a job to do and He is with us.

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17

Yehovah has provided all we need to be completely and thoroughly equipped. Hallelujah! More are they that are with us than they that are with them. Look into the spiritual realm and see the chariots of fire and the angels of Yehovah God surrounding and outnumbering our enemies. We have read the end of the Book, and we win!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and seasonal rain.

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


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Has God’s Law Ended?

2 08 2021

10 commands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for seasonal rains.

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


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God and Congress

5 03 2021

house of rep - in God

You may have heard Congressman Jerry Nadler’s quote on the news. Someone on Facebook misquoted it and then fact checkers declared the “misquote” to be false. However, here is the exact quote: “What any religious tradition describes as God’s will is no concern of this Congress.” 

Ironically, the national motto “In God We Trust” appears on the wall of Congress right behind the Speaker’s rostrum. God we trust. Congress? Not so much. The founding fathers believed that Congress itself was birthed by God and derived its authority from Yehovah and the Bible. The influence of our Judeo/Christian, Bible-based form of government is the model for the world. It is quite dangerous for our nation and especially for Congressman Nadler to defy the living God. His unashamed boldness only highlights how far we have fallen. We must pray for mercy for our leaders and our country.

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good. Psalm 53:1

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

President Biden ran on the motto of “saving the soul of America,” yet it seems there is a rising rebellion against God that is bolder than ever. In the end, Yehovah God Himself will judge. God’s Son, Jesus, will sit at the judgement seat and separate the sheep from the goats. Now, more than ever, we must be about our Father’s business and share the great news of the salvation of Yeshua ben Yehovah. He saves not only our souls, but our body and our spirit for life eternal with Him at the right hand of God our Father.

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                     (Read more)


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The Secret Place

16 01 2021

Yehovah

Where is the secret place of safety spoken of in the Bible? Is it a geographical place, like Jerusalem? If it is a secret, how many people really know where it is? Let me share insight to the answer to this puzzle. The answer is hidden in plain sight. A friend this week urged all of us to get serious about Psalm 91. It is such a great encouragement in times of deep trouble, such as the events in today’s political landscape. I would like to touch on just one aspect: the secret place.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. ​​I will say of Yehovah, “He is my refuge and my fortress; ​​My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; ​​I will set him on high, because he has known My name.” Psalm 91:14

Verse 14 explains two reason He protects us. First is because we choose to love Him. Second, we know His name. Let me suggest the secret is connected to knowing His name. His name is Yehovah, the Almighty Creator God, the eternally existent One. His name is above every other name and every other God. Yet, it is even more than simply being aware of His name as a fact of knowledge, it is knowing Him! He desires that we have a relationship with Him. The Kingdom of God is, first of all, relational. It is not about theology or religion, it is personal. When I first met the Messiah Yeshua as my own personal Savior, I was born again. My life began there at that moment with an actual relationship with Jesus. That was also true in an amazing sense when I found a personal relationship with God, the Father Himself. We can walk and talk with Him as with a friend. Have you discovered this secret? Here is another way of saying the same thing.

The name of Yehovah is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

This name, Yehovah, appears in the original Hebrew text over 6,800 times, but is miss-translated as “LORD” every time. Lord is a real word in Hebrew, Adonai, but it is not the name of Yehovah. He certainly is Lord, but there are many Lords in history, yet only one Yehovah. If you see “LORD” in all capital letters in your Old Testament, the real Hebrew word is Yehovah. If you see “Lord,” without all capitals, then the word is Adonai. This is part of the secret hiding place of His name. Start using His name, it will change your life. Some may pronounce it “Yahweh” or other slight variations, but still use it. Use His name. His name is the strong tower. The righteous (through the blood of the Passover Lamb, Yeshua) run into His name, Yehovah, and are safe!

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

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                          (Read more)


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The Misty Flats – A Choice

28 12 2020

Fear not

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

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

THE WAY

To every man there openeth
A Way, and Ways, and a Way.
And the High Soul climbs the High way,
And the Low Soul gropes the Low,
And in between, on the misty flats,
The rest drift to and fro.
But to every man there openeth
A High Way, and a Low.
And every man decideth
The Way his soul shall go.
If you feel like you are in the misty flats during the holidays, it is time to stir up the Holy Spirit in your heart and trust Him completely. Here is an anchor scripture from Isaiah 51, to encourage you. I pray that the Lord Jesus will strengthen you with might in the inner man. Read the end of the book, we win!
A Call to Trust Yehovah
“Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance—
all who seek Yehovah!
Consider the rock from which you were cut,
the quarry from which you were mined.
Yes, think about Abraham, your ancestor,
and Sarah, who gave birth to your nation.
Abraham was only one man when I called him.
But when I blessed him, he became a great nation.”
Yehovah will comfort Israel again
and have pity on her ruins.
Her desert will blossom like Eden,
her barren wilderness like the garden of Yehovah.
Joy and gladness will be found there.
Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air. Isaiah 51:1-3 NLT
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for winter rains in Israel.
Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                        (Read more)
(Why  do I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah? Here is a link to the explanation  in my book: The Hebrew God Who Has No Name.) and here is a link to a great visual from my friend Keith Johnson.

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Merry Christmas, Timing is Everything

25 12 2020

Christmas 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain!

Les Lawrence, voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


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Do Not Lose Heart

24 07 2020

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Israel, and our nation, and indeed the whole world is under a great spiritual attack. With one crisis after another, many are tempted to lose heart. Where is the battle ground? What choice do we have? Are we to just roll over and submit to fear and discouragement? Of course not!

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7

The attack is in our mind and emotions, our soul, our self-life. As long as we contemplate our navel, so to speak, we will succumb. It is time to lift up our eyes and our hearts to the spiritual victory ground. We will not win in the flesh or the soul because the battle is the Lord’s! Yeshua ben Yehovah, Jesus, Son of God is our only hope.

We have been sowing to our own selves, the soul man. It is time to sow to the Spirit! Your soul cannot handle the trials that are upon us. You must rise up in the dimension of the Holy Spirit to find courage and the ultimate victory. We will reap God’s reward if we do not lose heart. Consider this section of Scripture:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10

The key is clear. Sow to the flesh, or sow to the Spirit. The choice is ours. Do you want corruption in your life or family or nation? Then sow to the flesh. But if you desire to reap everlasting life, walk by the Holy Spirit. Here are the words of Jesus:

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the United States.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                    (Read more)


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What is Useless Faith?

10 04 2020

Amy Israel 1

Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee       Photo – Amy Wolf

Both Passover and Christian Passion Week culminate in firstfruits. For Jews it is the beginning of the barley harvest. For Christians it the beginning of eternal life and the defeat of death’s power over believers. Yeshua, our Messiah, did not stay in the tomb. He was raised from the dead. He is alive! His resurrection was the absolute vanquishing of Satan’s final trump card. The phrase “useless faith” is self-contradictory, it is an oxymoron. It is no faith at all. There is no more critical foundation of our faith than resurrection from the dead and eternal life with Yehovah God through His Son, Yeshua ben Yehovah. Anything less is totally useless faith. It is no faith at all. We don’t follow Jesus because He was a great teacher or did miracles. We serve Him because He paid the price for our sin with His own blood, death, and resurrection. We will live eternally because He lives!

The Resurrection of the Dead – But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.  1 Corinthians 15:12-20 NLT

Hallelujah! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem through Jesus, Prince of Peace: Yeshua Sar Shalom! And pray for rain to fill up the Sea of Galilee this month.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                 (Read more)


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The Ultimate Antidote

7 04 2020

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THE HINGE OF HISTORY

 

As humanity battles “the invisible enemy” Coronavirus, a much more deadly disease threatens our eternal destiny. While there is no vaccine yet for the virus, Yehovah has provided the antidote for sin that seeks to block our eternal relationship with our loving Father God. His plan is revealed in the Passover and Resurrection Day. We celebrate both this week. (See: 2020 Passover at Home). Each has three parts revealing God’s purpose of redemption.

Passover’s three parts are unleavened bread, the passing over of the death angel, and firstfruits. Each point to the Lamb Messiah. He was unleavened by sin, He died in our place, and He rose from the dead. The Exodus account is a prophetic look ahead to the actual historic reality of Jesus two thousand years ago. How ironic that Passover 2020 mimics the conditions of the first Passover. They were given the “stay at home order” just as we are today. We too, must apply the blood to the doorposts, not only of our doors but on our hearts.

THE HINGE OF HISTORY – When Yeshua finally came there were also three key elements. I call His “Passion Week” the Hinge of History. Every hinge has three pieces. One piece attaches to the door and one to the doorpost. The third is the pin that connects the two. It is critical that we understand the cross broke the curse and delivered us from death through the shed blood of the Lamb. But redemption would have failed without the other two pieces.

Jesus was tempted to save His own life in the Gethsemane prayer. Three times He asked His Father for another way, yet each time ended with: “Not my will, but your will be done!” Without that prayerful surrender there would have been no cross.

Likewise, when He died, if He had not been raised, Satan would have won. Death would be victorious. But He did not stay in the grave. He lives! Death was defeated for all who embrace Him as the Messiah Lamb of God. (Please read all of 1 Corinthians 15)

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

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

Jesus, the Son of God, or as said in Hebrew: Yeshua ben Yehovah is the antidote!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain to fill the Sea of Galilee.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                       (Read more)

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


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2020 Passover at Home

31 03 2020

Dry Bones 2020 Passover

Exodus 12:3 describes the original Passover as being held in one house per family. Today it is usually a community event. But originally each family was quarantined in their own home, with blood on the doorposts, until the death angel passed over their family. Our  2020 Passover is more like the original one than ever.

I love the Dry Bones take on current events. Just click on the picture to go to his site. The Israeli cartoonist, Yaachov Kirschen, has a knack for taking the Pharisee religious spirit down a notch or two. In this cartoon he reveals the tension between the global virus threat and observing Passover religiously. The Passover table always has an empty cup for Elijah because of this verse:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yehovah. ​​And he will turn ​​The hearts of the fathers to the children,  and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:5-6

But what are we going to do about Passover? Is it okay to observe it later? Why can’t we do it at home? Both are options. Our local Messianic congregation, Shalom Peniel, has simply postponed their observance till May, “Lord willing”. The other option may be even better. How can you observe Passover, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits at home? Let me share some ideas.

First, I suggest you anoint your doorposts with oil and pray for Yehovah’s protection and healing from the virus, through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua.

Second, rebuke fear and stand in faith. Firstfruits points to the resurrection. Since we have eternal life, we do not fear death. And if you eliminate the devil’s main threat of death, why would you fear anything?

Third, why not experiment with your own family Passover? Here is a link to a free download from a Messianic (believers in Yeshua as the Son of Yehovah) congregation in Israel. Yeshua’s Inheritance is a Messianic congregation in Beer Sheva, in southern Israel.

Remember that we worship in Spirit and Truth, not as a religious obligation. You get no points for doing this, it is about our personal relationship with Yehovah God, through His Son, Yeshua ben Yehovah!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, healing of the sickness, and for rain in Israel.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists           (Read more)

 

 


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Abraham the Believer

17 06 2019

Talit

As we leave for our 2019 Elisha Vision “Speak to the Dirt” Israel tour, my thoughts turn to Abraham. Most translations of Genesis 15:6 say that he believed in the LORD. However there are several like this from the New Living Translation:

And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6

This is a better translation, that he believed the LORD (Yehovah). Even though many don’t believe in God, believing in God is a no-brainer.

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. James 2:19 NLT

So as you continue reading in James 2 you will find that the New Testament leaves out the word “in” for all translations.

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.  James 2:23 NLT

That means the New Testament leaders understood that Abraham did not just believe “in” God, he believed God. What a totally transformative meaning. He was a believer in the Messiah! You see, that is the promise that Yehovah made to Abraham. He would have a son who would be the line of ancestry from which the Messiah would come. That is why he was not afraid to offer Isaac. He believed God’s promise!

May we walk in the faith of Abraham and be counted righteous through the promised Messiah. Abraham believed, long before Yeshua appeared on this earth. How much more should we believe, who know the many fulfilled promises evident in the birth, death, and resurrection of Yeshua haMashiach, Jesus the Messiah!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists                  (Read more)


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Don’t Miss the Point of Immanuel

21 12 2017

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One of the most important names of Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us!”

“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 1:23 (This is a direct quote from Isaiah 7:14)

Jesus, or Yeshua, means salvation. One of my new favorites is Yeshua ben Yehovah or Jesus Son of God. But the point of His name, Immanuel, is that Jesus, the Messiah, is Yehovah God with us manifested as the Son. It is a non-negotiable core belief of true believers. He was not just sent from God, He is God in the flesh. This is critical.

Muslims believe in a false god even though they have a “prophet” Jesus, or Isa in Arabic. But they don’t believe He is Yehovah’s Son. In fact, they consider it blasphemous. Yet, it is true whether or not they believe. When they accept Jesus as Immanuel, they are accepted into the house of faith.

Jews come at it differently. They do believe in the true God, Yehovah. But, even though the Bible speaks of His Son in Psalm 2 and Proverbs 30:4, they don’t believe Yeshua is the son of Yehovah. That is why this verse is so profound for Jewish believers.

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

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of Yehovah!” Matthew 23:38-39

This is not a generic representation of the Name, but the exact embodiment of Yehovah Himself! You may understand why the Jews also consider this blasphemous. It is precisely why he was crucified. Some of the Jews in that day received Him as the Son of God, but others did not. Although the above quote speaks of judgment on that generation, it also speaks of compassion and the certainty of a future time when their descendants would indeed recognize that Messiah Yeshua is the actual Son of Yehovah God!

My book, Blessing Israel, speaks of the coming merger of Jew and former gentiles into the commonwealth of Israel as one new man in Yeshua Immanuel! His death served as the ultimate payment for the sins of the world as the LAMB OF GOD!

We pray for the salvation of Israel, the Muslims and for all the nations.

Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for rain!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists               (Read more)

Thank you for your prayers and financial support of our Elisha Vision Ministries. If you would like to make an end of year donation, just click on the “Donate” button on this site’s home page. Thank you again and may blessing and favor be yours in 2018.


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What God Did Not Do

15 06 2017

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John 3:16 is arguably the most famous verse in the New Testament. But why don’t we hear about the next verse? Both reveal God’s desire to save us (and the whole world) from our self-willed selves, from the devil, and from hell. His love is the amazing root of His grace, yet we overlook the profound statement in verse 17.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17

If the doctor diagnoses you with terminal cancer, is he condemning you to death or is the cancer responsible? Likewise, when God offers His Son to die in our place, He is not condemning us to hell. The cancer of our own sin and rebellion condemn us. Jesus came to save us, to give us life. He is the Messiah, the Lamb of God, sent to bear our sin that we could live. He is not the cancer, He is the cure!

In my recent book, Blessing Israel, I made a similar declaration about Israel. Yehovah God did not choose Israel as a means of rejecting the rest of the world, but as His means of saving the Gentiles. From the beginning, His promise has been that those who bless Israel will be blessed. That salvation offer was first spoken in Genesis.

“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

All the families of the earth! But the nations rejected God and His promised Messiah, and therefore rejected Israel. They became jealous of God’s chosen ones and began a long history of trying to kill the chosen people. Yet, the very reason they were chosen was to bless the nations. How ironic that this was misunderstood and rejected.

Now in this last generation, Yehovah God is restoring Israel to favor and great blessing. Once again Gentile nations have a choice to embrace God’s blessing or reject Him again. It is the dividing of the sheep and goat nations.

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:32

Yeshua is the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the nations. One cannot accept Jesus and reject Israel or accept Israel and reject Yeshua. The merger has begun.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists


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Glorious Resurrection Day, but Please Stop Using the E word.

13 04 2017

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HE’S ALIVE! Christians all over the world will celebrate the resurrection of Yeshua/Jesus this Sunday. It is a most glorious worship of the One who conquered death. We cannot overemphasize the magnitude of that event. We should be giddy with joy. Yet I am grieved over an almost universal blind spot in churches this week. Most will use the name of the pagan goddess of  Babylon freely in their services.

We are instructed: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 Corinthians 13:1 (see also Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:16). So what are you going to do from now on after reading the following four separate Scripture witnesses?

Simple Islam – Excerpts from Chapter 11 – Stop Saying the Names of other gods.

Most God-fearing Christians and Jews completely understand and respect the first commandment to have “no other gods” before Yehovah. Yet, in the Western nations, including America, many have opened up their thinking to other gods in the name of tolerance. This makes me want to ask them: “What part of ‘no other gods’ don’t you understand?”

It is only recently that I have found a more specific prohibition on the subject. You may have noticed by now that I am reluctant to say or write the name of the god of Islam. It is because the Bible prohibits it! What if we in America or at least believers were to practice the following four scriptures? Notice how the Holy Spirit progressively adds another component to the prohibition with each verse.

Here is the prohibition.

And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth. (Exodus 23:13).

Then Joshua adds three more conditions.

You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, but you shall hold fast to Yehovah your God, as you have done to this day. (Joshua 23:7).

The way a person converts to Islam is by standing in a public place and swearing allegiance three times to the god of Islam and his messenger, Muhammad. The next step is to serve that god and bow down to it. You have seen many examples of Muslims doing that even in public five times a day. I am ashamed to say that in a widely publicized picture, President Obama, who professes Christianity, bowed down 90 degrees from the waist to the King of Saudi Arabia, who is the religious custodian/keeper of Mecca.

The third scripture introduces another aspect, blood, which especially applies to radical Islamists. This blood thirsty death cult delights in the shedding of blood in the name of their god. Hence, we hear the perverse oath proclaimed by every suicide bomber before detonation, that his god is the greatest.

Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take up their names on my lips. (Psalm 16:4).

Fourth, Hosea adds a final point. Not only will we not speak their names, but eventually their names will not even be remembered.

For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, and they shall be remembered by their name no more. (Hosea 2:17).

Psalm 83:4 highlights an amazing contrast: They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”  Satan does not have an original creative thought in his head. He can only twist and pervert what God says or does. So his plan to remove the remembrance of Israel is nothing more than a copycat idea from the truth that the devil and all his false gods face in eternity.

Now therefore, fear Yehovah, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve Yehovah! (Joshua 24:14)

We have already been lulled into complacency by using the name of the top pagan goddess, called Ishtar in Babylon and known by other names in other cultures. Christians use her name in place of Resurrection Day, calling it by her name, Easter, which is a derivative of the Babylonian “queen of heaven”. (More detail at this link) To top off the deception, some King James Bible translations even miss-translate Acts 12:4 using the name of the goddess instead of Passover, which is the real word in the Greek (Pesach). Most translations have corrected this error, but it is still used almost universally by Christians. Is it that important to correct this error? I am convinced that it is critical, along with using God’s personal name, Yehovah. Only Satan and Allah benefit from our ignorance.

(Note: I have used the banned names in my teaching, much as the Bible does. The prohibition regards using other gods’ names in daily life.)

Disclaimer: This is not meant to condemn or to be taken legalistically. I am just sounding a shofar to alert you to these verses. With all the commercial use of the E-word it is very hard to avoid it. It is so ingrained in our culture that it is easy to slip up and say it. My point is that it is time to pivot from our earlier times of ignorance and seek to align our everyday behavior with God’s revealed purpose. Please Stop Using the E word.

Let’s celebrate the resurrection of the Lamb of Yehovah God with all our might! Praise the name of Jesus/Yeshua! HE IS ALIVE!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists             (Read more)

 


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Passover Merger

10 04 2017

Passover LambAs Jewish families observe Passover this week, a growing phenomena is happening. More Christians than ever are also sharing a Passover supper. Tonight, Doreen and I will be with 110 of our closest friends to celebrate the deliverance of the human race from the slavery of sin and condemnation.

The passing over of the death angel in Egypt was the first indication of Yehovah’s plan of salvation through the blood of a lamb. Who knew back then that the Messiah would ultimately become that Lamb Himself? (Read Isaiah 53)Jews and Christians who really value Passover are closer than ever to that wonderful merger of Ephesians as I wrote about in my book, Blessing Israel.

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

“One new man from the two” refers to Jews and former Gentiles, merging with one another by the Holy Spirit in their shared access to God. Hallelujah! This is the miracle of sacrifice of the eternal Lamb of God, our Messiah Yeshua.

Let it be done O Lord, according to your word. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists          (Read more)

 


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You Must Accept Christendom?

9 01 2017

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Let me draw a fine point. Must a Jew accept Christendom, or is it enough to accept Jesus/Yeshua as the Messiah of Israel? Growing numbers of Israelis are recognizing Yeshua as the Messiah and Son of God. Do they also have to accept all the traditions of ecclesiastical church history? I think not. Here is an excerpt from my latest book that explains my simple point. (The Hebrew God Who Has No Name – Chapter 8)

Restoration Timing?

Even the Second Coming, the climactic event of history, requires this timing. The Messiah clearly remains in Heaven until a certain time … and then He comes! He comes at the time of restoration of everything the holy prophets have said. Jesus cannot return until Yehovah’s Name is restored  according to Peter’s sermon in Acts 3.

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 3:20-21

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of Yehovah!’”  Matthew 23:37-39

Second Coming?

There is no question that the Second Coming is the crowning event of human history. We are close to the Messiah’s entrance. There is a classic joke about the Messiah finally appearing in Jerusalem and the Mayor goes out to meet Him. The Mayor says: “Welcome to Jerusalem. We have waited for you for so long, but I just have one question. Is this your first or second visit?”

The viewpoint of Jews continues to be a very serious issue. What do they think about the Messiah? How do they consider the Christian hope? Truly, a rapidly growing anticipation of the Messiah exists in Israel. Leading rabbis speak out that His coming is close. As the hope for a peace deal dies, more Israeli’s are considering their faith seriously, even if they are not religious. On a 2007 visit to Israel, I heard two prominent Israeli speakers touch the subject. One was in Jerusalem and one was in the Golan. Both made similar statements that shocked me by their public candor and position taken. Neither  man had acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, but both believed in the Messiah, the Son of David. They both said that “when He comes, we will look at His hands and feet; and then we will all rejoice together”. The Golan speaker spoke those exact words to our Christian tour group. He flatly stated that the Holy Spirit (Ruach ha Kodesh) speaks to him in his heart. He said that he didn’t know “about those scholars down in Jerusalem with their stacks of books, but the Messiah is coming and I will look at His hands and feet, and then we will all dance together.”

When Will Jews See Jesus?

One of the most severe judgments of history was the removal of Israel from their land after rejecting the Messiah. Paul describes it as “the severity of God” in Romans 11:22. That event opened the way for the nations to be saved; but what about Israel? When will they see the Messiah?

What if I told you that it hinges on Jews changing one of their most common Scripture prayers? It is located in their Passover hymn (known to Jews as the Hallel – Psalms 113-118).

Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yehovah! We have blessed you from the house of Yehovah. Psalm 118:26

The problem is that the Jews do not pronounce the Name. They replace the word Yehovah with the word Lord, or in Hebrew; Adonai. Therefore, I submit that part of the scales falling off the eyes of the Jewish people definitely involves the revelation of the restoration and use of Yehovah’s Name!  Jesus even declared this directly in the Gospels. Although it is mistranslated LORD in our English Bibles, the Name of Yehovah was quoted by Yeshua Himself directly from Psalm 118:26.

Jesus said: for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of Yehovah!” Matthew 23:39

We know He said Yehovah, because this was a direct quote. Psalm 118 has the Name, Yehovah, no less than 28 times in the Hebrew text! So, does that really mean the Jews will begin using His Name again? Yes!

Note, that Jews will say: “Blessed is He” who comes in Yehovah’s Name. Jesus did that; and the Jews of His day did not say blessed is He, but killed Him for “blasphemy” for claiming the Name of Yehovah. We also may be rejected for speaking the Name, but proclaim it we must, as we stand with Israel and the Jewish people as they begin to profess: “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of Yehovah!”

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists       (Read more)

(New explanation for why I use God’s literal covenant Name: Yehovah. Here is a link to the best simple explanation I know, from my friend, Keith Johnson.)

 

 


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Israel: God’s Glory

4 12 2013

I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. Isaiah 46:13

What a wonderful way for God to display His power and glory, by redeeming banished Israel back to their land and their God! Embracing the literal restoration of Israel is pivotal to understanding God’s glory. My first book, Prophesy To the Land! was a literal reading of Ezekiel 36. Since then I have proven over and over the maxim learned from several mentors: “If you can possibly take a passage literally, do so.”

GloryOverIsraelGod’s glory is revealed in the awesome story of Israel. After the leaders of Israel refused Jesus as Messiah, and were banished from the land to wander the world, many concluded that Israel was replaced by the church in God’s salvation plan. However, that mistake (seemingly confirmed by the Holocaust) was blown away when God began to favor Israel on God’s own timetable:

You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come. Psalm 102:13

I love to preach Psalm 102 which I call the “Holocaust Psalm.” Before Israel became a nation, one could claim that her judgment was permanent. However, since 1948, God has poured out blessing and favor for 65 years. The exiles have returned (and are returning), Jerusalem is back under Israeli sovereignty, God has miraculously protected and delivered them in multiple wars, and He has blessed them with massive newly discovered natural resources and technology. ​Trillions of cubic feet of natural gas are now flowing into Israel from vast fields offshore in the Mediterranean Sea.

Then you shall see and become radiant,​​ and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. Isaiah 60:5

Also consider that “Approximately 20 percent or 1 in 5 of Nobel Prize laureates are Jews, yet Jews make up less than 0.2 percent of the world’s population.” (Israel Today) FAVOR!

Finally, consider this recent headline: Netanyahu: Iran is the Darkness, We’re the Light: “We have come to banish the darkness and the greatest darkness that threatens the world today is that of a nuclear Iran,” he said. “We are committed to doing whatever we can to prevent this darkness. If possible, it would be preferable to do so by diplomatic means and if not we will serve as a light to the nations.”

While the world succumbs to the dark scourge of radical Islam, Israel is shining brighter and brighter. And as I said in my previous blog, “Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed.” As for me and my house, we will serve Yehovah, God of Israel, and His eternal covenant purpose to bless Israel.

Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; ​​I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. ​​Indeed I have spoken it; ​​I will also bring it to pass. ​​I have purposed it; ​​I will also do it. ​​Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness: ​​I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; ​​My salvation shall not linger. ​​And I will place salvation in Zion, for Israel My glory. Isaiah 46:9-13

Don’t forget that the word salvation in verse 13 above is Yeshua, the Hebrew word for Jesus. Jesus is the “salvation” placed in Zion for Israel.

And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)


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