The Year Of Release

My wife Carole and I have been blessed and active members of Cary Church of God located at Cary, North Carolina for the past eleven years. Our church, who for over twenty years, has sent approximately 200 missionaries per year to Ecuador every summer. They have constructed numerous churches, dispensed free medicine, ministered in prisons and schools, shared the Gospel in neighborhoods and conducted large crusade meetings. These anointed outreach trips were initiated and led by Pastor Richard Dial who is now with the Billy Graham Association.

Under the leadership of our current Pastor, Patrick Jensen, Cary Church of God has declared the year 2016 "The Year Of Release." This declaration, approved by church members, is patterned after Deuteronomy 15:1-11. Part of the Cary Church of God Resolutions for 2016 state: "That As A Year Of Release, We Will Dedicate Our Financial Resources To The Nullification Of Our Own Debt" and "That As A Year Of Release, We Will Not Harden Our Hearts To The Cry Of The Poor And Those In Need."      

As a result, Cary Church of God is dedicated in 2016 to reducing and cancelling debts and then allocating these increased resources to helping the poor among us. They are also encouraging their membership to do the same.

Carole and I for many years have helped the poor in Israel through the Bridges for Peace Ministry. We will continue this outreach along with participating in the Cary Church of God's Year of Release Ministries. Already, our Lord God in the last month of 2015 has released us from an ongoing debt. As we approach a new calendar year, let me encourage all of you to pray about and consider participating in similar ministries as we serve The Lord with a grateful heart.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

"Make Israel Envious"

Last week's message illustrated a critically important movement of God in Israel where Jewish people are recognizing and accepting Jesus as their Messiah. Testimonies are even being made available on Israel's second largest media outlet and responses have been extremely high. Additionally, an article today on the Israel Today web site was titled "Orthodox Rabbis bring Jesus home for Christmas," which is being referred to as a miracle. Praise The Lord!

What can we as Gentile Christians do or can we  be part of this movement? Yes, we can! Romans 11:11 says, "Salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious." Of course, this is not the only reason salvation is available to Gentiles, but it is one and it is important.

How has the Christian Church responded to this call for action from our Lord God? Not very well. In fact, Gentile believers in Jesus have done more to provoke the Jews to anger than to envy. All we have to do is study the Spanish Inquisitions, the Crusades, the Pogroms in Europe along with the Holocaust.

What is the primary cause of these actions by the Church? Probably, the primary reason is the teaching of Replacement Theology in the Church for the past two thousand years. This false Theology teaches that the Church has replaced Israel as God's people. The Apostle Paul clearly corrects this false Theology twice in Romans 11 - verse 1, "Did God reject His people? By no means" and verse 11, "Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all."

Possibly, you are thinking this is a heavy message for Christmas Eve, but let us think together for a moment. Christmas is a message of God's love in giving His Son to become our Savior. In similar manner, we can share God's love with the Jewish people and show them the respect and gratitude due them. This would be a worthy goal for all of us in the new year.  

Yes, all of this could "provoke them to jealousy" leading to salvations  in Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Hallelujah!

Christmas Blessings!

Frank
    

The Birth Of A Savior

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ The Lord." Luke 2:11.

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6. 

What a wonderful and glorious time of the year as we are celebrating the most important birth in history of the Son Of God and Savior Of The World. It is crucial to remember that the existence of the Son of God did not start with His birth in Bethlehem. He is spoken of as The Son before He became a man in Isaiah 9:6. Micah 5:2 also states that His "Goings forth has been from of old, from everlasting." John states that, "He was in the beginning with God," John 1:2.

There are more than three hundred separate predictions about the Messiah in the pages of the Old Testament and when pieced together like a puzzle it is apparent that Jesus is The Messiah. Yet, the vast majority of God's original Covenant people do not recognize Jesus as their Messiah. Why? Romans 11:8 states, "God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day." However, this is a temporary situation and is starting to change through a mighty movement of God. 

The second largest internet hook-up in Israel is publishing Hebrew testimonies about Jesus on their front page each day. Reports indicate that 95% of Israelis log onto the internet each day. Walla, Israel's media giant, is producing twenty four interviews with Jews who have accepted Jesus as their Messiah. A well known actress is conducting the interviews. Reports show that visitors to the web site and their comments have been enormous. For more information, check the following Hebrew web sites. www.igod.co.il and www.messiah.co.il Please remember to pray for this important movement of God in Israel.

My Prayer For You . . . Have An  Anointed And Blessed Christmas! 

Frank

    

Supporting Israel

Christians United For Israel (CUFI) is a ministry that has supported Israel since 2006 and has 2.5 million members. CUFI was founded by Pastor John Hagee and is probably the most pro-Israel organization in the world. 

CUFI proclaims, "The Jewish people have a right to live in their ancient land of Israel and that the modern State of Israel is the fulfillment of this historic right." CUFI also states, "They will stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel and will speak out on their behalf whenever and wherever necessary until attacks on their people stop."

Pastor Victor Styrsky, speaking on behalf of CUFI, shared last month at the Holocaust Remembrance Day gathering in Jerusalem. During his speech in which he was moved to tears, he compared modern day Christians who participate in the movement to boycott Israeli goods with World War II European Christians who remained silent during the Holocaust. In contrast, Christians today who join CUFI or Bridges For Peace, that was mentioned in last weeks message, are doing their part to help build Israel's future together with the Jewish people.

Hanukkah began at sundown last Sunday night and is referred to as the "Festival of Lights." It is a story of God's people overcoming in the face of overwhelming adversity. Our Lord God provided light in the absence of light so His people could overcome their enemies.

There is a theme biblical verse, Psalm 36:9, for the celebration of Hanukkah, "In your light we see light."  This verse has the basic meaning to say that every little light penetrates the darkness. We can and should let God's light shine through us at all times. 

Happy Hanukkah!     

Frank

"Aliyah"

This calendar year, especially Jews and Christians alike, have been looking for signs from God concerning the end of times as we know it. Included has been the end of a Schmitah Year and a start of a Jubilee Year. The last two years have also included a cycle of Blood Red Moons and Solar Eclipses.

Probably the greatest sign of the Biblical Age in which we live is the return of the Jewish people to their homeland Israel. This actually has been happening for many years but is accelerating and increasing each year. This return of the Jews to Israel is commonly referred to as Making Aliyah. In The Word of God there are over 700 Scriptures predicting this event. Additionally, Romans 11:26 says, "All of Israel will be saved" with the understanding this will occur upon the return of the Jews to their homeland.

Bridges For Peace is a ministry with two main goals - Assist the Jewish people throughout the world helping them to return to their homeland and helping them get settled and acclimated upon their return. They are currently very concerned about the following situations:

Ukraine - This is a war zone! The Jewish people need housing and food while they wait to get permission to leave, this is not an easy task. The Jewish communities in the Ukraine are also constantly threatened.

France and Western Europe - Almost every Jewish family is planning to leave as anti-semitic attacks are increasing. The atmosphere is similar to the mid 1930's which was a time of intense Jewish persecution.

I watched the movie Fiddler On The Roof again this week. The story revolves around a poor Jewish farming family living in a small Jewish community in Russia. It centers around a Jewish father attempting to "arrange" for the marriage of three daughters and it is quite humorous. However, suddenly Russian officials appear to confiscate their house and land. Is this about to happen again in Europe and Russia?

Jewish families throughout the world need our prayers for protection and also that The Lord will make a way for them to return to Israel. Bridges For Peace needs our prayers and financial support as they are a key part in this process. I have personally financially supported them for 25 years. Bridges For Peace can be reached at bridgesforpeace.com.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

    

Giving Thanks

As I was thinking about and preparing for celebrating Thanksgiving Day, I was reminded of the following praise and thanksgiving chorus: 

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Give Thanks To The Holy One

Give Thanks Because He Has Given Us Jesus Christ His Son

And Now Let The Weak Say I Am Strong

And Now Let The Strong Say I Am Weak

Because Of What The Lord Has Done

Give Thanks! Give Thanks! Give Thanks!

This chorus is a wonderful reminder that we should have thankful hearts and minds everyday, not just one day a year, for all The Lord is doing and providing in our lives continually.

This past Sunday evening, our church hosted a Thanksgiving Banquet and it was a very special blessing for all who attended. My wife Carole, my best friend and marriage partner for the last 52 years, hosted our table. Attached to the bottom of each clear plate she placed a special scripture about giving thanks to our Lord God. Each person at our table was individually blessed.

Following are these versus which stress always giving thanks to our Lord God:

Oh, give Thanks to The Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, Sing Psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! 1Chronicles 16:8-9

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give Thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be Thankful to Him, and bless His name. For The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

As you have therefore received Christ Jesus The Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with Thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

I will give Thanks to The Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of The Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving Thanks to God The Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give Thanks to The Lord. This is the gate of The Lord through which the righteousness may enter. I will give you Thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. Psalm 118:19-21

Have A Blessed Thanksgiving!

Frank

The Adversary

I am sure we are saddened by the news from Paris of numerous terrorist attacks killing 129 and wounding 350 people in various locations. Equally disturbing are the reports of similar attacks throughout Israel in October killing 11 and injuring 609 Israeli residents. It appears our adversary, Satan, is very active. 

Why is all this happening now and why has it happened in all of recorded history? Satan has opposed God and plotted the death of humanity. Our Lord God said in John 8:44, "He was a murderer from the beginning." The name Satan means adversary. Satan is the adversary of God and of everyone of God's children. He is the roaring lion who "Walks about seeking whom he may devour." (1Peter 5:8) 

From the very beginning, Satan's purpose has been to destroy the Child of the woman, "The dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born." (Revelation 12:4) Knowing from the Word of God the Promised One would surface out of Israel, the adversary did everything he could to keep Israel from being formed as a nation.

Satan led the wicked Haman to plan the extermination of all the Jews. However, our Lord God raised up Esther to expose Haman's plan and God's promised people were protected. After the promised Child was born, Satan caused King Herod to have all the babies in Bethlehem killed. Once again, our Lord God intervened and caused Joseph and his family to flee to Egypt protecting Jesus.

After Jesus' baptism, Satan tempted Him three times in the wilderness but Jesus prevailed over each temptation by responding with the Word of God. Finally, on a Friday afternoon at 3:00, Satan thought he was victorious when Jesus died on the cross. On the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead defeating Satan once again. Hallelujah!

Today, even with all that is happening in the world, we know without a doubt that Jesus' victory over Satan can be enforced by prayer. The praying church can actually be part of determining the outcome of world events. Satan can still cause havoc, but he cannot win against Christians who claim the victory of Jesus as their own victory.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is The Word of God." (Ephesians 6:13-17)

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank     

A Mighty Man Of God

Numbers 22-24 records a detailed conversation between Balak, the King of Moab, and Balaam, a mighty man of God. Balak and the Moabites had become fearful of the size and strength of the Israelites since coming out of Egypt. Balak met with Balaam and asked him to curse the Israelites. Balaam responded, "Look, I have come to you! Now, have I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak." He also responded with the following four oracles.

First Oracle Of Balaam 

Balak said to Balaam,  "Come, curse Jacob or me, and come, denounce Israel and what have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!"

Balaam responded, "Must I not take heed to speak what The Lord  has put in my mouth?"

Second Oracle Of Balaam

The Lord said to Balaam, "Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak." 

Balaam speaks to Balak, "God is not a man, that He should lie, behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it."

Third Oracle Of Balaam

Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes and said, "How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel! Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you."

Fourth Oracle Of Balaam

Balaam speaks to Balak, "Now, indeed, I am going to my people. Come, I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days. A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult."

This is an uplifting and encouraging example of the importance of obeying our Lord God and speaking when He provides guidance and direction. We hear daily of anti-semitism and terror attacks against the Jewish people. We also hear of Christians being persecuted throughout the world. This all raises the question - will each of us be as bold as Balaam and speak out and take the actions necessary to see our enemies defeated?

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

The Wrath Of God

"For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." Romans 1:18. This wrath of God is also commonly referred to as the judgement of God. Notice in this verse the wrath or judgement of God is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness plus it is present tense - it is happening continually. At times it is hard to see or understand.

However, a time is coming when this wrath of God will be clearly visible and understood. This period of time is known as The Great Tribulation. The pouring out of the wrath of God is definitively described in the book of Revelation as The Seven Seals Of Judgement; The Seven Trumpets Of Judgement and The Seven Bowls Of Judgement. 

How close is this time of Great Tribulation? Nobody knows but our Lord God! However, it appears close maybe even very close. Witness the following headlines of recent editorials in the Bridges For Peace Newsletter revealing evil intentions and anti-semitism: 

Premeditated, Cold Blooded Slaughter 

Elderly Israelis Targeted For Murder

Did ISIS Shoot Down Russian Aircraft

Abbas Leader Says Israel Is "Satan's Project"

Abbas's Party Promotes Nazi Children's Book

Abbas's Party, Fatah, Glorifies The Knife

Terror Wave Continues

Friday Sermon's Call For Muslims To Murder

ISIS Takes Aim At The Jewish State 

We serve a loving, caring and compassionate God who wants all His creation to receive Him as their Lord and Savior as revealed in John 3:16. Those who refuse this invitation will experience the wrath of God now and eternally. We must also decide whether to support Israel and be blessed. I pray for all of us to continually seek God's guidance to make decisions pleasing to Him.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank 

Lessons Learned

We are all aware of enemy attacks against Israel almost on a daily basis. They come in all forms - terror attacks in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria; missiles launched into Southern Israel from Gaza; Hezbullah missiles launched into Northern Israel and the constant verbal threats to destroy Israel from the Palestinian Authority and Iran. Israel was even attacked by Arab neighbors the day after it was established in 1948.

A very encouraging article on the Bridges For Peace website caught my attention this week. It listed "Lessons Learned" over the years on how the Israelites have learned to live with but more importantly how to defeat its enemies. 

This Week's Message Shares The Highlights Of This Editorial 

Jihadis do not want peace - they want to annihilate Israel - building in Jerusalem or Judea and Samaria is not the cause of the attacks . . .

Israeli's are fighting back with defiance - men, woman, old, young, are fighting with pepper spray, rolling pins, umbrellas, etc . . .

If Israeli's appear terrified, they lose - they have learned to live normal lives but to be cautious and alert . . .

They are declaring if you mess with us, you lose - they want to survive . . .

They have learned very little help comes from other countries . . .

They will not allow Jihadis to teach in the schools, have rallies on the Temple Mount, blare messages from Minarets or in the Knesset . . .

They Declare They Will Never Leave Their Land Or Divide Jerusalem.

Isaiah 65:17-19 say, "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing and her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying."

The Jewish people are determined to win their current battles. Isaiah 65 shows our Lord God giving them a final victory. We can join them in their daily battles by our prayers of support and protection.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank  

Feast Of Tabernacles {Sukkot}

At the end of September, Jewish people throughout the world started an eight day long celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles also known in Hebrew as Sukkot. At the end of Leviticus 23, our Lord God instructed the Israelites to build a booth made of leafy branches of palms and poplars to live in the booth for seven days. They were to do this to show their descendants that the Israelites lived like this when God brought them out of Egypt.

Today, Jewish people construct a booth or Sukkah in order to eat their meals and study the Word of God together under its fragile roof for one week. Exodus 16:4 reveals that God provided for their daily food in the wilderness and Deuteronomy 29:5 shows that God also provided for their clothes which did not wear out. Today, when you travel in Israel you will notice extra large balconies on apartment buildings that provide the room necessary to build a Sukkah. 

A Sukkot lesson is that we as God's people are but sojourners here and we are just passing through this material world. Additionally, Sukkah also reminds God's people of their total dependence on Him. No matter how sturdy our structures might seem, they offer no protection outside of God's care. It is God's presence, His care, His protection and His provision that keep His people safe.

As the temperatures are getting colder, we are reminded that soon we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Important lessons I learned as a young Christian many years ago were to spend time each day with our Lord God praising Him, worshiping Him, repenting of our sins but especially in giving thanks for all He provides each day. Everyday should be Sukkot or Thanksgiving Day for all of us! Amen and Amen!      

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank 

An Important Discovery

Last week, Israel announced they have discovered oil deposits under the Golan Heights. When you add this announcement to the discovery of natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea not long ago, Israel's energy needs will be well taken care of indefinitely. Israel already is an energy need provider for other countries. All of this will improve Israel's economy extensively.

Extremely important and significant, this latest discovery could accelerate the timing of the Battle of Gog and Magog. A number of our messages have illustrated recent events that have also seemed to set the stage for this battle . . . Russian troops in Syria is one example.

Now, this discovery of oil places the speculation about the timing of this battle in a new category. The Battle of Gog and Magog is explained in detail in Ezekiel 38 and 39. It is commonly referred to as The Invasion Of Israel From The North. Our Lord God directs Gog (leader of invasion) to gather troops from Russia, Iran, Libya, Ethiopia and Sudan. Magog is believed to be Russia, the Northern most country from Israel.    

Why is the discovery of oil in the Golan Heights so significant? Knowing Russia will invade Israel, the question has always been why would they want to or need to invade? Russia's economy revolves around the marketing of natural resources such as oil and natural gas, now it would appear they have a reason to invade Israel in order to control more oil.

Looking at the logistics of this new scenario, Russia already has troops on the ground in Syria in addition to their Naval ships in the Mediterranean. Syria is a neighbor of Israel's Golan Heights to the Northeast. 

How do we, who love and support Israel, react to all of these new prophetic events happening so quickly? We pray, pray and pray some more for Israel and their people before and in the midst of a great battle! We know the end of the story. Our Lord God wins a great victory for Israel, Ezekiel 38:21-23. It is getting from here to there that needs our fervent prayers.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank 

      

A Bold Statement

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly this past week. I believe his message was one of the boldest and most effective I have ever heard. Our message this week will highlight portions of his speech but will not be exact quotations. Please make an attempt to listen to the entire speech, you will be blessed.

Netanyahu's message focused on the extreme Anti-Israel bias represented by the majority of the U.N. members whom he was addressing. Iran, a U.N. member, has threatened to destroy Israel for many years and is involved in supplying weapons to the terror groups ISIS, Hamas and Hezbollah. Yet, there is very little action taken or words spoken against Iran by U.N. member nations.

The most effective and boldest part of the message was when Netanyahu illustrated the almost total silence concerning the barbaric dictatorial leadership in Syria that has resulted in the Assad government killing 250,000 of their own citizens. As this was taking place, there were forty anti-Israel resolutions and only one anti-Syria resolution by the U.N. In effect, there has been almost total silence by U.N. members concerning the Syrian and Iranian leaders and their actions. To stress his point, Netanyahu spent 44 seconds in complete silence while staring at the inactive and non-speaking U.N. members.  

Netanyahu continued by explaining Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and welcomes people of all faiths even in their government and military. Israel is always one of the first to respond to disasters around the world and even treats Palestinians and Syrians in their hospitals. Yet, the extreme anti-Israel bias continues in the U.N. The Israeli Prime Minister went on to say Israel will do all that is necessary to defend their state and its people. 

Israel's leaders need our daily prayers to uphold them before our Lord God! 

"But now, thus says The Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the waters, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am The Lord God, The Holy One Of Israel, 

Your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3 

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

"God Is Not Mocked"

"Do Not Be Deceived, God Is Not Mocked; 

For Whatever A Man Sows, That He Will Also Reap." 

Galatians 6:7 

Within the last couple of months, we have heard about the establishment of a Nuclear Deal between Iran and five countries including the United States. It appears Iran now is feeling pretty confident in their ability to establish a nuclear bomb but also in her new capability of destroying Israel. In fact, the Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran has declared the Jewish State will cease to exist within twenty five years.

All we have to do is look at the following list of rulers, nations or empires who do not exist anymore because they tried to destroy Israel -  Pharoah, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, Haman, Greek Empire, Roman Empire, Persian Empire, Ottoman Empire and Nazis. Could we put the Supreme Leader of Iran in this scenario?   

Let us go a step further and look at the situation today. Sunday night was the fourth Blood Red Moon within the past two years. Joel 2:31 says, "The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord." Are we real close to the Great And Terrible Day Of The Lord? 

Additionally, Joel 3:1,2 says, "For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat: And I will enter judgement 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."

Our Lord God Has Protected His People Israel

In The Past, He Is Protecting Them Now

And Will Protect Them In The Future 

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

Blessings Or Curses

"I Will Bless Those Who Bless You, And I Will Curse Him Who Curses You"

Genesis 12:3

I would think we are all aware of the true story of the life of Charles Lindbergh. He became the first pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo flying non-stop from New York to Paris in 1927. Millions hailed him as a hero and many U.S. schools and streets were named after him.

As America was about to enter World War II, Lindbergh in a speech advised against entering the war since he had become a Nazi sympathizer. He stated the Jews were partly to blame for the war. Lindbergh's popularity almost disappeared after the speech and Trans World Airlines stopped calling itself "The Lindbergh Airline." 

Charles Lindbergh was either ignorant or defiant of our Lord God's Word concerning the Jewish people in Genesis 12:3. This verse states very clearly that those who bless the Seed of Abraham will be blessed but those who curse them will come under God's judgement.

Britain's rise and fall reflects its action for or against Israel. At the turn of the 20th century, Britain was a global empire. This was believed to be the result of Christians in Britain praying for and loving the Jews. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 helped liberate Jerusalem from the Turks. However, because of Arab opposition, Britain allocated much of the land promised for Israel to Jordan and lost its empire.

Books have been written documenting how individuals and countries have been blessed or cursed depending on how they treat Israel and the Jewish people. Personally, I have supported Israel for 25 years and have been blessed over and over again. Allow me to close by expressing clearly that I do not support Israel just to be blessed but to be in obedience to the Word of my Lord and Savior. Bless His Holy Name.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,

Frank   

Gog On Their Doorstep

As we all are experiencing the possibly prophetic month of September, 2015, another possibly prophetic event is taking place in Syria. Gog, in the form of Russian troops, are moving in next door to Israel.

Syria has been involved in a Civil War for the last 55 months that has claimed 250 thousand lives. Segments of the population have been attempting to overthrow the dictatorial Assad government. Recently, multiplied thousands of Syrians are fleeing their country looking for safety and a new home in Europe.

Russia has been providing the Assad regime with supplies, guns, grenades, fighter jets, etc. Now, we learn Russia has set up an air traffic control tower and is constructing housing for one thousand military personnel. 

Why is all this prophetically significant especially to Israel? Ezekiel 38 & 39 describe an invasion of Israel by five nations, including Iran, led by a leader called Gog who is believed to be the leader of Russia. This invasion from the north WILL TAKE PLACE according to the above scriptures.  The only question is when it will take place? Will it be just before the Rapture, which appears to be this current time, or will it be just before the Battle of Armageddon?

"Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, 'Thus says The Lord God: On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the later days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.'" "I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains . . . Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am The Lord." Ezekiel 38:14-16, 21, 23. 

Those living in Israel desperately need our prayers! We know the outcome of this battle - a victory for our Lord God and His people Israel but they need our prayers in the process.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

Rosh Hashana

At sundown this Sunday and for 24 hours the Jewish people throughout the world will take part in the Fall Festival known as Rosh Hashana. This Festival is the Jewish New Year and the beginning of their civil cycle.

There are two portions of scriptures read during Rosh Hashana in the synagogues. The first portion details the birth of Isaac and the second portion is called the "Akedah" which means binding. The readings are from Genesis 22 and records the long journey of Abraham and Isaac ending in the binding of Isaac for the requested sacrifice from God.

God's revealed name in this story of Abraham is Adonai - Yireh which means "God Will Provide." Abraham worshiped God even knowing what was required from him. He also bowed low before The Lord in submission. Bowing is considered a posture of deepest worship and total submission to God. Abraham responded in this manner knowing he would lose his only son putting in jeopardy God's promise to bless the people of the earth through him and his son.

As the Jewish people look again at this very important story in God's word, we as Gentile Christians can also learn a great deal from reviewing this story. Abraham's response to God's requirement revealed how to hear the voice of God, how to respond to the voice of God and how to worship when all within us would want to turn the other way and not obey.

As we approach this weekend and the whole month of September and beyond, we all face some unsettling and possibly difficult times. The question is - how are we going to respond?  During the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur many prayers are said in synagogues.

The following is one example, "And therefore, Lord our God, cause all that you created to remember fully all that you have done; cause all Your creatures to revere Your doings and to tremble in Your presence; cause them all to act as one to do Your will wholeheartedly. For we know Lord our God, that the strength of Your hand, the power of Your right arm and the awesomeness of Your name rule over all creation. And therefore, Lord give honor to Your people, praise to those who revere You, hope to those who seek You, confidence to those who await You, joy to Your land and gladness to Your city, triumph to the horn of David Your servant and light to the lamp of Messiah. And therefore, the righteous will see and be glad, the upright will rejoice and the faithfully loving celebrate in song while evil is silenced and all wickedness vanishes like smoke - for you will erase the tyranny of arrogance from the earth." 

Prayers like this accomplish much in expanding the Kingdom of God, let us all be about praying similar prayers in the days ahead.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank 

September, 2015 - A Time To Pray

Well, this month has finally arrived. We have been hearing about this month for a long time, even years. Jonathan Cahn, a Messianic Rabbi, has been alerting anyone who would listen about possible judgments and/or movements of God during September, 2015. He even wrote two books - The Harbinger and The Mystery Of The Shemitah.

Probably, nothing more needs to be said about the upcoming events of this month. As a result, our message this week is a Call To Pray! Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Israel and the United States are in a time of need, we are all in a time of need for God's grace and mercy. 

A brief word of encouragement for your prayers. If you have not seen the movie "War Room," make an effort to view this God - ordained message. The power of prayer, the effectiveness of prayer and the importance and need of prayer are illustrated to perfection. A timely message for today!

With all that is scheduled for this month, two of them lay heavy on my heart and both will take place at the United Nations. The 70th session of the U.N. General Assembly convenes September 15th. It is believed France will present a resolution to recognize a Palestinian State. This proposal would bypass any involvement or talks with Israel. Previously, the United States has always vetoed such resolutions. However, that action by the U.S. appears to not be a certainty this time.

Additionally, the U.N. on September 25th will launch discussions of a new Development Agenda for the whole world. This includes provisions for economics, agriculture and education. Is this in preparation for The New World Order? The Pope will give a major kick-off speech for this session.

Our Lord God says in Isaiah 41:10-13, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them, those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, The Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'"    

Let us all be those bold prayer warriors who "Fear Not" especially during this month of September!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,

Frank

A Prodigal Son Story Analogy

Part of this week's message is taken from an editorial on the Israel Today Website that reviewed the Parable Of The Prodigal Son and then applied it to the relationship between Jews and Christians - very thought provoking.

In this parable of Luke 15, the older brother is not very happy with his father as he warmly welcomes home his rebellious younger son with a homecoming celebration. The older brother pointedly shows his father he had served him faithfully his whole life and had never received from his father such a celebration.

How does all this apply to events of today? Could we form the analogy of the older brother representing the Jewish people and Jesus in the parable illustrating how they would react when our Lord God brought in the Gentiles to the family? The Jewish people follow God's commandments believing they lead to righteousness while Gentiles claim to be forgiven and righteous by faith in Jesus.

However, our Lord God has intervened and miracles have happened and are happening in the relationships between Jews and Gentiles. Jews and Christians are learning to trust one another realizing they are serving and worshiping the same God and are mutually working towards the restoration and protection of Israel who has realized Christians are their best friends. Our Lord God is about to have a glorious celebration for both believing Jews and Gentiles at the Marriage Supper Of The Lamb. Revelation 19:7-10. Praise The Lord!

"How Good And How Pleasant It Is For Brothers To Dwell Together In Unity." Psalm 133:1 

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,

Frank 

  

The Lord Of Israel

Jewish people in Israel today are regularly talking about the imminent arrival of the Messiah. Our Lord God seems to have hidden His face from the Jewish people for a time, but now He is making Himself known for the sake of His name. He also promised a great restoration for His people and that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through them.

What are the signs that the Jewish people are pointing to? What prophecies have been fulfilled during our life time? The following are four prophecies that have been fulfilled right before our eyes . . .

Israel Being Made A Nation In One Day

"Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day?" Isaiah 66:8

Yes, Israel was born in one day on May 14, 1948.

Winning Wars Against Huge Odds

"But thus says The Lord: 'Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.'" Isiah 49:25.

In all of its major wars since its founding, Israel has faced overwhelming odds and has been victorious each time.

The Jewish People Returning To Their Land From All Over The World

"For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries and bring you into your own land." Ezekiel 36:24

Since 1948, a total of 3.6 million people have made Aliyah or moved back to Israel from 90 countries.

The Ruin Cities Being Rebuilt And The Fruitfulness Returning To The Land

"But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to My people Israel." Ezekiel 36:8. 

Approximately 240 million trees have been planted in Israel since 1948. Today Israel produces 95% of its own food requirements.

Our Lord God said that first He would regather the Jewish people to their land and then He would restore them spiritually. This appears to be happening in these days and times in which we live. "However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual." 1Corinthians 15:46

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank 

Repentance

Pastors all over the United States are calling for repentance in light of the recent decision by the Supreme Court changing the Biblical definition of marriage. Additionally, many church leaders and members are looking forward to September when the fourth blood red moon occurs on the Feast of Tabernacles and the seventh year of the Shmitah ends. All of this is resulting in many believing a time of Godly judgement is about to happen. The prophet Joel prophesied of signs in the heavens, "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of The Lord." Joel 2:31

As an Elder in our former church in Charlotte, North Carolina we were taught before we prayed for a church member to ask them if they needed to repent of any sin. Additionally, church services started with all attendees kneeling in a short time of repentance and then it was time to worship The Lord.

In this regard, we can learn much from the Jewish people who are entering the time of Elul. This period of time on their calendar is marked by much heart searching and repentance. During Elul there are forty days of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur (Day of Antonement) which starts this week. These forty days are a time of repentance between man and God and between one another. Elul is also the time historically when Moses spent his second forty days on the mountain praying for God's compassion and forgiveness after the sin of the people with the golden calf. Moses was successful in his appeal for forgiveness.

Let us all follow the example of Moses and the Jewish people and spend the next forty days in a time of earnest prayer and repentance. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank 

   

Doing What We Can

In these days and times in which we live, if we are not prayed up and are not functioning close to our Lord and His direction for our lives, we can easily become discouraged. We might think, what can I do, I am just one person. As a word of encouragement for all of us, our message this week will show examples of people individually and corporately who are as the title says, "Doing What We Can."

The horrendous civil war in Syria has claimed 230 thousand lives. However, Lord George Weidenfeld, a Jewish man 95 years young, who is an honorary vice president of the World Jewish Congress, is determined to save Christian lives in Syria. Christians in Syria are very endangered, four years ago numbered 1.1 million but now 700 thousand have fled Syria. Lord Weidenfeld has a goal of rescuing 2,000 Christian families. For him, it is personal. In 1938 as a teenager he was taken from Vienna to London where the Plymouth Brethren took him in and provided for him. He is trying to return the kindness!

We have all heard of the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Shortly after the disaster, the Israeli Defense Forces sent a 747 jet plane carrying medical personnel, medical equipment and search and rescue teams to the area. The medical personnel set up a field hospital to provide emergency and ongoing medical treatment to the wounded. They were able to treat 1,500 patients, perform 85 operations and deliver 8 babies.  

On a lighter side, when David Barashi heard about the earthquake, he filled a suitcase with wigs, face paint and a red clown's nose and boarded a plane for Nepal. Barashi went to Nepal to bring some joy to children and adults injured in the natural disaster. He was accompanied by Yaron Goshen and three other clowns. Asked how do Israeli clowns cope with the stark reality of an earthquake, Barashi says, "We make each other laugh." 

Yes, each of us can Make A Difference. In fact, we are expected to function in this manner. Jesus, when asked by a Pharisee what is the greatest commandment, responded, "You shall love The Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:37,38.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank    

Ten Years Later

Last Monday, July 27, 2015, marked the ten year anniversary of Israel evacuating 8,000 of their residents from the Gaza Strip. In the process, the evacuated Israelis left behind family homes, businesses, farms and their lives in the 21 communities of Gaza.

How did the Israeli government reach such a decision? Prime Minister Ariel Sharon felt the withdrawal would result in an increased security for the residents of Israel. He believed the offer of land which the Palestinians demanded would reduce friction leading to peace.

Well, what has been the result of this decision over the past ten years? Gaza has become a safe haven for the terrorist organization Hamas who have been using and abusing the people of Gaza to continue its war against Israel. Hamas has fired 15,000 rockets and mortars at Israeli citizens and has put tunnels in place under Israel to attack its towns and communities.

 This Decision By The Leaders Of Israel Ten Years Ago 

Was A Terrible Mistake! 

Let's consider, could the recently announced Nuclear Deal with Iran be a similar terrible mistake resulting in an extremely dangerous scenario for Israel and the whole Middle East? The Deal puts a lot of trust in believing Iran will obey its regulations. This is the same Iran who chants "Death to Israel" and "Death to the United States." Previously, the leaders of Israel thought they could trust the rulers of Gaza!

We can and must put our trust in the power and effectiveness of prayer! The United States Congress has 60 days to approve or disapprove The Deal. Chapter 3 of Proverbs is entitled "Benefits of Wisdom." Verses 5 through 7 proclaim, "Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear The Lord and depart from evil." The leaders of the countries who passed The Deal need our Lord God's wisdom, He can change their hearts and minds. Please pray accordingly! 

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank   

The Abrahamic Covenant

Last week's message centered on reactions to what is referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal. Some deal - Iran receives all it requested and more and gives up nothing. Israel, the most threatened country by this deal, was not even part of the negotiations. This is all difficult to understand and accept.

This week we will continue our response to those inaccurate reports that this deal is "Death To Israel." Those who report in this manner obviously do not know the heart and will of our Lord God. A study of the Abrahamic Covenant will prove this point without any question.

The Abrahamic Covenant is a promise made by God specifically to the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. The primary emphasis of the promise concerned a very specific and literal piece of land. The promise made is unconditional meaning it will never be broken.

What is the promise? Genesis 15:18 shows our Lord God saying to Abraham, "I have given this land to your descendants - from the river Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River." The exact piece of land promised had a Western boundary of the Mediterranean Sea; a Northern boundary of North Lebanon and Syria; an Eastern boundary of the Euphrates River and a Southern boundary of Northern Egypt.

As we study history of Israel, we realize that the Jewish people have never inhabited all of the "Promised Land." To be sure, our Lord God is truly a Promise Keeper. If The Lord promised this actual land, then that is exactly what The Lord will give them in the age to come. In the book of Deuteronomy alone, The Lord reiterated the land promises to Israel nearly 70 times. All together, these promises are mentioned one way or another more than 200 times throughout the Word of God.

David, when threatened by enemies, cried out to God in Psalm 35, "Lord, oppose those who oppose me; fight against those who fight against me. Grasp your shield and protective gear, and rise to my defense. Brandish spear and battle-axe against my pursuers; let me hear you say 'I am your salvation.'" We can cry out in a similar manner to our God on behalf of Israel.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Everyday,

Frank

"A Bad Mistake Of Historic Proportions"

Last Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking at his weekly cabinet meeting called the international negotiations with Iran a parade of concessions. Even during the negotiations Iran's leaders continued with threatening statements against Israel and the United States. Last Friday Iran's President Hassan Rouhinni was part of Al Quds Day when Israeli and American flags were burned along with chants of "Death To Israel and Death To America." 

Netanyahu went on to say, "Iran does not hide its intention to continue their murderous aggression even against those with whom it is negotiating. Israel is not prepared to pay the price for the deep concessions to Iran that the Five World Powers appear willing to make to secure a nuclear deal." 

The Israeli Prime Minister even played a 57 second video of President Clinton announcing a nuclear agreement with North Korea. Clinton announced it as a good deal for the United States since North Korea would freeze and dismantle its nuclear program. Despite that agreement, North Korea detonated a nuclear weapon 12 years later.

This past Tuesday we were informed  that an agreement was reached with Iran granting them far - reaching concessions in all areas. Netanyahu responded by saying, "The Iran nuclear deal is a bad mistake of historic proportions." For example, all economic sanctions against Iran were lifted and sixteen billion dollars in held Iranian assets were released allowing them to buy additional weapons and stabilizing their economy.

Some news reports were declaring, "This is death to Israel." This is very careless, irresponsible and inaccurate reporting! Witness the word of our Lord God in Jeremiah 31:34,35 "This is what The Lord says, who gives the sun as light for the day, who ordained the laws for the moon and stars, to provide light for the night, who stirs up the sea until its waves roar - The Lord is His name: If these laws leave my presence, says The Lord, then the offspring of Israel will stop being a nation in my presence forever." 

Israel Will Continue To Exist No Matter What We

 See,  Hear Or Experience In This World. 

Praise The Lord!   

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Each Day,

Frank  

ISIS On Israel's Border

Within the last two weeks, ISIS has launched attacks against Egypt along Israel's Sinai border. The surprise attacks caught Egypt's Security Forces off guard and was a simultaneous attack against 15 Egyptian security posts along Egypt's Northern border with Israel. Equally surprising was that ISIS used sophisticated and modern weapons. Egypt quickly received permission from Israel to move armored personnel carriers, helicopters and fighter jets to the Sinai.

Israel is concerned because they wonder if this conflict could develop into rocket or mortar fire toward Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces closed all Sinai crossings along Highway 12 which runs along their Southern border with Egypt. Additionally, the Israeli Defense Forces reinforced its presence in the area to include helicopter and fighter jet patrols.

These developments are serious and are being addressed appropriately by Israel and Egypt. Notice both countries have responded in almost identical ways even in a posture of cooperation. Is all of this prophetic and the start of a time of revival in Egypt? Isaiah 19:19, 24, 25 say, "In that day there will be an altar to The Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt and a pillar to The Lord at its border . . . In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom The Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.'" The day is coming when Egypt, Iraq and Israel will worship our Lord God together. Are all these developments a preview?

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank