Shame . . . Shame . . . Shame

The end of last week, just prior to Christmas Eve and the start of Hanukkah, the United Nations Security Council performed a shameful act. They had the audacity to believe they had the right to prohibit Israel from building homes for Jews in their own land. I say again and with emphasis - shame . . . shame. . . shame!

The Resolution adopted by the U.N.S.C. claims that Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem are "Occupied Palestinian Territory." Let us look at the truth of our Lord God's Word concerning this land. Genesis 15:18 says, "On the same day The Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: 'to your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.'" There is no Palestinian territory and there never has been. The land belongs to our Lord God of Israel, Jerusalem is the City of David and the Temple Mount is the Mountain of The Lord.

Will this equation ever change? No! Jeremiah 31:35-36 says, "Thus says The Lord, who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, who disturbs the sea and its waves roar,'if those ordinances depart from before Me,' says The Lord, 'then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nation before me forever."' Only if the functions of the sun, moon and the stars were eliminated by God who created them would the land of Israel cease to exist. Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem are part of the land of Israel!

Will there be God's judgment and even curses for those who created and voted for this resolution? Yes! In Genesis 12:3 when God is establishing His covenant with Abram and his descendants He says, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you." Obadiah 1:15 says, "For the days of The Lord upon all nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head."

This week and next week many of God's people make commitments concerning areas of their lives which they would like to change as they enter the new calendar year. I personally have committed to pray more earnestly than ever before for our Lord God to protect and maintain the land of Israel for His covenant people. I trust you will do the same!

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

Frank

  

  

Jesus The Messiah

"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.

Each year at Christmas time I meditate on this verse for it describes the most important birth in all of history. Jesus Christ, true Son of the true God, came physically to earth to offer salvation, forgiveness of sins and eternal life through His death and resurrection. Hallelujah!

This year as I studied Isaiah 9:6, three revelations came forth:

Jesus is part of the Triune Godhead, Jesus existed even before creation and Jesus physically appeared to men in the Old Testament proving He is the Jewish Messiah. We will examine these revelations further in this our Christmas message.

Jesus Is Part Of The Triune Godhead - Isaiah 9:6 says Jesus will be called "Mighty God." This is a clear indication that Jesus is God in the form of man. Isaiah 7:14 says Jesus will be called Immanuel which means "God With Us." 

Jesus Existed As The Son Of God Before Creation - John 1:1-2 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." Jesus was with God in the beginning and played an important part of creation. Micah 5:2 says in referring to Jesus, "Whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting." Jesus has existed "From of old."

Jesus Physically Appeared In The Old Testament - Exodus 23:20-21 Reveal that our Lord God says about this angel "My name is in Him." Joshua 5:13-14 show that Joshua referred to this angel as "My Lord."

Jesus Is The Jewish Messiah - Isaiah 53:8 says, "For the transgressions of My people He was stricken." Jesus shed His blood as the sacrificial lamb to forgive the sins of all of God's People.

I pray this week as we celebrate this most important birth of all history that we celebrate with humble and thankful hearts. I also pray especially for God's original covenant people that this will be the time that they recognize Jesus as their Messiah.

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

Frank     

A Season Of Miracles

On the evening of December 24th, Jewish people begin remembering the miraculous account of Hanukkah. There are two versions of the miracle of Hanukkah. The first one recalls a miraculous military victory over the Seleucid Empire.   

The second version remembers when the Temple was reclaimed from the Hellenists but they found only one jar of Pure Oil to light the Menorah in which to restore the Temple Service. However, our Lord God miraculously caused the Menorah to stay lit for eight days. During Hanukkah an additional candle on Menorahs world wide are lit for eight consecutive days.

Hanukkah is referred to as a Season of Miracles. However, I believe we can look at the history of Israel and accurately refer to their history as a Season of Miracles. Our Lord God has performed miracle after miracle for Israel and the Jewish people. For our message this week, we will look at just a few of these God ordained miracles.

Isaiah 66:8 says, "Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once?" Yes, a nation was born in a single day in May of 1948 - Israel. This event is a miracle of God's word coming true before our eyes as every miracle that follows.

Isaiah 11:12 says, "He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." Over the last 100 years, Jews have returned to Israel from Asia, Russia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Hebrew is one of the world's oldest languages. It ceased to be spoken around 250 BC. However, Zephaniah prophesied that God would return to His people a pure language, Hebrew was reborn as their language in the 19th century.

Israel has defeated her enemies in no less than four major wars. Each time they won against tremendous odds. A current example happened during the war with Hamas in Gaza. A missile was fired from Gaza toward Tel Aviv and the Iron Dome Defense System failed three times to shoot the missile down. Suddenly and miraculously a huge wind blew the missile off course and into the sea.   

When the Jewish people started returning to Israel they found swamps and barren deserts. Isaiah 35:1 says, "The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." Today, Israel is one of the world's leading fresh citrus producers and exporters. Additionally, they produce enough food for their own citizens but also export 20% of their produce.

Yes, our Lord God is a miracle working God for Israel but also for all of His people. This very special time of the year, I pray for all to be praising our Lord God with thankful hearts for we all live in a Season of Miracles.  

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

Frank

  

Jesus Rules And Reigns

Our message this week is the last of a four part series outlining the 16 events that will occur "On That Day" or "The Day Of The Lord." Typically, it is believed these events will take place at the end of the Tribulation Period.

There Are Five Themes Which Are An Integral Part Of These End Times Events

Israel's Enemies Attempt To Destroy Jerusalem

Our Lord God Intervenes And Wins A Mighty Victory

Jesus Physically Returns To Earth

The Jewish People Recognize Jesus As Their Messiah

Jesus Rules And Reigns From The Rebuilt Temple In Jerusalem

The last three events show just a small picture of what it will be like living under the Eternal Kingdom of Jesus when he rules as King of Kings and Lord of Lords:

Zechariah 14:13 - "On That Day, men will be stricken by The Lord with great panic. Each man will seize the hand of another, and they will attack each other." 

The enemies of our Lord and His people will actually attack each other. Is anything too difficult for our Lord?

Zechariah 14:20 - "On That Day, Holy To The Lord will be inscribed on the bells of horses and the cooking pots in  the Lord's house will be like sacred bowls in front of the altar."

The smallest of details will illustrate the control and holiness of our Lord.

Zechariah 14:21 - "On That Day, There will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord Almighty."

Lineages and nationalities will not be important during the reign of Jesus Christ. These are replaced by two important questions for all people and the questions are . . . Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? 

I trust this series of messages were enlightening and encouraging as they illustrated what lies ahead for Israel but also for all who know Jesus as their Savior. If you realize you do not know Jesus as your Savior or are not sure, please pray this prayer with me: 

"Jesus, I know I am a sinner! I ask you to forgive me of my sins, to become my Lord and my Savior and to grant me eternal life. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

"At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Should Bow In Heaven And On Earth And Under The Earth, And Every Tongue Confess That Jesus Christ Is Lord, To The Glory Of God The Father." Philippians 2:10-11

Blessings! Frank

"His Feet On The Mount Of Olives"

This week's message is the third in a series of messages outlining the sixteen events which will occur "On That Day." Bible scholars believe "On That Day" will occur at the end of the Tribulation Period when the spiritual and physical world that we know today changes dramatically. At that time, Jesus Christ physically returns to earth to rule and reign as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!  

All of these sixteen events are outlined in Zechariah 12-14 and we will look at events 10 -13 today:

Zechariah 14:4 - "On That Day, His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives East of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives will split in two from East to West, forming a great valley with half of the mountains moving North and half moving South."

Jesus will physically return to earth to stand on the Mount of Olives. After the Jewish people recognize Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:11), He will cross the Kidron Valley and enter the rebuilt Temple on the Temple Mount to rule and reign setting up His Eternal Kingdom here on earth. Praise His Name!

Zechariah 14:6-7 - "On That Day, There will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime - A day known to The Lord. When evening comes,  there will be light."

A day like no other!

Zechariah 14:8 - "On That Day, living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the Eastern sea and half to the Western sea, in summer and in winter."

Half of this anointed water will flow into the Dead Sea bringing it to life. This is a preview of our New Life when we spend eternity with our Lord God illustrating how we will also be totally changed.

Zechariah 14:9 - "On That Day, there will be one Lord and His name the only name."

Jesus will reign as the King of ALL kings and Lord of ALL lords!

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

Frank

"The Lord Remembers"

Our message last week started a series highlighting 16 events which will take place "On That Day" that will occur at the end of the Tribulation Period. All of these events are illustrated in chapters 12 - 14 of the book of Zechariah.

The Prophet Zechariah's name actually means "The Lord Remembers." These last chapters of Zechariah are a prime example of our Lord God remembering the covenant He made with Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 18:8, "I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." He will be their God and the land of Canaan will be their land forever. Hallelujah!

The four events we will study this week show The Lord coming to the defense of Jerusalem and the corresponding response of His people.

Zechariah 12:9 - "On That Day, I will set out to destroy all nations that come up against Jerusalem."

The nations of the world gather around Jerusalem in order to destroy it. However, our Lord God steps in and protects Jerusalem and its people. Praise His Name!

Zechariah 12:11 - "On That Day, the weeping in Jerusalem will be great like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Meggido."

This describes the most important event for the Jewish people. They recognize Jesus as their Messiah and the one they pierced and they mourn.

Zechariah 13:1 - "On That Day, a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and impurity."

Following the recognition of Jesus as their Messiah, the Jewish people's sins will be cleansed and forgiven. This is only possible through the shed blood of Jesus Christ who is Lord of all!

Zechariah 13:4 - "On That Day, every prophet will be ashamed of his prophetic vision. He will not put on a prophet's garment of hair in order to be deceived. He will say, 'I am not a prophet. I am a farmer, the land has been my livelihood since my youth.'"

Our Lord God will intervene and remove all forms of idol worship and false prophets.

Thanksgiving Blessings To All,

Frank 

"An Immovable Rock"

Last week's message was about the Church of Jesus Christ being His Bride but also the land of Israel being His Bride. This week we will start a series of messages illustrating further how much our Lord God loves the land of Israel and that He will always protect it during very trying circumstances. These messages will center on the book of Zechariah Chapters 12 - 14. 

Zechariah 12:1-3 says, "This is the word of The Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him, declares; 'I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.'" 

These few verses reveal the primary theme of the last three chapters of Zechariah. "On That Day," or the end of the Tribulation Period, enemies will try to destroy Jerusalem but our Lord God will intervene and win the battle for the Israelites. Hallelujah!

There are actually 16 events that will happen "On That Day" as outlined in Zechariah 12-14. But first Our Lord God says in chapter 1:2 "Return to Me and I will return to you." He wants to take care of and protect His people Israel but wants them to return to Him first. This is a good reminder also for all of us today.

Following are the first four of sixteen events which will happen "On That Day," I have included my comments after each Bible quote:  

Zechariah 12:3 

"On That Day, When all the nations of the earth are gathered against Jerusalem. I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves."

God's ultimate plans and purposes for Israel will prevail no matter what their enemies attempt.

Zechariah 12:4

"On That Day, I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness," declares The Lord. "I will keep a watchful eye over Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations."

Israel's enemies will be gathered around Jerusalem but will be unable to find their way to victory.

Zechariah 12:6-7

"On That Day, I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume right and left all the surrounding people, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place." 

Israel's leaders under God's direction will lead them to victory.

Zechariah 12:8

"On That Day, The Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of The Lord going before them."

The weakest among those living in Jerusalem will be able to rise up with the strength of David.

Be encouraged by these messages about our loving and protecting God but also keep praying for the Peace of Jerusalem as stated in Psalm 122:6. 

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

Frank

"The Bride Of Christ"

"Blessed Are Those Who Are Called To 

The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb!" 

Revelation 19:9

The day is coming when those who know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will take part in the Marriage Supper Of The Lamb. Our Groom, Jesus, will invite us, His Bride, to this glorious meal and we will be dressed in fine linen representing the righteous acts of the saints. 

As a result, we need to be ready for the Marriage Supper Of The Lamb at all times. Matthew 25:6-13 says, "At midnight a cry was heard, 'behold, The Bridegroom is coming; go out to meet Him!' then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying 'no, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, The Bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But He answered and said, 'assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." We need to be ready for the coming of our Bridegroom at all times!  

There is another aspect of The Bride of Christ that is rarely discussed. The land of Israel will also be married to Christ. Isaiah 62:4 says, "You shall no longer be termed Forsaken nor shall your land anymore be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah and your land Beulah; for The Lord delights in you and your land shall be married." When we look at the Hebrew interpretation of this verse we find that Hephzibah means "My delight is in her" and Beulah means "married." This verse is saying Our Lord God takes delight in the land of Israel and will marry her in the future. Hallelujah!  

As the Bride of Christ, we need to always have oil for our lamps expecting Jesus to come for His Bride at any moment. Additionally, I pray for each of us to continue praying for Israel as this message emphasizes the extreme importance of the land of Israel to our Lord God.

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Each Day,

Frank  

"A Spirit Of Stupor"

"Just as it is written; '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.'"

We referenced this verse in our message last week explaining that our Lord God has placed the Jewish people in "A Spirit Of Stupor" so that they cannot see or hear that Jesus is their Messiah. When I first learned of and studied this verse many many years ago, I was confused and wondered why would a loving God do this to His own covenant people?

The salvation of the Jewish people is a most significant topic especially as part of end times scenarios. Salvation began and will end with the Jews, Romans 1:16, Zechariah 12:10. Then why have the Jews been in this "Stupor" during this very lengthy intermediate period? 

Our Lord God's word is very clear in answering this thought provoking question. John 1:11 says, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive him." The Jewish people missed the hour of their Messiah's visitation. Luke 19:41-44 shows Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, "Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes, for the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.'" Thankfully, this period of "Stupor" is a temporary situation, Romans 11:11.

Can we as born again Christians who love Israel and the Jews participate in bringing this time of "Stupor" to an end? Yes, absolutely! Following are five specific steps in how we can be involved . . .

  Repent For Any Anti-Semitic Activities In Our Lives Past Or Present 

And Promote Our Churches And Denominations To Do The Same.

Become Intercessors Who Become Watchmen And Stand In The

Gap Praying For Salvation Of The Jewish People.

Perform Acts Of Friendship, Kindness And Encouragement

For Jewish People In Our Lives.

Pray For The Jewish People To Be In A Mindset Of

Repentance For Their Sins Past And Present.

Pray That Our Lord God Will Lift The Veil 

            Over Jewish Eyes So They Will Proclaim,              

 "Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord."

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

Frank

  

  

First Natural, Then Spiritual

"And so it is written, 'the first man Adam became a living being.' The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is The Lord from heaven." 1Corinthians 15:45-47.

The title for our message this week could be referred to as one of God's perfect order of all that He created. The principle in this case is that the natural takes place first and then the spiritual.

Last week's message concentrated on the importance of the Jewish people world wide moving back to Israel. This event is mentioned over 700 times in scripture and is vitally important to them and to our Lord God. Where does the principle of first the natural and then the spiritual fit into end times scenarios? The return of the Jewish people to physical Zion must take place in the physical realm and then the Spiritual Zion will take place.

What do we mean by the Spiritual Zion? Romans 11:26-27 says, "And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.'" Biblical Scholars believe these verses mean that all Jewish people, who have returned to Israel, will recognize Jesus Christ as their Messiah and be saved as part of the Second Coming of Jesus to earth. (Zechariah 14:4 and Zechariah 12:10) 

 Israel Will Have Become Spiritual Zion 

How close are we to Spiritual Zion becoming a reality? Only our Lord God knows! However, this we do know. Romans 11:8 says, "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." Currently, it is challenging for the Jewish people to see Jesus as their Messiah and to know the critical importance of their returning to Israel. Praise The Lord this is only a temporary situation.

God's covenant people currently are being saved and are moving to Israel but to a limited degree. We all need to pray daily that their eyes can see and their ears can hear the truth of God's Word . . .

Jesus Is Their Messiah And They Need To Move Back To Israel  

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

Frank

Now Is The Time!

"However, the days are coming, declares The Lord, when men will no longer say, 'as surely as The Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,' but they will say, 'as surely as The Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where He had banished them.' For I will restore them to the land I gave to their forefathers." Jeremiah 16:14-16.

Notice in this critically important message from our Lord God that He will bring back the Israelites to the land (Israel) which He gave to their forefathers. Notice also He will bring them out of "all" the countries from where He banished them.

There is much for us to comprehend from these few verses in Jeremiah. A question commonly asked in Christian circles is, "When will Jesus return to earth?" Also, a common question in Jewish circles is, "When will our Messiah appear?" Could these few verses in Jeremiah reflect on both questions?

The whole concept of the Jewish people world wide moving back to Israel has already been happening for many years and is referred to as them "Making Aliyah." A million have already left Russia and large numbers have come out of France, Ethiopia, Syria, India and Morocco. This is so important to our Lord God that over 700 verses in Scripture mention the Jewish people returning to Israel. Would one of the prerequisites for Jesus to return to earth and The Messiah to be revealed is for all Jewish people to be living in Israel?

For the conclusion of our message this week, we will consider the millions of Jewish people living in the United States. In 1987, Tom Hess who is a prophet and the founder of the International House Of Prayer For All Nations, was praying and he received a vision from Our Lord God of judgments coming to America in the form of bombs exploding. The Lord at the same time revealed to Tom it was time for the American Jewish population to return to Israel. 

The title for our message this week is, "Now Is The Time!" If anything, the time is overdo for American Jews to "Make Aliyah." Bombs have been exploding in the United States for years. For us, who love and support Israel and the Jewish people, what can we do? We can pray that the Jewish people world wide and especially in the United States will realize "The Time Is Now" and react.

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

Frank      

Tikkun Olam

The Jewish people believe in Tikkun Olam which means they believe they are called by God to "Repair The World." This is why they help others all over the world in disaster situations and why they are out front in helping Christians who are being persecuted by Muslims. This is the reason they send scientific experts to help solve problems in areas that are stricken by drought and help farmers in Africa to grow enough food to feed their families. They do all these things because they understand that they are responsible under God for the well being not only of themselves but also the entire human race.

Does this approach also apply in how they treat their enemies who surround them and even live among them? We need to realize that in the years 2015 and 2016 Israel has experienced 407 terror attacks including 165 stabbings, 107 shootings, 47 car rammings and a bus bombing. These attacks resulted in 40 deaths and 558 injuries.

Based on this, how did Israel respond? The Israeli democracy includes in their governing body, known as the Knesset, members of the Arab Party who support terrorism. Would this happen in most of the other countries of the world? Israel actually provides medical help to terrorists after they attempt to murder Israelies. An Israeli mother recently donated the kidney of her son who was murdered by a Palestinian suicide bomber to save the life of a Palestinian girl.       

The "Heart For Peace" humanitarian program has saved the lives of 610 Palestinian children since 2005. During the last war with Hamas in 2014, two Hamas terrorists who infiltrated Israel received medical treatment. Thousands of people from Gaza are treated medically in Israel each year.

When an Arab Israeli was wrongly beaten by police last summer, Israelis raised money for his college tuition and legal fees. A Palestinian girl whose bike was stolen was given a new bike by an Israeli man. This week just before the start of Yom Kippur, 1,500 Israelis gathered to pray for the people in Syria. 

These are all examples of God's chosen people obeying His word as stated in Genesis 12:3. We, as born again Christians, have a similar "calling" on our lives "to love your neighbor as yourself" illustrated in Matthew 22:36-39. My prayer for us as God's people is that we will fulfill these admonitions from our God in this world of turmoil in which we live. 

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Each Day,

Frank

BDS - Illegal

April 1, 1933 is a date that the Jewish people will never forget. On that date Nazi troopers filled the streets in front of Jewish businesses preventing German citizens from entering and held up signs saying, "Do Not Buy From Jews." This was an aggressive effort to isolate the Jewish people preparing the way for their ultimate destruction.

The current movement known as BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) could very well be described as a copy of the Nazi movement in 1933. Clearly, BDS is designed to prevent people all over the world from purchasing products produced in Israel. Again, all these current efforts are designed to isolate Israel leading to its ultimate destruction.

There are those who say that BDS activities are protected under free speech regulations. However, this movement is not free speech but is actually hate speech which is economic discrimination and is illegal according to international law.

The good news is there are movements throughout the world working  toward eliminating the BDS movement. Colorado, Arizona, Tennessee, New York, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, California, South Carolina and Illinois are states that have passed Anti-BDS legislation. Twenty other states are considering similar legislation. Kansas and Pennsylvania have adopted legislation to discontinue funding any university that boycotts Israel. The United Kingdom, France, Austria, Germany and Spain have enacted similar legislation. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Praise The Lord!

Isaiah 51:3 says, "For The Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of The Lord; joy and gladness will be found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of melody." Our Lord God has abundantly answered the first part of this verse concerning the land of Israel, let us all pray everyday the second part will be a reality for all the Jewish people.

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

Frank  

Bibi, Bold And Truthful

Last Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly. His message this year was similar to other years as he clearly pointed out the UN's excessive bias against Israel. For example, the UN passed 20 resolutions against Israel last year and only 3 against all the other nations combined.

However, this year Netanyahu shocked the audience by starting his message with the following bold statement, "Israel has a bright future at the UN." I believe he had everyone's attention! He continued, "Everything will change and a lot sooner than you think. The change will happen in this hall, because back home governments are changing their attitudes toward Israel."

More and more nations in Asia, Africa, Latin America are now seeing Israel as a partner in fighting terrorism and a partner in developing technology. Today, Israel has diplomatic relations with 160 countries. Many seek to benefit from Israel's creativity in agriculture, health and intelligence. Israel leads the world in recycling waste water. They recycle 90% of their waste water while the next nearest country only recycles 20%.

Probably the most surprising development is Israel's new relationship with other Arab countries. Peace treaties continue with Egypt and Jordan. Additionally, other Arab states are recognizing Israel is not their enemy, but their ally. Their common enemies are Iran and ISIS. As a result, their common goals are to become secure, peaceful and prosperous. 

Netanyahu had the opportunity to visit four African countries and while at the UN met with leaders from 17 additional African countries. He discussed ways Israel's technology could transform their countries.

The Israeli Prime Minister closed his address by saying, "I believe the day is not far off when Israel will be able to rely on many countries to stand with them at the UN. Slowly but surly, the days when UN Ambassadors condemn Israel are coming to an end." Yes, Bibi spoke with boldness and truthfulness!

Our message each week is read in many countries throughout the world. Recently, we have noticed a dramatic increase in the readership of France. We are very interested in why and how this is happening. Followers of this blog who are in France please email us at fgruber.prayerfocus@hotmail.com if you would like to comment.

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

Frank  

Honorable Men

Mohammed Dajani, a Palestinian professor stated recently that, "Palestinians must seek normalization with Israel in order to achieve independence." His purpose in making this bold proclamation was to promote mutual understanding between Israel and the Palestinians leading to a peaceful relationship. 

Well, how was the professor treated by his fellow Palestinians after this proposal? Not very well! He was targeted by the Palestinian Anti-Normalization Movement as a "Traitor" and his car was set on fire.

In an interview with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Dajani said, "The Palestinian cause must be won inside of Israel and that normalization is an essential step in the process to end the conflict. By ostracizing Israel, Palestinians threaten to eliminate the Israeli people from the cause of peace making peace improbable, if not impossible. Anti-normalization also violates the terms of the Oslo Accords which called for the end of incitement."  

Dajani was not alone in this type of treatment. Khared Abu Toameh who also promotes dialog between Palestinians and Israelis was ostracized in his community for his efforts. He said, "We need to sit together and understand each other." 

There is one who is willing to "Sit Together" with the Palestinians - Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. He has said numerous times he is willing and ready to meet with the Palestinian leaders. However, they are not willing. They have not even recognized Israel as a valid nation.

We praise our Lord God for these two bold and honorable men and pray there will be many more living in the contested Middle East who will speak the truth. Nothing Is Impossible For Our Lord God - Continue Praying!

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

Frank

Keep On Keeping On!

The title for our message this week is unique and interesting. It means to keep on doing what you are doing because it is important in the furthering of the Kingdom of God here on earth. 

David Jeremiah, author and Pastor of Shadow Mountain Church in San Diego, California, recently shared that while he was in Israel an elderly Jewish woman approached him and said, "Thank you for your friendship and support of Israel because Christians are the only friends we have." 

How important is our friendship with Israel? Witness the following three reports. Within the last week, Hamas and Iran met in Beirut, Lebanon. These two regimes have publicly and repeatedly promoted the destruction of Israel. When the meeting concluded, the two parties had agreed to work together in uniting the Muslim World to face the Zionist danger.

Last Monday night a rocket was launched from Syria into the Israeli Golan Heights. No injuries were reported, however, the Israeli Air Force retaliated against the Syrian Army. This event was the third Syrian rocket which has currently landed in the Golan Heights. Syria also reported that it shot down an Israeli jet but this has been denied by Israel.

Another report from Israel states they are bracing for an ISIS terror attack along their Southern border with Egypt. ISIS located in the Sinai Desert has been stealing armored vehicles and anti-tank missiles from Egypt. They have also gathered a supply of Russian made missiles.

We need to "Keep On Keeping On" being the only friends of Israel but they have another friend and the most important friend - Our Lord God! Psalm 125:1-2 says, "Those who trust in The Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so The Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever more." Zechariah 14:2-3 also says, "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the woman ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then The Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle."

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Each Day,

Frank  

A God Of Righteousness And Justice

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of The Lord will accomplice this." Isaiah 9:6-7.

The above well known message from our Lord God predicted the birth of Jesus Christ and how He will rule and reign on David's throne in Jerusalem upon His return to earth. There are many facets to the reign of Jesus on earth but for our message this week we will concentrate on His ruling in righteousness and justice. They are both desperately needed in the world today especially in the Middle East.

One of the many descriptions of Jesus is "The Lord our Righteousness." The Book of Psalms reveals to us that none are righteous only our Lord God. However, Romans 5:19 calls us to be partakers of His Righteousness. Abraham became an heir of righteousness by his faith.

Psalm 45 says our Lord God loves righteousness and hates wickedness. The day is coming soon when The Lord our righteousness will be released from Heaven and take up the throne of King David in Jerusalem. Because of our faith in Him, we will become people of His righteousness. 

"He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does The Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8. There is much injustice today between the Jews and the Arabs in the Middle East. Ezekiel 47:22 says that the Jewish people should treat those that live among them as their own flesh and blood. This is God's way of justice. We hear on a regular basis numerous reports of them doing this but not always perfectly.

In Amos 5:23-24 our Lord God says, "Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream."

I pray for all of us that we will function in righteousness by our faith and in justice in our daily lives and pray all in Israel will do likewise.

May The Lord Bless You Today And Each Day,

Frank 

  

Only One True God?

Recently, Pope Francis argued that all religions worship God whether a person calls Him God, Buddha, Jesus Christ or Allah. He further stated, "In this crowd, in this range of religions, there is only one certainty that we have for all, we are all children of God."

Pope Francis was correct in that we are all children of God. However, we are children of the One And Only True God! After this One True God rescued the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, He brought them to the base of Mt. Sinai. He summoned Moses to come up on the mountain and He welcomed Moses by saying about the Israelites, "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel." Exodus 19:5-6. 

Then the One True God explained to Moses how the children of Israel were to obey Him. Exodus 20:1-4 says, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." There is no question about who is the One True God! He shall be obeyed and worshiped over any man-made false gods.!

The children of Israel obeyed the One True God but not wholeheartedly. As a result, the One True God sent His Son Jesus Christ to earth to die on the cross to save all man-kind and to forgive them of their sins. Hebrews 8:8 says, "Behold, the days are coming, says The Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah."

All man-kind lives under the New Covenant through the shed blood of Jesus Christ - True Son Of The One True God! Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth The Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." I trust you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, if not, today ask Him to come into your heart, to be your Lord and Savior also asking Him to forgive you of all your sins. 

Praise The Lord!

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

Frank     

Jerusalem!!

Our message last week concentrated on the issue of who is the true owner of the land of Israel including the West Bank and Gaza according to God's Word. This week we will be even more specific and concentrate on Jerusalem. Palestinian Mufti Hussein recently proclaimed that "All of Jerusalem is Islamic." He urged all Arabs living near the Temple Mount to prevent visits by Jews and any other non Muslims.

Before we get into the heart of our message, allow me to inform you about an important ministry located on the Mount of Olives where Jesus will return to earth. Tom Hess founded the ministry called The Jerusalem House Of Prayer For All Nations where Christians and Jews come together 24 hours a day to pray for Israel. Tom also authored a book entitled Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem that is an excellent read for all.

Let us look at the truth according to God's Word about Jerusalem. First of all, Jerusalem is called the City of God. Psalm 148 says, "Great is The Lord and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, in His holy mountain." Also, Psalm 46 says, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall." Psalm 132:14 says, "This is My resting place forever and ever, here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it."

Mount Zion is the place where Abraham obeyed The Lord and brought Isaac to be sacrificed. Jesus endured the cross and rose from the dead in Jerusalem. He also taught in the Temple as a young boy. 

Currently, our Lord God is calling us to be watchmen with Him over Jerusalem. Zechariah 12:3 says, "On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves." Also, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan. The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you!" Zechariah 3:2.

What is the future for Jerusalem according to God's Word? Zechariah 13:12 says, "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. On that day I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more. I will remove both the profits and the spirit of impurity from the land."

Jerusalem will eventually be completely the Holy City of God throughout eternity when the New Jerusalem comes down to earth. Revelation 21:1-2 says, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then  I, John, saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." 

Indeed, Jerusalem is the City of our God 

now and in the future and we who know Him 

as our Lord and Savior will dwell with Him

 in His City for all eternity.

 Hallelujah! 

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

Frank   

A Controversy?

An interesting event happened in the Middle East last week which was viewed as controversial by one group of people but was also viewed as a very positive step forward by another group of people. What was the event? A retired Saudi General actually visited Israel!

For Israel, this certainly was a step in the right direction in attempting to have normal relationships with its Arab neighbors. Israel already has established Peace Treaties with Egypt and Jordan and has recently been taking steps to have stronger ties with Saudi Arabia. 

However, the majority of the Arab world is outraged because of this visit since they are against any steps toward normalization with Israel. They believe Israel is occupying Muslim owned land and do not even recognize Israel's right to exist. The first to express outrage were thousands of Saudis including top Islamic Clerics. Islamic religious decrees forbid Muslims from giving up any part of so-called Muslim owned land to non-Muslims.

This event last week once again illustrates the central issue in the Middle East. It is extremely important that we, who love the one true God and His covenant people the Jews, know and loudly proclaim the truth of God's Word. When God established His covenant with Abraham and his descendants He said in Genesis 12:3-4, "I will make you a great nation; and you shall be a blessing. 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." That Nation Are The Jews Today! Our Lord God also said to Abraham in Genesis 15:18, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the River of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates." That Land Is Israel Today even though they have not occupied all of it yet.

The enemies of Israel can be outraged over such events as the one that took place last week but The Truth Of God's Word Does Not Change!

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

Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av is the 9th day of the Hebrew Biblical month Av. Jewish tradition refers to Tisha B'Av as the saddest day on their calendar because throughout their history terrible tragedies have happened to the children of Israel on the ninth of Av.

This year Tisha B'Av starts at sunset on August 13th. During the next 24 hours the land of Israel is very quiet as they fast and mourn remembering the calamities that have happened on this day. A large crowd gathers at the Western Wall and spends the day in prayer and reading from the book of Lamentations.

Rabbis teach that the tragedies of this date started around 3,000 years ago when the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. God instructed Moses to send spies to check out the Promised Land. Moses sent 12 spies, however, most of the spies reported the land could not be conquered. Our Lord God was very disappointed and decreed that the original generation which came out of Egypt would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land. This decree happened on the 9th of Av.    

Approximately 1,800 years later, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon led his armies into Jerusalem. On the 9th of Av the first Temple was set ablaze and destroyed. Around 100,000 Jews were destroyed in this attack. 

Five centuries later in AD 70, the Roman Army invaded Jerusalem and on the morning of the 9th of Av the second Temple was destroyed. All that was left is what is referred to today as the Western Wall. In this case, one million Israelites were killed.

On the 9th of Av in 1290 Jews were expelled from England. In 1914, Germany entered World War I and on the 9th of Av Heinrich Himmler approved what was called the "final solution" that resulted in the death of one third of the world's population.

Have you ever wondered why all these devastating events have happened to the Jewish people on exactly the same date of the Hebrew calendar? I certainly have! I do not believe there is a way we can answer this question. However, we can be participants in this years 9th of Av by praying with the Jewish people as they pray at the Western Wall asking our Lord God to protect His people Israel this year.  

We can also petition our Lord God that Zechariah 8:19 becomes true, "This is what the Lord Almighty says, 'The fasts of the fourth, fifth (Av), seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah.'"

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

Frank

Prophetic Signs

Two news headlines caught my attention this week and caused me to speculate if they  had important prophetic significance. During the last few weeks we have learned rebels in Turkey attempted to overthrow the Government of President Erdogan but failed. Additionally, Iran's Supreme Leader has called the growing relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia a "stab in the back" to the Muslim world.

Let us first look at the recent events in Turkey. Portions of the Turkish Army, Air Force and Police attempted to overthrow President Erdogan's dictatorial rule. Instead of ending Erdogan's reign, this coup failed and the result has actually strengthened his control to a large degree.

Turkey is one of the nations that will invade Israel as part of the "Invasion From The North" described in Ezekiel 38 and 39. This war is believed to be a pre-rapture event. Ezekiel 38:2 describes Gog as the leader of Russia who is charged to head this invasion of Israel. Verse 6 identifies Gomer, which is modern day Turkey, as one of the invading countries.

Why are these recent events in Turkey important prophetically? If the coup was successful, Turkey probably would have become a Democratic free society and would not take part in an invasion of Israel. On the contrary, Erdogan, who patterns his leadership style after Hitler and with heavy Muslim influence, will be an active and willing partner in the "Invasion From The North."

The second significant prophetic event involved comments by Iran's Supreme Leader who was upset with the developing Israel and Saudi Arabia relationship. We need to realize Iran, referred to as Persia in Ezekiel 38, will also be part of invading countries. Their stated goal expressed many times is the total destruction of Israel. Any co-operation by an Arab country with Israel does not fit this narrative.

Our Lord God says in Psalm 137:5-6, "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth - if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy." He will not forget His covenant relationship with the Jewish people and to protect their land. He wins the battle of Gog and Magog for His covenant people. Ezekiel 38:21 says,

 "I Will Call For A Sword Against Gog 

Throughout All My Mountains."

 Hallelujah!

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

Frank

Unity . . . Pleasing To God

"Behold, How Good And How Pleasant It Is 

For Brethren To Dwell Together In Unity!" 

Psalm 133:1

I would think all of us, who love our Lord God, work each day toward wanting to do good in order to please Him. The above verse however, says it is good and pleasant in God's eyes to live in harmony with our brethren. In this verse brethren means all mankind. As a result it is our Lord God's good and perfect will for all of mankind to "dwell together in unity."

All we have to do is listen to the news each day to ascertain that all of God's creation is not dwelling in unity. This raises the question, why has this been a major problem throughout all of history? A very important reason for this is our evil adversary Satan roams about the earth seeking whom he may devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

However, we will concentrate our message this week on the continuing conflict in the relationship between the Jewish people and their enemies. When our Lord God established the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12:2 He said, "I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." The "you" referred to in this verse are the descendants of Isaac. In Genesis 18:19 God says, "I will establish My Covenant with Isaac for an everlasting Covenant and with his descendants after him."

A primary reason for the conflict between Jews and their enemies is the false interpretation of God's Word in Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 18:19. The descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar, believe God established the Abrahamic Covenant through Ishmael and his descendants. This is not the truth of God's Word!   

The truth for all mankind to know is our Lord God loves all of His creation including the descendants of Ishmael. He desires for all mankind to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We hear of Arab men having visions of Jesus and instantly being saved. Bless and praise His holy name! The unity of faith leads to the unity of the brethren.

What can we do to facilitate God's desire for "brethren to live in unity?" Of course, we need to pray fervently but also share the Gospel message with boldness. Romans 10:14-15 says, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'"

Let all of us share the "Good News" with all the brethren!

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

Frank