Thursday, July 11, 2013

Egypt "In That Day"

News headlines during the last week have informed us that the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt headed by Prime Minister Morsi has been overthrown by the Egyptian Army. A large portion of the citizens of Egypt through a poll taken indicated that 73% believed that the Morsi government was not capable of improving a very weak economy. Additionally, 22 million of these same citizens signed a petition to remove the Morsi government. An interim Prime Minister has been put in place who has promised a democratic election for a new government within six months.

How do these events in Egypt line up prophetically with the Word of God? Isaiah 19:18-25 address the spiritual condition of Egypt "In That Day" which most Bible scholars believe is when Jesus physically comes back to earth. Notice what is happening in Egypt "In That Day" in Isaiah 19:

"In That Day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the Lord of Hosts." vs. 18
"In That Day there will be an altar to The Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt." vs. 19
"In That Day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria." vs. 23
"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 Host shall bless." vs. 24 & 25

Could these events this past week in Egypt bring us closer to the return of Jesus to earth when Egypt will be worshipping The Lord our God with Israel and Assyria? Obviously, Israel is observing these events in Egypt very carefully especially in regard to the nomenclature of the next government since they still are observing a peace treaty with Egypt. We who love and support Israel need to pray earnstly concerning all these events.

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

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Celebration

Today is Independence Day when the citizens of the United States celebrate the anniversary of the founding of our nation with fireworks and gatherings of friends and family. Hopefully, some are giving thanks for our founding fathers who with the help of our Heavenly Father birthed this nation on Judeo-Christian values.

However, as we reflect on the current spiritual and moral climate of our country we find a far different picture than of the original founding principles. Abortions are being performed each and every day, fifty percent of marriages fail, our government is deeply in debt and even the Biblical definition of marriage is under attack. We are in great need of a Spiritual Revival!

Our Heavenly Father gives us clear instructions in IIChronicles 7:14 about our part before "He will heal our land." We are to "Humble ourselves, pray and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways." Additionally, our Lord desires for us to bless Israel and then He will bless us and our nation. Genesis 12:3 says "I will bless those who bless you."

The last significant wave of salvation and faith expansion took place in the United States in the late 1960's and early 1970's. This movement of God was called "The Jesus Movement" and thousands of young adults and hippies became believers in Jesus. No doubt this movement of God was birthed on large numbers of people adhering to IIChronicles 7:14 and on blessing Israel.

I truly believe prayers for Israel were an important part of this movement of God because at the same time Israel was fighting the Six Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Believers and agnostics have testified to the awesome presence of angelic hosts during these conflicts. God's mercy caused Israel's triumphs.

Would we who love our country and Israel recommit ourselves this special day of remembrance to be in a spirit of humility and repentance for our country and pray continually and boldly for a spiritual revival movement of our God for the United States and Israel?

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



Thursday, June 27, 2013

A Blessing To All The World

When the Lord God established His binding and everlasting covenant with the Jewish people in Genesis 12:2-3 He said "I will make you a great nation (Israel), I will bless you, and you shall be a blessing. . .and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." This is the truth from God's word totally contrary to words of Israel's enemies such as Iran Clerics who say, "The Jews are filthy people who spread diseases and Israel is a cancerous tumor that must be removed from the Middle East."

Israel just celebrated her 65th birthday and the following is a partial list from an article about this birthday event showing how Israel and the Jewish people have indeed been a blessing to the world:

{1} Israel set up the most advanced field hospital in Haiti with 240 medical workers after an earthquake.

{2} Established a field hospital and aid to Japan after an earthquake in March, 2011.

{3} Vital heart operations at an Israeli hospital for 3,000 children of the developing world including 1,500 Palestinian children.

{4} Established a water purification system that delivers safe drinking water from almost any source.

{5} Developed an artificial desert oasis that helps feed millions of desert dwellers.

{6} Free cataract removal operations by Israeli eye doctors in Vietnam, China,  Myanmar and even Muslim countries.

{7} Developed a phone imaging system to diagnose and monitor malaria.

{8} A field hospital along Israeli's border with Syria to treat wounded Syrians.

{9} Solar-powered light fixtures on African and South American roads.

{10} Israel provides yearly trauma care training courses in Africa, South America and the Far East.

Again, this is a partial list of how Israel and the Jewish people have been a blessing to the world as the Word of God proclaimed in Genesis 12:2-3. We who love and support Israel need to be those who regularly proclaim these truths and encourage others to do likewise.

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


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Non-Military Threats To Israel

Almost everyday in the news we hear of military threats to destroy Israel from countries on its borders and those close by such as Iran. Additionally, there is always threats from terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. In fact, Psalm 83 describes the enemies of Israel saying in verse 4 "They have said, come and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more."

Now we learn there are additional threats to Israel which we could call or title "non-military threats." For example, the Council of Europe consisting of 47 countries to oversee The European Court of Human Rights just met and brought forth a motion. This motion exclaimed that Israel must stop any new or existing construction in the settlements of Judea and Samaria.

Maybe I am missing something here but what gives this Council the right to demand Israel stop construction on its own God-given land? Genesis 15:18. Israel's government reacted in a similar manner. Deputy Defense Minister Danon responded at an awards ceremony "I will not institute a construction freeze."

Another non-military threat to Israel is referred to as Cyber attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said recently "Iran has recently increased Cyber attacks on Israel to also include attacks through their proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. These attacks are against our infrastructure but also against economic and civilian targets." 

We need to expand our prayers for Israel to ask God's hand of protection over these additional unique attacks. Psalm 91:1, 2, and 11 state "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of The Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust. For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."

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

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Middle East Unrest

Approximately one year ago we were hearing many reports about what was termed the Arab Spring. This term described violent rioting in the streets of many of the capital cities in the Middle East. The result was the governments in Egypt and Libya were overthrown with the resulting new governments controlled by the terror group Muslim Brotherhood.

The current situation in parts of the Middle East could be called the new Arab Spring or Arab Spring II. The blog of last week informed us of the turbulent situation in Syria and now we hear of violence in the streets of Turkey between police and demonstrators.

Could these scenarios in Syria and Turkey plus the fact that Lebanon is already under control of the terror group Hezbullah be setting the stage for the Battle of Gog and Magog as described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39? In Ezekiel 38:14-16 The Lord God is speaking to Gog {leader of Russia} to come from your place in the North with a mighty army and come against My people Israel. This mighty army will consist of forces from Turkey, Iran and Libya as mentioned in the early verses of Ezekiel.

However, The Lord God wins a mighty victory for Israel. Ezekiel 38:21-23, The Lord God says "I will call for a sword against Gog. . . .I will bring him to pestilence and bloodshed. . . .then they shall know that I am The Lord." Why is the unrest in Syria and Turkey possibly setting the stage for the Battle of Gog and Magog? These countries are in the direct path of the "Invasion From The North" which this battle is commonly called. The current unrest seems to open the door for this invasion.

How do we pray regarding all of this since we know the Battle of Gog and Magog is in the future according to The Word of God? We need to pray boldly for Godly wisdom for the leaders of Israel and for God's hand of protection for those who live in Israel!

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


Thursday, May 30, 2013

Ominous Signs

A number of events have made new headlines during the past week all raising concerns for those charged with the defense of Israel. Two of the events revolve around happenings during the Syrian Civil War while the third event resulted from an announcement by the United States government.

The civil war in Syria has raged continually for over a year with "rebel forces" attempting to overthrow the Assad government. The rebel forces appear to include elements of enemies of Israel. Approximately 80,000 opponents of the government have been killed and now there appears to be strong evidence the government is using chemical weapons. An enemy of Israel on its border using such tactics is an ominous sign for Israel.

Additionally, Israeli Air Force General Eshel has stated that a surprise war can come about through many scenarios as the Syrian conflict can escalate very quickly. He also announced the Assad government has invested billions of dollars in buying the best weapon systems Russia can offer. Eshel also said this gives Assad greater belligerence. Another ominous sign for Israel.

Last Thursday President Obama announced the United States will limit the use of Drone strikes against extremists abroad. He stated there will only be drone strikes when a threat is imminent and it is almost certain civilians will not be affected. Reaction in Israel is they now feel alone in fighting terror. Another ominous sign for Israel.

History reveals Israel's God has helped them win many wars against overwhelming odds and we now petition Him, who is Master and King over all, to again be there for them.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You In His Care This Day And Every Day,
Frank 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

It Is All About The Land Again - Part 2

Our message last week informed us that the newly installed United States Secretary of State Kerry has announced he is working towards restarting peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Every previous attempt to establish supposed peace through dividing the land of Israel has failed. Why is this? Every attempt ignored the Word of God! Joel 3:2 says The Lord will judge those who have divided HIS LAND. Also in Amos 9:15 our God says He will no longer uproot His people from the land He has given them.

Once again world leaders are attempting to divide God's land given to His original covenant people, the Jews. Kerry had originally planned to reveal his proposal for peace in the Middle East May 23rd but now has pushed this date back to June 7th. In addition, Kerry has been meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and has met with the Quartet which includes representatives from the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia. 

This all sounds good in the world media. However, how does our God react to even the suggestion of dividing up HIS LAND or the actual act itself. A number of years ago, Israeli Prime Minister Sharon caused thousands of Israelis to evacuate the Gaza Strip leaving behind their homes, their businesses and their farms all in a failed attempt to establish peace in the Middle East. Shortly thereafter, Sharon became gravely ill and has never recovered. History also reveals severe weather events while talks of dividing HIS LAND are in process. Are these just coincidences or realities?

Our God is a loving and caring God but also a God who keeps the promises in His word! We need to pray continually for leaders in the United States and Israel resulting in them seeking God's wisdom at all times and in all situations.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You In His Care This Day An Each Day,
Frank