Passover 2015

Passover is a special time of the year in Israel as God's covenant people remember how they were freed from slavery in Egypt and returned to their God given land. They also look forward to the future and at the challenges and security threats facing Israel. As they are celebrating Passover 2015 with their families, the following appears to be the main security threats.

The Egyptian Border - There is an increase in terrorists activities since 2010 with a peak last year. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have built a new security fence between Israel and Egypt. The main concern is that terrorists will try to attack IDF forces on the border. 

The Gaza Strip - Hamas and Islamic Jihad are working hard to rebuild their military capabilities. Hamas is spending large amounts of money in restoring its stockpile of weapons and its tunnel networks. As a result, the re-construction of civilian facilities is a low priority. 

Judea and Samaria - There are regular arrests of terrorist cells planning to kill civilians. Morning prayers at a synagogue were suddenly stopped when two terrorists carried out a massacre. Car ramming attacks have killed numerous citizens.

The Syrian Border - Two rockets have been shot into Israeli territory out of Syria. There have also been explosions along the border injuring Israeli civilians. Additionally, Syrian military aircraft have been seen flying over Israel. 

The Lebanese Border - Hezbollah is a strong force in southern Lebanon, one of their missile attacks killed two IDF soldiers on the Israeli side of the border. Hezbollah maintains 30,000 soldiers and 170,000 rockets pointed at Israel able to reach any location.

All of this does not even include the threat of a nuclear Iran which will be addressed in our message next week.

Last Monday as part of Passover, thousands of Jews joined together at the Western Wall to receive God's blessing for themselves and their nation from hundreds of priests. These blessings occur three times a year as part of Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles when Jewish men come up to Jerusalem.

The Priestly Blessing reads, "The Lord Bless You And Keep You; The Lord Make His Face Shine Upon You, And Be Gracious To You; The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon You, And Give You Peace." Numbers 6:24-26. How special and important it would be if all of us would pray this blessing over Israel and our families each day.

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

Frank 

Holy Week Message

This is my favorite week  of the year as we, who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, spend time in reverence and thankfulness toward our Heavenly Father remembering His plan of salvation. Our Lord God planned, through creation, to have a close and intimate relationship with all of us. However, Adam and Eve broke this relationship in the Garden of Eden by bringing sin into the world. However, God sent His Son to earth to shed His own blood redeeming our sins and leading to salvation. Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth The Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

But salvation is only the beginning - it is only the first step toward establishing the intimacy that God desires. At that moment, God gives to each of us the choice of increasing the maturity and intimacy of our relationship with Him. Philippians 2:12 says, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." 

We can learn a lot about this relationship that God desires with us by examining how our Lord God set up the camp of the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness. He put His tabernacle in the middle of the camp and put Himself in a definite spot inside symbolizing His desired place within our lives. In the same way today, as we enter into God's salvation, we enter into His protection, His covering and a certain level of relationship with Him. There is more to be had as we move toward the center.

Especially during this Holy Week, let us all thank our Lord God for His plan of salvation but also recommit our hearts and minds towards a deeper and closer relationship with Him. Amen and Amen! 

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

Frank

United Nations Bias

The United Nations determined last week Israel is the greatest violator of Women's Rights in the world because it is "violating the rights of Palestinian women." The United Nations Commission on Status of Women (CSW) only condemned Israel among its 193 members.

This action drew sharp criticism from Israeli leaders who stated among the 193 members of the CSW there are dozens who slaughter innocent civilians and impose discriminatory laws that violate women's rights with the primary violators being Iran and The Sudan. Israel's representative to the CSW said recently, "change will come for Palestinian women when their leadership takes responsibility for its own people."

The truth of the matter is Israel in its Declaration of Independence promises "complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants regardless of religion, race or sex." The 2014 World Economic Forum report ranked Israel 57th out of 137 for Female Political Empowerment with the United States ranked 54th and Saudi Arabia ranked 117th. The previous Israeli government had 27 women, both Jewish and Arab, as lawmakers among its members. Israel stands out as a place where gender equality is a fundamental goal of government.

Why such bias against Israel? All of this is another sign of the days and times in which we live. Zechariah 12 refers to a time period called "in that day" in which most Bible Scholars believe is a time period just prior to Jesus returning to earth. Zechariah 12:2,3,9 say the following, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. . .and it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. . .it shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." We, who love and support Israel, certainly can take comfort from our Lord God's response to these difficult and challenging days in which we live. Hallelujah!

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

Frank            

Bibi's Big Win

Newspaper headlines in Israel are declaring Benjamin Netanyahu's win in Tuesday's election as a "Shocking And Sweeping Victory." Israeli elections are very different than other democratic societies. Israeli voters elect a party from which the Prime Minister comes, who then must form a coalition from the other parties that will govern with the Prime Minister.

Israeli elections determine a value or seat total for each party and the total of all parties is 120. The elected party and its named Prime Minister must form a coalition from other parties of at least 61 seats. The parties forming the coalition will then be the governing body that is called The Knesset. Confusing, isn't it?

Netanyahu's victory is being described as a big surprise with some even calling it "A Miracle." Netanyahu's party (Likud) was projected to win around 20 seats but the final tally showed them winning 30 Knesset seats. Additionally, it appears a sure bet that Netanyahu will be able to form the coalition without much difficulty. 

Let me go back and look at the concept of all of this possibly being a miracle performed by our Lord God! Netanyahu's victory was accomplished even with overwhelming odds against him. The opposition, that did everything they could to defeat him, included the Israeli media; pre-election and exit polls; interference by foreign governments; and opposition parties including a new Arab party. It is also very important to realize that the closest opposition party, the Zionist Union, campaigned on turning half of Israel over to its enemies.

I am going to join the chorus of those proclaiming this victory A Miracle Of Our Lord God! Daniel 2:19-21 proclaim, "Daniel answered and said blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."

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

Frank  

Middle East Turmoil

Last week in our message, we highlighted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to the U.S. Congress and pointed out his feelings about the danger of a nuclear Iran for Israel and the whole world. He also considers the current proposed nuclear deal with Iran will do little to slow down their path to the bomb. He felt it necessary to speak up now for the actual continued existence of Israel and its people similar to Queen Esther's stance for the Jews in ancient Persia.

Today, we will look at an overview of scenarios in most of the Middle East because almost all areas are tense and dangerous regarding the safety of Israel. Last week, Netanyahu also shared we should not be fooled by what appears to be Iran's attempt to reign in the threat of ISIS. In reality, he shared both Iran and ISIS are determined to control and dominate the Middle East and the whole world. He stated about Israel, "The enemy of your enemy is your enemy." Both are immediate and dangerous threats to Israel.

The situation in Jordan suddenly has become curious and tense. Jordan for many years has been a friend of Israel and their leaders have worked hard to bring about peace in the Middle East. Now, the threat of ISIS has changed things dramatically. Recently a member of the Jordanian military was captured and executed resulting in air strikes against ISIS. It appears Jordan might be the Third Target for ISIS domination after Iraq and Syria. If ISIS does conquer Jordan, this means ISIS would be located right on Israel's doorstep.

Then there is Egypt. . .an encouraging report. They have done a good job, of eliminating in Egypt proper and the Sinai Peninsula, of Jihadist terror groups and even went to the defense of Coptic Christians in Libya. Is this the start of an End Times Scenario? Isaiah 19:23-24 says. "In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. . .and Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land." 

In response to these reports, we should all be praying and proclaiming verses from Psalm 47:2,3,7,8 that says, "For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth, He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne."

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

Frank    

"For Such A Time As This"

As I listened to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech a second time, I realized how difficult it would be to summarize the speech in this format. However, let me share with you the most important points and the possible reactions. 

The Israeli Prime Minister started his speech by thanking the United States for its support of Israel that amounts to billions of dollars each year. He then went on to describe the proposed Nuclear Deal with Iran as a "Bad Deal" which could lead to a "Potential Nuclear Nightmare." Continuing, Netanyahu said the proposed agreement makes two major concessions: it does not require current nuclear facilities to be destroyed and any restrictions will automatically expire in a decade. 

Toward the end of his speech, Netanyahu said, "The proposed deal does not block Iran's path to the bomb, it paves Iran's path to the bomb." He also considers unacceptable any deal that does not entirely end Iran's nuclear program.

I entitled our message today "For Such A Time As This" which is a quote from Esther 4:14. It is very interesting to note the Prime Minister's message took place on the eve of the Jewish Feast Day Purim. Esther is a young Jewish girl living exiled in Persia, current day Iran, who suddenly becomes Queen of Persia. When Mordechai, Esther's guardian and cousin, refuses to pay homage to Persia's evil leaders, a plan is developed to destroy the Jews. King Xerxes did not know Esther was Jewish. Mordechai pleads with Esther to approach the king to plead for her people saying to her, "You have come to a royal position For Such A Time As This." Esther follows his advise and her people are saved.

All of this raises some very interesting and important questions. Did the Prime Minister schedule his message intentionally on the eve of Purim? We do not know! What we do know is his message was also delivered, "For Such A Time As This" and could lead to saving Israel and its people from destruction. Netanyahu knows the immediate danger to Israel of a nuclear Iran plus the danger to the United States. The other question raised is, "Will world leaders properly react to the speech by making the necessary changes to the nuclear deal with Iran?"

We thank our Lord God for Prime Minister Netanyahu's boldness to speak out and ask for special blessings for the Netanyahu family. Let us also pray for all leaders to do everything necessary to prevent a nuclear Iran.

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

Frank        

Israeli Elections

On March 17th, residents of Israel will go to the polls to elect a new government. Recently, in a survey, 51% of the citizens indicated that Benjamin Netanyahu is the most suited to continue as the Prime Minister while 28% preferred Isaac Herzog of the Labor Party.

Over the last few weeks, Israeli democracy has been under a sustained attack in a desperate effort to subvert the will of the people. This is being conducted by the mainstream media in an attempt to impose their minority world view on Israel. Sounds like "politics as usual" even in Israel.  

Rather than engaging in debates on how to conduct the affairs of their nation the Israeli media has attempted to oust a Prime Minister with petty attacks. They have also attacked Mrs. Netanyahu, certainly not a relative factor in determining the ability to govern. The media found it important to focus on who received a thousand dollars for recycled bottles, the cost of Sara Netanahju's hairdos and was the Prime Minister's garden furniture purchased within proper guidelines? The public trust in the media is among the lowest for any of the country's institutions.

All of this is happening while the nation is facing the possibility of a Nuclear Iran; ICIS is threatening Jordan; ICIS is taking over Iraq and Syria; Jihadist terrorists are dominating the Sinai; and anti-semitism is on the rise in Europe.

Earlier, it was mentioned the Labor Party probably is the Prime Minister's and his Likud Party's main opponent. They have traditionally supported turning over Judea and Samaria to the Palestinians thinking this will achieve peace. Prime Minister Netanyahu has continually stated he is "For Peace" but will not give up Judea and Samaria unless the Palestinians recognize Israel as a State which they say they will never do. Even more important, if Israel turns over Judea and Samaria to the Palestinians, the remaining geography of Israel will be almost impossible to defend.

Obviously, the residents of Israel need to seek the wisdom of our Lord God   in determining how to vote in the upcoming election. Our prayers on their behalf within the next three weeks is very important. Proverbs 3:5-7 would be a special way for us to pray for the Israelis, "Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes."

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

Frank