Israel... Alone?

Those who follow Israel in the news are seeing an intense increase in Anti-Semitism. Strange? Not so much... not according the Word of God. In Zechariah 12:3, God says one day ALL the nations will be gathered together against Israel. None will ally themselves with this tiny nation. This nation, no bigger than the size of New Jersey, gives so much of herself to the world through medical and technical innovations, but receives very little by way of praise and much by way of criticism. She is a leader in the recipients of the Nobel awards in Literature, Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Peace. Add in the music, arts and entertainment industries, and I think many people would be shocked at the percentage of Jewish actors, actresses, film makers and musicians. And yet, the hatred of the Jew, and the country of Israel in particular, grows daily. Why? In a word... God.

The underlying hatred of Jews centers around religion. And it all started before the fall of mankind from God's grace by their disobedience in the Garden of Eden. It started with the sin of willful pride in the heart of the Archangel, Lucifer... now known as Satan. His failed rebellion against God, and his subsequent temptation of Adam and Eve, marked the beginning of his hatred for the offspring of the woman. In Genesis 3:14,15, the birth of the Son of God, Yeshua HaMashiach~Jesus the Christ (Messiah), was prophesied to be his demise. Satan, who is not omniscient, has sought to destroy the Jewish nation from the murder of Able to Noah's flood, down through the conflict between Jacob and Esau; from the slavery of Joseph in Egypt until his reign as its ruler; 400 years later, the destruction of Hebrew baby boys by the pharaoh of Egypt resulted in the exodus to the Promised Land of Canaan (now Israel); from Haman's near annihilation of all Jews in Persia (who were saved by God through its Jewish Queen, Esther), to the Maccabees; from the crucifixion of Jesus, to the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome, and then the Holocaust in our time. Satan couldn't destroy the first coming of the promised Messiah, so he is now trying to prevent the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since the beginning of the Church Age, after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, both Jews and Christians alike have been persecuted, but today it is on a daily basis and getting worse! The irony is, many Christians lead in the hatred toward Jews because of misinformation from mainstream media outlets and the lack of Biblical teaching from the church pulpits. The reality is, in 1948, God restored Israel back to the land He had promised to her through Abraham, and she became a nation once more. His hand of protection is over them for a time, until they are deceived by The Anti-Christ during the End Time Tribulation. In the end, their eyes will be opened to see Yeshua as their Messiah, and Israel will once again be the center of the world's attention when He reigns from Jerusalem for a millennium. Revelation chapter 20.

While it appears Israel is alone, she has Adonai watching over her. He promises in Isaiah 49:15... "Can a woman forget her child at the breast, not show mercy on the child from her womb? Even if these were to forget, I would not forget you. I have engraved you on the palms of My hands, your walls are always before Me." CJB       If only America had such a promise...

Please pray for the peace of Israel and Jerusalem... and while you are at it, pray for America, too! For more information on Israel, visit: http://www.israeldocumented.blogspot.com

Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua (Blessings in the Name of Jesus)

CHRISTIANITY IN THE CROSSHAIRS

I believe the day is coming, perhaps sooner rather than later, when Bible believing Christians will be the most hunted people on the face of the planet.  They will be found and brutally dealt with for their unshakeable belief concerning scriptural matters.  There is a relentless war raging against Biblical Christianity and all who believe.  You don't think so?  Then, consider this:

Today, Christians world-wide are being persecuted as never before in history.  In some countries entire communities populated by Christians are being destroyed.  Churches are being burned to the ground.  Christians are being forced to either denounce their faith, or face execution - many by beheading.
 
In our country, the USA, the Name of Jesus and all things Christian are being purged from public view because they are considered offensive.  The salvation message Jesus taught as the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life is ruled as hateful and exclusive.  Public prayers in Jesus’ Name and the mere presence of a Bible have been outlawed.   Biblical Christianity is being stripped from our schools, our military, our government, and from our society as a whole.

Immorality in the USA has reached an all-time high with over 55 million abortions performed since Roe vs. Wade, as well as a growing popularity of same sex marriage and homosexuality.  Not long ago we were expected to tolerate such things, then, acceptance became the mantra.  Today, there is a relentless effort demanding that we not only embrace those things, but now we must promote them.  Pedophilia and drug use are growing problems that are also rampant among our population.
 
Our laws, our growing permissive society, and our politically correct mentality have allowed godlessness and pagan belief systems to flood into our lives much like an unstoppable tsunami that destroys everything in its path.

Our Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has now labeled all who support Biblical Christianity as terrorists, who are considered a dangerous threat to the common good of society.  The beliefs of Biblical Christians with their "Biblical worldview" are in blatant opposition to the direction our leaders have chosen for our country.
  
In preparation for what is to come, it has been reported that the DHS has acquired 1 1/2 billion rounds of ammunition - many of which are hollow point bullets used for effective killing at close range.  Is a widespread and bloody war against dissenters being planned?  What else would they do with all that firepower?  If you are a Bible believing Christian, then, you will be a target.
   
A world-wide "Christian cleansing" clearly has begun.  In our nation it will likely be carried out legally using force - including serious penalties for violations.  Expect one day to see door-to-door home inspections as authorities search for "illegal" possession of Bibles and other "offensive" religious terrorism tools used by conservative Christians.  Not a pretty picture at all.
      
Are you prepared for the day when government officials or law enforcement agencies suddenly show up at your front door at 3:00am demanding to know with a simple yes or no answer whether you are a fundamental Bible believing Christian?  Knowing that isolation or even death would likely be in store for you with a "yes" answer, then, how would you respond?

That would certainly be the ultimate "rubber-meets-the-road" question concerning the sincerity of your faith commitment, wouldn’t it?  Would you deny your faith to save your own skin, or the lives of your family members?  Or, would you be willing to die for Him Who died for you?

Matthew 10:33 NASB
But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

The Bible tells us that it will surely happen.  At the mid-point of the tribulation, the Antichrist will declare himself to be God - demanding that all bow down to him.  Those who refuse will likely be killed.  Are you ready for that?

In the midst of screams of fear and the smell of death, would your faith remain strong while being dragged to face a guillotine or firing squad?  I fear that many who claim the label of Christianity are not biblical Christians at all, but rather, are role playing behind a mask of Christianity.  They will be quick to deny Him.

More of God's end-time scenario is falling into place and becoming more obvious with each passing day.  Read your Bible and, then, scan the news reports.  It is happening now.  I believe the rapture is an imminent event, but what persecution will Bible believing Christians face before the Lord returns in the clouds to call them to Him?  We need to think about that.

As recorded in Luke 18:8, Jesus said, "...when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

I pray that I would be found faithful to the very end.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!


Don

The Middle East and Eternity

So much is going on in the Middle East, it's hard to keep up, let alone blog about it. And it changes daily now... time is speeding up and getting shorter simultaneously. Is your head spinning yet from all that is happening so rapidly? Mine is! My thoughts are continually on God~ He has this all under control, and we must... MUST... take it all by faith that what He has said in His Word WILL come to pass. In what little time is left to those of us who believe in and follow Yeshua HaMashiach, we need to be about our Father's business of proclaiming His Son as Lord and Savior to this lost and dying world!

If you don't know Him yet as such, I pray you will surrender to Him, turn from those things in your life which are not of God, and ask for forgiveness... then follow Him... you can find out how in His Written Word, the Bible. Praying for each and everyone of you who might read this!

Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for America!

Blessings in the name of Jesus,
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua

THE LIE OF THE LURE

Late one afternoon last week I decided to do some fishing from the end of my dock.  I simply enjoy fishing, but had not done that for over three years.  Most fish caught are tossed back into the lake so they might live to fight another day.

Within an hour I had caught and released several fish.  Among them were a walleye, three largemouth bass, and two chunky bluegills.  However, one of the bass suffered injuries so extensive it would not survive.

After reeling the bass near to the end the dock, in the clear water I spotted a huge northern pike cruising silently nearby like a submarine in attack mode.  The pike quickly closed in behind the bass as it struggled for freedom.  Just as I was about to lift my two-pound catch from the water, the pike suddenly and viciously lunged toward its intended victim.  With a death grip the attacker’s toothy jaws clamped around the helpless bass.  I'm sure that visions of a tasty dinner were dancing through that pike's pea-sized brain.

However, when the perpetrator felt resistance from my fishing line, it released its prey and quickly left the crime scene.  A brief examination of the bass revealed that the pike’s razor sharp teeth had ripped the flesh away from both sides of my fish.  The wounds were deep and fatal.

Minutes later the same northern pike attempted another attack on the next bass I had hooked.  The pike was relentless in its efforts to devour its prey.  This time its attack was unsuccessful, and the bass escaped unharmed.

Then, I began to think about those bass living in a world where their existence requires that they be constantly on high-alert-status for predators willing and able to destroy it at any time.  Just imagine if we lived in such a world!

But wait!  We do!
 
They are all around us.  Many of our predators use schemes that are subtle in nature, but others, like that pike, will act quickly to devastate our lives.  If we don’t remain vigilant, they will tear away our means of survival – and even steal our eternal soul.
 
The Bible teaches that very thing.  It warns that the devil is lurking nearby, and is always attempting to attack us in ways and at times we do not expect.  If we are not watchful and prepared, his efforts will surely succeed.

1 Peter 5:8 KJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
 
We are surrounded on all sides by the evil lies of this world - often disguised as something good.  The lures that tempt us are everywhere.  Do not be deceived, for the spiritual attacks we face each day are battles for our very soul.
 
I fear that many have been blindly led down the wide road that Satan's world offers to them.  They have been hooked by lures designed to lead them away from the Lord.  Many have been trapped in the devil’s net and do not realize it.  Does that describe you?  Do you even know?             
 
We must hold on tight to that which is good, but it cannot be done alone.  It is only through the power of God's Word, prayer, and a personal relationship with Him that we are able to stand firm with the strength needed to guard our hearts and thoughts.

Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

With God leading the way, the victory is ours - for we have His sure promise that the devil will flee from us.  Oh, lead me on, Precious Lord!

Don

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD

Today, Bible believing Christians experience spiritual attacks as never before. Believers everywhere are targets for those attacks. The devil is relentless in his attempt to draw us away from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Using deceitful lies that are often subtle in nature, the evil one and his demonic hosts are trying very hard to lure unsuspecting folks away from Biblical Truth.

1 Peter 5:8 KJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Sadly, I fear that many have fallen away – after being blindly led down the wide road that Satan's world offers to them.

That wide road exists in many forms including: all paths lead to heaven; ecumenism; prosperity promises; the good life now; feel-good religion; immorality; a loving God will not cast anyone aside; no accountability or judgment; the Bible is not to be totally believed...and so much more. Every day, people are selling their souls to the devil as they fall victim to his easy believe-ism and other unbiblical schemes.

In addition, many support the dividing of Israel - having no belief in, nor respect for, the everlasting covenant given by Almighty God to the Jewish people. The very thought of pagans driving God's chosen people from their rightful possession brings me to tears.

We are surrounded on all sides by the evil of this world - often presented using clever words from seemingly God fearing men. Do not be deceived, for the spiritual attacks we face each day are battles for our very soul. We must hold on tight to that which is good, but we cannot do it alone. It is only through the power of God's Word...prayer...and a personal relationship with Him, that we can stand firm and be strengthened to guard our hearts and thoughts.

Carefully study and memorize the following Scriptures that describe the essential armor we all must possess to fight the battle. With God in our corner, the victory is ours...for we have His sure promise that the devil will flee from us. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Peace? With One's Enemies?

What nation or country that you know of, is being pushed to broker a peace agreement with its enemies, being pushed to give its territories to a people who openly hate and despise them, so they can live side by side... with the world's approval? Is this not ludicrous? Who ever heard of giving into the demands of one's sworn enemy, who repeatedly kills and maims those of your citizenry and declares it wants all of your land, without you in it?

If they wanted peace and showed so by their actions that they were a responsible people who simply desired a good life as your neighbor, then yes, it would make sense. But if the leaders of these people loudly declare their contempt for you and encourage and even incite one another to make war and destroy you in whatever way they can find to do so, does it then stand to reason that you would make every concerted effort to take land from your citizens and give it to theirs?

If you do not believe the accuracy and validity of the Scriptures, this very scenario should make you reconsider, for it was thus declared to take place in the acharit hayamim~the latter days or End Times. Consider Ezekiel 36. What is happening today was declared by God to Ezekiel. Please note that God says He will not do what He's promising for Israel's sake because they deserve it, but rather for His Name's sake. 

Ezekiel 36 ~ Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

“Now you, human being, prophesy to the mountains of Isra’el. Say: ‘Mountains of Isra’el, hear the message from Adonai. ² Adonai Elohim says: “The enemy is boasting over you, ‘Ha! Even the ancient high places are ours now!’ ” ’ ³ Therefore prophesy, and say that Adonai Elohim says, ‘Because they desolated you and swallowed you up from every side, so that the other nations could take possession of you; and now people are gossiping about you and slandering you; ⁴ therefore, mountains of Isra’el, hear the message of Adonai Elohim — this is what Adonai Elohim says to the mountains and hills, the streams and valleys, the desolate wastes and the abandoned cities, now preyed on and derided by the other surrounding nations — ⁵ therefore this is what Adonai Elohim says: “In the heat of my jealousy I speak against the other nations and all of Edom, since, rejoicing with all their heart, they have arrogated my land to themselves as a possession and, with utter contempt, seized it as prey.”’

⁶ “Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Isra’el, and say to the mountains, the hills, the streams and the valleys that Adonai Elohim says this: ‘I speak in my jealousy and fury, because you have endured being shamed by the nations. ⁷ Therefore thus says Adonai Elohim: “I have raised my hand and sworn that the nations surrounding you will bear their shame. ⁸ But you, mountains of Isra’el, you will sprout your branches and bear your fruit for my people Isra’el, who will soon return. ⁹ I am here for you, and I will turn toward you; then you will be tilled and sown; ¹⁰ and I will multiply your population, all the house of Isra’el, all of it. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. ¹¹ I will multiply both the human and animal populations, they will increase and be productive; and I will cause you to be inhabited as you were before — indeed, I will do you more good than before; and you will know that I am Adonai. ¹² I will cause people to walk on you, my people Isra’el; they will possess you, and you will be their inheritance; never again will you make them childless.” ¹³ Adonai Elohim says, “Because they say to you, ‘Land, you devour people and make your nations childless,’ ¹⁴ therefore you will no longer devour people, and you will not make your nations childless any more,” says Adonai Elohim. ¹⁵ “I will not permit the nations to shame you, or the peoples to reproach you any longer; and you will no more cause your nations to stumble,” says Adonai Elohim.’”  Verse ²² “Therefore tell the house of Isra’el that Adonai Elohim says this: ‘I am not going to do this for your sake, house of Isra’el, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have been profaning among the nations where you went.”

Zechariah 12 ~ Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

A prophecy, the word of Adonai concerning Isra’el — here is the message from Adonai, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundation of the earth and formed the spirit inside human beings:

² “I will make Yerushalayim a cup
that will stagger the surrounding peoples.
Even Y’hudah will be caught up
in the siege against Yerushalayim.
³ When that day comes, I will make Yerushalayim
a heavy stone for all the peoples.
All who try to lift it will hurt themselves,
and all the earth’s nations will be massed against her.

Please note that God, Himself is stirring up the nations against Israel... to the extent that HIS Glory will be revealed, both to Israel, and through Israel as He defends her.

Psalm 83 ~ Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

⁽⁰⁾ A song. A psalm of Asaf:

^2 (1) God, don’t remain silent!
Don’t stay quiet, God, or still;
^3 (2) because here are your enemies, causing an uproar;
those who hate you are raising their heads,
^4 (3) craftily conspiring against your people,
consulting together against those you treasure.

^5 (4) They say, “Come, let’s wipe them out as a nation;
let the name of Isra’el be remembered no more!”
^6 (5) With one mind they plot their schemes;
the covenant they have made is against you —
^7 (6) the tents of Edom and the Yishma‘elim,
Mo’av and the Hagrim,
^8 (7) G’val, ‘Amon and ‘Amalek,
P’leshet with those living in Tzor; (Selah)
^9 (8) Ashur too is allied with them,
to reinforce the descendants of Lot.

(Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria (allied with Russia), Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Gaza, including the Arabs who call themselves Palestinians)

Please note that all of those nations mentioned in Psalm 83 are now, for the first time ever, positioned around Israel with the intent of destroying this tiny nation beloved by God. If ever there was a time to get your heart right before God Almighty, today is the day! 

Next time, I will show what the Scriptures say about Peace with Israel in the acharit hayamim as it concerns giving land for "peace"...

  

Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua