Tag Archives: Prayer

Rising Lion

Israel is at war with Iran. More specifically with the evil government of Iran, not it’s people — but with Ayatollah Khamenei, and his violent IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) bent on the destruction of Israel and being a regional military superpower with nuclear weapons while ruling the people of Iran with a dictatorial fist.

When Israeli intelligence detected that Khamenei’s regime had enought enriched uranium for about sixteen warheads and were weeks or months away from the enrichment necessary for weapons, they decided to act. There was a lot of chatter in the media that Israel might be making some unusual preparations to deal with this threat to their survival. But the Iranian regime replied with an old Arabic saying, “A barking dog does not bite.”

Israel launched a surprise attack the next day, June 12th, in the early morning hours, and experienced unusual, if not supernatural success in destroying Iran’s sophisticated air defense missles, radars, and weaponry allowing it to damage Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities, eliminate its top nuclear scientists, the IRGC’s top military leadership, and start the process of destroying the 1000s of ballistic missiles and their launchers with unrelenting success.

The sorely crippled IRGC continues to launch decreasing salvos of ballistic missiles at Israeli civilians and cities, not military targets, which has been met with Israeli retaliation and force after alerting Iranian civilians to flee Tehran and areas around the missiles.

It appears the US and some European countries will soon join the conflict to ensure the nuclear weapons program is safely dismantled and the evil regime responsible for so much bloodshed and destruction in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Gaza, and Israel is ousted and brought to justice. The world is a lot safer as a result of all this action, for which people who understand justice and the actions of the Almighty as outlined throughout the Bible should be thankful.

It’s clear from the Bible that God expects a task like this to be completed, once it’s started (e.g. 2 Kings 13:17-19, Deuteronomy 7:2, Psalm 118:7-14, 2 Kings 10:30, Psalm 119:152). And it’s clear from history half measures are doomed to failure.

“The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences.” Winston Churchill

“You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:119).

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It’s estimated that there are one million Christians in Iran, in mostly underground churches. And a great many Iranians despise the Ayatollahs and long for freedom. Pray for their safety and for mercy, as this necessary war to rid the earth of this cancer continues to its completion. Pray for that completion as you pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and mercy for inocents in both countries, and those who love peace.

Military analysts would likely conclude the war is over after the lightning strike nutralized their air defenses, commanders at the hightest levels, crippled their nucular facilities, and eliminated their top scientists. Israel’s IDF has been freely attacking the remaining, sizable arsenal of missiles and launchers ever since. But how this war ends is important. It would be best if the citizens of Iran take their country back. They know who the real agents for burtality, boodshed, and violence are, and can see them removed and brought to justice. More than likely there will be US and European boots on the ground at some point to help them make sure the cancer is removed, and to oversee the dismantling of the nuclear threat.

In my books Puzzling 2020, and God Stays Near, I have chapters about warfare, spiritual warfare, and Israel throughout history and in our day. The short chapters are succinct and worthy of your reading and mediation written after the October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel from Gaza.

In God Stays Near, Chapter 10 is entitled “Prepare for War.” Chaper 11 is entitled, “Israel–A Time for War.” Following are some Scripture references and quotes from those chapters:

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8).

“As barbaric and evil as the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza was, the anti-Semitism that has come to light around the world since then is even more troubling. People are marching, rioting, burning flags around the world, and threatening violence against Jewish people who probably have never met a Jewish person. How do you explain that? Outside of dark, evil spirits?

“Jesus said, “You shall know them [people] by their fruit,” by what they do, not what they say. Consider what both sides in the conflict have said and done throughout history, especially since 1948. Then, draw your conclusions.

“In the meantime, you can dwell on the Bible-stated truth that God hates violence and loves Israel. You will always do well to love what God loves and hate what God hates. ‘And God loves Israel, declaring, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness’” (Jeremiah 31:3). “The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion” (Psalms 11:5).

“Those who do not love what God loves and hate what God hates, and passionately support violence and hate Israel are shaking their angry fists at God. This never ends well for them, their political organization, or those who support them.

“This is how to make sense of it, even with the smoke and media haze — misguided secular-humanist deception. Harvard? CNN? BBC? Beware of deception! Be aware of these verses: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:10b-11).

“Fear God and keep His commandments. Or if that seems too draconian for you, “Love What God loves, and hate what God hates,” you’ll be fine and fare well.

“Shalom and Godspeed on your journey to truth — also righteousness, peace, and joy. ‘For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Indeed, that’s what Israel is in the process of doing right now. They are freeing Israel from a people who love violence, oppress their own, practice lawlessness and injustice, hate Israel their neighbors, and fire rockets and missiles at them incessantly. You reap what you sow. There is One who sees to it.

“May our gracious Creator and King exercise justice and judgment mixed with mercy. It’s His to do. And He is the only One who can.

“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
(Revelation 5:13)

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“The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor,
The utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,
The utterance of him who hears the words of God,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Who falls down, with eyes wide open” (Numbers 24:3-4).

“God brings him [Israel] out of Egypt,
He is for him like the horns of the wild ox.
He will devour the nations who are his adversaries,
And will crush their bones in pieces,
And shatter them with his arrows.
He couches, he lies down as a lion,
And as a lion, who dares rouse him?
Blessed is everyone who blesses you,
And cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Numbers 24:8-9)

Ask!

Does asking God for things boldly in prayer equal faith? Apparently God thinks so, or you can make a case for that from Jesus’ words in Luke 18.

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Then in the same context we read, “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8 ESV).

Pray! Ask! Boldly! Ask with enthusiasm and determination and tenacity! Of God, no less! “And…Don’t loose heart!”

Why should we pray like this? He tells us to do so, and invites us to do so! It pleases Him and has purpose!

In this famous, unusual parable Jesus ties this kind of prayer to our faith — the kind of faith He hopes to find when He returns. No pride or entitlement, but humbly, boldly, honestly, continually praying for what’s on your heart. Will the Son of Man find faith like that when He looks at you?

Ask!!

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“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

“I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2).

“In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears” (Psalm 18:6).

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6).

“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (Hebrews 5:7).

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Glatians 4:6).

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20).

New Book – God Stays Near

Here in the mid south we are in a deep freeze that’s a bit unusual for us with 4-8 inches of snow blanketing the area and temperatures near 0º F or -18º C! It’s a great day to stay by the fire and read.

I’m announcing the arrival of my new book, God Stays Near – Faith and Flight, which became available as a paperback from Amazon February 17th. A hard cover and eBook version will follow shortly. The short blurb on the book’s cover reads:

“A former American Airlines captain and USAF fighter pilot tells stories about faith and flight during the retirement chapter of living and how God has stayed near for joy, protection, and adventure. Included are stories of flying to Alaska, Idaho, Honduras, and picking up a new airplane from the factory in the Pacific NW with a friend—all flying adventures he never saw coming when retiring professionally. Intermixed are stories of current and past faith adventures that continue to shape flight through life as God stays near. Woven in the mix is advice to peers and the next generation on how to experience God and enjoy life to the full until the end via the spiritual disciplines—the habits and rhythms of the ancient-future faith in Jesus Christ. You will enjoy these stories of faith and flight and be inspired to adventure in your realm.”

The book is very real and personal too, as it may be my last, except possibly photo books, for meditation and devotion. I tell about an airplane crash I had in January two years ago, about some of my most personal spiritual experiences, and God’s faithfulness and leading through these chapters of life — staying near.

The cover is from a painting by a treasured friend Ralph Irwin (1936-2019), an artist who did the art work on my first book, A Friend of the King, and was by my side on many kingdom missions in our communitty of faith in Fort Smith, Arkansas, as well as in Belize. I had a strong spiritual impression to use this artwork even before I knew which direction the book would take. The book is largely about “soul care” or practicing the ancient spiritual disciplines or habits and rhythms that serve to keep our souls healthy, vibrant, and knowing God better each day and year of our sojourn. There are spirits involved, angels light and dark, from a different realm, but active in our realm and interacting with us, many times without our notice, especially if we neglect these practices and fail to maintain spiritual sensitivity.

I think when you read the book, you’ll get it as you go. We’re all on a journey, to enjoy and live the gift of life and choice that is magnanimously given by our Father in heaven. We travel, as the title to Ralph’s painting suggests, “From Portal to Portal.” There are spirits involved. It’s best to understand how they operate, especially those who are enemies, and stay connected to the Father of Lights.

Here’s a quote from the book: “As an international airline pilot, I had the opportunity to spend many days in Paris, London, and Madrid. I would frequent the Louvre, the National Gallery, and the Prado art museums. The number of paintings of angels and demons in conflict from the early Middle Ages to the Enlightenment in these world-famous art repositories is staggering. I used to think, ‘Wow, these people were superstitious!’ But now I think they were more in touch with reality and the spiritual realm than modern humans.”

That’s a tiny, but important aspect of the book. I hope you’ll give it a look and profit from it spiritually for the rest of your soul and the rest of your days. Reading is a spiritual discipline, as is solitude, slience, meditation, and taking time alone to think and hear from God. So stay warm, cozy up somewhere with a blanket or cup of coffee, and read a good book. Godspeed on your journey.

Click here to order

New Book Coming Soon

Happy Thanksgiving! We are in Houston with our adult children and it is lovely to be with family and just relax, rest, and be thankful for all of God’s good gifts–life, breath, relationships, and grace. Also celebrating flight, as we flew the new airplane here.

I’ve been working on my fourth book much of this year, and sent it to the publisher just last week. It’s not totally finished, but they never are. One could keep tweaking them and adding pertinent content ad infinitum.

The latest book is a sequel of sorts to my second book, God Came Near. That book recounted several encounters with the Holy Spirit, that changed our perspective, paridigm, and worldview of how the Spirit of God works with humans during their earthly sojourns–Biblically, historically, and personally. We were living the decades of our thirties and forties.

The new book is a continuation of similar stories framed in our fifties and sixties entitled, God Stays Near (subtitle to be determined. :)) This is how the book jacket or cover will possibly read: “A former American Airlines captain and USAF fighter pilot tells stories about faith and flight during the retirement chapter of living and how God has stayed near for joy, protection, and adventure. Included are stories of flying to Alaska, Idaho, Honduras, and picking up a new airplane from the factory in the Pacific NW—all flying adventures he never saw coming when retiring professionally. Intermixed are stories of current and past faith adventures that continue to shape flight through life as God stays near. Woven in the mix is advice to peers and the next generation on how to experience God and enjoy life to the full until the end via the spiritual disciplines—the habits and rhythms of the ancient-future faith in Jesus Christ. You will enjoy these stories of faith and flight and be inspired to adventure in your realm.”

I appreciate all prayers for the book as it enters it final phase before distribution and being available for purchase. And I welcome any suggestions or comments. There is still time for minor additions or changes during the next month, and hopefully it will be available in January!

I spent some quiet time meditating on John 14 this morning, and was amazed at the simple, clear truth Jesus shared about who hears spiritually and who does not–who comes to faith, what that looks like, and those who do not. This passage also includes some of the most important revelation on the purposes and working of the Holy Spirit in the whole of Scripture. Then, after all of that, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Get up, let us go from here” (John 14:31b).

Seems like the Spirit just spoke that to me, “The book is finished; let’s get up and go from here to the next adventure, living life today, while there is light.”

Stem the Tide — Vote

“Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored;
Renew our days as of old” (Lamentations 5:21).

Do you want to know how to vote Biblically? Would you like to hear the best sermon on the state of the union and how to view goverment and voting I’ve heard in fifty years of attending chruch and living in Christian community? Here’s a link!

We watched it last night in our home with our young community group and discussed how it measured up with the Bible and our concsiences — and what the Spirit of the Lord might be saying to those who fear Him. I think you’ll enjoy it, be inspired and encouraged by this inspired, informed, and courageous pastor.

Our young Millennial and GenZ group was, and the viewing sparked a lot of good discussion. I told our young group during the discussion I agreed with his perspective after seventy years of living, along with fifty years of reading the Bible and studying history, only he communicates it a lot better and more succinctly than I could. I often say, “Wisdom is seeing things like God sees them, because that’s how they really are.” We get God’s perspective when we view things through the lens of the Bible.

Here are a few quotes from Church, Unite for the Soul of America! | Ezekiel 33:1-5 | Gary Hamrick , as well as a few of his main points to whet your appetite for truth. Be patient, he will tell you who you should vote for and why in the end. It’s a good paridigm for November 5, 2024 and to carry into your remaining voting days.

“Good goverment can’t save us, but bad goverment can destroy us.” “Of ninety million evangelicals in the USA, forty million don’t vote, and fifteen million aren’t registered.” William Wilburforce who was largely resposible for the successful battle to end slavery in the British colonies said, “Let it not be said I was silent when they needed me.” Fredrick Douglas said, “I will unite with anyone to do right, and no one to do wrong.”

Even though politics wasn’t His main focus, Jesus didn’t shy away from political matters. He spoke out on matters of authority and taxation. And when in the presence of Pontius Pilate the Roman Govenor of Judaea, he spoke boldly, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37b NIV).

Listen, and vote.

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“Give all the power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all the power to the few, they will oppress the many.”—Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804), Founding Father

“Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12a)

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Charles Simpson Celebration

Charles Simpson, a man whose influence touched the lives of many, bid farewell to Earth on February 14, 2024, leaving a profound legacy in each of us who knew him.

Several hundred folks from around the country and globe gathered to joyfully celebrate his life and legacy. It was a true party, as one would expect. Stephen, Susanne, and the CSM leadership team, guided by the Holy Spirit, orchestrated a gathering of joyful, expectant, grateful, humble, accomplished, spiritual warriors and warrioresses at Covenant Church, Mobile, AL, to celebrate the gift that Charles Simpson was and honor the man he was.

When I received the invitation, I wondered how they would pull this off. Let the people assemble two hours before the service begins to hug necks, tell stories, and catch up on each other’s lives and what Charles meant to them, for starters.

Once the official service started, one got the idea that Charles himself had laid out the plan, and Stephen (and the other speakers) said as much. “I hate long funerals,” Charles said. He gave each speaker a certain amount of time, mostly five minutes, which was mostly honored. His children may have been given a little liberty on the time or taken a little liberty, but it was beautiful and special.

I won’t try to recreate what Stephan, Susanne, Charlyn, and Jonathan said. I will say that what the ladies shared was very real, honoring, candid, relational, and beautiful. The whole service was recorded as a YouTube video, which is worth your time to experience for an inside look at the beauty we all beheld at some distance.

Don Poythress led us in worship. Michael Coleman delivered the eulogy. Bishop Joseph Garlington brought some special music and words of insight about Charles. To the surprise of many, Pastor Aaron Früh, Charles’ personal pastor for the last few years, welcomed us and provided us with some surprising pastoral insights into Charles’ final days.

Most of us were there for four hours, from 10 AM to 2 PM, and it seemed like thirty minutes—also seemed that time didn’t matter. The Spirit moved like a Gulf breeze through the family gathered to honor Charles, warming hearts, giving revelation, and bringing a soul-stilling peace.

It was even more special to experience it with some West Monroe, LA, friends who knew Charles well and had been similarly impacted by his life, teaching, and preaching.

To top it all off, many of the crowd ambled over to the fellowship hall for an authentic Cajun meal of seafood gumbo, cheese grits, collard greens, pork, chicken, and more. Indescribable deserts were centered around a large plate piled high with apple fritters, which we learned Charles enjoyed daily with his dog as part of their breakfast. Who knew?

My heart is smiling, and I’m rambling. The reality is that I have no words to describe God’s unfathomable reach and majesty. I also struggle to find words to describe the depths and impact of a man so given to knowing God, experiencing His Spirit, and making Him known to others most of the hours and days of his life. Such a man and friend was Charles Simpson. To God be the glory.

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[Click here to enjoy some photos and videos from the event.]

As I think of Charles several Scriptures come to mind, like Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Malachi 4:2, and Psalm 112:4. With a heart smile, I’ll end with this one:

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4 NLT).

I invite you to pray with me the Aaronic Blessing over Charles’ family, ministry, and closest friends:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV).

Charles Simpson 1937-2024

One of the most influential men in my life has departed this earth for heaven. This morning, I sit in silence and solitude by the fire, grateful—full of joy and peace. I’m still inspired by his inspiring life, incredible Bible teaching, and leadership within the church as a minister of the Gospel and along the pathways of life wherever he went. And go, he did, to the ends of the earth and crisscrossing the country until he fell ill a few months ago.

Reflecting now, I think it was his fear of the Lord, humility, and close walk with God that touched me most. Also, it was his familiarity with the Holy Spirit and the way he flowed in the Spirit so effortlessly. “A person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an argument” is one of his quotes that comes to me now and often. He lived that and helped me do the same — a quiet assurance of faith that comes from spending time with God in His Word, meditation, and obedience to what you hear.

A quote from his website says it succinctly, “Embracing the truth with our lives. In an age of confusion and challenge, there is a great hunger for clarity and courage. We believe that we are called to stay rooted in the Bible, to listen to God’s Holy Spirit, and prophetically declare what we hear Him saying in this generation.”

A friend from Louisiana just texted me to ask if I was coming to Charles’ Celebration of Life service. It’s a hike from here, but I’m planning to go—to honor one of the most humble, gracious, influential, and godly men I have ever known and to celebrate his life with friends who knew and walked with him.

I read many of his articles in New Wine Magazine and listened to many hours of recorded teaching and sermons before I met Charles. Then, once on an F-4 deployment to Gulfport, MS, a squadron mate and I drove to Mobile, AL, to hear him speak on Father’s Day an incredibly inspiring and insightful message, “The Missing Man.” It was the first time I saw him and shook his hand after hearing his Spirit-given, razor-edged wisdom and truth in person.

By the grace of God, I eventually had a couple of one-on-one conversations with him. With a small group of friends, I also visited his home for an evening of coffee and conversation. Just last year, he graciously wrote an endorsement of my latest book, Puzzling 2020.

I have no words to communicate what the man means to me for the infusion of the Word and Spirit he deposited in my life or was a catalyst for the Lord to deposit in my life. I can only sit in silent awe with a joy-filled and grateful heart, reflecting on the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living to His servants and friends.

I just read a blog by Charles’ oldest son, Stephen, which caused my heart to swell again with thanksgiving, love, and joy.

I remain very quiet in my spirit—thankful. My heart is full of quiet joy to have known him. What a race! And victory won. And Sabbath rest for him… the first Easter with his Redeemer and Friend.

Easter Shalom to you all.

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“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

“O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71:17-18).

“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand” (Hymn by Edward Mote, 1834).

Christmas and Hanukkah 2023

On an early-morning, 3-mile walk around our neighborhood with my wife, we stopped at a restaurant for breakfast. Soon, our conversation turned to soul care — reading the Bible habitually, praying, staying in a community of faith — and abiding in the Light.

“Soul care” seems to be jumping out to me everywhere. Ron, my neighbor, came into the yard yesterday evening, catching me putting the last touches on our Christmas angel, and he was there for the lighting ceremony just as the sun was setting and Hanukkah was beginning. While enjoying a beautiful moment and sunset, our conversation turned to “soul care” — the habits, disciplines, and rhythms of the Christian faith and subsequent peace.

Hanukkah is from the Hebrew word for consecration. Hanukkah, according to dictionary.com is “A Jewish festival lasting eight days, celebrated from the 25th day of the month of Kislev to the 2nd of Tevet in commemoration of the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees following their victory over the Syrians [168 BC] under Antiochus IV, characterized chiefly by the lighting of the menorah on each night of the festival.” Sometimes spelled Chanukah, it is also called the Feast of Dedication or the Feast of Lights.

Bethlehem Light

On our morning walk, we also discussed that “people believe what they want to believe.” When it comes to Bethlehem, can you really overlook such a carefully placed puzzle piece? You can if your heart doesn’t want to know, see, or believe.

On the same note, if you do want to believe there is a God who cares, Who is there, and always does what He says from generation to generation, then pause at Bethlehem. Open your eyes, your ears, your heart, your soul, your spirit, and peer in wonder at a humble Baby and the very heart of your Creator God.

The sky was full of light that night! Happy Hanukkah.

Christmas and Hanukkah

What do these two have in common? Other than both will begin on the same day December 25, 2024 — light! Those living in darkness will see a great light in Galilee of the Gentiles (Isaiah 9:1-2, Matthew 4:14-15). A prophet, priest, and King is born in Bethlehem, Judah, as predicted by the prophet Micah (5:2). Bethlehem, “the house of bread,” is a fitting beginning for Jesus, who would call himself the “bread of life.” The Lion of Judah, the Son of David, was born in the same town David was, 1000 years earlier. Seems like too big a coincidence, doesn’t it?

The religious (those trusting in their own knowledge and works) didn’t see it. Check for yourself. Does any prophet come from Nazareth? (John 7:52). Who else doesn’t see? And who does? That’s a fascinating study within itself as you follow Jesus’ life and ministry on the pages of the Gospels.

It’s by invitation only! But the guest list is immense, in keeping with the wealth and goodwill of the Host. There is an RSVP stated or implied, and that’s our only responsibility, apparently.

Please, stop what you’re doing. Put worldly cares and your to-do list aside. Enter into the joy of the Lord, where there is feasting without strife and rest — where there is true life.

Take care of your soul. Start living your faith or keeping your faith in an ever-increasing and deepening fashion. There dwells light and life — love and joy.

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“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2).

“But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them” (Isaiah 9:1-2).

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst’” (John 6:35).

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

Love What God Loves

As barbaric and evil as the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza was, the anti-Semitism that has come to light around the world since then may be even more disturbing. There are people marching, rioting, burning flags around the world, and threatening violence against Jews who probably don’t know a Jew or who have never met a Jewish person. How do you explain that? Outside of dark, evil spirits?

Yes, people are jumping up and down around the world, protesting for media attention, burning Israeli and US flags, waving Palestinian flags, and defacing and destroying property while they chant “Free Palestine” or “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Not surprisingly, in a recent survey, American college students were asked about the chant “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.” They were asked which river and which sea. An overwhelming majority of them did not know. Their guesses were as preposterous and humorous as they were sad and telling — telling that college-educated adults in the US have so little grasp of the history, religion, geography, and politics of the region, as well as the Bible.

My own experience asking three college students in our church wasn’t all that different. That’s also telling. The referenced sea and river are the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. The PLO popularized the phrase in the 1960s, calling for themselves to have a state that encompasses all of Israel and for Israel to have no country or state at all.

Those familiar with the Bible will recall that God gave Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and their descendants forever the land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River, a much larger part of the Middle East. Israel’s boundaries under King Solomon about 1000 BC — 1700 years before Islam — were as large as they have ever been, but the whole possession hasn’t been under Israeli control yet. All the while, for 4000 years, since Abraham, Jews have lived in the land. They just didn’t have an officially recognized nation since the Romans destroyed and dispersed them 70-73 AD, that is, until the miraculous return to the land after WWII and the rebirth of their nation on May 14, 1948.

“Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west” (Joshua 1:4— also see Genesis 15:18-20, Genesis 26:3, Genesis 28:13).

So that is a little history and geography lesson. Maybe a theology lesson, too. Grab your Bible and some history books, or do some valid research on the web. This is going to be an important issue going forward to the end of time. You should know what you believe and why it’s important. You should know what is right, historical, just, and true — the facts.

Jesus said, “You shall know them [people] by their fruit,” by what they do, not what they say. Have a serious look at what both sides in the conflict have said and done throughout history, especially since 1948. Then, draw your own conclusions.

In the meantime, you can dwell on the Bible-stated truth that God hates violence, and God loves Israel. You will always do well to love what God loves and hate what God hates.

“And God loves Israel, declaring, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness’” (Jeremiah 31:3). “The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion” (Psalms 11:5).

Those who do not love what God loves and hate what God hates, those who passionately support violence and hate Israel, are shaking their angry fists at God. This never ends well for them, their political organization, and those who support them.

This is how to make sense of it, even with the smoke and media haze — misguided secular-humanist deception. Harvard? Pit? MIT? CNN? BBC? Beware of deception!

Be aware of these verses: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:10b-11).

Choose the age-old wisdom and most basic Bible teaching, “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Or if that seems out-of-date or too draconian for you, “Love What God loves, and hate what God hates,” and you’ll be fine and fare well.

Shalom and Godspeed on your journey to truth — also righteousness, peace, and joy.“For the kingdom of God is … righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Indeed, that’s what Israel is in the process of doing right now. They are freeing Israel /Palestine from a people who love violence, oppress their own, practice lawlessness and injustice, hate Israel, their neighbors, and fire rockets and missiles at them incessantly. You reap what you sow. There is One who sees to it.

May our gracious Creator and King exercise justice and judgment mixed with mercy. It’s His to do. And He is the only One who can.

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“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).

[An article I wrote about end times events in 2018]

A Time for War — Day 19

Those who know me know I don’t watch the news much — that is an understatement. I speak to that and why in my latest book Puzzling 2020. It’s something along the lines of these verses and what they convey:

“Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil, he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure. Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar” (Isaiah 33: 15b-17a ESV).

It’s also so that I can be still and quiet in my spirit and hear impressions from the Holy Spirit. I’m a fighter pilot and a warrior at heart, so I can get as stirred up as anyone. But I try not to do so. Not being tied to the news aids my joy and effectiveness in living the kingdom life God has gifted and planned for me. The following verse speaks to this aspect of living:

“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).

Who’s Reporting Can I Trust ?

All the above said, I can quickly tell you who’s reporting to trust, or at least that I trust — Amir Tsarfati, a Jew living in Israel. He has a historical, Biblical, and God-fearing perspective. He also has served in the IDF and has military insights and battle-field awareness. I would call it finger-on-the-pulse awareness of how the Israeli defense forces and intelligence community are thinking about the defense of Israel and her people. Also, what’s really happening there on the ground.

Objective, truthful, no hype, to the point — that’s how I see his messages and briefings. If you want to know the man, and hear some of his reporting click below.

Recent Amir Tsarfati Interview where he shares his own life story and Biblical/historical perspective on the nation of Israel. Who is Amir Tsarfati and what is the truth about Israel?

Amir Tsarfati War Day 17 Report

His Bible teaching is best accessed on his YouTube channel, Behold Israel.

His military and world perspectives are best followed via Telegram. [Download this App then enter “https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel” and select “View Channel.”]

Another Good Perspective

I was in a men’t meeting early this morning that concentrates on the spiritual habits, disciplines, or rhythms like reading the Bible, prayer, mediation, etc. so we can hear better spiritually and follow those leadings to live joyful, productive lives while getting to know the King better and better. The leader, Ron, introduced us to another preacher and his Biblical/historical perspective on Israel, and also the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is excellent, so I’ll share.

Here’s Some Related Music With Relevance to Israel Today

Psalm 121 by Joshua Aaron performed in Jerusalem

Zion by Aaron Shust

Raise Us Up by a Hebrew/Arabic ministry I’ve visited in Jerusalem

Pray! For the peace of Jerusalem, Israel, and the world — to the One Who can make it happen and controls world events ultimately. Shalom שלום