I am sure you are aware of what has been happening in the Middle East. Hamas has attacked Israel. They have killed and kidnapped many including Americans. God encourages us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). Hamas is basically located in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Israel is the apple of God's eye. If this is something that you struggle with, get over it. It was before our time and has to deal with thousands of years ago and the Abrahamic covenant. Read Genesis chapter 22 for further insight. A lot of what is happening has much to do with what God promised Israel and how He would increase them. A lot of the increase had to deal with possessing land, taking territory, and fighting enemies. Not much has changed. Unfortunately, other people are being affected by this in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They may not be terrorists, but this is the result of conflict.
The Significance of Israel to Christians |
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Jesus came to this earth through Jewish lineage. He came so that those who were not Jewish might be saved. This was a part of God's plan. Yes, those who are Jewish don't all believe in Jesus, but that is not for us to deal with. We thank God that we were grafted in and God loves us like He loves Israel. However, the enemy knows what salvation costs. He knows about God's covenant with Abraham and he just wants to keep up some mess.
Like a thief in the night, the enemy uses whoever he can to keep issues brewing in the Middle East. These are things that we just have to deal with. The United States is an ally of Israel and is supporting them. Of course, this is smart since scripture has asked us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
God has constantly covered the United States from an abundance of evil. I realize we had 9/11 but some countries like Israel or Ukraine live with that threat on the regular.
Let's Get Ourselves Together! |
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All of these issues that are going on in the world are a sign for us to get ourselves together. The Bible reads that in the last days, there will be wars and rumors of wars. Read more in Matthew 24:6-7. It speaks of a nation rising against a nation. There shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places. Recently an earthquake in Afghanistan killed over two thousand people. In September, an earthquake struck Morocco killing about three thousand people.
According to the Bible, these are the beginnings of sorrow. Those who are reading this newsletter have survived the Covid pandemic. Many of us witnessed loved ones, co-workers, church members, and those in the community who did not make it. These are the times to try men's and women's souls.
Stay encouraged. Stay prayed up. Stay connected to a good ministry. You would be amazed at how affiliation will keep you in the day of trouble. A good pastor prays for his flock. No matter what is going on, keep praise. You are still alive for a reason and it is to witness those who may be lost.
Pray for the Unsaved and the Uninformed! |
Let's pray for those who are not saved and who feel that God and Jesus are not relevant. This is not a time to straddle the fence. However, God and Jesus are the only ones who will help you in these last and evil days. Some wonder how Israel didn't know that Hamas was planning an attack. America was blindsided by 9/11. That's what the enemy does. He catches you off guard. He majors in distractions that keep your focus off the main thing.
Israel is not the first country to be blindsided and unfortunately, it won't be the last. Let's just pray for peace in the Middle East and ask God to cover America.
Heavenly Father, we ask you to forgive us for all our sins. We pray for the Peace of Israel and countries in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. We ask that your angels will guide those in bondage to safety. We pray that you will make a way of escape for those who have been kidnapped.
Help those who are being forced to flee to find refuge and help in a time of need. Cover all who call on your name and help them. You said, "You would save your anointed. Hear from your holy heaven, and pull them up with your mighty hand."(Psalm 20:6) Hide those who are fleeing from their enemies (Psalm 64:2-8). Give those who are charged with rescue angelic assistance. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen |
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