Careful how you treat Israel - Friday Praise & pray (for others) February 24, 2023

Israel gets a lot of negative press. What with the ongoing tensions related to how people in the West Bank and Gaza are treated. Then there's also the reports of how black Israelis are discriminated against. Finally, the newly elected government has taken steps many say are aggressive and negative for many subsets of that society.

The list of issues could go on and on but let us ask ourselves what God has said about Israel. This is important because what God has said about that nation should guide how you act toward, speak and think about the place.

Last year, many of us were shocked (and even mildly embarrassed) when we were confronted with God's word on how we are to discuss our leaders. Even those we strongly disagree with.

It is time to once again be confronted with God's instructions. In this case, the issue of how we are to treat the nation and people of Israel.

Psalm 122:6 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.

Numbers 24:9 - The nation is like a mighty lion; When it is sleeping, no one dares wake it. Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, And whoever curses Israel will be cursed." (GNT)

These scriptures make it clear that we are to bless Israel and not curse it. We are to pray for its success and not the opposite. This should caution how we think of the place and its people as well.

The Bible also shows what happened to those who chose to curse or fight Israel outside of God's will. Notice, I said outside of God's will? This is because there were some who God used for His own purposes to trouble Israel. A primary example was King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and this was because the people failed to acknowledge Him.

As for those who stood against God's will of peace and blessings for Israel, let us consider the Ammonites. God promised them total destruction. Why? Ezekiel 25:8 - ...Because you cheered when my Temple was defiled, mocked Israel in her desolation, and laughed at Judah as she went away into exile.

The Philistines were also warned of impending punishment because they "acted against Judah out of bitter revenge and long-standing contempt." (Ezekiel 25:15 NLT).

God's word is that He will deal with those who attack and oppose Israel. Deuteronomy 30:7 - The LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. This scripture should put the fear of God in everyone, taming not just our tongues but our thoughts as well when it comes to Israel.

And if you are wondering why Israel is treated so special by God then it means you have not realized the exemptive grace you have at your disposal as His child. If you believe in Jesus then you are God's child and the Lord has spoken over you that anyone who opposes you will submit to you (Isaiah 54:15). The Lord has also said you are the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10). He has promised to keep you from harm (John 17:15). In fact the very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you if you believe and let Him build you into who He created you to be (Ephesians 1:19-20).

So there is no need to be jealous of Israel or hateful toward its people, particularly if you claim to believe in the God of Abraham, who also happens to be the God of the Jews. Many of us are experiencing trouble we don't need simply because we don't understand the consequences of our choices when we speak, think and act. How we treat Israel has severe consequences for our lives and those we care for.

This is not to say that you will agree with everything Israel's government or citizens do. Nevertheless, how you address those concerns is crucial if you are a believer who aims to live in accordance with God's word.

If you don't like what you're hearing about Israel, call on God to handle the situation. Let Him be the judge rather than you using your actions, thoughts and words to do the judging. Pray for the leaders and people of that nation that they will align with God's plan for them. Also pray for others in the region, cry out for peace.

Having all manner of opinions is very much in vogue and many of us love to share our thoughts, unhinged, about almost every topic. However, God has called us to be very careful how we communicate about others and Israel falls into that category.

I pray that the Lord will guide you on how He wants you to treat Israel so that you and yours will be blessed, IJMN, Amen.

See you at Noon EST for P&P. God bless you.

Whose Slave Will You be? - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) February 21, 2023

Since giving my life to Christ, I've found the Book of Revelations and its prophecies of God's end times to be comforting. However, I recently stumbled upon a verse I found troubling. The verse in question was Revelation 6:15 - Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.

More than anything else, the word "slave" stuck out to me. I wondered, how could it be possible that so far into the future there would still be slavery? Thankfully, the Lord put things in context and my shock morphed into a sad reality.

Although the Atlantic Slave trade was officially abolished in 1865, the buying and selling of humans continued long after that in many nations. Sadly, slavery remains an industry today with people being abducted, sold, and abused. All to line pockets. If there's slavery in this day and age, I can imagine a future where such continues. Besides, if there's one thing Revelation makes clear, it is that the end times will be very wicked times. Therefore, slavery would seem to be part and parcel of what's to come.

Just as there is, there was, and will be physical slavery, things are no different in the spiritual realm. Spiritually, slavery exists for so many. This is part of the devil's objective to keep as many people from reaching heaven as possible. And the main tool satan uses to achieve this is sin.

God considered spiritual slavery so important, He sent Jesus to die in order to set every human being free for all time. Despite this, sometimes, people choose spiritual slavery either on purpose or inadvertently through a lack of His knowledge.

The Bible points to occult practitioners, liars, slanderers, and the unrighteous/wicked as some of those who purposely choose to turn from the Lord. Many of these people even claim to be practicing Christians. Yet, they have chosen to not acknowledge God or the instructions He has given for life and living. They thereby end up slaves to sin, bound in satan's snares.

Then there are those who because they don't know God's word end up slaves to sin and the devil's evil schemes. This is why God established apostles, evangelists and others in the five-fold ministry to spread the word and miracles of God across the earth.

Nevertheless, did you know that believers are also slaves of sorts? In their case, they are free from sin but bound to the Lord. This is what happens when believers accept Jesus and begin to live for Him. They suddenly start to put their Master's desires at the forefront of their choices. Romans 6:22 - But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

As such, becoming God's slave means freedom. The liberty to live a life of righteousness and enjoy the resulting benefits, most important of which is eternal life.

The choice is ultimately yours. Whose slave will you be? The term slave is unpalatable, especially for many who have ancestors who indeed bore that designation and the terror it meant for them and their descendants. A terror that arguably exists today.

Still, the choice has to be made and it's a choice with physical and spiritual ramifications. These consequences can also last long after you are gone. Again, whose slave will you be? God's or His enemy's?

[PS: If you are wondering about those who haven't been introduced to Christianity, God bless you. It is scriptural for believers to be concerned about their souls. Romans 2:14 points out that many non-believers somehow live in accordance with God's instructions. This is because the laws of God are actually written on the human heart (Romans 2:15). As such, they are much more instinctive than many realize. Still, these people need to know why that is and this happens when they are introduced to the Truth (1 Timothy 2:4). After that, they are free to make their own choice. My prayer remains that hearts and minds will choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19) and that the Lord of the harvest will send out more laborers to reap soils for His kingdom. If you are interested in helping others come to know the Lord, tell God you will serve. He'll assign you to free others just as you were set free.]

See you all at Noon EST for Praise & Pray fellowship.

For more please read:

1. Godly or Ungodly, You Choose

Don't Turn From God - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) February 17, 2023

King Asa was once leader of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. He started off with much promise because, amongst other things, he acknowledged God and relied on Him solely in the face of trouble (2 Chronicles 14:11). He also destroyed most places of idol worship. The Lord rewarded his faith and obedience by blessing the nation with prosperity during his reign. But then, one day, the Northern Kingdom of Israel took steps against their brother nation, Judah (2 Chronicles 16). Instead of turning to God as he had in the past, Asa resorted to the political games leaders play. Feeling threatened, Asa bribed the king of Aram to break his treaty with Israel. The result was that the Aramites broke their covenant and attacked Israel.

However, there was an additional and more serious consequence. The Lord sent Prophet Hanani to chastise King Asa for relying on man. 2 Chronicles 16:9 - ... You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” Asa threw the prophet in prison, and refused to repent for his mistake all his days. He died of a foot disease that God could have cured had he turned back to acknowledge his Maker.

Remember our discussion on the need to acknowledge God from the last message? Also do you remember one of the scriptures referenced? Jeremiah 17:5 - This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. King Asa made a choice to not acknowledge God by relying on what many of us would consider a smart political tactic. Nevertheless, God's word is that those who have witnessed His power in their lives will suffer if they turn away from Him. When this happens, the goodness of God they enjoyed starts to dry up. However, even when such a mistake has been made, there is a way out. King David turned from God when he committed adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). God sent Prophet Nathan to pronounce His judgment and David responded with great remorse. The Lord's reaction was immediate - David was forgiven. He still suffered the consequence of his sin just as God had said - the baby that was a product of David's sin died. Yet, God's mercy endured. David and Bathsheba ultimately received joy for their sorrow over the loss of their baby. God gave them another child. One whom many are familiar with - King Solomon. God is so gracious and when we repent for sin, He has promised to forgive us and show us His mercy (1 John 1:9). We simply need to genuinely repent. Let us not turn from the Lord and His kind favor. He knows that many of us will return to our default settings when things get tough. Those default settings are simply the ways we behaved before coming to know and experience His character and goodness. This happens when we allow 'muscle memory' to kick in. If we have failed to acknowledge Him in any way and instead resorted to muscle memory, He will forgive our repentance. This is why He sent Jesus to die and carry upon Himself each and every of our sins.

We therefore need to turn back to the Lord and acknowledge Him. We must confess our sin, repent and decide to have Him and Him only as our anchor in the storm. Not money. Not deception. Not that person we mistakenly see as the solution to our problems. Not shrewd hijinks and manipulation, which were the options King Asa chose. Take a good and honest look at yourself. Now is not the time to talk/think about how others need to change. This message is about you. Are you the type who relies on man and not God, even if that 'man' is yourself? You think you can rest on your savviness and smarts? Are you the one who has seen the goodness of God, but when trouble came again, your default settings kicked in? Don't turn away from the Lord. Run to Him right now and do the needful.

Please join us at Noon EST for fellowship. God bless you.

For more related content, please read:

1. When Things Go Wrong

2. Penitence

3. Muscle Memory

4. Rely on God

5. Wait on God

6. Hear, Accept, Obey

7. Appreciate Jesus

8. Acknowledge God