From my youth Israel was always just a sleepy little country nestled away in the mid-east far enough away to be of no consequences to me. It always seemed that all of the trouble in the Arabian world stemmed from conflicts over religion and land. What a bother. Can’t they just get along?
When I became a Christian the small country of Israel was of a little more interesting to me but not much. It just seemed that this was the place where Christianity got its start and seemed to be a nice place for old codgers to spend vacations at in search of Mecca. Still it was not of much interest to me.
Growing deeper in my faith it seemed that Israel has some consequential part to play in the end of times and Armageddon. Thanks mostly to the books by Hal Lindsay. Just maybe there was something of importance about this little country. They did put on a good war that lasted only 6 days. Must be some fierce fighters living there.
More growth in spiritual things and Israel became more important since this is where the entire Bible was written, at least most of it. Maybe there is something special about these people. I doubt it though. But all of this warring stuff; it really is beginning to bother me. Is God really with them, backing them up in times of trouble and need?
Then one day we had listened to John Hagee speaking of supporting the Jewish people. Ana mentioned knowing Bob Schwartz and how he was very poor and always in need. We sent him $200 and I felt good about helping God’s chosen people; the apple of His eye. I knew God would bless us for this, even if it was just a token offering.
Little did we know what God would do in our lives? Israel has suddenly become branded on our minds. I am truly blessed in that Ana and I share the same feeling and passions in almost all areas of our lives. Ours is truly a marriage made in Heaven as we share many similar likes.
Anyway – we have become immersed in things Jewish. We found out that our neighbors are Jewish. We watched a presentation about the plight of the Jewish nation by John Hagee. In this telecast he mentioned the upcoming Christians United for Israel Summit in WashingtonDC in July. Ana said immediately “I want to go.”
I purchased admissions, air fare, and hotel reservations in March or early April. Sometime before going to Washington we heard about “Promise Keepers” and I purchased tickets to attend this conference also.
Before going to Washington we started reading more about Israel and hearing more from Pastor Hagee’s teachings. In all of this we started hearing more about what is happening in America as we are slipping away as a Christian Nation; things dealing with abortion, homosexuals, pulling support away from Israel, our seemingly complete disregard of thing spiritual and biblically based. We were suddenly awakened to the evil slowly taking over America.
We started feeling that God was pulling and pushing us in the Israel direction. Ana had a feeling that we would be going to tour Israel in March of 2010. At our last Intercessory prayer meeting before the trip, Paula prophesied that she saw us making many trips to Israel. All roads seemed to be leading to Israel.
So we went to WashingtonDC. Wow! It was awesome (the conference that is) (Washington is Washington)!
There were over 4,000 attending the Summit. Sunday evening was one of prayer and worship. Several speakers spoke and gave us a feeling for what was going to happen during the next 3 days. I took a picture of Ana and Pastor Hagee’s wife; this was after she hugged the stuffing’s out of Ana. We knew this was going to be something special. This was going to be another open door for our ministry.
There were several vendors present and we bought two prayer shawls, a shofar, two JER-USA-LEM T-shirts, and a plate of Jerusalem. We were becoming immersed in things from Israel.
The next day we sat front row dead center for the morning session. We rose early and made a special effort to be there extra early. This worked out well and became a special blessing because right behind us was a lady from Iran who is a now a US citizen. She recently ran for some state government position in Oklahoma and was sponsored at this event by pastor Hagee. We spent hours listening to what she had to say. We are not sure that she is a Christian but what she knows and what she told us gave us great insight into the state of America, our new president, and the Muslim world.
According to her the Muslim world rejoiced when President Obama took office, they praised Ala for giving them victory in America and in giving them a seat in the White House. She told how the Muslim radicals hunger for the time when they can annihilate Israel and the Jewish people. She mentioned that they only view Israel as “a small devil” and that the U.S. is “the big devil” one that they long to eliminate from existence. This view was echoed several times throughout the conference.
What an eye opener this was. This information brought back to mind the words Ana heard while in Juarez last April; the words of warning about the Taliban infiltrating Mexico and wanting to overthrow the U.S. This lady said that Obama was behind the Taliban and that they have already infiltrated America.
Pastor Hagee has been telling us that eight Radical Muslim cell groups already exist in America and they are poised to take suitcase nuclear bombs (when they are available) into our cities and destroy up to 1,000,000 people with each blast. What an eye opener that will be to this sleepy nation. What will we think of Obama then?
Many things began to fall into place in our lives and the visions and directions we have received from the Lord. We are to be immersed in world politics so that we can warn those around us of the pending doom laying in wait for us American and the Jewish people. Ana and I firmly believe this is what we are to be doing, warning everyone who will listen. We also believe that a praying remnant of believers joined together in fervent prayer can stay off the terrible end seemingly at our door steps.
2Ch 7:14 if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Most of the day’s activities were to enlighten us to the plight of Israel and the stance that the U.S. has taken in the past. Many experts from Israel and our government spoke on subjects as U.S. policy, Israel’s position, and the pending threats from the Iranians, Hezbollah and Hamas, the strength of Israel, etc. It was very enlightening to say the least.
One military expert from Israel spoke for a long time on the defenses of Israel and the missiles threats from Iran. He had a PowerPoint presentation (all in Hebrew) depicting the range of weapons currently owned by Iran and the potential for future weapons. Even though the text was in Hebrew, the pictures of the rockets and the circle graph ranges they can attain were obvious. These rockets can reach Israel and in short order will be bombarding Europe and soon the United States.
He also showed photographs from his house of several rising plums of smoke where rockets had just exploded nearby. Then he mentioned that the school children are trained to seek shelter within 15 seconds of hearing the warning sirens. That is all the time they have, 15 seconds! Think of this. Fifteen seconds! Count for yourself right now – 15 seconds – where could you go for shelter right now? These children live with this on a daily basis. These are not just drills like we had during the 50’s when the cold war was heating up. This is for real because within seconds of the siren they can hear the bombs exploding nearby.
So the defense of Israel from Iran is not just about the Jews, it is about our own homeland security as well. This was when he again mentioned that Israel is deemed as just “a little devil”, while the U.S. is “the big devil” deserving extinction. We Americans are the real target of the radical Muslim world. Israel is just a toy to play sport with while they tune their weaponry for the much grander prize, you and me. Are you listening? Can you count out 15 seconds right now? Do you want to live with that fear over your head all day and night long?
Did you read what I just said? We American have just as mush to worry about the nuclear threat posed by the Muslim world as does the tiny little state of Israel. That should be enough to make the sleeping majority of people wake up and take a stance for righteousness sake. We are at war, not with just a nation or a group or radicals, but rather we are at war with the age old advisory Satan. Against powers of the spiritual realm who greatly desire to steal, kill, and destroy.
Eph 6:12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world’s rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Joh 10:10The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Now is the time for the remnant Christians in America to stand firm and claim the promises written for all to see in Gods Word. Ana and I have been sent as watchmen to hear and see what is coming upon America and to relay those warning to others. If we are forewarned and take action we will be stayed the terror coming upon us just as Israel was spared when they heeded to the warnings from the prophets of old.
Isa 62:6I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, who will not always be silent all the day nor all the night; you who remember Jehovah, do not be silent.
But be warned, when Israel did not listen to the word of God spoken through the prophets, they failed as a nation and suffered great losses and were scattered throughout the world.
Isa 1:2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for Jehovah has spoken, I have nursed and brought up sons, and they have rebelled against Me.
Isa 1:3The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.
Isa 1:4Woe, sinful nation, a people heavy with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, sons who corrupt! They have forsaken Jehovah; they have provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger; they have gone away backward.
Isa 1:5Why should you be stricken any more? You will revolt more and more; the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
Isa 1:6From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it; only a wound and a stripe and a fresh blow; they have not been closed, nor bound up, nor soothed with oil.
Isa 1:7Your land is wasted, your cities burned with fire. Strangers devour your land right before your eyes, and it is wasted, as overthrown by strangers.
Isa 1:8And the daughter of Zion is left a booth in a vineyard, like a hut in a garden of cucumbers, like a besieged city.
Despite what President Obama says about America no longer being a Judeao Christian nation. America was founded over 200 years ago on Biblical principles. Before they signed the “Declaration of Independence” the 56 members of congress prayed for hours and studied four chapters of scripture. Most every former President of this great nation upheld Biblical beliefs and openly spoke and wrote of their commitment to the God of Abraham.
So just when did America stop being a Judeao Christian nation? What even marks this terrible end to our beliefs in God? What stroke of Congress removed our strong faith in the Creator from the halls of Congress?
This terrible moment in time has not happened. With every ounce of our beings we will do all that we can to make sure that it will never happen. Not on our watch. Not now! Not EVER!
It is still our duty to stand up for what God deems right for America. Our prosperity has stemmed from our belief in God and from out standing firm for the State of Israel. Israel is Gods chosen nation filled with His chosen people the Jews. We must take a stand side by side with them throughout all of the coming terror and turmoil. God promises to bless us for our efforts.
Gen 12:3 And I will bless those that bless you and curse the one who curses you. And in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Throughout our history we have taken a stand for Israel and have governed ourselves with beliefs based on Biblical truths. That is why America has been so blessed, blessed more than any other nation. But of late we have grown cold and turned our deaf ears towards things of God. Apathy has crept in and we have placed wealth, the almighty dollar, on a pedestal as our new god. This in conjunction with our total disregard for any moral behavior has begun our downfall.
Tuesday was a day in preparation for going before our Senators and Congressmen. Speeches were given that defined the law making process in WashingtonDC. This process seemed to us to be filled with a lot of favoritism and “what’s in it for me” theology. “I’ll wash your hand if you wash mine.”
Three key issues were laid out and explained fully. These were to be presented to our congressmen. We were told to keep the issues as definable and debatable facts. We were not to let spiritual feelings to creep in. No prophecies, visions or revelations would be acceptable by our lawmakers. Congress is run by lawyers and they only understand cold hard facts. So this we did.
1. Do not force Israel to give up its land. Israel had done that on several occasions only to have the Radical Muslims use the newly gained territory to launch over 10,000 rockets on the Jewish people living in Israel.
Israel is the land of the Jews. It was given to them 3,500 years ago and the title deed is recorded in Scripture. One of many references is:
Gen 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gained in Haran. And they went forth to go into the land of Canaan. And they came into the land of Canaan.
Gen 12:6 And Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, unto the Oak of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
Gen 12:7 And Jehovah appeared to Abram and said, I will give this land to your seed. And he built an altar there to Jehovah who appeared to him.
Do not force the Jewish nation to split up Jerusalem and share it with the Palestinians. Jerusalem has always been the capitol of Israel and is documented 813 times in the Bible. One such verse is:
1Ki 3:1And Solomon made an alliance by marriage with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her into the city of David until he finished building his own house, and the house of Jehovah, and the wall around Jerusalem.
The Koran does not mention Jerusalem a single time.
2. Stop selling gasoline to Iran. Iran is a rich oil producing state but does not have enough gasoline refining capabilities to sustain its life style.
There is a bill before congress “H.R.2194 Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009” which will stop American companies from selling refined fuel to Iran. This will make their headlong efforts to produce a nuclear weapon more difficult.
3. Stop American fund managers from investing in companies that supply materials to Iran.
There is a bill before congress “H.R.1357 Iran Sanctions Act of 2009” which will make it legal for such funds managers to NOT invest in these companies even if it makes their portfolios perform substantially. This will pull money out of Iran and make it more difficult for them to produce nuclear weapons.
The day was ended with a live satellite telecast of Premier Binyamin Netanyahu as he gave us full support for our efforts and profusely thanked us for that support. He mentioned that this broadcast is being transmitted from Jerusalem the undisputed ancient capital of Israel.
That day we learned that Israel is strong in might and beliefs. They will conquer any enemy Satan can throw at them; for God is with them from the conception of time on Earth. The 6 day war is an example how they will triumph over any force no matter how intimidating or great in the world’s eyes.
He did mention that maybe the rest of the world, who is also being threatened by Iran’s weapons of mass destruction, should take action and not let Israel have to do their dirty work for them. That struck a cord in my spirit. America stood still for 12 years as Hitler’s killers systematically eliminated 6,000,000 Jews. We only jumped in when we were viscously attacked at Pearl Harbor.
The theme for CUFI is “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent” and that is what we will be doing with all of God’s might behind us. We (Ana and me) will not keep silent’ NEVER.
Isa 62:1 For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until its righteousness goes out as brightness, and her salvation as a burning lamp.
That evening we attended the “A Night to remember Jerusalem” extravaganza. Speakers, eating, singing, dancing, flag waving, were some of the things that took place. There were over 4,000 people in attendance. As one body we united our goals and beliefs for the Jewish people of Israel.
Wednesday we went to “The Hill”. We first got to sit in the House gallery for a bit and see some congressmen making presentations on the Health Care Bill. Have you taken a close look at this bill? What a satanic designed piece of legislation being forced down the gullet of the seemingly unaware silent masses of Christian Americans. Thank you President Obama for another one of your fine works. In reality this is another slam against our Christian beliefs.
Then over 50 of us sat in our two Senators office as we presented the three points to their staff. This was so-so; we only hope that these junior staffers will relate the urgency of our information to the actual Senators who were too busy to meet with us.
Next six of us meet with Representative Mike Coffman. I was my privilege to present the third argument to his staff; as I was speaking Mr. Coffman stepped in giving us a chance to reiterate what we had said. He was very receptive to the topics. The meeting went well. I felt great knowing that I had done what I could to move the Israel issues forward towards a God given resolution.
Wow! We got a first hand taste of how laws are made in America. Neither Ana nor I had been politically involved anytime in the past but now feel moved by God to take an active stance for things of God in America and the world. It seems that the sleeping giant within both of us has been waken and unleashed. I have since written many more letters to congress and other government officials in the U.S. and abroad.
On the way back to our hotel we visited the national Holocaust museum. It was very depressing as we saw how the maniac Hitler came to power and mercilessly slaughtered millions of innocent people, while America stood still frozen in her shoes. We learned that our government knew what was happening but chose to not react because of fear of what would happen to our country. Why we were just recovering from the Great Depression and did not want to impact our lives any more than needed.
“We will not keep silent any longer.”
The remaining of the week we spent visiting WashingtonDC. We wore our JER-USA-LEM T-shirts as we visited ArlingtonCemetery. There were many uniformed soldiers present. Ana uplifted one young woman with her support and parted with both of them in tears.
We watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a very moving experience. Such honor and dignity was being given over this tomb. There was also a presentation of a wreath in honor of 225 years of the Chaplainry service of the armed forces. We had a chance to visit the more formal ceremony a little ways from the tomb. This proved to be another emotionally moving experience. We talked with one of the chaplains for a brief time.
Our shirts brought a lot of attention from those passing us by, leading to many conversations. After we visited the Viet Nam memorial we passed a man from England who was speaking praises to America for her involvement in the war. We spoke with him about America and about God for a while.
In all we saw a lot of how Americans honor their fallen soldiers. But death was everywhere we went and in everything we saw. Sorrow, sadness, lost ness, BUT we were beacons of the hope that can be had from Jesus Christ within us.
Visiting the Air and Space museum showed us how well we geared up for war against other people. America, along with the rest of the world, seems to be very resourceful and creative in ways to destroy each other. Although this was probably all necessary, the preciseness and matter-of-factness of it left us cold.
The Natural History and the American Indian museums portrayed our ancient past and how the various peoples of Earth honored all forms of god rather than the one True God Jehovah.
The overpowering portrayal of evolution never ceased to bombard us from every angle. Just for a moment could the men of Earth accept the reality of a Devine Creator? Each display showed the marvels of nature but stressed the randomness of it happening by chance.
God created Ana and I from the dust of the Earth in a marvelous fashion.
Psa 139:13 For You have possessed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psa 139:14 I will praise You; for I am fearfully andwonderfully made; Your works aremarvelous and my soul knows it very well.
Psa 139:15My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret andskillfully formed in the lowest parts of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Your eyes saw my embryo; and in Your book all my members were written, the days they were formed, and not one wasamong them.
Psa 139:17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
We met a guard at the Museum of Art who had recently lost a son in Iran. We discussed why we were in Washington and how we were in support of Israel. He said that he had retired from the Navy and had spent a lot of time in Israel. He told of how strong their army is and how responsive to attacks they were. He also stated that Israel was advanced in new technologies for waging war.
We walked past the White House on the back side right by the fence. Suddenly someone mentioned seeing a person walking a dog. Immediately guards rushed us away as they closed down this area. Evidently Michelle was out wit the “First Dog” for a walk. Whoopee!
On the front side of the hose there were bunches of reporters preparing for a speech from the President later that evening. We saw armed sharp shooters scurrying over the roof tops. It was interesting that just a few hundred feet across the street was a park full of intenerate beggars vying for handouts from us passers by. I guess you could say “Welcome to America.”
On one hand we say a family guarded by hundreds of the elite secret service right next to bums smelling of urine and starving for food and attention.
Three times during our stay, as we about to cross the street, cops swarmed in from all directions blocking off all the streets. Minutes later a caravan of cops, security patrol, seemingly military looking vehicles, ambulance, satellite tracking vehicles, bomb squad, and of course a long black limousine cruised by; Hi Mr. President.Did you realize that every time he goes anywhere that all the streets get blocked off for several minutes before and several minutes after the car passes by? That’s a lot of cops running around looking and being important.
The next week end we attended the 20th anniversary of Promise Keepers in Boulder’s Folsom Stadium. This session was the first time they had allowed women to attend and had also made a special connection to our Jewish friends. We went in hopes of learning how to be more committed to God and each other. Which is what happened?
But we were also thrown into a 10,000 member congregation of Jews and supporters. This turned into a carry on from the CUFI summit last week end. Only there was much more emphasis on togetherness and worship.
The last half of Saturday was awesome. There were dancing children, flag waving, and a group of 25 or so Shofar blowers praising God. Several Jewish speakers told of the renewed relationship between Christians and Messianic Jews. We worshiped together, sang together, and prayed together.
At the end of the sessions Saturday evening Coach Bill McCartney called all Rabbis to come forward for a time or prayer and healing. He then had all those seeking healing to come forward and be prayed for.
Before this healing time came about one of the speakers gave a presentation on the Yellow Star and its meaning to us. He told what it stood for and what receiving and wearing it would mean.
He then asked Coach McCartney if he would wear the star as a symbol of his resolve to stand with his fellow Jewish brothers through thick and thin. Coach responded YES and then asked if any one else in the audience would take a stand for the Jews. Almost the entire crowd said YES!
He then had the Rabbis come forward and gave each a handful of Yellow Stars. We all then went forward to pick up a star and be prayed for by the Rabbis.
Ana and I went forward. There were many tears shed as we embraced our fellow Christian Jews. We received several stars. We were prayed for by four of the Rabbis. The Spirit of God fell heavily upon that stadium.
Worship ensued from every corner of the field in song, dance, singing, shofar blowing, and flag waving. Such a time of true worship and praise I have never seen. The meetings were over at 5. We left at 5:30. The praising went on far after that.
I picked up a book “A Rabbis look at the end times” and read through it this week. It was more about the massive number of Jews coming to know Jeshua than anything else. These are the true signs of the end times. Paul went to the Jewish synagogue first to preach the Gospel of Christ, then to the Gentiles.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
God has shown His hand in what is in store for Ana and me in our continued walk with Him. We have grown from a slight interest in things Jewish to being totally immersed in things Jewish.
While in Washington we found out about Pastor Hagge’s trip to Israel next March. Wednesday I sent of our registration information and deposits for the trip on March 1-10.
I believe this move is in fulfillment of the prophecy by Paula and the deep desire planted within Ana and me to go and do. It is also in fulfillment of our ministry “Vaya” which means GO. It is also in response to several of the teachings we received in the past few weeks; stating that when God calls us out for a work it is our responsibility to take action. The ways and means will follow those actions.
It has been just a few short months since the first $200 offering went to Bob Schwartz to our total immersion in thoughts about the Jewish people and how we are to spend at least part of our lives reaching out to them and serving them.
We feel like God has appointed us watchmen on the Wall to announce to all present the coming of the enemy and terror in our times. Every day we receive emails and news articles of more things happening that affect our continued walk as Christians and the future of our great country.
Now we wait on how God wants us to use this storehouse of information. As the Master unfolds each step of our walk with Him our lives become richer and our visions become more clear and real.
God is at work in our lives. Many new and exciting things have been happening and many more are just around the corner. These are exciting times as we follow the leading of the Living God and Creator of the Universe.
Jim
08/10/2009