\u201cThere are times in history where nations find themselves falling short when standing at crossroad decisions.\u201d (Anonymous)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elijah\u2019s challenge to Israel on Mt. Carmel was, \u201cHow long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him\u201d<\/em> (1 Kings 18:21, NIV). \u201cBoth Moses and Joshua, in their farewell discourses picture the people as standing between two alternative courses of action\u2026Moses phrases the choice as one between obedience and disobedience\u2026\u201dChoose for yourselves this day whom you will serve\u201d<\/em> (Joshua 24:15, NIV). (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n People write to me believing their nations need a warning sound. \u201cIf it should sound, are we \u2018listening\u2019 or are we, as Solomon states, the Bride asleep on her bed!\u201d (Beryl Hunter). Who is<\/em> sounding the alarm bell and, if so, is it loud enough?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nations, around the world, are currently involved in either standing against or with Israel. Few weeks pass where the news does not show a display of pompous statements, bold threats or outright lies toward the Jewish nation from various international leaders. Both secular and spiritual leaders are seemingly choosing to either stand against or for, the one miracle nation on earth that God has resurrected from the dustbins of history: Israel. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook once stated that \u201canyone who refuses to recognize the State of Israel does not recognize HaShem\u2019s rule over what takes place in the world (of nations).\u201d Rabbi Kook also said \u201cRedemption comes slowly in gradual stages, little by little\u2026HaShem will appear in more and more light\u201d (Tzvi Fishman). This is our hope and prayer every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Israel has recently celebrated its 68th Independence Day and the whole of the country was replete with blue and white flags flying in the wind. Yes, Israel has a glorious future promised to her by God, but do the nations really comprehend this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pinchas Landau, a renowned expert on global matters in the nations and Israel, wrote recently in the Jerusalem Post, \u201c\u2026the degree of deterioration and the rate of decline (in the nations) are way beyond anything imaginable back in 2003\u2026I urge readers to prepare themselves for the future\u2026\u201d (www.lpinchaslandau.com).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pinchas Landau\u2019s words confirmed the sense I\u2019ve had, for some time, about the nations being headed straight into a collision course, with a Divine and Eternal Covenant, which God made with His People. This places each nation in a precarious posture of heavy responsibility, as its decisions made regarding Israel, can either damage or destroy that nation\u2019s relationship with the Chosen People and with the God of the Jews. The upshot is that negative ramifications follow our nations, when our nations no longer make an effort to acknowledge God or what He is doing among the nations (and among His People in their Land). Many spend their time despising and cursing Israel through BDS movements, anti-Semitic public statements, divestment actions and pulpit ranting, as though God has cast the nation off<\/em>. When will the nations admit that they cannot break God\u2019s Divine Covenant with Israel (made at the time of the smoking oven and a burning torch, that passed between the pieces, (Genesis 15:8-21) and confirmed many times over throughout the Scriptures. Moreover, the strength of God\u2019s covenant is so powerful that God clearly proclaims that if anyone (from anywhere) can measure Heaven and the foundations of the Earth, then<\/u><\/em><\/strong> He would cast them off. (Jeremiah 31:35-37; 33:23-26)<\/strong> This is a very solid and binding agreement with the Chosen People. Dare our nations meddle with this promise to Israel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am concerned, and perhaps you are also, if our nations are paying any attention to what God might be doing in the spiritual realm. It seems that many are not. I see some nations becoming like \u201cIchabod\u201d as they blindly depart from the Living God, and His Commandments and definitely do not see<\/em> how Genesis 12:3 fits into their modern day agendas. Many nations are in serious trouble. Liberal agendas have produced chaos and confusion completely oblivious to end-time blueprints that God laid out for all of mankind in regard to Israel. They do not see that it is God\u2019s breath that has brought Israel to life and that it is God who has placed His People in their Land with all of His Heart. \u201cI will place my breath in you and you will live; I will give you rest in your own land. Then you will know that I am the LORD\u2014I have spoken and I will act, declares the Lord\u201d<\/em> (Ezekiel 37:14, NET).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In so many of our nations, the peg driven into once firm foundations has come away from the original base from which each was established. (Isaiah 22:25)<\/strong>. Some nations are on the edge of disaster, and they hang in midair (as did Absalom when his hair got caught in the tree\u2026 but the mule kept on going<\/em>). (2 Samuel 18:9). To be in these types of uncertain situations places the nations as if they were \u201changing in the balance\u201d. Much has been eroded in our beautiful countries. We can blame it on television, Hollywood movies, Internet and a host of other possible reasons but ultimately, it is clear from God\u2019s Word that it is sin<\/em><\/strong> that is ruling far too strongly in too many places\u2026and a departure from the fear of God. We know that any nation that humbles itself and turns from its wicked ways, God will come and heal the Land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)<\/strong>. However, I have wondered for some time where our spiritual leaders are and why nationwide prayer<\/em> and repentance has not been called for–it \u201cseems\u201d as if few are paying attention to the calls and only return to trying to work out their own problems with their own solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n World summits, political forums, G-20 nations, the United Nations and other governmental conferences try to solve the problems of the world—but it isn\u2019t working. Real solutions for the problems are left \u201changing.\u201d \u201c\u2026no one knows if (their nations) will continue to exist in the future and if so, what will happen to [them]. (Cambridge Dictionary<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daniel interprets the king\u2019s hour of visitation when \u201c\u2026the fingers of a man\u2019s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lamp stand on the plaster of the wall of the king\u2019s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.\u201d<\/em> (Daniel 5:5). The inscription on the wall was \u201c\u2026Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin\u201d<\/em> (vs. 25). The interpretation came through Daniel and the sky fell. \u201c\u2026you have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting\u2026your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians\u201d<\/em> (Daniel 5:26-28). You have\u2026\u201dnot measured up\u201d (NLT), you are \u201cfound deficient\u201d (NAS), your rule is \u201cfound lacking\u201d (NET). The words written by God\u2019s Hand were \u201c\u2026in Aramaic\u2026\u201d according to Vol. 10, No. 2, Jewish History<\/em> and in many ways we should be able to see God\u2019s handwriting on the wall for our beloved nations. How sad it is, if you are like me–I love the country I was born in, but I can see how it has pulled away from its Biblical foundations, with liberal institutions, left-leaning media, violence, sexually immoral movies, pornography, sex changes, destruction of the God-given family unit, television, misuse of the Internet, the discounting of the institution of marriage, alternative lifestyles, drug use and so much more–all when weighed on God\u2019s Scales are found wanting<\/em>. There is hardly a nation anywhere today that does not deal with these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone once said \u201c\u2026we have been believing in our own genius, interpreting our own words, according to our own perspective and trust, in our own intelligence, our own imagination and ethics\u201d\u2026confirming most nations do not bring God into their meetings and speeches. Only one nation has.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Through the lips of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I believe God spoke to the entire arena of the United Nations and plainly laid out His Word on the matter before them, which dealt with the treatment of Israel. But was anyone paying attention? Were they blind to the \u201chandwriting on the wall\u201d and the message being given to them?<\/em> I encourage you to listen to those messages on the Internet, which brought 45 seconds of deafening silence to the delegates of the United Nations in October, 2015 and before in September 2014. As Nebuchadnezzar had to learn the hard way, it will be the same with our nations. While the word was still in the king\u2019s mouth, a voice fell from heaven that his kingdom had departed from him \u201c\u2026until you know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he chooses\u201d<\/em> (Daniel 4:31-32).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only way out was for the king to lift his head to God and then his senses returned (vs. 34); likewise, the Ruler of Heaven and Earth may be challenging our nations to turn to Him. There may be no returning to former glories until there is a humbling. As painful as it may be, we will have to be the voices that counsel and help turn our nations toward Him once again. It will take prayer, commitment and action on our parts\u2026no more remaining silent but letting our voices arise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The despising of Israel means regarding lightly Israel\u2019s God, who is also the God of the Nations. Leaders throw \u201cDaniel\u201d into the lion\u2019s den over and over again when they mock God\u2019s appointed leader, Prime Minister Netanyahu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We need a Daniel today to speak to our governments, our churches and spiritual institutions to encourage them to choose the right way. Kingdoms of this world really need to remember it was God who gave them their nation and\/or kingdom. Among the gods of prosperity, materialism, sex, atheism, freedom of speech and the right to live \u201cmy way\u201d rules, we need a voice. We also need to pray that humble leadership will rise up who know that it is God who holds the nations\u2019 breath in His Hands. Is it too late? Never. Humbleness and repentance is what He desires. Some of us will have to lead the way, even if we are also mocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With revolutions and uprisings in many nations today (violence, hatred and uncontrollable anger) there is little peace on the earth. May God help the remnant of true believers, who follow Jesus, to embrace courage even if it means laying down our lives. We must<\/em> sound the alarm bell until we all wake up to the global threat of radical Islam which is challenging the Word of the Living God and His plans and purposes for the nation of Israel and for the followers of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think of the way we often complain at the smallest inconveniences in our lives, while multitudes of Christians in the Middle East die daily, leaving a strong testimony, giving their lives over to martyrdom rather than to deny the Lord\u2026I am ashamed of the deafening silence coming from a lukewarm Church which makes us shallow as God\u2019s witnesses. The disciples of Jesus \u201cturned the world upside down\u201d<\/em> (Acts 17:6). Joel Richardson of World Net Daily news states, \u201cThe early followers of Jesus were ready to leave all for the Master\u2026where is our boldness, energy and passion placed each day? Global radical Islam is bigger than we think. We need to be ready to \u201cdie with our boots on\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boycotting, belittling, berating, condemning and castigation of Israel will<\/em> be dealt with by God in the day of the Lord\u2019s vengeance. It surely is time for the nations to put their ear to the ground and listen to God\u2019s warning in Isaiah 34:1-2, 8<\/strong>. There will be a day of revenge from God for the hostile way the nations have treated Zion. \u201cFor the Lord has planned a day of revenge, a time when He will repay Edom for her hostility toward Zion\u201d<\/em> (Isaiah 34:8). While Edom is particularly mentioned, we know that Genesis 12:3<\/strong> tells us everyone will receive \u201cblessing or cursing\u201d<\/em> from God in their treatment of the Jews. Jesus tells us When He comes, His Judgment will be according to the way His Brethren have been treated. (Matthew 25:31-46).<\/strong> Since there was no Church at the time of His message and the Jewish people were the only people who called each other \u201cbrethren\u201d\u2026it is pretty easy to understand the meat of His Message about Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We need to pray for mercy and for positive change. We need to prepare our \u201carks of safety\u201d<\/em> which are ONLY in the Lord. No matter what happens we will be safe in the \u201cshadow of the Almighty\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 91). We must stand for what is right and stand for<\/em> Israel! Whoever is found fearing the Lord and meditating on His Name will be made into His Jewels and He will<\/em> spare them in that day. (Daniel 6:16; Malachi 3:17).<\/strong> We must speak when necessary (Isaiah 62:1) <\/strong>and not wait for Islam to come to our door. Any indifference will only bolster evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Islam\u2019s obsession is the genocide of the Jewish people. Who can ignore the speakers at the University of London Student Union who recently sponsored a panel for the destruction of Israel as a final solution to anti-Semitism? (The Algameiner E-paper). UNESCO\u2019s recent resolution of hate against Israel and Islam\u2019s call in Ramallah to invade Israel are other examples. Those who bring charges against God\u2019s Chosen People will pay a high price. Thank God for the USA\u2019s Iowa Governor who went against the flow and signed an Anti-Boycott Israel bill. Others have recently followed in a positive vein. Thank God the Methodist Church voted to withdraw from the Anti-Israel Coalition; a Texas Governor recently stood up for Israel; Zionists ambushed a BDS Flash Mob in London and a Miami Beach Pastor recently stood bravely before a crowd and obliterated every BDS supporter. We can make our voices heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It took years of work and intense labor, supported by many of you who pray for and love this ministry for change to come about, but we believe we have chosen the right approach to Israel. His Love. Instead of running from<\/em> us, Jewish people are reaching out to<\/em> us! Having applied His Healing Balm over the past 25-30 years, now we are truly looked upon as their friends and they believe they are not alone! We cannot afford to let them down again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jewish people are out saving lives around the world, when here in their own country, they fight for survival. When massive earthquakes take place, and buildings collapse, Israel responds to help; when Syrian soldiers need help they cross the border to get help from Israeli medics who save their lives. Israel is also turning seawater into energy and teaching other countries how to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Derek Prince always said \u201cWe owe the Jewish people a great debt.\u201d<\/em> It is time that we return the kindness of God shown to us, through Israel, through our work among them, and in public displays of standing with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quietly, some alliances of Islamic nations are being formed — such as Jordan\u2019s cooperation with Israel and even the Far East is calling for building relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I personally believe the spirit behind radical Islam is aware that the Jews are coming dangerously (for them) close to prevailing over \u201ca Kingdom that will have no end\u201d<\/em> (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:33). The bottom line is the throne in the City of Jerusalem. The greatest mother of all battles may lie just beyond the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the meantime, Israel\u2019s population has increased ten-fold (Jeremiah 33:22)<\/strong> from 806,000 to 8,522,000 citizens in 68 years. It is one of the happiest nations on earth and definitely the most beautiful. God is performing His Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes! Our nations are<\/em> at a fork in the road and it is a defining moment. This can either be a \u201cshining hour\u201d – or demise<\/em> for nations. A considerable number are responding exactly how God said they would in the latter times \u2013 abandoning Israel in favor of Islam.<\/em> (Zechariah 12:3).<\/strong> As we listen for the Midnight Call of the Master (Matthew 24:6)<\/strong> we really need to make an effort to hear\u2026and become the blessing to Israel we were always called to be. It is all about declaring to the world: \u201cThis is where we stand.\u201d<\/strong> Churchill described the Jewish people as \u201cbeyond any question, the most formidable and most remarkable race which has appeared in the world\u201d<\/em> (Colonel Richard Kemp, British Army 1977-2006.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dry bones of Ezekiel resurrection took place. Now the Spirit is entering into many lives. Today even secular<\/em> Jewish people are saying, \u201cWe believe in God and keep the Sabbath.\u201d (JewishPress.com). God is at work among His People and as Christian Friends of Israel, we need your prayers and financial support to continue our work of preparing the way of the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I close with a solemn declaration to the nations of the world made many years ago by King Darius (Daniel 6:26-27):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell on the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever, His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed. And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders In Heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n May we all have ears to hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n -Sharon Sanders-<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n