ISRAEL

We are living in turbulent times. We see war, heartbreak and so much pain and torment. There is a great shaking taking place. At times like this, I need to encourage you to stand firm. While the world is dark and dreary and while you may be lost, there is hope.

A few months ago, I spent 10 days in Israel.

It was an amazing trip. Israel is spectacular. Beautiful. A special place. A melting pot of cultures, steeped in history.

However, the history of this region is also filled with intense hatred, war, and atrocities. And the events over the last week and the onset of war, filled with extreme violence, the loss of life on both sides and the destruction and darkness, breaks my heart.

“On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” (Zechariah 12:3)

At this difficult time, I ask you to pray for Israel.

“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” (Psalm 122:6-8)

Today, I want to share a few issues on my heart pertaining to the current crisis the world is facing…

1. All people matter to God.
2. Are you ready?
3. Finding security in a shaking world.

I visited the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, with its beautiful beaches, and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. I spent a few days in Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. While I could not walk on the water like Jesus did, I swam in this unique inland freshwater sea. I visited the river Jordan, visited Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. I floated on the Dead Sea which is the lowest point on earth. We took a cable car up Mount Masada, souring 290m in a few minutes.  I also walked the old streets of Joppa and saw the port where Jonah set out from, running from God.

While in Israel, it was incredible to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. I saw where he was born in Bethlehem, experienced where Jesus lived as a child in Nazareth, and visited the towns where Jesus spent time. Places like Capernaum, Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. 

It was amazing to stand on top of Mount Carmel where Elijah called down fire from heaven to defeat the prophets of Baal, and it was eerie to look down on the valley of Armageddon where the final battle will one day be fought, according to prophecies in the Bible.

We also visited the historical sites where God did great exploits. It was incredible to stand in places where future prophecies are to happen one day.

It was a huge honor and a great blessing to stay in the old city of Jerusalem and walk the streets of this amazing city. In Jerusalem, we visited the upper room where Jesus had his last supper, and we spent time in the olive grove in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before he was falsely accused and arrested. It was moving to see where Jesus was crucified, where he died on the cross to pay the full price of our sins. We also visited the grave where Jesus was buried. By the way, the tomb is empty, because Jesus conquered death and the grave. He rose victorious defeating death and sin, and he made a way for sinful, messed up people to find forgiveness, eternal life, and be reconnected to God. 

No wonder Jesus was given the name Jesus, for his name means Savior, and he came to save all mankind. 

The Savior

Jesus is the Savior of the world. Do you know him? If not, open your heart and invite him in.

Taking my trip to Israel into account along with the events that have transpired this last week, I want to share 3 things with you that are on my heart…

1. All People Matter to God.

One moment that stood out was while sailing on the Sea of Galilee. This is the Sea where Jesus calmed the storm and walked on water. In the middle of this beautiful freshwater lake, I remember looking out and realizing that in every direction I could lay my eyes, Jesus had impacted and touched people’s lives.

On the banks of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus had…

• Called some of his disciples, calling them to become fishers of men.
• Caught a miraculous catch of fish.
• Shared the teachings of the beatitudes – incredible wisdom and principles to live by.
• Healed many sick people, like the paralyzed man whose friends broke through the roof of a house in order to get him to Jesus.
• Fed the 5000 with a little boy’s lunch.
• Delivered the most demonized man in history, casting the legion of these tormenting and destructive spirits into a herd of 2000 pigs who ran over the cliff. This man was broken, severely bound and Jesus set him free and restored him to his sound mind.
• Sent Peter, an experienced fisherman to go fish, and he had caught a fish with a silver coin in its mouth, which was enough to cover all their taxes.
• Healed the woman with the bleeding disorder. She had pushed through the crowd and touched the hem of his robe, and the power of God had flowed out of Jesus into her and she was instantly made whole.
• Resurrected Jurius’ dead daughter back to life.

I want you to know that Jesus has not changed. He is still the same Jesus. We are told that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

What Jesus did in Bible times, he can still do today. Put your hope in Jesus. He is alive. He can heal, deliver, and set you free.

You matter to God!

“I am the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

God is the God of ALL people. This includes you!

The world is lost and broken. Many people are running through life, going fast, but going nowhere, oblivious to the fact that there is a loving God who wants a close walk with them.

Maybe you are lost, broken, shattered, searching, lonely, afraid, drifting aimlessly, hurting, feeling misunderstood, hopeless, held captive, worn out, haunted by your past, empty, living in sin, unaware of the eternal consequences.

You may have messed up. There is a way out. There is HOPE in Jesus. 

Your sin may have cut you off, but there is a loving God who wants to WASH YOU CLEAN and FORGIVE YOU.

You may have fallen, and you may not know how to get back up. There is a loving God who cares for you. He wants to LIFT YOU UP OUT of your despair.

Maybe you feel enslaved and chained. There is a CHAIN BREAKER who offers a way out!

There is a SAVIOR.

No matter how bad you have been. No matter how you have messed up. No matter where you come from, people matter to God. You matter to God. Irrespective of the culture or race. Irrespective of your current bondages and condition, you matter to God!

God is still the God of all mankind, and nothing, absolutely nothing is too hard for him. Put your hope in Jesus.

If you want to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have for you.

2. Are You Ready?  

As already mentioned, it was sobering to stand on top of Mount Carmel and look down on the valley of Armageddon where the final battle will one day be fought, according to prophecies in the Bible.

In Matthew 24, Jesus gave us a clear picture of all that would happen in the last days.

He told us that in the last days there will be…

• Great deception
• Wars and threats of wars
• A rise in racial division
• An increase in natural disasters like famines and earthquakes
• Persecution of followers of Jesus
• A great falling away with the love of many growing cold
• A great end-time shaking
• Hate
• A rise in false prophets and fake news
• A rise in lawlessness, rebellion, and sin
• Difficult and dark times
• A time of great shaking, where the heavens and earth will be shaken
• Good News will be preached throughout the whole world
• A rise of the anti-Christ
• A time of great trouble and pain
• And that then, finally, the end will come. Jesus will return to God’s people and judgement will follow.

Jesus warned us to watch out for the signs of the end times and to be ready, to be prepared. Where does your hope lie? I implore you to put your hope and faith in God.

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.” (Matthew 24:32-33)

We need to be ready.

Jesus also told us, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Matthew 24:36)

Will you be ready if the end comes? Based on the Bible and what Jesus had to say about the end times, it is clear that no one knows the exact day that Jesus will return, but we can clearly see that we are in the last season.

If the world ended today, would you be ready?

3. Finding Security in a Shaking World

Jesus told us that in the last days, “the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” (Matthew 24:29)

Again, this is spoken of in the Bible where it says, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” (Hebrews 12:26-27)

There is a worldwide shaking taking place. Covid. Wars. Cancel culture.

The world is being shaken. We are living in scary times, but you can take refuge in God.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1-2)

God is your place of safety. He is your ever-present help in times of trouble. You do not need to live in fear. You are safe in his arms. You can stand firm if your life is planted on a firm foundation. Let God be the solid rock on which you build your life.

Are you being shaken?

Israel is shaking. Gazza is shaking. Russia is shaking. Ukraine is shaking.

You may be shaking.

Are you worried? Weighed down? Filled with dread? Afraid? Overwhelmed? Shaking?

Give God your burdens.

“Cast all your anxiety on him (Jesus) because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

No matter how bad things are. Hold onto God. Do not fear. With God at your side, you will be okay.

You might have been pressed down or even knocked down, but you can get back up. 

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Don’t give up. Don’t give in. It is time to arise. God is with you. He will never abandon you. 

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Your present troubles will not last very long. Look up. Look to God. Get back up. Do not let trouble keep you down. This is your time to grow. Endure. Persevere.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

We are currently living in a time of great shaking. There is so much turbulence and uncertainty.

Everything is being shaken: The heavens and the earth are being shaken. Countries, economies, social media, Churches, and governments are being shaken.

We are living in a time of crisis. But despite the chaos, I have good news for you. 

God’s Kingdom will never be shaken.

While the Kingdoms of man are currently shaking, I need to tell you that God’s Kingdom cannot and will not be shaken. God’s Kingdom is unshakable. God’s Kingdom is eternal.

While the Bible tells us that the world will be “shaken”, we are also told that those who take refuge in God will receive “a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” (Hebrews 12:26-29)

Where does your hope lie?

Is your hope in a fragile worldly system or in God? I implore you to put your hope and faith in God. If you are part of God’s Kingdom, you can stand firm! You don’t need to fear.

How can you keep it together when the world is falling apart?

Put your hope in Jesus.

Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Jesus also told us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1)

Again, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

And again, Jesus assured us that he would never leave us nor forsake us. He said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Stand Firm

Jesus came for the broken, battered, and bound. He came to “bring good news” and he came to “set captives free” (Luke 4:18)

In fact, the Bible is clear. We are told that “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17)

We are also told, “For this is how God loved the world (YOU) that He gave his one and only Son (JESUS), so that everyone who believes in him (PUTS FAITH IN JESUS) will not perish (HELL) but have eternal life (STARTING TODAY AND CONTINUING FOREVER TO HEAVEN).” (John 3:16)

Jesus came to bring good news. He came to reconcile man to God.

The end times will be shaky times, turbulent times, difficult times, filled with deception and the counterfeit.

No wonder Jesus warned us that in the last days, “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

But Jesus did not stop there. Jesus continued, “But the one who STANDS FIRM to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)

We are living in dark days. There is a great shaking taking place, but hold on. Stand firm. God is still in control. STAND FIRM, for the one who endures to the end will be saved.

The Bible also tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

This includes you. 

No matter where you find yourself today, the good news is that can invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. You can STAND FIRM with God in his UNSHAKABLE KINGDOM.

Stand up

It is time to stand up. Get back up. Don’t throw in the towel. Hold on! It is always darkest, just before the dawn.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

No matter what you have done, or where you find yourself today, the good news is that you can invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and reset your life.

On the cross Jesus, the Savior of the world, paid the full price for our sins and made the way for you and me to find forgiveness, peace, and become part of God’s unshakable Kingdom. This relationship can start today and goes on into eternity.

You may have failed. You may have messed up.

RETURN to God. REPENT. RESET. You can RESTART your walk with God. RESURRENDER. REFRESH.

If you want to become part of God’s unshakable Kingdom, you can call on Jesus…

Dear Lord Jesus, I need you. I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

If you have prayed this simple prayer sincerely, you have become a child of God. You sin is cleansed away. You are born again. You are part of God’s unshakable Kingdom. You can stand firm knowing that whatever may come or happen, you are secure in Christ. 

If you have prayed this prayer, please let us know. We would love to pray for you and send you an incredible eBook to help you on your journey with God.

Stand Firm on an Unshakable Foundation

Wait on God. He can lift you up and set you on a firm foundation.

Psalms 40:1-4 says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:1-2)

God can set your feet on the firm rock of His unshakable Kingdom.

It’s time to arise. Even if your world is shaking and even if everything seems down, you can stand firm.

In Romans 8:35, God’s word asks two questions of those who are part of God’s Kingdom…

1. “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?”
2. “Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?”

And then in Romans 8:37-39, God gives us the answer…

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In other words, although the heavens and the earth may shake, we can be secure if we are part of God’s unshakable Kingdom.

Stand firm. Endure. Persevere.

Despite all the shaking, overwhelming victory is ours through Jesus Christ.

Don’t be discouraged. Be brave. Be strong. Be courageous. Rise-up. Look up. Stand firm. Be patient. Hold on. Despite the circumstances, you need to persevere. Hang on in there. No matter what is happening all around you, stand firm.

Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Don’t drift from God. Don’t fall away. Don’t drift into sin. Don’t let your walk with God grow cold.

Don’t become weary. Keep your chin up. Stand strong. Endure to the end.

A Final Word to Stand Firm:

Ephesians 6:10-18…

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For weare not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

A Prayer to Remain Unshakable in a Shakable World

Psalm 91…

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ² This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;  he is my God, and I trust him. ³ For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. ⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. ⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. ⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. ⁸ Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. ⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, ¹⁰ no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. ¹¹ For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. ¹² They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. ¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! ¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. ¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. ¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.