What is a watchman?

In his book Praying for Israel's Destiny, James Goll writes:

"Have you ever missed a strategic appointment? Or have you ever realized at the last minute that you were about to miss an important engagement unless you kicked into action right away? I have, and it is an experience I do not care to relive! It is like waking up out of a stupor; all of a sudden you remember your appointment...

Did you know that God has a calendar with appointments waiting to be fulfilled? Watchmen remind God of the appointments on His calendar that have not been fully met and fulfilled. The task of a watchman is by 'appointment.' It means being chosen for the divine privilege of composing history before the throne of the Almighty."

It is not that God has forgotten His appointments, but that He allows mere man to intercede and thereby change the course of history. Elijah prayed and God stopped the rain (James 5:17-18). When King Hezekiah was told by God's prophet that he would die, Hezekiah prayed earnestly and God allowed him to live for 15 more years (II Kings 20:1-6).

What appointments does God have left to fulfill?

1. The Aliyah [return] will be complete (Isaiah 43:5-7)
   
2. Jesus will come again (I Thessalonians 4:16)
3. Israel will welcome Yeshua as their Messiah (Matthew 23:39)
4. All Israel shall be saved (Romans 11:25-27)
5. Yeshua will bring peace (Isaiah 2:4)
6. Israel, Egypt, and Assyria will worship the One True God together (Isaiah 19:19-25)
7. Israel will possess all the land that One True God promised her (Genesis 12:7)
8. All nations will worship God in Jerusalem and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles there (Zechariah 14:16)

There are other appointments left for God to fill, but these are a few that pertain to Israel.

Isaiah 62:6b-7 is a command, not a suggestion. It says, "...ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." Similarly, Psalm 122:6a says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem."

We are commanded to pray for Israel. Will you be a watchman?

Current reading

There are several books that I am currently reading that I highly recommend to all believers. To love God is to love His chosen people. How can one have a heart after God's own heart (as King David did) if one does not love God's beloved land, city, and people? God's unfailing love for them endures forever.

Two Nations Under God: Why Should America Care About Israel and the Middle East? (by Tom Doyle)

His Names Are Wonderful: Getting to Know God Through His Hebrew Names (by Elizabeth L. Vander Meulen & Barbara D. Malda)

Praying for Israel's Destiny: Effective Intercession for God's Purposes in the Middle East (by James W. Goll)

Please visit: A Prayer for Israel to see a stirring music video taken from Psalm 83.

Bible Study

I am currently studying the Bible using Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word. I would definitely recommend the book. I was thinking about how much time I typically spend being "conformed to the world" (at my secular workplace, watching TV for hours) versus how much time I spend "renewing my mind." How do I expect to live a Godly, sanctified life? I can easily spend so much time feeding the flesh but it takes work to purposely nurture the spirit. I read my Bible daily. I figured that was enough. But when I calculated the amount of time I spend in the Word versus the amount of time I spend in the world, my time in the Word falls short. Believers must spend serious time studying the Bible, in addition to devotional time.

Yesterday I went to Daystar to see a taping of the Joni Show. Sandra Levitt & Jeff Seif of Zola Levitt International Ministries were interviewed about Israel. Sandra can speak very knowledgeably as she just returned from Israel and her son is still there. They actually taped 2 episodes that will be aired on August 17th & 18th. They were a blessing to me & I believe that you will be encouraged too. Tune in if you are able!

Today I received an e-mail from a Christian brother with a leprosy ministry in India. Please remember his ministry in your prayers. He & all his lepers desperately need our prayers, and yet he has them all praying for me & my family! To find out more about the needs of this ministry, visit Suffering Saints.

It seems that everyone has a blog these days. I guess it's time to join the 21st century. So here goes. I don't know how much time I'll spend blogging, because right now I spend more time updating my personal website.

Check it out!!