Libia

We read in Psalms 2: Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed (Psalms 2:1,2).

Could it be that the spiritual powers are waking up the sleeping Muslim nations and prepare them for the great battle against Israel the Apple of God’s Eye? Against God’s Anointed? Old, arrogant leaders, who – rolling in luxury – only care about their personal wellbeing, are replaced by fresh, young Muslim blood. The surrounding Muslim countries will be shaken. The revolution started in Lebanon, where the Hezbollah terrorists took over. That set the tone. Meanwhile many countries have followed suit. After Libya other countries will surely follow.
We read in Psalm 83:

O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you–

Psalms 83:1-5

An alliance is declared in this Psalm to wipe God’s cherished one, read Israel, off the map. “Let us destroy this nation”. That’s clear language. I am convinced that this is what’s happening right now. The surrounding nations are being prepared to destroy the Apple of God’s Eye. “The name of Israel shall be remembered no more”. Politicians have no clue what’s going on. Not disturbed by any divine insight they still crow that the present revolution in these Muslim countries will lead to “democratic reforms”. President Obama even dared to proclaim that these developments “will ultimately benefit Israel”. You think he believes it himself?

The contrary is true. Not only will these developments negatively impact their own people, but also Israel and the rest of the western nations. We are witnessing spiritual warfare. This war is aimed at Israel and in the deepest sense against the God of Israel: “with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You”.

But the outcome is set. The prophets have spoken about this time.

In Joel it says: Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down your warriors, O LORD. Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

Joel 3:9-12

It is remarkable that the surrounding nations are mentioned, meaning those surrounding Israel. Just as in Psalms 83 the surrounding nations are specifically mentioned. Satan has little time left. He is getting nervous. He ties himself in knots to thwart God’s restoration plan with Israel and with the world. He lets no chance go to waste to prevent the return of Messiah. Satan knows that his time is almost up. He himself hides behind this huge Islamic revolt. He is the mastermind who pulls the strings.

At least that’s what he thinks. When you continue to read in Joel, it says:

The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. “So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it….”Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness…

Joel 3:16,17,19

The Lord will roar and utter his voice. Heaven and earth will quake…
The surrounding nations must brace themselves. God Himself will intervene. God is a refuge for His Jewish people; He is a stronghold to Israel. You don’t have to doubt these prophetic words. We live in critical days. Right now the church needs to wake up from her sleep. This is the time that watchmen take their position. The political leaders have no spiritual insight. It’s the spiritual leaders who can make the distinction. They will have to take their position in this spiritual warfare. Peter already warned us:

This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets… (2 Peter 3:1,2)

Strangely enough we have fooled each other by saying that we could close the Old Testament. After all, aren’t we living in the ‘New Covenant’? What a sad mistake. If you want to know what time it is on God’s timetable, you cannot escape reading the prophets!
So don’t hesitate any longer, do not keep silent any longer. Stand in the breach for Israel. Subject yourself to God’s command in Isaiah 62: for Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet.

See you on the walls of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem, February 13, 2011. Egypt celebrates. I have seldom seen such an explosion of emotional joy and exuberance as after the announcement of President Mubarak that he was stepping down. The power is temporarily handed over to the army. What a liberation feast. How moving it was to watch.

The first democratic elections will be held in September.
Thirty years of dictatorship came abruptly to an end. For friend and foe this revolution came out of the blue. Anyone who would have predicted at the beginning of this year that the Mubarak era was going to end soon through a revolution, would have been mocked.

The Egyptian population suffered under a tough dictatorship. In 1981 a state of emergency was declared after the assassination of then president Anwar al Sadat by muslim extremists. This state of emergency was still in force until last week. This ordinance gave Mubarak a chance to keep the extremist Muslim Brotherhood under control. But it also left the infamous secret service free to randomly arrest residents and subdue them through torture. It was a reign of terror.

Mubarak guaranteed the implementation of the Camp David peace accord between Egypt and Israel in 1978. Egypt continued to hold the western course that was initiated by Sadat. However, the Egyptians never became best friends with their neighbor Israel. Antisemitism is rampant in the Egyptian society. Though many Jewish tourists visited Egypt, only a handful of Egyptians visited neighboring Israel.

Finally the old, tough, stubborn president threw in the towel. He was cornered.
What an incredible climax. Freedom is a wonderful thing.
As an eyewitness, living in a free democracy, you realize how blessed we are in the free west. Humans are created to be free and creative. A government that restricts and frustrates this fundamental freedom is criminal and should therefore step down.

The euphoria is great. The western leaders unanimously agree that the people of Egypt triumphed. That is wonderful. Not only the western leaders, but also the extremist muslim regimes share in this celebration.
Hamas, the party of democratically chosen muslim extremists, who turned the Gaza strip into a mini-dictatorship in no time, eagerly congratulated the Egyptian people with their victory. Hezbollah did the same. Even Ahmadinejad, the subtle dictator of the most extreme muslim nation in the world, Iran, held a special congratulation speech. “A new Middle East is emerging without the US and Israel” he boasted. The hypocrite. When, just like in Egypt, the people of Iran recently flocked to the streets to protest against election fraud and to demand this fool to step down, the insurrection was put down violently. Where was the endorsement from President Obama then? Where was the loud exhortation from the European leaders? The Iranian people rallied in their despair: “Obama, where are you?” Today Ahmadinejad is still in power, with a smirk on his face.
A short flash back in time wouldn’t hurt. In 1979 a similar revolt broke out in Iran. The shah of Persia fled the country. There was a national celebration. There was a massive euphoria as well. Also this uprising received the support from the US. Iran finally freed! The ayatollah Khomeini returned from living in exile and hijacked the revolt. In the meantime we know to which worldwide disasters this muslim coup has led. It was Khomeini who decided from then on to let islam rule outside her own borders. It was him who boasted that the whole world should bow for Mohammed and his followers. Iran would never be the same again. That’s right, also the world would never be the same again. We were confronted by global muslim terror.

Today I hear Obama declare the same thing during his congratulation speech. “Egypt will never be the same anymore.” I don’t doubt his words. But I fear that the future of Egypt will look differently from the fantasies of Obama. The US was completely mistaken in their assessment of the Iranian revolution. It would surprise me if the US is not seriously mistaken again.

The whole world held their breath. It is not a coincidence that this Egyptian revolt takes place right next to Israel. It is not my intention to spoil the fun, however I cannot help but sound the alarm. The fact that Ahmadinejad and his regime are so excited about this revolution should raise a red flag for many. Ahmadinejad has only one goal. The ‘twelfth’ imam has to come. The Mahdi, the muslim messiah who will come to power through a global revolution, is one step closer. For muslims this is a big step forward. Together with this Mahdi they will overpower the world.
Meanwhile we are training tin soldiers in Afghanistan who will dutifully join this worldwide muslim war. They probably speak a few words Dutch.

I received a number of emails from dear christians who claim that the days of Egypt’s turn to christianity has come. I will quote the text for you:

In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth.”


Isaiah 19:23, 24

Individual Christians and even some organizations are carrying this prophetic bible verse as their banner. You can imagine this. Egypt bows before the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It’s ‘wishful thinking’ (and much prayer).
Again I have to be a stick in the mud. This text does not relate to our days. This will happen later during the messianic thousand year reign, but in our days the contrary will be the case. Read with me:

O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you–


Ps 83:1-5

What follows is a summary of a great number of islamic nations, among which the Egyptian. That’s what’s going on today. I already reminisced about it. It is not a coincidence that this revolution takes place right next to Israel. The muslim trap is pulled tighter around Israel. Iran, Syria, Lebanon (Hezbollah), and the Gaza strip (Hamas) are already blessed with an extremist anti-semitic muslim regime. What will happen in Egypt? Will also this sincere liberation revolution be hijacked by the Muslim Brotherhood?

The muslims seize their opportunity under the cloak of ‘reforms’.
It is time to wake up from your peace-sleep. Right now it is important to be alert.
In all sincerity I wish the beautiful Egyptian people liberty and shalom. They yearn for it. But alarm bells are going off in my spirit.
Celebrate with the Egyptians, but be on your alert.

See you on the walls of Jerusalem.

Saturday, May 22, 2010. Four years ago, we climbed the high spiral stairs leading to the walls of Jerusalem for the very first time. Together with Joke and Gijsbert Spijker (Gijsbert who accompanied me for the first three months of this watchman adventure).

It was a challenge for me. Two years prior to this moment God had seized me, by the collar and now the moment of truth had arrived. Would the watchman adventure be affirmed or would I run back home screaming after a fortnight? I still remember how I looked around rather uncomfortable. “I hope no one will see or hear us”.

That discomfort was soon gone. Already from the start we realized that these watchman walks fit in God’s plan of this season. These end times.

Fellow-walkers

It didn’t take long for the first curious fellow walkers to arrive. “Could we come along with you some time?” We thought that was great. Four years later these wall proclamations can’t be eliminated anymore. Many thousands of walkers joined us. From the Netherlands, but also from Germany an ever increasing crowd of watchmen is streaming to the walls. The rumor is spreading quickly.

Everyday day watchmen climb the walls of the capital of Israel.

Every day we remind God of His promises to Israel. We do not give Him or ourselves a moment’s rest (Isaiah 62). We even have a feeling that slowly a movement of believers is forming in the Netherlands who will stand ever more steadfast behind Israel. Believers who show courage and who stand unconditionally in the breach for Israel.

We receive more and more news from congregations and churches who are starting to increase their focus on God’s plan for Israel. We receive increasingly more invitations to speak. And of course we gladly accept these invitations.

There is a great ignorance among the average group of believers and leaders. The lack of knowledge is great. Most preachers and pastors have no idea what to do with Israel. The other day I heard a preacher say that he was planning to discuss Israel as an interesting topic. The good man shows in this that he truly has no clue about the fundamental role Israel plays on this earth. Israel cannot be discussed as just a topic. You will discover in the Bible that Israel is not a topic but we are….the gentile believers. Because the whole Bible revolves around Israel and her Messiah Yeshua. When the Bible talks about non-Jews it’s mainly in relationship to Israel. So in short we should seriously re-adjust our attitude towards Israel.

You can’t put Israel in the margin of a church or congregation and treat her as a topic. That time is past! God has stood up to have compassion on Sion. Israel is the focal point of God’s concerns with this earth. The political, social, spiritual and cultural developments in this world, but also within the church, revolve around Israel! All the arrows of the world are pointing towards Jerusalem. The eyes of the media do not leave this navel of the earth for a second.

For many church leaders Israel is considered a road block within their congregation. They have wonderful bible studies about the fundamentals of the christian faith, but somehow the importance of the role of Israel is left out. That does not make sense. At the theological seminaries and bible colleges they hardly teach about the Jewish roots of our faith in the Jew Yeshua, and His Father the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (three Israelis). For centuries the church was taught to shun Israel. Where did that lead us?

Today people are filled with a new divine curiosity for the true roots of the gospel. Yeshua made a point in saying: “salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). Jews, that is plural.

We have fallen behind for centuries. We will have to try to catch up as quickly as possible. I have written before that the flock is catching up with the shepherd. In the case of the believers there is a growing divine curiosity while the shepherds themselves are lingering nervously. Where is the shepherd leading his flock? Indeed, the greener pastures are in Israel. You can’t ignore it. The flock is fed up with the crushed barren grass mat.

An increasing number of believers announce themselves at the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem.

Oftentimes they return to their local congregation full of passion and fired up. They had an encounter with the God of Israel. They feel at home in Jerusalem. Many do not wish to return home. Their hearts are filled with a longing for Sion.

Loudly they proclaimed God’s promises for Israel on the walls of Jerusalem. Now they have to be satisfied with the once-a-year Israel Sunday.

Or no Israel at all.

The stream of Israel visitors will just increase. During the month of May about 600 people joined us on our walks.

Watchmen needed

To be honest the walks on the walls are developing in a much more powerful way than I had ever expected. And God smiles; He seems to sigh: “Finally…sons and daughters who for Jerusalem’s sake will no longer be silent, my children who cause Me to remember my promises and who remind Me of my Word…”

On several days we walked with more than a hundred watchmen on the walls.

You understand my point. Our prayer is increasingly powerful; “Father send more watchmen who can lead others. Watchmen who know your Word and who can take their position on this front in Jerusalem in your authority.

We need help. Watchmen who speak different languages, watchmen who do not give themselves or Him a moment’s rest. Where are these watchmen trained? Unfortunately not in bible college. God Himself trains them. Often watchmen have known this silent call for years. This is the time the Father calls them to come forward. Often watchmen will operate as a couple. Because of physical and other (spiritual) circumstances the men will take the lead on the walls of Jerusalem. Women often fulfill a great role in the Kingdom of God, but here on the actual walls of Jerusalem the call is heard for watchMEN or couples.

Who knows you might be a watchman. Call out to the Lord. Come to Israel, join us for a week on our walks and seek to find out if He is calling you to be a watchman who gives yourself or Him not a moment’s rest.

See you on the walls of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem, November 18 2009. It is remarkable how many people visit Israel, and especially Jerusalem at this very time. Also in the past few weeks watchmen who are searching for God’s direction in their lives walked along with us. They were put aside through different circumstances. Often individually. Some were dismissed, others set on non active…

Anyway, it would appear that God takes these people aside.

They are not relegated to Jerusalem as a pilgrim. Of course they visit the old, familiar Biblical sites, but that is not the main goal. They want to discover God’s determination for their lives. Exactly during the walks over the walls of Jerusalem scales fall off many eyes. Many pennies drop while proclaiming the prophecies that are so appropriate for today.

You could draw an interesting comparison with the days, at the time of the trip of God’s people out of Egypt through the desert. At one time 12 spies are sent out to spy out the land of Canaan. 40 days these men hike through the country. They are very impressed. It is truly a land of milk and honey. They lug pomegranates and huge bunches of grapes along. Fertile land, but alas, they encounter tall, strong people. Giants… when it comes to the point they recoil at the thought they should beat these giants; “The country we have crossed during our exploration, devours its inhabitants”, they wail. Caleb and Joshua are opposed to this anxious reaction of the 10 spies; ”We can raise to the land and take possession of it without any problem. We can easily handle those people”. The whole nation bursts into tears and complains; “If only we had died in Egypt,” they complain against Moses and Aaron, “Or in this desert. Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt”.

Joshua and Caleb speak up, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them”. The people threatened to stone them, but then came the majesty of the LORD in the tent of meeting to the Israelites. The LORD said to Moses: “How long will this people have rejected me?” The people don’t decline the Promised Land as much as they reject God himself!

Today again we stand for an important choice. Do we support Israel and the Jewish people unconditional, or do we look at the circumstances? Do we see the fulfillment of God’s ancient prophecies, or do we see the ‘political reality’? Do we see Samaria and Judea, the Heart Land of Israel, or do we see ‘occupied Palestinian land’? We will have to take a strong stance. Do you belong to the 10 ‘Christian’ tribes who, in a critical and self-satisfied mode, consider Israel’s legitimacy as a political mistake, or are you a Caleb or Joshua?

By rejecting Israel, the people rejected the God of Israel. Is it any different today? No, by rejecting Israel, you decline the God of Israel! You can also reverse; by standing in the breach for Israel, you stand in the breach for the God of Israel. By ‘no longer remaining silent for Zion’s sake’, you lift your voice in reality for the God of Israel. Where are you standing?

See you on the walls of Jerusalem!

Jerusalem, november 8, 2009. More than 800 watchmen walked along with us over the walls of Jerusalem in this last month. It is very encouraging to see that more and more visitors of Israel want to encounter this ‘proclamation experience’.

Of course we hope some will return and decide to walk along with us for one or two weeks. Once in a while this happens already. A couple has been in Israel for already five times this year, meanwhile they walked dozens of times over the high walls of Jerusalem. We are counting on a growing number of believers who will understand that these proclamation walks are indispensable. We are looking forward to that day in which more watchmen will join us for a longer period. It will be a new way of ‘volunteering’. Who knows the day will break through in which we will go over the walls by day and night.

Church walls disappear

With group ontop of the Ziongate

Awesome to see how church walls disappear on the walls of Jerusalem. As watchmen we find each other on the basis of God’s Word. Suddenly you experience this unique unity with each other. Oneness in diversity. Of course it is a matter of getting used to, when walking along for the first time. We don’t let the grass grow under our feet. We focus on the authority we may ‘put on’ in Him. Not in our own strength, but as apostle Paul says; ‘When I am weak, I am strong!’

The church will roughly be awakened from her sleep. “Awaken from your sleep, arise from the dead’, even Paul calls in Ephesians 5:14. As believers we have to perform a task that nobody else can do. Political parties cannot force the solution, the United Nations will fail. Churches and organizations are not capable to solve the enormous conflict in the Middle East. The God of Israel Himself will intervene. But you and me, believers ‘from the nations’ have been instructed by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to ‘never be silent for Sion, and not to remain quiet for Jerusalem. It’s not a message without engagement. Instead, a command from Him to you and me.

Holy discontent

I notice that more believers are aware of this urgency. I also notice a ‘holy’ dissatisfaction. A dissatisfaction along with the current directionless course of the Western Church. We receive increasing messages from believers who strongly urge their minister / pastor to support Israel unconditional.

Often there is reluctance to respond. “If I do that, I create a huge problem in my congregation” is an often heard response. This is also true! Indeed Israel will be the source from which the chaff will be separated from the wheat. Choices must be made. No more cheating. Crystal clear your opinion must be heard. Your unconditional support for Israel is inevitable. Some think I write and speak a bit massive about ‘the church’. I am a part of the church, the gathering of Yeshua. This exactly explains why I am so passionate. I see the church as my friend which I want to persuade to change course: ‘Where are you going? Come on, this way! Back from Rome to Jerusalem!’ I call out to her.

Recently we were honored with a group of pastors who went up the wall with us. At the end of the walk one of them spoke up and said: “I am convinced that I must completely review my theology Attn Israel.’ A few weeks ago two members from this pastor’s church walked along with us over the wall. When I asked if their pastor still had spoken about his Israel journey they replied: ‘Oh yes, the preacher mounted the pulpit and began his sermon by saying that he had a great trip and that he had come to the conclusion that his views on Israel and the Jewish people had drastically been revised’. Those are wonderful moments. Unfortunately is doesn’t always go this way. Another pastor reported me that he was set on non-active after his (positively) changed preaching concerning Israel. It shows that we have reached decisive days. Times have changed.

‘God has raised to have compassion on Zion’. (Psalms 102:14) I encourage every believer “to rise” and “to move” towards Zion with Him. In Jeremiah 31:3 we read that God ‘has appeared to Israel from afar’. You and me live in the days that God will turn to Israel again! We will have to move with Him, towards Israel, towards Jerusalem. I tell all my believing friends “focus your sight on Israel again, there God’s final game will take place. The spiritual world has long been in the eye, hence the enormous pressure placed on Israel and Jerusalem. Where are we believers? Where are you?”

Israel increasingly isolated

Right now that is important, in these confusing days in which Israel becomes increasingly isolated. Turkey, who has been a loyal neighbor of Israel for many years, suddenly begins to sing an off tune, anti Israeli melody. In recent weeks Muslim Prime Minister Erdogan sought contact with Syria and also suddenly seems to be good friends with Ahmadinejad of Iran. Tell me who your friends are, then I will tell who you are…

President Obama realizes that he has overplayed his hand. He has been to critical towards Israel and is trying to win back some of his lost authority. He is restraining a bit.

The Palestinian Authority only takes itself serious. Boastingly she tries to tell Israel what the condition of consultations must be; a total stop of housing construction in ‘East’-Jerusalem, Samaria and Judea. Prime Minister Netanyahu has clearly indicated that this will not happen. The terror organization Hamas waits patiently until Machmud Abbas, the “Palestinian President” has lost his authority. I feel for the “Palestinian” population. It is unthinkable that Hamas will also gain authority in Samaria and Judea. Uncertain tidings.

But also the traditional church points with a critical, religious / humanistic finger towards Israel. This must stop!

His authority

Our fight is no political battle. Our battle is spiritual. I mentioned it already, many believers have insufficient insight into the spiritual position they occupy. In Yeshua, God has clothed us in a garment of reconciliation. He has given us His Holy Spirit. In recent years much attention is paid to the love of Him, His grace, mercy and peace. We learned that He heals us physically but also inwardly. We learned about worship, intimacy and the Father heart of God. All these aspects are of great value. But we have learned less, or nothing at all about the garment of Yeshua that is placed over your shoulders, also representing His authority. When we read: “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms…” (Ephesians 3:10) then we look a bit awkward at each other. To fulfill this biblical command we must somewhat be informed about our authority in Him. Preachers and pastors, work to be done!

See you on the walls of Jerusalem!

Jerusalem, October 6, 2009. The new Jewish year 5770 has just began and already so much has happened. The much debated UN ‘Goldstone’ report which accused Israel of war crimes during the conflict in the Gaza Strip was presented. You will not read much about it; but here in Israel that anti-Semitic report exploded as a bomb – speaking in appropriate metaphorical language.

Then the world could hear the speech of Prime Minister Bibi Nethanyahu in the General Assembly of the United Nations. It was a clear statement, he did not hesitate to challenge the West for a strong stance on Ahmadinejad denying the Holocaust. Nethanyahu got his hands together and reaped widespread praise. And on the very day that Israel celebrates its grand feast, ‘Succoth’, known to us as the Feast of Tabernacles, a video was released from the Jewish soldier Gilad Shalit who is held captive. This video was exchanged by Hamas terrorists for 20 Muslim terrorist ladies. It is crazy that the free world does not rebel against this; a sign of life traded for 20 wrong moslimama’s.

The Red Cross is not allowed to visit Gilad Shalit. This is contrary to every conceivable rule on law of war. Already more than three years Gilad is held hostage. The world is silent. But also official church authorities remain silent.
Many Israelis were convinced that Gilad was already dead. But no, he appeared healthy and seemingly vulnerable in front of the camera. A wave of hope and emotion went through the entire Jewish population. “Gilad Shalit is still alive …”

Pray for Gilad Shalit’s release.

Police officer protects Jewish man on the Kotel Plaza. Picture israellycool.com

In recent weeks we have just decided to pray for the release of Gilad. Let’s pray for a successful action by the Israeli army as took place in ancient biblical times. Israeli history is full of such wonderful stories.
The Hamas Terrorists want to exchange Shalit for some 1,000 Muslim murderers imprisoned in Israeli jails. That may not happen. Therefore we pray to the God of Israel with a very strong appeal for the release of Gilad. Psalm 86:17 is a beautiful passage: Give me (Israel) a sign of your goodness, that my (Israel’s) enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me (Israel) and comforted me.

That would be something, a specialized unit of the IDF (Israeli army) that succeeds in freeing the hosted Jewish son. In cooperation with God Himself! As Gideon seizes his opportunity, get the fighters to call the command: ” for the LORD and for Gideon!”. A collaboration between the military and God, so to say. I would like to ask you to unite with us in this prayer. Pray aloud. We are doing this for a few weeks already. I have just read that the IDF knows exactly where Gilad Shalit is being held.
But everything is ‘boobytrapbed’. So liberation seems an impossible task. For God there are different criteria! So no terrorists exchange, but liberation for Gilad Shalit. That’s what I had to say!

You can view the video below.

Throwing stones.

Just as last week stones were thrown on and around the Temple Square again. During the Feast of Tabernacles many Jews enjoy to pray on this holy Jewish site (since their Temple stood here). By Muslims this was regarded as a ‘Zionistic attack’ so they called upon their fellow Muslims ‘to defend’ the Temple Square. Outrageous course. The religious Jews had no bad intensions what so ever. Yet again the result was this familiar picture; Palestinians whom as crazy bombard visitors and the Jewish police with stones. Sometimes you wonder, how long will this continue? May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth. (Psalm 83:17-19)

Watchmen.

Already more than 180 people walked along with us during the first 6 days of October. Many responded enthusiastic to the proclamation walk. It is increasingly clear that something must be done. We notice that more and more believers discover how Israel gets back in the center of God’s acting. Here in Jerusalem it is seen how “He has risen to have mercy on Zion”. Even in the relevant chapter of Ezekiel 36 about the “Mountains of Israel” we read in verse 9, “I shall return to you”. That is exactly what happens. God is interfering again with Israel and His beloved people. He brings His people back home again. The recovery plan is already well advanced.

Just think, Jerusalem was inhabited again, ruins rebuilt, the Jewish people are returning, the wilderness becomes as the “Garden of Eden”, the desert blooms, vineyards are being planted, the wine drunk, orchards are planted, fruits harvested, bride and bridegroom will again sing for joy, children playing in the squares and the aged rely on their stick, watchmen stand on the walls of Jerusalem and God’s people ‘replanted’ in Judea and Samaria, and will “no more be uprooted from the land that I have given to them – says the LORD, your God.”

And this is how I can continue quoting promises from those beautiful prophesies which are being fulfilled today in front of your and my eyes.

But do you realize that the Father wants to use you! He wants to install believers “from the nations” as watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem.

More and more visitors make the decision to come back and walk along with us for one or two weeks. That is always an unforgettable experience.

Also life-changing. Consider to walk along with us as watchman!

It is a priceless investment in your spiritual development.

See you on the walls of Jerusalem!

Jerusalem, September 10, 2009. It has been one and a half week since we are walking over the walls of this beautiful city again; meanwhile there have been so many beautiful moments.

Let’s take this morning. We passed a group of English ladies halfway our walk. As usually we start off a chat. They respond very enthusiastic as soon as they notice we are watchmen who daily walk over the high walls of Jerusalem and proclaim God ‘s Word. It does not take long and they declare to gladly walk along with us. Of course. It is our wish indeed; more watchmen from different countries and language groups. More often foreign watchmen walk along. The rumor spreads quickly. This morning ‘s group consisted more than 20 persons including Dutch, Germans, Englishmen and a young woman from the United States.

Yet there is something peculiar going on; by far the largest number of guards are women. You find this phenomenon very often and about everywhere. I have been in the fortunate opportunity to travel lots. Wherever I went, in the churches or “ministries” I visited in America, Latin America, Asia, the former Soviet Union, Europe, Africa or Israel, women were and are leading! Powerful women who perform the work in the vineyard. Wherever you go. So much work is done by them. Serving on many fronts, willing to pay a high price. With respect, I take their true dedication. Tirelessly and targeted women are walking in front. However, the question arises, where are the men? Oddly enough it is men and brethren who climb the pulpit and the stages, men direct organizations, but most work in God’s vineyard is being done by women.

Once I was invited to Cuba on a particular project. A group Intercessors from the U.S. would join me there. When I was introduced to the group of intercessors the whole group turned out to be women! Not one guy in sight! We may still assume that men are indispensable on the front! Guys, where are you?! Concerning the NeverBeSilent watchmen adventure God has shown us that the walks must indeed be led by a man. (Nothing surprising, it is a physical happening, where the presence of men is required.)

There will be a number of reasons to argue why the men are by far in the minority in the vineyard, yet I want to take this opportunity to call men and brethren; Come forth, expose yourself, let us hear you! You are of utmost importance. This is often the need of the brave ladies at the front. Where are the healthy, strong, full-grown men who can create a balanced work environment? Men and brethren, you are much needed! I make an appeal to you from Jerusalem. Come and invest in God ‘s Kingdom. Consider to walk with us for a longer period of time. It will be a life changing experience. For hundreds of watchmen, this proclamation on the walls of Jerusalem experience has been of great importance.

Guys, we are looking forward to your coming! And the ladies continue to come, of course.

See you on the walls of Jerusalem!

Jerusalem, June 10, 2009. Although life ‘on the walls of Jerusalem’ is very intensive we enjoy it every day. Hundreds of watchmen walked along with us this Spring. For most people the walk is an eye-opener. Ancient prophesies come to life.

We can see with our own eyes how old promises are
fulfilled and being fulfilled. We feel privileged. Centuries ago the old
prophets prophesied about the restoration of Israel and the return of the
Jewish people. ‘They will possess the
land and the mountains again. Rebuild Jerusalem. The wilderness will be as ‘the
garden of Eden’, ruins are being rebuild, vineyards being planted and the wine
drunk.’ Extraordinary fulfillments are taking place in these days of which
you and I may be crown witnesses. But oh, how does the rest of the world
mutter. They don’t understand this. Even many believers can’t except it. The
recovery and return of the Jewish people to God’s own land Israel, Judea and
Samaria leads to great confusion and crocket toes. What is the source of this
religious outrage and irritation?

Laodiceans

Probably one of the
most important roots lays at the ‘Laodicea’ church. (Revelation 3:14-21)

It is interesting to
remark that in the original text it is written ‘Laodiceans’. Plural as you see.
The King James Version still translates it this way. That is no mistake. The author wanted to
indicate that this letter relates to a movement rather than one specific city.
You could describe the meaning of ‘Laodicea’ as ‘justice to the people’. ‘Democracy’ or ‘human rights’ would also be possible. That’s were the
perversion is. The contemporary
western church is infected through this democratic wordly spirit. Uniform to this world. We
have traded the Righteousness of God for ‘human rights’. Count your profit. We
are no longer been led by God’s Spirit and His word but some kind of polder
humanism. Not cold nor hot. If you continue to read in this letter to the
Laodiceans you can see what the fate of this ‘model’ is; ‘I will spue thee out’
says God. (Actually there is literally written ‘throw up’) With open arms we
have introduced this ‘Laodicea’ spirit into our church; ‘democratic’ electing
of the spiritual leadership, the introduction of worldly management systems,
financial constructions and ‘human rights’. Salting salt
became honey-sweet.

Of course there is
nothing wrong with humanism. It is great to be human towards your neighbor. Who
will speak against this, but please don’t be led by humanism. God’s Thora is and remains our guard. Guided through God’s Holy Spirit. It’s about His
Justice, Righteousness and Grace. We’ve lost some view on this.

Joshua

I often think back of
the stories from the First Testament were Joshua receives the task to take in
the Promised Land. Joshua even received the Godly instruction to kill any
living creature. I’m sure you remember that story about Jericho. Just try to
imagine God would give such a command to the Jewish people nowadays. You could
hardly imagine something like that, right? The entire (Christian) world would
be up on arms. Israel would be declared a ‘rogue state’ through everything and
by everyone. All humanitarian organizations would strongly denounce these war
deeds. All churches would cry blue murder. ‘Disproportionately force… collective
punishment of innocent citizens…’These indignant terms sound familiar in our
ears. I also can not understand God’s acting, but that’s not the point. God is the Director. We must submit ourselves to Him. But… we don’t. How surprised we will be if God
will act against the enemies of Israel soon. This will give such a confusion… religious-humanistic
hobbyhorses tumble over.

Obama

The American President
Obama has held a clear speech in Cairo, Egypt. I have listened to it with
interest and admiration. It was all put together so smart and intelligent. It
sounded so reasonable; this is the momentum to come to harmony, peace and
unity.

Harmony and mutual
respect between Muslims, Christians and Jews. Palestinians must stop their hate campaigns and
terror, and Israel must immediately stop the construction of settlements.

Palestinians must get their own state. That is
water-tight. Obama made a naked hand towards the Muslim world.

He will come away with a flea in one’s ear. The show
is put. Obama will let the wind blow from a different quarter. He will approach
Israel critical. It will not surprise me if the long-term friendship between
America and Israel will come under great pressure.

Obama wants to force harmony and peace in the
Middle-East. He will not succeed. In the conceptual world of the Muslim,
‘Harmony’ is something completely different then in our western world. The pope
spoke about unity. Ever made a study on ‘unity’ in the Muslim world?
“Submission” is the motto. A life in harmony with the Jews is impossible for a
Muslim. He would act straight against the spirit of the Koran. Also the term
‘peace’ in the furthest distance does not appear to the Jewish ‘shalom’. ‘Dar
al Salaam’ (House of peace) has no room for Jews and dissenters. If you are not
submissive to Islam, you will not delight the blessings of salam (peace). You
will be destroyed by fire and sword.

Is it not strange that Jews are not allowed to live in
Syria or Libanon, or Saudi-Arabia? Even Jordan, with whom Israel has signed a
peace treaty in 1994 is still Jude rein to this day. Is there a bell ringing? No. There is no place for Jews in
the Middle-East.

That does not mean a situation where there is some
form of apparent ‘peace’ is unthinkable. There are ‘moderate’ forces in the
three ‘monotheistic’ religions (Judaism, Islam and Christianity). It would be
possible a situation arises in which these moderate leaders succeed in a kind
of pseudo peace agreement. This pseudo peace would be for a short and severe
period. In the Bible, on a number of occasions is spoken about such peace. I
mention Ezekiel 13:1-16, with the emphasis on verse 10:

… ‘Because the prophets lead my people astray, saying,
"Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is
built, they cover it with whitewash – but the peace did not stay…’

Also in Jeremiah 6:14 and 8:11 and 15 we read
such passages. But this peace is deceptive. Many prophetic passages announce
God’s wrath against the enemies of Israel. Psalms 83 is a very prophetic
example, but also Obadiah and Nahum don’t leave much room for
fantasy.

Fortunately, God’s word speaks another language.
Israel will be restored. God has arose to have compassion over Sion, time of
grace has come, this is the hour… (Psalms 102:14). It’s great to see how
Jerusalem is rebuilt, how God is calling his beloved Jewish people home again. (Zechariah 10:8)

For sure, in Zecheriah 12 you can read that all
the nations (United Nations) will stand up against Jerusalem, but verse 6 tells
us in a subtle way that ‘Jerusalem shall
stay where it is (in Jerusalem)’.

Time flies. Tension is rising. Circumstances
will be always more threatening. But do not be paralyzed by fear. Instead, rejoice in the coming time. The Messiah
returns back soon!

Be convinced you are full with the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians
5:16,17 you read;

…’Use your days wisely, because the days are evil. Do
not be foolish, but try understand what the Lord’s will is…’

It does not say; ‘Read
your bible every day’, but ‘try to understand what the LORD wants…’

This word was
addressed to people who knew the scriptures. In this case Paul refers to
another aspect; pray to God that He may give you the Spirit of distinguishing.
So that you know which actions you need to take. In 1
Corinthians 12:10 he writes about this:

…’to distinguish what
does and what doesn’t come from the spirit…’

Precisely this
distinction is lacking in many congregations and churches. The little church
boats toss erratic and unstable on the ever-increasing waves. As the days
become worse right now, spiritual leaders must take on their responsibility and
let out a very strong, clear sound instead of downloading another sermon from
the Internet …

Perhaps you wonder if
it is not a bit silly to add so much credibility to the old prophecies. Is not
the Bible an ancient religious book which has lost her authority and
expressiveness in this exciting time? The opposite is the case! Especially in
the Bible political and social processes are exactly described which are taking
place nowadays. You can seen it happen before your eyes. If you wish to be
informed on the time in which you live, I encourage you to deepen yourself in
God’s word! Read the prophets, read the books which can help you with this!

See you on the walls
over Jerusalem!

Feel free to respond!

Pope Benedict XVI

To have Rome visiting Jerusalem isn’t a small thing. You visited the Western wall (Kotel) and stuffed a note with charming peace wishes in one of the cracks between these ancient temple stones. You visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum Yad VaShem and spoke unctuous words, His Holiness, but how come you couldn’t get any words of regret over your anointed lips? Why not a single sign of repentance about Your Venerable predecessor Pope Pius XII, who kept dead silent in his term of office during the war? Soundless diplomacy? This isn’t been understood in Israel, dear Holiness.

You grew up in Nazi Germany and even served in the Wehrmacht for a little while. Oh well, something like that can happen and we don’t triple over it here. But the fact that You didn’t have the courage to mention the criminal Nazi regime and confess guilt as a German Pope is where we stumble over. The Jewish nation is waiting for words of active regret.

Your righteous German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel understood this. In her speech to the Knesset members she expressed her regret saying; ‘The Shoah fills us Germans with shame, I bow my head for the victims, I bow my head for the survivors…’ she then received a standing ovation. Being a Roman Chief You could have made yourself immortal by bowing down. Not to kiss the ground, but to express one’s regret.

The prophet Daniel, also not one of the least, understood this. Although being righteous he spoke words of regret. Not only in name of his people but also in name of his forefathers:

…”I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. ( ) O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. ( ) Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us…’

Daniel 9

His Holiness, You spoke lofty at Your pontifical visit to the Palestinians that they have the right to own a state. You showed such compassion for their suffering. It’s definitely not easy but… not a word about the thousands of Qassam rockets which have been launched at Jewish citizens and the continuing threat of terror. Not a word aimed at the Arab neighbor countries who refuse to receive all those pitiful Palestinians into their oil-dollar-rich Muslim countries. They are left cold for 60 years now already. Palestinian ‘refugee camps’ are maintained deliberately. While Israel received a few million Jewish refugees and immigrants into her very young national home, Israel.

By the way, on which Biblical foundation do You allow the Palestinians to have an own state?

May I humbly hand You a few verses?

…”I will turn the destiny from my people Israel for the good. ( ) I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the LORD your God…”

Amos 9:15

Or this one:…

“The Israelites will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. They will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them…”

Ezekiel 28:25

Alright, still one more then,…

“I will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the LORD. I will cause my people Israel to walk upon you. They will possess you …”

Ezekiel 36:11,12

His Holiness, of course I can understand you’re a bit forgetful. Years are adding up. You can find many more passages on the Internet which define Gods eternal devotion to Israel and his dear people. Israel will posses more land.

His Holiness, would it be that You suddenly want to visit Jerusalem again, You are heartily welcome to make a proclamation walk with us over the walls of Jerusalem.

Israel Today, Juny 2009.

Jerusalem, April 22 2009.

We are having a small celebration. Three years ago we moved to Jerusalem and started our “watchman adventure on the wall”. The first three months we were accompanied by Gijsbert Spijker. Every day on the wall. It sounded so weird; adult people just reading scriptures from the Bible on the wall.

The first time I looked around timidly to check if anybody happened to be watching us. Boldly proclaiming Bible scriptures on the wall… I still hear the ambitious preacher asking me:

“You don’t really think that anything will change in Israel because of your proclamations on the wall, do you?”

Thankfully I could give him a reply from God’s own Word:

…” ()so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it…”

Isaiah 55:11

Soon we realized that God’s smile was resting on this watchman adventure. Meanwhile thousands of people were walking with us and the walks on the walls of Jerusalem have become a concept. They have become indispensable .

God Himself is the producer of this initiative. He has posted watchmen on the walls who will never be silent. We can only obey.

It escapes many, but a great change of course has taken place. Although Israel could be placed on the margin earlier, today God has placed Israel at the heart of the church.

That leads to confusion and turbulence with many shepherds and other leaders. They move themselves into all kinds of humanistic religious positions only to avoid the hot topic of Israel. In vain. They will have to make clear choices. For or against Israel. You cannot avoid the choice any longer. It’s unbelievable that so many spiritual leaders have no clue what to do with Israel. The Bible is really filled with powerful and unmistakable verses, that announce Israel’s physical restoration in the end times. This natural restoration is proceeded by Israel’s spiritual restoration.

The Bible is a complete Jewish book; written by Jews for Jews, inspired by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. What is more, when the Bible talks about non-Jews, these verses are always mentioned in relation to Israel or the Jewish people. The plan of salvation is absolutely for us gentile believers too. The Jew Yeshua has paid the price for you and me… How could the church push Israel aside?

“Have you not noticed that these people are saying, ‘The LORD has rejected the two kingdoms he chose’? So they despise my people and no longer regard them as a nation. This is what the LORD says:

‘If I have not established my covenant with day and night and the fixed laws of heaven and earth, then I will reject the descendants of Jacob and David my servant and will not choose one of his sons to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.’


Jeremiah 33:24-26

Why this resentment against Israel? We should be wanting to jump for joy! God is faithful…look at Israel’s restoration. Why are these leaders so stiff-necked? More and more frequently I hear of cynical and critical comments about Israel. What is the source of these anti-semitic reactions? Let it be clear. As soon as you come to faith in Yeshua, you are grafted onto the old olive tree Israel (Romans 11). I keep saying; only if you embrace Isaac (Israel), as God Himself does, can you expect the rich blessings on your other spiritual activities. Outside that embrace you will continue to struggle on. Look around you…you see it happen before your own eyes …”For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined….” (Isaiah 60:12)

Start studying the prophets again. Show guts and choose. Start blessing Israel. Make a choice. They are dead fish that float with the religious-correct stream. Be a fish that’s alive who swims against this flow of mud.

I invite you to walk with us on the walls of Jerusalem. More often believers decide to walk with us for a week or longer. The “wall” experience is changing lives and gives direction. Pray about it.

See you on the walls of Jerusalem.