For God So Loved the World

From Dutch Sheets Ministries:

I am quite certain that God is intent on reaping a great harvest of people in the next few years. Actually, He is already doing so, but this will increase exponentially. This ingathering of souls will come from many nations.

I am also quite certain that satan is very determined to stop this harvest through the unrest and violence in the Middle East, fomented by China, Russia, and Iran, through the prince of Persia (Daniel 10). Ancient Persia is modern-day Iran. As well as warring against the coming harvest, this principality in satan‘s kingdom hates Israel, whom his terrorists call the “little satan,” and America, whom they refer to as the “great satan.” The hatred is likely because these two nations have done more to redeem the world from satan’s control than any other nations: Israel gave the world Yeshua, the Savior; America has done more to preach the good news of His salvation and Kingdom than any other nation. Also, America stands in the way of ALL three of these nations and their plans.

Satan’s Goals

Realizing that God is preparing the earth for this great outpouring and harvest, the violence satan is implementing is designed to do the following three things:distract the church from this harvest season, and create such chaos in the Earth that it becomes difficult to reach people and nations with the gospel. We, the church, must make certain that we do NOT fall prey to this distraction; if we stay focused, God will deal with number two, making sure the chaos is unsuccessful.
The third goal of the enemy in the current violence and chaos, and one which often goes undetected, is to foster hatred and animosity between people groups, including on the part of Christians. This, too, is designed to fight the great ingathering of souls. We must not fall into this trap.

It is appropriate, of course, to hate evil (Romans 12:9). Terrorist groups around the world should be destroyed, and evil rulers should be brought to justice whenever possible. Israel has every right to destroy Hamas, just as America had the right to attack Al Qaeda, the Talaban, and ISIS. It was necessary for the Allies to destroy the Nazis in World War II. The perpetrators of evil throughout the world must always be dealt with ruthlessly. The only deterrent to their evil is to demonstrate that we are more powerful; peace only comes through strength.

However, in this season, we must be very careful to direct our anger and rage at the evil perpetrators, not toward Middle Easterners and the Muslim world in general. I have great concerns regarding this. We must not make all Palestinians, Iranians, Syrians, Afghanis, Iraqis, Jordanians, the Lebanese, and others in the region the objects of our anger and disdain. This is so important. Many in these nations are our brothers and sisters. Millions of others, who do not yet know the Lord, will also be our spiritual family one day. I’m confident they’ll be part of the coming great harvest. We must be careful not to allow satan and his evil actions through terrorists and evil leaders to turn our hearts against them.

I don’t need to remind you that Jesus loves the people of these nations as much as He does you and me. Christ said, “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only son…” (John 3:16). Yahweh loves the entire world, all of it. And Jesus died to save them all.

Ishmael

Many people in the Middle East are descendants of Ishmael, Abraham’s son through Hagar, including most Palestinians. I become concerned when I hear sermons that speak evil and condescendingly of Ishmael. I feel that many Christians have a subconscious, if not conscious, disdain for Ishmael and his descendants. However, God did not hate Ishmael; He loved him. Ishmael’s name means “God hears.”(1) He cared for him and his mother, Hagar, rescuing them when they became outcasts (Genesis 21:19). He also gave them promises regarding their future (Genesis 21:17-21). Remember, it was not Hagar’s idea to have a child through Abraham; it was Sarah’s. Abraham agreed to it (Genesis 16:1-4). Ishmael was not the problem; the unbelief and consequent actions of Abraham and Sarah were the problem. Yes, Isaac was the son through whom Yahweh had decided to bring the Messiah, and He refused to renege on that decision. However, God did not - and does not - hate Ishmael or his descendants. He loves them.

Many years ago, I, like many Americans, assumed all Palestinians were terrorists. Perhaps that’s because their name was part of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s name (the P.L.O.), which caused violence against Israel and was designated as a terrorist group in 1987.(2) Back then, I automatically lumped all Palestinians into this group. However, this is absolutely not true. Yes, it is true that many Palestinians have been taught to hate Israel, but not all of them do, and many do not support Hamas. Likewise, not all Lebanese support Hezbollah, nor do all Iranians support the violence promoted by extremists in Iran.

In August of 2021, I reported that, according to Operation World, Afghanistan was the second fastest growing church in the world, right behind Iran. The Gospel Coalition reported at the time that most of the people being won to Christ in Afghanistan were reached by Iranians. Please remember that these and other Middle Eastern nations are increasingly ripe harvest fields; and that we have many “family members” in all of these nations. Lumping the roughly 50% of Palestians who do not support Hamas in with those who do, would be like lumping we in America who are pro-life in with abortionists. As we know all too well, evil is not always easy to stop in a nation.

Though I support Israel’s right to defend herself from terrorists, and I know it is inevitable in a war such as this that innocents suffer and die, my heart still breaks over it. Some of the absolute best humans I have ever known are Palestinians. And I know them well, even pastoring them for a season. They despise terrorism and all terrorist organizations. They’re lovers of Yahweh, followers of Yeshua, and minister for Him selflessly throughout the Middle East. These beautiful people feed the poor, clothe the naked, provide for the homeless, and live a more pure expression of Christ than 99% of all American Christians I know. They now have friends and co-laborers who are suffering horrendously; some will die. They grieve for these innocent individuals, as do I. War is tragic.

I have preached in the churches of Jordanian believers who pay a great price for their love of Christ; far more than any American Christian I know. At the risk of imprisonment, they are reaching other Jordanian Muslims - most of whom are NOT terrorists - as well as Muslims from other nations. They minister to thousands of refugees, feed starving families, give water to the thirsty - as Yahweh did for Hagar and Ishmael, educate children, and care for the sick and diseased. We must love and pray for them. I do. And remember, some terrorists can also be saved. Pray for their salvation, also.

Thousands of Syrian, Afghani, Iranian, and other Middle Eastern believers, as well as African Christians in Muslim nations, are martyred for their faith every year. Please don’t refer to their nationalities as evil. And remember, many of them were once Muslims - Muslims that Jesus loved enough to die for, just as He did you and me.

I hate terrorism, antisemitism and all racism. I want justice administered to those who recently raped, murdered, tortured, and kidnapped people in Israel. Their brutality is abhorrent, evil beyond words, and I defend Israel’s right to destroy them. But I do not hate their nation or nationality. I love the people in all the Middle Eastern nations, and want to reach them with the gospel. I refuse to allow satan and his cohorts to succeed in using this current evil to delay or stop God’s great harvest there.


Pray for the salvation of a billion souls in the Middle East! Pray for the Jews, and pray for the Muslims. Pray that the prince of Persia does not succeed in turning the region into a river of blood. Pray that China and Russia do not succeed as they work to create further unrest. Pray that innocent lives are protected during the current violence and war. Pray that God uses the evil there to open the eyes of millions of people. Pray that many visions and dreams revealing Christ would occur. Pray for the believers there, and that great signs and wonders will take place, confirming the gospel. Pray that many laborers are sent into that harvest field; pray for their protection. Pray that the Prince of Peace, the Giver of life and blessing, pours out His Spirit in unprecedented measure.

In fact, let’s pray these very things now.

Pray with me:

Father, we ask for the salvation of a billion souls in the Middle East. Save Ishmael and Isaac. We ask for the salvation of Jews and Muslims. We pray that China, Russia, Iran, and the prince of Persia do not succeed in turning the region into a river of blood, and that innocent lives are protected during the current violence and war. We ask that You use the evil there to open the eyes of millions of people. Give many visions and dreams revealing Christ. Release great signs and wonders to confirm the gospel. We ask that many laborers be sent into the harvest field of the Middle East, and we pray for their protection. We pray that the Prince of Peace, the Giver of life and blessing, pour out His Spirit in unprecedented measure.

And we pray for the body of Christ. We ask that the church be alert and protected from this demonic strategy to harden our hearts toward people in other nations. Cause it to fail. We ask You to awaken Your love and compassion in our hearts for all people, from every nation. Strengthen our brothers and sisters suffering in this part of the world. Pour out amazing grace. Supply for their needs; protect them. And do what You do so well, Yahweh - turn this evil back on the head of the serpent. Make him pay!

Our decree:

We declare that the plan of the evil one to stop the coming harvest will fail; God will make known His wisdom and strength through His Ekklesia to principalities and powers throughout all the world (Ephesians 3:10).

1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 3458.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine_Liberation_Organization

Copyright © 2023 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.

The War In Israel - and at Home

From Dutch Sheets Ministries

October 10, 2023

The War in Israel

Before I comment on the situation in Israel, I first want to share just a few thoughts from Dave Kubal from Intercessors For America regarding the Speaker of the House situation. As tragic and significant as the situation in Israel is, we must also remain focused on America, difficult though that may be.

Supernatural Divide in D.C. (by Dave Kubal)

“The battle we are watching in Washington, D.C., is a visual representation of what is happening in the supernatural. At this moment, there are forces attempting to retain control, and forces attempting to gain control.

“Let me describe what’s happening in the natural. The nation was given an opportunity with this session of Congress to fight against the government’s woke agenda, its weaponization against private citizens, and bankrupt spending. The January fight for speaker was the obvious outworking of the political establishment. Congressman Kevin McCarthy was recognized as part of the establishment but wielded power because of his ability to raise and distribute $100 million. His popularity pushed him to the front. He made very specific promises to fight the woke agenda and pass a responsible budget.

“Rep. McCarthy did not do what he promised.

“He lost the support of many in his party. Most no longer trust him. This week there was a vote to vacate his position. It prevailed with nine Republican votes. Many more Republicans no longer wanted McCarthy to remain speaker, but they did not believe that this was the time to remove him.

“When we deal with the spiritual realm, the natural will work out. This is an opportunity — a critical moment in our nation’s history.

“Will we continue to allow our government to express and legislate values contrary to kingdom values? Will we allow our government to limit our freedoms? Will we empower a government with no control on spending — political spirits of control, spirits of excess loosing immorality, manipulative spirits using printed money — to dominate our lives?

“Next week [this week], we will see our options to lead Congress from here. The candidates will represent the spiritual battle at hand. Likely candidates include:

Congressman Steve Scalise: a huge ally to Speaker McCarthy, and one entrenched in the political establishment.

“Congressman Jim Jordan: a relentless defender of our freedom.

“Others may surface, and we must look for what agenda drives these representatives and for who is behind them.

“Most of all, we must pray. The battle on Capitol Hill in D.C. is the outworking of the spiritual battle in our nation. When we take care of the spiritual realm, the natural realm will work out.”(1)

Israel

There is no need to recap the horrific details of what is occurring in Israel; most of us have seen information regarding little else for the past few days. It has been heartbreaking to see the animalistic cruelty of demonized terrorists as they rape, torture, and mutilate women and children. I speak not of Palestinians and Muslims in general, but of the Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian terrorists responsible for this inhuman barbarism. They are savage butchers. I want to focus, not on their actions, but on the bigger picture: how we got here, what it means regarding the future, how we should pray, etc.

How We Got Here

Elections, as they say, have consequences. I would add that naively, ignorantly, and foolishly electing antichrist, anti-Bible, globalist, woke, lying, leftist, and Marxist leaders, bent on transforming America into the same, has disastrous but predictable consequences. (Though the term “electing” is probably not completely accurate in this case.) One can only hope that pious, undiscerning Christians - who simply could not tolerate mean tweets and an immoral past, preferring instead, abortionists and leftists - are having second thoughts.

What we have seen over the past three years was predictable. Why would a Biden administration, run by Obama and other globalist America haters, want a revived and strong America? Reversing most, if not all, of Trump’s sound policies on their first day in office, they picked up where they had left off, and even increased the pace of transforming America from being the greatest nation on earth into a weak and disrespected mess. A nation, by the way, which now needs a miracle to be restored.

The Attack on Israel

Tragically, the violence and bloodshed in Israel will continue. They have no choice but to eliminate once and for all the terrorist threats of Hamas, Hezbollah to the North, and perhaps Iran’s ability to fund and facilitate them. Iran and the terrorist leaders knew their provocation would demand this war. To Iran, the Palestinians, in general, are expendable pawns - always have been; they couldn’t care less about them. They want to force Israel to fight, hoping to destroy them, or at the very least, cause more of the world to turn against them. And unfortunately, multitudes of Palestinians, many of whom do not even support Hamas (some of them Christians!), will be sacrificed.

What This Means in America

Satan and those he controls hate not only Israel, but America. Thousands of terrorists are no doubt here now, due to Biden and the Dems’ open borders, waiting for the command to attack. They would be fools not to have come in, and we would be fools to think they’re not here. And those I listen to believe that they are, indeed, here. Many are especially concerned about cities with large numbers of those who have entered our country illegally, especially single young men. Terrorism could very well be the shaking we have been warned of, as could our involvement in a regional or world war.

Yes, we have obeyed the Lord’s instructions for preserving our nation, and we will be preserved. But the words from the Lord did not say there would not be attacks or suffering. We were warned of a great shaking, but that our prayers would ensure America’s survival, salvation, and reset. Be convinced of this - I am. And do not yield to fear! Continue to pray for protection over your home and family daily; claim Psalm 91 for you and yours. Be vigilant.

Beyond prayer for protection, stay focused on God’s plan to use this evil to prepare people and nations for harvest. He is always far ahead of satan and his plans. Continue to call forth the exposing of evil and the reaping of harvest. Do not allow your heart to become hardened to Muslim people in general, or Iranians and Palestinians in particular. Millions of them do not want these wars and the terrorism. Pray that they find out the truth of what is occurring - they hear only propaganda - and that they become more open to Christ and the gospel. I believe millions of them will be saved. Don’t forget that Paul, in his deception, martyred Stephen, but he later became one of the greatest followers of Christ in all of history. Pray for a great harvest in the Muslim world!

And finally, pray for Israel! Pray that this evil attack be overcome quickly and supernaturally, that there will be a minimal loss of life, and that the plans of darkness backfire. Pray that their eyes will be opened to Yeshua. They, too, will experience a great great revival.

Pray with me:

Father, we come to You today with hearts that hurt, just as Yours no doubt does. The horrible grief and suffering taking place in Israel is heartbreaking. We ask You to help Israel overthrow these evil terrorists, and bring the suffering of all to a quick end.

We also ask for the veil of deception to be broken off of millions of people in that part of the world, freeing them from spiritual darkness. Open their eyes to the light of the gospel of Yeshua. Let a powerful revival sweep through the Middle East. Continue to give dreams and visions to those in the Muslim world, showing them that Jesus is, indeed, the Son of God and their Savior. Show the Jews that He is their Messiah.

And Lord, we pray for our nation. Thank You for so clearly warning us that we needed to pray prayers of covering, protection, and anchoring. We continue to ask for Your protection and declare that Psalm 91 will be our portion. We pray also for our government, that You would remove those who need to be removed in order for us to be safe and restored. Give us the leader we need in the House, but may Your changes go much deeper and broader. Give us once again a righteous government. We pray these things in Christ’s holy name, Jesus. Amen.

Our decree:

We decree that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound and is being released throughout the earth.

1. https://ifapray.org/blog/supernatural-divide-in-d-c/

Copyright © 2023 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.

Why we fight....................by Dan Gordon

Theo Spark: Why we fight....................by Dan Gordon:

Excerpt:

The war they face and have faced almost constantly for thirteen years is about two thousand meters, as the rocket flies, from their front door. At least that’s the distance away from their front door that it was up until a few days ago when the first thirteen terrorists popped up like zombies from graves opening up on their FRONT LAWN! ... These were terrorists, armed to the teeth with anti tank missiles, machine guns , grenades, handcuffs, tranquilizers, all bent on murdering, maiming, kidnapping and taking hostage as many of them and their children as possible.

Imagine if Afghanistan wasn’t in Afghanistan. Imagine if it was on your front porch.

That’s their reality.

[snip]

"But what should we do when they come to kill us? When they pop up out of the ground on our front lawn and want to kill us? What should we do? And the world blames us because not enough of us are dead? That’s the crime? We built too many shelters for our people while instead of building shelters for their people they build terrorist tunnels to come and kill us? That’s our crime? That we spent money we don’t have, that we should have spent on education, to build the iron dome which saves us from their rocket attacks?! And still we warn them first. We drop leaflets and send text messages and call them on the phone and say listen, we’re very sorry but we have to bomb you in a few hours so in order that you shouldn’t be hurt could you please leave? That’s what we do. And Hamas puts a gun to their head and says no, go up on your roofs and they celebrate their murders and they lie!! My God how they lie!"

Prayer Request from The Sandbox

Please pray for the "Darkhorse Battalion": 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. The name itself is prophetic, and they are facing enough crap in the sandbox that they’ve even made Snopes (http://bit.ly/eGrxvS)!

Pray specifically:
* Pray for protection from bullets and from the 100 lbs IEDs which bad guys are now using to destroy the bulldozers that the Marines are using to remove IEDs.
* Pray for Divine rest; they’re sleeping (some) but not resting, and they do not need a 2-front war!
* Pray the enemy would be struck with confusion, equipment malfunction, mental disorder, cowardice.
* Pray for the advancement of the Kingdom, among both Marines and locals. 

(Please feel free to share this.)