Shalom from the coastal region of Southern California!
With the sun coming through my window and the sound of the surf gliding up the beach, I truly feel like I’m California dreaming! But as beautiful as it is here, I must admit that I miss my wonderful friends back in Japan. It was a great tour, and we finished off my time there with a Revealing Revelation conference in Osaka. More than 700 people attended to hear the final book of the Bible taught, and many there were able to receive my “Revealing Revelation” book which has now been printed in Japanese! God is so good, and He gave us all a blessed time as we gathered in His name.
This past week, I spent my time holed up in a hotel with Steve Yohn plotting out our next thriller in the Nir Tavor Tribulation series. You should have seen my room. It was nearly impossible to see the paint on the walls because they were covered with giant-sized Post-it papers, each filled with writing. In The Next War, the first book in the tribulation series which releases May 5, we provide an adrenaline-inducing eyewitness account of the events that culminate in the Ezekiel 38 War. With this next book, readers will find themselves in Israel witnessing the rise of the antichrist, the rebuilding of the temple, and the ministry of the witnesses. Believe me, the read will be unforgettable!
Speaking of “The Next War,” there are only two and a half more weeks to preorder your copy. Again, I emphasize these early purchases because they are what get the book noticed by and shelved in big box stores like Target, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby. We’re already getting feedback from those who have read advanced copies who are telling us that they think it is the most exciting Nir Tavor thriller yet. Preorder your copy now, and let’s get this bible-centered book in front of as many unbelievers as is possible!
Steve left this morning to drive back to Colorado, and I’ll be hopping a plane tomorrow to Reno where Pastor Barry Stagner and I will be teaching a conference on The Israel Decree. Afterwards, we’ll come back to California, where I’ll be filling in for Pastor Jack Hibbs at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills on Wednesday night, April 29. A few days later on May 2, I’ll be teaming up again with my dear friend Pastor Barry at the annual Proximity Conference, which will be held at Calvary Chapel East Anaheim. Barry and I will once again teach The Israel Decree, and there are still a few seats left if you would like to attend. My last opportunity to teach on this tour will be Sunday morning, May 3, at Pastor Barry’s church, Calvary Central OC, in Costa Mesa. I’d love to see you there!
Then, it will be back home to my family. I must admit, it was difficult being away for the somber Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) on April 20-21, and celebratory Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) on April 21-22. The only way I was able to balance my disappointment not being with my wife and children during these most Israeli of days was to focus on translating the activities and speeches to Steve as he and I watched the events. These events are extremely important to every Israeli. This was the first time in many years that we were able to celebrate these two special days with the knowledge that not a single Israeli was still being held hostage in Gaza. It just made the experience that much more powerful. Am Yisrael Chai!!!
Romans 11:1-6
I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
KEEPING UP WITH THE NEWS
President Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran for an as yet undetermined time. The previous date passed without Vice President Vance even entering the plane for his scheduled flight to the talks in Pakistan. Iran is balking, asserting its rights in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Trump is tweeting out allusions to going full “Sherman” against the Iranians, implying a complete destruction and demoralization of the nation. There is so much rhetoric flying around right now between the two countries, and the fake news media seems to be finding ways to twist it all, almost exclusively in favor of Iran. Keep close watch through the weekend!
While all that is taking place, Israel continues its destruction of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Munitions depots, offensive tunnels, and weapons manufacturing sites are all fair game and are being picked off one by one. Israel will not tolerate a threat on its northern border anymore. This past week, a picture emerged of an IDF soldier destroying a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer. Once the image was verified, most of our nation was mortified and embarrassed at the actions of this individual. The IDF was swift to act, and strong sanctions have been levied against the young man, including being removed from combat duty. As angry as I was at the actions of this soldier, I was mollified somewhat by the necessarily harsh response.
Thanks to Somaliland for their lovely well-wishes as Israel celebrates its 78th birthday. You may recall that Israel was the first country to recognize the breakaway republic not long ago. Now Israel is operating there. It’s no surprise that Somalia has now announced a ban on all Israeli ships passing Bab Al-Mandab, the narrow strait that controls access from the Indian Ocean into the Red Sea.
And a final truth that all must keep in mind when dealing with the Middle East. Patience is essential! For victory, one must be willing to escalate then wait for the final result. If the bad guys are escalating more than you are, then you have already lost the game. Patience isn’t always easy in a 24-hour news cycle, and the media and the left are constantly pushing out new false narratives. Before the truth can correct the lies a new set of falsehoods is being spouted. But President Trump and his leadership cannot let the media dictate his pace. He needs to remember that whatever the New York Times says is best to do in the Middle East, he should plan the opposite. By doing so, he’ll be sure to stay on the right course.
For a deeper dive into the state of the war right now, watch my “Breaking News Update” from yesterday. In it I give the basis and background for many of the decisions that are being made. If you want to keep up with the latest in this war, including what President Trump is doing with this ceasefire, I encourage you to follow my Telegram channel, because that is where you will witness these events playing out in the days ahead. If you don’t want to use the Telegram app, you can see all of my posts on our Telegram landing page here. You may also find updates, both news and ministry, on my Instagram channel. It’s well worth a follow.
KEEPING UP WITH THE MINISTRY
There is still time to register for our Alaska Cruise Prophecy Conference coming this July 3-10. There is beauty, and then there is Alaska beauty! The scenery on this cruise is spectacular, the teaching is engaging and applicable, the worship is powerful, and the fellowship can last a lifetime. And, seeing as we’ll be in the last of America’s frontier lands, I plan to share a very special America’s 250th birthday message regarding this remarkable nation’s unique role in the unfolding of God’s prophetic plan for Israel over the years.
Young adults today are facing spiritual warfare like never before. Between liberal universities, anything-goes social media, and swiftly changing cultural ethics, they are surrounded by deceptive voices trying to bring them down. In order to throw a lifeline to this battered generation, Behold Israel has established GenZion, our new young adults initiative. If you want information about this ministry and how you can support it, please visit our webpage.
KEEPING US IN PRAYER
This has been an especially taxing time away from my family, both physically and in the sheer length of the separation. Please keep my wife, my children, and me in your prayers as we look forward to the soon-coming day when we will reunite. Also, please keep Behold Israel in your prayers. God has done many great things, and we know He has even more in store for us. We are trusting Him for His protection, His leadership, and His provision.
For all of you who are already praying for us, thank you so much! If we aren’t on your regular prayer list, please consider jotting us down so that you’ll remember to lift us before the Lord. Also, for everyone who faithfully gives to this ministry, may God bless you greatly for your willingness to sacrifice in order for us to keep carrying out that to which God has called us.
Awaiting His Return,
Amir Tsafati
Amir, a Jewish Christian, is the founder and president of Behold Israel, a news site to correct the scarcity in trustworthy reportage on issues and events impacting Israel, and to resolve the uncertainty about who or what to believe.
The views expressed in opinion articles are solely those of the author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the CURE News and Clergy Blog.
Photo credit: By IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, CC BY-SA 3.0, link
