Fw: An Urgent Call to Prayer

Usually, Friends, I'd send Rabbi Ruvi New's Shabbat message at this time. If any of you still wish to receive what he has to say, I will gladly send it to you upon request. The only thing I thought lacking in his message was a call for the end of violence and an end to a blockade that is killing innocent Palestinian lives. I'm not going to argue now about what Jihad really means nor whatever else I take issue with this. I thought, however,?Fouad Masri's message is more appropriate now.

The 21st century is not the age of peace and justice, but of bloodshed and hate.? Hate did not just erupt over this past weekend. Hate has been woven throughout human history, has started every war, evoked every act of violence, and authored all corruption. In recent times the word "hate"?has been shamefully thrown around to label anyone who disagrees with a person, as if having different opinions is the ultimate atrocity. Then, just days ago, we were awakened with a genuine atrocity: news that Jihadi terrorists had murdered hundreds of young men and women in the Israeli desert. To see these images is reminiscent of the terrorism of ISIS that we saw years ago and hoped to never see again.? In response to this attack, the Israeli military machine began bombarding Gaza. To date, many innocent civilians on all “sides” and from all backgrounds have been?and are still caught in?the crossfire.

Before we do a “Pray for” post with some group’s flag, please know that the issues at hand are not simple. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, Muslims have claimed that Jihad does not mean war. Today, however, the Iranian Shia Imams, as well as Sunni Jihadi leaders are calling for a worldwide Jihad.? The mask has been removed!? Jihad, as it turns out, is warfare with the purpose of spreading the religion of Islam.? This follows the Quran, which advocates the destruction of non-Muslims, including Jews and Christians (9:5; 9:29). ? In the past days, I listened to an Arab professor justifying the slaughter of children and their families. It was disgusting and awful.? There is no justification for terrorism in any form, at the hand of any group, for any reason! The concept of “eye for an eye,” and “violence against violence” is a vicious circle that never ends! Human history, especially of this region, confirms this! Politicians, religious leaders, talk show hosts, reporters?and social media contributors shout their “red-faced” opinions as fact, yet miss the entire issue at hand, which is: Our world is sick of hate and violence.? IN EVERY FORM! Hate plants more hate! -and the offspring of HATE is always more HATE!

When we hate even our enemy, according to God’s Word, we “miss the mark”—we sin!? The Lord Jesus clearly said that hate is a sin and hate is the root for all murder and violence –-by any name, any label.

Where do we, as Christ-followers, stand?

The only hope for this world is Jesus, the Messiah, and the radical change only He can produce, one heart at a time! Only the Lord Jesus can purify our hearts and minds and foster love one for another.? ? In Lebanon, I saw hate swell up to wars, battles, and massacres — and this hate infected my own heart. I was a product of my own broken, hate-filled culture. Then God stirred in me a higher calling, a higher view, to see people — ALL PEOPLE — as He wanted me to see them, and not the way the winds of politics wanted me to see them. I repented from hating Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Muslims — and I have never been the same. As Jesus can completely change one person?like me, the power of God’s love and forgiveness can save nations!

So, I ask you:

Is God’s arm “too short” to affect what is happening among the nations at this moment? Has our concept of God become so small, making God out to be some weak “nice old man,” that we forget that He is the One who created all things, who alone holds ultimate justice, along with our entire world in His hands?

Habakkuk 1:5 says, “Look at the nations and watch — and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told…”

Stand with us to share the “GOOD NEWS” of the Gospel with every person you meet today?—especially Muslims, who have never heard--?and the Christians, whose concept of God has become anything less than the Mighty One who saves! Pray for peace. Speak words of peace. Share peace. As Jesus taught us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matt 5:9)

Pray, too, as today I make my way to several key cities throughout Europe to listen, learn, and to encourage top Christian leaders in six countries as part of our FIRE BREAK PLAN. Thank you for making this possible by your generosity.

Until His Peace Rests on All People, Fouad Masri, Founder