Recently we had a special visitor in Buffalo, our dear friend Pastor Steven Khoury from Bethlehem, where he is a pastor in the Palestinian Christian community in both Bethlehem and Jerusalem. I had the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss how, tragically, the historic birthplace of our Savior (and our faith) is largely forgotten by Western Christianity. In the time span of just a few decades, the 2,000-year-old Christian presence in Bethlehem has almost entirely disappeared because of increased persecution by terrorists in the region, and because of the subsequent “Christian exodus” from the Middle East.

Pastor Naim Khoury, Steven’s father, has pioneered with his family for the cause of God’s Kingdom in Palestinian areas for several decades. Remarkably, as Arab Christians they publicly stand with Israel at the risk of their own lives. Along with their congregations and communities, the Khoury family is establishing a legacy of steadfastness and maintaining the presence of God’s truth and power in the region.

At this critical time of history, we must remember and support our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East. Listen as Pastor Steven shares about the plight of the Arab Christians in Bethlehem and how we can stand with them in this hour.

 

The recent River Conferences were such a tremendous time of connection and deepening for both the Buffalo and Chicago regions. I am so grateful for Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda, who have been partnering with Eagles' Wings in ministry for over 19 years and were present with us for both of these conferences. During our time together, I pulled them aside for a "fireside chat" of sorts - check it out below.
 

 

Recently, as I was preparing to enter the Holy Days of the Biblical calendar, I felt the Lord impressing this word on my heart… I pray it is an encouragement to you.

A Remnant is Rising in the Land.

Unseen, unrecognized, they know Whose they are and have died to this present world's ambitions. They want nothing of a consumer Christianity, where God exists for their earthly pleasure. They have caught a whiff of Heaven’s fragrant food, and just the smell has satisfied them more than the sweetest delicacies of this passing age, and motivates them to remember that they are just passing through.

A Remnant is Rising in the Land.

They will not be bought or sold with position or money. They are remembering why they “got into this” in the first place – for the Lamb. For Jesus Christ's honor, for the sake of His worthy name. Their backbones are being steeled in the furnace of affliction, and purified of contemporary dross. They are old-school, hard-core Jesus freaks, and they are not apologizing for it. The remnant is not ashamed!

A Remnant is Rising in the Land.

They are blood-bought,
   and fiercely committed to the Word – the Logos and the Rhema.

Something within them stirs because they know they are here on a kairos assignment. They realize that they may have forgotten that for a moment,
   been diverted off the path for some years,
      but like soldiers who remember drills from long ago,
         they are coming to attention and position and awareness.

They are here on purpose. They are necessary to Heaven’s narrative.
   They are not bystanders. They are the players on the stage of His-story.

A Remnant is Rising in the Land.

This army is realizing they never should have eaten Babylon’s food in the first place,
   even if it was served in halls decorated to look like a cheap imitation of Zion.
      They would rather be pilgrims than settle.
         They would rather be fools for Christ than wise in the world's eyes.
            They would rather be known in Heaven and feared in Hell than recognized on earth.

Whatever happens to them in the world really doesn't matter.
   They have locked gazes with the Lamb’s eyes,
      and locked step with the cadence of Heaven’s march.

His remnant understand that this is the Final Act and there is no turning back now.

A Remnant is Rising in the Land.

They are nowhere to be seen and everywhere to be found.
   There are very few of them chosen,
      and a great host of them who will emerge.

It’s going to be very, very intense,
   for the sword they carry is stained with the blood of their lesser desires
      and their crucified carnality.
They’ve had their battles, faced their own personal Valleys of Decision, and made their choice.

I have Decided. To Follow Jesus. No Turning Back. We have decided. Have you decided?

Ready or not, here they come.

I was privileged to interview United States Congressman Brian Higgins at the Buffalo Celebrates Israel event this past Sunday evening at Zion Dominion Global Ministries. Tune in to this important interview...

It was a joy for me to recently interview Pastor David Thomas from Victory Christian Center in Youngstown, Ohio, whom I recently ministered with at the Tabernacle in Orchard Park, NY. Pastor Thomas' insights on leadership in the Body of Christ, built upon years of service as a senior pastor and leader, have made a deep impact on my life... and I believe they will bless and strengthen your life as well.