Why We NEED the Constitution (Part 2)

The Christian Post has picked up my defense of the United States Constitution articles. The second article is linked here: "Why We NEED the Constitution."

Defense for The Constitution of United States - Part 1 - A Discussion

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." (The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies, July 4, 1776 - emphasis mine)

It is my sincere hope this planned set of articles will inspire a dialogue to explore the exceptional nature of The Unites States of America's Constitutional Republic. In the interest of, "Full Disclosure," I am the author of the sweeping historical fiction epic, Destination Hope, produced by OakTara Publishers. Destination Hope is a five book series set before, during and after the American Civil War when the American people put the proposition stated above, "all men are created equal," through a fiery trial. That was not the first time our United States Constitution - the only government foundational document designed to protect this unique idea - needed a voice for its defense. I suspect it will not be the last.

The first attack on the concept of self-governance occurred before the original thirteen states ratified it for themselves and their posterity. At that time, many of the Colonists were not convinced of our defining, self-evident truth. Many believed George Washington was a Gnostic who knew what was best for the nation and begged him to rule as king over the lesser people. Thankfully, Thomas Paine wrote, "Common Sense," refuting the corrupting-false concept of "Monarchy and Hereditary Succession." Furthermore, several founders gave us the Federalist papers (85 essays published between 1787 & 1788), which explained why the individual states should adopt the concept of forming a more-perfect Union. Compromises left the institution of slavery protected, which contributed to a national constitutional crisis resulting in the death of over 620,000 American men, women, and children between 1861 and 1865. Out of this crucible, the nation emerged with a new birth of freedom, defining Americans as people who love liberty - willing to lay down our lives to purchase freedom for those held in bondage in the great hope that by granting liberty to the captive we ensure freedom for the free.

Unfortunately, after a more-than hundred-year war waged in darkness, the enemies of our Constitution (Socialists, Communists, followers of Islam, Progressives, and Social Justice/Gospel advocates to name a few) have joined together to create chaos all around the world. Worse, domestic enemies have surfaced throughout our nation clamoring for class warfare and revolution spurred on by complicit educators, pop-culture icons, regulatory administrators, politicians and members of the media. These self-proclaimed, pedigree displaying, intelligentsia elitists have declared the Constitution and its founders no longer relevant to a modern world, proclaimed the document a fundamentally flawed piece of paper, demand that our outdated Republic yield to a pure Global Democracy, and for individual Americans to surrender our citizenship and sovereignty to enemies of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is my opinion; The Constitution of the United States of America is the only government foundation document that stands in the way of oppressive and repressive totalitarian regimes: Theocracies, Monarchies, Elitist Oligarchies, and Social Democracies. Our Constitutional Republic guarantees the free expression of all ideas - even bad, stupid, illogical, immature, and evil ones. For me, I think the most important protection is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has an equal seat at the table and voice in the marketplace of ideas.

So, let us start an open dialogue with question number 1, are all men created equal?

Immigration Debate

Last night, my wife, Mary, and I attended Colorado Christian University's, Centennial Institute's immigration debate. The subject matter revolved around the question, "What approach is civically and morally best for Colorado and the USA - Restrict, Relax, or Rethink immigration? The panelists were Freshman Colorado State Senator, Lucia Guzman, Ms. Helen Krieble of the Krieble Foundation, Rosemary Jenks of Numbers USA, and Former Colorado State Senator, David Schultheis.

In general, we found the event educational. I admit, we went with our preconceived notions about the issue; however, we wanted to give the other side an opportunity to present their ideas - wh we should no longer deem illegal immigrants, "Illegal."

In summary, the proponent of, "Relaxed Immigration Policies," failed to present a convincing argument. In my opinion, I view our country as I view my home. In deference to the self-proclaimed intellects, I realize this is a simplistic analogy, but obviously, I think it can be sustained.

The people who live in my house, or have free access to it, have a right and/or privilege to do so because: 1) Mary and I own the house (with the mortgage company), and 2) those that have access are either family members or close, proven and trustworthy friends - their allegiance to our household is never in question.

The folks who know me best, know that I hold fast to a well-defined, Biblical Worldview. Again, in my opinion, the debaters, regardless of their position, missed a fundamental, self-evident truth. Anyone who comes into my house uninvited, or does not have the owner's granted privilege, has entered illegally. Consequently, I have the God given right, and God demanded duty, to protect my wife, children, and friends against the invader. I am permitted by the State of Colorado to use deadly force, if necessary. Regarding the intruder, I do not care if he broke in to look for work, to clean my windows, shampoo my carpets, or bathe my dog. He failed to enter through the correct door, me or my wife, and I nor my wife have granted the privilege to sit on our couch, eat our food, or kidnap our children. Similarly, the illegal alien does not have a Government conferred right to American jobs, services, or welfare, while stealing US property, consuming US resources, or murdering US citizens.

I have asked myself and contemplated from where does the self-evident right of securing private property, or national boarders come? Yeshua, the Messiah, reveals an answer. I recommend an examination of the Gospel of John, Chapter 10. Notice His use of possessive ownership language. He declares Himself to be, "The Door." He labels all who do not come through Him as thieves and robbers. On the day we stand before Him, we will not be allowed to enter His Kingdom unless He has given us His Holy Seal, which proves our Heavenly citizenship.

To obtain His legal citizenship, He asks all people to follow a few simple entrance rules. All will reach His eternal border crossing. Illegal aliens will not be allowed entry, they will not be granted citizenship; even if all they want to do, are jobs His saints do not want to do.

October 4, 2009 – Bible Study – Psalm 55:1-23

What is the main point?
It is a fearful thing for us, who understand righteousness and desire to live upright lives, to see wickedness abound (vs 4), and to see our leaders - elected leaders - act wickedly (vs 3). Where is the justice for the citizen taxpayer? Are we reduced to nothing but subjects to BHO and his cronies? Why did he and his wife, and their friends have to fly to Denmark to make another speech, and why did they have to take separate planes (some sacrifice) - all at the expense of American citizens? Who would have benefited if they had won the Olympic prize? The questions are endless because wickedness knows no bounds.


What does God reveal about Himself?
Yet, God sees, He hears, and He knows the judgment He plans for the wicked. BHO has violated his covenant (vs 20) - to protect and defend the Constitution, which he considers to be fundamentally flawed. God will let BHO and his house (including his Czar friends) go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in his dwelling, and in his midst (vs 15).


What insights can I apply to my life?
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Our God is our refuge (vs 8). Even when He brings terrible calamity upon our nation for its many grievous sins, I know I can trust Him (vs 23).


How can I honor God with this passage?

I choose to repent of my sins - open and secret - for only when I humble myself under the mighty hand of God can He raise me up to be the man He intends - a light unto the Gentiles and a hope to His people - Israel.

Same Old Tune

I am so tired of hearing the same tune coming out of BHO's mount. The lyrics may change, but the tune is the same.

Radio Spot

Folks,

Friday, September 11, 2009, I will be on the morning show, "The Breakfast Table," on AM-91 (KPOF 910) from 7-8 AM to talk about the Saturday 9-12 Rallies in D.C. and Denver (see link below). I hope to see you Saturday at the Colorado State Capital Building (West Steps).

I finished the third chapter in the fourth book "Liberty" in my Destination Hope Series.

Charles
THE CONSTITUTION MATTERS

Why does BHO keep our troops away?

Have you wondered why the, "Liar-in-Chief," has not fulfilled one campaign promise - to bring our troops home? I have no desire to bring the troops home, at least not the typical left reason. I think history shows that the longer our military stays in a region, the more stable and peaceful it becomes. But I want our military home because they (like me) swore a solemn oath to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic (no wonder he considered the Constitution, "Fundamentally flawed"). While our military are away and preoccupied, BHO is quietly building his own, "Home Guard," with their sworn allegiance to him. I am considered an expert on the American Civil War, and I see the elements of a second aligning. He and his minions are poking and prodding. I think to get Liberty-loving Americans to throw the first punch, or worse, fire the first shot so that he can, "Squash" us with his growing, "Iron Fist." What do you think? Is this a legitimate question to ask or just crazy talk?

Glenn Beck's, "Common Sense"

I finished Glenn Beck’s, “Common Sense.” If you know what it means to be a Liberty-loving American, please read his book.

Tea Party Update

The Independence Day Tea Party Patriotic Celebration for the Arvada, Colorado area is shaping up to be an exciting event. For those of you who are not familiar with the Tea Parties, this is an opportunity for people of all parties to come together peacefully and find common ground regarding issues that affect all Americans. For example, many Americans are concerned about the out-of-control government spending.

What is the objective?
Our objective is to gather a large number of people together so that our politicians will see American citizens actively concerned about our nation’s current condition and future

Where & When?
There are over 1,250 cities participating, dozens throughout Colorado, several in the Metro Area. For a location near you Visit the Tea Party (http://www.teapartyday.com/) Web Site. The Independence Day Tea Party Patriotic Celebration I’m involved with is:
* Saturday, July 4, 2009 (ten days from today),
* From: 1:00pm - 8:00pm (You do not have to stay all day),
* Location: Pioneer Park Pavilion (East of the Recreation Center)
* Address: 9101 Ralston Road (58th Avenue & Garrison), Arvada, CO
* The organizers will publish a more detailed agenda soon. Visit the web site http://hearus-now.org/ for the event agenda. I will be reading the Declaration of Independence

How can Folks help?
* Please show up (Numbers Matter), & Encourage others to do likewise,
* The organizers have established a facebook site, which is linked at the event web site http://hearus-now.org/. Please visit to the web site if you wish to help in any capacity,
* Bring Your Picnic Basket and get to know others who share your concerns about America,
* Keep in mind, the Park prohibits alcoholic beverages. Please do not bring any.
* Read the Declaration of Independence and reconnect with this day’s importance.

If you would like to bring a sign, please keep your message simple like, “Stop the Spending,” or, “The Power to Tax Is the Power to Destroy.” Again, keep it simple. By the way, Five-gallon wooden paint stirring sticks are available at most paint stores. They make great, lightweight, poster holders.

If you want to contact me for more information, you can reach me at cpatricoff@comcast.net, or at Twitter, Facebook, or at America’s Godly Heritage (http://americasgodlyheritage.blogspot.com/).

Remember this Independence Day is a unique American event. The Tea Party is going to take all of us to make it a success. This is our time to come together, celebrate our nations birth, meet each other, discuss the issues concerning us, and begin to work together to find solutions.

I am sure everyone notices Fourth of July Holiday sales popping up all over the metro area. I am here representing myself to remind people about an exciting event – The Independence Day Tea Party Patriotic Celebration. I have received many telephone calls and e-mails asking for information. The most often asked questions are:

Where & When?
Time & Place of the Independence Day Tea Party Patriotic Celebration is,
July 4, 2009,
Time: 1:00pm - 8:00pm,
Location: Pioneer Park Pavilion
Address: 9101 Ralston Road (58th Avenue), Arvada, CO 80002

Why not the Capital Building like the April 15th Event?
Detailed answers can be found at this Web Site http://hearus-now.org/. Specifically, Tea Party Organizers decided to move from the Capital Building to the public park in Arvada because a Veterans Organization is planning a picnic in the mall area between the Colorado State House and the City & County Buildings. Tea Party Organizers determined that we did not want to interfere with the Veterans and their family members.

What is our objective?
2,500 participants in a peaceful pot luck picnic/demonstration in the park,
We expect Public Servants to listen (we know Politicians will not), and
Send clear messages, such as:
Ø “Stop the Spending,” and
Ø “We are Taxed Enough Already.”

How can I help?
Please show up(Numbers Matter – over 1,230 cities will participate)
Encourage others to do likewise,
The organizers have established a facebook site, which is linked at the http://hearus-now.org/ to help people RSVP,
If you are able, please bring items such as:
Hot dogs, buns and/or water,
Condiments, chips, and/or a side dish
If you are not able to bring any food items, don’t worry about it and don’t let that stop you from attending.
The Park prohibits alcoholic beverages. Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages.
Visit the Tea Party (http://www.teapartyday.com/) Web Site for more information, and
Read the Declaration of Independence and reconnect with this day’s importance.


If you intend to bring a sign, please keep your message simple like, “Stop the Spending,” or, those used by our founders such as, “The Power to Tax Is the Power to Destroy.” Here are a few reasons for this recommendation:
The media would like to silence our voice. If we have signs that are off point, such as, “Fire the Speaker of the House,” although we might agree with this, it is something the media would use to demonize the demonstration, or at least marginalize our message.
We should strive to remove the ability to criticize our purpose, or use our demonstration to inflame the passions of those who do not yet understand our grave-concerns, and to exploit our, “Grassroots,” movement as the last-gasp of those who hold to traditional values.
It is possible (however unlikely), Politicians might understand a statement written at the First Grade Reading Level.

Another idea for Tea Party Signs: Five-gallon wooden paint stirring sticks are available at most paint stores. They make great, lightweight, poster holders.

If you want to contact me for more information, you can reach me at cpatricoff@comcast.net, or at Twitter, Facebook, or at America’s Godly Heritage (http://americasgodlyheritage.blogspot.com/).

Remember this IS your event. This IS YOUR Tea Party, YOUR celebration. It is going to take all of us to make it a success.

This our time to come together, celebrate our nations founding. It’s a time to get together, meet each other, discuss the issues concerning us and begin to work together to find solutions.

Charles Patricoff
Tea Party Host
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

July 4th Tea Party Update

To Denver Area Tea Party Participants:

The July 4, 2009 Tea Party is moving from the Capital Building to a public park in Arvada. The information is included in the URL below. A Veterans Organization is planning a picnic in the park between the Colorado State House and the City & County Buildings. Tea Party Organizers determined that we did not want to have a conflict with the Veterans and their family members.

The format is also changed from a one hour event to an all afternoon into the evening Independence Day celebration (bring your own picnic basket).

http://hearus-now.org/
Another idea for Tea Party Signs: Five gallon wooden paint stirring sticks available for free from any paint store, make great, light-weight, poster holders.

I don't know where I will camp at the park, but I will have a sign that says, "The Constitution Matters."

Regards,

Charles

Book 3 - Consolation Initial Draft Completed

I completed the initial draft of the third book in my Destination Hope - Series, Consolation. If you do not like the direction the progressive-liberal, Islamic-submissive dictator is taking our country, the Destination Hope - Series will help you reconnect to the firm Biblical foundation established by the founders of our nation. I linked the first book – Separation here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=author&Ntt=Charles+J+Patricoff&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1&Go.x=9&Go.y=11

Dictator's First Week

If you haven’t noticed, since January 20, 2009 we have a dictator. Historically, dictators do not take kindly to criticism and this one is no different. BHO doesn’t want us to listen to anyone that might have an opinion that questions the soundness of his radical-left ideas. At the risk of being thrown in prison for exercising my once Constitutional-First Amendment right of free speech, let’s assess his first week and see how he’s done.

1. He’s lifted the international ban on taxpayer funded abortions and opened the door on the wholesale murder of the unborn. In case you didn’t notice, the United States taxpayer must pay for these killings. He has the blood of innocent lives on his head and everyone who voted for him is culpable with the blood of children on their hands.
2. He’s closed the door on the GITMO prison for international terrorists, and his minions are happy to let them live on American soil to spread the death cult of Islam among hardened criminals. The Pentagon reports that at least 60 – possibly more – of the detainees released from Guantanamo have rejoined terrorist cells and have fought once again against Americans. When are we going to get tired of fighting those we’ve released?
3. The White House web site lays out all the other ungodly practices he intends to impose upon us, many of them should cause grave concern to a free people.

I see severe trouble on the horizon. Do you remember the old saying, “Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning”? What are some of the warning signs of imminent danger? Watch for an increase in civil unrest. I suspect that he will turn a “blind eye” and a “deaf ear” to complaints of mistreatment or even acts of violence (including murder) against conservatives. He will silence all criticism using a sweeping “Hate Speech” rule and he will remove the free exchange of ideas from all forms of media, education, and public debate. He will want to disarm the population under the guise of improved safety, and he will treat terror attacks as if they were criminal acts worthy of due process regardless of the citizen body count. When he begins to blame a particular group of people (such as: Jews, Christians, or White Conservatives) for all the disorder and his failure to accomplish his agenda, anyone who raises an objection to his policies will receive his wrath. I wonder if the construction of “work camps” is buried in his massive spending plans.

Many people have asked me about our Christian responsibility to pray for him. I recommend I Corinthians 5:5 for your consideration. If he is a Christian as he claims, then we must pray that he comes to a place of deep and true repentance. If he is not, then we must pray that he surrenders his life to Jesus Christ and bows his knee in submission to the Supreme Judge of the Universe. Do I want him to succeed – only if he practices righteousness? So long as he practices wickedness, I pray that God will have mercy on his eternal soul.

Remember Our Troops at Christmas

I haven’t had time to collect my own thoughts and write a compelling article in support of our troops for this Christmas, but I believe God led me to an article written by Kevin McCullough linked here: http://townhall.com/columnists/KevinMcCullough/2008/12/21/survive,_evade,_resist,_escape

God bless our troops; have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Charles J. Patricoff
Author of: Destination Hope - Separation
By fighting to provide freedom for others, we preserve freedom for ourselves.

Brilliant!

Thanks John McCain for picking Sarah Palin.

First American Seder

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Yesterday, I had the privilege to attend and participate in what was accurately called, “The American Seder,” a celebration of remembering pivotal stories that led to the signing of America’s Declaration of Independence. The “Seder” script was written by Chuck Grifasi and presented by Colorado Pragar Fans.

The program highlighted America’s first stand for the concept of Freedom of the Press and re-enacted the famous Peter Zenger publishing case in 1735. Mr. Zenger was defended by sixty-year old Andrew Hamilton. His eloquent defense was concluded with the notion that the press has “a liberty both of exposing and opposing tyrannical power by speaking and writing truth.” The colonial jury ignored the immoral English law that demanded they find Mr. Zenger guilty of libel and established for American law that truth is a defense to an accusation of libel. I find it frightening that America’s mainstream media has succumbed to Islam’s threats to sue anyone who prints truth that offends Islam. Our once proud “Free Press” has reverted back nearly 300 years and now submits under the boot heel of Islamic tyranny. A current case in Canada is attempting to silence author Mark Steyn for exposing certain truths about Islam in his America Alone book.

Another key story came from a dinner scene in the home of Mercy Otis Warren, who wrote the History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution. In her collection of human interest stories she recalls personal letters from friends like Martha Washington and Abigail Adams. She also documented heroic wartime exploits of little known Americans such as Private Joseph Plumb Martin.

The hundred plus participants sang, “God Bless America,” listened to Johnny Cash’s, “Ragged Old Flag,” recited the “Pledge of Allegiance,” acknowledged active duty and military veterans, watched a video called, “They Also Serve,” and were treated to a special recorded messaged from Dennis Prager.

The “Seder” ended with a reminder to read the Declaration of Independence this Fourth of July. Each participant was given a prepared copy and Chuck Grifasi appealed to us to consider signing it on July 4th 2008 as a recommitment to the moral truth encapsulated in this American Foundational Document.

I simply add that if we don’t remember and commit ourselves again and again, year after year, we will lose the liberty we hold dear.

Islam's Conquest of America

I am fired up. Our Christian based representative government is broken. I understand that in a republic like ours there must be political divisions and conflicts. However, genuine Christians do not have a choice this November. Our voice has been silenced. Both candidates will continue to pander to the Nation of Islam that wants to destroy America – the land of liberty. Muslims will accomplish the demise of the United States either through external attack, or worse, through internal deception, pretending to be faithful American citizens. The most deadly enemies to America are those who, with a great pretense of “Loyalty,” daily insult the Biblical precepts upon which it was founded. Our current President deceives the American people every time he declares Islam a “Peaceful Religion.” Islam demands world domination and both radicals and moderates know they must turn America into an Islamic state to accomplish their global conquest. Our government will not stop it.

I say that it is time to establish a Christian party – a party that will not elect men or women who are known to be in sentiment and life, by precept and example, unchristian and untrue to the great principles of the Christian faith. But I fear it is too late. I believe there will come a day when Islam will control our government. We who refuse to submit to Islam’s control will be fighting for our survival. Muslims in America are using our government and Constitutional protections against us. Mark my words, very soon Islam will control the most sophisticated weapons on the planet and they will acquire them without firing a shot. They will take over the White House and Congress and make the Quran the supreme law of the land. Unless we fight now, including with deadly force, we will be condemned to servitude or die at the hands of those who cut off heads as an expression of their “Peaceful Religion.”

Charles J. Patricoff,
Author of: Destination Hope - Separation

Candidate Called Israel An Infection

I hate to say it, but it is time to call a “Spade” a “Spade.” I do not mean this in racial terms. I am Jewish. If there ever was a people group persecuted for existing, we Jews remain the most despised people on the planet. For example, Jewish people are not recognized by the United States Government as a minority. Latin Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans, to name a few, are, but not Jews. So, I will analyze the apparent Democrat Party’s Presidential nomination from a Biblical world view.

Barack Hussein Obama recently said that Israel is a wound and a sore, an infection on America’s foreign policy. In an earlier post (February 26, 2008), I reminded my readers to understand our responsibility before God to know people by their fruits. In my opinion, Barack Hussein Obama continues to show Anti-Christ tendencies. After visiting Israel, I am convinced that a true Christian could never call Israel an infection. As a Jew and child of Israel, I dislike being referred to as a disease.

Some may think I am overreacting, I am too sensitive, and I need to have thicker skin. I dare anyone to spend as much time as I do in the wild of the Rocky Mountains and not become toughened in every way: physical, emotional, mental, and above all spiritual. Barack Hussein Obama associates with people, who hate Israel, hate Jews, and hate the historical/Biblical foundation that established America. Why do the so many people assume that his associates do not influence the way he thinks. If I believed in reincarnation, I would swear Adolph Hitler has come back as Barack Hussein Obama, a Muslim. Did not Hitler refer to the Jews as vermin? I pray that the Biblical passages of Genesis 12:3 and 27:29 become a reality for him since he cursed God’s chosen people.

I call for men to rise up to Pray for Peace but Prepare for War. I am a known American Civil War Historian, an expert on the issues that started that bloody conflict. The country failed to resolve the key issues other than slavery. Do we want a Federal dictatorship of liberal, secular progressives, or are we willing to fight for limited government and personal responsibility? If the masquerading Obama becomes President, free speech and the personal right to bear arms, will disappear. But first, watch for Muslims to become emboldened and demand that we adopt their ways, just as they have done throughout Europe.

Holy Fire

May 19, 2008

Since April 2, 2008, God has ignited a holy fire in me that I haven’t experience since 1971.

This exploded with our trip to Israel. Mary and I joined with Joel Rosenberg’s Joshua Fund Humanitarian Relief Organization. Everyone told me it would be a, “Life Changing” experience. This is a gross understatement. The Epicenter Tour and Conference not only changed my life, but it has convinced me that Jesus is about to do something that will shake the entire world.

Many of the tour group from Colorado met again on May 9th. Comparing notes, it became obvious that God had touched each participant, even the most reluctant in the group.

Yesterday, I came home from the annual Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference. During the conference, I witnessed God, through His Holy Spirit, bring Christians to deep repentance. I haven’t seen a move like this in over 35 years. During a time of prayer, God’s powerful presence sent me to my knees. I became aware that other conferees were on their knees or prostrated before Him – receiving God’s cleansing, encouragement and strength. Talking with many after the conference, there was a vast consensus that God is pouring out His Spirit once again in these most probable Last Days.

It is my humble opinion; a person would have to be deaf, dumb, blind and stupid to reject the fact that God is moving to accomplish His purposes.

This coming weekend, our men’s America’s Godly Heritage fellowship will meet to discuss the faith of our Nation’s Founding Father’s and the United States Constitution. I hope to encourage these men to become the Democrat Party’s worst nightmare, men who understand the evil of large, unobstructed Government.

Charles J. Patricoff,
Author of: Destination Hope - Separation

Israel 2008 (Pray for Peace - Prepare for War)

Mary and I returned from our visit to Israel last week. It’s taken me several days to process what this trip meant to us. I suspect it will take months. In summary, we’ve had an “interest” in Israel for decades. Now, we have a deep love for her and her people.

As a Jewish believer, the trip was a true “homecoming.” We were

part of Joel Rosenberg’s, Joshua Fund humanitarian relief tour. We and our best friends, Jim and Joyce Beckett, wanted to partner with an organization that would do something effective for Yeshua’s Kingdom rather than “take a vacation.” Nearly 200 other believers from across America and Canada joined Joel, his family, and the Joshua Fund organization’s leadership in this Epicenter 2008 mission.

Since this was our first adventure to Israel, we can only compare our experience to those reported to us by others. From what I can tell, other tours are packed with as many Holy Land sites as time will permit. In contrast, we were brought to specific locations and given time to absorb each site’s significance: culturally, historically, and biblically. Our tour seemed to have purpose and intentionality, in a word, “calling!”

From a historian’s point of view, we walked from pre-Abraham times, through Israel’s Kingdom period, the time of Yeshua, the destruction of the temple and scattering of the Jewish people, recognized the return of the Jewish state and celebrated Israel’s 60th rebirth as a nation.

On April 19th, we conducted our annual Passover Seder. Having seen with my eyes His restoration of the Holy Land, the section from Psalm 87 (quoted in full below) spoken during the Seder became, for me, yet another sure prophetic word fulfilled. Many of Israel’s seven million citizens have been “born in her.”

The tour culminated at the Epicenter 2008 Conference on April 10, 2008. Biblical prophecies were placed in contemporary context. I recommend that my readers perform a careful examination of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, and Matthew 24. Finally, I urge everyone to go to the linked web site and listen to the conference audio presentations.

Based on everything we witnessed, learned, and experienced, the Holy Spirit has impressed us with urgency. My prayer is that we would be like the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do (1 Chronicles 12:32, NASB). It is our time to recognize the times in which we live. We must know how we should conduct ourselves and how we should prepare for what is coming. The conference slogan, “Pray for Peace – Prepare for War,” is apropos.

PSLAM 87
His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loves the gates of Zion More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. “I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” But of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; And the Most High Himself will establish her. The LORD will count when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, “All my springs of joy are in you.”

I ask each reader to go the Joshua Fund web site and pledge your support for Israel. Please join with us as we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

Shalom,

Charles J. Patricoff,
Author of: Destination Hope - Separation