A year ago at this time we were in Israel with dear longtime friends — truly an incredible journey for all of us. It’s impossible to describe the lifelong impact … walking where Jesus walked, studying scripture where Jesus taught, standing on the Temple Mount and meditating on His return while gazing toward the area of the Golden Gate. Many have expressed that the Word of God has come alive in an entirely new way during each Israel journey … and Teri and I heartily nod in agreement to that.
But what a difference a year can make! The brutal massacre of 1200 Israeli citizens on October 7, 2023 abruptly pulled back the curtain, exposing to the entire world a palpable Satanic hatred for the Nation of Israel. The Prophet Zechariah predicted it … and its far reaching tentacles of evil are undeniable.
Although I believe President Biden and Senator Schumer were woefully off target —even specious — in their verbal attack of Bibi Netanyahu this past week, I agree with their declaration that the world has changed since October 7th of 2023.
"Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it (Zechariah 12:2-3).
The unprecedented assault on the Prime Minister of Israel by our leaders — both our President and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (the highest ranking United States Government official of Jewish descent) communicates serious problems. Their unfortunate remarks toward our greatest ally in the Middle East may well place our entire country in peril. The Lord has promised Israel that He will “curse those that curse you (Genesis 12:3).”
Our county — and yes, our entire world — is under demonic oppression quite possibly as never before in history. Our omniscient, all powerful God is, in His sovereignty, allowing evil to have its day. And soon He will respond with His righteous wrath. By the grace of God we desire to use this season to be a voice of Truth to this generation.
With this in mind, during the past several days we have launched a new Youtube channel with one minute video “shorts.” One selection had over 10,000 views in less than 48 hours (and another posted at the same time received less than ten views, so no worries about us getting puffed up about the numbers!). It is an algorithm game, and I am trying to understand the components. Bottom line — with more people watching, liking, and subscribing, the circulation and exposure given will also increase.
Biblical Truth … and Algorithms
I’m not a fan of public relations’ strategies, but I do want to reach, encourage, and confront as many people as possible with practical biblical truth. When you have a few minutes, I invite you to view our initial efforts. We plan to devote more time, energy, and resources toward the use of several categories of videos with the goal of teaching the truth of the Word of God.
There are additional Youtube shorts on our channel, with three longer teaching videos primed for uploading. Your feedback is always welcome, so feel free to email me (john@livetheword.org).
In closing — many of you know that my son, Erik, is a song writer snd worship leader. He is also part of our team. In the interview below we talk about how the Lord used one particular song to encourage a family facing a serious challenge.
Erik and I are excited to be ministering together in Fort Myers, Florida during a Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday morning. Please pray that our Risen Savior would be honored and glorified during this special event. We deeply appreciate your prayers and financial support. Lives are changed in response to the Word of God … you have made it possible … and we are grateful.
Longing for His Return,
Pastor John Nieder