Do you believe in commanded blessings from God? These blessings are promised both on an individual level and on a national level and will be shared in July at The Washington Summit as Christians United for Israel. This organization was started in 1992 by David Lewis but became inactive. In 2006, John Hagee received permission from Lewis to incorporate the revived organization and brought Christian leaders across America together to support Israel. CUFI has over two million members and is the largest pro-Israel based organization in America. Chapters have been formed on over 75 college campuses. The main objective of CUFI is to educate and build Christian support for Israel throughout America.

The Bible commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and to bless the Jewish people. Genesis 12:3 and Psalm 122:6

For years, Eleanor, Sylvia, and I have talked about going to Washington for this great event. One thing or another always kept us home. This year, Eleanor took the bull by the horns and booked our rooms in early April. On July 15, six excited girlfriends will leave Clinton and head to our nation’s capital city. Lots of planning and praying is happening before we load up for our long awaited trip. Eleanor’s encouragement sparked serious efforts to mark our calendars and take this trip together. Encouraging friends deserve extra effort awards. What would we be without friends who take time to encourage and support as we journey through life?

Where would Paul have been without Barnabus? Where would I be without_______ (many who constantly encourage me through word and deed?) Where would you be without _______? Who are the inner circle friends and encouragers in your life? Taking time to show appreciation for those encouragers who make a positive, powerful difference in our lives is important. To those reading this story who encourage and support me and those who are intimate friends to me like Peter, James, and beloved John were to Jesus, thank you for sticking with me through sunshine and sorrow and sharing the joy of the journey on good and bad days. Being encouraged by friends and family keeps us lifted and loved as we go and do.

Sharing scripture that explain the Commanded Blessings encourages us to pray for and support Israel.

Genesis 12:2 “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make my name great; and thou shalt be a BLESSING.”

Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”

Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mind house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

Deuteronomy 28:12-14 “The Lord will open the heavens , the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to BLESS all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, following other gods and serving them.”

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 “If I shut up heaven that there be no more rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Every nation that has lifted a hand against Israel has been cursed, and every nation that has blessed them has been blessed.

In Zechariah 2:8, God declares through his prophet. “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”

So, what can we do to bless America and to bless Israel? We Can Pray! Prayer changes things, even the turmoil and troubles that threaten division and destruction in the nation we call home sweet home. Biblical stories share examples of prayer changing things in nations plagued with problems and poor leadership. Esther’s beauty, boldness, and belief in the power of prayer make her story one of my favorites.

Esther’s personal prayers and petitions for her people to fast and pray made a difference with God opening a door for their survival. Esther went to the king in fear for her life but left highly favored. She went with uncertainty but left with prosperity. She went representing a people who were facing destruction and left the king’s presence with a way of escape for her Jewish people. Esther praised God for hearing and answering prayers of His people and enjoyed blessings beyond measure.

Prayer can change things in America. The state of our nation looks bleak, but God can bring blessings from burdens while turning things upside down (as His Son did the tables at the temple) in order to get our attention. If America hopes to remain a nation flowing with milk and honey with God’s commanded blessing, we must turn our eyes upon Jesus and join together to fast and pray. May we always be the apple of God’s eye.

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By Becky Spell Vann

Contributing columnist

Becky Spell Vann is the owner and operator of Tim’s Gift and The Learning Station.