In the Book of 2 Kings 5 Elisha has a strange visitor to his place of residence. A Syrian general, held in high regard by the King of Syria sought the Prophet for healing of his leprosy. General Naaman was no friend of Israel or Judah. It seems that Syria and everything from this nation sharing borders with Israel and Judah were enemies from the beginning. God would often raise up foreign armies to punish His disobedient children, Israel. He used these enemies of Israel as His rod of punishment.
How did Elisha respond to this strange visit? He gave instruction to the general for his healing from God. Naaman admitted that his place of worship in his own country was to another god totally separated from the God of Israel. After his healing, he revisited the Prophet and offered thanks to the God of Israel, the one and only God among all of the gods of the nations.
What if Elisha had condemned this man seeking deliverance from his disease? What if Elisha had responded with wrath, anger, and no mercy? What would our response be to those God may send our way who are seeking deliverance who may be of different backgrounds, different beliefs on who God is, and who are ignorant of His ways, or who may have fallen in error? What if a Muslim coworker, or one steeped in Eastern Religions, those of different sexual orientation were to come seeking healing or proper opinion on spiritual matters?
Would we respond in mercy, compassion, offer deliverance and lead them with a gentle spirit and grace that can only come from our heavenly Father?
I am the chiefest of sinners when it comes to having an opinion about everything! I have been very guilty in the past of offering condemnation to anyone who may not think as I do. This is not of God. I repent of this error and ask God's forgiveness for my acts made from zeal instead of compassion. God said His mercies are renewed every morning - His compassions fail not. How can I call Him my God if I am not the same?
In this regard, a Jewish Believer had an excellent opinion of the recent condemnation from so called Believer's who have already condemned President Obama for his Muslim childhood. I have not even begun to realize the depths of what God could do if He so chose given this fact. This dear Jewish Brother said that the fact that President Obama had a Muslim background, and now claims have converted to Christianity opens up the door for hundreds of millions of Muslims to also convert if they so desire!
Of course, Islamic extremists say that death awaits anyone who converts; compare this to Christians attitudes, if not in action then by inference and attitude, that Muslims cannot convert! The extremism is the same, just from different directions. This is not of God.
The Syrian Naaman was healed by the God of Israel through the instruction, grace, compassion and intercession of the Prophet Elisha. Should we be any different? Many today in Christendom claim to be prophets of God or to speak the truths of God. I hope their insurance policies are paid up to date; the true prophets of God in Scripture met violent deaths at the hands of non-believers. John the Baptist prophesied for a short 6 months before having his head delivered on a platter. Such is the fate of many true prophets of God. If you claim to be a prophet, keep your life insurance premium paid to date!
The healing of Naaman was mentioned by Jesus as an example of the mercy of God and His desire to be known of all tribes and nations. Our mindset should be the same. Anything different is not of God. As the nations enter a season of judgment we must store in our lamps a sufficient quantity of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and the oil of the Spirit of God for those whom He may send our way that seek direction, healing and salvation.
If we do not have a storehouse of mercy, compassion and pity for the lost of our generation, God will not send them our way. It is our loss if this happens. God said that those who save souls are wise. Yes, there is no other name under heaven whereby mankind can be saved. May we speak His name in the manner He desires. It is up to the individual whether they accept or decline.
One soul brought to and saved by God is worth the whole world. I don't say that, He did.
And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all of your heart! (Jeremiah 29:13) The LORD is good to those that wait for Him; to the soul that seeks Him. (Lamentations 3:25)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Baptism Of Joy
In the days of Nehemiah, Israel was in captivity. They were a shell of what they once were under the reign of David and Solomon. But a small band of former captives followed Nehemiah back to Jerusalem with the permission of the heathen king.
Even after arriving back in their former capital city, the city of their God, the remnant were harassed and threatened by new enemies. In this dire and dangerous situation Nehemiah says this day is holy unto the LORD; do not be sorry, for the joy of the LORD is your strength..." (Nehemiah 8:10)
We, like Nehemiah and his remnant, are concerned, surrounded, and troubled on every side. The majority of those around us do not have joy; and we are under every torment and situation that tries to rob us of any little true joy we may have ourselves.
But God instructs us to enter into His presence with joy and thanksgiving?
What is this "joy" of the LORD that is our strength?
I believe it is joy in knowing who He really is and it comes after a true realization of who we are in Him! Joy comes into us when we realize that after falling short of His calling for us, His compassion and mercies are renewed with the dawn of each day. The enemy of our soul pours condemnation, worry and lies into our soul to weigh us down, but if we can tap into the joy that is in knowing who the LORD is to us, we can cut the enemy off at the pass before he gains a foot hold!
The dire circumstances in the days of Queen Esther were similar to the days of Nehemiah; Israel was again in captivity, surrounded, as we are, by unbelievers. After the Jews were saved from evil Haman, the one who sought their death as a people, great joy and rest came to the Jews after the evil desired upon them by the enemy was exposed and defeated.
Jesus exposed and defeated the plot of our enemy, Satan. He made a spectacle of the forces of darkness. He regained the keys of life and death on our behalf. Like the Jews of Esther's day we seek rest from our enemy in the presence of God. Our great sorrow is turned into joy and our mourning for our lost condition ceases.
Like the Jews, although rescued but still in a foreign land, as are we, they still set apart days for rejoicing and gladness. They gave the gift of joy and gladness to the LORD, to one another, and to the poor.
Where do I get this joy? Is it something I have to work up in my spirit; although it does not really seem to be there? Psalm 16:11 says that " in His Presence is fullness of joy..." and "at His right hand are pleasures forever more." If we are seated in heavenly places, with Christ who is in us, should we not have that joy that is in His presence?
There are times when we sow in tears, but we are promised that joy comes in the morning. There is a time to mourn, but just a time. There is also a time to be filled with His joy. Psalm 132:9 says the priests should be clothed with righteousness and His saints should shout for joy!
Do I have a hidden proud streak in my spirit the LORD is working on? Maybe this is an issue? Isaiah 29:19 says the meek shall increase their joy in the LORD. Is our situation worse than these captives? They lost their homes, lived in a foreign land under duress, probably knew family members and friends who died in battle and captivity. They lost everything that they could not carry on their back. Yet, in the midst of this, joy in the LORD was required.
There are seasons to mourn; but He has promised to give us beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. We will be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
This is not only in the Old Testament. Christ is the fulfilment of all of the law and prophets. He said in John 15:11..."These things I spoke to you, that MY JOY might remain IN YOU, and that YOUR JOY might be full." In John 17:13 Christ again says to the Father, "And now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they (His followers) might have MY JOY fulfilled in themselves."
1 Peter 1:8 speaks of a joy unspeakable and full of glory! Philippians 4:4 says to rejoice in the LORD always.
No matter what this new year holds for us and the years that follow, may the LORD help us tap into the joy He promises to those who believe. It is there, it is available, I have to stay in Him to have access to it.
Make a joyful noise, with thanksgiving as we enter into His presence! Rejoice in the LORD always; and again, I say rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Even after arriving back in their former capital city, the city of their God, the remnant were harassed and threatened by new enemies. In this dire and dangerous situation Nehemiah says this day is holy unto the LORD; do not be sorry, for the joy of the LORD is your strength..." (Nehemiah 8:10)
We, like Nehemiah and his remnant, are concerned, surrounded, and troubled on every side. The majority of those around us do not have joy; and we are under every torment and situation that tries to rob us of any little true joy we may have ourselves.
But God instructs us to enter into His presence with joy and thanksgiving?
What is this "joy" of the LORD that is our strength?
I believe it is joy in knowing who He really is and it comes after a true realization of who we are in Him! Joy comes into us when we realize that after falling short of His calling for us, His compassion and mercies are renewed with the dawn of each day. The enemy of our soul pours condemnation, worry and lies into our soul to weigh us down, but if we can tap into the joy that is in knowing who the LORD is to us, we can cut the enemy off at the pass before he gains a foot hold!
The dire circumstances in the days of Queen Esther were similar to the days of Nehemiah; Israel was again in captivity, surrounded, as we are, by unbelievers. After the Jews were saved from evil Haman, the one who sought their death as a people, great joy and rest came to the Jews after the evil desired upon them by the enemy was exposed and defeated.
Jesus exposed and defeated the plot of our enemy, Satan. He made a spectacle of the forces of darkness. He regained the keys of life and death on our behalf. Like the Jews of Esther's day we seek rest from our enemy in the presence of God. Our great sorrow is turned into joy and our mourning for our lost condition ceases.
Like the Jews, although rescued but still in a foreign land, as are we, they still set apart days for rejoicing and gladness. They gave the gift of joy and gladness to the LORD, to one another, and to the poor.
Where do I get this joy? Is it something I have to work up in my spirit; although it does not really seem to be there? Psalm 16:11 says that " in His Presence is fullness of joy..." and "at His right hand are pleasures forever more." If we are seated in heavenly places, with Christ who is in us, should we not have that joy that is in His presence?
There are times when we sow in tears, but we are promised that joy comes in the morning. There is a time to mourn, but just a time. There is also a time to be filled with His joy. Psalm 132:9 says the priests should be clothed with righteousness and His saints should shout for joy!
Do I have a hidden proud streak in my spirit the LORD is working on? Maybe this is an issue? Isaiah 29:19 says the meek shall increase their joy in the LORD. Is our situation worse than these captives? They lost their homes, lived in a foreign land under duress, probably knew family members and friends who died in battle and captivity. They lost everything that they could not carry on their back. Yet, in the midst of this, joy in the LORD was required.
There are seasons to mourn; but He has promised to give us beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. We will be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
This is not only in the Old Testament. Christ is the fulfilment of all of the law and prophets. He said in John 15:11..."These things I spoke to you, that MY JOY might remain IN YOU, and that YOUR JOY might be full." In John 17:13 Christ again says to the Father, "And now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they (His followers) might have MY JOY fulfilled in themselves."
1 Peter 1:8 speaks of a joy unspeakable and full of glory! Philippians 4:4 says to rejoice in the LORD always.
No matter what this new year holds for us and the years that follow, may the LORD help us tap into the joy He promises to those who believe. It is there, it is available, I have to stay in Him to have access to it.
Make a joyful noise, with thanksgiving as we enter into His presence! Rejoice in the LORD always; and again, I say rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Yes HE Can!!
The campaign slogan for the last election has been "Yes We Can..."
I would like to be the first to say "No I Can't...But GOD Can!
Because~
He is the eternal God who reigned before any being was created;
At the time when all was made by His will,
He was at once acknowledged as King.
And at the end when all shall cease to be,
the Revered God alone shall still be King!
He was, He is, and He shall be in glorious eternity.
He is ONE and there is no other to compare to Him,
to place beside Him.
He is without beginning and without end.
Power and dominion belong to Him,
He is my God, my living Redeemer.
My stronghold in times of distress.
He is my Guide and my Refuge,
my share of bliss the day I call.
To Him I entrust my spirit when I sleep and when I wake.
As long as my soul is within my body,
the LORD is with me,
I am not afraid!
Blessed Sabbath 01/24/2009
I would like to be the first to say "No I Can't...But GOD Can!
Because~
He is the eternal God who reigned before any being was created;
At the time when all was made by His will,
He was at once acknowledged as King.
And at the end when all shall cease to be,
the Revered God alone shall still be King!
He was, He is, and He shall be in glorious eternity.
He is ONE and there is no other to compare to Him,
to place beside Him.
He is without beginning and without end.
Power and dominion belong to Him,
He is my God, my living Redeemer.
My stronghold in times of distress.
He is my Guide and my Refuge,
my share of bliss the day I call.
To Him I entrust my spirit when I sleep and when I wake.
As long as my soul is within my body,
the LORD is with me,
I am not afraid!
Blessed Sabbath 01/24/2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
IN OUR PRAYER TIME
Hymn In Prayer Time
THERE'S A SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT
Doris Akers 1993
There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place,
And I know that it's the Spirit of the LORD,
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the LORD.
REFRAIN:
Sweet Holy Spirit,
Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us,
Filling us with Your love,
And for these blessings
we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know
that we have been revived
When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in fullness, and believe.
You're the one to profit when you say,
"I am going to walk with Jesus all the way."
REFRAIN:
Sweet Holy Spirit,
Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us,
Filling us with Your love,
And for these blessings
we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know
that we have been revived
When we shall leave this place.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
PRAY FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA
May the LORD see fit to place a Mordecai, an Esther, a Daniel, a Joseph around President Obama and the new administration. Men and women of influence, who know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
We are instructed to pray for those in authority; all authorities and governments are allowed to form and and be dismissed by the mighty hand of God. They either serve His purpose for judgment, peace, or prosperity.
I rejoice in the fact that a black person has been able to rise to power in the United States given the history of treatment they have suffered since being brought to these shores. I do not agree with some of his policies, but it says volumns about America that this has finally happened after 250 years.
I do not agree with some of the things President Obama may, and will probably do when I consider the people that surround him. But God can place people, Believers, in important postions to influence the debate and outcome of those decisions.
May what is of God succeed; may what is against God fail.
Monday, January 19, 2009
YESHUA (JESUS) AGAIN IN ISRAEL
YACOV DAMKANI - MINISTRIES IN ISRAEL
WEB ADDRESS IS: http://www.trumpetofsalvation.org
WEB ADDRESS IS: http://www.trumpetofsalvation.org
Sunday, January 18, 2009
WHY MUST WE GO THROUGH THIS?
Many may ask why Christians have to go through the difficult times we face as a nation. What have we done to deserve this? We have been faithful to God as best we know how? Why is He punishing us along with those who have sinned?
He is not punishing us; we are caught up in the judgment that is falling on a fallen society; a society that has sinned and rebelled against great light. No other nation on earth has received as the gospel message as has the United States of America.
In context with these feelings that are starting to bubble up to the surface among Believers, while reading this evening I came across some thoughts by Matthew Henry that were written in the early 1700's. Those days were also days of rebellion. The French Revolution was fomenting, the Church of England was persecuting dissenters among the faithful, trouble was starting to brew in the Colonies and so forth.
Matthew Henry's thoughts apply to what we are facing as Believers in America:
"The best men, and those that are dearest to God, often share, not only in common calamities of this life, but in the public and national judgments that are inflicted for sin; those feel the smart who contributed nothing to the guilt, by which it appears that the difference between good and bad arises not from the events that befall them, but from the temper and disposition of their spirits under them. "
(MY THOUGHT -our convictions that God will take care of us, our knowledge of the faithfulness of God changes our disposition, temper and spirit, apart from others who do not understand)
"Words of conviction, counsel, and comfort come best to those who are in affliction from their fellow sufferers. The captives will be best instructed by one who is a captive among them and experimentally knows their sorrow."
Some of the greatest Prophets in the Bible did not receive their revelations, visions or dreams until they went into captivity with their people. For example:
1. Ezekiel was captive with others in Babylon
2. John was in prisoned on the isle of Patmos
3. Jeremiah lived in Egypt for a season with captive fleeing
4. Daniel was a captive in Babylon
5. Jonah was captive in a whale and ministered in Nineveh
6. Haggai was a captive in Babylon
7. Zechariah was captive in Babylon
For those of us who have said that we want to hear clearer and more openly from God may be getting ready to do just that; but under different circumstances than we thought!!
There is hope, there are great promises to us, He is faithful and true.
Always remember~
He is the eternal LORD
who reigned before any being was created;
At the time when all was made by His will,
He was at once acknowledged as King.
And at the end when all shall cease to be,
the revered God alone shall still be king.
He was, He is, and He shall be in glorious eternity.
He is ONE and there is no other to compare to Him,
to place beside Him.
He is without beginning and without end.
Power and dominion belong to Him,
He is my God,
my living Redeemer.
My stronghold in times of distress.
He is my Guide and my Refuge,
my share of bliss the day I call.
To Him I entrust my spirit when I sleep and when I wake.
As long as my soul is within my body,
the LORD is with me,
I am not afraid.
He is not punishing us; we are caught up in the judgment that is falling on a fallen society; a society that has sinned and rebelled against great light. No other nation on earth has received as the gospel message as has the United States of America.
In context with these feelings that are starting to bubble up to the surface among Believers, while reading this evening I came across some thoughts by Matthew Henry that were written in the early 1700's. Those days were also days of rebellion. The French Revolution was fomenting, the Church of England was persecuting dissenters among the faithful, trouble was starting to brew in the Colonies and so forth.
Matthew Henry's thoughts apply to what we are facing as Believers in America:
"The best men, and those that are dearest to God, often share, not only in common calamities of this life, but in the public and national judgments that are inflicted for sin; those feel the smart who contributed nothing to the guilt, by which it appears that the difference between good and bad arises not from the events that befall them, but from the temper and disposition of their spirits under them. "
(MY THOUGHT -our convictions that God will take care of us, our knowledge of the faithfulness of God changes our disposition, temper and spirit, apart from others who do not understand)
"Words of conviction, counsel, and comfort come best to those who are in affliction from their fellow sufferers. The captives will be best instructed by one who is a captive among them and experimentally knows their sorrow."
Some of the greatest Prophets in the Bible did not receive their revelations, visions or dreams until they went into captivity with their people. For example:
1. Ezekiel was captive with others in Babylon
2. John was in prisoned on the isle of Patmos
3. Jeremiah lived in Egypt for a season with captive fleeing
4. Daniel was a captive in Babylon
5. Jonah was captive in a whale and ministered in Nineveh
6. Haggai was a captive in Babylon
7. Zechariah was captive in Babylon
For those of us who have said that we want to hear clearer and more openly from God may be getting ready to do just that; but under different circumstances than we thought!!
There is hope, there are great promises to us, He is faithful and true.
Always remember~
He is the eternal LORD
who reigned before any being was created;
At the time when all was made by His will,
He was at once acknowledged as King.
And at the end when all shall cease to be,
the revered God alone shall still be king.
He was, He is, and He shall be in glorious eternity.
He is ONE and there is no other to compare to Him,
to place beside Him.
He is without beginning and without end.
Power and dominion belong to Him,
He is my God,
my living Redeemer.
My stronghold in times of distress.
He is my Guide and my Refuge,
my share of bliss the day I call.
To Him I entrust my spirit when I sleep and when I wake.
As long as my soul is within my body,
the LORD is with me,
I am not afraid.
OUR SUFFICIENCY IS IN HIM
* I do not recommend anything these experts say to do,
this video is given to show the seriousness of the economic situation we face;
with my suggestions of what Believers mindset and lifestyle should be.
http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=81655519&stage=2
Financial experts are trying to figure out what has happened to the US Economy. It seems that they are grabbing at straws, at best; at worst, trying to capitalize on the disaster. It is time for those who know God to grow deeper in Him and the resources He has made available to His people.
Personally, my first impulse is to immediately store up on as many items as I can, spend extra funds on supplies, and ride out the tsunami. But, what of the poor, the orphan's, needy, oppressed and depressed? How can someone who proclaims the all sustaining power of God ignore those who are falling through the massive hole that is growing larger by the day?
It is during times of great famine when we realize just how caring, sustaining, and all sufficient our God is. This is a time to give to Godly ministries that aid the poor, searching, unemployed, and lost; both in our nation and worldwide. It is not time to stop giving to good ministries.
I want to continue to work and give of my substance to give to ones in need. In this way, I support those ministering, most importantly, to the eternal souls of lost mankind.
After watching this video of experts, who are not clouded by the spin coming from the US Treasury or US Government, I am reminded of a verse in
Amos 4:12 that says, " Therefore, thus will I do unto you, O Israel, and because I will do this unto you, prepare to meet thy God..."
After years of sowing to the whirlwind seeking outrageous profits, the harvest has come in for the greed of individuals, banks, Wall Street and companies. God hates greed. There is a pay day, a harvest to such actions. That day has arrived. Job 20:27-29 gives a vivid picture of what is happening in the US economy and the wickedness that caused these events -
" The heaven shall reveal his iniquity and the earth shall rise up against him. The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of God's wrath. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed to Him."
What should be the reaction of God's people? Complete dependence on Him. He fed Elijah, the widow and her son during a grievous famine in Israel. He fed the Children of Israel in the Wilderness for forty years with food falling from heaven and water our of a rock! He fed the multitudes who were hungry with a few fish and loaves of bread. He speaks provision. It is His specialty for those who love Him and have given of themselves to Him. King David said that he never saw the righteous begging for bread.
this video is given to show the seriousness of the economic situation we face;
with my suggestions of what Believers mindset and lifestyle should be.
http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=81655519&stage=2
Financial experts are trying to figure out what has happened to the US Economy. It seems that they are grabbing at straws, at best; at worst, trying to capitalize on the disaster. It is time for those who know God to grow deeper in Him and the resources He has made available to His people.
Personally, my first impulse is to immediately store up on as many items as I can, spend extra funds on supplies, and ride out the tsunami. But, what of the poor, the orphan's, needy, oppressed and depressed? How can someone who proclaims the all sustaining power of God ignore those who are falling through the massive hole that is growing larger by the day?
It is during times of great famine when we realize just how caring, sustaining, and all sufficient our God is. This is a time to give to Godly ministries that aid the poor, searching, unemployed, and lost; both in our nation and worldwide. It is not time to stop giving to good ministries.
I want to continue to work and give of my substance to give to ones in need. In this way, I support those ministering, most importantly, to the eternal souls of lost mankind.
After watching this video of experts, who are not clouded by the spin coming from the US Treasury or US Government, I am reminded of a verse in
Amos 4:12 that says, " Therefore, thus will I do unto you, O Israel, and because I will do this unto you, prepare to meet thy God..."
After years of sowing to the whirlwind seeking outrageous profits, the harvest has come in for the greed of individuals, banks, Wall Street and companies. God hates greed. There is a pay day, a harvest to such actions. That day has arrived. Job 20:27-29 gives a vivid picture of what is happening in the US economy and the wickedness that caused these events -
" The heaven shall reveal his iniquity and the earth shall rise up against him. The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of God's wrath. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed to Him."
What should be the reaction of God's people? Complete dependence on Him. He fed Elijah, the widow and her son during a grievous famine in Israel. He fed the Children of Israel in the Wilderness for forty years with food falling from heaven and water our of a rock! He fed the multitudes who were hungry with a few fish and loaves of bread. He speaks provision. It is His specialty for those who love Him and have given of themselves to Him. King David said that he never saw the righteous begging for bread.
We need to keep an eternal perspective on this crisis. We are not citizens of this world, although we live here. Like Abraham, we look for a city not made with human hands; a heavenly city created for us by our Father.
Deuteronomy 33:17,18, verses I have committed to memory, states unequivocally that-
" The eternal God is my refuge,
and underneath are the Everlasting arms;
and He shall thrust out the enemy from before me;
and shall say, "Destroy them."
"I will then dwell in safety alone;
and the fountain of Jacob (your name because you are His also) shall be upon a land
of corn and wine,
the heavens shall drop dew."
"Happy art thou, O Israel (your name)
Who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD,
The Shield of your help,
and the Sword of your excellency!"
"And your enemies (fear, debt, bills, unbelief in His promises)
shall be found liars unto you and you will tread upon these enemies high places."
2 Corinthians 3:5 says that "our sufficiency if of God!" Not our 401(k), our retirement, our stocks or bonds or savings that can disappear over night. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, " and God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."
These promises do not say that we may barely survive all things, He has promised that we would abound in every good work. The foolishness of the past years, of which I have been partaken in also, has come to an end. God will help us, and we need to memorize the promises of His word to encourage, uplift, and sustain us in these days of uncertainty and turmoil.
This is not something new to God! Often times, He uses very austere times, even famines to reveal to the world how He cares for His children. His faithfulness to His own will have a large impact on the lost that surround us. All glory, all praise goes to Him; for all comes from Him.
Underline His promises. Keep a journal for future reference when doubts and fears arise. Fear and doubt are the number one resource the enemy uses against us. The promises of God cast out all fear. His word is truth! Christ Himself used the written word in His dealings with Satan. He used the Word during His great temptation in the wilderness, He used the Word when casting out demons, He used the Word while preaching to the multitudes, and He used the word in the Garden during His last evening on earth in His human body. We must read, memorize and believe His word to thrive, survive, be a witness and occupy until He comes.
Every event in Christ's life happened so that the word of God would be found true and made complete. It is the same for us! Let us remain faithful unto the end. When our faith start's to waver, run to Him in prayer. He is an ever present help in times of trouble.
GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!
Friday, January 16, 2009
IN MEMORY OF MOM
My Mother, Elizabeth A. Peacher (Hilliard) went to be with the LORD September of last year (2008). He battle was long and difficult. I am reminded of the admonition to serve the LORD in the days of our youth, before the evil days come upon us; when one rises before the dawn, before the silver cord is loosened, before the golden cord is broken.
As a young girl, around 18 years of age or there abouts, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After treatments and medication her cancer went into remission. After graduation she met my Father and they married and had four sons.
During a revival at the Assembly of God church we attended my father and mother entered into the ministry. During this busy season of raising four sons and helping Dad start a church, Mom also attended a local college to receive a teaching degree. She became a substitute school teacher. With the help of faithful Believers in the local community and Mom's family member's who realized the need for a full gospel church in the area, acreage was purchased and a beautiful small church came into being.
While the church was under construction, meetings were held in the basement of a building that was going to be a church, but it was never completed. This building had an old kerosene stove that sometimes worked, but most of the time did not! I remember Dad's face getting black with soot, or something, as he tried to start the stove before service. Quite a few evenings, we all went back home smelling of kerosene.
* The two people in the foreground of this photo are Mom's father and mother who in my opinion were the Abraham and Sarah for their children and grandchildren. I miss them greatly and look forward with great anticipation to see them once again in the place God has prepared for those who love Him.
* The new church was taking shape and finally completed. The first Sunday School program was held and services were held in a new, warm and beautiful building.
* One of the first Sunday School classes at the new Berean Assembly of God Church in Shepherdstown, WV. (1966)
After several years, as most Assembly of God pastors do, our family moved to Orange Virginia, and settled in at a nice church in this sleepy little town. My three brothers and I adjusted to a new school, in a new area, making new friends. There was a great need for child care for disadvantaged, mostly minority families in the area at the time. Mom joined a Community Action Committee and became the coordinator for a local daycare center being operated at the local Catholic church. Not necessarily a popular thing to do in southern Virginia in the late 1960's and early 1970's. But Mom saw a need and she found a way to minister to this need in any way she could.
Again, after several years we moved to the Frederick, Maryland area and Dad and Mom settled into a beautiful church in this area. Some of her children, including myself, had started to move away and start out on their own. Additional pastorates of which Mom was a major factor in each were also in Catlett Virginia, Florida and again in West Virginia.
During this time, Mom's cancer returned. She was operated on at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD where her thyroid was removed. She recovered from the operation but was required to take medication for the rest of her life.
Due to various reasons my Mother and Father parted ways. Mom remarried after moving to Florida and her new husband died shortly thereafter. She remarried after a season and spent her time caring for her husband who was in very bad health. She had a nurses heart. She was truly born a caregiver. She saw the death of two of her four sons. She took one into her home in Florida so could care for him in his time of anguish. He second son died in WV while she was in Florida. My Father died several years later. Mom and Dad separated several years prior to this and the trauma of separation and divorce after raising children took its toll on her spirit and her body. Nevertheless, she still held to her strong convictions in the faithfulness of God.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a very serious operation in that regard. Parkinson Disease set in and took a terrible toll in a very few short years. What was once a vibrant, intelligent and stable human being became totally dependent upon others for her care.
The end of Mom's life was a not pleasant time; as it is not for most. The LORD has promised that He would be with us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He has said that He would never leave us or forsake us; it does not say that He will not leave us if we feel that He has or has not; He said He WILL NEVER leave us. He is always by our side.
My remaining brother and I did what we could in this situation but our efforts fell very short of what she deserved. We could not have possibly repaid her for what she had done for the both of us. Mom was always ready with a prayer of support, intercession and she always gave wise advice.
We take great comfort in knowing without a doubt where she is this day. The Bible says that when we pass that the spirit goes back to God - because God gave it to us. The evening she passed away a Hospice Nurse, who was minister's daughter herself, sat by Mom's bedside and read from Mom's bible verses that Mom had underlined throughout her life.
A tape player was softly playing old gospel music in Mom's room. The Hospice Nurse called my home as soon as Mom went to be with the LORD. She cried, but was glad that Mom was out of her pain. The Nurse said what was amazing in Mom's passing is that when the last song played on the tape, and the tape cut off, the song that was sung was "I Am Going To Wear A Robe And A Crown!"
The mercies of God are beyond comparison. He is the Great God that has said that the passing of His saints is precious in His eyes. I believe that angels stood by Mom's bedside waiting for the song to finish playing before they escorted her to Heaven. 
Mom's way was often fraught with heartache and pain. But she knew where to go for comfort; God was always there. Many rock and hard place awaited her in her life. If she would have known when she was younger she may have made different decisions. We are all the same. But Believers and children of God can take great comfort in the fact that He is our Father and we are His. He holds us in the palm of His hand and He goes with us through all tough places.
I am confident on the Sunday evening as Angel's escorted Mom to heaven at sunset, she remembered her life on earth and smiled as she remembered a song she used to play on the piano and sing many years ago: " It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, life's trials will seem so small, when we see Him, one look at His dear face, all sorrow will erase, so gladly run the race, til we see Christ. "
Dear Mother, know that the rest of us are not to far behind you. As His coming, or our going draws nigh, we will also join you in that great eternal city not made with hands. Where peace, righteousness, and holiness resides. It will truly be worth it all to see Jesus!
Randy --- Mom ---- Steve (1998)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
IS GOD SERIOUS??
God has promised to build a wall of protection around individuals and nations who acknowledge Him. Those who are His will put a thousand of their enemies to flight and will not be overcome by the enemy.
Likewise, God will lift His hand of protection from those who turn from Him. What have we learned as a nation since 911?
How many abortions took place? How many murders, suicides, beatings, robberies, rapes and corruption?
What are most church's preaching today? Prosperity? Health? Peace? Recently, in the streets of a major US city, blocks of the downtown area were cordoned off so a gay parade attendees could engage in sexual acts in public, in broad daylight. What was God thinking? Will He protect such a nation? If He does not protect, who can!
Our national debt approaches the 54 Trillion dollar mark if the entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare are included into the equasion. It was announced yesterday that President elect Obama will rescend the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the US military; to where gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons can openly proclaim their sexual orientation without retribution or threat of dismissal.
Wall Street bankers and brokers are taking billions of taxpayers dollars and the money still disapears. In regard to the judgment of God, all I can wonder is when will the next shoe fall?
We are instructed to seek God while He may be found. This infers that their may be a time when it will be too late? It is time to get serious with Him!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
In His Presence
There is eternal peace in His presence. No matter the obstacles we face, the mountain we must conquer, the difficulty of our path on any given day, there is perfect peace in His Presence.
In His presence is fullness of joy. Our strength for the journey lies with our total dependence on Him.
In His presence is fullness of joy. Our strength for the journey lies with our total dependence on Him.
EVEN NOW IN ISRAEL!
Even now, the Name of the LORD is being proclaimed in Israel.
He said He will not come back until Israel cries out, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
Even under duress, in violence, uncertainty and in terrorism, He is breaking through and turning hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. Those who have not heard are hearing. Those who have not seen are seeing.
Even so, come LORD Jesus!
He said He will not come back until Israel cries out, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
Even under duress, in violence, uncertainty and in terrorism, He is breaking through and turning hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. Those who have not heard are hearing. Those who have not seen are seeing.
Even so, come LORD Jesus!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
UPDATE: TRUMPET OF SALVATION-ISRAEL
UPDATE FROM TRUMPET OF SALVATION FOR ISRAEL - GILGAL, ISRAEL
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously. Psalm 9
The Lord gives us a blessed time with the refugees from the war zone near Gaza.
Beloved friends, shalom,grace, joy and much strength be with you!
We send you much love from Gilgal and pray that the Almighty God, who created heaven and earth and keeps them running, will bless you richly as you bless His Chosen People Israel.
We praise the Lord for He is good! Last night Jacob had an accident on his motorbike. A car ran into him as the driver wasn’t watching. The bike is totally broken and we cannot but thank God that He protected Jacob. His right leg is broken twice, just above the ankle, but that’s all. We know that God has sent His angels to protect him from being injured worse. Thank you so much for your prayers!
Thank you so much for all your encouraging letters and phone calls, for your love, prayer and financial help in this task the Lord entrusted in our hands. We are very encouraged seeing what He is doing in our midst. Some of our guests from the South (Sderot, Ashkelon, Nachal Oz...) had to go back home, others keep coming. Most of the time we have about 80 to 90 refugees from the war zone. Precious people! When they arrive they are shaking with fear after years of traumatic experiences with missiles falling in their area all the time. Finally they can rest and also hear the Word of God! We feel so privileged! The Lord has given us this beautiful house, Gilgal, and we have the opportunity to host them, to love them, to serve them and to share the Word of God with them! What more could we ask for?
It is as it was in the time of the Judges. Every time the Lord wanted to get the attention of His people, He sent the enemies. Today it is Hamas, which is a real threat to the people and makes them turn to their God for help. Finally many people pray and seek Him, who alone can help in a terrible situation like this. Please pray with us that each one, who came to find physical refuge in Gilgal, will find salvation in the Messiah of Israel!
Thank you so much, some of you responded to our last letter and help us in this great financial challenge. The Lord will bless you for your giving.
Please also pray for strength and wisdom, love and joy in our hearts that we might bring Him glory and honor in all our doing and be a real blessing to all those, whom the lord has sent us!
May we invite you to see the movie, Jacob made together with Guy? In a beautiful way it shows how the Lord has done - and is still doing - so many miracles in Trumpet.
Please click here to see it. There you will also find a little clip about ministering to the poor, a project in which Jacob is helping a very good friend from his youth, who is a religious Jew, a wonderful man of God.May we invite you for a special tour in Israel? The program for the Israel Tour in June and September 2009 is finally in the internet. You will find the link on the homepage, right on the top: www.trumpetofsalvation.org
We send you our love and thankfulness,Jacob from the hospital and Elisheva
www.trumpetofsalvation.orgwww.haGilgal.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
FROM AN ISRAELI BELIEVER-UPDATE
One New Man Call
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Subscribe Unsubscribe Change E-mail View Archive GAZA – TRIGGER FOR WHAT?Reuven & Mary Lou DoronJan 8, 2009
Dear praying friends,
Thank you for your concern and prayers in light of the hostilities in southern Israel. For those who have inquired, we are glad to report that our loved ones who are serving in the Israeli armed forces are well, though some are in harm’s way. We do have family members whose homes are in range of Hamas rockets and whose children are spending the nights in bomb shelters. Thank you for your prayers for them, for all who are in danger and are suffering, for the Messianic Israeli soldiers involved in the fight and for the small “endangered” Christian community in Gaza.
Many reliable and detailed intercessory reports and prayer letters are coming out of Israel daily and there is no need to add to them. We will simply state the facts and comment on them in order that the intercessors can understand the “big picture” and stand firm in God’s purpose during this present turmoil. Why? Because “Our God is the God of salvation; and to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:20.
FACTS & FIGURES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER:
1. God has no pleasure in death or human suffering and we grieve with His Spirit. War is never pretty, though it is sometimes unavoidable and even necessary as history proves.
2. Rockets and missiles have been launched unprovoked into southern Israeli communities from Gaza for the last eight years (!) keeping thousands of children sleeping in bomb shelters nightly and often missing school, while the local economy suffers.
3. Nearly 10,000 (!) Hamas rockets and mortars were launched since Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2006, keeping half a million Israelis in range of deadly missiles exploding among them on a daily basis.
4. On December 19, 2008 Hamas refused to extend the tottering six month cease-fire agreement and began to target Israeli villages, towns and cities. On Christmas day alone, eighty (80!) mortars and missiles were fired from Hamas territory into Israel.
5. Before launching the present anti-terrorist offensive, Israeli officials dropped leaflets and made nearly 100,000 phone calls to Gaza residents warning them to move away from the battle zones in order to minimize civilian casualties.
6. Hamas, on the other hand, deliberately and strategically seeks to increase Palestinian civilian casualties by storing weapons in homes and public buildings and by conducting terror operations from densely populated neighborhoods in order to win the public relations war. Life is cheap according to Islam, and Gaza sources confirm that Palestinian civilians are held at gun point by Hamas militants and herded to the front lines of the fighting in order to either prevent Israeli action or “gain” more graphic footage of civilian casualties. Either way, it’s a win/win situation for Hamas.
7. Homeland security warnings have been issued in the USA after Arab language researchers have intercepted terrorist communications indicating the intent to target Jewish organizations, synagogues and facilities throughout the world. The terrorists’ target list include “all that belongs to the Jews worldwide,” stating that surprises are in store for the Jews and that what “Hitler did to you is nothing compared to what these surprises will be.”
Recent lone-wolf attacks in Denmark and France are apparently the model for this new wave of anti-Jewish terror worldwide, and US security experts indicate that the potential of terror attacks ranges from small firearms to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Suicide bombers have also been called for. Logic indicates that such anti-Jewish wave of terror could spill over to any other pro-Israel groups, including Christian Churches, organizations and individuals supporting Israel. How many of Israel’s friends will still stand with her when the cost rises?
8. Israeli military action will cease the moment Hamas stops firing and the international community assumes serious responsibility monitoring their activities.
9. While the conflict goes on, the Palestinian population of Gaza continues to receive its electricity, water and basic food and medical supplies from and through Israel, as it has had for years. There is NO humanitarian crisis in Gaza today as dozens of truckloads of supplies are rolling in daily through the Israeli checkpoints. The (little reported) scandal is that Hamas fighters steal and confiscate many of these supplies to further their terror activities, and sell the leftovers to Gaza’s residents who should receive this aid freely.
The reader should appreciate the insane nature of Hamas, keeping the Gaza Arabs deprived, grossly unemployed and destitute, parading them as one the world’s most dysfunctional people groups relying entirely on international aid for their livelihood and on supply lines from the very nation they seek to destroy. Go figure the Islamic logic.
10. As we write this report, Hamas Internal Security Apparatus (ISA) is conducting executions and maiming of dozens of Palestinians suspected of aiding Israel and supporting the moderate Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas. Many are shot in the legs while others have their hands broken to discourage “treason.”
11. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have destroyed a large amount of Hamas infrastructure, weaponry and capabilities while sustaining only minimal casualties. Ground forces have the main Gaza cities locked down and surrounded in an effort to stop the rocket attacks, reducing them to “only” 35 per day earlier this week.
12. International efforts for a cease fire continue toward a draft proposal that both sides can agree upon. Regrettably though, given the past historical record of previous cease fire agreements with Islamic elements whose agenda is the annihilation of Israel, a cease fire agreement will not last long.
13. This clash is but another chapter of the long saga of conflict between the forces of darkness and God’s word and purpose. As in the progression of natural child birth, while rest and respite come between the contractions, these contractions will only increase in intensity and proximity in preparation for the birthing of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. There is more trouble on the horizon.
SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVE
The conflict with Hamas in Gaza is likely, sooner or later, to “spill over” to the northern front with Hezbollah, getting worse before it gets better. The intercessors, therefore, must arm themselves with patience and stamina for the long haul. What we see unfolding in the Middle East these days is the prelude to the final biblical battles, leading the world toward the final act of human history and the return of the Son of God, Yeshua, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Scripturally, the birth pains preceding the coming of the Lord all speak of God’s intense judgments over the nations of the earth which include an avalanche of natural disasters, a number of devastating wars focused on Israel and Jerusalem, international totalitarianism in the spirit of imperial Rome, and a global harvest of the souls of the redeemed drawn out from the growing darkness. For all practical purposes, adding together Islam’s increasing belligerence, Russia’s muscle flexing, America’s gradual decline and the rise of anti-Israeli sentiment around the world, the hour may be much later than many would consider.
GAZA – TRIGGER FOR WHAT?
The million dollar question is who is using Hamas to pull Israel into this conflict which the terror organization knows it can’t win? Who is standing to gain from such a blood bath that can easily spill northward toward Lebanon and Syria and develop into a regional war? Only Iran fits the bill! The main backer, supplier and trainer of Hamas forces in Gaza and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, Iran would like to lure Israel into a costly regional conflict involving Hamas, Hezbollah and possibly Syria in order to escape the inevitable Israeli air strikes on their nuclear facilities. Should the Lord permit this escalation of hostilities, the world will soon be rocked by the first prophesied Israeli-Muslim war.
Viewing the current hostilities through the prism of prophetic scriptures, the next Middle Eastern war is already on the horizon. This will be the war that will bring down Islam’s madness and pride, setting free millions of souls from its hideous bondage. According to scripture, the nations surrounding Israel will be dramatically defeated and disastrously impacted never to recover following an all out Israeli effort to survive. A regional distress of this magnitude, threatening the majority of the world’s present oil supplies, will create a global trauma of such enormity that will cause an international response along the lines of the Ezekiel 38-39 Russian-led coalition invasion of Israel.
According to God’s word, however, this global campaign to annihilate Israel will end dramatically with overwhelming divine judgments devastating the invading armies as the Lord magnifies His name in all the earth while pouring out His Spirit upon the embattled Jewish nation. Israel will be awakened, yet through much suffering. The end will then be near as the Jewish people struggle to comprehend and enter into their calling while undergoing great trials; the world will continue to slip into gross darkness under global deception; and the final war of Zechariah 12 will lay the ground for the return of our Lord Yeshua in person to establish His Kingdom on earth. Are you ready for the possibility that the world as we know it to be is likely to drastically change in our lifetime? Are your priorities, decisions and treasures invested in the right kingdom?
NATURAL & SPIRITUAL THIRST
Water shortage in Israel is at its most severe level in recorded history, and the Lake of Galilee, Israel’s national water reservoir, is at an all time low level at 214.06 meters below sea level. The lake’s water level has been dropping by an average of one meter per year since 2004, and the water level is so low today that the Jordan River is actually disconnected from the lake itself, and baptism at the traditional site is possible only by artificial pumping.
Not only has rainfall been insufficient in recent years, resulting in this all time low level of the Lake of Galilee, but the coastal aquifer as well as many of the main wells have been at maximum levels of pumping for too long and are at risk of contamination by sea water. Apart from grace from heaven, the only solution to Israel’s increasing water crisis are the desalination efforts that, to date, supply only a small portion of the national water demand.
We have seen the Lord’s hand move with power and speed in past years when the intercessors took a solid faith-filled stand for rain in Israel. Will you stand with us again, praying according to His word of promise, saying “but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:11-12.
THE HARVEST OF MUSLIMS
As we move forward into the end-time judgments of the Lord, the intercessors must learn to think and pray according to the mind of the Lord and not according to our natural instincts and logic. Consequently, the ultimate issue in these progressive Middle Eastern wars will not only be Israel’s survival as the scripture confirms many times, but how these wars will impact the millions of souls trapped by the demonic principality of Islam.
Historically, the “god” of Islam has maintained its control through military dominance, intimidation and violence, having killed more than 100,000,000 “infidels” so far. This is the reason why the very existence of a sovereign Jewish nation in the heart of the Arab world is a disgrace and an affront to the Muslim faith. Defeated by the judgments of the God of Israel in the coming wars, Islam’s insane and self-destructive tyranny will diminish, setting hundreds of millions free to consider the Gospel of our Lord.
2009 has the potential to unfold from bad to worse (naturally speaking) unless the Lord’s mercies will hold back the inevitable judgments. Much is depending upon the
intercession of the saints.
· Pray for the believers who are engaged in combat these days.
· Pray for the Gospel message to be heard with faith among the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world.
· Pray for the millions of souls who are under Islam’s bondage.
· Pray for America whose economy and standing in the world are greatly shaken, and who is more vulnerable to terror attacks now than before.
· And pray for your soul and your household as we all must set our eyes upon eternal things, preparing our hearts for the Lord of the whole earth who is drawing nearer with each passing day.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
At the very end of this age, after God’s terrible judgments have cleansed the earth from her filth, John wrote, “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude and as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.’ And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Rev 19:6-8.
The Bride of Christ emerges among those coming triumphantly from God’s judgments. She is clothed in white garments in preparation for her Heavenly Bridegroom; garments which are made of righteous acts. What are these garments? Righteous acts are those acts we do, or don’t do, because of our faith.
As Hebrews 11 shows, these righteous acts include offering excellent sacrifices (vs. 4), building an ark on dry ground (vs. 7), relocation & dwelling in temporary housing for years (vs. 8-9), conceiving a baby in old age (vs. 11), dying well (vs. 13), blessing others (vs. 20-21), giving vision and instruction (vs. 22), disobeying unrighteous authority (vs. 23), choosing humility and suffering (vs. 24-25), keeping God’s commands (vs. 28), passing safely through catastrophic calamities (vs. 29), identifying with and aiding Israel (vs. 31), performing great exploits (vs. 33-35), enduring torture, injustice and abuse (vs. 35-38) and obtaining a good testimony (vs. 39). According to scripture, all these are acts of faith that form the Bridal garments. Where is your faith today?
ACTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
In the coming days, as the shaking increases all around us and touches all things, the only “currency” that will remain stable and even increase in value will be the “righteous acts of the saints.” More than a perfect theology, an impressive office or flawless testimony, the real end-time assets will be your actions, your faith-filled deeds, the work of your life as you touch, serve, display and extend the love of Christ to others. Many times in the scriptures the Lord assures and exhorts us that we will be evaluated and rewarded by the quality of our deeds; the rudiment virtues budding out of our very lives, reminding us that “faith without works is dead!” James 2:20.
Neither theological apologetics nor academic knowledge or external appearance will do us any good on judgment day. As it is written, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” I-Cor 3:11-15.
REMEMBER ISRAEL
As a practical expression of your faith, while watching and praying with God over Israel’s struggles, will you consider supporting Messianic Believers in Israel through our ISRAEL FUND? With your support, we targets those persecuted for the Faith, people of excellence, and those with hearts to do great things with God as He establishes His testimony in Israel during these turbulent times.
We also want to thank you for standing with us in this ministry through your prayers and giving. ONE NEW MAN CALL ministry is supported by friends of the Ephesians 2:14-15 vision, calling Jew and Gentile to dwell as one in God’s Olive Tree. To learn more, to support this work, or to provide direct financial support to Messianic Believers in Israel, contact us at the address below. Thank you.
In His grace,
REUVEN AND MARY LOU DORON
(C) 2009 One New Man Call
One New Man Call
P O Box 164
Hayfield, MN 55940 USA
Ministry Contact: OneNewManMail@aol.com
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Subscribe Unsubscribe Change E-mail View Archive GAZA – TRIGGER FOR WHAT?Reuven & Mary Lou DoronJan 8, 2009
Dear praying friends,
Thank you for your concern and prayers in light of the hostilities in southern Israel. For those who have inquired, we are glad to report that our loved ones who are serving in the Israeli armed forces are well, though some are in harm’s way. We do have family members whose homes are in range of Hamas rockets and whose children are spending the nights in bomb shelters. Thank you for your prayers for them, for all who are in danger and are suffering, for the Messianic Israeli soldiers involved in the fight and for the small “endangered” Christian community in Gaza.
Many reliable and detailed intercessory reports and prayer letters are coming out of Israel daily and there is no need to add to them. We will simply state the facts and comment on them in order that the intercessors can understand the “big picture” and stand firm in God’s purpose during this present turmoil. Why? Because “Our God is the God of salvation; and to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:20.
FACTS & FIGURES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER:
1. God has no pleasure in death or human suffering and we grieve with His Spirit. War is never pretty, though it is sometimes unavoidable and even necessary as history proves.
2. Rockets and missiles have been launched unprovoked into southern Israeli communities from Gaza for the last eight years (!) keeping thousands of children sleeping in bomb shelters nightly and often missing school, while the local economy suffers.
3. Nearly 10,000 (!) Hamas rockets and mortars were launched since Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2006, keeping half a million Israelis in range of deadly missiles exploding among them on a daily basis.
4. On December 19, 2008 Hamas refused to extend the tottering six month cease-fire agreement and began to target Israeli villages, towns and cities. On Christmas day alone, eighty (80!) mortars and missiles were fired from Hamas territory into Israel.
5. Before launching the present anti-terrorist offensive, Israeli officials dropped leaflets and made nearly 100,000 phone calls to Gaza residents warning them to move away from the battle zones in order to minimize civilian casualties.
6. Hamas, on the other hand, deliberately and strategically seeks to increase Palestinian civilian casualties by storing weapons in homes and public buildings and by conducting terror operations from densely populated neighborhoods in order to win the public relations war. Life is cheap according to Islam, and Gaza sources confirm that Palestinian civilians are held at gun point by Hamas militants and herded to the front lines of the fighting in order to either prevent Israeli action or “gain” more graphic footage of civilian casualties. Either way, it’s a win/win situation for Hamas.
7. Homeland security warnings have been issued in the USA after Arab language researchers have intercepted terrorist communications indicating the intent to target Jewish organizations, synagogues and facilities throughout the world. The terrorists’ target list include “all that belongs to the Jews worldwide,” stating that surprises are in store for the Jews and that what “Hitler did to you is nothing compared to what these surprises will be.”
Recent lone-wolf attacks in Denmark and France are apparently the model for this new wave of anti-Jewish terror worldwide, and US security experts indicate that the potential of terror attacks ranges from small firearms to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Suicide bombers have also been called for. Logic indicates that such anti-Jewish wave of terror could spill over to any other pro-Israel groups, including Christian Churches, organizations and individuals supporting Israel. How many of Israel’s friends will still stand with her when the cost rises?
8. Israeli military action will cease the moment Hamas stops firing and the international community assumes serious responsibility monitoring their activities.
9. While the conflict goes on, the Palestinian population of Gaza continues to receive its electricity, water and basic food and medical supplies from and through Israel, as it has had for years. There is NO humanitarian crisis in Gaza today as dozens of truckloads of supplies are rolling in daily through the Israeli checkpoints. The (little reported) scandal is that Hamas fighters steal and confiscate many of these supplies to further their terror activities, and sell the leftovers to Gaza’s residents who should receive this aid freely.
The reader should appreciate the insane nature of Hamas, keeping the Gaza Arabs deprived, grossly unemployed and destitute, parading them as one the world’s most dysfunctional people groups relying entirely on international aid for their livelihood and on supply lines from the very nation they seek to destroy. Go figure the Islamic logic.
10. As we write this report, Hamas Internal Security Apparatus (ISA) is conducting executions and maiming of dozens of Palestinians suspected of aiding Israel and supporting the moderate Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas. Many are shot in the legs while others have their hands broken to discourage “treason.”
11. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have destroyed a large amount of Hamas infrastructure, weaponry and capabilities while sustaining only minimal casualties. Ground forces have the main Gaza cities locked down and surrounded in an effort to stop the rocket attacks, reducing them to “only” 35 per day earlier this week.
12. International efforts for a cease fire continue toward a draft proposal that both sides can agree upon. Regrettably though, given the past historical record of previous cease fire agreements with Islamic elements whose agenda is the annihilation of Israel, a cease fire agreement will not last long.
13. This clash is but another chapter of the long saga of conflict between the forces of darkness and God’s word and purpose. As in the progression of natural child birth, while rest and respite come between the contractions, these contractions will only increase in intensity and proximity in preparation for the birthing of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. There is more trouble on the horizon.
SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVE
The conflict with Hamas in Gaza is likely, sooner or later, to “spill over” to the northern front with Hezbollah, getting worse before it gets better. The intercessors, therefore, must arm themselves with patience and stamina for the long haul. What we see unfolding in the Middle East these days is the prelude to the final biblical battles, leading the world toward the final act of human history and the return of the Son of God, Yeshua, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Scripturally, the birth pains preceding the coming of the Lord all speak of God’s intense judgments over the nations of the earth which include an avalanche of natural disasters, a number of devastating wars focused on Israel and Jerusalem, international totalitarianism in the spirit of imperial Rome, and a global harvest of the souls of the redeemed drawn out from the growing darkness. For all practical purposes, adding together Islam’s increasing belligerence, Russia’s muscle flexing, America’s gradual decline and the rise of anti-Israeli sentiment around the world, the hour may be much later than many would consider.
GAZA – TRIGGER FOR WHAT?
The million dollar question is who is using Hamas to pull Israel into this conflict which the terror organization knows it can’t win? Who is standing to gain from such a blood bath that can easily spill northward toward Lebanon and Syria and develop into a regional war? Only Iran fits the bill! The main backer, supplier and trainer of Hamas forces in Gaza and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, Iran would like to lure Israel into a costly regional conflict involving Hamas, Hezbollah and possibly Syria in order to escape the inevitable Israeli air strikes on their nuclear facilities. Should the Lord permit this escalation of hostilities, the world will soon be rocked by the first prophesied Israeli-Muslim war.
Viewing the current hostilities through the prism of prophetic scriptures, the next Middle Eastern war is already on the horizon. This will be the war that will bring down Islam’s madness and pride, setting free millions of souls from its hideous bondage. According to scripture, the nations surrounding Israel will be dramatically defeated and disastrously impacted never to recover following an all out Israeli effort to survive. A regional distress of this magnitude, threatening the majority of the world’s present oil supplies, will create a global trauma of such enormity that will cause an international response along the lines of the Ezekiel 38-39 Russian-led coalition invasion of Israel.
According to God’s word, however, this global campaign to annihilate Israel will end dramatically with overwhelming divine judgments devastating the invading armies as the Lord magnifies His name in all the earth while pouring out His Spirit upon the embattled Jewish nation. Israel will be awakened, yet through much suffering. The end will then be near as the Jewish people struggle to comprehend and enter into their calling while undergoing great trials; the world will continue to slip into gross darkness under global deception; and the final war of Zechariah 12 will lay the ground for the return of our Lord Yeshua in person to establish His Kingdom on earth. Are you ready for the possibility that the world as we know it to be is likely to drastically change in our lifetime? Are your priorities, decisions and treasures invested in the right kingdom?
NATURAL & SPIRITUAL THIRST
Water shortage in Israel is at its most severe level in recorded history, and the Lake of Galilee, Israel’s national water reservoir, is at an all time low level at 214.06 meters below sea level. The lake’s water level has been dropping by an average of one meter per year since 2004, and the water level is so low today that the Jordan River is actually disconnected from the lake itself, and baptism at the traditional site is possible only by artificial pumping.
Not only has rainfall been insufficient in recent years, resulting in this all time low level of the Lake of Galilee, but the coastal aquifer as well as many of the main wells have been at maximum levels of pumping for too long and are at risk of contamination by sea water. Apart from grace from heaven, the only solution to Israel’s increasing water crisis are the desalination efforts that, to date, supply only a small portion of the national water demand.
We have seen the Lord’s hand move with power and speed in past years when the intercessors took a solid faith-filled stand for rain in Israel. Will you stand with us again, praying according to His word of promise, saying “but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:11-12.
THE HARVEST OF MUSLIMS
As we move forward into the end-time judgments of the Lord, the intercessors must learn to think and pray according to the mind of the Lord and not according to our natural instincts and logic. Consequently, the ultimate issue in these progressive Middle Eastern wars will not only be Israel’s survival as the scripture confirms many times, but how these wars will impact the millions of souls trapped by the demonic principality of Islam.
Historically, the “god” of Islam has maintained its control through military dominance, intimidation and violence, having killed more than 100,000,000 “infidels” so far. This is the reason why the very existence of a sovereign Jewish nation in the heart of the Arab world is a disgrace and an affront to the Muslim faith. Defeated by the judgments of the God of Israel in the coming wars, Islam’s insane and self-destructive tyranny will diminish, setting hundreds of millions free to consider the Gospel of our Lord.
2009 has the potential to unfold from bad to worse (naturally speaking) unless the Lord’s mercies will hold back the inevitable judgments. Much is depending upon the
intercession of the saints.
· Pray for the believers who are engaged in combat these days.
· Pray for the Gospel message to be heard with faith among the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world.
· Pray for the millions of souls who are under Islam’s bondage.
· Pray for America whose economy and standing in the world are greatly shaken, and who is more vulnerable to terror attacks now than before.
· And pray for your soul and your household as we all must set our eyes upon eternal things, preparing our hearts for the Lord of the whole earth who is drawing nearer with each passing day.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
At the very end of this age, after God’s terrible judgments have cleansed the earth from her filth, John wrote, “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude and as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.’ And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Rev 19:6-8.
The Bride of Christ emerges among those coming triumphantly from God’s judgments. She is clothed in white garments in preparation for her Heavenly Bridegroom; garments which are made of righteous acts. What are these garments? Righteous acts are those acts we do, or don’t do, because of our faith.
As Hebrews 11 shows, these righteous acts include offering excellent sacrifices (vs. 4), building an ark on dry ground (vs. 7), relocation & dwelling in temporary housing for years (vs. 8-9), conceiving a baby in old age (vs. 11), dying well (vs. 13), blessing others (vs. 20-21), giving vision and instruction (vs. 22), disobeying unrighteous authority (vs. 23), choosing humility and suffering (vs. 24-25), keeping God’s commands (vs. 28), passing safely through catastrophic calamities (vs. 29), identifying with and aiding Israel (vs. 31), performing great exploits (vs. 33-35), enduring torture, injustice and abuse (vs. 35-38) and obtaining a good testimony (vs. 39). According to scripture, all these are acts of faith that form the Bridal garments. Where is your faith today?
ACTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
In the coming days, as the shaking increases all around us and touches all things, the only “currency” that will remain stable and even increase in value will be the “righteous acts of the saints.” More than a perfect theology, an impressive office or flawless testimony, the real end-time assets will be your actions, your faith-filled deeds, the work of your life as you touch, serve, display and extend the love of Christ to others. Many times in the scriptures the Lord assures and exhorts us that we will be evaluated and rewarded by the quality of our deeds; the rudiment virtues budding out of our very lives, reminding us that “faith without works is dead!” James 2:20.
Neither theological apologetics nor academic knowledge or external appearance will do us any good on judgment day. As it is written, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” I-Cor 3:11-15.
REMEMBER ISRAEL
As a practical expression of your faith, while watching and praying with God over Israel’s struggles, will you consider supporting Messianic Believers in Israel through our ISRAEL FUND? With your support, we targets those persecuted for the Faith, people of excellence, and those with hearts to do great things with God as He establishes His testimony in Israel during these turbulent times.
We also want to thank you for standing with us in this ministry through your prayers and giving. ONE NEW MAN CALL ministry is supported by friends of the Ephesians 2:14-15 vision, calling Jew and Gentile to dwell as one in God’s Olive Tree. To learn more, to support this work, or to provide direct financial support to Messianic Believers in Israel, contact us at the address below. Thank you.
In His grace,
REUVEN AND MARY LOU DORON
(C) 2009 One New Man Call
One New Man Call
P O Box 164
Hayfield, MN 55940 USA
Ministry Contact: OneNewManMail@aol.com
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Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, taken from the New King James Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
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Saturday, January 10, 2009
A sermon as revelent today as when it was preached several years ago. Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the prophets of old, they preached of things to come for years before the events happened.
God does not operate in an American fast food/drive thru manner! He is patient and waits until the last possible moment; hoping that many will come to repentance on their own. Not because of judgment.
His City
His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.
(Psalm 87:1,2)
(Psalm 87:1,2)
No matter how things look today in Israel, we must never forget that The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: He sits between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The LORD is great in Zion; and He is high above all of the people. Let them praise Thy great and terrible Name; for it is holy. (Psalm 99)
We are not children of darkness; our eyes are not blinded. 1 Thessaloninans 5 says that ye are not in darkness but in light, children of the day. When they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them as a woman in travail with child. They shall not escape. We must not slumber and go into a spiritual sleep as do others; but we must watch and be sober. Putting on the breast plate of faith and love and adorn ourselves with the helmet of salvation.
For soon, so very soon, the LORD Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire to take vengeance on those who do not know God. He will be glorified in His saints.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness.
Prepare the way of the LORD. He will make the crooked places straight and the high places low.
There is none likened unto our God.
We are truly living in a spiritual wilderness. There may be lights, television, dvd's, shopping malls and much, much more. But if our society's soul was revealed as in a picture, the ground would be barren and the way to the truth that is in God impossible in our present state.
As Believers living on this troubled planet called earth, we can rest assured that the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are His everlasting arms.
TO PRAY LIKE THIS MAN
Our strength comes from our quality of communion with God.
There is no other way. How many prayer warriors are left among
us? I fear far too few. Brother Ravenhill said in one sermon
that he did not truly know a man until he prayed with him.
Our prayer life determines our spiritual strength and weight with God.
God help me to return to the old paths of prayer and intercession.
Friday, January 9, 2009
How Big Is Your God?
Isaiah 40:12-31 -
Who has measured the waters in the hallow of His hand, and who has measured the heavens and comprehended the dust of the earth, and weighed the mountains in a scale and the hills in a balance? Who directs the Spirit of the LORD or who as a counsellor has taught Him?
Who gave Him counsel or advice and who instructed Him and taught Him the path of judgment or taught Him knowledge and showed Him the way of understanding? The nations of the earth are like a drop of water in a bucket. They are counted as small dust on a scale. The islands are a very little thing to Him. Lebanon is not sufficient to burn nor are the beasts in Lebanon sufficient for one burnt offering.
All nations before Him are as nothing; before Him they are less than nothing and vanity. To whom will you liken God? What can you compare to Him? Workmen gather to mold graven images, goldsmiths overlay the image with gold and silversmiths make chains of silver. Those that are poor and have no offering find a tree that will not rot and they prepare a graven image that will not be moved.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? Have you not been told from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is God who sits upon the circle of the earth. The inhabitants are as grasshoppers. He stretched out the heavens like a curtain and spread them out like a tent to dwell in. He brings princes and rulers to nothing. He makes the judges of the earth as vanity. They will not be planted, they will not be sown, their stock will not take root in the earth. He will blow upon them and they will wither. the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
To whom then will you liken Me? Who is My equal, asks the Holy One?
Lift up your eyes on high, behold, who has created these things? He brings out the stars by number, He calls them all by names by the greatness of His power; not one failed. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak O Israel, that your ways are hidden from God, and my judgment is passed over by your God?
Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not faint nor grow weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.
But those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall not faint.
THOUGHTS~
If this description the Holy Spirit gave Isaiah of the might of our God is taken in context with the prayers and desires of Christ while He walked this earth and prayed to the Father, it is a mind numbing thought. In John 17 Christ prays that the Father gives each of us another Comforter when He leaves. He asks the Father that the Comforter be with us always.
He also says that the world we live in does not see, nor know of this Comforter given to us; even though He dwells in us and is with us always. Christ did not leave us without comfort. Thus we know that Christ is in the Father, and that we are in Him and they are with us always. This Comforter teaches, instructs, corrects and encourages us.
Christ's desire is that we may be one, as He is in the Father and as the Father is in Him, so that we may be one with God. We are not of this world; we reside here for a short season. He has made available to us the complete indwelling of the Holy Spirit while we are here. Like a man and woman become one in marriage-we must become one with Him.
Christ said in John 17 that for our sake He sanctified Himself; set Himself apart from the world, and for His sake we must do the same. He prayed to the Father that we be made perfect in Him. This is the way the world will have to acknowledge that He did come, that He is God, that God loves us because He reveals His life through us. We are His vessels on planet earth. The Father has the same love for us that He had for Christ!
This same God, who measured the waters in His mighty hand, who created the stars and named each one; the same God that stretched out the heavens like a blanket and weighed the dirt and dust of the earth, desires to reside in us!
Just as He measured the heavens, He measures how much of ourselves we surrender to Him. Is it a quarter of ourselves, a half, or total surrender? With the measure we surrender, that is the measure He will inhabit. His desire is all.
As Christ is in the Father, and the Father in Christ, entirely, may we be totally surrendered to Him.
Who has measured the waters in the hallow of His hand, and who has measured the heavens and comprehended the dust of the earth, and weighed the mountains in a scale and the hills in a balance? Who directs the Spirit of the LORD or who as a counsellor has taught Him?
Who gave Him counsel or advice and who instructed Him and taught Him the path of judgment or taught Him knowledge and showed Him the way of understanding? The nations of the earth are like a drop of water in a bucket. They are counted as small dust on a scale. The islands are a very little thing to Him. Lebanon is not sufficient to burn nor are the beasts in Lebanon sufficient for one burnt offering.
All nations before Him are as nothing; before Him they are less than nothing and vanity. To whom will you liken God? What can you compare to Him? Workmen gather to mold graven images, goldsmiths overlay the image with gold and silversmiths make chains of silver. Those that are poor and have no offering find a tree that will not rot and they prepare a graven image that will not be moved.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? Have you not been told from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is God who sits upon the circle of the earth. The inhabitants are as grasshoppers. He stretched out the heavens like a curtain and spread them out like a tent to dwell in. He brings princes and rulers to nothing. He makes the judges of the earth as vanity. They will not be planted, they will not be sown, their stock will not take root in the earth. He will blow upon them and they will wither. the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
To whom then will you liken Me? Who is My equal, asks the Holy One?
Lift up your eyes on high, behold, who has created these things? He brings out the stars by number, He calls them all by names by the greatness of His power; not one failed. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak O Israel, that your ways are hidden from God, and my judgment is passed over by your God?
Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not faint nor grow weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.
But those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall not faint.
THOUGHTS~
If this description the Holy Spirit gave Isaiah of the might of our God is taken in context with the prayers and desires of Christ while He walked this earth and prayed to the Father, it is a mind numbing thought. In John 17 Christ prays that the Father gives each of us another Comforter when He leaves. He asks the Father that the Comforter be with us always.
He also says that the world we live in does not see, nor know of this Comforter given to us; even though He dwells in us and is with us always. Christ did not leave us without comfort. Thus we know that Christ is in the Father, and that we are in Him and they are with us always. This Comforter teaches, instructs, corrects and encourages us.
Christ's desire is that we may be one, as He is in the Father and as the Father is in Him, so that we may be one with God. We are not of this world; we reside here for a short season. He has made available to us the complete indwelling of the Holy Spirit while we are here. Like a man and woman become one in marriage-we must become one with Him.
Christ said in John 17 that for our sake He sanctified Himself; set Himself apart from the world, and for His sake we must do the same. He prayed to the Father that we be made perfect in Him. This is the way the world will have to acknowledge that He did come, that He is God, that God loves us because He reveals His life through us. We are His vessels on planet earth. The Father has the same love for us that He had for Christ!
This same God, who measured the waters in His mighty hand, who created the stars and named each one; the same God that stretched out the heavens like a blanket and weighed the dirt and dust of the earth, desires to reside in us!
Just as He measured the heavens, He measures how much of ourselves we surrender to Him. Is it a quarter of ourselves, a half, or total surrender? With the measure we surrender, that is the measure He will inhabit. His desire is all.
As Christ is in the Father, and the Father in Christ, entirely, may we be totally surrendered to Him.
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