Our Faith

JOSHUA COMMANDING SUN TO STAND STILL

Pastor Carter Conlon said in a sermon last Sunday from Time Square Church that " FAITH IS NOT FAITH, UNTIL FAITH IS ALL YOU HAVE..."

Several times each day I claim something in my life after I have made my request known to God. God is not on my time schedule; He hears each and every prayer and will answer them as He sees fit.

If what I have requested will bring glory to His Name, the answer to the request is assured. If there are areas of my walk with Him that need improvement or adjustment (which is usually the case), the request may be delayed for a season. Abraham walked with God for many years before he received the promised son that would continue his legacy of being chosen of and a friend of God. Isaac thorough great hardship and difficulty realized that Jacob was the continuation of the promise; Jacob, not Esau.

Jacob suffered much heartache, and heartbreak concerning the promise that was continued through his son Joseph. Heart break to the point that he thought for years that Jacob had been slain by a lion or wild beast.

All the while, God was at work! Jacob sold into slavery, accused by Pharaoh's wife of abuse, thrown into prison, forgotten by his fellow prisoners, and finally deliverance. What must have been going through the mind's of these men who had received the promises from God and things seemed to be going in the opposite direction in their lives!

Should it be any different with us? I wonder what the enemy of mankind, Satan and his forces of darkness and deception were whispering into the ears of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph? The situation is the same for us. Satan walks to and fro throughout the earth seeking whom he may devour. But, thank God, if we resist him in the faith, God says he has to flee. Our faith is the victory.

As was Joshua, we are in a battle. Our successes for God's Kingdom great importance to our development, our influence, effectiveness and our faith. God listened to a man, Joshua, and He froze the movement of the sun! To each is given a measure of faith and we can pray for more! Often, the way of a true walk with God seems to be like putting thread into a needle. It requires constant attention and concentration.

God will cause anything that will bring us harm to stand still as the sun did for Joshua; evil and Satan can go so far and no farther. Often times, what the enemy meant for harm will cause us to only draw closer to our Father and great growth and maturity is the result of what was meant for evil.

Every evening, before retiring for the day, no matter what that day brought, we can rest assured and take great confidence that we are a day's march nearer our heavenly home!

Daniel's Spirit

Anyone who has attended Sunday School or Bible studies, even as a child, has heard the incident when King Belshazzar of Babylon had a great party in his palace, using the cups and bowls from the Temple in Jerusalem. This heathen king of Babylon was the son of the renowned King Nebuchadnezzar. The Prophet Daniel lived during both of these heathen rulers.


What I found of great interest was the description given of Daniel when he was called to interpret the mysterious hand writing on the plaster wall of the palace. During the reveilry a hand appeared and writing suddenly appeared on the wall; out of no where. King Belshazzar was greatly afraid and it says his legs started to buckle under him. His wife tried to calm the king when none of the Babylonian wise men or soothsayers could interpret the script on the wall.


She said in Daniel 5 that " There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him..."


She said this Daniel contained an excellent spirit, knowledge and understanding, interpreting of dreams and showing of hard sentences" and what I found very interesting in her statement is that Daniel could also "dissolve doubts..." (Daniel 5:12).


How we need this Spirit today! From personal experience, I can receive what I know is a promise from God and immediately the enemy or my own mind starts to allow doubt to start floating in. Daniel's ability to remove all doubt in regard to what God says to us in prayer or in His written promises is what I need!


In a display of God's setting the scene for Daniel and the handwriting on the wall, the script was in a language that even the wise men of Babylon did not understand. God could have written His virdict on Belshazzar's kingdom in a language all at the party could have understood. But He wrote the phrase " MENE, MENE,TEKELM, UPHARSIN" that only the Spirit of God in Daniel could interpret.


God's children will not be forgotten. He will see to it that His children are eventually acknowledged by the rulers of the kingdoms of this world. The same Spirit that rested upon Daniel is available to all; if we would just yield, honor and obey Him. The excellent Spirit, the Spirit of knowledge and understanding of interpreting of dreams and hard sentences, and to dispell doubts is here even now for us!


This same Spirit that raised up Christ from the dead dwells in our mortal bodies! He will operate in us to the level that we surrender to Him.

Getting Ready-David Wilkerson

This sermon puts things into perspective regarding our daily lives. It is so easy for the enemy, during times of prosperity and peace, to lull us asleep. Being asleep in comfort affects our prayer life, our devotion, and our spiritual effectiveness.

I am beginning to realize that the enemy of our souls will also send prosperity to us! He does this to lull us into being passive in spiritual matters.

In this regard, I think of Jesus during His temptation when Satan offered Him the kingdoms of this world; so this must be within Satan's ability to do so. Oh for the day when the Kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our Father in its entirity.

Once that great event occurs, I try to remember that what I do RIGHT NOW can never be reveresed; my actions, prayers, intercessions on behalf of others will be set in eternal concrete; never to be changed.

The Apostle Paul's faithfulness during great sufferings while here on earth in bodily form is recorded for eternity. The fact that John the Revelator laid his head on the breast of Christ and was greatly beloved is also recorded in the annuals of eternity; never to be reversed.

Likewise, our actions, our faithfulness, our prayers are being recorded. God says that every time His name is mentioned He records it!

May our prayers, requests and intercessions be acceptable to Him! By the power of His Spirit in us assisting us in our intercessions, we will succeed!

Keep praying, keep interceeding, forget the temporal things of this earth; it is all a shadow passing away, like smoke that disolves. Only what is done for Him will last!

This sermon by Brother Wilkerson puts in in perspective in a way that only he can! He pulls no punches, he does not try to buy favor or acceptance, he is a spokesman for the Father in these last of the last days.

OUR FATHER!

Staring across interstellar space, the Cat's Eye Nebula lies three thousand light-years from Earth. One of the most famous planetary nebulae, NGC 6543 is over half a light-year across and represents a final, brief yet glorious phase in the life of a sun-like star
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The heavens declare the glory of God!

Our Father, who is in heaven,

has prepared a place for each of us.

Great and marvelous are His works,

just and true are His ways.

Who shall not praise Him and give Him glory?

Our Father, who created this beautiful scene, 3000 light years from earth,

hears each and every prayer, every praise, and every time we mention His name.

Do not ever let the enemy of our soul tell us that He is too occupied to hear our requests or enjoy our praise to Him.

He can hear the prayers of 7 billion people, all at the same time, and answer each prayer and request individually. He hears every utterance; whether by the sound of our voice or the thoughts of our spirit.

With a Father like this; what more could we ask!!

PSALM FOR MY BIRTHDAY!

PSALM 91 (personalized)

" He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High (El Elyon),
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty..."


Where is this secret place? It does not say he who "visits on occasion" this secret place; but he who DWELLS THERE. I relate this secret place to the Holy of Holies during the Temple period. The High Priest only entered this secret place once a year. When Christ was giving up His last human breath while on the cross, He cried out, "It Is Finished!"


The Bible says the veil separating the Holy of Holies was rent, torn, from top to bottom; from heaven to earth. The Father gave us access into that Holy Place, that Secret Place because of what Christ did on our behalf on the cross.


As we dwell in this secret place, dwell, not just visit, we are told we shall abide, live, under the shadow of the Almighty. In that context, we can say of the LORD that He is our Refuge and Fortress, our God in whom we trust.



As we dwell, live in this place, the following is a result:

* We are delivered from the snare, trap of the fowler and the noisome pestilence.
Traps will be set; we would not need deliverance if they were not. As long as we are here we have great opposition.

* He covers us with His feathers and we rest under His wings
Why would we need covering unless there was danger? There is great danger we will always face, but HE IS OUR HIDING PLACE.

* His truth (His word is truth) will be our shield and buckler. His word is what sustains and protects us.


* We will not be afraid of terror by night or the arrow that flies by day.


* Nor, of the pestilence that walks in darkness or the destruction that wastes at noonday. (we need to hold this thought and concept very close as the days of judgment approach; we will be living on these verses)


* A thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand; but it shall NOT come near us.


* With our eyes we will see the reward of the wicked.


* Because we have made the LORD, who is our Refuge, even the Most High our habitation (not just visiting occasionally, on Sunday perhaps, but He is our habitation, we live with Him continually)


* No evil shall befall us, neither shall any plague come near our dwelling.


* Because, He will give His angels charge over us, to keep us in all of our ways.
(our ways please Him because we dwell with Him...)



* His angels bear us up in their hands lest we dash my foot against a stone and can no longer operate.


* We will tread upon the lion and the serpent, the young lion and the dragon shall we trample under feet (demonic forces and anything that stands against God, resist them in the name of Jesus and they have to flee; this is a promise.)


* How can these be possible! Because He has set His love upon us and we have set our love upon Him. He will deliver us and set us up on high (in heavenly, spiritual places with Christ Jesus)


* Because I HAVE KNOWN HIS NAME. His name is His character, His ways, His eternal characteristics; He does not change.


* We call upon Him and HE WILL answer!


* He WILL be with us in trouble and deliver and honor us.
There will always be trouble, but He delivers!

* With long life will He satisfy us and show us His salvation.


If we dwell, not just visit, these promises are given. I can be in the secret place while working. I can dwell in the secret place while sleeping. I can dwell in the secret place while driving.


He is with us ALWAYS. Even to the end of the world.


Precious promises. What a wondrous Birthday Present!!

WE MUST SING

Matthew Henry ( 1662-1714) the non-conformist writer of Matthew Henry Bible Commentary, spoke volume's that are relevant today to what we are facing as Believers, living in an unbelieving world facing sure judgment. He writes-


" When the mirth of carnal worldling's ceases the joy of the Saints is as lively as ever;
when the merry hearted do sigh because the vine languishes the upright hearted do sing because the covenant of grace, the fountain of their comforts and the fountain of their hopes never fails."


" Those that rejoice in the LORD can rejoice in tribulation, and by faith may be in triumphs when all about them are in tears. They shall sing to the glory and praise of God, shall sing not only for the mercy but for the majesty of the LORD."


"Their songs are awful and serious, and in their spiritual joys they have a revered regard to the greatness of God, and keep a humble distance when they attend Him with their praises. The majesty of the LORD, which is the matter of terror to the wicked people, furnishes the saints with songs of praise."


" They shall sing for the magnificence, or transcendent excellency of the LORD, shown both in His judgments and in His mercies; for we must sing, and sing unto Him, of both...."


In that context, I think of Habakkuk 3:17-19, and the day in which we now find ourselves :


" Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: -


" Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places."



We must learn a new song that for the most part we have not had to sing -


Isaiah 24:14,15
They (we) shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous..."



What a strange concept! Or is this something new demanded of us? Psalm 101:1
says, " I will sing of mercy and judgment; unto Thee, O LORD, will I sing."


Our mindset must be, as Matthew Henry said, " When, though He slay us, yet we trust in Him - when, though for His sake we are killed all the day long, yet none of these things move us - then we glorify God in fires. Thus the martyrs that sang at the stake."


Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God.

HERE IN YOUR PRESENCE

Karen Davis 2006

In the secret place of the most high God

In the shelter of the Almighty

I will say of the LORD,

He is my refuge, my God in whom I trust.

Here in Your presence LORD

beneath your wings with unveiled face

I will see Your glory, I will wait for You LORD.

Here in Your presence LORD

In the shadow of Your wings

I will seek You LORD with unveiled face

I will wait for You alone.

In the secret place of the Most High God

In the shelter of the Almighty

I will say of the LORD,

He is my refuge, my God in whom I trust.

Show me Your face, Your power and Your mercy

Show me Your way and lead me LORD

Show me LORD Your face

Your power and Your glory

Search me LORD and know my heart

and lead my in Your way.

God Is Not That Serious, IS HE?

ISAIAH 24:1-12

" Behold, (pay attention!) the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest;

as with the servant, so with his master,

as with the maid, so with her mistress;

as with the buyer, so with the seller;

as with the lender, so with the borrower;

as with the taker of interest,

so with the giver of interest to him.

The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled;

for the LORD hath spoken this word.

The earth mourneth and fadeth away,

the world languisheth and fadeth away,

the haughty people of the earth do languish.

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof;

because they have transgressed the laws,

changed the ordinance,

broken the everlasting covenant.

Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth,

and they that dwell therein are desolate:

therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned,

and few men left.

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth,

and all the merryhearted do sigh.

The music of tabrets ceaseth,

the noise of them that rejoice endeth,

the joy of the heap ceaseth.

They shall not drink wine with a song;

strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.

The city of confusion is broken down;

every house is shut up that no man may come in.

There is a crying for wine in the streets;

all joy is darkened,

the mirth of the land is gone.

In the city is left desolation,

and the gate is smitten with destruction."

YES, HE IS THAT SERIOUS!

EXCELLENT ARTICLE-ISRAEL-Reuven Doron

SPOILS OF WAR

EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY BATTLES

While the intimidated and compliant West continues to “negotiate” with radical Islam behind veils of denial, compromise and deception, Israel has no alternative but to confront it on the field of battle. What most observers miss, however, is that every time Israel fights in her own defense and prevails, the power of Islam weakens over the Middle East. Since Islam is primarily a martial, militant spirit and its religion one of expansion through the Jihad, the holy war, the more this darkness is defeated in battle, the more it is dispersed, and the more souls are freed from its oppression and bondage!


Consider the following numbers: Before the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, there were but a few thousands of born-again Christians in that land. With over 70,000 born again Believers today (some live abroad), the Iraqi church is experiencing a remarkable growth. Even more so, a full-blown revival is reported among the Kurds in northern Iraq where freedom of religion is greater yet.


In Egypt, there is a documented outpouring of the Holy Spirit among Coptic Christians who trace their faith back to the Apostle Mark. Large worship gatherings take place in the caves above the “City of the Dead” outside of Cairo where the Spirit of God is moving among the “Garbage People,” an approximate one million Egyptians who live and work among the garbage dumps of Cairo. While ministering among them, Mary Lou heard the Spirit of God say, “These are my queens and kings.”


In Iran, there is a growing underground movement of house churches with reported millions of Muslims watching Christian satellite TV. Many are having dreams and visions of Jesus. Meanwhile, in Israel, the Body of Messianic Believers is growing and flourishing all across the country even during days of distress while enduring intense persecution from the religious orthodox and Islamic camps.


Both Syria and Jordan have experienced significant Christian growth in recent years. Conservative numbers report nearly 100,000 underground Believers in Saudi Arabia who are in constant danger, while in Lebanon there are reportedly 10,000 born again Believers, with over 1,000 having been added to their numbers during the 2006 Israel/Hezbollah war.


No doubt, as the armies clash on earth and the cause of the God of Israel is upheld on the battle fields, armies are on the move in the heavens as well, and the proclamation of the eternal gospel is setting captives free. Now that you know the truth, when you pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray also for our Arab brothers and sisters that their faith be established, their strength renewed, and their numbers multiplied many times over for the glory of our God.


ISRAEL IN TRANSFORMATION


While the media continues to conjure up sensational coverage of the seemingly endless Middle Eastern mayhem and destruction, Israel is experiencing an awakening of sorts in spite of, and probably because of, the intensifying pressures. Following an extended season of defeatism and self doubt, it seems that the nation of Israel is undergoing a sort of a mental renaissance and rediscovery of its identity and purpose. Can this be the early stages of a spiritual awakening? We believe it is.


Israel, it appears, has reached a point of confident assurance not only in her right to exist, but also in her right to defend herself in spite of the relentless avalanche of International disapproval and criticism. The recent Gaza campaign, though very small and contained in military terms (compared to Israel’s “real” past wars), seemed to have stirred up a nationwide movement of prayer and supplication to God for His protection, wisdom, and victory over her enemies.


This awakening is not limited to the orthodox or religious circles only, but is reaching into far wider spheres in Israel. In fact, the combat units who entered Gaza seemed to have experienced a genuine spiritual hunger offering earnest prayers before engaging in battle. Field synagogues erected on the battlefields had no less than 10 services each day. Reports emerging after the recent Gaza Operation indicate that the God of Israel still answers prayer, and the following are but a few examples:


A Hamas map showing the locations of booby-traps, landmines and sniper positions, found its way into Israeli hands. Consequently, the IDF was able to counter and neutralize these installations. A large platoon of Israeli soldiers, not realizing they were resting in a school that was booby-trapped, disarmed the bombs with no casualties after they were miraculously discovered by a soldier relieving himself in the night. Hundreds of tunnels full of live explosives and ammunition hidden in Palestinian homes, under beds and kitchen cabinets, were destroyed by IDF forces with no associated casualties.


One Hamas rocket, heading toward an Israeli apartment building, fell instead into an open sewer pipe and exploded underground. An elderly Israeli woman walked away, barely scratched, from an apartment completely demolished by a Hamas missile. The mayor of a southern Israeli city felt compelled to cancel school one day, sending all the children home. Within hours a Hamas missile slammed into and demolished an empty kindergarten in that city.


JOIN US IN ISRAEL THIS JUNE


We are leading a group of intercessors and worshipers to the land of Israel June 7-15, 2009, and all those interested to learn more can contact us at onenewmanmail@aol.com. This group is shaping up as a very focused and relational team, space is limited, and the time to join is now. We will spend quality days exploring Jerusalem’s ancient past and eternal future, visit the beautiful Galilee, Nazareth and the Golan Heights, travel south through the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the Dead Sea and Masada, and dip our feet in the Mediterranean Sea by Tel-Aviv. As we travel throughout the land, our group will worship with local believers, meet with Messianic leaders, and hear from Israeli scholars in the fields of ► Christian Zionism ► Hebrew treasures of the Bible ► Messianic Judaism ► the Palestinian conflict ► End times prophecy ► and Biblical life & culture.


You may ask, why go through the expense and effort to travel to Israel? Because, in that small land, and among this embattled yet chosen nation, are found both the origin and the consummation of our Christian Faith. In the Land of Israel the ancient prophets spoke; the scriptures were written; and the Messiah accomplished His eternal work. There, His Kingdom will be established upon earth where He will reign with righteousness and peace. Come with us to Israel, experience the Land and the people, and participate in the building of the ONE NEW MAN reality.


WHAT’S ON THE POLITICAL HORIZON?


As negotiations continue to unfold in the present efforts to form Israel’s next government, Netanyahu’s Likud and the Yisrael Beiteinu rightist parties are nearing an agreement which could secure a leading coalition within days. This coalition, including not only the right-wing but also ultra-Orthodox parties, will present a very strong nationalistic / religious coalition, something not everyone in Israel is happy to see.


Frankly, a national unity government which would have included the centrist Kadima and left-wing Labor parties was the hope and preference of many. With unprecedented security challenges and the increasing international criticism of Israel’s defensive actions, many felt that the nation needed a government that will unite the population and command international respect and support, rather than one which will trigger further global rejection and Israel’s sense of isolation. Such a government, it appears, may not be in the making at this time.


What is on the political horizon, instead, is an emerging hawkish government that, in fact, may reflect Israel’s true reality much more accurately: a nation with its back in a corner and ready to take extreme measures to defend itself in an increasingly hostile region and an uncaring onlooking world.


The hard facts are that Israel’s tactical and psychological advantages on the battle field are less and less effective in accomplishing its strategic goals of neutralizing the Arab threats. The unthinkable has already happened when Islamic missiles hit civilian targets both in the Galilee (north) and in the Negev (south), driving hundreds of thousands of Israelis into bomb shelters with no solution in sight.


During the first Gulf War in 1991, when Tel Aviv was targeted with Iraqi Scud missiles, many fled to the relative safety of the Galilee. During the Second Lebanon War in 2006, when the Galilee was hit with thousands of Hezbollah missiles, northern residents fled to Tel Aviv. Where will they find shelter during the next war when the range and accuracy of the enemy’s rockets could easily reach all of Israel’s tiny territory? In the next war, look to God to show His power.


Israel is genuinely hungry, even desperate for peace, yet all of the previous peace efforts have failed; including the 2000 Clinton negotiated initiative which offered the Palestinians a sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital. With the present outgoing dovish government under the leadership of Ehud Olmert (who was an international favorite) having also failed to reach a viable peace during the last three turbulent years, it is no political mystery that a right wing nationalistic government is on the rise.


IT’S DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN


Military options, however, may also be wearing thin with the alarming aftermath of both the 2006 Lebanon/Hezbollah war and the recent Gaza operation. In spite of valiant fighting and tactical victories, the Israeli military could not stop missile buildup in the north (under the watch of U.N. “peace keeping forces”) or missile launching in the south. Furthermore, with Iran’s nuclear program nearing combat readiness, Israel is facing its ultimate nightmare: a jihadist regime which possesses nuclear apocalyptic capabilities and the motivation to put them to use.


While most Israelis support a two-state solution, many are wondering what will happen after the proposed Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). Given the historic and inevitable radicalization of the Palestinian population when left to itself, the expectant outcome is that Judea and Samaria will, like Gaza and southern Lebanon, become terrorist nests. Bordering Israel’s main population centers, the horrifying scenario is that it will not be long before Islamic rockets slam into Tel Aviv and Israel’s soft interior.


If current negotiations between Hamas and Fatah succeed, the results will actually hinder the creation of a Palestinian state. Why? Because rather than Fatah moderating Hamas - Hamas will most probably radicalize Fatah, creating another openly hostile terror entity on Israel’s Western frontier. Given the international criticism of Israel during the most recent Gaza operation, any Israeli attempt to defend itself against West Bank terror will again result in an international outcry. Why bother withdrawing in the first place then? The besieged Israeli population sees a world unwilling to admit that the Arab-Israeli conflict is not a nationalist struggle to create a Palestinian state at all, but rather a jihadist struggle to destroy the Jewish state!


The fact is that, since 1947, Israel’s Arab neighbors and the Palestinian people themselves have consistently rejected the idea of a two-state solution. They have proven their intentions and promises to “drive Israel into the sea” and take sole possession of the land time and again through war and deliberate sabotaging of the peace process through terror and unreasonable demands. Only the West pretends to believe the lie and denies that these are not their true objectives. Israel, however, does not have the luxury of denial.


Sensing the noose tightening around their small nation, more and more Israelis are politically leaning towards the right, resulting in a nationalistic hawkish leadership rising into power. This, in itself, does not mean that war is on the horizon. Instead, as history has proven both in Israel and the US, when a strong leadership emerges - the enemy often shrinks back. Like any abuser who counts on intimidation, compliance and silence, the very presence of strength and the willingness to uphold the standard of truth sends a message to the enemy saying, “don’t mess with me.”


In the past, when Netanyahu held the Premier’s office, terrorism diminished. As the scripture says, “The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all… stand.” Eph. 6:12-13.


The same is true for your life and family. Israel’s natural battles are a true reflection of the spiritual realities all of God’s children face and must conquer. Israel, as well as you, will be brought to the position of “having done all… stand.” Whatever this “all” may mean for each and every one of us, we all must learn to submit to God, resist the devil, and put our trust in the Lord’s might and faithfulness.


“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. “Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” Psalm 60:11-12. As you pray for yourself and your household, remember the Body of Messiah in the Middle East, both Jewish and Arab alike, and ask the Lord to bring in the harvest.


As a practical expression of your faith, while joining the Lord as you watch and pray with Him over Israel, please consider supporting Messianic Believers in Israel through our ISRAEL FUND. Your supports helps 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.


Thank you for standing with us in this ministry. ONE NEW MAN CALL 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 about our June trip to Israel, 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
507-438-9096
OneNewManMail@aol.com
Forward, Reprint & Use Agreement: You are welcome to forward, reprint and use these messages, provided that you cite original source and contact information.
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

An African Believers Perspective

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Yesu Mulungi - African Christian Perspectives




Home Bible Prophecy Global Crisis and Continuity of a Christian Life
Global Crisis and Continuity of a Christian Life

Kato Mivule February 3rd 2009

There was a time when the Jews in Palestine were carried away captive by a foreign power to a land that was not their own. They were deported to Babylon because of the sins they had committed before The Lord. Jeremiah the Prophet had prophesied against their sins and evil and warned them that they would be carried into exile in Babylon for 70 years. The Jews did not heed to Jeremiah but instead persecuted him until the day that Babylonian armies came and raided Jerusalem and took the Jews captive in Babylon.


Jeremiah 29:4-11(4) Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;(5) Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;(6) Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.(7) And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.


(8) For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.(9) For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.(10) For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.(11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Interestingly enough, as if to add ‘salt to the wound’, The Lord commanded the Jews not to ‘Rebel’ against the Babylonians but to have a ‘normal life’ even in captivity...the Jews were to ‘have a life’ even in captivity…it was not the end of the world…


We must remember that the Babylonians had defiled the Temple and carried the vessels of The Lord into captivity also. The Jews did not at any one time appreciate the Babylonians because of what they had done to Jerusalem. However, The Lord commands them of all things to have what I call a “Continuity of Life” even in the midst of adversity. The Lord displayed His Sovereignty at least in two fold here, one to the Jews, by showing them that The Lord was using this situation to discipline His people and cause them to cry out to Him and Seek His Face, and turning away from sin and evil… Secondly, The Lord displayed His Sovereignty to Babylon and its kings… We all know of the stories of Daniel and his three friends and how The Lord displayed His Glory through them. The Lord also ‘made a statement’ to the Babylonians that The Lord was still in control of the destiny of His people…


Therefore, there had to be a ‘Continuity of Life’ even in captivity – The Lord was not yet done with His people…He alone controlled their Future… It is in this context that The Lord tells the Jews through Jeremiah the Prophet that they were to pray for the peace of NOT Jerusalem this time but Babylon… They were to pray that The Lord grant peace in Babylon, if there was peace in Babylon then they too would enjoy the peace. Wow! What an incredible spiritual journey… The Jews were to have children, marry, and live a normal life…’Continuity of Life’ had to take place even in adversity. Today we Christians, especially in the USA and Western World are very sad and unhappy with the political state of events in our nations that contradict the Bible. I must state that it is right to feel sorrowful for the evils that are going on in society today.


However, Jesus Christ was very clear that His Kingdom is not of this World and we know that we are citizens of Heaven and pilgrims through this world. There is not going to be a ‘Christian Utopia’ on this planet until Jesus Christ comes back. There is not going to be a “Christian Nation” or even a “Christian City” free of evil… Therefore we must live faithfully for Jesus Christ in this current state of affairs. The Lord calls us to remain faithful to Him regardless. There has to be a ‘Continuity of Life’ in a Christian sense and yet in the midst of our present “Babylon”. Just like the Jews found themselves in a nation that worshiped foreign gods and sacrificed babies to their gods on altars, a nation that was violent, as the Babylonians demonstrated unrestricted violence is destroying Jerusalem, today we find ourselves living as Christians in a secular world totally opposed to our “Christian Values”…Yet we do not see the Jews try to “overthrow” Babylon and install a “Jewish King”.


We don’t see a Jewish “Coalition” on the rise trying to stop the sacrifice of Babies in Babylon… Instead we see Jews living a life faithfully to The Lord. We see Daniel and his three friends refusing to eat food sacrificed to idols and we see them refuse to worship the gods of Babylon…and it was through this obedience to The Lord that God showed forth His glory to the Gentiles… This is the same calling to which we are called today as Christians, not to overthrow nations and install ‘Christian Kings’ but to live a life fully committed and surrendered to Jesus Christ and obeying His Holy Word…for us to Live Is Christ… When the world demands that we worship their gods, we don’t bow; we instead worship Jesus Christ…


So, rather than simply stomping Abortionists, let Christians begin a campaign to adopt babies across America… It is not a time to give into despair, defeat-ism, fatalism, and hopelessness because of the current economic crisis. Part of the despair among Christians today is because of so-called Watchmen who claim to have “prophetic eyes” and all they see is the “end of the world”… All they write about is fear, fatalism, defeat-ism, and paranoia. This is not to trivialize the current economic situation. It is real, tough, many people are loosing their jobs, and families are going hungry, people are living in fear and not knowing what is coming next.Some ‘clever’ so-called prophetic watchmen are using this current state of affairs to inject their false teachings and inject fear into the people, like telling people to “flee Babylon…” to of course “no where…” since the economic crisis is global and affecting every nation…


However, it is in such times that The Lord commends us to pray for the peace of the nations we dwell, not because they are righteous or because The Lord has winked His eye past the gross sins of that nation, no, but because of His people who still dwell there. Just like the Jews were told to pray for the peace of Babylon, likewise, we can learn from that lesson and pray for the current leadership in the USA as they consider on how to fix the economy. If Babylon is Peaceful then The Lord’s people will be peaceful… There has to be a ‘Continuity of the Christian’ life regardless of if “Liberals” rule in the White House. There has to be a ‘Continuity of the Christian Life” regardless of the economic down turn. There has to be a ‘Continuity of the Christian Life’ even in the midst of the strongest persecution.


Let us stop the fear mongering and paranoia but rather let us seek to see how we can minister to fellow Christians who have lost jobs, cannot afford rent, have their utilities turned off etc… Let us find ways to minister and glorify The Lord even in this economic down turn. This is NOT the end of the World… We must not forget that it was during the time of captivity that The Lord showed His glory through Daniel and his three friends in Babylon… The Lord is not so much interested in simply judging Babylon but disciplining His people and cleansing them from the filth of this world. The question we can ask of The Lord, What are you teaching me Lord through this economic Down turn? It is perhaps that during this time as we minister to the weakest among us that The Lord will show forth His Glory by His Love, Mercy and Grace… Fear Not! This is not the End of the World… There has to be a ‘Continuity of the Christian Life’ until Jesus Christ returns… FEAR NOT!Kato Mivule



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Judgment For Rejection

There are dire consequences for those who reject the way God has chosen to lead His children; the Good Shepherd desires only good for His flock. In Zechariah 11 this is explained in great detail. For those who reject His leading and desires~

" Then said I, I will not feed you;
that that dieth, let it die;
and that that is to be cut off,
let it be cut off"

* ( to be cut off infers that one was once a part of.)


" and let the rest eat every one the flesh of the other."


Modern Christians, including pastors and leaders of His flock quip that this is an Old Testament concept; we live under Grace.


In context with that opinion, consider the words of Christ in Matthew 23:38,39~
" You will no longer see me from now on..."
" May your house remain desolate..."


He removes His presence. What good is the journey without His presence. If He does not guide our house and our lives, we would be no better that the Children of Israel traveling through the Wilderness without the Angel of His Presence. To ensure His Presence requires obedience. Obedience is better than sacrifice.


What of those who submit to the authority of the Good Shepherd? Their way is secure. We can shout for joy from the top of our mountains, let us give glory to the LORD. The LORD (our Shepherd) will go forth like a man of war, He will prevail against His (and our) enemies. (Isaiah 42)



Our part, many times, is to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD. Our victory is through our faith; faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith is not what we can see! In a great battle in the days of King Johoshaphat, singers, of all things, were sent out before the army of Israel! They sang, " Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever!"


When they began to sing and praise the LORD, the LORD set ambushes against the enemies of Israel. The same applies for us-Our victory follows our Praise of the LORD.


In this manner the principalities and powers in our lives and in the heavenly places are moved. (Ephesians 3:10)


I have been dusting off the old hymnals that have been sitting on my bookshelf and memorizing the great hymns of praise, thankfulness and mercy of our Father. When doubts and fears start to invade; in my spirit I "whip up" one of those hymns of the faith, like the singers did in the days of King Johosaphat and the LORD ambushes those doubts and fears and the Angel of His Presence soon appears.


Our victory over our mountains is attained through Praise. Even when I meet great resistance in my spirit, if I force myself to sing in my spirit, change occurs.

JERUSALEM - HIS CITY - OUR HOME

BACKGROUND CHECK

The United States government performs extensive background checks on potential employees that are being considered for intelligence or defense positions. Years ago, there was a nine month period where investigations were performed by numerous agencies for potential new employees.


I have heard that the burial sites of Grandparents, if they were deceased were confirmed to ensure that all information by applicants were correct! Even after employment, every three years additional security checks are made with neighbors, friends, associations and educators of employees.



In that context, I have done an extensive background check in the Word of God regarding Christ, the Messiah!



This same Jesus led Moses and the Children of Israel through the Wilderness. He was the fourth man walking around in the Babylonian furnace with the three Hebrew children in Daniel's day. He is the same Christ that appeared and conversed with Abraham when the precious promises were given him. This is the same Christ that appeared before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, when fire and brimstone fell from the heavens and destroyed those societies for their blatant sins that had reached into the heavens.



This same Jesus came in human form as a baby conceived of the Spirit of the living God. He walked among us. He gave Himself totally for us. He, as it is said, poured out His soul like wax on our behalf. He allowed Himself to be despised and rejected of men; a man of great sorrows, acquainted with grief. This same Man allowed Himself to be beaten, scourged, afflicted, mocked and ridiculed by the religious establishment and government of the day.



There is NO SEPARATION from what we in the West call the Old Testament and the New Testament. There is no new interpretation of this Christ; He is the same yesterday, today and forever!


There are some who are offended by Old Testament passages that give great detail of the Christ and the Father-How can their be two interpretations of the same Person if there was never a gap in their activities? The 400 year silence between Malachi and Matthew is just that, a 400 year period of silence. God did not change. This period did not change who He is, how He operates, His ways of operation and dealing with fallen man.


He is God. He does not change! Christ said He came to do the Father's will; not His will. The difference is that He came in the flesh, as are we, to live a holy and sinless lift to die on our behalf, so that we could, through Him, partake of His Kingdom; in this present life, and in the eternal to come.



God, who says in the Old Testament that He will lead us through the fires, but we will not burn is the same God. He who said that we will pass through the waters but that they will not overtake us is the same God. The God who said that He would break in pieces gates of brass and cut bars of iron asunder is the same. He who created darkness and reveals the hidden treasures that are there to His children as we pass through, with Him by our side is the same. He that has hidden treasures in secret places that we do not yet know has not changed.


He is the God of Israel. He saw us as we were being formed in the womb of our earthly mother. He is the LORD, there is no other!


He forms light, and creates darkness;
He makes peace and creates evil, He the LORD does all of these things! (Isaiah 45)

Read the New and the Old!
I get great comfort in the writings of the Prophets of old. Their prophecies give the foundations of our faith.


How can one separate the two testaments? This is a deception that has fallen upon the last day Believers and by the grace, long suffering and mercies of God which are renewed daily, this will begin to change. Especially as the LORD begins to wrap up the era of mankind on this earth having it his way!


Read the background of our Saviour and our God! My mother used to say when I would read something and there were good points and bad; to "eat the meat and throw away the bones...."


The Old Testament and the New are all meat to be eaten in due season, which is right now!


Take, eat, for this is His background, His revelation, His dealings with His own and with fallen mankind. This same Christ will lead His own through the deep and through the fire. He changes not!

HE LEADETH ME

Joseph H. Gilmore 1832-1918 William B. Bradbury 1816-1868

He leadeth me!

O blessed tho't!

O words with Heav'nly comfort fraught!

Whate're I do,

where'er I be,

Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me!

CHORUS

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful follower I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

By waters still, o'er troubled sea,

Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me!

Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,

Nor ever murmur nor repine,

Content, whatever lot I see,Since 'tis Thy hand

that leadeth me!

And when my task on earth is done,

When, by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,

E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,

Since
God thro' Jordan leadeth me!

CHORUS~

He leadeth me,

He leadeth me,

By His own hand

He leadeth me;

His faithful foll'wer I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

JERUSALEM - SALVATION - PRAISE!

I am amazed when I read the history of the city of Jerusalem, the city God has called His own. Since the sacrifice and salvation offered to each of us through Christ the Messiah, God has also called each of us His own, His dwelling place, through His Spirit.


The story of Jerusalem is glorious, as is our story after salvation. The story of Jerusalem is also desolation and destruction, which is a picture of us in our unsanctified state before salvation.


The enemy of our souls, that serpent of old, the accuser of the brethren will continue to bring to mind our desolate condition of the past; clouding the glorious
condition that is available to each of us now, and a much more glorious eternity that the Father has promised His children. There are quite a few Scriptures here, but each one has ministered to me as I apply it to my past condition while living in rebellion, the promises that are available to me presently, and the future glory that awaits each of us that are His for all of eternity!


Psalm 49:19-22
" For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land f thy destruction, shall even now be to narrow by reason of the inhabitants (so many people the land is not big enough) and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away."


" The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, the place is to strait (small, tight) for me; give place to me that I may dwell. Then thou shalt say in thine heart, who has given me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing (being an exile) to and fro? And who hath brought up these?"


"Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been? (where did they come from!)
Thus saith the Lord God, behold I WILL lift up Mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up My standard (His banner) to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. :


* The blessings of God will overtake the desolation that we have experienced in our past life of sin and rebellion. As the Scripture foretells, the nations, the Gentiles will see the blessing and favor of God and be drawn to Him through us. God has lifted up His hand to unbelievers (Gentiles) and they shall bring what they have held captive of ours in their arms, back to us. I am not speaking of material blessings at all; I speak of what we were once held captive and in exile for, the unbelief, the sin, the despair and desolation is now removed in Christ Jesus and unbelievers will see our freedom, our new spiritual condition, our favor with God and what once held us in our land of captivity no longer exists in our lives.



We are new creatures in Christ Jesus. We are His banner!


Isaiah 60:18,19
" Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy wall Salvation, and thy gates Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy Glory."



This is the future of earthly Jerusalem in the natural and for His children now. In measure we experience this; in the future this will be totally fulfilled for us, and for Jerusalem.



Jeremiah 31:38-40
" Behold, (pay attention!) the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner. And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill of Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath. And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more forever."


The exactness and purpose of God will never be changed or altered. He has a measuring rod for Jerusalem that will be followed and fulfilled and He has a measuring rod for each of us that will likewise be applied. Psalm 115:3 says, "Our God is in the heavens: He has done whatsoever He has pleased!" It is important that we realize that we have an Advocate in the heavens who represents our affairs here on earth and it is of utmost importance that we check in with Him daily.


As we do~
Jeremiah 33:6-16
" Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captivity of Judah (and us) and Israel to return and will build them as at first. And I will cleanse them from all of their iniquity, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against Me. "


" And it shall be TO ME a name of joy, a praise and an honor before all nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them; and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it."


"Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate (do we ever say this about ourselves?) without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant, and without beast, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts; for the LORD is good;; for His mercy endureth forever;"


" and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return-the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of Hosts; again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down."


"In the cities of the mountains, in the cites of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that tellleth them, saith the LORD. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Jacob."


* His all encompassing blessing will actually overtake those who come to Him. Blessings that are both here in peace and satisfaction in His sufficiency in all things pertaining to Godliness, and for all of eternity. There are promises for the future glory of earthly Jerusalem, and they can be applied in a spiritual sense to those that are His now.



The voice of joy in the full revelation of who we are in Him and who He is in us!
The voice of gladness! The voice of the Bridegroom, CHRIST and the voice of the Bride, US!


Behold, that days come, saith the LORD, that He will perform that good thing which He has promised; to gather us unto Himself! Even so, come LORD Jesus.

PURIM INSIGHT 2009 - ASHER INTRATER

Update from Asher IntraterMarch 8, 2009
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Esther, Iran, and the End Times I. Historic Truth


The book of Ester can be read on three levels. The first is historic truth. The events were real; they took place approximately 500 years before the time of Yeshua (Jesus).Esther is the only book in the Bible that the name of God is not mentioned directly. Yet, the sovereignty of God is demonstrated in this book perhaps more than any other.


For instance, the same night that Haman plans to kill Mordechai, King Ahashueros can't sleep, and just happens to read how Mordechai saved his life. Haman just happens to be in the court when the King decides to honor Mordechai. God is in control, even when we don't see Him working and when circumstances seem negative.


Mordechai is the son of Kish, which means he was a descendant of King Saul (Esther 2:5). Haman is an Agagite (Esther 3:1), which means he may have been a descendant of King Agag. Some 500 years before this time, God punished Saul for not having executed Agag. The punishment seemed to be overly harsh. Only when we see Haman's plans for mass murder, do we understand that God was correct in telling Saul to execute Agag. God's judgments seem harsh to us because we don't see all that He sees. God's judgments are righteous, even when we don't understand why.


God's sovereignty also contains incredible grace. While Saul failed with Agag, Mordechai succeeded with Haman. God provided a second chance. If we have faith (and patience), God will work all things for our good, even if it takes a lot longer than we think.


II. Foreshadow of the Gospel
The second level of the book of Esther is a foreshadow of the gospel. Haman is an image of Satan, and Mordechai of Yeshua. The Bible says that the crucifixion was planned before the creation of the world (Revelation 13:8, I Peter 1:20). Therefore all the events of the Law and the Prophets were orchestrated by God in expectation of the crucifixion (Luke 24:26-27, Acts 2:30-31, I Peter 1:10-11).


There is no word in Old Testament for "cross." That is why the apostles sometimes referred to the cross in Hebrew as "ets" (Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29). "Ets" can mean tree, wood, or a wooden structure. In the book of Ester the word "ets" appears in 7 passages as the place of execution (Ester 2:23, 5:14, 6:4, 7:9, 8:7, 9:13, 9:25), translated as "gallows."


Villains were executed by hanging on this wooden structure. The righteous hero is almost hanged there. Then the same wooden structure suddenly switches everything from defeat to victory. Like Isaac on Moriah, like Joseph in the pit, and like Jonah in the fish, Mordechai is almost killed and then miraculously saved. Mordechai is then appointed to the second place in kingdom, with his throne above all other thrones.


III. End Times Prophecy
On the third level the book of Esther foreshadows end-times prophecies. Haman symbolizes the Antichrist, Esther the interceding Church, and Mordechai the Messianic Jewish movement.
The historical events took place in ancient Persia, equivalent to modern Iran. There was an evil man who called for the destruction of the Jews, like Ahmadinejad today. There was a confederation of 127 nations, reminiscent of the United Nations.


The closest word in biblical Hebrew for "antichrist" is "tsorer.". Haman is referred to as "tsorer" 4 times (Ester 3:10, 8:1, 9:10, 9:24). Like Haman, the Antichrist will try to kill Jews (and Christians), and unite the nations to attack Israel (Revelation 13, Ezekiel 38-39, Zechariah 12-14).


The root of anti-Semitism can be found in Esther 3:6, where the satanic figure is so offended at the Messiah figure that he is not satisfied just to kill the Messiah, but wants revenge on all of His relatives as well. Anti-Semitic, anti-Christ, and anti-Christian spirits come from a similar source.


IV. The Interceding Bride
Esther is a beautiful model of today's "Bride of Christ" (Ephesians 5:23-32, Revelation 12). She is enjoying bridal intimacy of worship with the king. She has Jewish roots, but no one knows. Although she tries to avoid it, she gets caught up in the horrible tribulation concerning the Jews. She is challenged prophetically that her own destiny and her privilege of Bridal intimacy is primarily for the purpose of interceding for the salvation of Israel (Ester 4:14, Romans 11:11-15).


Although she is traumatized by this call to risk her life in intercession for the Jewish people, she decides to accept her prophetic destiny. It is through her beauty, grace, prayer, and fasting that disaster is turned into victory and the kingdom delivered to the saints. (Many who know of Bridal intimacy with Christ are being called as end-time Esthers today.)


During this drama, "many of the peoples of the earth became Jews" (Esther 8:17). This signifies two things: 1) a great harvest of souls for the gospel during the tribulation, and 2) many saints reconnecting to the covenants of Israel and the Jewish roots of the faith.


V. Destiny for Iran
The book of Esther also points to a positive prophetic destiny for Iran. While Persia was the source of the conflict and anti-Semitism, it was also the source of the faith that brought victory. I believe there will be a strong underground Church in Iran in the end times, which will grow in numbers, stand in faith, and identify with the remnant of Israel.


The great kings of Persia - Cyrus and Ahashueros - covenanted with the people of Israel 1,000 years before Islam. Persians are not Arabs. Their roots are in biblical faith, not in Islam. Their partnership with Israel goes back more than 2,500 years.



Prayer Bullet: Prime Minister elect Netanyahu would like to see Ehud Barak in the crucial position of Defense Minister. There is much opposition in Barak's party to joining the coalition. Let us pray in faith according to Netanyahu's request and according to God's will.
Please PRAY for our ongoing ministry in Israel of indigenous evangelism, planting Messianic congregations, the discipleship training center, prophetic praise and prayer watches in Hebrew, and financial aid for the needy.Visit us online at: www.revive-israel.org
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WHEN CALAMITY STRIKES

No matter the event, whether great or small, as Believers we have a place of refuge; that refuge is Christ the LORD. We are given precious promises of protection, cover, peace and rest in the midst of calamity. When fear or terror strike, we are instructed to run for cover underneath His mighty outstretched arms.


King David experienced the judgment of God, and His protection, at various times in his life. As a young man David was anointed to be king; then he was hunted down by a mad man, King Saul and his minions, who could not make up their minds whose side they were on. And David, finally as King, when he strayed from the Almighty on occasion, he experienced the wrath and judgment of God.


It is as if he wore two hats at times. When David numbered Israel, a form of pride, he was judged severely; tens of thousands of citizens under his reign were slain by God. When he committed adultery with Bathsheba his child produced from that union died. I can think of no man in the written, historic word that experienced firsthand, in a more extensive way, the ways of God.


Believers living in Western nations live in one of the most violent and sinful times in human history. Truly, as Noah, we have had to endure sin and transgression in ways that our ancestors never imagined. We are as Abraham's nephew Lot, living in the Plains of Sodom and Gomorrah, with grieved heart, surrounded by sin and shame.
Few of us have separated ourselves totally in the way that God desires.


But, as calamity and judgment fall, we can pray that, like Lot and his family, that the Almighty would once again send His angels to rescue us and deliver us from the fires as they start to fall upon our society. Judgment sent from the heavens because the sin of mankind has once again reached up into the heavens; as in the days of Noah.


On what can we stake our claim of deliverance?


I take great comfort in who God is!


Isaiah 43 says, " I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched as a candle wick..."


God creates calamity upon sinful societies and nations. He is behind it all. The mighty angel used in King David's day, called the "Destroyer" heralded from the heavens, not hell! As we enter the final season of God's work on the earth, the end of the time of the Gentiles (nations) and the new working of God, revealing Himself through His natural seed, Israel, we can watch His amazing works from a front row seat. We were each born for such a time as this, or we would not be here!



Continued in Isaiah 43, we are to "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."


This " new thing" spoken of, after we shake off and forget the former things, is performed on behalf of His children on earth. He promised to make a way IN the wilderness, and rivers of life will appear on what seems to be our parched land, in the midst of judgment of sin in the world. He does this to draw us to only Him for life and sufficiency. The foundations of all man made safety systems and beliefs will, and are failing. Run to Him! He is all sufficient!


He promises that the beasts of the field shall honor Him, the dragons and the owls. Even the evil spiritual and human powers that be will see first hand the deliverance of God for His own; in the midst of great turmoil. Because He has declared~


THIS PEOPLE HAVE I FORMED FOR MYSELF!
THEY SHALL SHOW FORTH MY PRAISE!


He did not say they "might" show forth My praise,
or they "could" show forth My praise,
but THEY SHALL SHOW FORTH MY PRAISE!


Where does this strength appear in times of calamity? From spending time in His presence. The Spirit of the Living God is drawing His own into a deeper intimacy with Jesus. He has tried to draw all men unto Himself but most have rejected Him. Those of us who desire only Him will grow in grace, and His peace will rule and reign in our hearts and minds as He reveals Himself all powerful on our behalf.



" Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. SING UNTO THE LORD a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitant thereof. " (ISAIAH 42:10)


As the Children of Israel in the days of old, we are preparing to "go down into the sea", and all that is entailed in that situation. But with great confidence, as we look upon the walls of water on each side of us, and feel the mighty wind that is blowing and that brings our deliverance, we will know that our Father is behind it all. He knows where we are! He knows where we live! As Brother David Wilkerson has said, "God knows your address, your telephone number and the number of hairs on your head!"


Fear Not is His command!


Be NOT dismayed, for HE IS OUR GOD.