Dear Heavenly Father, I pray ________________ will know and believe that:
--You are the one true God,
omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent,
eternal, unchanging, living and personal,
all-wise, all-just, all-good, faithful, trustworthy, patient,
loving, compassionate, merciful--You have designed and created all things
and uphold them by the word of Your power,
--You have designed and created us for a purpose,
that we may humble ourselves to seek that purpose,
to seek You where You may be found,
--Everything we have is from You
and You will hold us accountable for our use of it
--You have designed and created us
in Your own image, with a family resemblance,
--You can be known, You want to be known but
You are holy and we are not,
we fall short of Your perfect standard.
We can reach up to You
but we cannot reach You.
You must reach down to us--
--and You have!
You have provided Your written word
which shows us our need for salvation,
You have provided Your spoken word, Jesus Christ,
the sin-bearer,
who met our need for salvation
by giving Himself for us, the just for the unjust,
that He who knew no sin would be made sin for us,
that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him,
who is the one Mediator between God and man,
the only One through whose name we can and must be saved
You have provided the Holy Spirit, who lives His life through us
and You have provided the church, his body,
for our direction, accountability, support and encouragement.
I pray that
--we will have ears to hear Your truth
--You will remove all deception, delusion, distortion, and distraction from our minds
and remove any veils or scales over our understanding.
--You will speak truth to the lies we believe
--we may know the truth and it will set us free
--the enemy's agenda will not be realized in or through us but
--Your agenda will be realized in our lives.
--________ will be born again, receiving Your son Jesus Christ as their savior,
Yeshua as their Messiah
Convict us of our idols, so we will forsake them, having no other gods before You,
Convict us of our sins, so we will renounce them, confessing whatever we need to confess,
Convict us of our grudges, so we will forgive whoever we need to forgive.
I pray we will commit everything we have to You, our
--lives
--intelligence
--emotions
--looks
--talent
--health
--money
--time
--relationships
--reputations
--opportunities
--past, present, and future
--personal agendas, dreams, ambitions, aspirations, and desires
I pray for Your personal impact on our lives, that we will
--seek Your guidance and wisdom
--recognize and receive it when You give it to us
--come into a deeper relationship with You.
I pray You will infuse our decisions with
--a strong moral dimension
--a commitment to use the mighty power of whatever our field to
--walk uprightly
--be assets to society,
preferring others and respecting their property
--uplift, inspire
--exalt truth and righteousness
--be and provide good role models
--do all things with excellence
I pray those of us who know You will
--abide in You
--read, study, understand, believe, remember, meditate on and obey Your word
reflecting You clearly,
in everything giving thanks to You
--advance Your kingdom, enduring until the end,
--and bring You glory.
Father, thank You for exposing and thwarting all terrorist, false and evil agendas.
Please continue to expose and thwart all terrorist, false and evil agendas.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Daily Warfare Prayer
Heavenly Father, I humble myself in worship before You. To Your holy name be glory, honor and praise forever! You are worthy of my adoration, devotion and thanksgiving. I commit myself to love You with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength--including my energy output and all of my best efforts. I submit myself to You (and to my husband/wife) whom You have given me to love. I yield my money, sex, power, imagination, emotions, appetite and health to You. Here is my body as a living sacrifice, consecrated to You and made holy as a temple of the Holy Spirit. I give myself to You completely and without holding anything back.
By faith I claim the protection of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ around and within me. I give myself to abide and remain in Christ during this day. In union with Christ, I take my stand against all efforts of Satan and his demons to hinder me in this time of prayer and in this day.
Righteous Father, by faith and in obedience to Your command, I put off the old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. I resist all the forces of darkness that stimulate the desires of my sinful nature. By the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I retake any ground given to the devil and release its full control to the Holy Spirit.
I confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. I claim the power of His crucifixion on my behalf as an astoning sacrifice for all my sins and not for mine only but also for the sins of the whole world. I claim the victory of His resurrection and the power of His intercession for us. I submit to His authority as the head of the church and rejoice in His rule and reign in the universe. For this day I appropriate the fullness of the Holy Spirit. I bring all this power to bear against Satan, his forces of evil and his strategies against us.
In obedience to the command in Your word, I commit myself to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Thank You for the full armor of God that You provide. Right now I put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the boots of readiness of the gospel of peace. I hold up the shield of faith that extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I put on the helmet of salvation. I grasp the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Train me to use it with superntural ability. Stimulate me to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Heavenly Father, with the divine power of these weapons that You give in Christ, I tear down Satan's strongholds in my life and in the lives of those I love. I demolish the plans of Satan formed against us today. I smash the strongholds of Satan against my mind, my will, my soul, my spirit, my body, my heart and my emotions. I reject the ideas and phrases that make sin attractive and plausible. By faith I claim the mind of Christ. I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. I release every negative emotion, replacing it with the peace of God that transcends all understanding.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving me and laying down Your life for me. Open my eyes today to the opportunity to love (my husband/wife and) others and to lay down my life for them, using my spiritual gifts in a spirit of humility, joy and service. Help me to take my focus off myself and to fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. Show me what You are doing, Holy Father, and allow me to be used of the Holy Spirit as a part of it. I enter this day with thanksgiving and praise.
I pray all this in the confidence of the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before Your glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
Amen.
(Note: I believe the original prayer was written by Derek Prince. We have edited it down and modified it somewhat. We read it aloud together every morning. It takes about five minutes.)
By faith I claim the protection of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ around and within me. I give myself to abide and remain in Christ during this day. In union with Christ, I take my stand against all efforts of Satan and his demons to hinder me in this time of prayer and in this day.
Righteous Father, by faith and in obedience to Your command, I put off the old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. I resist all the forces of darkness that stimulate the desires of my sinful nature. By the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I retake any ground given to the devil and release its full control to the Holy Spirit.
I confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. I claim the power of His crucifixion on my behalf as an astoning sacrifice for all my sins and not for mine only but also for the sins of the whole world. I claim the victory of His resurrection and the power of His intercession for us. I submit to His authority as the head of the church and rejoice in His rule and reign in the universe. For this day I appropriate the fullness of the Holy Spirit. I bring all this power to bear against Satan, his forces of evil and his strategies against us.
In obedience to the command in Your word, I commit myself to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Thank You for the full armor of God that You provide. Right now I put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the boots of readiness of the gospel of peace. I hold up the shield of faith that extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I put on the helmet of salvation. I grasp the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Train me to use it with superntural ability. Stimulate me to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Heavenly Father, with the divine power of these weapons that You give in Christ, I tear down Satan's strongholds in my life and in the lives of those I love. I demolish the plans of Satan formed against us today. I smash the strongholds of Satan against my mind, my will, my soul, my spirit, my body, my heart and my emotions. I reject the ideas and phrases that make sin attractive and plausible. By faith I claim the mind of Christ. I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. I release every negative emotion, replacing it with the peace of God that transcends all understanding.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving me and laying down Your life for me. Open my eyes today to the opportunity to love (my husband/wife and) others and to lay down my life for them, using my spiritual gifts in a spirit of humility, joy and service. Help me to take my focus off myself and to fix my eyes on Jesus Christ. Show me what You are doing, Holy Father, and allow me to be used of the Holy Spirit as a part of it. I enter this day with thanksgiving and praise.
I pray all this in the confidence of the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before Your glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
Amen.
(Note: I believe the original prayer was written by Derek Prince. We have edited it down and modified it somewhat. We read it aloud together every morning. It takes about five minutes.)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
New film: 1040
Dear friends with a heart for reaching Asians here and abroad with the love of Jesus Christ,
Jerry and I drove to UCLA recently for a screening of 1040, a 70-minute documentary on what God is doing in Asia, specifically S. Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, mainland China, Indonesia and Afghanistan. It was followed by a personal account by charismatic (in both senses) pastor Jaeson Ma of miracles he witnessed while visiting churches. He interviewed Asian leaders (as well as Dick Eastman, Steve Douglas, Loren Cunningham, Cindy Jacobs, M.C. Hammer and others) and filmed church services throughout Asia.
The purpose of this inspirational film is to show that God is working mightily, bringing hundreds of thousands to Himself with accompanying signs and wonders in the far east today, just as He did in the near east through the disciples in the book of Acts. What He is doing there He can do here! Ma shared a brief history of the good news spreading from Jerusalem outward, until the Holy Spirit forbade disciples to take the word to Asia, re-routing them westward. The gospel of God's forgiveness and new life circled the globe, leaving the far east relatively unreached until recently.
But now Asia, having received the gospel from the west, has gone from being a mission field to a mission force. The largest churches in the world, including one of 1,000,000 members, are in South Korea. On film we watched an Easter sunrise service attended by 25-30,000 people. Chinese are coming to Christ at the rate of 3,700-4,000 per day. Asian Christians have committed to taking the gospel, via the Silk Road, through the unreached countries in the 1040 window back to Jerusalem, thus fulfilling the mandate of Acts 1:8 which must precede the return of Christ.
The film is also intended to motivate people to support missions by sending, going, supporting--and/or publicizing and promoting the film. (One businesswoman in Singapore interviewed in the film works to earn money for the gospel; she gave her first $50,000 profit to build six churches in India--and they were the only buildings still standing after a major earthquake.) The Chinese government, concerned about the loss of moral values in the country, has publicly appealed for 100,000 Christian college graduates from the United States to come to China and "spread Christian values!"
As Jaeson, probably about 30 years old, sang songs from his upcoming album “GLORY,” he gave an invitation to the audience of about 200, almost entirely Asian college students, to come forward and dedicate their lives to taking the good news to their own people here in the States and/or back to their countries of origin. With only one or two exceptions, every single person came forward. As for the two previous screenings, the 1040 website says:
-Directors Guild of America World Premiere in Hollywood was sold out. Unprecedented second theatre was opened with standing room only.
-NewSong Irvine was packed out, people sitting on the floor, people not allowed in due to fire hazard. So the overflow room was used – it overflowed into the lobby, where nearly a hundred people were watching on tiny screens. Over 900+ students made commitments to serve in Asia!
The 1040 film is being mass-produced for the public. In the meantime Jaeson and others are setting up screenings on American campuses for a Fall 1040 University Tour between September-October 2010. (I'm sure they would set up screenings at churches also.) You can go to: www.1040movie.com and click on “host a screening” or email 1040movie@adventures.tv to get your university on the tour.
We were thoroughly impressed with the film and with Jaeson Ma's vision, commitment and enthusiasm. Jerry and I are not officially connected with the film but we believe strongly in its message and encourage you to see it when it comes out.
Blessings,
Jerry and Jessica
Jerry and I drove to UCLA recently for a screening of 1040, a 70-minute documentary on what God is doing in Asia, specifically S. Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, mainland China, Indonesia and Afghanistan. It was followed by a personal account by charismatic (in both senses) pastor Jaeson Ma of miracles he witnessed while visiting churches. He interviewed Asian leaders (as well as Dick Eastman, Steve Douglas, Loren Cunningham, Cindy Jacobs, M.C. Hammer and others) and filmed church services throughout Asia.
The purpose of this inspirational film is to show that God is working mightily, bringing hundreds of thousands to Himself with accompanying signs and wonders in the far east today, just as He did in the near east through the disciples in the book of Acts. What He is doing there He can do here! Ma shared a brief history of the good news spreading from Jerusalem outward, until the Holy Spirit forbade disciples to take the word to Asia, re-routing them westward. The gospel of God's forgiveness and new life circled the globe, leaving the far east relatively unreached until recently.
But now Asia, having received the gospel from the west, has gone from being a mission field to a mission force. The largest churches in the world, including one of 1,000,000 members, are in South Korea. On film we watched an Easter sunrise service attended by 25-30,000 people. Chinese are coming to Christ at the rate of 3,700-4,000 per day. Asian Christians have committed to taking the gospel, via the Silk Road, through the unreached countries in the 1040 window back to Jerusalem, thus fulfilling the mandate of Acts 1:8 which must precede the return of Christ.
The film is also intended to motivate people to support missions by sending, going, supporting--and/or publicizing and promoting the film. (One businesswoman in Singapore interviewed in the film works to earn money for the gospel; she gave her first $50,000 profit to build six churches in India--and they were the only buildings still standing after a major earthquake.) The Chinese government, concerned about the loss of moral values in the country, has publicly appealed for 100,000 Christian college graduates from the United States to come to China and "spread Christian values!"
As Jaeson, probably about 30 years old, sang songs from his upcoming album “GLORY,” he gave an invitation to the audience of about 200, almost entirely Asian college students, to come forward and dedicate their lives to taking the good news to their own people here in the States and/or back to their countries of origin. With only one or two exceptions, every single person came forward. As for the two previous screenings, the 1040 website says:
-Directors Guild of America World Premiere in Hollywood was sold out. Unprecedented second theatre was opened with standing room only.
-NewSong Irvine was packed out, people sitting on the floor, people not allowed in due to fire hazard. So the overflow room was used – it overflowed into the lobby, where nearly a hundred people were watching on tiny screens. Over 900+ students made commitments to serve in Asia!
The 1040 film is being mass-produced for the public. In the meantime Jaeson and others are setting up screenings on American campuses for a Fall 1040 University Tour between September-October 2010. (I'm sure they would set up screenings at churches also.) You can go to: www.1040movie.com and click on “host a screening” or email 1040movie@adventures.tv to get your university on the tour.
We were thoroughly impressed with the film and with Jaeson Ma's vision, commitment and enthusiasm. Jerry and I are not officially connected with the film but we believe strongly in its message and encourage you to see it when it comes out.
Blessings,
Jerry and Jessica
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Comin' Off the Mountaintop Blues
HELP YOURSELF to this song I wrote as a finale for Christian retreats and conferences. You should be able to click on the music here: http://www.box.net/shared/sjdblo1e8y. It has piano and synthesized voice but not the lyrics, so I am printing the lyrics out for you below:
THE COMIN' OFF THE MOUNTAINTOP BLUES
I had a mountaintop experience the other day.
It was easy to worship and easy to pray.
God's will was crystal clear, I had life all arranged--
But then I came down from the mountaintop
and nothing had changed.
Same old problems! Same routine!
What did all those fine-sounding commitments mean?
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues,
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues.
Upon the mountain Jesus gave me a sweet song to sing.
I knew with Him I could be victor over anything.
His word came so alive as I sat at His feet--
But then I came down from the mountaintop
to instant defeat.
Same temptation! Same old sin!
Same old conviction that I just can't win.
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues,
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues.
Chorus:
Satan, get lost! In Jesus' name!
I refuse to play your old depression game.
My mind is a kingdom and Jehovah is king--
Bug off, Satan, 'cause you're trespassing!
I had a mountaintop experience the other day.
It was easy to worship and easy to pray.
God's will was crystal clear, I had life all arranged--
And when I came down from the mountaintop--
praise God--nothing had changed!
Same great God and same great love!
Same abundant mercy that He offered above.
I've beat those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues,
I've beat those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues!
written by Jessica Shaver, Oct. 23, 1983
THE COMIN' OFF THE MOUNTAINTOP BLUES
I had a mountaintop experience the other day.
It was easy to worship and easy to pray.
God's will was crystal clear, I had life all arranged--
But then I came down from the mountaintop
and nothing had changed.
Same old problems! Same routine!
What did all those fine-sounding commitments mean?
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues,
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues.
Upon the mountain Jesus gave me a sweet song to sing.
I knew with Him I could be victor over anything.
His word came so alive as I sat at His feet--
But then I came down from the mountaintop
to instant defeat.
Same temptation! Same old sin!
Same old conviction that I just can't win.
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues,
I've got those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues.
Chorus:
Satan, get lost! In Jesus' name!
I refuse to play your old depression game.
My mind is a kingdom and Jehovah is king--
Bug off, Satan, 'cause you're trespassing!
I had a mountaintop experience the other day.
It was easy to worship and easy to pray.
God's will was crystal clear, I had life all arranged--
And when I came down from the mountaintop--
praise God--nothing had changed!
Same great God and same great love!
Same abundant mercy that He offered above.
I've beat those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues,
I've beat those comin'-off-the-mountaintop blues!
written by Jessica Shaver, Oct. 23, 1983
Monday, February 9, 2009
END-TIME ISRAEL - 3 - Satan's agenda for Israel--and us
"For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." (Read context, I Thessalonians chapter 2. Is it possible that the mysterious "one who restrains iniquity" was taken out of the way on November 4, 2008?)
Dear Friends,
As with all things, God has an agenda for Israel. And Satan has an agenda for Israel. God's agenda is to bless Israel and through her, the whole world. Satan's agenda for Israel is its elimination and the total annihilation of the Jews. Hmm, where have we heard this agenda before? How many Jews were slaughtered and how many years of death and disruption of the entire world did it take to stop the carnage after England tried appeasement with Hitler and found it does not work with madmen? Yet a new Third Reich has arisen to threaten the world. Hamas and Hezbollah are publicly committed to the extermination of the Jews:
"The annihilation of the Jews here in Palestine
is one of the most splendid blessings for Palestine.
This will be followed by a greater blessing,
Allah be praised, with the establishment of a
Caliphate that will rule the land and will be pleasing
to men and God." Hamas cleric Muhsen Abu 'Ita,
on Al-Aqsa TV, July 13, 2008 (one sample of many).
Read also Hamas charter.
Does it come as a surprise that these same radical Muslims deny the fact of the Holocaust, even claiming they are victims of a holocaust? Or that they attribute 9/11 to the Jews and to Americans, the targets of the attack? Or that the seemingly random attacks on multiplied airliners, embassies, trade centers, hotels, restaurants and innocent civilians around the world are being perpetrated by inter-related Muslim organizations?
These fantaics for Allah are committed, in fact, to the annihilation of Western civilization.
Did I just hear you snort in derision? Think it's unlikely? far-fetched? ridiculous? Just because most "conspiracy theories" are figments of paranoia doesn't mean conspiracies never happen.
Go to TheThirdJihad.com and watch the video clips. Then order and watch both Obsession (the radical goal of destroying Western civilization) and The Third Jihad (how they are realizing this goal from within our own country).
Satan's agenda is and has always been to kill, steal and destroy. His method is and has always been lies and deception. Our apathy or willful ignorance certainly makes it easier for him.
In our own country, radical Muslims are taking advantage of our rights to freedom of speech and religion to openly advocate the violent overthrow of Western civilization, with all these very laws, freedoms, rights and protections. In England Muslims are rapidly becoming a powerful minority, turning churches into mosques and demanding the right to freedoms they deny people in their own countries. They demand--and England, for one, is allowing them--the right to apply sharia law of Muslim theocracy within the democracies within which they live.
Added on June 23, 2010:
ONLY IN--DEARBORN, MICHIGAN?
I skimmed the following article, thinking the "Arab Festival" it mentioned was somewhere in the Middle East. But--Dearborn, Michigan?
The police chief confirmed that four arrests were made, saying "They did cause a stir." The four, who are part of a Christian group called Acts 17 Apologetics, were released on bail.
According to eyewitnesses, the four were handing out a booklet containing the gospel of John on the festival grounds -- which were primarily tents and booths set up on the public streets of Dearborn. The would-be evangelists were surrounded by green-shirted security personnel hired by the Festival, who taunted the four and gave shouts of "Allahu Akbar" when they were arrested.
Prior to the festival (attended predominantly by Muslim Arab-Americans), a U.S. district judge in Dearborn issued a ban on groups distributing literature on sidewalks and local officials required a five-block distance for anyone wanting to distribute literature. The four were within the festival grounds.
David Wood, one of the four arrested, has said, "There are certain elements of Sharia law being adhered to in Dearborn." The four now have legal representation.
(Emphasis added.) What's the penalty going to be in the near future for handing out the gospel of John on public sidewalks? Amputation of the hand?
Do you want sharia law in this country?
Dear Friends,
As with all things, God has an agenda for Israel. And Satan has an agenda for Israel. God's agenda is to bless Israel and through her, the whole world. Satan's agenda for Israel is its elimination and the total annihilation of the Jews. Hmm, where have we heard this agenda before? How many Jews were slaughtered and how many years of death and disruption of the entire world did it take to stop the carnage after England tried appeasement with Hitler and found it does not work with madmen? Yet a new Third Reich has arisen to threaten the world. Hamas and Hezbollah are publicly committed to the extermination of the Jews:
"The annihilation of the Jews here in Palestine
is one of the most splendid blessings for Palestine.
This will be followed by a greater blessing,
Allah be praised, with the establishment of a
Caliphate that will rule the land and will be pleasing
to men and God." Hamas cleric Muhsen Abu 'Ita,
on Al-Aqsa TV, July 13, 2008 (one sample of many).
Read also Hamas charter.
Does it come as a surprise that these same radical Muslims deny the fact of the Holocaust, even claiming they are victims of a holocaust? Or that they attribute 9/11 to the Jews and to Americans, the targets of the attack? Or that the seemingly random attacks on multiplied airliners, embassies, trade centers, hotels, restaurants and innocent civilians around the world are being perpetrated by inter-related Muslim organizations?
These fantaics for Allah are committed, in fact, to the annihilation of Western civilization.
Did I just hear you snort in derision? Think it's unlikely? far-fetched? ridiculous? Just because most "conspiracy theories" are figments of paranoia doesn't mean conspiracies never happen.
Go to TheThirdJihad.com and watch the video clips. Then order and watch both Obsession (the radical goal of destroying Western civilization) and The Third Jihad (how they are realizing this goal from within our own country).
Satan's agenda is and has always been to kill, steal and destroy. His method is and has always been lies and deception. Our apathy or willful ignorance certainly makes it easier for him.
In our own country, radical Muslims are taking advantage of our rights to freedom of speech and religion to openly advocate the violent overthrow of Western civilization, with all these very laws, freedoms, rights and protections. In England Muslims are rapidly becoming a powerful minority, turning churches into mosques and demanding the right to freedoms they deny people in their own countries. They demand--and England, for one, is allowing them--the right to apply sharia law of Muslim theocracy within the democracies within which they live.
Added on June 23, 2010:
ONLY IN--DEARBORN, MICHIGAN?
I skimmed the following article, thinking the "Arab Festival" it mentioned was somewhere in the Middle East. But--Dearborn, Michigan?
Prayer Alert - Christians Taken Away in Handcuffs, Cameras Confiscated, for sharing the Gospel on U.S. Soil.
The Detroit Free Press reports that four Christian missionaries who were trying to share the Good News of Christ to Muslims were arrested and jailed Friday for disorderly conduct at the Arab Festival in Dearborn.The police chief confirmed that four arrests were made, saying "They did cause a stir." The four, who are part of a Christian group called Acts 17 Apologetics, were released on bail.
According to eyewitnesses, the four were handing out a booklet containing the gospel of John on the festival grounds -- which were primarily tents and booths set up on the public streets of Dearborn. The would-be evangelists were surrounded by green-shirted security personnel hired by the Festival, who taunted the four and gave shouts of "Allahu Akbar" when they were arrested.
Prior to the festival (attended predominantly by Muslim Arab-Americans), a U.S. district judge in Dearborn issued a ban on groups distributing literature on sidewalks and local officials required a five-block distance for anyone wanting to distribute literature. The four were within the festival grounds.
David Wood, one of the four arrested, has said, "There are certain elements of Sharia law being adhered to in Dearborn." The four now have legal representation.
(Emphasis added.) What's the penalty going to be in the near future for handing out the gospel of John on public sidewalks? Amputation of the hand?
Do you want sharia law in this country?
END-TIME ISRAEL - 2 - Messianic perspective
A Brand New Day / Ageless Message
Many of us can relate to periods of our life when we sit and contemplate where we are at in life. Sometimes we sit on the mountain peaks, while other times we are in the valleys. Through the mountains and the valleys, we can see the hand of G-d. We can see His tapestry masterfully woven together and can see how all the pieces have been perfectly connected. During the times in the valleys, we cannot see past the next hill, and we have to trust HaShem to get us through. When we are on the mountain peak, we can see the past and even get a glimpse of the future. It takes so much more faith when you are in those valleys.
As believers in Messiah Yeshua, we understand that reading the Tenach is like looking out over the valley, but not being able to grasp what is ahead. As believers, we sit on the mountaintop called the Brit Chadasha [Newer Covenant] and looking back we see the Tenach in a totally different perspective. We see that there is ONE Messiah who plays two roles: the suffering servant [Isaiah 53] and the Conquering King [Zechariah 14].
The Jewish people only see the latter.
The reality of the Messiah being killed is so clearly stated as you read through Isaiah, Zechariah, and Daniel that the ancient rabbis tried to reconcile it by agreeing that there were two Messiahs: Ben David [the King] and Ben Joseph [one that would be killed in battle]. Due to nearsightedness in the valley, one may come to this conclusion. When you are on the peak, how simple it is to see that Yeshua, the Servant and the King, are all the same!
Many ancient Rabbis interpreted scriptures in the Tenach as being Messianic. Today, modern Judaism has reinvented itself. It has embraced humanistic thinking and even has classical Greek thought tossed in. Temple Aviv Judea began in 1978 as one of the first Messianic congregations since the first century CE. In the past two thousand years we have witnessed a grave distortion of the truth. We have seen the Jews put their faith and emphasis in rabbinical writings written by men, instead of directing their focus on the Tenach, the Word of G-d. We have seen the church cut themselves off from the root [the Jewish faith] and in doing so, alienating the "apple of G-d’s eye", the Jewish people.
G-d is lifting up the Messianics [Jewish and Gentile believers] in the end times, so He can teach the Church, so they can repent; and for the Jewish people to find the true faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so that they all might be saved. Join us at Temple Aviv Judea for this heavenly mission.
As believers in Messiah Yeshua, we understand that reading the Tenach is like looking out over the valley, but not being able to grasp what is ahead. As believers, we sit on the mountaintop called the Brit Chadasha [Newer Covenant] and looking back we see the Tenach in a totally different perspective. We see that there is ONE Messiah who plays two roles: the suffering servant [Isaiah 53] and the Conquering King [Zechariah 14].
The Jewish people only see the latter.
The reality of the Messiah being killed is so clearly stated as you read through Isaiah, Zechariah, and Daniel that the ancient rabbis tried to reconcile it by agreeing that there were two Messiahs: Ben David [the King] and Ben Joseph [one that would be killed in battle]. Due to nearsightedness in the valley, one may come to this conclusion. When you are on the peak, how simple it is to see that Yeshua, the Servant and the King, are all the same!
Many ancient Rabbis interpreted scriptures in the Tenach as being Messianic. Today, modern Judaism has reinvented itself. It has embraced humanistic thinking and even has classical Greek thought tossed in. Temple Aviv Judea began in 1978 as one of the first Messianic congregations since the first century CE. In the past two thousand years we have witnessed a grave distortion of the truth. We have seen the Jews put their faith and emphasis in rabbinical writings written by men, instead of directing their focus on the Tenach, the Word of G-d. We have seen the church cut themselves off from the root [the Jewish faith] and in doing so, alienating the "apple of G-d’s eye", the Jewish people.
G-d is lifting up the Messianics [Jewish and Gentile believers] in the end times, so He can teach the Church, so they can repent; and for the Jewish people to find the true faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so that they all might be saved. Join us at Temple Aviv Judea for this heavenly mission.
Temple Aviv Judea
Our Core Values
Temple Aviv Judea values Prayer, Proclamation and People. These three principles also reflect the ministry of Yeshua.
We value the power of tefillah (prayer). We have the blessed assurance that if we ask, He will hear us (1Yochanan 5:14-15).
Temple Aviv Judea is a synagogue, which is committed to authentic Jewish worship on the Biblical Shabbat (Sabbath). We observe all of the Moedim (Feasts) of the L-rd as set forth in Vayikra (Leviticus) 23.
Temple Aviv Judea is a "Torah-conforming" congregation. We are committed to the Biblical truth of the covenant between YHVH and the children of Israel, as the unconditional, irrevocable, uncompromising, sound, absolute, Biblical truth.
Temple Aviv Judea is committed to the B’sorat HaMashiach (Good News of the Messiah) by effectively and lovingly proclaiming the fullness and Jewishness of Yeshua Ha’Maschiach – to the Jew first, and also to the Nations.
Temple Aviv Judea is committed to maintaining a loving community.
Faithful attendance to Temple Aviv Judea as our primary place of worship is essential to becoming part of our Mishpachah (family).
As a family we care, serve, discover and meet the needs of each other, the body of Messiah, the Jewish community locally and worldwide.
Temple Aviv Judea adheres to the Hebraic Biblical model of leadership, as set forth in the first century (Acts 2).
END-TIME ISRAEL - 1 - Miracles Happening in Israel
To follow breaking news regarding Israel, go to the official site of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces).
Dear Faithful Remnant (about half of those on our mailing list did not want to continue receiving these end-time essays),
Isn't it amazing that Israel is more in the news than ever--just as the Bible predicted it would be in the end times? What human Nostradamus could have foreseen that Israel would become the flashpoint of history thousands of years after the Jews were dispersed throughout the world? Jews are hated more than ever and targeted for annihilation by radical Muslims. The Bible says in the last days every nation will turn against Israel. Even though America is not mentioned in prophecy, this must mean America will also turn against Israel.
Yet God is abundantly blessing Israel. We were there last May for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state. Israel was greener than Ireland, which we had visited the preceding May! We saw with our own eyes and heard how the deserts, as prophesied by Scripture and fulfilled by modern technology, are "blooming like a rose." We heard how the people who were denied asylum in every country in the world during World War 2 are now pouring into their own state by the millions from countries around the world and are being welcomed and assimilated with miraculous ease, finding jobs and homes and adapting to the culture and language.
To know what is to come, we who are steeped in and believe God's Word need only follow what is happening in and to Israel. We must be faithful to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and never abandon the Jews. They are the center of God's eye (the alternative reading, "apple of God's eye," makes no sense to me), the pupil or focus through which He views the whole world.
MIRACLES ARE HAPPENING IN ISRAEL!
By Dena Gewanter, M.D.
Kiriat Yam, Israel
While the media in the West are lambasting Israel for killing women and children, and are saturating their viewers with horrific photos of bloodied corpses, Israel as a nation is undergoing an astonishing spiritual awakening as a result of this conflict. It is a pity that the world is unable to be witness to the miracles that are occurring here daily. Even the most jaded person would be amazed at the transformation of the people in this country.
After many years of feeling the underdog and fearful of the approbation of the outside world, Israel is undergoing an absolute renaissance on a personal and national level. First and foremost, Israel as a nation has finally decided to throw aside the fear of being rejected by the nations and embrace its sovereign right to defend its citizens against terrorist attacks. That is so astonishing for those who know Jews and particularly Israelis. A whopping 92% of Jewish Israelis actually AGREE that the war is necessary and just. The adage of 2 Jews, 3 opinions and 4 political parties has vaporized in the face of the national crisis we are in. Not only is there agreement among the populace, but also the left wing and the right wing of the political spheres agree.
Even more amazing is the concordance among the various religious factions: Ashkenazi, Sephardic, reform and conservative, Zionists and anti-Zionist Jews are all joining together in prayer and supplication to the Almighty for salvation, protection, and victory over our enemies. There are calls to prayer everywhere, regardless of denomination or ethnic background, everyone is united in looking towards the God of Israel to keep our soldiers safe and help us win against an evil enemy who has sworn never to stop until Israel as a nation is destroyed.
The soldiers themselves seem to have a huge spiritual hunger, and are unified in not only asking for prayer but also praying themselves, wearing tzitzit (prayer tassels) into battle and carrying the book of Psalms with them. The Rabbis are calling the tzitzit "heavenly flak jackets"! Tent synagogues on the battlefield have no less than 10 sessions every morning, and it is reported that soldiers who never attended synagogue are now praying with tefillim (prayers). They have reason to cry out to God, since everyone is aware of the years of preparation of the bloodthirsty Hamas militants, their desire to kill, maim or kidnap Israeli soldiers is greater than their desire to live; they have been financed by Iran and supported by Syria and Hezbollah.
Yet, we are defeating them, and there are reports daily of amazing miracles of protection and Divine direction during the battle. The following are just a few examples:
--A Hamas map was found, with booby-traps, landmines and sniper positions clearly spelled out. The IDF was able to counter each installation due to the information given.
--A large platoon of soldiers not realizing they were resting in a school that was booby-trapped, (discovered by a soldier relieving himself in the night), disarmed the bombs with no one hurt.
--A single soldier successfully fought off several Hamas terrorists trying to drag him into a tunnel, and all were captured.
--Hundreds of tunnels were found, hidden in homes under beds and kitchen cabinets, all full of live explosives and ammunition, yet none have exploded with IDF soldiers inside.
While there have been soldiers wounded, there are miracles there as well:
--A young man who moved here alone from England less than 2 years ago to serve in the army was in an explosion and thrown into the air. After being carried off the field by other soldiers and transported on a tractor to helicopter and then to hospital, the doctors were utterly stunned when they saw that a piece of shrapnel that went completely through his neck missed the carotid artery, the jugular vein and the spinal cord by millimeters. After they removed it, he needed only stritches.
--Another soldier was shot through the back but the bullet missed his spinal cord and exited from the front.
--A young newlywed, in grave condition, inexplicably turned for the better and will recover to go home to his wife.
--On the ground level, bombs continue to fall, but here again, miracle after miracle is reported even on the local news. One hears the word "nes" (miracle) over and over by the reporters and the bystanders.
--A bomb heading toward 4 apartment buildings goes into a sewer pipe and explodes underground, damaging nothing above ground.
--An elderly woman caught in an apartment completely demolished by a bomb, walks out with scratches on her ankle.
--The mayor of Beersheva felt he should cancel school one day, and a rocket completely destroys an empty kindergarten.
--The elder housing complex that was hit in Nahariya had the sleeping quarters destroyed, but everyone had just gone to breakfast so no one was injured.
--A man and his daughter leave his car and the car was blown up moments later after they entered a bomb shelter. If they had taken a few more seconds, he and his daughter would have been burned to a crisp. He was televised saying again and again it was a miracle.
Similar stories like these were heard during the second Lebanon war, reported on Israeli radio and television, but no one in the west ever heard; only negative propaganda from the terrorists was reported, whose aim was to malign Israel and make us look like a national of bloodthirsty killers. One has to grieve over the terrible destruction of the cities in Gaza and the horrific human tragedy going on there, but the responsibility for the suffering and death is directly on the doorstep of the Hamas leadership. These deluded people think that their god, Allah, will give them victory, and have entered into a battle with the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that they will never win. We are literally living in times like those of the scripture, when the Lord told Elisha all the plans of the enemy, until they began to wonder if there was a spy in their ranks.
There is hope here and unity of resolve, not despair. Even the parents of Yoni Natanel, killed by friendly fire, were quoted as saying that their son died "for the sanctification of God's name," and forgave and blessed those who accidentally fired at his unit.
There is such heroism and courage here, one wishes that the world could see it, but as one of our journalists said, the media have left their brains at the door of Ben Gurion Airport. They are many miles away from the actual battle, wear flak jackets and helmets for the cameras, and then take them off to have cappuccino at the local restaurant! Fortunately, Israelis are accustomed to being misunderstood and maligned by the outside world. At this point, everyone knows we have a job to do, and we are becoming more and more aware that a greater Power than us is on our side. We are fulfilling our commission to be a "Light to the Nations."
Israel learned from the failure of the Lebanon war, and prepared well to fight the terrorists who clearly said they wanted to destroy us. The rest of the nations have not remembered the threats of Hitler, and how the Jewish people were almost wiped out because no one wanted to believe he actually meant what he said. Contrary to those who want to hide their heads in the sands of political correctness, there is a right and a wrong side in this conflict. It is a battle between darkness and light. Fortunately, we have a God who was never wishy-washy about defending Israel against her enemies, when His People cried out to Him for help.
The outside world is missing the miracle of a righteous God who hears the prayers of the humble, and defends what is His!
"If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Dena Gewanter, M.D.
Kiriat Yam, Israel
Dear Faithful Remnant (about half of those on our mailing list did not want to continue receiving these end-time essays),
Isn't it amazing that Israel is more in the news than ever--just as the Bible predicted it would be in the end times? What human Nostradamus could have foreseen that Israel would become the flashpoint of history thousands of years after the Jews were dispersed throughout the world? Jews are hated more than ever and targeted for annihilation by radical Muslims. The Bible says in the last days every nation will turn against Israel. Even though America is not mentioned in prophecy, this must mean America will also turn against Israel.
Yet God is abundantly blessing Israel. We were there last May for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state. Israel was greener than Ireland, which we had visited the preceding May! We saw with our own eyes and heard how the deserts, as prophesied by Scripture and fulfilled by modern technology, are "blooming like a rose." We heard how the people who were denied asylum in every country in the world during World War 2 are now pouring into their own state by the millions from countries around the world and are being welcomed and assimilated with miraculous ease, finding jobs and homes and adapting to the culture and language.
To know what is to come, we who are steeped in and believe God's Word need only follow what is happening in and to Israel. We must be faithful to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and never abandon the Jews. They are the center of God's eye (the alternative reading, "apple of God's eye," makes no sense to me), the pupil or focus through which He views the whole world.
MIRACLES ARE HAPPENING IN ISRAEL!
By Dena Gewanter, M.D.
Kiriat Yam, Israel
While the media in the West are lambasting Israel for killing women and children, and are saturating their viewers with horrific photos of bloodied corpses, Israel as a nation is undergoing an astonishing spiritual awakening as a result of this conflict. It is a pity that the world is unable to be witness to the miracles that are occurring here daily. Even the most jaded person would be amazed at the transformation of the people in this country.
After many years of feeling the underdog and fearful of the approbation of the outside world, Israel is undergoing an absolute renaissance on a personal and national level. First and foremost, Israel as a nation has finally decided to throw aside the fear of being rejected by the nations and embrace its sovereign right to defend its citizens against terrorist attacks. That is so astonishing for those who know Jews and particularly Israelis. A whopping 92% of Jewish Israelis actually AGREE that the war is necessary and just. The adage of 2 Jews, 3 opinions and 4 political parties has vaporized in the face of the national crisis we are in. Not only is there agreement among the populace, but also the left wing and the right wing of the political spheres agree.
Even more amazing is the concordance among the various religious factions: Ashkenazi, Sephardic, reform and conservative, Zionists and anti-Zionist Jews are all joining together in prayer and supplication to the Almighty for salvation, protection, and victory over our enemies. There are calls to prayer everywhere, regardless of denomination or ethnic background, everyone is united in looking towards the God of Israel to keep our soldiers safe and help us win against an evil enemy who has sworn never to stop until Israel as a nation is destroyed.
The soldiers themselves seem to have a huge spiritual hunger, and are unified in not only asking for prayer but also praying themselves, wearing tzitzit (prayer tassels) into battle and carrying the book of Psalms with them. The Rabbis are calling the tzitzit "heavenly flak jackets"! Tent synagogues on the battlefield have no less than 10 sessions every morning, and it is reported that soldiers who never attended synagogue are now praying with tefillim (prayers). They have reason to cry out to God, since everyone is aware of the years of preparation of the bloodthirsty Hamas militants, their desire to kill, maim or kidnap Israeli soldiers is greater than their desire to live; they have been financed by Iran and supported by Syria and Hezbollah.
Yet, we are defeating them, and there are reports daily of amazing miracles of protection and Divine direction during the battle. The following are just a few examples:
--A Hamas map was found, with booby-traps, landmines and sniper positions clearly spelled out. The IDF was able to counter each installation due to the information given.
--A large platoon of soldiers not realizing they were resting in a school that was booby-trapped, (discovered by a soldier relieving himself in the night), disarmed the bombs with no one hurt.
--A single soldier successfully fought off several Hamas terrorists trying to drag him into a tunnel, and all were captured.
--Hundreds of tunnels were found, hidden in homes under beds and kitchen cabinets, all full of live explosives and ammunition, yet none have exploded with IDF soldiers inside.
While there have been soldiers wounded, there are miracles there as well:
--A young man who moved here alone from England less than 2 years ago to serve in the army was in an explosion and thrown into the air. After being carried off the field by other soldiers and transported on a tractor to helicopter and then to hospital, the doctors were utterly stunned when they saw that a piece of shrapnel that went completely through his neck missed the carotid artery, the jugular vein and the spinal cord by millimeters. After they removed it, he needed only stritches.
--Another soldier was shot through the back but the bullet missed his spinal cord and exited from the front.
--A young newlywed, in grave condition, inexplicably turned for the better and will recover to go home to his wife.
--On the ground level, bombs continue to fall, but here again, miracle after miracle is reported even on the local news. One hears the word "nes" (miracle) over and over by the reporters and the bystanders.
--A bomb heading toward 4 apartment buildings goes into a sewer pipe and explodes underground, damaging nothing above ground.
--An elderly woman caught in an apartment completely demolished by a bomb, walks out with scratches on her ankle.
--The mayor of Beersheva felt he should cancel school one day, and a rocket completely destroys an empty kindergarten.
--The elder housing complex that was hit in Nahariya had the sleeping quarters destroyed, but everyone had just gone to breakfast so no one was injured.
--A man and his daughter leave his car and the car was blown up moments later after they entered a bomb shelter. If they had taken a few more seconds, he and his daughter would have been burned to a crisp. He was televised saying again and again it was a miracle.
Similar stories like these were heard during the second Lebanon war, reported on Israeli radio and television, but no one in the west ever heard; only negative propaganda from the terrorists was reported, whose aim was to malign Israel and make us look like a national of bloodthirsty killers. One has to grieve over the terrible destruction of the cities in Gaza and the horrific human tragedy going on there, but the responsibility for the suffering and death is directly on the doorstep of the Hamas leadership. These deluded people think that their god, Allah, will give them victory, and have entered into a battle with the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that they will never win. We are literally living in times like those of the scripture, when the Lord told Elisha all the plans of the enemy, until they began to wonder if there was a spy in their ranks.
There is hope here and unity of resolve, not despair. Even the parents of Yoni Natanel, killed by friendly fire, were quoted as saying that their son died "for the sanctification of God's name," and forgave and blessed those who accidentally fired at his unit.
There is such heroism and courage here, one wishes that the world could see it, but as one of our journalists said, the media have left their brains at the door of Ben Gurion Airport. They are many miles away from the actual battle, wear flak jackets and helmets for the cameras, and then take them off to have cappuccino at the local restaurant! Fortunately, Israelis are accustomed to being misunderstood and maligned by the outside world. At this point, everyone knows we have a job to do, and we are becoming more and more aware that a greater Power than us is on our side. We are fulfilling our commission to be a "Light to the Nations."
Israel learned from the failure of the Lebanon war, and prepared well to fight the terrorists who clearly said they wanted to destroy us. The rest of the nations have not remembered the threats of Hitler, and how the Jewish people were almost wiped out because no one wanted to believe he actually meant what he said. Contrary to those who want to hide their heads in the sands of political correctness, there is a right and a wrong side in this conflict. It is a battle between darkness and light. Fortunately, we have a God who was never wishy-washy about defending Israel against her enemies, when His People cried out to Him for help.
The outside world is missing the miracle of a righteous God who hears the prayers of the humble, and defends what is His!
"If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Dena Gewanter, M.D.
Kiriat Yam, Israel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)