Showing posts with label Dick Leggatt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dick Leggatt. Show all posts

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Why Israel? - Ahava Love Letter/Now Think On This (Steve Martin)


Why Israel?


“Because I love Jerusalem, I will continue to speak for her; for Jerusalem's sake I will not stop speaking until her goodness shines like a bright light, until her salvation burns bright like a flame.” (Isaiah 62:1 New Century Version)


In 1979 Laurie and I, still newlyweds after two years, were part of a church group in LaSalle/Peru, Illinois. The former Baptist pastors, Stan and Dixie Buren, had gathered a small group of charismatics around them. Many of the members were seeking to be more involved with a national Christian movement called discipleship. To better achieve that purpose, we were invited to a conference held by Shiloh Fellowship in East Lansing, MI. The gathering was at Mackinac Island, in the very north of the great state of Michigan. Laurie and I made the long trip, with our two boys, Josh and Ben in arms, along with a few other carloads.

As a young couple (24 and 20 years old) we were fervently seeking the Lord. We wanted, in our heart of hearts, to be right in the middle of what He was doing. We were going to do what it took to follow Him, trust Him, and see His will come, on earth as it is in heaven. We were strongly committed.

The name of one of the speakers, Derek Prince, was familiar to us. He was an author too. The magazine, New Wine, published in Fort Lauderdale, had regular articles featuring five Bible teachers on a monthly basis. They were Derek, Don Basham, Bob Mumford, Charles Simpson and Ern Baxter. Personally, I devoured the messages each month, appreciating everything that was written. Derek was one of my favorites of the five. 

(To this day I have kept all the editions of the magazine’s publications from 1974-1986. Dick Leggatt, an editor of the magazine over its life span, is now President of DPM-USA, Derek Prince Ministries. Thank you Dick. And eight years after that Mackinac Island conference, in 1987, I began my eight years of working for Derek Prince Ministries, with David Selby, International Director, as my boss. Thank you David!)


Derek Prince

Derek spoke on the last night of the conference, Saturday, and shared a message based on a little pamphlet he had written. It was called “Our Debt To Israel.” The words, spoken straight forward, hit my heart. I knew there was something very special about what he was saying, and that I needed to understand it. For this I am eternally grateful, as he made the Bible’s words on the subject clear, as to why Israel.

Pointing out that the Bible itself was written and accurately kept over these several centuries, by God’s chosen people, the Jews, was the starting point. All of the writers - Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah and more – were all Jews. Because of this reason alone we have a huge debt to the Jewish people.

But the most important reason of all, in regards to our debt to Israel and the Jewish people, is the historical fact that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, was, is, and ever shall be a Jew. He came down from heaven, God becoming man, to the nation of Israel two centuries ago, to bring salvation to the world, both for Jew and Gentile alike.

In our daily reading of the Torah, the Scriptures, the Bible, as believers, we can know and understand the Lord’s heart for the Jewish people, through which He came, and His everlasting love for them now. We can see the fulfillment of His promises of restoration to them, how He has brought them back to their rightful Promised and Holy Land. It is now our part of our debt payment to them, to stand with them to the end of time.

Having been to Israel 11 times as of this writing in February, 2014, my heart for Israel and the Jewish people continues to grow in love and appreciation, with a firm, long standing commitment. Our ministry, Love For His People, founded by Laurie and I in April of 2010, monthly send financial and prayer support to Jewish families in the Land. We are always looking to do more, as God the Father directs.

Why Israel? Because without the Jews, which remain as God’s eternal choice to reveal Himself to the nations, we would not have had a Bible. Nor would we have a living Messiah/Savior.

The Word says that in the last days all the nations will again rise up against these whom have continually been blamed for everything that has gone wrong. Really? Well, it is about time that someone like us, as believers, prove them all liars, and that His eternal Word is true. We are to stand for Israel because the Lord God of Israel, Who sees them as the "apple of His eye", has promised to protect and keep them in His care. He has proven this over and over again.

Why Israel? Because God said so. And that is certainly enough for me and my house. May your heart and commitment be to do the same.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Love For His People
Founder


Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these letters minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134
Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

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Ahava Love Letter/Now Think On This #107 - Why Israel?”   Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (02.09.14 Sunday at 7:00 am in Charlotte, NC).


All previous editions of Ahava Love Letter/Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Ahava Love Letters







Friday, November 15, 2013

Derek Prince Memorial Service in Charlotte, NC at Forest Hills Church - Sept. 2003

Barry Segal, Vision for Israel, 
sharing his love for 
Derek Prince 
at the Memorial Service 
in Charlotte, NC 2003.



John Hagee sharing at Derek's Memorial Service

I was so blessed to have been on the Derek Prince Ministries staff when Derek passed on to glory in 2003. What a great man of God he was! 

I am very glad that Dick Leggat, Mark DeVito, John Rust, Terri Whitaker and many more are carrying on the ministry of Derek to the nations, from here in Charlotte, NC. And we also give thanks to the more than a dozen DPM offices in the world!

Steve Martin
Love For His People


Published on Nov 9, 2013
Derek Prince Memorial Service 2003
1915 - 2003
Charlotte, North Carolina

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

NOW IT’S OUR TURN - Dick Leggatt, President of DPM-USA (Derek Prince Ministries)

Dick Leggatt

NOW IT’S OUR TURN

Are you moving forward with a clear sense of purpose? Do you feel you are running the race that the Lord has set out for you to run? Is there a sense of a continuing legacy you will leave for those who follow you after your race is completed?

These are extremely important life questions for each of us. The aspect of legacy is very much on our minds right now concerning the work of Derek Prince Ministries, especially as we mark ten years since Derek’s passing on September 24, 2003. Amazingly, the legacy of his life, ministry and teaching is going strong ten years after his departure. In fact, the impact not only continues but expands all around the world.

It is our hope that the content of this letter, including some of our reflections on Derek’s legacy, will be a great encouragement to you as you consider the impact of your own life as you run your leg of the race of faith.

“I Miss Him”

Just recently, the Derek Prince Legacy Radio team was doing some recording work together. Stephen Mansfield, writer of Derek’s biography and host of the Derek Prince Legacy Radio broadcasts, was in the recording booth. I was in the studio control room with Jon Simpson, our producer and recording session director, along with the engineer who was doing the recording. 

Between takes, Stephen and I were sharing memories of some of our personal times with Derek, and I concluded by saying something like, “He sure was a great guy.” Somewhat wistfully, Stephen remarked, “I miss him,” and I responded, “I do, too.” There was silence among us for just a few minutes in that studio as the depth of the statement, “I miss him,” sank in for all of us.

It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since Derek stepped into the glorious presence of Jesus Christ. We all miss him. But who among us would have ever thought that the legacy of his ministry would be continuing as strong as it is today?

A few years before his passing, even Derek himself had to change his mind about continuing the ministry. Many years before his death, when asked what should be done with the ministry after his passing, Derek’s response had been clear and curt: “Shut it down.” But in the succeeding months after giving that response, the Holy Spirit began to work on Derek, re-shaping his response from “Shut it down” to “Carry on!” 

In those months of hearing from the Lord, Derek had become convinced that God’s plan for the ministry was that it should continue after his passing: "It is my desire—and I believe the Lord’s desire—that Derek Prince Ministries should continue the work started through me over 60 years ago, until Jesus returns.”

And so it has—in a most amazing way. And so it will.

“Let Us Also…”

Even before stepping into the position of leadership at DPM–USA over seven years ago, I had invested a lot of study time in Hebrews 11 and Hebrews 12. In fact, if anyone would have asked me over the last four decades what I considered to be my “life verses,” I would have immediately responded: “Hebrews 12:1–2.”

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:1–2 NASB)

The irony is that for many years, I misquoted the verse. How, you ask? Without realizing it, I was leaving out the word “also” in the phrase “let us also lay aside every encumbrance.” The “also” there is a very important point, linking this verse directly to all of Hebrews 11—the record of the Bible’s greatest heroes in the faith.

Derek always said, “Whenever you see a ‘therefore,’ you need to find out what it’s ‘there for.’” That particular “therefore” precedes the mention of the cloud of witnesses, of which Derek is now a vital part. Theologians have differing views as to whether that cloud of witnesses is actively looking on as we run our leg of the race of faith they began. However, ever since I began at Derek Prince Ministries, I have had a clear sense that I am working in full view of that cloud of witnesses.

Derek is among them; my father-in-law, Don Basham, is among them; my father and mother are among them, as well as many friends, family and other “fathers in the faith.” I choose to believe that all of them, the entire host of heroes of the faith, are cheering us on. They earnestly want to see us successfully complete the leg of the race that we—also—are expected to run. Indeed, they have a stake in it.

The First Leg of the Race

Space does not permit a full discussion of all the implications of Hebrews 11 and 12 in our lives. Just one important aspect, though, is that those who have gone on before us began the race, but we will do the finishing lap on the race they began. (Please see that mysterious verse, Hebrews 11:40, which says “…that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”)

So how did Derek begin his race? We thought you would be encouraged by some of the excerpts from an interview in which he talked about his early years.

God, when I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, gave me the gift of interpretation of tongues. I was so inexperienced and unspiritual I didn’t know that you had to wait six months to get any spiritual gifts, so I just got it the night I was baptized in the Spirit and spoke in tongues. The first night, I had the most wonderful succession of poetic messages, and I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the language.

But I only remember one very short passage, which went like this: “It shall be like a little stream—the little stream shall become a river, the river shall become a great river, the great river shall become a sea, and the sea shall become a mighty ocean. And it shall be through thee.” I had really no idea what God was talking about.

Another example was when I was about to be discharged from the Army. I was praying and I got this tongue and interpretation in which God said, “I have called thee to be a teacher of the Scriptures in truth, in faith and love, which are in Christ Jesus.” And then He paused and said, “…for many.”

If He had even tried to tell me how many people I would reach, I wouldn’t have been able to believe it. But there is no way of being able to calculate the number of people I have reached. It must be in the millions—and I give God all the glory. See, it was His plan.

That’s one thing I’ve been careful about. I haven’t always succeeded, but I’ve always tried to find out what is God’s plan. Not, what do I think I should do, or what do other people think I should do, but what does God think I should do.

Our Leg of the Race

Are you inspired to know that Derek completed his leg of the race so effectively? Actually, I find it tremendously moving, and somewhat challenging. Somehow, I can believe that God would do it through Derek, but find it hard to believe He could do it through me. Do you feel the same way?

If you are battling with that same response, I think we ought to pray together right now. We have Derek’s testimony before us—the record of the Lord reaching out and touching a 25-year-old corporal in the British army, transforming him into a Bible teacher with worldwide impact. Couldn’t the Lord touch us and use us in a similar fashion?

Maybe ours will not be some worldwide outreach or expansive ministry like Derek’s. But certainly the Lord wants to use you and me in a very significant way for His glory and for the sake of His kingdom. Are you ready to offer yourself to the Lord to be used in whatever way He would choose?

Dear Lord Jesus, here I stand before You, desiring to be used for whatever purpose You have destined me to fulfill. In full recognition of my faults and my weaknesses, I present myself to You. I am Yours, Jesus. You can do all the needed repair work. You can transform me into the person You have destined me to be.

As I look at Derek’s testimony, knowing that he has completed his leg of the race, I also present myself to You for my leg of the relay race. I see the baton before me, and I receive it as from Your hand. In Your presence, and in the presence of that great cloud of witnesses, I receive the baton and commit myself to run the race that You have set before me with endurance, fixing my eyes on You for the strength and stamina I will need to complete it.

I am Yours, Lord Jesus. Help me run the race and finish it in a way that brings maximum glory to Your name. Amen.

Fellow Runners

Take a moment now. Open and close your hand right now, imagining that you are holding the baton that Derek Prince and others have passed along to you. The track extends before you; your lane is clear; and you have one lap to go. Are you ready to run that lap for all you are worth? Thank God that you are willing to do so!

You’ll be glad to know that all of us here at DPM–USA have made a decision very similar to the one you have just made. In fact, that’s why we’re doing what we are doing. We are running in the lane right beside you. For that reason, we have the greatest desire to help you in every aspect of the race.

One of the best ways for us to help is to keep you supplied with substantive materials from Derek Prince’s teaching legacy—books, CDs and DVDs that can encourage you and inspire you to run with endurance. 

How would you like to have the full MP3 interview, “Derek Prince: His Life, His Work” from which we took the earlier excerpt? Just click here to download. You can enjoy it with our blessings and compliments.

Offering you Derek’s material is just one small expression of our enormous thanks to you for your prayers and financial support. This wonderful work goes on because so many like yourself carry such a strong commitment to see it continue. Thank you so very much—and please keep us posted on the progress you are making in your leg of the race. Every time we hear from you, it encourages us tremendously.

In more ways than one, it’s time to run. Are you ready? Ready for the leg of the race that the Lord has set before you and me? Now it’s our turn!


All the best,

Dick Leggatt
President, DPM–USA


P.S. We are so grateful for you. Please let us offer you the added blessing of the full MP3 of “Derek Prince: His Life, His Work.” It’s full of other aspects of Derek’s testimony and views that will surely encourage you. Thanks so much! Just click here to download.