"Reunion" - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

“Reunion"

"Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." (Genesis 33:4, NASU)

Jacob had long been separated from his brother Esau, going back to the time when Jacob did a bit of deceptive work and ended up with Esau's birthright. (Genesis 27-28) Having done that to Esau as Jacob dis, I would suspect that quite possibly you and I would have felt the same towards Jacob as Esau later did. Maybe not so much murder, but close to it. Or at least a little bit of animosity to say the least?

After all, none of us can declare that which would say, "I never had bitterness nor hatred towards anyone." At least I know I can't.

Many examples are written in God's Word, all are for our benefit, as Paul states in 1 Cor 10:11-12
"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (NASU)

When Esau ran and embraced Jacob, it gives us several reasons that he was able to do this. You will have to read some of the preceding Scriptures for the full picture, but let me summarize as to what I think happened in Esau's heart.

1. "Esau ran to meet him". During the years of separation between the two brothers, the Lord had worked a change in Esau's heart. Maybe he realized the temporal here on earth, his birthright lost, wasn't worth the pain and agony, or hatred, toward his brother. He knew he hadn't been the perfect brother either. 

It is known that carrying these attitudes towards another, as in unforgiveness, eats away at your mind, soul, and spirit. Hopefully, as you grow older in the Lord you become aware of this, and turn, with repentance, from this sin.

When Esau ran to meet Jacob, he had already left all that behind. Nothing was holding him back now from expressing joy and love towards his younger brother.

2. "embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him" Esau led the way in showing total forgiveness and repentance on his part. Having already known the Lord's forgiveness on his part, he was able and willing to express that totally, and not hold back. It takes a mature believer to lead the way.

3. "they wept." I trust you too have known the release of years having pent-up emotions, and when a reunion occurs between friends and relatives that had been separation due to hurt, injustice, lies or selfishness, having a good cry, a fantastic flow of tears and all, feels really good. They let it all go. and let it all out.

I love when a reunion takes place between father and son, mother and daughter, cousin and cousin, employee and employer, pastor and congregant. Forgiveness is a great gift from our Father, Who Himself is always the first to express forgiveness. Having sent His Only Son Jesus, Yeshua, to die for our sins in order that we to may be forgiven was the very first ultimate step in restoration and reunion.

This week the Louis and Lila Martin clan celebrate another time of gathering in our biennial (once every two years event - I had to look it up myself). There certainly have been times of separation and individual reunions, but through the ongoing grace and mercy of our Lord, this family of 8 siblings has held together over these 60+ years. Thank God!

May the Lord give you the grace and love to express forgiveness in your relationships, because Lord knows we need it. And if you have a family or friend reunion coming up this summer, have a great time!

Now think on this, and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

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On July 5, 2019, Strength will be having our first Friday of the month meeting in The Barn at Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, SC. Come and celebrate the goodness of our God!

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P.S. In May 2019 I returned from my 20^th trip to Israel. And guess what? I brought back for you my last 58 short videos I entitled “Walk With Me in Israel”. You can join me as I walk through the beautiful land and cities of Israel. Watch them here on our YouTube channel: Walk With Me - Israel May 2019

Also, my previous ones from other locations are here also on YouTube: Walk With Me

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Now Think On This #433 - in the year of our Lord 06.18.19 – “Reunion” – Tuesday, 6:00 am

Christopher Wants A Baby; Catherine Wants A Cookie - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Christopher Wants A Baby;

Catherine Wants A Cookie

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” 

(Psalms 37:4, NKJV)

“Christopher wants a baby; Catherine wants a cookie.”

Have you ever dreamed of such a thing? Weird, huh? But I have, and I still am not sure what exactly it means, if in only partiality. I can speculate and then draw my own conclusion – the man wants one thing while the woman in the relationship wants another. Happens all the time, right?

Really, I did dream this recently, and have been asking the Lord what it is supposed to convey. I know there are multiple times when two people may want different things, as even a man and a woman in marriage do. The one’s desire may seem lofty and admirable, while the other’s may seem trivial. Our concepts and perceptions certainly do not always agree in relationships, and yet we are called to pursue love and understanding in them.

When I consider this dream I would almost think that it is backwards – that Catherine would be the one who wants a baby, granting her a God-given desire for motherhood, while Christopher, where in today’s society considers men to be weak, babyish, selfish and egotistical, would be content with just having a cookie. His choice would not be a life-long commitment to raising a child as unto the Lord, but to have a cookie in place of it, with more selfish desires that follow. Kind of like being satisfied with getting a bowl of soup when one is hungry in exchange for giving your natural birthright away.

Sounds like Jacob and Esau.

“When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; and Esau said to Jacob, "Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished." Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, " First sell me your birthright." Esau said, "Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?" And Jacob said, " First swear to me"; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:29-34, NASU)

But let’s just for a moment give this guy in the dream, Christopher, a little slack, and believe he really wants to be responsible man, raise a family, and lead both wife and child(ren) into the ways of the Lord. Let’s also give it a real possibility that there are indeed other men out there who are wanting to do the same. (I personally know of two close to me, right now, who would love to have a wife, desiring both of them to then live for the Lord in marriage. It has been a real struggle for them as they wait on the Lord, for a woman to come along who also desires this type of relationship, and not one who would just be content with having a “cookie”.)

Before our society totally loses it, when it comes to a man and woman being solidly joined together in a godly marriage, giving of each other to each other, and then bringing forth children to care for and raising up to bless the Lord and their parents, my prayer is that the “Christophers” out there, who desire to have a scared relationship, are indeed given that opportunity in finding a “Catherine” who too desires more than a “cookie”, and is willing to also lay her life down in order to realize the blessing the Lord still grants upon the union of one man and one wife, living for Him and His purposes.

My dream may not be so weird after all.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

  

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

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Now Think On This #345 - in the year of our Lord 04.03.18 – “Christopher Wants A Baby; Catherine Wants A Cookie”, Tuesday, 11:00 am

COMMENTARY: Is Israel a Chosen People? - November 09, 2015 | Brian Hennessy - ISRAEL TODAY

COMMENTARY: Is Israel a Chosen People?

Monday, November 09, 2015 |  Brian Hennessy

To ask whether the family of Abraham was uniquely chosen by God may sound like a foolish question to those who call themselves ‘Zionists.’ Yet entire Christian denominations today hold fast to a theology that denies God the freedom to show special favor to anyone, including the Jews. And I’m not speaking of Replacement Theology.

The theology I’m referring to is Arminianism. It was named after Jacob Arminius who obviously didn’t take seriously the words of God spoken by the prophet Amos, “You only have I chosen from among all the families of the earth” (Amos 3:2). Or Jesus: “You did not choose me. But I chose you” (John 15:16). Or Paul: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).

Instead, Arminius’s belief informed him it would be unfair for our Heavenly Father to favor one part of His human creation above the rest. It insisted all should be treated equally. In so teaching, Arminius completely ignored Paul’s response to man questioning God’s freedom to do as He pleases, when he wrote, “Who are you, O man, who answers back to God?... Does not the potter have the right over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?” (Rom. 9:20,21)

Worse, this teaching feeds into the anti-Semitism of Replacement Theology that specifically wants to remove all consideration of the Jewish people from having any favor with God today. It may grudgingly admit God chose Israel for a time in order to bring forth the Messiah. But once Yeshua came it’s believed God did away with the idea of having a chosen people and the Jews are just like every other unsaved person now. 

Of course, when Arminius first promoted his ‘unchosen’ theology in the late sixteenth century the Jews were not uppermost in his mind. Replacement Theology, along with the Jews’ fallen state of affairs, had pretty much taken them out of the running. No, he was mainly trying to counter the teaching of John Calvin who had taught God was graciously drawing to Jesus only those He had pre-chosen to be saved (as John 6:44 clearly states). Arminius insisted God had left it up to each individual to choose his own fate by either his acceptance or rejection of the Gospel. For him man’s free will was inviolable, and God’s free will must bow to it. But that not only undermines God’s sovereignty, it mocks the very definition of a Supreme God…”who works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).

I bring up this centuries-old controversy of Arminianism because I believe it is contributing greatly to the confusion among believers today regarding the restoration of Israel. For if God is not hand-picking those who are to be His people in the Israel of God, how can He call forth the remnant of Abraham’s seed? Doesn’t the very word ecclesia mean “called-out ones?”

For me, one of the strongest arguments that shows God reserved for Himself the right to choose who He wants as His people is Paul’s teaching on the twin boys, Esau and Jacob. “Though the twins were not yet born, and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said [to their mother], ‘The older shall serve the younger.’ Just as it is written, ’Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated” (Rom. 9:10-13).

Now I don’t believe God actually “hated” Esau. He was just trying to convince Israel of His everlasting commitment to bless them by using strong contrasting language. Malachi even reminds Israel that God’s choice of Jacob over Esau was the proof of His love! (Mal. 1:1-3)

I’m convinced the fact that God has a chosen people has been the underlying cause of anti-Semitism in the world. Look at how angry and jealous Joseph’s brothers became when they saw the extreme favor their father showed towards him.

Nevertheless, that’s how God set it up. That’s why if you have received the gift of faith to believe in Yeshua (of whom Joseph was a foreshadowing) – be in awe! It means you are among those few chosen by Almighty God to be part of the remnant of Abraham and the coming Kingdom of God. 

Just don’t be surprised when the world hates you for no apparent reason. 

---

Brian Hennessy is the author of Valley of the Steeples, available at:ketchpublishing/BrianHennessyBooks.htm

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Israel Photo Trivia ✡ "Jacob Sent Angels Ahead of Him" - ISRAEL365,

Then Jacob sent angels ahead of him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, the field of Edom. GENESIS (32:4)   וַיִּשְׁלַח יַעֲקֹב מַלְאָכִים לְפָנָיו אֶל עֵשָׂו אָחִיו אַרְצָה שֵׂעִיר שְׂדֵה אֱדוֹם בראשית לב:ד va-yish-lakh ya-a-kov mal-a-kheem l'-fa-nav el ay-sav a-kheev ar-tza say-eer s'-day e-dom

Today's Israel Inspiration The Book of Genesis (32:4-22) describes Jacob’s three-prong strategy as he prepares to meet his estranged brother, Esau, after many years. Prayer to God, a peace-offering to Esau, and finally military preparations should all else fail. Today the Israel Defense Forces continues to follow Jacob’s guidelines, acting only in operations of self-defense after all options for peace have failed. Courageous young soldiers are defending and protecting Israel from a frightening wave of terror. Stand in solidarity with IDF and support the LIBI Fund.   Now more than ever, the soldiers of the IDF need your support » One of the Soldiers A moving tribute to the love of a family for their Israeli soldier through the eyes of a younger brother.   Watch here » Upsurge in Israeli Air Force Emergency Reconnaissance Flights There has been a dramatic increase in the number of flights executed by Air Force Intelligence. According to military sources, since the beginning of the escalation in the security situation there were 8 times more surges than on normal days. Read more » Israel Paratroopers Sweatshirt Keep warm this winter as your show your support for the IDF with this great hooded sweatshirt in red, bearing the official emblem of the Israeli Paratroopers. Get this Great Deal » Israel Photo Trivia No walk in the park, this soldier from the Nahal Infantry Brigade just completed basic training with a 50km march through the Negev Desert. Guess which famous spot in Israel he's standing on now? Send me an email or post your answer on Facebook!   Guess on Facebook» Thank You Today's Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Eunice Smith of Greenacres, Florida. Todah rabah!   Sponsor a day and receive a free devotional book » “Thank You For the Good Work” It’s great to hear from so many of you - stay in touch and let us know where in the world you are enjoying Israel365!   Stay in Touch » Thank you for the good work the newletters are doing to keep the world informed about what is really happening in and around Israel.- Joan B. Dear Rabbi Tuly, Thank you again for all the interesting stories, photos and information. We do appreciate it so much. Blessings to you, your family and wonderful work you do. Our prayers are with you everyday. Kind regards, Marlene, KZN South Africa Shalom, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

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Why You Should Remind God of Your Prophetic Words - CHARISMA MAGAZINE - JENNIFER LECLAIRE

    Is it time for you to remind God of the prophetic words you've received that haven't come to pass? (stock.xchng)

Why You Should Remind God of Your Prophetic Words

6/3/2014 JENNIFER LECLAIRE  CHARISMA MAGAZINE

Remember how excited you were when you got that prophetic word five, 10 or even 15 years ago? You set your heart to prepare yourself to walk it out. You confessed it out of your mouth. You declared it shall come to pass. You prayed it through.

You did everything you were supposed to do, but that prophetic word still hasn't come to pass. In fact, it may even look like the exact opposite is happening in your life. It may look like to enemy has already robbed your prophecy. It may seem like the prophetic word will never come to pass.

Now is your moment of decision. Will you give up on that tried-and-tested prophetic word that you know that you know that you know is from God? Or will you go back to the author of that prophecy—Jesus—and remind Him of the prophetic word?

Jacob's Vow at Bethel

Jacob got a prophetic word from God while he was fleeing his angry brother, Esau, whom he cheated out of his birthright. Imagine the scene: Jacob was traveling alone from Beersheba toward Haran, and when the sun started setting, he decided to rest. He used a rock for a pillow and had prophetic dreams of "a ladder that was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it" (Gen. 28:12). Next came a prophecy that was exceedingly abundantly above all he could ask or think:

"I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you" (vv. 13-15).

Jacob believed the prophetic word, set up a pillar to God, poured oil upon it and made a vow to give a tenth to God if He kept him safe during his journey, gave him food and clothing, and allowed him to reach his father's house in peace. Of course, God kept up His part of the covenant. Despite being cheated by his uncle Laban for more than a decade, Jacob prospered wildly in every respect in Haran. He had exceeding abundant children, livestock and favor with God.

Wrestling With God

Finally fed up with Laban's dishonesty, Jacob decided to return to his country. Laban pursued him, and Jacob boldly confronted his uncle—but when Jacob learned that Esau was coming out to meet him, fear struck his heart. Jacob did what we need to do when it looks like our prophetic word can't possibly come to pass—when it looks like the devil is devouring our prophetic dreams. When the enemy comes in with fear that what God said will never happen, we need to take the prophetic word back to its author in prayer.

"Then Jacob said, 'O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, "Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you": I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. For You said, "I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude"'" (Gen. 32:9-12).

But Jacob didn't stop there. Jacob wrestled with God over the issue until the break of day. You'll recall the determined words of Jacob's mouth: "I will not let You go until You bless me!" (v. 26). Jacob got his blessing, but he walked away with a limp.

Of course, God always intended to keep his prophetic word to Jacob. There was never a question in God's mind that He would watch over His word to perform it (Jer. 1:12). And the same holds true for you. Although some prophecies are conditional, some are set in stone—no man on earth or devil in hell can stop what God has planned. But we can stop it with our doubt, unbelief, fearful mindset, complacency and apathy.

So if you've been waiting for months, years or decades for a prophecy to come to pass—and when you're afraid people and circumstances are going to kill your promise—do what Jacob did. Pray. Remind God of His prophetic word. Wrestle with God in prayer until you have the faith to get up and run toward His perfect will despite what things look like—even if you have to run with a limp. Amen.

You can download a sample chapter of Jennifer's new book, The Making of a Prophet, by clicking here.

Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel and The Making of a Prophet. You can email Jennifer at jennifer.leclaire@charismamedia.com or visit her website at www.jenniferleclaire.org.