What Joseph's Heartache Can Teach Us About the Father's Love - SHERYL GIESBRECHT CHARISMA MAGAZINE

This is why you should call on God in your difficult circumstances. (Eddy Lackmann)

What Joseph's Heartache Can Teach Us About the Father's Love

 12/9/2016 SHERYL GIESBRECHT  CHARISMA MAGAZINE

The SpiritLed Woman podcast is empowering women weekly to follow their purpose in Christ and boldly walk in faith. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

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Love covers a multitude of sins." The words rang in my ears, and I couldn't get the six-word phrase off my mind. At 17, already an alcoholic and an addict, I was working at a summer camp in Lake Tahoe. Although I was raised in church, I had never been around Christians like these. They didn't tell me to change anything about my appearance, my attitudes or my addictions. "Love covers a multitude of sins," they said when I smoked cigarettes or dope or threw fits over doing my chores.

"Love covers a multitude of sins." Was God's love enough to cover all the wrong, illegal and immoral things I had ever done, including my alcohol addiction, lying, bad habits, promiscuity and even my drug-dealing? Was it true that I didn't have to clean up my act before coming to God and that He loved me passionately just the way I was?

One night, in the quietness of my cabin, I submitted to the overwhelming love of God. I agreed with him about my condition and allowed His grace to cover my multitude of sins. That was June 1974, and God hasn't let go of me since. He delivered me from my drug and alcohol addiction.

"How quickly we forget God's great deliverance in our lives. How easily we take for granted the miracles he performed in our past." —David Wilkerson

God's name "Deliverer" reminds us He will rescue us if we call on Him. He will give us victory over the most difficult circumstances and will see us through. "He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me; for they were stronger than I" (2 Sam. 22:18).

When you need deliverance, read Ps. 107, a beautiful song written about liberation. It was sung to celebrate the Jews' return to freedom from bondage in Egypt and from their exile in Babylon.

Remember Joseph's story? Through his brothers' jealous mistreatment, God allowed Joseph to be taken away as a slave to Egypt. He ultimately became Pharaoh's right-hand man and planned ahead for years of famine. He led the country to become the world's economic leader. Through Joseph, God provided for the Israelites to thrive in the land of Egypt. Decades later, there was a pharaoh on the throne who didn't know Joseph; God allowed the Israelites to be oppressed by the Egyptians. The Israelites grew in numbers and power, and the pharaohs began to eliminate them. Moses was sent by God to lead the Israelites to freedom:

"Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for His mercy endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out ..." (Ps. 107:a-b). 

Thankfulness to God should always be on the lips of those he has saved. This verse is a beautiful picture of the response of the Israelites after they had been freed, though they deserved only judgment. They had been in bondage, yet the Lord heard their cries, and He freed them. A definition of redeemed found at answers.com says "redeemed means to extricate from an undesirable state: reclaim, recover, rescue." God rescued His people. The Israelites experienced the God who redeems.

Another definition is to "restore the honor, worth or reputation of." You botched the last job but can redeem yourself on this one. What about you? Have you truly experienced what redemption means? We can trust God to redeem us in impossible circumstances and claim his promises:

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses" (Ps. 107:6).

 God the Deliverer heard the cries of the children of Israel; He knew their situation: "... the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out, and their cry came up to God on account of the bondage. God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant ... God looked on the children of Israel, and God had concern for them" (Ex. 2:23-25).

God promised deliverance in Exodus 6:6b, "I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage ..." God also said in verse 7, "And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."

God's people had cried out to God. They were in anguish because of their oppression. He heard them. God delivered them; he brought them out of slavery. He freed them from captivity. Have you cried out to God in your trouble?

When I was given a diagnosis of stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, I prayed to God for my healing, and so did others around the world. We prayed nights and days; we anguished in prayer for my healing. I was delivered from disease. I thank God for delivering me from cancer.

God wants to deliver you.

Are you worried about the future? Is. 40:31a is for you: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" (NIV).

Are you worried about the unknown test results, finances, a prodigal child? Is. 54:10 is for you: "For the mountains may be removed, and the hills may shake, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed.

And when the Deliverer carries you through, thank Him and praise Him for the satisfaction He brings: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love ... for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (Ps. 107:8-9).

Hope in things = Distracted

Hope in people = Disappointed

Hope in myself = Devastated

Hope in Christ = Delivered

—Rachel Wojo

Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, we give thanks to You, for You are good. "Your love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story" (Ps. 107:1-2, NIV). Thank You for hearing my cries, as I cry out in time of trouble. Thank You for delivering me (v. 6). Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love. Thank you for satisfying the thirsty and filling the hungry with good things (vv. 8-9). Thank you, my Deliverer, You are so good. Thank You, my God. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht's focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio personality, author, speaker and global influencer. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, she has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God. Giesbrecht's radio show, "Transformed Through Truth," is nationally syndicated and heard daily by more than 21 million listeners on networks around the world. Her latest book is Experience God Through His Names.

 Keep up with Sheryl Giesbrecht at www.fromashestobeauty.com, on Facebook (AuthorSherylGiesbrecht) and via Twitter (@SGiesbrecht).

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Heart of Jesus' Generational Blessing - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Heart of Jesus'

Generational Blessing

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:9-11 NASB)

Ministering out of a heart of love, which is the heart of Jesus, can overwhelm you sometimes. Sharing His love of compassion and truth to those He brings to you is like no other feeling in the world. At times the tears flow as your loving hands reach out to them, bringing His healing to their hurting souls. Jesus’ touch of love can heal those painful wounds.

Ministering with the MorningStar Ministries’ Generational Blessings team during the New Year conference was the first opportunity I was given to do so. When John Boneck, the 50+ Pastor asked me the day before if I could participate, I was hesitant. He said he needed more fathers to impart the Lord’s blessings to those who would come to receive.

The first thing my mind did was to race through the memory banks to be mindful of any scheduling conflicts. I had the day off from work, but wanted to receive prophetic minister that same afternoon. Then I wondered how I would actually do, being I had not gone this way before. Prophetic ministry over the years had been good, and known, as I ministered with that supernatural gift. This was new and different, as least for me. Thus the hesitancy on my part.

But I said yes.

The next day John teamed me with his wife Sandy, a true veteran of generational blessing ministry I could tell. The purposeful and planed concept is to have one man, one woman minister together. That surely gave me confidence to step forward with active faith.

The first ones who sat in front of us received encouragement, as Sandy and myself shared what the Holy Spirit gave us. Blessed with the love of the Father Himself, their smiles and thanks were appreciated, and for me gave encouragement to hear even more for the ones who He would bring during those two hours of ministry.

People were seeking the Lord. We were seeking the Lord. All of us found Him in the presence His Holy Spirit brought during that thankful time.

A young couple, Kristen and Carlos (not their real names) came and quietly sat down in the two chairs in front of Sandy and me. She had a big grin on her redden lips that shone brightly in front of her long, blonde hair. He was somber, his dark eyes not sure as to what he was about to experience. I could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“Holy Spirit, what do you want to touch them with today?” was my silent prayer, and compassionate cry for something that would change their lives, from this point on.

Sandy softly and gently spoke His blessing of provision and treasure over them. I could see the two soaking it up. Being a “mixed” couple, Caucasian and Hispanic, I just felt times had not been easy for them. Truly in the natural. Surely in the spiritual too.

When Sandy finished speaking, I asked them if I could take their hands. After the OK, I took them, joined them with mine, and began to speak the heart of love as I heard in my spirit from the Lord, as it came for them from heaven. Blessing is what He does.

I can’t recall exactly what I said, for after two hours of ministering to others you are drained, and memory fades. (At least in my 61 year old mind!) I do recall what Jesus Himself said, “Who touched the hem of My garment? I felt power go forth from Me.” Being this is real, you know what He is talking about.

Whatever I said, the tears came. First down her eyes. Then small drops down mine. Marco's eyes started to well up, as the Lord’s Holy Spirit was ministering love and healing to hurting hearts. It was wonderful. So precious You are Lord.

The next day I sent John and Sandy an email, asking them to allow me to serve again the next time the Generational Blessing team ministers. This one way of giving from His heart through us is such a blessing. More Lord. We want more of You for them.

I pray the Lord gives you the opportunity to receive His love in this manner. The Father’s heart of love will heal a broken heart, a broken marriage, and all other burdens carried in this life. There is healing for all.

Let Him touch you too.

With the love of Jesus, you can now think on this,

Steve Martin

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to bless the families that we do in Israel, India, Pakistan and the hurting ones here in the USA. You also can share out of the abundance you have been given.

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

Click 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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Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

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Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 01.01.15 - #228 –“Heart of Love” – Friday at 12:30 pm

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FEATURED BOOK

Paperback $5.99 or less

Kindle $1.99

 You can look here: Arms of Love by Steve Martin

In 2010 the Lord God of Israel, my Savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach), led me to start the ministry we call Love For His People. Its primary purpose is to share the love of the Lord with the nation of Israel, Jews around the world, and the people in all the nations as we can. For that end, through social media, writing and distributing books, and in person ministry, we are seeing the love of Jesus spread. 

We are grateful that He has given us much love in order to do just that. We often hear the word “love” spoken out loud, and written about, in many ways. It has contrasting meanings to the wide range of people that exist, as it is expressed in different methods through people. When it has all been said and done, there is an eternal love that will stand the test of fire. 

Because the biblical expression of love, laying down one’s life for his friends, has eternal value, this love from God the Father to His creation is the type that I most seek after and try to share. In these short chapters of Arms of Love, which is also the title of a song Laurie and I sang while leading various church worship meetings, and as the lead singers in our Ahava Love Band, I share some aspects of how I believe the Bible speaks of love.

For you who are about to read this, my prayer is that your heart will be enlarged with His, and you too will become one, even more, to give love for His people, both Jew and Gentile, both saved and unsaved. I hope that as you read these chapters, you will become more inspired to spend time with the Lord, experience His heart of love, and share it with our fellow man. 

The world needs to know the love of God. 

Steve Martin

Love For His People

Charlotte, NC 

Jan. 2016

How to Move in The Father’s Love for Israel - DAVID HARWOOD

How to Move in The Father’s Love for Israel

5/7/2014 DAVID HARWOOD CHARISMA MAGAZINE

As many of you know, I often speak on the Father’s heart for Israel and the church and that nothing short of it will do when reaching out to our Jewish friends and neighbors with the love of G-d. But what does the Father’s love actually look like in our everyday lifestyles and actions when interacting with Jewish people?

In my travels and associations in my ministry, I was recently quite taken and stirred by a teaching of a good friend of mine and Jewish brother, David Harwood. He has written a book on the love of G-d, and his teachings on it really moved me into a greater understanding and depth of G-d’s love. I asked David to write an article for my ministry to help us to focus more on the love of G-d through the Father’s heart. —Grant Berry

As Grant mentioned, I’ve written a book, God’s True Love, which exhorts the Jesus follower to prioritize abiding in Jesus’ love, provides an interpretive grid for the believer’s experience of the Trinity’s love, and gives an explanation of God’s love for humanity. Many have found it transformative and life-enhancing, and you can find it on my website (information below). This article is an application of aspects of this teaching to a topic that is not discussed in the book: God’s unique love for the Jewish people.

To start, every believer is called to understand and experience God’s love (John 15:9). Within that context, through Paul’s ministry, we are invited to understand and experience God’s unique love for Israel (Rom. 1:16). This is part of the church’s pilgrimage that shall last “until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time” (Acts 3:21).

Entering into God’s emotions concerning Israel is not for the fainthearted. It is fraught with misunderstanding, often filled with frustration and potential peril. The love of the predominantly Gentile church for their Jewish brethren and all of Israel is intended to be sign seen in the heavens and the earth (Eph. 3:8-10; John 13:34-35).

As in World War II, it is possible that terrible prices may be exacted on those who embrace God’s view of His firstborn children. Should all the nations gather against the nation of Israel, it will not be because they think that war is unjustified (Is. 14:24-27; Zech. 14:2-3). Imagine the amount of international propaganda that will be marshaled against the Word of God. How grounded in the Scriptures will disciples need to be to withstand such pressure? How immersed in love? How might you strengthen your heart so that your agape does not grow cold?

Begin With Love

Paul encouraged every believer to know God’s love. He prayed toward that end, recognizing the special place the people of Israel have in God’s heart. The foundation to loving others with a holy love is not loving oneself. It is receiving God’s love for oneself and consequently being transformed until you are conformed to His perspective. The Messiah admonished His disciples, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love” (John 15:9). The Lord promised that if we remained in His love that we would bear fruit. Amongst other wonderful outcomes a significant result will be that we love others as we have been loved.

Paul put that into practice. He wrote of “the Son of God, who loved [him] and gave Himself up for [him]” (Gal. 2:20). The love of Jesus was a source of encouragement and strength to this man. So important was the knowledge of God’s love in Paul’s estimation that he penned one of the most exalted prayers in Scripture for the receiving of that experience.

In Ephesians 3:14-21, we find Paul fervently prayed that his disciples would know the love of the Messiah, which passes knowledge. The results of knowing this love would be that the believing community would be filled with the fullness of God. It will take the fullness of God for the church to persevere in love for the Jewish people. This is not something that will be accomplished by dint of human effort. It shall be a result of a life-changing conviction of, and an ongoing encounter with, the love of God, which Grant often refers to in The Reconnection, and is the heart of his ministry focus to the church. Wonderfully, as we relate to God’s love for us, He reveals His love for others. It is not by accident that so many are being affected by His love for Israel. This is something He loves to communicate.

His love for you is your home. Remember, the Messiah commanded you to dwell in His love for you. Abiding in the love of Jesus is the key to bearing fruit (John 15:1-10). One aspect of this fruit is how we relate to others. Living in the experience of God’s love has consequences (Eph. 3:19-20). When you receive God’s love through faith and experience this love by the Spirit, you are empowered to love others with the same love you have received.

Begin With Prayer

Pray for the Jewish people’s salvation. Pray energized by the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:26-27, Paul wrote of the groanings of the Spirit within us, which are too deep for words. Then he vulnerably exposed us to what may have been his own experience of these groanings:

“I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Rom. 9:2-3).

In the following chapter, he confided the content of his intercession: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation” (Rom. 10:1).

Finally, in Romans 11, he revealed the goal of his prayers: “Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! ... For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” (vv. 12, 15).

Although Paul knew that Israel was not rejected by God, was convinced of God’s love for the Jewish people and knew the certain outcome of Israel’s reconciliation, he still prayed. He prayed through the power of the Spirit. He prayed on God’s side and in Israel’s best interests. God is motivating people throughout the world to enter this cosmic conflict and bring judgment to victory through His love by the power of the Holy Spirit. For there is no greater duty for us in our spiritual reconnection towards Israel than to pray and intercede for their awakening, which is driven out of love.

Begin With the Messianic Jewish Brethren

We are called to do good to others and to prioritize the good we do. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Gal. 6:10).

It is a good thing to pray for Israel and the Jewish people, but prioritize praying for the remnant of Israel. Consider prioritizing praying for the Jewish believers who are living in the Land of Israel, as well as the Nations.

Wisely Give Practical Help

Let’s talk about money (Rom. 15:27). Many believers are moved with compassion and generously express that compassion giving money to help poor Israelis and impoverished immigrants to Israel. Often these finances are given through organizations that are hostile to the Messianic Jewish community who live in the land of Israel. Rather than funneling monies through groups that are also dedicated to the destruction of the testimony of the Messiah in the Land, why not “do good” through believers of unquestioned integrity who are helping out the brethren?

Become a Bridge-Builder

Upon occasion I am asked to speak about the relationship of the believers from the nations with Messianic Jewish believers and communities. There are many barriers that need to be overcome and more than one way of viewing the problems and solutions to these problems. Really, from my perspective it is a wonderful thing when Gentile Christians take this up as part of their ministry.

Between Dan Juster’s and Michael Brown’s writings, there is enough information to get educated and qualified. Having a heart that is informed with good information goes a long way towards being an effective peacemaker and successful bridge builder.

This should come as no surprise, but I also recommend Grant Berry’s insightful book,The Ezekiel Generation. In particular, Grant addresses issues of transgenerational anti-Semitic spiritual pollution. Get his book and work through those prayers of repentance and renunciation. Becoming progressively free is a foundational prerequisite for entering into the ministry of reconciliation and all that God has for us in these coming days as He looks to connect His family between Jew and Gentile.

Begin Today

For those of you who know Jewish believers or Messianic Jewish congregations, please encourage them to continue to pursue the Spirit’s leading and power in the establishing of growing spiritual communities. Pray for the Messiah to raise up the ascension gifts (Eph. 4:11-13) in and amongst these communities. Pray for their effective ministry to the Jewish people and the nations. Encourage them in their expression of their identity as Jewish followers of Yeshua, as well as to their strengthening in the Holy Spirit.

Begin with love. Begin with prayer. Begin with the Messianic Jewish brethren. Become a bridge-builder. Begin today.

David Harwood is a Jewish believer who has pastored Restoration Fellowship in Glen Cove, New York, since the mid-1970s. A prophetic teacher and worship leader, David has presented this message in conferences, training centers and congregations in the United States, Israel, Canada and Mexico. For more information, visitloveofgodproject.org.

Sharing Love From Sweden - "Under His Wings" (Psalm 91)

Stockholm, Sweden

UNDER HIS WINGS …

It is written in Ps.91 that you, as a Christian, are under God´s wings.

Ps.91: 4. "He shall cover you with His feathers".  It means that a symbol for God can be a bird. When you think about God´s greatness and about the refuge, think for instance about an albatross because they have very big feathers. You are under big feathers and under real protection. 

When you think that you are under His wings I do not just think about protection but that under His wings you are close to God. Would He not take care of you, His “bird-child”? It is natural under His wings then that He will take care of you! It means under His wings I think also that you are loved and you are not left alone! It is written that "surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler." In Ps.91.3 it means then that a human being can have a symbol of a bird, too. 

In  Ps.91:5 we can read “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night” and other things you do not have to be afraid of. It means that you are under Gods wings in the night when it is dark in the home. And the “Bird” lives where you live because in Ps. 23:6  we can read  “I will dwell in the house forever,” I think then about forever. It means that we dwell with God know too! He lives with us where we live.   

To deliver you from the snare of the fowler can means different things. For instance, that you as a Christian are saved  and delivered from the snare of the fowler! I think also that Jesus was delivered from the snare of the fowler when He rose from the death. I am thinking that the enemy thought he destroyed Jesus at the cross because he did not understood love and then he did not understand that Jesus was hanging there by free will for us and  rose from the dead!

Some animals are ready to give their lives for the children. I saw a bear one time on TV fighting for the cub, ready to give her life for it.

One time many years ago I happened to come to near a swan. I saw that the mother was very angry when you came close. I noticed that she had her chicks with her. She really did all she could do in protecting them!  Then I think about God. He really is very eager to do everything for us – like  a good shepherd's heart! A good shepherd is willing to give his life for the sheep and  is “feeding  the sheep.” The good shepherd takes care of the sheep and a  swan  protects and helps her offspring! 

  

In Ps.91 I think to be under God's wings can also be as under the wings of a hen. Under the wings you feel secure. When you understand the safety in being under the wings you get peace about things you worry about. I am under God's wings.. As if to be under the wings of an eagle or a swan.

The albatross has very big wings and I like to think about that when I think about that picture;  when I  think about being under God`s wings. God is like a shelter.  Jesus is a refuge. You are under Gods`s wings.

Also as a lamb you can feel safe, secure and calm in the arms of a shepherd who loves and carries it and takes care of it. God does that also about protection. Jesus is our salvation . It is salvation in His name and about protection. As a mother or father wants to protect their children, Gods wants to protect His children.

In Ps.91 it is written in verse 14 that "because He has set His love upon me, therefore I will deliver him.. In the name of Jesus is protection. In Isaiah 43:1-2 you can read that if we go through water and fire we will not be burned. If we go through difficulties we will not go under and if there is lot of water around us we will not drown or not die in any fire.

To be in our heavenly Daddy's arms is like to be like a child in the arms of a father who loves his child deeply. God is a God full of love and in Rom. 8.15 we can read that God has not given us a spirit of fear. We can feel safe in His love. He sent the most precious gift He had to us, His Son, so that we could be saved and find salvation is in His name, Jesus.

Blessings,

Eva Heglund

 CHILD OF GOD IN SECURE HANDS

To rest in Your arms

I cannot do it myself.

Like a baby in the arms of a parent

Take a deep breath and feel calm 

Knowing that He will take care of me.

I am in secure in His hands.

I cannot count how He will do it,

Just trust!

I cannot fall out of Daddy`s arms;

He will not let me fall.

My Daddy has a heart of gold.

There can be waves around me.

I can feel overwhelmed but

My Daddy takes care of me!

He is above the waves.

AVA HEGLUND

 

Albatross flying over the waves