Showing posts with label Hadassah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hadassah. Show all posts

Thursday, October 22, 2015

I Wish We’d All Been Ready Now Think On This by Steve Martin

I Wish We’d All Been Ready
Now Think On This
by Steve Martin


“Upon being told what Ester had said, Mordekhai asked them to give Ester this answer: “Don’t suppose that merely because you happen to be in the royal palace you will escape any more than the other Jews. For if you fail to speak up now, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from a different direction; but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows whether you didn’t come into your royal position precisely for such a time as this.” 
(Esther 4:12-14 Complete Jewish Bible)


As we drove back from the Wednesday night  Bible study at MorningStar, where Tom Hardiman had begun a month long series on eschatology (end times), my son Ben spoke of waking up the previous morning with the DC Talk song in his head, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” That was cool. I remember waking up 46 years ago with the Larry Norman song in my head, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” (Larry wrote that classic way back in 1969 and had it first recorded on the album I bought in 1970 called Upon This Rock. I then bought the cassette. Probably the CD too. And yes, the MP3 is on my smartphone.)

Be that as it may…I hope you and I are ready.

These times are a changin’. Somewhere that sounds like another song lyric. (If you know, please fill me in. Thanks.) We are living in times like no other. The world as we once knew it is gone. What used to be is no more. What will come, well, you better find out so you too are ready.

In Esther’s time (her Hebrew name was Hadassah) she was placed in a strategic appointed position by the Lord God to help save the Jews from extermination. Today that day of deliverance is annually celebrated as Purim, in the spring by the Jewish people. It once again acknowledges another time of protection and deliverance, given for and to them by the awesome Living God of Israel. 

Often throughout the recorded documents of truth, found in the historical centuries of life beginning with Father Abraham, living in the very promised land of Israel, Yahweh has kept in existence His chosen people. They have been revealed as demonstrations, testaments and further undeniable proof of His own existence (as if creation itself was not enough) and for this current time, during the fulfillment of His end time plans and purposes.

No other nation or people group, since the creation of the world, has survived the destruction, displacement, or rampant displeasure placed upon them. And yet, as another living reality of His immense heart, their God, the same for those of us grafted into their olive tree, has returned them to that land given to them by Himself, the Eternal Father.

And now too, for such a time as this, Christians are being called upon to stand beside our brothers and sisters in the Land of Eretz Israel. We have been chosen to support and defend, with our mouths, with our written words, and no less our wallets, the Jewish nation, both in Israel and those yet to return (by making aliyah).

Because of the tremendous debt we owe to the Jewish people we can do no less. Through them was birthed the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, born in Bethlehem as prophesied by Micah centuries prior. Through them, the Bible (Torah), inspired by the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh), came to us. Moses (Hebrew - Moshe), the prophets, Daniel (Hebrew - same), Ezekiel (Hebrew - same), Matthew (Matityahu), Mark Mordechai), James (Yaakov), John (Yochahnahn) and Paul (Tzuar) – all Jews – heard the word, wrote the word, and because of their faithfulness we have it in our hands today, bringing life in our daily faith walk.

These times we live in are the fulfillment of the prophetic events they saw and declared. We get to experience what it is to be a part of the One New Man, the future Bride of Christ, that Jesus (Yeshua) is coming back for. After gathering many peoples, from all the nations around the world, our hope and trust is founded on that, His Word revealed to us.

I ask you to be saved in your spirit, soul and body, through the salvation only found in Jesus’ atoning Blood, sacrificed on the cross for each of us. Then you too will be ready, for such a time as this.

That is my prayer for you today.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.

P.S. We sure could use your help to bless the families we do in Israel, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and the hurting ones here in the USA. Please give out of the abundance you have been given.

P.S.S. Thank the Lord too for Larry and the former members of DC Talk!

In May, 2106, my wife Laurie and I will be traveling to Israel to spend time we our friends. We support them in word and deed.

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.

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Now Think On This #194 “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” by Steve Martin 
Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (10.22.15) Thursday at 7:15 am in Charlotte, NC

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



I Wish We’d All Been Ready – Larry Norman, 1969

Life was filled with guns and war
And all of us got trampled on the floor
I wish we'd all been ready

The children died, the days grew cold
A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold
I wish we'd all been ready

There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind

A man and wife asleep in bed
She hears a noise and
Turns her head, he's gone
I wish we'd all been ready

Two men walking up a hill
One disappears and
One's left standing still
I wish we'd all been ready

There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind

The father spoke, the demons dined
How could you have been so blind?

There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind
There's no time to change your mind
The son has come and you've been left behind

I hope we'll all be ready
You've been left behind
You've been left behind
You've been left behind

Friday, February 20, 2015

The Secret Meaning Behind Queen Esther ✡ "That is Esther"

And he had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther.

ESTHER (2:7)
 

וַיְהִי אֹמֵן אֶת הֲדַסָּה הִיא אֶסְתֵּר

אסתר ב:ז

va-y'-hee o-mayn et ha-da-sa hee es-tayr

Jerusalem Inspiration

Esther is the name that comes to mind as the Jewish heroine of the Purim story, however, in the Megillah, we find that her given name is actually Hadassah. Why was Esther's name changed, and why has the second name gone down in fame throughout history? If we look at the meaning of the word Esther, we can see why. Esther comes from the Hebrew root se-ter, סתר which means secret.  The miracle of Purim was intertwined with the hidden hand of God 'pulling the strings' throughout the story. Esther embodied the idea of hidden and revealed, how that which is evident to the naked eye does not always represent the full story. The Master of the World is the hidden force behind every salvation, and Esther merited the role in history to orchestrate that salvation.
 

Purim Animated

Get ready for the holiday of Purim! This unique video tells the story of the Jewish salvation in pictures.
 

Read 'Intergalactic Judaism'

Rabbi David Lister's riveting book "Intergalactic Judaism", seeks to investigate and enhance our understanding of the Torah in the light of the revelations of modern science, using these discoveries as a commentary on Biblical imagery.
 

'Intergalactic Judaism'

'Intergalactic Judaism' analyzes biblical metaphors with the aid of modern scientific advances in space exploration, physics, biology, and astronomy. It seeks to investigate and enhance readers’ understanding of the Torah in light of the revelations of modern science.

Jerusalem Daily Photo

Jerusalem hide and seek knows no age limit, by Aaron Hyman. Purim is the holiday that celebrates both the hidden and the revealed.
 

Thank You

Today's Jerusalem Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Robert Craven from Canton, Ohio. Toda Raba!
 

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Friday, March 14, 2014

"They called these days "Purim" from the word "pur." Esther 9:26 (Israel365)

For Haman...had plotted to annihilate 

the Jews and he cast a pur 

(that is, the lot) to terrify and annihilate them. 

But when she (Queen Esther) appeared 

before the king, he commanded that 

(Haman's) wicked scheme... should 

recoil on his own head... Therefore 

they called these days "Purim" 

from the word "pur."

ESTHER (9:24-26)

כִּי הָמָן ... חָשַׁב עַל הַיְּהוּדִים

 לְאַבְּדָם וְהִפִּל פּוּר- הוּא הַגּוֹרָל - לְהֻמָּם

 וּלְאַבְּדָם. וּבְבֹאָהּ לִפְנֵי

 הַמֶּלֶךְ אָמַר ...יָשׁוּב מַחֲשַׁבְתּוֹ

 הָרָעָה  ...עַל רֹאשׁוֹ.... עַל כֵּן קָרְאוּ

 לַיָּמִים הָאֵלֶּה פוּרִים עַל שֵׁם הַפּוּר

אֶסְתֵּר ט:כד-כו


kee ha-MAN ... tzo-RAYR kol ha-yi-hu-DEEM
kha-SHAV al ha-yi-hu-DEEM li-ab-DAM vi-hi-PIL
pur - hu ha-go-RAL - li-hu-MAN u-li-ab-DAM.
u-v'vo-A lif-NAY ha-me-LEKH a-MAR im
ha-say-FER ya-SHUV ma-kha-shav-TO
ha-ra-A ... al ro-SHO ... al kayn kar-U la-ya-MEEM
ha-ay-LE pu-REEM al shaym ha-PUR
Shabbat Inspiration

The book of Esther is the only book of Scripture where God's name is never mentioned, but our Sages teach that wherever the book refers to "the king" as in today's verse, it alludes to the true King above. The book gives beautiful lessons and hope for our days when God's hand is seemingly hidden. 

Today the Jews of Hebron keep miracles alive - a small minority surrounded by Arabs - staying connected to our holy sites and praying in the merit of our forefathers and foremothers buried in Hebron. Bring joy to the Hebron community this Purim by sponsoring their festive meal with the IDF soldiers who protect them, and distributing charity to the needy.

Support the Hebron Fund this Purim »




Purim Story Unveiled
Learn the story of Purim in this dynamic 4 minute video. Esther's heroism saved the Jews and taught eternal lessons relevant to our times.

Watch Here »


Hebron Kids Surprise Anti-Israel Activists
An anti-Israel group often comes to Hebron to “document” Israeli mistreatment of local Arabs. But on a recent visit, they were greeted by an unexpected sight. Read More »

This sterling silver miniature Torah Crown features an antique design which is reminiscent of the style of
Torah that existed in ancient time. The Torah Crown or “Keter Torah” in Hebrew is known to be a
significant part of the Torah reading.

Get this Great Deal and Free Shipping »



Today's Israel Photo
On Purim, the Hebron Fund holds a joyful meal for Hebron residents and the IDF soldiers protecting them. Another joyous highlight is the parade to the Cave of Machpelah, where our Patriarchs and Matriarchs are buried.

Support the Hebron Fund »



Thank You
Today's Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Anie Nasir of New Zealand. Toda raba!

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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Happy Purim Israel and Around the World this weekend! (Israel365 photo)

The Jews had gladness and joy, 

a feast and a holiday.

ESTHER (8:17)

שִׂמְחָה וְשָׂשׂוֹן לַיְּהוּדִים מִשְׁתֶּה וְיוֹם טוֹב

אסתר ח:יז


sim-KHA vi-sa-SON la-yi-hu-DEEM mish-TE vi-YOM tov


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Purim Celebration - The Historical Story of Hadassah/Esther & Mordecai

Purim Celebration - 
The Historical Story 
of Hadassah/Esther 
& Mordecai

The word "Purim" means "lots" and thus refers to the lottery that Haman chose for the date of massacre. Thus Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which is usually observed in the month of March. The 13th of Adar is the day which Haman chose for the extermination of the Jews, and it is on that day only when that the Jews battled their enemies for their lives. Thus on the 14th, they celebrated joyously for their survival. 

Thus the cities that were walled at the time of Joshua, Purim is observed on the 15th of the month, because the book of Esther says that in Shushan (a walled city), deliverance from the massacre would not be completed until the next day. Thus the 15th day is referred to as Shushan Purim.

However a leap year can witness two months of Adar, thus Purim is observed in the second month of Adar, so it is always one month before Passover. The 14th day of the first Adar in a leap year is thus celebrated as a minor holiday called Purim Katan, which means "little Purim". Though there are no specific observances for Purim Katan; however, a person should celebrate the holiday without mourning or fasting.In fact some other communities also observe the "Purim Katan" on the anniversary when their community was saved from a catastrophe, evil, destruction or oppression.

The Purim holiday is generally preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, which honors the Esther's three days of fasting which was observedas a preparation for her meeting with the king. Further, custom and tradition that are observed related to Purim is to hear the reading of the book of Esther. The book of Esther is commonly known as the Megillah, which means scroll. Although there are five books of Jewish scripture that are collectively referred to as Megillahs (Esther, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations), this is the one which people usually refer to when they speak of the Megillah.

Moreover it further customary to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle the gragers (noisemakers) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned for the whole purpose of this custom is to "blot out the name of Haman".

Purim HamentaschenOther customs which are well associated with the observance of Purim is that of feasting, drinking and that of merry-making. For according to the Talmud, a person should drink until he cannot point out the difference between a "cursed be Haman" and a "blessed be Mordecai", though opinions may vary from person to person.

Again a person certainly should not become so drunk that he may violate other commandments or can get seriously ill. However there is an exemption for those recovering alcoholics or others who may suffer serious harm from alcohol.

In addition to the feasting and merry-making customs, sending out gifts of food or drink have also become a customary affair.Thus the sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manos (sending out portions). Moreover amongst the Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is that of the hamantaschen (Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are the replica of Haman's three-cornered hat.

Making charity can also be referred as a common custom observed during Purim. Other customary affair observed in order to celebrate Purim is to hold carnival-like celebrations.Various plays and parodies are also performed in order to entertain the present audience and many beauty contests are also held. Thus it can be said that sometimes Americans refer to Purim as the Jewish Mardi Gras.

Source: The Holiday Spot

Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/purim/purim_customs_and_observances.htm#1qK9s45hCPu9CXMO.99




Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Queen Esther- One Night With The King - full length movie (Purim)

One Night With The King



"One Night With The King" tells the story of the Jewess Hadassah, who became Queen Esther in the Persian Empire. Through her boldness and obedience, she helped save the Jew from extinction, once again. The story of Purim, the Jewish feast.

"From whence comes the purpose of a person's life? Come it by chance, a casting of the lot,or does a call of destiny beckon to each of us? Many have wondered about my little Hadassah and why a simple Jewish orphan was chosen to stand against the annihilation of her people. And yet the mystery of the girl most know as Esther begins not where one might think, but 500 years earlier with a single act of disobedience." Uncle Mordecai



Hadassah/Esther



Haman

King Xerxes






Mordecai





Purim - Feast of Lots By Mary Fairchild

Feast of Lots


Jews read the Book of Esther on Purim.
Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images

Bible Feasts:

Paul said in Colossians 2:16-17 that the Jewish feasts and celebrations were actually a shadow of the things to come through Jesus Christ. And though as Christians we may not commemorate these holidays in the traditional biblical sense, as we discover the significance of each, we will certainly gain a greater knowledge of God's Word, an improved understanding of the Bible, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Feast of Lots - Purim:

The Feast of Lots, or Purim, commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people through the heroism of Queen Esther in Persia. The name Purim, or "lots," was most likely given to this festival in a sense of irony, because Haman, the enemy of the Jews, had plotted against them to completely destroy them by casting the lot (Esther 9:24). Today Jews not only celebrate this great deliverance on Purim, but also the continued survival of the Jewish race.

Time of Observance:

Today Purim is celebrated on day 14 of the Hebrew month of Adar (February or March). Originally Purim was established as a two-day observance (Esther 9:27).

• See Bible Feasts Calendar for actual dates.
Scripture Reference: The story of Purim is recorded in the Old Testament book of Esther. 

About Purim:

Photo from the movie "One Night With The King"

During his third year of reign over the Persian Empire, King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) was ruling from his royal throne in the city of Susa (southwestern Iran), and he held a banquet for all his nobles and officials. When summoned to appear before him, his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, refused to come. As a result she was forever banished from the King's presence, and a new Queen was sought from among the most beautiful young virgins of the kingdom.

Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, had been living as an exile in Susa at the time. He had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had adopted and raised as his own daughter after her parents had died. Hadassah, or Esther, meaning "star" in Persian, was lovely in form and features, and she found favor in the eyes of the King and was chosen among hundreds of women to become Queen in the place of Vashti.

Meanwhile, Mordecai uncovered a plot to have the King assassinated and told his cousin Queen Esther about it. She in turn, reported the news to the King, and gave the credit to Mordecai.

Later on Haman, an evil man, was given the highest seat of honor by the King, but Mordecai refused to kneel down and pay him honor. This greatly angered Haman, and knowing that Mordecai was a Jew, a member of the race he hated, Haman began to plot a way to destroy all of the Jews throughout Persia. Haman convinced King Xerxes to issue a decree for their annihilation.
Up until this time, Queen Esther had kept her Jewish heritage a secret from the King. Now Mordecai encouraged her to go into the King's presence and beg for mercy on behalf of the Jews.

Believing that God had prepared her for this very moment in history—"for such a time as this"—as a vessel of deliverance for her people, Esther urged all of the Jews in the city to fast and pray for her. She was about to risk her own life to request an audience with the King.

Photo: "One Night With The King"

When she appeared before King Xerxes he was pleased to listen to Esther and grant whatever request she might have. When Esther revealed her identity as a Jew and then pleaded for her own life and the lives of her people, the King became enraged with Haman and had him and his sons hanged on the gallows (or impaled on a wooden pole).

King Xerxes reversed his previous order to have the Jewish people destroyed, and gave Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves. Mordecai then received a place of honor in the King's palace as second in rank and encouraged all Jews to participate in an annual celebration of feasting and joy, in remembrance of this great salvation and turn of events. By Queen Esther's official decree, these days were established as a lasting custom called Purim, or the Feast of Lots.

• Learn more about Purim Customs and Celebrations.

Jesus and the Feast of Lots:

Purim is a celebration of God's faithfulness, deliverance and protection. Although the Jews were sentenced to death by King Xerxes' original decree, through Queen Esther's courageous intervention and willingness to face death, the people's lives were spared. Similarly, all of us who have sinned have been issued a decree of death, but through the intervention of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the old decree has been satisfied and a new proclamation of eternal life has been established:

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." (NLT)

More Facts About Purim

Purim is still joyously celebrated today among Jews with the reading of entire book of Esther in the synagogue. Using noisemakers, people loudly cheer at the mention of Mordecai's name and sounds of hissing, stamping of feet and booing can be heard when Haman's name is spoken.

Hamantashen is a traditional Jewish treat eaten during Purim. It has three corners and represents Haman's hat.

It is common to see Purim plays reenacting the story of Esther on Purim. Street parades and carnivals have also become popular, and people dress up in costumes symbolizing Esther's concealed identity.
Jews are required on Purim to give gifts to the poor.

More about Purim.

Looking for a Contemporary Rendition of the Story of Esther?