Purim in March - Antioch International Church (03.18.11)

Purim, one of the annual feasts celebrated each year in March, remembers the biblical true story of Esther (Hadassah), Mordecai and Haman in Perisa. The Lord saved the Jews from the slaughter of the Persians.

As we appreciate and enjoy our Jewish roots as bleivers in Yeshua (Jesus), we also celebrate these every year in the USA! These photos are from the Antioch International Church cvelebration on March 18, 2011 in Fort, Mill, SC.

Steve Martin

Love For His People

Steve Martin, Little Big Eagle, Chuck Williams

Chuck and Gloria Williams

Steve Martin & Chuck Williams

Two kings in His service

Laurie and Steve Martin, Chuck Williams

Little Big Eagle

 Peter Wyns & Steve Martin

Senior Pastor Peter Wyns

Lydia Holly and Chuck Phelps

Geoff Graham and Laurie Martin

Colleen Baker

Ed Brigham and Richard Tompkins

Geoff Graham

Peter Wyns reading Esther from the Old Testament 

Shabbat candles on Purim

Photos by Steve Martin, 

except for the ones that I am in.

Bob Jones Tribute Song at Memorial Service - Lyn Kost, with Don Potter, Leonard Jones

Lyn Kost, son-in-law of Bob Jones (Bonnie Jones), sings a tribute song at Bob's Celebration Service.
Don Potter (guitar) and Leonard Jones (violin)

MorningStar Ministreis Feb. 21, 2014

Bob Jones passed onto heaven on Valentines Day, Feb. 14, 2014.

Video by Steve Martin, Love For His People, Inc.

Bobby Connor shares Bob Jones stories at Memorial Service at MorningStar Ministries 02.21.14

Bobby Connor shares stories of his memories of Bob Jones, who passed on Feb. 14, 2014 (Valentines Day).

MorningStar Ministries Feb. 21, 2014

Bob Jones 1930-2014

84 years

Video by Steve Martin, Love For His People

Bob Jones Passing Celebration - Show Me Your Face Lord - Don Potter

Don Potter sings at Bob Jones Celebration, Feb. 21, 2014 in honor of his passing 
on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2014, at age 84.

More videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/loveforhispeopleinc

Video by Steve Martin, Love For His People

Bob & Bonnie Jones 2013

John Kerry - Newfound Jewish roots

Newfound Jewish roots 

gave Kerry a ‘deep’ bond 

with Israel

Secretary of State, who only learned his grandparents were Jews in 2004, says he understands Israelis’ reluctance to sign a deal

BY RAPHAEL AHREN February 20, 2014

US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks to an Israeli reporter in an 

interview aired Thursday, February 20, 2014 (screen capture: Channel 2)

WRITERS

Raphael Ahren Raphael Ahren is the diplomatic correspondent at The Times of Israel.

US Secretary of State John Kerry says his feelings toward Israel changed 10 years ago, after he found out that that he had Jewish grandparents.

“It’s a connection that’s deep. I lost a great-uncle in the Holocaust and a great-aunt. I never knew that until then. To learn that, after years of being passionate about ‘never again,’ with respect to the Holocaust, and then to understand that you are biologically and personally connected to that, is very moving,” he said in an interview aired on Thursday by Israel’s Channel 2.

“Israel itself has a special connection to me, not just because of that personal, now-known connection, but more importantly because of the amazing journey of the Jewish people,” he said in the interview, which was conducted last Tuesday at the State Department. “And now I’ve learned that, I have got a better sense of that.”

Kerry first found out about his Jewish ancestry in 2004, when he was running for president against George W. Bush. Both his father’s parents were born Jews and converted to Christianity because of anti-Semitism, and they changed their name from Cohen to Kerry when they immigrated to the United States.

Asked by the interviewer, Ilana Dayan, whether he felt that Israelis were still defined by their tragedies to the extent that those events made them hesitant to take the “leap of faith” necessary to withdraw from the West Bank and agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state, Kerry answered in the affirmative.

“But,” he added, “here is what I want to emphasize: I think my job is to try to help create a situation where the realities of the agreement are such that it’s not such a leap of faith. I don’t want this to be a leap of faith. I want this to be a leap of reason. A leap of rationality and of choice, based on a very understandable and tangible set of guaranties about security and other things.”

If that could be achieved, Kerry continued, “then we take some of the emotion away… even though it will be for some always a huge emotion, because some people have very different views about greater Judea and Samaria — I know all of that. But I also know that over 70 percent of the people of Israel believe in a two-state solution.”

The secretary of state said that he sometimes spends hours on the phone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and understands him. But he was hesitant to say whether he believes Netanyahu would agree to the kind of concessions a peace agreement would require. “If we’ve answered all of the challenges of security for Israel, if he has secured the nation state of Israel as the home of the Jewish people, if he has secured recognition and secured the refugee issue — properly dissolved — I hope he will,” Kerry said.

Netanyahu’s primary concern is the security of Israeli civilians, Kerry stressed. “I have said this to [Palestinian Authority] President [Mahmoud] Abbas: The primary issue for any Israeli is to know that if they make an agreement, they are safer and stronger because of the agreement than they were before they made it. And that goes contrary to past experience in pulling out of Lebanon and pulling out of Gaza.”

Kerry hinted that settlers might not have to relocate under the terms of a peace deal. Asked about the personal price that a settler might have to pay when required to leave his home as a result of an accord, Kerry replied that he was not sure this would be necessary.

“I have no argument with anyone in Israel who says that no deal is better than a bad deal. I say that myself,” he said. “I’m not in the business of trying to put together a bad deal.”

Kerry dismissed criticism of him from right-wing Israeli politicians, particularly Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who said the top US diplomat was “messianic and obsessive.”

“You know, those are judgments that other people may or may not have fun making in this process. I’m doing my job,” he said. Kerry claimed he was not insulted by Ya’alon’s remarks. “I think I am committed, and I’m determined.”

The secretary of state declined to comment on his gut reaction in January to Yedioth Ahronoth’s publication of Ya’alon’s scathing criticism, which targeted the US mediation of the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

“That’s not the way I operate. I’m an optimist and I am a believer in possibilities,” he said. “People who know me know that when I sink my teeth into something, if I get the bit between my teeth, I try to get it done.”


Read more: Newfound Jewish roots gave Kerry a 'deep' bond with Israel | The Times of Israel http://www.timesofisrael.com/newfound-jewish-roots-gave-kerry-a-deep-bond-with-israel/#ixzz2tyiTbbC5
Follow us: @timesofisrael on Twitter | timesofisrael on Facebook

Shabbat Shalom - Rest in Him, the Lion of Judah - all ye nations of the world

 

The Lion of Judah

Find your peace 

in the Lord God of Israel. 

Yeshua HaMashiach

Jesus Christ

Let the love shine...

The map of Israel...and it will grow.

Steve & Laurie Martin

Love For His People

Rocking the Noah boat - movie report by Chris Stone Founder Faith Driven Consumer

Last week we wrote to you about the flood of controversy surrounding Paramount Pictures’ $125 million film Noah to be released on March 28th. We asked you to weigh in, and tell us what you think. Talk about rocking the boat! In the few days since we shared your concerns about Noah, national and international press attention has tried to pit Faith Driven Consumer in a battle against Paramount – a la David and Goliath. To recap: We shared Hollywood-based press stories with which questioned the degree to which Noah will appeal to faith-based audiences – given reports that the biblical story has been changed significantly. And we asked you to weigh in and tell us whether you as a Faith Driven Consumer would be satisfied with a biblically themed movie – designed to appeal to you – which replaces the Bible’s core message with one created by Hollywood. When the results were tallied, an overwhelming 98% of Faith Driven Consumers told us that they would not be satisfied with a biblically themed movie that changes the biblical message. Then we shared the results of this consumer survey in an effort to engage with Hollywood on the entertainment needs, wants and desires of the 46 million Faith Driven Consumers like you and me who spend $1.75 trillion annually. Creating a storm of controversy was never our intent. Instead,  we simply advocated on behalf of Faith Driven Consumers in the marketplace of goods, services and ideas – and created a point of dialogue where our community’s interests are expressed. Take a moment now to read this open letter we wrote to Hollywood about the Noah movie controversy. And be sure to share it with your family and friends. Thanks for joining the Faith Driven Consumer community. Together, we are engaging corporate America and creating a welcoming place in the market for faith-based interests and values. Sincerely, Chris Stone Founder Faith Driven Consumer

Almond tree blossoms in Israel

Almond tree budding in Israel

Almonds on the tree

Almond in the shell

The almond is a deciduous tree, growing 4–10 m (13–33 ft) in height, with a trunk of up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter. The young twigs are green at first, becoming purplish where exposed to sunlight, then grey in their second year. The leaves are 3–5 inches long, with a serrated margin and a 2.5 cm (1 in) petiole. The flowers are white to pale pink, 3–5 cm (1–2 in) diameter with five petals, produced singly or in pairs and appearing before the leaves in early spring.

Almonds begin bearing an economic crop in the third year after planting. Trees reach full bearing five to six years after planting. The fruit matures in the autumn, 7–8 months after flowering. (Wikepedia)



Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Almond

Almond - a native of Syria and Israel. In form, blossoms, and fruit it resembles the peach tree. Its blossoms are of a very pale pink colour, and appear before its leaves. Its Hebrew name, shaked , signifying "wakeful, hastening," is given to it on account of its putting forth its blossoms so early, generally in February, and sometimes even in January. 

In Eccl 12:5 , it is referred to as illustrative, probably, of the haste with which old age comes. There are others, however, who still contend for the old interpretation here. "The almond tree bears its blossoms in the midst of winter, on a naked, leafless stem, and these blossoms (reddish or flesh-coloured in the beginning) seem at the time of their fall exactly like white snow-flakes. In this way the almond blossom is a very fitting symbol of old age, with its silvery hair and its wintry, dry, barren, unfruitful condition." 

In Jeremiah 1:11 "I see a rod of an almond tree [shaked]...for I will hasten [shaked] my word to perform it" the word is used as an emblem of promptitude. Jacob desired his sons ( Genesis 43:11 ) to take with them into Egypt of the best fruits of the land, almonds, etc., as a present to Joseph, probably because this tree was not a native of Egypt. Aaron's rod yielded almonds ( Numbers 17:8 ; Hebrews 9:4 ). 

Moses was directed to make certain parts of the candlestick for the ark of carved work "like unto almonds" ( Exodus 25:33 Exodus 25:34 ). The Hebrew word luz , translated "hazel" in the Authorized Version ( Genesis 30:37 ), is rendered in the Revised Version "almond." It is probable that luz denotes the wild almond, while shaked denotes the cultivated variety.

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

Virtual Tour - Deep Inside the Caves of Hebron - video (Israel365)

And afterwards Abraham buried Sarah  his wife in the cave of Machpela  facing Mamre, which is in Hebron,  in the Land of Canaan.  GENESIS (23:19)   וְאַחֲרֵי כֵן קָבַר אַבְרָהָם אֶת  שָׂרָה אִשְׁתּוֹ אֶל מְעָרַת שְׂדֵה הַמַּכְפֵּלָה  עַל פְּנֵי מַמְרֵא הִוא חֶבְרוֹן בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן בראשית כג:יט ve-ah-kha-RAY khane ka-VAR av-ra-HAM et sa-RA eesh-TOE el me-ah-RAT se-DAY ha-makh-pay-LA al pe-NAY mam-RAY hee khev-RONE be-eh-RETZ ke-na-AN

Shabbat Inspiration Why was the city called Hebron, חברון? “This name,” says the sages of Israel, “is made up of the contraction of two Hebrew words: חבר נאה ha-VER na-EH, agreeable friend; this designates Abraham who was the first agreeable friend of God. God had said to Israel (Isaiah 41:8), “The seed of Abraham, My friend.” Walk in the footsteps of Abraham and become a friend of the holy city of Hebron. You'll receive a Silver Medallion and Certificate of Appreciation from the Hebron's Mayor.   Support the Hebron Fund, Maintaining the Holy Sites for All » Virtual Tour - Deep Inside the Caves of Hebron This virtual tour of the Cave of the Patriarchs makes you feel as if you are right here, deep within the walls of the Cave, learning the rich history and secrets of the sacred site. Watch Now » Hebron: First Wonder of the World"I’m frequently asked about my motivation to live in Hebron. Why live here?" says David Wilder. See the world of Hebron through the eyes of an Israeli. Read More » Glass Shabbat Candlesticks and Tray This beautiful glass Shabbat candlelighting set will bring the light of the Holy Land into your home. A lovely centerpiece that is decorated with deep red color and pomegranate motif, and matching designs on the accompanying tray. Get FREE shipping on this great deal » Today's Israel Photo Today's photo shows the ancient stone path leading into Hebron. Two walls – one 4,500 years old and dated to the era of Noah, and another wall – 3,700 years old from the times of Abraham and Sarah, ensconce a stairwell that is over 4,000 years old. Here one can literally walk in the footsteps of Abraham. View More Scenes of Israel » Thank You Today's Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by William Gottfried of Orinda, California in honor of Toby Gottfried. Sponsor a Day » "Thank You So Much For Sharing Israel With Me"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 » Everyday when I read your mail...my heart just yearns for Israel.. Thank you so much for sharing Israel with me. It brings shalom to my heart. Bless you. Linda Prinsloo, South Africa Dear Rabbi, I write to thank you for including my email address in your subscribers' mailing list since November. We appreciate the daily transliteration, which reaches out to our friends who missed out learning to read in Hebrew. Isaac M., U.K Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com Copyright © 2014 Israel365, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for daily Israel Scenes and Inspiration on our website, www.israel365.com. Our mailing address is: Israel365 36 Ein Gedi StreetRamat Beit Shemesh 99000 Israel

Islam Unveiled - Raymond Ibrahim CBN News Contributor, Middle East and Islam Expert

Ibrahim: Islam Unveiled

Raymond Ibrahim

CBN News Contributor, Middle East and Islam Expert

www.raymondibrahim.com

<< US Chose to Stay Silent on Muslim Persecution of Christians |Blog Home

Kidnapped Nuns 

No Longer 

Bear the Cross

A new video of the 12 Christian nuns kidnapped in Syria recently appeared. In it, the nuns are taped sitting in a room and being questioned by an unseen man, presumably a member of the kidnappers. He asks them how they are, if they’ve been mistreated, etc.

They respond that they are being treated fine, that they very much look forward to being returned to their convent, that they heartily thank the world for its concern, and that they continually pray that God grant peace to all nations.

Their words say one thing, their expressions and demeanor another. Put differently, as female captives of Islamic jihadis, what else could they say but what they were told to say? (See, for example, how the nun in glasses had to be forced to face the camera at 1:46.) Even if one of them dared to say the “wrong thing,” it naturally would have been edited out. Who knows how many takes it took to get the video—which includes a bizarre clip of the nuns having a snowball fight with their abductors—just right?

One thing, however, although minor, speaks volumes concerning the nature of their captivity. Although these same nuns, in pictures before they were kidnapped, often appear wearing the large pectoral crosses that nuns often wear, these are all gone in the recent video.

This is to be expected, considering the “pious” nature of their captors. According to strict Islamic teaching, Christians and other non-Muslims are forbidden to show any signs or expressions of their “polytheism” (shirk in Arabic). Indeed, this is spelled out clearly in the Conditions of Omar, which mainstream Muslim teaching attributes to the second caliph of the same name.

After the seventh century armies of Islam conquered a particular Christian region—possibly and ironically in Syria—Omar stipulated several conditions for Christians to accept, including “Not to display a cross on them [churches], nor raise our voices during prayer or readings in our churches anywhere near Muslims; Not to produce a cross or [Christian] book in the markets of the Muslims” (see Crucified Again, pgs. 24-27 for my new translation of the entire text of theConditions of Omar).

From here we understand the true plight of the captive nuns: to their captors, not only are the Christian women hostages to be used for leverage, but ideologically speaking, they are “infidel” inferiors—near sub-humans who are more akin to animals. Indeed, the same Caliph Omar whom Syria’s jihadis are hearkening to regarding the ban on Christian crosses is also on record saying that the life of a non-Muslim is equal to the life of a dog (Western readers should bear in mind that in Arab/Muslim culture, dogs are among the lowest life forms.)

As such, the plight of the kidnapped nuns remains precarious—all their scripted words aside. (See here for more on the history of Islamic jihad on Christian nuns.)

As for the effects of removing the nuns’ crosses, an Arabic column by one Father George makes an interesting point highlighting the difference between outwardly observant “Salafi” Muslims, presumably like the kidnappers—with their beards and prayer callouses on their foreheads—and inwardly observant Christians like these nuns:


St Paul says “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). You removed the cross from the nuns’ breasts. Remove it! We do not rely on the visible. But know that the cross is firmly planted in the hearts of each and every one of those nuns.

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You are Only as Strong as Your Foundation by Elaine Tavolacci

You are Only as Strong 

as Your Foundation 

by Elaine Tavolacci

Identity Network

Building a skyscraper would require much more labor than building a bungalow. To build a skyscraper you would need materials such as steel for the framework, and concrete for the foundation. 

Some skyscrapers are also built a certain way in earthquake prone areas. A well-planned and tested design, when combined with the right materials, can keep a building intact through all sorts of shakes, storms and quakes. 

On the other hand, to build a bungalow you would probably use wood and nails and it would not require a cement foundation which would make it vulnerable to storms. 

If the Lord is requiring more from you than other Christians, it is most likely because He is digging a deeper and stronger foundation because He has bigger plans for your life or ministry

.    

The Lord says I am calling you to be strong, immovable, and unshakable. I am looking for those who are not easily moved and swayed by tests, trials or the worlds system. Many of you are required to go the extra mile, and those of you who are called to be ruler over much requires a stronger and deeper foundation. 

For this very reason, you are called to live by a higher standard. Just as a tree must sway back and forth in high winds to avoid snapping, a skyscraper must do the same. You must live up to a higher expectation and walk in a manner worthy of the calling that I have placed on your life. Allow Me to remove those things that are hindering you from growth, and those people who are deterring you from all that I have called you to do. 

Align yourself with My will and refuse to get entangled with anything that will destroy your life and discredit your name. Those who have strength and determination will go higher. Those who dig deeper will have a stronger foundation. Those who are steadfast are those who are building with precision. 

You are a Strong Tower 

Stay steadfast in My word so that the process will not be hindered. Stay in an attitude of prayer to be strengthened. Just as the tallest buildings in the world, I have designed you to withstand the shaking that is experienced during difficult times. Allow Me as the master architect to create a structure that will not be easily broken or cracked under pressure. Allow Me to build your foundation in accordance to My word. 

Live your life in sync with My plans. Do not see yourself as inadequate or weak because I called you to be a strong tower. Don't think that you are incompetent of being used by Me, but continue to pursue what I have placed in your heart to do. I am not seeking the wise according to the flesh. I am not seeking those who are noble according to the world's standards. 

I will open new doors for you in the coming months that will be effective in what you have been created to do. Don't feel overwhelmed with responsibilities but allow Me to lead you one step at a time. My plan for your life will continue to progress as you prove your ability to endure says the Lord.

Luke 6:46-49 But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 

But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

 

1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 

1 Corinthians 3:9-15 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.  According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.   

Elaine Tavolacci

www.awordinseason.info

www.TheVoiceOfBreakthrough.com

 

 

 

 

Willing to Walk on Water

Step Out in Faith and Let God Work Miracles Through Your Life Book

By Caroline Barnett
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Your Gifts WILL Open Doors: A Promise from God by Paulette Reed

Your Gifts will Open Doors: 

A Promise from God by Paulette Reed

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God-Given Gifts 

The Bible assures us that every single person on earth has at least one - and probably several God-given gifts placed inside of them to be used for God's glory. When we entered this world, God already had a plan for us and gave us the gifts we needed to fulfill our destinies. 

When God called Jeremiah, He reassured him by saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). 

God knew what Jeremiah was called to do and gave him the necessary gifts to fulfill that call even before he was born. God formed you in the womb too! He knows what you are called to do and has placed the perfect gifts inside of you to fulfill your destiny. 

The apostle Paul assures us that each of us within the body of Christ have different gifts that are a response to God's grace: "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly…" (Romans 12:6). 

And Peter reminded his readers that they were on earth to glorify God through the use of their gifts: "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-11). 

Keys to Open Doors 

It's a great idea to ask yourself at the beginning of each year, "What is my vision? What is my destiny, and how to I reach it?" Asking these questions will help us focus on God's plan and purpose for our lives. In response to each of these questions, it is important for us to set reachable goals that we can achieve with the Lord's help. Remember, if we don't have a target, we're not aiming at anything. And if we're not aiming at anything, we won't even know if we hit the mark because we don't know what we're aiming at. 

As we step into 2014, which is the Year of the Open Door, let's return to the basics of the gospel. Each of us should ponder these questions: What are our gifts from heaven? Do we know what God has placed in us to fulfill His plan? Do we know what our part in that plan is? It's important for us to identify our gifts because they are the keys that open doors and bring us into our divine destiny.

Proverbs 18:16 promises us, "A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men." 

We can be sure that our gifts will be an integral part to fulfilling our God-given dreams. It's sad to watch people when they don't understand this connection. They begin to look for things in the world to fulfill their desires rather than looking to God. Unfortunately, most end up frustrated at best and discouraged at worst. However, when we learn to walk in our God-given gifts, we are not only content with our vocations, but we become passionate about them as well. 

The Rhythm of Heaven 

It's true that education is good and beneficial for the fulfillment of many of our dreams. But the Word of God does not tell us that education will make room for us. Don't get me wrong here: education is important and sometimes we can only walk through certain open doors because of our education. But the Bible is very clear that it is our gifts that make room for us. After all, we could earn multiple master's degrees but they may not help a bit if we don't know our true Master. 

I like how 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT) helps keep us humble. 

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

Beloved, our gifts from God bring us joy, peace, and success. It's when we learn to operate in them like a well-oiled machine, and are led by the Holy Spirit that we can flow with the rhythm of heaven. 

Kingdom Finances 

 Here's another exciting aspect about our gifts. Not only will they open doors for us, but they can also bring us the finances we need to fulfill our destinies. When we use our gifts wisely for the Lord, He will give us favor so finances will be freely given to us so that we can keep advancing the kingdom of God. 

In other words, once the gift of God within us is activated, it can become a usable commodity that ushers in promotion. Daniel is the perfect example of this godly concept when he used his gifts to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream: 

Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and did homage to Daniel, and gave orders to present to him an offering and fragrant incense. The king answered Daniel and said, "Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery." Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. (Daniel 2:46-48) 

Practicing Our Gifts 

After discovering our God-given gifts, it then becomes our responsibility to continually practice using them. God has called each of us to exercise our gifts so they become strong. Just like we will never reach our health goals without exercising regularly, so we may never reach our life goals if we don't exercise our gifts regularly. When we practice our gifts, we'll become more confident in our identity in Christ, thus fulfilling His plan and purpose for us. 

And might I suggest here that we stay focused on "our" gifts and let the Lord bring other gifts around us. I remember years ago when I was serving a brilliant author. I was helping take his writings and organize them into sequenced trainings. 

One day I looked at the leader and said, "We need to pray that the Lord gives you the gift of administration!" He looked directly at me, smiled, and said, "He did…she's sitting right there." It was a prophetic moment in my life that I didn't forget. God will bring other people (they are gifts themselves and also have various gifts) around us to connect the dots on the road to destiny. 

Oftentimes people get stalled in the pursuit of dreams because they're waiting for some man or woman to open doors for them. But listen! God has a better plan for you. He has given you the keys to open doors to your future - those keys are your gifts. And the gifts inside of you are perfect because they are what God determined for you to have even before you were born. 

When we wisely use our God-given gifts, they bring God glory and bring us before kings. Let's take the time to do a spiritual inventory, asking God to strengthen and use our gifts for His glory. After all, it's not just about the gifts; it's about worshiping and honoring the Gift-Giver - His name is Jesus. He gave us the greatest gift ever….the gift of eternal life to all who will receive it. 

Paulette Reed

www.propheticarrow.org

Flowing in the Unforced Rhythms 
of Your Destiny

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Global War on Christians the 'Elephant in the Room' - CBN News

Global War on Christians 

the 'Elephant in the Room'

By Gary Lane,  CBN News Sr. International Reporter

Persecution of Christians is rampant all over the globe, especially in the Muslim world but few people are talking about it.

More people around the world embrace Christianity than any other religion and Christians are the most persecuted.they face beatings, imprisonment, and even death.

And it's not just happening in Islamic countries.

"Radical Islam could fall off the face of the planet tomorrow and Christians would not be safe," John Allen, author of The Global War on Christians, said.

It's coming from governments and religious militants seeking to violently advance their radical ideology.

For example, last month in the Buddhist nation of Sri Lanka, a mob led by radical Buddhist monks attacked two Christian prayer centers, smashing windows and destroying bibles.

North Korea is the worst offender. For the past 12 years, it has topped the annual watch list of persecuting countries.

Still, overall, Muslim countries are where Christians face the greatest risk.

"Thirty six of the top 50 countries on our World Watch List is the main driver of persecution. It's very dangerous to be a Christian in a country where Islamic extremism is prevalent," David Curry, CEO with Open Doors, said.

CBN News contributor and author Raymond Ibrahim calls calls Muslim persecution of Christians "the great elephant in the room that few wish to address."

Ibrahim talked about this and more on The 700 Club, Feb. 20. Check your local listings for show times or check CBNNews.com after 11 a.m. ET.

Watch video here: CBN News