Sunday, February 21, 2016

IDF Home Front Launches New App - Israel Today

IDF Home Front Launches New App

Sunday, February 21, 2016 | Israel Today Staff

Topics:

After years of testing and millions of shekels invested, the Israeli army has finally replaced the outdated method of sending phone and text messages with a state-of-the-art mobile application to alert citizens of impending threats.

The new Israel Home Front app provides accurate and up-to-the-minute alerts, for instance when rockets are being fired from Gaza. The app can also be personalized to only provide alerts relevant to the area in which the user lives or his/her current location.

The new app is also faster and more precise because it is directly linked to the updates flowing through the IDF’s digital infrastructure. In fact, alerts should reach app users even before air raid sirens are sounded.

Following an alert, the app provides specific and detailed instructions regarding what those in danger should do next. And its not restricted to acts of terror. The Home Front Command is also responsible for public safety during natural disasters and other public emergencies.

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Hollywood Finally Tells a Great Bible Story - TODD STARNES CHARISMA NEWS

Hollywood Finally Tells a Great Bible Story

Photo above: Joseph Fiennes in "Risen." (Courtesy/Sony/Affirm Films)

Let's be honest. Hollywood does not exactly have the best track record when it comes to producing accurate faith-based movies. Remember the giant rock creatures from Noah?

So when I heard that Sony Pictures was about to release a faith-based film called Risen, I was a bit skeptical. Typically faith-based movies are faith-bashing movies.

And when Risen earned three-and-a-half stars from the left wingers at the Seattle Times, I was incredulous.

But when I saw the film's trailer, I was astonished—Hollywood got it right.

Risen is a powerful telling of the aftermath of the resurrection of Jesus told from the perspective of a non-believer—a Roman military officer.

Joseph Fiennes plays Clavius, assigned to investigate the disappearance of Jesus' body. It's like an old-school detective noir story—think C.S.I. Jerusalem.

"It's a movie that sees the resurrection through the eyes of a nonbeliever," Fiennes told me. "It's a wonderful, fresh way in seeing the story of Christ unfold through the eyes of a skeptic."

Fiennes is well-aware of Hollywood's past attempts to bring Bible stories to the big screen. Anybody choke on their popcorn during Noah and EXODUS: God and Kings?

The ever-diplomatic Fiennes did not name names, but he did refer to "revisionist films" that "polarized a lot of people." On the other hand, there are the cinephiles who took issue with "preachy and conservative and low-production value Christian films" that did not speak to them.

That's why Affirm Films and Sony Pictures went the extra mile to make sure they got Risen right.

"We strived very hard in getting the balance between cinema and Scripture," Fiennes said. "Working with the church communities in the process of making the film has allowed us to stay as true as possible to Scripture."

At the same time, they were also tasked with producing a solid work of art.

"It's a film, and we want people to have a great cinematic experience," Fiennes told me.

In other words—it's a night at the movies—not a Sunday morning church service.

"We are not selling religion or pushing religion," he said. "We are pushing for great cinema and great storytelling and I believe we got the balance right."

And so do many evangelical Christian leaders—most notably revered media critic Ted Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission.

"It is a very powerful dramatic movie," Baehr said in a video posted on his website. "It's a powerful heart-rending story. I recommend it for every Christian to take their friends to see Risen."

The film was also endorsed by a group of prominent Christian leaders and ministers.

"It's a movie that makes you think," said Chris Williamson, pastor of Strong Tower Bible Church. "It's not your typical Christian-themed movie—even though it's dominated with Christian themes. If you are an atheist, a new believer, an unbeliever—I think you can find yourself in this film."

Renowned Christian leader Rick White attended a screening of the film in Tennessee. He said the film demonstrates that "it's OK to ask the hard questions" on your spiritual journey.

Mr. Fiennes and Affirm Films and Sony Pictures have demonstrated a deep respect for the Christian faith. And in doing, so they have produced a film that will encourage and challenge and entertain a very diverse audience.

So as a fellow believer, I'd like to share these words with Sony Pictures—thank you.

He is risen. He is risen indeed!

Todd Starnes is host of "Fox News & Commentary," heard on hundreds of radio stations. Sign up for his American Dispatch newsletter, be sure to join his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter. His latest book is God Less America.

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Saturday, February 20, 2016

"New Move of God Starts in Southern California" by Doug Addison

February 19, 2016

"New Move of God Starts in Southern California"by Doug Addison, Los Angeles, CA

From the Desk of Steve Shultz:

The prophets are saying a "new move of God" has begun and it's started in California. If you've noticed we've posted words from major prophets over the last couple of weeks of revival, and some movements that have started in California that will keep spreading. We are in exciting times!

If you're like me, you've seen these prophecies coming for several years and you've waited for things to finally begin to happen. Well, they are happening now!

Let me warn, caution or even encourage you to jump on board with this revival. If, during this revival, as prophesied, the least deserving and most unlikely people get saved, don't reject this move as some have done! Many of you were not around to observe that during the Jesus movement of the 1970's and many rejected the move because of the "hippie" element to those getting saved who wouldn't change their hair style or dress.

Let's not let that happen again, deal?

Please forward this word to your friends! Encourage them to subscribe to the Elijah List right here: http://elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Enjoy!

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher

The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News
http://www.elijahlist.com
*************************************

"New Move of God Starts in Southern California"

by Doug Addison, Los Angeles, CA

Book of Revivals

Since last Christmas I have been having encounters that are happening almost daily. In one, an angel gave me a Book of Revivals from Heaven. This is deeper revelation that is being opened up now regarding previous revivals of God.

This new revelation is about the moves of God over people and regions. I have been continuing to see the shift of "Keys of Authority" that were in the hands of those not using them or who became judgmental and used their authority to hold people down instead of building them up.

Judgments from those with authority to release and bless has been one of the major reasons why we have not seen a sustainable movement of God in North America in 22 years.

2016 Will Be a New Move of God

I released my 2016 prophetic word last month. In it I talk about "Why 2016 could be the start of something new."

There has been a move of God every 11 years in North America dating back to the Azusa Street Revival in 1906. The 11-year intervals fall on the 1950 Healing Movement, the 1961 Charismatic Renewal, the 1972 Jesus People Movement and the 1983 Third Wave Charismatic Movement. 1994 had the Toronto Blessing and 11 years later there would have been a movement that actually did start around 2005—but it was cut short because it was judged and bound by those who carried Keys of Authority.

The 2005 move started with unusual signs of God's glory such as gold fillings appearing in people's mouths and gold dust and gemstones appearing supernaturally in meetings. But the move never went global as God intended and was very limited.

Now 11 years later it is 2016, the year that we will indeed see something new start. Joshua Mills was one of the ministers who operated heavily in the 2005 "gold and glory" movement. I had a prophetic word for him and we talked on the phone the first of January this year. I told him that God is going to honor him because he honored God. Joshua told me that once again gold dust and oil began appearing on his hands that very week.

Dream: New Move of God

I had a dream that I was in a resort-like place in California. The new movement from God had come and the pool at the resort was all updated. People were swimming in God's presence. The water represented the Holy Spirit and many people were swimming. As we swam in the pool you could look down on the bottom of the pool and there were remains from previous moves of God.

The dream is showing that as God pours out a new move of the Holy Spirit it will be refreshing to many. Also it will be "new" and we will not need to operate in older ways of doing things. This new movement coming will be completely updated to fit and reach people in today's culture.

February 2013 in San Diego

God told me to look up prophetic promises from 2013 that have not come to pass. I looked in my journal and found some major things. One entry that stood out was called "The Sign of the Dolphins." On Valentine's weekend in February 2013, I was speaking at the Power and Love Prophetic Conference at Bethel Church in Redding, California. God spoke to me that there was going to be a major prophetic sign on the news on Valentine's weekend (2013) to show that His love is coming to people in need.

Sure enough, on the news the next day, there was a story about a massive seven-mile stretch of over 100,000 dolphins gathered off the coast of Southern California. Previously there had been thousands, but on that weekend it was estimated to be over 100,000 dolphins. It was a sight that could not be explained scientifically. You can read one of the many news stories about this phenomenon here.

This was a prophetic sign of a move of God that would come to San Diego in February and bring refreshment. And it would be seen by the entire world.

Symbolically water represents the Spirit and dolphins are encouragers. Many people said that the dolphins had gathered for the food in the area. In the same way, God is preparing a great banquet or party that is coming to Southern California that will impact the entire world.

I wrote this on my blog in February 2013.

San Diego Outpouring Starting Now

Joshua Mills and Jerame and Miranda Nelson held their annual Decree Conference last month in San Diego and indeed something new started. They began seeing a higher level of God's presence, glory and miracles. They extended their meetings and are now doing nightly "The Fire and Glory Outpouring" meetings in San Diego. You can join them live or watch the live stream online.

Linda and I visited these meetings and witnessed that, yes, this is the start of something new. It is in the early stages, but God spoke to me that by February 14, 2016 this will begin to spread and affect the world globally. This is the fulfillment of the 2013 Sign of the Dolphins!

Two Moves of God Coming

God showed me that there are two major movements coming. The first is a long overdue movement to revive and refresh the Church. This is what is beginning to happen in San Diego.

The second one is much more radical and it is what I have been prophesying for a number of years.

God's new agenda will be the spiritual outcasts, those who have been wounded and rejected by Christians.

Sadly, many leaders will be tempted to reject this new movement at first because it will be so outside the box of our current understanding of what is possible. This is why God is saying to prepare to be stretched.

Get ready to cross over into a new season of God's glory and presence. A new wave of God's love and power is about to sweep the world!

Blessings,

Doug Addison
InLight Connection

Email: respond@dougaddison.com
Website: www.DougAddison.com

Doug Addison is a prophetic dream interpreter, speaker, writer, Life Coach, and stand-up comedian. Doug travels the world bringing a message of love, hope, and having fun! His unique style helps people discover their destiny and experience God's supernatural love and power. Doug releases Daily Prophetic Words online and is the author of several books, including 2016 Prophetic Forecast, Understand Your Dreams Now: Spiritual Dream Interpretation and Personal Development God's Way. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California.

Sharing Love From Sweden - "ARE THE POOR WELCOME IN THE CHURCH?" - Eva Haglund

ARE THE POOR WELCOME IN THE CHURCH?

by Eva Haglund, Sweden

Nowadays you can read about Christian conferences, which at times can cost a lot of money for one person to attend. If your family wants to go to the conference that would indeed be a lot of money to pay.

What happens then for those Christians who cannot afford to pay? They are then unable to go to any conference. Are not Christian conferences for the poor also?

I understand that it costs money to operate a church building. But to have people stopped at the door because they cannot afford to give? I know of such places.

If people hear about meetings in that building, and they are not saved and yet try to visit, is it any wonder if they are also stopped at the door because they do not have money to give? Would they ever try to visit a Christian meeting again?

There are many Christians who do not have much money. While some Christians can afford to go on trips to many locations, there are others who cannot even afford to buy a book. Some of these hardly even have food. Yet are these sisters and brothers in the Lord still welcome in church? Are there people who are not saved, and poor, who are not welcome in the church?

A church congregation ought to be there for the poor in church also. In John 17:21 we read that love is a testimony to the world. If people in church are met by love it is a testimony. It is written, "that they all may be one, as You Father are in Me, and I in You that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." Jesus says also in John 15:12, "This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you." We ought to do the same.

In Acts 2:46 we read that Christians "sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." I do not think we always have to sell all our possessions and divide them, but we see here the heart they had for sisters and brothers in the church who were poor. We see here the care for the poor, to help each other when there was a need.

Many people are poor in the world and they need to feel welcomed in church. Jesus was generous. He also said, "Feed My sheep." In John 21:17 we are to show care in different ways. Jesus gave His Bread, which is His life. (John 6:51)

In Acts. 3:6 Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." I do not think Peter had money here either, as he said, "silver and gold I do not have". But he gave what he had.

We understand that Jesus identified with the poor. He came into the world and was born in a stable. Even as a newborn He identified with the poor and homeless. He was not welcomed in the hostel. As in some places today, doors can also be closed.

If there are economic needs in church, these needs should be met in a way other than making people pay to go to a church gathering. In the Bible we see that the Christians collected as they could and helped the poor. In Luke 10 we read that the Samaritan reached out and helped a man who was wounded emotionally and physically, having no money to help himself. We are to do as this example was given to us.

The church needs to reach out and assist the poor. There needs to be a welcoming church for the poor. We are called to be Jesus' hands and feet on earth, and welcome the poor into our midst. Then we will be demonstrating the true love of Jesus to the world, as we welome the poor into our churches.

Little Things Shared In Love - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Little Things Shared In Love

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“…that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love…”

(Colossians 2:2, NASU)

Just before we were ready to start the conference, my friend and I took a white porcelain stature of a warrior angel, wrapped it in a gift box (as best we could as men), to give it to the ministry administrator. He was in charge of the facility we were renting for our upcoming conference. It was one way we were going to show thanks and appreciation for the effort he had given in helping us with all the details for our three day event held in his building. Remembering what he said still brings a smile to me, as he opened it, held it up, and proclaimed, “I want to thank all the little people who helped me make this possible.”

They say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe that is true. Each one offering a bit of themselves to the others, contributing to the greater good of all. As we make our way through life, often it is those little things along the way that encourage us to keep pressing on. The kind word said here, the helping hand given there, the unexpected but so needed support when it seems the road is just too steep to go another step.

The Lord Jesus speaks to us of being faithful in the very little things. When it is all said and done, our showing our faith, by saying that word of encouragement to the discouraged one, will be noted for eternity. Making the effort to visit the weak and lonely, unnoticed by anyone else, may be the one time you kept them living for another day with hope. Even sending a simple thank you card, or a text as today would be the case, can bless another when they need it the most.

Little things done for others along the way can fill up a bucket of love. And when that bucket is full, they too will overflow with more of the same for the next one.

Because the Messiah has first loved us, we can thus give to each other from that wealth of expressed love.

“We, though, are going to love — love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” (1 John 4:19, THE MESSAGE)

Little things you do today can make a world of difference in others needing a touch from the Lord in this hour. Look around. Find that one. And do even a little thing to bring a smile to their face.

Amazing love shared will do your heart good too.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

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 support the families that we do, primarily 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.)

Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com

martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople

Blogs: Love For His People, Now Think On This

Full website: Love For His People

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Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 02.20.16 - #245 –“Little Things” – Saturday at 8:00 am

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. Share a little love! Thanks. Steve

Friday, February 19, 2016

Is RISEN the Faith Movie of the Year? Read Our Review Here! - FAITH DRIVEN CONSUMER

RISEN Review

FAITH DRIVEN CONSUMER Feb. 19, 2016

Could this be the faith-friendly movie we’ve all been waiting for?

Take a moment and check out our Faith-Friendly Film Review of RISEN—which opens nationwide in theaters this Friday, February 19th.

RISEN is a fast-paced, powerful movie with many stirring and realistic scenes that encourage viewers to examine the biblical truth claims about Jesus and His resurrection.

Read below to read the full review and find out how we rated RISEN.

As you know, we’ve developed a set of five specific criteria to measure the compatibility of entertainment products for Faith Driven Consumers like you and me.

Share this review with your family and friends.

Faith Driven Consumer
http://www.faithdrivenconsumer.com/PS: Also don't forget to check out what The Hollywood Reporter had to say about our review.

Overall Rating

Leans strongly toward a biblical worldview

Ranking Categories:

Overall Faith and/or Biblical Relevance
Faith-compatible Depiction of Characters and Character Relationships
Faith-compatible Depiction of Situations
Family Viewing Suitability
Entertainment Value
view our criteria

Summary

Just in time for Easter, RISEN offers moviegoers a fast-paced, well-executed and thought-provoking examination of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus through the eyes of a high-ranking Roman soldier. Opening in theaters nationwide on February 19th, RISEN asks the hard questions and skillfully moves from the head to the heart in ways that will resonate with skeptics and believers alike.

Produced by Affirm Films and distributed by Sony/Columbia Pictures, RISEN boasts an excellent screenplay by Kevin Reynolds (“Hatfields & McCoys,” THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO) and Paul Aiello—with Reynolds also serving as the film’s director. It features impressive sets and cinematography as well as a strong cast including Joseph Fiennes (HERCULES, LUTHER) as Clavius, Peter Firth (MI-5,AMISTAD) as Pontius Pilate, Tom Felton (BELLE, HARRY POTTER) as Lucius, Maria Botto (“Mad Dogs”) as Mary Magdalene, and Cliff Curtis (LAST KNIGHTS, THE PIANO) as Yeshua (Jesus).

Overall Faith and/or Biblical Relevance

While much of the story line in RISEN is extra-biblical, it is nevertheless plausible and holds close to the biblical narrative in a creative and engaging way. Moviegoers will relate on a personal level to the important philosophical questions about hope, purpose and worldview that are raised by several deep conversations between Clavius and Pilate—and they will be similarly challenged to come to their own conclusion about who Jesus was and is.

In this sense, RISEN is a like a “who dunnit?” crime detective story in which Clavius plays the role of an investigator seeking the truth about what really happened to Jesus following His crucifixion. Even though he’s a non-believer, Clavius is committed to following the truth wherever it leads him—something all humans are called to do as well.

In today’s postmodern culture characterized by skepticism, RISEN is a fresh and timely look at the biblical claims about Jesus. The story is framed and advanced in ways that effectively respond to the doubts that non-believers have raised over the centuries to the narrative Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension—the most important event in human history.

Faith-compatible Depiction of Characters and Character Relationships

From Jesus and His followers to the Roman occupiers and Jewish leaders of the day, RISEN presents a largely faith-compatible depiction of characters throughout. In a nice touch, Jesus is referred to by His Hebrew name, Yeshua, and his disciples are very loving and appealing—ultimately softening Clavius’ heart as he seeks to carry out his mission from Pilate to find Jesus’ body.

Here, as Clavius interrogates the disciples, each joyfully testifies as to WHO Jesus is—and points to His teachings centered in love. They do not fear persecution or martyrdom and one tells Clavius, “If you knew Him, you would understand.” Their worldview is so radically different that they seem to speak in riddles and encourage Clavius to look into his heart in order to find this Jesus he is searching for.

And although Mary Magdalene is depicted as being “of the street”—a popular, but not necessarily biblical understanding—she ultimately leads Clavius to the room where the disciples are hiding, allowing Clavius to see for himself the risen Yeshua.

Faith-compatible Depiction of Situations

Although the RISEN story line picks up as the crucifixion of Jesus is winding down, the writers artfully weave miracles and other biblical events into the depiction of many scenes in ways that tell the fuller story of His life—and clearly point to His divinity. And from the opening scene in the Judean wilderness in which the stage is set, RISEN comes full-circle showing Clavius stepping out into a new life after being forever changed by his encounter with the risen Yeshua.

Along the way, the historical and biblical context of Pilate working closely with Caiaphas and the Jewish leaders to quell unruly Jewish uprisings in this far-flung Roman province is front and center. There is a Masada-type battle scene with bloody hand-to-hand combat and the Jews are shown anxiously awaiting a prophesied messiah who they think will politically deliver them from Rome’s brutal rule.

While there are many scenes in RISEN that are not found in the Bible, each nevertheless moves the story forward as Clavius tries to make sense of what has happened to Jesus’ body. When he learns that many now claim to have seen the crucified Jesus alive, the stakes are raised and Clavius begins to pursue the truth—at great risk to himself personally and professionally. In one beautiful scene, Clavius witnesses the doubting disciple Thomas as he encounters the risen Yeshua—with holes in his hands, feet and side. And in another moving scene, Clavius opens up to Jesus and discovers that Jesus already knows the deepest yearnings of Clavius’ heart.

Family Viewing Suitability

At 107 minutes in length, RISEN is rated PG-13 for biblical violence including some disturbing images. Here, events associated with Jesus’ crucifixion may be difficult for both children and adults to see. Interestingly, the place of the crucifixion—Golgotha—is depicted in unusually narrow confines and the moment when the three crosses are brought down is jarring on multiple levels.

Beyond this, there are scenes involving conversations between Clavius and Pilate in a hot-water spa featuring upper male nudity, including the suggestion of the pleasure of female company and a massage after a difficult day on the battlefield that some viewers may find unsuitable for children.

On a positive note, Roman soldiers are humanized and shown to struggle with the brutality of their jobs and Clavius relents on breaking Jesus’ legs when he sees Mary crying—deciding to spear him instead as he unwittingly fulfills the biblical prophecy that none of the Messiah’s bones would be broken.

Entertainment Value

RISEN is a fast-paced, powerful movie with many stirring and realistic scenes that encourage viewers to examine the biblical truth claims about Jesus and His resurrection. The production values are high, the script is well-written and engaging, the direction is solid, and the cast uniformly strong.

Although not directly biblical, RISEN offers a contextually accurate, real-world journey that reminds us that even the most unlikely person can be drawn to—and forever changed by—Jesus. Because of this, RISEN is an excellent movie to share with non-believing friends and family members. It poses tough questions that critics of the crucifixion have asked over the ages in ways that are fair and believable—all without being preachy.

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Sunday, February 21, 2016