Monday, April 18, 2011

Disciplined Minds - Morris Ruddick

DISCIPLINED MINDS
(c) Morris E. Ruddick

Note: I am penning this post, in part on a bus ride between cities, in my ongoing work with the persecuted church in Vietnam. The correlation of these peoples' disciplined approach to life and the level in which they quickly discern and put into practice the great truths of the Kingdom is a reflection of the fire they've endured and their sold-out commitment to the Lord.

Morris
~~~~~~~~

"Whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, to him, even more will be taken away." Matthew 13:12

In this sequence in Matthew, Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God.

It followed an extremely hard, but related word: "In that day, many will come to me and say, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your same, cast out demons and done many wonders in your name? And I will declare to them, I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness." Matthew 7:22

The Kingdom of God is not an "add-on" to apply to life. It's the foundation. It's life itself. For its citizens, the Kingdom is their identity. That's why Jesus said we would be in the world, but not belong to the world.

Kingdom Identity and CitizenshipThe identity issue is not in question with those I've worked with in the persecuted church. One of their most distinguishing characteristics is the attribute of a disciplined mind. When they hear the truth; it is not something to tickle their ears. It's life-giving and embraced with fervency in its application.

Jesus made it plain that He was sent to the Jews first. The Jews in Jesus' day were under the rule of Rome. Yet, that was nothing new in Jewish history. Historically, the remnant of Jewish people has had a track record of serving as the business class in societies without a middle class; but also as advisors and financiers to nobility and royalty. They have been a people of influence.

Their host civilizations and societies have come and gone; but the Jewish people have endured. They have been a people who have understood their identity in God. They have been a culture within a culture with the mandate of Abraham to be blessed to be a blessing.

Yet, as the opening passage continues in Matthew 13, Jesus points to Isaiah 6 referring to the Jewish people who had become seduced by the world around them; whose hearts and minds had lost touch with their true citizenship and identity. At risk has not been just those failing to pay attention, but the most talented and elite.

Undisciplined MindsKing Saul had everything going for him. He held the position of king. He had the anointing and he was most certainly called by God. He had to be extremely bright to handle the position. But in his thinking, he got it wrong-side up. He gave heed to a mix of fear, anger and jealousy and then to listening to taunting voices. The position and power he was given to serve God's people became an obsession he feared losing, which seduced him into greater levels of the attention he gave to the wrong voices, which eventually caused him to lose it all.

A similarly sad digression happened with Saul's daughter Michal. She loved David. and cleverly outwitted one of her father's attempts to kill David. She also was an instrumental part of the covenant that brought Judah and Israel together. Yet, not long after this event, before she could fully enter her role serving as wife of King David, she was enticed by seducing voices that like her father before her, distracted her from what could have been the fullness of her identity and purpose in life.

With a seedbed of misaligned priorities of identity, both Saul and his daughter Michal had undisciplined minds that were provoked by seducing voices and the pride of life.
"Yet these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have kept their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precepts of men." Isaiah 29:14

The Battle in the MindThe battle is in the mind. It is in the subtleties that seduction gains entrance. It's when in the proximity of moving from the called to the chosen that the transfer from the old identity to the new will be most critical. It will be at that point that the old will rear up with a force and enticement that must be seen for what it is and resisted. It is at that point that the seducing voices will be most taunting and even tormenting. It is at that point when the choices marked by discipline will determine the next step. It is the step into the fullness of ones' destiny.

A disciplined mind, that embraces its true priorities and identity, involves the poise of our souls and right choices; and a lifetime of insuring that the life we are leading is no longer ours, but truly belongs to the One who makes us whole as we bear the brandmarks of our Kingdom citizenship.

Saul and Michal had the opportunity to choose and embrace a regal destiny. They were called to royalty, but instead were ruled by their fears and passions which distorted their priorities. The roots of their demise is touched on in Proverbs 30. "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when glutted with food; an unloved woman when she gets a husband and a maid when she succeeds her mistress."

The king with a heart of a slave misuses authority. The leader with a heart of a fool is ruled by desires. The one given authority without love will never trust and those with oppressed hearts who are given control will pervert authority. These elements congeal into what scripture refers to as "the bondage of corruption" or what so commonly operates in the world as the abuse of power.

Yet, the abuse of power is not simply found among the ungodly. It was Jesus' major issue with the Pharisees. They touted their hypocritical priorities of prestige, privilege and power. However, it wasn't just the prestige, privilege or power that was at issue, but that these things had blinded them.

Jesus' central theme in His earthly ministry was how to operate according to the way of the Kingdom. We live by dying. We advance by yielding. Generosity brings increase. Honor comes from humility. We love our enemies. We lead by serving. We do good to those who spitefully misuse us. We are called to be a culture of influence to those around us; a culture within a culture making change that gives tangible evidence of the Kingdom.
"Those who are turning the world upside down are now among us!" Acts 17

Disciplined MindsEmbracing and maintaining a heart that avoids the type of positional deceptions and issues that pervert must first choose the path, and then pay the cost at the point where the battle is waged: in the mind. Its distinctiveness gives witness to our identity in God in a manner recognized by the world around us.
"The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man and everyone saw that the Lord was with Joseph and made all that he did to prosper." Gen 39: 2-3

Two leaders I've worked with in this land of persecution give dramatic evidence to their true citizenship. One is a businessman and the other a pastor. One saw his mother, three brothers, his grandparents and an uncle all killed together in a Vietcong raid during the Vietnam conflict. At the point of suicide, he heard a message of hope on Christian shortwave radio and became a believer. He went on to begin starting and leading gatherings of believers during the post 1975 regime and was subsequently imprisoned for almost three years for his faith.

The brutal conditions of this prison camp involved working long, hard hours in the fields on only a daily bowl of watered-down gruel. His release came near the point of death through the intervention of an international humane society that had learned of his plight. Upon his release, he had the option to immigrate to the US. God spoke to him that Vietnam was his mission field.

The other man was an officer with the South Vietnamese during the Vietnam conflict. He was not one of the fortunate to be evacuated and was captured in 1975. He spent several years in a Communist re-education camp. These camps were cruel and inhumane. Their goal was to break their former enemies. I've personally known two strong men whose spirits were broken in this way; their minds never the same. However, this man sovereignly found the Lord in this horribly severe situation.

Both this pastor and this businessman are whole. They have memories, but without impeding issues. The joy of the Lord surrounds them. They have a zeal for serving the Lord. They live in "the now." While their wholeness bears witness to their faith in the Lord Jesus; it also punctuates their true identity as citizens of the Kingdom. They are operating as a culture within a culture.

We can speak about values and Christian self-improvement all we want; but if we don't get the identity and citizenship thing down, we are in danger of an alignment with this world that distorts and hinders our true destiny.
"Whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, to him, even more will be taken away." Matthew 13:12

Ongoing Identity StepsFor the transfer into our true identity and citizenship to become complete a disciplined mind is required. It's not about self; but rather serving and bringing change as we are blessed to be a blessing. A disciplined mind will prioritize, leave the past behind, kept its spirit in focus, maintain growth and be a catalyst with the release of its own unique Kingdom purpose.

1. Pay the Cost of Prioritizing. Wrong priorities became tripping points to both Saul and Michal. The history of the Jews gives us a glimmer to the cycles faced by a culture within a culture. Kingdom citizenship is not a seal on a passport; it's the path and focus of everyday life. It matures with decisions requiring a cost.

2. Leave the Past. Soul-ties and memory hooks from the past, both good and bad, evoke both constraints and expectations drawn from the lust of the flesh, the pride of life and the love of the world; and must be resisted. They are enticements and triggers that impede the fullness that a Kingdom identity will bring.

3. Keep Your Spirit in Focus. Speaking truth in your own heart (Ps 15) is pivotal to a vibrant and impactful Christian life. The mature should always have a realistic grasp of the direction of their thinking and priorities; as a discipline to the type of prayer that further determines and unfolds the focus of their thinking and priorities.

4. Maintain Spiritual Growth. Make a practice of proactive repentance that extends into thoughts that digress into "old patterns." Forgive quickly. Proactively practice humility. Staying immersed daily in God's word and prayer is not just a means of developing spiritual maturity. It is the pathway to maintaining it.

5. Be a Catalyst with Activated Purpose. The subtleties at this level warrant ongoing prayerful scrutiny. It's not about ambition. It's not about what we can do for God, but rather what we allow Him to do through us. That means entering His flow by serving as faithful stewards with the gifts He has endowed. This evolves and is often reshaped over time as we develop from faith to faith. It is at the core of the identity matter. When tapped, reach high and serve by enabling opportunity in others as you bring increase to the Kingdom and enter the fullness of His joy.

Our model is not the way of the world or success as the world defines it. Jesus made it clear that we were not called to be like everyone else. The issue is in our identity and the execution of our Kingdom citizenship, as a culture within a culture.
"Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that steward whom his master will find so doing when he comes" Luke 12:42-43

The pressures the persecuted church live under allow little choice on the matter of identity. The realities do little to promote a love of the world. Becoming a believer where freedom is dim leaves little question on true citizenship; of being a culture within a culture. Survival as a believer within a land of persecution takes a committed, disciplined mind.

Yet, a friend and leader from this sector of the Body, who has paid a high cost for his faith, once shared with me: "Materialism is more dangerous than communism."

The face of communism is clear, but materialism seduces. The need for a disciplined mind carries, at the least, equal significance in the part of the world that shouts its benefits of the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the love of the world.

A disciplined mind is foundational to maintaining the identity and citizenship of a culture of influence within a culture of seduction.
"When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more. When they had received the same, they complained saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and we have borne the burden and the heat of the day.' But he answered, 'Friend, did you not agree on this amount? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give this last man the same as you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what I own? Or is your eye evil because I am good?' So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen." Matthew 20: 10-16
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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" and "Something More," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.

Mr. Ruddick is also the founder of the Global Equippers Entrepreneurial Program, which imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. To schedule a speaking engagement, sponsor a workshop, make a donation or to get more information on how you can help, contact Global Initiatives at 303.741.9000.

2011 Copyright Morris Ruddick - response@strategic-initiatives.org

Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org/

Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Sacrifice Lamb - Joel Chernoff

Jew & Gentile - Joel Chernof

Who Will Be The Next USA President? - Rick Joyner of the OAK Initiative

Israel & Palestinian Statehood? - Ret. Gen. Jeremy Boykin

israel today | IDF nabs terrorist butchers of Jewish family - israel today

israel today IDF nabs terrorist butchers of Jewish family - israel today

Joel Chernoff - History of LAMB's Messianic Music

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Israel, Iran, Islam & The USA - Gen. Jeremy Boykin, Mark Tuttle OAK Init...

Friday, April 15, 2011

"Islam, Sharia Law & Chrislam" - Gen. Jeremy Boykin - Islam - Oak Initia...

Reap What You Sow

LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH

The American people can now more readily 'understand' why the Obamas were omitted from the guest list to the Royal wedding in April! We know how other countries feel about us. Hopefully we can change all this. Now we will see why some of the other 'friendly' nations really don't like us now. This is a very sobering article.

From The London Daily Telegraph Editor on Foreign Relations

Quote: "Let me be clear: I'm not normally in favor of boycotts, and I love the American people. I holiday in their country regularly, and hate the tedious snobby sneers against the United States. But the American people chose to elect an idiot who seems hell bent on insulting their allies, and something must be done to stop Obama's reckless foreign policy, before he does the dirty on his allies on every issue."

One of the most poorly kept secrets in Washington is President Obama's animosity toward Great Britain, presumably because of what he regards as its sins while ruling Kenya (1895-1963). One of Barack Hussein Obama's first acts as president was to return to Britain a bust of Winston Churchill that had graced the Oval Office since 9/11. He followed this up by denying Prime Minister Gordon Brown, on his first state visit, the usual joint press conference with flags.

The president was "too tired" to grant the leader of America's closest ally a proper welcome, his aides told British journalists. Mr. Obama followed this up with cheesy gifts for Mr. Brown and the Queen. Columnist Ian Martin described his behavior as "rudeness personified."

There was more rudeness in store for Mr. Brown at the opening session of the United Nations in September. "The prime minister was forced to dash through the kitchens of the UN in New York to secure five minutes of face time with President Obama after five requests for a sit down meeting were rejected by the White House," said London Telegraph columnist David Hughes. Mr. Obama's "churlishness is unforgivable," Mr. Hughes said.

The administration went beyond snubs and slights when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed the demand of Argentine President Cristina Kirchner, a Hugo Chavez ally, for mediation of Argentina's specious claim to the Falkland Islands, a British dependency since 1833. The people who live in the Falklands, who speak English, want nothing to do with Argentina. When, in 1982, an earlier Argentine dictatorship tried to seize the Falklands by force, the British -- with strong support from President Ronald Reagan -- expelled them.

"It is truly shocking that Barack Obama has decided to disregard our shared history," wrote Telegraph columnist Toby Young. "Does Britain's friendship really mean so little to him?"   One could ask, does the friendship of anyone in the entire world mean anything to him?

"I recently asked several senior administration officials, separately, to name a foreign leader with whom Barack Obama has forged a strong personal relationship during his first year in office," wrote Jackson Diehl, deputy editorial page editor of the Washington Post, on Monday. "A lot of hemming and hawing ensued."

One official named French President Nicolas Sarkozy, but his contempt for Mr. Obama is an open secret. Another named German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But, said Mr. Diehl, "Merkel too has been conspicuously cool toward Obama.

"Mr. Obama certainly doesn't care about the Poles and Czechs, whom he has betrayed on missile defense. Honduras and Israel also can attest that he's been an unreliable ally and an unfaithful friend. Ironically, our relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have never been worse. Russia has offered nothing in exchange for Mr. Obama's abandonment of missile defense. Russia and China won't support serious sanctions on Iran. Syria's support for terrorism has not diminished despite efforts to normalize diplomatic relations. The reclusive military dictatorship that runs Burma has responded to our efforts at "engagement" by deepening its ties to North Korea.  And the Chinese make little effort to disguise their contempt for him.

For the first time in a long time, the President of the United States is actually distrusted by its allies and not in the least feared by its adversaries. Nor is Mr. Obama now respected by the majority of Americans. Understandably focused on the dismal economy and Mr. Obama's relentless efforts to nationalize and socialize health care, Americans apparently have yet to notice his dismal performance and lack of respect in the world community. They soon will.

--London Daily Telegraph editor -- Alex Singleton

Our Nation & Its Churches - Rt. Gen. Jeremy Boykin - OAK Initiative - Fort Mill, SC

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Another Japanese Earthquake Coming and Currency Values - Rick Joyner Video | Prophetic Perspective on Current Events

Another Japanese Earthquake Coming and Currency Values - Rick Joyner Video Prophetic Perspective on Current Events

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Breaking the Entitlement Mentality - Rick Joyner Video | Prophetic Perspective on Current Events

Breaking the Entitlement Mentality - Rick Joyner Video Prophetic Perspective on Current Events

Israel's IDF Medical Clinic in Japan

Those darn Israelis are at it, again!!!

ISRAEL'S IDF MEDICAL CLINIC STARTS WORKING IN TSUNAMI DEVASTATED JAPAN-

●CNN: "Israel is first to set up Surgical Unit in Japan"

● The Israeli clinic includes orthopedics, surgical and intensive care units as well as a delivery room and pharmacy.

●The delegation includes 50 doctors.

● They brought with them:
1. 32 tons of equipment
2. 18 tons of humanitarian aid---10,000 coats, 6,000 gloves and 150 portable toilets

And consider this...
With all their billions of "petro-dollars", where is the humanitarian relief from the Arab countries?

You are welcome to share this with everyone you know in the world.

Israeli medical center in Japan after tsunami

Monday, April 11, 2011

Ahava Love Letter - "Seeds Within"

Ahava Love Letter

Seeds Within

" …His seed abides in him…” (1 John 3:9 NASB)

Dear family of friends,

Did you know that ancient seeds discovered in the past few years, which were found from centuries ago, still grow? Amazing isn't it? To know that what is seemingly “lifeless”, being over 2000 years old (some as far as back as 4000 years) later sprouted. (At the bottom of this letter are two further short articles describing these amazing occurrences.)

Do you ever wonder if the spiritual seeds planted in you, some maybe from as far back as 10, 20, even 30 years ago, will ever sprout too? That that seed, coming to you as a spiritual move of Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit), maybe when you were a young whipper snapper, will yet grow and bear fruit?

As a kid growing up, surrounded by acres and acres of corn fields, row after row near the towns in Iowa, I really never gave it much thought of the annual progress that farmers went through. But each fall, they would disc the fields of the leftover harvest, to turn over the crop remains back into the soil. Then after the winter snows came, followed by the warming of the sun, they would begin to plant the corn, beans or even sunflower seeds in the rich, “black as black can be” loam dirt.

When you hold a small kernel of corn seed in your hand, it looks and feels like just a hard, yellow shell, with a little knob at the end. And yet it contains within the very life to grow over eight feet tall, bearing many more ears, of hundreds of more seeds.

Sometimes when I ponder on this, one of the ways we can learn of the Lord God of Israel Whom we serve, He gives me thoughts of encouragement, that what He put within me will yet come to pass. In His time.

To think what a seed goes through when it is buried in that dark, black, out-of-sight tomb in the ground. It seemingly “dies”, as the dirt itself, then the spring rain, work on it. Then further penetration of the surrounding forces crack that hard seed, permitting the life form within to wrestle its green way up through the blackness to reach the yellow sun.

Those spiritual seeds within us, planted by the Lord Himself, buried as if dead, will come up. We have been given that hope. External and internal pressures, difficulties that may daily come our way, are forcing those spiritual seed shells to break. He is causing His people to be raised up, along with Him, to perform the work that those seeds, once mature, are meant to bring about.

This will bring further advancement for us. As we face the tribulations and the daily trials that certainly can wear us down at times, I believe that He is still using these actions to produce a harvest that the world has yet to behold. And the timing will be perfect, and so needed.

My prayer is that your seeds will continue to germinate. Allow the pressures all around to bring about the needed force to cause His gifts within to come forth, and touch the lives of those around us. We all need each others’ fruit, and the resulting harvest that He promised to reveal.

So be encouraged, and have a good “seed-pressured” day.

Ahava to my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. Our 2^nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias (only $2495 for the entire trip!) Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land.

This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Contact info is below.

Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget. (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People

Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter

Blogger: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com/ YouTube: loveforhispeopleinc

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858. Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)

Ahava Love Letter #22 Date: April 12, in the year of our Lord 2011

ANCIENT SEEDS COME FORTH

Judean Date Palm (From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)

The Judean date palm is a cultivar of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera).
Prized for its beauty, shade, and medicinal properties, the cultivar was thought to have become extinct sometime around AD 150. However, in 2005, a preserved 2,000-year-old seed sprouted. It is the oldest known human-assisted germination of a seed. The palm, named Methuselah (not to be confused with Methuselah, a bristlecone pine tree), is about 1.5 m (5 ft) tall as of June 2008.

4,000-Year-Old Lentil Seed Successfully Germinates

Biblical Archaeology Review
December 23, 2009
"An ancient lentil seed dating back 4,000 years that was discovered during an archaeological excavation has successfully germinated. The Middle Bronze Age site in the western Turkish province of Kütahya provided researchers with a number of seeds from the excavation—several of which were still viable. Scientists are hoping the plant that grows from the ancient seed will produce its own seeds, which would then allow researchers to compare the ancient organic lentil seeds with their modern, genetically modified counterparts.
The seeds were discovered within a structure that archaeologists believe was an ancient silo constructed for grain storage. The discovery of such an ancient live seed is extraordinary and seems to be a result of fire damage to the container the seeds were stored in, which created an environment capable of preserving the seeds for millennia."

Almonds in Steve Martin's hands - Israel

His Seed was put in the ground and He rose from the dead.

(Photos by Steve Martin)

Vietnam Report from Morris Ruddick

Morris Ruddick

Luis Palu meeting in Vietnam

The dimension of the spirit is subtle. It was of prime focus as Jesus imparted the seemingly paradoxical contrasts the operation of the Kingdom has in this world.

Simultaneously, it incorporates an order established by God reflecting the wisdom from above. That order is foundational to the normal conduct of life for individuals, communities and societies. The constant struggle between good and evil has its resolution in this realm of the spirit.

The simplicity and timing of my return to Vietnam bears the earmark of the Spirit. Without realizing it, the dates scheduled for this trip coincided with the return of Luis Palau, whose role in bringing change to Vietnam is yielding fruit. As a naturalized American citizen, he has a great sensitivity to the subtleties of this Asian culture.

Tactical Inroads

In 2009 Mr. Palau set up a meeting of 500 pastors and Vietnamese government officials in Hanoi. He gave a simple message of believers being good citizens and honoring the authority of the government. Not that these pastors needed to be schooled in this way; but the authorities needed to see these leaders receive it and understand that the unofficial, home church movement was not a counter-revolution or threat to the government. This message had an impact and was well received by these senior officials in this nation's seat of power.

However, while it has brought about some positive inroads, persecution has continued in Vietnam. Far too many among the authorities only used the Hanoi event as an opportunity to draw "unregistered" church leaders into the open, as a ploy to shut them down. So, the progress has been something of a two-edged sword.

Current Steps

Still, Luis Palau's return has been with a goal of conducting stadium-level, evangelistic gatherings in two of the major cities. Secondarily it serves as a positive demonstration of the many Vietnamese in the home-church movement, as well as an attraction to the huge number of those who are spiritually open and hungry. The spiritual void and persecution in Vietnam has gone on for far too many years.

Conducting meetings of this type in Vietnam requires a government approved license. So it was that Luis Palau arrived last Tuesday with the first meetings scheduled in a south Saigon stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday and last evening. As of 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon the approval had not yet been given.

But in the last few days, all over that this nation, believers have been gathering in homes and the places they normally worship to fast and pray. I've been a part of participating in these times of intense group intercession and there is little I can think of to compare to it. The fervency and commitment of the house church movement understands the place of spiritual resolution.

Breakthrough

Then shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, the license to hold the meetings was granted. Saturday evening the first meeting was held. It lasted beyond midnight. Click on this link and enjoy the photos of this historic gathering toward the bottom of the page: http://nguonhyvong.com/modules.php?name=News&op=viewst&sid=1666

It was then, just after the first eventful meeting, when my jet-lagged body had finally fallen asleep that I experienced a night of tossing and turning gripped by a most unusual and vivid spiritual dream, which I don't often have.

The Dream

In this dream there was a control room from which everything concerning a planned event was to be released. There was great activity in and out of this control room with the purpose of alignment of all the factors tied to the event.

Next to the control room was a secondary room, designed for the event's follow-up. It was clear that the event was only the gateway; as the follow-up room held the real treasures and potentials of what could unfold.

So in the dream, finally everything for the event was aligned. Everyone was elated as the event began taking place. Those coming and going began leaving as the event was concluded and the activity subsided. Then a key individual in charge came out of the control room and went to open the door of the follow-up room. It was locked. He looked around in desperation asking "where is the key?"

My entrance into all this activity had come through a back door of this follow-up room. At the time I entered I had been handed a key to this back door. So I spoke up as I pulled the key out of my pocket. We went and unlocked the back door of the follow-up room, and people began coming for this pivotal stage of what was unfolding.

Our Part in the Big-Picture

Indeed, this dream portrays the subtlety, simplicity and order that the Lord is orchestrating in the many roles being played out, at many levels, within this nation and indeed around the globe today. Our program has significance in mobilizing and equipping the Vietnamese church as leaders of influence and "community builders."

So it is that we've entered a time when we need to be acting on the right things at the right time, in order to avoid the distractions that divert; as we enter a rhythm and precision of divine timing being released in the realm of the spirit.

My First Days

Since my arrival back among these most remarkable people a few days ago, there has been an intensity and sense of entering the Lord's strategy for this time. It goes beyond the best our human efforts could produce. Yet, it is that mix between our best and the entrance into His flow that produces that "something more."

My primary contact here is a man who has paid an enormous cost for his faith. Our time together on this trip has been far more strategic than in previous ones. Our discussions begin each day at an early breakfast and have touched on uniquely parallel insights God has given us individually, some going back more than 40 years. We've woven our way through traffic, as I blend in on back of his motor bike, as we embrace this intensity of purpose with the expectation of that "something more."

Our first workshop of three, across three cities, begins tomorrow morning. Yet since my arrival my days have already been filled with meetings, preaching at individual congregations, teaching Spirit-filled Vietnamese Catholics along with other collaborations in this tapestry being woven together by this nation's committed players; whose lives have pierced the veil with their priorities set on advancing the Kingdom. One woman from our local host ministry just returned from a northern village, where she brought 282 new converts into the Kingdom, but not before leaving having set up the structure for their discipleship.

My pastor friend and host, who has been so instrumental in arranging my God's economy program across so many regions of this nation, feels there has been nothing that has come from the West to compare with it, in its strategic importance to mobilizing the Vietnamese church and turning the tide in the spiritual realm. The timing is indeed key and it is now; as I am convinced that this nation is key to God's grand strategy for this time.

Thank you for praying AND continuing to pray!

In His love and mine,

Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/

Sunday, April 10, 2011

101 Names of Messiah

101 Names of Messiah
By Israel Today columnist Dr. Tzvi Sadan

This breakthrough book introduces the reader to the rich background and meaning behind the names of the Messiah, such as "Majestic," "Breaker-through," "Glory," "Stone," "Date Tree," and "Lebanon." Tsvi Sadan provides an unusual lens through which we are able to view one hundred and one of these names, highlighting the little-known significance of each. In ancient Israel, naming represented—and still represents to this day—a profound spiritual act, because the names given indicate hopes for, as well as the personality and character, of the name-bearer. That the Messiah is assigned various names in the Bible and other traditional Jewish sources establishes the Jewish understanding of the Messiah as being a distinct and recognizable person, in contrast to more modern approaches to the Messiah as more of a concept. Through the variety of titles bestowed upon him, we are able to form a fuller and deeper picture of him, his nature, and his office.

Accessible yet profound, this book impacts readers across the gamut. Those with no knowledge of the Hebrew language, as well as those who are comfortable with Hebrew, will receive new insights from the rich meaning of the Hebrew names.

101 Names of Messiah provides a fascinating glimpse into the person of the Messiah as presented by biblical texts as well as ancient, medieval and modern Jewish sources, taking the reader on an intriguing tour of the titles, tags, and tasks assigned to the Messiah. Get your electronic copy today

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Friday, April 8, 2011

israel today | Palestinians attack Israeli school bus, pound southern Israel - israel today

israel today Palestinians attack Israeli school bus, pound southern Israel - israel today

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Special Bulletin Part 6 - "Goshen Grace" During Times of Destruction - Rick Joyner Video | Prophetic Perspective on Current Events

Special Bulletin Part 6 - "Goshen Grace" During Times of Destruction - Rick Joyner Video Prophetic Perspective on Current Events

Monday, April 4, 2011

Ahava Love Letter

“Who Will Stand?”

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NASB)

Dear family of friends,

Before Laurie and I got married on Oct. 8, 1977, I said to her that we would never speak or consider the “D” word in our marriage. Divorce would never be an option. We would make that commitment to each other. By God’s grace upon us, there would never be an “out.” We would covenant together to make our relationship last during our time on earth. And by the Lord’s grace and sustenance, we have kept that promise to each other these past 33 years (and counting!)

In 2006, while on my fifth trip to Israel (thanks to Hannele Pardain, Executive Director of “CFI-USA, Christian Friends of Israel”) the Lord had me again visit my Ben Yehuda Street gift shop owner/friend, Avraham Saiden. I had met Avraham the year before, and after helping him make a phone call back to the USA, he made me his “instant” friend. We continue that friendship to this day.

While in one of his two stores, Dan and David, I was looking at men’s rings, with the help of his son, David. I am not sure why I was. I had never worn a ring, other than my wedding ring. (I couldn’t afford my high school graduation ring, which was OK, being I still am not much on personal jewelry for myself.) But I sensed Holy Spirit speaking to me about getting a ring. With the Star of David on it. So I obeyed.

When I got home, I put the ring on my bedroom dresser, laying it among all the other “souvenirs” I had collected. Looked real nice sitting there.

I don’t remember the exact time (senior moment probably) when it happened, but the Lord later told me to put it on. I said, “What?!” He said, “You are now married to Israel.” I said, “What?!” again. “I am already married. I can’t have two wives!” He didn’t respond further. I knew what that meant. (Sometimes you don’t have to be told twice. Or at least we shouldn’t have to be told twice.)

So…I put the ring on. From that point on, my commitment to stand with the nation of Israel and the Jewish people has continually increased. I am committed.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This verse is found in a few locations around our house now, in prominent places. It is a verse Laurie and I are committed to walk in.

Standing up for Israel will take even more commitment in the days ahead. It is not a popular stand to have. It will cost everything, if we choose to do so.

Each of us will have to make that choice, as part of God’s eternal plan, for each person and nation on earth. Will we stand for His purposes and His people, or will we back down in self-protection and fear?

Who will stand with us? Who will stand with the Jews? Who will stand with the Lord, Who chose them?

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) We will stand.

Ahava to you my family of friends,

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S.S. Beit Tikvah – Passover Seder on Good Friday, April 22, 2011 at Antioch International Church, Fort Mill, SC!

Special Note: March of Remembrance – May 1, 2011 – all around the world. China Grove in the Charlotte, NC area. Come join us and many others. Show your support for Israel and the Jewish people.

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople

Blogger: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com/ YouTube: loveforhispeopleinc

Ahava Love Letter #21 Date: April 5, in the year of our Lord 2011

Steve Martin's hand with Star of David ring

- on the mezzuzah at the entrance to the City of David, Jerusalem, Israel.

Prophetic Ministry - a real need in our lives for these days.

From India To Vietnam, with the Jewish Culture

The Context
With a full schedule of workshops planned, we will be extending our program into new VN regions. Something new and something more seems to be the theme burning in my heart that bears not only on what I've just returned from doing in India, but for what lies ahead in Vietnam.

The charge to understand the times and know what to do has long been foundational to the various dimensions of my calling: from intercession to writing; to both the mobilization of the top-down Joseph-Daniel calling and the equipping of the bottom-up community-builders. Likewise, the significance of the Jewish roots to our faith has been key to this equation driving my calling. Another crucial piece of this mosaic has been to reach out to bring transformation to "the least of these our brethren."

An Emerging Strategy for Something More
In the early days of the God's economy program, a time of prayer gave me a glimpse of what I discerned as a strategy of the Lord that would mobilize an overlap of segments between the persecuted church, the oppressed church and the Messianic Jewish community. It seemed to carry the mark of God's hand of simplicity, order and the extraordinary, to spark societal transformation in a time of turmoil.

With these thoughts in mind, there were times during our India quest when spiritually I experienced a sense of almost being overwhelmed, without fully grasping more than the surface-level of what we were walking out. Yet, there seemed an unsuspected dimension being unveiled as we proceeded, of an awareness of the enormous Messianic potential hiding under the ashes left by the inquisition.

There clearly is something more to what I'm walking out. I've come to realize through the three years we've worked in Vietnam, how through simplicity and obedience, that God exceeds our wildest expectations. The God's economy program that was birthed after a heart-cry prayer from my exposure to a group of impoverished Ethiopian believers in 1999 has been the catalyst of a simple, but growing, grass-roots movement within the persecuted church in Vietnam. Despite this significance, the witness of the Spirit is of there still being "something more."

Reaching Beyond the Obvious

Deuteronomy tells us that "the secret (or hidden) things belong to the Lord, but those that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever." Reaching beyond the obvious to understand the times and know what to do places us in the dimension of the generational.

Historically, the 4000 years that the Jewish people have outlived the civilizations they have been a part of is a reflection of how the Jewish community has wielded what has become an historic and remains the prophetic mantle that God gave to Abraham that "through you all the nations of the earth will be blessed."

In short, the Jewish people have consistently operated as "a culture within a culture;" becoming an entrepreneurial middle class in societies without one and serving an integral role of proactive influence in seats of power, especially economically and governmentally, in furthering the positive aims of their host cultures.
"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare." Jeremiah 29:7

The Something New to the Something More

The God's economy program conforms to this biblical standard and strategy. It begins by making God's people the head and not the tail. It then develops proactive "community builders" who provide practical hope to their community in challenging times. Its mandate coincides to the Jewish strategy of operating as a "culture within a culture," by exercising the charge to Abraham "to be blessed to be a blessing."

Yet the time in India has left me with the brand-mark of there being something more, not only in what we're doing in India, but in Vietnam and beyond.

Could it be possible that the unveiling of the hidden will point to something more in terms of the Jewish roots of our faith? Could it be that the strategy of "a culture within a culture" may bear on this whole issue of transformation at a time when many around the world are losing hope and seeking answers that bears on a people who demonstrate the reality of God in some very practical ways, as the Jewish people have done over the generations.

I seem to have more questions than I have answers as I proceed, but I know that the Lord has been guiding and providing the tools and strategies with which to help those we serve "to be blessed to be a blessing."

Jesus said, "That which is covered will be revealed and that which is hidden will be made known." There's a key that unlocks the hidden and the bondages that have immobilized generations. Indeed, we walk by faith and not by sight as we move toward "something new and something more."

So, despite the already tangible results from these ventures to this point, there seems to be an unveiling, pointing to the overlapping role of segments between the persecuted church, the oppressed church and the Messianic Jewish community. Something beyond the obvious is in motion with these agendas. Something new and something more; something that is clearly beyond me; "something beyond" that is being orchestrated by the Spirit of the Lord.

I can't begin to tell you how much your prayers mean as I head out; and how much I'm depending on them as I impart, equip, mobilize -- and continue this amazing unfolding venture of discovery.

In His love and mine,

Morris Ruddick

Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/

Global Initiatives Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt ministry

Global Initiative Foundation | PO Box 370291 | Denver | CO | 80237

Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Prayers of Yeshua

I heard someone once say, with understandable regret, that with only three exceptions, we have no record of Yeshua’s prayers. In actual fact, this is not entirely true, as I’ll explain a little later in this article. But first, let’s look at the three prayers that are recorded.

The first prayer is, of course, The Lord’s Prayer – recorded in Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2. This is a fascinating prayer, because in this prayer, Yeshua seems to be making reference to a host of Scriptures found throughout the entire Tanak (the Old Testament). Let’s take a look at some of them.

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven…” The Fatherhood of God can be found in many places, such as Psalm 68:4-5; Psalm 89:24; and Isaiah 9:6. That God dwells in Heaven is abundant throughout Scripture, such as Genesis 24:7; Joshua 2:11; 2 Chronicles 6:14; and Psalm 136:26.

“Hollowed be Thy Name…” The Tanak is replete with references that the Name of God is Holy and to be treated with reverence and sanctity. Examples such as Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 22:32; Psalm 103:1; Ezekiel 39:7 can be found throughout Scripture. To this day, an observant Jewish person will neither pronounce the Name of God, nor even write it. To the Jewish person God is referred to most commonly as Adonai (Lord) or HaShem (The Name), and when writing His Name, the vowel is left out rendering the written form as L-rd or G-d.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven…” The Kingship of God and the endurance and domain of His Kingdom is also a major reoccurring theme throughout the Old Testament (Tanak) Scriptures. Yeshua was undoubtedly referencing such passages as Psalm 22:28; Psalm 103:19; and Daniel 7:18, to name only three.

“Give us this day our daily bread…” The uncompromised belief that all of humanity’s material blessings are gifts from God is a central foundation of the Jewish faith. Here Yeshua underscores the fact that the Father is the Source of everything we have, from the provision of “manna in the wilderness” (Exodus 16:15-33) to the ongoing recognition that God is the giver of all things (Deuteronomy 8:18; Isaiah 42:5; and Job 33:4).

“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive everyone who sins against us…” Yeshua here emphasizes the Biblical Principle of Reciprocity which is stated in Malachi 3:10 and Proverbs 3:9-10, and which He Himself expands in Luke 6:37 and Matthew 7:1.

“Do not lead us into temptation…” Here Yeshua may be referencing Psalm 5:4 which states that “Thou art a God that has no pleasure in wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with Thee.” And the Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostle James puts it even more forcefully when he writes, “…God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does He tempt anyone.” (James 1:13)

“But deliver us from the Evil One…” And finally, Yeshua quotes Psalm 140:1, “Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil one; preserve me from the violent one.”

The second of Yeshua’s prayers that have been preserved for us is found in John’s gospel, chapter 17. In this passage of Scripture Yeshua is praying that God will glorify Him through the work that He has accomplished, and also through the work yet to be accomplished by His followers. He then asks the Father to preserve and protect His followers in the world. He asks that the glory He shares with the Father will likewise be shared with us, who believe in Him. Finally He prays that the love that exists between Himself and the Father will be manifest within us, His Church, as we walk with Him in unity with each other. It’s a powerful and humbling prayer!

The third prayer is Yeshua’s supplication in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of His crucifixion. Gethsemane is Hebrew for olive oil press, and that night in the garden, Yeshua’s very spirit and soul were being pressed to the maximum. “Father, if it be Thy will, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.” (Luke 22:40).

But are these the only prayers of Yeshua that we know about? Actually, the answer is “No”. I believe that there are at least five or six other prayers that we can know conclusively were prayed by Yeshua. Moreover, in these additional prayers that are mentioned, we can confidently know their exact words! Where are these prayers and what did Yeshua say?

In Matthew’s gospel, the apostle wrote about several additional events in which Yeshua prayed. In chapter fifteen he writes, “And He [Yeshua] took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks…” (Matthew 15:36). Likewise, in chapter 26 Matthew records this event at the Last Supper Passover meal, “And as they were eating Yeshua took bread and blessed it…” (Matthew 26:26). In both of these instances we can know exactly what Yeshua said, even though His words are not recorded. Indeed, every Jewish person reading Matthew’s account during the first few centuries of the Church would have known what words He spoke. This is because the blessing of the bread has been a standard Jewish prayer from time immemorial. Visualize those moments with me. Yeshua would have covered His head with His tallit (prayer shawl), as was the custom in the first century and remains the Jewish custom today. He then would have lifted the bread toward heaven and said aloud these words, “Baruk atah Adonai Eloheynu, melek haOlam, Ha’motzi lechem meen haEretz.” (Blessed are You, O LORD our God, King of the Universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.)

In the first instance recorded above, when Yeshua gives thanks for the bread and the fish, Matthew’s record suggests that He gave thanks only once. However, it’s more likely that Yeshua actually offered two prayers – one for the bread and a second blessing for the fish. If, indeed, that is the case, then His second prayer would have been, “Baruk atah Adonai Eloheynu, melek haOlam, she-ha-kol ni-he-yah bid-va-ro.” (Blessed are You O LORD our God, King of the Universe, Who brings about all things by His Word.)

The Apostle Mark records another poignant event in which Yeshua prayed. He writes, “And they brought young children to Him that He should touch them…and He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16). To this day, as part of the Shabbat (Sabbath) ritual every Friday night, the Jewish father will lay his hands upon his sons and say, “Ye-sim-khah Elohim ki-ef-rayim v’ki-me-na-shah.” (May God make you like Ephraim and Manassah.) Likewise, he will lay his hands upon his daughters’ heads and say, “Ye-sim-khah Elohim ki-sarah v’riv-khah v’ra-khel v’le-ah.” (May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.) There is no question in my mind that Yeshua would have blessed the children with these very same blessings that are still said today.

Also, at the Last Supper Passover meal it is recorded “And He took the cup and gave thanks…” (Matthew 26:27) Here again, we know for certain Yeshua’s exact words -- “Baruk atah Adonai Eloheynu, melek haOlam,bo-ray pre-ha-gafin.” (Blessed are You O LORD our God, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.)

And finally, we come to Yeshua’s last blessing upon His disciples before He ascended into Heaven. The physician Luke records the event with these words, “When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany He [Yeshua] raised up His hands and blessed them.” Once again, by this simple description, we can know Yeshua’s exact words and how He performed the blessing. He blessed them with what is called today the “Aaronic Blessing”. This blessing is also called “The Raising of the Hands” and is performed in a very specific way. One’s head is covered with the tallit, as mentioned before. The hands are raised so that the thumbs are touching; the index and middle finger are held together; and the ring finger and little finger are likewise held together, like this –

Yeshua raised His hands and said, “Y’varekh’kha Adonai v’yish-merekah. Ya’er Adonai panav eleikha vich-u’nekka. Yissa Adonai panav eleikha v’ya’sem l’kha shalom.” (May the LORD bless you and keep you. May the LORD make His face shine to upon you and be gracious unto you. May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”)

Jewish tradition requires that we bless the LORD for each detail of our daily lives. What a delight to know that in these Hebrew prayers, we are repeating the exact same words to the Father that Messiah Yeshua did so long ago. In these Hebrew blessings we, like Yeshua, vocalize our gratitude to God for His daily provision and care.

Baruk HaShem (Blessed be The Name)

Bill Duerfeldt, North Carolina