Joel Rosenberg - "Epicenter" - Dome of the Rock - Temple Mount - Jerusalem

Epicenter - by Joel Rosenberg

60 minute video of what is happening.

Joel Rosenberg in Jerusalem

Dore Gold - former Israeli Ambassador to UN

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Ancient Tunnel Discovered Beneath Jerusalem (1.24.11)

Ancient Tunnel Under Jerusalem

My help comes from the Lord...

"My help comes from the Lord, Maker of Heaven and Earth." PSALMS (121:2) עֶזְרִי מֵעִם יְ-הוָה עֹשֵׂה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץתהילים קכא:ב ez-REE may-EEM ah-doe-NIE oh-SAY sha-MA-yeem va-AH-retz Today's Daily Inspiration Rabbi Zelig Pliskin offers these beautiful words about our timeless connection to Psalms: "There are times in life when a person feels that 'nothing can be done' to change a dire situation. But there is always something that we can do: we can connect with our Father and King in heartfelt prayer. We can pray in our own words after we repeat the sublime, uplifting words that were Divinely inspired and sanctified in Tehillim. Reciting Psalms elevates us and opens our hearts. The personal prayers we say afterwards follow our greater awareness of our connection with the One Who can answer our prayers."

"THE LEADERSHIP MATURITY KEY" - Morris E. Ruddick

THE LEADERSHIP MATURITY KEY (c) Morris E. Ruddick "He who rules his own spirit is mightier than he who takes a city." Prov 16:32 We have entered times described by the Bible as when the "nations rage." In the midst of the mounting turmoil those known by His Name must adhere to a higher standard. Likewise, when paving new ground in this setting, much more by way of discernment and wisdom is required. The task of one of employing righteous power in corrupt settings. The issue is one of leadership, mature leadership. The bar has been raised. Biblical leadership requires a high-level of self-discipline. With it is the ability to grasp and perform well two primary tenets: 1) the accomplishment of the mission and 2) the welfare of those being led. In keeping with the military standard used in the opening scripture, a non-Marine combat reporter (Thomas Ricks, Making the Corps, Simon & Schuster, New York, 2007) made an unusual observation after an extended first-hand study of Marines operating in combat. Trained in the teamwork and discipline needed to achieve often impossible tasks, Ricks described those in the junior enlisted ranks as men who in the world would not have been given the responsibility to run a copier. Yet, in instance after instance in life and death situations, they demonstrated the maturity and presence of mind to know what to do in leading others. "Greater love has no one than this, than a man give up his life for his friend." John 15:13 This standard reflects a culture of discipline that engenders a society of trust. Yet, at a point when the Body should be operating as a society of leaders, it falls short of this standard and too often is embroiled in disorder, discord and diversions. Some Kingdom leadership issues involve maturity. Some are matters of experience. The bottom line for each is the norm of ruling your own spirit. Two friends I admire are each Kingdom leaders. One has the unique ability to see God's blueprint in a person and draw it forth. The other equally proficient as a leader has a tendency, when things don't seem to measure up, to see the devil's blueprint and then works to stamp it out. The way of the world is the survival of the fittest. However, Kingdom leadership bears a greater responsibility. Within the parameters of Truth and good stewardship is the wisdom and balance of a leadership to nurture. It is a key part of what distinguishes us from the world. The way of the Kingdom always offers Life for both the mission and the people involved. The friend whose mode is to discern God's blueprint is fearless in terms of penetrating enemy territory and of taking risks when convinced God is involved. It is the approach evidenced by Jesus during His earthly ministry. "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does also." John 5:19 In contrast, Jesus' scrutiny of the Pharisee's nit-picking approach to leadership indicated that their blindness was impeding the way for others. "Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you shut off the Kingdom of God from men. You neither go in yourselves nor do you allow those entering to go in." Matt 23:13 Beyond the Natural Jesus' response to the Pharisees punctuates the truth that leadership is not about getting people to conform. Nor is it about judgment. As soon as the judgment factor arises, Jesus urged caution and warned that we would find ourselves in danger of being judged. "Judge not, that you not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured back to you." Matt 7:1-2 Kingdom leadership contains responsibilities and requirements beyond the best our natural capabilities offer. It takes discipline and the maturity of ruling ones own spirit to wield. Kingdom leadership incorporates stewardship. It's about wisely managing risk in order to leverage opportunity and increase. It's about nurturing and enabling the gifts operating within one's community. Leadership requires a responsible trustworthiness that simultaneously inspires and guides for the common good. It sets things in order, God's order. Stewardship. Jesus' parable of the talents depicts leadership as emerging from the application of wise stewardship. Good stewardship embraces responsibility and builds from it. In this parable, the one who minimized their risks and didn't make ANY mistakes, but in so doing also minimized their increase, was deemed a "wicked servant" On the other hand, the one who brought increase was given promotion and more responsibility (Matt 25:26). So it is that the principles of stewardship are central to Kingdom leadership. Leveraging Increase. Leadership maps out, builds up and brings increase. In another instance, Jesus told the story about the merchant who discovered a pearl of great value. He risked all that he had in order to leverage opportunity to acquire the pearl of great value (Matt 13:46). Kingdom leadership adapts and manages the change needed to take and navigate the pathway into significant opportunity. Enabling Gifts. Paul wrote the Romans of his deep desire to play a role in advancing the will of God in their lives by imparting a spiritual gift to them. Paul understood biblical community with a depth that came from His Jewish heritage. Understanding ones gifts and how that fits into their role in the community is very central to being "the light on a hill" that Jesus indicated we would be to the world around us. "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established." Rom 1:11 Trustworthiness. Understanding the difference between giving people what they "want" versus nurturing their roles, while raising the bar to serve the common good is pivotal to sound leadership. When done consistently, trustworthiness will result. Trustworthy leaders are foundational to the operation of biblical community. God's Order. Jesus said that you would know them by their fruit. When God's order is operating it bears good fruit. It brings increase. It nurtures the gifts. It draws others because the fruit is evident to all. Isaac sowed in famine and yielded a harvest because God told him to do so. Everyone witnessed God's hand being on Isaac. Reckless Disregard However, there is a reckless disregard operating within leadership  circles that short-circuits the standard needed for the Body to be  properly navigating the snares and hurdles in today's world. It is a  myopia that fails to see either the process or the progress. The story of the young prophet from Judah (1 Kings 13) sent to the  King of Israel illustrates a short-sightedness, that misses the forest  for the trees, which has become almost as a plague today. In this  story the young prophet clearly wielded a prophetic gift and the  power of God, but was so blinded by his focus on his own return t hat he missed the real opportunity with the King of Israel, and due  to his personal concerns was entrapped by the very warning the  Lord had made so clear to him. This sad story illustrates the myopic blinding that needs to be guarded  against among those deemed most gifted. It represents an  irresponsible, reckless disregard for God's priorities due to  overriding soulish obsessions. James admonishes the  double-minded to purify their hearts. God's standard for leadership carries an awe necessitating  an ongoing poise of the spirit before Him. It cannot emulate the  world nor reflect a blended approach. It is a standard that roots  out the precepts of men and the cleverness of the clever. It gives no place to deceit or the lust for power. It is the standard that  eliminates the need for striving and ambition, because of being  immersed in the flow of the Spirit. This standard applied opens the gates for a safe place where the  gifts flow naturally, in unison and harmony to the benefit of all. When  this norm is met, it offers the potential described by the Church at  Philadelphia in Revelations: keys to open doors that no one can  shut and shuts doors that no one can open. Operating with this standard requires an understanding of what  distinguishes the function of leading from the gift of leadership.  A lack of understanding and misapplication of the gifts creates  confusion and dissatisfaction; with disorder and discord following.  The requirements of leadership vary according to the uniqueness  of the gifts of its leaders. Similarly, managing resources and projects is very different from  leading people. The Romans 12 leadership gift flows with both  influence and authority, without the need of position. On the other  hand, the gift of administration in 1 Cor 12:28 specializes in the  management of resources. Joseph the Patriarch operated in both.  Within the function of leading are diversities of applications, again  based on the gifts of those serving as the leaders. The bottom line is the issue between soul and spirit. This is the  cause of much confusion within the ranks of believers. Those  who try to employ the spirit to nurture their soul-longings are out  of God's order. The priorities are upside down. The standard for  leadership requires raising the bar. "The Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister,  and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:28 A Culture of Discipline and Trust In his riveting "Trust: Social Virtues and Creation of Prosperity,"  an analysis of social economics, Francis Fukuyama notes that  economic life cannot be divorced from cultural life. He contends  that in an era when social capital may be as important as physical  capital, only those societies with a high degree of social trust will  have what is needed to compete in the new global economy.  High levels of trust based on cooperative behavior and shared  norms are foundational to maximizing the economic potential of a society. Fukuyama's views make a case for the reason the Jewish people have  survived the civilizations that have come and gone over the millennia.  As a culture within a culture, their foundation is a model of biblical  community and a culture of discipline that engenders a society of trust. Spiritual Maintenance Jesus cautioned of days in which the very elect would be subject to  being deceived. Peter warned those who indulge in corrupt desires  and despise the authority over them. The gravity of the times calls  deep to deep and shouts for the need to spiritually overcompensate. Spiritual maintenance for leaders cannot be confined to devotional  readings or corporate devotions. The defilements of the day must  be compensated for and refreshed by a regular washing in the  Word of Truth and interactive prayer vigils. Proactive personal time  with the Lord must be carved out of the busiest schedules.  David Wilkerson had a mature local ministry that went viral,  when he obeyed the promptings of the Spirit and began spending  an extra hour in prayer each night at midnight. The Apostle Paul frequently in his letters makes a case for the  importance of discipline needed as believers. Again and again  he uses the analogy of running a race. There's no coasting for  those at the forefront of the spiritual drama unfolding in this day.  Peter admonishes leaders to clothe themselves with humility.  The calling of leadership demands vigilance and diligence.  Likewise, the book of Hebrews indicates the need to check  our priorities and maintain the attentiveness needed to rule your  own spirit in maturity. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of  witnesses, let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance  (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily  (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run  with patient endurance and steady and active persistence  the appointed course of the race that is set before us." Heb 12:1 Amp It is a time for true leaders to redirect their attention from issues  of soul and position and into the realm of service. It is a time  when ruling ones own spirit will yield not only the power to serve  as Jesus admonished in Matt 20:28, with the valor and capacity  of those willing to give up their lives as a ransom for many;  but with it, embracing the joy and contentment of truly being in  the flow of His business. "Then the fool will no longer be called generous, nor the miser  said to be bountiful. The schemes of the schemer are evil; devising  wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words, despite the needy  speaking justice. The generous man devises generous plans, and  by generosity he shall stand." Isaiah 32: 5-8 ___________________________________________________ Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the  call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of  Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy  Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope  and equips economic community builders where God's light is  dim in both the Western and non-Western world. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, I srael and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;"  and "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World," which address  the mobilization of business and governmental leaders  called to impact their communities with God's blessings.  They are available in print and e-versions from Amazon.com,  BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets. Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the least of these our brethren. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or email us at sign@strategicintercession.org for access information on our secure web-site. 2013 Copyright Morris Ruddick - sign@strategicintercession.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 www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org

Ronald Reagan Tribute - video

One of our greatest Presidents.

Paul Wilbur - Kadosh (Holy) - Lyrics and Translation

Signs & Sayings - Which one do you like?

All this creative woodwork and signs are found in a Mennonite 

operated store in Chester, Iowa, right on the Minnesota border.

                            

...and now for His creation...

which is also a sign to us of His love and provision.

(Above photos taken by Steve Martin.)

The Pilgrims Formula To Save America! Kirk Cameron in movie "Monumental - In Search of America's National Treasure"

The Founders Monument in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Hebrew on Pilgrim Governor William Bradford's tombstone

From the movie "Monumental: In Search of America National Treasure"

The Forefathers Monument in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Liberty requires Faith, Morality, the Rule of Law, Mercy, and Education and can only be obtained and sustained through the Gospel; resulting in self-government under the headship of Jesus Christ. 

An excerpt from the Kirk Cameron movie 'Monumental', showcasing The Forefathers Monument with Marshall Foster. An inscription upon the monument states,

"National Monument to the Forefathers. Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labors, sacrifices and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty."

The monument was built over 130 years ago. It is made of 180 tons of solid granite.

Kirk Cameron & Marshall Foster

Faith is pointing upward to God

Righteous Laws

Education and The Word of God

Pathway to Liberty - The Liberty Man

Forefathers Monument

This is Kirk Cameron's partial description on the film's website:

"I’m retracing the footsteps of our Founders from England to America in the hope of discovering our true “national treasure.” I want to listen to them, to learn from them. Because I suspect Forefathers knew we were a forgetful people, that someday we would lose our way as a nation. So they left us a map that would guide us back to the source of America’s success.

I've already completed the first part of my trip, and I’m happy to say, my hunch was right! What I've discovered already is amazing! The key to transforming our nation and securing our children's future is not complicated. Best of all, it’s not hidden away like something out of the Da Vinci Code. It's been right in front of us all along, and I can’t wait to show it to you in this film."

Cameron asserts that such a key is manifest in the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which is a large statue commemorating the Mayflower Pilgrims. Co-writer Marshall Foster ascribes to this statue the contextual validity of Monumental's message, based on the statue's symbolism and engraved dedication. According to Foster, "The monument depicts Faith, and Faith is pointing to God and has an open Geneva Bible in the right hand and a star of wisdom". 

This Saturday, Aug. 10 at 2 - 6 pm Pineville Lake Park

Reunionize Time! Saturday - Aug. 10, 2013, Pineville NC

OUR FIRST ANNUAL 

REUNIONIZE TIME!

SATURDAY - AUG. 10, 2013 

2-6 PM

PINEVILLE LAKE PARK 

1000 JOHNSTON DR. 

PINEVILLE, NC, 28134

John O'Leary - our faithful sound man 

at All Nations Church,

serving from 1995 to at least 2002!

Greetings to all of thee.

Let's get together again! 

("Come together, right now...")

Missed fellowship will all of your old church and ministry friends? The ones the Lord did indeed join you together with? We sure have. 

So let's do something about it.

Let's have a BIG reunion! 

I say it's "Reunionize Time!"

It truly is time to get it back together. We need to stop the enemy from robbing our joy, peace and love for one other, that our Good Father intended, and still does, for us to share with one another.

It is time to come out of our houses, off the couch, and participate once again in His purposes for each of us together. It just is.

So...we are willing to start.

If there are any of our connected e-mailers, Bloggers, Twittervillees and/or FaceBookie friends out there, who either went to church with Laurie and I, or were on ministry staffs or worship teams, or are part of the three main ministries we are currently involved with...did I leave out anyone? (Sure hope not.)

So let's do something about it.

Let's have a BIG reunion! 

I say it's "Reunionize Time!"

Were you (are) on one of these member lists from days gone by?

1. Victory Church - LaSalle/Peru, IL (1977-1980)

2. Shiloh Fellowship/New Covenant Christian Church - East Lansing, MI (1980-1987)

3. Good News Church - Fort Lauderdale, FL. (1987-1994)

4. All Nations Church (founding members) - Charlotte, NC (1994-2001)

5. Cornerstone Fellowship Church - Pineville, NC (2001-2004)

6. St. Giles Presbyterian Church - Charlotte, NC (2004-2006)

7. Morningstar - Fort Mill, SC (2006-2010)

8. Antioch International Church - Fort Mill, SC (2010 - present)

Or was on staff with me at one (or more) of these ministries:

1. Derek Prince Ministries (Ft. Lauderdale 1987-1990) and Charlotte, NC 2001-2005)

2. Mahesh Chavda Ministries/All Nations Church - Ft. Lauderdale and Charlotte (1987-2000)

3. Vision For Israel  - Savannah, GA and Charlotte (2005-2010)

4. Samaritan's Purse - Charlotte, NC (2010, 2011)

5. Covenant Keepers - Charlotte, NC (2011-2012)

6. Charlotte Rescue Mission - Charlotte, NC (2012)

7. Antioch International Church - Fort Mill, SC (2012-present)

(L-R) Bob Sherrill, Doug Goff, Bob Smith 

All Nations Church (1995)

Gilbert Crespo (now with the Lord in heaven)

All Nations Church (1995)

Derek Prince Ministries 2004

Or you are one of our good friends with these networked ministries:

1. Beit Yeshua (since 2006)
2. Christians For Messiah Ministries (since 2004)
3. Christian Friends of Israel (CFI-USA) (since 1994)
4. Highway To Zion (since 2006)
5. Love For His People (since 2010)
6. One New Man (since 2012)

Beit Yeshua's Curtis Loftin 2013

Cathy and Dale Hargett - Highway To Zion 2013

Then it's....

"REUNIONIZE" Time!!!

Saturday, August 10, 2013. 

Time will be from 2-6 pm. 

Pineville Lake Park 

1000 Johnston Dr. 

Pineville, NC, 28134 

Each family will need to bring a dish to pass and some cola or water drink. Bring the old kids, young kids, and ones still cookin'. The park provides grills, but bring your own charcoal if needed. Pretend you are going on a picnic, so you bring all you would need.

Haul in the grandkids too, so the grandpas can run them down to get in some "off the couch" exercise.

ALL FOR THE PURPOSE 

OF BEING TOGETHER,

TO HAVE SOME GOOD, 

OLD FASHION BONDING, 

LOVING, 

FELLOWSHIPPING TIME

IN HIS PRESCENSE.

Write me back to get on the Reunionize Time update list - martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Shalom y'all,

Steve & Laurie Martin

P.S. Please pass this onto those who would like to join us but don't communicate through social media or any other modern day technology. (I have to print this out for Laurie!) Or others who need to read a really good blog once in a while.