Overwhelming Heart - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Overwhelming Heart

by Steve Martin

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2, NASU

Has your heart ever been so full that it almost seems that you can’t bear taking in anymore? It is as a Mom’s love for her newborn baby, wanting to hold the child so close to her chest after the nine months of womb time. Or the father, so proud of his son and daughter for sticking it out, when anyone else would have given up the training at their age. Or the grandma’s joy for seeing the grandchild, whom she had prayed for diligently those long years, and make the right decision that would set a good course in the next ones.

My heart sometimes seems to get overwhelmed when I pray for nations, especially the people of Israel. I just want to grab hold of someone there and let some of that emotion and love flow out of me into them, right then.

All of these are wonderful experiences. It is a measurable release of the Father’s love for us, expressed through us, to those around us. Someday we will actually see Him in person, and realize the awesome vastness of His beating heart.

Every Good Friday, when we take the time to again try to fathom the Son’s love for His Father, and how that love was then expressed for all for us, we can imagine more of that reality demonstrated in a most powerful way. As we watch films trying to depict the brutal beating, the senseless Roman scouring, the rugged path to the death hill, finishing it off with the final three nails hammered into His already bleeding hands and feet during the crucifixion execution, it has to awaken something further in our hearts for the Savior.

I believe Yeshua (Jesus) knew some of the agony He would go through beforehand, but even as He sweated blood in Gethsemane, the pain that would be slashing through the nerves of His human flesh was going to be overwhelming. And yet His heart of love, which itself would burst within Him at the end, had to already have been prepared to go through it all. His overwhelming love was able to complete the required mission to the end. Knowing the finish line result would make this worth it - freedom for us from sin and our rightful eternal damnation. Otherwise that would be our judgment sentence if not for the perfect sacrifice of His blood.

I believe this resulting purpose of setting the captives free, freeing us from the bondage of death, and later having us join Him with His Father and now ours, was the joy set before Him. Doing it all for you and I, so we could spend eternity in heaven with them, fulfilled the purpose of His coming to earth the first time as Messiah, the Sacrificial Lamb. His overwhelming heart for the nations - to be with us.

So next time you sense your own heart becoming filled to the point of explosion, know that it is a partial touch from Him, as He shares His love through you. May our hearts grow even bigger, so we can express more of Him to a world needing all of Him.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

  

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

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Now Think On This #143 “Overwhelming Heart” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (04.18.14) Good Friday at 4:30 pm in Charlotte, NC.

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

'Jewish School Sends Disciples on a Christian Mission'

Friday, April 18, 2014 |  David Lazarus  ISRAEL TODAY

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That was the headline hidden away in the archives of a 1966 edition of the popular Hebrew newspaper Haaretz. It is a fascinating inside look at what happened when an Israeli university required students to read the "dangerous" New Testament.

The full article appears in the April 2014 issue of Israel Today Magazine.

SUBSCRIBE NOW to read it all!

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HEAVEN IS FOR REAL - Join The Movement - The Christian Post

#IBelieve Heaven Is For Real! You're one of the millions who have read the book. You've seen the trailer at your local theater. Now, get ready for the most inspiring motion-picture event of the Easter season: HEAVEN IS FOR REAL. Now showing in theaters, this movie will have you saying #IBelieve! The Story The Burpos are the perfect picture of small-town Americana: mom, dad, daughter, and son... until a serious illness lands young Colton in the hospital. Fearing they will lose their son, the parents cry out to God. While Colton's amazing recovery should lead his family back to normalcy, they quickly discover nothing will ever be the same again. With childlike innocence, Colton begins talking about having visited Heaven and his incredible experiences there. HEAVEN IS FOR REALtells one family's story about Heaven and the impact it has on their community... and the world. The Impact "I believe that the film will serve as a great conversation starter to get people talking about God, Heaven, and the afterlife. I also believe that the movie can prove to be very healing and hopeful for those who've experienced loss and need to be reminded of the fact that Heaven IS for real!" Bryan Hardwick, Small Groups Pastor, Adventure Christian Church, Roseville, Calif. Source: The Christian Post

Christians Rediscovering Passover - DAVID PARSONS/FOR JNS.ORG

More and more, Christians are embracing their Jewish heritage. (Facebook)

Christians Rediscovering Passover

4/14/2014 DAVID PARSONS/FOR JNS.ORG - charisma magazine

For Jews and Christians, the Passover season is a special time for reflection on the rich spiritual truths contained within this remarkable holiday. Indeed, we can all observe the command to remember the incredible Israelite deliverance from bondage in Egypt.

For Christians, the events of a momentous Passover some 15 centuries later have given added meaning to this holiday, so that the truths of the first are reinforced in the latter. Deliverance from Pharaoh’s taskmasters became freedom from slavery to sin. The blood of a lamb on the doorposts became a typology of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Yet the parallels between Pesach and Easter were lost for centuries to most Christians when the early church fathers deliberately severed our faith from its Jewish roots. In time, this hostility to Judaism produced vicious blood libels against Jews at Passover.

Today, however, multitudes of Christians are rediscovering our Hebraic roots. Indeed,Time magazine recently identified growing Christian interest in our faith’s Jewish heritage as one of the 10 top trends of our day.

Even respected Jewish scholars have started joining Christian theologians in rediscovering the “Jewishness” of Jesus and the Hebraic origins of Christianity. One notable expert in this regard is the late Prof. David Flusser of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, considered the leading Orthodox Jewish expert on the Second Temple era and Early Christianity.

Flusser placed Jesus within the Pharasaic tradition and viewed Him as among the great sages of his time, such as Hillel and Ben-Shammai. But Flusser concluded that the Galilean preacher went boldly beyond the classic Judaism of that day, for instance by proclaiming the advent of the kingdom of God and espousing a radical ethic of loving one’s enemy.

As a result of such groundbreaking scholarship, the Feast of Passover is one occasion when the lineage and cultural identity of Jesus as a “son of the covenant” now holds so much more meaning for Christians. In fact, nothing reattaches Christians to their Jewish roots faster than realizing the Last Supper was actually a Passover seder meal being led by a Jewish rabbi.

Thus, we can now see in the Gospel narratives just how closely Jesus held to Jewish traditions in presiding over the Passover meal with His disciples—or rather, His talmidim.

For instance, He followed the custom then developing in first-century Judaism of serving four cups of wine at the Passover meal to mirror the four great “I wills” of Exodus 6:6-7. When Jesus took the third cup—considered the “cup of redemption”—He used it to seal a new covenant with His followers.

Interestingly, He also used customary Jewish words of betrothal at that same moment, promising to go build them all mansions in His Father’s house and to come back for them one day as a bridegroom for His bride (John 14:2-3).

In serving them wine and unleavened bread, Jesus further played off the command to remember the Passover by instructing His disciples to always partake of it “in remembrance of [Him].”

Then one of the most extraordinary moments of the Last Supper came when He washed the feet of His disciples.

Like other great rabbis of His day, Jesus had developed a unique preaching style by telling parables, many of which are universally known to this day, such as the parables of the good Samaritan and the prodigal son. But He was different in the way He also practiced what He preached. In washing the feet of His disciples, the rabbi Jesus taught by deed and not just words what it means to be a servant in His kingdom (John 13:14-15).

And finally, Jesus demonstrated tremendous grace that evening when He gave the place of the guest of honor to His immediate left to Judas, even though He knew this was the one about to betray Him. What a difference it would have made down through history if Christians had understood that Jesus was never bitter toward Judas.

Sadly, it is too late to change that history. But we are witnessing a sea change in Christian attitudes towards the Jewish people today as we understand better the Jewish matrix of our faith. This historic shift is helping to build Christian support for an embattled Israel at a critical hour. And just as importantly, it is shielding multitudes of Christians against modern-day blood libels and other anti-Semitic lies now being hurled at the Jewish state.

David Parsons is an ordained minister who serves as media director for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (www.icej.org).

Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive CHARISMA MAGAZINE by email.

"The blood shall be a sign for you...Exodus 12:13 - ISRAEL365

The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you. EXODUS (12:13) וְהָיָה הַדָּם לָכֶם לְאֹת עַל הַבָּתִּים אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם שָׁם וְרָאִיתִי אֶת הַדָּם וּפָסַחְתִּי עֲלֵכֶם; וְלֹא יִהְיֶה בָכֶם נֶגֶף לְמַשְׁחִית שְׁמוֹת יב:יג v'ha-YA ha-DAM la-KHEM l'OT al ha-ba-TEEM a-SHER a-TEM sham v'ra-ee-TEE etha-DAM u-pa-SAKH-tee a-lay-KHEM v'LO yi-hi-YE ba-KHEM ne-GEF l'mash-KHEET

Haggadah Highlights The blood that was placed on the doorposts of the Jewish homes signified that those inside the house had unequivocably placed their trust in the Almighty. It was this devotion that brought down God's protection. May we all merit God's protection this holiday season by standing with the People of Israel. Your support of Israel's national blood bank will save lives. Be redeemed. Make a virtual blood donation today » Children of the Same God A young Christian woman shares her passion for supporting Israel's national blood bank, which gives the gift of life to everyone equally, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity. Watch Here » Blood Moon Rising A rare astrological event commenced this Passover with the appearance of the first of a series of full lunar eclipses in a row called blood moons (due to the red color of the moons glow). Read More » Gold Heart with Shema Prayer This beautiful heart-shaped pendant is made from 14 karat yellow gold and is engraved on its left side with the words: "Shema Yisrael" ("Hear O Israel"). Get this Pendant and Free Shipping » Today's Israel Photo Today's photo by Sharon Gabay shows the ancient stone homes built into the hills of northern Israel. See more photos by Sharon Gabay » Thank You Today's Scenes and Inspiration is sponsored by Dennis Martin of Camden, Indiana. Sponsor a Day & Get "365 Devotionals" » “Uplifting Material - Speaks to My Soul” It’s great to hear from so many of you - stay in touch and let us know where in the world you are enjoying Israel365! Stay in Touch » The photos, scriptures, inspiration and videos you share each day are appreciated very much. Todah rabah. Blessings from New Zealand. Jill [Gila] Thank you for the uplifting material. It really speaks to my soul. Shavuah Tov! Thankful for Israel365 and Loving Israel from Alexandria, Virginia USA, Krystal Melton With warm wishes for a happy and meaningful Passover, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

Copyright © 2014 Israel365, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for daily Israel Scenes and Inspiration on our website,www.israel365.com. Our mailing address is: Israel365 36 Ein Gedi Street Ramat Beit Shemesh 99000 Israel

Cracking the Convergence Code - Dave Yarnes video - Having the spirit, character and skill for your calling and work.

Dave Yarnes - VP of MorningStar Ministries

Teaching & developing skills sets 

Cracking the Convergence Code

Prophetic Perspective

Dave Yarnes

Friday, April 18, 2014

Dave Yarnes talks about seeing the skill sets God has been developing in you and continuing to develop them. 

Watch now: Cracking the Convergence Code - Dave Yarnes Video | Prophetic Perspective on Current Events

Character development is vital.

Spirit development

Having the spirit, character and skill for your calling.

Jesus (Yeshua) Died For Our Sins So We Could Live With Him In Eternity. Thus it is a GOOD FRIDAY!

He came the first time 

as the Lamb of God, 

the Suffering Servant.

When He returns 

He will come as the 

Lion of Judah!

 

Why Was a Ton of Matza Delivered to the US Army's 77th Division in France during World War I? Special Passover Feature - ISRAEL'S HISTORY

Israel's History - a Picture a Day (Beta)

Why Was a Ton of Matza Delivered to the US Army's 77th Division
in France during World War I? Special Passover Feature

Posted: 17 Apr 2014
A version of this article appears in today's Jerusalem Post Magazine

Original caption: "Packing shipment of Matzoths [i.e. matzos] for the 77th Division for
men of Jewish faith in the A.E.F. [American Expeditionary Force] for the Passover Holiday,
at Warehouse #40, Q.M.C. Depot, St. Denis [France] / Signal Corps. U.S.A."
(April 9, 1919, Library of Congress)

The Jewish tradition of eating matza (unleavened bread) on Passover is so profound that the armed services of several countries provide Passover supplies to their soldiers even at the front. That's the practice in Israel, for sure, but the archives of several libraries provide pictures of Jewish soldiers observing Passover in the British and American armies during World War I, almost 100 years ago.


The Jewish Legion soldiers of the British army celebrating Passover in Jerusalem in 1918. 

(Harvard Library/Central Zionist Archives)

But when we saw the picture above of perhaps a ton of matza sent to American forces in France we wondered why so much was required.

Thanks to the archivists at the Library of Congress' Prints and Photographs Division for acceding to our request and digitizing and publishing online the photograph above.


The 77th Division and the "Lost Battalion"

The 77th Division was made up of draftees from the New York City area, one of the first draftee units deployed in combat in World War I. They assumed the name of the "Metropolitan Division" or the "Statue of Liberty Division." Many of the men had lived a tough hardscrabble life on the streets of New York, perhaps a factor in their surviving a hard-fought battle in the Argonne Forest in October 1918 where the Division's "Lost Battalion" was surrounded by German troops and held out for a week without food and water. In a 2001 film about the "Lost Battalion," the men were described as Irish, Italian, Jewish, and Polish "gangsters."

Of the battalion's 550 men, almost 200 were killed and 150 were captured or missing.

A Jewish chaplain, Rabbi Lee J. Levinger, served in France during World War I and wrote that the 77th Division had "thousands" of Jewish soldiers -- for whom the matza in the picture was intended.

Patch of the 77th Division

Levinger described several incredible moments in his memoir:

The great event of my service in Le Mans was our Passover celebration on April 14th, 15th and[77] 16th, 1919. The general order for Passover furloughs read:

"Where it will not interfere with the public service, members of the Jewish faith serving with the American Expeditionary Forces will be excused from all duty from noon, April 14th, to midnight, April 16th, 1919, and, where deemed practicable, granted passes to enable them to observe the Passover in their customary manner."

The full program included a Seder, four services, a literary program, a vaudeville show, a boxing exhibition, two dances and a movie.... But certainly the most popular of all was the Seder. The soup with matzah balls, the fish, in fact the entire menu made them think of home.

We held the dinner in an army mess hall, standing at the breast-high tables. The altar with two candles and the symbols of the feast was at the center of the low-roofed unwalled structure. Toward evening the rain, so typical of winter in western France, ceased; the sun came out, and its last level rays shone directly upon Rabbi Kaufman and his little altar.

It was a scene never to be forgotten, a feast of deepest joy mingled with solemnity. Afterward we adjourned to the Theatre Municipale for a full religious service with a sermon.

Pvt Krotoshinsky: "You know a Jew finds strength to suffer...."During the Argonne Forest battle, the 77th Division's "Lost Battalion" was finally relieved after taking heavy casualties for five days. Their rescue is often credited to a carrier pigeon that delivered a message to headquarters with their position. Levinger told a different story:

New York Times, November 5, 1953

Private Abraham Krotoshinsky ... was awarded the D. S. C. [Distinguished Service Cross] for bearing the message which informed the division of the exact location of the unit, and was instrumental in releasing[118] them. Krotoshinsky was an immigrant boy, not yet a citizen, a barber by trade. His own words give the story simply enough:

"We began to be afraid the division had forgotten us or that they had given us up for dead. We had to get a messenger through. It meant almost certain death, wewere all sure, because over a hundred and fifty men had gone away and never come back. But it had to be done. The morning of the fifth day they called for
volunteers for courier. I volunteered and was accepted. I went because I thought I ought to. 

First of all I was lucky enough not to be wounded. Second, after five days of starving, I was stronger than many of my friends who were twice my size. You know a Jew finds strength to suffer. Third, because I would just as soon die trying to help the others as in the 'pocket' of hunger and thirst.

"I got my orders and started. I had to run about thirty feet in plain view of the Germans before I got into the forest. They saw me when I got up and fired everything they had at me. Then I had to crawl right through their lines. They were looking for me everywhere. I just moved along on my stomach, in the direction I was told, keeping my eyes open for them.... 

It was almost six o'clock that night when I saw the American lines. All that day I had been crawling or running doubled up after five days and nights without food and practically nothing to drink.

Then my real trouble began. I was coming from the direction of the German lines and my English is none too good. I was afraid they would shoot me for a German before I could explain who I was.... Then the Captain asked me who I was. I told him I was from the Lost Battalion. Then he asked me whether I could lead him back to the battalion. I said, 'Yes.' 

They gave me a bite to eat and something to drink and after a little rest I started back again with the command. I will never forget the scene when the relief came. The men were like crazy with joy."[Note: Later Krotoshinsky moved to Palestine to try his hand at agriculture. Unable to make a living there, he moved back to New York with his family, but he was still unemployed. He received a presidential appointment to work in a New York post office.]

Watch "The Lost Battalion" Movie here.

Rabbi Levinger described another incredible event during the fighting: A soldier in a famous fighting division ... sought a private interview with me. It seems that in the advance on the St. Mihiel sector he had rescued a Torah, a scroll of the Law, from a burning synagogue. Throwing away the contents of his pack, he had wrapped the scroll up in the pack carrier instead, and carried it "over the top" three times since. 

Now he wanted permission to take it home to give to an orphan asylum in which his father was active. A soldier was not ordinarily allowed to take anything with him besides the regulation equipment and such small souvenirs as might occupy little room, but in this case a kindly colonel became interested and the Torah went to America with the company records.

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The Lost Battalion ( full movie )