Monday, June 23, 2014

IDF: We Are Our Brothers' Keepers

Sunday, June 22, 2014 | Ryan Jones

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Operation Brother’s Keeper, the Israeli army’s massive search for three abducted Jewish teens, has intensified as it enters a new week, with IDF officials vowing they will leave no stone unturned.

Col. Eliezer Toledano, the commander of the IDF’s Paratrooper Brigade, said that three full battalions are taking part in the search and rescue operation, and that every soldier is unwaveringly committed to the mission.

“I am [personally] joining my soldiers, and despite the [harsh conditions] not one has asked when we are going home,” Toledano told the Israeli press. “We all believe that we will find the kidnapped youths, and it is with this faith that we march day and night.”

Over the weekend, the Israeli army arrested dozens more Hamas leaders and activists as it seeks out even the smallest clue as to where Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel are being held captive.

“Every pool in the area is being sucked dry. Locals are being questioned - anyone who can help, who might have local intelligence. This will continue in the coming days. We are turning over every stone,” a senior military source told The Jerusalem Post.

At the same time, another army officer told Israel Radio that violent Palestinian resistance to the search and rescue operation is increasing. Soldiers are being attacked with stones, Molotov cocktails and explosive devices, and in some instances have faced live gunfire.

In one particular fierce clash in the Samarian city of Nablus (biblical Shechem) on Saturday a Palestinian youth was shot dead as he and others attacked an Israeli search team. Another Palestinian man was killed when he ignored warning shots and approached Israeli soldiers in a threatening manner reminiscent of a suicide bomber.

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Saturday, June 21, 2014

Expressions & Diversity - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Expressions & Diversity

- Now Think On This

by Steve Martin

“For just as there are many parts that compose one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function; so there are many of us, and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging to the others. But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us.” Romans 12:4-6 CJB

Walking down any city street, especially in a major urban area, you see all kinds of people. In Charlotte, North Carolina’s uptown, or Center City as some would call it, you can also observe many nationalities – those from India, Africa, Southeast Asia, China, South America, and of course different sections of America. (I know this due to the Anglo-Saxon ancestral accents I hear!) Personally, I love them all.

In the business office I work at in uptown Charlotte, as the Accountant since 2012, we regularly have interns who come for the summer months. Some of them are still in college, while others have just completed their upper level education and are ready to hit the marketplace. They just haven’t gotten hired quite yet, so this will look good on their resume.

Often we have a wide diversity of these young “millennials”, those in the 20’s age group. They have come to serve with us from different Carolina colleges, having diverse cultural and societal backgrounds. This particular summer we have some whose grandparents were from China, India and Scotland. Each one brings a specific skill, knowledge base, and educational training, which are used to enhance the labor force the company already has. Having them around certainly drops the average age of the staff, at least for these few months.

It amazes me how diverse the Lord has created mankind. From every tribe, nation and group He has delighted Himself with such a rainbow of colors, languages and gifts. One country’s people may be advanced in mathematics, while another is known for their agricultural products. Some nations specialize in manufacturing, and some in high adventure, using their natural resources for the excitement and enjoyment of their visitors.

Can you imagine if we were all Anglo-Saxon Americans, or all Chinese, or possibly everyone was an African? In my perspective I would find that quite boring. I think that is why the Lord God of Israel created so many features, colors, talents and skills that each one possesses. Though twins are very close to being exactly alike, the wide variety of men, women and children are not, and it is awesome. What a creative God there is!

It has been a true blessing to have had friends from different backgrounds and genealogies. In travelling to foreign countries, and meeting new friends, I am very appreciate of the various cultures each has developed, with their amazing foods, clothing styles, and personalities. It is simply the work of the great God we know and serve.

As people express the various skills, talents and gifts they have, I encourage you to appreciate and respect that which each one offers to the world, for each is made in the image of our God, and has a specific purpose in God’s eternal plan. Accepting the wide variety of expressions, with multifunction and diversities, will bring more joy and thanksgiving in our lives for who they are, and what we can share together.

Give thanks to the Lord for His extravagant creation!

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

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.

Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available).

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Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

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Now Think On This #157 “Expressions & Diversity” by Steve Martin

Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (06.21.14) Saturday at 1:45 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

The Cross & The Mountains

Black Mountain, NC - Blue Ridge Mountains

- photos by Steve Martin

Thank you LORD
for your creation
and Your salvation.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Sometimes...

Have a good weekend.

Steve Martin

Love for His People

Triumphing Over Your Taskmasters by Elaine Tavolacci

Triumphing Over Your Taskmasters

Posted on 22 May 2014 by Elaine Tavolacci

The Lord gave me an incredible word for the body of Christ this morning. In the book of Exodus chapter one, after Joseph and his whole generation had died, the Israelite’s were fruitful, and increased abundantly in Egypt because of him. When the new king had seen this, he was fearful and put task masters over them to oppress them. The task masters made their lives bitter with harsh labor and afflicted them with heavy burdens; but as they did this, something unusual was happening. The more that the Israelite’s were oppressed as the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly, the more they multiplied and spread abroad.

The Holy Spirit is showing me that many of you have been driven and oppressed by the enemy, as well as used and abused by people. Some of you have gone through situations which have been brutal. As you fear God and not man, these afflictions are going to bring you into expansion, growth and prosperity.

The Lord says;

“Those who have tried to manipulate you and belittle you will soon recognize the favor on your life. Those who have tried to control you and oppress you will soon withdraw because of the shield of protection that I have around you. No one could bring harm to you as I am faithful to My word. I will establish you and guard you against the evil one. Don’t fear the spiritual weapon that is formed against you. It shall not succeed, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment shall prove to be false. The evil assignments that are coming against you will be rendered null and void. As the enemy tries to bring devastation and destruction, I will preserve your life. This is your heritage as you abide in Me. Listen for My voice in every situation. Know that I am present in every assault and violation” says the Lord.

Then the Holy Spirit showed me something else in the same paragraph of Exodus chapter one. In verses 15-21 The king Pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill the first born males as they are born but the midwives refused. When he asked them why they didn’t obey, the midwives replied: “because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.”

And The Lord says;

“You will even observe in your own life the things that I impart to you will come into fruition and come to pass expeditiously. The intentions that I have for you will come forth suddenly. And just as the Israeli women, you are going to produce in a way that will amaze others. They will witness My goodness as they see your harvest in abundance. You will see the increase even before the midwives come to assist you. This will release you into favor with the Pharaoh’s and the oppressors, and many will begin to submit and reverence My name. Even your enemies will be at peace with you as they see the goodness increase in your life” says the Lord.

“Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew . And they were in dread of the children of Israel. So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage-in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor” Exodus 1:11-14.

“So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?” And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them. “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was, because the midwives feared God that He provided households for them” Exodus 1:16-18,

“By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me” Psalm 41:11.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” Luke 12:32.

ELAINE TAVOLACCI
Staten Island, NY
www.awordinseason.info
www.TheVoiceOfBreakthrough.com

For more: Website

Mountain Top View - Onward & Upward (paperback & Kindle) by Steve Martin

Click here: Purchase NOW for your Summer reading

I like mountains. I like these awesome creations of the Lord around the world. Standing in front of them can overwhelm your heart with gratitude and goodness, dwelling on His majestic power and sheer love that He daily has for us. Our lives can be challenging as we face mountains ahead, but we can be overcomers as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, and make the climb with the Lord at our side, and His Holy Spirit as our Guide.

As you read these inspired and encouraging chapters, I trust they will bring more hope, faith and love into your spirit and soul. Experiences shared by those who have walked ahead enable others to choose more wisely and confidently in their walk. I hope these words do so for you. These messages that I share with you in this book were originally written for my blog as NOW THINK ON THIS. You can read those on a weekly basis. Please see the info and contact pages at the back of the book.

Shalom and ahava,

Steve Martin

Charlotte, NC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

1. In the 7th Year Page 7

2. These Feet Are Made For Walking Page 14

3. A Picture Does Say… Page 18

4. Community in the Last Days Page 30

5. Patience. Just Wait A Minute Page 33

6. The Lion’s Den Page 38

7. Gifts – You Have One To Share Page 42

8. The Tide Is Turning Page 45

9. Let Go & Let God Page 47

10. Release! Page 52

11. Anything Goes. NOT! Page 55

12. Blessed To Be A Blessing Page 59

13. Sarah Believed Too Page 62

14. Learning To Prophesy Page 70

15. Coffee Time With Jesus Page 74

16. God Don’t Make Junk Page 77

17. Birthing & Raising Page 80

18. Teams – It Takes Two… Page 84

19. Overwhelming Heart Page 89

20. Burdens Lifted Page 92

21. What If…You Are Not

Raptured Out First? Page 96

22. Let It Be? Page 100

23. Pursue Me Page 104

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Page 107

CONTACT INFORMATION Page 109

OTHER BOOKS - STEVE MARTIN Page 111

CUSTOMER REVIEW

An adventure of living By Morris E. Ruddick

Steve Martin’s books, as well as his blog, have an engaging dimension of making you feel a part of the journey he’s on. He’s always reaching for something more in God while facing the realities of life. He’s very real as he traverses the pathways of life. What’s important to him is not arbitrary, but the result of the honest reflections he describes as he makes the reader to relate and feel a part of his journey. His writings reflect the adventure that God intended our lives to be, with Him at helm. He has not fallen short in the adventure that his life has been and is. Encouraging, inspiring and highly recommended.

About the Author

Steve Martin served with three Christian ministries from 1987-2010, all having a national and international outreach focus. During that time he made 14 ministry trips to Israel, China, India, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

On his overseas journeys Steve enjoyed sharing written journal entries with family and friends back home, through Internet media. His light-hearted stories gave an up close and personal touch for those reading along. Many could imagine being there themselves. His extensive collection of photos taken during these trips, of both local scenery and common people on the streets, has touched thousands through their varied images.

In 2010, Steve and Laurie began Love For His People, Inc, a 501©3 non-profit humanitarian aid ministry. This work touches the natural and spiritual lives of those around them with needed encouragement and strength.

Product Details

Paperback: 120 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 19, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1499524951
ISBN-13: 978-1499524956
Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 4.9 x 7.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)