Thursday, October 9, 2014

While We're Praying for Nicki Minaj, She's Praying for This - Jennifer LeClaire

While We're Praying for Nicki Minaj, 

She's Praying for This

JENNIFER LECLAIRE  charisma newsNicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj claims to be a Christian, but her public persona defies the definition of biblical modesty. (Facebook)

Watchman on the Wall, by Jennifer LeClaire
Nicki Minaj is taking plenty of flak these days for her "Anaconda" song and all-out pornographic video—and well she should. Any song that chants about looking at people's backsides and otherwise opens up women to sexual exploitation is shameful at best. But I'm holding out hope for Nicki Minaj.
In late September, former Charisma editor Lee Grady penned a column called "Why I'm Praying for Nicki Minaj." In it, he acknowledged that the 31-year-old diva is a powerful force in rap music today. Indeed, The New York Times has dubbed her the most influential female rapper ever.
"But what intrigues me most about Minaj is her religious background," Grady writes. "Her mother, Carol Maraj, is a born-again Christian who found God during a traumatic time when her husband was abusing her. In a recent interview in The Christian Post, Maraj said her encounter with Jesus healed her marriage and gave her a ministry to women who suffer in abusive situations."
Minaj also claims to be a Christian, but her public persona—including her song lyrics and dress code—defies any definition of biblical modesty. Grady bemoans the fact that Minaj could have changed the course of rap music if she had taken cues from her Christian mom instead of her male counterparts in the rap industry.
"Let's agree with Carol Maraj and pray for a miracle," Grady writes. "If God gets a hold of Nicki Minaj, her music could be used to restore women's dignity instead of tearing it down."
I agree with Grady. Can somebody say amen?
Meanwhile, Pastor Larry Tomczak is praying for teens who listen to Minaj. As he sees it, our nation is at a tipping point. He calls it a meltdown and argues that, barring a transformative revival in our nation, our nation will not survive.
"I care deeply about young people. We have four children, four grandchildren and one more on the way," Tomczak writes. "I am passionate about informing and challenging pastors and parents to awaken to the cultural realities of our generation as we increasingly awaken to our desperate need for heaven-sent revival before it's too late. The future of our families and nation hang in the balance."
I agree with Tomczak. Can I get another amen?
I have no idea if Minaj or her mother read either one of these columns. But I found it fascinating that within a few days of these articles she was tweeting about prayer to her 18 million-plus Twitter followers:
"Ppl pray for riches. Remember to pray for wisdom," Minaj tweeted. One thing I know about God: If we pray for wisdom, He'll give us wisdom. Let's pray that she heeds what she hears.
Call me overly optimistic if you will, but that tweeted prayer gives me hope for Minaj and the teens who listen to her. I imagine Minaj still has a prayer life—and I know she's still got a praying mother. So, I join with Grady in praying for her, and I join with Tomczak in praying for the teens who listen to her. I pray that God will break in with wisdom and this rap diva will have a life-changing testimony all her own to share with her millions of faithful followers—a testimony that will turn hearts to God. Amen.
Jennifer LeClaire is news editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and author of several books, including The Making of a Prophet and Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
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"You Shall Rejoice" ✡ First Day of Sukkot - ISRAEL365

And you shall rejoice in your Festival-you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite, and the stranger, and the orphan, and the widow, who are within your cities.

DEUTERONOMY (16:14)
 

וְשָׂמַחְתָּ בְּחַגֶּךָ אַתָּה וּבִנְךָ וּבִתֶּךָ וְעַבְדְּךָ וַאֲמָתֶךָ וְהַלֵּוִי וְהַגֵּר וְהַיָּתוֹם וְהָאַלְמָנָה אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ

דברים טז:יד


v'-sa-makh-ta b'-kha-ge-kha a-ta u-vin'-kha u-vi-te-kha v'-a-v'-d'-kha va-a-ma-te-kha v'-ha-lay-vee v'-ha-gayr v'-ha-ya-tom v'-ha-al'-ma-na a-shayr bi-sha-re-kha

Today's Israel Inspiration

Sukkot was the most joyous of any of the festivals worshipped in the Temple. In fact, the Talmud reports that if you never witnessed the Sukkot festivities in the Temple, you never saw a party in your life! Interestingly, the Bible tells us that joy is incomplete unless it is shared. We must share it with our families, friends, the orphan, and the widow. Solidarity is essential. On this first day of Sukkot share your joy and show solidarity with the people of Israel.
 

Worshipping With Joy and Song!

Check out this video of young men singing in the streets of Jerusalem. They are singing the words “ivdu et Hashem b’simcha”, worship God with happiness. Join in!
 

Solidarity Continues, Hundreds March Against Murder

Five hundred people gathered on Wednesday evening, October 1, in a demonstration of support for the family of Netanel Arami, who was killed in a suspected Palestinian terror attack two weeks ago.
 

Joyful Hassidim Artwork

This bright and inspiring piece, by the talented Baruch Nachshon, expresses the Joy and unity felt in Jerusalem today.  "It Is A Great Mitzvah To Always Be Joyful’ shows Hassidim dancing in the courtyards as we all await the day when ‘ Our mouths will then fill with laughter’ with the arrival of the Messiah.

Today's Israel Photo

Today's picture, by Yehuda Poch, shows a march in Jerusalem in solidarity with residents of southern Israel.  The interconnectedness that bind people to the Jewish People can offer great strength, support and even joy.
 

Thank You

Please help us continue to spread the beauty and significance of the Land of Israel!
 

“I just ADORE all of it”

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!
 
Dear Rabbi, I would like to say a big THANK YOU for all the marvelous videos and other info that you send to me. I just ADORE all of it. May our Lord God bless and protect you mightily. Maureen M
Shalom,
Rabbi Tuly Weisz
RabbiTuly@Israel365.com
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3 Ways to Break Free From 'New Mommy Syndrome'

single mom
(http://www.stockfreeimages.com)









Spirit-Led Woman
When I became a parent, it never crossed my mind that I might end up with a friend problem. I'd never had trouble making friends, but my journey from being single to married to mommy—all within two years—had caused my social life to suffer. Most of my friends were single and working, which worked out great when I could meet them for lunches and evening coffees. But all of that was about to change.
Although I was excited about the transition, I wasn't prepared for the isolation I would face going from a full-time job to staying home with my baby. I didn't understand how difficult it would be to maintain friendships with people whose social circles I no longer frequented. And when Josiah arrived, I soon learned that I could only survive for so long on Facebook "likes" before I felt like I was stranded on a desert island with only a volleyball (like Tom Hanks in Castaway) . . . excuse me, an infant . . . for company.
And to be honest, I didn't really know how to engage with the "mommy culture." I felt totally competent meeting with single women and offering them dating advice, or talking to writers about crafting an engaging article, but I felt at a total loss inserting myself into a conversation about what kind of diapers are best. I didn't feel like an expert on being a mom, and that lack of confidence caused me to shy away from connecting with other mommy-types.
That's when I decided a few things needed to change and I became intentional about nurturing friendships with other women. Here's what I did to pull myself out of my friendless void:
Finding Face Time. Before my baby had been born, I had experienced adult social interaction throughout every day. It was a big adjustment to be at home with a non-verbal infant. I talked to my husband, Kevin, about my loneliness and feelings of isolation, and we agreed that I would schedule "date nights" with friends at times when he could be with our son. Several times a month, I would meet a friend for coffee, go to a movie, or go out for dinner—baby-free. These social times with existing friends, were rejuvenating for me and gave me more energy to care for the needs of my baby and my husband.
Unplugging. Along with my newfound days of staying home with my son came a rise in my social media consumption. On one hand, it was a wonderful way to connect with others throughout the day, and it filled the void of the digital communication I'd experienced in the workplace. But as a new mom who didn't always feel like I was performing the tasks of motherhood well, the "mama highlights reel" I saw online left me feeling inadequate and depressed. (Studies show that regular Facebook consumption leads to greater levels of unhappiness.http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/how-facebook-makes-us-unhappy)
When I disciplined myself to not "snack" on social media all day long, I felt more free to be the mother God had created me to be—not the mom who cultivated homemade yogurt on her counter, redecorated the nursery on a regular basis or always had dinner on the table when her husband returned home from work.
Braving Mommy-Culture. Because my entrance into marriage and motherhood had been so fast and furious, I found myself reluctant to form relationships with other moms. One practical consideration was that I was in my thirties when I became a mom, while many other first-time moms are in their twenties. In addition, I had a fairly robust identity as an individual (an identity forged in the trenches of singleness) and I found it awkward discussing new and unfamiliar topics, such as diapering and sleep training. In truth, I felt insecure in my new role.
Around the time I had my second child, I realized I really needed friends who were in my stage of life. My unmarried and childless friends were great, but I also needed women who understood what I was going through right now. And so I reluctantly joined a moms group at our church. The experience wasn't perfect—there were some women I didn't relate to because they were really young moms or seemed to have few interests outside of motherhood—but the benefit was realizing that I wasn't alone. I wasn't the only mom who had insecurities about being a mom. The group provided a place where I could let down and admit to my struggles—and others could say "me too."
My transition into motherhood was a bit of a rocky road socially. Now, as a mom of three, I still struggle to find time for cultivating meaningful friendships and connecting with mommy culture. But I'm beginning to find a rhythm. I recognize when I'm feeling socially starved and make a plan to engage in community. Women need other women at every stage of life ... and maybe even more so as new moms. In my case, that required going out of my comfort zone, but it was well worth the journey.
*****
Suzanne Hadley Gosselin is a regular contributor to Thriving Family magazine and Boundless.org and writes children's resources for several publishers. After having three children in fewer than five years of marriage, Suzanne and her husband, Kevin, who is a children's pastor, consider themselves on the family fast-track — a blessing they wouldn't trade for anything. Gosselin is the author of the newly released, Expectant Parents: Preparing Together for the Journey of Parenthood (Tyndale - Focus on the Family)

Apocalyptic Prophecy Fulfilled in the Sky? - JONATHAN CAHN

This Year of Shemitah will include three lunar eclipses and two solar eclipses.
I've been asked if there could be significance with regard to the blood moons and The Mystery of the Shemitah (and The Harbinger). The Bible has much to say about the Day of the Lord, yet in at least three passages it describes how "the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light" (Matt. 24:29; also Is. 13:9-10, Joel 3:14-15).
Scripture speaks of the sun and the moon and the celestial lights functioning as "signs." The Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:14 is otote; it can also be translated as "evidence," "mark" and "omen." The same verse declares that they will be connected to days and years and "seasons." But the Hebrew word translated as seasons is moedeem"Moedeem" literally means "an appointment," or "the appointed time," or "the appointed meeting." It is the same word used for the holy days of Israel.
On one hand, eclipses are a regular part of the natural world and do not, in themselves, constitute the fulfillment of apocalyptic end-time prophecy. On the other hand, considering the Scriptures' emphasis on these celestial lights as signs of judgment and the end times, we have to, at the very least, conclude that they may at times serve as signs of significant events.
From the time of this article onward, the period of the blood moons or lunar eclipses will, in effect, be the Year of the Shemitah. One lunar eclipse will take place in the Tishri that begins the Shemitah. The next will appear in the spring marking the center of the Shemitah. And the final one will take place in the Tishri that ends the Shemitah and marks its climactic wake.
Even more precise, concerning the Shemitah, are the two solar eclipses that will take place in 2015. The first will take place on the day that marks the exact center point of the Shemitah. The second will take place at the time of the Shemitah's climax, the Day of Nullification.
This convergence took place in 1931, when the sun was darkened on Tishri 1, the day that crowns the Shemitah's climax. It ushered in a period of stock market collapses throughout the world and the worst month-long collapse in Wall Street history. In September 1987 the sun was darkened on the Shemitah's Day of Nullification. It ushered the month that saw the greatest stock-market percentage crash in Wall Street history, Black Monday.
If the pattern continues, what will it bring when it happens again in 2015?
Jonathan Cahnwho stunned millions of readers across America and the world with the mysteries revealed in his New York Times best-seller The Harbinger, now uncovers and reveals a new realm of astonishing mysteries so big they lie behind everything from world wars, the rise and fall of nations, economic recession and financial collapse, and your future. Discover the never-before-revealed mystery of the towers, the key of cataclysms, the mystery of sevens, and much, much more. The Mystery of the Shemitah will amaze, stun, forewarn and prepare you for what lies ahead...and it may just change your life.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

How to Stay 50 Miles Away From a Moral Failure - J. Lee Brady

Man searching city
Do you keep your distance from compromising situations? (iStock photo)


Fire in My Bones

Last week, late-night comics joked about the fact that yet another Christian broadcaster had gone down in flames because of a moral failure. This time it was Rory Alec, the British founder of God TV, who announced on Oct. 2 that he was stepping down from the network he co-founded in 1995 and putting his wife, Wendy, in charge.
Despite the giddy reaction from secular pundits, this is no laughing matter. When the world looks at us they think we are just a bunch of greedy hypocrites who can't keep our pants zipped. The embarrassment that started in the 1980s with Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart continues today. We are now experiencing an epidemic of sexual failure in the church that threatens to discredit us.
Wendy Alec has promised to explain the details of her husband's resignation in a statement this week, and the least we can do for our fallen brother is pray for his restoration. But beyond that, I'm also eager to help Christians who might be tempted to think that the failure of yet another high-profile minister means it's impossible to stay sexually pure in a world full of temptation.
The truth is: Jesus can keep you from falling if you trust Him and use biblical common sense. Here's the most honest advice I could give any sincere believer, male or female, who wants to avoid becoming a statistic in this struggle.
1. Maintain an intimate relationship with God. I can offer a 100 percent guarantee that no man or woman who prays regularly, worships God intimately, reads the Bible consistently and knows God's grace personally will fall into sexual sin. When we are full of God's Spirit, His fire will keep us far away from the edge of moral failure. It's only when a person loses his first love for Jesus that he drifts toward sinful desires.
2. Never get in a sexually compromising situation with a person who is not your spouse. It's never wise to play next to the edge of a cliff. Yet Christians today seem to think it's spiritual to flirt, literally, with danger. The Bible says: "Flee from youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22). "Flee" does not mean linger, loiter or dawdle, nor does it mean wink to see if you get a wink back. It means run for your life!
If you are guilty of making suggestive come-ons, counseling people of the opposite sex with no precautions in place, sexting or letting friendships become romantic entanglements, you are well on your way to a full-blown moral failure. You need to repeat this over and over: "Don't be stupid. Don't be stupid." Stop compromising. Draw boundaries, and live as far from the edge of sexual sin as possible.
3. Be on your guard for traps. In Proverbs, Solomon gave his son the address of the adulteress and told him never to go anywhere near her house. He also said of her: "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech" (Prov. 5:3). The reason so many great Christians fall into sexual sin is that they don't realize the deceptive power it has.
Immoral sexual attraction clouds judgment and makes men and women do really dumb things that mess up their lives. (Consider King David, who murdered a man to hide his sin after he caught sight of the guy's wife nude then got her pregnant!) The best way to steer clear of a potential marital affair is to stay 50 miles away from the person who is sending the subtle hints. Don't be fooled by another person's seduction or by your seductive urges.
4. Keep your mind cleared of sexual debris. I counsel many Christian guys who battle with pornography. Technology has made it more accessible than ever, but that doesn't change the fact that porn works like a computer virus to destroy your moral resistance. A man with "porn on the brain" is much more likely to end up in bed with someone who is not his wife. If you have this problem, get your brain debugged as soon as possible.
5. Don't live in spiritual isolation. Almost every minister I know who fell into sexual scandal was living in a private world with no accountability. If you study the habit patterns of adulterers you find that after they start going down the path of sin they become distant and secretive. God has called us to live in the light (see 1 John 1:7), and that means we should give our close Christian friends the right to confront us and ask hard questions. Choose to be transparent.
6. Keep your own marriage exciting. If you are married, one sure way to stay out of someone else's bed is to be satisfied with your own. Solomon told his son: "Rejoice in the wife of your youth...be exhilarated with her love" (Prov. 5:18b, 19b). Never talk yourself into believing that you have a "right" to adultery because the sizzle went out of your marriage. Your selfish attitude is probably the reason the sizzle died.
Moral failures are going to continue to scandalize the church, and we will continue to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have fallen. But with Jesus, sexual purity is possible. Let's do a better job of teaching Christians to walk in it.
J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His newest book, The Truth Sets Women Free, was released this month from Charisma House. You can learn more about his ministry, The Mordecai Project,at themordecaiproject.org.
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Happy Sukkot! (Feast of Tabernacles)


Blessings on ye heads!

Steve & Laurie Martin
Founders
Love For His People, Inc.

#37 Wedding Anniversary - Steve & Laurie Martin

Steve & Laurie Martin
Oct. 8, 1977
Peru, Illinois

37 years later!
Charlotte, North Carolina

We give thanks to the Lord Jesus for the 37 years of marriage that He has graced us with. Committed to His plans and purposes through these years of preparation for His glory and honor.

Steve & Laurie
Love For His People, Inc.



Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Feast of Tabernacles 2014 - ICEJ

ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles
"AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT EVERYONE WHO IS LEFT OF ALL NATIONS WHICH CAME AGAINST JERUSALEM SHALL GO UP FROM YEAR TO YEAR TO WORSHIP THE KING, THE LORD OF HOSTS, AND TO KEEP THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES." ZECHARIAH 14:16

ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles Dates: Oct. 10-15, 2014
Some may ask why are thousands of Christians coming up to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles? After all, isn't this a "Jewish holiday"?
The answer lies in the unique universal significance of this ancient biblical festival and its past, present and future relevance for all nations.
Every biblical holiday given to the Jewish people has these three aspects. Israel was commanded to observe the holiday in the present in order to remember something God had done in the past, and because of some future prophetic purpose hidden within each festival.
Thus Jews begin Shabbat each week by lighting of two candles, which stand for "Keep" and "Remember". In so doing, they remember how God rested on the seventh day of Creation while also looking forward to the Millennial rest promised for the whole earth.
Likewise, Passover and Pentecost look back on the great Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the law at Sinai, while their hidden prophetic purposes were fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus and the birth of the Church fifty days later.
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is the third great annual pilgrimage festival when the Jewish people gather together in Jerusalem not only to remember God's provision in the Wilderness but also to look ahead to that promised Messianic age when all nations will flow to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.

A Feast for All People

Tabernacles is unique, however, in that the nations also were invited in ancient times to come up to Jerusalem at this season to worship the Lord alongside the Jewish people. This tradition first arose from the command given to Moses that Israel should sacrifice seventy bulls at Sukkot, which were offered for the seventy nations descended from Noah (see Numbers 29:12-35).
When Solomon later dedicated his Temple at Sukkot, he also called on the Lord to hear the prayers of all the foreigners that would come there to pray (2 Chronicles 6:32-33). Thus, Jerusalem and the Temple itself were destined from the start to be a "house of prayer for all nations" (Isaiah 56:7; Matthew 21:13).
A second unique aspect of Sukkot is that it is a feast of joy. It is a fall harvest feast to be marked with great rejoicing in the ingathering of the fruit of the land. Israel also was called to instruct the nations in the laws of God and the people were to take joy in this task. Thus, Sukkot also serves as a harbinger of the joyous last-days ingathering of the nations.

The Past: Remembering the God of Provision

The most visible symbol of Sukkot is the small hut or booth which the Israelites were commanded to dwell in for the eight days of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-43). Jewish families across Israel build these booths on their patios and balconies, and decorate them with colourful fruit, ribbons and pictures. Some families eat their meals in the sukkah and even sleep there at night.
These flimsy booths serve as a reminder to Israel that they once dwelled in makeshift huts during the forty years of wanderings in the Wilderness. It was a harsh environment and they were totally dependent on the Lord. Yet during that time, God was ever faithful to provide water, manna, quail and every other thing they needed to sustain them in the barren desert. He even was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night - a shade from the noon-day sun and then warmth and light in the darkness.
Indeed He is Jehovah Jireh, the "Lord who Provides", and who even provided Himself a sacrifice for our salvation (Genesis 22:14). So there is every reason for Christians to also celebrate the faithful provision of the Lord in our lives at Sukkot.

The Present: Celebrating His Presence Today

Sukkot also marks the ingathering of the harvest at the end of the summer season, providing sustenance for the coming winter. There is also at present a great harvest of souls from every corner of the world into the Kingdom of God. This too gives us reason to celebrate, as Christians from around the globe gather to worship the Lord together in Jerusalem at Sukkot.
It may surprise some, but Jesus also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. The Book of John, in chapter 7, tells us that one year the disciples went up to Jerusalem for Sukkot but Jesus stayed behind and then came up secretly. Then on the last "great day of the feast", he stood in the Temple courts and cried out: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)
So Sukkot is a time for Christians to rejoice in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our earthen vessels.

The Future: Entering the Joy of the Lord

The prophet Zechariah foretells of a time when all nations will ascend to Jerusalem from year to year to "worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (14:16). Thus we keep Sukkot now because of that future prophetic purpose hidden in this unique festival which will soon be revealed - and it has to do with the second coming of the Lord.
Throughout the Messianic Age, the entire world will celebrate this feast because I believe it will mark the return of Jesus to the earth. For a thousand years, we will look back on the day of his appearing to take up the throne of David in Jerusalem and to judge the world in righteousness and peace.
At that time all nations will be required to join in this yearly gathering, but for now it is voluntary. Yet when Christians flock to Jerusalem now to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, it serves as a powerful statement of faith that we believe that day is coming when the earth will finally be at rest in Messiah, the King of Israel.
For the past thirty-five years, thousands of Christians from all over the world have come up to Jerusalem each fall to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. They come with much expectancy to take part in a dynamic worship experience, knowing the One we worship will soon be sitting on His throne in this great city. Indeed, celebrating Sukkot now gives us a foretaste of the joy of the age to come.

AIM FOR RESTORATION!

ICEJ Feast 2014: Restoration
There is no question that we are living in times of restoration. Never before was God so active as in the past century in restoring what needs to be restored. Both Israel and the Church have experienced extended periods of divine restoration. God is surely not at the end of this process, as the Word of God tells us the best is yet to come. These are truly exciting days to be alive.

A God of Restoration

Restoration is certainly a theme for the last days, but it also characterises God’s work throughout history.
Jesus’s ministry on earth was one of restoration. He restored the health and well-being of countless people in Israel. He desired to restore sinners and lepers back to society. Freedom was restored to the demon possessed as they were set free by the power of his word. After his death on Calvary and then his resurrection, millions and millions of people from all tribes and tongues and nations have been restored to a relationship with their God and Creator. Families have been restored, broken marriages have been mended, many have experienced financial restoration, and even emotionally wounded people have experienced the restoring power of the Holy Spirit.
Peter encourages the Church with these words: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10 ESV)
So Peter sees for the suffering church a coming period of restoration, while Paul also admonishes the church in Corinth: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration...” (2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV).
Restoration needs to be part of our personal agenda. God is a God of restoration and no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we should never lose our trust that He wants to restore all things. Restoration is the essence of the cross of Calvary, where a powerful exchange took place from 'minus' to 'plus', so to speak. Think and pray about how you can bring the restoring power of the blood of Jesus to the people around you. Aim for restoration!

Restoration of the Church

A powerful process of restoration can be seen in operation in the true Church today. It was triggered already centuries ago, when after the sad and dark era of the Middle Ages, God started to restore important truths to the Church through the Protestant Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries.
In this time, the Church rediscovered the authority of the Scriptures after believers had been discouraged for centuries from reading the Bible and rather were told to trust the priests and Christian sages for the correct interpretation. In fact for most a Bible did not even exist in their native language, as they were available only in Latin or other ancient tongues. A personal relationship with Christ became almost impossible, as the priests used the Church not as a vehicle to bring men to God but rather as one to financially exploit and control them.
With the Reformation, the Bible became available to ordinary believers in their own language. For instance, Martin Luther translated the word of God from Hebrew and Greek into an ordinary non-liturgical language - German. Its distribution received a significant boost when Johannes Gutenberg invented the first printing presses in Europe. The newly translated Bible quickly became accessible to countless believers all across Germany.
Just a few years later, France received its first printed Bibles in French and the same took place in England when King James I commissioned an authorised English translation of the two Testaments just over 400 years ago.
In the following centuries, the word of God became widely available and biblical truths were restored to the Church. Righteousness by faith and not by works; the priesthood of all saints rather than the rule of a corrupt clergy; baptism of those who believe rather than of new-born babes - these are just a few of the theological discoveries which came out of the Reformation. Yet, these were not new doctrines but ancient truths of the Bible, which were restored to the Church.
The Puritans of the 16th and 17th centuries rediscovered God’s covenant faithfulness with the Jewish people and foresaw a restoration of Israel long before there was a political Zionist movement. The following centuries saw the restoration of the great missionary movements. From the 18th century onward, Moravian missionaries would leave for Greenland, William Carey to India, Hudson Taylor to China, and David Livingstone to Africa.
In the 20th century, the Church saw the restoration of the gifts of the Spirit, which impacted even the mainline churches through the Charismatic movement. Along with it came a rediscovery of the five-fold ministry. The list goes on...
That God wants to restore the Church even further is beyond doubt. The Apostle Paul declares: “… just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25–27)
The Word of God declares that at the return of Christ, the Church will be in a most glorious state – like a bride made ready for her bridegroom. This makes me believe that the most glorious spiritual condition of the Church is still ahead of us. What a great hope we have!

Restoration through the Church

It is a fact that without the transforming power of the Church, our Western societies would not be what they are today. Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM, documents in his book “Transformation” how the reformation of John Calvin and Martin Luther had a major impact in shaping European culture.
Luther and his preachers told people that whatever they do, they should do so to the glory of God. Whether you are a carpenter or a blacksmith, you can do the work of God by carrying out your work for His glory. He took sanctity out of the cathedrals and brought it into the homes and work benches of the believers. Out of this emerged what became known in coming centuries as the German work ethic.
John Calvin challenged the rulers of Geneva over usury, as money lenders asked for interest rates of up to 60 percent. Calvin called for a fixed interest rate of no more than 4 percent, which was implemented and became the start of the Swiss banking system. Calvin also called for every believer to own a watch so they “should not waste God’s time”. His summons gave Switzerland its reputation for punctuality and built the foundation for its world renowned watch industry.
The Indian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi documents in his book “The Legacy of William Carey” how that great English missionary transformed India in a way that is still felt to this day.
It is widely recognised today that without the revival of the Wesley brothers, England would have experienced a massive social revolution similar to the French revolution, with its horrible human toll. Many more examples could be mentioned of the transforming power of the Gospel over society.
Today we see a similar development taking place in Africa, where the growing church of Nigeria is impacting that nation in a significant way. We have witnessed this as well in the Ivory Coast, where high-ranking politicians have a pastoral council helping them to make godly decisions for their nation.
There is no area which can be excluded from the transforming power of the Kingdom of God, even today.

Restoration for Israel

The most widely covered restorative theme in the Bible relates to Israel. God declares through the prophet Jeremiah: “… I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord...” (Jeremiah 29:14, ESV)
Nearly every Hebrew prophet foresaw a time when God would restore the fortunes of the Jewish people following a long period of exile, destitution and suppression. Indeed, they would return from the all countries where God had scattered them (Jeremiah 32:37). He would plant them back in the land of their fathers (Jeremiah 24:6). They would rebuild the ancient cities (Isaiah 61:4). They would turn the desert into a blossoming garden (Isaiah 51:3). God would increase them in numbers (Ezekiel 37:26). And most importantly, God would restore His people not only physically but also spiritually (Ezekiel 36:24ff).
In the second half of the 19th century, the Jewish people entered into a period of divine favour and restoration as Jews mainly from Europe began longing to “return to Zion”. As a result, the first Jewish settlements were established in Ottoman-ruled Palestine.
In the ensuing decades, many more Jews would come until in 1948 the State of Israel was established. This reminded many of the question posed by Isaiah long ago: “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?” (Isaiah 66:8 ESV)
In May 1948, the resounding answer was “Yes!” The German theologian Karl Barth later proclaimed: “Now we can read it in the newspapers: God keeps His promises.”
Today, close to half of the world's Jewish population is residing in Israel, compared to only 0.5% in 1889. They have turned the State of Israel into a hub of technology and innovation. Israel's ancient cities are not only rebuilt, but they are larger and more beautiful than ever before.
But this process of restoration has not ended yet, as many of the promises of God for Israel are still outstanding. The Hebrew prophets foresaw that God will one day pour out His Spirit of grace and supplication upon His people and they would look upon him whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10). A people which Moses and the prophets described as rebellious and with an uncircumcised heart, will receive a new heart of flesh and will be filled by the Spirit of God (Jeremiah 31:31). This is exactly what the Psalmist declares: “...the set time to favour Zion has come.” It is the time of restoration.

Restoration in troublesome times

Recently, somebody told me: “Jürgen, you have a far too optimistic outlook on our world, as the Bible speaks clearly about great judgments, apostasies and tribulations to come.” The truth is the Bible speaks about both. It speaks about the judgment of the nations (Joel 3), but also about the outpouring of His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28-32). And both will take place before the great and terrible Day of the Lord.
It is true that the word of God does speak about the great falling away and apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4), but it also talks about God preparing an end-time church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:25-27). It speaks about five foolish virgins with empty vessels but also about five wise virgins with vessels filled with oil (Matthew 25:1-13). The question is, therefore, not so much which eschatology you hold to, but more about on which side do you want to be?
It would indeed be foolish to ignore the difficult times which the word of God foresees ahead. Looking on our world today, one cannot help seeing the dark signs on the horizon. But in the midst of all the chaos, God is doing a marvellous work. The Church is increasing every year in staggering numbers. Israel is back in its land and thriving as a successful nation.
This is what Isaiah foresaw: “For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:2)
He calls upon us and upon Israel to arise and let our lights shine in a world which increasingly is covered with darkness.
In the years ahead, the gulf between light and darkness will increase. Grey areas will become either black or white. Luke-warmness will not be tolerated anymore. We are called to make up our mind to be either hot or cold.
We purposefully chose “Restoration” as the theme for this year's Feast of Tabernacles as we believe that there is great hope for both Israel and the Church. There is still great hope of restoration for you, your family, your city and your nation.
As God is restoring Israel, He is calling upon the Church to have an active part in it. This is why we help with Aliyah and why we support Holocaust survivors. But this is also why we bring Jews and Arabs together to declare to them the great and glorious future God has for this region. It is the time of restoration. Join with us to fulfil that calling.
Make a purposeful decision today to expect, hope and work for restoration. As a child of God, your personal agenda needs to be an agenda of restoration. Think of what you can do in the sphere where God has placed you to bring restoration to the people and situations around you.
Aim for restoration!
By Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ Executive Director 

FEAST SCHEDULE

Feast Schedule

Schedule of Events:

Friday, October 10
Opening Celebration at Ein Gedi from 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Paul Enenche
Gates open with meal service from approximately 4:30pm
Program begins at 6:30pm
More info ›
Saturday, October 11 
English Communion Service at Garden Tomb from 10:00am - 11:30am
Speaker: Rev. Wayne Hilsden
Doors open at 09:15am
Portuguese Communion Service at Garden Tomb from 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Speaker: Apostle Rene Terra Nova
Doors open at 2:00pm
More info 
Parade of Nations at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Jürgen Bühler
Doors open at 7:15pm
Sunday, October 12
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Evening Celebration at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Prince Guneratnam
Doors open at 6:30pm
Monday, October 13
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Bus Tours from 1:15pm - 4:00pm
Various local bus tours hosted by the ICEJ are available
More info 
Evening Celebration at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Bishop John Francis
Doors open at 6:30pm
Tuesday, October 14
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Jerusalem March from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Assemble at the north end of Saker Park at 2:00pm
More info 
Israeli Guest Night at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Rev. Robert Stearns
Doors open at 6:30pm
More info 
Wednesday, October 15
Prayer meeting at the Huldah Steps in the Old City from 9:00am - 12:00pm
More info 

THE FEAST HAS A NEW HOME

ICEJ Feast 2014: Jerusalem Arena
The Feast has a new home!
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is pleased and very excited to announce that our annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration will have a new home this coming October, as we will be moving to the brand new sports arena in Jerusalem.
Ever since 1981 the ICEJ has hosted the Feast in the Jerusalem Convention Center, drawing thousands of Christians each year for a dynamic celebration of this “Feast of the Lord”. Now, a new opportunity has opened to expand the Feast to accommodate larger crowds in coming years, as our following continues to grow worldwide. The ultra-modern Jerusalem arena will enable us to welcome over three times as many participants into our main services in future.
“Our move to this new facility in Jerusalem is a very exciting development which will allow us to further grow the Feast of Tabernacles", said Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ Executive Director. "We strongly feel that this is a God-given opportunity to expand our mandate to bring the nations to Jerusalem to worship the Lord and to stand alongside the nation of Israel. We trust God that in the years to come He will fill this new hall with the nations in the same way He was faithful to fill the previous venue.”
Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat has been particularly encouraging about the move to the new arena, offering the Christian Embassy the privilege of hosting the first major international gathering in the state-of-the-art facility.
So please join us in Jerusalem this fall for the historic opening of a new home for our Feast of Tabernacles 2014, under the theme “Restoration!” And do your best to bring as many pilgrims as you can with you.
Please note that new Feast promotional materials will be sent out soon reflecting the change in venue. Tour operators and pilgrims also may contact our Feast office with any inquiries regarding the move to the Jerusalem Arena. And be assured that the Christian Embassy is committed to making this move to the new venue as smooth as possible.
Source: ICEJ