Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
In Lieu of the weekly Torah portion, this Shabbat we read from the Book of Leviticus which includes the commandment to celebrate the Holiday of Sukkot. One of the central commandments of the holiday is to construct a sukkah, or booth. The structure must be temporary and serves as a spiritual reminder that everything in this world is transient and things can change in a moment.
Sometimes, in our attempt to be happy, we focus on ourselves. The holiday of Sukkot teaches us that to be in a state of joy, one must move beyond oneself, and follow not our heads, but our emotional selves.
Thousands of people attended a pro-Israel rally in front of Washington’s Capitol Hill Sunday. Rally organizer Mike Huckabee offered the resounding message that God protects Israel and the US should too.
Get inspired each week by the Torah portion with this book by Sondra Oster Baras, who has been teaching Scripture to Christians from a Jewish point of view for over a decade. Edited by Rabbi Tuly Weisz, with beautiful photographs of the heart of Biblical Israel.
This image, by Yehoshua Halevi, portrays a beautiful sukkah (booth) contructed in Israel for the holiday. Over Sukkot, Jews dwell in Sukkot and eat and sleep within their protective walls.
Thank you Rabbi Weisz! I really enjoy all your postings about Israel. I sure wish I was living there...the Jews are special to the Almighty God, and He will always protect them no matter what. God bless Israel and I wish that I could help in any way at all. V.J.
Bill Johnson, Cindy Jacobs Support GOD TV in Wake of 'Moral Failure'
In a Wednesday broadcast from Jerusalem, GOD TV co-founder Wendy Alec spoke candidly about her husband Rory's "moral failure." Rory resigned in September after admitting to a breach in his marriage.
The special episode was prefaced by words from GOD TV trustees Steve Beik and Canon Andrew White.
"GOD TV is doing the work of God, which the evil one wants to destroy," said White. "We sense brokenness but are assured God is not finished with GOD TV."
Beik, GOD TV's chief of staff, told viewers the network is there to stay, its mission remains unchanged, and he thanked viewers for their ongoing support.
Charismatic leaders rallied around Wendy and GOD TV.
Bethel Church's Bill Johnson called viewers to throw their weight behind GOD TV: "They're in a place of real need right now. ... This is the worst time for us to pull away from these friends of ours."
Kim Clement appealed for Rory to return to his God-given calling. Lois Gott, senior leader of Bethshan Church, pointed to the need for "valiant intercessors" to rise up to pray for GOD TV and how heartache is often the precursor of revival.
For her part, Patricia King of XP Ministries said that the media carries the greatest spiritual attack and asks how believers should react when leaders falter: "By speaking the truth in love, which shows mercy."
Cindy Jacobs of Generals of Intercession encouraged Wendy with a prophetic word: "No person built this network, God built this network and the Lord says, 'I AM the foundation, if My people stand behind Wendy, the media anointing of Isaiah 52:7 shall continue. Daughter, I have anointed and appointed you for this battle, the angels you have written about are doing battle, and My angels are greater than any demon.'"
Jacobs also broke a spirit of grief over viewers.
"We are going to rise above this, we as family together," she said. "We are taking the battle to the heavens, and we're going to win."
Click here to watch the Revival Alert broadcast on GODTV.
On Wednesday's broadcast, Wendy shared about the breakdown of her marriage to Rory and how she is holding out hope for restoration. At the same time, she offered viewers assurance that GOD TV would continue operating and prophetically decreed that the network would fulfill its purpose despite the obvious setback.
Moreover, Wendy took some air time to address what she calls "unfounded allegations" and to ultimately set the record straight in a broadcast.
"I want to explain this very hard situation that has been so difficult for our GOD TV family, for our staff and for Rory and I and our children. That's what families do; they share truth," she said.
"Through these seven months, one thing has never changed. God has been so faithful, and there have been times when I've felt He has carried me. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I have absolute trust in God.
"From this time forth there is going to be the release of a prophetic-fire mantle on GOD TV that is going to hang the enemy on his own gallows for this attack on GOD TV. We will expand and explode, and this mantle is going to bring the glory of God like never before."
Carrie Underwood's Newest Song Sings of Strong Christian Themes
By Charis Brown, 7 Cultural Mountains
Her newest song, "Something in the Water," describes a heartfelt conversion experience.
Carrie Underwood, the country superstar and Grammy winner first discovered on American Idol is not shy about her Christian faith.
"It's really kind of a joyous, uplifting song about changing your life for the better and kind of having that 'a-ha' moment, to waking up and your life being different from that moment forward," she told NBC's TODAY.
From singing "How Great Thou Art" as a duet with Vince Gill to talking with Oprah about her prayer life, Underwood is never afraid to talk about her faith when she has the opportunity. Recently, she and her husband, hockey player Mike Fisher, surprised attendees at the Q Conference in Nashville to talk about their marriage and respective callings. She credited Nashville with being a supportive environment to be a Christian.
"It's easy to be a Christian in Nashville," she said.
But, there are definitely some critics who don't appreciate the song's candid message.
"I'm not the first person to sing about God, Jesus, faith [or] any of that, and I won't be the last," said Underwood to Glamour Magazine. "And it won't be the last for me, either. If you don't like it, change the channel."
God has a wonderful word He wants to speak over Australia. The land down under will become one of the most desirable places to live on earth as the Holy Spirit begins to fall, kissing the hearts of His worshippers. Throughout your nation, the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit, a wave of God's favor is about to sweep over you.
Churches will grow, new converts will birth churches filled with more new converts. Established churches will be like the fathers and mothers of this great move of God. Expect to see many who have immigrated to Australia, especially Iranians, Indonesians, and Indians, along with many middle eastern refugees, become mighty evangelists after they come in contact with God's power flowing the churches of Australia. (Photo via Pixabay)
My wife and I just returned from a three-week ministry tour of the beloved nation. While there we both received a number of dreams from God, Holy Spirit-inspired visions, and words of prophecy for that beautiful land.
Allow me to share the seven prophetic words He spoke to my wife and me. Although Australia is highlighted, I believe these words apply to the wonderful nation of New Zealand as well! These will begin to manifest immediately and move into greater fulfillment throughout 2015:
1. Australia will experience an immediate Holy Spirit shift that could be compared to the WINDOWS of Heaven being open over your nation. This involves great financial blessing that will increase (see Malachi 3:10-11), but even greater will be the revelation of the Holy Spirit that comes over the nation. Of all the nations, Australia will be given insight into global events that will startle the powers that be. You will be given eyes to see and ears to hear, and the Spirit of Understanding will rest upon your political leaders, intercessors, and pastors. Expect to see an even greater alliance forged between Australia and Israel.
2. Australia will be a healing center.Many healings will come to the praying Believers who have great faith for healing. The anointing of Smith Wigglesworth, the noted healing evangelist of generations past, will be re-deposited in the Church. Healing services will begin to fill with people turning to Jesus Christ. I awoke this morning to the sounds of, "I am the Lord who heals you, I am the Lord your healer." As a sign that you will be a healing nation, there will be a great healing of the rift between the native Australians and the government. Watch a tearful move of God sweep into Canberra. (Photo via Pixabay)
3. Truth will prevail. Aussies love the truth, hate the hype, and have been given great discernment. God has put a root of truth into your DNA. You will help the global Church navigate many thorny theological issues that will soon arise. Authors will be anointed to point us to truth. You will carry the Spirit of Truth and the Word of Truth as discernment flows through you. Never fall back from your calling to preach the truth.
4. The Battle of Hope continues.The Hope of Christ must win over every pocket of fear of the future. Hope is the answer and will become a great invitation to the lost in your nation to come to the God of Hope. Every state of your nation must bring forth your message of hope! Hope, come back and burn bright in Oz! Hope will win in the end! I saw Perth give birth to a move of mercy, giving compassion to the Asians that have come to your land. Perth will soon be called "a Global City of Refuge" (see Joshua 20).
5. Judah praises. I see high praises rising from all over the nation. Aboriginals will join in as the celebration of freedom and power sweeps through the Church. Expect new moves of God, much like Hillsong, to come forth with a brand new sound that will cause shaking and trembling in God's presence.
6. You will move from following the pack to leading the pack. As my Aussie friend says, "It smells better up front anyway!" Your leadership calling will not be stifled. An apostolic renewal will come. What was cut short and went dormant will now break forth with new grace as true apostles begin to emerge.
This move of leadership grace will startle Australians who have been content to let other nations lead the way, but now grace has come for you to lay hold of your destiny. And the voice of the Church will be heard in parliament as you bring wisdom to the decisions of your nation. Your greatest export to the nations will be the move of God's Spirit. (Photo via Pixabay)
7. The Gift of Fellowship (Mateship).The redemptive calling of Australia is to model community, fellowship, partnership in the Gospel, fighting for your brother and sister, serving them as you display the love Jesus speaks of: "So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you're My true followers" (John 13:34-35 TPT).
Lead the way, Australia; we're waiting to celebrate your victories! So, we will watch the nation of Australia experience God's kiss this coming year. May the lovers of God take the nation!
Brian Simmons Stairway Ministries The Passion Translation
Brian Simmons is known as a passionate lover of God. After a dramatic conversion to Christ, Brian knew that God was calling him to go to the unreached people of the world and present the gospel of God's grace to all who would listen. With his wife Candice and their three children, he spent nearly eight years in the tropical rain forest of the Darien Province of Panama as a church planter, translator, and consultant.
Brian was involved in the Paya-Kuna New Testament translation project. He studied linguistics and Bible translation principles with New Tribes Mission. After their ministry in the jungle, Brian was instrumental in planting a thriving church in New England (U.S.), and now travels full time as a speaker and Bible teacher. He is also the lead translator for The Passion Translation Project which will result in a new, dynamic version of the Bible for this generation. He has been happily married to Candice for over forty-two years and is known to boast regularly of his children and grandchildren.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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
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 Gosselinis 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)
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 Cahn, who 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.