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.
Whether at work, at home, with the family, and, not least, busy with social networks, we barely have time to take a break. Let's put aside the hustle and bustle of everyday life at least for a moment and allow some pleasure to dissolve on the tongue.
"Elite" chocolates, that are never missed by chocolate connoisseurs, now come in 4 enjoyable four flavors: Banana Split, Tiramisu, Toffee caramel and Alfajor Cookies.
The Holy Spirit brought back a word that I had received a couple of years ago. Many of you have been proven faithful through very difficult times and have learned how to triumph over every obstacle in your path. You have allowed the Lord to strengthen you and you have persevered through horrendous storms, but now it seems as if the enemy has returned with a vengeance.
The Lord showed me an analogy of a luxury car. A luxury car must go through greater testing than an economy car before it is released to the car dealership. To test a luxury car such as a Ferrari they may have to hit a wall to test its strength. They will perform crash tests to test the amount of pressure that it could stand. They will run it through all seasons to check its performance and tolerance to adverse weather patterns. It will be tested through the snow, the rain, the heat and extreme weather conditions.
They will also test it on the mountains to see if it could pass the test of perseverance, stability and excellence. They will test it on sharp turns and U turns to make sure it is agile enough for the winding roads and they will test it on rocky roads to test its endurance. The reason why a luxury car needs more testing than an economy car is because it has to be proven for what it is worth. We are also tested and tried for our value and worth in the kingdom of God.
Trying Times of Your Past
The Lord says; "It was the trying times of your past that has strengthened you to become the person whom I have created you to be. Things may not have gone according to the way that you have planned, but know that I am preparing you for greater works in the days ahead. As the enemy tries to return with a vengeance, remember where I have brought you from. Don't lose your focus.
As you look back at the difficult times, you will see that there was a purpose and a plan. Everything that you have endured will be used for My glory. As you have stayed strong in times of adversity, I will now entrust you with greater responsibilities. As you have allowed Me to restructure your life and make the proper adjustments, you will now become more effective in that which I have called you to do.
Every step has been necessary for the preparation of your spiritual growth. Although you have wrestled and contended in this last season, it has made you durable and able to trust Me in this season. Through difficult times you have learned not to allow frustration to overwhelm you but you have recognized the opportunities for the days ahead.
A Vessel Unto Honor
The adversities have not caused you to be hardened with bitterness but have made you pliable to be used as a vessel unto honor.
As you stand steadfast, you will see the victory. You will understand the preparation and the process is crucial for the days ahead, and there will be a positive outcome for every unfortunate situation. As you allow Me to build you for endurance, your character and integrity will be strengthened. There are lessons to be learned that are necessary for your advancement so that you could fulfill all that I have called you to do; says the Lord.
2 Samuel 22:35 He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.
Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.
2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
Time for Action: A Warning to Christians about the Cost of Silence
CBN News 02-17-2016
Presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, says his dad, Rafael, is his hero and is the one who taught him early in life that the concept of limited government comes straight from the Bible.
Now, his father, a Cuban immigrant, has a message for America.
Rafael Cruz was born in Cuba in 1939. As a teenager, Cruz faced prison and torture fighting against the brutal Batista dictatorship. After his release from prison, he convinced the government to allow him to leave Cuba for America on a college scholarship. He left with only $100 sewn into his underwear by his mother.
*Rafael Cruz shared more about his new book on The 700 Club, Tuesday, February 16. Click play to watch.
Once in America, Cruz worked hard, started a family, and most importantly, gave his life to Christ. As a church pastor, Cruz became involved with the Religious Roundtable organization, mobilizing Christians to elect Ronald Reagan.
Young Ted took it all in, and like his father before him, chose a career path that would fuse faith and politics.
Rafael Cruz
Nearly 60 years after coming to America, the elder Cruz has a message for his adopted homeland. He writes about it in a new book entitled, A Time for Action.
America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, by moral leaders, Cruz says, many of whom were strong Christians themselves. The first settlers were committed Christians seeking refuge from religious persecution abroad.
Cruz says that in the last 100 years, America has been on a slippery slope, moving away from its founding principles and, in large part with little resistance from the Church.
In A Time for Action, Rafael Cruz presents a simple underlying message: For Christians, Jesus Christ should be the foundation of the lives they build and they should be active in making a difference in the world around them.
In practical terms, that means we should strive for a free society that respects each of God's children; we should embrace the Judeo-Christian values of love, joy, and peace; and we should seek a relationship with the living God.
It means people of faith should actively participate in the political process to combat the debilitating and deceptive progressive mantra that there should be a separation of church and state.
A Time for Action is the story of one man's quest for refuge from Cuban persecution to realizing the American dream. It is a story about one man finding true freedom that comes from faith in Jesus Christ. It is the story of this great nation that was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and why it has fallen from grace.
It is also a wake-up call to the faithful across the land to step up to the challenge of entering the public arena and taking on the forces at work to destroy the guiding principles that made this country great. Religious people must saddle up. They must vote and volunteer and campaign. They must get in the political game.
The followers of Christ are, in His words, "the light of the world." But for a light to have its effect, it has to shine in the darkness.
That's why our mission is "to declare," as St. Paul said, "the whole counsel of God." If we continue to remain silent, we will answer to God for our silence.
“And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said: ‘How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21)
A trade bill which passed a senate vote Thursday is set to be signed into law by US President Barack Obama, despite his objections to its pro-Israel portions. The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 came before Congress last summer as part of a package designed to strengthen rule enforcement and address currency manipulation.
The bill, however, contains a provision which would extend agreements with Israel into “Israeli-controlled territories”, a move lauded by pro-Israel lobby AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) but criticised by the White House, which said it “contravenes longstanding U.S. policy towards Israel and the occupied territories, including with regard to Israeli settlement activity.”
A statement by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest acknowledged that the president would sign the bill despite his objections. “As with any bipartisan compromise legislation, there are provisions in this bill that we do not support,” he explained. “However, the legislation would strengthen trade enforcement at our ports and borders and improve our ability to stop evasion of our trade laws; improve transparency, accountability, and coordination in enforcement efforts; and give us unprecedented new tools to address unfair currency practices. Its passage is an important milestone in our overall trade agenda.”
The bill includes a clause intended to curb politically-motivated trade moves, such as limiting or prohibiting economic relations with Israel. The clause, which discourages corporate or state-affiliated entities from participating in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, received particular accolades from AIPAC.
“The provision puts the US firmly on record opposing BDS and supporting enhanced commercial ties between the United States and Israel,” AIPAC said in a statement Thursday. “This measure builds on the important work of Congress … passing into law firm anti-BDS negotiating objectives for American trade negotiators.”
In accordance with the bill, 180 days following its passage, the US administration will be required to report to the Congress on global BDS activities, including the participation of foreign companies in political boycotts of Israel. A number of legal protections for American businesses operating in Israel are also included.
While Obama opposes BDS, the White House expressed concern about extending such a clause to East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria, regions considered “occupied”. Long-standing US policy has held that Israeli settlement activity in these regions undermine peace efforts and the establishment of a two-state solution.
As one administration official told The Times of Israel, successive US governments have walked a fine line between enhancing economic ties with Israel and preserving the possibility of a two-state solution with the Palestinians. He said this has been a priority for both Democrats and Republicans since the US-Israel Free Trade agreement was signed in 1985.
We learn an invaluable life lesson from just one Hebrew word in today's verse - awoke early/ וַיַּשְׁכֵּם. Abraham was zealous to do God’s will at the first sign of daybreak, teaching that we too should grab opportunities to do good without hesitation. Fast forward 3,000 years and meet ZAKA volunteers who follow in Abraham's footsteps. ZAKA is Israel's incredible volunteer terrorism and disaster emergency response organization. Volunteers remain on call every hour of the day ready to rush to any tragic scene to save lives. With the increase in terror, ZAKA is in dire need of 5 new ambulances to carry out their sacred mission throughout Israel. No matter where you live in the world, you can partner with ZAKA for the benefit of mankind. Help save lives, strengthen faith, and strengthen Israel.
Typically, ZAKA volunteers deal with an average of 30 incidents of unnatural deaths every week. But with the current wave of terror, ZAKA is being swamped with a dramatic increase of incidences throughout Israel.
This Elijah Cup is a wooden Kiddush Cup filled with wine for the Prophet Elijah during the Passover Seder. Yair Emanuel is a well known Israeli artist famous for his depictions of the Jerusalem's Old City. This cup features an impressive Jerusalem skyline image.
Yesterday's photo featured the Tower of David (in Hebrew, מגדל דוד, Migdal David), an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Despite its name, the tower has no connection to King David, but rather dates back to the Ottoman empire.
I really enjoy the e-mails. The pictures are also beautiful. It's a blessing.
Every morning I look forward to reading your email. The beautiful pictures and scriptures inspire my day. I particularly enjoy the explanation of Hebrew words. I have visited Israel and am hoping for a return visit. I feel like it is home.
Rick interviews Tom Hardiman, former Olympic athlete and now Director of MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries and Churches, about his journey from the Olympics to an even more exciting life walking with God.
Photo above: Here are many ways you can celebrate being single. (Lightstock )
It's not always easy being single: third wheeling it at the movies, persevering through some awkward dates and scrambling for a good answer when well-meaning friends and family members ask if you've met anyone "special" yet.
Although it has its fair share of uncomfortable situations and weekend nights sitting on the couch in pajamas, being single does not have to be the time in your life you barely get through.
Here are a few ways to live life fully and pursue growth in your single season:
1. Go on adventures. Travel. Take road trips. There might be a day coming when you can't just pick up and leave because you'll have a family, so go places. Take your friends, take pictures, see new things, try things you're scared of, spend time with people from other cultures and fill your journal up with stories.
2. Don't overdose on romance movies and books. There's nothing like getting totally absorbed in the life of someone else who has a girlfriend or boyfriend, to send you into a whirlwind of sorrow and loneliness. It may not be romantic movies that send you into the whirlwind. It may be certain music, websites or particular places or environments. Be kind to yourself and stay away from the things that make being single more difficult.
3. Do things that make you come alive. Write, draw, paint, exercise, cook, play field hockey, program computers—whatever it is that makes time disappear and makes you glad you were born.
Pursue other interests. You can even take risks on some of them that would be more difficult to take with a spouse and children, like starting a business.
4. Get dressed up. Ladies, put on a dress, really cute shoes and some lipstick. Guys, this isn't just for the ladies. Take a shower, shave the scruff, pull out your sharpest outfit. When you're single, there are times apathy can start to sneak in because you haven't gone on a date in 65 weeks and you'd rather sit on the couch watching reruns than try to go anywhere. Getting ready and putting time and effort into your appearance shows you value yourself and you will value whatever relationships you enter in the future.
5. Be nice to your friends in different seasons. Celebrate their engagements. Buy presents for their new babies. Don't shut down your relationships with people because you're in different seasons. Someday when you're having your moment, you're going to be so glad the people you care about are there celebrating you.
6. Hang out with families. People who are happily married have a wealth of wisdom for you to learn from. Ask questions, play with their kids and watch how they treat each other. What do they love and what do they find challenging? They've been in your shoes, and you will probably be in their shoes some day, so let them help set you up for success with healthy expectations for marriage and family.
7. Learn to get really good about having fun. Become a master at enjoying the moment and the season you're in. There will always be something to worry about or something more you feel like you need. Get good at enjoying your life right now, and you will be able to fully enjoy it later. This is a unique moment in time, and you'll never be here again. Don't miss it.
8. Realize that problems don't disappear when you're married. Married or single, you're still going to be you. All your problems, addictions and bad habits go with you. If you're struggling in the area of purity or sexuality, work through it now.
The reason God gave you a sex drive before you were married is because He knew you'd have to be able to manage it when you are married.
9. Hang out with Jesus. This is the only time in your life Jesus can have this much of your time. One day you might be up all night with a crying baby or running around trying to get your kids to school and you're not going to have time for a shower, let alone a nice long quiet time with your latte and your Bible. Get deeply rooted in His love.Write His Word on your heart so you have it inside you during the busier times in life.
10. Let God tell you who you are. You're not beautiful because boys say you are; you're beautiful because God says so. You're not a handsome stud of a man because all the ladies love you; you're a man because God says you are. Get your identity from Him because He knows you, created you, and His love for you is steady, unlike the wavering opinions of people.
There are more ways than these to make the most of your singlehood. Figure out what works best for you. The important thing to remember is there is no part of your life where you simply have to survive and not thrive.
God uses every part our lives to grow us and prepare us for the incredible things He has ahead. Chase after complete freedom and abundant life, not only in this season, but in every one to come.
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Posted: 16 Feb 2016 Michael Snyder THE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE BLOG
After a series of stunning declines through the month of January and the first half of February, global financial markets seem to have found a patch of relative stability at least for the moment. But that does not mean that the crisis is over. On the contrary, all of the hard economic numbers that are coming in from around the world tell us that the global economy is coming apart at the seams. This is especially true when you look at global trade numbers. The amount of stuff that is being bought, sold and shipped around the planet is falling precipitously. So don’t be fooled if stocks go up one day or down the next. The truth is that we are in the early chapters of a brand new economic meltdown, and I believe that all of the signs indicate that it will continue to get worse in the months ahead. The following are 21 new numbers that show that the global economy is absolutely imploding… #1 Chinese exports fell by 11.2 percent year over year in January. #2 Chinese imports were even worse in January. On a year over year basis, they declined a whopping 18.8 percent. #3 It may be hard to believe, but Chinese imports have now plunged for 15 months in a row. #4 In India, exports were down 13.6 percent on a year over year basis in January. #5 In Japan, exports declined 8 percent in December on a year over year basis, while imports plummeted 18 percent. #6 For the sixth time in six years, Japanese GDP growth has gone negative. #7 In the United States, exports were down 7 percent on a year over year basis in December. #8 U.S. factory orders have fallen for 14 months in a row. #9 The Restaurant Performance Index in the United States has dropped to the lowest level that we have seen since 2008. #10 This month the Baltic Dry Index fell below 300 for the first time ever. #11 It is now cheaper to rent a 1,100 foot merchant vessel than it is to rent a Ferrari. #12 Orders for Class 8 trucks in the United States dropped by 48 percent on a year over year basis in January. #13 Due to a lack of demand for trucks, Daimler just laid off 1,250 U.S. workers. #14 Even though Saudi Arabia and Russia have agreed to freeze oil production at current levels, the price of U.S. oil has still fallen below 30 dollars a barrel. #15 It is being reported that 35 percent of all oil and gas companies around the world are at risk of falling into bankruptcy. #16 According to CNN, 67 oil and gas companies in the United States filed for bankruptcy during 2015. #17 The number of job cuts in the United States skyrocketed 218 percent during the month of January according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. #18 All over America, retail stores are shutting down at a stunning pace. The following list of store closures comes from one of my previous articles… -Wal-Mart is closing 269 stores, including 154 inside the United States. -K-Mart is closing down more than two dozen stores over the next several months. -J.C. Penney will be permanently shutting down 47 more stores after closing a total of 40 stores in 2015. -Macy’s has decided that it needs to shutter 36 stores and lay off approximately 2,500 employees. -The Gap is in the process of closing 175 stores in North America. -Aeropostale is in the process of closing 84 stores all across America. -Finish Line has announced that 150 stores will be shutting down over the next few years. -Sears has shut down about 600 stores over the past year or so, but sales at the stores that remain open continue to fall precipitously. #19 The price of gold is enjoying its best quarterly performance in 30 years. #20 Global stocks have fallen into bear market territory, which means that about one-fifth of all global stock market wealth has already been wiped out. #21 Unfortunately for global central banks, they have pretty much run out of ammunition. Since March 2008, central banks have cut interest rates 637 times and they have purchased a staggering 12.3 trillion dollars worth of assets. There is not much more that they can do, and now the next great crisis is upon us. Without any outside influences, the global economy and the global financial system will continue to rapidly fall apart. But if we do have a major “black swan event” take place, that could cause the bottom to fall out at any moment. In particular, I am deeply concerned about the possibility that World War III could be sparked in the Middle East. In an article that I published earlier today entitled “Turkey Is Asking The United States To Take Part In A Ground Invasion Of Syria“, I included a quote from Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that reveals just how eager Turkey and Saudi Arabia are for war to begin…
“Some countries like us, Saudi Arabia and some other Western European countries have said that a ground operation is necessary,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told Reuters in an interview. However, this kind of action could not be left to regional powers alone. “To expect this only from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar is neither right nor realistic. If such an operation is to take place, it has to be carried out jointly, like the (coalition) air strikes,” he said.
The Turks and the Saudis very much want the United States to take a leading role in any ground invasion of Syria, but the Obama administration is not likely to do that. So we shall see if the Turks and the Saudis are willing to go ahead without us. Let us hope that they do not decide to invade Syria, because that could start the biggest war in the Middle East that any of us have ever seen. Unfortunately, Turkey is already attacking. Turkey has been shelling Kurdish and Syrian military positions in northern Syria for four days in a row even though the Obama administration has been urging them to stop. The first month and a half of 2016 has already been quite chaotic, and the stage is set for global events to greatly accelerate during the months ahead. Sadly, the mainstream media in the United States is largely ignoring the preparations for a ground invasion of Syria, and they keep telling us that the global economy is going to be just fine, so most ordinary Americans are going to be absolutely blindsided by what is about to happen.
For the sweet moments in life!
