FOUNDATIONS - Morris E. Ruddick STRATEGIC INTERCESSION GLOBAL NETWORK (SIGN)

FOUNDATIONS © Morris E. Ruddick Ghandi once commented that the teachings of Jesus are beautiful. His caveat was that if only he could find one real Christian. Ghandi's claim was that he liked Christ, but that the Jesus followers he had met were unlike Him. His observation is a reflection of what the world sees in the faith that believers put in action. Yet, Abraham was viewed as a prince by the sons of Heth, one of the dominant societies in his region The powerful biblical leader Abimelech's response to Isaac, Abraham's son was: "We see that the Lord has been with you. Let us make a covenant that you do us no harm." Pharaoh's discernment of Joseph was: "Can we find such a man as this, one in whom is the spirit of God?" What Jesus imparted was not a philosophy or new religion. It was a dimension of reality bridging the natural and the spiritual. It was a reality, a threshold in God, that impacted everything. From the early days of God's people walking with Him, this reality of God, seen through His people, was recognized and acknowledged with awe as God manifesting. This dimension, this corridor of walking with God incorporated the knowledge of God with His ways, His truth. It was this dimension that Jesus referred to as the Kingdom of God. It is both the gateway and pathway into knowing God. It involves what Jesus referred to as "abiding" or the process of abandoning ourselves to become one with God. Jewish Foundations This truth came from the foundations of what Jesus referred to as the law and prophets, which He noted that He had not come to change. They are foundational. Jesus spoke very clearly to the issue of these foundations, of what we refer to as "our faith." As a Jew, Jesus made the point that He had come to bring completion to what Jews referred to as "the law," or the Torah and the prophets. Yet, what followed digressed into the institutionalization of "the faith." This institutionalizing of the faith resulted in the loss of two key things: the foundations and the power that resulted, the result when what Jesus imparted is truly grasped and set in motion. The Struggle for the Foundations Instead, historically one generation beyond those of the first-century church and those so remarkably touched by this new dimension of the foundations, began seeing the replacement of the power of God with human effort. While retaining some of the essence of the faith, the effect lost the vibrancy of the foundations. The progressively embattled result became something akin to the settling of the wild west in America, which was polluted with lawlessness and corruption. What played out in the next couple of centuries among the followers of Jesus was a serious division over matters foundational to the faith and with that a struggle for power. When the foundations are restored, the Jesus I know and serve will not be misperceived as the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christ or as having His birthplace in the Vatican. Jesus was a good Jewish boy who God sovereignly entrusted to a good Jewish home. He grew up expounding on the "law and the prophets." However, in the early fourth century the struggle that ensued between those who adhered to the foundations and those who were institutionalizing the church converged with an unusual Roman emperor whose mother was reported to be a believer. In response to a battle he won, the emperor Constantine made Christianity the religion of his realm and in the process, he sided with the institutionalizers. In that process, the Jewish foundations of the faith were expunged. The church that resulted started opposing anything related to the Jewishness of the good news, this fullness to the foundations laid out by Jesus, the Jewish Messiah. This shift from the foundations marked the beginning of what some refer to as the dark ages. It resulted in a growing number of church leaders and sects taking a stand against Jews and anything Jewish tied to the "faith." It progressively produced deep rifts in the relationship with any of the Jewish faith with atrocities that created ripples that extend to this day. The Foundations Recovered Yet today, God is not only sovereignly restoring the Jewish roots to Christianity, but the biblical foundations of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to the Jewish people. These Jewish roots to the faith represent the foundations to be recovered. They are what was missing and caused Ghandi to say he liked Christ, but did not consider any of the Jesus followers he had met to be like Him. To understand these foundations, how they affect what Jesus referred to as "the Kingdom" and how they impact every aspect of our lives: the mix of the economic, culture and power, we need to begin with the patriarch Abraham. Abraham is considered the father of the Jewish people. But before we talk about Abraham and how this all started, I'd like to outline some of the factors that are pertinent to this culture of business navigated by the people the world has accepted as being a people of business, the Jews. The People of Business Over the millennia the Jewish people not only have succeeded in retaining their cultural identity, but with disproportionate achievement have served as catalysts and influencers to the civilizations that would rise and fall around them, like the Greeks, the Romans, the Assyrians, the Ottomans, the Babylonians and others. Historically, in civilizations without a middle class, the Jewish people have served that function, as merchants and bankers and people of business. They have been advisors to kings, rulers and leaders and financed national agendas in the societies in which they lived. Yet, as a people, Jews have been distinctive. As a people, they have released nuggets of wisdom from the roots of their faith that have impacted the foundations: economically, governmentally, judicially, and morally, for what is now considered as the good and enduring virtues and values within Western civilization. Today, despite being only one-fourth of one percent of the world's population, since 1950, Jews have been the recipients of 27 percent of the Nobel prizes awarded. Studies such as "The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement" and "Startup Nation" attest to their modern-day contributions, which statisticians would view as "beyond chance expectation." In short, Jewish strategies have resulted in them outliving, as a people, the civilizations of which they have been a part. The keys to this remarkable phenomenon lie in the restoration of the foundations and its long-term, enduring model. Pertinent Ancient Foundations Identity. As already noted, at the foundations of Jewish culture is their identity. Jews hold to the belief of being a prophetic people of God whose ways reflect the pattern of their forefather Abraham: to be blessed to be a blessing. This distinction has been both unique and pertinent to their destiny. For the most part, they have resisted assimilation and from age to age they have maintained their unique identity as a culture within a culture. Jews share with many Asian cultures the distinction of having had their share of centuries as a conquered people, yet without losing their foundations culturally that have made them unique and strong. Jewish and Asian diasporas share in both having retained their cultural identities and serving as positive influencers to the cultures of which they have become a part. Community. Jewish beliefs nurture the dynamic of community much more than Western cultures. Historically Jews are an Eastern culture. As a culture within a culture, Jewish communities tend to operate with an approach of being a trust society. They foster entrepreneurship and creativity from within and build incisively from the bottom-up. Self-Sufficiency. Within that context, community-wise, when adhering to their standards, they operate in a self-regulated, self-sufficiency within their communities. Self sufficiency will result from discipline, excellence and dependable stewardship. It is why Jews have succeeded even when the societies around them have made untenable legal requirements and even contained them within ghettos. Even during severe times of persecution, Jews typically have mastered fostering the type of stewardship that serves and reflects excellence, while profiting and overcoming. Gifts.  Jewish communities are known for nurturing and mentoring emerging generations to excel as individuals, yet for the benefit of community. Everyone has a gift. First defining one's gift and then developing it to where what is being done stands out in excellence among others represents something that can be successfully commercialized. It is also the foundation of true leadership. Leadership. The Jewish brand of leadership has the distinction of operating best through influence and service. Jesus described this brand of influence as being the salt of the earth, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. As a people, Jews are disciplined and are willing to pay the cost to live according to a higher standard, as well as to sacrifice for the future of their people. Moral Standards. With many similarities to the ancient roots of some key Asian peoples, Jews are a moral society. Their distinctive identity upholds the standards of community, entrepreneurship, innovation, excellence and industriousness. While not exempt from corruption, Jewish standards in business, community and seats of power do tend to be higher, with corrupt practices less tolerated. However, these moral standards are significant. They form a part of knowing God's ways. They explain why certain Asian cultures have excelled in business without knowing the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. However, moral standards are only a part of God's ways. That's the point of taking a closer look at the foundations embraced by Jews. These observations provide the practical keys to opportunity. A recent Wall Street Journal article (Vietnamese Lessons for Burma, Chin and Collazo, 20 Nov 2013) has challenged whether Vietnam's doi moi economic reforms have lost their momentum and Vietnam, Asia's shining star for foreign investment, its advantage. The answer lies within. Foreign investment will stir the economy, but building an enduring economy will follow the wisdom from the Jews, from within. That brings us back to the issue of the foundations and business. Jews have mastered the way they merge the economic with community and the spiritual. Bottom-Up Foundations Long-term economic growth that helps society as a whole requires bottom-up economic foundations. This doesn't discount either the opportunity or importance of leveraged development from top-down investment activity or business accelerator strategies. Nevertheless, while the term "start-ups" and "small business" in the West has tended to embrace a threshold of anything under 20 million USD annually; the threshold tied to the foundations that has evolved from the people of business needs to be lower. Healthy economic structures need to foster family-owned businesses that employ a handful of employees and serve a local neighborhood. In places like Vietnam, the reality is that a healthy ratio of Vietnam's GDP (roughly a fourth) comes from what has begun being referred to as the "sidewalk economy." Historically in the West, some of the current, longest-lasting, more stable, larger organizations have grown from very humble beginnings. Ford Motor Company began in a garage. Again, this premise reflects the centuries-old approach employed by the people whose renown has been as a people of business and finance: the Jews. What is most pertinent and warrants examination is the Jewish model which merges the spiritual, economic and community. From age to age, this model has operated with consistent success despite adversities and the very different, but dominant cultures of which Jews have been a part. Cultural Compatibility and Entrepreneurship A highly respected social economist has uncovered some unique insights into these issues in his examination of economies and cultures in "Trust: Social Virtues and the Creation of Prosperity." Francis Fukuyama contends that social capital may be as important as physical capital. Dr. Fukuyama holds that only societies with a high degree of social trust will create the foundations needed for the large-scale business organizations that compete in today's global economy. Nevertheless, large-scale organizations are only a part of the equation. Former Cambridge University entrepreneurial expert and author, Bill Bolton, stresses the importance of the creative and innovative dimensions which drive economic opportunity and the dynamic of entrepreneurship. The challenge lies in the foundation of the economic structure. While the West has repeatedly gone through a process of reinventing the venture capital and "accelerator" investment models for fast-growth organizations; investment trends can be fickle and at times, abruptly cyclic. The reality is that without a firm foundation of entrepreneurship with community-level businesses; the economic structure will eventually soften and become top-heavy. So, in wrapping up this brief introduction to Jewish business secrets, I want you to view this as a journey that we're taking together. We're going to look at foundations that fit into three categories: the spiritual, the entrepreneurial and the community and how they relate together. What I'm outlining is a way of thinking. It taps the creative. It bears on your gifts, which we'll also talk more about. But more importantly it significantly impacts what we each call our destinies. In this series, some of the highlights we will be addressing include both very practical and foundational issues like: The Model: The God-Centered, Entrepreneurial, Community Matrix Your Destiny Gifts: Developing your natural, spiritual and entrepreneurial gifts Entrepreneurship and God's Economy: Create, innovate, build, multiply Anointed Planning:  Learning to plan with God's guidance Financial Stewardship:  The pathway to mastering financial cycles and growth The Dynamic of Increase: Community responsibility and generosity The Creative Advantage: Practical application of harnessing the spiritual Opportunity in Crisis: Entering God's economy and succeeding in tough times Understanding the Times: Prophetic insights into these times of change The Power Factor: The reality of God and how good overcomes adversity Success Groups:  A Jewish strategy for business success and opportunity Community Building:  Understanding God's purposes for business Jewish Strategies of Leadership: Keys to becoming agents of change The Kingdom Factor: The paradox that restores the power and foundations. What we're going to be covering was what was missing in the lives of the Christians that Ghandi had encountered, yet remains the essence of who Jesus is and the teachings He imparted. As has been written by the prophet Jeremiah: "Stand at the crossroads and look. Then ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies. Then walk in it and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16 ___________________________________________________ Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the higher dimensions of business leadership since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and equips economic community builders to be blessed to be a blessing where God's light is dim in diverse regions around the globe. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;" "Leadership by Anointing;" and "Mantle of Fire," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders with destinies to impact their communities.  They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooks andwww.BarnesandNoble.com. Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize economic community builders imparting influence and the blessings of God. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card at http://strategicintercession.org/support/ Likewise, email us to schedule a seminar for your group's gathering on the Joseph-Daniel Calling or on anointing the creative in business. 2016 Copyright Morris Ruddick -- sign@strategicintercession.org Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since early 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors and leaders committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check:http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiative Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org Global Initiatives is 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization

A FREE Gift of Blessing ✡ "Bless the LORD" - ISRAEL365

And thou shalt eat and be satisfied, and bless the LORD thy God for the good land which He hath given thee. Deuteronomy 8:10 (The Israel Bible™) וְאָכַלְתָּ וְשָׂבָעְתָּ וּבֵרַכְתָּ אֶת יְ-הוָה אֱ-לֹהֶיךָ עַל הָאָרֶץ הַטֹּבָה אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לָךְ דברים ח:י ve-a-khal-ta ve-sa-va-ta u-vay-rakh-ta et-a-do-nai eh-lo-he-kha al ha-ah-retz ha-to-va ah-sher na-tan lakh

Jerusalem Inspiration Many religious people say grace and bless their food BEFORE eating, however, from this verse Jewish law teaches that we must bless and thank God for our meal AFTER we eat and are satiated. In Judaism’s grace after meal we not only thank God for our food, but we also praise Him for the ‘Good Land’ mentioned in the verse as well.  Do you want to bring blessing into your home? Who doesn't! Start right now with this beautiful gift from 'Meir Panim'. Download a FREE 'Blessing for the Home' right now » Make Some Noise in Jerusalem Welcome to the Jerusalem Winter Noise Festival, in Hebrew 'Shaon Choref', a delightful set of events bringing cultural performances and art vendors to Jerusalem in an effort to brighten and enliven the winter months. Watch here » Despite the Terror, Israel Prospers While its Neighbors are in Turmoil The Middle East is in turmoil. Although Israel is experiencing terror attacks, the difference is significant, and in fact, by and large, the Israeli people are resolute, not cowed by terror, and the country as a whole continues to prosper. Read more » Dirty Tzitzit Shiny Neshama' Children's Book A whimsical book about the meaning of a good deed.  In this charming book about Zalman’s adventures, find out how he might have the dirtiest clothes in town but the shiniest neshama (soul). Get this Great Deal » Jerusalem Daily Photo Today's photo by Noam Chen features shoppers at the iconic Machane Yehuda Marketplace in Jerusalem. See more photos by Noam Chen » Thank You Please help us continue to spread the beauty and significance of the Land of Israel! Sponsor a day in honor of a loved one » “Greetings from Canada” It’s great to hear from you and make new friends from all over the world. Please send mean email and let me know how you are enjoying Jerusalem365 (don’t forget to say where you are from!). Stay in Touch » Greetings from Canada:  I so appreciate the articles, pictures and video's featuring your amazing land and peoples. Thank you for all you share about the wonders of Israel, Leslie from Cranbrook, BC Canada I love Israel365 and Jerusalem365! Polly, Concord, North Carolina, USA Blessing from Jerusalem, Rabbi Tuly Weisz RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

Copyright © 2016 Jerusalem365, All rights reserved. Thank You for Signing Up for the Jerusalem365 emails. Our mailing address is: Jerusalem365 34 Nahal Ein Gedi Apt #17 Beit Shemesh 9909875 Israel

Rabbi Curt Landry: "How Can I Pray for Israel In The Face of Constant Terrorism?" - The Elijah List

March 3, 2016

"How Can I Pray for Israel In The Face of Constant Terrorism?"by Curt Landry, Grove, OK

From the Desk of Steve Shultz:

More and more prophetic voices are saying we are in an increased time of prayer and intercession. God is calling us to fast and pray as He leads.
My friend Curt Landry offers some great prayer strategies that we can be praying for over Israel, God's beloved nation. These can be added to our prayer time as we pray over the nations as Curt shares:

Continue to pray for the Nations of the World to hear the warnings and immediately begin to rise-up and intervene as God continues to exposes the ultimate plans and intentions of those individuals, organizations, and nations who would come against not only the Nation of Israel, but also against the United States of America, and many other Nations of the World.

Please forward this word to your friends! Encourage them to subscribe to the Elijah List right here: http://elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Enjoy!

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News 

http://www.elijahlist.com
*************************************

"How Can I Pray for Israel In The Face of Constant Terrorism?"by Curt Landry, Grove, OK

Israeli citizens consistently live under the threat of terrorism. Just recently, a young mother of six, Dafna Meir, was brutally murdered in her own home by a sixteen-year-old Palestinian terrorist. It is unfortunate situations like this one that have many asking, "How can I pray for Israel in the face of constant terrorism?"

Meir, herself abandoned in childhood, grew up as a part of the Israeli foster care program. Consequently, while raising four children of their own, she and her husband chose to open their home to two children in foster care. Now these children's lives have been changed forever.

"The eulogy given by Meir's eldest daughter, Renana, who saw her mother being stabbed to death in their kitchen, pierced the hearts of everyone at the funeral.

'Mommy, my beautiful mother, my best friend,' she said through her tears. 'Do you see how many people care about you? You left an enormous void in all of our hearts. It is heartbreaking for me to know that you won't be there with me at the IDF induction center, at my wedding, in the delivery room. I didn't only lose a mother, I also lost my best friend.'" (See news source here.)

When we hear stories like this one it is incredibly difficult not to be angry. Recently we shared a blog post on how to deal with feelings of anger in the face of terrorism, and today we would like to speak with you about how to pray, as well.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."—Ephesians 6:12

Although it can be difficult to look past the egregious acts to see the spiritual elements of this fight, as Believers we must. The enemy is out to destroy not only the Jewish people themselves, but also the very ones he uses to bring violence against them. No one has ever been saved through hatred. It is only through love that we win.

These prayer strategies from One New Man United offer tips on how to pray for the nation of Israel during difficult times such as these.

Decree the Word of the Lord Over the Land and Her People...

Pray for the nation of Israel by speaking God's covenant promises over the land. Ask that the stony hearts of those who seek to do them harm be melted.

"Those who trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds His people
from this time forth and forever.

"For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous
prayer lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.
Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts.

"As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways,
the Lord shall lead them away
with the workers of iniquity.

"Peace be upon Israel!" —Psalm 125

Pray for the Leaders of Israel...

Pray for God to continue to pour out His protection, wisdom, revelation, favor, strength and blessing upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the current members of the Knessett and the Israeli Security Council as they diligently stand for the truth, peace, security and sovereignty of the Nation of Israel.

"...He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him."—Daniel 2:21-22

Pray for the Israeli Security and Defense...

Continue to pray for God's wisdom, favor, insight and protection to rest upon the men and women in all departments of Israeli security and defense, as they diligently persevere to protect the citizens and borders of the Nation of Israel...

"For the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard."—Isaiah 52:12

Pray for the Nations of the World...

Continue to pray for the Nations of the World to hear the warnings and immediately begin to rise-up and intervene as God continues to exposes the ultimate plans and intentions of those individuals, organizations, and nations who would come against not only the Nation of Israel, but also against the United States of America, and many other Nations of the World.

"Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us."—Isaiah 8:10

Rabbi Curt Landry
Founder, Curt Landry Ministries

Email: info@curtlandry.com
Website: www.curtlandry.com

Curt Landry is the founder and CEO of Curt Landry Ministries, an apostle and founder of House of David Ministries, and the acting CEO of My Olive Tree and Dead Sea Moringa. Curt and Christie Landry travel extensively operating in the gifts of healing, signs and wonders, and teaching about the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and the One New Man. Curt is also active in raising support for Israel throughout the Evangelical community as he desires to be a bridge of unity and restoration between Israel and the Church.

*************************************

To receive daily, encouraging prophetic emails from The Elijah List to your in box CLICK HERE or go to: http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

Visit our webstore and check out our brand new conference set: What is God Saying for 2016?:

http://www.elijahshopper.com/what-is-god-saying-for-2016-conference/

Also check out Steve Shultz's Revised and 2nd Edition book Can't You Talk Louder, God?:http://www.elijahshopper.com/cant-you-talk-louder-god-secrets-to-hearing-the-voice-of-god-revised-and-updated-edition-by-steve-shultz/

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep Elijah List website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

Elijah List Publications
528 Ellsworth St. SW
Albany, OR 97321

www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

Israel Behind the Lens: Photographer Matan Hirsch Presents His Israel [PHOTOS] By Matan Hirsch - BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

Israel Behind the Lens: Photographer Matan Hirsch Presents His Israel [PHOTOS]

By Matan Hirsch March 3, 2016   BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

“The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like young sheep.” Psalms 114:4 (The Israel Bible™)

Israel Behind the Lens is a special series highlighting some of Israel’s top photographers. Below, photographer Matan Hirsch shares his most memorable photos captured in Israel in 2015 and the story behind them.

Each year around May, Jews throughout Israel celebrate the holiday of Lag B’Omer by gathering around bonfires, singing songs, and roasting marshmallows. I took this photo on Lag B’Omer in 2015 near the Jerusalem forest.

Jerusalem Forest (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

This photo is of a religious Jewish family walking the streets of Jerusalem. One of the most special things of the city is its unique architecture and the way religious people are everywhere side by side with other members of Israeli society.

Jerusalem Street (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

A few times in the winter, it snows in the Golan Heights, making the area even more beautiful than usual. On the day this photo was taken in February, my parents and I took a day off to go traveling.

Golan Heights (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

One of my favorite places in Israel is the beach. One sunny weekend, my good friend Sofy and I took a trip to the for a fun photoshoot.

Sofy’s Hair (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

A fun addition to the beautiful streets of Jerusalem, these umbrellas were put in the city center over the summer bringing with them some incredible colors.

Jerusalem Umbrella (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

A cool, relaxing place in the north is the beautiful Sea of Galilee, the Kinneret. Every time I show this photo, people are in shock that it comes from Israel.

Sea of Galilee (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

Israel’s southern desert, the Negev, extends for miles. With nothing but blue skies and open air, it’s impossible not to appreciate the beauty of Israel’s landscape.

The Negev Desert (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

While shooting a “Save the Date” photo for an amazing couple, we happened upon a beautiful field of Sunflowers. Having never been there before, I wanted this photo to remember that special place. This is one of my favorite photos.

Sunflowers (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

As a photographer, it’s always a challenge capturing people in the moment. One evening, my cousin and I went to Palmahim beach (near Rishon Lezion) for a photoshoot. Here she is in all her dancing glory!

Jumping in the Sunset (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

A classic activity for Israelis is hiking, traveling all over the country and enjoying the gifts of nature. Here is my sweet dog, Dvash (Hebrew for honey) having lots of fun as she splashes in one of Israel’s ponds. Just look how happy she is!

My Dog Playing in the Water (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

This building is a historic remnant built in the hills of Jerusalem. It currently stands among a deserted Arabic village at the entrance to Jerusalem. Buildings such as this one represent previous generations who merited to live in the Land of Israel, such as the privilege I have been granted today.

Lifta (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

Every year in June, the Holy City of Jerusalem hosts what is known as the “Light Festival”. It’s always a treat to see the Old City in a new way, through the lens of other incredible artists.

Jerusalem City of Lights (Photo: Matan Hirsch)

—

Matan Hirsch has loved photography ever since he received his first film camera back in 1996 at the age of nine. Only a few years ago, he bought his first professional camera. Although he graduated from Hebrew University with a B.A., photography has always been his passion. He then decided to turn what he loves into his profession. In 2014, he opened his own photography business.

Shortly after, he began using HDR, an effect which provides photos with more dynamic range. Matan uses this effect because he likes seeing his country in a new, creative way. Currently he works with Taglit Birthright groups who come to visit Israel learning about the country and her history.

Matan’s motto is: “The question is not what you are, but what you see”.

To see more of Matan’s work, or to purchase, click here.

Seek First the Kingdom of God - Rick Joyner

Rick Joyner, appearing on the Jim Bakker Show - March 2016

Watch here: Rick Joyner

Netanyahu: Israel Coming Back to Africa, Africa Coming Back to Israel By Jonathan Benedek - BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

Netanyahu: Israel Coming Back to Africa, Africa Coming Back to Israel

By Jonathan Benedek March 3, 2016   BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

“Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: they all are gathered together, and come to thee; thy sons come from far, and thy daughters are borne on the side.” Isaiah 60:4 (The Israel Bible™)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the launch of the Knesset Caucus for Israel-Africa Relations on February 29, 2016. (Photo: Youtube Screenshot)

The Knesset launched its caucus for Israel-Africa relations on Monday, February 29, 2016. The effort to establish the caucus was initiated by Member of Knesset Avraham Naguisa (Likud), the only MK to immigrate to Israel from Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke at the caucus event with African ambassadors about the importance of a very close bilateral relationship between Israel and Africa.

“Israel is coming back to Africa, and Africa is coming back to Israel,” said Netanyahu. “It’s happening now because it’s so clear that this is good for Africa and it’s good for Israel.”

Netanyahu argued that Israel and Africa have shared interests and should therefore improve relations on that basis.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that today the interests of Africa and the interests of Israel cohere,” the prime minister contended. “They’re almost identical, and in some respects and in many respects they are identical.”

Netanyahu claimed that the mutual interests involve challenges and opportunities common to both Israel and Africa such as overcoming the forces of militant Islamic terrorism and seizing the technological opportunities of the future. Accordingly, he expressed his desire for Israel and Africa to act together in global organizations such as the UN.

“What I’d like to see is the closeness of our relationship reflected also in the voting pattern of the African Union,” Netanyahu told the African ambassadors. “You should vote for the interests of your own countries and you should vote for the interests of Africa. I wish to see that reflected in our bilateral relationship and also in our multilateral relationship.”

The challenge of militant Islam, which Israel has faced for a number of years, has also become a recent phenomenon throughout Africa in the years following the Arab Spring in 2011. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would provide support in combating Islamist terror groups.

“We understand the dangers of Al-Shabab,” Netanyahu said about the East African terrorist group. “We understand the dangers of the other militancies that threaten your countries in Africa and we are prepared to work with you to defeat them.”

Israel has helped Africa technologically in a number of sectors and in the agricultural sector in particular by introducing techniques such as drip irrigation, which is especially useful in arid climates.

Netanyahu added that Israel was in a unique position to help with cyber security.

“Israel is now a world power in cyber security and my policy is to make some of our experience available to our friends,” stressed the prime minister. “We consider you great friends.”

Netanyahu also committed to making frequent visits to Africa. He promised the ambassadors that “for too long you have come here and we have not come there, and we are going to change that.”