Saturday, March 19, 2016

Silence is Golden - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Silence is Golden

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14 NASU)

Have you ever caught yourself thinking about something, and then wonder how you got to that point in your mind? Day dreaming about tomorrow? Pondering over a situation that has nothing to do with what you are doing now?

If you then catch yourself doing that, and next try to walk back to how you got there in your thinking, it can be as a maze in your mind. It is probably due to the fact that our minds have collected so much information over the years. No wonder we wander.

In years gone by I would memorize Scripture, to help my mind be disciplined. I would meditate on good things. The shepherd David learned this lesson, as he sat watching over the sheep grazing. I can imagine that gave him plenty of time to consider what he allowed in his mind, and he made sure it was good.

How often do we surround ourselves with the radio blaring continually, the TV turned on with meaningless content, or the overflowing noise of life which distracts us from the Lord? Far too often I am sure. How can we meditate on His Words if all else consumes our minds?

Many times we avoid having it quiet. It is like we can’t allow “nothing” in the airwaves around us. We have become so accustomed to noise that if there isn’t any we look to have something turned on to make it. Ever walk into a hotel room and immediately turn on the TV? (Guilty!)

It is almost like we fear having a quiet time. Something has to be going all the time, or we tend to get paranoid. Does that describe you?

There was a song written decades ago with the lyrics “silence is golden.”* Do you believe that?

The Lord isn’t calling us to be as hermits living in a secluded cave in the desert land of some far away country. Nor are most of us supposed to join the monastery to live as a monk, or nun, where talk is prohibited 23 hours a day. But I do think He is asking us to allow His Holy Spirit to have time to speak to us, when we are able to hear Him. Most of the time He will be that “still, small voice” which can only be heard when nothing else is filling our ears, or minds.

Elijah was given a lesson in listening. Scripture records this about him.

“Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

“So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" And he said, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."

Then the Lord said to him: "Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:11-18, NKJV)

It is amazing what we can hear when we give the Lord the opportunity to speak. For Elijah, that meant receiving instruction to go and anoint the next king of Syria. And Israel. And also the next prophet who would take his place. Wow!

Are you afraid of what the Lord will tell you today, if you give Him time to speak a word to you during a quiet time? Personally, I long to hear the Lord speak. My life history tells me it will be for good, as I have learned it to be. His next word just may change my life’s direction, or simply give me the next step on the path I need to walk on. That could be the same for you today too.

Seek the Lord and He will be found. Call upon His Name and He will answer you. Both promises that will eternally hold true. Even now.

A blessed person will make it a priority each day to give time for the Lord and His Spirit to speak.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

*For you “oldies but goodies” people, "Silence is Golden" was co-written by Bob Gaudio of the American rock band, The Four Seasons, with Bob Crewe. It was released as a B-side to the hit song "Rag Doll," in 1964. A few othes have recorded it since.

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

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If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

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Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 03.19.16 - #251 –“Silence is Golden” – Saturday at 8:30 am

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

Friday, March 18, 2016

Jesus Appears Weeping in Muslim Girl's Dream - JANELLE P/OPEN DOORS CHARISMA NEWS

However, her mosque leader, who was a secret follower of Christ, told her it was about the Messiah and he gave her a Bible.

Jesus Appears Weeping in Muslim Girl's Dream

However, her mosque leader, who was a secret follower of Christ, told her her dream was about the Messiah and he gave her a Bible. (Courtesy)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

Hawa* grew up in a wealthy Muslim family in the Horn of Africa. Her parents had great plans for her. They wanted to send her to an Arab country for spiritual instruction. She was also engaged to a Muslim man who lives in America. However, everything was put on hold when she became very ill.

While in hospital, she had a life-changing spiritual experience. "I had a dream [in which] I saw a man who was smiling and crying at the same time. I somehow knew He was weeping for me." None of her family could explain the dream. However, her mosque leader, who was a secret follower of Christ, told her it was about the Messiah and he gave her a Bible. "I read the Bible continually, and little by little, I learned about the love of Jesus for all men. It changed me from the inside."

Hawa kept her faith a secret, but one day, her family discovered her Bible. Her father was furious and beat her and later chased her away. "You are dead to us!" Her fiancé also broke off the engagement. Hawa was sad, but says, "The love of Christ was of more value to me than the love of my family."

Her sister, Zulfa*, had learned enough about Christ from Hawa by now to join her on her road of suffering. All of a sudden, these young women who had always been so sheltered were destitute. They had no money, no home and no friends, and they were hated by their extended family.

To make matters worse, Hawa broke one of the discs in her spine one day as she tried to get away from an angry uncle and fell into a ditch next to the road. Zulfa tried to provide an income for them by baking hundreds of flatbreads on smoky fires. The fumes and smoke she was exposed to damaged her eyes so much they feared she would lose her sight.

Hawa and Zulfa went through a very dark time of suffering. But thankfully they receive great support from Christians around them. Open Doors provided medical care for Zulfa and then helped them start a small business. Their cafeteria generates a good income that helps them cover all their costs and even make some profit.

Hawa looks back on her time of suffering and says that Open Doors' help brought light to their darkness. "The light is increasing day by day. I thank you for your help. God bless you."

*Names have been changed.

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Survey: Israel is 11th Most Happy Nation on Earth - Israel Today

Survey: Israel is 11th Most Happy Nation on Earth

Friday, March 18, 2016 | Israel Today Staff

Topics:

Israel

Israel is caught in an intractable conflict and situated in a region that is crumbling amidst religious extremist violence. And yet, Israelis are amongst the happiest people on earth, according to the annual World Happiness Report.

This year’s iteration of the global survey had Israel once again ranked as the 11th most happy nation, a position the Jewish state has held for the past three years.

The 10 countries that ranked ahead of Israel were, in order: Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, Holland, New Zealand, Australia and Sweden.

The most unhappy nations were: Madagascar, Tanzania, Liberia, Guinea, Rwanda, Benin, Afghanistan, Togo, Syria and Burundi.

The Unites States ranked at number 13, Germany came in at 15, England took the number 23 spot and France was only the 32nd most happy nation.

By way of regional comparison, Israel’s closest geographical neighbors were ranked numbers 80 (Jordan), 93 (Lebanon) and 120 (Egypt).

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Exploring the Ancient Land of Israel: It's a 'Faith Walk' - CBN News Chris Mitchell

Exploring the Ancient Land of Israel: It's a 'Faith Walk'

03-17-2016

CBN News Chris Mitchell

JERUSALEM, Israel – Much of the world only knows Israel from what it sees on television news or reads on the Internet. That typically includes images of violence and words like "oppressed." But what's it really like in Israel?

Based on news shows, many wouldn't expect to see restaurants, shopping malls and people going about their daily lives. But that's exactly what greets visitors to Jerusalem’s popular Mamilla Mall, just outside the Old City walls.

CBN News talked with first-time tourists about their perceptions before leaving and the reality they experienced after their arrival.

"What did people say to you when you told them you're going to come to Israel?" CBN News' Chris Mitchell asked one visitor.

"They questioned it. They said, 'Do you really want to do that? Is it safe?'" Craig Harris answered.

"Did they say you were crazy?" Mitchell asked.

"That was a very common comment – 'are you crazy,'" his wife, Kristine, said. "And I said 'No, nothing was going to stop me.' People couldn’t talk me out of it."

"And how did you feel before you came? What was it like?" Mitchell asked.

"Probably a little apprehensive but excited," Harris said. "You know, we just couldn’t wait to see where Christ has walked. It was more than I expected. It was amazing."

Some felt coming to Israel might send a message in fighting back against the growth of terrorism.

"I had some friends who said, 'Why don't you come along?'" Judy Newcum said. "And I thought, 'I'm not sure I should and it might be a little dangerous' and then I thought, 'Goodness, life is dangerous.' Really, I came from the Boston Marathon. I mean there's so much going on, I’m not going to worry about it."

"If you stop moving, the bad guys win. It's ridiculous," Chutz added.

Tuvia Zaretsky arranged their tour with an eye on ancient history and current events.

"You know, I told them I wanted to come over here and look at the world that's here and the people that are here, the places where the Bible events took place," Zaretsky said. "And for them it has been an eye-opening experience. And it's in the context of Israel today."

Samuel Smadga, founder of Sar-El Tours, has led tours here for more than 20 years.

"Israel doesn't come in the category of tourist destination," Smadga said. "Israel is not the Bahamas. Israel is not even Paris. Israel is not even Rome. I believe Israel is the stage of your faith. And I believe coming to Israel will encourage you in your walking with the Lord."

And what was it like after these tourists made their leap of faith to come to Israel?

"The Israelis really have their act together. It felt very comfortable," Chutz said. "The people are wonderful. They're very professional, they're very caring and they really want to make us feel welcome. It’s a very, sophisticated, cosmopolitan city."

"So when we got here, there was such a peace. The whole time we've been here, I have never felt not safe," Kristine Harris said.

And they knew Israel has been experiencing its own wave of terror.

"They told us there are places you definitely don't want to go, but there are places in any city in the United States you don’t want to go to," Chutz remarked.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said despite the current violence, Jerusalem is a safer city than most.

"We have the best police in the world," Barkat told CBN News. "We have the best security forces. And per capital, we're as safe as London when you really check the numbers.

"Actually, when I fly to America, I pray to come back home safe here to Jerusalem because the crime rates in America are six times more per capita than in Jerusalem," Barkat said.

And how did these Christian pilgrims feel after walking in the footsteps of Jesus?

"It was quite moving. It brought me to tears a few times," Craig Harris said. "There's not another feeling like walking where Christ walked."

"I don't think I'll ever read the Bible the same way anymore," Newcum said. "I've been so moved by being here. I would not trade it for anything."

It also brought the Bible to life.

"For me it really tied the Old and the New Testament together in ways that I could not have done had I not come and seen here the geography and appreciated the history," Kristine Harris said. "I felt the Lord with me through this trip and He's been speaking to my heart and doing a good job in there. I would trade it for anything either. I'm so glad I came."

"I really believe that after you come to Israel, you'll never be the same for several reasons," Smadga said. "First of all, you'll read the Bible in a different understanding. You'll be able to visual whatever you read. And you'll be able to understand the Jewish/Christian background of the Word of God. And you'll see how deep your faith is. And my prayer is that when you come to Israel, you will leave here praying for the peace of Jerusalem."

And what would these five visitors say to those who warned them not to come?

"I would say, you got to go – it’s incredible," Chutz said.

Newcum agreed.

"It's safe and a wonderful experience," she said.

"We're already talking about coming a second time and bringing the kids and grandkids 'cause we really want them to experience being here because there's nothing like actually being here," Craig Harris said.

Watch video here: CBN - Israel

A TellTale Sign of Jesus - Tsvi Sadan ISRAEL TODAY

A TellTale Sign of Jesus

Friday, March 18, 2016 | Tsvi Sadan ISRAEL TODAY

A stunning and under reported archeological find has provided firm evidence of the biblical account of Jesus' ministry in the Galilee.

The full article appears in the March 2016 issue of Israel Today Magazine.
CLICK HERE to read it all

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Why God Chose You - LISA GREAT CHARISMA MAGAZINE SPIRITLED WOMAN

Why God Chose You

You might be surprised. (iStockphoto | Humonia)

Have you ever wondered why your spouse chose you? There are millions of people in the world and they chose you and you chose them. Have you ever wondered why the judges for the Miss Universe pageant choose who they choose?

What are they looking for, I mean all the girls are skinny, beautiful, in bathing suits and evening gowns, why did they chose that one? Have you ever asked yourself how some people get chosen, while others are still in line waiting for their chance to be on the team, be in the band, or get their break in Hollywood?

Maybe you have never wondered why some people get chosen, but I know based on the best-selling book, Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren's record sales, that you want to know what you were chosen for, even if you don't know the why.

Many books have been written on why you were created, what you are on earth for, how to discover your gifts, calling, anointing or any other thing you may be looking for. But none of this is relevant and can actually leave you more frustrated than fulfilled, not because these things are not important, rather they are not the reason for you being chosen. The Bible is full of Scriptures that tell you why you were chosen and it is not to do something, it will not tell you what you were chosen to do, but it will tell you what you were chosen for.

The point of the Bible is to lead you to a man, whose name is Jesus. If you read the Word of God, but don't ever enter into a relationship with the God of the Word, you will live a frustrated, unfulfilled life, no matter how outwardly successful you look or may even feel. The church is riddled with sermons about how to be something, how to do something, but very few sermons will tell you what you were chosen for. Now this is mainly because they assume you already know this, but the reality is, most of us, the people preaching the sermon included, do not know what they were chosen for. But God does, for He chose you!

Here are three things you were chosen for, now there are many more, but these three will give you the idea:

1. You were chosen for nearness with God
Psalm 65:4 "How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You ... To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple."

2. You were chosen for access to God
Psalm 84:10 says, "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

3. You were chosen to dine with God
Revelation 22:17 says, "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

Throughout the Bible we see that we were chosen for intimacy with God. Genesis 1 is the best description of where we came from and Revelation 22 is the best way to describe where we are going. While everything in between is an invitation to come closer to a living, loving, God. The God of the Bible does not choose you because He needs you; He lacks nothing, but He chooses you because He wants you.

You are chosen for nearness, for access and for dining. He wants to commune with you, interact with you, come close to you. Jesus died not so we have to stand at a distance, but so we can come so close to Him. He chose you because He wanted to do life with you, He wants to be with you.

Most people struggle with intimacy because they have been rejected more than they have been wanted, but from before you were in your mother's womb (Psalm 139), He wanted you. So, He waits for you to come to Him, for He chose you, keeps choosing you and will not stop choosing you, for this is what you were chosen for.

Lisa Great is an author, speaker and blogger with Mouthpiece Ministries International. She has been in ministry for over 25 years, she has a B.A. in Youth and Family Studies, a M.A. in Education. She can be reached at mouthpieceministries.net; mouthpieceministries.wordpress.com; or on her Facebook page Lisa Great.

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What God Told This Little Girl When She Went to Heaven - JESSILYN JUSTICE CHARISMA NEWS

What God Told This Little Girl When She Went to Heaven

Photo above: The Beam sisters playing, with Annabel center. (Courtesy/Beam family)

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

What do you do when your daughter lies dying in a hospital bed? How do you pray when she looks at you to say, "Mommy, I want to die and go to heaven and be with Jesus where there is no pain ... you would kill yourself and go with me"?

Christy Beam's heart broke in that moment.

"I felt sick, felt like throwing up," Beam says. "What that meant to me wasn't the loss of me, too, but it meant she had processed it, that daddy will be here to take care of other girls, they will be fine. She wasn't going to go without me. It wasn't a fleeting thought, it was a thought she had taken to process the execution. ... It terrified me."

The Beam family's faith is chronicled in Miracles From Heaven by producers like T.D. Jakes and DeVon Franklin out now.

READ: 'Miracles From Heaven': The Film That Does Everything Right

Annabel Beam is a ray of sunshine for her family. The girl who plays the French horn because it has the same word as french fry is the second child for Christy and Kevin. Her story begins with a childhood diagnosis with life-threatening digestive conditions.

She was 4 when she started having "tummy toubles" as her mother called them, 5 when the nightmares of surgeries and going from doctor to doctor, hospital to hospital began. Each day, Kevin and Christy watched their mellow little girl fall deeper into herself, losing the vibrancy that used to envelop her.

It was during those hospital visits that Christy found her faith being challenged and her hope waning. At times, she was almost silent in her communication with God, afraid that His answer to her prayers would be "No." And then the Lord spoke to her.

"You need to start reaffirming who you know God is, need to start praying for things in a way you know God can do," Christy says. "He is a mighty God, an almighty and amazing God—not a vending machine."

But God also spoke to Annabel, the girl says, and told her something astounding: "I believe that I was cured because whenever I went to Heaven I asked Jesus if I could stay with him and he said, 'No Annabel, I have plans for you on Earth.'"

When Christy prayed for Annabel's healing, it came about in a way that may have cost her life.

Annabel was climbing a tree with her sister one afternoon when she fell. And not just a little slip. Annabel tumbled 30 feet into a hollowed-out cottonwood tree. After rescuing her, the Beams made their way to the all-too-familiar hospital. Test after test revealed there was nothing wrong with Annabel—nothing including the subsiding of her debilitating illness.

That was in 2011.

The now 12-year-old is a source of joy for all who meet her, and not just because of her gratitude for life. She's a deep thinker, Christy says, but the word "chicken" can send her into giggle fits.

But more than anything, Annabel is physical proof of God's faithfulness.

"I really feel like God has called me to be hyper aware and encourage others to be aware, to not only recognize acts of faith by Christ in our lives, but realize what are our acts of faithfulness back," Christy says. "What are we doing to show Him? ... I feel like, we say God is faithful, I feel like that's an adjective, and it should be a verb."