Thursday, May 4, 2017

Jerusalem Log -Thursday 05.04.17 Jerusalem, Israel #5 - “Jerusalem Wall of Life” mural by Steve Martin

 

“Jerusalem Wall of Life” mural
Steve Martin


Jerusalem Log #5
May 4, 2017
Jerusalem, Israel


Greetings to you from the Promised Land!

It sure is great when the Holy Spirit guides you. Once you ask Him to of course.

After driving the short 25 minutes from Jerusalem to King Herod’s Palace and tomb (three videos I recorded are here), when I was finished, and tired from the many steps, I asked “Where next, Lord.” His reply was “Derek Prince’s gravesite.” And so I went back to Jerusalem, to Germantown.

I had been to the Alliance Church Cemetery twice before, but wanted to see it again. It is in the southern part of Jerusalem, in what was/is known as Germantown. I somewhat knew the way, but again was asking the Lord to direct my steps (as I drove.)

Traffic is packed full of buses, taxis, motorcycles, mopeds and cars no matter where you drive in the capital city of Israel, and with a rental car, parking is even more of a challenge. But I found a lone spot two blocks from the cemetery entrance.

Once inside, I started the circular walk to the right, with Derek’s grave not too far from the metal door entrance, part of the stone/block wall that surrounds the Alliance Church Cemetery. To my amazement the mural, which I had first heard about on the 700 Club on CBN a few years ago, was completed! It began in the right, southwest corner of the walled-in resting place, and filled the 12 foot tall wall the entire 70 yards (my estimate) of the right side. Then it turned the corner and ran another 30 yards or more on the eastern wall. What a glorious site!



From Genesis to Revelation, with Abraham, Moses, Joseph and to the reign of Jesus (Yeshua) in Revelation, the complete Bible story is told, painted by Patricia Solveson from Wisconsin, USA. It took her six and a half years.



And how do I know that? When the lady sitting on the wooden bench at the end of my walk around the area, after taking several photos of graves, asked me if I was a photographer, I replied, “I like to take pictures.” I asked her who she was. She softly said, “I am Patricia. I painted this mural.” Wow!

Patrica Solveson

Patricia then went on to say how the Jerusalem Wall of Life came about, beginning over seven years ago when she was asked to do the mural. The director of the cemetery had seen her painted artwork she brought to Jerusalem for several years, giving it away as gifts, and wanted her to paint the mural. Once started, six and half years later, when coming in the spring and fall with her husband Carl, Patricia beautifully put the story of salvation on the Jerusalem wall.

Many people visit the cemetery to see graves of the believing Gentiles buried there. As she shared stories with me, she described how a Jewish man would come often, asking her why this and that was depicted. In time, as she explained the plan of God to him, he too became a believer and now still comes regularly to visit. Other Jews who come in off the street, out of curiosity most times, wonder why the Star of David and Christian symbols are on some sites.



The last few years have seen several Messianic Jews laid to rest here. May the Holy Spirit continue to share the message of hope and salvation to all who come.

You can read more about Patricia and the mural at the website Jerusalem Wall of Life - It is Finished!

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Jerusalem!

Steve Martin
Founder/President

Love For His People

P.S. I had the honor and privilege of working with Derek Prince Ministries for a total of eight years – three in Fort Lauderdale and five in Charlotte, NC.


















Patricia said she painted the computers in this section, "To show we have modern day idols."


Patricia Solveson near Derek Prince's gravesite.


'We're Giving Churches Their Voices Back': Trump Signs Exec. Order Protecting Religious Freedom - CBN News Crystal Woodall

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'We're Giving Churches Their Voices Back': Trump Signs Exec. Order 
Protecting Religious Freedom
05-04-2017
CBN News Crystal Woodall

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump marked the National Day of Prayer by signing an executive order designed to protect and promote religious liberty.
"Today my administration is leading by example as we take historic steps to protect religious liberty in the United States of America," the president, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and his religious advisors, including Paula White, declared during Thursday's signing ceremony.
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The long-awaited order effectively weakens the enforcement of an IRS rule barring churches and tax-exempt groups from being involved with politics (this addresses the Johnson Amendment).
"We are giving churches their voices back," Trump told those gathered in the White House Rose Garden. "No one should be censoring sermons or targeting pastors." 
"Faith is deeply embedded into the history of our country, the spirit of our founding and the soul of our nation," he said. "We will not allow people of faith to be targeted, bullied or silenced anymore." 
The order also declares that it's a policy of the executive branch to protect and promote religious liberty. 
In addition, it promises regulatory relief to religious groups that have a moral objection to the contraception mandate in Obamacare.
"Freedom is not a gift from government; freedom is a gift from God," Trump noted, adding that no American should be "forced to choose between the dictates of the federal government and the tenets of their faith."
The majority of Trump's religious advisory board was present for the solemn event, including Paula White, Southern Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress, evangelist Franklin Graham, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, South Carolina TV evangelist Mark Burns, and Faith and Freedom Coalition Chairman Ralph Reed.
"It was a reunion more than anything," the Black Christian News Network 1 quoted Bachmann. "For people of faith, there was so much trepidation about what would happen in this election. They really felt that if Mrs. Clinton had prevailed it would have spelled a diminution of the nation, the nation would have morally suffered."
Thursday's order – a much watered down version of the first draft of the order leaked early in the president's term – fails to specifically address religious persecution in the military or against individuals who practice their faith in all aspects of their lives, including the workplace.
Even so, faith leaders wasted no time expressing their support for the executive action, while acknowledging more needs to be done.
"President Trump deserves praise for applying an emergency brake on the government's movement toward coercion and discrimination. There is much that is commendable in the executive order, even while there is much that is missing – and that I pray will be soon addressed," Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, CEO and president of National Religious Broadcasters, said in a statement. 
"Today's action is a breath of fresh air and should be understood, I believe, as a first step toward righting the wrongs of recent years and reassuring people of faith that they are not second-class citizens," he continued.
Officials from the The Catholic Association echoed that sentiment.
"Today's executive order provides welcome relief to the Little Sisters of the Poor, who have been threatened with discriminatory government fines that would shut down their beautiful ministry of caring for the elderly poor," said Maureen Ferguson, senior policy advisor for the The Catholic Association.
"We applaud the Trump administration for taking an important step to protect conscientious objectors like the Little Sisters of the Poor who faced millions of dollars in fines for refusing to violate their deeply held beliefs," Catholic Association senior fellow Ashley McGuire said.
"However, there is more work to be done to restore broad protections for people of all faiths in health care, business, education, and countless other fields who face harassment, bullying, and lawsuits because of their faith," she continued. "The American people want strong protections for religious liberty." 

Worship Leader Chris Blue Stuns on 'The Voice' to Get Top 10 Finalist Spot - JESSILYN JUSTICE CHARISMA NEWS

Chris Blue performs on "The Voice." (YouTube)

Worship Leader Chris Blue Stuns on 'The Voice' to Get Top 10 Finalist Spot

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

Worship leader Chris Blue landed a top 10 finalist spot on The Voice this week with an emotional tribute to his fiancee.
Blue, a member of Team Alicia (Keys) wowed the judges and folks at home with his rendition of "When a Man Loves a Woman," dedicated to his fiancée, who has been battling cancer.
"Yaaalll Because of GOD and YOU I'm running into the next round like ..." Blue tweeted with a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format, a compressed photo format) of himself.
Before his debut on The Voice, Blue was a worship leader at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
As he was preparing for his audition this season, Blue says he almost didn't try out because of his fiancée's cancer battle.
"When everything happened with my fiancée and her story, I realized that life was just too short," Blue says. "And after God was kind of pushing me to go forth, and I was declining and saying 'No. This can't be ...' I asked that He would just confirm, and He did, and when He did, I would say that really did help push me and helped me overcome the fear and just do it." 
He tells the Knoxville News Sentinel he had a simple strategy for his audition.
"Don't mess up. Don't forget any words. Don't embarrass yourself or your family. Don't embarrass Jesus.' Aside from that man, just saying 'You know what. This is it. The moment is right now, and ... there's a chance that you may not get another one. Because of that (I'm) going to give it everything right here right now.' And so that was my mindset. I tried not to focus on the coaches. I tried to take myself back to my childhood. My mom brought us up in church, and my dad brought us up in church, and so we would go around singing and traveling the state of Florida." 
Congrats on your top-10 spot, Blue! 
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Herodion Palace & Tomb southeast of Jerusalem (1 of 3)


Herodion Palace & Tomb southeast of Jerusalem (1 of 3)

Published on May 4, 2017
Herodion Palace & Tomb southeast of Jerusalem (1 of 3)

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Museum of the Bible prepares for DC opening - Jennifer G. Hickey Fox News

Museum of the Bible prepares for DC opening

Shown here is a rendering of the Museum of the Bible, which is still under construction in Washington, D.C.
Shown here is a rendering of the Museum of the Bible, which is still under construction in Washington, D.C.
The vast grove of museums stretching from the U.S. Capitol across the fringes of the National Mall is about to get a new addition, albeit a decidedly less secular one: The Museum of the Bible. 
Just three blocks south of the Capitol, the privately funded museum is set to open this November. Though it may seem out of place next to the well-known museums on American history, air and space and more, those behind the project describe it as a future attraction that will draw in a range of visitors through a blend of historical and religious artifacts and interactive exhibits.
“The goal is to show and to educate people about the many ways that the Bible has impacted America, not just our history but in terms of civil rights and social justice to fashion,” Steve Bickley, vice president of marketing for the museum, told Fox News during an early tour of the museum-in-the-making. 
From presidential inaugural ceremonies to bedside tables in hotels across the country, the Bible has indeed been a fixture in American life. Bickley says the 430,000-square-foot facility aims to offer an “immersive experience to people from all faiths, or no faith, and those who have never even picked up a Bible.”
The $500 million, eight-story museum is financed entirely by private funds. The force behind the design is the architectural firm, Smith Group, while Clark Construction has overseen the project since its groundbreaking in 2015. Both were involved in the construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the popular site near the Washington Monument. 
The museum’s five central exhibit floors will house 40,000 biblical and religious artifacts, including portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls, bibles once belonging to Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley, and the Lunar Bible – the first bible to travel in space.
The first exhibit to arrive at the museum is a 3,200-pound full-scale replica of the original Liberty Bell, gifted to the museum by Dr. Peter Lillback, founder of the Providence Forum. Because of its size, the replica had to be lowered into the building, which is still undergoing construction.
But it is Steve Green, the museum’s founder and president of Hobby Lobby, and his father, David, who have contributed the bulk of the items.
Over the last five years, the Green Collection has grown into the world’s largest private collection of biblical texts and artifacts.
The Greens gained national recognition in 2012 when they mounted a legal challenge to the contraceptive mandate included in ObamaCare. In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby and the Green family in a landmark victory for religious freedom advocates.
To critics who believe the museum will only present the Bible from a Christian perspective, Bickley poses a question.
“Why would the Israel Antiquities Authority be partners in a project which only promotes Christianity?” he asked in reference to a multi-year agreement the museum signed with the Authority to fill gallery space with objects contained in Israel’s National Treasures.
One of the more interesting offerings is a digital guide, with which visitors would be able to design their own tours on their phones -- and take a virtual tour of the locations in Washington, D.C., where biblical passages can be found.
There is an emphasis on making the site more than just a building.
In May 2011, the Museum of the Bible launched its first travelling exhibit. A collection of about 400 items has made stops in Colorado Springs and the greater Los Angeles area, as well as at The Vatican and in Cuba.
Another arm of the museum is the Scholars Initiative, which pairs together younger scholars with more established analysts to work on artifacts in the Museum Collection. Currently, more than 60 universities around the world are participating in the Scholars Initiative, and others are in the process of joining.

Western Wall (Kotel) at night in Jerusalem, Israel


Western Wall (Kotel) at night in Jerusalem, Israel
May 3, 2017


Published on May 3, 2017
Western Wall (Kotel) at night in Jerusalem, Israel

May 3, 2017

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Fervent Prayers at the Western Wall (Kotel) and Plaza activity at night in Jerusalem, Israel


Fervent Prayers at the Western Wall (Kotel) 
and Plaza activity at night in Jerusalem, Israel
May 3, 2017



Published on May 3, 2017
Western Wall (Kotel) and Plaza activity at night in Jerusalem, Israel

May 3, 2017

Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Jerusalem Log #4 - Wednesday 05.03.17 - “Louie” by Steve Martin

Louie

Jerusalem Log Wednesday 05.03.17
Jerusalem, Israel
#4 - “Louie”

Greetings to you once again from Israel.

The love for Israel goes beyond being in wonder at the landmarks, the historical sights and the Jewish culture. It is loving the people themselves, even as Yeshua did when He came the first time. Showing the Father’s heart for the people He created, with His love, is what it is all about.

My heart for Israel began to grow in the 1980’s when I connected with Christian ministries that were presenting the truth about the plans and purposes God has for His Chosen ones. Derek Prince, Mahesh Chavda and Barry Segal (three men and their wives having ministries I worked with for over 24 years) spoke the written word of God, explaining the Scriptures and prophecy, revealing Jesus (Yeshua) and His love for the people.

Coming here to Israel, now for the 13th time, my commitment to stand in support of what the Lord is doing here is solid. He continues to bring them back to the Land promised to them through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Loving the people is what it is all about.

My friend Louie owns a shop just within the Jaffa Gate of the Old City in Jerusalem. He says I first met him in 1998, and goes on to say that his birthday makes him three months older than my son Ben, also born in 1979. Louie has a good memory. Each time I see him I try to support his livelihood with purchases from him. Buying Israeli goods, made in Israel, not only helps the local economy, but it also provides gifts for my family and friends, which I especially enjoy.

Jaffa Gate entrance

Today Louie told me times have been tough for him. He now has his own shop, after sharing many years with his brother Solomon. But rent is higher and certain tour groups don’t spend as much as us Americans do. My objective was to buy an olive wood camel as an appreciation gift for my sister doing our family reunion organization this year. Before I left his place, I had much more in the bag. (Gotta watch these shopkeepers. They know how to sell, by convincing you “you just need this one more item.”)

After completing the transaction and giving me a fresh cup of pressed orange juice, Louie took me to his brother Solomon’s shop. Of course I had to kindly stand my ground and not buy anything more, even after a hot cup of mint tea was served in their “friend’s back room”, having more beautiful goods. I had done this before, so was wiser than the last time.

Before I could get a sip of the hot brew, Solomon introduced me to Thomas. Of course he then pulled out the Roman coins and the ancient widow’s mite, and wanted to make me a good deal. Once again I kindly explained that Louie had already emptied my wallet. Thanks, but no thanks.
Then Thomas explained that he was on dialysis twice a week, and uncovered his left arm. From his wrist to his elbow, his blood vessels had large bubbles in several spots. He asked that I touch them, and when I did I could feel his blood pumping through. I was shocked. I had never seen this before.

I then asked him if I could pray for him, and he said yes. So I prayed in faith that the Lord God of Israel, Yeshua, would quickly provide a donated kidney, and for complete healing for Thomas. I believe the Lord heard that prayer.

His heart, for His people, is why I come to Israel. May they know the living God, and call upon the name of the Messiah Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach, as their Lord and Savior.

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Jerusalem!

Steve Martin
Founder/President

Love For His People