Monday, December 2, 2013

Jezebel, Occultism and the End-Time War on the Saints - Jennifer LeClaire


The Plumb Line, by Jennifer LeClaire

Jezebel
(© Kenhurst | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images))
At first, I thought it was New Age culture. But I was wrong. It was occultism.
As I strolled through the streets of Key West on a 24-hour getaway with my daughter, I noticed something that I had never witnessed in Key West before: Occultism seems fully woven through the culture.
I’ve been going to Key West for more than 20 years and have spent weeks at a time on the tropical island. But something disturbing had happened in the 10 years since I last visited—and it’s merely a microcosm of what’s happening in the world today.
You can no longer walk down Duval Street—the famous drag of shops and restaurants—without running into the likes of Mahadeo Jerrybandhan, a renowned “peerless palmist” from Trinidad with a long white beard and an even longer white robe. But Jerrybandhan is not alone. He has plenty of peers in Key West, from psychics to mediums to channels to healers to tarot card readers to astrologers. The only group I didn’t find down there were the crystal readers.
Then there’s “Robert the Doll.” Key West profiteers have designed so-called ghost tours that explore the haunted history of Key West, including old wooden houses where spirits purportedly walk. Tour guides will tell you that Key West is one of the most haunted cities in the world with elevated paranormal activity. A local voodooistic icon, Robert the Doll will supposedly curse you if you take his picture without permission or forget to thank him for the privilege.
The Abomination of Occultism
As you can imagine, seeing all this grieved my spirit. But I should not have been so surprised. Occultism has been slowly creeping into American culture for decades as movie makers exalt witchcraft and vampires while the music industry pumps occult rock. Beloved, we are in the midst of a great spiritual crisis even now. Our literature, music, video games, comics, films and television shows are full of mysticism and the occult. Some of it is subtle. Some of it is blatant. All of it is wicked.
Again, this is nothing new. Occultism—which broadly includes magic, séances, channeling, hypnosis, necromancy, astrology, extra-sensory perception, alchemy, spiritualism and divination—is strongly condemned in the Bible.
“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire [which is an ancient occult practice], or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord” (Deut. 18:10-12).
The Lord rebuked Israel for practicing astrology (Is. 47:10-14). Jezebel practiced witchcraft (2 Kings 9:22) and we know how that ended. Ephesus was known for a population that practiced magic arts (Acts 19:19). And the book of Revelation makes it clear that “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
Kabbalah, Kundalini and Jezebel
And yet we see occult practices, like Kabbalah, gaining momentum in the church. We see "prophetic words" delivered in what appears to be Kundalini fashion, with violent shaking and demonic tongues against a backdrop of tribal bongos that set the congregation into hysteria. We see a Jezebel spirit working to seduce saints into idolatry and sexual immorality—and oftentimes succeeding. We see all sorts of strong delusion and strange fire with occultic ties in the modern church.
But we should not be surprised. The rise of occultism is a sign of the end times. Satan’s plan is to fascinate our hearts with occult power and deceive us. The Holy Spirit, meanwhile, wants to fascinate our spirits with a revelation of the Son of God. I believe God’s people are enticed by occultism when they begin seeking spiritual experiences above seeking God. It’s a subtle—and dangerous—shift. Many Christians are on fire for God, but that fire can suddenly turn strange if we are not rooted in the Word. If we seek supernatural experiences, we will find them—but they don’t always come from Jesus.
Beloved, we must not play with strange fire. Ultimately, the occult leads to murder and mayhem—immorality of all kinds. It’s not likely that you would ever willfully visit the likes of Mahadeo Jerrybandhan, the peerless palmist—or any of his peers. But could you ignorantly be engaged with occultic practices that are opening the door to deceptive dangers? Could it be coming from what appears to be godly influences—even within church culture?
Discernment or Deception?
Don’t brush the question off before praying about it. If you want the truth, the Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you into all truth. Please hear me! Even a little occult is a deadly poison—a little leaven leavens the whole lump. The Bible warns about deceptive teachers, false apostles and deceitful workers. The Bible warns about self-deception. And it’s your responsibility to keep your heart pure. If you've stepped into this demonic ditch, repent now and warn others.
Friends, we’re in an end-times war with eternal consequences. Satan is using the occult to seduce people away from the kingdom of God to dance in the kingdom of darkness. I pray that the Lord gives you discernment and awakens your spirit, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming (Matt. 24:42).
Let me leave you with a warning from the apostle Paul: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). Amen.
Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel. You can email Jennifer at jennifer.leclaire@charismamedia.com or visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

MorningStar Ministries Worship (+playlist) - Josh Baldwin, Molly Williams and 48 more!


Josh Baldwin at MorningStar in Fort Mill, SC.
MorningStar Ministries Josh Baldwin leads the congregation into a time of intimate worship with the manifest presence of the Lord evident and tangible. Subscribe to receive updates. http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...
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    Sunday, December 1, 2013

    Hanukkah continues - 5th night in 2013

    The 5th night of Hanukkah
    Dec. 1, 2013

    We lit our hanukiyah for the 5th night of Hanukkah, 
    in our Charlotte, NC home.

    Blessings on ye heads! Shalom and Ahava too,

    Steve & Laurie Martin
    Love For his People, Inc.

    KC and Julie Clark - "I Am Yours" - MorningStar Ministries

    KC & Julie Clark




    "Pass the Test - Ahava Love Letter (Steve Martin)

                        

                 “Pass the Test” 


    “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

    For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3, NASU


    Dear family of friends,

    Sometimes one wonders (me too) how long situations are going to last before a resolution comes. It seems like we each have a few going on at one time or another.

    During those times of waiting for the finale’, which may take a day, week, month or even years, the Lord does a work in our hearts. He's looking for something. He's checking us out to see how much resolve we have; how long will we endure; will love or bitterness win out? Will persistence through the grim and grind prove we are willing to be a worthy fulfillment of His plans and purposes in our lives, and those around us? Every good parent does this with his/her child. It makes them strong. It causes them to grow up into the mature men and women we need.

    Employment situations, family relationships, church congregations, government policies, the world in general for that matter - each offer opportunities to test our hearts, to show us what we are made of in the very depths of them.

    Your heart has ached at times, just like others who want to please the Lord, while pushing forward through the head winds that come at you and I more often than we’d like. But we keep pushing on. We keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Yeshua), Who has the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) walking with us on this planet.

    At the end of the journey we have the promise, we have His trustworthy commitment that we will hear God the Father say, both to you and I, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

    I have passed a few tests. I have failed a lot. So I keep taking them, because ultimately I want to be one of those "standing" when He gives out the rewards. My eyes are fixed on Him, and He will provide the grace to endure what He has directed for us during our journeys.

    Our faith, our grounded and yet heavenly trust in Him, will be the fuel burning in our spirits on this unpaved, often uncharted road we travel.

    Pass the test. Complete the grade you are currently in. Move on to the bigger challenges that come with the bigger rewards.

    Ahava to my family of friends,

    Steve & Laurie Martin
    Founders
    Love For His People, Inc.


    Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.

    Please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless known families in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. 

    Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

    Go here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH  OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People

    If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

    Contribution checks can be sent to: 
    Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box 414   Pineville, NC 28134

    Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

    I hope you get my two books The Promise (CreateSpace/Amazon 2013) and Ahava Love Letters (Xulon Press, 2013). Both available through Amazon.com Xulon Press.com , plus other website book stores.

    You can also order both books, The Promise (on Amazon.com for $7.19 plus $3.95 S/H) and Ahava Love Letters Xulon Press for $14.90, plus $3.80) or you can get both from our office for $29. Send check to the address above. I will autograph all copies ordered through our office. (Hey, and please include a contribution for Israel too!)

    Please share this Ahava Love Letter with your friends.

    Email addresses: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

    Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People  
      
    Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

                Ahava Love Letters
               
      
    Full website: Love For His People


    Ahava Love Letter #92   “Pass the Test”  ©2013 Steve Martin 
    Date: In the year of our Lord 2013 (12/1/13 Sunday at 7:00 am in Charlotte, NC).


    All previous editions of Ahava Love Letter can be found on this Blog, and our newest website: Ahava Love Letters

    Morris Ruddick - PIONEERS, PEDDLERS AND TZ'DAKIM





    PIONEERS, PEDDLERS AND TZ'DAKIM

    (c) Morris E. Ruddick

    "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going forth, and, Issachar, in your tents. They will call peoples to the mountain; there they will offer righteous sacrifices; for they will draw out the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand." Deut 33:18-19

    From the days of Noah, God's people have been distinctive. As stewards of God's intentions, they've restored God's order from the way He established it at the beginning. They've pioneered; they've creatively built self-sustaining operations; and they've reestablished God's standard for righteousness, which is an opportunity-enabling community dynamic.

    Serving in this unique, mixed role as pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim (a righteous people), God's people have again and again demonstrated a most exceptional societal standard of trust and leadership.

    Historically, the impact has far exceeded the best the world, or society without God, could offer. The result, despite overwhelming adversity, has been disproportionate contributors and achievers who have exhibited a brand of leadership pointed to by Jesus: leadership by serving.

    Background
    As a Jew, Jesus understood this mantle of God's people. The focus of His teachings captured the mix of God's order or standard; bearing the creative dynamic of entrepreneurial enabling and increase; with the charitable righteous community dynamic reflecting a functional mix of pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim.

    Jesus was raising the bar from an already high standard outlined by Moses in the Torah. He was indicating that with God at the helm, that His people have been and even more so would be different. They would be ones who made a difference in this pathway of restoration to God's original intention for His own.

    Abraham established the beginning of a new order, a new standard for society; one that challenged the bondage that held the world in its grip. God called him to leave the comfortable place of his family and country and to go out; as a pioneer. As a pioneer, Abraham became known as the father of our faith.

    Abraham left a land of corruption and sorcery and broke the mold. He put it all on the line. With God guiding his way, he established the model of faith-based, entrepreneurial community; and a leadership that was based on the anointing, being led by the Spirit of God.

    The Process and the Priorities

    My walk of faith began as one who faced realities with a standard I was willing to die for. It was a standard that embraced a cause; a purpose higher than myself. As an experienced combat Marine, there was a priority and simplicity in my grasp of the cause. Then it all converged with faith, as I read the story in Acts 7 of a man called Stephen, who faced a parallel reality in being willing to give it all for a purpose higher than his self.

    God spoke to me as I read about Stephen and contemplated the parallel. He asked me if I was willing to embrace that same standard for Him. That foundational sacrificial attitude is at the core of three key factors that differentiate the Kingdom criterion of leadership: trust, honor and service. These are the priorities.

    These three factors are the faith-based heart of biblical community. They undergird the cost to uphold the standard of leadership that Jesus modeled, as He raised the bar for those with the faith and courage willing to embrace the process marked by God's pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim.

    "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions,

    He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5

    Reaching for that higher standard, that has been modeled by the heroes of faith and exemplified by Jesus, is the pivot point of God's standard for leadership and the foundation for a society of people who are known by His Name. It begins with trust.

    "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

    The Trust Facet. Faith is based on an unqualified trust in the Lord. Trust also is the thread that holds the model together. It is the standard for community that results when God's higher order of the spiritual, the economic dynamic of increase, and community operate together. Faith cannot operate without trust; neither can biblical community.

    Religion is man's attempt to cleverly squeeze out the devil's intentions. Jesus addressed this impossible premise by His indictment of "the precepts of men." However, God's order releases God's intentions, despite opposition, in a way that progressively leaves no room for the devil. It's the subtle difference noted by Jesus when He said that we would be in the world, but not of the world. It is a mystery that draws from operating according to God's order. Its release comes from the balanced mix and merging of pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim.

    In God's order of things, trust in the Lord sets things in motion individually; but it is the catalyst relationally for things to operate in community. It enables the tapping of the supernatural dimensions that can only come from God. Biblical community thrives on trust.

    In Matthew 10 Jesus warned about those who would betray us. Yet when establishing those who comprise a community, he admonished us to seek out those who are worthy, people of honor. With this approach, even when betrayal happens, Jesus said we were not to be caught off-guard; because it would release unexpected opportunity. Today's persecuted church has an intimate grasp of this dynamic.

    The Honor Factor. Trust cannot operate without honor. The honor required involves integrity, but it is more than integrity. It embraces the right thing with consistency, but the demand is for still more.

    The honor that God bestows comes at a cost. It is the honor that pivots on holding to a sacrificial standard higher than oneself. It is the honor that stems from not only attitude, but a consistent manifestation in deed.

    This level of honor is vulnerable. Yet it comes from doing the right thing for the right reason without fear. It is the honor that comes from embracing responsibility. It is not based on the approval-of-men, conformity or blind-obedience, but rather on the bond of truth that is the thread that sparks the life-dynamic of community itself.

    This level of honor is the leadership dynamic that fosters the enablement by which each part functions in the harmony to make it something more than its individual parts. It ignites the Kingdom premises that give birth to righteous power.

    This measure of honor is sacrificial and worthy of trust. It considers others before oneself and refuses to compromise the standard.

    The Service Dynamic. The standard for God's order combines trust, honor and service operating in harmony. The Pharisees short-circuited this premise with their unholy alliances, personal agendas and the manner in which they handled their true responsibility and worthiness of trust. They lowered the bar with the premise that the end justifies the means. They curried the favor of power-brokers without honor. In so doing, they betrayed the true bond of trust required of the righteous.

    God's standard for community is about serving. It is applying the diversity of talents and gifts of its members to the benefit of others. Without trust or honor, community becomes contrived, fractional and brittle. This reality punctuates the key role of the tz'dakim.

    When biblical righteousness (tz'dakah) is the mark of a people, it becomes the glue of making the pioneers and peddlers into a true model of community; of God's people (tz'dakim) in operation, as they are blessed to be a blessing. It is the basis of Jesus' Kingdom message of how to employ righteous power in a corrupt world.

    The Disconnects

    The word of God is filled with examples of the misfires of leaders who have undermined God's purposes for His people operating together. While many within the church today point to the problem as being individual issues, the examples of the misfires from the Bible more often note it as a leadership matter. In the cases of those who served as kings, God's word describes their misfires as having done evil in God's sight.

    In Isaiah 22, it describes the demise of Shebna because his priorities were focused on his position and personal benefit. In the case of Saul (1 Samuel 15), his downfall came from his need for the approval of men. Jeroboam (1 Kings 13) lowered the standard and cost requirements of those serving in righteous leadership. In Ahab's case (1 Kings 16), he furthered the digressions of Jeroboam by his passive compromise, in allowing the standard for leaders to be mixed with sorcery.

    In each case there was a lack of spiritual maturity, wrong priorities, the misuse of righteous power, the mix with worldly standards, and a compromise of God's order by which the ends justified the means. These are the indicators of the disintegration of God's order. The standard for God's leadership demands more; and cannot be drawn from the world.

    The Mysteries

    Throughout Scripture are references to mysteries; spiritual dynamics that cannot be understood according to our grasp of the natural order of things. It acknowledges that God's truths are deeper and His ways are higher than the best man can discern.

    Both the Old and New Covenants give reference to this. Deuteronomy 29 tells us that the secret things belong to the Lord, but those that are revealed belong to us and our heritage; to those who, as a people, are known by His Name. Paul, in almost all his epistles, alludes to the "mysteries" of our faith. Jesus, in the Gospels, refers to the "mysteries" of the Kingdom. These mysteries, these "beyond the veil" truths are the igniters of the simple things that confound the wise.

    They represent the edge, the advantage, demonstrated when God's people employ this standard not only as individuals, but in the harmony God intended, as a community. The mysteries applied release the pioneering spirit to break the mold. The merging of the diversity of gifts creates the foundations for becoming self-sustaining through community, which enhances the economic dynamic. The righteous factor, based on the Hebrew tz'dakah or "charitable righteousness," then ties it together as the mutually-beneficial function of building community is served.

    Joseph applied the mysteries in the most adverse and impossible of circumstances. Without position, he began by bringing God into the open and bringing increase and blessing to the one he served. He gained trust and operated as a prophetic steward. Unwilling to compromise, he weathered the spiritual backlash from Potiphar's whoring wife and in his bad-to-worse dilemma, as a prisoner, he gained the opportunity that led to his promotion with Pharaoh.

    In the process, Joseph changed the spiritual culture of Egypt and harnessed the resources needed to provide a safe place that yielded even further opportunity in a time of spiritual judgment that racked the world at that time.

    These mysteries are at the heart of the paradoxes of Jesus' Kingdom message. They fly in the face of the best the world has to offer. They are at the heart of this biblical leadership mantle employed by the Jewish people, who generation after generation, have come together as a culture within a culture, with an identity in God, as a society that operates with trust, honor and service.

    The distinction of the pathway of this mix of pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim is that it will only move forward -- with God at the helm. When it does, remarkable things take place. It is the seedbed for revival. It becomes the "light shining on a hill" that demonstrates the reality of God to the societies around it. When this dynamic is in harmony then extraordinary things unfold at the hands of otherwise ordinary people.

    This dynamic provides the release of the dimension noted in the opening scripture: the tapping of an abundance and hidden treasures. It is an abundance with hidden treasures that can only be brought as far as the gates by superstars. Its full release comes only through piercing the spiritual veil, as a people, who operate together as pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim. It comes with the faithfulness of a people, a chosen people whose choice is God and His heart; whose pathway is built from generation to generation in bringing the standard of God's order full circle.

    "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with pointing the finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,

    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." Isaiah 58:9-12 NIV

    ___________________________________________________
    Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace 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 where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world.

    He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" and "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available in print and e-versions fromAmazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.

    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 the persecuted church to be the head and not the tail. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or email us at sign@strategicintercession.org for access information on our secure web-site.

    Likewise, email us to schedule a briefing for your congregation on the state of the persecuted church and how you can more effectively pray for them.

    2013 Copyright Morris Ruddick - sign@strategicintercession.org

    Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 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 Initiatives Foundation
    www.strategic-initiatives.org
    www.strategicintercession.org

    Israel's History - a Picture a Day (Beta) - Rare Century-Old Photos of Golden Gate and Temple Mount

    Israel's History - a Picture a Day (Beta)


    Posted: 30 Nov 2013 10:51 PM PST

    Golden Gate [Shaar HaRachamim in Hebrew] of Jerusalem's Old City 
    (Oregon State University Archives) See more on the Golden Gate here

    We continue with more photos and original captions from the Oregon State University Archives.  View Part 1 here.  The captions provide a fascinating commentary on historical understanding of areas in the Holy Land a century ago, including a comment about "Jewish Zionists."  The pictures are dated as "circa 1910."

    View the Oregon State University Archives' complete collection here.

    The Archives' captions appear in blue below.

    Golden Gate image (above] description from historic lecture booklet: "The Golden Gate is in the East wall of the Haram or temple area. Ezekiel, the prophet, says that it was shut in his day and must not be opened for any man, "for the Lord, the God of Israel hath entered in by it , therefore it shall be shut." Ezekiel 44:1,2. Traditionally, this is the Beautiful Gate of Acts 3:2, but that gate was evidently much nearer to the Temple. But actually dates from the fifth or perhaps the seventh, Christian century. It was restored in 1892; it is still architecturally interesting from the inside, where a staircase ascends to the roof."
     
    
    Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount of Jerusalem
    (Oregon State University Archives)
     
     "One of the handsome southern approaches to the mosque of Omar, a Mohammedan temple of religion. The mosque is on the higher level. In the immediate foregrounds is one of the famous fountains of the Temple area, and men may be seen at their religious ablutions. When one reaches the approach it is necessary to rent slippers. They are always kept on hand for the purpose of entering the Mosque and are retained until the visitor finished not only the Mosque of Omar, but also the Mosque el-Aksa on the south end of the area. This is an act of reverence just as we would remove our hats when going into a church."
     

    
    The interior of the Dome of the Rock 
    (Oregon State University Archives)  
    Note how the crevices of the Rock are deeper than those
    seen in other photos of the surface.
     
     "This rock has been regarded as sacred from the earliest times. Long before the Hebrew occupation of Palestine [Editor's note: some 3,500 years ago], this striking formation led the ancients to view this as a Holy mount. Its length is about 58 feet, the breadth nearly 52 feet. It extends above the surrounding pavement from four to six and half feet. Here on Mount Moriah, which is called also Zion, Abraham was about to offer Isaac. Here by the threshing-floor of Araunsh, David saw the destroying angel. Here also Solomen [sic] built the temple, but this rock was not within it as it is within the Mosque. It is probable that the altar of sacrifice stood on the rock.
    The interior of the Mosque, which is an octagon with sides 66 feet 7 inches in length, is 174 feet in diameter. It is divided by its two series of supports into three concentric parts. The pillars were all taken from older buildings. An inscription in the oldest Arabic character, Cufic, records that "Adballah el-Iman el-Melik, prince of the faithful erected this dome in the year 72-692 A.D.["] It is in the Arabian style." 

    
    Safed [Tzfat in Hebrew], holy Jewish city in the Galilee 
    (Oregon State University Archives) See more on Safed here
    
    "About ten miles northwest of the Sea of Galilee on a very high hill (2,749 feet) of the ancient province of Galilee, is situated the city of Safed, which is thought by some to be the city referred to by Jesus in His sermon on the mount (Matt 5:14).

    [Editor's note: There is little archaeological evidence of Safed's existence as a population center at the time of the Second Temple.]
    You remember the words of our Lord to his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount? "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." He may have pointed to this very hill and this very city, now known as Safed, in northern Galilee. Although no place having this location is named in the Bible, it is probable that in Christ's day, a city was standing on this hill, for in the New Testament period, this land was densely populated. Safed stands as a landmark, seen in every direction, and well illustrated the words of Jesus regarding the prominence of his disciples in the world." 
      
    Christian pilgrims on their way from the Jordan River to Jerusalem
    (Oregon State University Archives)


    "This picture is taken along the Jericho road looking west toward Jerusalem. The subject of the picture "Pilgrims" is one that has its place in all histories of religion. The present motley crowd is made up of a number of nationalities, but the majority are Russians. These have already been to the Jordon at their reputed places of the baptism of Jesus. and are now returning to the Holy City to partake in the festivities around the Holy Sepulchre which takes place at Easter." 

    Christian Street in Jerusalem's Old City
    (Oregon State University Archives)

    Image description from historic lecture booklet: "Christian Street is a thoroughfare running north and south ending at David Street. It is by far the cleanest street in all Jerusalem. There is a new "Jerusalem" now being built by the Jewish Zionists, who are settling in Palestine in great numbers. They are establishing a university and are spending millions of dollars in modernizing the city and whole region." 

     
    The serpentine road between Jerusalem and Jaffa
    (Oregon State University Archives)
     
    "A good macadamized road extends from Jaffa to Jerusalem. The section of road in the picture with its serpentine windings is six or eight miles from Jerusalem." 
     
     
    Click on pictures to enlarge.  Click on captions to view the original picture.

    View the Oregon State University Archives' complete collection here.
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    Saturday, November 30, 2013

    Love Shared from Sweden -"A LOVE BEYOND ALL LIMITS - JESUS"


    A LOVE BEYOND ALL LIMITS - JESUS

    The title He got was criminal.
    The royal crown was made of thorns.
    The life in aboundness 
    Was His garments divided.
    The palace He went to 
    Was the cross.

    The honor He was shown 
    Was people turning away.
    Their faces in contempt 
    and a suffering unto death.
    He was willing to give up it all - 
    because of love
    He did it for you!

    Isaiah 53, John.3:16

    Eva H. 
    Sweden


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    Monetize Your Passion - Lance Wallnau & Dave Yarnes


    Click here: Lance Wallnau - Monetize Your Passion

    Monetize Your Passion
    Dave Yarnes
    Lance Wallnau

    The superlative perfect career is one that matches “gifting” with “role.” If you have a vague view of your calling, you'll get vague results. Clarity is power.

    Dave Yarnes & Lance Wallnau