Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
I am thinking about what it means to bless Israel - to bless the state Israel and the Jewish people. Here are a few of my thoughts.
One way is to help ONE Holocaust survivor who is starving and to give food or to buy a present for a Holocaust survivor.
To bless Israel can be to invite a lonely Messianic Jew for dinner or to have a cup of coffee together. It can be to give food also for the Messianic Jews who do not have much money for food. Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that love will be a testimony to the world in Body of Christ. He talks about love to each other in John 15:12, "This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you."
I do not think He means just in a church building. I believe the church is made up of Christians, with Jesus as the head. We all need each other in the Body. Friendship is not just in a building, but rather the "hand" needs the "foot" and so on. All with the same value. In Gal.3:28 is written that we are all one in Christ.
I think when Messianic Jews are blessed in congregations this also blesses Israel. Relatives will notice if they are given food. It is a testimony to unsaved Jews.
To bless Israel is to comfort Jews in different ways.
It is written in Isaiah 40:1, "Comfort, comfort My people." It can mean to both comfort all people who are not saved, to comfort Christians ( both Messianic Jews and Gentiles) and to comfort the Jewish people.
To bless Israel and "comfort" My people - it is important to think about that many people suffer today. Many Jews suffer and we can comfort with words, show compassion and take time talking with people. Comfort is to know that somebody has time to listen, somebody has time in a world of much stress. Comfort can also be done by counseling people.
In the Body of Christ there needs today to be more fellowship and friendship. Now I believe it is a time of a restoration, as done in Acts.2:46; eating together and having fellowship as Jesus also had with the disciples in John 21, when they were eating breakfast at the sea.
Jesus wants to be a Friend, not just someone we work for. He and our heavenly Daddy has fellowship together, as it should be In the Body of Christ. We need to be more like a big family. As we become more like this, it will be a comfort for people, because care and love also heals.
To "comfort my people" I think is also to give the message about Jesus. He is the source of all comfort, as He is the Comforter.
We need to open our hearts and also to give comfort to the Jews who encounter much antisemitism today. We need to bless Israel - the Jewish people around the world and not just the state of Israel.
President Barack Obama (Official White House photo by Lawrence Jackson)
Dear Mr. President,
Can you please tell me which world you were referring to, when, just the other day, you declared to Tumblr users (I am assuming that Tumblr is not a drug) that the world "is less violent than it has ever been?"
I find it very confusing, because on the one hand you claim you learned about the IRS scandal and the Veteran's Affairs wait-list scandal from the media, and on the other hand, it appears you don't even pay attention to the world news.
Not only is the world not the safest it has ever been, it is the most dangerous it has ever been! And much of the downfall has taken place with your White House in deeper denial than the former Information Minister of Iraq—aka Bagdad Bob! (Remember him? "There are no American infidels in Baghdad. Never!" Well, you are starting to sound like him.) While you and Mr. Kerry claim, "Peace and safety!" the world is falling into chaos.
Cairo Speech
It was just over five years ago, a freshly inaugurated Barack Obama confidently marched into Egypt to give your "A New Beginning" speech to the Muslim world. You should have called it the "I'm Not Bush" speech, because we all know that was its real purpose. That day you boldly proposed "a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect."
How's that working?
Not even the fact you gave your very first post-inaugural interview to the Arab cable network, Al Arabia, (instead of NBC, ABC or CBS) won you any lasting good will in the Muslim world.
I don't believe the silly rumors that you are a secret Muslim. You are a humanist. And you were convinced that your human powers of charm and persuasion would cause the Arab world to lay down their weapons. Surely once they see that America is not all 'cowboys clinging to their guns and religion.' But you see Mr. President, it takes two to tango, and I don't think Muslims are allowed to dance.
Nobel Peace, yet No Peace
For all your rhetoric you were richly rewarded, as if you actually changed something on the ground—but your reward did not come from the Arab countries seeking peace and repudiating radicalism. Instead, the Nobel Peace Prize folks crowned you the Prince of Peace 2009, and gave you a million dollars. How does their press release from 2009 sound now?
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples ... Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics ... Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future.
My goodness, it's like they were declaring you Messiah! Sounds pretty funny now, right? If only Al-Qaeda had as much faith in you as the Norwegians.
Let's just take a look at what has happened in "Obama's World" since you were awarded for your "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy."
There was an attack by Al-Qaeda on 9/11/2012 on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that left an ambassador, a staffer and two Navy Seals dead—two Seals who were protecting U.S. diplomats, while they awaited help that never came. It was followed by, what many see, as a cover-up by your administration. You, Jay Carney and, who can forget, Sunday Morning Susan (Rice), emphatically and repeatedly declared—even after all the evidence was pointing to a coordinated terror attack—that it was merely a spontaneous uprising because of an anti-Islam YouTube video. (As if people getting so angry over a video that they kill American is so much better than terror.)
Civil war has erupted in Syria, resulting in more than 150,000 deaths of innocent noncombatants, creating a refugee crisis of nearly 10,000,000 people. Even chemical weapons have been used to kill innocent children.
Egypt, the Middle East's largest country, went through a revolution that propelled the terror group, The Muslim Brotherhood, into power. While they systematically persecuted their own people, trampling their democratic freedoms, your administration stood by them because they were "democratically elected." When the military responded to the pleas of the people, your team stood with the Hamas-aligned Brotherhood.
Also in Egypt, we continue to see the systemic persecution of Christians by Islamic groups. Read this harrowing account of the murdering a young Christian woman by an angry horde of Muslims.
Meanwhile in Iran, human rights are denied to citizens, and Christians are persecuted. Iran continues to make advances in their efforts to build a nuclear bomb, while John Kerry makes deals with the devil and declares triumph.
Mass shootings in America are becoming a regular occurrence. I remember when a mass shooting was shocking. Now it is just news.
In Nigeria, nearly 300 schoolgirls were kidnapped and could be sold as child brides. (Yes, in the least violent time in world history, little girls are forced to marry older perverts.) The Nigerian terror group Boko Haram has continued to attack Christians in Nigeria, killing over 12,000 people.
Putin, thumbing his nose at you and the west, marched into Crimea and took sovereign Ukrainian territory by force. In a city where my family and I lived for a year, Odessa, 42 people were killed on May 4th. Putin's actions are reminiscent of the Cold War and many analysts (not in your White House, of course) are convinced he wants to return Russia to her former glory—by force.
And this week, even as you proclaimed with the tumblrites, with your head fully entrenched in sand, that the world was the safest it has ever been, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group known as The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, (ISIS) is taking over Iraq one city at time. This group is so violent, that even Al-Qaeda considers them radical! You were so eager to be the anti-Bush and get our troops out of Iraq, that you left the nation vulnerable. Whether for or against the Iraq war, one thing is now clear: it was for naught.
Reports of Iraqi policemen laying down their arms and deserting are a clear sign we had not finished the job. Today we see thousands of Iraqi soldiers have been executed by fellow Muslims. How in the world did your intelligence agencies not see this coming?
I could go on and talk about North Korea, Cuba, the three teens kidnapped by Hamas this week in Israel, and the spread of Islamic nationalism in Africa, but I know you are enjoying your vacation and don't want to bring you too close to the depressing reality, lest it affect your golf game.
My focus is on ministry. I write about faith. But every now and then, something happens in which I feel compelled to use this platform to speak out.
Your administration sought to befriend the Muslim world. It earned you a million bucks and a trophy, but resulted in zero change on the ground. In fact, the world is in its most perilous moment in history. Never has there been so many radicals on earth with weapons of this magnitude.Yes, quite the opposite of your utopian view.
With the handing over of five terrorists for a deserter at best, and a traitor at worst, (without any counsel from Congress or the intelligence community), you have set the stage for American travelers—innocent men, women and children—to be kidnapped and held for ransom by the most vicious, evil people on earth. Two weeks after you released these killers, an American (and two Israelis) have been kidnapped by Hamas. While they may have been wanting to kidnap Israelis for some time, I can imagine that there were encouraged by your reckless, autonomous behavior.
No, Mr. President. You are dead wrong. The world is not the least violent it has ever been—it is the most violent. It is powder keg ready to explode—and this is your foreign affairs legacy.
Ron Cantoris the director of Messiah's Mandate International in Israel, a Messianic ministry dedicated to taking the message of Jesus from Israel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Cantor also travels internationally teaching on the Jewish roots of the New Testament. He serves on the pastoral team of Tiferet Yeshua, a Hebrew-speaking congregation in Tel Aviv. His newest book is Identity Theft. Follow him at @RonSCantor on Twitter.
Operation Brother’s Keeper, the Israeli army’s massive search for three abducted Jewish teens, has intensified as it enters a new week, with IDF officials vowing they will leave no stone unturned.
Col. Eliezer Toledano, the commander of the IDF’s Paratrooper Brigade, said that three full battalions are taking part in the search and rescue operation, and that every soldier is unwaveringly committed to the mission.
“I am [personally] joining my soldiers, and despite the [harsh conditions] not one has asked when we are going home,” Toledano told the Israeli press. “We all believe that we will find the kidnapped youths, and it is with this faith that we march day and night.”
Over the weekend, the Israeli army arrested dozens more Hamas leaders and activists as it seeks out even the smallest clue as to where Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel are being held captive.
“Every pool in the area is being sucked dry. Locals are being questioned - anyone who can help, who might have local intelligence. This will continue in the coming days. We are turning over every stone,” a senior military source told The Jerusalem Post.
At the same time, another army officer told Israel Radio that violent Palestinian resistance to the search and rescue operation is increasing. Soldiers are being attacked with stones, Molotov cocktails and explosive devices, and in some instances have faced live gunfire.
In one particular fierce clash in the Samarian city of Nablus (biblical Shechem) on Saturday a Palestinian youth was shot dead as he and others attacked an Israeli search team. Another Palestinian man was killed when he ignored warning shots and approached Israeli soldiers in a threatening manner reminiscent of a suicide bomber.
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“For just as there are many parts that compose one
body, but the parts don’t all have the same function; so there are many of us,
and in union with the Messiah we comprise one body, with each of us belonging
to the others. But we have gifts that differ and which are meant to be used
according to the grace that has been given to us.” Romans 12:4-6 CJB
Walking down any city street, especially in a major
urban area, you see all kinds of people. In Charlotte, North Carolina’s uptown,
or Center City as some would call it, you can also observe many nationalities –
those from India, Africa, Southeast Asia, China, South America, and of course
different sections of America. (I know this due to the Anglo-Saxon ancestral
accents I hear!) Personally, I love them all.
In the business office I work at in uptown
Charlotte, as the Accountant since 2012, we regularly have interns who come for
the summer months. Some of them are still in college, while others have just
completed their upper level education and are ready to hit the marketplace. They
just haven’t gotten hired quite yet, so this will look good on their resume.
Often we have a wide diversity of these young “millennials”,
those in the 20’s age group. They have come to serve with us from different Carolina
colleges, having diverse cultural and societal backgrounds. This particular
summer we have some whose grandparents were from China, India and Scotland.
Each one brings a specific skill, knowledge base, and educational training,
which are used to enhance the labor force the company already has. Having them
around certainly drops the average age of the staff, at least for these few
months.
It amazes me how diverse the Lord has created
mankind. From every tribe, nation and group He has delighted Himself with such
a rainbow of colors, languages and gifts. One country’s people may be advanced
in mathematics, while another is known for their agricultural products. Some
nations specialize in manufacturing, and some in high adventure, using their
natural resources for the excitement and enjoyment of their visitors.
Can you imagine if we were all Anglo-Saxon
Americans, or all Chinese, or possibly everyone was an African? In my
perspective I would find that quite boring. I think that is why the Lord God of
Israel created so many features, colors, talents and skills that each one possesses.
Though twins are very close to being exactly alike, the wide variety of men,
women and children are not, and it is awesome. What a creative God there is!
It has been a true blessing to have had friends
from different backgrounds and genealogies. In travelling to foreign countries,
and meeting new friends, I am very appreciate of the various cultures each has
developed, with their amazing foods, clothing styles, and personalities. It is
simply the work of the great God we know and serve.
As people express the various skills, talents and
gifts they have, I encourage you to appreciate and respect that which each one
offers to the world, for each is made in the image of our God, and has a specific
purpose in God’s eternal plan. Accepting the wide variety of expressions, with multifunction
and diversities, will bring more joy and thanksgiving in our lives for who they
are, and what we can share together.
Give thanks to the Lord for His extravagant
creation!
Now think
on this,
Steve Martin
Love For His People. Inc.
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization
started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.
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.
The Lord gave me an incredible word for the body of Christ this morning. In the book of Exodus chapter one, after Joseph and his whole generation had died, the Israelite’s were fruitful, and increased abundantly in Egypt because of him. When the new king had seen this, he was fearful and put task masters over them to oppress them. The task masters made their lives bitter with harsh labor and afflicted them with heavy burdens; but as they did this, something unusual was happening. The more that the Israelite’s were oppressed as the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly, the more they multiplied and spread abroad.
The Holy Spirit is showing me that many of you have been driven and oppressed by the enemy, as well as used and abused by people. Some of you have gone through situations which have been brutal. As you fear God and not man, these afflictions are going to bring you into expansion, growth and prosperity.
The Lord says;
“Those who have tried to manipulate you and belittle you will soon recognize the favor on your life. Those who have tried to control you and oppress you will soon withdraw because of the shield of protection that I have around you. No one could bring harm to you as I am faithful to My word. I will establish you and guard you against the evil one. Don’t fear the spiritual weapon that is formed against you. It shall not succeed, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment shall prove to be false. The evil assignments that are coming against you will be rendered null and void. As the enemy tries to bring devastation and destruction, I will preserve your life. This is your heritage as you abide in Me. Listen for My voice in every situation. Know that I am present in every assault and violation” says the Lord.
Then the Holy Spirit showed me something else in the same paragraph of Exodus chapter one. In verses 15-21 The king Pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill the first born males as they are born but the midwives refused. When he asked them why they didn’t obey, the midwives replied: “because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.”
And The Lord says;
“You will even observe in your own life the things that I impart to you will come into fruition and come to pass expeditiously. The intentions that I have for you will come forth suddenly. And just as the Israeli women, you are going to produce in a way that will amaze others. They will witness My goodness as they see your harvest in abundance. You will see the increase even before the midwives come to assist you. This will release you into favor with the Pharaoh’s and the oppressors, and many will begin to submit and reverence My name. Even your enemies will be at peace with you as they see the goodness increase in your life” says the Lord.
“Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew . And they were in dread of the children of Israel. So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage-in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor”Exodus 1:11-14.
“So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?” And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them. “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was, because the midwives feared God that He provided households for them”Exodus 1:16-18,
“By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me”Psalm 41:11.
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”Luke 12:32.
I like mountains. I like these awesome creations of the Lord around the world. Standing in front of them can overwhelm your heart with gratitude and goodness, dwelling on His majestic power and sheer love that He daily has for us. Our lives can be challenging as we face mountains ahead, but we can be overcomers as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, and make the climb with the Lord at our side, and His Holy Spirit as our Guide.
As you read these inspired and encouraging chapters, I trust they will bring more hope, faith and love into your spirit and soul. Experiences shared by those who have walked ahead enable others to choose more wisely and confidently in their walk. I hope these words do so for you. These messages that I share with you in this book were originally written for my blog as NOW THINK ON THIS. You can read those on a weekly basis. Please see the info and contact pages at the back of the book.
Steve Martin’s books, as well as his blog, have an engaging dimension of making you feel a part of the journey he’s on. He’s always reaching for something more in God while facing the realities of life. He’s very real as he traverses the pathways of life. What’s important to him is not arbitrary, but the result of the honest reflections he describes as he makes the reader to relate and feel a part of his journey. His writings reflect the adventure that God intended our lives to be, with Him at helm. He has not fallen short in the adventure that his life has been and is. Encouraging, inspiring and highly recommended.
About the Author
Steve Martin served with three Christian ministries from 1987-2010, all having a national and international outreach focus. During that time he made 14 ministry trips to Israel, China, India, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.
On his overseas journeys Steve enjoyed sharing written journal entries with family and friends back home, through Internet media. His light-hearted stories gave an up close and personal touch for those reading along. Many could imagine being there themselves. His extensive collection of photos taken during these trips, of both local scenery and common people on the streets, has touched thousands through their varied images.
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