Jewish New Year Brings a Shemitah, Blood Moons and Unsure Future

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Jewish New Year Brings a Shemitah, Blood Moons and Unsure Future

9/25/2014 JONATHAN FELDSTEIN  CHARISMA MAGAZINE

We are in the midst of four consecutive blood moons, all which fall upon dates of biblical festivals on the Jewish calendar. (Reuters file photo)

Some months ago, I wrote about the blood moon phenomena as my friend, Pastor Mark Biltz, who discovered the connection to the overlaying of current events with the Jewish calendar, and how, during years when there were successive "super moons," great or tragic things happen to the Jewish people and the land and people of Israel.

This year, not only are we in the midst of four consecutive blood moons, but these also take place on the biblical festivals, according to the Jewish calendar. As Pastor Mark says, we may not know what is in store, but the overlay of these blood moons with the biblical festivals serves as "God's billboard," making us aware that something is coming.

Since then, I have been asked countless times what I think is coming. I share Pastor Mark's view that it's not for us to assume that we know, to be prophets, but to be aware, and to be ready. I invite you to read my original article at charismamag.com and other original sources from Pastor Mark at El Shaddai Ministries and others to learn more about it.

During this Rosh Hashana 5775, the world is in chaos. Any or all of these events may be part of the big picture of what's in store, or what's taking place before our eyes that we'll look back on with clarity and see God's hand:

• The U.S. is leading a coalition to fight, and God willing, destroy ISIS and its ideological allies while ISIS threatens Western hostages in Iraq and Syria, and to bring the battle to our front yards.  
• Russia has resumed Soviet-style expansionist threats, specifically against Ukraine where fighting and bloodshed continue, but with a fear that their reach could go wider.
• Anti-Semitism coupled with the persecution of Christians is on the rise globally—an affront against the only people who have a true relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
• Iran remains a world pariah, threatening not just Israel and the Middle East, but with continued export and funding of their terrorist ideology worldwide.
• And while there was a war this past summer in which Hamas fired more than 4,600 missiles at Israel and they have not given any indication they will stop, at least their plot to launch a large-scale attack on Israel this week was foiled—for now.

There are other events that are no less dramatic taking place before our eyes. Any of them could be markers on the road as we pass sign after sign of what's to come. Again, it's God's billboard. I don't want to pretend I know what's coming. I don't. I simply recall my daughter summing up a conversation about the blood moons with a guest last winter by saying, 'So basically every time these four blood moons happen and they fall out on Jewish holidays, something really great or really horrible happens for the Jewish people and in all cases, blood is shed.' I guess that about sums it up. All we can do is be aware, and pray for a positive outcome.

A close friend, Pastor Todd Hadley, asked this past spring, what he and his church should pray for. One thing that kept coming to mind in all of this was that the connection between blood moons and shedding our blood. The concepts have an indelible link to Heart to Heart, the virtual blood-donation program that supports Israel's national blood center, of which he and his church, and so many others, have been active supporters. The program helps ensure that Israel always has the blood it needs, regardless of what may be on the horizon, and especially now with God sending clear signals that something is coming.  

As we exchanged emails on the subject, he wrote, "As to what to pray for, God put this on my heart:

• To pray that, whatever God is signaling us is coming, it be for the good of Israel and the nations
• To pray that even if it is good, it does not involve a loss of life, especially in Israel
• To pray that if there is death, that this be kept to a minimum;
• To pray that if blood is shed, as the one thing that can heal and save all people, Israel's blood supply and the resources to protect it, are always abundant."

Amen.

I might modify the third item in the above prayer somewhat, having been through a war with Hamas this summer, a smaller and less globally threatening version of ISIS but one that's no less radical and deadly, and the extremist ideology they espouse that's rooted in Islamic extremism. Even though they don't sanctify life, the fewer terrorists left alive at the end of fighting against them is a good thing.

But there's another interesting twist. This New Year we enter the Shemitah or sabbatical year, the seventh year of a cycle in which God commands us to let the land lie fallow. It's an awesome statement of faith for farmers to simply not plant this coming year, and put a big billboard on their property saying, "Here we observe Shemitah."

Pastor Mark discovered that when the blood moons happen during a Shemitah year—at least the last two cycles—there were financial calamities as well. In 2001 and 2008 there were major economic downturns. Nothing's guaranteed, but two in a row coupled with the world events in front of us is a little too much of a coincidence for me. Personally, I decided that rather than sitting on a bunch of dollars or shekels in the bank, that it'd be safer to buy some gold. It's a good investment either way, but on the verge of a potential economic downturn, of course I can pray, but here's a way that I can also take action.

Whatever God has in store, I pray that for you and your family and loved ones, and for all of Israel, that the New Year will be one of happiness, health, abundance, and if not peace, than at least quiet.

Blessings from Jerusalem for a happy 5775.

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for Charisma's Standing With Israel. You can contact Jonathan at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com.

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What the Python Spirit Really Wants - JENNIFER LECLAIRE (CHARISMA MAGAZINE)

What the Python Spirit Really Wants

 9/25/2014 JENNIFER LECLAIRE  CHARISMA MAGAZINE

The Python spirit is out to get you. But what is it really after? (Flickr/Tambako The Jaguar)

I didn't realize how strong is the spirit of python's chokehold on my region until I started to personally experience the effects of its presence. One of the only named spirits in the Bible, the python spirit is a coiling spirit that works to squeeze out the breathe of life (the Holy Spirit) and cut off your lifeline to God (prayer).

To accomplish its deadly agenda, this spirit will remind you of wounds from your past, surround you with ungodly influences that tempt you to compromise the Word of God—or just barrage you with circumstances that knock the wind out of you.

Symptoms of a python attack may include weariness, a loss of passion to worship and pray, feeling pressured, overwhelmed, helpless and even hopeless. The severity of those symptoms depends on how long this enemy has been coiling itself around you and how much pressure it has applied.

Let me show you this spirit in the Bible. You'll find it in Acts 16:16 when Paul encounters a girl possessed with a spirit of divination. The word divination in this verse comes from the Greek word for puthon, which translates in English as "python."Vine's Dictionary explains how Greek mythology believed the Pythian serpent guarded the oracle of Delphi until Apollo slew it (and then took on the name Pythian). The word was later applied to diviners or soothsayers, inspired by Apollo.

Attacking Your Prayer Life

Python can attack anyone. You don't have to be in sin to find python trying to slide under your door. Paul was a man of prayer. The Bible says he spoke in tongues more than anybody else in the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 14:18)—and probably more than anybody else in the early church.

Despite Paul's relationship with Christ and a strong prayer life, he still had to wrestle against principalities and powers and rulers of the darkness of this age and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (see Eph. 6:12). Paul had to wrestle against python—and so may we. Let's look at Paul's encounter with the python spirit.

"Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, 'These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.' And this she did for many days" (Acts 16:16-17).

The python spirit had a stronghold in Philippi. When the man of prayer started heading for the house of prayer, this spirit launched its first attack against him—a distraction followed by a full-blown trial that aimed to take him out of his purpose. Python knows it has no authority in a city that prays in the presence of God, so it works to distract people from praying so they can't fulfill their purpose.

Python would rather watch you lick your wounds than pray to a healing God. Python would rather hear you complain or gossip than take your problems to a miracle-working God. Python would rather distract you with attacks, trials and persecutions than see you press into a gracious God for deliverance. Again, python's ultimate goal is to put you in bondage and thwart your purpose. You may be going through the motions but you feel dead on the inside because python has squeezed the life out of you.

Loosed From Python's Grip

When you rise up in your Christ-given authority against python, the battle ensues. Paul cast the demon out of the girl, which meant her masters could no longer profit from her false prophecies. "They seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities" (Acts 16:19). From there, they were falsely accused, had their clothes torn off, were beaten with rods and thrown into prison with stocks on their feet.

Paul and Silas were in physical pain. They had been publicly humiliated. They were slandered and maligned. And they were in the grip of the python spirit. At this point, they had several options: They could lie there and lick their wounds. They could complain to one another about their situation. They could meditate on the persecution and decide to abandon their purpose in exchange for being set free. But they didn't do any of that. Thank God, they left us a model for how to break free from the python spirit.

"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed" (Acts 16:25-26). Prayer and praise are what python is trying to stop, but prayer and praise will set you free.

In next week's article, we'll take a closer look at the python spirit and what it takes to combat it in a region. Florida has 43 houses of prayer across the state—more per capita than any other state—but the python spirit is so active that the Everglades are overflowing with these dangerous snakes. In a state known for prayer, why is python so dominant? More on that next week.

Click here to download a free chapter of Jennifer's new book, Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft.

Jennifer LeClaire is news editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale and author of several books, including Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft, and 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.

How to Avoid the Devastation ‘Tongue Twisters’ Can Bring

9/28/2014 DAWN SCOTT JONES  CHARISMA MAGAZINE

The tongue has the power to do irreparable damage to a relationship. (iStock photo)

The Bible tells us "when words are many, sin is not absent" (Prov. 10:19, NIV). That's because the tongue can cause quite a storm. Though only a small member of our bodies, it is very unruly and can create havoc in just moments.

Like a swirling tornado of ruinous words, a tongue twister can wipe out a relationship in seconds. One brief "touchdown" from this destructive verbal cyclone can instantly blow the roof off a peaceful household or tear down a bridge of trust that took years to construct. As dangerous and untamable as a rogue wind, the tongue, when unleashed, can create devastating—even irreparable—damage.

But what can we do about it? The Bible also declares "the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8, The Amplified Bible).

Does that mean we are helpless to control it? No! Though the tongue may be as impossible to tame as the wind and waves, we do have a responsibility. In fact, the apostle James wrote, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (James 1:26, NIV).

We may not be able to "tame" the tongue so that it permanently obeys us, but we are instructed to "keep a rein on" or to "rein over" the tongue. Our religion is worthless and ineffective if we cannot measure our words and discipline our tongues to speak only those things that are edifying, gracious and truthful. Sometimes keeping silent is better than even good words. "He who holds his tongue is wise," Proverbs says (Prov. 10:19).

The Bible is full of Scriptures that teach us about the incredible force of the tongue and our obligation to "reign over" it. It is clear that God is concerned about the way we speak.

But there's more. It is not just the actual choice of words God is interested in; it is the motive behind the words. The condition of the heart, which cultivates our speech, is His primary concern.

Jesus confirmed this truth in one of His dialogues with the Pharisees. He told them, "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34).

Jesus didn't mince words. He let us know that if we store up evil things in our hearts, the poison will overflow into our mouths and be released through our conversations. Conversely, if we store up good things in our hearts, the flowing river of our words will be uncontaminated and full of life.

The Lord made it clear that it is not what enters into our mouths that defiles us, but what proceeds out of our mouths (see Matt. 15:11). In other words, we are not corrupt because we speak bad words; we speak bad words because of the corruption in our hearts. Our mouths and our hearts are linked together in an inseparable way. If we are unsurrendered in our hearts, we will be unsurrendered in our speech. God's solution is for us to submit both heart and tongue to Him.

That is why David wrote, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Ps. 19:14). Solomon, too, acknowledged the connection between the head and the heart when he admonished: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips" (Prov. 4:23-24).

Since the real heart of the issue then, is the issue of the heart, it is important that we guard our hearts with all diligence and continue to submit to God's probing and testing. He alone knows our true condition. As long as we seek to please Him, as David did, and allow Him to purify our hearts, we can avoid the devastation tongue twisters bring.

Prayer power for the week of 9/29/2014

This week pray that the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be pleasing to the Lord. Ask Him to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you. Pray that your words would be sweet and used to bring healing and restoration to others.

As you pray with a pure heart, pray for God to move upon our nation, reveal His truth, and turn it back to Himself. Thank Him for His continued protection and ask Him to expose those who devise wicked plans in opposition to His will for our nation, Israel and the rest of the world. (Ps. 19:14; Prov. 4:23-24).

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FEAR OF GOD (c) Morris Ruddick (SIGN)

FEAR OF GOD (c) Morris Ruddick    "Teach me your ways O Lord and I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your Name." Psalm 86:11 During a recent mission to Benin, West Africa, we attended a traditional African Church wedding. It was a three hour service, unlike any wedding ceremony we have ever experienced in the West. The couple was exhorted on the foundations of their new relationship: in love, humility AND the fear of the Lord. However, not only did the bride and groom take their vows of marriage, but the parents took vows to uphold the new relationship, in the fear of the Lord. Likewise, an older woman, a widow, considered wise in her ways was assigned to mentor the new wife during the first year of the marriage. There was more, but the thrust was that this new marriage became a responsibility of the community. I later learned that this community, despite the odds during a major time of change, has not had one divorce in more than three decades. Facing Times of Change For four decades, I have wielded a mantle in both business and ministry as a Kingdom marketplace pioneer. Repeatedly, this has involved assignments with those going through a significant time of change. Those I have served have ranged from ministries like CBN and Morris Cerullo to numerous well-known multinationals. Working with individuals as well as with organizations, when change is underway and something new is being birthed, can take you into uncharted territory. It demands a hard look at what has been the mode of the past, in order to get the fix for the change required to embrace the future. It requires wisdom, flexibility and innovation. For God's people, the fear of the Lord and humility are critical to entering times of change. Where leadership is involved, it will also involve honor. These factors are also at the heart of the igniters for those hungering for more of God, to see the consciousness of His presence manifest in genuine revival. Facing change involves the need to prepare and to be prepared. The fear of the Lord is at the root of this ongoing need to prepare. It's the core to walking out a call of God. Walking with the Lord is progressive. It will always involve new dimensions. From the Start Proverbs tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Yet, the fear of God is neither a gift nor a fruit of the Spirit, but a continuous choice foundational to our faith and bedrock to spiritual maturity and the knowledge of God. Too often confused with self-control or a hyper-religious spirit, the fear of God is strengthened by the choices found only in a dimension "beyond ourselves." Over time, the hard choices become predispositions and a part of who we become in Him. It was in late 1973, as a relatively young believer, that I left a military career to prepare for ministry at a Christian university. It was during those early days of walking with the Lord, that I first encountered the stiff realities of spiritual warfare with the death of one of our children. It was a shattering jolt. It challenged everything that lay before us in walking out our call of God. Facing that reality left very little to lean on, other than the fear of the Lord. Friends offered words of comfort, yet very few actually achieved their intent. The only real comfort came from pressing through in prayer and God's presence. From that time before the Lord, I sent a note to our closest friends. It expressed our choice, to trust the Lord. The focus of that note was from the response of Job in losing all that he had, including his children. In humility, Job fell on his face before God in repentance and worship. "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21 Walking out a call of God is a progressive thing. The comforts of this world entice, seduce and divide the mind. God had a higher dimension, something more, for Job. Job was a man God loved. He did all the right things. Job was successful. He was a leader in the community. He was respected and honored by everyone in the area. Yet, Job fell short. In a day in time, everything changed for him. His losses included the honor that had come from his accomplishments. Job is a story of a dimension in God -- that cannot be short-circuited -- and the pathway to the protection and honor that only God can supply. For Job to accomplish his destiny, he needed something more than the results of his own efforts. So it was that he went through a humbling that led to a new revelation of the Lord -- and his knowledge of Him. Job learned that it is not what we can do for God. It is what we allow God to do through us. The subtle difference of this truth is distinguished by the fear of God. When Job received the revelation that brought a much greater depth to his fear of God, not only was everything restored, but it was restored double. That included his receiving the honor that comes only to those who unequivocally fear the Lord. The Standard Psalm 15 is short, but pithy. It represents the standard for walking out a call of God. It is the standard for godly leadership and enduring relationships. It is the standard for protection in times of crisis, as well as the standard for revival. Psalm 15 begins with the question of who is it who can abide and walk with God. It answers that it is the one who walks with integrity and works righteousness. Catch the phrase "WORKS righteousness." Righteousness here is referring to the Hebrew word "tz'dakah" which more correctly translated means righteous charity, a response to being a part of a community. It is something you do. It reflects being a doer of the Word. This psalm goes on to describe the one who speaks truth within his own heart. Embracing truth and making it a part of one's life begins in the heart -- the undivided heart. It describes a person who is true to their word and can be trusted. It goes on to say that the one who lives this standard does not slander nor exhibit any evil toward his neighbor. It continues by noting that worldly success is not the standard. The one who has fallen into the trap of becoming a reprobate -- of compromising -- is worthy of being despised. However, those who FEAR THE LORD are to be HONORED. It mentions not taking advantage of the less fortunate, by charging interest or accepting a bribe against them. This psalm then concludes by proclaiming that those whose lives reflect these things will never be shaken. At the foundation of the fear of the Lord are the components of humility and honor. The fear of God has many counterfeits designed to deceive even the elect. They range from pride, to idols in one's mind, to self-satisfaction, self-righteousness and self-justification, to the illusions that result from being double-minded. Only through humility and fear of the Lord will come the fullness of one's destiny in God. "By humility and fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life." Prov 22:4 Preparing for New Dimensions In the opening scripture, the Psalmist reveals something very subtle for the one who seeks to walk in the ways of God. It involves a united heart. That means priority given to time spent with God, time seeking His heart. Embracing oneness with God's heart also requires a united heart. That applies to both individuals and the body-corporate. Moreover, to release revival requires a united heart within the community of God's people. Twice the book of James taps the observation of the "double-minded." In the first reference not only does the divided-mind not receive from God, it is described as unstable (James 1:8). In the second case (James 4:8), it lumps the double-minded together with sinners, with the admonition that heart-purification is needed for those whose attitudes and priorities are on both sides of the fence. "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8 The purification needed from the snares of double-mindedness, more often than not will call for a strong dose of repentance and humility. "Lament, mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up." James 4:9 To the Finish So, while the fear of the Lord is what lays the foundation for knowing the ways of God, it is also the thread of preparedness and maturity defining a stable and purposeful walk with Him. It is the factor that enables the finish to go well. As was seen with the African community, it is the glue for unity and stability. It establishes the wall of fire, the equalizer and protection for God's people that has no parallel. It is the standard for enduring relationships, along with being the crux for God's criterion for leadership. Even more so, the fear of the Lord is bedrock for times of crisis and the igniter for what we describe as revival. Carol and I came to faith during the vibrant days of the Jesus Movement. It was a time of great spiritual hunger that crossed the boundaries of sectarianism. It was a time of God's presence when people gathered together just to pray and seek God. So it has been with those we work with in the persecuted church.  The priority is God. Many of their leaders have had their faith forged in hard-labor prisons. They fear God more than what man can do to them. Their minds are focused and united. The double-minded, the masters of technique bypassing this critical dimension are fast to fall in this spiritual environment. The reality of God is gaining critical mass. "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20 The world is looking for the reality of God being demonstrated -- through His people. We've entered a time Jesus referred to in Matthew 24 as the "beginning of sorrows." It is approaching a time noted in Luke 21 when men's hearts will fail due to fear.  The determining factor for what's needed will not be a perfect doctrine, eloquent sermons or some super-elite band of hyper-religious. Nothing short of God's presence and power will suffice. The fear Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 is totally different from the fear of God. It is the response of those whose hearts do not know God and those whose hearts are divided toward him. Before his ordeal, Job knew God and His ways, in his head. When he emerged, he truly knew God and his ways in his heart. The united heart changes everything. "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:5-6 Critical Mass God has called those known by His Name to be standard-bearers and agents of change. In today's chaotic and turbulent world, this task is going to take something more. We are to actuate a new dimension, the spiritual climate that establishes God's Kingdom rule. The crucible to release God's presence and power is us. The antidote for the fear that causes hearts to fail is the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the awe, the reverence and total trust in the One who created the world and all who live in it. It is the oneness with Him whose Glory exceeds any dimension this world can offer. It is the humility that accepts the provision of His Truth with the honor due to His Name. It recognizes that, even with our best efforts, we fall short. His ways, His goodness, His wisdom are simply higher than our ways. He is the all-sufficient One. "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him." John 7:18-19 The response, which will evolve into critical mass to be the catalyst, is the fear of the Lord, demonstrated through a people. So it has been in the history of every revival, every move of God since the first-century church. When the fear of God reaches critical mass among the community of God's people, amazing, supernatural things start taking place. A genuine fear of God hungers for more of His presence. It produces steadfast prayer. Indefatigable prayer distinguished great revivalists such as John Wesley and Charles Finney, as well as moves of God such as the Moravians. It will be no different in this hour. The Community Responsibility Whether the purpose is fostering enduring relationships, establishing the standard for leadership, responding to times of change or crisis, or in serving as a catalyst for revival, the community of God's people is instrumental. The responsibility undertaken by the African community to nurture the commitments of their newlyweds represents a significant example for our response to the times. The community of God's people is ultimately responsible for the infrastructure, preparedness and response needed to take God's people from one generation to another, in God. "Keep your soul diligently so that you do not forget the things that your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart. Make them known to your children and your children's children." Deut 4:9 For three years, Jesus mentored his disciples. He unveiled God's ways so that they might truly know Him. Declaring that He was the way, the truth and the life, He opened the gates to release Kingdom power through His victory over death. He imparted the priorities of God's heart. At the core of preparing this small band of those to whom He would entrust His mantle, was the fear of God. Once that took place, a change took place in His response to them. No longer did He refer to them as servants, but as friends. He had prepared them for change and once they got it, with a united heart and the fear of the Lord, He released them into their destiny. "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends." John 15:15 ___________________________________________________ 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;" "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;" and "Leadership by Anointing," 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 from www.Amazon.com,www.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 atsign@strategicintercession.org for access information on our secure web-site. Likewise, email us to schedule a seminar for your congregation on the wisdom the persecuted church has for the times emerging in the West.  2014 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

The Dream About the Golden Apples and the Glory of the Lord

Golden Apples and the Glory of God 

Part 1 by Tage and Dana Mathisen

Identity Network

 

The Dream About the Golden Apples and the Glory of the Lord

 

In the dream I was with my wife Dana and we were in an open place. It was like it was outside but also inside. There were very few people with us. It felt like a remnant.

 

Then suddenly some small items were covered in gold. One of the items was taken to a bank that appraised gold. The value of the item was so high that all our debts were cancelled and we now had the resources for the journey ahead and the purpose of God.

 

There was a very big apple tree where we were. This tree had hundreds of apples on it. The apples were still small, like an inch in size. Suddenly ALL the apples were covered in gold. When this happened the dream shifted and I could feel that my understanding of what just happened increased a lot. I knew that the apples covered in gold were like the glory of God. It all became so precious and holy.

 

I knew then that we had to protect this and that many would come to try to steal the apples.

 

An older woman in the dream tried to lay something over one of the apples to hide it and steal it. Suddenly something came upon her and she was diminished and disappeared right in front of us.

 

Then a large man in stature was seen in the distance with a lasso. We knew that this person was very powerful and he came at us with his lasso to steal the golden apples.

 

I was behind a wall that looked like a hallway. Then the lasso came towards me to catch me. I grabbed the lasso and saw that the big powerful person came towards me. I told the person that if he touched us or the apples he would be destroyed. He said to me that he was very powerful, but I said to him, that He that is with us is far more powerful. He then sat down and started to cry.

 

We all felt the peace of God take over the whole area and the presence of Gods love was very heavy, very weighty. - End of dream

 

True Peacemakers

 

This dream clearly gives us an indication that God is about to finish a work in His people. Those that have yielded to Him, obeyed Him and also have let Him do His work to prepare a body to be His bride will see that He will let His peace reign in and through them. It will be the start of what it says in Isaiah 9 and it will never end.

 

Isaiah 9:6-7 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

 

While we pray, asking the Father "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven." We are asking Him to establish His Kingdom to rule in and through us. God wants to give us His Kingdom, but He will make sure He can give it to those who are one with Him.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. It is to the sons/daughters of Him that He will entrust the Kingdom.

 

Remember that His Kingdom is the opposite of the kingdom of this world. We see that when Jesus is talking to His disciples in Matthew 5:3-12

 

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

The apples that were hanging on the tree were suddenly covered by pure gold. The Lord has called each one to let His Holy Spirit do a work of sanctification to make Him a people that is one with Him. This has been a work where only by taking up your own cross and following His will can lead to the fullness of Him in you. Those who have rejected His calling for this will not see the grain of wheat die and it will not bare much fruit.

 

John 12:24-26 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

 

God started speaking to me about the difference of leaving everything and losing everything. To leave everything is often the external things such as a job, house, car, family and so on. While losing everything is when the grain falls into the ground to die so it can bare much fruit. That is when you start on the path that is narrow with Him. It is also when you have chosen to lay down your own life and choose to see your own agenda being buried for good. In this process we are learning to not lean on our own understanding but learning to trust the Lord more and more.  Trusting in our own ways is futile, so the goal is to fully trust in Him.

 

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding.

 

The Tree of Life

 

On the narrow path our mind becomes more clear. There is an attack from the enemy but as we learn to hear His voice and to set our life to have our mind renewed we will see things clearer. It is like when you look at something from a great distance, you will see it blurry, but when you get in very close, it all becomes very clear. When the Lord becomes the main thing, we are able to stay in His truth and are able to get to know His ways.

 

Psalms 86:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.

 

As we embrace the truth of the Lord and put His truth higher than other "truths" or traditions of men, we will walk closer to His light and become changed into His likeness. This is the main purpose for a disciple of Christ Jesus, to become like your master. Who or what you make your master is what you become like. Another way to say this would be, what you magnify will manifest. We cannot think for a moment that we can be undetermined and not willing to make a choice and think that everything will be alright. Today as the darkness is growing in all areas of the world, it is clear that choosing to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil only leads to death. Nations are turning away from God, that have been blessed by Him. Nations that were set aside unto God are now causing strongholds of the enemy. Prophet after prophet are calling forth people and nations to turn back to God. The scripture is given in 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

 

As watchmen we have to stand up and by His will stand in the gap like Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel, Moses, Nehemiah, Phinehas, Paul, Peter and Jesus Himself. God is looking to the earth and seeking who is willing to stand in the gap for Him. Today if He calls you, answer Him.

 

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

 

It cost to say yes to walk the narrow path that leads to life. To the world, it can seems like those who walk on this path are weak, but the opposite is true. In fearing the Lord more than they fear man they have gained wisdom and revelation that they are dead in Christ and that they now live for Christ.

 

Phil 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

 

What you fear will master you. The fear of the Lord is not to be afraid of Him like we think of fear, but it is when you set His truth and His way above your own. It is when you trust Him more than you trust yourself or anyone else.

 

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

 

To be continued.

 

Much love and grace.

 

Tage and Dana Mathisen

www.1soul1nation.com

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Israeli Fields Enter Biblical Shmita - Fallow Year

Monday, September 29, 2014 |  Israel Today Staff

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Bible

The new year that began last week on Rosh Hashanah (year 5775 by Jewish reckoning) is a biblically-mandated shmita year in which all farmland is to lie fallow.

While the weekly Shabbat (Sabbath) is a day of rest for man, the shmita is to be a year of rest for the land every seventh year. It is commanded in Exodus 23:10–11, which reads:

You may plant your land for six years and gather its crops. But during the seventh year, you must leave it alone and withdraw from it. The needy among you will then be able to eat just as you do, and whatever is left over can be eaten by wild animals. This also applies to your vineyard and your olive grove.

It is estimated that some 5,000 Israeli farmers obey the above commandment, and the state sets aside around USD $28.5 million to support them during a year without crops to sell.

The largest and oldest Israeli environmental organization, the Jewish National Fund, also strictly adheres to the shmita, and will not prepare any land for new forestation efforts during the fallow year.

At the same time, many Israeli Jewish farmers fearing a significant loss of income circumvent the rules of the shmita, which are encoded in Israeli religious law, by “selling” their land to a non-Jew for a token amount of money. Once the land is in non-Jewish hands, the farmer is free to work it as usual.

Many also believe there is increasing reason to violate the shmita due to a downturn in Israeli agriculture over the past 30 years. Whereas Israel could once boast some 40,000 farms in its tiny corner of the Middle East, today there are only around 13,000 farms in the Jewish state.

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