Tuesday, September 27, 2016

God's Earthly Warriors ✡ "Mighty Man of Valour" - ISRAEL365

And the angel of Hashem appeared unto him, and said unto him: ‘Hashem is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.’

Judges 6:12 (The Israel Bible™)

וַיֵּרָא אֵלָיו מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו יְהוָה עִמְּךָ גִּבּוֹר הֶחָיִל

שופטים ו:יב

va-yay-ra ay-lav mal-akh Ha-shem va-yo-mer ay-lav Ha-shem im-kha gi-bor heh-kha-yil

Today's Israel Inspiration

Today's verse comes in the context of Midianite persecution of the Jewish people, which God brought upon them as a result of their undesirable behavior. When the Jews cried out to God asking for Divine mercy, He sent a prophet to remind them that He is the one who brought the Children of Israel out from Egyptian oppression and into the Holy Land. Rabbi Avraham Kook teaches that the significance of this message, and its modern connection to the Jewish people, is to emphasize that the Exodus is not simply part of the past; rather it was the beginning of a redemptive process which continues throughout Jewish history. Thus, all future redemptions, including the mighty Gideon’s ultimate defeat of Midian, and the Israel Defense Forces' defeat of Israel's enemies, are all part of the ongoing redemption that will culminate with the coming of the Messiah and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. From here we see that our IDF soldiers are not just defenders, but have a place in the grand scheme of the ultimate redemption. As the new year approaches, the IDF is on call 24/7 to ensure Israel a safe New Year.

Help make our soldiers' Rosh Hashana equally sweet »

I am an Israeli Soldier,
Proud to Be

An IDF soldier lives each and every day with one purpose: to defend their homeland. And we wouldn't have it any other way!

Watch »

A Sweeter New Year
for Our Soldiers

“For Rosh Hashana, one of the most important days of the year, we want those who need it most to know that the upcoming year is filled with promise, care and joy,” said Dr. Grossman.

Read »

Prepare for Winter With IDF Apparel

The best soldiers are the ones that are prepared. You know winter is coming, so why not get your IDF sweatshirts when you can save 15%? Show your pride in the Israeli Defense Forces.

All IDF Apparel 15% OFF! Shop Now! »

Today's Israel Photo

The Golani Brigade's intense and week-long recruitment process for its elite reconnaissance battalion is just one of the many ways our IDF soldiers prove their devotion to defending the Holy Land! This Rosh Hashana, bring a smile to their faces and warm their hearts.

Sweeten an IDF soldier's holiday »

If you enjoy your Israel365 daily email newsletter, please consider planting a tree or buying products from our store to bless the Land and the People of Israel.

“Todah Rabbah” to our Latest Tree Donors

Sallie G. from South Carolina for planting a tree!
Margaret K. from Michigan for planting 2 trees!

Plant a Tree in Israel »

“God Bless Israel"”

It’s great to hear from you and make new friends from all over the world. Please send me an email and let me know how you are enjoying Israel365 (don’t forget to say where you are from!).

Stay in Touch »

I thank God for the news letters that i receive, i enjoy reading them i want to know more about israel. God bless israel and protect israel.
- Jennifer Africa, Zambia

Shalom,
Rabbi Tuly Weisz
RabbiTuly@Israel365.com

Copyright © 2016 Israel365, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up for daily Israel Scenes and Inspiration on our website,www.israel365.com.

Our mailing address is:

Israel365

34 Nahal Ein Gedi Apt #17

Beit Shemesh 9909875

Israel

New Movement Prompts Pro-Israel Christians to Fight BDS - RACHEL SCAPA/KEHILA NEWS ISRAEL CHARISMA NEWS

The Radiant Group has started UBIS, which stands for "Unite, Bless, Invest and Support" Israel. (Radiant Group)

New Movement Prompts Pro-Israel Christians to Fight BDS

9/27/2016 RACHEL SCAPA/KEHILA NEWS ISRAEL CHARISMA NEWS

When it comes to the anti-Israel and anti-Jewish movement's financial resources, it might seem that they have it all: expensive media campaigns to boycott Israel products; bullying of artists who announce their tours to Israel; purchasing Israeli products in supermarkets abroad in order to destroy them as well as other means of aggression.

And when it comes to pro-Israeli and pro-Jewish activism, sometimes it looks pale comparing to Israel's enemies. For the many thousands of millions in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds invested by BDS, it seems that pro-Israel activism is still many steps behind.

But an Israeli company is changing that, radiantly.

Radiant Group, a young and thriving company based in the Galilee region, is bringing tour groups to Israel, connecting them directly to Israeli ministries and thus investing and sowing in the land of the promise. Radiant Group created also a new movement in order to fight boycotts against Israel: UBIS, which stands for Unite, Bless, Invest and Support.

"Radiant Group was founded in January 2016 in response to the pressing need for real and intimate relationships between the body of Messiah in the nations and the body here in the land of Israel," says Gilad Rosinger, founder and CEO of Radiant. "On the macro level, Radiant Group was founded to counter the growing BDS movement and the rise of anti-Semitism worldwide. Specifically to the insane statistic of NGO's spending a total of over 100 million euros per year to delegitimize the state of Israel."

Here is a question-and-answer with Rosinger about Radiant's mission and efforts:

RS: Tell us about the vision for the tour groups. How is that different from other tour companies?

GR: Radiant Tours has launched "Bless Israel Tours." This vision has come to life to help supporters of Israel connect with the Land and the people in a way that has never been offered before. Our focus is on relationships. We understand that supporters of Israel around the World are tired of the "cookie cutter" tours that operate like a factory and are somewhat mechanic in their nature. The typical tour lands at the airport and is then rushed from hotel to hotel and site to site without truly connecting with the land or the people. "Bless Israel Tours" are custom designed, focused on connecting with believers and ministries in Israel. We organize prayer meetings, worship gatherings, volunteer opportunities, meetings in the Knesset, Shabbat dinners in a believing Jewish home and many other activities that are designed to truly impact all people involved. The main goal is to establish lifelong relationships and introduce the kingdom family from the nations to Israel.

RS: Do you work only with local believers, such as tour guides, bus drivers, guest houses and hotels? Or do you work also with unbelievers you reach out to?

GR: We are open to blessing Israel in any way that the Holy Spirit leads us. Our focus, however, is the believers in Israel, and helping them grow in stability so that they can walk into their true calling. Our vision for Radiant Group is not only to bless the tourists, but to bless many ministries, believers and businesses here in the land. We work with guest houses and hotels that are run by believers and also nice hotels that are part of the economy of Israel. We specifically get to know the hearts desires of the group and then we match them up with their wishes.

RS: How does this is going to change the actual picture of tourism to Israel?

GR: This completely changes the game as far as tourism in Israel. Because of our unique connections here, and over 30 years of developing friendships and relationships, we have been blessed with some of the best connections and insight into the real needs in the promised land. We are able to make connections for tour groups that they have been longing for a very long time, but were unable to make. The reason they were unable to do so, is that the conventional tour companies don't deal with relationship connections. The response has been incredible, and we believe that this is the time for action. We live in a time where there is a pressing need to go deeper in our understanding of God's Word and the true spiritual principle of blessing Israel. Radiant Group provides just that.

RS: That is encouraging! Please tell us about UBIS.

GR: UBIS is the global movement we are launching to counter the BDS movement. BDS stands for Boycott, Divest and Sanction. UBIS stands for Unite, Bless, Invest and Support. We have a large network of ministries, businesses and organizations that are doing big things in Israel to bless the Land and the people. Through UBIS we are providing a trustworthy and transparent platform for people to bless Israel and stand with Israel in this critical time.

RS: How can pro-Israel Christians join the UBIS movement?

GR: Pro-Israel Christians and supporters of Israel can take a few actions to support the UBIS movement.

They can book a "Bless Israel Tour" through Radiant Tours.
They can use a Radiant Group business expert to handle their business needs (website development, video production, project management, marketing services and so forth).
They can visit our website radiantisrael.com and click on the UBIS tab and make a donation toward the UBIS movement. This will help us create social media campaigns, bless various ministries and organizations in the land and much more.

RS: How can Israel-based ministries be a part of what Radiant Group is doing?

GR: We are here to serve. Israeli ministries can simply contact us for any other needs or ideas on how you would like to bless Israel. We can add them to our network and, depending on a group's wishes, we can make the connection between them.

RS: Here is a tough question, but it needs to be asked: Do you direct the groups toward certain ministries more than others?

GR: That's a great question. Yes we do. We take our mission seriously and want to make sure that only organizations and ministries which are trustworthy and righteous are being blessed. Currently, we have many partners and we know them personally. This is why people can count on with Radiant Group, that the seeds they sow here, will be sown in fertile soil. We are also open to working with any ministry or organization that is walking in truth and blessing people.

RS: What would you like the Israeli believers both Jews and Arabs would know about Pro Israel Christians around the world?

GR: Israel and the people of Israel are not alone! First of all, the Holy One of Israel has their back! And He is raising awareness—about the local believers and their struggles to minister in Israel—through Christians who truly and wholeheartedly love the God of Israel, His Word, His people and His Land, and they wish to be connected to them—directly. The words of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah 60:1-5 are very much a part of these pro-Israel Christians' lives:

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For the darkness shall cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord shall rise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you. The nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather themselves together; they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried at your side. Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart shall thrill and rejoice because the abundance of the sea shall be converted to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you."

So it is time for the body of Messiah in the nations and in Israel to unite and be radiant.

Rachel Scapa studied journalism at the Open University TLV under Yedioth Aharonoth's journalist Dudi Goldman. She served as news correspondent for various radio stations abroad, including BBC 3 Counties and Voice of America, both in English and Portuguese, giving the best reports from Israel. Currently she has two radio shows--one in Portuguese, which she has had for more than 13 years, presenting News from Israel and the ME. In the other, in Hebrew, she presents Brazilian music, on an Israeli secular radio station. Rachel is also a columnist for a Christian newspaper in Brazil, distributed over the triple border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Presently she writes for the Israeli Messianic Jewish magazine Kehila News, published in Englsih, Hebrew and Spanish.

3 Reasons Why you should read Life in the Spirit. 1) Get to know the Holy Spirit. 2) Learn to enter God's presence 3) Hear God's voice clearly! Go deeper!

Has God called you to be a leader? Ministry Today magazine is the source that Christian leaders who want to serve with passion and purpose turn to. Subscribe now and receive a free leadership book.

Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive it by email.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Christians in North Korea Face Brutal Persecution - CBN News

Christians in North Korea Face Brutal Persecution

CBN News 09-26-2016

Christians in North Korea are being enslaved, raped, tortured and killed at an alarming rate under Kim Jong-Un's leadership, according to a new report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

In the report called Total Denial: Violations of Freedom of Religion or Belief in North Korea, CSW said freedom of religion "is largely non-existent."

"Religious beliefs are seen as a threat to the loyalty demanded by the Supreme Leader, so anyone holding these beliefs is severely persecuted," the report said.

"Christians suffer significantly because of the anti-revolutionary and imperialist labels attached to them by the country's leadership."

Documented incidents against Christians include "being hung on a cross over a fire, crushed under a steamroller, herded off bridges and trampled underfoot."

This list goes on to include things like "extra-judicial killing, extermination, enslavement/forced labor, forcible transfer of population, arbitrary imprisonment, torture, persecution, enforced disappearance, rape and sexual violence, and other inhumane acts."

As a result of these violent acts, believers are forced to practice their faith in secret. The North Korean regime estimates there are about 13,000 Christians in the country, but Christian leaders believe the number to be higher.

Cornerstone Ministries International told the Christian Today that the number could be as high as 200-300,000.

Persecution runs deep even for those who don't practice Christianity but associate with Christians. They often find themselves in trouble.

"A policy of guilt by association applies, meaning that the relatives of Christians are also detained regardless of whether they share the Christian belief," the report said.

"Even North Koreans who have escaped to China, and who are or become Christians, are often repatriated and subsequently imprisoned in a political prison camp."

Despite the risk, there are 121 religious facilities in the country and it is believed that there are close to 500 house churches, though those numbers are difficult to confirm.

The regime is actively hostile to religion and religious believers, both domestically and internationally. Many North Koreans are suffering because of their faith, and the international community needs to act urgently to end impunity and ensure accountability," the report from CSW read.

"The UN and other members of the international community must ensure that human rights are central in any negotiations with North Korea... Every effort must be made to seek accountability and justice for the North Korean people, who suffer human rights abuses on a scale unparalleled in the modern world."

Evidence of Ancient Jewish Presence Found in Jordanian Church - JNS BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

Illustrative: Seven-branched menorah carved in stone. (Shutterstock)

Evidence of Ancient Jewish Presence Found in Jordanian Church

JNS September 25, 2016 BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

“And there shall be six branches going out of the sides thereof: three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candle-stick out of the other side thereof.” Exodus 25:32 (The Israel Bible™)

A menorah carving found in a 1,400-year-old Byzantine church in Jordan provides the first substantial evidence of Jewish presence in the ancient city of Abila, which has long thought to have a Jewish population, Haaretz reported.

The seven-branched menorah with a three-legged branch was carved on a stone block found in the second tier of a wall in the church, while excavating the Byzantine church from the sixth or seventh century C.E.

“This is the first physical evidence of a Jewish presence at Abila, and holds great promise that further discoveries will give more evidence in this direction,” said Dave Vila, head of the excavations.

Stay up to date with all your Prophecy News!

Archaeologists can only confirm that the menorah carving predates the church which is 1,300-1,400 years old.

The stone block is believed to be repurposed from another structure, such as a synagogue. Menorahs similar to this carving are often discovered on mosaic synagogue floors from the Late Antiquity period, from the late third century A.D. to the mid-seventh century A.D.

New Christian Film Leaves Pro-Choice Audience in Awe - SHAWN A. AKERS CHARISMA MAGAZINE

A scene from the movie, "Voiceless." — A scene from the movie, 'Voiceless.' (YouTube)

New Christian Film Leaves Pro-Choice Audience in Awe

9/23/2016 SHAWN A. AKERS CHARISMA MAGAZINE

With little to no filmmaking experience, the last thing Stuart Migdon wanted to do was make a movie about the controversial subject of abortion. It's not the "feel-good" flick many people want to see on a Friday or Saturday night.

Yet Migdon and his partners knew they wanted to do something to impact American culture for Jesus. They tossed around a few other ideas and prayed diligently for direction. Ultimately, they all hearkened back to the same revelation: the abortion issue must not be dismissed.

But Migdon and his partners also realized that a film about abortion had to be made with the utmost vigilance to prevent even more division between the already volatile relationship of the pro-life and pro-choice camps. They knew the task ahead of them would be gargantuan, but critical.

Five years later—through much discouragement, consternation and some doubt—the film Voiceless emerged. The movie opens in select theaters on October 7 and, from all preliminary indications, it is making the desired impact on those who have previewed it.

"When we decided we were going to do this movie, we knew that it would be uncomfortable for us," said Migdon, the film's executive producer. "We knew it was a huge risk for us, but God opened all the doors for us to do it.

"We wanted to make a movie that would motivate Christians to engage in the culture against the sin of abortion. Many Christians, instead of being salt and light, meld themselves into the culture in which they live. They don't engage the culture; they let the culture engage them. And that's a big problem, especially with this issue."

National Right to Life estimates that, since the Supreme Court's decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973, more than 58 million unborn children were aborted through 2015. Romans322.com estimates that more than 794,000 babies have been aborted in 2016.

A Gallup poll revealed that 52 percent of women having an abortion identified themselves as a Christian. In 2015, Lifeway Research found that number to be closer to 70 percent.

"Most churches will simply avoid this subject matter," said Migdon, a Christian author and ministry leader who is the founder of Jesus Take the Wheel Ministries. "In fact, Student for Life of America did a survey and found about 94 percent of evangelical churches don't have a pro-life ministry, and members of those churches are not hearing anything about abortion from the pulpit.

"The advantage we had in making this movie is that very statistic. Evangelicals, for the most part, are pro-life. We're hoping that our film will help kick-start this ministry in every church across the nation."

Surprising Pro-Choice Reception

A recent screening at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival produced what Migdon says were surprising reactions, considering many of those in attendance were "very liberal, artsy people."

"My partner and I were very nervous about the screening. But when the movie was over, they gave us a standing ovation," Migdon said. "We were told that people were very impressed by the way we didn't vilify the pro-choice movement, the fact that it doesn't pit pro-choice vs. pro-life. Many pro-choice people have said they don't agree with us, but that it's an inspiring movie. And, many pro-life people say they are now motivated to do something about it."

The Movie

Voiceless centers around Jesse Dean, a recently discharged soldier who came from a rough upbringing. Upon marrying, his wife brought him to faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit took firm hold of him. He and his wife moved to Philadelphia to take a job as an outreach leader at an older church with a declining membership. Little did he know the church stood directly across the street from an abortion clinic.

Determined to make a difference, Dean, played by Rusty Joiner (Last Ounce of Courage; CSI Miami), begins to engage with the abortion clinic, but receives resistance from his church, the community and even his wife. He's forced to make the difficult choice of backing off or putting everything in his life on the line.

The film encourages people to stand up for what they know is right—particularly as it pertains to taking God's truths into society—and to address social issues. It addresses the spirit of retreat as it pertains to engaging the culture of apathy that has developed within the church.

"When it comes to the issue of life, silence is not an option," said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. "We are called to be a voice for the voiceless, from the womb to the tomb, elevating and respecting the Imago Dei inside every human being. Voiceless shares a prophetic message from a time such as this."

In 2015, the Northeast Film Festival (a secular film festival), rewarded Migdon and his partners with the award for the best feature. The movie garnered several other awards, including best director (Pat Necerato), best actor (Joiner), best supporting actress (Victoria Gates), best screenplay and audience choice.

The message and the quality of the movie awed Lloyd Pulley, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge Church in New Jersey. Pulley says Calvary Chapel Old Bridge has about 20 members active with its pro-life ministry.

"I was speechless at Voiceless," Pulley said. "I've seen a lot of Christian movies that are very raw, but this one rings true. It's very real. Pastors don't want to get into a political thing, so they stay away from the abortion issue. But it's not just a side issue. What are we doing if we're not involved in people's lives, the young girls who are making these decisions.

"I saw myself in that pastor in the movie. I stepped away from the pro-life movement for a while myself because of the baggage that was involved with it. I soon realized that was a mistake. To me, this is an issue that's affected the conscience of a nation. Abortion brings initial relief, but then gives way to years of psychological pain, shame and regret. We as the church have a tremendous opportunity to help the men and women involved in this, and to help a generation not to go down that road. If we don't, it's going to continue to be a problem of cataclysmic proportions."

Pulley says his church's pro-life ministry has encouraged many women to deal openly with their past and the abortions they had been hiding. That includes his wife, who, after many years, told others what she had done.

"When she confessed that to loving people, I saw a change in her countenance," Pulley said. "It was like a huge burden had been lifted off of her. It's like Joseph, who God used to rescue his brothers. After hiding a dirty little secret for 20 years, they openly acknowledged it, and they became leaders of the nation.

"Our nation will be under judgment for the blood that has been spilled. But this could be an opportunity for a huge turn of repentance. The church needs to wake up and see what it can do. If it does, you can be sure God will move."

Personal Connection

Migdon himself can relate to the message of the movie. At 18, his girlfriend became pregnant, and many of his friends and members of his family openly encouraged them to seek an abortion.

It was never an option for him or his girlfriend.

"Even though I had no idea of how we were going to make it, I never thought about an abortion," Migdon said. "We didn't hesitate—we got married. We were poor, and I was determined to finish school. I came from a Jewish family and didn't even become a believer until years later, but God knew what he was doing. He convicted both of us. We struggled for a while but pressed on. God is so good."

Migdon hopes his story, and the message of Voiceless, will sear the conscience of the nation.

"I want people to see this movie and get inspired to stand up and do something against the sin of abortion," Migdon said. "We want every church in America to start a pro-life ministry. We've aligned ourselves with several large pro-life ministries to assist in this effort. Our motivation is to motivate Christians to see that they can make a different. It takes only one person to get uncomfortable and engage in the culture. God takes care of the rest."

Shawn A. Akers is the online managing editor at Charisma Media.

Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.

Get to know the Holy Spirit and how to interact with Him on a daily basis. Learn to enter God's presence and hear His voice clearly for yourself! Go deeper in your faith with Life in the Spirit and change your life and destiny. Are you ready to start your journey?

Rabbi Jonathan Cahn: This Is a Time of Testing - JENNIFER LECLAIRE CHARISMA NEWS

Rabbi Jonathan Cahn: This Is a Time of Testing

Jennifer LeClaire is now sharing her reflections and revelations through Walking in the Spirit. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

American Christians are watching gospel-preaching pastors endorse a presidential candidate that supports abortion and other antichrist agenda while our nation's future hangs in the balance.

"This is a time of testing ... our testing," says Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, author of the new best-seller The Book of Mysteries. "What did Messiah say? He said, 'You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.' Well, what happens if the salt loses its saltiness?"

Cahn is quoting from Matthew 5:13 and most Christians know the answer to the question. So where do we go from here with America declining into darkness?

Watch Cahn's recent appearance on The Jim Bakker Show to find a hopeful answer.

Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, co-founder of awakeningtv.com, on the leadership team of the New Breed Revival Network and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening;Mornings With the Holy Spirit, Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of God; The Making of a Prophet and Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer onFacebook or follow her on Twitter. Jennifer's Periscope handle is @propheticbooks.