Sunday, November 27, 2016

WATCH: American Supertanker in Action Near Jerusalem - Israel Today

WATCH: American Supertanker in Action Near Jerusalem

Sunday, November 27, 2016 |  Israel Today Staff
Twenty-nine aircraft are currently taking part in the battle against fires raging across Israel, among them the US 747 Supertanker.
The Supertanker was spotted over the weekend helping to contain a fire that destroyed part of the Jerusalem-area village of Nataf.
Thousands of exhausted firefighters continue to battle blazes, which now number over 600 in the past week.
The northern port city of Haifa and the Jerusalem corridor have been hardest hit. Hundreds of homes have burned, and over 75,000 have been evacuated, many of them with nothing to return to.
The fires have so far consumed 32,000 acres of forest, 30 percent more than the disastrous Carmel Forest fire of 2010.
We are calling on our faithful readers at this critical time to help us restore Israel’s woodlands.
Amidst this tragedy, join us in truly lifting Israel up and planting the land.
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Saturday, November 26, 2016

What Russia's Top Church Leader is Saying about Donald Trump - CBN News

donaldtrump43
What Russia's Top Church Leader is Saying about Donald Trump
CBN News 11-26-2016
The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church believes President-elect Donald Trump is the only American politician to give Russians, and Christians, hope in the war against the Islamic State. 
Patriarch Kirill told Russia Today (RT) he is encouraged by the incoming president's strong position against ISIS. 
"Based on what Mr. Trump said in the course of the election campaign, we can see that he does have the intention to establish a dialogue with Russia, including first and foremost when it comes to combating terrorism," Kirill said. 
"That's good; it opens up new opportunities for cooperation, which is what I hope we're going to have in Russia-U.S. relations in order to tackle this," he added.
"I don't know him personally, and I don't know much about his life, so I can only judge based on his statements, which were in stark contrast to other politicians' stances. There was no hope in what others were saying, while Mr. Trump's words give us hope," he said.
Kirill also told RT that he agrees that Trump is not afraid to speak his mind especially during a time when Christians in America are being shut down by political correctness. 
"It seems as if political correctness is meant to limit Christians' freedom to practice their faith. For example, why should we use 'X-mas' instead of 'Christmas'?," he asked. "We're very wary when, under the guise of political correctness and universal rights and liberties, we glimpse signs of discrimination against the people who want to be open about their Christian convictions." 
As Russia's Vladmir Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory and later vowed to dialogue with the U.S. "on the basis of mutual respect," Kirill said it is important for Christians to continue to pray for the nations that are working to eradicate terrorism. 
"All that is left to us as Christians is to pray and, of course, work together with everyone, so that all the nations involved realize that collaboration is instrumental. We keep hearing that the coalition has its own approach, and Russia has a different stance. Well, now is the time when we can't have two conflicting positions any longer; we need to align ourselves with each other," he said.

Israel to Begin 3-Year Search for More Dead Sea Scrolls - CBN News

Dead Sea scroll museum in Jerusalem

Israel to Begin 3-Year Search for More Dead Sea Scrolls
CBN News 11-15-2016

JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel is set to embark on a three-year expedition to search for additional Dead Sea Scrolls and other antiquities in the Judean Desert.
The expedition, led by a government research team, will mark the first large-scale archaeological survey of the area in more than 20 years. It's set to begin next month.
The archaeologists plan to survey hundreds of desert caves near the Dead Sea, where the world's oldest biblical manuscripts were discovered in 1947.   
The government initiated the expedition after looters found manuscripts in the area in recent years.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are thought of as the crown jewel of Israeli antiquities.
Recently, the Palestinian Authority petitioned UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to deny Israeli ownership of the Dead Sea Scrolls, saying the caves where they were found are beyond the "green line," making them stolen property.

Revival in Iran: 'I Want to Be a Christian' - CBN News Chris Mitchell


Revival in Iran: 'I Want to Be a Christian'
11-23-2016
CBN News Chris Mitchell

CENTRAL TURKEY -- When we think of Iran, scenes of mobs shouting "death to America," blindfolded hostages, and radical leaders demanding nuclear technology come to mind.
But there's another side of the country: Iranians who love America, Israel, and Jesus Christ.
CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell met and talked with some of these Iranian believers outside of their country in central Turkey.
Infectious Faith
When someone gets baptized in this house church, people clap and cheer like fans at a World Cup match. While they've suffered persecution and often fled for their lies, they still possess an infectious and joyous faith like Iranian believer Raizal.
"Growing up I wanted to say I grew up [with] Jesus Christ," Raizal told CBN News. "Every time, His name was in my mind. And the next moment I started liking Christianity."
"It was really sweet to me, the feelings, the stories, everything. So by the time I was 15, I believed in Him and I said I want to be a Christian," he said.
Many Iranian refugees have fled Iran and come here to Turkey where they can seek refugee status with the United Nations. Some say it's just like coming out of the darkness.

"[It's] totally different from Iran," Iranian Christian Afshin told CBN News. "I can privilege [speak about] God's Word to other guys. I can freely praise the Lord. I can easily go to church. It's completely different."
Pastor Saeed's Church
Afshin attended the church led by American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who languished for years in an Iranian prison.
Following his arrest in the summer of 2012, the church disbanded. Later Afshin found himself on the run.
"As a result, I came out of Iran because day by day it was more difficult and it was more risky for me also," he explained.
"I had to change our home because I was sure that one day they would realize my home as an underground house church," he continued. "They would recognize it; the intelligence services would recognize it."
Internet Church 
Others, like Raizal and Reza, her brother, fled for their lives.
"It was really a bad situation there," Raizal recalled. "I couldn't pray [to] God with all my heart because all trouble was there. Even if I say 'Jesus Christ,' they may kill me."
"It become [sic] [a] problem for my job and my health," Reza said. "They tried to kill me [and] then I start to run away."
Despite the constant threat, danger, and risk, these believers keep the faith. Now they've found a church home and family. Their pastor leads house churches in Iran, as well as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Malaysia, all via Skype.
"The main church is my house, and through the Internet I connect to everybody," Reza said. "That's why it's become like an Internet church."

He says a great revival is underway within the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Right now you can see the results of the Holy Spirit," he said. "From 1994, there were about 100,000 believers. Right now, there are 3 million. You can see what the Holy Spirit is doing with the people."
Dreams and Visions of Christ 
Many came to faith through a dream or a vision.
"I had a dream. I had a dream long time back and every time that Jesus was with me," he continued. "And in all of my life, He was helping me and I didn't know who was this Person. Suddenly Jesus Christ was over there and He said, 'Come to Me.' And I came to that side and He accepted me."
Despite all the hardship and being forced from their homeland, these believers exude joy. Many hope to achieve refugee status one day and immigrate to other countries.
In the meantime, they want believers in the West to pray for the Church in Iran.
"And I'm just begging, really, from the other believers, from other sisters and brothers from all over the world, to pray for Iran and to all the people of Iran to find new God and be familiar with God, with Jesus Christ," he said.

Top Congressman: Palestinian Authority’s ‘Pay-to-Slay’ Scheme Has Got to Stop by Barney Breen-Portnoy the algemeiner

Congressman Ed Royce of California, the chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Congressman Ed Royce of California, the chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Top Congressman: Palestinian Authority’s ‘Pay-to-Slay’ Scheme Has Got to Stop

 by Barney Breen-Portnoy    the algemeiner  11.21.16
The US must cut off funding to the Palestinian Authority if it continues to pay monetary rewards to terrorists and their families, the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.
“This pay-to-slay scheme has got to stop,” Republican Congressman Ed Royce of California said in remarks at the Zionist Organization of America’s annual awards gala in New York City.
With this goal in mind — as reported by The Algemeiner — three Republican senators (Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Dan Coats of Indiana and Roy Blunt of Missouri) introduced the “Taylor Force Act” earlier this year, which was named after the 28-year-old West Point graduate who was stabbed to death on the Tel Aviv beach promenade by a Palestinian terrorist in March.
NOVEMBER 25, 2016 1:53 PM
0

US, Western Allies Push Iran to Reduce Enriched Uranium Stockpile as Part of Efforts to Strengthen Nuclear Deal

The U.S. and its Western allies are pressing Iran to take steps to sharply cut the amount of radioactive material...
Another speaker at Sunday’s ZOA dinner — which was the subject of controversy after it was announced last week that senior Donald Trump adviser Stephen Bannon, who has faced allegations of antisemitism, would be in attendance (he ultimately did not show up) — was internationally renowned legal expert Alan Dershowitz.
“The Left in Europe and the United States is moving more left, and the Right is moving more right,” Dershowitz said. “I think these trends are troubling…Israel and Jews have historically always thrived at the center. We’ve always suffered between the extremes of right and left…between the black of fascism and the red of communism.”
“I’m a little worried today that there are Jews in many parts of the world that are being seduced by the hard Right,” Dershowitz went on to say. “We must not become complicit in bigotry, whether it is from the Right or the Left…I think that being pro-Israel can never serve as an excuse for bigotry against any other group. And we must be as stalwart in condemning bigotry among our friends as we are in condemning bigotry among our enemies.”
Dershowitz, a Democrat, vowed, “I will fight to keep the Democratic Party pro-Israel. It won’t be easy. And it won’t be any easier if Keith Ellison is appointed the head of the DNC (Democratic National Committee).”

Friday, November 25, 2016

Israel Begins Arresting Arson Suspects - CBN News Tzippe Barrow


Fires in Haifa, Courtesy TPS, Shay Vaknin
Fires in Haifa, Courtesy TPS, Shay Vaknin
Israel Begins Arresting Arson Suspects
11-25-2016
CBN News Tzippe Barrow
JERUSALEM, Israel – While tens of thousands of Israeli families spent Thursday night in shelters to escape massive fires threatening their neighborhoods, tweets praising the arson spread like wildfire on Arabic-language social media platforms.
"#Israel is burning" was retweeted hundreds of thousands of times, becoming the third highest Arabic-language tweet in Israel and several neighboring countries.  
Shurat haDin, monitoring Arabic-language social media, reported that "#Tel_Aviv_IsBurning" was trending Friday morning, possibly to incite would-be arsonists that Tel Aviv is next.
An estimated 80,000 Israelis were evacuated from Haifa Thursday and some 600 homes destroyed by fire. Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld reported Friday morning that residents of six Haifa neighborhoods were able to return to their homes.
And though several hundred Israelis were treated for smoke inhalation over the past several days, not one life has been lost despite the enormous devastation.
At a press conference Thursday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised the arsonists will be held accountable.  
"Anyone attempting to burn parts of the State of Israel will be punished," he said, calling arson and incitement to arson "terrorism in all respects."
By Friday morning, 12 suspects were in custody and police were looking for others.
Overnight Thursday, firefighting crews battled new blazes, including one in the town of Beit Meir about halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, evacuating 300 people.
Meanwhile in France, Muslim immigrants torched 26 cars in an upscale neighborhood in Paris, presumably expressing their dissatisfaction with people who own nice vehicles. It's not the first time. Last year, 150 vehicles were burned up in one night.
All this destruction took place as American families gathered around festive holiday tables to celebrate Thanksgiving, following a tradition that began with the Pilgrims thanking God for His many blessings.
A number of Israelis and Americans are praying for abundant winter rains to quench the fires and spur new growth on the scorched land.

FIRE - Now Think On This by Steve Martin


FIRE

Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“After this, I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions;  and also on male and female slaves in those days I will pour out my Spirit. I will show wonders in the sky and on earth —
blood, fire and columns of smoke.” (Joel 3:1-3, Complete Jewish Bible)


Fire is an amazing creation of the Lord. When mankind discovered how to make it, and keep it burning, he was able to heat his body and home, cook his food, and scare off marauding enemies that tried to attack him and his community. As knowledge increased, fire was harnessed and used for constructive purposes, by generating power to operate machinery, and in time, electricity.

Destructive fire can burn down populated areas and destroy years of growth in forests. In the later part of 2016, we have seen fires consume vast amounts of acreage in some areas that are not usually known for wildfires, such as in the mountains of North Carolina and the land of Israel. These fires can remove accumulations of underbrush and overgrowth, which is a good thing, but if not gotten under control, they will also emblaze people’s habitations and livelihood.

Arsonists, such as those responsible for the Israeli fires, are bent on destroying that which good people have spent years planting and building up. The hell fire of hell itself lives within their hearts. They seek to kill and destroy, just as their god does.

In the scriptural context of Joel’s prophetic words (verses above), he wrote of both the natural and spiritual fires that were to come upon the earth. In recent decades those fires have already begun to be released, both as a consuming fire for destruction, and a consuming fire for revitalization of human spirits.

"It will come about after this (Note: the return of the Jews to the Promised Land in Joel 1-3) that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. "I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke." 

The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. "And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.” (Joel 2:28-3:1 NASU)

On the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:3-4, Peter exclaimed that the spiritual fire that had come upon them (…and there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance) was a fulfillment of that very declaration of Joel’s prophecy, about that baptism of fire that was coming.

“But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.  For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says,
'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN,
I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT
And they shall prophesy.
'AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE.” (Acts 2:14-19, NASU)

As it happened in Peter’s time, during the birth of the church, so again it has happened, and will continue to happen, in our time, in these end times, as the fire of the Lord has once again come in spiritual power. This consuming fire is to empower His people for the fulfillment of His perfect plan and purpose – that of salvation for both Jew and Gentile in all nations of the world.

While we pray for protection from the natural, destructive fires, at the same time we must pray for the full release of the God of Israel’s supernatural fire – to bring His kingdom upon the earth.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.


  
P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

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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.

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Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)
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Now Think On This - In the Year of our Lord 11.25.16 - #269 –“FIRE” – Friday 1:30 pm

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This


Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve