Category Archives: Israel

October 11, 2015 · 8:28 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is —

Greetings, Brothers and sister,

May we bathe in the abundant fullness of life that He has given us in Himself, and bring glory ONLY to His Name.

“Looking unto Him” was my word to keep at the forefront of my life this year. Keeping this exhortation at the forefront of my year has greatly impacted my life and I intend to KEEP it at the forefront.  Indeed, it is the battle call of the day. SURELY this is the message that I need − and maybe you too − in these days ahead of us, just to survive.

I was amazed to hear from many of you that what is happening here in Israel is not generally being reported in the western media at all. So you need to know that our area is exploding.

You need to know so that you can pray and so that you yourself can be prepared for the seriousness of the hour.  May The Lord direct me as I write for His glory.

I have just come back from running errands and also meeting a sister down town. Usually it is bustling on a Sunday morning, but today it is tense and quiet.  In most of the places that I went to do errands, I was the ONLY customer in the shop.  Even in the supermarket there were just a handful of people.  My husband just told me that he has had no customers so far today. None.

Thursday, on the way to work, I watched the familiar “first alert” motorcycle park in front of the synagogue across from the doctor’s office where I work.  I don’t know how many other countries have these, but we have an army of “ambulance-motorcycles” that can scoot through traffic jams right to the emergency scene.  Usually this one is already parked at the synagogue before I arrive just before 7 a.m., but this morning he must have been late. I saw him for the first time ever. He was a young man with a prayer shawl draped over his army uniform, removing his motorcycle helmet with one hand and a prayer book in the other, running into the synagogue to pray. The sight stopped me in my mind and its image imbedded itself in my mind.  What can I say? This is Israel.

The news media just reported that 18 Israeli terror victims still remain in hospital, 3 in critical condition. These are the results of numerous knife and stone throwing attacks that have taken place since this past Wednesday.

This morning an Arab woman detonated a device in her car at a border crossing injuring one border patrolman and badly injuring her.  The police presence is strong everywhere, with sniffer dogs walking up and down main roads.  At the slightest sign of something irregular, citizens run up to one of these guardians and point toward what needs to be checked out.

I think that it was Thursday when the bomb squad was called to an underpass in front of my house. I had to stand clear od the windows while the bomb was detonated.

But it isn’t just in Jerusalem or other big cities.

With the Syrian war raging on our northern border, which includes the presence of Iran, Russia and Hezbollah, areas of the northern Arab towns have started to erupt with demonstrations.  From Gaza, rockets have again begun to fly, and large groups of rioters have succeeded twice in breaking the Gaza border fence and infiltrating into Israel.  It seems that both inside and on all of our borders there is a renewed surge to press us into the sea.

What has caused this latest escalation and what will the outcome be?  Is it spontaneous as they are claiming?

I think NOT!

In my OPINION, there is one BIG factor that I have not seen spoken of anywhere:  the agreement between the west and Iran.  Even before the agreement was ratified by the US, huge European investors were pounding at Iran’s doors to invest and renew trade.  Forget any of their money, which might remain sanctioned, the new money is pouring into Iran.

They immediately became the key to negotiating any middle-east problem and the wise son to be courted.  They increased their production of weapons and were again exporting them.  In my OPINION: THAT was the sign that the Palestinians were waiting for because with Iran out of isolation and having money, Hamas and Hezbollah again have their strongman backer again.

The cry that went out from mosques and Arab leaders proclaimed: “Israel is Judaizing Jerusalem! Defend the Alaksa Mosque!  The Jews are trying to destroy the mosque!  They are changing the status quo!

These statements have been hammered into the heads of Arabs, actually for years, but suddenly the soil was right for the seeds to sprout and ripen.

1) Their meaning of “Judaizing Jerusalem” says that Jews have no history in this region, and certainly not on Temple Mount.  There never was a temple.  Jews are making it up to destroy the great legacy of Islam that has been the owner from the beginning.

2) The Jews are trying to destroy Alaksa Mosque is ridiculous!  Our police and soldiers are the ones who have defended it against a few radicals over the years who decided to blow it up, but these were very isolated. They were swiftly dealt with by Israeli law.  When renovations of the ramp to the temple mount were being carried out, the cry went out that we were trying to destroy the mosque.  The same cry went out when the Hashmonian Tunnel was open.  It is an empty accusation as they all are.

3) The ‘status quo’ − which is just as it says: that what has been will continue. It in fact has NOT changed DESPITE the fact that the news media is screaming “Jews refuse entry to temple mount of Moslem worshippers!”

But yes, this is all PART of the status-quo!  The riots are generally carried out by young men who store up rocks, Molotov cocktails and other weapons in the mosque to throw down on Jewish worshippers at the western wall.  When that happens (NOT infrequently) an age limit is set on Moslem men allowed to enter the compound.  It’s the law and it prevents riots and injuries.  When calm is restored the age limit is lifted.

I know that I don’t have to tell most of you these things. It perplexes most Israelis that the world seems so blind.  How can people not see and not understand?

But HE walked these very streets in this very city and WE did not see and understand.  It’s sadly EASY to be deceived and to believe something that isn’t the truth and then to disbelieve Truth.

And that is precisely why “Looking unto Jesus…” has meant so much to me.  I can’t trust myself to discern the truth. Only HE Who IS Truth can rightly divide it to me.  I mean, how many times did His own followers not even recognize Him in the flesh? What in the world makes me think that my little pea brain can discern TRUTH in this upside down world?  ONLY BY HIS SPIRIT CAN I KNOW TRUTH!  I am convinced of that…and yet I still let that old pea brain carry me away once in awhile.  How PROUD a little pea can be!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPIRIT LED PRAYERS FOR OUR NATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOD’S PLANS AND PURPOSES FOR HIS GLORY.

God bless you.

Lovingly,

your sister J

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , ,

October 4, 2015 · 6:40 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is —

I greet you dear friends, sisters and brothers, in The Name of Yeshua.  May He be blessed and glorified and may you be blessed and encouraged.

It is near sundown − erev sukkot − (erev meaning “the evening when the appointed time begins”) and the weeklong festival of Sukkot  (or Feast of Tabernacles in English) will start.

This is my favorite holiday and one of the 3 “commanded feasts” when God told all of Israel to come up to Jerusalem and present themselves to Him and bring an offering with them. (Deut. 16:16).

Although there is no longer a temple, the children of Israel STILL come up to Jerusalem and present themselves before Him. And I love it.  We are COMMANDED to rejoice before Him, to spend time in the sukka, and to give thanks.  What a mighty God we serve, so full of merciful love that He would COMMAND us to do such a thing whether in time of quiet or times of danger and trouble. (Dare I say it is like the doctor telling you to just please eat ALL of the ice cream and chocolate that you can.)

Until last year, the building of our sukka and having people over to rejoice with us brought me great joy.  The apartment that we now rent in is not conducive to building a sukka. So my husband said, “No sukka.”

His words presented me with the perfect opportunity to accept what my flesh didn’t want and then NOT have a pity party. Instead we wander around the city and stop at strangers’ sukkas.

Yes, this is not only acceptable behavior, but is considered a blessing to the hosts.  No one will turn you away and you are free to share the host’s food.  It is a wonderful way to meet new people and experience different traditions.

If you google “photo sukka” or something like that, you will see a variety of sukkas.

I barely survived the crowds at the shuk yesterday. They were particularly huge this year due to the fact that Sukkot began at sundown on Sunday.  Saturday –Shabat – everything is closed. Friday is of course the preparation for Shabat. Plus, the Yom Kippur fast preceded all this.  Whew!  It meant that the sukka and all of the feast preparations had to be squeezed into a race before sundown, beginning at the shuk.  The shuk’s crowds were swollen by tourists from around the world here for either Sukkot or the various feast of tabernacles conferences and convocations.

Since I am short, the increase of tall people (Westerners) among the pressing crowd made shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables a particular challenge. The 7 species market was also in full action with the religious and curious shopping for the traditional lulav and etrog.

I will NOT spend the time to explain this tradition, but if you are interested, please google “shaking of lulav” or blessing of lulav for more information.  It seems to me that this has progressively become a more and more central theme of religious observance over the past 21 years.

I had one fun encounter at the yams.  In a small alley of the shuk (known for some reason as the “Iraqi shuk,” which used to be a less expensive area), I was squeezed between an older ultra religious man and an older lady with a big shopping cart.  The man began to complain loudly and I said, “Sal’vla’noot, sal’vla’noot.” This is something EVERY Israeli hears ALL of the time, which means, “Patience…patience.”

“Ayn lee salvlanoot!” (I HAVE no patience) the religious man told me.

I raised my eyes and looked at his eyes and said, “Ah!  But we NEED patience.  It is commanded of us.”

“Yes, but I have none and I don’t know where to get it!”

My answer surprised me as it didn’t come from me.  I pointed up and looked up. “It only comes from Him and it is more precious than gold, yet we must buy it.”

“And how do we buy it?” he asked sadly but seriously.

“Only by looking AT Him and asking Him for it.”

My heart felt like it smiled through my eyes.  Suddenly our path to the yams opened up and we wished one another a “khag sameach” or “joyous holiday with patience.”

The hot weather and sand storm damaged much of the fruit and vegetables, forcing prices way up and bringing quality down.  Our usually beautiful and tasty tomatoes, which generally cost between a shekel to 4 shekels a kilo were going for a whopping 16-18 shekels a kilo yesterday and were rather nasty looking.  Although grapes, melons, pomegranates, and apples were in abundance, the prices were quite high and the usual variety was not so evident.  Nonetheless, the COMMAND is to rejoice in the wonderful provision that He has made for us. He HAS provided and He WILL continue to provide. Period.

But Sukkot is more than a week of Thanksgiving, rejoicing over God’s abundant and faithful provision. I have found it to be a PROFOUND revelation of Who God is and what HE wants in a RELATIONSHIP with His children.

Through the years that I was blessed to have a sukka, I would sit out under the sky and look up through a thatch of woven branches, flowers and fruit and see the stars and think about our Big God.  We think that we are so strong. We build strong houses and shelters and strengthen our bodies with food and exercise, but the truth is that HE wrote our days, our hours, and our boundaries. HE numbers the hairs of our heads.  We work and we grow food, but only GOD gives the increase and makes it sufficient.

He calls us to come aside and sit for seven days…a week of shabats…a time set apart to BE with Him.  Don’t we TREASURE special time set apart just to BE with those we love most?  To me, THIS is the meaning of Sukkot.

Yes, it includes remembering how He brought us out of Egypt, but it was His Love that brought us out by His Long Arm. He set apart a peculiar people to learn to love Him through worship and obedience and to love Him for His provision.

And as He is our Home (Psalm 90:1-2 “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”)

He allowed us to build a Temple in the place where He put His Name.  I have written also about this in depth over the years − how it came to me as a revelation while I was praying for the rebuilding of the third temple. His gentle rebuke to my soul and with a movement of His Hand over my eyes to understand that HE IS INDEED RIGHT NOW REBUILDING THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM − THE PLACE WHERE HE CHOSE TO PUT HIS NAME.

Even at this moment, there are clashes happening on the Temple Mount. GOD has called us His temple and yes, He is building His indigenous body, His temple, according to His pattern, HERE in this city again.

And so this week will be jam packed full of events, for both the country’s citizens as well as the visitors from the nations.  Throughout this week, our President (Ruvin Rivlin) will open his sukka for anyone who would like to come and shake his hand and sit in his sukka from 8:30-noon daily.

When we first made aliyah, we were amazed that the president of the country was opening his door to everyone.  We found it hard to believe, so we called the information number to find out what would be required of us to go.  The amused woman on the phone said, “Why OF COURSE you can go.  You and your family and anyone who would like to bless the president and be blessed.  The whole country is welcome.”

So, of course we went and are planning to go again this year.  There is dancing and singing in the streets in many neighborhoods. Free historical tours. Every sukka is open to everyone else, and all are welcome.  All of the restaurants have sukkas as well as the hotels.  There is the priestly blessing (“bircat Cohenim” or the blessing of the Cohenim) that takes place at the Western Wall, and the whole country EATS outside.

And then there is the prayer for rain.

Yeshua KNEW this well when He went to the feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem, where HE walked in the Temple and taught. HE cried out:

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39)

But now The Holy Spirit HAS been given to us. So the Christian feasts intertwine as the Jerusalem march takes place, probably the singularly largest event of the holiday and quite special to behold.

People march up to Jerusalem from all over the country.  Not exactly as it was commanded, but it is the closest we can come to that at this point.  Groups from all over the country participate, soldiers, schools, banks, scouts, phone company, builders, farmers, individuals and families, and plenty more, but by far the largest are the various groups of Christians who come for the feast of Tabernacles.

Many march in the traditional native clothes of their nations and carry banners, often sporting scriptures, throwing to the people flags or pins of their nations, candy, and Bible verses.  The people lining the streets are deeply encouraged.

My husband and I stumbled upon the march for the first time, quite by accident.  We were still VERY new, VERY green immigrants and were waiting at the bus stop, weary, ready to go home.  Wouldn’t you know it − suddenly they roped off the street in front of us. So we sat down on a nearby bench.  As with many big events here in Jerusalem, the actual time and place isn’t openly ANNOUNCED before hand to avoid terror attack.

Suddenly we heard music and it went on and on and ON for several hours.  It wasn’t long before we saw believers with such loving faces, reaching out to us. The CROWDS of bystanders cheered them on, touching and blessing people and REALLY imparting strength and encouragement. What an experience.  Toward the end of the march, the singing from ISAIAH 12 −

“And in that day you will say: ‘O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.  Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ”‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’”  Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation.  And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.  Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.  Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!””

As different parts of this great portion of scripture of Praise is sung, the prayer for water is integral, and while we stood there at that first Sukkot, wouldn’t you know that the rains began to fall upon us.  Now that might be nothing much if you don’t recall that we live in a region that sees 6 months of rain and 6 months of SUN.

It is always easy for us to plan to be outdoors in the summer. It is ALWAYS clear skies. But we pray as a nation for rain and that particular rain, at Sukkot 1994, marked the end of a very long drought.

Yes, Sukkot – the last of the fall feasts – is a wondrous time, a time of joy and a time to remember that it is ALL in God’s Hands.  The hearts of kings and the boundaries of nations as well as our own personal times and seasons.  It is ALL HIM.  We WILL see ALL of His promises come to pass and everything that is written.

May The Lord, Who is ALL in ALL, be glorified…blessed…and  LOVED.  And may His great mercy and peace draw us ever closer to abiding in Him Alone.

Sukkot ‘sameach ‘ (joy),

Your sister J

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

September 27, 2015 · 7:42 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is

Greetings, to you who have the joy of knowing that you are purchased by The Precious Blood of The Lamb and that your names are written in the book of life.

   “The fear of The Lord is His treasure”!  Isaiah 33:6b

The fear of God. Do I really have it or do I weigh actions and appearances of others in my decisions?

Twenty-one years ago, on Yom Kippur, I hand wrote my very first letter to several friends that has blossomed into this letter. I had never seen or witnessed anything like this before: Yom Kippur in Jerusalem.

I grew up in New York City where we observed Yom Kippur as a family along with the other Jewish families.  We children were quietly excused from school, which was not closed, but we were not penalized for our absence. The same happened for Catholic students who were given “free release” for weekly catechism classes. I remember first fasting on Yom Kippur when I was eight years old. But before that I remember being given a new coloring book and we KNEW that we were to be quiet and holy on this most solemn of days.

My sister and I would play quietly on the floor, ignoring the yells of the kids outside playing near our home.  We knew not to envy them. It was who we were: Jewish. This day was our solemn separation.  Our father would be either resting or would don his prayer shawl and be reading his Machzor (prayer book), which contains mostly scriptures and beseeching prayers from those scriptures. He was crippled and even though he was not orthodox, he would not drive on that day.  Nonetheless, the city noisily buzzed around us, and we were a silent island within the city.

That is why I was AMAZED on my first Yom Kippur in Jerusalem!

Between 12-2 p.m. on the day before (called ‘erev Yom Kippur), everything was closing down as people rushed home for a light dinner and to clean up.  The city and country ground to a COMPLETE halt before sundown. Soon, figures dressed in white began to fill the streets, walking with the Machzor in hand.  NO vehicles…NO motors or engines…a totally silent city is an awesome thing to experience!  The shabat horn wails throughout the city to announce that the Yom Kippur day of Atonement (our day begins at sundown) is here and has settled upon us.  The time is NOW.

But then, to my great surprise, just as the flowing white clad figures entered the synagogues to cry out for repentance and cleansing, another phenomena appeared.  In stark contrast to my own childhood, the streets began to FILL with loud unruly children (and some adults) on bicycles.  The streets empty of vehicles were now full of clanging and laughter in total contrast to the mournful sobs in the synagogues.  This was something I had never expected. It didn’t seem to fit.  Late into the night the children and then the teenagers filled the free airspace with raucous noise.

I find this hard.  It bothers me greatly.  Where we live now, we are above a store in a very noisy square and last night’s din was worse than anything that I have ever remembered here or in NYC.  It went on until 4am.  I wept.  But in the midst I have to ask God to search my own heart:  Am I judging or is this a holy anger?  IS it truly that children are not learning a fear of God or is it that I want to apply law’ to their behavior?  Search MY heart, Lord, for I do not know my own heart and certainly Your ways and thoughts really ARE higher than mine.

I can think I’m so smart and really know nothing as You do. ONLY BY YOUR SPIRIT DO WE KNOW ANYTHING after all.   I remember the illustration of a little boy being made to sit down quietly and saying, “I am sitting on the outside but standing on the inside.”

I, personally, was a firm disciplinarian, believing with all of my heart that when one learns to submit into RIGHT discipline, then we learn the great key of disciplining ourselves.

Hebrews 5:8-9 says:

“…though He was a Son yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

But God views a judgmental heart as a grave sin. Search my heart, o Lord, and conform me to Your heart.

Noise bothers my flesh greatly. “Lord!  Grace!”

I went out on to my merepesset and found that with the loud roar of the voices, I was free to raise mine in prayer for the people to be open to His Spirit and that He might come to them and reveal Himself.

What a gift we have in the peace of a cleansed heart.

I think back to the first time that I experienced the feeling of being FREE from the weight of sin and its penalty. Sometimes I take that for granted now.

Late Monday afternoon I stopped at the shuk for several things. Then as I ran to the train, a strong odor stopped me.  I looked up and there it was: the shuk h’kaparah −the sacrifice market that I mentioned in the last letter.  Crates of live chickens were stacked beside me but the table on which they were being killed was not visible as it used to be.

In front of me I watched, an orthodox  father was entering with his 3 young children.  He was explaining to them what would take place as they would all go in to receive this symbolic cleansing.  They were completely attentive to their father, nervous before the weight of the ceremony.  These children would NOT be out riding their bikes I am certain, as in the religious neighborhoods this does not happen.

Food at the shuk has been less varied for the past week or so and WAY more expensive since our intense heat and sand storm did damage the crops.  But there was no lack of vendors to help you buy your repentance from one end of the shuk to the other.  Sacrifice is a word that we know as a people, but it is just that we MISSED THE Atoning Sacrifice.  We didn’t recognize Him. So we continue to look and search and weep. (Those who have not as yet seen Him.) For they look for the way to atone through sacrifice, and … well… it has to be expensive…it has to be paid for…perhaps we can buy it as well.

Many religious men line the shuk offering kaparah – atonement, for sale. The money goes to charity as do the chickens.  Some let you confess your sins, and most record your name and pray for you and promise to keep your name in prayer. There are many different formulas.  Desperate people. Desperate to enter THE PEACE that we have been so FREELY GIVEN. They will try anything.

Will this be the year that they have their eyes open to THE SACRIFICED ATONEMENT?  That is what we believers fast and pray for today with our people − that they too might KNOW HIS GREAT FREEDOM AND PEACE.  OH WHAT A GIFT WE HAVE RECEIVED SO FREELY!  Do we recognize how precious it is daily?  Oh Lord, help me to be daily sharpened by Your Spirit.

As is the custom here, on the news broadcasts leading up to holidays, an assortment of local rabbis are given some time to share a meditation.  On this morning’s news, one was talking about the scapegoat.  He spoke of the High Priest taking two identical goats and casting lots for the one to be released into the wilderness while the other was to be sacrificed. It’s blood was then brought into the Holy of Holies, along with the blood of a bull, just once a year. (SEE LEVIT 16) He spoke about the lots being cast. One would be killed and one would be set free, through no fault or action of his or her own.  He said it was just chance by a lot.

I thought about my own salvation.  I often look at Jesus’ parable of the fishing net.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind,  which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.” (Mat. 13:47-48)

For YEARS I was concerned that He might decide to throw me away because I was so aware that His great mercy had found me in His dragnet, maybe by chance.  But slowly, slowly He gave me the assurance that He was well able to complete that which He had begun in me. I began to know a deeper peace and rest in my faith. It is ALL His work and none of ours, although He does call us to obedience. ONLY BY HIS SPIRIT CAN ANY OF US DO IT AND ONLY BY HIS SPIRIT CAN ANY OF US FIND HIM…EVEN MY PEOPLE, ISRAEL.  HE MUST DO IT!  And ccording to scripture, HE WILL!

THANK YOU FOR HAVING A HEART TO PRAY FOR ISRAEL.  MAY WE EACH SEE HIM MORE CLEARLY AS WE GATHER DAYS…AND MAY WE BE SEEN AS MORE OF HIM AND LESS OF US FOR HIS GLORY ALONE.

God bless you.

Lovingly,

your sister J

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

September 25, 2015 · 5:00 pm

“Are We There Yet?” (Part 3)

I have memorized and meditated on the following verses for weeks at a time, but I missed some major points. Maybe you have too?

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law [Torah] or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law [Torah] until all is accomplished. (Matthew 5:17-18)

My thoughts have aways focused on the premise that Jesus fulfilled the Law [Torah] and since He lived in me, I no longer had to pay attention to the Law [Torah], right?

By faith and through the finished work of the cross, Jesus has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law [Torah] for us believers, but still, have all things been accomplished in the Law [Torah] or the Prophets?

The answer is NO.

Speak to the people of Israel, saying, “On the fifteenth day of this seventh month and for seven days is the Feast of Tabernacles [Sukkot] to the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:34)

The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the seven Jewish feasts, which include the Spring Feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost. Jesus fulfilled these Spring Feasts by being crucified as our Passover Lamb, by being our Bread of Life without sin [Unleavened Bread], by being resurrected as our First Fruits, and by giving us the Holy Spirit at the First Pentecost.

Why is the Feast of Tabernacles so important?

Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths. And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. (Zechariah 14:16-17)

The above scriptures refer to the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ on earth. Notice how every living person is required to go to Jerusalem and observe the Feast of Tabernacles and if they don’t observe the feast, they are cursed with no rain.

Maybe we should study the Fall Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles.

(Continued in Part 4…if you’re interested, the full series to date can be seen here.

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Hebraic roots, Israel, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

September 20, 2015 · 8:15 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is …

Greetings, dear brothers and sisters, from Jerusalem, the still undivided Capital of Israel.

May The Lord be glorified and may you be blessed as I seek to share, once again, about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, as I observe it from here.

Rosh h’shanah has now come and gone. The shofarim have sounded throughout the land and the  Shana tova greetings have changed to g’mar kha’ti’mah tova  [literally: may you end or finish with a good seal or stamp or signature, which means “may your name be sealed in the Book of Life.”]

This greeting is always a perplexing one for me to respond to, for I have the assurance that my name has been sealed in The Book of Life, but how to explain my joy and peace in a way that will make a difference and bear fruit in the lives of those around me is the key that I seek.  Another greeting is easier for me to answer: “tsom kal” [may you have an easy fast]. I respond to this with “May your fast be meaningful.”

Sometimes this answer does bring about a rich exchange of hearts. The thought that we don’t need to endure a fast but to be thankful that through it we can more readily press through to God. This is often a challenging thought to those I speak with daily.

But after 21 years now of meeting Yom Kippur in the land, I notice differences.  As in your land, the generations change and with them also the seasons and the expressions.  An important landmark for one generation often disappears with the next, and so I notice the change of flavors here.

With the holidays (hagim) here, the kids are once again out of school and many tourists flood our city. Both tourists from outside of the country, but also many tourists from other parts of the country.  Jerusalem is to the people, THE HOLY city, the city where the Temple (Beit h’Mikdash in Hebrew) stood and where the Western Wall (kotel in Hebrew) stands as the place of prayer. It’s the ancient city over which so many wars have been fought and are obviously yet to be fought, as the tension only increases daily, particularly over Temple Mount (Har h’Bayit in Hebrew).

As I ride the early morning train I often sit near the same people.  One group of 3 regulars always catch my eye and stir my imagination.  They are 3 Russian speaking men in their late 60s early 70s.  Every morning they are deep in passionate, loud, animated discussion about something or other.  One looks like a businessman and wears a white shirt and a neat knitted kippa.  He always sits on the left.  On the right sits the one with the security guard uniform, who always looks a bit confused and gestures as if he is constantly asking, “why?” B still he’s intent on understanding  what appears to be world shaking decisions.  In the middle sits the one that I call the “philosopher king.” Intellectual, highly passionate and sure of himself, he sits the center of the morning ritual consultation and is the unchallenged leader.  He wears Levis and sandals and sports a professor-like beard, and yet there is no doubt in my mind that these 3 are perhaps neighbors and on equal footing.

What I am observing is a cultural order from the old country.  It really does look as if they are deciding the most serious destinies every morning until they reach the central bus station where they get up and solemnly shake each other’s hands and part ways.

The three men fascinate me morning after morning as I watch their animated discussions.  I was surprised to see “the philosopher-king” this morning with a most unusual, large kippa, but hand-made out of a burlap-type material and stitched with designs similar to American Indian designs in turquoise, burgundy and gold.  Quite striking, signifying the place of his birth, securing his identity, saying  “this is who I am.”

As they went through their parting ritual, my eyes drifted to a lovely tall thin girl in a straight black dress reaching to her ankles, covering the tops of her army boots.  She hiked her huge, heavy backpack on to her back and exited with them.  I guessed she was going to an army base, but perhaps she had been at all night prayers here in Jerusalem.

As I told you, the month before Yom Kippur, the early morning slichut [prayers of repentance] begin and many groups meet all through the night to seek repentance.  After Rosh h’shana, they increase in intensity and become THE main focus.  There are no more preparations for Rosh h’shana, so no distraction from the task at hand, which is to prepare hearts to stand as a people-nation before The Holy God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

This is one the areas in which I’ve see a shift this year. Perhaps it has been happening subtly and I didn’t really take notice?

The days leading up to Yom Kippur have always been considered the holiest time of year − the days of awe.  Certainly I’m not saying that EVERYONE takes the issues of life seriously, but I have always been struck by the fact that MOST Jews do seem really concerned about their eternal fates.  When we first arrived in the land, there were still a few street criers who would go through some of the religious neighborhoods at about 2 a.m. to awaken the people to go to the synagogue for prayer.  This very touching tradition disappeared some years ago now as cell phones became popular with their ever-convenient alarm systems.

I have described to you the shuk h’kaparah (or the sacrifice market) that USED to be out in the open for all. It was a place where chickens were purchased and slaughtered in a ritual manner.  A prayer was said over them and then they were passed over the head (I believe 3 times) of the person being prayed for.  It follows the idea of the scapegoat − that the sins are passed through the blood spilt.  The shuk h’kaparah is now behind curtained areas as the current generation has held some disruptive animal rights demonstrations in recent years. The times change.

However we know that the blood of lambs and bulls were not enough and certainly the blood of chickens was never required. I want to scream that The Precious Blood of The Sacrificed Lamb has prevailed once and for all and has set us free and birthed PEACE within our hearts by bringing us and presenting us CLEAN before The One True and Holy God.

But all of my screaming won’t make it happen without prevailing prayer unto the REAL moving of His Spirit upon prepared hearts so that the veil can once again be pierced and rent and the scales fall from the eyes. Oh may it be soon, even now Lord!

 

The shuk was full of laughing groups of people at 6 a.m. and the challot (shabat bread) was already half sold out.  I grabbed a loaf and gawked at the line of perhaps 30 people.  The worker recognized me and beckoned me to come aside and wrapped my bread, bidding me a shabat shalom.  I felt special and took off for a prayer meeting.

The groups of people were everywhere and it hit me that these were tourists from around the country that came to experience the slichut prayers in Jerusalem.  They find it interesting rather than convicting.

“Are they rowdier than usual this year?” I asked myself.  It seems to me that they are, which made me sad.

After prayer I continued on to work.  On the bus, most people were reading Psalms or prayers.  The seriousness of the time settled in again.  As I walked past several synagogues after the bus ride, I looked in and saw each one filled with men, their heads and shoulders covered in prayer shawls (tallit) with tfillin boxes on their foreheads, straps wrapped around their arms (for the Biblical sources of these traditions see Numbers 15:37-41, Exodus 13:9+16, Deut 6:4-9), their voices fervent, and raised in prayer.

And at work again, serious faces wish me “g’mar kha’ti’mah tova” and I continue to long for and pray for that anointed answer.

God bless you!

Love from your sis in Jerusalem,

J

 

 

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

September 18, 2015 · 11:53 am

“Are We There Yet?” (Part 2)

 

Carol and I walked into our first Hebrew Roots teaching meeting at the Noah’s Ark Christian Bookstore in Temecula, CA. Chauncey Navarro mentioned that his teaching for the evening would be “A Call to Arms” from a Hebrew viewpoint.

We had no expectations, but both of us felt the Lord wanted us to attend the meeting. So, we were eager to learn.

In the first ten minutes, Chauncey used the words: Torah, Pentateuch, Tanakh, and Talmud.

Now, if he would have stopped and asked, “Can anyone tell us what these three terms mean,” I would have slid down in my chair, hoping to hide behind the person in front of me. I had never fully understood these terms.

It turns out the meanings are —

Torah is a Hebrew word that roughly refers to the first five books of Moses, which includes B’resheet (Genisis), Sh’mot (Exodus), Vayikra (Leviticus), B’midbar (Numbers), and D’varim (Deuteronomy). The word Torah is usually translated into the English word Law in most of our English translations, but it more nearly means instructions or directions.

Pentateuch is the Greek translation of the first five books of the Old Testament, and thus our modern Christian translation. Pentateuch means five (penta-) books (-teuchos).

Tanakh is an acronym for Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim, which mean Law, Prophets, and Writings, respectively. It is the whole Hebrew Bible.

Talmud roughly means the Oral Torah or the rabbinic commentary on how to apply the written texts of the Torah.

Chauncey wove his teaching through the books of Revelation, Daniel, Romans, Ephesians, Isaiah, and others, connecting the Old Testament and the New Testament into one seamless teaching. To him, the New Testament is an addendum to the Old Testament.

Okay, but what did I think when the teaching was over?

I went home and rewrote one of my eBooks, which is published on Amazon. There is no doubt that his teaching opened my eyes to new revelations that I had not seen in my thirty years of studying the Bible.

Carol and I finished the week by attending a Feast of Trumpets celebration near Lake Arrowhead, California.

IMG_1780

 

(Continued in Part 3…and if you are interested, the full series to date can be seen here.)

4 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Hebraic roots, Israel, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

September 13, 2015 · 7:22 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is …

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I greet you in The Name of The Lord Yeshua h’Meshiach, Jesus Christ.  May He be blessed and glorified, and may you be blessed and encouraged.  In ALL things may HE have the preeminence.

It’s a “Yellow Day.” We were told that we were about to be blessed with more very oppressive heat, but this sha’arav (dry desert heat) that took everyone by surprise, has literally covered the country with the thick, hard to breath dust and sand of Iraq and Syria. The saying that it is “an ill wind blows no good” seems to be clearly illustrated in dull yellow.  Thick layers of dust cover everything from the pomegranates at the shuk to the laundry on the line, as well as trees, plants, birds and cats and the entire contents of our homes.

As the countdown to Rosh Hashanah races toward us, an apparently unheeded weather advisory was issued to stay indoors and refrain from any unnecessary exertion.  Particularly at risk are the young and old, people with heart or lung problems and pregnant women.  Local airlines were grounded and visibility is nonexistent.

Actually, because the sun is obscured, the 34-37 degree Celsius (in Jerusalem about 100 degrees again), the heat does not feel quite as oppressive as it is expected to feel for the rest of the week when and if the sand moves out of the area and the temperatures continues to soar.

At the shuk today many people covered their mouths and noses in an attempt to breathe easier, but the mood was dusty and yellow.

The weather, though an obstacle to preparations, will not prevent Rosh Hashanah from arriving at sundown on Sunday night, so we must do what we can.  Today, Tuesday, is my last day off so I had no choice but to join the throngs who also felt that they had no choice but to keep shopping.

Rosh Hashanah is the Feast of the blowing of Trumpets (rams horn − the shofar) as I said in my last email.  We are commanded in scripture to have a festive meal and to do no customary work, aside from the blowing of the shofarim, but of course many things have been added.

As this is considered a New Year celebration, there is the giving of gifts, not big ones, but gifts of thanksgiving, just to bless one another.  It might be apples and honey, or a beautifully engraved honey vessel, another trademark of the holiday.  When wishing one another a sweet new year, apples dipped in honey are served. Even in the streets, scouts or other groups offer plates of apple slices dipped in honey to passersby’s  with the greeting “shana tova o’metock o bracha” (a good new year, sweet and blessed).  Sweets, dried fruits and nuts or small household items are shared and perhaps towels or a bowl.  At the traditional dinner, fish is served among many other foods, with the blessing, “May you be the head and not the tail in this new year.”

But of course, this is only the first of the three main fall feast and they are BIG.

The month of introspection has been ongoing as people prepare their hearts for Yom Kippur (the day of atonement). It’s a bit more than a week after Rosh Hashanah – the most solemn time for a Jew when the entire nation grinds to a serious halt with fasting and prayer, repentance and introspection. This is the day it is said that the book of life in heaven is open and our destiny for the year ahead is sealed. The day is taken deeply seriously by even the secular. It’s when the entire nation repents and stands before God and not just here.  Jews in the diaspora, your nations, will likely take off from normal routine and take a day of fasting and prayer. It is a fearsome day to most.

So Rosh Hashanah holds within it the weight of the narrow path ahead.  That in turn leads to the great rejoicing of the weeklong Feast of Tabernacles. Whew!  I’m tired already!

There are very interesting things to observe as Rosh Hashanah approaches.  I hope that this doesn’t sound superstitious as I feel that it should be reported.  A black and white poster is posted around a neighborhood when someone dies.  It usually says “Blessed is the Judgment/Judge” and has the name of the person who passed away, their family, the time and place of the burial (usually within 24 hours), and the address where the family will be sitting the weeklong shiva (mourning and receiving people).  The amount of signs DOUBLE during this season.  Why?  I don’t know nor does my boss (the doctor) as we brace ourselves. He shares with me each morning who else has gone.

Indeed, as I have shared before, my dear earthly Father went between the first and second days of Rosh Hashanah. He told us that he wanted to hear the shofar blown, and a rabbi came to the hospital to blow it.  He was gone before the second sounding on the following evening.  I have asked Rabbis about this. Their reply,” Well, the books are open.  He Who is All Wise and has written our days opens them again.”

In any case, I see the notices up, two to a spot, all over town.

And restitution is made − SOMETIMES!

My heart broke as I was in the shuk at a small dry goods shop that I frequent.  The owner is a religious, a kippa-wearing (kippa- the small skull cap worn by religious Jews) man about 75 years old from, I believe, of Uzbekistani background.  He is usually very soft spoken and kind, and in this season, when people are seeking a clean heart, I did not expect what I found.  The shop was full of customers but the proprietor and another man of the same age (indeed they could have been brothers) were engaged in a screaming match over an item or a refund.

“You should not be allowed to wear a kippa!  You are a sinner! You are not a religious man, but a fraud!” shouted the suit clad distinguished yet disgruntled customer.

‘You are nothing but a lowly Kurdi (from Kurdistan) and you tell ME that I can’t wear a kippa? You don’t deserve a kippa!  Take it off!” the proprietor shouted.

These are about the worst disgraces they could have thrown at one another.  I wanted to jump in and say, “You are brothers!  It is almost Yom Kippur!  What are you doing?”

I was also concerned for their blood pressure, but mostly it just grieved me to see this display of anger between two men who obviously knew one another.  I lifted them in prayer and then turned back into the crowds where I watched the assortment of people. Many were poor and elderly, mixed with tourists and young, strong men pushing about carts trying to deliver crates of fresh fruit and vegetables, nimbly maneuvering through the dense crowds.  The ever present street cleaner deftly reached between some 20-30 shoppers to whisk away a can of olive pits, the remnants of the many free tastes.  The beggars line the entrances to each alley and compare their take as they chat with one another.  Even the thick yellow can’t diminish the character of the shuk before a holiday.

 

As I rode the train back home I couldn’t help but notice two big men speaking English and looking quite perplexed.  One was covered with tattoos and holding 2 books that I recognized right away as being Christian.  They were trying to make sense out of our train map. The train only goes from one place to another. One line, back and forth, but it can still be confusing.  Seeing a number of Hebrew speakers trying to help them, I went over and asked them in English if they needed help and where they were going.

We were soon deep in conversation and I was able to tell them that I was also a believer.  They were from N. England and this was their first time over here.  “You know?  This country of yours gets a bad rap,” one of them said.

I smiled. “Yes I know.  What have you found?” I asked them.

“Well, all that we hear is that you people are so rude and cunning but all that we see is the most kind and helpful people and you know, we have been in all of the Arab neighborhoods, and we are starting to understand that this is not so simple.”

I smiled and we carried on talking for quite awhile until it was time to get off.  We DO get a bad rap and it is hard to take, so filled with lies.  It is painful and hardest on Sabras (native born Israelis) who have no idea why they are so hated. So this conversation was refreshing.

It reminded me of the woman in line in front of me at the market.  It was the first day of Rosh Hashanah sales and the store was packed. The wait in line was long.  Suddenly the woman turned around and said, “What is this?  Everyone is shopping for the war?”

People turned around and I asked, “Is there a war? I didn’t hear the news today yet.”

She sighed. “No, but why is everyone here today?” she asked.

“Getting started for Rosh Hashanah” was the obvious answer.

“We still have 10 days. Why today?  I’m tired and want to get home.  I’ve been up since 4 a.m.”

“Well, I leave for work at 6 and am also up at 4am, but why are you?” This is a perfectly acceptable question for Israelis.

“My daughter works and I have to babysit for my 1 year and 1 month old Granddaughter.”

I smiled back at her as she nodded joyfully. “How WONDERFUL! Brachot (blessings). I wish I could do that again because my children and grandchildren are living outside (of the country) right now.”

Her face fell in pity and she slapped her cheek. “Oh no!  I’m SO sorry.  The only thing worse than being tired from babysitting is having your children living outside.”

We nodded as her turn came.  “I’ll do a bigger shopping tomorrow morning,” she said.

“And I will be at work again − that is why I’m here now.”

She turned back to me and in all honesty said, “Give me your list.  I’ll shop for you if you want.”

And that is the Israel that I walk among.

God BLESS you,

Your sis J

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy

Tagged as , , , , , ,

September 6, 2015 · 6:57 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

 

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is …

I am thrilled to greet you, DEAR brothers and sisters, chosen for such a time as this to be knit together into His temple, for the glory of The King of kings and The Lord of lords, Yeshua h’Meshiach, Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God. He’s the Hope, Light, and Truth. May He be glorified and blessed and may you be encouraged and blessed.

As in many places, today is the first day of school here. I watched from my merepesset (balcony) as tiny boys with worried eyes grasped their parents hands while bubbly girls bounced and giggled and sang their ways down the street.  I have always been stunned by a basic difference between boys and girls, despite all of the variables. One thing they all have in common here though, no matter what age or gender is the telltale Israeli backpack. The tiny preschoolers (gan is the word for pre-school in Hebrew) seem smaller than their backpacks, but this is the trademark Israeli essential uniform: the loaded backpack.

Education is free here, but also expensive at the same time. When we arrived with a 12-year old in 1994, it took me by surprise.  Besides the various high school fees, we received a long list of books and supplies that were required as the schools don’t supply the books. They supply a modest building, tables, and chairs and teachers.  Coming from the USA where even my HOMESCHOOL supplies had been mailed to us by the state free of charge, we were surprised.  It was very insignificant though, compared to the long list of cultural differences we were scrambling to adjust to.

Today, however, as I traveled home with the now returning kids, I smiled for two reasons: (1) there were no terror attacks on this first day of school (although there was a rocket shot in the direction of Ashkelon that fell short and landed back into Gaza that jiggled the nerves of families in that region) (2) and that Israel somehow succeeds so well in instilling a team or family atmosphere right from the beginning.  It was fun watching the kids of all ages in their different groups.

When I was young I was always a loner, afraid of groups.  But because of the need to live together and sadly, fight together, a warm team and family spirit is planted deep in our society.  It was really evident today.

I thought of that last week as I witnessed a poignant street scene on Jaffa Road.  There are many street musicians, but one in particular always stands out to me.  He is a religious (Jewish) man who sings religious worship and plays a portable piano.  His music and voice are beautiful, and often people gather around him to sit and play along or sing. He encourages all to worship with his joyful smile.

This day, he was alone, except for a young woman in a motorized wheel chair.  They were deep in song together and she looked at him so peacefully. Their eye contact was striking, considering that it’s forbidden for religious men.  I kept walking as I watched and just some short distance beyond I noticed a third party; a beggar who lies in a pile of blankets on this busy street.  He was propped up on one hand watching them with a huge smile of joy. I thought about this odd scene, a scene that could have been from an old silent Charlie Chaplain film.

I long to share with you the heart that beats, so often in small places in Israel.

Surely things are hot, and not just the weather.

Israel is extremely concerned about the deal with Iran and the rapid embrace being given to it by western nations fawning over it.  Many other issues are also extremely alarming that really have not been seen since WW2.  The violent wars and turmoil in the region and the very rapid advance of Islamic extremism is hard to keep up with. Most Western nations are at a loss as to how to interpret what they see and hear. So they look at it through western filters and come up with inaccurate answers.

I KNOW that many, if not most of you grieve deeply over your leaders and so many are truly seeking The Lord.  We are ALL watching what swirls around us, knowing that very hard things stand at the threshold, awaiting opportunities. But, OH THANK YOU LORD, WE HAVE THE ANSWER in YESHUA. THE LORD.  THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIGHT WHO KNOWS THE BEGINNING FROM THE END. And His is the beginning and the end.

So we must, in the midst of the pressure, whether here or there, wherever you are, turn our heads and hearts and feet to Him.  There just is no other way.

Here, we are rapidly approaching the Jewish New Year although not biblically. And for the life of me I have sought the reason and have never gotten a good answer, even though The Lord told us that we were to start the New Year from Pesach (Passover).  I am confident that He will set it right some day, but meanwhile I am tickled that more and more people have ALSO begun to say, “Shannah tovah” (happy new year, or literally “year good” at Passover as well.

Rosh Hashanah is the first of the 3 fall feasts or holidays or holy days.  They are all commanded in scripture.  I began hearing the shofarim (rams horns) being blown on the first day of Elul, leading up to the month of Tishrai, which begins on Rosh Hashanah.  Not much is said about this holiday except that it is for the blowing of rams’ horns.

“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a Sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.  You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.” (Leveticus 23:24-25)

 

There is much to be said about the meanings for the blowing of the rams horn, which is commanding and hauntingly beautiful.  I hope to write that before Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown on the 13th of Sept.  Meanwhile, people are scurrying around preparing.

Traditionally, this is a time of giving of gifts, of setting a beautiful table of worship and celebration and blessing others.  Apples and honey and their variations are the traditional foods that includes pomegranates which are ripening right now. Also date honey, nuts of all sorts, particularly almonds are also considered a blessing.  Indeed we ARE blessed as I look at the display of fall fruits: figs and dates, grapes of all shapes and colors, pomegranates and melons, we are truly blessed.

A small oasis in the midst of pain and turmoil. May we always look up.  May the body be LOOKING UP and truly preparing His temple according to His plan.

I was reading one of the exhortations in Matthew the other day and I stopped to weep and thought, “Oh Lord, don’t let me talk about weighty issues when I can’t even obey Your smallest command.  Let me see as You do and learn to walk with You.  And as we learn to really BE His obedient children, may it make those around us hungry and be used of Him to open the flood gates for surly the time is short.

God BLESS you,

Your sis J

 

2 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

July 26, 2015 · 6:20 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is …

Greetings, dearest sisters and brothers!  I greet you because we are His. May He be glorified and blessed and may you be blessed and edified.

As I walk through the streets, the air is hot and still. It reflects well the sense that I’m getting from the Israelis around me right now.  Tisha b’av, or the ninth of the month of Av, is again approaching with fasting from the end of Shabat on this Saturday until sundown Sunday.

On Wednesday the air raid sirens were tested.  The siren, when sounded for war or danger is a rising and lowering (undulating) sound, rather then the steady wail of the memorial blast that calls us to a minute or two of silence.

Both are eerie.  Both signify something way bigger then we are.

The test that occurred on Wednesday was announced ahead of time, but not widely, so it took many by surprise.  Although the signing of the pact with Iran and the resulting strained relations that we now have with the USA is giving the far left in Israel reason to complain about our government’s handling of the problem, their protests are weak. Most Israelis know that this is way bigger then we are and that no matter WHAT they think of our Prime Minister, they really can’t accuse him of having been too quiet.

And as the snow ball effect grabs hold of the incredible world shifts, and events move at an ever increasing speed, my sense of it is that most of the country is drawing together as one, knowing that we can not be divided.

 

With this backdrop, Tisha b’av approaches.

Judaism has a number of “fast days,” but I believe that the main ones are Yom Kippur in the fall of the year, (the day of atonement – a time for personal soul searching and repentance) and Tisha b’av, which I feel is more of a day of collective repentance.

I was given the opportunity on Wednesday to speak up at my work right after the siren test ended.  Everyone began talking about our situation and the restructuring of our defense forces, which is called “the Gideon Plan.”

“I was just reading in Judges this morning about Gideon,” I announced to them.

“You read the scriptures just to read them?” a rabbi’s wife asked.

“Yep.  And I’m thrilled with the new name of the Gideon Plan because God told Gideon that if there were too many men going to battle with him, Israel would take the credit for the victory instead of giving the glory to God. That made me think about our pride and why it is that the rabbis say that it is sinat chinam (baseless hatred) that brought about the judgments upon us when it is so MANY sins that we have committed?”

All heads shook up and down and turned toward me, so I kept going. “What about pride and…”

The list got long, but everyone was in agreement.

 

But let me back up a bit.  Hopefully, if you have been reading my letters for a while, you remember that Tisha b’av commemorates the destruction of BOTH the first and second temples, the dispersion (the judgment upon Israel according to the blessings and curses written in Deuteronomy and throughout the Prophets) and the uncanny coincidental disasters befalling the Jews on the same date throughout history.  However as I was thinking about how to write this letter today I realized that the SIGNIFICANCE of the temple and its destruction to the Jews might be illusive to many of you. I’m not sure that I can explain it, but I am asking The Lord to help me to try:

Remember when The Lord God Almighty FILLED the temple, both first and second one?  His Presence…His Shekinah glory FILLED the temple, even though He said to David in 2Samuel 7 − “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?” and yet He humbled Himself to dwell amongst the people in the temple that He granted Solomon to build.

Then again in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra.  THIS was “God with us…Emanuel” to His people.

WE who believe, have entered into the understanding of Heb. 10:5 − “Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: ‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.’” (see also Ps. 40:7)

To the Jews: GOD dwelling in a body seems impossible.  Indeed the entire book of Hebrews sometimes seems to me to be written to transition the understanding that the temple is no longer needed. (It is an AMAZING book to read when you look at it as almost a revelation of transition from His Presence in the temple to His Presence with us −The Living Lord.)

Okay, do you get a taste of the idea?

Here I go teaching again, and please forgive me, I am NOT a teacher, but Tisha b’av would mean so little if you thought that it was a building that we fast for and mourn about or if you thought that the temple mount that is the center of the world’s conflict were a piece of property and the western wall as a shrine.  But to understand that this is a people mourning and anguishing for The Shekinah Glory − the Presence of The Living God. EVEN if not yet with the revelation of knowing Who He Is, at least it is the MEMORY tucked away that GOD WAS WITH US, even though our sin had separated us.

To me, this is the POTENTIAL of Tisha b’av. 

If you are challenged to grasp it, then you might want to read the book of Hebrews along with other portions concerning the building of and FILLING of the temple.  Isn’t this what we ALL long for: EMANUEL?  GOD WITH US?

 

And so, I continue to walk the streets of Jerusalem daily, riding the bus, the train, walking through the shuk and working in the doctor’s office, trying to find a way to glorify Him in the midst.  The people ARE more tense.

It is not a nervous fear, more of a resolve.  Around us ISIS battles the Iranian backed militant terror groups for who will lead the way into Jerusalem − Shiite or Sunni. That is all that it is.

We don’t see one as moderate and one as extreme.  They BOTH want the prize and that is Israel.  They speak it openly, making it very clear.  ISIS has been challenging Hamas in the Gaza Strip (yes, there is a mini terror war there that you likely don’t hear about) saying that Hamas is too friendly to Israel and ISIS will take over and conquer us. They are trying. It’s time to look up and everyone here knows it. Sadly they just are not sure HOW!

It has been a beautiful cool summer until now, but it has turned hot since the day that the pact was signed.  As I walk the two short, lovely blocks from the main street to the street where I work, the grapes and the pomegranates are quickly ripening in such a majestic way that it catches my breath.  When I see the grapes and the pomegranates swelling I remember that Sukkot (feast of tabernacles) is approaching, and that reminds me that His cycles continue.

The summer fruits and vegetables fill the shuk (at double the price for some reason) and the Arab and Jewish vendors continue to get along with no problem.  We walk through our days, only with slightly more vigilance and slightly raised eyebrows.  What a season we live in and how quickly it is all moving, at least from my perspective.

And then I remember that some of you do live in lovely and peaceful places.  That makes me happy.  Because I also know that His Spirit lives within you and allows you and I to join into one temple before Him for His purposes and to worship Him in His glory.  Wow!  What a privilege!

Well, I’m sorry that this isn’t my usual sharing but it is almost Tisha b’av. Thanks so much for being my friends.  Thank you for your prayers for us and for this nation.  I send love.

Your sis in Jerusalem,

J

5 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

July 19, 2015 · 7:51 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Once again, it’s time to hear from our sister in Jerusalem about what she is witnessing there as a believer in Yeshua. Put your prayer shawls on and pray for Israel and Sister J. Now here she is …

So on April 17 the king’s secretaries were summoned, and a decree was written exactly as Haman dictated. It was sent to the king’s highest officers, the governors of the respective provinces, and the nobles of each province in their own scripts and languages. The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring. Dispatches were sent by swift messengers into all the provinces of the empire, giving the order that all Jews—young and old, including women and children—must be killed, slaughtered, and annihilated on a single day. This was scheduled to happen on March 7 of the next year.The property of the Jews would be given to those who killed them. A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that they would be ready to do their duty on the appointed day. At the king’s command, the decree went out by swift messengers, and it was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa fell into confusion. When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail. He went as far as the gate of the palace, for no one was allowed to enter the palace gate while wearing clothes of mourning. And as news of the king’s decree reached all the provinces, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes. (Esther 3:12 – 4:3 NLT) 

Greetings Dear Sisters and Brothers in The precious Name of Yeshua h’Meshiach, King of kings and Lord of lords.  May He be blessed and glorified and guide my writing and may you be edified and blessed.

The 13th of July was the 21-year anniversary of my first setting eyes on our “new/ancient homeland,” having never been here before that date.  By the 18th of that first month, we were full citizens.  Today, writing to you between those dates, it is nothing short of a wonder and a miracle still.

I don’t know HOW it looks from where you sit so please take what I share as from my vantage point, weighing it ALL in scripture and His Spirit. As I write from my seat here in Jerusalem, the scripture above seems to perfectly fit the situation today as we see it.  I’m referring, of course, to the world’s most powerful nations newly signed agreement with Iran (Persia).

You may remember in the book of Daniel that Michael (the guardian angel of Israel) said that he was delayed in coming to Daniel because he had to fight the prince of Persia.  That fight has continued through the ages, and here we are today.

As you well know, our Prime Minister has been making quite a nuisance of himself, trying to expose the plans of Iran and attempting to get the leaders of the world to take what Iranian leaders openly say, seriously.  Today, as I read a cross section of news pieces, the mocking of our Prime Minister and nation has definitely taken on new proportions.

We stand alone as the laughing stock of the world (paraphrasing one article from abroad) now that this powerful PEACE ACCORD has been signed. “New winds blowing”…”change”…but there is nothing new under the sun, as King Solomon said.  Amazing that this was signed during Ramadan and during our 3 weeks of mourning…

The mood in the country is sober.  Saudi Arabia is reaching out to us in a new way, while Turkey and Syria are rejoicing with Iran.  New alliances are being forged in secret corners of the Middle East. The people are listening. They are under no illusions.  Even criticism toward the government is toned down as the people sense gathering clouds and know that we MUST stand together in unity.

I think of the cloud and the pillar of fire by which The Lord revealed Himself as a Guide, Protector and Comforter through the book of Exodus. A terror to the Egyptians but a comfort and guide to the children of Israel.  I think of that as well whenever I read Revelation: His judgment is True and Righteous in the eyes of His children, but great fear to those whose hearts are hardened against Him.

Israel right now is in the midst of the 3 weeks of mourning (as I mentioned above) before ‘tisha b’av’ (the 9th of the month of Av). This is a day of fasting, repentance and soul-searching as we remember the destruction of both the first and second temples. Interestingly enough, both happened on the same day.

God DOES speak in times and seasons, although not always as we interpret Him.  ‘Tisha b’av’ is also a date when a shocking amount of disasters befell the Jewish people and nation. We DO see them as God’s judgment and we know that He means what He says. So, Tisha b’av is approaching.

I love listening to the discussions that go on during this time of year. Soul searching, heart searching.  Current rabbinical wisdom says that the temples were destroyed and that Israel is usually judged because of animosity (or hatred) among the brethren. Bickering, cheating, backbiting, not looking out lovingly for one another.

That does go along with what Yeshua said when He said that the entire law could be summed up in Mark 12:31, 32

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Right now there is a trickle of a demonstration of this as people read portions of scripture including Jeremiah and Lamentations. There is a seeking, by our own strength, to live this humble, selfless love.  I think of how we as believers with the Holy Spirit working within us so often fall short. What will it be like when all of these people come to know Him?

 

At the shuk, the prices are shockingly high, but people need to eat one way of another.  I run into Dalia regularly (the demon possessed woman whom I’ve asked prayer for) and we talk. She has many worries and I talk to her about God but during the times we talk I am constantly asking Him to prepare her heart to hear HIS NAME and receive HIS delivering power into her life. Yet I still get a check to walk carefully. So I wait to share more.  I share some temporal wealth with her but long to share the TRUE riches.  She hugs me and people look at us with interest because most people are scared of her as she is rather fearsome. Then she goes off to scream and yell at others.

When I fret about “what am I really DOING for YOU Lord…to make YOU known?” I will find the vendors lighting up when they see me and I must trust that is because His Light is somehow seen and it is precious even to those who don’t yet know His Name.

The train has become one of the great summer vacation outings and every day as I come home from work, it is filled with families. These families have 5 or 10 children all dressed alike and excited to be riding on the train.  They run up to the window to get a glimpse of the bridge of strings (glorified overpass) as the train passes over it for all of 7 seconds.

“Is that ALL?” they ask their parents, but they are still in wonder.

The city has provided many street activities and everyone with children is busy about enriching their summer and keeping their minds free from worry.  In the south, there are increasing rockets from Gaza again and that doubly impacts the children.

I don’t really have much to share, so won’t waste your time, but I do hope that those of you who pray for Israel are seeking Him as to how to pray into all of this change. I personally believe that we MUST hear from The Holy Spirit HOW to pray and that He will be specific.  I feel my heart resisting suggestions given by others as to how to pray and am waiting on Him to lead me. Some of His leadings have been very interesting.  I challenge you with that.

I want to add 2 websites of English news from here that I use now, if you care to look into our news.  They are:

Israel hayom (Israel Today)

The Times of Israel

I also want to thank you for your prayers for me and for my family.  I have been very tired. His Strength is such a wonderful promise that keeps me going.  He is just so very good and is more then enough for every need.  I send much love,

Your sis J

4 Comments

Filed under Christianity, Church, Israel, Jerusalem, Kingdom of God, Prayer, Prophecy, spiritual warfare

Tagged as , , , , , , ,