Category Archives: Kingdom of God

September 12, 2016 · 4:50 pm

Why Prophesy if Hardly Anyone Pays Attention? (Part 13)

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In 1995, I was walking around my apartment in Ames, Iowa, praying to the Lord when the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart: “You don’t love America.”

I stopped, shocked by His words. “What?” I replied.

The Holy Spirit showed me my words and attitudes from the previous thirty years. Then, He showed me the origination of my dislike, which sprang out of the anti-Vietnam War movement of the 1960s. I agreed with the movement’s antiwar messages and allowed their hatred and bitterness to pour its venom into my heart.

Who can argue with His facts? Not me. I fell to my knees and wept.

The Holy Spirit spoke again to my heart: “You can’t minister to a nation and its people unless you love the nation and its people like I do.”

When the Lord finished His ministry to me, I stood up with a renewed love for America and its people.

Now, let’s fast forward to today’s America.

I have not voted in any election since 2008 nor will I vote in the upcoming election.

Now, if you read my friends’ posts on Facebook or blogs, you would think a Christian who doesn’t vote has committed an almost treasonous sin against God. Some even extrapolate verses to make their points, which is tough to do because there are no “Thou shalt vote” commandments or directives in the whole Bible.

My reason for not voting is based on scripture:

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

You see, I don’t think America is going to make it out of its present trials, but believe the nation is like a train on a track heading full speed toward the edge of a cliff. Whether the chief engineer at the throttle is a Democrat or a Republican doesn’t matter much because the train’s speed is set with the end fast approaching.

When America goes over the edge and hits the bottom after its long fall, I want to hit the ground running, doing my best to save as many as possible. I don’t want labels, such as Conservative, Liberal, Democrat, or Republican to hinder my effectiveness nor do I want to spend my time pointing fingers at others. It’s my desire to help build the kingdom of God out of the chaos which will most likely be all around me at that time.

If you disagree and believe you can vote America out of its present death spiral, go ahead and do your best, but let’s be honest with each other: one of us will end up being wrong. If I’m wrong, I will gladly help you. But if you’re wrong, will you then lay your identity labels down and help me?

Did you know that Jeremiah faced a situation much like this in his day?

(Continued in Part 14…if you’re interested, the full series to date may be seen here.)

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September 8, 2016 · 9:21 am

Thursday’s Prayers for America (9/8/2016)

Although most Christian and conservative leaders declare the 2016 Presidential election as the most important election in the history of America, it is not. It fact, it is almost irrelevant because Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Rand Paul, Former Governor Mike Huckabee, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator Bernie Sanders, or whoever cannot make atonement for America’s sin.

Only believers can make a difference with our nation’s sin, in accordance with −

if my people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This familiar verse is quoted over and over again, especially after a tragedy, like San Bernardino, but let’s be honest with each other, okay? We must be doing something wrong because it’s not working very well.

Over the years, we have memorized the words and mouthed lip service to 2 Chronicles 7:14, but have paid little attention to the context of why the Lord spoke His words. If we look at verse 12, we will learn that verse 14 was an answer to Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:14-42.

In his prayer, King Solomon prayed about the possibilities of Israel being defeated by enemies, overcome by droughts, famines, pestilences, plagues, and sicknesses and asked the Lord to hear. To hear what? Prayers and supplications.

Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. (Daniel 9:3 NKJ)

In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was He heard because of His reverence. (Hebrews 5:7)

Supplications are desperate, passionate, earnest prayers from the deepest part of our hearts, crying out to God for Him to intervene on our behalves. It usually includes weeping, crying, and fasting − that’s really what the verb “humble” denotes in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

 

A few times throughout history God has used an individual, such as a Moses, Samuel, or Daniel, or even a small group of people, such as Rees Howells and his college of intercessors during WWII, to stand in the gap to intercede for a nation. Yet, at other times, God has required a large percentage of His believers to intercede on a nation’s behalf. The words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 suggest a large percentage of believers, rather than just an individual or a small group.

Now, I am not naive enough to believe we can get a large percentage of American Christians to agree on much of anything, let alone asking us to fast, weep, and cry out to God with heart-felt supplications. We American believers tend to look first to our government, second to a long list of possibilities, and last to God. So, until disasters and tragedies become everyday occurrences, I don’t expect national days of prayer and fasting to be much more than tiny blips on national radar screens with turnouts only large enough to fill small closets.

But then again, maybe God will bring forth a great move of His Spirit on America, right? The greatest outpouring of the Spirit of prayer on America was during the Businessmen’s Prayer Revival of 1857. That prayer revival ended up converting a million people and stirring up another four million believers, which totaled approximately fifteen percent of the nation’s population. But even so, the prayer revival did not stop the Civil War from taking place four years later.

Therefore, if God chooses to send a new revival to America, I’m all for it. Praise God! But I’ve been hearing about a supposed mega-revival coming to America for almost thirty years…and I’m still waiting. Let’s not make the mistake of placing all of our hopes on the “maybes” of wish-ions, but rather, let’s stand on something more concrete, like 2 Chronicles 7:14.

(An excerpt from Common Sense 2016 by Larry Nevenhoven, © 2016, Amazon eBook)

My prayer today:

Lord, bring us American believers to the place where we are so desperate, we will turn to You with all of our hearts, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. (Based on Joel 2:12)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you today?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

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September 6, 2016 · 7:54 am

Tuesday’s Prayers for Prisoners (9/6/2016)

David Yonggi Cho, founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, has been a powerful influence in my life. It wasn’t because of his teachings, but because of a statement he made in an interview for Charisma Magazine over twenty-five years ago.

The interviewer asked Cho, “Will America ever have a church as large (830,000 members) as Yoida Full Gospel Church?”

“No, I don’t think so,” replied Cho, “because I don’t believe Americans are willing to pay the price in prayer that it would take to build a church like Yoido.”

His words acted as a slap-in-the-face challenge to me and has continued to spur me on over the years.

Cho himself was not converted from Buddhism to Christianity by a powerful church service, but instead, his altar was a bed he laid upon, dying from tubuculosis as seventeen year-old. Each day, a twelve-year old girl stopped by his bedside and read the Book of John to him. The young girl’s words angered Cho, but he was too weak to resist.

Finally, the words of John came to life for Cho who then gave his life to Jesus and was healed.

Now think about this for a moment: One twelve-year old girl touched one life that touched millions of people in Asia and also spawned the cell group movement in the West and America.

My prayer today:

Lord, pour out Your Spirit on millions of children in Asia so that these youths can evangelize billions of people and turn a continent from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to Christ.

Join with me on Tuesdays to fast and pray for prisoners in Asia, according to Hebrews 13:3.

Why Asia?

1. 4.4 billion people live in Asia.

2.. 85.4% of world’s unevangelized people live in Asia. (Unevangelized means they may have heard the gospel but have no understanding on how to respond.)

3. The world’s three largest non-Christian religions – Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhists – are based in Asia.

4. Of the 37 countries of the world that are less than 10% Christian, 32 are in Asia. Of the 14 countries, that are less than 2% Christian, 12 are in Asia.

5. 600 million people live in abject poverty in the slums of Asia.

6. 85-90% of unreached people live in Asia. (Unreached means that they have never heard the name of Jesus.) (Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation)

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September 5, 2016 · 7:23 am

Why Prophesy if Hardly Anyone Pays Attention? (Part 12)

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I think of the eight years and six months in the high desert as one long boot camp run by Jesus, the Master Drill Sergeant. The same Lord who appeared as the gentle Lamb early in my Christian walk was anything but, during this period. He was a tough Master who allowed nothing to escape His eyes. My sins and bad attitudes were seen for what they were and handled quickly by Him.

He accepted only one answer when He asked me to do something which was, “Yes, Lord.”

And He never welcomed me saying, “Why do You want me to do that, Lord?”

I learned to jump when He said, “Jump.” Sit when He said, “Sit.” Pray when He said, “Pray.” Move when He said, “Move.” Rest when He said, “Rest.” Study when He said, “Study.” He was the Boss and I was not.

The actual boot camp did not begin when I first arrived in California City. It began three weeks later, on the morning of January 25th.

Though the rent on the furnished studio apartment on Dogbane Avenue was paid through the end of the month, frustration overwhelmed me that morning. Nothing worked. Everything I sent heaven’s way resulted in nothing coming back in my direction. I felt no closer to knowing what to do than when I arrived three weeks earlier.

Why would the Lord ignore me? I thought. Didn’t He understand time was running out for San Francisco?

The temperatures outside, hovered near 32 degrees, and light sleet fell as I looked out the window at 7 a.m.

“That’s it!” I said aloud. “I’m fed up with waiting around this city. I’m going home.”

I spent the following half-hour stuffing two suitcases with clothes and personal items. When I finished, I loaded everything into my Honda Accord. I dropped the apartment key in the overnight box, outside the office, and drove off.

Driving south on Kenniston Street, my thoughts rambled through a wide series of options, but none of them focused on driving. Maybe if I had paid attention, the accident would have been avoided.

A black blur jumped off the curb and ran under my Honda’s wheels before I could react.

“Yelp!”

Looking in the rearview mirror, I saw a pile of black fur wiggling in the street. I pulled over to the curb, opened the door, and ran toward the animal.

It was a black Labrador puppy, less than six months old. Blood streamed out of his mouth. Loud moans gurgled out of his heaving chest. A back leg quivered in painful spasms. His eyes pleaded for help.

I scooped him up and laid him on the passenger’s seat. I then broke the world’s speed record to the High Desert Veterinarian Clinic on California City Boulevard. I rang a bell, sitting on the counter.

“Emergency. Help me,” I shouted.

A young receptionist with kind eyes ran through a side door.

“Follow me,” she said.

She led me into a sterile smelling room and pointed toward an examining table. I laid the puppy on it.

“Is this your dog?” she asked.

“No. I just hit him and brought him here.”

“Hmm. No collar or nametag,” she said, “I’ll get the doctor.”

She closed the door as she hurried out.

As I sat there, I felt the Hold Spirit speak to my heart.

“Like you, this puppy ran off. He did not like the way his Master trained him. So, as soon as the door opened a crack, he left. Now, look what’s happened to him.”

“Lord, is this You?” I whispered.

The Holy Spirit ignored my question and continued speaking.

“You know, Labradors are specifically bred to please their masters. It’s ingrained in their DNA. But if a firm hand is not used to discipline them in their training, they are rebellious mutts. They will urinate on rugs, chew furniture, and do whatever mischief they can. Yet, it is their deepest desire to please their masters.”

“Lord, is this You?” I whispered again.

The Holy Spirit continued to ignore my questions.

“Young prophets are like Labrador puppies. Their spiritual DNA is specifically designed to please the Father, but they, too, are impatient and hate His training methods. So, Jeremiah, what are you going to do? Run away.”

This time I kept quiet.

“If waiting is a nuisance that wearies you, how will you contend with principalities? And if in a city of peace, you are wearied, then how will you handle a city under siege?”

Just then, a wide-bodied woman, wearing a white smock rushed into the room.

“I’m Doctor Lewis.”

I nodded toward her, but said nothing.

She examined the puppy, handling him with tenderness.

“So, this is not your puppy, huh?”

“Does it make any difference?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“How?”

She opened her hands with the palms up. Her face registered tough love.

“No matter what we do, this puppy will have a limp. So, if it’s not yours, we’ll put it to sleep. No one will ever adopt a crippled puppy.”

I looked into the puppy’s eyes and blurted an answer before my brain could put on its brakes.

“It’s my dog. Do what needs to be done.”

She looked at me a moment before a hint of a smile wrinkled her lips.

“Okay, wait in the lobby.”

I drove the puppy back to the apartment and named him King Albert because he first stayed in my bathroom. (King Albert in a can.) I eventually called him just Albert. He became my loyal friend and a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s warning: “Jeremiah, what are you going to do? Run away.”

Excerpt from Jonah by Larry Nevenhoven, ©2012, Amazon eNovel.

(Continued in Part 13…if you’re interested, the full series to date may be seen here.)

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September 4, 2016 · 8:37 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 along the path,

I greet you in The Precious Name of Yeshua, Jesus Christ, and risen Lord.  May He Alone be blessed and glorified and may we be blessed and edified in Him.

 

I have something big to share.  Yes, I do.

Acts 12 has always been an enigma chapter for me. It begins with “…Herod killed James the brother of John with the sword…” in verse 2.  It’s a short sentence, and with the rest of the chapter so jam-packed with His wondrous goodness, I have never heard this event spoken about.

Another sentence that is curious to me that I have never heard mentioned is v.19 :

“But when Herod had searched for him [Peter] and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.” 

The REST of the chapter about the amazing and encouraging recount of Peter’s arrest and miraculous release from jail by the angel, along with the humorous, but human unbelief of Rhoda and the praying body, is meat for us, familiar and encouraging.  But I always wonder about James.  Was he less loved by The Lord so that he wasn’t protected?  Was he out of God’s will?  Is God a respecter of persons that favored Peter?  And what about the guards?  Why one and not the other?  And then I always hearken back to Job and remember that we INDEED still see through a glass darkly and it does ME good to remember that unless I hear from Him I know NOTHING about anyone else.

That’s why it’s so humbling to share the astounding answer to prayer that I just had right now, especially as we are still mourning along with my friend the horrible death of her Grandson.  We don’t understand fully, but I dare not be embarrassed to rejoice over the amazing thing that God has done:

REJOICE WITH ME.  I came home from work yesterday and there was a moving truck in front of my building and it SEEMED that my upstairs neighbor was MOVING OUT!  By the time I came home from prayer meeting last night, SHE WAS GONE!  This is the neighbor who has tormented us for the past 2 years, calling the police on us in the middle of the night SIX times that we were making noise when we were sleeping. She was so filled with anger and rage that I have not had a good night sleep in years until last night.

The oppression has been great, but it did cause me to pray for her daily, and perhaps no one ever has.  I am sorry that she didn’t come to Him and become my sister and friend, but I did ask Him that if she didn’t respond, would He please remove her.  Like Rhoda, though, when Peter was knocking, she didn’t get it.  I am in WONDER of it all!!

AND THERE IS MORE.  Our pregnant daughter and family (2.5 year old Granddaughter too J) have tickets to move back home here: NEXT WED!  They are in need of an apartment and this one the one upstairs couldn’t be closer.  IS IT YOUR WILL LORD?  I called the landlady this evening and she was THRILLED.  She EVEN said that the upstairs neighbor had refused to allow her to show the apartment for the past 2 months even though she was the owner and had many people interested.  She said, “Maybe it was held for your daughter?”

She said that she won’t show it to anyone until they have seen it.  BUT IS IT HIS WILL?  I don’t know.  I know circumstances and my emotions and thoughts, but I DO ask for prayer about this. Please?

So many emotions.  Ah Lord, please give me your Balance and Stability and PEACE.  YOUR WILL BE DONE.  That is NOT a benign non-Spirit filled prayer. It is the prayer that HE prayed.  And I do agree with Him from the heart.

My husband is set to return home late Saturday night (motzi Shabat – or “the going out of the Shabat”) from his epic journey.  It has been wonderful for them.  Thank you so much for your prayers.  Prayers make a difference, yes they do.  The body is His way and His gift and Himself.  We can’t get around it.  Even when our prayers go on and on and we don’t see the answer yet.  Even when our Grandson dies.  Even when Jobs trials rained down on him and when Joseph was in prison and Jeremiah was in the dungeon.  But SOMETIMES, the tormenting neighbor moves out.  And SOMETIMES the man is delivered from the Legion of demons and SOMETIMES the dead are raised. Some plant, some sow, but it is GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE.

Summer (Kii-itz) is quickly giving way to Autumn here and the weather is wonderful.  The summer fruits are being replaced with grapes of all colors and sizes and pomegranates. We have been told that there is or WILL BE another tomato blight. An agreement has been made to import TOMATOES from JORDAN. This is an affront to most Israelis because there is NOTHING more Israeli then the Israeli tomato, unless it is the Israeli cucumber.

Prices for tomatoes at the shuk today had already tripled and the comments abounded. ‘Well, I guess THIS is my last tomato for the winter!” one lady commented.

Sigh.  We all know that tomatoes are an Israeli staple, so she’ll finally give in and pay and eat Jordanian tomatoes.

And like many of you, our school year began today, with shiny excited faces and brand new backpacks. Armed security guards everywhere, the next generation learns and may they get knowledge WISDOM.

With some mocking loudly, but many of us also grateful, our Prime Minister announced that there will be a new and intensified emphasis placed on the Bible and Zionism (the love of the land of Israel) in schools from Kindergarten up.  He reminded us that the Bible is not only our history book, but our reason for being and who we are and that this generation needed to understand our roots.

I’ve heard a number of the youngsters who are believers tell us that their teachers who teach the Bible − a required subject for K-12 − are totally secular and teach it as myth only. BUT THE WORD IS SHARPER THAN ANY TWO EDGED SWORD and WILL perform what it is sent to do. It IS Alive and Quick and we can pray (as we are) that THE WORD will LIVE AND RISE in the hearts of all.

As our nation continues to walk the tight rope which often seems to be a noose in this hyper-connected brave new world, the fall feasts are again approaching: Rosh h’shana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot − the ancient pictures brought to life again and again, faithfully reminding us that HE IS FAITHFUL.  The holidays (hagim) arelate this year (being that we go according to the ancient Hebrew calendar and this has been a leap year) and will be in October.  Although the next couple of weeks may be way too busy to write, and although this is more of a personal letter then the regular kind, I do very much love you and it encourages ME when I touch bases with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read these and to pray as The Holy Spirit leads.  Your prayers for this nation and people ARE according to His Word and His Heart as we see the day approaching.

Lovingly,

your sister J

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September 1, 2016 · 8:44 am

Thursday’s Prayers for America (9/1/2016)

If I stood on a stage in front of 10,000 believers, and said, “I have some answers to help you, your family, your neighbors, and America, are you interested?”

I’d guess that 10,000 believers would say, “Amen, brother.”

If I next said, “Here’s the deal — we’re going to loosen the chains of wickedness on people, unyoke them, set all of the oppressed free, and break every yoke of bondage here in America. Not only that, we’re going to help the hungry, the homeless, and the poorly clothed members of society. And listen to this: people will receive revelations from heaven and many will be healed. Are you still interested?”

I’d guess that 9,500 believers would say, “Amen, brother.”

Then, if I said, “And this is how we will do this, we’ll fast one day a week. Are you still interested?”

I’d guess maybe 10 to 15 people would say, “Amen, brother.”

My prayer today:

Lord, help us American believers to stand once again in Your ways, and to ask You for grace to travel on Your proven paths to victory, and then walk on the paths, not caring about our flesh. (Based on Jeremiah 6:16)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you today?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

 

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August 31, 2016 · 8:08 am

Why Prophesy if Hardly Anyone Pays Attention? (Part 11)

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As long as King Josiah lived, the prophet Jeremiah had a guardian angel watching over him, but Jeremiah’s protection ended the day Josiah was killed at the Battle of Megiddo in 609. Two of Josiah’s sons followed in quick succession to the throne with the oldest son Jehoiakim (also known as Eliakim) eventually becoming king of Judah.

Jeremiah soon learned the depth of the revival during King Josiah’s reign was shallow, not touching the hearts of the king’s sons or the people of Judah. He was shocked to learn of the plots against his life by his neighbors, family, and even relatives in his hometown of Anathoth.

“Let’s destroy this man and all his words,” they said. “Let’s cut him down, so his name will be forgotten forever…We will kill you if you do not stop prophesying in the Lord’s name.” (Jeremiah 11:19 NLT)

The Lord promised to punish the people who spoke out against Jeremiah, but Jeremiah couldn’t quite wrap his mind around the anger and hatred aroused against him. He was thirty-eight years old and had spent almost twenty years prophesying in relative peace under King Josiah’s wing. Now, his words provoked almost everyone.

The prophet went so far as to question the Lord’s judicial integrity about allowing wicked people to prosper and be happy. The Lord rebuked the prophet’s doubts by telling him, “If you think it’s tough now, how will you handle the Babylonian warhorses when they attack Jerusalem and all of Judah?”

Jeremiah plugged onward and prophesied the soon coming judgment against Judah over and over again. He prophesied drought. It happened, and the people confessed their sins, but they would not turn away from their wicked ways. Instead, a group of so-called prophets stated that God would send peace to Judah and the nation would not suffer anymore famine and war. Some of these prophets ended up being thorns in Jeremiah’s flesh for years.

All of this stress and pressure caused Jeremiah to cry out to the Lord:

“What sorrow is mine, my mother. Oh, that I had died at birth! I am hated everywhere I go. I am neither a lender who threatens to foreclose nor a borrower who refuses to pay— yet they all curse me.” (Jeremiah 15:10 NLT)

The Lord comforted Jeremiah with His promises, but the prophet’s anguish remained:

Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry.” (Jeremiah 15:18)

Jeremiah then learned he had overstepped his boundaries by saying God’s help was uncertain. The Lord answered:

If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! (Jeremiah 15:19)

Jeremiah’s life is a perfect example of how God trains His prophets. The training is intense and tough. And to be honest, many are called to be a prophet (and apostle), but few make it through the training to walk in their divine callings. This one tough year in the prophet Jeremiah’s life prepared him for the years that followed.

(Continued in Part 12…if you’re interested, the full series to date may be seen here.)

 

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August 30, 2016 · 9:16 am

Tuesday’s Prayers for Prisoners (8/30/2016)

If Jesus continues to tarry in His return to earth, we will all die and then appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. In that appearance, we will receive our legacy (or rewards) from Jesus. What we receive is what we will get for all of eternity. There are no second chances or do overs for us believers.

So, if you’re satisfied, then “pip, pip, cheerio” and continue on your merry way.

But I’m not satisfied.

And even more than that, I fear the Judgment Seat of Christ.

You see, I know I haven’t done enough for the 4.4 billion people of Asia, ninety percent of whom do not know Jesus and forty percent have never heard His name.

What will I answer when Jesus asks, “Larry, why didn’t you do more for Asia? Don’t you love Me?”

I would hate to have those words haunting me over and over throughout eternity.

My prayer today:

Lord, forgive us American believers for our cold love and help us to remember the prisoners held hostage by the kingdom of darkness in Asia as though in prison with them. (Based on Hebrews 13:3)

Join with me on Tuesdays to fast and pray for prisoners in Asia, according to Hebrews 13:3.

Why Asia?

1. 4.4 billion people live in Asia.

2.. 85.4% of world’s unevangelized people live in Asia. (Unevangelized means they may have heard the gospel but have no understanding on how to respond.)

3. The world’s three largest non-Christian religions – Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhists – are based in Asia.

4. Of the 37 countries of the world that are less than 10% Christian, 32 are in Asia. Of the 14 countries, that are less than 2% Christian, 12 are in Asia.

5. 600 million people live in abject poverty in the slums of Asia.

6. 85-90% of unreached people live in Asia. (Unreached means that they have never heard the name of Jesus.) (Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation)

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August 28, 2016 · 6:38 am

Inside Israel

The Shuk in Jerusalem

The Shuk in Jerusalem

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Shalom.

I greet you with deep love, because of Yeshua Who planted His Love in us and continues to teach us what Love is and how to give it and receive it.  I will share further down why this became so clear to me this week. And why you, the body – the miracle of His creation – encourages me so much.

May HE ALONE be glorified and blessed and may you be blessed and edified!

 

It is THAT TIME’ of year again.  I wondered why the train, the bus, and the STREETS were SO CROWDED that I could hardly move.  But it wasn’t just crowds.  It was FAMILIES.  Big families and small, secular and religious, a father with three kids, Grandparents with several, a young family with ten – all together.  “LOOK! RUN OVER HERE! HERE IS THE BRIDGE!” a father shouted to his 3 short people, who looked very confused.

“WHERE??” they asked.

“Oh well, you missed it.  Let’s go look at the driver.”

They made their way to the front of the train and I chuckled thinking that people who don’t ride the train never realize how SHORT that bridge really is.

This is IT. The two weeks before school begins when the kaytinot – or ever present year around Israeli camps and clubs and activities come to a screeching halt and there are two intense weeks of FAMILY TIME.  Kaytina is not quite like anything I have seen in any other country. It is not really optional because it is what EVERYONE does.  It is enriching. Maybe science, music, swimming, sport, reading – there are endless options. It is often subsidized (in other words, NO one gets left out because they can’t afford it). It is fun and safe and besides all of the parents are working.

I watched two Grandparents in their upper 70s at least, trying to maneuver the bus passes for their 4 small Grandchildren, who were SO excited to be going to the zoo with Saba and Savta (Grandpa and Grandma).  Saba and Savta looked EXHAUSTED already and they were just beginning the journey.  Another woman said, “Ah, Mil-oo-eem.”

I burst out laughing.  I had never thought of Grandparent duty in Israel as mil-oo-eem but it surely is.  Milooeem is our armed services reserve duty.  It’s the older soldiers who have a regular job most of the year, but they get called once a year or during a war or crisis for a few weeks to don those uniforms and dust off their skills, to help defend the country until around the age of 50.

Yep!  Grandparents are definitely milooeemniks.  Some parents can take off from work for all or part of these two weeks, but not all.

When it comes to the train, I must admit to enjoying the training that goes on in religious families.  They are known for having VERY large families and of course, a train ride is too expensive to take often with a full tribe, but it does make for a wonderful special outing.  Now that I’m older, I see their young ones snap to attention and jump out of their seat to give it to the older person.  There is a sign (only in Hebrew) on the buses that quotes from Leviticus 19:32 “You shall rise up before the gray headed, and honor the face of the old man…”

It is not just the religious but many who are just plain helpful.  Last night I was squished on the train and getting a bit bruised up.  I had a shopping cart with me but was wedged in by a double baby stroller alongside of a single baby carriage.  A young woman got up and said, “Come here.”

But I told her that I had my cart and couldn’t get through.  Immediately some young soldiers lifted my cart above everything and the sea parted again. I was sitting safely in a seat, thanking God and asking Him to give me eyes to see always these kindnesses and then to pass them on.

Eyes to see are a blessing in the physical as well as the spiritual.  A blind lady was also at this busy stop when I got on.  An older lady and a young girl both eyed her to see how best to help her maneuver the crowd.  While we watched, her smartphone informed her the train would come in another 3 minutes. She made a phone call to a service of some kind and told them where she was and which car she was going to be in and when the train would come.  “Could someone please meet me at the stop and bring me there?” she asked.

I was again touched that such things were available so that she could be free to move about.  The two strangers, one young and one older on either side guided her on to the train where she immediately was given a seat, one of her angles at her side where they chatted easily.  Coming from America, it always strikes me here that handicaps elicit no embarrassment at all, either from strangers nearby who may need to lend a hand, nor by the one who might need help. Life is life and this is just how it is.  There is a pronounced lack of self-consciousness, which I find delightful.

It’s not only the children who are on tee-oo-leem (tours) during these last summer days.  I was at the shuk this afternoon and our new soldiers were there.  Young and strong and full of energy in their new uniforms. A major part of their training is to totally tour the country, north, south, east and west.  They get to fully know the history, both recent and ancient, the geography, the different populations including cultures and religions and the sensitivities of each group.  There must have been a hundred of these handsome, lean, tanned faces as old men and ladies stopped to bless them and young children looked on admiringly. They toured the shuk, a place that has known more than its share of attacks and is unique for its wonderful mixture of populations, Arab and Jew,  working side by side and shopping side by side.

This is what a summer’s day in Jerusalem looks like as summer draws to a close.  I made my way to a doctor’s appointment and saw a most unusual sight. On a main, narrow two-lane street, one lane was blocked by a line of BUSES.  This was a TWO way street, mind you. Perhaps 10 or 15 city buses were simply parked and empty.  Shivta’? (strike) I asked a bus driver, lounging near the bus.  He smiled, “Nope.  They needed buses to take the kids so we volunteered.”

What a line of buses had volunteered!  They were parked in front of a religious school. I wasn’t sure exactly what he had said they were going to do, but it had a happy feeling to it.  When I got to the end of the road, I saw that the police had actually volunteered the buses by pulling them over and asking them to join.

Immediately I remembered going down town to check our mail in our tiny remote village in NW Alaska when a policeman called me over and said, “We need a jury.  You are number 9.  Head over to City Hall.” And that was that.

 

This is a light letter although the things that are swirling around me are not light.  I think that is how life really is. Even in times of war, the sun rises and sets and believe it or not, flowers bloom and birds fly.  Daily life goes on as we stand beside graves that we did not expect and carry grief that we could not fathom.

In my own life right now, my husband left for the village that he is from in Alaska on Wednesday. Since I haven’t heard otherwise, I assume he is having a wonderful time.  He was joined by our grandson and son-in-law yesterday, I believe.  I am praying for them all to have a life changing exchange with The Lord and that this trip will impact them for HIS GLORY AND PURPOSES.

Our younger daughter is TRYING to sort through things somehow and be able to move out of their house within a week and into her sister’s home. They plan to return to Israel after 4 years with 3 suitcases each, period. She (who is more than 6 months pregnant) is really struggling to know what to bring.  They plan to arrive here on the 7th of Sept and move in with us until they are able to get an apartment.

My husband arrives home the night of the 3rd and I am trying to baby-proof and rearrange the apartment to allow them to be at home here.  I am not naturally great at these logistics anymore, and with my neighbor upstairs, I have to be very careful about making noise.  These are all small things, but I personally believe that how I am steward of the time and strength and resources He provides for me, all play a role in how I stand before Him. And after 40 years plus, I am still standing on behalf of my family before His throne, as well as this nation and people. Just like you, the myriad of things He entrusts us to pray for. So I am concerned that I am found to be a faithful steward.

As I said before, this is a rather light letter, a picture that I hope you can enjoy.  But our purpose is so completely to enjoy HIM and build the Body, sustaining one another through prayer and edification and building up the body and worshipping HIM, FOR HE ALONE IS LORD.

God bless you and encourage each of you.

Lovingly,

your sister J

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August 25, 2016 · 5:20 am

Thursday’s Prayers for America (8/24/2016)

Recently, the Lord convicted me that my life was filled with lukewarmness. I was wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I was a part of the Laodicean Church and didn’t know it.

As you can imagine, this wasn’t one of my finer moments, but I repented and asked to be shown how to change.

The Holy Spirit led me to the Beatitudes:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted;

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth;

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled;

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy;

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God;

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God;

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. (Matthew 5:3-11)

I believe we Americans need to embrace these verses and learn how to walk in their truths.

My prayer today.

Lord, convict us American believers of our lukewarmness. Show us we need to buy gold from You, that has been refined in the fire, and white garments to cover our nakedness, and eye salve to anoint our eyes so we can see how much we need You. (Based on Revelation 3:18)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you today?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

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