Son of Hamas Leader to Address 2010 Epicenter Conference

SON OF HAMAS TO ADDRESS 2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE 

Register today to join us in Philly on June 25-26.
Also: Update coming on The Joshua Fund's humanitarian relief efforts.
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., March 11, 2010) -- Today, it my honor to announce that Mosab Hassan Yousef will address the 2010 Epicenter Conference this summer in Philadelphia.

Mosab will share the inside story of how he went from being the eldest son of one of the founders of the Hamas terrorist movement to a double agent working for the Israeli secret services to protect Jews and Arabs from terrorism. You'll hear first-hand how he made his stunning decision to renounce Islam and become a baptized follower of Jesus Christ, what it has cost him, as well as his powerful vision for true peace and reconciliation in the epicenter. [Note: for security reasons, Mosab will not physically be on site at the Kimmel Performing Arts Center where the conference will be held. He will address the event either by videotape or by satellite.]

Please register today at www.epicenterconference.com to make sure you can be there in person for this remarkable two-day event. Other featured speakers include Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Jerry Boykin, the former Delta force commander; Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Fellowship in California; Kay Arthur, the internationally respected Bible teacher; and Janet Parshall, one of the leading nationally syndicated Christian radio broadcasters.

ALSO ON THE WEBLOG:
* Shots fired in an evangelical Christian church in a Muslim country in the Middle East
* Updates on Vice President Biden's trip to the epicenter
* Updates on Israel's efforts to encourage more evangelical Christians to visit the Holy Land
* The remarkably peaceful elections in Iraq last Sunday

COMING SOON:
* A report on the exciting developments with The Joshua Fund's warehouse in Israel and efforts to care for the poor and needy in the Holy Land, as well as stockpile food and relief supplies for the future. Stay tuned.

(PHOTO: Joel and Mosab sharing coffee at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville in March 2010.)

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

A Patriotic Word from Judypie

Father, your Word declares that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. We declare that Jesus is Lord over these United Sates of America. We receive your blessing. You are our Refuge and Stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution and desperation). We pray that we shall dwell safely in this land, in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage.

Psalm 33:12 [AMP]

 

The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation).

Psalm 9:9 [AMP]

Wisdom from Judypie

Allow the following meditations from our dear Judy bless you during this upcoming week:

---

In the name of Jesus, I arm myself with the full armor of God; armor, which God has supplied for me…the helmet of salvation…loins girded with truth…feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…the shield of faith…and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With God’s armor on, I am able to stand up against all the strategies, deceits and fiery darts of the devil. I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me. Amen.

• Ephesians 6:12-17
• Romans 8:37

To You, O Lord I pray.  My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting You.  Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me, for you are the God who gives me salvation.  Thank You for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Your integrity and uprightness will preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

• Psalm 25:1-5

Jesus, you are my LORD. You are my light and my salvation, I shall not be afraid. You are my sufficiency, my Redeemer, Provider, Sanctifier, Protector, Healer and Victory! You are El Shaddai. You are more than enough for every challenge I face, for every decision I must make, for the questions I need answered, for the adjustments I need to make. You are everything to me, my Lord and Savior. I trust you – lean and rely on you. LORD, you are good; my refuge and counsel are in you. Amen.

• Psalm 27:1
• Psalm 34:8

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10

Father, I make my schedule around the reading and study of your Word – I meditate and keep your thoughts ever in mind; letting them penetrate deep within my heart. Your Word means real life for me, and radiant health. Your word dwells in me richly, and I avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be my Helper and Teacher. In the name of Jesus I release all the cares of this life upon you, for you care for me and provide for me abundantly. Amen.

• Proverbs 4:2-24
• 1^st Peter 5:7

Father, in Jesus’ name, we thank you for the United States and its government. We pray for the men and women who are in positions of authority – the president, representatives, senators, judges, police personnel, as well as the governors and mayors and all others who are in authority over us in any way. We pray that the Spirit of God will rest upon them. In Jesus name. Amen.

• 1^st Timothy 2:1-3

Father, I thank you for giving me a vision, a purpose and a plan. Give me your heart, your compassion for humanity. I offer my body as a living sacrifice to be your instrument of righteousness – that I might be a true representative of your Kingdom. It is my desire to fulfill my divine destiny, and be successful according to your will. I am here to serve you and love you in the beauty of holiness. Lead me in the way I should go, and with the Holy Spirit as my Helper, I will do great exploits for your Kingdom and others shall know that you are their Help, Redeemer and Salvation. In Jesus name. Amen.

• Proverbs 29:18
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Romans 12:1

Heavenly Father, you are my light and my salvation. By your grace, I shall not fear man nor become entangled in the ungodly traditions of men. I throw aside every weight and sin that has tried to ensnare me so that I might run the race you have set before me with confidence, efficiency and effectiveness. I seek to be temperate in all things and run this race to receive a crown of eternal blessedness with certainty. Father, in my life be glorified, in Jesus' name. Amen.

• Psalm 27:1
• Hebrews 12:1
• 1^st Corinthians 9:24-26

“In the glory of His Presence I see the beauty of His ways”

A lack of confidence will hinder your relationship with God, and often cause you to deny yourself the more abundant life that Jesus came to give you. Develop a strong faith. Developing an intimate relationship with the Father and learning who you are in Christ Jesus will fill you with confidence and assurance. Fill your thoughts and your mouth with His word and enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). The Lord Himself shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and He shall keep your foot from being caught in a trap of hidden danger (Proverbs 3:26).

Son of Hamas Leader Comes to Faith in Jesus Christ (Pt2)

* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: WASHINGTON UPDATE * * * *

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HOW THE SON OF THE HAMAS LEADER CAME TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST -- PART TWO By Joel C. Rosenberg (Washington, D.C., March 3, 2010) -- The following is an interview I did with Mosab Hassan Yousef, author of the new book, Son of Hamas. JOEL: How has your life changed since becoming a born again Christian? Specifically, how have your attitudes towards Israel changed since your dramatic conversion? MOSAB: My conscience is not the same. This doesn't mean that I became a perfect person but at least when I do a mistake I know how to fix it and avoid it in the future. Today, I am free from sin because I am the son of the King. When I first understood how religion is imperfect in general - and in Islam in particular - and allowed myself to accept Christ as my personal Savior and get out of the box of religion, not only did Israel look different to me, I started to see everything differently. I remember one day walking in Jerusalem right after I studied the Scripture that says give to those who ask you. [Jesus said in Matthew 5:42, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."] There was a homeless Jew in the Jewish side of Jerusalem, and I answered the call of the Lord to share with him some of the change in my pocket. Then I sat down and cried because I had the chance to understand the unconditional love God has for everybody. It was shocking to me that I never felt sorry for a homeless Jew. Then gradually - through God's grace and mercy, through the years - all humans became equal to me. My people see the sun every day but they never ask themselves why the sun shines on both east and west Jerusalem. The easiest thing to me was to hate my enemy but the real challenge was to love them. Later on I realized my enemy was not man anymore - not Israeli, not Palestinian - but sin and darkness within us. JOEL: What can followers of Jesus do in real and practical ways to love the Palestinian people and reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ? MOSAB: This is an excellent question, thank you. Christians have a huge duty to love his neighbor and his enemy. Every Christian needs to carry this heavy cross. Loving Muslims and Palestinians is our responsibility. And our duty as Christians to show God's love toward Muslims is more important than governments, the United Nations and the international community. All of those don't have a clue how to deal with the Islamic problem. We know as Christians that the conflict is spiritual and ideological. You can't kill an idea. You have to replace it. Governments can send troops to change a regime or kill terrorists, but they don't have the type of weapons that we have - love and hope and grace. Today, I need from my Christian brothers and sisters to.... [TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW, PLEASE CLICK TO MY WEBLOG] **** Please join us at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26. To find more details -- and to register on-line -- please go to www.epicenterconference.com. **** LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests. GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here. GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook. GO: To learn more about the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

Son of Hamas Leader Comes to Faith in Jesus Christ

* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: WASHINGTON UPDATE * * * *

EXCLUSIVE: HOW THE SON OF THE HAMAS LEADER CAME TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST -- PART ONE Also: Mosab to appear on CNN, Fox and Today Show. See weblog for details. By Joel C. Rosenberg (Nashville, Tennessee, March 1, 2010) -- This morning, a colleague and I will meet Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of the founder and leader of the Hamas terrorist movement, for coffee. Later, I will have the joy of introducing Mosab to participants of the National Religious Broadcasters convention here in Nashville when I address the group at the "International Luncheon." My remarks are entitled, "Israel, The Iran Threat, and Modern Day Lessons From The Book of Esther." I believe the Lord is building a global movement of followers of Jesus Christ who will pray and fast for the Lord to save and bless Israel, the Palestinians, Iran and all the peoples of the epicenter. And just as the Lord had strategically positioned two believers - Mordechai and Esther - close to the leader of Persia to do His will at "such a time as this," so, too, the Lord placed Mosab right next to the leader of Hamas to serve Christ at a critical moment. Beginning in 1996, Mosab became a spy for Israel's secret service, helping the Israelis to stop scores of terrorist attacks and arrest scores of terrorists from Hamas and other Palestinian jihadist groups. In 2005, after a long spiritual journey, Mosab renounced Islam, received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord, and was baptized in the Mediterranean sea.The extraordinary story of how this all happened is the basis of Mosab's must-read new book, Son of Hamas (co-written by journalist Ron Brackin), which releases nationwide on Tuesday, March 2. Mosab and Tyndale House Publishers have put an embargo on the book until tomorrow, meaning no journalist is allowed to publish excerpts from the book until then. But they have graciously give me exclusive permission to publish excerpts first. Here are a few of the extraordinary passages: [SEE WEBLOG FOR EXCLUSIVE EXCERPTS] Is Mosab's story of conversion to Christ an isolated story, or part of a movement of God in the Middle East? Is there hope for top officials in Iran, Syria, Hezbollah to come to faith in Jesus Christ and renounce their hatred of Israel? What can you do to bless Israel and her neighbors and advance the kingdom of God in the epicenter? We'll explore these and other critical questions at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26. Please join us! We will provide you with the very latest geopolitical updates from the Middle East, in-depth Bible teaching and practical training on how to help mobilize your family, friends and neighbors to "learn, pray, give and go" to the Lord's work in the epicenter. Among my guests will be Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, fmr. commander of Delta Force and fmr. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence; Kay Arthur, the internationally renowned Bible teacher; Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California who has preached the good news of Jesus Christ to more than 3.8 million people around the world; Janet Parshall, the nationally syndicated radio talk show host; and other wonderful guests we will announce as we get closer to the event. Find more details -- and register on-line -- at www.epicenterconference.com. LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests. GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here. GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook. GO: To learn more about the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

7-11

This week we are giving you guys another audio blog... taking you to the 7-11.  No, not the convenience store... but to Jesus’ 7-11:

7 Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will hand him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent?

11 If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!

Matthew 7:7-11 [AMP]

Click here to listen to this audio blog (or, right-click to download).

The Godly Heritage of the United States of America

Do you know what’s in your State’s Preamble? 

You may be surprised.

The spiritual legacy of our nation is evident in the preambles—or in some cases the first chapter, part, or article—to each of the 50 U.S. state constitutions:

Alabama, 1865, Preamble: We, the People of the State of Alabama…invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following conclusion…

Alaska, 1959, Preamble: We the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land…do ordain and establish this constitution for the State of Alaska.

Arizona, 1911, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.

Arkansas, 1874, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government, for our civil and religious liberty…do ordain and establish this Constitution.

California, 1849, Preamble: We, the people of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom in order to secure its blessings, do establish this Constitution.

Colorado, 1876, Preamble: We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe…do ordain and establish this constitution for the “State of Colorado”.

Connecticut, 1818, Preamble: The People of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude, the good providence of God, in having permitted them to enjoy a free government; do…ordain and establish the following constitution and form of civil government.

Delaware, 1897, Preamble: Through Divine goodness, all men have by nature the rights of worshiping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences….

Florida, 1885, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Florida, being grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty…do ordain and establish this constitution.

Georgia, 1777, Preamble: …we the people of Georgia, relying upon the protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Hawaii, 1959, Preamble: We, the people of Hawaii, grateful for Divine Guidance…do hereby ordain and establish this constitution for the State of Hawaii.

Idaho, 1890, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution.

Illinois, 1848 Preamble: We, the People of the State of Illinois-grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.

Indiana, 1851, Preamble: …We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our own form of government, do ordain this Constitution.

Iowa, 1846, Preamble: We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuance of those blessings, do ordain and establish a free and independent government….

Kansas, 1859, Preamble: We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as American citizens, do ordain and establish this constitution of the state of Kansas….

Kentucky, 1792, Preamble: We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy, and invoking the continuance of these blessings, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Louisiana, 1921, Preamble: We, the people of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political, economic, and religious liberties we enjoy…do ordain and establish this constitution.

Maine, 1819, Preamble: We the people of Maine…acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity, so favorable to the design; and, imploring God’s aid and direction in its accomplishment, do agree to form ourselves into a free and independent State…and do ordain and establish the following Constitution for the government of the same.

Maryland, 1851, Preamble: We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty…

Massachusetts, 1780, Preamble: …We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe, in affording us, in the course of His providence, an opportunity…of forming a new Constitution of Civil Government, for ourselves and posterity; and devoutly imploring His direction in so interesting a design, DO agree upon, ordain and establish, the following Declaration of Rights, and Frame of Government, as the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Michigan, 1909, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, and earnestly desiring to secure these blessings undiminished to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble: We, the people of the state of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution

Mississippi, 1890, Preamble: We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and involving his blessing on our work, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Missouri, 1945, Preamble: We the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness, do establish this constitution for the better government of the state.

Montana, 1889, Preamble: We the people of Montana grateful to God for the quiet beauty of our state, the grandeur of our mountains, the vastness of our rolling plains, and desiring to improve the quality of life, equality of opportunity and to secure the blessings of liberty for this and future generations do ordain and establish this constitution.

Nebraska, 1875, Preamble: We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, do ordain and establish the following declaration of rights and frame of government, as the Constitution of the State of Nebraska.

Nevada, 1864, Preamble: We the people of the State of Nevada Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom in order to secure its blessings, insure domestic tranquility, and form a more perfect Government, do establish this Constitution.

New Hampshire, 1784, Part I, Article 5: Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience and reason; and no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession, sentiments, or persuasion; provided he doth not disturb the public peace or disturb others in their religious worship.

New Jersey, 1844, Preamble: We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and transmit the same unimpaired to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

New Mexico, 1911, Preamble: We, the people of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty, in order to secure the advantages of a state government, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

New York, 1846, Preamble: We The People of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our Freedom, in order to secure its blessings, do establish this constitution.

North Carolina, 1868, Preamble: We, the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for the preservation of the American Union and the existence of our civil, political and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those blessings to us and our posterity, do, for the more certain security thereof and for the better government of this State, ordain and establish this Constitution.

North Dakota, 1889, Preamble: We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain and establish this constitution.

Ohio, 1852, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare, do establish this Constitution.

Oklahoma, 1907, Preamble: Invoking the guidance of Almighty God…we, the people of the State of Oklahoma, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Oregon, Article I, Section 2: All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.

Pennsylvania, 1776, Preamble: We, the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Rhode Island, 1842, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution of government.

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble: We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the preservation and perpetuation of the same.

South Dakota, 1889, Preamble: We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of South Dakota.

Tennessee, 1796, Article I, Section 3: That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience; that no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any minister against his consent; that no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience; and that no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment or mode of worship.

Texas, 1845, Preamble: Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the people of the State of Texas, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Utah, 1896, Preamble: Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we, the people of Utah…do ordain and establish this constitution.

Vermont, 1777, Chapter I, Article 3: That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding, regulated by the word of God…

Virginia, 1776, Article I, Section 16: That religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion…

Washington, 1889, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this constitution.

West Virginia, 1872, Preamble: Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia, in and through the provisions of this Constitution, reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God and seek diligently to promote, preserve and perpetuate good government in the state of West Virginia for the common welfare, freedom and security of ourselves and our posterity.

Wisconsin, 1848, Preamble: We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom…do establish this constitution.

Wyoming, 1889, Preamble: We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political and religious liberties…do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Netanyahu Arrives in Moscow to Discuss Iran Crisis

NETANYAHU ARRIVES IN MOSCOW TO DISCUSS IRAN CRISIS 

Joel posts on-line his notes for forthcoming Purim message on "Israel, The Iran Threat, and Lessons From The Book of Esther"

Sign up now for 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philly
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., February 15, 2010) -- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived in Moscow at 2:45am local time for two days of meetings with senior Russian leaders at the Kremlin. His goal: to persuade President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin to support "crippling economic sanctions" against Iran at the U.N., and to promise not to deliver and install the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system that Russia agreed several years ago to sell to Iran. Please pray for Netanyahu and his team.

IRAN CRISIS: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

* Vice President Joe Biden will head to Israel is the next few weeks to coordinate U.S.-Israeli policy against Iran.

* Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was just in Israel over the weekend for meetings with top Israeli defense officials. He warned an Israeli first strike could have "unintended consequences," but pointedly noted that the military option was very much on the table.

* Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, is in Saudi Arabia today and was in Qatar over the weekend urging the Arabs to unify against Iran and promising to defend America's Arab allies if a war with Iran should erupt.

* What does all this mean? I've posted analysis of these events on the weblog.

------------------------

CALL TO PASTORS TO PREACH ON BOOK OF ESTHER ON FEBRUARY 28 -- At the request of several pastors, I've also posted on-line a draft of my notes for my upcoming Purim message on "Israel, The Iran Threat, and Lessons From The Book of Esther." I'll be delivering this message at a church in Northern Virginia on Sunday, February 28, and at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville on Monday, March 1. If you're a pastor, please prayerfully consider preaching or teaching on the Book of Esther on February 28th, and feel free to use all or part of my notes directly, or as some background as you prepare your own message. Given the seriousness of the moment, I believe it is vital that pastors around the world call followers of Jesus Christ to pray and fast for the peace of Jerusalem, and for the Lord to save and protect the people of Israel, and Iran, and all the people of the epicenter.

-------------------------

2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE -- Please also prayerfully consider joining us in Philadelphia on June 25-26 as we hold the 2010 Epicenter Conference. We will provide you with the very latest geopolitical updates from the Middle East, in-depth Bible teaching and very practical training on how to help mobilize a global movement to "learn, pray, give and go" to the Lord's work in the epicenter. Among my guests will be Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, fmr. commander of Delta Force and fmr. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence; Kay Arthur, the internationally renowned Bible teacher; Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California who has preached the good news of Jesus Christ to more than 3.8 million people around the world; Janet Parshall, the nationally syndicated radio talk show host; and other wonderful guests we will announce as we get closer to the event.

Find more details -- and register on-line -- at www.epicenterconference.com.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

Haiti

I was watching an episode of Larry King Live on CNN in late January.  Actor Sean Penn was commenting that the people of Haiti have been “bullied by God.” I immediately thought, “Wow.  How can someone come to that conclusion?”  Unfortunately, as I entered into conversations with others... I soon found that a lot of people have the same or similar ideas.

An amazing (to me) number of people are angry, shaking their fists towards the sky and even going so far as to say that they can’t believe that there is a God.  Others ask that if God is a God of love, how could He have allowed such a tragedy?

I immediately began to think about John 10:10:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 [AMP]

It is satan and his demonic forces that wreak havoc upon the earth.  Unfortunately, people don’t consider what the Bible says about satan.  They simply focus on God, and then express their incredulity at the concept of an all-powerful God Who is love (1^st John 4:8,16) causing or allowing such a horrible tragedy.

It is interesting how even non-religious people will believe in or acknowledge that there is a God (particularly when they are desperate for help, or if they want someone to blame)... yet nobody seems to acknowledge the biblical character called satan... the devil... the one who steals, kills and destroys.

Yes, God is omnipotent -- all powerful.  But there are certain things that have been set into motion and God’s plan allows these things to persevere for a season.  He gives man free will and the choice to choose between good or evil.  There are men who earn fortunes and use the money to amass material things.  Others use their fortunes to help others.  It is all a matter of free will.

To follow good is to follow God.  To follow evil is to follow satan.  We have read 2^nd Corinthians 4:4 and have come to understand that satan is the god (small “g”) of this world.  Ephesians 2:2 calls satan the prince of the power of the air. Further, Ephesians 6:12 [AMP] uses these words to describe demonic forces:

• despotisms
• powers
• [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness
• spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere

Like it or not, satan is on this planet and, despite what a certain televangelist may have had to say about it... nobody needs make a deal with the devil to have him perpetuate evil in this world.  But the good news is that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33) -- so we can be of good cheer.  Yes, tragedy has struck the Haitians.  Yet, we see them singing and praising with joy in their hearts... seeing the good that rises amidst great evil.

So then, since the devil is the source of these problems, why doesn’t God just do something about the devil then? He will (Revelation 20:10).  The demonic sources of wickedness will be finally destroyed during what we call “judgment day.” The delay in that day coming is due to a large degree to God’s desire to reach those who are being deceived by those wicked forces... so that they might avoid that same end (2^nd Peter 3:9).

One thing that is overlooked is the fact that those who love and serve God are quick to run to areas of devastation to bring healing.  Look at people like Mother Teresa who spent her live helping others.  Even the well-meaning boneheads who were trying to move children across the border... they went because of the conviction of their faith.

What good can come from this disaster? A country with zero infrastructure, rampant poverty and almost consistent illiteracy is beginning to receive those things as aid and relief workers move in to rebuild (or, more accurately, build) those things. God has a track record for taking things meant for evil and turning them around for good (Genesis 50:20) and, despite the pain and suffering, Haiti stands to rise from the ashes better and stronger than before.

Those who are in Christ should continue to pray for Haiti.  They should give to help those organizations that are assisting in helping the Haitian people.  And, most importantly... that those whose eyes are blinded may see the love of Christ.

A Call to Pastors Regarding Iran, Purim, and February 28

A CALL TO PASTORS: THIS "PURIM," PLEASE CONSIDER PREACHING ON THE MODERN-DAY LESSONS OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER

Wouldn't it be powerful if pastors all over the world would call the Church to prayer and fasting for God to save Israel and Iran?


By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., February 9, 2010) -- This is not the first time in history when the Jewish people have been threatened with annihilation from Persian/Iranian leaders who hated them without cause. The Book of Esther tells the story of how two heroic believers -- Mordechai and Esther -- prayed and fasted and encouraged others to do the same.

In response to those faithful prayers, the Lord intervened in a dramatic and powerful way. The evil Prime Minister of Iran (Haman) was removed from power and hanged. The heart of the Supreme Leader of Iran (King Ahausuerus) was miraculously changed. The Jews did have to fight. But they were saved from destruction and scores of Iranians converted and became true followers of the God of Israel.

This year, the holiday of "Purim" commemorating these events falls on Sunday, February 28th.

If you are a pastor or Bible teacher, may I ask you to prayerfully consider preaching and teaching on the Book of Esther that Sunday? May I ask you to help followers of Jesus Christ remember how the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob saved the Jewish people from Iran once in history, and how He will do so again if His people will pray and fast as never before?

I am not speaking in a church that particular Sunday morning. But the next day, March 1st, God has opened a door for me to speak at the National Religious Broadcasters conference in Nashville. I have entitled that address, "Israel, The Iran Threat and Lessons From The Book of Esther."

Wouldn't it be powerful if thousands of pastors all over North America and all over the world would call the Church to prayer and fasting for God to save both Israel and Iran?

The situation is urgent. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei this week again threatened to destroy Israel and warned that next week Iran will unveil a "punch" that will stun the infidels in the West. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has just announced that Iran will enrich part of its uranium stockpile to 20%, moving steadily and aggressively to creating weapons-grade uranium capable of producing nuclear bombs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today called on the U.N. Security Council to impose immediately on Iran "crippling sanctions" in the hopes that this will bring the regime in Tehran to its knees and cause them to change course. But I don't think Netanyahu is holding his breath for the world to act. The French this month are running the Security Council, and they understand the threat and support strong sanctions. The Chinese, however, have expressed no intention of cracking down on Iran, since Beijing buys an enormous amount of oil and gas from Tehran. The longer the world takes no decisive action, however, the greatest the prospect of a massive Israeli preemptive strike against Iran.

Now is the time for the Church to get on our faces and seek the Lord's grace and mercy for Israel, Iran and the people of the epicenter.

This summer, we will be gathering in Philadelphia for the 2010 Epicenter Conference. I hope you will join us for the latest geopolitical updates from the Middle East, in-depth Bible teaching and very practical training on how to help mobilize a global movement to "learn, pray, give and go" to the Lord's work in the epicenter. Among my guests will be Kay Arthur, the internationally renowned Bible teacher; Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, fmr. commander of Delta Force and fmr. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence; Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California who has preached the good news of Jesus Christ to more than 3.8 million people around the world; Janet Parshall, the nationally syndicated radio talk show host; and other wonderful guests we will announce as we get closer to the event.

The conference will be held in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Performing Arts in Philly. All tickets can be purchased by calling Ticket Philadelphia at 215-893-1999, on line at www.kimmelcenter.org, or in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Please keep your ticket as it must be presented at both events on 6.25 & 6.26 to gain entry into Verizon Hall. (One single ticket will be issued for admission to both days.)

Tickets can also be purchased through our new website, www.epicenterconference.com. This site has all the conference details. It will also have regular updates over the next few months (including specifics coming soon on how your congregation can sign up for a live webcast). Please note that the facility only holds 2,000 people, so please sign up today to reserve a seat for you and your family.

Thanks so much -- we look forward to having you join us at this critical hour in the history of the epicenter.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. 

Wisdom from Judypie

Take Your Medicine

God’s Word is good medicine. Read and study God’s Word, consent and submit to His sayings...let them not depart from your eyes, keep them in the midst of your heart. For they they will be life, healing and health to all your flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22). Guard your heart, decide to have a happy heart everyday, practice smiling and laughing, think happy thoughts and your cheerful mind will work healing. This doesn’t automatically occur; you have to be determined to achieve happiness that isn’t dependent on circumstances. Remember the Father has given you a joyous spirit and a glad heart. He is your exceeding great Joy!

Think on These Things

Father, Your Word is my Handbook for renewing my mind to think and speak as You think and speak. By the grace of God I will think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. Your Word will renew my mind with Your thoughts, Lord, driving out thoughts of fear, doubt, bad feelings toward others, self-hatred, depression and unbelief in the name of Jesus. Amen.

• 
  Philippians 4:8
  

Bless The Lord

The Bible says that we have what we believe in our heart and say with our mouth. How much of your everyday conversation is devoted to negative, unfulling words? Do you talk more about the devil than about your Heavenly Father? Fill your mind with good things and speak words that are filled with grace and encouragement. Talk about the many blessings God has bestowed on you and your family, Eulogize God, speak well of Him, talk about His goodness and mercy. He has blessed you with all spiritual blessings in Christ! Let His praise be continually in your mouth.

Prayer of Affirmation

Lord, I bless your holy name! I will not forget all your benefits - you forgive all my iniquities, heal all my diseases, redeem my life from destruction, and crown me with loving kindness and tender mercies. Thank you for satisfying my mouth with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. I worship you in the splendor of your holiness, in Jesus’ name.

• 
  Psalm 103:1-5
• 
  Psalm 29:2

Heavenly Father, You made me what I am and gave me a new life; and long ages ago You planned that I should spend my life in helping others. You are a great God, a loving God, a giving God, and I purpose to imitate You. The end of all things is at hand, and I will be serious and watchful in my prayers. Above all things, and by Your grace, I give myself to a fervent love for others – a love that covers a multitude of sins, in the name of Jesus. Amen

• 
  Ephesians 2:10
• 
  1^st Peter 4:7
  

LORD, I give thanks to You for You are good! Your mercy endures forever. Who can express Your mighty acts? Who can declare all Your praise? Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people. Visit me with Your salvation in the name of Your Son, Jesus. I love You, my Lord, my Redeemer. Amen.

• 
  Psalm 106:1-4
  

Father, I thank you for the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which flows through me to others. I abide in Jesus, He abides in me and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am salt and light in the earth - a witness to him everywhere I go - in my home, the workplace, and to the end of the earth. I purpose to practice the presence of Jesus, and make choices that will honor you, Father. Thank you for leading me in triumph in every situation I face today in Jesus’ name.

• 
  2^nd Corinthians 2:14
• 
  Matthew 5:13-16
• 
  Acts 1:8
  

This Week:

Hide His Word in your heart, keep yourself in the love of God building yourself up on your most holy faith praying in the Holy Spirit. You are a living witness that God is good and merciful to all who call upon His name.

Defender

We know that many of you who read our blog also listen to our Seven Minutes of Wisdom at http://powerpodcasts.blogspot.com or via iTunes. But we wanted to give you an opportunity to listen to a long-form teaching, versus reading one.

Our CD Defender is an hour of power -- delivered with our special brand of humor -- for those who are looking to defeat end works of satan in your life. Here is the teaching in six parts (click each to listen... or right-click to download):

• Part One
• Part Two
• Part Three
• Part Four
• Part Five
• Part Six

Enjoy!

Meditations from Judypie: Strength in Difficult Times

Father, I come before the Throne of Grace to receive mercy and find grace to help me in this hour of need. LORD, You are my Refuge and my Fortress: my God, in You will I trust. You are my High Tower, and my Deliverer; my Shield, and again I say You are the One in whom I trust. O LORD, my Strength, You are my Refuge in the day of affliction, anguish, distress and adversity. If God be for me who...I say...who can be against me? In the name of Jesus, I decree that I am strong in the LORD and the power of His might. Amen.

Psalm 91:2

Psalm 144:2

Jeremiah 16:19

---

Father, in the name of Jesus, I am abiding in the Vine, and He abides in me to cultivate a harvest of love, joy, peace; forbearance, kindness, benevolence; meekness, and self-restraint in my life. I belong to Christ, having nailed my natural evil desires to His cross, where they were crucified. Father, I am not desirous of vainglory, and will not provoke or envy others, but I seek to bring forth those good fruits, which are to the praise and glory of God. Amen.

John 15:1-17

Galatians 5:22-23

---

Father, we pray for those in our nation who have lost their jobs. You promised, and we believe that You supply to the full their every need. You know their work records and what they are doing. We ask You to set before them doors of employment that no one is able to shut. We pray that they will prize Wisdom and acknowledge that You are the One who gives power to get wealth. In everything they do give them the grace to put You first, and You will direct them and crown their efforts with success. Cause them to increase in Wisdom and in Favor with You, Father, and with man, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Philippians 4:8

Revelation 3:8

Proverbs 3:6

Proverbs 4:8

---

Father thank You for Your goodness. My soul was melting because of trouble I was at my wits’ end. Then I cried to You my LORD in my trouble and You brought me out of my distresses. You calmed the storm and the waves are still. Now I am glad. Thank You for guiding me. I give thanks to You for Your goodness and for Your wonderful works to my children in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 107:23-31



I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
  -- Psalm 18:1-3

Martin Luther King Day

Today we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. G. Copeland offers the following prayer in memory of him and of the legacy he left to the world.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we repent and ask forgiveness for tolerating prejudice in the household of faith. Forgive us for segregating ourselves by color, by a measure of wealth or intellect. We pray and look forward to the day when every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain made low, the rough places made plain, and the crooked places made straight. We believe that one day the glory of the Lord shall be revealed to all flesh. We call for an end to division and segregation in Christ’s family. The Kingdom of faith is now our home country, and we are no longer strangers or outsiders. We are one in the bond of love – the love of God, our Father. We pray in the name of Jesus that this nation will acknowledge in deed that all men are created equal. Amen.

My dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven't you segregated God's children and proved that you are judges who can't be trusted?

James 2:1-4 [The Message]

Every valley and ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough roads shall be made smooth

Luke 3:5 [AMP]

And the glory (majesty and splendor) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

Isaiah 40:5 [AMP]

^11-13 But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways had no idea of any of this, didn't know the first thing about the way God works, hadn't the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God's covenants and promises in Israel, hadn't a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.

^14-15 The Messiah has made things up between us so that we're now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.

^16-18 Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.

^19-22 That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

Ephesians 2:13-22 [The Message]

Ambassadors

am·bas·sa·dor [am-bas-uh-der, -dawr]
–noun

1. a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative (ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary).
2. a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by a government to represent it on a temporary mission, as for negotiating a treaty.
3. a diplomatic official serving as permanent head of a country's mission to the United Nations or some other international organization.
4. an authorized messenger or representative.

As we watch the Secretary of State flying around the world, representing the interests of the United States, and others providing support to disaster zones like Haiti... or negotiating peace in volatile areas such as the Middle East... or with froward leaders like the President of Iran... we see an embodiment of the dictionary definition of the word Ambassador. But have we ever considered the fact that Christians, as members of Christ’s body, are also ambassadors?

So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.

2^nd Corinthians 5:20 [AMP]

God has called those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives to be His ambassadors in this world. We are to be instruments of His will in a world that has become so twisted and torn by the wicked schemes of the devil.  We are to minister healing to those who are hurt.  We are to show love to those who feel hated.  We are to offer hope to those who are without hope.

We are Christ’s personal representatives -- representatives of His anointing to a dying world.

Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One.  The title Christian means one who is Christ-like.  Someone who is a “little anointed one.”  Given the understanding that Jesus is the Anointed One, those who are in Christ are in His anointing.

Jesus is King of Kings (1^st Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16).  As such, He has made us kings and priests.

And You have made them a kingdom (royal race) and priests to our God, and they shall reign [as kings] over the earth!

Revelation 5:10 [AMP]

Easton’s Bible Dictionary says that anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him (1^st Samuel 16:13; 2^nd Samuel 2:4). Psalm 103:4 tells us that we are crowned with His loving-kindness and tender mercies. We are kings and priests.  We need to be both -- a king has authority and a priest has access. 

Authority

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

When a man or woman is given a uniform and a firearm, they have the authority of the government to enforce its laws. That man or woman can use the power of their imparted authority to arrest or stop a criminal and incarcerate that person. Their authority is symbolized by the uniform... the badge... the gun belt.

Luke 10:19 tells us that we have His power and authority to arrest the devil and incarcerate him.  Our authority is not symbolized by a badge or a uniform.  Our authority is realized by the spiritual armor, available to all who have accepted Christ, that the Apostle Paul enumerated:

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:11-17 [AMP]

When we were given our spiritual armor, we received the power and authority to trample over all of the wicked works of the enemy.  We have the ability to quench the flaming missiles launched toward us by the enemy.  We have the offensive weapon empowered by God’ holy word.

But then, we have to ask this question... are we truly operating in our capacity as an ambassador?

Access

Before Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross, a priest had to gointo the temple to offer sacrifices before God.  The priest was the only one with access to enter into the presence of God.  The average citizen
could never do so and live.  But now that we are in the dispensation of grace... now that we are covered by the blood of Jesus... we can boldly go where no one could ever go before!

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

Hebrews 4:16 [AMP]

We have free and unfettered access into the very presence of God.  But is that just so that we can present our wants and needs before Him?  While we can do so... that privilege carries so much more!  We can now take the needs of other people before God!  And, also important, we can take the word of God into the lives of those who do not know Him.  As God’s representatives, that is our prime directive.

By the way, that was the second Star Trek reference.  Did you catch the other one?

If we are to be God’s ambassadors to this world, let’s make sure we are living before the world in an honorable manner.  That doesn’t mean to be all stuffy and smug and self-righteous.  That doesn’t mean to twist your mouth around and speak like you are in a Vincent Price movie.  Au contrare, you need to represent Him by following His commandments!

I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

John 13:34-35 [AMP]

Walking in love will do more to show people the mercy of God than, well...than anything.

Just do it.

When I was a teenager, my friend Harry Bristow used to play this song by The Hawaiians on his radio show. I learned later that the song was the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

What a great prayer. What a great lifestyle. What a great resolution as the new year and new decade continues to unfurl before us. What a great way to be an ambassador of the Kingdom of God.

It is also a great way to avoid feeding the atheists.

Our book, “Please Don’t Feed the Atheists” is required reading for all ambassadors. 

Wisdom from Judypie: Commit Your Way to The Lord

Heavenly Father, I choose to let go of the past and receive the new transformation that you are working in me according to Your Word. You are upholding me with Your victorious right hand, and I make it my primary goal to know You better and more intimately. I ask You to fill me with Your mighty, glorious strength so that I can keep going no matter what happens — always full of the joy of the Lord. This year I will love, laugh and spread the joy that You have set before me in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Read these scriptures:

• Genesis 1-3
• Matthew 1
• Colossians 1

Meditations on Security from Judypie

Praise

Father, I will praise You with my whole heart... I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth: for You have magnified Your word above all Your name.   Praise the name of the Lord!  Amen.

¹ I WILL confess and praise You [O God] with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praises to You.
² I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!

Psalm 138:1-2 [AMP]

Security

Each and every day the media releases fear-filled words into the airwaves. At one time we followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air. Now we who are in Christ have been delivered out of darkness, translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. Pull down fear-filled words by speaking God’s Word, and fear not for God is with you.

Father, thank You for comforting and assuring me of Your divine intervention as I walk this journey here on earth. I dwell, remain and settle down under the shadow (defense, protection) of the Almighty. I abide in You and Your Word abides in me. I that You Lord are my Refuge, my place of Protection. You are my God, True and Faithful. You are my Security. You have given me a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. I choose to replace feelings of insecurity with confidence and faith and assurance. You are my exceeding great Hope. In Your name I bind my emotions to the control of the Holy Spirit and go forth with confidence. In Jesus name. Amen.

• Genesis 7-9 [AMP]

• Matthew 3 [AMP]

• Psalm 91 [AMP]

• 2^nd Timothy 1:7 [AMP]

Happy New Year

To the glory of the Father I welcome you, Holy Spirit. I'm so grateful that You are my Helper as I prepare for the New Year.  I humble myself before You asking for Divine Guidance.

In Jesus’ name I commit myself anew to Your plans and purposes, that I might run the full race completing the destiny to which You have called me.  I trust in You, Lord, I put my full confidence in You and Your word, and delight myself in You.

Father-God, as I reverently fear you and keep Your commandments to walk in love, be glorified in my life throughout the coming year as never before, in Jesus name.  Amen.

³ Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.

⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:3-5 [AMP]

So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

Isaiah 26:4 [AMP]

Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

James 4:10 [AMP]

All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 [AMP]

³⁵ And one of their number, a lawyer, asked Him a question to test Him.

³⁶ Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light--which are heavy?]

³⁷ And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect).

³⁸ This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.

³⁹ And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.

⁴⁰ These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:35-40 [AMP]