Hebron is known today as the " City of Abraham " for it was in Hebron that Abraham sojourned and it was in Hebron that he was buried along with Sarah his wife.
Genesis 23 v 19. ch 25 v 9 - 10. ch 35 v 27.
Then Abram moved his tent and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre which are in HEBRON. And built an ALTAR there to the Lord.
Genesis 13 v 18.
The altar here speaks of FELLOWSHIP. When Abram previously moved to the mountain between Bethel and Ai the Scripture says -
There he built an ALTAR to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.
Genesis 12 v 8.
We could ask the question , why did God choose Hebron to be the city of Abraham ?
Why not Jerusalem ?
The answer is to be found in the meaning of the word " Hebron " which means " Fellowship. " For fellowship was the defining characteristic of the life of Abraham. In the days of Abraham the law had not yet been given , but Abraham walked in fellowship with God in a personal relationship.
The Lord in Isaiah describes Abraham as His friend.
But you Israel are my servant , Jacob whom I have chosen , the descendants of ABRAHAM MY FRIEND.
Isaiah 41 v 8.
A friend is someone with whom you have FELLOWSHIP.
Only one person in the Old Testament is described in similar terms ,
and that was Moses.
So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face , as a man speaks to his FRIEND.
Exodus 33 v 11.
Notice that friendship is here described as two people fellowshipping together.
The promised land was God's will for the children of Israel. When the twelve spies returned from spying out the land , it appears that the BEST FRUIT of the land was brought back from a VALLEY in HEBRON.
Numbers 13 v 22 - 27.
Not only was it true of Israel that they found the best fruit came out of HEBRON ( Fellowship ) but it is also true of us today.
For in John's Gospel , it is revealed that it is out of our FELLOWSHIP ( Hebron ) with the Lord that our best fruit comes.
First - Fruit.
Then - More fruit.
Then - Much fruit.
Every branch that bears FRUIT , He prunes that it may bear MORE FRUIT. John 15 v 2b.
He who ABIDES in me and I in him ( Fellowship ) bears MUCH FRUIT. John 15 v 5.
Verse 12 then tells us to love each other which is the correct order. First fellowship with the Lord then as a result we are able to love one another.
It is of note that they brought the fruit back from a VALLEY in HEBRON , the valley here speaks of trials within the will of God.
As David said -
Yea though I walk through the VALLEY of the shadow of death , I will fear no evil. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me. Psalm 23 v 4.
The pharisees who we know so well from the pages of the New Testament called themselves HABERIM , a fellowship , fraternity or alliance of like minded men , and so they were. An individual pharisee was known as an HABER , a friend , comrade , fellow member. These two Hebrew words share the same root as HEBRON. In modern Hebrew today the word " Haver " is a common word meaning the same thing , friend , comrade.
One finally point , the word stripe in Isaiah 53 v 5 has the same root which is HAVAR. This is probably deliberate and can give another underlying meaning to the verse.
By His stripes we are healed.
By His FELLOWSHIP we are healed.
By His FRIENDSHIP we are healed.
By Steve McGlade
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A Prayer For Benjamin Netanyahu by Brandy Cook
This week, in the middle of the night, I found myself praying for the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. I was half awake, half asleep, and knew the Holy Spirt was prompting me to intercede, but the prayer that was coming from the deepest part of my heart, I knew, was lead by the Holy Spirit.
1st Corinthians 14:15 says "I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with understanding" I have no doubt that what I was praying was coming from His heart, as I have never prayed as specifically as I did that night for the Prime Minister.
It's almost impossible to reconstruct something like this. It was one of those Holy moments that time seemed to stand still. Yet it doesn't go away. It keeps burning in my heart and I can't let it go. I am beyond humbled to realize that the God who created the universe, desired to meet me in the middle of the night and teach me to pray for the leadership of Israel.
With that being said, I felt impressed to share it with you. May the Lord use this as He wills.
Dear God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
I lift up Your son Benjamin Netanyahu to you Lord. God, I pray that You would strengthen him IN YOU. Thank You Lord for calling him for such a time as this. May his heart be set on seeking You first, seeking Your Word for ALL his counsel, and may You guide him with Your eye according to Your Word ~ in every step and every decision he makes.
You oh Lord have placed him in leadership over Your people Israel. The hour is critical, the nations rage against Your people, Your land, and all those who stand with her.
Strengthen the watchmen oh Lord. Give them endurance to not keep silent for Zion's sake according to Your Word in Isaiah 62!
Father, I pray that Netanyahu not give into the world's pressure. Set his forehead like flint! May he continually call upon the God of His ancestors, the One and only true God that delivered His people from the clutches of Pharaoh. May his eyes be set upon You Lord, who delivered His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, parted the Red Sea, drowned their enemies in the waters and brought them to the Promised Land of old. May he continually remember Your faithfulness to the house of Israel and in so doing, may his heart and resolve be strengthened to believe and trust in You, NOT in "chariots or horses".
Lord, please set God-fearing counselors in his midst, people who fear You with Holy fear and trust in You, the Holy One of Israel, the ONLY ONE who is able to bring them through the fire, not hurt, not singed, not even smelling like smoke as You did for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the furnace of Babylon. Son of God, stand in his midst!!!
God of Israel, set a hedge of protection around him. Close his ears to the threats of the enemy who would seek Israel's destruction and weaken his resolve to stand firm in Your promises! As in the days of Jericho, as the enemies were shouting their taunts, may You give Netanyahu the wisdom and discernment to march and keep silent UNTIL the appointed time of Your direction, when You gave the command to blow the trumpets and shout. LET THE WALLS OF JERICHO FALL AT YOUR WORD!
So Lord, I pray you would give Netanyahu the submitted heart of the ancients. Bless Your son Benjamin with:
~ The gift to walk with You like Enoch
~ The obedience of Noah
~ The perseverance of Jacob
~ The leadership of Moses
~ The fierce loyalty of Joshua
~ The boldness of Elijah
~ The faithfulness of Daniel
~ The tenacity of Ruth
~ The heart of David
~ The fire of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah & Joel
~ The courage of Esther
~ The vision of Ezekiel & Zechariah
~ The compassion of Hosea
~ The surrendered life of Job
~ And the wisdom of Solomon.
But most of all Lord, give Him YOUR eyes to see, YOUR ears to hear and YOUR heart to serve, love, protect and cover Your people Israel. Draw Your people back to You Lord. May they call out to YOU for help, and not trust in their own strength or the things or people of the earth that bring empty promises and eventual destruction.
YOU ARE THE HOPE OF ISRAEL LORD GOD.
Manifest Yourself in the life of Benjamin Netanyahu and may he give You all the glory due Your Name, in the presence of his brethren and all the earth.
B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach,
Brandy Cook
1st Corinthians 14:15 says "I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with understanding" I have no doubt that what I was praying was coming from His heart, as I have never prayed as specifically as I did that night for the Prime Minister.
It's almost impossible to reconstruct something like this. It was one of those Holy moments that time seemed to stand still. Yet it doesn't go away. It keeps burning in my heart and I can't let it go. I am beyond humbled to realize that the God who created the universe, desired to meet me in the middle of the night and teach me to pray for the leadership of Israel.
With that being said, I felt impressed to share it with you. May the Lord use this as He wills.
A Prayer for Benjamin Netanyahu
Dear God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
I lift up Your son Benjamin Netanyahu to you Lord. God, I pray that You would strengthen him IN YOU. Thank You Lord for calling him for such a time as this. May his heart be set on seeking You first, seeking Your Word for ALL his counsel, and may You guide him with Your eye according to Your Word ~ in every step and every decision he makes.
You oh Lord have placed him in leadership over Your people Israel. The hour is critical, the nations rage against Your people, Your land, and all those who stand with her.
Strengthen the watchmen oh Lord. Give them endurance to not keep silent for Zion's sake according to Your Word in Isaiah 62!
Father, I pray that Netanyahu not give into the world's pressure. Set his forehead like flint! May he continually call upon the God of His ancestors, the One and only true God that delivered His people from the clutches of Pharaoh. May his eyes be set upon You Lord, who delivered His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, parted the Red Sea, drowned their enemies in the waters and brought them to the Promised Land of old. May he continually remember Your faithfulness to the house of Israel and in so doing, may his heart and resolve be strengthened to believe and trust in You, NOT in "chariots or horses".
Lord, please set God-fearing counselors in his midst, people who fear You with Holy fear and trust in You, the Holy One of Israel, the ONLY ONE who is able to bring them through the fire, not hurt, not singed, not even smelling like smoke as You did for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the furnace of Babylon. Son of God, stand in his midst!!!
God of Israel, set a hedge of protection around him. Close his ears to the threats of the enemy who would seek Israel's destruction and weaken his resolve to stand firm in Your promises! As in the days of Jericho, as the enemies were shouting their taunts, may You give Netanyahu the wisdom and discernment to march and keep silent UNTIL the appointed time of Your direction, when You gave the command to blow the trumpets and shout. LET THE WALLS OF JERICHO FALL AT YOUR WORD!
So Lord, I pray you would give Netanyahu the submitted heart of the ancients. Bless Your son Benjamin with:
~ The gift to walk with You like Enoch
~ The obedience of Noah
~ The perseverance of Jacob
~ The leadership of Moses
~ The fierce loyalty of Joshua
~ The boldness of Elijah
~ The faithfulness of Daniel
~ The tenacity of Ruth
~ The heart of David
~ The fire of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah & Joel
~ The courage of Esther
~ The vision of Ezekiel & Zechariah
~ The compassion of Hosea
~ The surrendered life of Job
~ And the wisdom of Solomon.
But most of all Lord, give Him YOUR eyes to see, YOUR ears to hear and YOUR heart to serve, love, protect and cover Your people Israel. Draw Your people back to You Lord. May they call out to YOU for help, and not trust in their own strength or the things or people of the earth that bring empty promises and eventual destruction.
YOU ARE THE HOPE OF ISRAEL LORD GOD.
Manifest Yourself in the life of Benjamin Netanyahu and may he give You all the glory due Your Name, in the presence of his brethren and all the earth.
B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach,
Brandy Cook
Isaiah 62:1-7
For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace,
And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
And her salvation as a lamp that burns.
2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,
Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
And her salvation as a lamp that burns.
2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,
And all kings your glory.
You shall be called by a new name,
Which the mouth of the Lord will name.
3 You shall also be a crown of glory
In the hand of the Lord,
And a royal diadem
In the hand of your God.
4 You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
But you shall be called Hephzibah,[a] and your land Beulah;[b]
For the Lord delights in you,
And your land shall be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
So shall your sons marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So shall your God rejoice over you.
You shall be called by a new name,
Which the mouth of the Lord will name.
3 You shall also be a crown of glory
In the hand of the Lord,
And a royal diadem
In the hand of your God.
4 You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
But you shall be called Hephzibah,[a] and your land Beulah;[b]
For the Lord delights in you,
And your land shall be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
So shall your sons marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So shall your God rejoice over you.
6 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
7 And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
7 And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Walking the Ancient Paths
Dear Readers,
Blessings to you in name of the Lord! Today is the day we have been working towards for the past few months, and we are happy to share that our upcoming tour to the land of Israel set for this coming November, 2012. We invite you to join us as we experience this amazing Land that God calls His own. (Leviticus 25:23)
Walking the ancient paths of Israel, is a dream of many people all over the world. Scripture tells us that the new city of Jerusalem will be our eternal home.
Imagine yourself praying on the exact paving stones that Jesus tread in the Old City of Jerusalem next to the Temple Mount. Worship the Lord on a fishing boat in the midst of the Sea of Galilee and meditate on the the hill where the Lord gave His "Sermon on the Mount". Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit at the waterfalls of En Gedi and gaze up at the caves where King David wrote many of the Psalms? The view from Masada overlooking the Dead Sea in memory of the Jewish defenders last stand against the Roman legions in 70 AD is both breathtaking and sobering. Imagine yourself being baptized in the Jordan River, walking the streets of ancient Tiberias, viewing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and taking communion at the Garden Tomb!
We have designed this tour with emphasis on the historical, Biblical, tragedies and victories of the only nation in the history of the world that has been resurrected in fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
We personally invite you to join us for this and much more during our latest upcoming tour of the Land of the Bible in November 2012. Truly, this is a trip that will change your life, and heart, forever.
For more information, click here for our tour website:
http://www.friendlyplanet.com/sponsored/cook-israel-2012.html
"Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16
Shalom and hope to see you in November!
Pastor Rance & Brandy Cook
Prophetic Sword Ministries International & Comfort Israel
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Why is tonight different from all other nights?
Blessings to you all in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach, (Jesus the Messiah). As we enter into this Holy season of Passover and Resurrection Sunday, there is connection between the two holidays that should "connect the dots" for those truly seeking Truth. I remember the first Passover Seder (a Seder is a diner that recounts the Exodus story) that Rance and I attended, about 15 years ago. We were astounded by the Biblical truths that were overlooked for many years, never having been taught the connection in church. Ever since then, our hearts have burned within us regarding Biblical Truths and fulfilled and to be fulfilled Bible prophecy in the "Jewish Holidays", or as we prefer to call them, "God's appointed times". Just this morning I received the following email from Messianic Bible Project. (A wonderful ministry worthy of support) How they explained it was so perfect that I wanted to share it with you, in the hopes that you will be ministered to in the Truth of the Word of God. Shalom, Happy Passover, and blessings upon you on "HE IS RISEN DAY!" Brandy Cook
Shalom Friends,
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are
healed.” (Isaiah 53: 5)Tonight, the Biblical Festival of Passover (Pesach) begins, coinciding
this year with Good Friday.On Sunday, as Passover continues, Believers will celebrate the resurrection of
Yeshua on Easter.
Friday at sunset, the eight-day celebration of Passover begins.
Jewish people will mark the beginning of this prophetic holiday,
which foreshadows the salvation wrought for all mankind
by Yeshua, with a ceremonial meal called the Seder, in which
the story of deliverance from slavery in Egypt is retold.Around the world, as the Jewish People commemorate their exodus from slavery inEgypt, and celebrate the saving power of the God of Israel, Believers in Yeshua
(Jesus)—both Jewish and Gentile—will celebrate freedom from slavery to sin.This freedom, the salvation of Israel and all mankind, was accomplished through
the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), as the
sacrificial Passover Lamb.“Messiah was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will
appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are
waiting for Him.” (Hebrews 9:8)
Though Yeshua endured an agonizing death to atone for the sin of the world,
He rose again on the third day. Because He was completely sinless, death
could not hold Him. Had He not borne our sins, He wouldn't have died at all.In fulfillment of Scripture, Yeshua became our guilt offering, paying the price
for sin once and for all.“…though the Lord makes His life a guilt offering, He will see His offspring
and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hand.”
(Isaiah 53:10)While the guilt offerings on the altar of the Temple could only cover sin,
Yeshua’s death and resurrection actually removed sin for all time.As Yochanan (John) said when he saw Yeshua coming to him at the Jordan River,
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29)The Passover Lamb: When being Passed Over is a Miracle“Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you
really are. For Messiah, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)Passover is rich in lessons for all Believers in Yeshua.Were you ever passed over as a child when the sports team was being chosen?For a child, being passed over could be devastating. Likewise, as adults,
being passed over for a promotion, raise, or a prestigious role can be very frustrating.But being “passed over” during the first Passover was a miracle of deliverance.During the very first Passover in Egypt, so that God’s judgment of Egypt would
pass over, the children of Israel were required to choose an unblemished lamb,
kill it, and place its blood over the doorposts and lintels of their dwelling places.
The Signs on the Door, by James TissotToday, 3500 years later, we are able to celebrate the Passover in all of its’
prophetic fulfillment.We have the opportunity to place the blood of the perfect, chosen Lamb of God,
Yeshua, over the hearts and homes, so that by faith, we too will be spared from
the Divine judgment due to fall on this world. This too is a miracle of deliverance.“And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are; and
when I see the blood, I will pass over you [pasachti], and there shall no
plague be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13)In Hebrew, the word for I will pass over is pasachti ×ּפָ×”ַ×ְ×Ŗִּ×, which comes
from the word pesach, which means to hop, to skip over or spare, and to pass over.
The Angel of Death and the First PassoverBrandy, our salvation was wrought at such a great price.The Messiah died in our place and paid the price for the sins that we
committed.And despite celebrating the Passover year after year, so many Jewish
people do not know Yeshua!
Jewish men and women flock to the Western (Wailing) Wall on Pesach (Passover).Yeshua is Prepared for Burial“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus [Yeshua]. …
With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.” (John 19: 38)On Good Friday, Christians remember the horrific death that Yeshua suffered on
our behalf.Believers also read how Joseph (Yosef) of Arimathea and Nicodemus
(Nakdimon) came to Pilate to ask for Yeshua’s body.Because Jewish burial customarily takes place within 24 hours, in keeping with
Jewish practice, they sought to bury Yeshua right away.They also prepared Yeshua’s body for burial with tahara, ritual purification.
In this ritual, the body is cleansed, and then dried and dressed in takhrikhim,
a simple white shroud (Mark 15:46-47).“Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.
Taking Yeshua’s body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of
linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19: 39–40)
Although Yosef and Nakdimon carefully prepared
Yeshua's body for burial, when the women came to
the tomb after High Shabbat had ended, it was
empty and the burial linen was left to the side.
Yeshua had already risen from the dead.When Yosef and Nakdimon performed the mitzvah of preparing Yeshua’s body
for burial, they were performing the duties of the Khevra Kadisha—an
organization that ensures the body is correctly prepared for burial and
protected from desecration.By wrapping Yeshua in linen, they were practicing the custom of takhrikhim,
providing the proper burial garment for the deceased.Since the Sabbath was quickly approaching, there was insufficient time to
complete the preparations before the holy day of the Passover began; therefore,
Yeshua was placed in a sealed tomb until the close of the High Sabbath day.Thus, Yeshua was buried in a rich man’s tomb in fulfillment of the Messianic
prophecy in Isaiah 53:“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death,
though He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9)However, more important than how Yeshua was buried is that He rose from the
dead and gained victory over death. Hallelujah!
Both spiritual and physical death has been defeated through Yeshua’s victory,
as Saul of Tarsus (Paul) said:“But Messiah has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits [bikkurim]
of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man [Adam],
the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die,
so in Messiah all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20–22)This is the ‘Good News’ that we want to share with all Jewish people, so that
they can be sure of their place in the ‘olam habah’ (the world to come).
Please help us reach the Jewish People, such as these ultra-Orthodox
Jewish men in Israel, with the Good News of Yeshua.If Death is the Result of Sin, How could Yeshua die Sinless?Since Yeshua’s death, burial and resurrection occurred in a Hebraic context,
examining Jewish customs surrounding death, burial, mourning and resurrection
can further our understanding of Good Friday and Easter.Originally, God did not create mankind to suffer death.The first book of the Torah, Bereshit (Genesis), reveals death as the judgment
of God upon mankind for their spiritual fall in the Garden of Eden.After Adam and Chava (Eve) failed their test of obedience, God said:“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the
ground [adamah], since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you
will return.” (Genesis 3:19)
When Adam and Eve sinned, all of mankind came under the curse of the
broken law. Yeshua redeemed us from that curse.The name Adam was taken from the word for ground or earth—adamah, since
the man (Adam) was taken from the ground (adamah).This Hebrew word play reveals a spiritual truth: sin has brought physical death
to all of mankind and with it, a return to the earth (adamah).Thus ends a person’s physical existence on earth, with the soul separating from
the body.Yeshua’s death, however, was not due to His own sin, since He was sinless. He
died when He took upon Himself the sins of the world.“But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins. And in Him
is no sin.” (1 John 3:5)
The gospels of Mark, Matthew and John report that Yeshua was handed over
to the Roman soldiers, who clothed Him in a ragged scarlet cloak, jammed a
crown of thorns on His head, and mocked Him saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"Resurrection: a Jewish BeliefTraditionally, the rabbis believe that every Jew will be resurrected and
experience spiritual life.As is written in Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), “The dust returns to the ground it
came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7)Chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews describes the great men and women of faith.
Some women received their dead back to life again, while “others were tortured
and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.”
(Hebrews 11:35)The Tanakh (Old Testament) also describes a resurrection from the dead
and subsequent judgment.The Hebrew prophet Daniel gives an account of what will happen in the last days:“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting
life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2)
The empty tombKria: The Jewish custom of Rending the Garments“Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many
days.” (Genesis 37:34)In Judaism, there are seven immediate family members who are expected to
observe a seven-day mourning period: the father, mother, daughter, son,
brother, sister, and spouse.These seven mourners participate in a special tradition.To symbolize how death rips the fabric of life, their garments are symbolically
ripped just before the funeral.In this tradition called kria, the parents and children rend the garment on
their left, closest to the heart. Spouses and siblings tear their garments on
the right.While this may seem like an odd tradition, it dates back to Biblical times
(Genesis 37:34).In fact, at the moment of Yeshua’s death, the Heavenly Father also seemed to
observed kria in His grief over the death of His son of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The earth shook and the rocks split.” (Matthew 27:51)
Thankfully, Yeshua’s death wasn’t the final word.Just as He promised, death couldn’t hold Him (John 2:18–22; Matthew 26:31–32).“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our
justification.” (Romans 4:25)The sting of death is sin (1 Corinthians 15:56), and in Yeshua, death has lost
its sting!Therefore, we can live confidently without any fear of death or dying, as we
know that when we pass from this life, our lives continue eternally with our
loving Father in Heaven.Your gifts will make a difference for eternity.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
YOU, Your Children, Israel & Bible Prophecy
Children. The joy of our hearts. Our little ones can make us laugh or cry. They can cause us the greatest contentment and the deepest pain. It is our children that cause us to stop whatever we are doing in an instant. No matter how busy we are, if our children are in trouble, nothing else matters. It is our children’s laughter that makes us think that even for just one moment in time, all is okay in the world. It is our children that cause us to weep uncontrollably, when they choose to walk down the wrong path in life. And it is our children, who give us the reason to run to them rejoicing, when they come home. Children.
You may be thinking, what do my children have to do with this article about Israel, Bible Prophecy and the Church? Everything. For God’s chosen people the Jews are God’s children, as we are who believe. And the Father’s heart is broken, broken for His people Israel. As Jesus taught us in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, so longs the Father’s heart for His firstborn, Israel to come home. To know their Messiah. To believe in the One who He sent. Read Romans 10:1, Romans 11 and Jeremiah 31:31-37.
“Sing, O heavens! Be joyful all the earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you, see I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:13-16
God loves Israel. The Jewish people are not forgotten in the eyes of the Father.Consider the words of Zechariah 2:8 when the Lord says about the Jews, “… for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” In other words, in the Hebraic interpretation of this verse, you could read it to understand that “He who touches Israel pokes God in the eye.”
Some of you may be thinking right now, “I thought the Jewish people were from the Old Testament and didn’t exist anymore.” Some others reading this may be thinking, “I thought Israel was rejected by God and now I am Israel”. Yet others of you may be thinking, “What does Israel have to do with me as a Christian?” Dear ones, with the love of God I respectfully share with you today, that the Lord is inviting you to take a deeper look into His heart. I think we would all agree that He wants ALL of our heart. We call out in prayer consistently crying, “Lord, I am yours, I surrender to you, and I want your will, I want what YOU want.” In return, I also believe He wants us to have ALL of His heart, and a huge portion of His heart is ISRAEL. Israel did not cease to exist. Israel, as a people and a nation, are alive today and a FULFILLMENT OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY.
We are living in an hour that is experiencing more fulfilled Bible prophecies since Jesus went to the cross. Just within the past 100 years, more ancient prophecies spoken by God through the prophets of old are coming true IN OUR LIFETIME.
The first century church was predominantly Jewish. Jesus’ disciples were all Jews. Jesus was, is and always will be a Jew. He was born in Bethlehem, Israel. He grew up in Nazareth, Israel. He spend a good part of His ministry in the Galilee area, in Israel. And he was crucified and ressurection from the dead, in Jerusalem, Israel. The same Land of Israel that existed thousands of years ago, is still there today. We have been there several times and I can testify to the fact that EVERY WORD OF THE BIBLE IS TRUE, AND MODERN DAY ISRAEL IS A FULFILLMENT OF ANCIENT BIBLICAL PROPHECY. And it is God’s heart, that His Bride, the Church, pray for, bless and comfort His firstborn, Israel the children of Abraham, with God’s Biblical love.
May the 14th, 1948. Consider the scripture written by the Jewish prophet Isaiah in chapter 66 verse 8. It says “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord…..”. This incredible promise, this ancient prophecy was fulfilled only 61 short years ago. IN OUR GENERATION, on May the 14th, 1948 when Israel was reborn as a nation according to God’s promise, we have witnessed this scripture fulfilled.
Within the last 100 years, (and most since 1948), over 6 million Jews, the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are now living in the ancient Land of Israel. These people have come “home” from the countries from which they were scattered! There are still Jews living in other countries that are still in the process of Ezekiel 37 including MEXICO. God is inviting you to participate with Him in these last days, in bringing the Jewish people back to their Land according to His Word. Please read Isaiah 43: 1-6 and Isaiah 49: 13-22, focusing on verse 22. There are over 85 scriptures that refer to God brining His people back to the Land of Israel. It’s happening now!
Church of the Living God, Messiah Y’shua, Jesus Christ is about to return! The Word of God tells us that the Jews would be re-gathered again a second time (some in unbelief) to THEIR OWN LAND before Jesus comes back. This was impossible until this generation, when Israel became a nation again in 1948. Open your heart and ask the Holy Spirit reveal to you the immensity of this. The Word tells us God would plant Israel back in their own land before Messiah’s return. Again, I encourage you to read Ezekiel 37. You are living in the day and hour of this prophetic chapter! Make sure your lamps are trimmed! Be about your Father’s business! Be ready to preach the Gospel! Be ready to follow the Lamb wherever He goes! Desire to want all of Him, including His heart for His children, the people of Israel!
Everything God is doing to wind up history centers around the nation of Israel, God’s prophetic “time clock.” Nothing can change the Word of God and His plan. And He desires that ALL of His children, both Jew and Gentile, come home to His heart.
I hear all the time here amongst my Christian friends here in Mexico, “God is so faithful, at times we forget about Him, but He never forgets about us.” And this is a true saying. For the Father never, ever forgets about His children. Both Jew and Gentile alike.
Written by
Brandy Cook
You may be thinking, what do my children have to do with this article about Israel, Bible Prophecy and the Church? Everything. For God’s chosen people the Jews are God’s children, as we are who believe. And the Father’s heart is broken, broken for His people Israel. As Jesus taught us in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, so longs the Father’s heart for His firstborn, Israel to come home. To know their Messiah. To believe in the One who He sent. Read Romans 10:1, Romans 11 and Jeremiah 31:31-37.
“Sing, O heavens! Be joyful all the earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you, see I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:13-16
God loves Israel. The Jewish people are not forgotten in the eyes of the Father.Consider the words of Zechariah 2:8 when the Lord says about the Jews, “… for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” In other words, in the Hebraic interpretation of this verse, you could read it to understand that “He who touches Israel pokes God in the eye.”
Some of you may be thinking right now, “I thought the Jewish people were from the Old Testament and didn’t exist anymore.” Some others reading this may be thinking, “I thought Israel was rejected by God and now I am Israel”. Yet others of you may be thinking, “What does Israel have to do with me as a Christian?” Dear ones, with the love of God I respectfully share with you today, that the Lord is inviting you to take a deeper look into His heart. I think we would all agree that He wants ALL of our heart. We call out in prayer consistently crying, “Lord, I am yours, I surrender to you, and I want your will, I want what YOU want.” In return, I also believe He wants us to have ALL of His heart, and a huge portion of His heart is ISRAEL. Israel did not cease to exist. Israel, as a people and a nation, are alive today and a FULFILLMENT OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY.
We are living in an hour that is experiencing more fulfilled Bible prophecies since Jesus went to the cross. Just within the past 100 years, more ancient prophecies spoken by God through the prophets of old are coming true IN OUR LIFETIME.
The first century church was predominantly Jewish. Jesus’ disciples were all Jews. Jesus was, is and always will be a Jew. He was born in Bethlehem, Israel. He grew up in Nazareth, Israel. He spend a good part of His ministry in the Galilee area, in Israel. And he was crucified and ressurection from the dead, in Jerusalem, Israel. The same Land of Israel that existed thousands of years ago, is still there today. We have been there several times and I can testify to the fact that EVERY WORD OF THE BIBLE IS TRUE, AND MODERN DAY ISRAEL IS A FULFILLMENT OF ANCIENT BIBLICAL PROPHECY. And it is God’s heart, that His Bride, the Church, pray for, bless and comfort His firstborn, Israel the children of Abraham, with God’s Biblical love.
(I took this picture in Israel last year.
This is the Sea of Galilee with the Golan Heights in the background)
May the 14th, 1948. Consider the scripture written by the Jewish prophet Isaiah in chapter 66 verse 8. It says “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord…..”. This incredible promise, this ancient prophecy was fulfilled only 61 short years ago. IN OUR GENERATION, on May the 14th, 1948 when Israel was reborn as a nation according to God’s promise, we have witnessed this scripture fulfilled.
Within the last 100 years, (and most since 1948), over 6 million Jews, the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are now living in the ancient Land of Israel. These people have come “home” from the countries from which they were scattered! There are still Jews living in other countries that are still in the process of Ezekiel 37 including MEXICO. God is inviting you to participate with Him in these last days, in bringing the Jewish people back to their Land according to His Word. Please read Isaiah 43: 1-6 and Isaiah 49: 13-22, focusing on verse 22. There are over 85 scriptures that refer to God brining His people back to the Land of Israel. It’s happening now!
Church of the Living God, Messiah Y’shua, Jesus Christ is about to return! The Word of God tells us that the Jews would be re-gathered again a second time (some in unbelief) to THEIR OWN LAND before Jesus comes back. This was impossible until this generation, when Israel became a nation again in 1948. Open your heart and ask the Holy Spirit reveal to you the immensity of this. The Word tells us God would plant Israel back in their own land before Messiah’s return. Again, I encourage you to read Ezekiel 37. You are living in the day and hour of this prophetic chapter! Make sure your lamps are trimmed! Be about your Father’s business! Be ready to preach the Gospel! Be ready to follow the Lamb wherever He goes! Desire to want all of Him, including His heart for His children, the people of Israel!
Everything God is doing to wind up history centers around the nation of Israel, God’s prophetic “time clock.” Nothing can change the Word of God and His plan. And He desires that ALL of His children, both Jew and Gentile, come home to His heart.
I hear all the time here amongst my Christian friends here in Mexico, “God is so faithful, at times we forget about Him, but He never forgets about us.” And this is a true saying. For the Father never, ever forgets about His children. Both Jew and Gentile alike.
Written by
Brandy Cook
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