"Our Eyes Are On You" (what do to in the midst of the impossible)

This week I awakened with the leading to read 2nd Chronicles chapter 20. As I snuggled myself into my favorite chair with my Bible and my cup of tea, the Lord began to open my eyes to the treasures within this portion of Scripture. There were many verses that pierced my heart, and set my heart burning to go deeper.

Then, it seemed like all at once, several dear, dear friends began writing me emails or calling me on the phone sharing with me impossible situations either they or their friends and/or family were in, asking us to pray. Situations where there are simply no answers, no consolations, no advice nor no way out. These heart-wrenching cries have not only broken my heart, but have given me the "fear of the Lord" and I do not count it lightly that the Lord touched their hearts to share with me their need for prayer.

Question: Has someone ever asked you to pray about something and you said you would and then you didn't?

Answer: We all have, I think.

Realization: May God give us Holy Fear that we never take this lightly, as this is holy ministry unto the Lord.

All that said, I've been doing a lot of praying this week. And during this time, 2 Chronicles 20 has been coming back again, again and again. And again. And again. So much so, I feel like it is a "fire shut up in my bones", like maybe what the Prophet Ezekiel once experienced. So, here goes...this is what the Lord has shown me out of this chapter, and I write this to you, all of you who might be reading this who are hurting, confused, overwhelmed, depressed, angry, sad, offended, broken, isolated, without answers for your situation(s), scared or just plain numb... as a precious piece of the broken bread that Jesus has broken and distributed for all to share in.

Once upon a "real" time, there was a battle about to take place. The rumblings of war could be felt in the hearts of the people of the Land of Israel. The King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, was told that "a great multitude is coming against you". A massive group of enemies who wanted to wipe Israel off the map were about to come upon them and do just that.

So what did King Jehoshaphat do with this overwhelming news? Did he follow in the footsteps of many of his predecessors? No. The Bible tells us "Jehoshaphat FEARED, and SET HIMSELF TO SEEK THE LORD and PROCLAIMED A FAST throughout all Judah." Then it says that "Judah GATHERED TOGETHER to ASK HELP FROM THE LORD"...... to SEEK THE LORD".

What grabs me next, is the prayer he prayed. It APPREHENDS my heart! Read the text... he begins to recount the POWER, the GOODNESS, the FAITHFULNESS of the Almighty God. In His prayer before all the assembly of people, Jehoshaphat begins to PROCLAIM the truths that have been planted in his heart, RECOUNTING all of the mighty workings God did in behalf of Israel in the past. Reminding himself and the people to consider God's faithful track record of answering prayer in impossible situations.

And here's another one.

Now listen to this... he ends his prayer by saying, "For we have no power against the great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (read this like 3 times or more before going on to the next sentence!)

If you find yourself (or those who you love) in an impossible situation - let this become your prayer!!

Tell me, especially those of you who are parents, if your child came to you in this manner... what would YOU do? "Daddy, Mommy, there are a group of gang members who have threatened to kill me on the playground tomorrow, I"m so scared, I don't know what to do! I need you to help me!!!" So, what would YOU do? Send them to school and forget they even asked you for help? I think not.

Next, the text tells us that after he prayed and the people were still all together, that the Spirit of the Lord came upon the prophet Jahaziel and spoke to His children. God's heart was moved! God said to the people "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's....you will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you...."

Then what did they do after they received the Living Word? They bowed before the Lord, worshipping Him. Then they stood, praising Him with voices loud and high. THEY BELIEVED AND TRUSTED IN THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD DELIVER.

In obedience to the specific instruction that God gave them through the prophet Jahaziel, they went out, in faith, to the wilderness of Tekoa as the Lord instructed them. God always gives us a battle strategy WHEN WE ASK HIM AND WAIT TO HEAR HIS ANSWER. (I guess that's the key, a lot of times we ask but don't wait to hear the instruction to follow??? I've certainly been guilty of that on several occasions)

As they were on the battle ground, here's where the showdown begins. King Jehoshaphat instructs the people to " BELIEVE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD AND YOU SHALL BE ESTABLISHED..."! And then he appointed those who should SING AND PRAISE the Lord as they went out before the army...

These are BATTLE STRATEGIES GOD SET IN PLACE. Just like when the walls of Jericho came down, through the people obeying God's directives by marching around the city and blowing shofars and shouting - they witnessed the power of God bring down WALLS OF A CITY! (Joshua 6) Did you know that God uses unconventional warfare tactics?????

Now, put on your seatbelts! In verse 22 it says this, and there is NO FONT big enough in my computer to write this so let the Holy Spirit of the Living God BURN it in your hearts.... "NOW WHEN THEY BEGAN TO SING AND TO PRAISE, THE LORD SET AMBUSHES AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF AMMON, MOAB, AND MOUNT SEIR, WHO HAD COME AGAINST JUDAH; AND THEY WERE DEFEATED."

When they began to sing and to praise (in belief!!! in trust!!!) GOD SET AMBUSHES!!!

And then what, after the victory??? They returned from the battle WITH JOY, praising GOD.

HE received all the glory, for it is HE who caused them to triumph, not they themselves.

They did NOT need to fight, but TO OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD.

Dear friends.... DO YOU NEED GOD TO SET AMBUSHES IN YOUR LIFE??? What impossible situation(s) do you find yourself in that you need El Shaddai to MOVE ON YOUR BEHALF???? Do you find yourself, as Jehoshaphat did, saying to God "We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; NOR DO WE KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU!" ????

Right now, wherever you are, get on your face and seek the Lord's. Get your Bible and soak yourself in 2 Chronicles 20 and let the Holy Spirit of the Creator of the Universe, who sent His only Son to die for you so that you may live, our Abba Father who WANTS to move on your behalf, set ambushes for you. TURN YOUR EYES TO HIM. PRAY. WORSHIP. PRAISE. WAIT. HEAR. OBEY. Even if His answer seems crazy, and everyone else might think your nuts. You are in good company.

"And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel."

Set your eyes on Him, and watch GOD fight for you today.

2 Chronicles 20

Newsletter November 2009 "The Cloud & The Fire"

"THE CLOUD AND THE FIRE"

"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and by night". Exodus 13:21

Sometimes life takes on a season that our physical bodies are not able to keep up with (praise God we are simply tired but healthy), and that has been the case for us since our retirement from IDT last May. As we have shared with you previously, this past year has been challenging with all the changes in our lives. (ever feel that way?) As this 25 year season ended as the heads of IDT, the re-adjustment period has brought new life and vision to our souls. The Lord has made it VERY CLEAR regarding the "next season" of ministry with Prophetic Sword and Comfort Israel. What we didn't expect however, is that the CLOUD AND THE FIRE were going to move us, (our family) physically to a new location. Making a long story (which I'm sure you don't have time for.... someone recently told me I need to shorten my newsletters so people will actually read them :-) ) is that the Lord has made His will known to us that we are to move 3 hours north, to Rosarito, B.C. Mexico. Rosarito is between Tijuana and Ensenada.

This is a change that we NEVER EXPECTED - we thought we would be here in Vicente Guerrero, in this sweet home in Zarahembla till the rapture or death. BUT, the Lord had other plans and to dig our heels in the ground and refuse to move would be an act of willful disobedience. What about our house??? Well that's a long story best left for another occasion but I will comment that you know for sure the Lord is involved when ABSOLUTELY nothing is selling in your area but suddenly your house sells literally in ONE HOUR!

The Lord has shown us several things, and one of them we want to share with you is regarding Prophetic Sword. One of the main reasons for the retirement from IDT is that the Lord has called Rance to begin a world wide website focusing on Bible Prophecy, the End Times, the current condition of the Word, people who have left the organized church and calling people back to the pure Word of God. It's been 6 months and Rance has YET to write one article for his new website, due to the "busy-ness" life has dealt us here. After retirement we had looked forward to getting the new website up and running PRONTO!!!!!!! BUT what we did not anticipate was that there would appear an entire line of people and couples from various Mexican churches that required VAST amounts of counseling including (but not limited to) marriage problems, deserted husbands and sin issues within the house of God. It seemed to never end and although all these things were of great importance, still they kept us from doing what God had instructed us to do. In our own busy-ness and weakness, we were unable to fully concentrate and be obedient to the clear callings God has given us for both Prophetic Sword and Comfort Israel. In addition, it's time to pare down, simplify, relocate our family into a place where we can be focused on what the Lord has called us to do - and we both have a tremendous fear of the Lord in (not) obeying His voice.

Recently, the opportunity arose to purchase back our original house at Don Pepe's that we had back in 1993, (still in Vicente Guerrero but not in Zarehembla). We didn't know why 100% at the time, but now we do - The Lord has made it all clear. He showed us that we were to move the Comfort Israel offices there, set up our motorhome for use during monthly visits to Vicente Guerrero to work with our CI staff and local churches and opportunities that are open for us as a ministry, all over this valley. This new facility is officially dubbed "CI CENTRAL" because we in Rosarito will be "CI NORTE". In case you need clarification, the "CI" stands for COMFORT ISRAEL. Our staff will be able to set a schedule for us while we are in Vicente Guerrero for our week long monthly visits. In addition, God has opened a door for Comfort Israel in San Diego and there is opportunity to do monthly meetings. In the past year, the meetings we have done were fruitful, and we know that the Lord is also calling us to focus on this on a regular basis. Our Mexico Director for CI, Yolanda Benjamin has a myriad of contacts in the Ensenada / Rosarito / Tijuana areas and that means many more opportunities to speak in churches in addition to the current San Quintin area. In the meanwhile, Angela Guenter has accepted the position of office and facility manager, (plus will be helping with filming for the website) Ed Benjamin is the CI treasurer and Renee Coady is in charge of our Christmas outreaches to the local law enforcement & one church outreach. That rounds out our full-time staff but additionally we also have a volunteer staff comprised of Kim Rodriguez (translation), Greg and Allyson Schulz (photography, filming & correspondence), and Jacob Rodriguez (multi media), Johanne Manzano (special projects), Tish Emrich (San Diego Rep), and our representative in Haifa Israel (who for security reasons we cannot name on a public email).

Isaiah 54:1-2 was spoken into our lives years ago, and recently the Lord showed us that we are entering into this time as that is being fulfilled, even now. "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left....."

The seriousness of the hour we are living in, Bible prophecy being fulfilled at an unprecedented rate, the importance of the preaching of the Word of God in it's full counsel, and the utmost importance of what is happening with Israel and the Jewish people... as the church it's time for us to do what God is calling us to do, and to resist the comforts of what we have known for so many years and FOLLOW HIS CLOUD & FIRE.

We will finally be in residence in the Rosarito house by this next week and are putting together the necessary equipment for the web site challenge. Basically we have absolutely nothing in this world to complain about and we can both tell you that it is an honor and a blessing for the Lord to give us this new vision for an entirely new ministry at this point in our lives. Rance recently commented (to someone marveling at his walking away from a well established 25 year old ministry), that "How many men do you know that the Lord has given a brand new mission at the age of 65, not to mention the health and stamina to do so?" That is the definition of a blessing from the Lord". As for me (Brandy), I thank the Lord that He restored Santiago's health last month and other than some nagging allergies, I am in good health as well.

In closing, we would ask for your prayers - especially during this (yet another) transition. May the Holy Spirit lead and guide you. Blessings to you all - we send our love to each of you and may the Shalom of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And remember - there is no safer place to be than in the center of God's will, even if you do feel like you are "free falling". :-)

Rance, Brandy & Santiago Cook

(P.S. if you are on FACEBOOK, please add us as "your friends"!)

Facebook: brandy.cook3

Facebook: Rance Cook

Updated website addresses to come - SOON GOD WILLING!!!!

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.'

"Kick-a-Jew" day in Florida - WAKE UP AMERICA!

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/nov/23/north-naples-middle-suspended-kick-a-jew-day-email/

VIDEO: 10 North Naples Middle students suspended for taking part in “kick a Jew day”

• By KATHERINE ALBERS
• Posted November 23, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. , updated November 23, 2009 at 7:02 p.m.

NAPLES — Ten North Naples Middle School students were suspended last week after district officials said they participated in “kick a Jew day.”

District Spokesman Joe Landon said a student told the dean of students at dismissal on Thursday that she was kicked because it was “kick a Jew day.”

The following morning Principal Margaret Jackson addressed the entire student body on the morning news regarding the incident, reviewing the code of student conduct, explaining why what happened was wrong, the need to respect one another and possible consequences, Landon said.

Jackson asked that anyone with information on the incident come to the office and speak with her or the assistant principal as they investigated the incident.

As a result, the district determined that 10 students should be punished. The students received a one day, in-school suspension, which was served today. The parents of the 10 students were also called and conferences with the parents followed the phone calls, according to Landon.

Parents of the students who were kicked were also notified of what happened, Landon said.

Landon said until further notice, the school will focus the first 20 minutes of each day on character traits, beginning with respect and kindness. Homeroom teachers will speak with the students about these traits and will focus on bullying prevention, he said. Videos on the topic will be sought out and used as part of the training, he said.

Landon said the first 20 minutes of the school day is normally used for reading time and tutoring time if students need help.

David Barkey, south area council for the Florida Anti-Definmation League, said the organization had been made aware of the incident.

“You are talking about an incident that has anti-Jewish bias if not anti-Semitism. You have Jewish students being singled out, harassed and assaulted,” he said. “If the allegations are true, it is possible these students violated Florida’s new anti-bullying law. And, if students were physically assaulted, it could rise to the level of criminal conduct.”

Rabbi James Perman, of Temple Shalom in North Naples, called the situation “alarming.”

“I can tell you this: I haven’t seen anything like it in my 17 years in Naples. No child deserves this kind of treatment,” he wrote in an e-mail Monday. “Their parents are understandably outraged. So far it seems that the school system has taken appropriate measures and we applaud their efforts. At this point, teaching sensitive awareness is more important than punishing anyone.”

Perman said how the situation is handled is of concern to those at the Temple because it involves children.

“Beyond that, there are critical issues for the entire Jewish community and beyond. ... These are not new issues for us here in Naples,” he wrote. “These 10 kids did not invent anti-Semitism. They found a sympathetic response that was already there on some level.”

He said the Temple is ready to help.

The Collier County School District has a policy on bullying and harassment. It defines bullying as “systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees.”

Harassment is defined as “any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property,” among other things.

The students were disciplined in accordance with the bullying and harassment policy, which can range from “positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct,” according to the district’s policy.

10 things Christians can learn from Biblical / Jewish Holidays

In each of the three Jewish High Holy Days - Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) - there are gems hidden by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Beyond a yearly calendar of holy convocations, the Levitical Feasts (Lev. 23) as a whole point the reader to a deeper understanding of the God of Israel.

Year after year, as we celebrate God's provision for and preservation of the Jewish people, we are reminded that the same God who promised never to forsake Israel (Jeremiah 31:35-37) has also promised us forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). Here is a list of a few things Christians can learn from the High Holy Days:

1. God has a special plan for the Jewish people

God is not finished with Israel and the Jewish people! On the contrary, He continues to have a special plan for His chosen people. The Jewish calendar found in Leviticus 23 and partially repeated throughout the rest of the Tenach (Old Testament) shows us that God gave the Jewish people "holy convocations" to make us "a light to the Nations" (Lev 23:1-3, Deut 7:6-11, 1 King 8:53, 59-61, Isaiah 42:6).

2. God is a God of covenant relationships

From the early chapters of Genesis through the rest of Scriptures, God has always been a God of relationships - with mankind in general and with the Jewish people in particular. It began with the Edenic (Gen 2:15-17) and Adamic (Gen 3:14-19) Covenants made with mankind. The Mosaic Covenant, made with the children of Israel, contains the 613 mitzvot (commandments), including the celebration of the Feasts of Israel for all generations. God expressed His deep desire for relationship by teaching Israel how to relate to Him through many ways, including the Fall Feasts as a yearly reminder to bring Jewish people back to focusing on Him. The series of covenants culminates with the New Covenant made with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-34), which is fulfilled in Messiah.

3. A better understanding of the Jewish people

Genesis 12:1-3 tells us about the Covenant God made with Abraham. In verse 3, God said: "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." As Bible-believing Christians who love Israel, blessing the Jewish people is part of what we do. There is no greater blessing than giving Jewish people the gift that never stops giving, which is the Good News (Romans 10:1-5, 11:11). The High Holy Days and their contemporary observance give us a wonderful link to the Jewish community, through which we can share the message of Messiah. As we study the feasts of Leviticus 23, we learn more about the Jewish people and as a result, we are able to deliver our message in a bold yet sensitive way.

4. The redemptive career of the Messiah

Not only will we understand the Jewish people better by knowing the Feasts of Israel, but we will also deepen our understanding of the Jewish Messiah, as each of the Feasts points to a specific event in the redemptive career of Yeshua our Redeemer. In a sense, God's grand plan is revealed through the Feasts. Many believers agree that each of the Levitical holy convocations has been or will be fulfilled by a specific event, in a specific order, in the prophetic career of the Messiah. As the Spring Festivals were all fulfilled by the First Coming of the Messiah, so the Fall Feasts will be fulfilled by His Second Coming. Incidentally, the order of the feasts on the Jewish calendar might give us a great insight into the sequence of events of the Last Days.

Messiah's Second Coming

Rosh Hashanah (New Year) - Trumpet Blast heralding End Times

Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) - The Great Tribulation

Sukkot (Feast of Booths or Tabernacles) - The Thousand-Year Messianic Kingdom

5. Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah means the "head of the year." It is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, and is the first of three Fall Feasts. The theme of Rosh Hashanah is regathering and repentance in preparation for the other two feasts: Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement, the most holy day of the Jewish calendar) and Sukkot (the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles).

With Rosh Hashanah we prepare our hearts for the beautiful season of the High Holy Days (Lev. 23: 23-25, Num. 29:1-6, Ps. 81:3-4, Ezra 3:1-6, Neh. 8:1-12). Jewish people all over the world blow the shofar (ram's horn). Prophetically, Rosh Hashanah will be fulfilled by the ultimate regathering of the Rapture (1 Thess 4:13-18, 1 Cor. 15:50-58). It is important to note that the rapture does not have to take place on the day of Rosh Hashanah to fulfill it; the Bible is clear that we don't know the day or the hour (Matt. 24:42-44, 25:13).

6. Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur is the most solemn of the High Holy Days. It is a fast and a day of affliction (Lev. 16, 23:26-32). As described in Leviticus 16, Yom Kippur was a day for all Israel's sins to be atoned for by the yearly sacrifices performed by the High Priest. First, he would atone for himself by providing both a sin and a burnt offering (Lev. 16:3). After offering sacrifices to the Lord for himself and the other priests, he would be ready to make an offering for the atonement of all Israel (Lev 16:5-7). Two male goats were used. One goat was slaughtered and the other goat, which was known as azazel or the "scapegoat," was escorted into the wilderness, and tradition tells us that it was pushed off a cliff to its certain death, taking with it all the sins of Israel to be remembered no more. Yeshua became our azazel 2,000 years ago (Rom. 5:8, 8:3).

Three times in Lev 23 (vv. 27, 29, 32) Jewish people are told to "humble our souls." The prophetic fulfillment of Yom Kippur will come with the Great Tribulation - also known as "the time of Jacob's trouble" - which is a specific description of the affliction of Israel during the Great Tribulation (Zech 13:9, 12:10, Luke 13:35).

7. Sukkot: The Feast of Tabernacles

Sukkot means "booths" in Hebrew (Lev 23:33-44, Ex. 23:14-17, Num. 29:12-38, 1 Kg 8:2, I Kings 12:25-33, Neh. 8:13-18). In biblical days as well as in modern days, Jewish people build temporary dwellings or "booths" and eat (sometimes sleep) in them for a week during Sukkot. We do it to remember and celebrate God's provision and dwelling with the children of Israel in the wilderness wanderings. Based on Leviticus 23:40, Rabbinic laws were developed regarding what is known today as the "four species." Each year, families must obtain their own lulav or "sprout" and etrog or "one that shines" (terms not found in the Bible) for the celebration. All four species are held and are waved in four directions - up, down and to the sides - symbolizing that God is everywhere.

The prophetic significance of Sukkot should not be overlooked. The Rabbis taught that one day God would pour His Holy Spirit on Israel (Joel 2:28). In John 7:37-39, during the seventh day of Sukkot, Yeshua the Messiah relates the outpouring of water to Himself and the water of eternal life that He gives. His Jewish audience would have made the connection immediately. Furthermore, Yeshua, who is God in the flesh dwelling with us, will be the ultimate fulfillment of Tabernacles, when we all dwell with Him in His futureMillennial Kingdom (Zech 14:16-19). Peter, at the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36), mistakenly thought Yeshua had brought in the Kingdom, and he wanted to build three booths; one each for Messiah, Moses, and Elijah.

8. God's promises are irrevocable

With each of these festivals comes a future fulfillment of a promise from God to those who have put their trust in the death and resurrection of Messiah for the forgiveness of their sins. God's promises to Israel are irrevocable (Jeremiah 31:35-37, Romans 9:1-5, 11:26-29) and our God never changes (Hebrews 13:8). Only if God's promises to Israel are irrevocable can the promises to those who follow Messiah also be unchanged. If God has changed His mind about Israel, then our personal relationship with Him (also based on a covenantal promise) stands on nothing!

9. God's plan of redemption is not an afterthought.

From the very first Messianic prophecy found in Genesis 3:15, the Creator of the universe introduced the idea of a Redeemer for mankind. The picture progressively painted through the Jewish Scriptures is one of a Jewish man from the tribe of Judah, the line of David, both God and man, born in Bethlehem of a virgin (Genesis 3:15, 49:10, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, Micah 5:2), to name just a few. Obviously, only Yeshua of Nazareth fulfills the description perfectly. Images of our Redeemer are also found in all the Levitical Feasts from Passover to Tabernacles, from His death to the Millennial Kingdom. God's love for us is so great that He planned all along to provide a way for us to be reconciled to Him (John 3:16).

10. A better understanding of God's Word

As most people read the Bible - which is the story of mankind in general and Israel in particular - it is as if we were watching an old movie in black and white, with some details but not all. Yet if we read the Bible from a Jewish perspective, understanding the authors' point of view, the audiences and the geographical/historical context, then we understand so much more. The movie instantly turns to color, and details we never knew existed pop up on the screen.

The Levitical calendar is not only a reminder of God's holy convocations for the children of Israel, but it also renders a vivid picture of God's love, grace, and provision for the Jewish people and the rest of mankind. It helps us to better understand not only the Jewish people, but the God of the Jewish people, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob... our God, and His Word.

SENT TO ME BY MY FRIEND GARY!!!! THANK YOU GARY FOR THIS WONDERFUL WRITING!!!! L'SHANA TOVA!!! Brandy

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF FAREWELL TOUR

Words cannot describe how thankful we are that we are about to go see the live, farewell tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, starring Topol. This movie has made such an enormous impact on my life, along with many, many other books & movies about Israel. If you live in Southern California or the Portland, Oregon area, and you are interested in also attending, check out:

http://www.fiddlerontour.com/

The last trip we took to Israel we visited something called "The Time Elevator". It was an amazing movie / 3-D like production with Topol as the host. He now lives in Jerusalem, Israel we found out! This movie is about the entire history of Israel, from creation until now. It's a definite "must see" while in the City of the Great King.

SHALOM!

WHAT GOD DESIRES

As I was having "Sacred Space" with my King last Sunday, He spoke to my heart to write in my journal... so I will share with you, dear reader, what I wrote. May this speak to you as it did to me. "You want our hearts. You want all of us - everything, no hold backs. Noting short of complete surrender and abandonment... You are coming soon - You are even at the door! You are asking Your bride if she is willing to let go of anything and everything that is a hindrance and a block from entering into Your presence. Secret, besetting sins, anything that grieves Your Holy Spirit - You want our hearts uncluttered of religious spirits, self-sufficiency, pride, rebellion, fleshly lusts that war against the soul, You desire a bride who is willing to stop "the busy-ness" and sit with You. To recognize we have left You sitting in the secret place alone, waiting for our return. You desire a bride who is in love with You, a bride whose sole focus and attention is on You, Your desires, Your wants, Your needs and Your will. You desire a bride who is willing to loose it all to have You. You desire a bride who cries - "Yet He slay me yet I will trust Him" because You, Jesus are worth it all!!!

Death Makes Heaven Real

Daily routine. Wake up. Devotions. Care for family. Go to work... and then comes an unexpected phone call that someone you love has died. Then, all of a sudden, the world seems to stop and the reality of heaven or hell is in your face. Although this is a reality most of us live with on a daily basis, one that many have dedicated their lives to, in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God's plan for salvation for mankind, it seems like someone throwing cold water in your face when one passes from this life to enter their eternal dwelling place. Last week, my great aunt passed away, my Grandma Alice's sister. Natalia Jean Poletti was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and great aunt. My heart rejoices knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord, as the Bible teaches "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." (For the believer). The opposite is unthinkable. The pain is for us left behind, in which we desperately need the Lord's comfort. There is a verse in the book of Psalms that says "Precious in the eyes of the Lord are the death of His saints" is a reminder that God looks at the death of His children in a very different way than we do, for us left behind until our arrival.

Reality for me now is, THAT SHE HAS FINISHED HER RACE - AND SHE HAS SEEN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST.... YESHUA HAMASHIAC, she actually knows what He looks like! Can you imagine???

I have had to pause this past week and ask myself some serious, self examining questions. DO I LIVE IN THE REALITY THAT THIS LIFE IS TEMPORAL??? That in any minute, I could also pass into the arms of the Lord and be standing before Him, face to face? How different my life would be that if I lived with the CONSTANT revelation that in any second, I could be standing before my King. What in my life would I be ashamed of? Does my heart condemn me? Is there anything I am holding onto that He has asked me to let go of, and I have held onto? Have I "been about my Father's business", or my own? Am I walking with a repentant heart? Do I live my life with the reality that the choices I make are eternal? Death makes heaven real.

I believe God uses all things for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purposes, and in saying that, death does bring forth new life. The Bible says that He has place eternity in our hearts. At the passing from this life on earth into the Lord's presence for my great aunt, it has called me into the truthful reality that not only is heaven real, so is hell, and it's only a breath away. So how am I living my life to walk out His purposes for me? "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 1st Corinthians 5:10

Praise the Lord for His sacrifice for me, because He died, I may live. "That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed." Romans 10:9-11

Death makes heaven real.