Israel is celebrating its Independence today. Just before Israel celebrates its independence, it mourns those whose blood was shed for its freedom and then celebrates its freedom.
Read more – let the Word sink in deeper.As we enter into day 16 of Operation Protective Shield, we read how a “ceasefire” is proposed by different countries in order to settle the conflict. However, it’s not a ‘true’ peace they want to achieve, but just a pause in the violence. A ceasefire in the eyes of Islam is called a ‘hudna’, which is understood as a time to regroup and rearm before rising to its ultimate victory. So how does one truly achieve peace?
Don’t stop now – more truth and grace await.At the beginning of the recent conflict with Hamas, we discovered an app called “red Alert”, which we, (along with millions of others around the world), installed on our iPhones. The app sounds an alert warning each time a rocket is fired into Israel, and identifies the city or area where the rocket(s) are expected to land. On the first day of “Operation Protective Edge” we were amazed at how often the alert sounded as hundreds of rockets flew out of Gaza. Driving with friends from the Galilee region back to our home in the Negev, the eerie warning sounded over and over again. With each warning we knew that potentially hundreds of people were in danger. And this has continued day after day for the past 11 days. Even today my phone has gone off incessantly.
There’s more encouragement just ahead – read more.As most of you know, we’ve been on a speaking tour throughout the United States during the past month, and have been preaching throughout the country in the midst of flu season. This past weekend the flu finally broke down my immunity and seriously knocked me out. But after a few days of battling, I’m starting to feel better. Influenza is a nasty virus that has the ability to replicate extremely quickly and once it establishes a foothold, rapidly gains a stronghold within the body. You may guess where I’m going with this personal illustration.
Keep reading – God’s message continues.As most of you know, this past week the conflict in Israel has escalated. The IDF has termed Israel’s military operation, “amood anan”, which in literal Hebrew, means, “pillar of cloud”. In English it has been rendered, “pillar of defense”. The term is a direct reference from the Exodus of Israel from Egypt when they were led out of slavery and protected by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.[Exodus 13:21]. The pillar both led (directed and guided) and protected the children of Israel from the Egyptian army…providing both leadership and protection.
Click here for the rest – and let God minister to you.For the past few days our family has been fighting off various viruses, and I’m hoping we’re finally coming to the end of this bout of sickness. But it’s causing me to reflect on the amazing way God has designed our bodies to combat these germs, with an immune system that can eliminate any intruder as soon as it penetrates.
Click here to read more of this devotional – let it speak to your heart.Psalms 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I … continue reading
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