Israel April 9th 2012
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MEMBERS OF WORLDWIDE MISSION FELLOWSHIP
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Visit The Holy Land
2 Summer2010
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Woman Of The Bible, Revealed
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ELCOME ALL this is dummy text Prophetess who became a Judge of Israel (Judges 4:4). She was the wife of Lapidoth and had an extraordinary relationship with the Lord, He was her ‘one thing’ that meant
the most to her.
Jael showed us the importance of obedience of a godly woman called Jael. She was in her tent when Sisera came near to it (Judges 4:18). Jael invited him and ensured he was comfortable and when he was asleep, she drove a nail into his temple with a hammer.
A truly humbling tour which inspired and influenced all the women in a very special way
In God’s kingdom, the roles between men and women are very defined. This is not the situation in the secular world where the roles have now become very blurred. Deborah was the Judge of Israel but God had prepared a man, Barak, to go to battle and fight against Sisera, the enemy of Israel. of a godly woman called Jael. She was in her tent when Sisera came near to it (Judges 4:18). Jael invited him and ensured he was comfortable and when he was asleep, she drove a nail into his temple with a hammer. In God’s kingdom, the roles between men and women are very defined. This is not the situation in the secular world where the roles have now become very blurred. Deborah was the Judge of Israel but God had prepared a man, Barak, to go to battle and fight against Sisera, the enemy of Israe In God’s kingdom, the roles between men and women are very defined. This is not the situation in the secular world where the roles have now become very blurred. Deborah was the Judge of Israel but God had prepared a man, Barak, to go to battle and fight against Sisera, the enemy of Israe
reverend Taylor
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IT’S MY EDITORIAL TEAM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Pauline Downie EDITOR Krystle Downie PHOTOGRAPHER Pauline Downie CONTACT info@itsmymagazine.com www.itsmymagazine.com 020 8858 9099
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KOD AK 4 00 OUR DISAPPOINTMENT is God’s appointment. After prompt arrival at Heathrow for a 3:30pm flight to Tel Aviv, the Worldwide Mission Fellowship members were eager to depart for the promised land. However a two hour delay which would have affected their landing, ensured that the congregation avoided an unexpected freak sandstorm and reminded them all of Gods protection and deliverance from danger.
Top: Galilian sailing boat. The picture perfect weather was all the more remarkable considering the raging sandstorm only the day before.
Above:The women on the trip were advised to wear hats and they did not disappoint. There was an array of straw hats on display which not only protected heads from the sun, but also provided an air of sophisticated glamour.
GALILEE LAKESIDE
THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP was to study a selection of women from the Bible, their roles, motivations and inspirations.
Important life lessons can be learned which testify to the power of God at work within their lives. Strength can be drawn from observing the ways in which these women dealt with a range of situations, some of which many of us struggle with today.
The first day in Israel began with an early start and a boat trip on the sea of Galilee. Lulled into the presence of the Holy Spirit by the soothing music of worship and the gentle undulation of the boat, the majestic view of the Northern shores, where Jesus’ ministry took place, arose ahead. This journey gave many a chance to reflect both on their safe arrival, and the wonderful opportunity ahead to walk the same streets that Jesus did.
Disembarking from the vessel.
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7 Summer2010
“And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.� (Ezekiel 28:26)
THE GROUP ENJOYED stunning panoramic views from the boat and were privileged to receive an introduction to all the local landmarks provided by their guide, Pamela Suran.
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SAILING GALILEE... Away from the hustle and bustle of London, this nautical experience provided a perfectly calm setting in which Pastor Dennis read the following powerful passage from Ezekiel.
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Architectual features using traditional sandstone which can be found all over Israel
The ladies brought an array of vibrant colour to Israel. This fitted well with the tropical scenary
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9 Summer2010
Above: A reflective Amal prepares for her role within an upcoming production
SUITAbLY INSPIRED AND filled with the Holy Spirit, the group were now ready to be introduced to their first two women of the Bible for study; Jairus’s daughter and the woman with the issue of blood. rev. Taylor gave a clear and comprehensive exposition on the uncleanness attributed to both these females, and how Jesus took them from being outcasts, touching them with his love, understanding, and most importantly, his acceptance. Jesus’ compassionate nature was the enduring truth that stood out above all else.
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WOMAN OF cAPERNAUM DEATH cOULD’NT HOLD HER ONcE JESUS SPOKE LIFE INTO HER jAIRUS’S DAUgHTER LIVED TO TELL THE TALE
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Above: Under the shade of an Olive tree, the group enjoy the first of eight lessons, al fresco style
IN LUKE 8: 41-49, JESUS was on his way to visit Jairus, a wealthy man, because his twelve year old daughter was extremely sick. As usual, the crowd was thronging Him, surrounding him on all sides yet nevertheless, he felt the individual touch of a desperate woman who had suffered an issue of blood for twelve years. It was against the law for a menstruating woman to be seen in public, and even more of a problem for her to be in the presence of a rabbi. However, this woman, (who’d been isolated from people for twelve years!) broke tradition and stepped out in faith to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, and was healed.
Above:Amel taking a break from filming the trailer for
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for us who believe in Christ as we too can ‘touch the hem of His garment’ when we ‘pull on His Word’. This means that when we have an issue within our lives, we can ask Jesus to help us and use the Word that He provided as the basis for having our needs met and resolved. By the time Jesus reached Jairus’ house, his daughter was dead. She was now considered unclean as it was against the law to touch a dead body. However, praise God – Jesus disregarded convention, spoke to the girl and death released her.
The testimonies of both women shows that Jesus saw no difference between the outcast the and accepted, Fur thermore, when Jesus felt or the rich and the poor, in the transference of power and regards to their access to asked “who touched me?” the Him. Jesus transcends the woman bravely came forward traditions and barriers put up and admitted it. Her faith was by men. Therefore, we should commended and she was sent praise God for his loving away restored, and in peace. kindness and mercy to us all. We should rejoice in the The fringes of the hem confidence that all problems represented the 613 precepts can be brought to the alter, in the Torah – the promises big or small, and have faith in God’s Word. This has a that our resolution is just a spiritual significance step away. 11 Summer2010
A WOMAN RENEWED
2,000 years ago an unmarried woman was viewed with suspicion. Is this what stigmatised Mary magdalene?
THE GROUP TRAVELLED TO Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew, meaning Tower) and the home of Mary Magdelene. Mary is mentioned more frequently in the Gospels than any woman other than Mary, Jesus’ mother. We know her as a woman Jesus had released from the domination of seven demons (Luke 8:2) and who became one of His most devoted followers. Mary had provided funds to support Jesus and his disciples as they ministered (Luke 8:3) suggesting that Mary had independent means S u m m e r 2010 18
The Gospel writers also place Mary near the cross when Jesus was crucified, and she is given an extremely prominent role in the account of Jesus’ last Mary was present at the cross and at Jesus’ burial (Matt.27:56), and was one of the first to discover the stone had been rolled away (Matt. 28:1). Mary and the others hurried to tell Peter of the resurrection, but Peter had not believed them. Luke (24:10-12); John 20:13). Mary then returned to the tomb, where she became the first to see and hear the resurrected Christ (Mark 16:9).
After Jesus released Mary from the domination of seven demons her life was never the same. She underwent a metamorphisis, moving from satanic control to being completely devoted to Jesus. She went from having an oppressed, limited life to being the first to see the stone rolled away, the first to declare Jesus’ resurrection, and the first to see the risen Lord.
This is the nature of our Lord, to take a broken outcasted thing and make it new. This is what He does when He gives us new life. In return all He requires is our love, devotion and commitment to change. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Matthew 27:56,61; 28:1-11; Mark 15:40,47:16:1,9; Luke 8:2,3; 24:1-12; John 19:25; 20:1, 2, 11-18 I T S M Y
THe town of jesus
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Above::The faithful media team worked diligently to ensure everything noteworthy was captured
13 Summer2010
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LOVE AND LOSS RACHEL’S STORY PROVES THAT POSSESSIG bEAUTY AND THE MAN OF YOUR DREAMS DOESN’TGARENTEE A HAPPY ENDING
rACHeL, LIKe BoTH Her aunts Sarah and rebekah before her, was a woman of great beauty. Because she was lovely and a hard worker, she was undoubtedly well liked by those around her. She grew up feeling accepted and loved. When Jacob enterd her life. he loved her too. It must have been difficult for rachel when she realized that the man she loved and had waited seven years to marry had been given to another woman. She would never have him to herself. She was the beloved wife, but always had to share Jacob with her sister. It must have been very painful yet rachel’s body was barren. She had given her husband her when her sister bore child after child until she had borne seven, servant Bilhah, who had borne her two sons and she loved them deeply. Then, at last, she was blessed with Joseph. How her heart must have rejoiced as she held him in her arms. Then she conceived again! But both her hopes and she herself died giving birth to her second
son, leaving Leah to be the sole wife of the man she loved. No wonder she named that infant, Son of my Sorrows. (We know him as Benjamin.) rachel reminds us that being beautiful does not bring contentment. Nor does a loving husband guarantee happiness.
In the end, only an intimate relationship with our Father can provide true contentment.
All other things may fail us, and to the extent we pin our hopes on them, we will remain unfulfilled and hurting. rachel also reminds us that despite disappointment we can be a blessing to others. How fortunate Dan and Naphtali were to havher as their ‘mother,’ rather than to know rejection like that Ishmael received from Sarah.
ScRIPTURE REFERENcES Genesis 29 -33; 35:16-19; 46: 15-18; ruth 4:19; Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18 I T S m Y
15 Summer2010
The jesus boat THIS IS THE EXCITING and inspirational story of the discovery, excavation and conservation of the ancient Galilian Boat, known as the celebrated Jesus Boat. Moshe and Yuval Lufan, brothers and fishermen from Kibbutz Ginosar, discovered the Ancient Galilian Boat buried in the mud near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The discovery of the boat rocked the archaeological and spiritual world. Never before was such an ancient vessel found in so complete a state. .
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Once the boat was positively dated to the First Century C.E, pilgrims from around the world flocked to view the boat which could have been the very same vessel on which Jesus sailed the Sea of Galilee. The vessel is 9 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 1.25 meters high. It may have functioned as a ferry boat, but its measurements also suit those used by ancient fisherman employing a seine, or dragnet, “cast into the sea� as described in Matthew 13:47-48.
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A PATH OF PARABLES ARBEL WAS THE NEXT DESTINATION OF CHOICE The historical location of a war between the Zealots and Herod’s soldiers. It was also a place that Jesus walked through with His followers. In response to the question of why he teaches in parables, Jesus said ‘To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, 12) so that while seeing, they may see and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear and not understand otherwise they might return and not be forgiven.’ (Mark 4:11-12) I T S M Y
Walking along the paths in Arbel, the group were able to witness for themselves the thorny terrain, the stony ground, the wayside, mustard seeds and mountains.which Jesus used to illustrate examples to the disciples. He used terms that they could relate to so they could understand and comprehend the characteristics of His Kingdom, and became better people.
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FRUIT OF THE land THE LORD HAS A PROMISE for us who look for His coming again, a sign which is to mark the end of the age. He said, "Behold the fig tree... when his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand" (Luke 21:29,30 and Matt. 24:32). This was the sign of the end, the sign of the fig tree--not the sign of the vineyard nor yet the sign of the olive. The promise of national renewal with the coming of the Lord is in the Old Testament. Joel 2:18-32 is a prophetic statement dealing with the end of the present age: in verse 22 the fig tree and the vine both are to bear their fruit again, and there will follow a time (v. 28) when the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon the sons and daughters of Israel. This was the time of blessing which Peter in Acts 2:17ff assured the people could follow only when Israel as a nation accepted Jesus Christ as their Messiah.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness. 7 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; 8 But, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. JEREMIAH 25:5
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UNLIKE ALL OTHER TREES, THE FIG TREE HAS A UNIQUE feature about it, namely it’s fruit appears before its leaves. It is as though the clothing of the tree, the outward show of religious observance, the ceremony and the regalia of formal worship, is really the aftermath only of the bearing of a real fruit.
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BAPTISMAL BLESSINGS
Pastor Dennis inspired to play a hymn on a ___________
Heralding the beginings of his public ministry, the baptisim of jesus took place in a very special place, the jordon river MARY AND MARTHA OF BETHANY DONT LET HOUSEWORK CAUSE YOU TO MISS YOUR BLESSINGS
THE TWO UNMARRIED sisters lived with their brother Lazarus in Bethany, a small town just two miles east of Jerusalem.While the two sisters had distinctly different personalities, they were usually together when mentioned in Scripture. Martha was one of those dependable persons we can count on to do what’s needed.We see her working in the kitchen and serving. She was very task oriented sometimes to the extreme. Martha was a significant person in the family, and her contribution to its wellbeing was vital Mary on the other hand was a free spirit. Her first priority was spending time with Jesus – not cooking in the kitchen. I T S M Y
Mary was spiritually sensitive, displaying an awareness of Jesus that none of the other disciples seemed to have. While John wants us to understand that Jesus loved Martha, He also loved and appreciatedher sister. Both Mary and Martha were women of faith. When their brother fell sick the sisters immediately sent a messenger to Jesus, completely confident that he could be healed. These two women were so different yet, they had much in common, and remind us that whatever our personality type, we are to love and serve Jesus in our own unique wayway and that Jesus loves and values us equally.
THE JORDAN RIVER HAS biblical importance and there are numerous references to this sacred river both in the Old Testament and the New Testament In fact, the Jordan River is mentioned about 175 times in the Old Testament and about 15 times in the New Testament. The word Jordan comes from the Hebrew word 'yardane' meaning descender which is appropriate for the river that courses from the heights of Mt Hermon to the depths of the Dead Sea
A peaceful moment at the Jordon River, before the commencement of prayers of thanksgiving
19 Summer2010
case study:
MOUNT TABOR EXPLORED
MOUNT TABOR IS A HIGH MOUNTAIN VERY CLOSE TO Nazareth and also a place of pilgrimage to commemorate the Transfiguration. The view from the top is not just beautiful but a high point from which other significant locations can be viewed. From here, the Jezreel Valley (meaning God will sow seed) can be seen. Other significant historical sites were also nestled nearby, the location where the Midianites and Amalekites pitched together against Israel, the hill of Moreh where the Gideonites camped against the Midianites, Mount Gilboa where Saul was killed by the Philistines, and the village of Nain and Bethel the home of Prophetess Deborah.
WARRIOR WOMEN WHO WERE SOLDIERS FOR GOD. GETTING MILITANT WITH DEBORAH AND JAEL
DEBORAH WAS A CHARISMATIC AND WELL RESPECTED Prophetess who became a Judge of Israel (Judges 4:4). She was the wife of Lapidoth and had an extraordinary relationship with the Lord, He was her ‘one thing’ that meant the most to her. Jael showed us the importance of obedience of a godly woman called Jael. She was in her tent when Sisera came near to it (Judges 4:18). Jael invited him and ensured he was comfortable and when he was asleep, she drove a nail into his temple with a hammer. In God’s kingdom, the roles between men and women are very defined. This is not the situation in the secular world where the roles have now become very blurred. Deborah was the Judge of Israel but God had prepared a man, Barak, to go to battle and From these two women we learn the importance of staying within the boundaries of the ministry that God has given to you us as individuals. Jael did not step far from the camp to fulfill her purpose in the battle and Deborah did not step outside of her role as a woman. We need to know who we are in Christ, when we know this, we no longer feel the need to compete against others. Only then will our primary goal be to please God.
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ISRAEL IS THE HOLY LAND; a country where you will be able to see the Bible come to life as you take a tour through the scriptures. Below are just a few examples of the amazing array of testimonials
isiting the Holy Land is a dream come true for most Christians. To be able to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and pray where Jesus prayed is awe inspiring as well as easy - it’s less than a five-hour flight away.
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This has been a truly remarkable experience, and it’s extra special as my mum and sister are here with me in Israel. This is a unique opportunity to bring the Bible alive and to truly experience walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
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ishing you love, joy, blessings and abundance, this and every single day. from Israel
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WIsh you were here.... 1 Rita 2 Paula 3 Thelma 4 Brenda 5 Paulette 6 Lorna 7 Charlene 8 Mary 9 Angela
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From HARLOT TO HEROINE rehab MAY HAVE had a past, but god gave her a future IN THE ANCIENT CITY OF Jericho, the group stood facing the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was approached by Satan whilst fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. It was here that Pamela and Rev. Taylor spoke about the life of Rahab. The first part of the name Rahab “Ra” was the name of an Egyptian god. As an Amorite, Rahab belonged to an idolatrous people, and had a name meaning ‘insolence,’ ‘fierceness,’ or ‘broad,’ ‘spaciousness.’ The Israelites entered into a siege situation with the fortified city of Jericho against the Canaanites. Joshua sent two spies to look over the city who were discovered and had to seek refuge in the house of Rahab, whom the text calls a ‘harlot,’ or a prostitute. An unsaved woman of ill repute or a woman misunderstood? We delve deeper into the heart of a brave woman in the Bible.
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Rahab was a strong woman of courage as evidenced in her willingness to commit treason and help the enemy.When her king asked her to bring out the spies who had been seen entering her inn, she said, ‘Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark that the men went out.Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them’ (Josh. 2:4-5). She was also a woman devoted to her family.When she struck the deal to protect the spies, she asked for protection not just for herself but for her family as well. She apparently had some influence in her family; when she told them to come to her place, they showed up there.
They trusted her judgment and put their lives in her hands. It seems obvious that Rahab was intelligent and quick – thinking. Her leadership skills were evidenced by the way her family responded to her. Rahab had heard about God. Unlike others in Jericho, she chose to acknowledge and trust Him. Through Rahab’s conver-sation with the two spies we discover how familiar the pagan nations of the Promised Land were with the story of the Israelites and the miracles on their behalf by the Lord their God.
After Israel defeated the Amorites, Rahab married one of the spies. Jesus was a descendant of this union. Her story shows us that God can turn any life around. Through faith she obtained a new life that led to the earthly life of even our Lord Jesus. We too can be changed and obtain a new destiny if we just have faith in God. There is no depth of sin that God cannot lift a person from, if they turn to Him by faith.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Joshua 2:1,3; 6:17-25; Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25
Jericho was terrified when they learned that the Israelites were camped outside their city. It seems curious that this woman of ill repute was the only resident of Jericho whose heart was not hardened. Instead, she opened not only her home to the spies, but she opened her heart to the God they served and she in turn learned to serve. I T S M Y
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Mary, pe than an rhaps more y othe thrilled r, was at Jesu resurre s’ ction 23 Summer2010
The Western wall
Built by king Herod in 20 BC, it has been called the “wailing wall” because for centuries jews have gathered here to lament the loss of their temple
THE GROUP JOURNEYED to the Western Wall where Pamela provided a brief history lesson on why the Jews come to this particular wall today to be close to God. In 70 AD the Jews were expelled from Jerusalem and Judea. However in 145 AD after the Muslim conquest, the Jews were allowed to settle. The Western Wall is the closest place the Jews could get to the former location of the Holy of Holies (as was in the then destroyed ‘House of God’). As disciples of Christ we walk with the presence of God within us, there is no need to visit a certain place to be near God. With this in mind we
“I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least to the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
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The Western Wall commonly refers to a 187 foot (57 m) exposed section of ancient wall situated on the western flank of the Temple Mount. This section faces a large plaza and is set aside for prayer. In its entirety, however, the above ground portion of the Western Wall stretches for 1,600 feet (488 m), most of which is hidden behind residential structures built along its length.
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“31 Behold, the days come, saith
the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. 32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: reference needed
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25 Summer2010
ABRAHAM WAS A FAITHFUL man who moved around the entire Promised Land. He came into the area from the North and travelled across the central mountain range. He called upon the name of the Lord and made alters in four places; Shechem (Gen 12) Hebron, The Oak of Mamre and Mount Moriah when he offered up his son Isaac and the Lord provided a ram instead.
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The LORD appeared to Abraham and said, “To your offspring [or seed] I will give this land.”
overlooking the promised land SINCE MAY 14 1948 WHEN THE ISRAELIS RECLAIMED THE LAND GOD PROMISED TO THEM, there has been continued conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians over the land. This conflict has involved all of the Islamic nations in the Middle East, many nations around the world, and especially the United States of America. The first description of the Promised Land is made in Genesis 15:18-21, as “this land, from the river of Egypt, to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.” It is a piece of property that God often referred to as the “land of Canaan,” and its dimensions are best depicted in Numbers 34:1-12.
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27 Summer2010
REFLECTION Sitting around this beautiful pond situated at the bottom of the entrance to the promised land, we reflected on the day. Watching the ducks with thier young ones we apreciated how the Isralites felt in this very position all those years ago. With thier young and all thier possessions, they too had time to reflect on where they were going and where thsy had come from.
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Pamela Suran is an Intercessor, Artist and Israeli Tour Guide. She has exhibited her work in Israel, U.S., and Europe. She has been an Israeli Tour Guide since 1997. She was the leader of the women's prayer meeting in the former Messianic congregation and was also a member of the worship team. She is respon-
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AMELA SUREN INTERCESSOR, artist and Israeli tour guide. She has exhibited her work in Israel, the U.S., and Europe. She has been an Israeli Tour Guide since 1997. She was the leader of the women's prayer meeting in the former Messianic congregation and was also a member of the worship team. She is responsible for the conceptual input, and design consultations for the current Jerusalem House as well as prayer and evangelism in the process of sharing the Good News to the Jew first and also to the Muslims.
An Interview with
Pamela Suran
I am a Jerusalem artist and I live in the land of the Bible. Being an artist is a very important part of my personality and I cannot imagine being in any other profession. I was born and raised in the U.S.A., specifically Colorado and Arizona. Jerusalem has been my home since 1985. The spiritual, cultural and political history, together with the biblical sources, create for me an ideal environment as a fine artist who reflects the ever-sharpening focus of biblical, national, and international events. My multi-faceted impressions of living in the land of Israel and Jerusalem as well as the developments of the past three decades are naturally portrayed in my work. I T S M Y
I have always had a passion for the outdoors, for nature and for the reflections of God as seen in his Creation. I have sought to find the beauty in life around me and struggled to express that beauty. Somehow I know that human beings can never imitate the beauty of Creation, but as an artist, I believe that I can participate in the understanding of the divine creative process. Painting in the land of Israel, the land of the Bible, the Holy Land, is an on-going encounter with the paradoxes of beauty, tragedy, and sorrow along with the anticipation of a future hope. I may never have the answer to this land’s yearnings, but I am sure that my visual contributions help people gain a wider and more
I have painted the “Compassion of Jesus,” a series depicting God’s love and mercy for broken and needy people and the “Prophets” a prophetic series of some of the prophets of Israel. The “Twelve Tribes of Israel” is a view of Israel in the Messianic Kingdom, and recently the “Feasts of Israel” depicting the biblical Feasts of the Lord.
Pamela the artist
Pamela the Watch tower
Pamela the intercessor
Pamela the wife 29 Summer2010
Witch of En dor
magic, Witchcraft and sorcery, saul’s female medium illustrates that a reliance on the occult cannot provide prosperity
WE KNOW LITTLE OF THIS woman who was a medium, and had contact with a familiar spirit. It is not at all certain that she was a Hebrew. During the conquest, En Dor was a Canaanite stronghold that the Israelites had not been able to possess (Josh. 17:11).The city did lie in Israelite controlled territory however, and Saul, in obedience to Deuteronomy 18’s condemnation of occult practices of every kind, had set out to exterminate all mediums and spiritualists (1 Sam.28:9). nta The Philistines invaded Israel, and every attempt of Saul to seek counsel from the Lord was refused, the desperate king S u m m e r 2010 30
demanded that his servants find him a medium. When one was located at En Dor, Saul went there in disguise to consult with the demon that was her spirit guide. spirit contact .Like others dedicated to the occult, this woman had linked her future to evil forces. Despite the campaign Saul had launched to exterminate such persons, this woman had been unable to break the spiritual bonds that held her. She lived in fear of exposure, yet was addicted to the co-dependent relationship that had been established.
At the same time, her shock at the sudden appearance of Samuel makes it clear that she knew the difference between good and evil spiritual experiences. What a tragic life this medium must have lived, knowing that her spiritual addiction was wrong, fearful that her secret might be discovered, and yet unwilling or unable to rid herself of the demonic influence.
Women are often known for their intuitive nature and connect to the spiritual,. However, communicating directly with the dead is beyond our calling. Modern day preoccupation with mediums, paganism, ouiji boards and tarot cards are all examples of man’s continued attempt to conquer the unknown. Unfortunately, these misguided explorations are not of God. Instead of trying to find answers down fruitless avenues, Christians know to pick up their Bibles, as the truth will always be revealed for those who seek.
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Mother of A Nation
a beautiful woman driven to desperate measures, could you be like Sarah and give your husband TO another woman? WHEN WE THINK OF Abraham, we think of his beautiful wife Sarah. She was astonishingly beautiful even into her 60s. This brought fear to Abraham as he thought other men would kill him because of his wife. Sarah was barren but God had given Abraham a promise of descendants numbering the sand on the sea shore. Sarah was getting older and had never been pregnant and so in her earthly wisdom, decided get proactive. She therefore gave her housemaid Hagar to Abraham. Who became pregnant with his child. Pride grew in Hagar and she began to disrespect Sarah. Hagar fled as Sarah dealt with her harshly, however she was persuaded to return and
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who also gave her a promise concerning her son who was to be called Ishmael. Hagar returned and her child was born. In his infinite wisdom, God speaks a word, that word may take years, decades even to be fulfilled. God re-iterated his promise to Abraham and confirmed that Sarah would be the mother of this promised child and in her old age Sarah gave birth to Isaac. To this day there is still jealousy and fighting between the children of Isaac and that of Ishmael. So we pray for both the Jews and the Arabs as it is not God’s will that any should perish but that all should become one new man in Christ Jesus.
31 Summer2010
MOUNT ZION
The modern Mount Zion is a misnomer applied by Byzantine pilgrims who thought that the larger, flatter Western Hill must be the original City of David. Archaeological evidence has shown that this hill was only incorporated within the city’s fortifications in the 8th century BC. but the name has stuck. The Hinnom Valley borders this hill on its western and southern sides.
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33 Summer2010
THE TRUTH ABOUT RUTH beauty brains and loyalty, ruth’s life is a testimony that success can be claimed despite adversity
IN THE BOOK OF RUTH we see that a man named Elimelech of Bethlehem Judah went to live in Moab because there was a famine in Bethlehem (no wheat and oil). As the lesson progressed the group could see the hills of Moab in the distance. Elimelech and his wife Naomi had sons in Moab, who married two Moabite women Ruth and Orpah. Both sons and the Father died. Naomi journeyed back to Bethlehem with Ruth as she had heard that the Lord had “visited his people by giving them bread”. Ruth’s life shows us that if we give up everything for God he will honour us and we will see the glory of God in our lives. S u m m e r 2010 34
Ruth the Moabitess, influenced by her mother- in-law Naomi, married an Israelite and their son became the grandfather of David, in the line of Christ. Ruth is one of Scripture’s most attractive women. She was a woman with a marvelous capacity for love and loyalty. While Ruth was decisive and ready to risk an uncertain future out of loyalty to Naomi, she was far from headstrong. She was prudent enough to follow Naomi’s advice, ready and willing to support the two of them. Ruth quickly established a good reputation in her adopted country homeland and won the approval of all who knew her. reputation rather than her
the admiration of Boaz, who responded by treating her graciously.The relationship that grew between them was founded solidly on the mutual appreciation of each for the good and gracious qualities of the other. While Ruth truly is a love story, Ruth and Boaz’s love grew out of their commitment to values far more significant than mere good looks.. He comments on how she has left her own land to take refuge under the Lord’s wings. Eventually he marries her. They have a child and he is the grandfather of King David who. is in the ancestral line of Jesus
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Above: Images of holy communion and of ladies enjoying the atmosphere. Below: Paster Dennis’ Bible and the wooden cup we were each given to complete our Holy Communion.
the road to cAlvAry
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35 Summer2010
THE MISSION TO WALK in the footsteps of Jesus and seeing what he saw continued in earnest. Firstly the group visited the Mount of Olives. As Jesus came to Jerusalem three times a year since childhood, it is very likely that He would have known the mountain and possibly this route very well. In order to understand the town of Bethlehem Pamela explained that it was neccessary to look at the features that create the word Bethlehem, which means the ‘House of Bread’ or ‘House of Fruitfulness’. The group were then shown an opening blossom of an olive tree with wheat growing all around. Pressed olives and wheat are used to make bread and so the landscape itself was a physical representation of the meaning of the area. The biblical diet was grain, wine and oil and that is what Bethlehem is all about, a fertile place with produce in abundence.
Jesus spent a lot of time with his disciples in this location. In Matthew 24 the disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age, when it would come and what the signs would be.
MOUNT OF olives
“Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be famines, and pestilences and earthquakes in divers places. All these things are he beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Matthew 24 S u m m e r 2010 36
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Above: The whole group posing at the top of The Mount of Olives Right: Pastor Dennis reading a scripture from the bible Left: Views from the top of the mountain
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37 Summer2010
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Above: Images of holy communion and of ladies enjoying the atmosphere. Below: Paster Dennis’ Bible and the wooden cup we were each given to complete our Holy Communion.
1. The Skull 2. Angela, Iman and Lorna 3. Participating 4. Pastor Dennis leading Communion 5. Jesus’ Tomb 6. The Bible and Communion cup
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The views from above the well were very impressive.
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THE WELL I T S M Y
UNDER THE BLAZING SUN, THE GROUP TRAVELLED through the desert, the remnant of ancient houses and buildings surround them. With their snazzy hardhats on, they descended down an old cistern. People who lived in the desert had ingenious ways of keeping water nearby. One way was to create large reservoirs, like the cistern they were standing in. The walls of the cistern were made of a plaster which kept the water disinfected, I T S M Y
41 Summer2010
tel beer sheva National park ELIEZAR WAS SENT BY HIS FAMILY TO FIND A WIFE FOR wife for Isaac. So he went with 10 camels laden with dowry to do so. Camels do not have to drink everyday, only once a week. However, when a camel drinks it consumes100 litres in 10 minutes! Imagine the strength of the woman who would have to draw water for 10 camels. Lowering the bucket, bringing it back up, throwing the water in the trough… Well Rebekah did that and Eliezar must have been impressed. The group chuckled heartily when Pamela revealed the secret to a good marriage; “So girls to be a good Israelite housewife, you have to be physically fit and stay that way!”
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Every stop was an opportunity to have a lesson about one of the woman of the Bible Here we see the 26 settled under a traditionally structured shelter.
SEDUCER OF SAMSON HISTORY’S MOST FAMOUS SEDUCTRESS DELILAH OVERTHREW THE WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN
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DELILAH WAS A CALCULating woman, who used her sexuality to get what she wanted. She pushed and pushed Samson to reveal the source of his strength. She pushed him so much that Samson’s ‘soul was vexed unto death’ by her persistence. After being worn down and despite numerous signs of her intentions, Samson revealed the source of his strength. Samson had made a Nazarite vow and because of this a razor had never touched his head. If his head were shorn then his great strength would depart. Delilah caused Samson to fall asleep on her knees, got a man to cut of Samson’s locks then called his enemies, the Philistines to come and take him. They dug out his eyes and bound him in the prison house. 43 Summer2010
GOD MAKES ROOM FOR so many personalities and we need to embrace the way God made us. There are times when we need to be busy but we must also have those quiet times with Jesus. There will be times when extravagance is necessary (such as Mary’s use of expensive ointment) but God will also lead us to frugality. Loving and serving God is the most important thing.
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PRAISE AND WORSHIP
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BATHSHEBA FILLED MANY roles during her lifetime. She was the wife of one of David’s key military officers. She was a victim of the king’s unbridled lust. She was a wife who found grace to forgive her royal husband his horrible sins against her. She was a woman who had the strength to put the past behind her and build a strong marriage on the shakiest of foundations imaginable. In the end she won her husband’s love, respect, and concern. Bathsheba as a mother was a strong advocate for her son Solomon. She won David’s promise that Solomon would succeed him, and she acted courageously on Solomon’s behalf when it seemed another would claim the throne. The final incident involving Bathsheba, suggests that she was either politically naïve or politically acute. After
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Adonijah asked Bathsheba to intercede with Solomon and permit him to marry Abishag, a young woman who had nursed David through his final months and weeks.When Bathsheba conveyed this request to Solomon, Solomon immediately saw it as an attempt by Adonijah to strengthen his claim of a right to Israel’s throne. Abishag was technically seen as David’s concubine. Solomon responded by condemning Adonijah to death, not for his previous attempt to gain the throne but for what Solomon recognized as a treasonous act indicating that Adonijah intended to lead rebellion in the future. When Bathsheba agreed to convey Adonijah’s request, did she act as a kind but politically naïve person? Or was she fully aware of the implications of Adonijah’s request and agreed
a future rival? While this issue may be in doubt, Bathsheba’s position as David’s favourite wife may suggest that she was far from naïve. We have to admire Bathsheba’s strength and the grace she showed in building a lasting relationship with David. In essence David was a godly man whose sin with Bathsheba reminds us that we are all vulnerable to temptation. Bathsheba was able not only to forgive David, but also to discern his positive qualities. Bathsheba sensed God’s grace despite her violation. She went on to win David’s love and her son’s gratitude. Bathsheba’s experience reminds us that people, like relationships, are redeemable.
THE NATION DECIDES ; BATHSHEBA, A NAIVE INNOCENT OR CUNNING ACCOMPLICE?
CITY OF DAVID EXPLORED
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Today was a day of walking and exploring, so comfortable shoes were a must.
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47 Summer2010
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E H T E M I A VIN
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, it you d foun When t s r t. fi n I deser first e e h m he ,w the rael es in t eeing ser ted ul s I ef de es rap , “O ays resh g was lik n they t sham they s f ORD nding tors, it ut the to tha the god L e s B s fi Th like nce eason. mselve vile as a s r s s wa ou he w y of the iving t e vile, a a s I figs or, g cam ripe aal-pe ey be h B for Soon t . l ido hiped. s wor
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Y 49 Summer2010
G N I R I L P E S IN ISRA S u m m e r 2010 50
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TO LED a L E V to TRA n Hills ah. In P U a mon et a RO ude E G utiful J d Hash 8 we g ked H T bea loo 7– d Ya the e calle my 8: e land e plac terono hat th t thes a w u h f e o me t d. D is e ure ti od pict in the en liv our G land, m like cal wo Lord y good r, of a i l bib or the u into f wate t flow F o y s k o , tha “7 ing nd g roo prings ; 8 a la n b i r f b o nd s hills ines s, nd a la tains a ys and ey, of v ranate l n fou of valle nd bar omeg ney;” p a t d u ho t o hea ees an il and w f r o o fig t live and d of o n a la
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51 Summer2010
REFLECTION AT TA PASSION FOR CHRIST, A MODERN WOMAN’S JOURNEY TO LOVING JESUS
WOMAN ARE USUALLY very romantic and love to feel loved. We are engineered to respond to love, but there is only one being who truly knows about unconditional love and and that is our creator, God. In Songs of Solomon, God shows how he wants to love us; we are the apple of his eye. He also expresses that if we call him and run after him he will draw us to himself. It is a romantic pursuit by God for intimacy with us with the result being In chapter 2: 14 it says “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely”. What a picture for us, to show us that these are the places where God meets us; the secret places, when we draw away from the crowd and busyness, when we are still before God.
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Chapter 4:12 – 15 of Songs gives a beautiful picture of a woman. Rev. Taylor encouraged us that we all have these beautiful attributes of womanhood within us, we just have to draw them out. The love that God has for us is a stubborn sincere love. He went to the lengths of sending his son to die on the cross for us. What a love, what a cost we stand forgiven at the cross.
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GALILEE ,
KIBBUTZ LIFE Kibbutz means group in Hebrew. It is a modest name for something unique: a voluntary democratic community where people live and work together on a non-competitive basis. Its aim is to generate an economically and socially independent society founded on principles of communal ownership of property, social justice, and equality. The first kibbutzim (plural of kibbutz) were organized by idealistic young Zionists who came to Palestine in the beginning of the 20th Century. Their dream was not just to settle the land it, but to build a whole new kind of society. Despite many hardships, they succeeded in creating a social system and a way of life which has played a crucial role in the development of the State of Israel both culturally and politically. I T S M Y
Over the years the kibbutzim have multiplied, prospered, and adapted themselves to changing realities. Today some 270 kibbutzim, varying in size from 80 to over 2,000 people, are scattered throughout Israel. With a total populace of around 120,000 they represent about 2.8 percent of Israel’s population. In the early days of the kibbutz movement, all kibbutzim were based on a foundation of agriculture. These days, however, the economies of kibbutzim cannot be sustained by agriculture alone. Most kibbutzim have branched out into industry to increase their productivity. Kibbutz factories manufacture a wide variety of products from electronics, furniture, household appliances and plastics to farm machinery and irrigation systems.
53 Summer2010
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OUR NEXT DESTINATION En Gedi, a place that was well known to David during his days as a shepherd boy, before he became a king. It was also a place of refuge to him when being chased by Saul. En Gedi is a beautiful place Alush oasis, with waterfalls and a perfect area from which to explore the love that Christ has for his bride, the church.
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En Gedi
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Rev T the w aylor and P water ater, with a amela stoo share fall as a ba small casc d in group the word ockdrop, rea ading the fir . En Gedi is f God to tdy to belov st chapter mentione he camphed is unto mof Solomo d in vineya ire (henna e as a clu n “My st rds of b En Ge lossom) in er of di”. the
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After a short prayer, some of the group then traversed the hills of En Gedi. The topography was such that it was not hard to imagine that this was the place (as well as the Judean desert) that inspired Psalms 23. We walked by still waters, climbed hills and absobed the atmospher of the valleys. This was a place of peace where the soul could be restored.
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climbing TO THE very top of En Gedi I T S M Y
57 Summer2010
Market life An intoxicating fusion of colors, scents and sounds, Mahane Yehuda is Jerusalem’s biggest and oldest market. The stalls here sell everything from fresh produce to clothing and in recent years, Mahane Yehuda has also become a yuppie hub with designer boutiques and top chef restaurants.
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59 Summer2010
A few members of the group had never been to Israel, hence this were their first experience of the Dead Sea. It was amusing to see their expression as they put themselves in a chair position and then floated as if weightless. one day there will be life in the Dead Sea again! (ezekiel 47:10)
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THE DEAD SEA
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The group posed bravely in Jezebel’s territory despite the hordes of flies and the unpleasant smell that still lingers today
A WOMAN OF MURDEROUS INTENT MASTER MANIPULATOR JEZEBEL GOT HER cOMEUPANcE WHEN SHE WAS bETRAYED AND TRHOWN OUT OF HER WINDOW TO THE DOGS I T S m Y
THIS HEARTLESS WOMAN with a bloody history belied the name she bore, for Jezebel means,“chaste, free from carnal connection’; Jezebel was the daughter of ethbaal, the king of Sidon and the wife of King Ahab. She brought into the marriage a passion for the idolotrous religion of her homeland and a strength of will that enabled her to dominate her often indecisive husband. Desperate to replace the worship of the Lord in Israel with the idolotry of Baal, only the intervention of elijah and miracles that God enabled him to perform turned the general population back to the Lord and thwarted Jezebel’s plans. The tragedy of Naboth and his vineyard reveals how life was cheap to such a female who had murder in her veins. King Ahab happened to see Naboth’s fruitful vineyard and having unsuccessfully tried to purchase it, as Naboth refused to give the king ‘the inheritance of my fathers’ (1 Kings 21:4). Ahab allowed his wife to authorise Naboth’s murder.
However, Jezebel died a horrible death.The climax came as she taunted her enemy Jehu from a window as he entered the city gate. enraged, he challenged her eunuch companions to throw her out of the window to him, which they did.
As she fell, her blood sprinkled the walls, and soldiers waited below with their spears and horses to tread her underfoot and dogs hungry for flesh ensured that all that remained were her skull, feet and palms of her hands. So died Jezebel, the idolater, the tyrant, and murderess. She had sown to the wind, and reaped the whirlwind. This lesson teaches us as women to be aware of our actions and cast out the spirits of deviousness as it can only be a negative influence over our lives.
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sharing TABLE FELLOWSHIP THE GROUP ENDED THE day with wonderful fellowship with Pamela and her husband Sh’muel at Jerusalem House. After refreshments were shared, the visitors sat around a large table to hear what was on Sh’muel’s heart.They were reminded that on Thursday, the day of their departure; it would be the 64th anniversary of the State of Israel. During this time the Jewish people remember the 2000 year exile without their land, Jerusalem and their temple. God has brought the Jews back from the nations (from which they were scattered) in 1948 and this is considered a miraculous event before the full and final redemption of Israel.
The sanctification of God’s name is probably the deepest meaning of the State of Israel today. It’s not only about the people returning to the land or the spiritual restoration of the land of Israel when all Israel shall be saved. The sanctification of God’s holy name is what it is all about. For 2000 years, God turned his face (presence) from Israel and scattered them amongst the nations. Church history teaches that God was finished with the Jewish people and has replaced them with the church even though Paul says in Romans 11 that God most certainly has not.
“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for our sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land” These are the main verses that speak of the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel and Jerusalem. Ezekiel 36:22 – 24
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The group left now knowing the most pertinent thing – how to pray for Israel. They read from Daniel 9: 3- 19 and were encouraged to make supplication before the Lord on Israel’s behalf. Reader, I encourage you to open your bible and do likewise…
LOCATED ON THE SLOPES of Mount Scopus, The group stayed at the delightful Dan Jerusalem Hotel which offered views of the surrounding mountains and Jerusalem’s old city. The large premises include a outdoor swimming pool, and a spa. Clean and spacious, the Dan Jerusalem Hotel contained rooms overlooking the inner garden, and views of the old city in the distance.
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The Dan’s spa and wellness centre included an indoor pool, a large hammam, saunas and a fitness room. The restaurant served kosher and international cuisine. There was also a club lounge where you can enjoy snacks and drinks throughout the day.
3 Summer2010
5 FAVOURITE THINGS
FROM ROSEMARY AND PAMELA
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Standing in the cool river in front of
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Mount of Olives
Close that sale IT’S My MAgAZINE
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POPPIES MAKE YOUR DAY SPECIAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULINE TAKEN AT VERIOUS LOCATIONS IN ISREAL
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65 Summer2010