4/5/2025
I'm always saying that God is on the move, and I must say that each day it becomes more and more obvious that He is purifying His church, preparing His bride to do the work we were put here to do until His return. The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast is an annual global gathering of government, civic, and religious leaders from around the world who meet together in Jerusalem to pray for peace and solidarity, seeking solutions for global challenges. It was organized in 2017 by Albert Veksler, CEO who wanted to see Christians and Jews working together to strengthen and encourage one another while working for the common good. Michele Bachmann, former United States Congresswoman and current Dean of Robertson School of Government and Knesset Member Robert Ilatov co-chair the organization. One of our panelists in the GPG prayer call today had just attended the breakfast held in Norway, where antisemitism has risen high, but at this meeting the Norwegian church and courts came together to make a stand of solidarity with Israel, seeking repentance for the sins of Norway and declaring that they want to go the other way and stand with Israel. Other countries were present who also came to stand in the gap for Israel, seeking forgiveness for the sins of their nations. Repentance is the first step to reconciliation and wholeness which then leads to transformation and healing, then sparks revival. This is so badly needed in this world today. If each of us would have this heart, a broken and contrite heart, asking God for forgiveness, things would change.
Once again, Shabbat service at my online fellowship, Jacob's Tent, held surprises. Paul Wilbur and his wife Luane, were visiting, and Paul participated in worship, then shared the message with us. He and Luane will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this week, and they are taking Bill and Beth with them on a secret getaway, a time of rest, refreshment and friendship. Bill is our shepherd, although he does not like to be called anything except "Bill." Paul was joking about that, because he's not our pastor, although he is, and he is not our Rabbi, but he is, and I doubt he'd even like the word shepherd, but since sheep are lowly, stubborn, and not too bright, how can he argue?!
Paul brought the fellowship a report on the Jewish Lemba Tribe in Zimbabwe, who are part of my family. They have dug 84 wells, each one serving a community of 10,000 people, including Muslims. The wells are dug near the schools, as I have mentioned in a previous blog, so the children don't have to walk so far looking for water that is polluted anyway. This is clean, fresh water. Such a blessing. They'll be going to visit the tribe soon, and they will be taking others with them. I'd love to go, but I'll hang on to the dream.
Paul also said that he'd been awakened around 3 am this morning, and Holy Spirit had changed the direction of his message. Bill also had been awakened, and he went outside and paced up and down the woods, praying. The message was about repentance. Last Shabbat, the Lord had moved on the congregation in a mighty way resulting in seeking forgiveness from others. Repentance is a beautiful gift of the Lord, and we need to exercise that gift each day. Bill had not had a chance to mention last weekend to Paul yet, so this was an appointed time. Jesus is returning soon for His bride, and we must be ready with clean hands and pure hearts.
Next weekend will be Passover, and prior to this holy remembrance of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, the house must be cleaned and swept of any leaven. In Biblical times the Lord instructed the people not to use leaven to rise the bread, because they had to eat the Passover meal quickly, and there was no time to let the bread rise. Remember the blood of the sacrificial lamb had to be placed over the doorways and lintels of the home, so the death angel would pass by, hence "Passover." The Jewish people still observe this law today. I believe some of the Messianic believers also follow the tradition to remember and show honor to God. I am learning and observing, but the food is my challenge. I need to focus on baking some of their goodies. I don't think I have much leaven around. Maybe some packets of yeast and baking soda, but I don't think I will go that far. I need to get rid of the dust balls first, I think.
Passover marks the beginning of the new year for the Israel. I must admit that I get confused with having two calendars, the Jewish calendar and the Gregorian calendar. One day we'll only go by God's time - eternity. What a glorious day that will be. It's also a time when the flowers bloom, and everything is fresh and alive. The smell of the earth is so wonderful. The Lord promises in His word that when Israel is restored, the land will flourish with lush meadows and brilliant colors, fruit on the trees. We have already seen this happening, even in the time of war. Certain areas near the kibbutz were untouched by the battle and the horror. The Lord is good, and He is faithful to his promise to Israel.
Shabbat Shalom.
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