Daily Archives: November 12, 2024

News and Info

It’s A Brand-New World After Tuesday’s Election… Especially For Israel

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Shalom from what is now a different world! Oh my goodness! You cannot imagine the relief that most here in Israel feel after Tuesday’s election. At the top of your ballots, you had a contrast in ideologies. True, there were some who liked one or the other more, and others who disliked them both to the same degree. But personality isn’t what was important on Tuesday. The foundational belief systems of each camp were of such a distinct contrast that voters were forced to choose one side or the other. When the platforms of the two parties were studied, it became crystal clear – Tuesday’s vote was a choice between good and evil.

And America chose the good! Thank you, Lord! We prayed for Your will to be done and we firmly believe that You have answered that prayer. Across all economic classes, races, backgrounds, and the only two genders that exist, American citizens voted for the unborn. They voted for safe borders. They voted for family values. And they voted to support Israel. Those of us on the east coast of the Mediterranean were watching. We saw what you Americans did. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

This vote was not just an affirmation of Donald Trump’s policies. It was a clear rejection of the disastrous programs of the Biden administration; ones which Harris tried to publicly reject. Unfortunately, when you are number two in the White House, it is difficult to separate yourself from the person who is number one. The people recognized that a four-year extension of Biden’s White House would be calamitous for the nation. He was essentially fired in Tuesday’s vote, and she was kicked to the curb along with him.

But it was more than just a firing of Biden. There was an urgency to what took place. This is what Republicanized so much of the Jewish vote, with an unheard of 45% of New York Jews voting for Trump. But it wasn’t just New York – Trump took 43% of the Jewish vote in Florida, 42% in Nevada, and 37% in Arizona. The Amish community, usually content to let the “English” hash out the political stuff while they quietly maintained their farms, also came out in force for Trump. They recognized that the energy and environmental policies of the liberals threatened their very livelihood. Trump even took very surprising areas, including the very Muslim-heavy region of Dearborn, Michigan, as well as vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’s home county.

In addition to specific groups, there was a sense by many that they had to do something just for lifestyle-preservation. That led to a record number of first-time voters coming out from all walks of life with a majority going to Trump. Again, people knew the score. Regardless of religion or background, people know for a fact that a man is a man and a woman is a woman and many acknowledge that the precious little ball of cells in the womb is a full-fledged human being from the moment of conception.

Congratulations to President Trump are already pouring in from around the world. Benjamin Netanyahu spent 20 minutes on the phone with him yesterday. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhamad bin Salman called, as did many other world leaders. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei neglected to drop a line, though. Instead, he made threats, and he hung a giant banner in Tehran threatening Trump. It’s not surprising. He knows this will likely mean a violent end to his nuclear aspirations. It will also mean new sanctions the moment his nation steps out of line. This morning, the value of the Iranian Rial dropped to an all-time low in anticipation of the tamping down of the nation’s current free rein. In contrast, the Dow soared 1,400 points on news of Trump’s return.

Once again, it’s a brand-new world after Tuesday’s election. It will be very interesting to see the make-up of Trump’s cabinet. He is coming in much wiser this time and will be on the lookout for quislings and those who are Republican in name only (RINOs). Just know, Mr. President, that you have the support of many around the world, especially those of us in Israel. We don’t back any party nor are we interested in personalities. We celebrate this election because it was a vote for life – the life of the unborn and our lives here in Israel.

Seven Front War

As I mentioned above, Israel is fighting a war on seven fronts. Directly on our borders are Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. Close enough to fire rockets and suicide UAVs at us are Iran, Yemen, and Iraq. This multi-front confrontation has given us Israeli civilians a new reality in which we need to be ready at any moment to rush to the bomb shelter at the siren’s call. It is emotionally wearing never knowing if today is the day you’ll receive the bad luck of the draw and have a missile or drone explode on your house. Meanwhile, nearly every family has someone close to them who is in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) in harm’s way. Please pray with us that God allows us to end this war soon in a manner that will keep us safe from those who want to do us harm.

Netanyahu Fires His Defense Minister

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday night. He’d likely been planning it for quite some time but was held back by pressure from the United States. But once the PM saw the elections going the right way, he cut ties with Gallant who was a shill of the Biden administration and acted essentially as an agent of the Israeli and American deep state. Into Gallant’s place will step current Foreign Minister Israel Katz, whose resulting vacancy will be filled with chairman of the United Right party, Gideon Sa’ar. The appointments of both men need to be approved by the Knesset.

Hostages Remain in Gaza

There are 101 hostages who remain in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, massacre. Of these, we have confirmation that at least 50 are dead, and we are demanding the return of their remains. However, that leaves up to 50 more who are still alive and are being held in deplorable conditions in the terrorist hideouts. A deal for a brief ceasefire and hostage swap was floated by international parties. Despite the numbers being lopsided – 11-14 hostages in return for around 100 Palestinian prisoners – Israel was open to the possibility. Hamas, however, rejected it out of hand. They demand everything or nothing at all.

Israel Seeks to Corral Gazans in Humanitarian Zone

There are currently four primary zones of IDF activity against the terrorists in Gaza. One is down south along the Philadelphi Corridor, one is central around Khan Yunis, and the other two are up north in Gaza City and nearer the border. Israel is seeking to move all civilians to the large Al-Mawasi Humanitarian Zone along the Mediterranean in Rafah, where they will be safe from the fighting. An additional benefit of that unified location is that it would allow the IDF to be effective in its humanitarian efforts. Currently, any aid given to Gaza is immediately stolen by Hamas. The terrorists will take what they want, then sell what is left over to the civilian population. Uniting everyone at Al-Mawasi will allow the IDF to give the aid directly to those who need it most. Unfortunately, Hamas understands this strategy and is embedding itself amongst the refugees in the humanitarian zone.

Saving Lebanon from Hezbollah

On October 8, 2023, rockets began to soar south into Israel from Lebanon. But it wasn’t the Lebanese government that was behind their launching. It was Hezbollah, which meant it was Iran. The Israeli government never had a desire to go to war with Lebanon. It wanted to destroy the terrorists. So it is the terrorists who are the primary targets of the IDF. And while it is easier in Lebanon to separate the terrorists from the civilians than it is in Gaza, Hezbollah has still found many Lebanese who are more than happy to shelter them. This is what has led the IDF to bolster its almost daily air strikes with a ground attack. As the military moves through the south of the country, it is finding safehouses, weapons caches, and a labyrinth of tunnels, all designed with a strike on Israel in mind. Despite these finds, the IDF continues to be strategic in their targets, while encouraging the civilian population to move to safety up beyond the Litani River. Meanwhile, we are hoping that international pressure and support can motivate the Lebanese people to save Lebanon from the cancer of Hezbollah. It is time to cut them out once and for all. True, the terrorists are so embedded that it is easier said than done. But it can and must be accomplished.

Smuggling Attacked at Syria/Lebanon Border Crossing

On Friday, an Israeli strike shut down a border crossing in the northeast of Syria. The area hit was being regularly used by Iranian proxies to smuggle weapons into Lebanon. The finds in the Lebanese ground action is evidence that Iran has been able to keep Hezbollah well-supplied despite it being illegal to do so.

Iran Still Mulls Attack on Israel

The threats from Iran continue. Many thought that the Islamic Regime might use the U.S. elections as a cover for an attack, but that proved untrue. But Israel remains on heightened alert. The talk is that Iran may employ 800 large warhead missiles this time, which could be devastating without the divine intervention we’ve been blessed with in the previous two attacks. It’s also possible that movement to fuel these massive missiles could be picked up by Israel, prompting a preemptive strike. As usual, all eyes will be on the Middle East.

Amir Tsarfati is a fmr Deputy Governor of Jericho, Israeli tour guide, author, and the Founder and President of Behold Israel.

 

Source: It’s A Brand-New World After Tuesday’s Election… Especially For Israel – Harbinger’s Daily

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – A Handful of Rice

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Bible in a Year :

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:2

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

The state of Mizoram in northeast India is slowly climbing out of poverty. Despite their lack of income, since the gospel first came to this area, believers in Jesus have practiced a local tradition called “handful of rice.” Those preparing meals each day set aside a handful of uncooked rice and give it to the church. Mizoram churches, poor by the world’s standard, have given millions to missions and sent missionaries around the world. Many in their home state have come to Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul describes a similarly challenged church. Believers in Macedonia were poor, but that didn’t keep them from giving joyfully and abundantly (vv. 1-2). They saw their giving as a privilege and gave “even beyond their ability” (v. 3) to partner with Paul. They understood they were merely stewards of God’s resources. Giving was a way to show their trust in Him, who provides for all our needs.

Paul used the Macedonians to encourage the Corinthians to have the same approach to giving. The Corinthians excelled “in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in . . . love.” Now they needed to “excel in this grace of giving” (v. 7).

Like the Macedonians and the believers in Mizoram, we too can reflect our Father’s generosity by giving generously out of what we have.

By:  Matt Lucas

Reflect & Pray

Where have you witnessed sacrificial giving? How can you give generously in response to God’s generous giving to you?

Father, I pray for the Mizoram church as they continue to give generously to Your work. 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Cracked Pots

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Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand.

Isaiah 64:8 (AMP)

God doesn’t require us to be perfect—He made us, and He knows we’re human and will make mistakes. Our job is to get up every day and do our best to serve God with the gifts He has given us. We’ll make mistakes, and when we do, we can receive God’s forgiveness and move on.

God (the Potter) uses cracked pots (that’s us) to do His work. We are containers God fills with His love and goodness to share with the world around us.

Don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them and allow God to use you anyway. Stop worrying about what you’re not and give God what you are. Keep your eyes on God, Who is perfect, and what He can do in you and through you.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for using me despite my flaws. Help me serve You with my gifts and embrace Your forgiveness so I can share Your love with others, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Calls for “Jew Hunt” preceded attacks in Amsterdam last week

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Antisemitism and the wrath of Almighty God

Israeli soccer fans were in Amsterdam last Thursday night for a game between a club from Tel Aviv and a Dutch club. Suddenly, mobs unleashed a wave of violence against them, chasing Jews through the streets on motorbikes and beating them. According to Dutch authorities, the campaign was organized beforehand and the attackers were equipped for their onslaught. The messaging app Telegram was used to talk about “going on Jew hunts,” Amsterdam’s mayor later reported. One Israeli soccer fan said, “They knew exactly where we stayed. They knew exactly which hotels, which street we were going to take. It was all well-organized, well-prepared.”

The site of the attacks was especially ironic: Amsterdam once had a large and thriving Jewish population, but 75 percent of them perished in the Holocaust. Jewish teenager Anne Frank hid for years in the city before she was arrested in 1944 and died in a Nazi concentration camp.

Now violence against Jews in Amsterdam is rising again along with Holocaust denial. But there is more to the story.

Antisemitism reaches record highs in the US

In a recent survey, 96 percent of Jews from thirteen European countries said they had encountered antisemitism in their daily lives even before the ongoing war in Gaza. Most who responded said they worry for their own (53 percent) and their family’s (60 percent) safety and security. Unsurprisingly, Europe’s Jewish population has dropped 60 percent in the last fifty years.

Lest we think this cannot happen in America, we need to know that it is happening in America.

According to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League Center for Extremism:

  • Antisemitic incidents in the US reached a record high since last year’s Hamas attack in Israel.
  • More than ten thousand incidents were reported from October 7, 2023, to September 24, 2024, a more than two hundred percent increase compared to the same period a year earlier.
  • This is the highest level of antisemitism since the ADL began tracking such incidents in 1979.

Jonathan S. Tobin, editor-in-chief of Jewish News Syndicate, warns:

In essence, every college with an anti-Israel encampment or a campus culture where pro-Israel Jews find themselves ostracized and targeted by faculty and students is an example of how pogroms like that in Amsterdam become a possibility.

The takeover of American education by those advocating for toxic Marxist myths like critical race theory and intersectionality, which falsely label Jews and Israel as “white” oppressors who are always in the wrong and deserve whatever violence is directed at them, has led to the indoctrination of a generation that sees the barbaric atrocities of Oct. 7 as justified “resistance.”

But there is even more to the story.

Three reasons Satan inspires antisemitism

The devil is the author of antisemitism. How do I know?

  1. Satan seeks “only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Antisemitism steals from the Jews their security, cultural status, prosperity, and often their possessions. It kills them in the millions; it destroys their communities and seeks to eradicate their race.
  1. Satan wants us to strive to be our own god (Genesis 3:5). Antisemitism claims an innate superiority to Jews and a “right” to persecute them, reinforcing the “will to power” at the heart of humanity’s fallen condition.
  2. Satan hates God but cannot attack him, so he attacks those whom God loves (cf. Luke 22:31; 1 Peter 5:8). The best way to grieve me is to harm my children. Our Father feels the same about each of us, both Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:28).

But there is even more to the story.

Why we must “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”

Antisemitism, like all racism, is an affront to the God who made each of us in his image (Genesis 1:27) and “loves each of us as if there were only one of us” (St. Augustine). Accordingly, throughout Scripture and human history, the Lord invariably and inevitably must bring judgment against those who sin against humanity in this way.

  • The Egyptian pharaoh mercilessly enslaved and persecuted Jews, but his army was destroyed in the Red Sea and Moses led the people of Israel to their Promised Land.
  • The wicked Haman sought to eradicate the Jews of Persia but was hanged on the scaffold he built for their leader, Mordecai (Esther 7).
  • The Assyrian, Babylonian, Greek, and Roman Empires that mercilessly persecuted Jews are no more, but Jews continue to thrive.
  • Hitler’s “final solution” murdered six million Jews, but his Third Reich was destroyed and the modern State of Israel was born in response to the Holocaust. More than one million Jews in the Soviet Union were murdered; now the Soviet Union is no more.

Similarly, Abraham Lincoln stated prophetically in his Second Inaugural Address that the Civil War was divine punishment for the sin of slavery, a sin in which all Americans were complicit. From then to today, those who perpetuate the heinous sins of antisemitism and racism against their fellow humans must face the loss of God’s favor and the incursion of his wrath.

So, let us urgently “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” today (Psalm 122:6). By this, let us ask Almighty God to protect Jews and all other oppressed minorities around the world. Let us seek his direction and strength as we seek to answer our prayer with our actions.

And let us remember John Donne’s sober warning:

“Send not to know for whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee.”

NOTE: For an up-to-the-minute look at life in Israel today, I invite you to listen to a podcast I recorded last week with Danny Lampel, our long-time guide in the Holy Land and one of my dearest friends. Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Mike Fanning joined me in talking with Danny about the challenges he and his fellow Israelis are facing and his hopes for the future. I believe you will find our conversation sobering, challenging, and inspiring.

Tuesday news to know:

*Denison Forum does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in these stories.

Quote for the day:

“The denial of human rights anywhere is a threat to the affirmation of human rights everywhere.” —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Denison Forum

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Called

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

This great promise has been an immeasurable source of strength and comfort to Christians, especially during times of trial. It is specifically directed, however, only to those who are “the called.”

Recognition of those who are “the called” is best achieved through their synonymous description as “them that love God.” There are also numerous other Scriptures that further describe them. There are two Greek words (each occurring 11 times) that specifically refer to those who are members of this select group: One of these words is kletos (“called”); the other is klesis (“calling”). Another very important term is ekklesia, meaning “called out,” which occurs 115 times and is almost always translated “church.” That is, a true church is composed of people who have been specially called by God out of the world system and have joined together in a local church to fulfill the purposes of their divine calling.

“Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26). No I.Q. test, physical exam, or social standing is used as a criterion; neither are any human achievements. “[God] hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:9).

God’s call was strictly by grace, according to His own eternal purpose! The means by which God calls is the gospel: “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). No wonder, then, that we can know that all things work together for good on behalf of those whom God has called, and who therefore love God! HMM

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

My Utmost for His Highest

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers – The Transfigured Life

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If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. — 2 Corinthians 5:17

What is your idea of salvation? The experience of salvation means that in your life things have actually been changed. When you are saved, you no longer look at things as you used to. Your desires are new. The things which used to rule you have lost their power.

A key question in this experience is, Has God changed the things that matter? If you still long for old things, it’s absurd to talk about being born from above. When you are born again, the Spirit of God manifests a change in your mind and life. Afterward, when a crisis arises, you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you caused this difference; you know beyond a doubt that it was the Spirit of God. This complete and amazing change is the evidence that you are a saved soul.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4). What difference has salvation and sanctification made in me? Can I walk tall in the light of 1 Corinthians 13, or do I have to shuffle? The salvation that is worked out in me by the Holy Spirit emancipates me entirely. As long as I walk in the light as God is in the light, he sees nothing to censure, because his life is working through every aspect of my own—not only those aspects I am conscious of but also those that lie deeper than my consciousness.

Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9

Wisdom from Oswald

We are in danger of being stern where God is tender, and of being tender where God is stern. The Love of God—The Message of Invincible Consolation, 673 L

 

 

https://utmost.org/

Billy Graham

Billy Graham – Good Things Are Costly

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In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
—John 16:33

You should not expect the easy way, for if you do you are certainly destined for disappointment. Any person who knows the Bible knows that the Christian life is likened to an athletic contest or to warfare, and neither one is easy. Jesus warned His followers to count carefully the cost, and that certainly does not speak of an easy way. But there is no good thing that comes without cost.

The Christian life is the most satisfying, but only when we actually go all out and all the way. It is the Christian who tries to compromise who finds life miserable, for he has all the problems, without the fellowship that comes through surrender. For every trial and test, Christ supplies an abundance of grace with which to bear it, and in our weakness we are made strong.

What is grace and what does it do? Read Billy Graham’s answer.

Lea este devocional en español en es.billygraham.org.

Prayer for the day

Let me never look for the easy way when You, Lord Jesus, gave everything for me.

 

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GuidePosts

Guideposts – Devotions for Women – Safe in His Hands

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Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

Gratitude is a life-changer. When facing a confusing or upsetting situation, thank God for His understanding. Praise Him for His wisdom and guidance. By being thankful, you reinforce your knowledge of God’s goodness.

Heavenly Father, I can endure any situation because I am safe in Your hands.

 

 

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Every Man Ministry

Every Man Ministry – Kenny Luck – Facta, non Verba

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Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  ––James 1:26-27

The Latin expression facta, non verba translates to “actions, not words.” It sums up a lot of the Gospel, especially Jesus’ time on earth (covered in the four Gospels and the book of Acts).

Arguably the most well-known verse on this subject is James 2:17: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” But there’s more to the picture than just that one verse. As we know, context is everything—especially when it comes to Scripture. In today’s opening verse, James is saying that if you call yourself a believer, but can’t control your tongue, your religion is worthless. And then he makes a big reveal:

 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.  ––James 1:27, nlt

Two things to prove your genuine faith? Caring for the “least of these” and not allowing the world to pollute you.

This section in James is key for God’s man: if we truly want to put our faith where our mouth is, we will take care of those who are down and out; and we will maintain a lifestyle of purity. Is the other stuff important (tithing, prayer, being a loyal friend, etc.)? Of course.

Jesus prioritizes facta, non verba this way:

Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  ––Matthew 22:37-39

If we truly want to live a faith that is genuine, it’s going to involve loving your neighbor—no matter what they look like, what their citizenship status is, or where they come from. There are no qualifiers or disclaimers; no hidden clauses or addendums. No complicated, but yet, not simple either.

Isn’t that just like Jesus?

Father, help me operate in a facta, non verba mindset, acting out my faith and helping the helpless wherever You present an opportunity.

 

 

Every Man Ministries